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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: A Natural History for Young People: Our Animal Friends in Their Native Homes - including mammals, birds and fishes - -Author: Phebe Westcott Humphreys - -Release Date: December 27, 2015 [EBook #50776] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NATURAL HISTORY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sonya Schermann and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -[Illustration: BROWN OR ALPINE BEARS.] - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - A Natural History for Young People - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Our Animal Friends - - IN THEIR Native Homes - - INCLUDING - - MAMMALS, BIRDS and FISHES - - BY - - MRS. PHEBE WESTCOTT HUMPHREYS - - -------------- - - Over One Hundred and Fifty Illustrations, - including Colored Plates, Half-Tones - and Wood Engravings - - -------------- - - - - - Copyright 1900 - - By PHEBE WESTCOTT HUMPHREYS - - - - - PREFACE. - - -This little Volume of Natural History has been prepared to fill a -long-felt want. As a child the author was especially interested in the -study of animals, but met with the usual drawback—nothing could be found -in classified form to meet the requirements of young people, not yet old -enough to take up a college course of study. Natural Histories abounded -in every form and in every language, there were scientific works in -plenty, and numerous books for children, from the fairy tales founded on -animal life to the usual descriptive matter accompanying profuse -illustrations in childish books; but nothing could be found in which the -Mammals, Birds and Fishes, were carefully classified and arranged in the -proper families, and the whole in words of easy reading—discarding -unnecessary scientific words and phrases, and carefully explaining the -necessary ones. It was not until later in school life, when a certain -knowledge of Greek and Latin became necessary in the college-preparatory -course that these scientific works could be really enjoyed. And the -author of this little volume—who was then preparing her first literary -efforts in the intervals of school work—resolved that one of her -earliest books should be a carefully arranged Natural History for Young -People, in which all the desires of her own childhood should be -realized. - -The immensity of the labor involved in preparing such a work did not -become apparent until once seriously commenced, and French, German, -Greek and Latin dictionaries were called into requisition in order that -every scientific word and classification might be carefully explained. -The best authorities among ancient and modern naturalists have been -consulted; Goldsmith, Jones, Figuier and Brehm have been quoted, and -other English, French and German works, studied and compared. And -although this has been delayed, because of the tedious work required, -and other books for young people, by the same author have been allowed -to precede it, this is finished in time to meet the demands of the small -son of her household, who has reached the age so aptly described by the -well-worn phrase, “An animated interrogation point”—especially in the -direction of Natural History. And filling as it does, the demands of -one, may it meet the desires of the many mothers of inquiring sons and -daughters, and the young people who are eager for such a work, that is -accurate, readable and interesting, and fully up to the present -condition of modern science. - -[Illustration: A FAMILY OF TIGERS.] - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - PREFACE 5 - - OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS 13 - - - QUADRUMANA—FOUR-HANDED MAMMALS. - - THE TAILLESS APES 17 - - Gorilla, Orang Outang, Chimpanzee. - - THE APE MONKEYS 23 - - Baboons, Mandrills, Macaques, Wanderoo, Barbary Ape, Bonnet - Monkey. - - THE AMERICAN MONKEYS 27 - - The Howlers, The Spider Monkeys, The Weepers. - - THE LEMURS 31 - - The Fox-Headed Monkeys. - - - CARNIVORA—FLESH-EATING QUADRUPEDS. - - - PLANTIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE BEAR FAMILY. 33 - - The Brown or Alpine Bear, The Collared Bear, The American Bear, - The Grizzly Bear, The White or Polar Bear, The Sloth Bear. - - - DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE HYENA FAMILY. 42 - - Spotted Hyena, Striped Hyena, Hunting Hyena. - - THE CAT FAMILY 44 - - Wild Cat, Domestic Cats, Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Jaguar, - Puma, Ocelot, Lynx, Caracal, Ounce, Serval, Cheetah. - - THE DOG FAMILY 63 - - Sporting Dogs, Running Dogs, Pointers, Setters, Newfoundland Dog, - Esquimau Dog, Mastiffs, Spaniels, Wild Dogs, Hyena Dog, Wolf, - Jackal, Fox. - - THE WEASEL FAMILY 75 - - Ermine, Marten, Otter. - - THE CIVET FAMILY 80 - - African Civet, Indian Civet, Mangousts, Genet. - - - AMPHIBIOUS CARNIVORA—THE SEAL FAMILY. 81 - - Common Seal, Sea-Elephants, Sea-Lions, The Walrus, or Morse. - - - CHEIROPTERA—ANIMALS WITH WINGED HANDS. 86 - - Long-Eared Bats, Long-Nosed Bats, Roussette, Vampires. - - INSECTIVORA—INSECT-EATERS. 91 - - The Shrews, Water Shrew, Elephant Shrew, The Hedgehogs. - - - EDENTATA—TOOTHLESS QUADRUPEDS. - - THE SLOTH FAMILY 94 - - Unau, Ai, Armadillos, Ant-Eaters, Pangolins. - - RODENTIA—GNAWING QUADRUPEDS 99 - - Mice, Rats, Porcupines, Beavers, Squirrels, Prairie Dogs, Hares. - - MARSUPIALIA—POUCHED QUADRUPEDS. 111 - - Kangaroo, Opossum. - - - PACHYDERMATA—THICK-SKINNED QUADRUPEDS. - - THE ELEPHANT FAMILY 114 - - African Elephant, Asiatic Elephant, Mammoth, Mastodon. - - - ORDINARY PACHYDERMATA. - The Hippopotamus. 114 - - THE TAPIR FAMILY 117 - - American Tapir, Indian Tapir. - - THE RHINOCEROS FAMILY 118 - - One-Horned Rhinoceros, Two-Horned Rhinoceros. - - THE HOG FAMILY 120 - - The Wild Boars, The Wart Hog, The Peccaries. - - THE HORSE FAMILY 123 - - Horses and Ponies, The Wild Ass, The Domestic Donkey, The Zebra, - The Quagga, The Dauw. - - - RUMINANTIA—ANIMALS THAT CHEW THE CUD. - - THE CAMEL FAMILY 129 - - Camel, Dromedary, Llama, Paca, Vicuna. - - THE MUSK DEER 133 - - - RUMINANTS WITH HAIRY HORNS. - - The Giraffe. 134 - - - RUMINANTS WITH HOLLOW HORNS. - - THE ANTELOPE FAMILY 134 - - Chamois, Gazelles, Gnus. - - THE OX FAMILY 141 - - Yak, Bison, Buffalo. - - RUMINANTS THAT SHED THEIR HORNS. 145 - - The Deer Proper, The Reindeer, The Elk or Moose. - - - CETACEA—THE WHALE FAMILY. - - BLOWING OR SPOUTING WHALES. 152 - - Rorquals, Cachalot, Pot Whale, Dolphin, Porpoise, Narwhal. - - HERBIVOROUS CETACEA 159 - - Manatee, Duyong. - - - BIRDS. - - BIRDS OF PREY 166 - - THE OWL FAMILY 167 - - The Horned Owls, Great Owl, Virginia Eared Owl, Long-Eared Owl, - Short-Eared Owl, Scops-Eared Owl. - - HORNLESS OWLS 169 - - Snow Owls, Barn or Screech Owls, Hawk or Canada Owls, Brown or - Tawny Owls, Ural, Burrowing and Sparrow Owls. - - THE FALCON FAMILY 169 - - Sea-Eagles, Eagles, Stone Eagles, Harpy Eagles, Buzzards. - - THE VULTURE FAMILY 173 - - King Vulture, Bearded Griffon, Condor. - - - THE NATATORES—SWIMMING BIRDS. - - THE FAMILY OF DIVERS 176 - - Great Northern Diver, Penguin, Auk, Grebes. - - DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS 182 - - Wild and Domestic Ducks, Sea Ducks, Fresh-water Ducks, Wild and - Domestic Geese, Mute and Whistling Swans, Black Swan of - Australia, Black-necked Swan. - - THE PELICAN FAMILY 183 - - LONG-WINGED SWIMMING BIRDS. 190 - - Albatros, Petrels, Gulls. - - - GRALLATORES—WADING BIRDS. - - WADERS WITH UNITED TOES 195 - - Avocet, Stilt Bird. - - WADING-BIRDS WITH LONG BILLS 197 - - Woodcocks, Snipes, Reed Hens. - - WADING-BIRDS WITH KNIFE-SHAPED BILLS 199 - - Storks, Argala or Adjutant, Marabou, Spoonbill, Cranes. - - WADING-BIRDS WITH COMPRESSED BILLS 203 - - Curious Types, Flamingo, Frigate. - - THE SHORT-WINGED BIRDS 206 - - Ostrich, Rhea. - - - SCRANSORES—CLIMBING BIRDS. - - THE PARROT FAMILY 209 - - Grey Parrot or Jaco, Green Parrot, Macaw, Parrakeets, Amazonian - Parrot. - - THE COCKATOO FAMILY 214 - - Trumpet Cockatoo, Great White Cockatoo, Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, - Toucans. - - THE CUCKOO FAMILY 214 - - Trogons, Honey-Guides, Anis, Barbets, Touracos, Plantain-Eaters. - - THE WOODPECKER FAMILY 217 - - Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers, Spotted Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers. - - - GALLINACEAE—DOMESTIC BIRDS. - - THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY 220 - - Grey Partridge, California Partridge. - - THE GROUSE FAMILY 222 - - Black Grouse, Ruffled Grouse, Hazel Grouse, Heathcock. - - THE PIGEON FAMILY 224 - - Crowned Pigeon, Fan-Tailed Pigeon, Wheeling Pigeon, Tumbler - Pigeon, Carrier Pigeon. - - THE PHEASANT FAMILY 225 - - Silver Pheasant, Golden Pheasant. - - - PASSERINES—THE SPARROW FAMILY. - - HUMMING BIRDS 229 - - Sword-bill Humming Bird, Crested Humming Bird. - - KING FISHERS 229 - - CROWS 233 - - RAVENS 233 - - DIPPERS OR WATER WRENS 235 - - - FISHES. - - - CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. - - THE LAMPREYS AND EELS 239 - - Lesser Lamprey, Sea Lamprey, Sand Eels, Electrical Eels, Sea Eel. - - THE FAMILY OF RAIAS OR FLAT-FISH 243 - - The White Ray, The Lump-Fish, The Torpedo or Cramp-Fish. - - THE SHARK FAMILY 249 - - “Man-Eating Sharks,” Dog-Fish, Hammer Heads, Saw-Fish. - - THE STURGEON FAMILY 252 - - The Caviare Sturgeon, Huso, or Isinglass Fish, Great Sturgeon, - Common Sturgeon, Chimaera. - - OSSEOUS, OR BONY FISHES 255 - - - FAMILY OF GLOBE FISH AND COFFERS 257 - - Globe-Fish, Diodon, Coffers or Ostracions, File-Fish or Balistes. - - PIPE-FISH AND SEA-HORSES 258 - - THE SOFT-FINNED FISHES 259 - - Some Curious Specimens, Sea-Snail, Lump-Fish, Echineis. - - FLAT-FISH WITH SOFT FINS 260 - - The Soles, Turbot, Flounders and Plaice, Halibut and Dab. - - THIRD GROUP OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES 261 - - Cod, Whiting and Haddock, Pike, Stomias, Chaetodons, Flying-Fish, - Herring. - - THE SPINY-FINNED FISHES 267 - - Trigula or Gurnards, Red Gurnards, Flying Gurnards, Sword-Fish, - Archer-Fish. - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - Brown Bear Colored Plate Frontispiece - - A Family of Tigers 6 - - A Battle between the Lion and Tiger 12 - - Flying Squirrels 16 - - Gorillas 17 - - Orang-Outang 20 - - Chimpanzee 22 - - Baboons or Dog Headed Monkeys 24 - - Mandrill 26 - - Bonnet Monkeys 28 - - Weeping Monkeys 30 - - Lemur or Fox Headed Monkeys 31 - - Sloth Bear 32 - - Grizzly Bear and Buffalos 35 - - Panther Surprised by a Tree Snake 36 - - Polar Bear 39 - - Striped Hyena 42 - - Wild Cats 45 - - Angora Cat 46 - - Pumas Fighting over Vultures 53 - - Caracal Defending His Booty from Jackals 54 - - Jaguar 57 - - Lynx Attacking Fawn 59 - - Esquimaux Dogs 62 - - Newfoundland Dog 63 - - Hyena Dogs 66 - - Wolf 67 - - Jackal 70 - - Foxes at Home 72 - - Weasels and Ermines 75 - - Marten 76 - - Otter Fishing for His Dinner 78 - - Mangousts 79 - - Genets 80 - - Common Seal 82 - - Sea Elephants 83 - - Walrus 84 - - Long-nosed Bats 85 - - Sea Lions in Battle 87 - - Whale Attacking Bloodheads 88 - - Long-eared Bats 89 - - The Elephant Shrew 92 - - Hedgehogs 93 - - Sloths 95 - - Armadillos 96 - - Ant-Eater or Ant Bear 97 - - Beavers 100 - - Porcupines 103 - - Goat Defending His Family from a Lynx 105 - - Bisons in Battle 106 - - Village of Prairie Dogs 107 - - Rabbits 108 - - Giant Kangaroos 112 - - Elephant in the Jungle 115 - - Hippopotamus 116 - - Indian Tapir 118 - - One-horned Rhinoceros 119 - - Wild Boars 121 - - Wart Hogs 122 - - Shetland Ponies 124 - - Domestic Donkey 125 - - Zebras 126 - - Dromedary 128 - - Camel 130 - - Llama 131 - - Paca 132 - - Giraffe 135 - - Gnu 136 - - Gazelles 137 - - Mountain Sheep 140 - - American Buffalo 142 - - Yak 144 - - American Deer 146 - - Reindeer 148 - - Elk or Moose 149 - - Pot Whale 155 - - Dolphin 157 - - Narwhal 158 - - Manatee 160 - - Eagle, Colored Plate 164 - - Tailor Bird 165 - - Owls 167 - - Harpy or Crested Eagle 170 - - Buzzards 172 - - Eagle Picking up an Ice Fox 177 - - Falcons Fighting 178 - - Penguin 179 - - Black Necked Swans 184 - - Pelicans 186 - - Vulture and Griffin Fighting over Prey 187 - - Condor Capturing Llama 188 - - Albatros 191 - - King Fishers 192 - - Reed Hen 193 - - Ostrich on Her Nest 194 - - Woodcock 198 - - Broad-billed Stork of Africa 200 - - Jabiru 201 - - Spoonbill 203 - - Amazonian Parrot 210 - - Ivory Billed Woodpeckers 211 - - Heathcocks Fighting 212 - - Cockatoos 213 - - Toucan 216 - - Spotted and Downy Woodpeckers 218 - - Common Gray Partridge 221 - - Crowned Pigeon 223 - - Golden Pheasants 225 - - Sword Bill Humming Bird 230 - - Crested Humming Birds 231 - - Crows and Ravens 232 - - Dippers or Water Wrens 234 - - Flying Fish. Colored Plate 238 - - Sea Eel 242 - - White Ray 244 - - Lump Fish 245 - - Herring Attacked by Whales 247 - - Diver Battling with a Shark 248 - - Dog Fish 251 - - Sturgeon 253 - - Chimaera 255 - - Coffer or Ostracion 256 - - Diodon 258 - - Pipe Fish 259 - - Chaetodon 262 - - Red Gurnard 267 - - Flying Gurnard 268 - - Sword Fish Spearing His Prey 269 - - Archer Fish 271 - - - - -[Illustration: A BATTLE BETWEEN THE LION AND TIGER.] - - - - - Our Animal Friends. - - -OUR animal friends are usually supposed to be included in the home pets, -and the domestic animals which are useful to us in so many ways; but -when we learn how closely some of the wildest and fiercest of animals -are of the greatest benefit to mankind, how they resemble us in the -formation of their bodies, and in the care and love for their little -ones, how the many different kinds of animals scattered all over the -world are related to each other, and how they are divided into families, -we will have a more friendly feeling toward all the wonderful creatures -which are often looked upon as the enemies of mankind, and a greater -interest in their habits and lives in their native homes. - -In this little volume of Natural History we will not only study our -animal friends as individuals, but will learn of their relationship to -each other, carefully arranged and classified, but much more easily -understood, than the classification found in the numerous great volumes -of encyclopedia of Natural History. - -We are always interested in the relatives of our human friends; even -their distant relations living in far off countries soon have a special -interest for us when they are closely connected to our friends, and we -are constantly learning of their manner of living and their doings in -distant lands. In the same manner we find new interest in the fierce -wild animals of other countries when we learn how they are related to -our domestic animals and home pets. - -We find that not only the Wild Cats, but the fierce Lions, Tigers, -Panthers, Leopards, Lynxes, Pumas, Jaguars, and many smaller animals, -belong to the same family as our pet Cats. The Wolf, Jackal, Hyena, and -many different kinds of Foxes are all closely related to our good -friends, the Dogs. The Sheep and Cows have some very fierce relations in -distant countries, as the Gnu and Yak and Bison, and also some very -accommodating and useful relations, like the Camel, Dromedary, Llama and -Paca, who are as helpful to their masters and owners as the domestic -animals of this country. We would not suppose at first thought that our -Horses belong to the same family as the Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, -Elephant, and the Tapir and many smaller animals which are classified -with them, besides the different kinds of Ponies, Donkeys, and the Dauw -and Quagga and Zebra. - -It is this classification into families, by the use of Latin words, that -makes the study of Natural History so difficult to many who are -interested in our animal friends, but do not know just how to find out -about them without first wading through quantities of long, hard names, -that seem to have very little use, except to puzzle the reader. As one -of these interested readers recently remarked while delving away at an -encyclopedia to learn something of an animal in which he was especially -interested: “I believe the writer of that article just used all those -big words to show off, and try to make people believe he knows more than -any one else.” - -This does seem to be the case at times, but many of these hard Latin -words are often really necessary to make us acquainted with particular -kinds of animals and their families; and we will use only the absolutely -necessary ones in this book, and master them together, with the -different scientific terms explained and made easy to understand, even -in the index. Then after mastering these general terms for dividing -animals into families, the study of scientific works on Natural History -will not be so difficult; for the animals are as carefully classified -here, from the works of famous Naturalists, as in those larger volumes, -although the Latin names are used only when it is necessary to -distinguish different animals that are very much alike, or to divide -them into families. - -There is a very good reason for the hard words and sometimes whole -sentences of unpronounceable Greek and Latin, often used to describe a -single little animal—the Greek and Latin language is studied and -understood by scholars of every other language. If the great Naturalist, -Linnaeus, had written in Swedish or German, only a Swede or a German -could have understood his meaning. To talk to a Spaniard or a Frenchman -about a “River Horse,” giving its English name, would not give him any -idea of the animal described, but call it a Hippopotamus (which is -derived from two Greek words meaning horse and river,) and he would at -once understand the nature of the animal. - -It is the same with the classification of the different animals. The -English and French and German Naturalists differ in their manner of -arranging into families—according to the formation of the bodies of -various animals, their manner of moving, what they eat, the number of -their teeth, the shape of their feet, etc., but it was from the Latin -and Greek terms that the names of these divisions were taken for all the -different languages in which works of Natural History have been written. -Take the first great division—the Mammalia—and it is found that the term -is used by Naturalists in all languages, and that it comes from the -Latin word mamma, meaning “the breast.” And we find that all animals -grouped under this great class are fed on their mother’s milk while they -are too small to eat the vegetable and animal food on which the father -and mother live. This is very different from the birds who carry the -same food that the father and mother eat (the worms and insects) and -place it in the mouth of the baby bird; and the fowls who teach their -little ones to scratch and pick up their food from the ground. And while -the little ones of the birds and fishes and the smaller orders of -creation develop rapidly and are soon able to take care of themselves, -the babies of some of the larger animals are almost as helpless as human -babies, and feed on their mother’s milk for many months before their -teeth are well formed and they are strong enough for other food. We -often see pictures of Lions and other fierce beasts tearing dead animals -to pieces to feed their little ones, but this is only after their teeth -begin to grow, and like the babies of the human family they are old -enough to feed at the same table and eat the same kind of food as older -members of the family. - -Many do not realize what a great number of our animal friends belong to -this great family of Mammals or Mammalia, from the Moles and the Bats to -the huge Mastodons of past ages. Even some of the large water animals -are included in it, like the Seals, the Whales and their numerous -relatives—the Dolphins, Porpoises, Narwhals, etc. The latter are usually -called fishes by those who do not understand this division into orders -and families; they are not fishes, however, but belong to the Water -Mammalia. And in dividing this book into Animals, Birds and Fishes, all -these members of the Whale family will be found where they belong with -the great family of Mammalia. - -Then after classifying all Mammals both of land and water under the one -great family, or order, the Latin terms help to sub-divide them into -smaller families, more closely related, in such a manner that all the -readers of different languages may understand the meaning of the words -because of their Greek or Latin origin. Thus we know that a quadruped is -a four footed animal because the term comes from the Latin words -quatuor, four, and pes, pedis, a foot. And the term quadrumane comes -from quatuor, four, and manus, a hand, which makes it easy to understand -that all the animals classified under “Quadrumana” belong to the monkey -family, who have four hands instead of four feet, with regular thumbs -and fingers on the hind hands (which are usually known as feet) as well -as on the front ones. Thus the word Quadrumana distinguishes this whole -four-handed family from the Bimanes, or two-handed family, to which -mankind belongs (making an order by itself) and the Quadrupeds, or the -great four-footed family. - -In the same manner the family to which the Horses belong are not only -quadrupeds, but they have very thick skin. They are, therefore, -classified under the term Pachydermata, made up of two Greek words -meaning thick and skin. We often find many of the Mammalia arranged in -orders, or large groups, before being divided and sub-divided into -families and smaller groups. Thus the Dog family and the Cat family are -both included under the order of Carnivora, or carnivorous quadrupeds, -which is derived from the two Latin words caro, carnis, flesh, and -vorare, to devour; and we know that the animals found under this order -prefer a diet of flesh food, and devour other animals in their wild -state. - -Thus we might continue with explanations of terms, but it requires only -a few such words and their derivations to make us understand how easy it -is, after all, to keep in mind the main families and orders and groups -under which all the different animals are classified. And we will soon -become so well acquainted with our numerous animal friends in their -native homes, and grouped in their proper families, that we can easily -recognize many of the animals that must be crowded out of a book of this -size. Because we know the meaning of the term used to describe a -particular animal, we can place him in the family to which he belongs, -and then understand something of his life and habits by comparing them -with those of his well-known relatives. - -[Illustration: FLYING SQUIRRELS.] - - - - - Quadrumana—The Four-Handed Mammals. - - -WE will begin with the Monkey family in learning about our animal -friends, because they resemble mankind more closely than any other -animal. Although Darwin and other Naturalists have spent years of their -lives in tracing the resemblances between the Human and the Monkey -family we had much rather trace the points of difference, for it is not -pleasant to claim a very close relationship to some of the hideous -monsters who make their homes in the dense forests or distant countries. - -Although the formation of the body, especially the skull, and the -features, are more like ours, than are those of other animals, the first -great point of difference is their four hands, those of the legs being -formed the same as those of the arm, with thumbs and long flexible -fingers, which enables them to climb trees quickly and swing from branch -to branch with fearless activity, because they can grasp the limbs of -the trees with any one of their four hands. Some of them also use their -tails to assist them in climbing, and the Monkeys are sometimes -classified under the “prehensile tailed” and the “non-prehensile” tailed -according to whether the tails are formed for seizing or grasping the -limbs of the trees. And there is still another family of tailless -Monkeys. - -But while many of the different Monkeys are very active in trees, in -which they spend the greater part of their time, when in their native -homes, this formation of hands instead of feet on their legs, makes them -very awkward when standing erect or walking. Even in the most man-like -Apes, these hands that serve as feet, are not placed at right angles to -the legs, so as to come flat upon the ground like ours; but when the -legs are extended, the soles nearly face each other, so that, when -erect, the whole weight of the body rests upon the outer edge of the -sole of this strange foot, or as it should be more properly called, the -palm of the hand. In addition to this peculiarity, the legs are bent -inwards to enable them firmly to grasp the boughs of the trees, and this -makes them very awkward when trying to walk upright on the ground. - -Their arms are also very much longer than ours, in proportion to the -rest of the body, and in some families the fingers will almost touch the -ground when the large animal is standing erect. - -While the majority of the Monkey family have their faces covered with -hair like the rest of the body, others have what are known as “naked -faces,” with only a beard, or a fringe of whiskers about the chin and -throat, and some of these are comically like a human face. - -The great family of Quadrumana is divided in various ways by different -Naturalists; but the easiest classification to keep in mind is the -grouping of five distinct Orders, each made up of small families. - -The first order—The Tailless Apes—includes the Gorilla, the -Orang-Outang, and the Chimpanzee, and is called by some, Troglodytidae, -from the Greek word troglodytes, meaning one who hides in caverns. -Although this is a peculiarity of these Apes, this does not seem so good -a classification as that given by another Naturalist who calls these the -Anthropomorphous Monkeys because they so closely resemble the human -species; the word Anthropomorphous comes from two Greek words meaning -man and form, and signifies that which has the form of man. - -The second order is the Simiadae—The Ape Monkeys—and the term comes from -the Greek word simos, meaning flat-nosed; these have oblong heads and -flat nostrils, and the same number of teeth as man, and many of them -have cheek pouches in which they stow away food for future use. A few of -the Simiadae are without tails, others have tails (of different lengths -in the different families), but none of them have prehensile tails, that -can be used to help them in climbing. All the different families -belonging to this order are natives of the Old World, and the most of -them are found in the forests and the mountainous districts of Western -Africa. - -The third order—Cebidae—includes the American Monkeys; and they are -distinguished from the Monkeys of the Old World by having four more -grinding teeth, making thirty-six in all instead of thirty-two. These -American Monkeys have long tails and no cheek-pouches. - -The fourth order—Lemuridae—includes the different Lemurs, and the word -comes from Latin lemur, a sprite, a night-walker, so called from their -habits of roaming about at night. - -Some naturalists include in this order the Flying Cat, or Flying Lemur. -Others make a distinct fifth order of this species. Although they -resemble both a weasel and an ape, they have one peculiar formation that -does not belong to either of these; the long slender limbs are connected -by a broad, hairy membrane, which looks like a cloak when folded up, but -which expands and gives the appearance of wings when the animal is -springing from tree to tree. - -Although each one of these orders contain many small families, until the -different Monkeys seem numberless, yet they can all be classified in -some one of these groups, and it is not so hard to remember the long -names when we understand the meaning of the words from which they are -derived. - - - THE GORILLA—THE STRONGEST APE. - -[Illustration: GORILLAS.] - -The Gorillas live in the hottest parts of Western Africa, and as their -home is so near the Equator they search out the loneliest and shadiest -parts of the dense African forests, and whenever it is possible they -keep near a running stream. It is called a nomadic animal because it -seldom remains in one place many days together. The reason for this -wandering life, is the difficulty it finds in procuring its favorite -food, which is fruit, seeds, nuts, and banana leaves, the young shoots -of this plant, and the juice, of which it sucks, and other vegetable -substances. - -Although the Gorilla likes to dwell among the trees, it does not find -this necessary for its happiness, nor does it remain long on the trees -like some other Monkeys who sit and sleep on the branches. In fact it is -always found on the ground except when it climbs a tree to gather fruit -or nuts, and it descends as soon as it has satisfied its hunger. These -enormous animals would be incapable of jumping from branch to branch -like the small Monkeys. - -The young Gorillas occasionally sleep on trees for safety, but the -adults rest seated on the ground, their backs against a log or tree, -thus causing the hair on this part to be worn off. - -The Gorilla belongs to the family of “Tailless Apes” and although it is -not so large as the Orang-Outang—measuring about five feet in height—it -is very strong. It is called the king of the forests which it inhabits -because of this strength, which is said to be equal to that of the Lion. -The Negroes of Africa never attack it except with firearms, and they are -very proud when they can kill one, because this is very difficult. - -The old Gorillas are not fond of company, and usually go about alone or -in couples. The young Gorillas sometimes go about in groups of six or -eight but never in great numbers. Their sense of hearing is very -delicate, and on the approach of the hunter they hurry away with loud -cries, so that it is difficult to get within gun-shot of them. - - - THE ORANG-OUTANG—THE WILD MAN OF THE WOODS. - -[Illustration: ORANG-OUTANG.] - -This large and hideous species of the Monkey family is sometimes called -the “Wild Man of the Woods.” These animals are somewhat rare, and -limited to a small region. They live in the thick forests covering the -low damp lands in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Very little is -known of their habits in a wild state, as it is only by accident that -they come out in open places, or where the country is inhabited. - -When full grown the Orang measures from six to seven feet in height. His -head is covered with a sort of mane of smooth hair of greyish black -color, and his face is naked, with the exception of a tufted moustache -on the upper lip, and a long thick beard. The nose is flat and the -muzzle very prominent and it is not surprising that some of the -inhabitants of these countries have many strange and superstitious -beliefs concerning this hideous “Wild Man of the Woods.” - -Although so little is known of these strange animals in their wild -state, the habits of tame ones have been closely studied, as it is not -difficult to capture them when very young, and they make very -interesting pets while small. One of the most intelligent of these -animals that has yet been known, was brought from Java by Dr. Abel -Clark, and many interesting stories have been told about it. - -At Java, this Monkey lived under a tamarind tree, near the Doctor’s -dwelling. There it had made a bed, composed of small interlaced branches -covered with leaves; on this it passed the greater portion of the time, -looking out for the people who carried fruit, and, when they approached, -descending to obtain a share. - -When taken on board the vessel, it was secured by an iron chain to a -ring-bolt; but it unfastened itself and ran away, when, finding the -chain trailing behind, an encumbrance, it threw it over its shoulder. As -it released itself in this manner several times, it was decided to allow -it to go at large. It became very familiar with the sailors; it played -with them, and knew how to escape when pursued, for it darted into -inaccessible parts of the rigging. - -“At first,” writes Doctor Abel Clark, “it usually slept on one of the -upper yards, after enveloping itself in a sail. In making its bed it -took the greatest care to remove everything that might disturb the -smooth surface of the place on which it intended to lie. After -satisfying its tastes in this part of its domestic arrangements, it lay -down on its back, bringing the sail over the surface of its body. -Frequently to torment it, I have beforehand taken possession of its bed. -In such a case it would endeavor to pull the sail from beneath me, or -try to expel me from its resting-place, and would not rest until it had -succeeded. If the bed proved to be large enough for two, it slept -quietly beside me. When all the sails were unfurled, it searched for -some other couch, often stealing the sailors’ jackets which were hung -out to dry, or robbing some hammock of bed-clothes. - -“It willingly ate all kinds of meat, especially raw flesh. It was very -fond of bread, but always preferred fruit when procurable. Its ordinary -beverage at Java was water, but on board its drink was as varied as its -food. Above everything it liked coffee and tea, but it also willingly -took wine. - -“One of the sailors was its special friend, and this man shared his -meals with it. I must say, however, that the Orang-Outang sometimes -stole from its benefactor. He taught it to eat with a spoon; and it -might have been seen more than once, tasting its protector’s coffee, and -affecting a serious air, a perfect caricature of human nature.” - - - THE CHIMPANZEE—THE MAN-LIKE APE. - -[Illustration: CHIMPANZEE.] - -Of all known Monkeys, the Chimpanzee in its habits, its motions and its -intelligence, comes nearest to the human species. In the first place its -arms are not so long as those of the other Monkeys described; they -scarcely reach below the knee when the Chimpanzee is standing erect. And -although it seldom wears a beard like the “Wild Man of the Woods,” its -face and ears and the palms of its hands are entirely without hair, -giving it a much more Human appearance; and in walking, its “hind-hands” -are often planted quite firmly on the ground like our feet, instead of -walking on the sides of them. When walking erect, it is fond of using a -large stick to help support it, and this gives it a manly appearance of -carrying a cane. Another favorite manner of walking is to bend down and -touch its fingers to the ground, then by keeping the legs bent, it -swings itself along by the means of its arms as by a pair of crutches. - -The Chimpanzee inhabits the same regions as the Gorilla—the dense -forests of Africa, and another point of resemblance is that the -Chimpanzees live in small troops while they are young, and alone or in -couples in adult life. But unlike the Gorillas they are great climbers -and pass nearly all their time on trees, seeking the fruits which -constitute their food. - -There is a kind of Chimpanzee called by the natives “Nshiego-mbouve,” -which builds a kind of leafy nest among the boughs of the loftiest -trees. This nest is composed of small interlaced branches with a tight -roof of leaves. It is fixed with firmly tied bands, and is generally -from six to eight feet in diameter, and presents the form of a dome, an -arrangement which readily throws off the rain. - -The Nshiego is distinguished from the ordinary Chimpanzee, by the -absence of hair on its head, and it is sometimes called the Bald -Chimpanzee. - - - - - THE BABOONS—THE DOG-HEADED MONKEYS. - - -[Illustration: BABOON OR DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.] - -The Baboons and the Mandrills are sometimes placed in separate classes -by Naturalists because of the difference in the length of their tails, -but they both belong to the same family—the Cynocephali, which is -derived from the words cyon, cynos, a dog, and cephale, a head, and -means dog-headed. - -In these creatures the teeth and the cheek-pouches, which are similar to -those of the majority of the Monkey family, are combined with a long -nose and the nostrils situated like those of a dog. The Baboons have -longer tails than the Mandrills, and although their forms are very -clumsy, they climb trees easily, and even display much agility when they -are sporting among the branches; yet they seldom select the forest as -their place of residence. They are found almost exclusively in Africa, -although a single species is found in Asia. - -The Baboon was known to the ancient Egyptians, on whose monuments it -often appears, and as it symbolized the god Thoth, the inventor of the -alphabet, it was held in great veneration in those days of long ago, and -numerous mummies of this animal have been found in Egyptian burial -places. - -The Baboon prefers to walk on all fours like a quadruped, and instead of -living in forests, they choose the mountainous districts, and rocky -places covered with bushes and brush wood. They live in troops, and each -troop takes possession of a certain district, which they defend against -all intruders. If men approach, the alarm is instantly raised, the whole -troop gather together, and endeavor both by their cries and their -actions to drive them away. And if not successful in this they will -attack such visitors with sticks, or throw stones and other missiles at -them. Even firearms will not frighten the Baboons and a troop will not -retreat until many are left dead upon the ground. - -If a traveler is unfortunate enough to encounter one of these troops -when alone, he is soon surrounded by numbers of the infuriated beasts, -and literally torn to pieces. Rather than encounter such a death an -Englishman once killed himself by leaping from a cliff, where he had -been hemmed in by a multitude of these ferocious creatures. - -Their canine teeth are almost as formidable as those of the Tiger, yet -they are said to live entirely on vegetable diet, and to be so fond of -fruit that they sometimes seriously destroy orchards and gardens. - -It is usually during the night that they make their thieving excursions, -and they take great care to ensure the success of their stealing. When -the troop arrives at the scene of action, it divides into three -companies, one enters the orchard or garden, while those of the second -division place themselves as sentinels to give warning of the approach -of danger, while a third division establishes itself in the rear and -forms a long line extending from the other troops to their home in a -neighboring mountain. When all these arrangements are completed, those -who have broken into the orchard or garden throw the produce of their -thieving to the nearest sentinels, who pass it on to those behind, and -thus in a very short time it is handed along the line and stored in a -safe place at the end, until there has been enough secured to make a -feast for the entire troop. While thus engaged, if one of the sentinels -raises a cry of alarm, the whole body will scamper off to their hiding -places. - - - THE MANDRILLS—THE BRILLIANT MONKEYS. - -[Illustration: MANDRILL.] - -The Mandrills are distinguished by their very short tails, and by deep -wrinkles on each side of the nose which are often brilliantly colored. -There are two species living in Western Africa which are known as the -Mandrill and the Drill. - -The Drill is very much like the Mandrill except that its face is -completely black instead of being striped with color; and it also -inhabits Guinea. - -The Mandrill has a very peculiar appearance when the colors of its face -are bright. In some instances the entire face is streaked with bright -red and blue and black bands, and what seems still more curious the -upper part of the thigh is sometimes of a bright red mixed with blue, -giving the Monkey a very peculiar appearance. And what seems even more -strange, these colors are not permanent, but often disappear after or -during disease, and they even change when the animal is strongly -excited. - -The Mandrill when old is deceitful and malicious. Even when taken quite -young and supposed to be tame, it should not be trusted, for taming does -not seem to improve its character. - -Besides these changeable colors that stripe the face and tint the thighs -of the Mandrill, their permanent colors are very bright and striking. -The hair upon its body is a brownish grey, with olive upon the back; the -chin is surrounded by a beard of bright lemon yellow; its cheeks are -either striped or of a brilliant blue, while the nose is red, especially -towards the tip where it becomes scarlet. It would be difficult to find -an animal more gaily decorated and yet so hideous. And as it grows to be -almost as large as a man, it is not surprising that the negroes of the -Guinea coast, where it is commonly found, should have a superstitious -fear of so dangerous a creature. - - CURIOUS MONKEYS OF THE MACAQUES FAMILY. - -The Monkeys belonging to the group known as Macaques, or Macacus, nearly -all have tails; some quite long, others short, and still others of -medium length, and Naturalists sometimes divide them into different -groups according to the length of the tail. Others classify in different -ways, making a great many distinct groups or Genus of this particular -tribe of Monkeys, but the three main groups—the Wanderoo, the Barbary -Ape and the Bonnet Monkey—are the most important and include the main -characteristics of all the others. - - - THE WANDEROO. - -The Wanderoo is commonly found in the island of Ceylon. These Monkeys -have cheek pouches like the others of this family. They do not grow much -larger than an English Spaniel Dog and are of a grey color with black -faces and great white beards reaching from ear to ear, making them look -like old men. They do very little mischief, keeping in the woods, and -eating only leaves and buds of trees; but when they are tamed they can -be taught to eat anything. - -The other Monkeys have great respect for this species, looking upon them -as their superiors; and they are usually considered by mankind to be -much more intelligent than the rest of the Monkey race. - - - THE BARBARY APE. - -The Barbary Ape is the only Monkey found in Europe, and differs from -almost all others belonging to the Macaques, in being without a tail. -When full grown it is from three to four feet high. Its general color is -olive green and grey; the face is of a dirty flesh color, with brown -spots, very much wrinkled, and surrounded with dirty grey hair. - -It usually goes on all fours. The young animals are very intelligent and -gentle, and they are well known throughout Europe as objects of -exhibition and amusement. - -The Barbary Apes prefer to live in rocky places and on the mountains. In -their native home they live upon pine cones, chestnuts, figs, melons, -nuts and vegetables which they carry off from gardens near their homes, -although great care is taken to exclude these mischievous animals. While -they are committing their thefts, two or three mount to the summits of -the trees, and of the highest rocks to keep watch, and as soon as these -sentinels see any one, or hear a noise, they utter a cry of warning, and -immediately the whole troop take to flight, carrying off whatever they -have been able to lay their hands on. - - - THE BONNET MACAQUES. - -[Illustration: BONNET MONKEYS.] - -The Bonnet Monkey is frequently caught for exhibition. It is about the -size of a large cat, greenish grey above and white below, with a long -tail. The face is naked and wrinkled; the hair of the crown is long and -dark, and spreads in all directions, lying upon the surface of the head -like hair in a scalp-wig. On this account the animal is sometimes called -the Scalp Monkey. - -In its native country the Bonnet Monkey is almost as much venerated as -the Hoonuman in Bengal, and although it does great injury to fields and -gardens, the natives forbid any one to kill it. Or if this has been done -through mistake, they demand from the culprit enough money to pay for a -grand funeral. - -When young, the Bonnet Monkey is very amusing as a pet, performing all -his tricks with a comical gravity. When two or three are kept together, -they are constantly hugging and nursing each other. When a Monkey of -this kind has no companions of its own species, it will make friends -with some other animal, and will often pet and hug a kitten with great -gravity and all the fondness of a child, at a great risk of choking it. -When full-grown, however, the behavior of the Bonnet Monkey changes, and -it becomes sullen and savage and spiteful. - - - - - THE AMERICAN MONKEYS. - - -There are several queer families of American Monkeys that make their -home in Brazil, Peru and on the banks of the Amazon and the Orinoco. -Further South, and along the western part of South America are found -many of the small Monkeys with long tails like those we usually see in -this country patiently following the street organs and making trade for -their Italian masters. The most of these are intelligent, affectionate -little fellows, and are more in demand for taming than the Monkeys of -Africa, or even those of the smaller families found in Asia and Europe. - -Nearly all of the American Monkeys have long tails, and some find them a -great help in climbing; these are usually classed as the Prehensile -tailed Monkeys, and the Non-prehensile tailed Monkeys are those who do -not make any use of their long tails in grasping the limbs of the trees, -etc., in climbing. Very few of the American Monkeys have cheek-pouches -and their nostrils are placed on the sides of the nose, instead of -beneath it, giving them a very different appearance from the Apes, -Baboons, etc., found in Africa. The different kinds of American Monkeys -are usually divided into several families with the usual long hard Latin -names to distinguish them, but as these names mean simply, the Howlers, -the Spider Monkeys, the Weepers, etc., we will use only their English -names in describing them. - - - THE HOWLING MONKEYS. - -The Monkeys belonging to the family of Howlers are remarkable on account -of the formation of their throat, which causes their voice to be hoarse -and loud and very disagreeable. Although they are scarcely two feet in -height, these Monkeys have the most powerful voice of any known animal. -When gathered in troops they make the great forests re-echo with their -tumult, which carries terror even to the bravest man when heard for the -first time. Travelers compare this noise to the creaking of a great -multitude of carts whose wheels and axle-trees need greasing; and with -all this creaking and grinding noise there is a sound like the rolling -of a drum. - -Every day, morning and evening, the Howlers assemble in the forests, and -one of their number, taking his station upon a lofty tree, makes a sign -with his hands, as though inviting the others to sit around him. He then -begins a sort of discourse, in a voice so loud and harsh that any one -might suppose that they were all screaming together, although one only -is thus employed; when this one leaves off, he gives a signal to the -others, who immediately set up a cry in full chorus, until their leader -commands silence, and is instantly obeyed. The first speaker, or rather -howler, then begins again, and it is only after several repetitions of -this that they cease from their discordant yellings. - -These Monkeys live in large troops and only frequent the highest trees, -from which they rarely come down. They leap from branch to branch with -wonderful agility, and, contrary to the habits of most Quadrumana, seem -to prefer those parts of the forests which are in the vicinity of rivers -or swamps. They live almost entirely upon the fruits and foliage of the -trees around them, and are said occasionally to catch and eat insects. -The whole race is remarkably sullen, lazy, heavy and of disagreeable -nature; they are tamed with difficulty. And it is not often that this is -attempted, for even if they were good-natured and intelligent, they -would not make desirable pets on account of their voice. - - - THE SPIDER MONKEYS. - -These curious little Monkeys are found in nearly all parts of South -America, and they live in troops, making their homes in trees. They feed -on the insects which are usually found in great quantities in many of -the South American trees, and occasionally they will descend to the -ground, in search of small Fish and Molluscs which they find in the mud -on the banks of the rivers. It is said that they even venture on the -beds of the rivers when the water is low, and capture the oysters, and -they are very quick in learning how to open the shells and take out the -oyster. - -These Monkeys are distinguished by their fine silky hair, their strong -tails, which they use in climbing and in swinging themselves from limb -to limb, and the fact that they have no thumbs; but only the four -fingers on each hand. This peculiarity has given them the Greek name by -which the family is usually classified which means imperfect, but the -name Spider Monkey has been given to them because of their long, slender -limbs and their slow, queer manner of walking, which sometimes gives -them the appearance of huge spiders. - - - THE WEEPING MONKEYS. - -[Illustration: WEEPING MONKEYS.] - -The Weeping Monkeys are smaller, but not so slim as the Spider Monkeys. -They live in the forests of Guinea and Brazil, and flock together in -great troops. They will eat snails and small Birds when they can get -them, but their principal food is the abundance of fruits found among -the trees where they make their home. - -They generally keep on the topmost branches of the highest trees to keep -out of the way of the Serpents, of which they are very much afraid. Even -when tamed and brought to this country, the sight of the most harmless -Snake will fill them with terror. - -These Monkeys are called weepers from their plaintive cry. Usually their -voice is soft; when excited or angry it becomes loud and pitiful; when -teased it keeps up a kind of plaintive wailing, which has given it its -name of Weeping Monkey, although they have also been called Musk Monkeys -at times, because of their musky odor. - -These Monkeys have short round heads with the skull projecting -backwards, and many of them have their faces bordered with long hair; -others have long hair on top of the head, and in one species, called the -Horned Monkey, this hair forms two black tufts, having the appearance of -horns. - -All the Weeping Monkeys are gentle and easily tamed, and perform many -amusing tricks, such as firing off a gun, and sweeping with a small -broom. They will break a nut between two stones when it is too strong to -be cracked with their teeth, and show many signs of unusual -intelligence. - - - - - THE LEMURS, OR FOX-HEADED MONKEYS. - - -[Illustration: LEMUR OR FOX-HEADED MONKEYS.] - -Some very curious animals are found in the Lemur family. The Sloth -Monkeys, the Indris, the Aye-Ayes and the ugly big-eyed Tarsier, are all -related to the Lemurs, and some look more like fairy-tale monsters than -harmless, timid, little animals of the Monkey family. - -What are known as the “Lemurs proper,” or the Fox-Headed Monkeys, are -the best known of this family. Their hair is thick, soft and woolly, -their ears short and velvety, and their tails long and bushy. They have -very large eyes, and queer hands with flattened nails. - -Nearly all the different members of the Lemur family live in Madagascar -and the surrounding islands. They like to live in companies or troops -among the trees, and their food is mainly the fruits of these trees; but -they will also eagerly catch and devour insects. They are very sociable -animals, and like to collect in numerous bands; and they sleep in the -highest parts of the trees where no harm can come to them. - - - - - Carnivora—Flesh-Eating Quadrupeds. - - -[Illustration: SLOTH BEAR.] - -THE Carnivorous animals form the largest and most powerful family of -Mammals that live on the land; and in this family are also included many -water Mammals. Although this extensive family contains animals that are -very different in size and form, yet they are all alike in their -flesh-eating habits, in possessing strong sharp claws, and three kinds -of teeth, the incisors, molars and canines; the latter being sharp and -powerful fangs used for seizing and holding their struggling prey. - -Although the animals of this family are all flesh-eaters, and all prefer -this diet, there are some members that live partially on vegetable food, -especially when flesh diet is scarce, and this fact is sometimes used to -help divide the large family into smaller groups. There is also a great -difference in the manner of walking. Some of the animals place the -entire sole of the foot upon the ground, from the heel to the toes, so -that the soles of the feet are without hair; but the greater number have -their heel so much raised that they walk only on their toes; and in -these, the part corresponding to the sole is hairy (like that of the -cat) and is sometimes mistaken for the leg of the animal. - -To the first of these divisions the term Plantigrade has been applied. -The word means stepping on the sole, and comes from planta, the sole; -and gradior, to step. To the latter division the name Digitigrade is -given, which means stepping on the toes, and comes from digitus, a -finger, or toe, and gradior, to step. - -There is still another important division to this great family, known as -the Amphibious Carnivora, which includes the Seals, Sea-Lions, etc., -which are capable of living both on the land and in the water. - -This is the simplest and most easily remembered of all the divisions of -the great order of Carnivorous animals. Some Naturalists object to it as -not being clearly defined, and divide the Carnivora into six great -families. First the Mustelidae, or Weasel family; second, the Hyena -family; third, the Felidae, or Cat family; fourth, the Canidae, or Dog -family; fifth, the Viverridae or Civet family; and sixth the Ursidae or -Bear family. - -These six families are then sub-divided into many smaller families, and -the Amphibia are grouped by themselves instead of being included among -the Carnivora—although they are flesh eaters, and this seems to be their -proper place. - -For easy grouping we will cling to the old method of classifying all the -Carnivorous animals under the three main orders of Plantigrade, -Digitigrade, and Amphibious Carnivora. - - - - - PLANTIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE BEAR FAMILY. - - -The Bears form the most important family of the “Plantigrade Carnivora.” -The sole of the foot is very wide, and the whole surface touches the -ground in walking. They are very strong and can easily crush a man to -death in their arms. Different members of the family live in various -parts of the globe. They eat almost any kind of food, and many of them -prefer a vegetable diet; very few of them will kill a man or an animal -simply for the sake of food, unless necessity compels them. But they -will defend themselves vigorously when attacked, and in spite of their -heaviness and their slow motions, they prove very quick and fierce at -such times. They can easily overtake a man in running, and most of them -climb trees easily. - -Bears can stand upright on their hind legs longer than almost any other -animal, and they usually take this position when they fight. - -In eating, Bears sit down like Dogs, and taking up the food in their -paws raise it to their mouths. - -When caught young, the Bear may be easily tamed, and its gentle nature -enables it to learn many amusing tricks, but it will not often show off -these tricks without first expressing its unwillingness by deep -growling, and it often gets very angry during the training. - -The best known varieties of Bears are the Brown Bear of Europe, the -Grizzly and the Black Bear of America, the Syrian Bear, the White or -Polar Bear, the Sloth Bear and Malay Bear and the Bornean Bear. - -Although their native homes are in America, Europe and Asia (it is -uncertain whether any exist in Africa) they are mainly found in the -northern regions as they do not like the heat; and when they are found -in temperate or warm climates, they generally live in the lofty mountain -ridges. - - - THE BROWN OR ALPINE BEAR. - - - (See Frontispiece.) - -The Brown Bear leads a lonely life in the dark pine forests, and the -deep gorges or on the highest mountain ridges. It makes its den in -caverns, on clefts of the rocks, or in the hollow of some giant old -tree. It generally sleeps during the day and seeks its food at night. It -feeds on the nuts of the beech, and many kinds of wild fruits and -berries, preferring those that are slightly sour, and also seeds, -vegetables and roots. It is very fond of honey, strawberries and grapes -and will travel many miles to procure these delicacies, and it is -especially fond of a swarm of ants, which it likes on account of their -acid taste. - -In the lofty region in which it lives, when all these kinds of food -fail, it makes its way down to some of the lower valleys, and ravages -the fields of wheat, oats, etc., and any flesh food that it may find, -especially a carcass of some dead animal. When very hungry it will often -go many miles from home to seek its vegetable or to kill its animal food -if necessary, but at dawn it never fails to return to its own home. - -This Bear is very cautious, and if it gets into trouble it is not -because of want of care. It has very keen sight and smell and hearing, -and whenever it goes into a new neighborhood to search for food, it will -first climb to the top of some small tree, and explore the surrounding -space, both by sight and smell. It very seldom enters a trap, and if it -finds a carcass, it will examine it very carefully before attempting to -drag it away and eat it. - -When it becomes necessary to kill animals for food, it prefers a sheep -or a goat. It will seldom attack cows, although it has been known to lay -in wait for these near their drinking places, and when it has sprung on -the back of one, it seizes it by the nape of the neck, biting and -tearing it until it bleeds to death. Then, after devouring part of it, -the Bear carries off the remainder. - -The Brown Bear is an easy tempered animal, and is cruel only from -necessity. It is happy and comic in its ways. But when it is attacked or -wounded or suddenly disturbed in its sleep, or when its cubs are in -peril, this bear becomes a dangerous foe. - - - THE COLLARED AND THE AMERICAN BEAR. - -The Collared Bear and the American Black Bear are somewhat peculiar in -their nature and habits. - -The Ringed, Collared, or Siberian Bear owes its name to a large white -ring which surrounds its shoulders and fades away on the chest. The -Siberian Bear is much more formidable than the European variety. In the -gloomy and cold countries which it inhabits, the vegetation is not -sufficient to satisfy its appetite; it must therefore, fall back upon -some kind of animal food. It will also feed on fish, which it catches -cleverly, and on carcasses thrown on the seashore. It hunts the -Reindeer, and will often attack man. The inhabitants of Kamtschatka wage -a war of extermination against this animal. - -The American Black Bear, on the contrary, is naturally one of the least -offensive animals. It has little taste for flesh. Even when hungry, if a -choice is offered between animal food and fruit, it does not hesitate in -selecting the vegetable substance. It swims well, and is fond of fish, -which it catches skillfully. It seldom attacks man, unless it is hunted; -as a rule, it prefers seeking safety in flight. It principally makes its -abode in the hollows of firs and pines, selecting the holes which are -the highest. Under these circumstances, the Americans capture it by -setting fire to the foot of the tree. This animal is hunted with great -activity, not only to put an end to its depredations in the corn-fields, -but also for the sake of its flesh, fat, and fur; the latter is used for -many purposes. The hams of the American Bear, when salted and smoked, -have a high reputation both in the United States and Europe. - - - THE GRIZZLY, OR “FEROCIOUS BEAR.” - -[Illustration: Grizzly Bear and Buffaloes.] - -The Grizzly Bear is a native of North America, and has been found near -61 degrees north latitude, and as far as Mexico to the south. It is -exceedingly formidable on account of its great strength and ferocity. It -overpowers even the American Bison, and has been seen to drag along a -carcass a thousand pounds in weight. - -These bears vary considerably in color; the young are darker than the -older specimens. The feet are armed with long curved claws, those on the -fore-feet being larger than the hind ones. The Grizzly Bear can dig with -ease, and is able when young to ascend trees. - -It usually inhabits swampy, well-covered spots among trees and bushes, -and here it makes its lair. It prowls forth both by night and day, and -is more carnivorous than the Black Bear, but in the latter part of -summer seeks eagerly for the fruits which then abound; it prefers, -however, the flesh of animals, and will partially bury a carcass for -future supply, after having feasted upon its best parts. - -Townsend, in the “Narrative of a Journey across the Rocky Mountains,” -gives the following account of an adventure with a Grizzly Bear on a -small stream running down a valley covered with quagmires: - -“As we approached our encampment near a small grove of willows on the -margin of the river, a tremendous Grizzly Bear rushed out upon us. Our -horses ran wildly in every direction, snorting with terror, and became -nearly unmanageable. Several balls were instantly fired into him, but -they only seemed to increase his fury. After spending a moment in -rending each wound (their invariable practice), he selected the person -who happened to be nearest, and darted after him, but before he -proceeded far he was sure to be stopped again by a ball from another -quarter. - -“In this way he was driven about among us for fifteen minutes, at times -so near some of the horses that he received several severe kicks from -them. One of the pack-horses was fastened upon by the brute, and in the -terrified animal’s efforts to escape the dreaded gripe, the pack and -saddle were broken to pieces and disengaged. One of our mules also gave -him a kick in the head, which sent him rolling to the bottom. Here he -was finally brought to a stand. The poor animal was now so surrounded by -enemies, that he was completely bewildered. He raised himself upon his -hind-feet, standing almost erect, his mouth partly open; and from his -protruding tongue the blood fell in fast drops. While in this position -he received about six more balls, each of which made him reel. At last, -in complete desperation, he rushed into the water and swam several yards -with astonishing strength and agility, the guns cracking at him -constantly. But he was not to proceed far. Just then, Richardson, who -had been absent, rode up, and fixed his deadly aim upon him, fired a -ball into the back of his head, which killed him instantly. - -“The strength of four men was required to drag the ferocious brute from -the water; upon examining his body, he was found completely riddled; -there did not appear to be four inches of his shaggy person, from the -hips upward, that had not received a ball. There must have been at least -thirty shots made at him, and probably few missed him; yet such was his -tenacity of life that I have no doubt he would have succeeded in -crossing the river, but for the last shot in the brain. He would -probably weigh at the least six hundred pounds, and was about the height -of an ordinary steer. The spread of the foot laterally was ten inches, -and the claws measured seven inches in length. This animal was -remarkably lean. When in good condition he would doubtless much exceed -in weight the estimate given.” - -When driven by hunger, the Grizzly Bear is especially fierce and daring -in seeking his prey, and (as our illustration shows on page 35) will -even approach a herd of Buffalo and attack a straying calf. He has -fallen upon this young Buffalo which has foolishly wandered apart from -the herd, and thrown him down. Directly will the Grizzly tear his prey -upon whose body his powerful fore paws are placed, when he is -interrupted in an unwelcome manner. The anguished bellowing and bleating -of the fallen animal have been heard by the distant feeding herd, and -the old Buffalos come immediately, their great, clumsy, heavy bodies -storming along with startling swiftness to punish the Bear for his -bloody deed. He sees that he must for the time being postpone his feast -and prepare to protect himself against the approaching attacking party -of whom especially the foremost steer, with colossal head sunk low, jaws -foaming and tail thrown up, presents a vivid picture of ungovernable -strength and fury. The outcome of the battle can not be doubtful to us. -Although the Grizzly could easily capture a single Buffalo, his great -strength can avail nothing against the whole herd of these great -animals. The Bear, who is a swift runner, must either seek safety in -flight, or find his end under the horns of his opponents. - - - THE WHITE, OR POLAR BEAR. - -[Illustration: POLAR BEARS.] - -The Polar Bear is a very distinct species, easily recognized by its -long, flat head, as well as by the white color and smoothness of its -fur. It is an inhabitant of the frozen shores of the northern -hemispheres, and semi-aquatic in its habits, swimming and diving with -the utmost ease and facility, for the purpose of capturing Seals, young -Whales and Fish, upon which it principally feeds; nevertheless, even -this animal is not altogether carnivorous, but feeds greedily on -vegetable substances whenever they can be procured. - -The Seal, however, is his favorite food; and Captain Lyon, in the -following passage, describes the mode in which he captures this animal: -“The Bear, on seeing his intended prey, gets quietly into the water and -swims to the leeward of him, from whence, by frequent short dives, he -silently makes his approaches, and so arranges the distance that, at the -last dive, he comes to the spot where the Seal is lying. If the poor -animal attempts to escape by rolling into the water, he falls into the -Bear’s clutches; if, on the contrary, he lies still, his destroyer makes -a powerful spring, kills him on the ice, and devours him at his -leisure.” - -The Polar Bear is seldom seen far inland, but frequents the fields of -ice, and swims to icebergs—often at a great distance from the shore. -Captain Sabine saw one half-way between the north and south shores of -Barrow’s Straits, although there was no ice within sight. - -The Polar Bear is found further north than any other quadruped, having -been seen by Captain Parry beyond 82 degrees north latitude. - -In illustration of the affection of the mother Bear for her young, -Captain Scoresby relates the following anecdote: “A mother Bear with her -two cubs were pursued on the ice by some of the men, and were so closely -approached as to alarm the mother for the safety of her offspring. - -“Finding that they could not advance with the desired speed, she used -various artifices to urge them forward, but without success. Determined -to save them if possible, she ran to one of her cubs, placed her nose -under it, and threw it forward as far as possible; then going to the -other, she performed the same action, and repeated it frequently until -she had thus conveyed them to a considerable distance. The young Bears -seemed perfectly conscious of their mother’s intention; for, as soon as -they recovered their feet after being thrown forward, they immediately -ran on in the proper direction, and when the mother came up to renew the -effort, the little rogues uniformly placed themselves across her path, -that they might feel the full advantage of the force exerted for their -safety.” - -Doubtless, much of the ferocity of the Polar Bear is to be attributed to -the barrenness of the regions which it inhabits, the absence of -vegetation obliging it to attack animals to supply its craving appetite. -Its domain includes all those solitudes which surround the arctic -pole—Greenland, Spitzbergen, Nova Zembla, &c. Over these vast ice-fields -it reigns supreme. - -In the summer time, when the White Bears betake themselves to the -forests farther inland, they attack the Mammals which are natives of -these regions, especially Reindeer. - -Most mariners who have been detained by the ice in the polar seas have -had frequent encounters with White Bears. Instances have been known in -which they pursued them into their vessels, even endeavoring to make -their way into cabins at night through the port-holes. - -The White Bear is terrible in its attack. Accustomed, as it is, to meet -with little or no resistance, and not even suspecting danger, it rushes -upon Man with a blind fury and determination too often fatal in their -results. - -It is not an uncommon thing for White Bears to drift out to sea on -floating icebergs, when they become reduced to the most frightful -distress from hunger. Fatally confined to their icy raft, and utterly -devoid of all means of subsistence, they ultimately attack and devour -one another. - -The White or Polar Bear often attains a length of nine feet. Its huge -limbs and powerful claws are developed in fitting proportion to the -massive body; and the soles of its feet are clad with hair, enabling it -to tread with safety on the slippery ice floes, where it finds a home. -Purely carnivorous in its diet, the Polar Bear subsists chiefly on the -Seals it contrives to trap by watching their breathing holes patiently -for hours, or it may be for days together. The fur is of a dirty-white -hue, inclining towards a yellowish-brown tint in the young. When the -Seals are scarce, these Bears will welcome the carcase of a Whale which -has floated beyond the recall of the whaler. - -The instinct which prompts the Esquimau to feed upon a fatty diet rich -in carbon, by way of providing in his body a heat-producing basis, also -leads the Bear to choose his food in the fat and blubber of the Seals -and Walruses of his seas. Dr. Robert Brown, in his remarks in the -“Mammals of Greenland,” tells us that he has seen upwards of twenty -Polar Bears feeding on the huge inflated carcase of a Whale in Pond’s -Bay, on the western shores of Davis’s Strait. - -The Polar Bear is hunted by the Esquimau chiefly by means of Dogs. Its -flesh, however, is not very desirable. In fact, some parts of the body -of the Polar Bear, such as the liver, are said to possess poisonous -qualities. Scoresby relates cases of illness, and even death, which have -followed upon eating the liver of this animal. - -The “nennok,” as the Esquimau terms the Polar Bear, is unusually -regarded as a fierce and predatory animal. When irritated, or at bay, -and when pressed by hunger, this Bear, like every other animal, will -become dangerous. It does not grip or “hug” its enemy, but bites him. - - - THE LABIATED, OR SLOTH BEAR. - -This strange specimen of the Bear family differs from all the others by -its extended lips, and a tongue of remarkable length. It is a native of -India and feeds mainly on vegetables. - -The Sloth Bear is often classed with the Borean and Malay Bears, which -are natives of Malacca and the Borean Isles, and which climb trees -readily and feed chiefly on fruits. These are all alike in their desire -for vegetable diet and will not eat flesh except when forced to it, and -they are all easily tamed and soon learn numerous tricks. - -These Bears are sometimes made prisoners in rather a ludicrous manner. -The natives fill a little barrel with honey and brandy, and lay it in -some place to which the Bear often resorts. The attraction of the sweet -liquor is so great, that Mr. Bruin not only indulges himself, but often -brings Mrs. B. and all the little B.’s to partake of the delicacy; the -whole party eat and drink till the spirit does its work; they then caper -and dance about for a time, as if demented, and at length fall asleep, -and become an easy prey to their captors. - - - - - DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE HYENA FAMILY. - - -The Hyenas are often grouped with the Cat family, as they have many -points of resemblance (particularly the rough tongue) and prowl and -seize their prey in much the same manner. But the Hyenas differ from all -the members of the Cat family in having the fore legs longer than the -hind ones, giving them a shambling gait and a strange, sneaking -appearance. They have large heads, and their jaws are very powerful, and -able to lift easily a prey of great weight. Their coat is very thick, -and forms a kind of flowing mane along the ridge of the spine. Their -claws are short and stout, and are more useful for digging than tearing -their prey. Dreadful tales have been told of the Hyenas, and their -unclean habits; how they rob the grave yards and devour the dead bodies, -and how they prefer decaying animals, to killing their prey and eating -it while fresh. But they accomplish a good work in one direction, even -if it does fill us with disgust. They perform the same service among -quadrupeds that the Vulture does among birds. - -In the cities and villages of Africa, in which the care of the public -roads is often left to chance for their cleaning, the Hyenas are in the -habit of removing all the decaying substances, which would otherwise -soon cause diseases by decaying in the hot burning African sun. The -Hyena even eats all the bones of the carcasses on which they feed. - -The Hyenas are not so fierce as is usually supposed. If they can find -sufficient decaying matter to satisfy their hunger, they will seldom -attack living prey, and they will never attack mankind except in cases -of great necessity, but they have been known to break down the walls -which the inhabitants of African villages erect around their homes and -kill and drag off the cattle. - - - THE STRIPED HYENA. - -[Illustration: STRIPED HYENA.] - -The Striped Hyena is of a grey color, marked with upright stripes of -brown or black. It has a thick mane which extends along the whole length -of the neck, and down the center of the back. This mane stands erect -when the animal is very angry. This Hyena is about the size of a large -Dog. - - - THE SPOTTED HYENA. - -The Spotted Hyena, and an animal very much like it which is some times -called the Aard Wolf, and the “Hunting Hyena,” all belong to this -family, but there is very little difference in their forms or their -manner of living. The Spotted Hyena, which is called by the colonists of -the Cape of Good Hope the Tiger Wolf, is most commonly met with in -Southern Africa, where its appetite for living prey, as well as for -carrion, causes it to be justly regarded as a very dangerous neighbor; -indeed, as we learn from the reports of travelers, it seems to be -especially fond of attacking children, and many harrowing tales might be -told of the fiend-like deeds of which it is guilty. - -“To show clearly the preference of the Spotted Hyena for human flesh,” -says Steedman, “it will be necessary to observe that the Mambookies -build their houses in the form of bee-hives, and tolerably large, often -eighteen or twenty feet in diameter; at the higher or back part of the -house, the floor is raised until within three or four feet of the front, -where it suddenly terminates, leaving an area from thence to the wall, -in which every night the calves are tied, to protect them from storms or -wild beasts. Now, it would be natural to suppose that should the Hyena -enter, he would seize the first object for his prey, especially as the -natives always lie with the fire at their feet; but notwithstanding -this, the practice of this animal has been in every instance to pass by -the calves in the area, and even the fire, and take the children from -under the mother’s caress; and this in such a gentle and cautious manner -that the parent has been unconscious of her loss until the cries of the -poor little innocent have reached her from without, when hopelessly a -prisoner in the jaws of the monster.” - - - THE HUNTING HYENAS. - -The Hunting Hyena was first described by Mr. Burchell. It is smaller and -of a more slender shape than either the Striped or the Spotted Hyena; -the ground color of its body is sandy, shaded with darker hair, varied -with irregular blotches of black, and spots of white. In its teeth it -resembles the Dog; but, on the other hand, it approaches the Hyenas in -having only four toes on each foot. - -Mr. Burchell was fortunate in bringing home a living specimen, which he -kept chained up for more than a year. At first it was so ferocious that -no one attempted to tame it; but at length its manners became softened, -and it used to play with a Dog chained up in the same yard; yet still -the man who fed it never dared to venture his hand within its reach. Mr. -Burchell informs us that in a wild state this animal hunts in packs; -though in general it hunts at night, it frequently pursues its prey by -day, and as it is very fleet, none but the swiftest animals can escape -it. Sheep and oxen are particularly objects of its attacks, the first -openly, the latter only by surprising them in their sleep and suddenly -biting off their tails, a mode of attack for which the wide gape and -great strength of its jaws are peculiarly adapted. This species is found -throughout Africa. - - - THE CAT FAMILY. - - -All the different animals of this great family are alike in having -short, powerful jaws armed with sharp teeth, and a rough bristling -tongue, which feels like a rasp when it is drawn across the bare -skin—wounding by mere licking; in their manner of walking on their toes, -and in several other characteristics. The fiercest beasts of all the -carnivorous animals are found in the Felidae family, which includes -three groups—the Cat tribe, the Lynx and the Hunting Leopard. The Cat -tribe includes, in the Old World, the Lion, Tiger, Panther, Leopard, -Ounce, Serval, and Wild and Domestic Cats. In the New World are found -the Domestic Cats, the Jaguar, Puma and Ocelot. - -All these animals in the wild state prefer to feed on living victims, -devouring their prey as they kill it. Although the various animals -belonging to this great family differ much in size, they are all alike -in their mode of attacking and killing their victims. They usually take -them by surprise, for they do not have so much courage as people -sometimes think. Crouched in some hidden retreat, they silently and -patiently await their prey; and as soon as within reach, they spring -upon it from behind, without allowing time for escape or defence. - - - WILD AND DOMESTIC CATS. - -[Illustration: WILD CATS.] - -It is usual to place the Lion at the head of this great Felidae family, -which takes its name from the Latin felis, a cat; but it seems more -appropriate to first describe the Wild and Domestic Cats, as these -particular feline members have given the great family its name. - -The Wild Cat is a reddish brown animal, marked with more or less -distinct black stripes and spots. - -Its length is about two feet. It does not differ in its habits from the -larger members of this family. It climbs trees with agility, and feeds -on Birds, Squirrels, Hares, Rabbits, &c. At one time it was very common -in France and Scotland. It is found in nearly the whole of Europe, and a -large portion of Asia. - -There ought to be ranged beside the Wild Cat a multitude of species, -which are only separated from it by differences in the color of the fur -and length of hair, and which are its representatives in the countries -it does not inhabit. Such are the Pampas Cat, the Bengal Cat, the -Neptaul, the Egyptian Cat, the Serval Cat, the Caffir Cat, indigenous to -the Cape, &c. - -Certain authors are inclined to believe that the numerous varieties of -the Domestic Cat have descended from the Wild Cat, and the Egyptian Cat. -However this may be, there exist several kinds of well-characterised -Domestic Cats. Such are the Spanish Cat, the Chartreuse Cat, the Red Cat -of Tobolsk, the Angora Cat, the most highly prized of home pets, the -Chinese Cat with pendant ears, and the tailless Malay Cat. The tails of -Wild Cats terminate in an abrupt thick point, while the tails of -Domestic Cats taper to a finer point. - -The Domestic Cat is one of those few animals which has remained in a -state of independence in its domesticity; it lives with Man, but still -is not reduced to servitude. If it renders service, it is simply for its -own interest to do so. That disinterestedness which distinguishes the -Dog we do not find in the Cat. Whatever Buffon and others may have said, -it is capable of affection; this attachment is only manifested by -infrequent caresses, not by devotion. Has a Cat ever been known to -defend its master? It has been said that it is more attached to -localities than persons; yet we know of numerous exceptions to this. - -[Illustration: ANGORA CAT.] - -No animal is more savage than the Cat when threatened by punishment or -danger. For when it sees no chance of escape, it defends itself with -energy that cannot be surpassed. So long as its enemy keeps at a -respectful distance, it confines itself to a passive resistance, -watching, however, for the slightest indication of hostility, and -holding itself ready for every emergency. Should its adversary advance -to seize it, with wonderful activity it strikes with its claws, at the -same time expressing anger with its voice. It nearly always comes off -victorious, unless over-matched, for its agility renders escape almost -certain. - -The Cat is less an enemy of the Dog than is generally believed. When -unacquainted with one another, they have little sympathy in common; but -when associated for a length of time they become good friends. Then they -lick each other, sleep with each other, and understand making mutual -concessions, which enable them to live in peace; in short, the most -perfect harmony frequently reigns between them. - - THE LION—THE KING OF BEASTS. - -The Lion has been called the “King of Beasts” from most ancient times, -and this is a very appropriate title, if we consider the impression we -usually have of this animal when viewed for the first time. He carries -his head high and walks with a slowness which may well pass for majesty. -He always appears calm and dignified and conscious of his strength. The -bushy and magnificent mane which overshadows his head and neck gives an -added grandeur to his appearance. - -Some adult Lions have attained a length of nearly ten feet, from the tip -of the nose to the root of the tail; but usually they do not exceed six -or seven feet. With the exception of the mane and a tuft of hair at the -tip of the tail, the coat of the Lion is entirely smooth, and of a tawny -color. The mane, which gives this great “King of the Beasts” such a -lordly appearance, is missing in his mate, who has a smooth neck and a -smaller head, and is generally in proportion about one-fourth as large. -The mother Lion is at her fiercest when her little ones are threatened -with danger; at other times she shows very little of the Lion nature -except when pressed by hunger. - -The Lion has also been called the “Lord of the Forest,” but this is not -an appropriate title, as he does not prefer the forest for a home. He -lives in desert arid plains, lightly covered with shrubby vegetation or -tracts of low brushwood. In India he prowls along the borders of rivers, -and makes his lair in the jungles. - -The Lion slumbers during the day in his retreat, and as night comes on -he prowls abroad in search of prey. This is not because his eyes are -unfitted to see in the daytime—like those of the majority of “night -prowlers”—but he seems to think it prudent to keep at home until -evening. When the first shadows of twilight appear, he enters upon his -campaign. If there is a pool in the vicinity of his haunt, he places -himself in ambush on the edge of it, with the hope of securing a victim -among the Antelopes, Gazelles, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, &c., which -are led thither to slake their thirst. These animals, well aware of this -habit of their enemy, will not approach a pond without extreme caution. -If one, however, places itself within reach of their terrible foe, its -fate is generally sealed. One enormous bound enables the Lion to spring -on its back, and one blow with his paw breaks its back. If the Lion -misses his aim, he does not endeavor to continue a useless pursuit, well -knowing that he cannot compete in speed with the children of the plains. -He therefore skulks back into his hiding-place, to lie in ambush until -some more fortunate chance presents itself, or complete night-fall shuts -out all hope of success. - -The Lion, however, is not disposed to remain long with an empty stomach. -Then it is that he approaches Man’s habitations, with the hope of -surprising the domestic animals. Fences ten feet in height form no -obstacle to him, for he will bound over such with ease, when, falling -into the midst of the herd, he seizes the nearest. - -The amount of strength which he manifests under circumstances similar to -these is really extraordinary. A Lion has been known, at the Cape of -Good Hope, to carry off a small Cow as a Cat would a Mouse, and, with -the burden, leap a wide ditch. It is almost impossible to conceive the -muscular force necessary to jump a fence several feet high when carrying -a load of several hundred-weight. - -The audacity of the Lion increases in proportion to his requirement. -When he has exhausted all means of procuring subsistence, and when he -can no longer put off the cravings of hunger, he sets no limit to his -aggressions, and will brave every danger rather than perish by famine. -In open day he will then proceed to where the herds of Oxen and Sheep -pasture, entirely disregarding Shepherds and Dogs. At such times he has -been known to carry his rashness so far as to attack a drove of -Buffaloes—an action which is all the bolder as a single one, unless it -is taken by surprise, is well able to defend itself. - -The Lion seems to delight in the tempests of wind and rain, so common in -Southern Africa; his voice mingles with the thunder, and adds to the -terror of the timid animals, on whom he then boldly advances. He -usually, however, waits in ambush, or creeps insidiously towards his -victim, which with a bound and a rush he dashes to the earth. - -“In South Africa,” says Capt. Burton, “the Lion is seldom seen, unless -surprised asleep in his lair of thicket; during my journey I saw but -one, although at times his roaring was heard at night. Except in -darkness or during violent storms, which excite the fiercer Carnivora, -he is a timid animal, much less feared by the people than the angry and -agile Leopard. When encountered in the daytime, he stands a second or -two gazing; then turns slowly round and walks as slowly away for a dozen -paces, looking over his shoulder; he then begins to trot, and when he -thinks himself out of sight bounds like a Greyhound.” - -If attacked, however, he will show fight as the following experience, -not likely to be often repeated, will testify: “Being about thirty yards -off the foe,” says Dr. Livingstone, “I took a good aim at his body, -through the bush, and fired both barrels into it. The men then called -out: ‘He is shot! he is shot!’ Others cried: ‘He has been shot by -another man, too; let us go to him!’ I did not see any one else shoot at -him; but I saw the Lion’s tail erected in anger behind the bush and, -turning to the people, said: ‘Stop a little till I load again.’ When in -the act of ramming down the bullets, I heard a shout. Starting and -looking half round, I saw the Lion just in the act of springing upon me. -I was upon a little height. He caught my shoulder as he sprang, and we -both came to the ground below together. Growling horribly close to my -ear, he shook me as a Terrier Dog does a Rat. The shock produced a -stupor similar to that which seems to be felt by a Mouse after the first -shake of the Cat. It caused a sort of dreaminess, in which there was no -sense of pain or feeling of terror. It was like what patients partially -under the influence of chloroform describe, who see all the operation, -but feel not the knife. This singular condition was not the result of -any mental process. The shake annihilated fear, and allowed no sense of -horror in looking round at the beast. This peculiar state is probably -produced in all animals killed by the Carnivora, and, if so, is a -merciful provision by our Creator for lessening the pain of death. -Turning round to relieve myself of the weight, as he had one paw on the -back of my head, I saw his eyes directed to Mebalwe, who was trying to -shoot him at the distance of fifteen yards. His gun, a flint one, missed -fire in both barrels. The Lion immediately left me, and attacking -Mebalwe, bit his thigh. Another man, whose life I had saved before, -after he had been tossed by a Buffalo, attempted to spear the Lion while -he was biting Mebalwe. He left Mebalwe and caught this man by the -shoulder; but at that moment the bullets he had received had taken -effect, and he fell down dead. The whole was the work of a few moments, -and must have been his paroxysm of dying rage. In order to take out the -charm from him, the Bakatla, on the following day, made a huge bonfire -over the carcass, which they declared to be that of the largest Lion -they had ever seen. Besides crunching the bone into splinters, he left -eleven teeth-wounds in the upper part of my arm.” - -Dr. Livingstone says: “The same feeling which has induced the modern -painter to caricature the Lion, has led the sentimentalist to consider -the Lion’s roar the most terrific of all earthly sounds. We hear of the -majestic roar of the king of beasts. It is, indeed, well calculated to -inspire fear, if you hear it in combination with the tremendously loud -thunder of that country, on a night so pitchy dark that every flash of -the intensely vivid lightning leaves you with the impression of -stone-blindness, while the rain pours down so fast that your fire goes -out, leaving you without the protection of even a tree, or the chance of -your gun going off. But when you are in a comfortable house or wagon, -the case is very different, and you hear the roar of the Lion without -any awe or alarm. - -“The silly Ostrich makes a noise as loud, yet it never was feared by -man. To talk of the majestic roar of the Lion is mere majestic twaddle. -On my mentioning this fact some years ago, the assertion was doubted; so -I have been careful ever since to inquire the opinions of Europeans who -had heard both, if they could detect any difference between the roar of -a Lion and that of an Ostrich. The invariable answer was that they could -not, when the animal was at a distance. The natives assert that they can -detect a variation between the commencement of the noise of each. There -is, it must be admitted, a considerable difference between the singing -noise of a Lion when full, and his deep gruff voice when hungry. In -general, the Lion’s voice seems to come deeper from the chest than that -of the Ostrich; but to this day I can distinguish between them with -certainty only by knowing that the Ostrich roars by day and the Lion by -night.” - -“Attempts to deprive the Lion of his prey are of frequent occurrence in -the interior of Africa. Indeed, it is no unusual thing to find a number -of natives residing near such pools of water as are frequented by -Antelopes, other wild animals, and their constant attendant, the Lion, -subsisting almost altogether in this way, or on carcasses which the Lion -has not had time to devour before the return of day, when it is his -habit to return to his lair.” - -Mr. Anderson mentions, as a remarkable circumstance connected with a -Rhinoceros hunt, that “While following the trail of the animal, we came -to a spot where one or two Lions, probably taking advantage of his -crippled condition, had evidently attacked him, and, after a desperate -scuffle, had been compelled to retreat. This is the only instance I know -of Lions daring to attack a Rhinoceros, though I have seen it stated in -print that they will not only assail, but can master the horned -monster.” - -In former times Lions were numerous even in Europe. According to -Herodotus, Aristotle, and Pausanias, they were abundant in Macedonia, -Thrace, and Thessaly; but for centuries in these countries they have -been unknown. Arabia, Syria, and Babylonia used also to contain large -numbers. In Arabia and on the confines of Persia and India at the -present date they are scarce. - -We may form some idea of their number in ancient times by the quantity -absorbed annually in the combats which were so much in favor with the -Romans. In a very brief interval, Sylla had slaughtered a hundred Lions, -Pompey six hundred, and Caesar four hundred. - -In this age the Lion is rarely met with except in Africa, where every -day its numbers are diminishing, and from whence it will soon completely -disappear if the present rate of slaughter is continued. Our -grand-children probably will know the Lion only from our descriptions. - -Several varieties of the Lion are distinguished. The most ferocious is -the Brown Lion of the Cape. In the same neighborhood lives another, much -less dangerous, the Yellow Cape Lion. After these we may enumerate the -Lion of Senegal, the Barbary Lion, and the Lion of Persia and Arabia. - - - THE TIGER. - -The Tiger is as high on the limbs as the Lion; but it is more slender, -active, and stealthy, closely resembling, in figure and movements, the -domestic Cat, which serves as the type of the entire genus. Its coat is -very handsome, being of a yellowish fawn color above and a pure white -beneath; everywhere irregularly striped by brown transverse bands. Its -tail, which is very long, is ringed with black, and contributes not a -little to its beauty. It has also white around the eyes, on the jaws, -and on the back of each ear. - -The Tiger is peculiar to Asia. It inhabits Java, Sumatra, a great part -of Hindostan, China, and even Southern Siberia as far north as the banks -of the river Obi. - -The Tiger makes its lair in jungles or densely wooded districts -bordering on water-courses. Like the Lion, it has a den, to which it -retires for rest; from whence it steals forth, secretes itself in a wood -on the borders of a frequented path, and there, concealed from every -eye, awaits its victim. The moment it sees the object of its desire, its -eyes flash, and its whole bearing manifests a savage joy; it allows the -unsuspecting prey to draw near, and when it is sufficiently close, -springs upon it with tremendous velocity. If it scents prey from a -distance, it glides through the high grass with the undulating movements -of the serpent, almost impossible to be detected by the human eye. - -The Tiger has for a long time borne a reputation for cruelty, as little -deserved as that for generosity which has been given the Lion. The old -Naturalists pretended that the Tiger gloried in shedding blood, and that -it never saw a living creature without desiring to destroy it. Nothing -can be more untrue. The Tiger does not kill for the pleasure of killing; -it kills only to appease its hunger. In doing this, it only conforms to -the necessities of its nature; but when it has fed, it does not exhibit -any blood-thirsty propensity, but simply defends itself when threatened -or attacked. - -Tigers will occasionally take to water. In the Sunderbunds especially -they are often seen swimming across the various rivers, which form -innumerable islands, inhabited only by wild beasts. Invariably, the -fore-paw is the Tiger’s instrument of destruction. Most people imagine -that if a Tiger were deprived of his claws and teeth he would be -rendered harmless; but this is an error; the weight of the limb is the -real cause of the mischief, for the claws are rarely extended. When the -Tiger strikes his victim, the operation is similar to that of a hammer, -the Tiger raising his paw and bringing it down with such force as not -only to stun a common-sized Bullock, but often to crush the bones of the -skull! - -Williamson gives an amusing account of the mode by which Tigers are -captured in Oude: “The track of the Tiger being ascertained, which, -though not invariably the same, may yet be sufficiently known for the -purpose, the peasants collect a quantity of the leaves of the prouss, -which are like those of the sycamore, and are common in most underwoods, -as they form the larger portion of most of the jungles of India. These -leaves are smeared with a species of bird-lime, made by bruising the -berries of an indigenous tree; they are then strewed, with the gluten -uppermost, near to that shady spot to which it is understood the Tiger -usually resorts during the noontide heats. - -“If by chance the animal should tread on one of the smeared leaves, his -fate may be considered as decided. He commences by shaking his paw, with -the view to removing the adhesive incumbrance, but finding no relief -from that expedient, he rubs the nuisance against his face with the same -intention, by which means his eyes, ears, &c., become sticky, and cause -such uneasiness as occasions him to roll perhaps among many more of the -smeared leaves, till at length he becomes completely enveloped, and is -deprived of sight. In this situation he may be compared to a man who has -been tarred and feathered. The anxiety produced by this strange and -novel predicament soon shows itself in dreadful howlings, which serve to -call the watchful peasants, who in this state find no difficulty in -shooting the mottled object of their detestation.” - - - THE LEOPARD. - -The Leopard is smaller and more active than the Tiger and larger than -the Panther. It is arboreal in its habits and finds in the spots or -rosettes which decorate its tawny skin a provision highly favorable to -concealment among the foliage, wherein it lurks, until some passing -animal approaches sufficiently near to enable it to spring upon its -unsuspecting prey. - -The activity of the Leopard is almost beyond belief. Mr. Andersson, -speaking of his Dogs, says: “They were, I conjectured, from their -steady, unbroken, deep bay, close upon the haunches of their enemy, yet -I could not see distinctly either the Dogs or the object of the pursuit, -when all at once a magnificent Leopard sprang right before me, from the -topmost branches of a tall acacia, clearing with a single bound all his -fierce assailants. I was so astounded at the magnitude of the -leap—without having witnessed it one can hardly form a notion of the -distance oversprung—that, looking first at the tree, and then at the -spot on which the beautiful beast had alighted, I could not withdraw my -eyes from the scene of its exploit.” - -From the propensity of the Leopard to ascend trees, especially when -pursued, it has in India obtained the name of the lackree-bang or -Tree-tiger. “Leopards,” says Mr. Williamson, “will not ascend trees -which have not some underwood growing near them; their usual haunts are -found in those close woods of which the intervals are grown up with -thorns, etc., and especially where there are old trees with low boughs, -favoring their access to the more shady parts of the foliage. - -“The royal Tiger will not touch anything but of its own killing, but -Leopards are not quite so fastidious, and may be allured by the scent of -meat. I have heard this doubted; but the following fact, which occurred -while the corps to which I was then attached was at Hazary-bhang, in the -Ram-ghur country, puts the matter out of doubt. The sergeant-major of -our battalion had killed an Ox for his winter provision, and had hooked -up the joints within his hut, which was on the right flank of the line, -close to the grenadier bell of arms. The sentry stationed there gave the -alarm that some large animal had entered the hut, in which there were -several apartments. A light was brought, and numbers crowded the place, -but nothing could be seen for awhile. All were about to retire, when it -was discovered that a Leopard was clinging to the thatch with his claws, -just above where the meat was hanging. No sooner did the animal perceive -that he was discovered than he quitted his hold, springing suddenly -down, and darted through the doorway, clawing several as he passed, and -giving the poor sentry in particular a scratch in the face which laid -him up for several weeks.” - -“Nightly,” says Sir W. C. Harris, “may his low half-smothered growl be -heard as he prowls round the fold; and in spite of the baying troops of -Watch Dogs that are maintained for the protection of the flock, he not -unfrequently contrives to purloin mutton. Viewed in his wild state, few -animals can surpass the lurking Leopard in point of beauty, his -brilliant orange and white skin, which shines like silk, being richly -studded with open rosettes, sometimes of the most intense sable, at -others disposed as if a Cat had been walking over him with her paws -tarred. Nor is he less distinguished for elegance and grace. His every -motion easy and flexible in the highest degree, he bounds among the -rocks and woods with an agility truly amazing; now stealing along the -ground with the silence of a Snake—now crouching with his fore-paws -extended, and his spotted head laid between them, while his chequered -tail twitches impatiently, and his pale eyes glare mischievously upon -his unsuspecting victim.” - - - THE PANTHER. - -[Illustration: Panther Surprised by Tree Snake.] - -The Panther is a pretty animal, about three feet in length, not -including the tail, and is distinguished from the preceding Felidae by -its deep yellowish-brown coat, speckled with numerous spots. These -spots, quite black on the head, are disposed in a rose-like fashion over -the other parts of the body, being formed of five or six little black -patches grouped in a circular manner around a piece which is of the same -color as the ground of the coat. For a long time, and even sometimes -now-a-days, the Panther has been frequently confounded with the Leopard, -to which certainly it bears a great resemblance. From this error has -arisen grave contradictions as to its history, and much uncertainty with -regard to the limits of its natural locality. - -It appears to be demonstrated, however, that the veritable Panther is -not found in Africa, but only in India, Japan, and the neighboring -islands, such as Java, Sumatra, &c. The island of Java possesses a -variety which is completely black. This is the famous Black Panther, the -terror of Java and Sumatra. - -The Panther ascends trees with agility, into which it pursues Monkeys -and other climbing animals. It is a ferocious and untamable animal, and -inhabits only the wildest forests. No Carnivore, not even the Tiger, is -more unconquerable, and its pursuit is proportionably dangerous. It -rarely attacks Man without being provoked; but it is irritated at the -merest trifle, and its anger is manifested by the lightning rapidity of -its onset, which invariably results in the speedy death of the imprudent -being who has aroused its fury. Its power, nimbleness, and stealth -surpass anything that can be imagined; and it is these qualities which -render it so dangerous. - -Notwithstanding its ferocity when wild, the Panther is easily tamed when -captured young and is then as mild and affectionate as a Dog. - -The Panther is especially fond of young Birds, but is frequently -disappointed in his search by finding that a Snake has preceded him and -secured the prize, as illustrated. During his rovings, the Panther -espies a nest and begins at once to climb the bough on which it is built -just as the father Bird returns with food for the Birds. At the sight of -the fearful enemy near his nest, he utters a series of low pitiful -shrieks. The mate answers him from the distance and comes flying swiftly -towards him. But the Panther does not allow himself to be turned from -his purpose; on the contrary, the parents’ alarm makes him feel assured -that the nest contains a prize for him. Meanwhile the Snake’s rest has -become disturbed during the clamor and just as the Panther raises his -head to peer into the nest, the head of the Snake with wide open jaws -shoots hissing upon him. He falls backward startled! He shares the -abhorrence of many animals for the Snake, and also fears its sharp bite. -One moment he hesitates as to whether to give up the hoped-for prize, -then slowly retreats. - -The Panther not only climbs the trees to secure the Birds and small -climbing animals, but lurking in concealment among the foliage it -springs upon the Antelopes or other large game which happens to approach -its hiding place. - -A tame Panther in the possession of Mrs. Bowdich was left at liberty to -go where he pleased, and a boy was appointed to prevent him from -intruding into the apartments of the officers. His keeper, however, -generally passed his watch in sleeping, and Sai, as the Panther was -called, roamed at large. On one occasion Sai found his servant sitting -on the step of the door, upright, but fast asleep, when he lifted his -paw, gave him a blow on the side of the head, which laid him flat, and -then stood wagging his tail as if conscious of the mischief he had -committed. He became exceedingly attached to the governor, and followed -him everywhere, like a Dog. His favorite station was at a window of the -sitting-room, which overlooked the whole town. There, standing on his -hind-legs, his fore-paws resting on the ledge of the window, and his -chin laid between them, he appeared to amuse himself with what was -passing underneath. The children also stood with him at the window, and -one day, finding his presence an incumbrance, and that they could not -get their chairs close, they united their efforts to pull him down by -the tail. He one day missed the governor, who, being in the hall, -surrounded by black people, was hidden from view, Sai wandered in search -of him, and having at length found him seated writing at a table, the -Panther immediately sprang from the door on to his neck, put his head -close to the governors, rubbed his head upon his shoulder, and tried to -evince his happiness. - -When on board a ship at anchor in the river Gaboon, an Orang-Outang was -brought for sale, and lived three days on board. “I shall never,” writes -Mrs. Bowdich, “forget the uncontrollable rage of the one, or the agony -of the other, at this meeting. The Orang was about three feet high, and -very powerful in proportion to his size, so that when he fled with -extraordinary rapidity from the Panther to the farther end of the deck, -neither men nor things remained upright when they opposed his progress; -there he took refuge in a sail, and although generally obedient to the -voice of his master, force was necessary to make him quit the shelter of -its folds. As to the Panther, his back rose in an arch, his tail was -elevated and perfectly stiff, his eyes flashed, and as he howled he -showed his huge teeth; then, as if forgetting the bars before him, he -tried to spring on the Orang, to tear him to atoms.” - - - THE JAGUAR. - -[Illustration: JAGUAR.] - -The Jaguar is the Leopard of the American forests, and nearly approaches -to the Tiger of India in strength and daring. The Jaguar may be -distinguished from the Leopard by a bold streak or two of black -extending across the chest from shoulder to shoulder. The rosettes on -the body are very large, open and rather angular, with a central spot or -two in each, and a central chain of black dashes extends along the -spine. The size of the Jaguar varies, but usually exceeds that of the -Leopard. Its form is more robust and less agile and graceful. The limbs -are short, but exceedingly thick and muscular, the head square and -larger, and the tail comparatively shorter. The Jaguar is the most -formidable of all the American members of the Cat family. It prefers the -marshy and wooded districts of the warmer latitudes, and haunts the vast -forest along the larger rivers. He climbs and swims with equal facility, -and preys on the larger domestic quadrupeds, on Peccaries and Monkeys, -and also on Tortoises and Fishes. Sonnini saw the scratches left on the -smooth bark of a tree without branches forty feet high. Humboldt heard -the Jaguar’s yell from the tops of the trees, followed by the sharp, -shrill, long whistle of the terrified Monkeys, as they seemed to flee. -It takes Birds in their nests and Fish in the shallows and makes havoc -in some districts among Horses, Cattle and Sheep. - -The Jaguar is also called the American Tiger; it is the largest -carnivorous animal of the New World. It almost equals the Tiger in size, -as well as in blood-thirstiness; it measures nearly seven feet from the -end of the nose to the root of the tail. It is not Zebra-striped like -the Tiger, but spotted in the same manner as the Panther. Its markings -are most numerous on the head, thighs, legs and back, but always -irregular in shape. The ground color of the coat is of a bright tawny -hue above, and white beneath. The Jaguar is spread over nearly the whole -of South America and of the warmer parts of North America. It inhabits -the great forests traversed by rivers, and actively pursues various -aquatic Mammals. Like the Tiger, it swims with ease and passes the day -in inaction among the islets of the great lagoons and rivers. In the -evening it seeks its food, and levies a heavy tribute on the immense -herds of wild Cattle and Horses that graze in the Pampas of the Plata. -With a single blow of its paw it breaks the back-bone of its victims. - -At the setting and rising of the sun it gives utterance to two cries, -which are well known to the natives and to hunters. It is by this means -that it announces to living nature the commencement and the termination -of its feeding operations, and thus excites terror or joy. In certain -parts of South America, Jaguars were so numerous, that, according to -Azara, in the seventeenth century, two thousand were killed every year -at Paraguay. At the present time many are yet to be found in that -region, although their numbers are considerably diminished. - - - THE PUMA OR COUGAR. - -[Illustration: Pumas Fighting over Vultures.] - -The Puma or Cougar, formerly improperly called the American Lion, is an -animal about four and a half feet long, and of an uniform fawn color -without any spots. It inhabits Paraguay, Brazil, Guiana, Mexico and the -United States. It has the general appearance of a Lioness, without -possessing its dimensions. - -This animal is alike remarkable for stealth and agility. It makes great -ravages among the herds, and differs from the other Cats, in slaying -numerous victims before it commences to feed. To carry off the smaller -domestic animals, it visits human habitations during the night. It -prefers living in the open country, yet it climbs trees; its agility is -such, that at one bound it can ascend upwards of twenty feet. - -The Puma is easily tamed, when it knows its master, and receives his -caresses with pleasure. No inconvenience results from allowing it to run -at liberty. The celebrated English actor, Kean, had a Puma which -followed him like a Dog, and kept close to him in the most crowded -assembly. - - - THE OCELOT. - -The Ocelot, one of the most beautiful of the Cat family, is a little -more than three feet in length. The color of its fur is a greyish fawn, -marked with large spots of a bright fawn, edged with black. Its habits -are entirely nocturnal; it feeds on Monkeys, Rodents and Birds, climbing -the trees in their pursuit with great swiftness. It is found in various -parts of North and South America. - -Like the Puma, it rapidly becomes attached to Man. Azara has seen one -which, although it enjoyed the greatest liberty, would never leave its -master. - - - THE LYNXES. - -The animals belonging to the Lynx family differ from the other Felidae -in their longer coat, their shorter tail, and their ears, which are -terminated by a tuft of hair. A great number of varieties of Lynx are -known, as well in the Old as in the New World. The principal ones, -however, are the European Lynx, the Canada Lynx and the Caracal. - - - THE EUROPEAN LYNX. - -The European Lynx is well known in the great forests of Northern Europe -and in Asia; it is also found in some of the Alps and Pyrenees, as well -as in the Sierras of Spain. This animal measures from thirty to -thirty-six inches, not including the tail, which is four inches long. -The upper parts of its body are of a bright red color, with small brown -spots, while the under parts are white. On each side of its face it has -an addition of white hairs, which resemble whiskers. - -The name of “Loup-cervier” sometimes given to it, probably originated -from its howling like a Wolf during the night. It nimbly climbs trees in -pursuit of prey. Martens, Ermines, Hares and Rabbits are its favorite -food. It does not, however, eat the flesh of larger victims, unless its -hunger is extreme; but generally is satisfied by sucking out the brain. - -Taken young, it becomes accustomed to captivity, and is fond of being -caressed, but it will return to its wild life if opportunity offers, so -really never becomes attached to its master. It is an extremely cleanly -animal, and, like the Cat, passes a large portion of its time in washing -and cleansing its fur. - -The European Lynx is not much smaller than the Wolf, and is said to be -rather shy than bold, never attacking Man except in self-defence, and -using his claws as his principal weapons. This animal frequents -mountainous and thickly-wooded districts, and confines himself to a -limited hunting ground, not hunting in a pack, but usually in pairs, the -mother being frequently followed by her young ones. The Lynx usually -reposes during the day in such a position as to perceive either the -approach of danger or of prey, going forth at twilight or early dawn to -seek for food. Mr. Lloyd tells us that if the Lynx fails in his spring, -he does not pursue his prey to any great distance, but slinks back to -his retreat, in proof whereof he relates the following anecdote: “Some -years ago, while a peasant was occupied with agricultural labors in the -spring, he observed that some Sheep feeding in the distance shied when -passing near a boulder on the hill-side. Inclination for the green -grass, however, having at length got the better of their fears, they -once more approached the spot, when out dashed a large Lynx from his -ambush, and made several bounds towards them; but as the poor creatures -had the start of him, they were so fortunate as to escape his clutches. -Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the beast now turned about and -retreated to his hiding place, which the peasant observing, he hastened -home for his gun, and stealthily approaching the spot, shot him while in -his lair.” - - - THE CANADA LYNX. - -[Illustration: LYNX ATTACKING FAWN.] - -The Canada Lynx in size and coloring closely resembles the European -species last mentioned. It is about three feet in length, besides the -tail, which measures from four to five inches. It is retired in its -habits, keeping away even from the dwellings of the first settlers in -the forests. Its fine long fur enables it to resist the cold of the high -latitudes in which it lives. It is found north of the Great Lakes, as -far southward as the Middle States, and occasionally near the sea coast. - -When alarmed or pursued, the Canada Lynx leaps or bounds rapidly in a -straight direction from danger, and takes to a tree when hard pressed by -Dogs. It is very strong, and possessing remarkably large and powerful -fore-legs and claws, is able to climb trees of any size; and can leap -from a considerable height to the ground without seeming to feel the -jar, alighting on all four feet at the same instant, ready for flight or -for battle. - -The food of the Canada Lynx consists principally of Birds and small -quadrupeds. Occasionally it may carry off some small live stock of the -farmer, but it usually prefers such game as may be met with in the -depths of the forest in which it lurks. - - - THE CARACAL. - -[Illustration: Caracal Defending His Booty from Jackals.] - -The Caracal is about the size of the European Lynx. Its fur is red -above, without spots, and its chest is fawn colored, speckled with -brown. It is the Lynx of the ancients, and inhabits the north and east -of Africa, Arabia and Persia. Its habits differ very little from those -of the Lynx. It always retains, when in captivity, its savage -disposition and a great desire for liberty. - -The Caracal lies in wait for young Antelope and overpowers them without -special exertion, tearing with his sharp teeth the artery of the throat. -The dexterous hunter seldom enjoys his prey in peace for, as all large -animals of prey pursue the small, so the bold, intruding Jackal presses -him from all sides, waiting his chance to snatch part whenever possible. -Our illustration shows such a scene. The Jackal generally has a bad time -in a combat with the Caracal. The Caracal has never yet been tamed in -any menagerie. Even the Arabs of the Soudan fear him. In the -illustration he has been aggravated to the highest pitch by the attacks -of the Jackal. With his long bushy ears lying flat, lips drawn backward -and one sharp, pointed claw raised, he stands ready to strike and bite. -Several of the Jackals have already felt his weapons. Despite this they -howl and press around him until he has had his fill and leaves the rest -of his meat for the persistent beggars. - -The Caracal is said to occasionally hunt in packs like Wild Dogs. But -this is uncommon; they usually hunt singly or in companies of two or -three, creeping towards their victim and springing suddenly upon it. - -In captivity, Caracals are very irritable, and sometimes display great -ferocity. Dr. Charleton saw one kill and destroy a Hound in a moment, -although the poor creature defended itself to the uttermost. They retire -to a corner of their den, crouching sullenly, and resenting every -attempt at familiarity; when irritated, the ears are laid close to the -head, the eyes glare with malignant fury, the teeth are displayed, and -they utter a hiss not unlike that of a Cat, and quite different from the -growl of a Lion or Tiger. In their wild state they avoid man, but are -dangerous foes when hard pressed or wounded. - - - THE OUNCE AND SERVAL. - -These are two members of the Cat family that seem but little known. - -In size, the Ounce is between the Panther and Leopard. The color of its -coat is not yellow, but grey, and its spots are much more irregular than -on these animals. It is a native of Asia. - -The Serval is also named the Cat-pard or Tiger Cat. It is only about -thirty inches long. It is found in the forests of Southern Africa; also -in Abyssinia and Algeria. It lives on small animals, particularly -Monkeys and Rodents. Its savage nature cannot be changed by taming. Its -fur, which is varied with bars and black spots on a buff ground, is -quite valuable. - - - THE CHEETAH. - -The Cheetah or Hunting Leopard forms the transition between the Cat and -Dog families. By its physical organization and its character it belongs, -in fact, to both these classes. It has weak, non-retractile claws, which -are unfitted for tearing purposes; but in its teeth it unmistakably -shows its affinity to the Cat family. Its limbs are also longer, and the -body more slender than that of the Cats, from whence results a greater -aptitude for hunting. Its tail is curled over on itself at the -extremity, a disposition very common in Dogs, but which is not observed -in the Cats. Its mildness, obedient temper, and attachment when tame, -naturally define its place on the confines of the Feline and the Canine -family. - -The Hunting Leopard inhabits Southern Asia and various parts of Africa. -It is about four feet in length, and twenty-six inches in height. Its -fur is very elegant, being a bright fawn color above, perfectly white -beneath, and everywhere interspersed with black spots. The tail is -barred with twelve alternately white and black rings. A quantity of -hair, longer than on other parts of the body, grows on the back of the -head and neck, forming a scanty mane. - -The Cheetah seizes its prey by a succession of bounds remarkable for -their rapidity. In India and Persia has been adopted the habit of -training it to hunt certain animals, its natural docility allowing it to -be readily trained for this service. The custom of employing the Cheetah -for hunting goes back to a very remote period, for the Arab Rhazes speak -of it in the tenth century. - -In Mongolia the following is the method of conducting this sport. The -sportsmen start off on horseback, carrying the Cheetah either on a -Horse, or in a carriage specially constructed for the purpose. The -animal is chained, and its eyes blindfolded. The places which Gazelles -frequent are sought out. As soon as one is perceived, the hunters stop, -the Cheetah is unfastened, and its eyes unbandaged and the game is -pointed out to it. Immediately, under cover of the high vegetation and -brushwood, the beast glides off in pursuit, taking advantage, with -unequalled tact, of the slightest breaks in the ground to conceal its -movements. When it considers that it is sufficiently near its victim, it -suddenly shows itself, dashes on with terrible impetuosity, springs on -the prey after a succession of prodigious bounds and immediately pulls -it to the ground. - -Its master, who has followed the events of the chase, then enters upon -the scene. To detach it from its victim, he throws it a piece of flesh, -speaks gently to it, and caresses it; after which he again covers its -eyes, and replaces it on the saddle or in its conveyance, while the -assistants carry off the prey. - -This kind of hunting is very popular in Mongolia, and a well-trained -Hunting Leopard attains an extraordinary price among the inhabitants. - -In captivity, the Cheetah is familiar, gentle and playful, becoming -greatly attached to those who are kind to it. When pleased it purs; and -mews like a Cat when in distress. - - - THE DOG FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: ESQUIMAU DOGS.] - -The many different kinds of Dogs that are spread over the entire surface -of the globe, with the Wolves, Jackals and Foxes, and their numerous -smaller relatives are all grouped under the family of Canidae, which is -derived from the Latin word Canis, meaning a Dog. All the members of -this family are digitigrade. Though they walk on their toes, like the -members of the Felidae, or Cat family, their claws are neither sharp nor -retractile like those of the Cat and they cannot serve either for attack -or defence. - -Nearly all the members of this family have long tails, more or less -clothed with hair, and their tongue is smooth, and in this respect -different from the Cats. - -[Illustration: NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.] - -They are the most intelligent of the Carnivora. Their senses, -particularly that of smell, are strongly developed. - -Some Naturalists claim that the Dog is a tamed Wolf, others that he is a -well-educated Jackal, but there can be little doubt that he constitutes -a genus set apart for the service of mankind, although there are such -numerous varieties of domestic Dogs. It is impossible to discover in -which of the past ages, the Dog became the servant of Man. The oldest -traditions and the most ancient history show us the Dog as the friend -and the servant of mankind. - -Volumes might be written relating stories of which Dogs are the heroes. -Every day in ordinary life we see something of this kind, and which, -although of such frequent occurrence, is none the less curious. As -examples of the past we might call to memory the Dog of Ulysses, the -model of fidelity; the Dog of Montargis, the vanquisher of crime; of -Munito, the brilliant player of dominoes. It is not necessary to mention -the Newfoundland Dog and the Dog of Mount St. Bernard, as preservers of -human life; their wonderful exploits are too well known to require -special instances as examples. Nor is it necessary to speak of the -numberless instances of intelligent Dogs going for provisions for their -masters, and serving them in curious ways—like the shoe-black’s Dog, who -was trained to plant his muddy paws on the best polished boots, so as to -bring more business to his master, the man of the brush. We should never -come to an end if we attempted to tell of all the exploits of this -valuable companion of man. - -It is also useless to attempt to mention all the various species of Dogs -that are found scattered over all the inhabited parts of the world; but -certain varieties may be divided into classes. The Sporting Dogs, for -instance, are usually divided into two classes—the Running Dogs or -Hounds, and the Setters or Pointers. The first follow rapidly on a track -or scent, howling and crying all the way, and only stop when they have -captured or lost their game. The second follow silently on the trail of -the game, and only stop pursuing it when the scent announces that they -are close to the object of their search. It is then that they are said -to be pointing or setting. Setters generally lie down and wait for the -sportsman, while the Pointers stand. - -Among the Running Dogs might be mentioned the Greyhound, the Hounds of -Saintonge and of Poitou, English Foxhounds, Harriers and Beagles, -Turnspits, Bull-dogs, Mastiffs, etc. The principal sporting Dogs are the -Pointers, Setters, Land Spaniels and Water Spaniels. - -It is almost impossible to class all the different kinds of Dogs in -groups, with the many races and sub-races now existing. Some Naturalists -have divided all these different varieties into three classes—the -Matins, the Spaniels, and the Mastiffs, and although this method may -have its faults, it also has the advantage of being easy to remember and -sufficient for practical use. - -It is among the Matins that the largest-sized Dogs are found. The -ordinary Matin—the great Danish Dog—is as large as a good-sized Donkey; -under this class are also found the Spotted Danish Dog, the Little -Danish Dog, the different varieties of Greyhounds, the Pyrenean -Shephard’s Dog, the Alpine Dog, and the St. Bernard Dog. - -The Spaniels comprise the Wolf Dog, the Chinese Dog, the Siberian Dog, -the Esquimaux Dog—the two latter being used to draw sledges across the -snow—the French and English Spaniels, and what is classed as the Small -Spaniel, including a great number of varieties of “Lap Dogs,” which are -the favorite home pets, in spite of the fact that they are particularly -remarkable for their ugliness, and their small size. The principal -Lap-dogs are the King Charles, Cocker, Blenheim, Small Poodle and the -Small White Dog of Cuba, or Havanese Dog, etc. Then we come to the -Turnspits, with straight and crooked legs; the St. Domingo Dog; the -large Water Spaniel—the most faithful and intelligent of all dogs; the -Little Water Spaniel, Poodle, Newfoundland Dog; Stag, Fox and Hare -Hounds; Bloodhounds, Pointers and Setters. - -Among the Mastiffs are placed the Great Dog or English Mastiff, an -animal that is very courageous, and a great fighter; the Thibit Mastiff, -the Small Mastiff, the Pug, the Bull-dog, the Terrier, and Bull Terrier, -the Turkish Dog, remarkable for its almost naked skin, and last of all, -our common Cur Dog, with no distinct characteristics. - -Then we have a class of Dogs distinct from these friends and servants of -mankind. These live either entirely wild or half-wild, and are scattered -over various parts of the globe. These are the Dingo, or New Holland -Dog, which is very destructive to domestic animals, and even to cattle; -the Dhale, or East Indian Dog, which in packs, pursues Deer, Gazelles, -etc., and which, when collected in troops, does not fear to fight with -the Lion or Tiger; the Wild Dog of Sumatra; the Cape of Good Hope Dog -and the Maroon Dog of America. - - - THE HYENA DOG. - -[Illustration: HYENA DOGS.] - -The Hyena Dog might be classed with these wild and half-wild Dogs, -although it is usually given a distinct genus. As the name indicates, it -has several points of resemblance with the Hyena. This Dog inhabits -South Africa. It is about the size of a Wolf, but not so strong as that -animal. Its coat is of a deep gray color speckled with spots of various -colors. It has large pointed ears and the tail is long and bushy. -Although like the Hyena, it is very fond of putrid flesh, the Hyena Dog -also feeds on living prey, especially Gazelles, Antelopes, etc. To -pursue and capture these, the Hyena Dogs collect in troops, which are -sometimes very numerous, and under the direction of a chief, they hunt -with an intelligence unsurpassed by the best pack of Hounds. When the -game is taken they divide it equally, but if any of the larger -Carnivorous animals approach to take a share in the feast, they all -unite against the intruder. Even Leopards and Lions have been driven off -by a troop of these fierce Hyena Dogs. - - - THE DESTRUCTIVE WOLF. - -[Illustration: WOLF.] - -Wherever the Wolf is found it is especially dreaded by the owners of -flocks and herds, and it is considered the most destructive quadruped -met with in Europe. Both in their habits and their physical structure -they are very closely related to the Dog. The sense of smell in the Wolf -is very acute, but its speed is not great. It wearies out its victim by -untiring perseverance and when in full chase it persistently follows the -track of the fugitive. - -The Wolf is found throughout the whole of Europe, excepting Great -Britain and the neighboring islands, where it has been exterminated. It -also inhabits the cold and temperate regions of Asia and America. In -some natural excavation situated in the woods, the Wolf takes up its -abode. From here it steals forth at night to prey upon all the weaker -animal life. - -Among the varieties of the Common Wolf, it is necessary to mention the -Black Wolf, which inhabits the North of Europe, and the Black Wolves of -the Himalayas; the Dusky Wolf and the Prairie Wolf, which lives in -troops on the great plains of North America; the Red Wolf, which leads a -solitary life on the pampas of La Plata and in Texas and Mexico; lastly, -the Mexican Wolf or Coyotte, and the Java Wolf. In the glacial regions -of the two continents, White Wolves are found. - -Although our Domestic Dogs and Wolves in a wild state are deadly -enemies, yet when Wolves are captured quite young and tamed, they often -become quite friendly with the Dogs of the home, and they are even -considered safe playmates of the children in some instances, although -they are rather treacherous, and probably few mothers would consider -them safe. Yet a lady mentioned by Mr. Lloyd in this “Scandinavian -Adventures” tells of a pet Wolf which she found trustworthy. “This Wolf -became so faithful and attached that when we took a walk about the -estate, and he was with us, he would crouch beside us when we rested, -and would not allow anyone to approach nearer than about twenty paces; -for if they came closer he would growl and show his teeth. When I called -him he would lick my hand, at the same time always keeping his eyes -fastened on the intruder. He went about the house and in the kitchen in -the same manner as a Dog, and was much attached to the children, whom he -would lick and play with. This continued until he was five months old. -He had his kennel in the lower yard near the gate, and in the -winter-time when the peasants came with charcoal, he would leap on to -the stone fence, where he would wag his tail and whine until they came -up to him and patted him. At such times he was always desirous of -searching their pockets, that he might ascertain if they had anything -good to eat about them. The men became so accustomed to this that they -used to amuse themselves by putting a piece of bread in their coat -pockets to let him find it out, and he ate all that they gave him. -Besides this, he ate three bowls of food daily. It was remarkable that -our Dogs used to eat with him out of the same bowl, but if any strange -animal attempted to share the food with him, he would soon show anger.” - -“At one time,” says Mr. Lloyd, “I had serious thoughts of training a -fine Wolf in my possession as a pointer, but was deterred, owing to the -liking she exhibited for the neighbor’s pigs. She was chained in a -little enclosure, just in front of my window, into which these animals, -when the gate was left open, ordinarily found their way. The devices the -Wolf employed to get them into her power were very amusing. When she saw -a Pig in the vicinity of the kennel she, evidently with the purpose of -putting him off his guard, would throw herself on her side or back, wag -her tail most lovingly, and look innocence personified. And this amiable -demeanor would continue until the grunter was beguiled within the length -of her tether, when in the twinkling of an eye the prey was clutched. - -“When the Wolf is hungry, everything is game that comes to his net. In -the Gulf of Bothnia he often preys upon Seals. When that sea is frozen -over, or partially so, as is generally the case soon after the turn of -the year, he roams its icy surface in search of the young of the Gray -Seal, which at that season breeds among the hummocks in great numbers; -and finding this an easy way of procuring sustenance, he remains on the -ice until it breaks up in the spring. It not unfrequently happens, -however, that during storms large fields of ice, on which numbers of -Wolves are congregated, break loose from the shore or the land-ice; in -this case, as soon as the beasts perceive their danger, but see no -possibility of escape, they rush to and fro, keeping up the while a most -woeful howling, heard frequently at a great distance until they are -swallowed up by the waves.” - -The vision and hearing, but more particularly the sense of smell in the -Wolf, are very fully developed. These faculties are of great service in -enabling it to obtain food and avoid danger. - -When suffering from hunger it loses all caution, and becomes a scourge -to the farmers’ flocks and a source of danger even to Man. In broad -daylight, under such circumstances, without being seen, it will draw -near a flock of Sheep, eluding the vigilance of the dogs, it will dart -forward, seize a victim that it has singled out, and bear it off with -such velocity as often to defy pursuit. This exploit accomplished, it -returns time after time to the scene of its previous success, until -destroyed or driven from the neighborhood. - -When it succeeds in obtaining entrance to a sheepfold, the havoc it -commits is fearful, for it makes a general massacre among the inmates. -The slaughter terminated, it carries away a victim for immediate use. It -afterwards takes a second, third, and fourth, which it conceals in -different places in the neighboring woods. Nor does it return to its -retreat until daybreak, devoting the last moments to secreting its -booty. - -This craving for slaughter, preceding the act of hiding the carcasses, -rather denotes foresight than ferocity; the Wolf is not, therefore, the -monster of cruelty pictured by Buffon. - -The Wolf often destroys Dogs, its most deadly enemy; and resorts to -stratagem the better to accomplish its purpose. Should it see a Puppy -about a farmyard, it approaches, and attracts attention by frisking and -making all kinds of gambols to gain its confidence. When the youngster, -seduced by these overtures, responds to them, and leaves the friendly -shelter of its home, it is immediately overpowered, and carried off. -Against a vigorous Dog, capable of defending itself with success, the -stratagem is different. Two Wolves arrange between themselves the -following plan:—One shows itself to the hoped-for-victim, and endeavors -to make the Dog follow its track into an ambuscade, where the second -Wolf is concealed. Both suddenly assail it at once, and through their -combination obtain an easy victory. - -Under ordinary circumstances the Wolf does not molest Man, but even -flies from his presence. In cases of extreme hunger, on the contrary, it -attacks him, looking out for an unguarded moment in order to take him -unawares. If the Man is on horseback or accompanied by a Dog, its first -efforts are directed against the quadrupeds. - -During the winter, when the ground is covered with snow, in the great -plains of Germany, in the vast steppes of Russia and Poland, Wolves are -most dangerous. “Hunger drives the Wolf from the wood,” says a proverb. -Allied in immense troops they range the country in every direction, and -become a terrible scourge. - -In those plains of Siberia that are infested by Wolves a sledge journey -is far from agreeable, for frequently a band of these ferocious brutes -persistently follow travelers. If the sledge stops for only a second, -the Men and Horses are lost; safety exists only in flight. The struggle -on such occasions is fearful. The Horses, mad with terror, seem to have -wings. The Wolves follow on their track, their eyes flashing with fire. -It is a terrible situation to be placed in to behold these black -spectres tearing across the surface of the white shroud of snow, -thirsting for your blood. From time to time a report is heard; a Wolf -falls. More audacious than the others, the victim had tried to climb the -sledge, and one of the travelers has shot it. This incident gives some -advantage to the fugitives; for the carnivorous troop halt for a few -seconds to devour the body of their companion. - -Wolves are not hunted with Hounds that run by scent, for it would only -be possible to overtake them with Greyhounds, as they are endowed with -great speed and endurance. The method generally adopted for their -destruction is to post the hunters around the covers which a Wolf -frequents. These measures being taken, the grizzly marauder is started -by Bloodhounds, specially trained for the purpose. The Wolf dashes past -the sportsmen, either successfully running the gauntlet or getting shot. - - - THE JACKAL. - -[Illustration: JACKAL.] - -The Jackal, five or six varieties of which are known, is common to the -whole of Africa, all the warm regions of Asia, and to portions of -Southern Europe. It is about the same length as the Fox, but stands a -little taller. Its coat is of a greyish-yellow color above, and white -beneath; its tail is tipped with black at the extremity. - -Jackals live together in troops, which are sometimes composed of more -than a hundred individuals. Although their eyes are adapted for seeing -in daylight, they usually sleep during the day, and do not go abroad -until night to seek their food. To keep together they are constantly -howling, and their voice is sad, loud and unmusical. Their voracity and -audacity are unparallelled. They enter habitations, when opportunity -presents itself, and sweep off everything eatable they can reach; -devouring even boots, Horse harness and other articles made of leather. -In the desert they follow the caravans, prowl all night around their -encampment, and endeavor to carry off anything chance may throw in their -way. After the start of the caravan they rush upon the deserted -halting-place, greedily fighting for all the refuse. Captain Williamson -tells us that “Mr. Kinloch, who kept a famous pack of Hounds, having -chased a Jackal into a jungle, found it necessary to call off his Dogs, -in consequence of an immense herd of Jackals, which had suddenly -collected on hearing the cries of their brother, which the Hounds were -worrying. They were so numerous that not only the Dogs were defeated, -but the Jackals rushed out of cover in pursuit of them; and when Mr. -Kinloch and his party rode up to whip them off, their Horses were bit, -and it was not without difficulty that a retreat was effected. The pack -was found to have suffered so severely as not to be able to take the -field for several weeks. - -“The Jackal is very watchful. He will wait at your door, and will enter -your house, and avail himself of the smallest opening for enterprise; he -will rob your roost, and steal Kids, Lambs, Pigs and sometimes even take -a Pup from its sleepy mother; he will strip a larder or pick the bones -of a carcass, all with equal avidity. It is curious to see them -fighting, almost within reach of your stick, to reach the expected -booty. - -“Both Jackals and Foxes sham death to admiration. After having been -almost pulled to pieces by Dogs and left to all appearance lifeless, -they sometimes gradually cock their ears, then look askance at the -retiring enemy, and when they think themselves unobserved, steal under a -bank, and thus skulk along till they find themselves safe, when, setting -off at a trot or a canter, they make the best of their way to some place -of security.” - - - THE FOXES. - -[Illustration: FOXES AT HOME.] - -These animals are distinguished from Wolves and Dogs by their longer and -more bushy tail, and by their elongated and more pointed muzzle. They -have a most offensive odor; and dig holes in the ground, wherein they -reside and rear their young. They live upon Birds and other animals, but -never attack any but such as have no power of resistance. The cunning of -the Fox has always furnished a subject fertile in amusing anecdotes. -Their attachment to their young is well illustrated in the following -little narrative extracted from Mr. Lloyd’s “Scandinavian Adventures:” - -“A Fox having slaughtered a whole flock of Goslings, M. Drougge, to whom -they belonged, resolved to attack her and her cubs in their ‘earth.’ -This, however, was so deep that night set in before any satisfaction -could be obtained. Some days after, on revisiting the kula (or ‘earth’), -it was found deserted, but, after some search, five cubs were found in a -newly-made retreat, and deposited in an old hen-house belonging to the -Lansmann, from whence, however, the mother nearly released them during -the succeeding night; for in the morning the building was found -undermined, and the half-rotten floor nearly bitten through. The cubs -were now removed to an unoccupied room in the dwelling-house itself; and -even here, by burrowing under the foundations of the building, as she -was discovered to be doing during the two following nights, her attempts -to free the prisoners were renewed. But the matter did not rest here; -for one night shortly after, a continuous noise was heard in the attic, -where, in consequence, the Lansmann proceeded to ascertain the cause of -the disturbance. On his way up the stairs he was startled by an animal -apparently resembling a Dog, running hastily past his legs, to which -circumstance he at the time paid little attention; but as, when he -reached the attic, he found everything quiet, he returned to his bed -again. On the following morning, however, it was discovered that the Fox -had been the cause of the uproar; for, with the intention of getting -access to her cubs, she had been endeavoring to make an aperture in the -chimney, and it then became perfectly clear that it was the Fox herself -which, in her hurry to escape, had nearly upset the Lansmann, while -mounting the steps the night before. The room below, in which the cubs -were confined, was now examined, but they were nowhere to be seen. At -length, however, their cries were heard in the flue of the stove, the -whole of which structure it was necessary to take down before they could -be extricated.” - - - THE FENNEC FOX. - -The Fennec Fox is a remarkable little animal found in Nubia and other -parts of Northern Africa, where it resides in burrows excavated in the -sand. Its body, head included, does not measure more than thirteen -inches in length, while its tail, which is very bushy, is about eight -inches long. Its head is narrow, with a pointed muzzle. Its eyes are -large, and the iris of a deep blue color; the sides of its face are -margined by long thick whiskers, while its enormous ears, which are very -broad at the base, erect, and pointed, give a very singular appearance. -The hair covering the body is of a pale fawn or cream color, shading -into white beneath. - -Bruce describes the Fennec as being a white Weasel. He had several of -these successively in his possession, and says: “They were all known by -the name of Fennec, and no other, and said to inhabit the date villages, -where they build their nests upon trees.” Of one, which he kept, he -tells us: “Though his favorite food seemed to be dates or sweet fruit, -yet I observed he was very fond of eggs. Pigeons’ eggs and small Birds’ -eggs were first brought him, which he devoured with great avidity, but -he did not seem to know how to manage the egg of a hen; when broken for -him, however, he seemed to eat it with the same eagerness as the others. -When he was hungry, he would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar. -It was observable that a Bird, whether confined in a cage near him or -flying across a room, engrossed his whole attention. He followed it with -his eyes wherever it went, nor was he at this time to be diverted by -placing biscuit before him, and it was obvious, by the great interest he -seemed to take in its motions, that he was accustomed to watch for -victories over it, either for his pleasure or his food. He seemed very -much alarmed at the approach of a Cat, and endeavored to hide himself, -but showed no symptom of preparing for any defence. He suffered himself, -not without some difficulty, to be handled in the day, when he seemed -rather inclined to sleep, but was exceedingly restless when night came, -always endeavoring to make his escape, and though he did not attempt the -wire, yet with his sharp teeth he soon mastered the wood of any common -bird-cage.” - - - THE COMMON FOX. - -The Common Fox is still found throughout Europe. For ages past it has -had a reputation for cunning, which has given it great notoriety. “As -cunning as a Fox” is one of the most common adages in the languages of -nations. - -The Fox never attacks animals capable of resistance. In the twilight it -ventures out in quest of its prey, when it wanders silently around the -country, prowling about the covers and hedges, hoping to surprise Birds, -Rabbits or Hares, its usual prey. - -If it fails to secure such delicate food, however, it will eat Field -Mice, Lizards, Frogs, &c. It does not dislike certain fruits, and it is -especially fond of grapes. To domestic Fowls it is terribly destructive. -When during its nightly prowling the crow of a Cock strikes its ear, it -turns at once in the direction of the welcome sound. It wanders around -the poultry yard, examining and observing all the weak points by which -an entrance might be gained. When at last successful in reaching the -Hen-roost, a reckless carnage among its occupants is made, and this not -so much to satisfy a craving for blood as to provide store for the -future. With this object, one by one the victims are carried off, and -concealed in the woods or its den. - -If all efforts to enter the Hen-roost are unsuccessful, then Reynard -undertakes to ruin it in detail, and to slay in one or more months those -which he cannot kill in a day. With this intention he installs himself -on the margin of a wood, close to the farm, and anxiously watches every -movement of the poultry. If his prey wander into the fields, his -attentions are doubled; seizing the moment when the Watch-dog is out of -sight, he creeps towards them, draws near his victim without being seen, -seizes, strangles and carries it off. When these manoeuvres have once -succeeded, they are repeated till the poultry yard is empty. - -The following story, narrated to me by an old woodman, also illustrates -their cunning. Two Foxes, located in a neighborhood where Hares -abounded, adopted an ingenious plan for capturing them. One of them lay -in ambush on the side of a road; the other started the quarry and -pursued it with ardor, with the object of driving the game into the road -guarded by his associate. From time to time, by an occasional bark, the -associate in ambush was notified how the chase was succeeding. When a -Hare was driven into the road it was immediately pounced on, and both -Foxes devoured it in thorough good fellowship. Nevertheless, it -sometimes happened that the Fox who kept watch miscalculated his spring, -and the Hare escaped. When, as though puzzled at his want of skill, he -resumed his post, jumped on to the road, and several times repeated the -movement. His comrade arriving in the middle of this exercise, was not -slow to comprehend its meaning, and irritated at being fatigued to no -purpose, chastised his clumsy associate; but a tussle of a few minutes -sufficed to expend the bad humor, and they were ready to try again. - -The adult Fox is also assisted by its young in procuring food when they -become old enough. Some observers say that these family excursions are -undertaken for the education of the cubs. When on a hunt to obtain -aquatic Birds, among the reeds and rushes that margin the borders of -lakes and rivers, Foxes always proceed with extreme caution, and take -especial care not to become unnecessarily wet. - -One of the most frequent tricks of the Fox, and which shows an unusual -amount of intelligence, consists in simulating death when surprised by -the hunters, and there is no hope of safety by flight. It may then be -handled, kicked about in every direction, even lifted by the tail, hung -up in the air, or carried thrown over one’s shoulder, without showing -the slightest sign of life. But as soon as released, and opportunity for -escape offers, it will hurry away to the great amazement of those so -cleverly fooled. - -The Fox most frequently inhabits a burrow or “earth,” which it excavates -among stones, rocks, or under the trunk of a tree, at the edge of a -wood; at other times it digs its subterraneous retreat on cultivated -land; always it is careful to have it on an elevated slope, so as to be -protected against rain and inundations. - -At times it appropriates the burrow of a Rabbit or Badger, and -re-arranges it to suit itself. - -Its dwelling it divides into three parts: The first part is the place -from whence it examines the neighborhood before coming out, and from -where it watches for a favorable moment to escape its persecutors, when -pursuit has driven it home. Then comes the store-room, a place with -several outlets, where the provisions are stored away. Lastly, behind -the store-room, quite at the bottom of the burrow, is the den, the -sleeping chamber and real habitation of the animal. The Fox seldom -regularly inhabits its burrow, except when rearing young. After that -period it generally sleeps in a cover, near a spot where it thinks -plunder is to be had, sometimes at a distance from its burrow. - - - - - THE WEASEL FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: WEASELS AND ERMINES.] - -The Weasels and their many small relatives—the Ermines, Martens, Otters -and many others—are usually classed with the Dog and Cat families and -the Civets and Hyenas, under the second great division of the -flesh-eating animals or those that walk on their toes; known as the -Digitigrade Carnivora. - -The fierce little Weasel, which is taken as a type of the whole Weasel -family is the smallest of all the carnivorous animals. It does not often -measure more than six inches in length. It is found all over the -temperate part of Europe, although the most of its relatives prefer the -cold climate of the far North. Its boldness and courage are wonderful, -and it will often seize and kill animals very much larger than itself. - -A Weasel has even been seen to attack an Eagle, and after allowing -himself to be carried high into the air, he has succeeded after a long, -hard fight in biting through the throat of the Eagle. Then both fall to -the ground, and the Eagle dies, although the Weasel is not hurt, except -the wounds in his skin made by the Eagle’s talons, which soon heal. - -Of all the animals belonging to this family, the Weasel is most easily -tamed, and it soon shows a great affection for its master. - - - THE ERMINE. - -This little animal is very much like the Weasel in size and form, but it -usually prefers a colder climate, and makes its home in the northern -regions of Sweden, Norway, Russia, Siberia and Arctic America. These -animals do not often measure more than ten inches in length (not -including the tail) but their skins are very valuable. They bring a high -price, and a very important trade in them is carried on. In summer, the -Ermine is of a beautiful brown color above and white below, while the -tail is tipped with black. In winter the whole coat becomes a brilliant -white, with sometimes a slightly yellow tinge, the tip of the tail -remaining black. This is the season in which the fur is most valuable. - - - THE MARTENS. - -[Illustration: MARTEN SEEKING FOOD IN THE TREES.] - -There are three species of Marten that make their home in Europe and -Western Asia—the Pine Marten, the Sable and the Beech or Stone Marten. -These all have large, open ears, and long bushy tails, and they live -principally upon the trees, where, creeping from branch to branch, they -hunt the small Birds and Squirrels. They are usually found in the gloom -of dense forests. - -The Beech or Stone Marten is found in all parts of Europe, not only in -the woods, but often in thick hedges and vineyards wherever there is -shelter for it to creep along and hunt its prey. It will often make its -home near a farm house and destroy with great fury the small domestic -animals. - -The Sable is eagerly sought after on account of its fur. Its home is in -the northern part of Europe, in the coldest parts of Russia and Siberia. -The Turks, Russians and Chinese are the principal purchasers of their -skins, and they distribute them in trade, far and wide, through Europe -and Asia. The winter coat of the Sable is almost black and very close, -and is much more valuable than when the animal is in summer dress. - -The Russian exiles in Siberia hunt the Sable, and when in search of this -animal they are exposed to the perils of famine, climate and wild -beasts. - -The Pine Marten is found in Northern Europe and North America. It owes -its name to its supposed preference for the cones of the pine tree, as -the Beech Marten is thought to select the fruit of the beech. The Pine -Marten is of considerable size; its color yellowish, blended in some -parts with a blackish tint; head lighter; throat yellow; tail long, -bushy, and pointed. The fur varies in different individuals, both in -color and fineness. - -This animal lurks in the thick woods, where its prey—Squirrels, Mice, -Birds and their eggs—abound. It feeds likewise on Insects, Fish and the -smaller Reptiles, and also on berries, nuts and honey. It is active and -sprightly, and we are told by Dr. Godman that the Pine Marten frequently -has his den in the hollows of trees, but very commonly takes possession -of the nest of some industrious Squirrel, which it enlarges to suit its -convenience, after putting the builder to death. - -These animals are caught for the sake of their fur, which is, however, -inferior to that of the Sable Marten. A Partridge’s head with the -feathers is the best bait for the log traps in which this animal is -taken. It often destroys the hoards of meat and fish laid up by the -natives, when they have accidentally left a crevice by which it can -enter. - -The Marten, when its retreat is cut off, shows its teeth, sets up its -hair, arches its back, and makes a hissing noise like a cat. It will -seize a dog by the nose, and bite so hard that, unless the latter is -accustomed to the fight, it allows the animal to escape. - -It may be easily tamed, and it soon acquires an attachment to its -master, but it never becomes docile. Its flesh is occasionally eaten, -though it is not prized by the Indians. - - - THE OTTERS. - -[Illustration: OTTER FISHING FOR HIS DINNER.] - -The Otters prefer to live in or near the water, and they are formed to -find great enjoyment in this life. Their webbed feet, their slender -shape and flattened head make them very active in darting through the -water for their prey. They are usually found along the edges of lakes, -rivers and streams, where they either dig out a burrow communicating -with the water, or make their home in some natural crevice near the bank -of the stream. They feed principally upon fish, and they cause a great -deal of trouble in the waters near their home, as they are not satisfied -with killing simply to satisfy their hunger, but often hunt and kill the -Fish, etc., simply for the sake of killing. - -Unlike the most of the Weasel family, the Otters will eat vegetables, -although they prefer an animal diet. The skin of the Otter has always -been a fur of great value, for it is soft, close and durable. The coat -of this animal, like that of the Beaver and almost all of the aquatic -Mammals, is composed of two layers—the one next to the skin formed of -short, fine, downy hair; the other, which grows through it, is more -glossy, longer and coarser. - -Otters are found in all parts of the world, but they are most plentiful -in Europe and America. The Common Otter measures about two feet and a -quarter from the tip of the nose to the tail—which is from twelve to -fifteen inches in length. The usual color of the fur is brown, shading -to darker tints. - -In Kamschatka and on the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, there exists -a species of Otter, which differs from all other species in the softness -and brilliancy of its fur, and its living almost entirely in the water. -It measures more than a yard in length and is very mild in disposition. -The skins of the Sea Otters are very high in price, and are increasing -in value, as these animals are becoming very scarce. - - - - - THE CIVET FAMILY. - - -The Civets are the best known of the family classed as the Viverridae -which comprises not only the two kinds of Civets—the African and the -Indian Civet—but the Mangousts, the Genets and many small relatives. The -Civets are the largest of this family, although they are not often -larger than a Fox. For many years they were very popular, because of the -perfume which they furnish and which bears their name. This is secreted -in small glands which pour it into a double pouch. Since musk has become -better known, the use of the Civet has been less popular, but at one -time it formed a valuable article of trade. Each year Africa and India -exported to Europe large quantities which was used in medicine and -perfumery. - -The Indian Civet inhabits not only the Indian Continent, but also the -neighboring islands. It differs from the African Civet in having a -longer and rougher coat. Both are fawn-colored, marked with stripes or -brown spots. - - - THE MANGOUSTS. - -[Illustration: MANGOUSTS.] - -These are small animals found in the warmest parts of Africa and Asia. -They have a low body, but are very rapid in their movements, and their -legs are so short, they have the appearance of crawling rapidly along -the ground instead of running. Their tail is long and thick at the root, -and their skin is silky and marked with colored rings. - -The Mangousts make their home in marshy places where there are plenty of -Reptiles. They prefer these to any other food, although they attack -small animals and Birds. They also search for the eggs of Reptiles, and -such Birds as build on the ground. They sometimes manage to get into -poultry yards, when, like the Ferrets and Weasels, they kill all that -can be found, only eating their brains and drinking their blood. - - - THE GENETS. - -[Illustration: GENETS.] - -The Genets are handsomer little animals than others of this family. -Their silky fur, speckled with black spots on a fawn-colored ground, has -a very pretty appearance, and is an object of considerable trade. - -The Common Genet is found in the south of France and Spain, and -throughout the African Continent, and makes its home in low grounds near -the rivers. The claws of the Genets are retractile, that is, capable of -being drawn back, like those of the Cat. These animals are very -successful in hunting Rats and Mice, and they also climb trees and hunt -for young Birds. - - - - - AMPHIBIOUS CARNIVORA. - - -The Seals, Walruses, Sea-Elephants and Sea-Lions, etc., are grouped in a -family known as the Amphibious Carnivora—or the flesh-eating animals -that live both on the land and in the water. Some Naturalists object to -this classification, and say that the word Amphibia should only be -applied to the Batrachians—like the Frogs and the Reptiles that can -breath either in the water by means of gills, or in the air by means of -lungs. - -But this expression has been altered from its true meaning, and what are -now called Amphibia, are the animals like the Seals, etc., which are -organized for living in the water, but which can, with difficulty move -about on the land. - -Very curious animals are found in the Seal family. Their bodies are long -and cylinder-shaped, with many of the characteristics of the Fishes; and -their limbs are converted into fins by being provided with broad -connecting webs. The fur of these various animals is composed of a -woolly compact coat, the thickness and fineness of which increases with -the severity of the climate they inhabit; and which is covered by rather -coarse hairs lubricated with oil, the object of which is to prevent the -water from penetrating to the skin. A thick layer of fat protects the -body against cold, especially in the species which inhabit the frigid -regions. - -The Seal family live in numerous troops, and feed on Fishes, Mollusks, -Crustaceans, etc. They are famous divers, and although they must come to -the surface to breathe, they can remain a long time under water. This is -explained by a peculiarity in their circulation. They are provided with -reservoirs in which the blood accumulates while the lungs are inactive; -and the animal is not suffocated while under water, because suffocation -only comes from the stoppage of circulation as soon as the breathing is -suspended, and in this case the circulation continues all the time the -animal is under water; and it is only when the blood overruns these -reservoirs that it is necessary for them to return to the surface of the -water to breathe. - -Owing to this precaution of nature the Amphibia can wander freely about -in the depths of the ocean in search of their food. - -As their members are badly fitted for locomotion on land, the Amphibia -only leave the water when they want to sleep, or while their babies are -very young, and feed on the mother’s milk. But these clumsy little -fellows soon grow strong enough to dive to the bottom of the ocean with -their mother, and search for food among the small Fishes, etc. - -The Amphibia do not live in very warm regions, and they increase more -and more in number in proportion as one advances towards the poles. They -are found on the coasts of Europe—in the North Seas, the British Channel -and the Mediterranean; and in southern latitudes of the Pacific, along -the coast of Southern Chili and upon the shores of New Zealand. - - - THE COMMON SEAL. - -[Illustration: COMMON SEAL.] - -The Common Seal, a species frequently seen upon our northern coasts, -measures from three to five feet in length, and is of a yellowish grey -color, spotted with patches of brown. These animals are met with in -greater numbers as we approach the Arctic seas, and afford the principal -means of support to the Esquimaux of Labrador, and the inhabitants of -the coast of Greenland. - -“The Seal,” says Mr. Low, “swims with vast rapidity, and before a gale -of wind is full of frolic, jumping and tumbling about, sometimes wholly -throwing itself above water, performing many awkward gambols, and at -last retiring to a rock or cavern, of which it keeps possession till the -storm is over. - -“Seals seem to have a great deal of curiosity; if people are passing in -boats, they often come quite close up to the boat, and stare at them, -following for a long time together. The church of Hay, in Orkney, is -situated near a small sandy bay, much frequented by these creatures, and -I observed when the bell rang for divine service, all the creatures -within hearing swam directly for the shore, and kept looking about them -as if surprised rather than frightened, and in this manner continued to -wonder as long as the bell rang.” - -They are exceedingly docile and intelligent, and when tamed will be -quite friendly with the Esquimaux Dogs and spend much of their time with -them on the icy shore. - - - THE SEA-LIONS. - -[Illustration: Sea Lions in Battle.] - -The Seals belonging to this group differ from the others in having -prominent external ears. The fingers of the front flippers are nearly -stiff and immovable, while those of the hind pair are considerably -extended by a web, and supported by small flattened claws. - -The Sea-Lion, or Maned Seal, is an animal of gigantic size, measuring -from fifteen to twenty feet in length, or even more; it is of a dull -tawny color, and the neck of the male is covered with a sort of mane, -composed of hair considerably longer and more crisp than that which -covers the rest of the body. These formidable creatures are extensively -distributed along the coasts of the Pacific ocean, more especially in -the vicinity of the Straits of Magellan, and the neighboring islands. -After choosing their home, the Sea-Lions will fight fiercely for the -rights of possession, and, as illustrated on page 87; this is probably -one of the most interesting and clumsy battles that can well be -imagined. - - - THE SEA-ELEPHANTS. - -[Illustration: SEA ELEPHANTS.] - -The appearance of the Seals belonging to this group are very curious. -The head is broad and short, with a tuft of bristles over each eye. The -upper lip is longer than the lower; the nostrils are wrinkled, and can -be blown up into a crest. The whiskers are very long; the fore-feet are -rather small and oblong, with five elongated claws. - -The Sea-Elephant is very numerous in the southern latitudes of the -Pacific, more especially upon the coasts of Terra del Fuego and Chili, -as well as upon the shores of New Zealand. The full-grown creature -measures eighteen to twenty feet in length, and from the abundance of -oil obtained from its carcass, is the subject of important fisheries. - - - THE WALRUS OR MORSE. - -[Illustration: WALRUS.] - -These enormous animals closely resemble seals, both in the shape of -their body and the structure of their limbs, but are distinguished by -the shape of their head, and by the enormous tusks which project from -their upper jaw. These remarkable weapons sometimes measure two feet in -length, and are of proportionate thickness. The great size of the bones -of the face required for holding these teeth renders their appearance -peculiarly striking, their nostrils being pushed so far upwards that, -instead of being situated at the extremity of the snout, they are placed -near the top of the head. - -Their food seems to consist of sea-weed (which they detach from the soil -by means of these tusks, which act like garden rakes), as well as of -animal substances. They frequently measure from twenty to twenty-five -feet in length, and a full-sized Bull Walrus, weighing three thousand -pounds, will yield six hundred pounds of blubber, from which excellent -oil is procured. Its hide is used for harness, shoe soles, and the -rigging of ships, as well as for the manufacture of glue. - - - - - CHIEROPTERA—ANIMALS WITH WINGED-HANDS. - - -FOR a long time these curious little animals puzzled the Naturalists. -Aristotle defined them as Birds with wings of skin. After him, Pliny and -other Naturalists fell into the same error of classifying them with the -Birds; but after many centuries the different characters that fix the -rank of these animals in the scale of created beings are well known, and -they are placed where they belong, in the great family of Mammals, and -classed as the Cheiroptera, or animals with winged-hands—as the word -Cheiroptera comes from two Greek words meaning wing and hand. - -All the fingers of the hand (with the exception of the thumb, which is -short, has a nail, and is quite free) are immoderately long, and united -by means of a transparent membrane which is without hair. This membrane -covers also the arm and forearm, and is simply a prolongation of the -skin of the flanks, composed of two very thin layers. It also extends -down the hind legs, where it is more or less developed, according to the -species; but it never reaches the toes of the feet, which are short and -have nails. - -It is owing to this membranous sail that Bats direct their course -through the air in the same manner as Birds. When they are at rest they -fold their wings around them, covering their bodies as if in a mantle, -similar to our closing an umbrella to diminish its volume when it is no -longer required. This comparison is still more exact when we note that -the curiously long fingers of the animal perfectly correspond to the -ribs or rods of the umbrella. - -Bats do not descend to the ground if it can possibly be helped, for they -are very awkward and slow in attempting to walk along the ground; and -besides this, when on the ground they find themselves in a very -inconvenient position to resume their flight. Their case is then almost -the same as that of high-soaring Birds, which, full of grace and -assurance aloft, are compelled to resort to the most painful efforts to -ascend again from low levels. - -The Bats are classed as nocturnal animals, as they hunt their prey at -night, and spend the day in caverns, lofts, church spires and old ruins, -or the trunks of trees. Their eyes, although small, are organized for -seeing, not in complete darkness but in the twilight, or in the feeble -light of the moon and stars. - - - THE LONG-EARED BATS. - -[Illustration: LONG EARED BATS.] - -The Long-eared Bat is one of the most interesting of the whole race. Its -ears are twice as long as its head, and very nearly as long as the body, -being an inch and a half from the base to the point. Within these large -ears are what are known as the lesser ears, which are fine and -transparent, and can be expanded and contracted by their owner to -produce a beautiful feathery appearance, or festoon-like foldings. - -This Bat measures about eighteen inches from tip to tip of its expanded -wings. - - - THE LONG-NOSED BATS. - -[Illustration: LONG NOSED BATS.] - -There are several varieties of these Bats having a long nose and -Fox-like face. The best known is commonly called Roussette by the -French, because of its being generally of a red or brown color; and -Kalony, or Flying Fox, by the English. It is the largest of the Bat -family. There are some which attain the size of a Squirrel, and -sometimes measure four feet across the wings. - -The animals belonging to this family inhabit Africa, Asia and the -Oceanic Islands. - - - THE VAMPIRES. - -The Vampires are the most dreaded of the Bat family. They are -characterized by two nasal leaves situated above the upper lip. -Wonderful tales have been told of their appetite for blood, and although -their power of sucking the blood of the larger animals has been -exaggerated, the tales concerning them are by no means devoid of -foundation, neither are we surprised that such spectral visitants should -have received the once terrible name of “vampire,” by which they are -designated. - -Mr. Gardner, during his travels in the interior of Brazil, stopped at -Riachao. He says: - -“For several nights before we reached this place, the Horses were -greatly annoyed by Bats, which are very numerous on this sierra, where -they inhabit the caves in the limestone rocks; during the night we -remained at Riachao the whole of my troop suffered more from their -attacks than they had done before on any previous occasion. All -exhibited one or more streams of clotted blood on their shoulders and -backs, which had run from the wounds made by these animals, and from -which they had sucked their fill of blood. - -“When a small sore exists on the back of a Horse, they always prefer -making an incision in that place. The owner of the house where we -stopped informed me he was not able to rear Cattle here, on account of -the destruction made by the Bats among the Calves, so that he was -obliged to keep them at a distance, in a lower part of the country; even -the Pigs were not able to escape their attacks.” - -These singular creatures, which are productive of so much annoyance, are -peculiar to the continent of America, being distributed over the immense -extent of territory between Paraguay and the Isthmus of Darien. Their -tongue, which is capable of considerable extension, is furnished at its -extremity with papillae, which appear to be so arranged as to form an -organ of suction, and their lips have also tubercles symmetrically -arranged. These are the organs by which they draw the life-blood both -from man and beast. These animals are the famous Vampires of which -various travellers have given such wonderful accounts. - -Gardner says: “The molar teeth of the true Vampire, or Spectre Bat, are -of the most carnivorous character, the first being short and almost -plain, the others sharp and cutting, and terminating in two or three -points. Their rough tongue has been supposed to be the instrument -employed for abrading the skin, so as to enable them more readily to -abstract the blood; but Zoologists are now agreed that such supposition -is altogether groundless. Having carefully examined in many cases the -wounds thus made on Horses, Mules, Pigs and other animals, observations -that have been confirmed by information received from the inhabitants of -the northern parts of Brazil, I am led to believe that the puncture the -Vampire makes in the skin of animals is effected by the sharp hooked -nail of its thumb, and that from the wound thus made it abstracts the -blood by the suctorial powers of its lips and tongue. That these animals -attack men is certain, for I have frequently been shown the scars of -their punctures in the toes of many who had suffered from their attacks, -but I never met with a recent case. They grow to a large size, and I -have killed some that measure two feet between the tips of the wings.” - -A very similar account of the Vampires is given by Humboldt: - -“Our great Dog was bitten, or as the Indians say, stung at the point of -the nose by some enormous Bats that hovered round our hammocks. The -Dog’s wound was very small and round, and though he uttered a plaintive -cry when he felt himself bitten, it was not from pain, but because he -was frightened at the sight of the Bats, which came out from beneath our -hammocks. These accidents are much more rare than is believed even in -the country itself. In the course of several years, notwithstanding we -slept so often in the open air, in climates where Vampire Bats and other -species are so common, we were never wounded. Besides, the puncture is -in no way dangerous, and in general causes so little pain that it often -does not awaken the person till after the Bat has withdrawn.” - - - - - INSECTIVORA—INSECT-EATERS. - - -THE quadrupeds which compose this small but numerous group live -principally upon insects, and have their molar teeth studded with sharp -points. The habits of the different families are extremely varied. Some -for instance, like the Hedgehog, seek their food on the ground, while -others like the Tupaia, hunt for it on trees. The Moles, on the other -hand, find their subsistence deep in the soil, and live entirely under -the ground; while the Desmans, and some species of the Shrew Mice live -in or near the water. - -The Insect-eaters are usually divided into three families—the various -kinds of Moles, which are too well known to require special description; -the Shrew Mice and their numerous small relatives, including the Water, -the Oared and the Elephant Shrew, the Desmans, etc.; and the -Hedgehogs—including the Long-eared and the Common Hedgehog, the Tupaia, -and other members of this curious prickly family. - - - THE SHREWS. - -The Common Shrew is a pretty little creature, remarkable for its square -tail, which is about two-thirds as long as the body. It lives in -meadows, and has been falsely accused by the ignorant of causing by its -bite a disease in Horses, and even of witchcraft. The truth seems to be -that the Shrew has a strong and peculiar odor, which is very repugnant -to Cats; they drive away and kill the Shrew Mouse, but never eat it. It -is apparently this circumstance that has been the origin of the -prejudice against the supposed venomous bite of this animal, and of the -danger of its attacking Cattle, as well as Horses. It is, however, -neither venomous nor capable of biting, for it cannot open its mouth -sufficiently wide to seize the double thickness of an animal’s skin, -which is especially necessary in biting; and the Horse malady attributed -by the ignorant to the bite of the Shrew Mouse is a swelling which -proceeds from an internal cause, and has nothing to do with the bite, or -rather puncture, of this little creature. Its usual abodes, especially -in winter, are hay-lofts, stables and barns attached to farm yards; it -lives upon insects and decayed animal substances. - - - THE WATER-SHREWS. - -These little animals are slightly larger than the real Shrews, which -they very much resemble, and from which they are further distinguishable -by the facility with which they swim and dive, owing to the fringed -condition of their feet. - -The Water-shrew frequents fresh, clear streams and ponds, constructing -in their banks long winding burrows, terminating in a chamber lined with -moss and grass. “When born they are,” Mr. Austen tells us, “curious -pinky-white little creatures, but very unlike their parents.” A small -colony of these Shrews frequently inhabit the same spot, and towards the -cool of the evening may be observed searching for food, and sporting -with each other in the water; now hiding behind stones or large leaves, -as if to elude their companions, and then darting out to engage in a -general skirmishing chase, diving and swimming with the greatest -activity, and occasionally taking a plunge into their holes. By -constantly traversing the same ground, in going and returning from their -burrows, they gradually tread down a path among the grass and herbage, -by which their presence may readily be discovered by an experienced eye. -When under water, their fur is covered with multitudes of tiny -air-bubbles that shine like silver and have a beautiful effect when seen -against the dark surface of the body. - - - THE ELEPHANT SHREW. - -[Illustration: THE ELEPHANT SHREW.] - -This little creature has received its name from its long nose which -somewhat resembles the trunk of the Elephant on a small scale. This -species is found in South America, where they may be seen in search of -prey among the bushes, retiring quickly to their burrows when they find -themselves observed. They are leaping animals, and love to sit erect, -basking in the full heat of the sun. - - - THE HEDGEHOGS. - -[Illustration: HEDGEHOGS.] - -The Hedgehogs owe their name to the singular texture of their hair, -which consists of real spines, capable of being thrown erect at the will -of the animal. They frequent the woods and hedgerows, living in a burrow -excavated in some bank, wherein it passes the winter in a lethargic -condition. It lives principally upon insects, but does not refuse fruits -and other vegetable substances. Hedgehogs do not stir out during the -day, but they run or walk about the whole night long. They rarely -approach dwellings, and prefer elevated and dry places, although they -are sometimes found in meadows. If laid hold of, they do not try to -escape or defend themselves, either with their mouth or feet, but they -roll themselves up into a ball as soon as touched. - -As they sleep during winter, the provisions which they are said by some -to accumulate during the summer would be useless to them. They do not -eat much, and pass a considerable time without food. - -Their flesh is sometimes eaten by the gipsy race, who envelope the -carcass in soft clay, and then roast it among the heaped fuel of their -camp-fire. - - - - - EDENTATA—TOOTHLESS QUADRUPEDS. - - -THIS order is usually known as the Edentata, which means animals which -are toothless; and yet this does not infer that all the animals included -in this group are completely devoid of teeth, although this really is -the case with several species—but in the majority of these animals only -the incisors are missing, so that there is an empty space in the front -of their jaws. - -All the animals of this group have their limbs terminated by very strong -claws, which are used for climbing or scratching. Some of these animals -instead of being clothed with hair, are covered with scales—a -peculiarity which adds to the strangeness of their appearance; they are -all rather clumsy in form, slow in their motions and possessed of very -little intelligence. - -Their habits and manner of feeding differ much in the various -families—some living on vegetables, others on animal substances; some -burrowing in holes, others living on trees. All are natives of the warm -regions, both of the Old and New World; and the larger number of them -are found in South America. They never attain great size, the largest -species measuring about three feet in length, not including the tail. - -The Edentata, or Toothless Quadrupeds, include five families—the Sloths, -Armadillos, Ant-eaters, Aard-vark and Pangolins. - - - - - THE SLOTH FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: SLOTHS.] - -The Sloths are a strange kind of animal, which, from their more -prominent characteristics and climbing habits, were for a long time -classed among the Monkeys. When they are examined on the ground they -appear deformed and incapable of active motion, for they can only move -with extreme slowness. This peculiarity is the origin of their name. In -fact, their fore-legs are so much longer than the hind ones, that in -walking they are obliged to drag themselves along on their knees. - -But if we follow its motions on a tree, in the midst of those conditions -of existence which are natural to it, the Sloth leaves on our mind a -very different impression. We then recognize that there is in them no -want of harmony, and that they, like every other creature, possess the -means of protecting themselves from the attacks of their enemies. They -embrace the branches with their strong arms, and bury in the bark the -enormous claws which terminate their four limbs. - -As the last joint of their toes is movable, they can bend them to a -certain extent, and thus convert their claws into powerful hooks, which -enable them to hang on trees. Hidden in the densest foliage, they browse -at their ease on all that surrounds them; or, firmly fixed by three of -their legs, they use the fourth to gather the fruit and convey it to -their mouths. Their coat is harsh, abundant and long; and they have -neither tail nor any visible external ear. They are natives of the -forests of South America; the two best known being the Unau and the Ai, -which are found in Guiana, Brazil, Peru and Columbia. - - - THE ARMADILLOS. - -[Illustration: ARMADILLOS.] - -This family is remarkable for the very peculiar nature of their coat, -which, at first sight, might lead to their being taken for Reptiles. -Instead of being clad in hair, like other Mammals, they have the upper -part of the head, the top and sides of the body and the tail protected -by a scaly covering, very hard in its nature. This covering is composed -of a number of bony plates, arranged in parallel rows and of various -shapes; it is not separate from the skin, but forms a very curious -modification of it. On the head, and fore-part of the body, these plates -are firmly fixed to one another; but on the middle of the back they are -possessed of a certain amount of mobility, so as to move one over the -other. In this way, the animal has the power of executing various -bending and stretching movements, for instance, of rolling itself up -into a ball whenever it is attacked. - -When pursued it makes hastily for its burrow, but if unable to gain it, -or to dig a temporary retreat, it partially rolls itself into a ball, -and allows itself to be turned about by its enemy without attempting to -move. The Armadillo, we are told, in Nicaragua is kept not only by the -people of the ranches, but by the inhabitants of some of the little -towns, to free their houses from ants, which it can follow by scent. -When searching for ants about a house, the animal puts out its tongue -and licks the ants into its mouth from around the posts on which the -houses are raised a little above the ground. It has been known to dig -down under the floors, and remain absent for three or four weeks at a -time. They are said to dig down in a straight direction when they -discover a subterranean colony of ants, without beginning at the mouth -or entrance of the ant-hole. They are very persevering when in pursuit -of ants; and while they turn up light soil with the snout, keep the -tongue busy taking the insects. The burrows of this Armadillo are -several feet long, winding and generally dug at an angle of 45 degrees. -The South American negroes, however, dig them up from their holes, -whither they have been driven by Dogs. Their flesh is considered very -delicate, and is roasted in the shell. - - - THE ANT-EATERS. - -[Illustration: ANT-EATER OR ANT BEAR.] - -The Ant-eaters feed upon a variety of insects. They are specially -organized for procuring this food. Completely destitute of teeth, the -head is terminated by an elongated tube, which encloses a very long -tongue, something like a worm. This slender tongue, being darted into -the ant-hills, all the interstices where the insects take refuge yield -numerous victims, which adhere to it through the gummy secretion with -which it is covered. The Ant-eaters are armed with sharp claws, useful -both as instruments for scratching and weapons of defence. - -The most remarkable species is the Great Ant-eater, the largest of the -family. It grows to more than a yard and a half in length, from the tip -of its long nose to its tail. Its coat is rough, abundant and of a dark -color. The tail, covered with very long and extremely bushy hair, has -the power of being raised like a plume, and is more than a yard in -length. The strength of this animal is so great that it can defend -itself successfully against the ferocious Jaguar, which it either hugs, -like a Bear, or tears to pieces with its formidable claws. - -It lives in damp forests in which its insect food is most abundant. - -There are two other species of the Ant-eater, which live more or less on -trees and enjoy, on this account, one of the characteristics which are -peculiar to American Monkeys—that of grasping branches firmly with the -tail, a portion of which is bare of hair underneath, and capable of -being twisted round any object. These species are the Tamandua, an -Ant-eater about three feet long, which divides its time between the -ground and the thick foliage of trees; and the Little, or Two-toed -Ant-eater, so called because it has only two toes, instead of four, on -the front feet. This latter species is a native of Brazil and Guiana. It -but seldom descends to the ground, and is not much larger than a Rat. - - - THE PANGOLINS. - -The Pangolins are also Ant-eaters, but the peculiar nature of the -covering of their bodies will not allow them to be classed with the -preceding family. The hair of their coat is glued together so as to form -large scales, inserted in the skin in nearly the same way as the nails -of a Man, and lapping one over the other, like the slates of a roof. -From their strong resemblance to Reptiles, the name Scaly Lizard has -been applied to these creatures. - -The Pangolin (from the Javanese word Pangoeling, meaning to roll into a -ball) have short legs, furnished with stout claws; they are devoid of -any external ear and have no trace of teeth. Their method of feeding is -exactly the same as that of the Ant-eaters; but their head, although -elongated in shape, is not quite so long, and their tongue is less -slender. - -They dwell in forests, where they dig burrows, or lodge in the hollow of -trees. When they are attacked, they roll themselves into a ball, like -the Armadillo; at the same time their scales are erected, forming an -impregnable buckler. This family possesses several species. - -The Pangolins are of medium size; they never exceed a yard in length. -They are natives of the Old World exclusively; India and the Malay -Isles, the south of China, and a great part of Africa, are the regions -in which they are usually found. - -Although the animals look at first sight like curious, heavy-bodied -Lizards, they have warm blood, and nourish their young like the rest of -the Mammalia. The Pangolin lives in burrows in the earth, or sometimes -in the large hollows of colossal trees which have fallen to the ground. -The burrows are usually made in light soil on the slope of a hill. There -are two holes to each gallery: One for entrance, and another for exit. -This is quite necessary on account of the animal being quite incapable -of curving its body sideways, so that it cannot turn itself in its -burrow. - -The bodies of Pangolins are very flexible vertically—that is, they can -roll themselves up into a ball, and coil and uncoil themselves very -readily—but they cannot turn round within the confined limits of their -burrows. - -“In hunting them,” says M. Du Chaillu, “we had first to ascertain by the -foot-marks, or more readily by the marks left by the trail of the tail, -which was the entrance and which the exit of the burrow, and then making -a trap at one end, drive them out by the smoke of a fire at the other, -afterwards securing them with ropes. - -“Their flesh is good eating. Those I captured were very lean, but I was -informed by the natives that they are sometimes very fat.” - - - - - RODENTIA—GNAWING QUADRUPEDS. - - -THE order of animals to which the well known and widely distributed Rats -and Mice belong, is a very large one, including animals that are -adapted, according to the genus, either for running, jumping, climbing, -flying or swimming. They are armed with sharp claws, enabling them to -climb trees or burrow in the earth. But the special characteristic of -all the animals of this group, is that they possess only two kinds of -teeth—incisors and molars. The incisors, two in number, in front of each -jaw, are very remarkable. Their office is to cut, as with shears, roots -and branches, and they are wonderfully constructed for this purpose. -These teeth are long, stout and curved, and being covered with enamel on -their front face only, they wear away more behind than in front; and by -rubbing one against the other naturally form a bevelled edge. They -therefore keep a hard edge that is always sharp-cutting, ready for -sawing through or gnawing tough substances. - -Another strange thing about these teeth is that they always keep the -same length, notwithstanding their continual wear. The fact is, they -have no roots, and grow from the base in the same proportion as they are -worn away at the top. - -Many of the Gnawing Quadrupeds have their hind limbs much larger than -the front ones, so that they leap rather than walk, giving them the -appearance of the Kangaroo and others belonging to the Marsupial family. -The animals of the Rodent order feed mainly on seeds, fruit, leaves, -grasses and occasionally on roots and bark. Some of them, however, such -as the Rat, are omnivorous, and will even eat flesh. - -A great number of the Rodents have their bodies covered with fine, soft -and prettily-colored hair. For instance, the small Grey Squirrel and the -Chinchilla both furnish furs of value; and the coats of the Beaver and -the Rabbit are used in some of our manufactures. - -The Rodents are not usually divided into very distinct families, as -their natural characteristics are not clearly marked. In the family of -Rats and Mice a large number may be grouped. These form the Mus species, -from the Latin, Mus, meaning Mouse or Rat. The most of the members of -this family are too well known to require more than mere mention. This -family includes besides what are known as the Rats and Mice proper, the -Field Rats and Mice, the Dormice, Ondatras, Musquash or Musk Rats, -Lemmings, Hamster Rats and Jerboa Rats. - -Grouped with the Chinchillas we find the Lagotis, the Viscacha, and the -Ctenomys. Then come the Porcupine family, the family of Ground Hogs, -Guinea Pigs and the Agoutis. The Beavers and the extensive Squirrel -family are then followed by the Marmots and Woodchucks, the Prairie -Dogs, and the large family of Hares and Rabbits. - - - THE BEAVERS. - -[Illustration: BEAVERS.] - -These animals, which are celebrated all over the world for their -industrious habits and their intelligence, do not possess a very -pleasing appearance. The thick-set shape of the large head, small eyes, -cloven upper lip which shows its powerful incisors, the long and wide -tail, flattened like a spatula and covered with scales—combine to give -the animal an awkward appearance. The hind feet are larger than the -fore, and are fully webbed. - -The Common Beaver is an aquatic animal; the structure of its feet and -tail enables it to swim with perfect facility. As these animals live -principally upon the bark of trees and other hard substances, their -front teeth are excessively strong, and by their assistance they are -enabled to cut down trees of considerable size, to be used in the -construction of the curious edifices for the erection of which they have -been long celebrated. Their mode of building, as adopted by the Beaver -of America, is described by Hearne with great exactness. - -“The situation chosen is various where the Beavers are numerous. They -tenant lakes, rivers and creeks, especially the two latter for the sake -of the current, of which they avail themselves in the transportation of -materials. They also choose such parts as have a depth of water beyond -the freezing power to congeal at the bottom. In small rivers or creeks -in which the water is liable to be drained off when the back supplies -are dried up by the frost, they are led by instinct to make a dam quite -across the river, at a convenient distance from their houses, thus -artificially procuring a deep body of water in which to build. - -“The dam varies in shape; where the current is gentle it is carried out -straight, but where rapid it is bowed, presenting a convexity to the -current. The materials used are drift wood, green willows, birch and -poplar, if they can be secured, and also mud and stones. These are -intermixed without order, the only aim being to carry out the work with -a regular sweep, and to make the whole of equal strength. - -“Old dams by frequent repairing become a solid bank, capable of -resisting a great force of water and ice; and as the willows, poplars -and birches take root and shoot up, they form by degrees a sort of thick -hedgerow, often of considerable height. Of the same materials the houses -themselves are built, and in size proportionate to the number of their -respective inhabitants, which seldom exceeds four old and six or eight -young ones. The houses, however, are ruder in structure than the dam, -the only aim being to have a dry place to lie upon, and perhaps feed in. - -“When the houses are large it often happens that they are divided by -partitions into two or three, or even more compartments, which have in -general no communication except by water; such may be called double or -treble houses rather than houses divided. Each compartment is inhabited -by its own possessors, who know their own door, and have no connection -with their neighbors, more than a friendly intercourse and joining with -them in the necessary labor of building. - -“So far are the Beavers from driving stakes, as some have said, into the -ground when building, that they lay most of the wood crosswise, and -nearly horizontal, without any order than that of leaving a cavity in -the middle, and when any unnecessary branches project they cut them off -with their chisel-like teeth and throw them in among the rest to prevent -the mud from falling in; with this is mixed mud and stones, and the -whole compacted together. The bank affords them the mud, or the bottom -of the creek, and they carry it, as well as the stones, under their -throat, by the aid of their fore-paws; the wood they drag along with -their teeth. - -“They always work during the night, and have been known during a single -night to have accumulated as much mud as amounted to some thousands of -their little handfuls. Every fall they cover the outsides of their -houses with fresh mud, and as late in the autumn as possible, even when -the frost has set in, as by this means it soon becomes frozen as hard as -a stone, and prevents their most formidable enemy, the Wolverine, or -Glutton, from disturbing them during the winter. In laying on this coat -of mud, they do not make use of their broad flat tails, as has been -asserted—a mistake which has arisen from their habit of giving a flap -with the tail when plunging from the outside of the house into the -water, and when they are startled, as well as at other times. The -houses, when completed, are dome-shaped, with walls several feet thick.” - - - THE PORCUPINE FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: PORCUPINES.] - -The Porcupines are singular animals, endowed with a very peculiar -faculty, that of causing their body, which is covered with quills, to -bristle up, and thus forming for themselves a formidable armor. The -small family of Porcupines is divided into four genera—Porcupines -proper, the Brush-Tailed Porcupine, the Canadian Porcupine and the -Prehensile Porcupines. - - - COMMON PORCUPINES. - -The species often called the Crested Porcupine, inhabits Italy, Greece, -Spain, Northern Africa, and different parts of Asia. We shall describe -it, which will serve to characterize the whole genus. - -This Porcupine is one of the largest Rodents; its average length exceeds -twenty-four inches. The principal features are very powerful upper -incisors, short thick toes, furnished with strong claws, a large head, -small eyes, short ears, a slightly split mouth, and thick-set shape, -combined with an awkward and clumsy gait. - -The body of this animal is covered with pointed quills from eight to -nine inches long. By means of the action of an enormous muscle, which -moves at the will of the animal, these can bristle up and radiate in all -directions. The tail is rudimentary, and is not, like the back, covered -with quills, but with entirely hollow, white tubes, which produce a -sharp sound when they clash together. The muzzle is furnished with long -and strong whiskers; the head and neck are covered with flexible hair, -which is not prickly, but is susceptible of standing on end. - -Under ordinary circumstances, the quills of the Porcupine lie close down -on its body, and no one would suppose that at a moment’s warning they -could become formidable weapons. But let anger or fear seize upon the -animal, and a whole forest of bayonets spring up. If assailed, the -Porcupine turns its back to the enemy, and places its head between its -fore-paws, at the same time uttering a hollow grunting noise. If the -assailant will not be intimidated, the Porcupine endeavors to thrust its -quills against the body of the foe. The wounds thus inflicted are much -to be dreaded; for not only are they difficult and tedious to cure, but -frequently the detached barbs adhering in the flesh are almost -impossible to extract. - -The Porcupine is a shy, solitary and nocturnal animal. It inhabits -unfrequented localities, and hollows out deep burrows with several -entrances. At night it comes forth to procure its food, which consists -of herbs and fruit. - -The flesh of the Porcupine is good food, with somewhat the flavor of -pork. It is, doubtless this similarity, and also the grunting noise -which it makes, to which it owes its name of Porcupine, as they were -originally called Porcus Spinatus, or “Prickly Pigs.” - - - THE BRUSH-TAILED PORCUPINE. - -The Sunda Islands possess a species of Porcupine which is distinguished -from the preceding by a long tail. This is the Malacca Porcupine, or -Brush-tailed Porcupine. It is smaller than the common species, and is -found in Sumatra, Java and Malacca. - - - THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE. - -America also possesses some species of Porcupines. The most remarkable -is the Urson, or Canadian Porcupine, which is found north of the 46th -degree of latitude. It is as large as the European species, and it -inhabits pine forests, feeding principally on the bark of trees, and its -den is hollowed out underneath their roots. When attacked, it draws its -legs beneath its body, sets up its quills, and lashes around with its -tail. - -The Indians hunt it for the sake of its flesh, which is good, and also -for its skin, from which they make caps, after having plucked out the -quills, which are used by them for pins. - - - PREHENSILE-TAILED PORCUPINES. - -Prehensile Porcupines are characterised by a partly bare, prehensile -tail, and hooked and sharply-pointed claws, which enable them to climb -trees. Their quills are not long, and are frequently hidden under their -hair. They have a depressed forehead, and not a prominent one, like that -of common Porcupines. They are principally met with in South America. - - - - - THE SQUIRREL FAMILY. - - -The Squirrels are pretty little animals, distinguished by their graceful -forms and bushy tails. The Common Squirrel lives in tree-tops and feeds -upon fruit and nuts. During the fine summer nights the voices of the -Squirrels may be heard, as they chase each other in the tops of the -trees. They appear to dislike the heat of the sun, and remain during the -day in their nests, coming out in the evening to play and to feed. The -nest is warm, neat and impervious to rain; it is generally placed in the -fork of a tree. They construct it by interlacing twigs with moss, -pressing and treading on their work to make it firm and capacious, that -their little ones may repose in safety. The only opening to this nest is -at the top, just sufficiently wide to allow the Squirrel to pass in and -out; above the aperture is a kind of conical roof, which completely -shelters it, and allows no rain to enter the nest. - -At the commencement of winter the coat of the Squirrel is renewed, the -hair being redder than that which falls off. They comb and smooth -themselves with their paws and teeth, and are very neat. - - - GREY SQUIRRELS. - -“The Grey Squirrels of North America,” says Audubon, “migrate in -prodigious numbers, crossing large rivers by swimming with their tails -extended on the water, and traverse immense tracts of country where food -is most abundant. During these migrations they are destroyed in vast -numbers. Their flesh is very white and delicate, and affords excellent -eating when the animal is young.” - - - THE FLYING SQUIRRELS. - -The Flying Squirrels are so called from having the skin of the sides -spread out between the fore and hind legs, so as to constitute a sort of -parachute, whereby there are enabled to sail through the air to some -distance, and thus take prodigious leaps from tree to tree. - -The Flying Squirrels are gregarious, traveling from one tree to another -in companies of ten or twelve together. They will fly from sixty to -eighty yards from one tree to another. They cannot rise in their flight, -nor keep in a horizontal line, but descend gradually, so that in -proportion to the distance the tree they intend to fly to is from them, -so much the higher they mount on the tree they fly from; that they may -reach some part of the tree, even the lowest part, rather than fall to -the ground, which exposes them to peril. But having once recovered the -trunk of a tree, no animal seems nimble enough to take them. Their food -is that of other Squirrels, including nuts, acorns, pine-seeds, berries, -&c. - - - MARMOTS AND PRAIRIE DOGS. - -[Illustration: PRAIRIE DOGS.] - -Between the lively, graceful, well-proportioned Squirrels and the -Marmots, with their squat bodies and sluggish movements, there is a -great difference. Yet, notwithstanding this, the Marmots are allied to -the Squirrel. - -The Marmots are characterised by very long, powerful incisors, strong -claws, indicating burrowing habits, and by a tail of medium length, -somewhat thickly garnished with hair. They have short limbs, and from -that results the slowness of movement peculiar to them. - -The Marmots inhabit different chains of mountains in Europe, Asia and -North America. They have nearly all the same habits; so that it will -suffice if we speak of the common species, the only one, in fact, which -has been well studied. - -The Common Marmot lives on the high peaks of the Swiss and Savoy Alps, -in the vicinity of the glaciers. It forms small societies, composed of -two or three families, and digs out burrows on the slopes exposed to the -sun. These burrows have the form of the letter Y; the galleries are so -very narrow that it is with difficulty the human hand can be inserted -into them. At the extremity of one of these oblique shafts is found a -spacious chamber of an oval form, in which the proprietors rest and -sleep. - -The Marmots in a state of nature live exclusively on herbage. They crop -off the shortest grass with wonderful rapidity. During fine weather they -love to stretch themselves out, frisk, play or bask in the rays of the -sun. Remarkable for caution, they never leave their retreats without -taking the greatest precaution; the old venturing first, after carefully -inspecting the neighborhood, then the others following. Feeding, -playing, or basking, they lose nothing of their vigilance, for as soon -as one has the slightest suspicion of danger, it utters a sharp bark of -warning, which is quickly repeated by those near it, and in an instant -the whole band rush into their burrow, or fly towards some place of -concealment. - -After the Alpine Marmot, we may mention the Quebec Marmot, the Maryland -Marmot, or Woodchuck, which is peculiar to various parts of North -America, and the Bobac or Poland Marmot. - -The Prairie Dog is an allied species, which lives in extensive -communities in the wild prairies of North America; their villages, as -the hunters term their burrows, extending sometimes many miles in -length. They owe their name to the supposed resemblance of their warning -cry to the bark of small Dog. - - - HARES AND RABBITS. - -[Illustration: RABBITS.] - -The animals composing this family have twenty-two molar teeth, formed of -vertical layers joined to each other; the ears are very large and -funnel-shaped, covered with hair externally, almost nude internally; the -upper lip cleft; the tail is short, furry and ordinarily elevated; the -hind feet are much longer than those in front, and are provided with -five toes, while the fore feet have only four; the claws are but little -developed; the feet are entirely covered with hair, above as well as -below. - -It would be superfluous to describe the Hare in detail; the animal is -too well known to render it necessary. As, however, it might be -confounded with the Rabbit, which it much resembles, it may be remarked -that the Hare has the ears and the thighs longer, the body more slender, -the head finer, and the coat of a deeper fawn color. - -The Hare inhabits hilly or level regions, forest or field; but it is -most frequently found in flat or slightly elevated districts. It does -not burrow, but chooses a form or seat, the situation of which varies -with the season. In summer it is on the hillocks exposed to the north, -in the shade of heaths or vines; in winter, it is found in sheltered -places facing the south. It is often found crouched in a furrow between -two ridges of earth, which have the same color as its coat, so that it -does not attract attention. - -During the daytime, the Hare does not generally stir from its retreat; -but as soon as the sun approaches the horizon it goes forth to seek -food—consisting of herbs, roots and leaves. It is very fond of aromatic -plants, such as thyme, sage and parsley. It is also partial to the bark -of some varieties of trees. - -No animal has so many enemies as the Hare. Snares and traps are set for -it by poachers. Foxes, Birds of Prey, and sportsmen, aided by Dogs, are -all its persecutors. - -To guard itself against so many perils, the poor creature has ears -endowed with extraordinary mobility, and which catch the faintest sounds -from a great distance; four agile and very muscular limbs, which rapidly -traverse space, and transport their owner quickly from its pursuers. In -a word, its defence consists in perceiving danger and fleeing from it. - -The Rabbit is closely allied to the Hare in its form and external -aspect, the two differ greatly in habits. The Rabbit lives in societies, -and retires into burrows. It is not found on the open plain, but chooses -for its home places where there are hillocks and woody banks. Like the -Hare, the Rabbit has not a preference for day; but towards evening it -comes forth and gambols about in the glades or nibbles the dewy herbage. - -It has also, like the Hare, many enemies, and to escape them it takes -refuge in its subterranean dwelling. As it has not the speed of the -Hare, it would be rapidly overtaken by Dogs if it trusted to its powers -of flight. Its fear or anger is expressed in a singular fashion, namely, -by striking the ground with its hind foot; some say it does this to warn -its fellows of danger. - -Besides our well known Wild Rabbits, many fine species have been -imported from different countries and trained as pets. - -The Wild Rabbit, also called the Warren Rabbit, is said to be a native -of Africa, from whence it passed into Spain, then into France and Italy, -and successively into all the warm and temperate parts of Europe and -America. - -Among the different breeds of domestic Rabbits must be mentioned the -Angora Rabbit, originally derived from Asia Minor. Like the Cats and -Goats bearing the same name, it is celebrated for the length and -fineness of its hair. It is bred for its fur, which is of value. - -Not only is the flesh and the hair of the Rabbit utilized, but its skin -is also employed in the manufacture of gelatine. - -The domestic Rabbit is, therefore, a valuable animal. Not so the wild -Rabbit, for, by its rapid multiplication, its burrowing habits, and its -herbivorous tastes, it is to the agriculturist a veritable scourge. For -this reason it is hunted with perseverance, ferrets being frequently -employed in some countries to drive it from the depths of its warren. - - - THE PICAS AND THE CALLING HARES. - -These Rodents differ from the Hares and Rabbits in having ears of -moderate length, and in the nearly equal development of all their limbs. -They are principally inhabitants of Siberia and the north of Europe; -their voice is sharp and piercing, and they are destitute of any tail; -they are all of small size, none of them exceeding the dimensions of a -large Rat. - -The Pica is about the size of a Guinea Pig, and covered with -yellowish-red hair. It inhabits the loftiest summits of mountains, and -employs itself, during the summer, in collecting and drying a supply of -herbage for winter use. The heaps of hay thus accumulated are of -extraordinary dimensions, sometimes measuring as much as six or seven -feet in height, and are invaluable to the hunters of Sables, affording -fodder for their Horses at a period when no other provender is -obtainable. - -The Calling Hare inhabits the southeastern parts of Russia, and the -slopes of the Ural mountains, and also the western side of the Atlantic -chain. The head is long; the ears large, short, and rounded; there is no -tail. There are twenty molar teeth, five on either side of each jaw. The -body is only six inches in length. The fur is of a greenish-brown color, -hoary underneath. - - - - - MARSUPIALIA—POUCHED QUADRUPEDS. - - -A CURIOUS pouch, or fur bag, in which they carry their babies while they -are still too young to run about by themselves is the distinguishing -feature of the members of this group of animals. The name of the order, -Marsupialia, comes from the Latin, marsupium, meaning a pouch or bag. - -When these babies are born they are the most helpless of all young -animals, as they are not fully developed, and the mother places them in -this pouch where they remain, like Birds in a nest, until they are -strong enough to run about by themselves; and for a long time after -that, they make use of this pouch, by hiding in it in times of danger or -when the mother is escaping from an enemy; and the little ones could not -keep up with her unless carried in this pouch. - -There are several different animals that belong to this family of -Pouched Quadrupeds, like the Wombats, Bandicoots, Phalangers, Dasyures, -etc., but the most important are the Kangaroos and the Opossums. - - - THE KANGAROO FAMILY. - -[Illustration: GIANT KANGAROOS.] - -The Kangaroos vary in size, some being, when erect, as tall as a Man, -while others are not so large as a Rabbit. They are remarkable for the -small size of their fore-legs in proportion to their hind ones, and the -slender make of the fore parts of their body. When eating, their -fore-feet are placed on the ground, but they usually sit upright, -resting entirely on the hind-feet and tail, with the body slightly bent -forwards. - -There are a few species, however, in which the body is in better -proportion. In the Tree Kangaroos of New Guinea, for instance, the tail -is very bushy, and the fore-legs almost as long as the hind ones. - -The Great Kangaroo inhabits New South Wales, and Southern and Western -Australia. It lives on low grassy hills and plains in the open parts of -the country, feeding upon the low bushes and herbage, and sheltering -itself in the high grass during the heat of the day. - -The Jerboa Kangaroo is so called on account of the length and -slenderness of its hind-legs similar to those of the Jerboa Rats. - -“Like other members of this family, the Jerboa,” says Mr. Gould, -“constructs a thick grassy nest, which is placed in a hollow, scratched -in the ground for its reception, so that when completed it is only level -with the surrounding grass, which it so closely resembles that, without -a careful survey, it may be passed unnoticed. - -“The site chosen for the nest is the foot of a bush, or any large tuft -of grass. During the day it is generally tenanted by one, and sometimes -by a pair of these little creatures, which, lying coiled in the centre, -are perfectly concealed from view. There being no apparent outlet, it -would seem that after they have crept in, they drag the grass completely -over the entrance, when the whole is so like the surrounding herbage -that it is scarcely perceptible. The natives, however, rarely pass -without detecting it, and almost invariably kill the sleeping inmates, -by dashing their tomahawks or heavy clubs at the nest. - -“The most curious circumstance connected with the history of the Jerboa -Kangaroo is the mode in which it collects the grasses for its nest, -carrying them with its tail, which is strongly prehensile; and, as may -be easily imagined, their appearance when leaping towards their nests, -with their tails loaded with grasses, is exceedingly grotesque and -amusing. - -“The usual resorts of the Jerboa Kangaroo are low grassy hills and dry -ridges, thickly intersected with trees and bushes. It is a nocturnal -animal, lying curled up in the shape of a ball during the day, and going -forth as night approaches in search of food, which consists of grasses -and roots; the latter being procured by scratching and burrowing, for -which its fore-claws are admirably adapted. When startled from its nest, -it bounds with amazing rapidity, and always seeks the shelter of a -hollow tree, a small hole in a rock, or some similar place of refuge.” - - - THE OPOSSUMS. - -The Opossums were the first Marsupial Quadrupeds known to Naturalists. -They are peculiar to the American continent. They have fifty teeth. -Their tongue is rough, and their tail, which is partially denuded of -hair, prehensile. - -The Virginian Opossum is found in Southern States. It destroys poultry -of which it sucks the blood, but does not eat the flesh. It feeds on -roots and fruits, climbing the trees, and suspending itself by the tail -from the branches; in this position it swings itself to and fro, and by -catching hold of the neighboring branches, passes from tree to tree. It -hunts after Birds and their nests, and when pursued, feigns to be dead, -and will endure great torture without showing any sign of vitality. - -The Opossum excavates a burrow near a thicket not far distant from the -abode of Man, and sleeps there during the whole day. While the sun -shines it does not see clearly, and therefore feeds and plays during the -night. Although its mode of life resembles that of the Fox and the -Polecat, it is much less cruel, and has also inferior means of defence. -It runs badly, and although its jaws are large, they are not strong. - -“The Opossum,” says Audubon, “is fond of secluding itself during the -day, although it by no means confines its predatory rangings to the -night. Like many other quadrupeds which feed principally upon flesh, it -is both frugivorous and herbivorous, and when very hard pressed by -hunger, it seizes various kinds of insects and reptiles. Its gait when -traveling, and when it supposes itself unobserved, is altogether -ambling—in other words, it, like a young foal, moves the two legs of one -side forward at once. Its movements are rather slow, and as it walks or -ambles along, its curious prehensile tail is carried just above the -ground, and its rounded ears are directed forwards.” - -There are several species of Opossum found in South America, but none in -the Antilles or the West Indies. - -Their method of hunting their prey is interesting. An Opossum is seen -slowly and cautiously trudging along over the melting snow, by the side -of an unfrequented pond, nosing as it goes for the fare its ravenous -appetite prefers. Now it has come upon the fresh track of a Grouse or -Hare, and it raises its snout and snuffs the keen air. It stops and -seems at a loss in what direction to go, for the object of its pursuit -has taken a considerable leap or has cut backwards, before the Opossum -entered its track. It raises itself up, stands for a while on its -hind-feet, looks around, sniffs the air, and then proceeds. But now at -the foot of a noble tree, it comes to a full stand. It walks round the -base of the large trunk, over the snow-covered roots, and among them -finds an aperture, which it at once enters. Several minutes elapse, when -it re-appears, dragging along a Squirrel, already deprived of life; with -this in its mouth it begins to ascend the tree. Slowly it climbs; the -first fork does not seem to suit it, for perhaps it thinks that it might -be there too openly exposed to the view of some wily foe, and so it -proceeds, until it gains a cluster of branches intertwined with -grape-vines; and there composing itself, it twists its tail round one of -the twigs, and with its sharp teeth demolishes the unlucky Squirrel, -which it holds all the while in its fore-paws. - - - - - PACHYDERMATA—THICK-SKINNED QUADRUPEDS. - - -ALL the animals of this great order are classified under the name -Pachydermata, which is derived from two Greek words meaning -thick-skinned. In nearly all of them the toes are rendered motionless by -a horny covering which surrounds them, called a hoof, which blunts them -to the sense of touch; and the form of this hoof helps to divide the -order into families. There are three divisions in the Pachydermata—the -Elephant family, known as the Proboscidae (from the Latin word -proboscis, meaning a trunk); the family of ordinary Pachydermata, -including the Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Hyrax, Tapir, Wild Boar, -Phacocheres and Peccari; and the family of Solipedes, the name of which -is derived from the Latin words solus, alone, and pes, pedis, a foot, -and includes the animals with undivided hoofs, like the Horse, the -Donkey, Hemionus, Daw, Zebra and Quagga. - - - - - THE ELEPHANT FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: ELEPHANT.] - -The Elephants are the largest animals that live on the earth, as the -Whales are the largest that live in the water. And it is said that if -size and strength conferred the right of dominion, these two creatures -would be able to divide between them the empire of the world. - -The proportions of the Elephant are clumsy, its body is thick and bulky, -its gait heavy and awkward, but its general appearance is imposing and -noble. These giants of creation have three especially remarkable -features, their enormous development of skull; their curious trunk, -which is in reality a marvellous nasal organ which performs the duties -of arm and hand; and their great tusks, which are nothing but their -incisive teeth wonderfully elongated. - -These tusks protect the trunk, which curls up between them when the -animal traverses woods in which there are many thorns, prickles and -thick underbrush. The Elephant also uses them for putting aside and -holding down branches, when, with its trunk it plucks off the tops of -leafy boughs. The ivory obtained from the tusks of the Elephant is -remarkable for the fineness of its grain, whiteness, hardness, and the -beautiful polish that can be given to it. - -Under the feet is a sort of callous sole, thick enough to prevent the -hoofs from touching the ground, and the toes remain encrusted and hidden -under thick skin. - -The Elephants live in the hottest parts of Africa and Asia, spending the -greater part of their time in the swamps and forests. Their food -consists mainly of herbs, fruit and grains. - -For a long time it was asserted that Elephants could not lie down, and -that they always slept standing. It is true that among Elephants as -among Horses, are found some that can sleep standing, and only rarely -lie down; but generally they sleep lying on their side, like the -majority of quadrupeds. - -The African Elephant has a head much rounder and less broad than the -Asiatic Elephant. Its ears are very much longer and its tusks are -generally stronger. - -African Elephants live like those of India, in troops more or less -numerous; yet they are sometimes found alone—these are called rovers or -prowlers. - -To these should be added the extinct species of the Elephant family, the -famous Mammoth of the far north—a carcass of which was found under the -ice in Siberia in 1799, and the wonderful Mastodon of Ohio. The bony -remains of the Mastodon are found in America and in Central Europe. The -tusks of the Mastodon have been found to be almost straight, while those -of the Mammoth are curved round until they nearly form a circle. - - - - - THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. - - -[Illustration: HIPPOPOTAMUS.] - -The Hippopotamus is an enormous animal. After the Elephant and the -Rhinoceros, it is the largest of terrestrial Mammalia. Its head is very -bulky and its mouth extends very nearly from eye to eye. All who have -seen in the menagaries this monstrous mouth opening for a little piece -of bread, have been surprised at the frightful appearance of this living -gulf, armed with enormous teeth. When it is shut, the upper lip descends -in front and on the sides, like an enormous blobber lip which covers the -extremity of the lower jaw, and partly hides the underlip; but on the -sides it is the lower lip which stands up. The nostrils, which are in -front of the muzzle, are surrounded by a muscular apparatus, which -closes them hermetically when the animal is under water. - -The Hippopotamus inhabits Southern and Eastern Africa; but everything -announces that it will not be long in disappearing before civilization, -that is to say, the sportsman’s gun. - -These animals live in troops on the banks of rivers and in their waters. -On land, their gait is clumsy and heavy, for their own enormous weight -tires them; but they are very quick and active in water, where they -lose, by the pressure of the water, a great portion of their weight. And -so they pass all day in the water, in which they swim and dive with -great facility. When swimming they only let the upper surface of their -heads be seen, from the ears to the surface of the nostrils, which -allows them to breathe, to see all round them, and to hear the slightest -noises. In breathing, they spout out noisily, in the form of irregular -jets, such water as has become introduced into their nostrils. This -spouting announces to the hunter the presence of the Hippopotamus. - -The Hippopotamus feeds on young stalks of reeds, little boughs, small -shrubs and water plants, also on roots and succulent bulbs. - -Its cry is hoarse, but of incredible depth, power and volume. The habits -of this animal are peaceable; its disposition is, in general, mild and -inoffensive; it only turns vicious when it is attacked. - -Hippopotamus hunting is performed in different ways. Its enemies -surprise it at night, on its leaving the water, when it comes to browse -in the meadows and the neighboring plains; or attack it by day in the -river, either with harpoons or guns, assailing it when it comes to the -surface to breathe. The unfortunate animal tries to defend itself. In -its sudden action it sometimes overturns the boats containing its -enemies. Occasionally, desperate with rage at being wounded, it tries to -tear the boats to pieces with its formidable tusks. With one bite it -could cut through the middle of the body of a full-grown man. - -The natives of Africa hunt the Hippopotamus, first to obtain the ivory -furnished by its tusks—an ivory which, without being so good as that of -the Elephant, is nevertheless very valuable. The skin, or hide, which is -very thick, is also employed in the manufacture of various instruments. -The flesh of the Hippopotamus is sought after in South Africa as a -delicate morsel. - - - - - THE TAPIRS. - - -[Illustration: INDIAN TAPIR.] - -The American Tapir is of about the size of a small Donkey. Its skin is -of a brown color and nearly naked, its tail of moderate length, its neck -strong and muscular, and crested above with an upright mane. This animal -inhabits swampy localities in the vicinity of rivers, and is peculiar to -the tropical parts of South America, where its flesh is prized by the -inhabitants as affording excellent and wholesome meat. - -The Tapir is a solitary animal, resting during the day in the depths of -the forest, and coming forth at night to collect its food, which -consists of fruit, the young shoots of trees, or other vegetables. Its -senses of smell and hearing are very acute and at the slightest alarm it -can make its way with ease “through bush and through briar,” without the -slightest danger of injuring its thick, tough hide. It swims and dives -well, and can remain for some minutes beneath the water without coming -to the surface. The Tapir is peaceable unless attacked, in which case it -defends itself vigorously with its strong teeth. - -Tapirs, although common in the Brazilian forests, are scarcely ever -encountered by hunters during the day-time, so that there is little -chance of travelers seeing anything more than the foot-marks of this -largest of the tropical American Mammals. Their flesh is of a very rich -flavor, something between pork and beef. The young are speckled with -white. - -The Indian Tapir is larger than the South American Tapir, which it -resembles in the shape of its body. Its hair is short and it has no -mane. It inhabits the forests of the Island of Sumatra and the Peninsula -of Malacca. - - - - - THE RHINOCEROS FAMILY. - - -The Rhinoceroses are large animals, having but three toes on each foot. -The bones of the nose are massive and conjoined so as to form a sort of -vault of sufficient strength to support one or two solid horns, which -are adherent to the skin of the face and constitute formidable weapons -either for defence or attack. The structure of these horns is fibrous, -as if they were composed of a mass of hairs glued together. - -The natural disposition of these animals is stupid and ferocious. They -inhabit marshes and other damp localities, and live altogether upon -vegetable substances—grass, herbs, or the branches of trees. - -There are two species—the One-horned and the Two-horned. - - - THE ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS. - -[Illustration: ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.] - -The One-horned Rhinoceros, as its name imports, has but a single horn, -which is situated upon the middle of the snout; and as this weapon -sometimes measures upwards of two feet in length, tapering gradually -from the base to the point, sharp at its extremity, and slightly curved -towards the back of the animal, it becomes when wielded by its herculean -possessor a very deadly instrument; with which, at a stroke, it rips up -the most powerful assailant, and is a formidable antagonist even to the -Elephant itself. - -The skin of this species forms a coat of armor, almost impenetrable by a -musket-ball; it is in some parts nearly an inch in thickness. - -The One-horned Rhinoceros is an inhabitant of the East Indies, more -especially of that portion of the country situated beyond the Ganges; -its range, indeed, extends from Bengal to Cochin, China. Slow and -careless in his movements, this animal wanders through his native plains -with a heavy step, carrying his huge head so low that his nose almost -touches the ground, and stopping at intervals, to crop some favorite -plant, or in playfulness to plough up the ground with his horn, throwing -the mud and stones behind him. - - - THE TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS. - -The Two-horned Rhinoceros is a native of Africa. It differs remarkably -from the preceding species, first by the possession of a second horn of -smaller size, situated midway between the larger one and the top of its -head, and secondly because its skin, more supple than that of the -preceding species, is entirely destitute of folds. - -Whether from a limited sphere of vision arising from the extraordinary -minuteness of the eyes, which resembling the Pigs in expression, are -placed nearer to the nose than in most other animals; or whether from an -over-weening confidence in its own powers, the Rhinoceros will generally -suffer itself to be approached within even a few yards before -condescending to take the smallest heed of the foe, who is diligently -plotting its destruction. At length, uttering a great blast or snort of -defiance, and lowering its armed muzzle almost to the ground, it charges -on its enemies; and bullets, hardened with tin or quicksilver, are used -to kill it. - - - - - THE BOAR FAMILY. - - -The members of this extensive family are distinguished by having four -hoofs upon each foot; but of these the two middle ones are much the -largest, giving the foot much the appearance of being cloven. The lower -incisors slant forward, and the canines project in the shape of long and -formidable tusks. Their muzzle is prolonged into a snout of peculiar -conformation—its margin being dilated and highly sensitive. Its use is -to turn up the earth in search of roots, in which operation these -animals seem guided by their sense of smell. They eat nearly all sorts -of vegetable matter, and may be said to be omnivorous; even flesh not -being rejected by their accommodating appetite. - -To this family belong the Hogs Proper, the Peccaries, the Wart Hog and -the Babiroussas. - - - THE WILD BOAR. - -[Illustration: WILD BOARS.] - -The Wild Boar, supposed to be the stock from which all our domesticated -Pigs take their origin, is very different in its habits from the swinish -multitudes with which it is looked upon as nearly related; his long -prismatic tusks, curving outwards and slightly upwards on each side of -his mouth, are weapons which he knows full well how to wield; and from -the strength of his neck and the activity of his movements, by their -assistance he is enabled to repel the attacks of all ordinary foes. - -The chase of the wild Boar has been from remote antiquity one of the -most dangerous of field-sports, for when once at bay, the furious -creature attacks indiscriminately Men, Dogs and Horses, ripping them -with his tusks, and often inflicting frightful wounds upon his -assailants. - -In India, Boar-hunting is a favorite amusement. The hunters are always -armed with javelins, which they throw at the animal as he runs away or -rushes to the charge. His assaults are frequently so furious that the -Horses will not stand the shock, or if they do are often thrown down and -severely injured. - - - THE WART HOGS. - -[Illustration: WART HOGS.] - -The Wart Hogs, which resemble the true Hogs, are distinguished from them -by the structure of their molar teeth. A fleshy excrescence hangs down -on each side of their cheeks, which gives them a repulsive appearance. -There are several species to be found in Africa, of which country they -are natives. They are very courageous, and possessed of immense -strength. Their habits are similar to those of the Wild Boar. The Cape -Wart Hog, found at the Cape of Good Hope, is probably the best known. - - - THE PECCARIES. - -The Peccaries are animals which are peculiar to America. They resemble -the common Pig in their general shape and in their teeth, but their -canine tusks do not project from the mouth, and they have no tail. - -The Collared Peccary is eaten in South America, and is considered a -wholesome article of food. The White-lipped Peccary, which is found in -Guiana, is larger and more strongly built than the others. - - - THE HORSE FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: SHETLAND PONIES.] - -This includes all quadrupeds that have but a single toe or hoof on each -foot—the Horse, the Domestic Ass (or Donkey), the Hemionus (or -Dshikketee), the Dauw (or Peechi), the Zebra and the Quagga. - -The subjection of the Horse to Man may be traced back to the most -primitive date. Moses recommends the Hebrews to have no dread in war of -the Horses of their enemies. We read in the Book of Kings (I Kings iv, -26) that “Solomon had 40,000 stalls for his Horses, and 12,000 -horsemen.” According to the same book, these Horses were bought in Egypt -and brought into the country of the Hebrews. - -The remote period to which we can trace back the Horse being employed as -a domestic animal, renders it very difficult to determine its original -country. Nor is it possible to state where the finest species may be -found. The Arabian Horses have long been famous for their beauty and -intelligence, the English for their racing qualities, the Norman Horses -for their great strength, and the Breton Horses for their hardiness and -good temper. And so on through all the different species of past ages, -we might mention special characteristics for which they were famous; and -in the mixed species which have been brought to this country from time -to time, we find traces of these many good qualities. - -It is the same with the smaller races of the Horse family, known as the -Ponies. The various breeds have different characteristics for which they -are noted. But the ones deserving of special mention belong to the race -which are natives of a group of islands situated to the north of -Scotland. These are called Shetland Ponies and are perfect Horses in -miniature. Some of them are scarcely as high as a Newfoundland Dog, yet -they are very strong, and will endure any amount of fatigue and -privation. - - - THE WILD AND DOMESTIC DONKEY. - -[Illustration: DOMESTIC DONKEY.] - -The Ass, or Donkey, like the Horse, is the servant and helper of Man, -but its domestication is of much less ancient date. The wild type of -this animal (known under the names of Kiang, Koulan, Onager, or -Dziggetai) is still a native of many of the Asiatic deserts. - -They live together in innumerable droves and travel under the guidance -of a leader, whom they obey with intelligent submission. If they chance -to be attacked by Wolves, they range themselves in a circle, placing the -weaker and younger members in the centre, when they defend themselves so -courageously with their fore-feet and teeth that they almost invariably -come off victorious. - -The domestic Donkey carries the heaviest burden in proportion to its -size of all beasts of burden. It costs little or nothing to keep, and -requires very little care. It is especially valuable in rugged -mountainous countries, where its sureness of foot enables it to go where -Horses could not fail to meet with accidents. - -In energy, nervous power, and in temperament, the Donkey even surpasses -the Horse; and it has a greater capacity to endure fatigue. - - - THE ZEBRA. - -[Illustration: ZEBRAS.] - -The Zebra is larger than the Wild Ass, sometimes attaining the size of a -mature Arab Horse. The richness of its coat would suffice to distinguish -this creature from every other species of the same genus. The ground -color is white tinged with yellow, marked with stripes of black and -brown. - -This elegant animal is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and probably -the whole of southern, and a part of eastern, Africa. Travelers state -that they have met with it in Congo, Guinea, and Abyssinia. It delights -in mountainous countries, and, although it is less rapid than the Wild -Ass, its paces are so good that the best Horses are alone able to -overtake it. - -The Zebra lives in droves, but is very shy in its nature; it is endowed -with powers of sight that enable it to perceive from great distances the -approach of hunters. - - - THE HEMIONUS OR DSHIKKETEE. - -The Dshikketee in its shape and proportions seems to occupy a position -intermediate between the Horse and the wild Ass. This indeed is implied -by its name, derived from the Greek word hemionos, meaning half-ass. It -somewhat resembles a Mule, but its legs are more slender and it is more -attractive. Its general color is brown, with black mane and a black -stripe across the shoulders; the tail likewise is terminated by a black -tuft. - -These quadrupeds inhabit the sandy deserts of Asia, especially those of -Mongolia or the plains north of the Himalaya, and live in droves often -consisting of more than a hundred individuals. Enduring and swift, they -are not easily approached, but as both their hides and flesh are much -sought after, they are often caught in traps arranged for the purpose, -or are shot by hundreds lying in ambush near the salt meadows which they -love to frequent. They were said to be as easily broken in as the Horses -reared in our meadows and permitted to run at large till they are four -or five years old. - - - THE QUAGGA. - -The Quagga is smaller than the Zebra, and resembles the Horse in general -shape. His head is small, and his ears are short. The color of head, -neck and shoulders is a dark brown, verging on black. The tail is -terminated by a tuft of long hair. It is a native of the plateaux of -Caffraria, and feeds on grasses and shrubs, and lives in droves with the -Zebra. - -It is tamed without difficulty. The Dutch colonists were in the habit of -keeping them with their herds, which they defended against the Hyenas. -If one of these formidable carnivora threatened to attack the Cattle, -the domesticated Quagga would attack and beat down the enemy with its -fore-hoofs, trampling it to death. - -The geographical range of the Quagga does not appear to extend to the -northward of the river Vaal. The animal was formerly extremely common -within the colony, but vanishing before the strides of civilization, is -now to be found there in very limited numbers, and on the borders only. -Beyond, on those sultry plains which are completely taken possession of -by wild beasts, and may with strict propriety be termed the domains of -savage nature, it occurs in interminable herds. Moving slowly across the -profile of the ocean-like horizon, uttering a shrill barking neigh, of -which its name forms a correct limitation, long files of Quaggas -continually remind the early traveler of a rival caravan on its march. -Bands of many hundreds are thus frequently seen during their migration -from the dreary and desolate plains of some portion of the interior -which has formed their secluded abode, seeking for more luxuriant -pastures where, during the summer months, various herbs and grasses -thrive. - - - THE DAUW. - -The Dauw seems to take a middle place between the Zebra and the Quagga. -It resembles the former in its shape and proportions, and the latter in -the color of its coat. - -This quadruped is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and doubtless of -many of the mountainous districts of Southern Africa. It lives in arid -and desert localities, in droves, and is shy, and difficult to tame. - - - - - QUADRUPEDS THAT CHEW THE CUD. - - -THIS order of animals is known as the Ruminantia, or the Ruminant Order, -because all these animals possess the strange power of ruminating, or of -bringing back into their mouth (in order to re-chew it), the food that -they have once swallowed. - -This power is owing to a complicated structure of their stomach, which -is divided into several compartments, and which have been considered, -though with some exaggeration, as so many distinct stomachs. The first -and largest of these divisions is the paunch, which occupies a large -portion of the abdomen. The food is here accumulated after being roughly -crushed by the first chewing. After the paunch comes the bonnet or cap -stomach. In this cap the food is gradually moulded into small pellets, -which ascend again into the mouth, by means of a natural movement, and -not a convulsive or irregular one as in other animals; these pellets -then undergo a thorough chewing and mixing with the saliva. Such is -“chewing the cud.” - -When the food, thus transformed into a soft and nearly fluid paste -descends again into the stomach, it goes straight into a third intestine -and from this it at length passes into the digesting stomach or -rennet-bag. - -The feet of all these animals terminate in two toes which are joined -together in a bone called the shank. Sometimes also there exists at the -back of the foot two small spurs or toes. In all these animals except -the Camels and Llamas—the hoofs, which entirely cover the last joint of -the two toes on each foot, act side by side on a smooth surface, and -resemble one single but cloven hoof. Thus the origin of the word -cloven-hoofed. - -The Ruminants are divided in various ways by different Naturalists. Some -are satisfied with the division simply into Horned and Hornless -Ruminants. But the best classification is into the two large families of -the Camels and Common Ruminants. The Camel family includes the Camels -and Dromedaries—the beasts of burden in dessert lands, and the Llama, -etc., the beast of burden among the mountains. - -The Common Ruminants are divided into three tribes—those with hairy and -permanent horns, those with hollow-horns, and those that shed their -horns. - - - - - THE CAMEL FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: CAMEL.] - -Most of the modern Naturalists admit two distinct species of the Camel -genus; the Camel proper, which has two humps on its back, and the -Dromedary, which has only one. - -The individuals of the Camel genus have a small and strongly-arched -head. Their ears are slightly developed, still their sense of hearing is -excellent. Their eyes, which have oblong and horizontal pupils, are -projecting and gentle in expression, and are protected by a double -eyelid. Their power of sight is very great. Their nostrils are situated -at some distance from the extremity of the upper lip, and, externally, -appear only two simple slits in the skin, which the animal can open or -shut at will. Their upper lip is split down the centre, and the two -halves are susceptible of various and separate movements. These -constitute a very delicate organ of feeling. They are also possessed of -an extremely acute sense of smell. - -This remarkable head is carried with a certain degree of nobility and -dignity on a somewhat long neck, which, when the animal moves slowly, -describes a graceful arched curve. - -Their peculiar body, made more remarkable by the one or two humps on its -back, is supported on four long legs, which appear slender in comparison -with the mass they bear. - -In the Camel proper the color of the coat is chestnut-brown. The hair -grows to a considerable length, and becomes rather curly on the humps -and about the neck. Below the neck it forms a fringe, which descends -over the fore-legs. - - - THE DROMEDARY. - -[Illustration: DROMEDARY.] - -The Dromedary, which is less massive in form and smaller in size than -the Camel, has a coat of brownish-grey. Its hair is soft, woolly, and -moderately long, more especially about its hump and neck. - -The Camel is a native of ancient Bactria. It principally lives in Asia, -where it has been used, from antiquity, for domestic and military -service. In Africa, where it is acclimatised, it has doubtless existed -since the time of the conquest of that country by the Arabs. - -The Dromedary is distributed all over a great part of Northern Africa, -and a portion of Asia. It seems originally to have been a native of -Arabia. - -The faculty which the Camel possesses of being able to dispense with -drinking for a considerable time, has generally been attributed to the -fact that it carries internally a reservoir of water, which it uses in -case of necessity. Its digestive organs, like those of other Ruminants, -are composed of four different stomachs. - - - THE LLAMAS. - -[Illustration: LLAMA.] - -The Llamas are to the New World what Camels are to the Old Continent. -They are distinguished from the latter animal by the absence of humps on -their backs; by their two-toed feet only touching the ground at their -extremities; by their soles, which are less flattened; and their shape, -which is more slender and graceful. - -There are three species of Llama—the Llama proper, the Paca, and the -Vicuna. - -The Llama was the only beast of burden made use of by the Peruvians at -the time America was discovered by Europeans, and it exists nowhere else -in a wild state. It is about the height of an under-sized Horse; its -head is small and well set; its coat is coarse, and varies in color from -brown to black; occasionally it is grey, and even white. The hair on its -body is always longer and more shaggy than on its head, neck and legs. - -The ancient inhabitants of Peru made use of this species entirely as -beasts of burden and labor; but since the introduction of Horses into -South America their employment has much diminished. - -These animals are, however, very useful for the transportation of heavy -weights across the mountains, on account of the wonderful sureness of -their footing. They walk very slowly, and can carry upwards of a hundred -and sixty pounds weight; but they must not be hurried, for if violence -is used to quicken their pace they are certain to fall down, and -refusing to get up, would allow themselves to be beaten to death on the -spot rather than resume their course. - -The climate which this animal prefers is that of plateaux, from 10,000 -to 11,000 feet above the sea, and in these localities the most numerous -herds of Llamas are to be found. The natives fold the domesticated ones, -like Sheep, in special enclosures near their cabins. At sunrise they are -set at liberty to seek their food. In the evening they return, -frequently escorted by wild Llamas; but these take every precaution to -avoid being captured. - -In more ways than one the Llama is most valuable to the inhabitants of -the mountains; for the flesh of the young is good and wholesome food, -their skin produces a leather of value, and their hair is used for -various manufactures. - - - THE PACA. - -[Illustration: PACA.] - -The Paca inhabits similar localities to the former. It may be recognized -by the development of its hair, which is of a tawny-brown color, very -long, and falling on each side of the body in long locks. - -The Paca is gentle and timid, and allows itself to be led about by those -who feed and tend it; but if a stranger attempts to take liberties with -it, it kicks viciously, or ejects its saliva over him. Its food is -similar to that of Sheep; and its wool is very fine, elastic and long. - - - THE VICUNA. - -The Vicuna is the smallest species of the Llama genus. It is the same -size as a Sheep, and strongly resembles the Llama, only that its shape -is more elegant. Its legs, which are longer in proportion to the body, -are more slender and better formed; its head is shorter and its forehead -wider. Its eyes are large, intelligent and mild; its throat is of a -yellowish color, while the remainder of its body is brown and white. - -The rich fleece of this animal surpasses in fineness and softness any -other wool with which we are acquainted. In order to obtain possession -of the skin the American hunters pursue them even over the steepest -summits of the Andes, when, by driving, they force them into pens, -composed of tightly stretched cords, covered with rags of various -colors, which frighten and prevent the prey attempting to escape. One of -these battues sometimes produces from five hundred to a thousand skins. - - - - - THE MUSK DEER. - - -Although it belongs to the Deer family, the little Musk Deer is often -classified with this group because it is without horns, and resembles -the Camel family in its teeth and other characteristics. This is a -graceful little animal, about the size of a half-grown Fawn of our -common Deer. Its tail is very short, and it is covered with hair so -coarse and so brittle that it is almost like bristles, but what -especially distinguishes it, is its pouch filled with the substance so -well known in medicine and perfumery under the name of musk. - -The Musk Deer is a native of the mountainous region between Siberia, -China and Thibet. - - - - - THE HORNED RUMINANTS. - - -The family of Common Ruminants form a natural group comprehending the -greatest number of Ruminants. The feature which distinguishes the -animals composing it, not only from the Camel family, but also from all -the other Ruminants, is the existence of two horns on the forehead of -the male, and sometimes on the female. - -The structure of these horns presents various differences, and has -caused the division of this large and important family into three -tribes, namely, Ruminants with hairy and permanent horns, hollow-horned -Ruminants and Ruminants which shed their horns. - - - - - RUMINANTS WITH HAIRY AND PERMANENT HORNS. - - -[Illustration: GIRAFFE.] - -This tribe consists of a single genus, that of the Giraffe, which has -also but one species. - -The height of the Giraffe, the singular proportions of its body, the -beauty of its coat and the peculiarity of its gait, are sufficient to -explain the curiosity which these animals have always excited. - -Its long and tapering head is lighted up by two large, animated and -gentle eyes; its forehead is adorned with two horns, which consist of a -porous, bony substance, covered externally with a thick skin and bristly -hair. In the middle of the forehead there is a protuberance of the same -nature as the horns, but wider and shorter. The head of the Giraffe is -supported by a very long neck. Along the neck is a short, thin mane. The -body is short, and the line of the backbone is very sloping. Its -fore-quarters are higher than the hinder—a feature which is observed in -the Hyena. Its legs are most extensively developed, and are terminated -by cloven hoofs. The skin, which is of a very light fawn-color, is -covered with short hair, marked with large triangular or oblong spots of -a darker shade. - -Giraffes are only found in Africa, and even there they are not numerous. -They live in families of from twelve to sixteen members. They frequent -the verge of the deserts, and are met with from the northern limits of -Cape Colony to Nubia. - -The usual pace of the Giraffe is an amble, that is to say, they move -both their legs on one side at the same time. Their mode of progression -is singular and very ungainly. At the same time as they move their body, -their long neck is stretched forward, giving them a very awkward -appearance. Their long neck enables them to reach with their tongue the -leaves on the tops of high shrubs, which constitute a large part of -their food. - - - - - RUMINANTS WITH HOLLOW HORNS. - - -These Ruminants have horns which are covered with an elastic sheath, -something like agglutinated hair; they may be divided into two groups. - -To the first group belong the Chamois, Gazelle, Saiga, Nyl-ghau, Gnu and -Bubale. To the second group belong the Common Goat, the Mouflon or Wild -Sheep, the Domestic Sheep and the Ox. - -The most remarkable species belonging to the first division all come -under the natural group formerly known by the name of Antelopes. It -comprehends about a hundred species, which live, for the most part, in -Africa. They are generally slender and lightly-made, fleet in running, -of a gentle and timid disposition; they are gregarious, and are -particularly distinguishable by the different shapes of their horns. - -We shall glance at the most remarkable genera resulting from the -division of the old general group of Antelopes. - - - THE CHAMOIS. - -The chief characteristic of the Chamois is constituted by the smooth -horns which are placed immediately above the orbits. These horns are -almost upright, with a backward tendency, and curved like a hook at the -end. The horns exist in both sexes, and are nearly the same size in -each. The Chamois has a short tail, and no beard. - -The European Chamois is about the size of a small Goat. It is covered -with two sorts of hair—one woolly, very abundant, and of a brownish -color; the other, silky, spare and brittle. Its coat is dark brown in -winter and fawn-color in summer; its fine and intelligent head is of a -pale yellow, with a brown stripe down the muzzle and round the eyes. Its -horns are black, short, smooth, and not quite rounded. - -This graceful Ruminant inhabits the Pyrenees and Alps, and also some of -the highest points in Greece. But from constant persecution it has -lately become so rare that few people can boast of having been -successful in its pursuit. - -The Chamois lives in small herds, in the midst of steep rocks on the -highest mountain summits. With marvelous agility it leaps over ravines, -scales with nimble and sure feet the steepest acclivities, bounds along -the narrowest paths on the edge of the most perilous abysses, and -jumping from rock to rock, will take its stand on the sharpest point, -where there appears hardly room for its feet to rest; and all this is -accomplished with an accuracy of sight, a muscular energy, an elegance -and precision of movement, and a self-possession which are without -equal. From these facts, it can easily be understood that hunting this -nimble and daring animal is an amusement full of danger. - -On the approach of winter the Chamois goes from the northern side of the -mountains, to the southern, but it never descends into the plain. - - - THE GAZELLES. - -[Illustration: GAZELLES.] - -The Gazelles are animals of graceful shape, rather smaller in size than -the Chamois. The horns are twice bent, in the shape of a lyre, and -without sharp edges; the nostrils are generally surrounded by hair. - -The eyes of this animal are so beautiful and so soft in expression, its -movements are so elegant and so light, that the Gazelle is used by the -Arab poets as the type of all that is lovely and graceful. - -Gazelles proper are the species of this genus which are generally to be -seen in our parks and menageries. Such, for instance, as the Dorcas -Gazelle, which inhabits the large plains and Saharian region of Northern -Africa. It is the same size as a Roe, but its shape is lighter and more -graceful. - - - THE GNU. - -[Illustration: GNU.] - -The Gnu, sometimes called the Gnu Antelope, inhabits Southern Africa. It -is about the size of a Donkey, and is curiously formed. Added to its -muscular and thick-set body, it has the muzzle of an Ox, the legs of a -Stag, and the neck, shoulders and rump of a small Horse. Its head is -flattened, and its brown hair is short. On its neck it has a mane of -white, grey and black hair, and under its chin hangs a thick brown -beard. It also has horns, something like those of the Cape Buffalo, -which first bend downwards and then curve in an upward direction. It is -not surprising with such a queer combination, that strange stories were -told of this animal in the past, as it has the appearance of being made -up of various portions of several other animals. - -These strangely constructed animals are found in the mountainous -districts to the north of the Cape of Good Hope, and probably throughout -a large portion of Africa. They are very wild, and are swift runners and -may be seen skimming along in single file following one of their number -as a guide. - - - THE GOATS. - -These animals differ among themselves to a wonderful extent in their -shape, their color and even in the texture of their fleece. The Goats of -Angora in Cappadocia are provided with a soft and silky clothing. Those -of Thibet have become celebrated for the delicacy of a kind of wool -which grows among their hair, from which Cashmere shawls are -manufactured. In Upper Egypt is a race remarkable for the roughness of -their coat, while the Goats of Guinea and of Judea are distinguished by -the smallness of their dimensions, and by their horns, which are pointed -backwards. But whatever may be the cause of these peculiarities, the -whole race seems to retain the characters derivable from a mountain -origin; they are robust, capricious, and vagabond; they prefer dry hills -and wild localities, where they can procure only the coarsest herbage, -or browse upon the shrubs and bushes. They are likewise very injurious -in forests, where they destroy the young trees by devouring the bark. -Their flesh is strong and rank, so that they are seldom eaten; -nevertheless, their milk is an article of diet, and the Kid, while -young, is tender and nutritious. - - - THE COMMON GOAT. - -The Common Goat inhabits wild and mountainous regions in a state of -semi-wildness, seeming to have little regard either for the protection -or the neglect of people resident in its vicinity; but although not -cared for, like its not very distant relative, the Sheep, it is by no -means without its value. The Goat affords milk in considerable -abundance; its hair, though more harsh than wool, is useful in the -manufacture of various kinds of stuffs, and its skin is more valuable -than that of the sheep. The Goat has more intelligence than the Sheep, -and soon becomes familiar and attached; it is light, active, and less -timid than the Sheep; it is capricious and loves to wander, to climb -steep mountains, sleeping frequently on the point of a rock or the edge -of a precipice. It is robust, and will feed on almost any plant. It does -not, like the Sheep, avoid the mid-day heat, but sleeps in the sunshine, -and exposes itself willingly to its full glare. It is not alarmed by -storms, but appears to suffer from a great degree of cold. - - - THE IBEX. - -The Ibex combines with the characters of the Goat the agility and -fleetness of the Antelopes. “All readers of natural history,” says -Col. Markham, “are familiar with the wonderful climbing and saltatory -powers of the Ibex; and although they cannot (as has been described in -print) make a spring and hang on by the horns until they gain a -footing, yet in reality for such heavy animals they get over the most -inaccessible-looking places in an almost miraculous manner. Nothing -seems to stop them nor to impede their progress in the least. To see a -flock, after being fired at, take a distant line across country, which -they often do over all sorts of seemingly impassable ground, now along -the naked surface of an almost perpendicular rock, then across a -formidable landslip or an inclined plane of loose stones or sand, -which the slightest touch sets in motion both above and below, -dividing into chasms to which there seems no possible outlet, but -instantly reappearing on the opposite side, never deviating in the -slightest from their course, and at the same time getting over the -ground at the rate of something like fifteen miles an hour, is a sight -not to be easily forgotten.” - -The Ibex inhabits the most inaccessible summits of the loftiest -mountains of Europe, Asia and Africa, and may frequently be seen -bounding from rock to rock among the highest peaks of their snow-clad -grandeur, climbing cliffs with the activity of a Bird, and disporting -itself in regions unapproachable by any other quadruped. - - - THE BEZOARGOAT. - -[Illustration: Goat Defending His Family from a Lynx.] - -There is a striking resemblance in form, the habit of living and -character of the Bezoargoat, (extensively raised in mountainous regions -of Asia Minor, Persia and various islands of Greece) and the Stonebuck -of the Alps. The body of the Bezoargoat is narrow and the limbs high. -The long, strong horns form a uniformly curved arch, and both sexes have -strong beards. The skin is colored reddish gray along the sides of the -neck, growing lighter towards the body. The thigh is white both -underneath and outside. The breast, chin and ridge of the nose is -blackish brown. Their nourishment consists of dry grasses, cedar -needles, leaves and fruits. - -The Bezoargoats are very shy and experts in racing and climbing, -venturing the most dangerous leaps with the utmost courage and -dexterity. They are able to brave the greatest dangers. There is, -nevertheless, a source of danger threatening their young from the Eagle, -the Bearded Vulture and the Pardellynx. The Birds of Prey swoop rapidly -and unexpectedly from the heights and carry off the young Kid; but the -Pardellynx steals slyly upon the herd at pasture. This beautiful, -slender, crafty beast of prey, about the size of the Lynx, which is also -abundantly found in the Spanish mountains, eagerly hunts the Bezoargoat. -Through his exceptionally keen sense of sight and hearing, the crafty, -noiseless, sneaking Pardellynx frequently succeeds in stealing upon the -herd and despite their watchfulness attempts to overpower one of the -flock. The illustration on page 105 carries us into the mountain regions -of Taurus. A Pardellynx has crept unnoticed upon a family of grazing -Bezoargoats and has suddenly sprung upon the back of the old Goat, -burying his fangs into the neck of his prize. - - - THE SHEEP. - -[Illustration: MOUNTAIN SHEEP.] - -The members of this family have horns which, at first directed -backwards, wind spirally forwards; their forehead is generally convex, -and they are without any beard. In other respects they are closely -allied to the Goats. - -The Common Sheep, like other animals placed at the disposal of mankind, -presents innumerable varieties in accordance with the breed or climate -to which it may belong. Thus we find in Europe flocks with coarse or -fine wool, of large or of small size, with long horns or with short -horns—some in which the horns are wanting in the females; others in -which they are deficient in both sexes. - -The Spanish varieties are distinguished by their fine curly wool and -large spiral horns, which exist in the males only; while the English -breeds are celebrated on account of the length of their fleece and the -delicacy of their mutton. - -The Sheep of Southern Russia are remarkable on account of the length of -their tails; while those of India and some parts of Africa are -distinguished by the length of their legs, pendent ears, coarse wool, -and total want of horns in either sex. In Persia, Tartary, and China the -tail of the Sheep appears to be entirely transformed into a double globe -of fat; and those of Syria and Barbary, notwithstanding the length of -their tails, have them loaded with fat, while their wool is intermixed -with coarse hair. Everywhere, however, the Sheep is invaluable to the -human race, and the care of their flocks one of the earliest occupations -of civilized nations. - -“This species,” says Buffon, “appears to be preserved only by the -assistance and care of Man; it seems unable to subsist by itself. The -reclaimed Sheep is absolutely without resource and without defence. The -Ram is but weakly armed; its courage is only petulance. The females are -still more timid than the males. It is fear that causes them so often to -assemble in flocks; the slightest noise makes them throw themselves down -headlong or crowd one against the other; and this fear is accompanied -with the greatest stupidity, for they know not how to avoid danger.” - -They appear not even to feel the inconveniences of their situation; they -remain obstinately where they are exposed to the rain or snow. In order -to oblige them to change their situation and take a certain road, a -leader is necessary, whose movements they follow at every step. This -leader would himself remain motionless with the rest of the flock, if he -were not driven by the Shepherd or excited by the Sheep-dog, which knows -well how to defend, direct, separate, reassemble them, and communicate -to them all necessary movements. - -They are, of all animals, the most stupid and devoid of resources. -Goats, which resemble them in so many other respects, have much more -sense. They know how to guide themselves, they avoid danger, and easily -familiarize themselves with new objects; while the Sheep neither -retreats nor advances, and although it stands in need of assistance, -does not approach Man so willingly as the Goat, besides—a quality which, -in animals, appears to indicate the last degree of timidity or of want -of feeling—it allows its Lamb to be taken away without defending it, -without anger or resistance, or even signifying its grief by a cry -differing from its usual bleat. - -Nevertheless, this creature, so helpless and so apathetic, is to mankind -the most valuable of all animals, and of the most immediate and -extensive use. Alone it suffices for his most pressing wants, furnishing -both food and clothing, besides the various uses of the fat, milk, skin, -entrails and bones. Nature has not bestowed anything upon the Sheep that -does not serve for the advantage of the human race. - - - - - THE OX FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: Bisons in Battle.] - -This family is easily distinguished from the other groups of -Hollow-horned Ruminants. It is composed of large, heavy animals, in -which the skin of the neck is loose and hanging, forming a large fold -called the dew-lap. - -There are eight species found in this family—the American Buffalo or -Bison, the Musk Ox, the Cape Buffalo, the European Bison or Auroch, the -Yak, the Jungle Ox, the Common Buffalo of India, and the Common Ox, or -the well known group including our domestic Cattle. - - - THE AMERICAN BUFFALO. - -[Illustration: AMERICAN BUFFALO.] - -The American Buffalo, commonly known in other countries as the Bison, is -a gigantic species which ranges over the temperate and northern -provinces of the American continent. It is of thick-set shape, and -carries its head low, on a level with its back, while its shoulders are -high. Its head is short and large; its horns are small, lateral, far -apart, black and rounded. Its head, neck, and shoulders are covered with -thick, curly, dark brown hair. Its tail is short, and terminated by a -tuft of long hair. - -This immense animal inhabits all parts of North America, especially the -plateaux on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. In the spring, -herds of thousands of Buffaloes, crowded closely together, make their -way up from the south to the north of these vast steppes; in the autumn -they migrate again to the south. When the summer comes, these wild -troops break up, and the Buffaloes separate into couples or small herds. - -American Buffaloes are not ferocious in their nature; they seldom attack -Man, but will defend themselves when wounded; they then become -formidable adversaries, for their enormous heads, well furnished with -horns, and their fore-feet, are terrible weapons. In their migrations, -their numbers are so enormous, that as they advance everything that -comes in their way is devastated. - - - THE MUSK OX. - -The Musk Ox is much smaller than the Common Ox, and has somewhat the -appearance of an enormous sheep. Its forehead is arched; its mouth -small; its muzzle completely covered with hair; and its horns, which are -very large, are closely united at the base, and bending downwards over -the sides of its head, suddenly turn backwards and upwards at the tips. -Its long and abundant coat is of a dark brown color. It exhales a strong -odor of musk. - -This animal, which is a combination of the Ox, Sheep, and Goat, inhabits -North America below the polar circle, and lives in families of from ten -to twenty individuals. - -Notwithstanding its apparent heaviness, the Musk Ox climbs over rocks -almost as nimbly as a Goat, and its speed across the rocky, rough, -barren grounds, (its principal habitat) for an animal so clumsy, is -truly astonishing. - - - THE EUROPEAN BUFFALO. - -The European Buffalo, or Auroch, is, next to the Elephant, Rhinoceros -and Giraffe, the largest terrestrial Mammals. It is nearly six feet -high. Its horns are large, round and lateral, and its tail is long; the -front of the body, as far as the shoulders, is covered with coarse, -harsh, brown hair; the underneath part of its throat, down to its -breast, is furnished with a long pendulous mane, and the rest of its -body is covered with short black hair. - -This animal is the Urus of the ancients. It formerly lived in all the -marshy forests of temperate Europe, even in Great Britain. In the time -of Caesar it was still to be found in Germany, but, from the increase of -Man and his conquests, it has become more and more rare. At the present -time it is only to be found in two provinces of Russia. Very severe -orders have been issued by the Emperor of Russia to prevent the -destruction of these animals, and not one can be killed without his -permission. - - - THE CAPE BUFFALO. - -The Cape Buffalo is distinguished by its large horns, from all the other -species peculiar to the Old World, the flattened bases of which cover -the top of its head like a helmet, only leaving a triangular space -between them. The horns of this African Ruminant are black, while its -coat is brown. It lives in numerous herds in the thickest forests of -Southern Africa, from the northern limits of Cape Colony as far as -Guinea. - -When in the open country it is shy and cautious; but is formidable and -aggressive when hunted in the woods which form its principal retreat. -Buffalo hunting is one of the occupations of the natives of the south of -Africa; and it is not unaccompanied by danger, for it often happens that -the respective characters are inverted, and it is the Buffalo which -chases the hunters. - - - THE YAK. - -[Illustration: YAK.] - -The Yak, or Horse-tailed Buffalo, has a large tuft of woolly hair on its -head, and a sort of mane on its neck; the underneath part of its body, -particularly around the legs, is covered with very bushy, long, pendent -hair; its tail, which is entirely covered with hair, resembles that of a -horse; while its voice is a low and monotonous sound, which becomes -harsh and discordant when the animal is excited. - -It is found undomesticated on the confines of Chinese Tartary. It is -then wild, and dangerous; but when captured and broken in, it proves a -useful servant to the inhabitants of Thibet and the north of China, who -utilize it as we do our Cattle. Its milk is excellent; and its strength -in carrying loads and dragging ploughs and conveyances extraordinary. -But it is with difficulty they are tamed, for their disposition is -always restless and wilful, and subject to fits of bad temper. Its flesh -is highly esteemed, and coarse fabrics are made from its hair. - -The tail of this Ruminant has long been valued in the East. Attached to -the end of a lance, with the Mussulmen it is the insignia of the dignity -of Pacha; and, the higher this dignity, the greater is the number of -tails which the possessor of rank has a right to have carried before -him. The Chinese also adorn themselves with the tail of the Yak, dyed -red, by placing it in their caps. It is moreover employed as a switch -for driving away flies. - - - THE JUNGLE OX. - -The Jungle Ox very strongly resembles the Common Ox, but its horns are -flattened from front to back, and tend outwards and upwards. These Oxen -are reared in a domestic state in the mountainous countries of the -northeast of India. - - - THE COMMON BUFFALO. - -The Common Buffalo appears to be a native of the warm and damp parts of -India and the neighboring isles, from whence it has spread into Persia, -Arabia, the south of Africa, Greece and Italy. It is nearly the same -size as an Ox. Its bulging forehead, which is longer than it is wide, -bears two black horns, turned outwards. Its coat is coarse and scant, -except on its throat and cheeks, and it has a very small dew-lap. It -lives in numerous herds in marshy and low plains, where it delights in -wallowing. It is of a wild and untractable disposition, particularly -towards strangers; and, in order to make use even of those which are the -tamest, the more perfectly to control them, a ring of iron is passed -through their nostrils. In the cultivation of rice that cereal -particularly requiring moist land—their services are most valuable, for -their power of draught, even when immersed to the knees in mud, far -exceeds all other animals in a similar situation. - -The Arna, or Wild Buffalo, must be considered as a variety of this -species. Its horns are very large, about five feet long, wrinkled on -their concave side, and flat in front. It is principally found in -Hindostan. - - - - - RUMINANTS WHICH SHED THEIR HORNS. - - -[Illustration: AMERICAN DEER.] - -The distinctive characteristic of the animals of this group consists in -the texture, shape and manner of growth of their frontal protuberances. -These projections, which are called antlers, and not horns, are bony, -solid, and more or less branching. They do not have the horny casing -which exists in all Hollow-horned Ruminants. They fall off and are -renewed at a certain period every year up to a certain age, and it is -because of this peculiarity that these animals are known as Ruminants -with deciduous horns. - -In the full grown animal the antler is composed of a cylindrical or -flattened stem, according to the genus, which is called the brow-antler, -from which branch out at intervals slighter or shorter additions, called -tines or branches. The base of the brow-antler is surrounded by a circle -of small bony excrescences, which afford a passage to the blood vessels -intended to provide for the growth of the antler; these are called -burrs. - -There are various terms used to indicate the growth of the antlers. In -the first place, on the brow of the young animal, two small elevations -or knobs are seen to make their appearance, above each of which there -soon grows a projection of cartilage, which finally assumes a bony -texture. - -Until they become perfectly hard, these two early sprouts are protected -from any external friction by a kind of velvety skin, which dries up as -soon as the cartilage turns to bone. - -The short horns which then adorn its brow take the name of dags. At the -commencement of the third year the dags fall off, but soon after they -are replaced by other and longer ones, which throw out their first -tines; and from this time they are considered as entitled to the name of -antler. - -The falling off and periodical renewal of these bony projections is -really a very curious phenomenon. It seems as if it ought to take -several years for the horns to regain, as they do, equal or even larger -dimensions than their predecessors; nevertheless, they shoot out all -complete in the space of a few weeks. Still, the explanation of this -fact is simple enough. - -The skin which covers the base of the antlers of this animal is -traversed by a large number of blood vessels, which supply the phosphate -of lime necessary to solidify the bony parts. Up to the time when the -antler has acquired the full growth which it is to attain in each year, -this skin continues to receive the requisite flow of blood; it retains, -in fact, its living action. But as soon as the growth is complete, and -it becomes bony, the burrs increase in size, strangulate the vessels, -and stop the flow of the alimentary fluid. This skin then withers and -comes away from the antler, which, thus laid bare and no longer -receiving nourishment, gradually wastes away or decays, and falls off at -the end of a few months, again making its appearance in the approaching -season. - -Nearly all the members of this family are remarkable for the elegance of -their shape, the dignity of their attitudes, the grace and vivacity of -their movements, the slenderness of their limbs, and the sustained -rapidity of their flight. They have a very short tail; moderately sized -and pointed ears, and their eyes are clear and full of gentleness. - -The coat of Ruminants which shed their horns is generally brown or -fawn-colored. It is composed of short, close and brittle hair, which -assumes a somewhat woolly nature in the inclement regions of the extreme -north, more especially in the winter season. - -These Ruminants live in small droves or herds in forests, on mountains -or plains, and feed on leaves, buds, grass, moss, or the bark of trees, -etc. They are distributed over all the surface of the globe, both in the -hottest and coldest climates. The Reindeer and Elk are peculiar to the -northern regions of both continents; but numerous species are, on the -contrary, found in hot and temperate countries. - -The family of Ruminants which shed their horns comprehends three -genera—the Reindeer, the Elk, and the Deer proper—all differing in the -shape and size of their antlers. - - - THE REINDEER. - -[Illustration: REINDEER.] - -The Reindeer is of about the size of the Red Deer, but its legs are -shorter and thicker. The horns, which exist in both sexes, are divided -into several branches; at first they are slender and pointed, but as -they grow they extend, and ultimately terminate in broad and toothed -palmations. The hair of this animal, which is brown in summer, becomes -almost white as winter approaches—a circumstance which accounts for the -idea among the ancients, that the “Tarandus” could assume any color it -thought proper. - -The Reindeer is met with only in the extreme north of Europe and of -America. It is more especially a native of Lapland, where it is as -serviceable to the sojourner in those icy regions as the Camel to the -inhabitants of the sandy desert. The Laplanders keep numerous flocks of -them, drive them in summer-time to the mountains of their country, and -in winter cause them to return to the plains, where they use them as -beasts of burden and of draught, eat their flesh, feed their children -with their milk, and clothe themselves with their skins. “These useful -animals,” says Mr. Lloyd, “not only mainly contribute to the -subsistence, but constitute the chief riches of that nomade people. -Without the Reindeer, indeed, the Lapp could hardly contrive to exist in -the dreary region he inhabits, the needful provender being too scanty to -admit of the well-being of other animals, such as Sheep and horned -Cattle, which in more southern countries are made subservient to the -purposes of Man.” - -“A large herd of Reindeer,” says Lloyd in his Scandinavian Adventures, -“traversing the open country or the surface of a frozen lake, as the -case may be, when the Lapp is changing his encampment, is a very -magnificent sight. In the front walks a Man leading a Reindeer, or -perhaps the Man quite alone, who only now and then calls to the animals, -which, at a few paces’ distance, faithfully follow where he leads. - -“In the first ranks of the herd one commonly sees many noble males, who -proudly elevate their heads, attired with large and branching antlers. -The rest of the herd follow one another in close phalanx. It resembles a -wondrous moving forest, whose innumerably branched crowns, with their -rapid and constantly shifting motion, make the most pleasing impression -on the eye and mind of the spectator. - -“The Lapp sometimes calls a great herd of Reindeer a sava, or sea, a -figurative expression, beautiful as faithful; taken, probably, not only -from the immensity of the ocean, but from its surface being in constant -undulatory motion.” - - - THE ELKS. - -[Illustration: ELK OR MOOSE.] - -The Elk, or Moose Deer, the typical representative of this sub-family, -is an ungainly-looking animal, as large as, or larger than an ordinary -Horse. It seems to be raised on legs of disproportionate height. Its -muzzle is broad and pendulous; its throat swollen, as if it was -afflicted with a goitre; while its hair is rough and of an ashy color of -variable shades. The horn of the Elk is at first dagger-shaped, and then -divided into strips; but at the age of five years, it assumes the shape -of a broad triangular expansion, with prongs upon its outer margin. The -weight of these horns increases with the age of the animal, until they -weigh fifty or sixty pounds, and present as many as fourteen antlers or -projections from each horn. - -This animal inhabits the forests of the north, both of the European and -American continents, where it may be seen in small herds, making its way -through the marshy forests. It is an excellent swimmer, and from the -peculiar structure of its hoofs, able to cross marshy ground with great -facility. The sense of smell in the Elk is exceedingly acute; and when -once he scents a pursuer, he darts away with lightning speed, and -usually without a single pause till he is four or five miles away from -the object of his fear. He frequents in summer low and marshy ground, -where water and trees abound; while in winter he resorts to thicker -shelter on higher levels. The Elk feeds chiefly by day, in the summer on -the bark, leaves and small branches of young trees, and various species -of grasses. In the winter he adds to his food the leaves of various -firs, and different kinds of lichens. - - - THE DEER PROPER. - -The animals classified under this title include a large number of -species distributed over the warm and temperate regions of both -continents. The animals are remarkable for their grace and agility. The -various species differ somewhat in the shape of their antlers, and the -color of their coat, which is sometimes all of a fawn-colored shade, -sometimes dotted over with white spots during their youth, and sometimes -mottled during the whole of their life. The principal species are the -Common Stag, or Red Deer, the Large Stag of Canada, or Wapiti, the -Virginian Stag, the Axis, the Porcine Deer, the Fallow Deer, and the -Common Roe. - - - THE RED DEER. - -The Red Deer is certainly one of the most beautiful of European animals, -owing to the majestic antlers which adorn its head, and its stately and -graceful bearing. This quadruped is about the size of a small Horse. Its -coat, which varies according to the season, changes from light brown in -summer to greyish in winter. It has generally a very gentle and timid -disposition, and dreads the presence of Man, taking flight at the -slightest alarm. On the contrary, when not disturbed, it manifests an -amount of laziness which contrasts strangely with its extraordinary -agility. - -When arrived at a certain age, and in full possession of all its -strength, the Stag loves solitude, and in localities where possible, -confines itself during the whole summer to thickets and woods, scarcely -coming forth except at night to search for sustenance; this done, it -again retires to the thickest brake, to rest and digest its food. At the -end of autumn it visits the plains, making its way into badly-enclosed -gardens, where it satisfies its appetite with the agriculturist’s -cereals and fruit. If there should not be a sufficiency of the latter on -the ground, the Stag increases the supply by standing upright against -the trunk of the tree, and using its antlers as a pole to knock down -enough to satisfy its appetite. - -The favorite food of the Red Deer is grass, leaves, fruits and buds; but -as none of these can be found in winter, it is compelled to eat moss, -heath and lichens. When the ground is covered with snow it will feed -upon the bark of trees. At this season of the year these animals -assemble in numerous herds under the tallest trees of the forest, to -obtain shelter from the north wind, when they crowd closely against one -another for warmth. - -The Stag produces every year a new head of horns; and its age is -generally indicated by them. At six years of age it is said to possess a -full head; in the following years, and up to the end of its life, it is -known as a Royal Stag. - - - THE CANADIAN STAG. - -A magnificent species of Stag is found in North America, which is called -the Large Stag of Canada, or Wapiti. This animal bears some resemblance -to the Elk. It is easily tamed, and soon becomes used to confinement. -The North American Indians catch it in snares when young, and rear it -with care. At maturity they harness it to their sledges during the -winter, and its powerful frame enables it to draw heavy loads. Its -flesh, which is excellent, forms a large portion of the Red Man’s -sustenance. - - - THE VIRGINIAN DEER. - -The Virginian Deer is common in the United States, where it is the -favorite animal of chase. It is larger than the Fallow Deer, and is -excessively abundant in some portions of this country; but so many of -them are annually slaughtered that, before a hundred years are past, -says Audubon, this animal will have become an extraordinary rarity. -Their death is generally accomplished by the hunter stalking on them -unawares, when they are shot; or driving them from cover when their -favorite passes (which are easily distinguished by the experienced) are -guarded by marksmen. - - - THE SAMBOO, AXIS AND PORCINE DEER. - -The Indian continent and Malay Islands produce several very remarkable -species of Stags. First let us mention the Samboo, or Aristotle Deer, so -called because it was first described by that celebrated philosopher of -antiquity; then the Axis, a very elegant animal with a fawn-colored coat -speckled with white, and horns furnished with only two branches; and -lastly, the Porcine Deer, which owes its name to its small size and -massive shape. In Bengal, these two last named species are reared in a -domesticated state, and fattened for the table. - - - THE FALLOW DEER. - -The Fallow Deer holds a middle place in size between the Red Deer and -the Roe. Its height, at the withers, is little more than ten hands. It -may be easily recognized by its horns, which are round at the base, and -palmated above. Its coat, like that of the Axis, is fawn-colored or -brown, dotted over with white spots, which in summer are very distinctly -marked, but are scarcely perceptible in winter. Its habits differ but -slightly from those of the Red Deer. - -The Fallow Deer is found over a large part of Europe, in the north of -Africa and also in Asia Minor. - - - THE COMMON ROE. - -The Roe Deer is one of the most elegant and graceful representatives of -this group. It does not measure much more than a yard in length. Its -horns are small, and very simple in their shape. They are composed of a -deeply indented stem, which is straight for the greater part of its -length, and furnished at the top with two branches, forming a fork at -the extremity. Its coat is a uniform fawn-color, the shade of which -varies with the season. - -The Roes frequent young woods and thickets in the vicinity of cultivated -ground, where they delight to crop the buds and shoots, thus doing -considerable mischief in plantations. They are timid, intelligent and -gentle; the least unaccustomed noise frightens them. Still, all their -precautions are not sufficient to protect them against the multitude of -huntsmen eager for their capture—an eagerness the more excusable as the -Roe furnishes the finest venison. - - - - - CETACEA—THE WHALES. - - -[Illustration: Whale Attacked by Bloodheads.] - -THE Whale family, or the Cetacea, are really aquatic animals, although -they resemble Fishes externally. Their whole structure—their lungs -instead of gills for breathing, their heart, and their manner of feeding -their young, all show that they belong to the Mammals. Only, instead of -being organized for living on land, they are better suited for the -water. Some of them reach an enormous size, and are the giants of the -animal kingdom. - -Their body, more or less spindle-shaped, is terminated in a tail which -is very broad and forms a fin. This fin or tail is not vertical, as in -Fishes, and it is the principal agent for moving these living masses. - -On the back of most of the Cetacea there is another fin, which is merely -a part of the skin. They have no hind fins, and their great front fins -or arms are of little use for locomotion through the water, but serve to -balance their movements. - -The skin of the different members of the Whale family is generally quite -hairless, which very rarely happens in the case of other Mammalia. The -largest of other animals are small when compared with many of the -Cetacea. These great creatures swim quite rapidly, however. Because of -the air contained in their chest, and the great quantity of grease with -which their tissues are charged, and the great strength of their tail in -pushing them forward, they move easily through the waves, looking for -the Fish, Molluscs and Crustacea, which they eat in enormous quantities. - -The Whale family is first divided into two classes, the Blowing Cetacea, -and the Herbiverous Cetacea. The Herbiverous class includes the Manatees -and the Duyongs who live on the weedy, shallow shores around the islands -and mouths of rivers, and feed on the sea-weed. - -The class of Blowing Cetacea includes the Whale proper, the Rorquals and -the great Cachalot or Sperm Whale, in which the head constitutes in -itself one-third, or even one-half of the total length of the creature, -the Whalebone Whale; and a second division containing the Dolphin, the -Porpoise, Narwhal, etc., in which the head is in the usual proportion to -the body. - - - THE WHALE, AND ITS ENEMIES. - -We hear surprising stories of the Whales of past ages which measured -from one or two hundred feet in length; and from the skeletons that have -been discovered, it is found that even if they did not reach this great -length, it is probably true, as Goldsmith claims, that they were very -much larger in the past than now. It is the same as with the quadrupeds, -the huge Mastodons, etc., from the skeletons that have been dug up from -time to time it is evident that there must have been terrestrial animals -twice as large as the Elephant, but these, being rivals with mankind for -the large territory required for their existence, must have been -destroyed in the contest. And in the sea, as well as upon land, Man has -destroyed the larger tribes of animals. - -The Whale is the largest animal of which we have any certain -information; and the various purposes to which, when taken, its -different parts are converted, have made us well acquainted with its -history. Of the Whale proper, there are no less than seven different -kinds; all distinguished from each other by their external figure or -internal formation. They differ somewhat in their manner of living; the -Fin-fish having a larger swallow than the rest, being more active, -slender and fierce, and living chiefly upon Herrings. However, they are -none of them very voracious; and, if compared to the Cachalot, that -enormous tyrant of the deep, they appear harmless and gentle. The -history of the rest, therefore, may be comprised under that of the Great -Common Greenland Whale, with which we are best acquainted. - -The Great Greenland Whale is a large, heavy animal, and the head alone -makes a third of its bulk. It is usually found from sixty to seventy -feet long. The fins on each side are from five to eight feet, composed -of bones and muscles, and sufficiently strong to give the great mass of -body which they move, speed and activity. The tail, which lies flat on -the water, is about twenty-four feet broad, and, when the Whale lies on -one side, its blow is tremendous. The skin is smooth and black, and in -some places marbled with white and yellow; which, running over the -surface, has a very beautiful effect. - -The Whale makes use only of the tail to advance itself forward in the -water. This serves as a great oar to push its mass along; and it is -surprising to see with what force and celerity its enormous bulk cuts -through the ocean. The fins are only made use of for turning in the -water, and giving direction to its course. The Mother-whale also makes -use of them, when pursued, to bear off her young, clapping them on her -back, and supporting them, by the fins on each side, from falling. - -The outward or scarf skin of the Whale is no thicker than parchment; but -this removed, the real skin appears, of about an inch thick, and -covering the fat or blubber that lies beneath; this is from eight to -twelve inches in thickness; and is, when the Whale is in health, of a -beautiful yellow. The muscles lie beneath; and these, like the flesh of -quadrupeds, are very red and tough. - -Nothing can exceed the tenderness of the mother for her young; she -carries it with her wherever she goes, and, when hardest pursued, keeps -it supported between her fins. Even when wounded, she still clasps her -baby; and when she plunges to avoid danger, takes it to the bottom; but -rises sooner than usual, to give it breath again. - -It seems astonishing how a shoal of these enormous animals find -subsistence together, when it would seem that the supplying even one -with food would require greater plenty than the ocean could furnish. To -increase our wonder, we not only see them herding together, but usually -find them fatter than any other animals of land or sea. We likewise know -that they cannot swallow large Fishes, as their throat is so narrow, -that a Fish larger than a Herring could not enter. How then do they -subsist and grow so fat? A small insect which is seen floating in those -seas, and which Linnaeus terms the Medusa, is sufficient for this -supply. - -These insects are black, and of the size of a small bean, and are -sometimes seen floating in clusters on the surface of the water. They -are of a round form, like Snails in a box, but they have wings, which -are so tender that it is scarcely possible to touch them without -breaking. These serve rather for swimming than flying; and the little -animal is called by the Icelanders, the Walfischoas, which signifies the -Whale’s provender. They have the taste of raw muscles, and have the -smell of burnt sugar. These are the food of the Whale, which it is seen -to draw up in great numbers with its huge jaws, and to bruise between -its barbs, which are always found with several of these sticking among -them. - -As the Whale is a meek animal, it is not to be wondered that it has many -enemies, willing to take advantage of its disposition, and inaptitude -for combat. There is a small animal, of the Shell-fish kind, called the -Whale-louse, that sticks to its body, as we see shells sticking to the -bottom of a ship. This hides itself chiefly under the fins; and whatever -efforts the great animal makes, it still keeps its hold and lives upon -the fat, which it is provided with instruments to reach. - -The Sword-fish, however, is the Whale’s most terrible enemy. “At the -sight of this little animal,” says Anderson, “the Whale seems agitated -in an extraordinary manner; leaping from the water as if with affright. -Wherever it appears, the Whale perceives it at a distance, and flies -from it in the opposite direction. I have been myself,” he continues, “a -spectator of their terrible encounter. The Whale has no instrument of -defence except the tail; with that it endeavors to strike the enemy; and -a single blow taking place, would effectually destroy its adversary; but -the Sword-fish is as active as the other is strong, and easily avoids -the stroke; then bounding into the air, it falls upon its great enemy, -and endeavors, not to pierce with its pointed beak, but to cut with its -toothed edges. The sea all about is soon dyed with blood, proceeding -from the wounds of the Whale, while the enormous animal vainly endeavors -to reach its invader, and strikes with its tail against the surface of -the water, making a report at each blow louder than the noise of a -cannon.” - -The Whale has still another deadly enemy—the tribe of Bloodheads, known -as the Wolves of the ocean. This is a species of Whale and, like the -Whale, also belongs to Mammalian animals. Although the Bloodheads in -relation to the enormous Whale may be termed small, they wage war in -troups of five or ten, undaunted and impassionately attacking the huge -monster who usually succumbs to the assault. They, therefore, deserve -the name assigned them by Linneus, “Torment of the Whale.” They are even -more blood-thirsty than the Shark in boldness, killing Seal and smaller -Fish in masses. - -The Whale when attacked by these Fish of Prey appears to become at first -paralyzed with fear and hardly makes any effort to defend himself, -although it would hardly benefit him to do so as the Bloodheads are the -swiftest of the Whale family, swimming with extraordinary quickness and -dexterity. The “Wolves of the Sea” encircle the gigantic, clumsy Whale -like a pack of Hounds around a pursued and exhausted Deer. Some of them -attack him at the head and forefins, others attack him from underneath, -while others attack the lips, and when he opens his gigantic mouth, -attempt to slash apart his tongue. Finally the giant becomes angered. He -whips the water with his tail and his front fins with tremendous force, -snorts powerful streams out of the nostrils of his colossal head; dives -under and shoots up in an endeavor to shake off his enemies and to -dispatch them with his fins. Often this terrific combat, as illustrated -on page 88, lasts for a considerable length of time, ending mostly with -the downfall and death of the Whale. The Bloodheads tear him apart in a -horrible manner until death ensues, after which they feast for days with -pleasure on the immense carcass, and then start in search of further -prey. - - - THE CACHALOTS. - -[Illustration: SPERM WHALE.] - -In these Cetaceans the head is of vast size and excessively vaulted, or -arched, especially in front. The upper jaw has no whalebone nor teeth of -any kind, excepting a few rudiments. The lower jaw, which is very narrow -and much elongated, is armed on each side with a lengthy row of teeth of -considerable size and conical shape, the points of which when the mouth -is shut, are received into corresponding depressions in the upper jaw. - -The upper region of their prodigious head is made up of vast caverns -filled with an oily fluid, which on cooling becomes solid, constituting -the valuable substance generally known by the name of “spermaceti.” It -is not, however, in the vaults of the head only that this fat is found. -It appears to be distributed through various excavations in the body, -and to be diffused even among the dense mass of blubber which envelopes -the exterior of the animal. - -The peculiar odorous substance, so well known under the name of -“ambergris,” is likewise obtained from the Cachalot. - -How many species of these monstrous creatures exist in the ocean we -cannot tell, seeing that the observations of the Whale-fishermen are -generally by no means sufficiently precise for the purposes of Natural -History. That which appears to be most frequently met with is the -Great-headed Spermaceti Whale. - -This giant of the deep has merely a callous hump upon its back, in place -of a dorsal fin. On each side of its lower jaw are from twenty to -twenty-three large conical teeth. The “blow hole” through which it -respires is a single orifice, situated on the top of the head—not a -double aperture as in most other Cetaceans. The species seems to be -widely distributed, but its range is principally confined to the oceans -south of the Equator. - - - THE WHALEBONE WHALES. - -These Whales resemble the Cachalots, both in the vastness of their bulk, -and in the disproportionate size of their head, when compared with their -entire length. Their forehead, however, is considerably flatter than -that of the Spermaceti Whales, and they have no true teeth. Instead of -the usual implements of mastication, their upper jaw, which somewhat -resembles a great boat turned keel upwards, or the roof of a house, has -its under surface densely furnished with plates of a substance called -“whalebone,” consisting of horny plates resembling the blades of -scythes, placed transversely. These becoming thinner towards their -edges, are fringed with a long hair-like border, so that the whole -apparatus forms an immense sieve. - -The Whalebone Whale—long considered as the largest animal at present in -existence—according to the testimony of the Rev. Captain Scoresby, seems -rarely, if ever, to exceed seventy feet in length; a size, which, -although prodigious, is exceeded by some other Cetaceans. Its back is -unprovided with a dorsal fin. The blubber, or elastic fat beneath its -skin, which is sometimes several feet in thickness, furnishes immense -quantities of oil, in search of which whole fleets were formerly fitted -out, until the entire race of these Whales has become almost extinct. At -a very recent period these leviathans of the ocean were not uncommonly -met with on the British coast; but generally they have been compelled to -retire for safety to the recesses of the ice-bound coasts of the north, -and even there they are rarely to be encountered, their number appearing -to constantly diminish. - -In addition to the large supplies of oil fat, commerce was indebted to -them for the whalebone, formerly so abundant, consisting of broad plates -of that black, flexible, horny substance, sometimes measuring eight or -ten feet in length; and of these a single individual has been known to -furnish eight or nine hundred from each side of the roof of its mouth, -as well as upwards of twenty tons of oil. Notwithstanding its colossal -size, the Whalebone Whale is very harmless, living principally upon the -small animals that crowd the seas to which it resorts, straining them -from the surrounding water by means of its sieve-like mouth. - - - THE DOLPHINS. - -[Illustration: DOLPHIN.] - -These animals are easily distinguished from the others of the Whale -family by their arched forehead, the beak-like jaws, and the beauty and -elegance of their movements in the water. For many ages the Dolphin has -been noted for its intelligence and docility, its affectionate -disposition being quite as noticeable among the water animals, as that -of the Dog or the Elephant among quadrupeds. - -They usually swim in companies, leaping and tumbling over one another -with amusing playfulness. They live principally upon Fishes, which, from -the swiftness of their movements, they have no difficulty in catching. - -People have always had a great idea of the strength of the Dolphin, and -at one time it was said of those who attempted to perform -impossibilities, that they “wanted to tie a Dolphin by the tail.” It is -principally with the assistance of this powerful tail that the Dolphin -swims with such rapidity, and that it has gained for itself the title of -“Sea-arrow.” - -When the Dolphins—which go in numerous troops and in certain order—meet -a ship, they follow it, so as to catch the Fish which the refuse thrown -from the ship attracts in quantities. At whatever speed the ship may be, -either sailing or steaming, they keep up with it, and play about among -the waves, bounding, turning over and over, and never tiring of frisking -and tumbling, affording continual amusement to the crew. - -Many authors have said that the Dolphin leaps high enough above the -surface of the water to jump on board small vessels. They say that in -this case the animal curves its body round with force, bends its tail -like a bow, and then unbends it, in such a manner as to fly like the -arrow from a bow. - -When they saw these animals following their ships, the sailors imagined -that they were accompanying them from an instinct of sociability. They -have even gone so far as to say that these animals have a sort of -affection for seamen, as well as for each other. - - - THE PORPOISES. - -The Porpoises differ from the Dolphins in having their snout short and -uniformly rounded, without a beak-like projection. Their teeth are -compressed, sharp-edged, and rounded, their number from twenty-two to -twenty-five in each jaw. Their skin is smooth and shining, black above -and white below, and as they never attain a greater length than four or -five feet from the tip of the muzzle to the extremity of their flat -horizontal tail, they may be regarded as the smallest of the Cetacean -Order. These animals abound in every sea, and many people have witnessed -their unwieldy gambollings, the character of which is by no means badly -expressed by their name (porc-poisson, hog-fishes). They have, in fact, -somewhat the appearance of floating pigs, as they wallow in the trough -of the sea and roll over each other amid the foaming waves. - -Their food consists entirely of Fishes, of which they destroy great -quantities. They follow the shoals of Herrings and of Mackerel, and when -pursuing their prey, not unfrequently venture into the estuaries of -rivers, and make excursions up the rivers themselves. - - - THE NARWHALS. - -[Illustration: NARWHAL.] - -The Narwhals have no teeth, but are furnished with an enormous tusk, -that projects from the upper jaw, and becomes a most formidable weapon. - -The Narwhal is an inhabitant of the Arctic seas, where it sometimes -attains a length of from twenty to twenty-five feet. Its skin is -beautifully marbled with brown and white; its muzzle is round, and its -mouth, unlike that of other Cetaceans, is disproportionately small. Its -single tooth, or horn-like tusk, projects from the head in a line with -the body, sometimes to the length of nine or ten feet. It is spirally -twisted, tapering to a point, and as it is composed of the hardest -ivory, is capable not only of transfixing the body of a Whale, but when -impelled by such momentum as is derived from the speed of its ponderous -owner, has been known to penetrate the oaken ribs of a British -man-of-war to the depth of nearly a couple of feet, and probably has -thus caused the loss of many ships incapable of resisting the shock. - - HERBIVOROUS CETACEANS. - - -Until a very recent period the animals composing this family were quite -unknown, or perhaps we ought rather to say they were just sufficiently -known to make them the objects of superstition. Seeing that there is in -their general appearance, somewhat of a resemblance to the human form, -the casual glimpses obtained of them at once satisfied their first -discoverers that they were Tritons and Sirens, such as they had read of -in mythological writings, and the belief in the existence of Mermaids -and Mermen was thus at once confirmed. - -In the works of Gesner, Aldrovandus and Jonston, the earliest authors -after the renaissance of Natural History in modern times, the figures of -creatures having human bodies joined with the tails of Fishes are -inserted with the utmost faith in their existence. - -A more accurate acquaintance with these strange creatures has, however, -revealed to later voyagers that they are merely a race of animals very -closely allied in their organization to Whales, which in form they -closely resemble, while their internal structure shows them to be still -more nearly related to the gigantic Pachyderm Quadrupeds, such as the -Hippopotamus and the Tapir. - -The main feature which distinguishes the Herbivorous Cetaceans is their -total want of hind limbs, a circumstance in which they resemble the true -Whales and Dolphins; but in the structure of their nostrils they conform -to the usual arrangement met with in four-footed Mammalia. Instead of -whalebone or the sharp conical teeth of the Dolphins, they are furnished -with broad, flat grinders, wherewith they chew their vegetable food, -which consists principally of the sea-weeds, etc., abundant near the -shores which they frequent. In short, as Buffon well expresses it, these -creatures terminate the list of terrestrial quadrupeds and commence the -history of the population of the sea, or, more correctly, form the -connecting link between the Mammiferous inhabitants of the ocean and -those of the river and the marsh. - -This family comprises the Manatees and the Dugongs. - - - THE MANATEES. - -[Illustration: MANATEE.] - -These animals are distinguished by the arrangement of their teeth and by -certain peculiarities in the structure of their head. The number of -their teeth is considerable, their grinders have roots distinct from the -crown of the tusk, which forms a grinding surface composed of transverse -elevated ridges. The incisor teeth are quite rudimentary. Their only -limbs somewhat resemble hands, and their fingers are provided with -nails, while the fin at their tail is not forked, but single, and of an -oval shape. These creatures seem to be intermediate in their structure -between the Pachyderms and the Cetaceans, seeing that their grinding -teeth very much resemble those of the Tapirs. Three species are known to -Naturalists—one from South America, one from Senegal and one from -Florida. - - - THE SOUTH AMERICAN MANATEE. - -Although the western coasts of Africa were frequented by sailors in very -ancient times, and known to Europeans long before the discovery of the -American continent, the Manatee which is found upon the eastern shores -of America was known to Naturalists before the African species. The -interest aroused by the discovery of a new world attracted enlightened -men, who flocked to its shore, and described its productions; while the -African continent, never having received Europeans but as enemies, was -in turn treated as an enemy’s country, and could only be visited at a -considerable risk. - -The name of Manatus is evidently derived from the Spanish word mano, a -hand, or manato, furnished with hands, seeing that the creature seems to -have no arms, little being seen externally but the fingers. Its length -is from eighteen to twenty feet, and it is at least six feet across at -the broadest part of its body, just behind the hands. Its general -appearance is that of a Whale; it has no neck, nor any vestiges of -hinder extremities, but it differs materially from the true Cetaceans in -many points of its structure. Four of its fingers, for instance, are -furnished with nails, and its tail is of an oval shape. - -This animal appears to live entirely upon sea-weed, nothing but the -remains of various kinds of fucus having been found in its stomach. The -form of its teeth corresponds with the supposition that this is its only -food, and seeing that it has no incisor teeth, it must necessarily -browse this kind of grass by means of its fleshy lips, which are covered -with stiff hairs. The habits of the Manatee are gentle; it is even -stated to be capable of being to some extent tamed. It associates with -its fellows in herds, which are more or less numerous. The mother -exhibits the greatest affection for her young ones, which are one or two -in number; she carries them in her hands while feeding them, and her -milk is said to be as sweet and well-tasted as that of a cow. The -Manatee frequents the estuaries of the rivers of South America, and even -sometimes ventures to ascend their streams for a short distance. Its -flesh and its fat are both considered delicacies. One is said to -resemble veal, the other bacon, the latter having the additional -recommendation of keeping good for a long period. - - - THE DUGONGS. - -The Dugongs were for some time confounded with the Walruses and -Manatees, under the generic name of Trichecus, until Lacepede, -perceiving their distinctive characters, separated them as a distinct -race, to which he applied the name Dugong, thus trying to Latinize their -native appellation. Such Latin as that, however, could not be tolerated -even by Zoologists, and hence Illiger conferred upon them the more -euphonious name of Halicore (daughter of the sea). Although the -organization of the Dugong in its general features resembles that of the -Manatee, there are important differences whereby they are clearly -distinguishable. The molar teeth of the Dugong have no roots, but -present merely a flat surface bordered with enamel; moreover, they are -fewer than in the Manatee, and the Dugong has rudimentary incisors. The -structure of the hands is likewise modified. The fingers of the Dugong -have no nails, and very much resemble the flippers of ordinary -Cetaceans, while the nostrils, instead of opening at the end of the -snout, are approximated to the top of the head, another circumstance by -which the Dugongs seem to be intermediate between the herbivorous and -carnivorous forms of Whale. - -The only known species is the Halicore Dugong. These animals live in -societies, in shallow bays near the mouths of rivers, and in narrow arms -of the sea where the depth is only two or three fathoms. In such -situations they find abundance of sea-weed, which seems to constitute -their only nutriment, and which they tear from the rocks by means of -their flexible but powerful and fleshy lips. In the Sunda Isles Dugongs -were formerly numerous, but their flesh is esteemed a dainty, and the -species is now becoming scarce. - -The chase after them is carried on during very calm weather, and -generally by night. Their vicinity is detected by the noise they make in -breathing as they lie at the top of the water, when by approaching them -cautiously in a boat, they are easily harpooned. When once the weapon is -fixed, all the efforts of the assailants are directed to getting a rope -round the tail of their victim, and this being accomplished it is quite -helpless. - -The mother and her young, and also the male and his mate, show great -attachment for each other; if one is caught, the capture of the other is -a certainty, as the survivor, totally regardless of danger, gives itself -up to its enemies. - - - - - Birds. - - -[Illustration: STONE EAGLE GUARDING HIS BOOTY.] - -IN the study of our beautiful and interesting friends, the Birds, it is -useless to enter into any prolonged discussion concerning their -structure and their habits in this limited space; we are too eager to -arrange them in their proper families, and learn of the interesting -traits of individuals. - -[Illustration: TAILOR BIRD.] - -There is one thing worthy of consideration, however, in studying the -Birds as a whole, before taking up individuals; and that is their -wonderful intelligence in the building of their nests and the care of -their young. It is difficult to understand this intelligence as -exhibited in Birds. In the Mammals, whose organization approaches nearer -to our own, we are enabled partly to comprehend their joys and griefs, -but in the case of Birds it is difficult to understand their sensations. - -To explain this mystery a word has been invented which proves generally -satisfactory. Thus we call the sentiment which leads the Birds to -perform so many admirable actions, instinct. The tenderness of the -mother for her young for instance—a tenderness so full of delicacy and -foresight, is, we say, only the result of instinct. It is agreed, -however, that this instinct singularly resembles the intelligence called -reason. - -Take the intelligence that is shown in the majority of Birds in the nest -building. The Tailor bird—an East Indian Bird related to the -Warblers—shows rare intelligence in constructing its nest by stitching -together the leaves of plants; and as we study the individuals of the -different families of Birds we will find numerous instances of this -marvellous quality commonly known as instinct. - -Birds have been arranged in groups and families in various ways by -different Naturalists, but the most satisfactory classification is the -division into six great families. First, the Raptores, or Birds of Prey; -second, the Natatores, or Swimming Birds; third, the Grallatores, or -Wading Birds; fourth, the Scransores, or Climbing Birds; fifth, the -Gallinaceae, or Domestic Birds; sixth, the Passerines, or the Sparrow -Family. - - - - - BIRDS OF PREY. - - -The numerous Birds classified as Raptores, or Birds of Prey, are divided -into two great families—the Owls or Nocturnal Birds of Prey, who hunt -and kill their prey during the night; and the Diurnal Birds of Prey, -including the Falcons, Eagles and the Vultures, who seek their food -during the day. - -All the different Birds belonging to this order are characterized by a -strong, hooked and sharp-edged bill, strong legs covered with feathers, -four toes, three in front and one behind, which are usually very -flexible, and provided with strong talons. As their name indicates, they -live by plunder and blood-shedding. They correspond in the class of -Birds with the Carnivora among Mammals. Like them, they live on animals, -either dead or living; like them, too, they possess the strength and -cunning which are necessary to secure their victims. - -The Birds of Prey do not possess any of the graces and power of song -which characterize other races of Birds. Their only utterance consists -of harsh cries or strange and plaintive sounds, and it is very seldom -that their plumage is gay or attractive. Destruction is the sole object -of their existence, and they are the terror of the rest of the feathered -creation. - -They are found over the whole surface of the globe. The larger species -inhabit lofty mountains, or seek a hiding place in solitary cliffs. - - - - - THE OWL FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: OWLS.] - -The Owls represent the nocturnal Birds of Prey. They are distinguished -by large staring eyes directed straight in front, and surrounded by a -circle of slender and stiff feathers, which by their radiation around -the face form a nearly complete disc. They have short strong bills and -sharp claws for seizing their prey. - -With the exception of the Barn Owl, all these nocturnal Birds of Prey -lay eggs of spherical shape. They live in couples, only assembling in -flocks at the time of migrating to a warmer climate. They do not build -any nests but deposit their eggs in the cavities in old trunks of trees -or ruined habitations. None of these Birds come out of their roosting -places during the day, unless they are forced to do so. - -For brief and simple classification the Owl family is usually divided -into two groups—the Horned Owls and the Hornless Owls. - - - THE HORNED OWLS. - -These are distinguished by two tufts or horns of feathers placed on each -side of their head. They are sub-divided into many species. The five -most important are the Great Owl, Virginian Eared Owl, the Long-eared -Owl, Short-eared Owl, and Scops-eared Owl. - -The Great Owl is the most remarkable of the whole family on account of -its size and strength. Its height is on an average of two feet, and it -is known as the king of nocturnal Birds. Its bills and claws are of a -black color, very strong and hooked. Its plumage is brown, with black -spots and dark brown stripes. Its wings when extended, are not less than -five feet across. This bird makes its home among the clefts of rocks on -mountain sides, rarely leaving this elevated ground to descend into the -plain, even when hunting. Its peculiar cry, re-echoing in the silence of -the night, is a source of terror to the rest of the feathered creation. -It feeds upon Rabbits, Moles, Rats and Mice, and even devours Toads, -Frogs and small reptiles. This Owl is the most courageous of the family, -and often fights with the Tawny Eagle. In these fierce fights, both the -Owl and the Eagle are sometimes killed, as they bury their claws so deep -in one another’s flesh that they cannot withdraw them. - -The Great Owl is common in Switzerland and Italy and also inhabits Asia. - -The Virginian Eared Owl inhabits North America. This bird is nearly the -size of the Great Owl of Europe. It is distinguished from the latter by -a different arrangement of the feathered projections on its head, which, -instead of starting from the ears, take their rise close above the bill. -This bird feeds on young poultry, which it boldly carries off from the -very midst of poultry yards; to the Turkey it is especially destructive. -When other food fails, it feeds on dead fish. If caught when young it is -easily tamed, but as it gets mature its blood-thirsty instincts become -so powerful that it proves a most expensive pet. - - - THE LONG-EARED OWL. - -The Long-eared Owl is more sociable than most nocturnal Birds of Prey, -and is often met with in the north of France and England. It is also -found in Asia, Africa and America. It is not large, for it seldom -exceeds fifteen inches in length; nevertheless, it is possessed of great -courage, and attacks successfully Birds and Mammals of considerable -size. Its appetite appears insatiable. The general color varies from -pale to dark brown, marked with dark pencilings. Any nest, even that of -the Squirrel, suits its fancy, in which it lays four or five white eggs. -Although so blood-thirsty, it is easily tamed. - -The Short-eared Owl is about a foot in height. The horns of this species -are much shorter than those of the Long-eared Owl. Its length is about -fifteen inches; its plumage is russet, shaded with grey and brown. It -has a black bill and claws, and beautiful yellow eyes. It inhabits -hollows in rocks or dead trees, and old ruined houses, and sometimes -installs itself in nests left vacant by Magpies, Ravens and Buzzards. - -This Owl being very fond of Mice, which form its principal food, all -that is necessary to attract it to a snare is to imitate the cry of -those Rodents. It also feeds on Moles, and, in cases of emergency, even -on Frogs, Toads, Leverets and young Rabbits. Its nest has been found in -a Rabbit hole. This Bird displays much courage in the defence of its -young when it thinks them in danger, and does not even fear to attack -Man. Its cry is a kind of low moaning, which it frequently utters during -the night. - -The Scops-eared Owl is remarkable for its small size, which does not -exceed that of the Thrush; and for its horns, which are perfectly formed -of a single feather. These Owls are more sociable than the others, and -they are of great service to the farmers in destroying field Mice. Bats -and large insects are also favorite food for these Birds, and when these -are scarce, they will eat Fish, and may then be seen hovering over ponds -and rivers, seizing the Fish when they come to the surface of the water. - - - - - HORNLESS OWLS. - - -The Hornless Owls are much like the others with the exception of their -smooth round heads, without any projecting feathers to form curious ears -and horns. There are many species in this group, the principal ones -being the Snow Owls, the Barn or Screech Owls, the Hawk or Canada Owls, -Brown or Tawny Owls, Ural Owls, Burrowing Owls, and Sparrow Owls. - -The Barn or Screech Owls are among the best known of the family, as they -are found in nearly all parts of the globe. The White Owl, or Snow Owl, -sometimes called the Harfang, may also be found in all parts of North -America, Europe and Asia. Its plumage is a brilliant white, with some -black spots on the head. This color is well suited to the nature of the -places in which it lives, for it sometimes inhabits the most desolate -solitudes of North America, Newfoundland, Hudson’s Bay, Greenland and -Iceland; and its color harmonizes so well with its surroundings that it -can traverse almost unseen, the immense deserts of snow in search of its -prey. - - - - - THE FALCON FAMILY. - - -The Falcon tribe form the most important group of the Diurnal Birds of -Prey—or those that hunt during the day. They usually feed on living -animals, also there are some species of this family that will feed like -the Vultures on putrid flesh. The Diurnal Birds of Prey are divided into -three different families—the Falcons, the Vultures and the Serpent -Eaters. - -The Falcon family is divided into the Falcons proper, the Eagles, Sea -Eagles, Harpy Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks, Goshawks and Harriers. - -Falcons properly so called (from falx a reaping-hook) are the ideal -Birds of Prey. They have a short bill bent from the base with a very -strong tooth on each side of the upper part, with which an indentation -corresponds in the lower portion. The wings of this Bird are long and -pointed, causing its flight to be powerful and rapid. They feed only on -living prey, Birds and small Mammals, and they always hunt on the wing. - - - THE EAGLES. - -[Illustration: HARPY OR CRESTED EAGLE.] - -The Eagles are distinguished from the Falcons proper by their strong -bills which are scalloped and not toothed. Their wings are long and -tails rounded. The Harpy or Crested Eagle is called the model species of -this tribe. It is very large and the most formidable, measuring nearly -five feet from the extremity of the head to that of the tail. Its bill -is more than two inches in length, and its claws and toes are larger and -more robust than the fingers of a man. It is said that the Harpy does -not fear to attack animals of large size and even Men. Two or three -blows from its bill are sufficient to break its victim’s skull. The -Harpy inhabits the great forests situated on the banks of the rivers of -South America. The Indians, who have great admiration for its warlike -qualities, show great respect for this Bird; and they use its long wing -and tail feathers to adorn themselves on state occasions. - - - THE STONE EAGLE. - -[Illustration: Eagle Picking up an Ice Fox.] - -Anyone who has visited Switzerland has often seen these powerful Birds -swaying majestically over the highest point of the Alps. With widespread -wings they glide along with easy motion. The sharp eye searches the -earth anxiously and discerns the smallest prey from the greatest height. -The Bird descends with slow circling movements and presently drawing his -wings with loud, rustling noise, he darts to the earth like an arrow. He -buries his outstretched fangs into the body of his prey and crushes it -sooner or later, according to its size and power of resistance, without -the use of his bill. After killing his prize, the Eagle spreads himself -out to his full size and gives vent to a triumphant shriek of conscious -victory. The powerful bill then begins the work of annihilation. - -He steals smaller and larger animals—Rabbits, Lambs, Kids and Foxes. -Nordmann relates that Stone Eagles have even been known to pounce upon -heavy Swine. Neither are small Children safe from him. Among Birds, his -prey is the Crane, Stork, Duck, Goose, etc., or any large and clumsy -Bird. He does not attack swift Birds. - -In the spring they hatch their eggs in a lonely, quiet cliff on the -mountains, locating the nest in a strong tree. No other interloper is -tolerated in the same district. Should any such appear, the male Stone -Eagle advances with loud, angry shrieks. The intruder pauses, startled -for the moment. He does not feel safe in the strange district and -hesitates for a moment as to whether to undertake the combat with the -rightful owner of the district. Soon, however, his boldness overweighs -his better judgment and the powerful Birds circle about each other -seeking to attack a weak spot. They circle nearer and presently with a -bold plunge one swoops down upon his opponent. Each clutches the other -with powerful fangs, making the blood flow and amid the rushing noise of -the flapping wings, furious blows are struck, causing the feathers to -fly in every direction. The combatants gradually sink lower and soon -touch the earth upon which they roll about. Presently the intruder -endeavors to free himself and, bleeding from many wounds, hastens away. -The victor pursues him for a short distance and finally returns to his -mate, who, having been an interested witness of the combat from the -distance, welcomes him with joyful clamor. - -The Stone Eagle lays from two to four eggs, about the size of a -Peacock’s, of a greenish white color with brown spots. During the time -their young remain in the nest the parents’ search for prey is -continuous. In one of the nests, Hunter Regg found part of a Fox, a -Prairie Dog and remains of not less than five Rabbits of the Alps. - - - THE SEA EAGLE. - -[Illustration: Falcons Fighting.] - -The common name of the Sea Eagle—Pygargus—is derived from the Greek word -which means “white tail.” These Birds feed on Fish and aquatic Birds. -They are found along the shores of Europe, Northern Siberia, Asia Minor -and Egypt. A powerful, bold and dangerous Bird of Prey, with a covering -of slate colored and golden brown feathers with light and dark streaks -and bands. Like the Stone Eagle, he pursues every wild animal he can -overpower and besides this, he makes good use of his unfeathered talons -to the terror of the watery inhabitants, in catching Fish with ease. The -Porcupine’s prickly coat is no protection against him, nor the Fox’s -sharp teeth. Neither the precaution of the Wild Goose, nor the readiness -of the Diving Bird in disappearing under the waves, nor the guard of the -faithful Dog and Shepherd over the Lamb. Neither the Fish’s cool -element. All are the prey of the bold robber. He attacks Children, and, -under favorable conditions, even grown persons. His principal -nourishment is Fish and for this reason his aerie is generally near the -seacoast or large inland streams. He does not at all despise carrion and -during the winter regularly haunts fishing places and the regions of -mankind, such as flaying places, slaughter-houses, etc., wherever there -is a possibility of his obtaining booty. In Northern Russia and Siberia, -in the winter, when every river and pond is frozen over, the Sea Eagle -is obliged to exist entirely on land animals, and overcome by hunger -boldly snatches a Fox from the horde (see illustration), soars away with -and kills him; heedless of his struggles and attempt to free himself, by -attacking with his sharp teeth, the fangs and bill grasping him. - - - THE BUZZARDS. - -[Illustration: BUZZARDS.] - -The Buzzards have long wings and a large head. They do not chase their -prey when it is on the wing, but hide themselves, where they wait until -a victim passes within reach. When thus occupied they will sometimes -remain for several hours perfectly quiet, looking so sleepy and inactive -that their stupidity has become proverbial. This stupid look is partly -due to the weakness of their eyes, which are affected by strong light. - -They generally build their nests in the loftiest trees, and occasionally -in thickets of brushwood among the rocks. When frost comes they visit -farm yards and steal poultry, and when pressed by hunger they become -very bold. - - - - - THE VULTURE FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: Vulture and Griffin Fighting over Prey.] - -The Vultures are the most disgusting of the feathered creation. Like the -Hyena among animals, they rarely attack living prey, but live almost -entirely upon putrid flesh, and after filling themselves with this food -they will remain in a state of stupid torpor until it is digested. Yet -much as we despise them, we must recognize their friendly mission to -mankind, for while the other Birds of Prey are often of use to the -farmers, etc., in killing off the field and barn Mice, and destructive -insects, the Vultures remove all decaying flesh and putrid matter from -the earth that might otherwise breed disease. - -The Vultures fly heavily, but mount aloft to great altitudes. They have -wonderful powers of vision. Should a carcass be left on the plain they -immediately see it, and drop down, turning over and over in their hurry -to arrive at the feast. - -The Bearded Griffon, Condor, King Vulture, Urubu, Turkey Buzzard, -Fulvous Vulture and Pondicherry Vulture, are the principal species of -the great Vulture family. - - - THE BEARDED GRIFFON. - -The Bearded Griffon is the celebrated Lammergeyer, described by some -Naturalist under the name of the Golden Vulture. The Lammergeyer forms, -as the name indicates, an intermediate genus between the Eagles and the -Vultures, having head and eyes like the Vultures and feet and strong -beak like the Eagles. It owes its name—Bearded Griffon—to a tuft of -stiff hair that is under the beak. The loftiest mountains of Europe, -Asia and Africa are its home, and its aerie, which is of great size, is -built among the most inaccessible rocks. - -In our illustration, one of these Bearded Griffons or Golden Vultures -has discovered a Common Vulture (sometimes called the Goose Hawk) -feasting upon the carcass of a Pamir-sheep (one of the greatest of the -Sheep species, inhabiting lofty plateaus above the tree limit). - -The Vulture at the feast hears the rushing of mighty wings and the -Bearded Griffon, followed by his wife, drops on a neighboring rock. - -With spreading wings and wide opened bill, the Bearded Griffon flies on -his opponent to make him relinquish his booty; but the Vulture is not -easily scared off. He is courageous, passionate and artful. With ruffled -plumage, neck drawn in, beak opened to ward off the blow, he awaits the -attack. Suddenly he darts out the long neck quick as a wink and seeks to -give his enemy a blow with his beak. But the other is on his guard, and -the Vulture again takes the waiting attitude. But it will not last long; -the Bearded Griffon rushes on him, and with claws meeting these kings of -the air fight out a mighty battle. It is scarcely to be doubted that the -stronger Bearded Griffon will at last win the victory and divide the -spoil with his wife, while the exhausted and bleeding Vulture flies away -to seek some other supply to satisfy his hunger. So throughout all -nature the bitter fight for existence goes on, and ever the strong must -be overcome by the yet stronger. - - - THE CONDOR. - -[Illustration: Condor Capturing Llama.] - -As in the Alps and Pyrenees the Vulture and his kin reign and build -their aerie, so in the mountain heights of the South American Andes, -from the equator to the 45 degrees of latitude, the mighty Condor -reigns. He is the most powerful of all Birds of Prey, of whose mode of -living mankind has only been able during the last few years, to obtain -much accurate information. The color of his plumage is black shading -toward dark blue. The centre of the wings are white, head and throat are -almost bare, and the warty skin on both sides of the neck is red. The -red comb on the head and the white silky collar are sufficiently -characteristic of the Condor to distinguish him from other Birds of -these mountains. - -The power of flight and swiftness of this Bird is altogether -extraordinary and the keenness of his sight wonderful. He, like the -other Vultures, subsists on carrion. In case of a deficiency in this -direction, he attacks herds of Lambs, Sheep and Calves and among the -various species of Llama infesting his regions he causes great -devastation, wherefore inhabitants of these mountain regions have great -aversion for him and endeavor in every possible manner to entrap and -destroy him. It is astonishing how this Bird, swaying at such tremendous -height that the naked eye can scarcely discern him, can detect carrion, -which has been thrown aside as a bait for him, or the nearness of -wounded animal, and how first one, then others, appear, of whose -presence one has previously had no inkling. When the Condor pursues an -animal, he continues the chase until either the prey, leaping over a -precipice, dashes to pieces, or he pounces upon and crushes it, -battering in its skull with his powerful bill. His principal booty as -previously mentioned, is the swift-footed though defenceless Llama. In -the illustration we see how a powerful Condor has pursued one of the -most useful of domestic animals until he has fallen exhausted, and now -proceeds to kill and consume him. In the distance hovers a comrade with -whom he will be obliged, willingly or otherwise, to share the booty. - - - - - THE NATATORES, OR SWIMMING BIRDS. - - -The Swimming Birds or Natatores take their name from the Latin natare, -to swim. The toes are united by the extension of webs between them; and -the whole order of Swimming Birds can dive without the body becoming -wet, as their feathers are anointed with an oily liquid furnished by -certain glands in their skin, which renders them impervious to moisture. -This oily substance and the structure of their feathers—which are -smooth, three-cornered, and closely interlaced—cause the water to glide -off their polished surface; while the down beneath the feathers protects -their bodies from the cold of the most severe winters. - -The Swimming Birds are very numerous both in species and individuals, -and inhabit all countries. According to some Naturalists these Birds -which frequent the sea constitute one-fourteenth part of all the Birds -on the globe, and the number of species is said to be nearly ten -thousand. They feed on vegetables, insects and Fishes, and build their -nests on the sand, in nooks and crannies of the rocks, or on the margin -of lakes and rivers. - - - THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER. - -The Black-throated Diver is small and slender. It floats deep in the -water, and when alarmed, swims at surprising speed, with outstretched -neck and rapid beat of the wings, and little more than its head above -the surface. - -It flies high and in a direct course with great rapidity. - -Mr. Selby describes an ineffectual pursuit of a pair on Loch Shin, in -Sutherlandshire, which was long persevered in. In this case submersion -frequently took place, which continued for nearly two minutes at a time, -and they generally reappeared at nearly a quarter of a mile distant from -the spot at which they went down. In no instance did he ever see them -attempt to escape by taking wing. When swimming, they are in the -constant habit of dipping their bill in the water with a graceful motion -of the head and neck. - -“I may observe,” says this acute ornithologist, “that a visible track -from the water to the nest was made by the female, whose progress on -land is effected by shuffling along upon her belly, propelled from -behind by her legs.” - -The Black-throated Diver has the beak and throat black; summit of the -head ashy grey; the breast and the sides of the neck white, with black -spots; the back and rump black; the coverts of the wings with white -spots, and all the lower parts pure white. The Bird, though rare in -England and France, is very common in the north of Europe. It is found -on the lakes of Siberia, of Iceland, in Greenland and Hudson’s Bay, and -sometimes in the Orkney Islands. The women of Lapland make bonnets with -its skin dressed without removing the feathers; but in Norway it is -considered an act of impiety to destroy it, as the different cries which -it utters are said to prognosticate fine weather or rain. - -The eggs, of which there are two, sometimes three, in the same nest, are -of a very elongated oval form, three inches in length, two inches in the -greatest girth and of a brownish olive sprinkled with black or -dark-brown spots, and are larger at one end than at the other. - -In the spring the Sea-birds assemble in large flocks. In fact certain -localities are chosen year after year, and these are occupied by -innumerable flocks at certain seasons, all of which seem to live -together in perfect harmony. - -Some of the families of the Swimming Birds are valuable additions to the -poultry yards. Ducks and Geese furnish delicate and nourishing food; the -Swan is gracefully ornamental on our lakes and ponds. The down of all -the aquatic Birds as an article of commerce is of great value in -northern countries. Their eggs constitute good food, and in many -countries the inhabitants consume them in great quantities. - -But their usefulness does not end here. Guano, so eagerly sought for by -the farmer, is the excrement of aquatic Fowls which has accumulated for -ages, until in the South Pacific Ocean it is said to have formed whole -islands; some of them being covered with this valuable agricultural -assistant to the depth of ninety or a hundred yards. This does not seem -so marvellous when it is considered that twenty-five or thirty thousand -Sea-birds sleep on these islands night after night, and that each of -them will yield half a pound of guano daily, which owes its unrivalled -fertilizing power to the ammoniacal salts, phosphate of lime, and -fragments of feathers of which it is composed. - -Although the numerous Swimming Birds are alike in having webbed feet and -oily plumage that cannot be saturated with water, they have also many -points of difference which make it necessary to divide them into various -families. For instance, some of the Swimmers are feeble and slow in -their flight, and others cannot even rise from the water as their wings -are so small. On the other hand, there are species which possess -wonderful power of traversing the air, their well-developed wings -enabling them to pass through space with marvellous rapidity. The -Petrels seem to delight in storms and tempests, mingling their cries -with the roar of the waves; and the dread which is experienced by the -mariner at the approach of a gale is unknown to the Sea Gull and -Albatros, for they appear to delight in the warring elements. - -Because of these differences in their characteristics, Naturalists have -divided the Swimming Birds in various ways, but the best and the -simplest is the division into four great families. First, the Divers, or -the Sea Birds with thin, short wings; second, the large family to which -the Swan and Ducks and Geese belong; third, the Pelican family; fourth, -the Swimming Birds with long wings. - - - - - THE FAMILY OF DIVERS. - - -The most important birds found in this family are the Great Northern -Diver, the Arctic Diver, Penguins, Auks, Grebes, and Guillemots. - -All these Birds are distinguished by wings so thin and short as to be -almost useless for flying. They are all habitual divers and tireless -swimmers, using their wings as Fish do their fins. To raise their wings -after taking a down stroke requires much greater effort than a Bird of -flight makes in raising its wings in the air; for this reason the muscle -in the wings of the Diving Birds has an unusually large development to -give them greater strength. - -The Divers are inhabitants of northern seas. There they build their -nests on some solitary island and lay two eggs, oblong in shape and -white in color. Fish, particularly the Herring, are their principal -food, and they are such active swimmers and divers that it takes a quick -eye and hand to shoot them. - - - THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. - -This great Bird has been called a wanderer on the ocean. It is not only -found along the margins of the sea, fishing in the bays and at the river -banks, but is also met with out on the ocean many miles from the shore. -Narrow channels and sandy bays are, however, its favorite resorts; there -it floats, its body deeply submerged in the water. But though swimming -so deep in the water, it can overtake and shoot ahead of all the more -buoyant swimmers. - -The Bird is sometimes known as the Loon. It is seldom found on the land, -being ill fitted for walking or flying, and although it is expert in -swimming long distances under water, and when it does come up seldom -exposes more than its neck, it flies rather better than many other -short-winged divers. It flies heavily, in a circle, round those who have -disturbed it in its haunts, its loud and melancholy cry resembling the -howling of a wolf, or the distant scream of a man in distress. When the -“Loon” calls frequently, it is supposed to portend a storm. In the bad -weather which precedes the advent of winter on the northern American -lakes, previous to migration, the wild weird note of the Loon is so -unnatural that the Indians ascribe to it supernatural powers. - - - THE PENGUINS. - -[Illustration: PENGUIN.] - -The Penguins belong exclusively to cold countries. They live almost -entirely in the water, and although they seldom come ashore, except to -build their nests and lay their eggs, or when driven by squalls or -storms from their favorite element, they do not often swim far from the -land. On the shore they are compelled to sit erect, as their feet are -placed at the extremity of the body—an arrangement which renders them -awkward and heavy when they try to sit or walk. They carry the head very -high and the neck stretched out, while their short winglets are held out -like two short arms. When they sit perched in flocks on some lofty -projecting rock they might be mistaken at a distance for a line of -soldiers. - -At certain periods of the year the Penguins assemble on the beach as if -they had planned to meet for deliberation. These assemblies last for a -day or two, and are conducted with an obvious degree of solemnity. When -the meeting results in a decision, they proceed to work with great -activity. - -Upon a ledge of rock, sufficiently level and of the necessary size, they -trace a square with one of its sides parallel and overlooking the edge -of the water, which is left open for the egress of the colony. Then with -their beaks they proceed to collect all the stones in the neighborhood, -which they heap up outside the lines marked out, to serve them as a wall -to shelter them from the prevailing winds. During the night these -openings are guarded by sentinels. - -They afterwards divide the enclosure into smaller squares, each large -enough to receive a certain number of nests, with a passage between each -square. No architect could arrange the plan in a more regular manner. - -What is most singular is that the Albatross, a Bird adapted for flight, -associates at this period with these half Fish, half Birds, the -Penguins; so that the nest of an Albatross may be seen next the nest of -a Penguin, and the whole colony, so differently constituted, appear to -live on the best terms of intimacy. Each keeps to its own nest, and if -by chance there is a complaint, it is that some Penguin has robbed the -nest of his neighbor, the Albatross. - -Other Sea-birds come to partake of the hospitality of the little -republic. With the permission of the masters of the society, they build -their nests in the vacancies that occur in the squares. - -The Penguin lays but one egg, which she only leaves for a few moments -until hatched, the mate taking her place while she seeks her food. The -Penguins are so numerous in the Antarctic seas, that 100,000 eggs have -been collected by the crew of one vessel. - -The King Penguin has been described by most Naturalists as a distinct -species. Of this there is little doubt. They abound in the southern -seas. Their short stunted wings, which make them quite incapable of -flying, are reduced to a flat and very short stump, totally destitute of -feathers, being covered with a soft down, having something of the -appearance of hair, which might be taken for scales. Like all the -Penguins, this Bird is an excellent swimmer and diver, and its coating -of down is so dense that it even resist a bullet; it is consequently -difficult to shoot. - -Their nests are a very simple construction, for they content themselves -with a hole in the sand deep enough to contain two eggs, but more often -one. - -In spite of the limited number of eggs, the quantity of these Birds -found in the south of Patagonia is something marvellous. When sailors -land in these high latitudes they take or kill as many as they choose. -Sir John Narborough says, speaking of those at the Falkland Islands, -that “when the sailors walked among the feathered population to provide -themselves with eggs, they were regarded with sidelong glances.” In many -places the shores were covered with these Birds, and 300 have been taken -within an hour; for generally they make no effort to escape, but stand -quietly by while their companions are being knocked down with sticks. - -In another islet, in the Straits of Magellan, Captain Drake’s crew -killed more than 3,000 in one day. These facts are not exaggerated. This -island, when visited by these navigators, probably had never been -pressed previously by a human foot, and the Birds had succeeded each -other from generation to generation in incalculable numbers, hitherto -free from molestation. - -The Penguins have no fear of man. Mr. Darwin pleasantly relates an -encounter that he had with one of these Birds on the Falkland Islands. -“One day,” he says, “having placed myself between a Penguin and the -water, I was much amused by the action of the Bird. It was a brave Bird, -and, till reaching the sea, it regularly fought and drove me backwards. -Nothing less than heavy blows would have stopped him. Every inch gained -he kept firmly, standing close before me firm, erect and determined, all -the time rolling his head from side to side in a very odd manner.” - -There are many species of Penguins, the handsomest probably being the -Crested Penguin, which is a native of Patagonia, and has a very -conspicuous appearance. These Birds are called by sailors, regardless of -species, Jackass Penguins, from their habit, when on shore, of throwing -their head backwards, and of making a strange loud noise very like the -braying of a Donkey. - -This family all defend themselves vigorously with their beaks when an -attempt is made to lay hands on them; and when pursued, they will -pretend to retreat, and return immediately, throwing themselves upon -their assailant. “At other times they will look at you askance,” says -Pernetty, “the head inclined first on one side, then on the other, as if -they were mocking you.” They hold themselves upright on their feet, the -body erect in a perpendicular line with the head. Navigators passing -these islands of the southern seas might suppose that they were densely -inhabited, for the loud roaring voices of these Birds produce a noise -equal to that of a great crowd. The flesh is most unpalatable, but it is -frequently the only resource of ship’s crews who find themselves short -of provisions in these inhospitable regions. However, their eggs have -the redeeming quality of being excellent. - - - THE AUK. - -The Auk is a noble Bird, which was once common in our waters, but at -this date scarce even in the Arctic seas; it is but little known. In -habits and mode of life it strongly resembles the Penguins. - - - THE GREBES. - -The Grebes have the head small, the neck somewhat elongated, the legs -attached to the abdomen, the tail rudimentary, the tarsi compressed, the -anterior toes united at their base by a membrane. These Birds live on -the sea, but they inhabit fresh water by preference, feeding on small -Fishes, Worms, Molluscs, Insects, and the products of aquatic -vegetation. While they dive and swim admirably, they also fly with -vigorous wing; but they rarely resort to this unless alarmed or when -migrating. - -The nest of the Grebe is usually placed in a tuft of rushes on the edge -of the water. It is composed of large grassy plants roughly interlaced, -and the interior is lined with soft broken grasses delicately arranged. -The eggs vary from three to seven. On shore they cannot walk well, but -creep along in an awkward manner. They are covered with fine, warm down, -so close and lustrous that muffs are made from their breast. - -Grebes are inhabitants of the old and new Continents. Among the European -species may be noticed the Crested Grebe, about the size of a Duck, -ornamented with a double black crest; the Horned Grebe, provided with -two long tufts of feathers, in the form of a horn; and the Eared Grebe, -distinguished by its beak, the base of which is depressed, while the -point is raised upwards. - -The Crested Grebe is the best known in the United States. These have -been found in limited numbers around the Great Lakes and as far south as -Mexico. - - - - - DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. - - -This family of Swimming Birds are perhaps better known all over the -world than any other large group of Birds. It is unnecessary to describe -the characteristics to make us acquainted with the family, but it may be -well to mention some of the principal types. - - - DUCKS. - -The Ducks are of two sorts, either wild or tame. The Wild Ducks comprise -two groups—the Sea Ducks, which feed mostly in salt waters, dive much in -feeding, and have a very broad bill; and the Pond Ducks, which have a -straight and narrow bill; these generally frequent the fresh water, but -pass much of their time on land, feeding on aquatic plants, Insects, -Worms and sometimes Fish. - -The first division comprises the Shieldrake, Muscovy Duck, Gadwall, -Shoveller, Pintail, Widgeon, Bimaculated Duck, Garganey and Teal. The -second division includes the Red-crested Duck, Pochard, Ferruginous -Duck, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, and Golden -Eye; while between the two divisions are placed (as possessing some of -the characteristics of each) the Eider Duck, King Duck, Velvet Duck and -Scoter. - - - GEESE. - -Geese in many respects resemble Ducks and Swans, but they are less -aquatic in their habits, often keeping at a distance from large bodies -of water and living in moist meadows and marshes, where they find -herbage and various kinds of seeds on which to feed. They swim very -little and seldom dive. They make their nests on the ground, and lay -from six to eight eggs, which are hatched in a little more than a month. - -The Wild Goose, though not very elegant in form, has none of the -awkwardness of the Domestic Goose, which is generally supposed to be -descended from it. - -There are very few species of Wild Geese compared with the Ducks. The -Grey-lag Goose, the Canada Goose, Bean Goose, White-fronted Bernicle and -the Black-faced Bernicle form the most distinct species. - -Although they are seldom seen on the water during the day, Wild Geese go -every evening to the ponds and rivers in their neighborhoods to pass the -night, so that the Wild Goose visits its aquatic haunts when the Wild -Ducks are leaving them. - - - SWANS. - -[Illustration: BLACK NECKED SWANS.] - -Just as the Goose has long been the symbol of awkwardness and stupidity, -so the Swan has been an object of admiration in all ages for its noble -proportions, the graceful curve of its neck and its small and shapely -head. On the water it is the picture of elegant ease. It swims -apparently without effort and with great rapidity. Different species are -found in America, Europe and Asia, and in Australia a black Swan is very -abundant. - -In the wild state it lives on lakes, rivers and sea-coasts of both -hemispheres, feeding on such seeds, leaves, roots, water-insects, Frogs -and Worms as come in its way. In its domestic state, it is the charm and -ornament of our lakes and rivers; but, except in a few instances, it is -only kept for show, as it is jealous and cruel in disposition and not -friendly with domestic fowls. - -Both the Mute and the Whistling Swan were celebrated among the ancients; -and the Black Swan of Australia is quite distinct from the white and the -Grey Swans of other countries; and one curious species is pure white -with a black neck, like those of our illustration who are enjoying -themselves in the water, all unconscious of the danger lurking on the -tree-branch above them, although the chattering Parrots seem to be -endeavoring to give them warning. - -The Swan, like the Goose, lays from six to eight eggs, of a greenish -white color. It takes them about six weeks to hatch. The baby Swans or -Cygnets are first covered with a grey down, soft and fine like the -yellow down of Goslings. The regular feathers do not appear until the -third year. - - - - - THE PELICAN FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: PELICANS.] - -All the Birds of the Pelican family are distinguished by having the hind -toe united to the others by a single membrane. Some of the group are -large and heavy Birds, but they are all gifted with powerful wings, and -they are, at the same time, good swimmers. Besides the Pelicans -themselves, we find in this family of Birds, the Tropic Bird, the -Darter, the Gannets and the Cormorants. - -The Pelicans are large, heavy aquatic Birds, with great extent of wing -and are excellent swimmers; their haunts are the sea-coast, and the -banks of rivers, lakes, and marshes. Whenever a Fish betrays its -presence by leaping or flashing its glittering scales in the sun, the -Pelican will be seen sailing towards it. - -This Bird has an appetite so insatiable and a stomach so capacious that, -in one day it devours as much food as would satisfy six men. The -Egyptians have nicknamed it the River Camel, because it can imbibe at -once more than twenty pints of water. Certainly it only makes two meals -a day; but, oh, what meals they are! - -Pelicans often travel in large flocks, visiting the mouths of rivers or -favorite retreats on the sea-coast. When they have made choice of a -suitable fishing place, they arrange themselves in a wide circle, and -begin to beat the water with extended wing, so as to drive the Fish -before them, gradually diminishing the circle as they approach the shore -or some inlet on the coast. In this manner they get all the Fish -together into a small space, when the common feast begins. - -After gorging themselves, they retire to the shore, where the process of -digestion follows. Some rest with the neck over the back; others busily -dress and smoothe their plumage, waiting patiently until returning -appetite invites them to fresh exertions. When thus resting, -occasionally one of these Birds empties his well-lined pouch, and -spreads in front of him all the Fish that it contains, in order to feed -upon them at leisure. - -In spite of its great size, the Pelican flies easily and to considerable -distances. It does not dive but will occasionally dash down on Fish from -a considerable height, and with such force that it becomes submerged; -but its buoyancy instantly brings it again to the surface. It perches on -trees, but seems to prefer rocks. - -The nest is generally formed of coarse, reedy grass, lined with softer -material and placed in the clefts of dry rocks near the water. -Occasionally they will lay in an indentation in the ground which they -have previously roughly lined with blades of grass. - -The Pelican is more common in tropical regions than in temperate -climates. They are very numerous in Africa, Siam, Madagascar, the Sunda -Isles, the Philippines; and in the Western Hemisphere they abound from -the Antilles to the northern temperate part of the North American -continent. They haunt the neighborhood of rivers and lakes and the -sea-coast. - -The best known species are—first, the Crested Pelican; second, the White -Pelican; third, the Brown Pelican; fourth, the Spectacled Pelican. - - - THE CRESTED PELICAN. - -The Crested Pelican in common with the White Pelican, inhabits the -southeast of Europe and Africa, and is also found in Hungary, Dalmatia, -Greece, the Crimea, and the Ionian Islands, as well as in Algeria, and, -according to some authors, it is frequently met with in China. - -It has white plumage, with the exception that the ends of the feathers -of the back and wings are black. The feathers of the head and upper part -of the neck are twisted up so as to form a large tuft or crest, hence -the name it bears. Its European home is principally the marshes round -the Black Sea. - -Of their modes of life travelers in those regions give very interesting -descriptions. - -“Nowadays,” says W. H. Simpson, “a solitary individual may be seen -fishing here and there throughout this vicinity; the remnant have -betaken themselves to the neighboring islands. Here, towards the end of -February last, the community constituted a group of seven nests—a sad -falling off from the year before, when thirty-four nests were grouped -upon a neighboring islet. - -“As we approached the spot in a boat the Pelicans left their nests, and -taking to the water, sailed away like a fleet of stately ships, leaving -their nursery in possession of the invader. The boat grounded in two or -three feet of mud, and when the party had floundered through this, the -seven nests were found to be empty. A fisherman had plundered them that -morning, taking from each nest one egg, which we afterwards recovered. -The nests were constructed in a great measure of old reed palings (used -by the natives for enclosing Fish) mixed with such pieces of the -vegetation of the islet as were suitable for the purpose. The seven -nests were arranged in the shape of an irregular cross, the navel of the -cross, which was the tallest nest, being about thirty inches high, the -two next in line being about two feet, and the two forming the arms -being a few inches lower, the two extremes at either end being about -fourteen inches from the ground. The eggs are chalky, like others of the -Pelican family, very rough in texture.” - - - THE WHITE PELICAN. - -The White Pelican is as large as a Swan. Its bill is about fifteen -inches in length. Its plumage is white, with a slightly rosy tint, the -crest and a few feathers on the neck yellowish. - -It is very common on the lakes and rivers of Hungary and southern -Russia, as well as on the banks of the Danube. A wild rocky shore, where -it can look down on the sea, is the favorite haunt of this Pelican; but -it is not uncommon for it to perch on trees. The nest is formed of -coarse reedy grass, with a lining of finer quality; it is generally made -on the ground, and is about eighteen inches in diameter, in which it -lays four, sometimes five, white eggs, but more frequently two, slightly -oblong, and alike at both ends. Fish forms its principal food, which it -captures chiefly in shallow inlets, as it is an indifferent diver. -Occasionally its flight is lofty, but generally close to the surface of -the water. - - - THE BROWN PELICAN. - -The Brown Pelican is an American species, smaller than the preceding. It -has the head and the neck variegated with white and ash-color; all the -rest of the plumage of a brownish grey, with white marks on the back; -the pouch is of an ashy blue, striped with a red hue. It is found on the -coasts of Peru, Florida and South Carolina. - -Although heavy-looking on the wing, this species is capable of -performing flights of immense distance, and to a certain extent may be -considered migratory. In winter they are seldom seen beyond the edge of -the tropics, but in summer they are frequently found as far north as the -thirty-sixth degree of latitude. Extremely wary and difficult of -approach, they are seldom shot, although persistently pursued by -fishermen, on account of the immense damage they do to the spawn and -young Fish. - -They are also possessed of the greatest powers of vitality, and resist -death when pierced with wounds so serious that they would inevitably -kill any other species. - -From this circumstance doubtless they receive the name of Die-hards from -the residents that dwell on the margin of the Gulf of Mexico. When -disabled from taking flight, their courage in defending themselves from -an assailant is as remarkable as that of the Bittern; but being -possessed of superior size and strength to the latter Bird, the Brown -Pelican can successfully resist the strongest Dog. - -Like the other species of this genus they live in small communities of -twenty or thirty members, and build their nests upon the ground closely -adjoining each other, and the utmost good fellowship, almost affection -for each other, exists between them. The young Birds remain with their -parents till the spring following their birth, the old ones driving them -off to seek new homes, when the advance of the season tells them that -they must provide a home for a coming family. As in many other races, -the plumage of the young is much darker and less handsomely marked than -in the adults. From frequent persecution, the Brown Pelican has of late -years much diminished in numbers. - - - THE SPECTACLED PELICAN. - -The Spectacled Pelican, which is only found in southern climates, is -thus named from the naked skin which surrounds its eyes, giving the Bird -the appearance of having on a pair of spectacles. Its plumage is white, -and in habits and mode of life it closely resembles the previously -described species. One of its principal haunts is along the southern -coasts of China, especially in the vicinity of the mouth of the Canton -river, and on the bays near it. The Chinese regard them as sacred, and -nothing would induce them either to rob them of their eggs or young. - -Longevity is reported to be one of their characteristics. A very old -mandarin, living on the margin of Meers’ Bay, once pointed out a -Spectacled Pelican, that he said he could remember since his childhood. -This Bird was partially tamed; for although it went long distances to -fish, it always returned to his village to pass the night. - - - - - THE LONG-WINGED SWIMMING BIRDS. - - -[Illustration: ALBATROS.] - -The fourth large family of Swimming Birds includes the many long-winged -species which are thus named not only because of the great length of -their wings, but for their long and enduring power of flight. Mariners -meet them everywhere, and easily recognize them by their long and -pointed wings, forked tails and short legs. They pass their lives at a -great distance from land, and do not approach the shore except to lay -their eggs and hatch their young. In this family are found the -Albatrosses, the Petrels, Gulls, Skuas, Scissors-bills or Skimmers, and -the Sea Swallows. - -The Albatross is the largest and the most bulky of all the Birds which -fly over the surface of the sea. It belongs principally to the southern -hemisphere. The sailors know it under the name of Cape Sheep, which they -give it on account of its enormous size. Its extended wings measure as -much as sixteen feet five inches across. Its plumage is generally white, -with the exception of a dark back. - -Courage is not measured by size. This rule holds good in these Birds, -for notwithstanding their wonderful strength and their large, strong, -sharp and hooked bills, they exhibit the most unaccountable cowardice. -Even a poor weak Sea-mew will attack an Albatross, the cowardly giant -finding no better means of getting rid of his enemy than by plunging -into the water. Although they are most gluttonous in taste, they prefer -flight to contending for their food. This consists of marine animals, -Molluscs, and the spawn of Fish. When they are filled to repletion, and -the prey which they have seized is too large to swallow whole, they may -be seen with part of it hanging outside their bill, until the first half -is digested. Thus embarrassed, the Albatross has only one mode of escape -if it happens to be pursued; namely, by disgorging the food with which -its stomach is overloaded. - -Gifted with an extraordinary power of flight, these Birds venture out to -enormous distances from land, more especially in stormy weather. They -seem to delight in storms. When overcome with fatigue, they repose on -the surface of the sea, placing their head under their wings. When in -this position they are very easily captured. In order to do this, the -sailors have only to approach silently, and knock them down with a -boat-hook or spear them with a harpoon. - -Navigators have opportunities of observing these Birds in the Antarctic -regions, where there is no night at certain seasons of the year, and -they assert that the same flocks may be seen hovering around their -vessel during many successive days without exhibiting the least signs of -exhaustion or the slightest relaxation in their strength. A peculiarity -in their mode of flight is that, whenever they are ascending or -descending, they seldom flap their wings, but fly without an effort. - -To follow in the wake of some passing ship, probably because the -agitation of her track brings to the surface the small fry of marine -animals which are their principal food, appears to delight them. They -pounce upon anything that falls overboard, even Man. On one occasion a -sailor fell into the sea from a French vessel, and could not be -immediately rescued because there was no boat in a fit state to be -lowered. A flock of Albatrosses, which followed in the ship’s wake, -pounced upon the unfortunate seaman, and commenced to peck his head. -Being unable to buffet both with the sea and the enemies which -surrounded him, the poor sailor perished before the very eyes of his -comrades. - -The Gulls, the Albatrosses and Petrels may be said to be the Vultures of -the ocean—its scavengers; for they cleanse it of all the putrefied -animal substances which float on its surface. - -In the autumn the Albatrosses congregate at their favorite -nesting-places. They assemble in immense numbers on the islands in the -South Atlantic Ocean. Their nests, which are about three feet in height, -are formed of mud. - -Their flesh is very hard, and can only be rendered eatable by laying it -for a long time in salt, and afterwards boiling it, and flavoring it -with some piquant sauce. - -The most remarkable species are the Common Albatross, which frequents -the seas washing the south of Africa; the Sooty Albatross which also -inhabits the seas round the Cape of Good Hope; the Yellow-beaked -Albatross which, like the preceding species, inhabits the seas of the -South Pole. - - - - - THE GRALLATORES, OR WADING BIRDS. - - -Nearly all the Wading Birds have very long legs; in some species these -are of such surprising dimensions that the Birds appear to be mounted on -stilts. This peculiarity is well adapted to their modes of life. They -inhabit river banks, lakes and marshes, in which they find their food; -consequently they are fearless of water and ooze. Not all the birds -classed with the Waders live near the water, however; the Runners, or -such Birds as the Ostrich, Agami, Bustard Emu, etc., are usually classed -with the same group because of the similarity of their long, strong legs -and short wings. - -The bills of the different Birds found in this group assume various -forms. They are generally long, but according to the species, they may -be thick or slender, tapering or flat, blunt or pointed, strong or weak, -and in some kinds, such as the Flamingo, the Spoonbill, the Boatbill, -etc., they really defy all description. The neck is always slender and -in perfect harmony with the length of the legs. - -Almost all the Waders are powerful Birds on the wing, and twice a year -most of them emigrate like the Wild Ducks, Geese and Swans. There are -exceptions to this rule, however. Some of them, like the Bustard, move -through the air with difficulty; while the short winged species are -unable to fly at all, their wings being only useful for helping them -along in running, and thus assisted, they are remarkably swift. - -The nature of their food varies with the form and strength of the bill, -and the locality they inhabit. It consists generally of Fish, worms and -insects, and sometimes of small animals and reptiles, as well as grasses -and seeds. - -The Waders are usually divided into six great families. These are -classified under long Latin names descriptive of some peculiarity -belonging to each, but which can be more easily remembered as: First, -the Waders with united toes; second, the long-toed Waders; third, the -Waders with long bills; fourth, the Waders with knife-shaped bills; -fifth, the Waders with compressed bills; sixth, the short-winged Birds. - - - - - THE WADERS WITH UNITED TOES. - - -As the feet of these Birds are partly webbed, they seem to belong to the -swimmers, but the arrangement of their toes is altogether different, and -their unusually long legs would also place them in a different family. -This is the smallest of the family of Waders. In fact only two varieties -are usually found in it—the Avocet and the Stilt Bird. - - - THE AVOCET. - -This Bird has a very curious bill—long, slender, flexible and curved -upwards. It uses this strange instrument to rake up the sand and mud in -order to catch the worms, small molluscs and Fish-spawn, which -constitute its chief food. Its long legs enable it to travel in safety -over swamps and lagoons; it also swims with great ease. It may often be -seen looking for its food on the margins of lakes and ponds. - -The Avocet stands about twenty inches in height, although its body is -but little larger than a Pigeon’s. It is a pretty bird, of slender make; -its plumage is black on the head and back, and white underneath. It is -to be met with on both the Continents; the European species is common in -Holland and on the French coast. Wild and shy in its nature, it is very -difficult of approach, and is clever in avoiding snares and in escaping -pursuit, either by flight or swimming. The nest of the Avocet is a very -simple structure, generally made by placing a few blades of grass in a -hole in the sand, where it lays two or three eggs, of which it is -frequently robbed, for they are regarded as great delicacies. The flesh, -however, is of little value. - - - THE STILT BIRDS. - -The Stilt Birds obtain their name from the excessive length of their -legs, which are also so slender and flexible that they can be bent -considerably without breaking. Their feet are not so completely webbed -as the species we have just mentioned; the two membranes which unite the -toes are unequal in size. The bill is long, slender and sharp, like that -of the Avocet, but straight; the wings are long and pointed; the tail -small. They are about the size of the Avocet, and sometimes attain the -height of twenty-six inches. They possess considerable powers of flight, -but walk with difficulty; on the other hand, they are much at home on -mud or in marshes and swamps, in which they bore with their long beaks -for insects, larvae, and small molluscs, dainties to which they are very -partial. - -They are dull, shy birds, leading a solitary life, except at nesting -time. At that period they assemble in great numbers, build their nests -in the marshes, on little hillocks, close to one another, grass being -the principal material employed. They lay four greenish colored eggs, -with ash colored spots. The male bird watches while the females are -sitting; and, at the slightest alarm, he raises a cry which startles the -flock. The whole colony may then be seen on the wing, waiting for the -danger to pass before settling down. - -Stilt Birds are uncommon in Western Europe; they are principally to be -met with in the Russian and Hungarian marshes. During the summer they -occasionally visit the shores of the Mediterranean, but they are seldom -seen on those of the Atlantic. - - - - - LONG-TOED WADERS. - - -[Illustration: Reed Hen Caught by Fish.] - -The Birds forming this family are remarkable for the extreme length of -their toes, which are entirely separate, or but slightly webbed; they -are thus enabled to walk on the weeds growing on the surface of the -water. In most instances the shortness of their wings limits their -powers of flight. - -This order includes the Gallinules, or Water Hens, Rails, Coots, -Pratincoles, and Screamers. - -The chief characteristics of the Reed Hen are a short and strong bill, -thick at the base and sharp at the end, with a prolongation of it -extending up the forehead; four well-spread toes, furnished with sharp -claws—the three front toes united by a small and cloven membrane. Their -favorite haunts are marshy places and the banks of lakes or rivers, -where they feed on Worms, Insects, Molluscs, and the smaller Fish. The -Pike is their greatest enemy. - -In early spring, Reed Hens return from the southern winter quarters and -hunt up their summer pond. Like the Stork and the Swallow, they return -from year to year to their chosen and beloved home. Among last year’s -reeds and gray rushes, the pair bustle around hunting food and a -suitable place for the cradle of their children. They are neat and -graceful looking Birds, interesting in every movement, likewise in -figure and coloring. The feathers are dark brown and slate gray, spotted -white on the sides. The forehead is red and the glistening eyes are -encircled with yellow, gray and red rings. The bill is yellow at the -point and red at the roots. The long toes are edged with flaps for -swimming and they glide easily and safely over the water. - -They locate their nest on a down-trodden reed bush by the shore, a low -decayed trunk of a tree or on the edge of an island of leaves. It is -mostly hidden and presents little of beauty, but is suitable for its -purpose. From six to twelve eggs are soon laid therein, which are large -for the size of the Bird, and are spotted dark brown. The hatching lasts -three weeks, then the young ones appear, cute little things who leave -the nest the next day and follow the lead of the mother into the water. - -A more delightful picture can hardly be imagined, than when the little -chicks bustle around the parents, now here, now there, catching large -flies, a worm, or a water insect. Swift as an arrow they shoot towards -the mother when she has found a morsel for them. Alertly the old ones -watch in every direction for possible danger. Now appears above them a -dark circling dot. A short call, and swift as lightning the whole family -disappears. Where to? One could hardly guess if not here and there a -brown head peeps out from under the green leaf or blade in the water, or -a yellow bill point appears on the mirrored surface. When the danger is -over, all again appear. - -These Birds are experts in hide and seek play. They dive and swim like a -Fish under water, using their wings to row. It would appear as though no -enemy could harm them. Mankind protects them. Dogs and Cats cannot -pursue them into the water. Falcon, Hawk or Marshbirds cannot find their -hiding places. Yet in the midst of the quiet, poetic, lonely pond, among -blooming water-roses and lilies, treason and death lurks for them; and -this enemy, knavish and frightful, the Reed Hen cannot escape. It is the -Pike. His outward appearance shows what a bold robber he is. The trunk -narrow and long, the flattened head with wide open, broad jaws lined -with a terrible set of long, pointed, rake-like teeth. Anything they -catch hold of is lost. - -With strong strokes the pirate rows through his element. Nothing is safe -from him. He feeds on the small Frogs and Snakes, Carp, Trout and White -Fish. Like the Shark in the ocean, the blood-thirsty tyrant is master of -the surroundings in every fresh water settlement. He snatches young -Ducks, and often destroys whole broods. He is the destroyer of Pond Hens -if they come within his reach. With brutal grip he drags the young Hen -into the depths of the water, nor does he spare the old ones. Under the -mirrory surface he chases the harmless family, until he has destroyed -every one. The Reed Hen avoids the spot where the Pike is found. - -If everything is favorable, young Reed Hen are able to take care of -themselves after the first two or three weeks, and the old ones go about -their second hatching. When these are hatched the picture is still more -interesting, as the older children take care of the younger and help the -parents feed them, making a picture of a prosperous, flourishing family. -So they continue during the whole summer and by the beginning of autumn -the whole pond is filled with the neat little Birds, until suddenly one -morning they have all disappeared towards their winter quarters. - -They return the next spring, intending to settle where they were born, -but now circumstances are changed. Last year’s Chicks are able to take -care of themselves and want to build in their own home, and naturally -search for the old familiar pond, but here arises trouble. Only one pair -is allowed in the old home. The parents jealously defend their chosen -spot against all intruders; and as loving and kind as they nurse their -young in childhood, now that they are grown up they see in them only -intruders, whom they must disperse with force. This often causes bitter -strife until the district has been cleared. - - - - - WADING BIRDS WITH LONG BILLS. - - -The Birds composing this family are characterized by a long and flexible -bill, which is well adapted for boring in the mud and soft ground. They -are usually found in the marshes or along the shore, yet some species -spend the greater part of their time inland. Among them are found the -Woodcocks, Snipes, Sandpipers, Turnstones, Ruffs, Knots, Godwits, -Curlews and Ibis. - - - THE WOODCOCK. - -[Illustration: WOODCOCK.] - -The Common Woodcock has a very long, straight and slender bill, and a -flattened head. These Birds live in the woods, and seldom frequent the -shore or river banks. They differ from the Snipes in having a fuller -body and broader wings. They are shy, timid Birds, and conceal -themselves by day in the depths of the most retired woods. The -brightness of daylight appears to dazzle them, and they do not seem to -see clearly until evening when they leave their retreats to seek their -food of worms and grubs in the cultivated fields, damp meadows or near -springs. - -The Woodcock lays four or five oval eggs rather larger than those of the -Pigeon. The young Birds run about as soon as they are hatched, and the -parent Birds guard them with great care. If any danger threatens, the -old Birds catch up their little ones, holding them under their necks by -means of their beaks, and thus carry them to a place of safety. - - - THE SNIPES. - -These Birds closely resemble the Woodcocks, but are smaller and also -different in their habits. They live in the marshes, feeding on grubs -and aquatic plants. They are found in nearly all parts of the globe, and -they make their nests among the reeds in muddy, boggy places, difficult -of access to both man and beast; in which they lay four or five eggs. -The young ones leave the nest as soon as they are hatched, but for a -long time the parents feed them, as their long bills are not solid -enough to bore for their own food. - - - - - WADING BIRDS WITH KNIFE-SHAPED BILLS. - - -The fourth family of Wading Birds is classified by a Latin name meaning -knife-shaped bill, although the different Birds found in this group have -bills of many curious forms; they are all long, sharp-edged and very -strong. These Birds live along the edges of marshes and the banks of -rivers, and their long legs have great strength; so that many of them -are able to stand on one leg for hours together. This faculty is said to -be due to a curious arrangement in the knee—a sort of knot which -stiffens the ligaments of the knee, forming a kind of catch similar to -the spring of a knife. - -The principal species of this family are the various Storks—including -the Argala or Adjutant, the Marabou and Jabiru—the Spoonbill, Boatbill, -Heron and the different Cranes—including the Egret and the Bittern. - - - THE STORKS. - -[Illustration: BROAD-BILLED STORK OF AFRICA.] - -The Common Stork has a long and straight bill, wide at the base, pointed -and sharp-edged; the legs are long and slender; the tail is short. They -are found in nearly all parts of the world. Some species migrate with -regularity, being admirably constructed for traveling long distances; -for, although their bulk seems great, their weight is comparatively -small, as most of their bones are hollow. In their migratory journeys, -which occur principally by night, they fly in continuous or angular -lines. - -Storks prefer moist swampy localities, as they feed principally on -Reptiles, Batrachians and Fishes; but small Birds and Mammalia, -Molluscs, Worms, Insects, even Bees are not refused by them, or carrion, -and other impurities. Their manner is slow and grave; they never appear -in a hurry. On the wing they resemble crosses, from their manner of -carrying the head and neck. They have no voice, and the only noise they -make is a cracking, which results from one mandible striking against the -other, and which expresses either anger or love; it is sometimes very -loud. They lay from two to four eggs. The duration of their life is from -fifteen to twenty years. - -There are several species of Storks, the most important being the White -Stork. It measures about forty inches in height; its plumage is white; -the wings are fringed with black. This is the species best known in -Europe. Holland and Germany are its favorite residences. It is very -common in the warm and temperate parts of Asia. In the month of August -it leaves Europe to visit Africa, from whence it returns in the -following spring. This migration is not caused by temperature, as the -Stork can bear severe cold. No, it is a mere question of sustenance; -for, feeding as it does principally upon reptiles which remain in a -complete state of torpor during our winters, it is naturally compelled -to seek its food elsewhere. - -The Stork is of a mild nature, and is easily tamed. As it destroys a -host of noxious creatures, it has become a useful helper to Man, who, -not ungrateful, gives it protection. In ancient Egypt it was venerated -on the same score as the Ibis; in Thessaly there was a law which -condemned to death any one killing these Birds. Even at the present day -the Germans and Dutch esteem it a fortunate omen when a Stork selects -their house for its home, and they even furnish it with inducements to -do so by placing on their roofs a box or wheel, which forms a foundation -for the Bird to build a nest, which it constructs of reeds, grass and -feathers. - -The Black Stork is rather smaller than the White Stork; it is a native -of eastern Europe. It feeds almost exclusively on Fish, which it catches -with much skill. It is very shy; avoids the society of Man; and builds -its nest in trees. - -The Argala, also called the Adjutant, is characterized by its very -strong and large bill, and the bareness of its neck, the lower part of -which is provided with a pouch somewhat resembling a large sausage. -According to Temminck, there is a notable difference between the Marabou -and the Argala, the characteristic mark of the latter frequently hanging -down a foot, while it is much shorter in the Marabou. - -The Marabou inhabits India; they feed on Reptiles and all kinds of -filth, and this fact has been the means of securing for them the -goodwill of the people. In the large cities of Hindostan they are as -tame as Dogs, and clear the streets of every kind of garbage which -litters them. At meal times they never fail drawing themselves up in -line in front of the barracks, to eat the refuse thrown to them by the -soldiers; their gluttony is so great that they will swallow enormous -bones. At Calcutta they are protected by law, which inflicts a fine on -any one killing them. - -The long white feathers, celebrated for their delicacy and airiness, -which are known in commerce by the name of Marabou feathers, come from -this Bird and the African Marabou. Consequently, in spite of their -ugliness, a good many are reared in a domestic state. - -There are several other species which are allied to the Storks, and are -only distinguished from them by a slightly different form of the bill. - -[Illustration: JABIRU.] - -The best known among these are the Jabiru, which is a native of -Australia; the curious Broad-billed Stork of Africa, as illustrated -(with the White Storks and the Demoiselle Crane on the tree); the -Bec-ouvert, which inhabits India and Africa; the Drome, which is met -with on the shores of the Black Sea and Senegal; and the Tantalus, which -lives in the warm regions of both the Old and New World. - - - THE SPOONBILL. - -The Spoonbill is remarkable for the singular form of its bill, which is -about four times the length of the head, straight and flexible. The -upper part, which is about an inch and a quarter broad at the base, -gradually narrows to three-quarters of an inch, and again increases to -two inches at the point, causing a resemblance to a spoon, from which it -takes its name. - -It uses this bill for dipping into the mud and water, whence it extracts -worms and small Fish, on which it principally feeds. It also eats water -insects, which it catches by placing its bill, half open, on the surface -of the water, permitting them to float on to the lower part of the bill, -when it quickly closes the bill and makes them captive. - - - - - THE WADING BIRDS WITH COMPRESSED BILLS. - - -[Illustration: SPOONBILL.] - -The Birds which belong to this family differ greatly in the length of -their legs—which seems to be the main characteristic of the Waders. In -fact, some of these Birds seem to form a sort of connecting link between -the Waders and the Domestic Fowls, in the form of the bill as well as in -the length of the leg. Among them are the Golden-breasted Trumpeter, the -Cariama, the Oyster-catcher, the Plovers, the Lapwing, the Coursers, the -Dotterel, and the Bustard. - - - THE FRIGATE BIRD AND FLAMINGOES. - -Before passing on to the sixth family of Wading or Long-legged Birds, we -must notice two curious types that seem to form distinct classes. The -Flamingoes, which are certainly Waders and yet with webbed feet like the -Swimmers, and the curious Frigate Bird about which so many strange tales -are told of its wonderful power of flight. - -The Flamingo is one of the most curious of the tribe of Waders. The most -fanciful imagination would fail to picture to itself anything more odd -than the conformation of this Bird. It has extremely long legs, -supporting quite a small body; a neck corresponding in length with the -leg, a rather long bill, sharply curved and apparently broken in the -middle. Add to this a plumage of rose-color, warming into a bright red -on the back and wings, and we have an object of both wonder and -admiration. - -Ancient writers, struck by the vivid coloring of its wings, called this -the Fiery-winged Bird; this term was designated in France by the word -flambert, or flamant; from which came the name Flamingo, by which the -Bird is popularly known. - -Flamingoes inhabit the margins of lakes and ponds, more rarely the -seashore. They feed on Worms, Molluscs, and the Spawn of Fishes, which -they capture by the following stratagem: Placing their long neck and -head in such a position that the upper mandible of their bill is the -lowest, they stir the mud about in every direction, thus easily succeed -in disturbing the small Fish which have settled in it, and capturing -them while blended with the thick sediment. They also use their feet for -working the ooze and detaching the fry and spawn, to which they are -partial. - -They love company, and live in flocks, which are subject to strict -discipline. When they are fishing they draw themselves up into long, -straight and regular files, protected by sentinels whose office it is to -give a signal of alarm on the approach of danger. If any cause for -uneasiness should arise, the scout-birds give a piercing cry, not unlike -the note of a trumpet, and the whole flock immediately wing their way to -a place of safety. - -Flamingoes are very shy and timid, and shun all attempts of Man to -approach them; the vicinity of animals, however, they disregard. Any one -who is acquainted with this fact can take advantage of it, for, by -dressing himself up in the skin of a Horse or an Ox, he can effect -immense slaughter among these beautiful creatures. Thus disguised, the -sportsman may shoot them down at his ease, so long as their enemy is -unrecognized; the noise of the gun only stupefies them, so that they -refuse to leave, although their companions are dropping down dead around -them. - -Some authors have asserted that the Flamingo makes use of its long neck -as a third leg, walking with its head resting on the ground like a foot. -The fact that has doubtless given rise to this supposition is the -position of the neck, necessitated by its peculiar method of seeking -food. We are told about a Flamingo reared in captivity which, being -accidentally deprived of one of its limbs, found out a remedy for its -infirmity by walking on one leg and helping itself along by means of its -bill, using the latter as a crutch; the master of the Bird, noticing -this, fitted it with a wooden leg, which it used with the greatest -success. But this story, which applies very well to a domesticated Bird -which was maimed, and consequently under peculiar conditions, does not -prove that this is a common practice. - -The Flamingo makes itself a nest which is as original as its own -personal appearance. It consists of a truncated cone, about twenty -inches in height, and formed of mud dried in the sun. At the summit of -this little hillock it hollows out a shallow cavity, in which two eggs -are laid, rather elongated in shape, and of a dead white color. When -hatching the eggs, the Flamingo sits astride on this novel imitation of -a throne, with her legs hanging down on each side. The young ones run -about very soon after they are hatched, but it is some time before they -are able to fly—not, indeed, until they are clothed with their full -plumage. At two years old they assume the more brilliant colors of the -adult Bird. - -The Flamingo is found in all the warm and temperate regions of the -globe. On certain islands off the American continent they exist in such -numbers that navigators have given them the name of the Flamingo -Islands. In the Old World they are found spread over a region below the -fortieth degree of latitude, principally in Egypt and the Nile -tributaries; during the summer they seek a cooler climate. The height of -these magnificent Birds reaches to about five feet; when they are -flying, in the peculiar formation common to most aquatic Birds, with the -neck stretched out and the legs projecting behind, they look, in the -clear sky, like gigantic triangles of fire. - -The ancients greedily sought after the flesh of the Flamingo, which they -regarded as the most choice food. The tongue especially was thought to -be an exquisite dainty. At the present day we no longer eat the Bird; to -modern palates its flesh is disagreeable in flavor, and it retains a -marshy smell which is far from being pleasant. With regard to the -tongue, the Egyptians, it is said, are content with extracting an oil -from it, which is used to flavor certain food. - - - THE FRIGATE BIRD. - -The Frigate Bird is principally characterized by a strong, robust bill, -longer than the head, with mandibles hooked at the point; the front of -the neck bare of feathers; wings very long and narrow, first two -feathers longest; tail lengthy and forked; feet short; toes united by a -membrane deeply notched. - -The Frigate Bird has a most expansive spread of wing; its power of -flight is, therefore, very great. It inhabits the tropical seas of both -the Old and New World; and navigators assure us that they have met with -it many miles from any shore. When a hurricane arises they mount up far -above the storm, and remain in those empyrean regions until it is again -fine weather. In consequence of their almost disproportionate spread of -wing, they can sustain themselves in the air for lengthened periods, -without taking or requiring rest. - -Their sight is so piercing that, at a distance far beyond that which -would render them invisible to us, they can perceive their prey, the -principal of which is the Flying-fish. From their elevated situation, -they dart down upon their favorite food, which has relinquished its -native element; and, keeping their neck and feet in a horizontal -position, cleave asunder the air and grasp their victim, who little -expected to meet with an enemy in the element which it sought for -safety. It is no unusual thing for it to rob the Gannet of the Fish -which it has just caught; the unfortunate Bird acting as purveyor to -this sea-robber. - -The Frigate Bird is of such a combative temperament, and has such an -unbounded confidence in its strength, that it is not afraid of Man. It -has been known to dash at a sailor, and to snatch at the Fish which he -held in his hand. M. de Kerhoent, a French navigator, relates that, -during a residence at the Island of Ascension, a perfect cloud of -Frigate Birds surrounded his crew. They hovered about a few feet above -the coppers of the open-air kitchen, in order to carry off the meat, -without being intimidated in the least by the presence of his followers. -Some of them approached so near, that M. de Kerhoent knocked down one of -the impudent intruders with a blow of his stick. - -They assemble in large flocks on the islands where they are accustomed -to breed. In the month of May they begin to repair their old or -construct new nests. They pluck off with their beaks from the bush small -dry branches, and with these pieces of stick crossed and re-crossed, a -foundation is formed. These nests are situated upon trees which hang -over the water, or are placed on rocks overjutting the sea; in them they -lay one egg of a pure white color. - - - - - THE SHORT-WINGED BIRDS. - - -The family of Short-winged Birds which is represented by the Ostrich, -differs so greatly from all the other long-legged Birds that some -Naturalists include them in a separate group, and call them Cursores or -Runners. This is an arrangement that has much in its favor, but they -seem to be more popularly grouped with the great order of Long-legged or -Wading Birds. - -All the Birds in this family have wings, but so slightly developed that -they are entirely unfit for purposes of flight, and are only useful in -increasing the speed of their limbs. Their legs are very long and -powerful and capable of immense muscular effort, thus enabling them to -run with extraordinary fleetness. - -This group includes the Ostrich, Emu, Rhea, Cassowary and the Apteryx. - - - THE OSTRICH. - -[Illustration: Ostrich on Her Nest.] - -The head of the Ostrich is naked and callous, with a short bill, much -depressed and rounded at the point; its legs are half naked, muscular, -and fleshy; the feet are long and rough, terminating in two toes -pointing forward, one of which is shorter than the other and has no -claw; the wings are very short, and formed of soft and flexible -feathers; the tail taking the form of a plume. - -There is but one species of the Ostrich; it is sparsely diffused over -the interior of Africa, and is rarely found in Asia except perhaps in -Arabia. It is the largest member of the family, generally measuring six -feet in height, and occasionally attaining nine feet; its weight varies -from twenty to a hundred pounds. - -The Ostrich has been known from the most remote antiquity. It is spoken -of in the sacred writings, for Moses forbade the Hebrews to eat of its -flesh, as being “unclean food.” The Romans, however, far from sharing -the views of the Jewish legislator, considered it a great culinary -luxury. In the days of the Emperors they were consumed in considerable -numbers; and we read that the luxurious Heliogabalus carried his -magnificence so far as to cause a dish composed of the brains of 600 -Ostriches to be served at a feast; this must have cost an almost -incalculable sum. In former days it was a favorite dish with the tribes -of Northern Africa. At the present date the Arabs content themselves -with using its fat as an outward application in certain diseases, -especially rheumatic affections; and they derive from it, as they say, -very beneficial effects. - -The natives of Africa call the Ostrich “the Camel of the desert,” just -as the Latins denominated it Struthio camelus. There is, in fact, some -likeness between them. This resemblance consists in the length of the -neck and legs, and in the form of the toes. In some of their habits they -also resemble each other; the Ostrich lies down in the same way as the -Camel, by first bending the knee, then leaning forward on the fleshy -part of the sternum, and letting its hinder quarters sink down last of -all. - -That the Ostrich is extremely voracious is certain. Although the senses -of sight and hearing are so highly developed that it is said to -distinguish objects six miles off, and the slightest sounds excite its -ear, the senses of taste and smell are very imperfect. This is the -explanation given for its readiness to swallow unedible substances. In a -wild state it takes into its stomach large pebbles, to increase its -digestive powers; in captivity it gorges bits of wood and metal, pieces -of glass, plaster and chalk, probably with the same object. - -Herbage, Insects, Molluscs, small Reptiles, and even small animals, are -the principal food of the wild Ostrich; when it is in a state of -domesticity even young Chickens are frequently devoured by it. It is -capable of enduring hunger and thirst for many days—about the most -useful faculty it could possess in the arid and burning deserts which it -inhabits—but it is quite a mistake to suppose it never drinks, for it -will travel immense distances in search of water when it has suffered a -long deprivation, and will then drink with evident pleasure. - -The muscular power of the Ostrich is truly surprising. If matured it can -carry a man on its back; and is readily trained to be mounted like a -Horse, and to bear a burden. The tyrant Firmius, who reigned in Egypt in -the third century, was drawn about by a team of Ostriches; even now the -Negroes frequently use it for riding. - -When it first feels the weight of its rider, the Ostrich starts at a -slow trot; it however soon gets more animated, and stretching out its -wings, takes to running with such rapidity that it seems scarcely to -touch the ground. To the wild animals which range the desert it offers a -successful resistance by kicking, the force of which is so great that a -blow in the chest is sufficient to cause death. - -Man succeeds in capturing the Ostrich only by stratagem. The Arab on his -swiftest courser would fail to get near if he did not by his -intelligence supply the deficiency in his physical powers. “The legs of -an Ostrich running at full speed,” says Dr. Livingstone, “can no more be -seen than the spokes in the wheel of a vehicle drawn at a gallop.” -According to the same author, the Ostrich can run about thirty miles in -an hour—a speed and endurance much surpassing that of the swiftest -Horse. - -The Arabs, well acquainted with these facts, follow them for a day or -two at a distance, without pressing too closely, yet sufficiently near -to prevent them taking food. When they have thus starved and wearied the -Birds, they pursue them at full speed, taking advantage of the fact, -which observation has taught them, that the Ostrich never runs in a -straight line, but describes a curve of greater or less extent. Availing -themselves of this habit, the horsemen follow the chord of this arc, -and, repeating the stratagem several times, they gradually get within -reach, when, making a final dash, they rush impetuously on the harassed -Birds, and beat them down with their clubs, avoiding as much as possible -shedding blood, as this depreciates the value of the feathers, which are -the chief inducement for their pursuit. - -Some tribes attain their object by a rather singular artifice. The -hunter covers himself with an Ostrich’s skin, passing his arm up the -neck of the Bird so as to render the movements more natural. By the aid -of this disguise, if skilfully managed, Ostriches can be approached -sufficiently near to kill them. - -The Arabs hunt the Ostrich with Dogs, which pursue it until it is -completely worn out. In the breeding season, having sought and found out -where the Ostriches lay their eggs, another artifice is to dig a hole -within gunshot of the spot, in which a man, armed with a gun, can hide -himself. The concealed enemy easily kills the male and female Birds in -turn, as they sit on their nest. Lastly, to lie in wait for them close -by water, and shoot them when they come to quench their thirst is often -successful. - -The Ostrich, which is an eminently sociable Bird, may sometimes be seen -in flocks of 200 or 300, mixed up with droves of Zebras, Quaggas, &c. -They pair about the end of Autumn. - -The nest of the Ostrich is more than three feet in diameter; it is only -a hole dug in the ground and surrounded by a rampart composed of sticks, -etc., and a trench scratched round it outside to drain off the water. -The eggs weigh from two to three pounds, one of them being more than -sufficient for the breakfast of two or three people. - -The Rhea or South American Ostrich bears the greatest resemblance to the -African Ostrich, of which it is the representative in the New World; but -it is only about half the size of the African Bird, and has three toes -instead of two. The color of its plumage is a uniform grey. - -This Bird (called by the Brazilians Nhandu-Guacu) inhabits the Pampas of -South America, the coolest valleys in Brazil, Chili, Peru, and -Magellan’s Land. There they may be seen wandering over the open plains -in flocks of about thirty, in company with herds of Oxen, Horses and -Sheep. They browse on the grass like Cattle, at the same time searching -for various seeds. They run nearly as swiftly as the Ostrich, so are -well able, by speed, to escape the pursuit of their enemies. If a river -interrupts their course, they do not hesitate to plunge into it, as they -are excellent swimmers; indeed, so fond are they of water that they take -pleasure in splashing and bathing in it. - -The Rhea lays its eggs and hatches them in the same manner as the -Ostrich. They are Birds of a gentle nature, and are tamed with the -greatest ease, becoming very familiar in the house, visiting the various -apartments, wandering about the streets, and even into the country; but -they always return to their homes before sunset. - - - - - THE SCANSORES, OR CLIMBING BIRDS. - - -The family to which these Birds belong takes its name from the Latin -words, scandere, scansum, meaning to climb; yet, strange as it may seem, -there are many birds belonging to this family that cannot climb, and -there are other Birds, especially some of those belonging to the Sparrow -family, that can climb and are not classified in this group. - -The peculiar characteristic of all the birds found among the Scansores -is the formation of their feet. The toes are in pairs, two before and -two behind, which enables them to cling to the branches, and climb all -about the trees. All the different Birds who have their toes arranged in -this peculiar manner are included in the family of Scansores; and -although some of them do not climb so readily as others, they spend the -greater part of their time perched in the trees instead of flying about -in the air. Their flight is medium, not being so strong as that of the -Birds of Prey nor so light as that of the Sparrow family. - -The climbers do not form a very large family; the most familiar are the -Parrots, Cockatoos, Cuckoos, Toucans, Jamicars, Woodpeckers, etc. They -live chiefly in warm countries, and feed upon fruits and insects, and -the majority are noted for their brilliant colors. - - - - - THE PARROTS. - - -[Illustration: AMAZONIAN PARROT.] - -The Parrots have large, strong, round beaks, with the upper part hooked -and sharp at the tip, and the under part rather deeply hollowed. The -tongue is thick, fleshy and movable, and the feet are perfected to such -a degree that they really become hands, able to seize, hold and retain -small objects. Their toes are supplied with strong and hooked claws, -which make these birds pre-eminently climbers. The Parrots walk with -difficulty, and with such trouble that they rarely descend to the ground -in their native homes, and only under pressing circumstances. Besides, -they find all the necessaries of their existence on trees. They are not -more favored with regard to their flight; and we can understand that it -should be so; for, living in thick woods, they only require to make -trifling changes of place, such as from one tree to another. However, -some species, especially the smaller, are capable of a prolonged and -effective use of their wings. According to Levaillant, some even -migrate, and travel hundreds of miles every year; but this is unusual. -In general, Parrots remain in the localities where they are reared. - -Sociable in their dispositions, they assemble in more or less numerous -bands, and make the forests re-echo with their loud cries. To some -species it is such an imperative necessity to be near each other and -live in common, that they have received from Naturalists the name of -“inseparables.” They deposit their eggs in the hollows of trees and in -the crevices of rocks. The young birds are quite naked when hatched; it -is not till the end of three months that they are completely covered -with feathers. The parent birds wait upon them with the greatest care, -and become threatening when approached too closely by intruders. - -Parrots prefer the fruits of the palm, banana, and guava trees. They may -be seen perched upon one foot, using the other to bear the food to their -beaks, and retain it there till eaten. After they have extracted the -kernel they free it from its envelope, and swallow it in particles. They -often visit plantations, and cause great devastation. In a domestic -state they eat seeds, grain, bread, and even raw or cooked meat, and it -is with pleasure that they receive bones to pick; they are also very -partial to sugar. It is well known that bitter almonds and parsley act -upon them as violent poisons. They drink and bathe frequently; in summer -they show the greatest desire for plunging and splashing in water. - -They climb in a peculiar manner, which has none of the abruptness -displayed by other Birds of the same order. This they accomplish with -slow and irregular movements, helped by their beak and feet. Like almost -all birds of tropical regions, these Birds are adorned with most -beautiful colors, green and red being the most prominent, with -occasional markings of yellow and even blue; and some kinds of Parrots -have very handsomely developed tails. - -The Parrots are the favorites of the human family because of their -remarkable talent of imitation. They retain and repeat words which they -have heard by chance, or sentences which they have been taught, and also -imitate the cries of different animals, and the sounds of musical -instruments, etc. The species most remarkable for their talking and -imitating are the Grey Parrot or Jaco, a native of Africa, and the Green -Parrot from the West Indies and tropical America. - -The Macaws—the largest of the Parrots—are recognized by their bare -cheeks and long tapering tails. They inhabit South America and are -arrayed in the most brilliant colors. The principal species are the Ara -or Blue and Yellow Macaw. - -The Parrakeets are much smaller than the Macaws, and like them, have -long tapering tails, but their cheeks are feathered. What are known as -the “Love-birds” are the rarest and smallest of this group. They make -their home in America and Southern Africa. - -What are known as the “Parrots proper” are distinguished from other -groups of the same family by their short, square tails. They have -feathered cheeks like the Parrakeets, and are between these and the -Macaws in size. They are appreciated on account of their memory and -their habit of repeating what they hear without any special teaching. -These Parrots are divided into several groups, and species according to -their size and color. Among them we find the Grey Parrot or Jaco, a -native of the West coast of Africa, the Festive Green Parrot, and the -Amazonian Parrot, which is remarkable for its power of imitating, and -the richness of its green plumage. - - - - - THE COCKATOOS. - - -[Illustration: COCKATOOS.] - -These Birds are very handsome members of the Parrot family, especially -the ones that are crowned with very full tufts of feathers about the -head. Some have the head entirely surmounted by a white, yellow or pink -tuft, which they can raise or lower at will. Their tails are short, and -their cheeks feathered. They are the largest among the race of Parrots -of the old continent. They inhabit the Indies; and, although they are -pretty, graceful, and very docile and caressing when tamed, they do not -talk so well as some of the other Parrots. - -There is one remarkable species of the Cockatoos, sometimes called the -Trumpet Cockatoo, because of the formation of the tongue. This is -cylindrical and terminated by a little gland slightly hollowed at the -end. In eating, this Bird takes the kernels of the fruits which form its -food, crushes them by the help of its jaws, then seizes the food by -means of the hollow which terminates the tongue, projects the trumpet in -front, and makes it pass to the palate which causes it to fall into the -throat. As this peculiarity of the trumpet-like tongue has never been -noticed in any other Bird, it has made this species quite as noted as -the Great White Cockatoo, and Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, which have long -been known as the handsomest species of this family. - - - - - THE CUCKOOS. - - -The Cuckoos are about the size of a Turtle Dove. They have beaks about -as long as the head, slightly curved and compressed, and rather long and -rounded tails, and long pointed wings. There are several kinds of Birds -belonging to this group, some of which differ from the Cuckoos proper, -in having short wings and long tapering tails. Among these are found the -Trogons, Honey-guides, Anis or Annos, Barbets and the Touracos or -Plantain-eaters. These different species belong to all the countries of -the old continent. - -Only one species is found in Europe—the Grey, or European Cuckoo. These -are migratory Birds; they pass the warm season in Europe, and the winter -in Africa, or in the warm parts of Asia. - -Cuckoos are celebrated for the peculiar manner in which they raise their -young. They do not build a nest, nor cover their eggs, neither do they -take care of their young. They place their eggs in the nests of other -Birds, such as the Lark, the Robin, the Hedge Sparrow, the Thrush, -Blackbird, etc. They leave the care of hatching their eggs, and even the -care of the young Birds to these strangers. Cuckoos lay eight to ten -eggs in the space of a few weeks. When an egg has been laid the Bird -picks it up in her beak, and carries it to the first unoccupied nest -that she can find, and there deposits it when the owner of the nest is -away. The next egg is placed in a neighboring nest, but never in the -same as the first. The mother shows great intelligence in this, for by -placing two eggs in the same nest of a smaller Bird, the greater size of -her little ones would crowd the space intended by the builder, for -smaller Birds of her own. And two Robins or Hedge-sparrows would be kept -very busy feeding such great hungry Birds as would hatch from the -Cuckoo’s eggs. - -Another way in which the Mother Cuckoo shows her intelligence is her -plan of breaking an egg in the nest in which hers is to be placed. If -she finds one or more eggs in the nest, after she has placed hers in -position she will take one of the others out, break it with her beak and -scatter the shell, so that when the other Bird returns to her nest she -will find the same number of eggs that she left. The Cuckoo has often -been considered a very mean Bird, and a hard-hearted mother, because of -this practice of imposing on other Birds, yet Naturalists excuse them by -explaining that as the Cuckoo lays her eggs at considerable intervals -she would find that she could not cover them and raise a family at the -same time, for while some were hatching and the young Birds requiring -constant attention, the other eggs would require her sitting upon them -and keeping them warm for hatching later; so perhaps after all, the -poor, misjudged Bird is simply following instinct without any thought of -meanness. - - - HONEY-GUIDES OR INDICATORS. - -The Honey-guides or Indicators which stand nearest to the Cuckoos in -this group, take their name from their unusual habit of guiding the -natives of the countries in which they are found to hives of wild honey -bees. They feed on insects and are especially fond of the pupae of bees. -So while the natives (who have been attracted by the cries of the Bird -to the hive of the bees) are taking out the honey, the Bird remains in a -tree nearby watching the process, and when the honey is all removed they -approach to reap the fruits of its trouble. - - - ANIS AND BARBETS. - -The Anis and the Barbets also belong to the group of Cuckoos. The Anis -have bulky, short beaks surmounted by a sharp crest. They live in the -hot regions of South America and feed upon Reptiles and Insects. The two -principal species of this genus are the Razor-bill of Jamaica, and the -Savannah Blackbird of America. - -The Barbets owe their name to a number of straight hairs which they have -upon their beak. They are massive in form, and their flight is heavy. -They inhabit the warm countries of both continents, and feed upon -fruits, berries and Insects. The best known of this genus is the -Collared Barbet, with a distinct collar of white feathers about the -throat. The Barbets have a curious habit of raising all their plumage -till they look like a ball of feathers; from this peculiarity they have -gained the name of Puff-birds. - - - TROGONS AND TURACOS. - -The Trogons, like the Barbets, have the bases of their beaks covered -with hair. Their soft and silky plumage glitters with the most brilliant -hues, and their tails are extremely long and in some instances very -beautifully formed. They are sometimes called Couroucous because of -their peculiar cry or call to each other. The most remarkable species is -the Resplendent Trogon, which is found both in Mexico and Brazil. The -plumage of this Bird is a magnificent emerald green, frosted with gold; -its breast is red, and its head is surmounted by a beautiful tuft of the -green color. - -The Turacos or Plantain-eaters are African Birds which closely resemble -the Curassows. They live in forests and perch upon the highest branches -of trees; their flight is heavy and awkward. - - - THE TOUCANS. - -[Illustration: TOUCAN.] - -An immense beak is the first thing to attract attention to any member of -the Toucan family. This group is divided into the Common Toucans and the -Aracaris. The Aracari are not so large as the other Toucans, and they -have a more solid beak and a longer tail. The Curl-crested Aracaris is -noted for its beautiful variegated plumage. - -Some of the Common Toucans also have handsome markings about the throat; -but the enormous beak is their principal characteristic, and it is much -the same in all the different members of the family. - -It is much longer than the head, is curved at its extremity and dented -at its edges. It is not so heavy to bear, and incommodes the movements -of the Birds less than might be supposed, for it is formed of a spongy -tissue, the numerous cells of which are filled with air. Thus it is very -weak, and does not serve to break or even to bruise fruits, -notwithstanding the idea one forms at first sight of its strength, for -it is not even capable of breaking off the bark of trees, as certain -authors have claimed. This wonderful bill encloses a still more strange -tongue; very straight and as long as the beak, which is covered on each -side with closely packed barbs, similar to a feather, the use of which -remains to us a complete mystery. This curious instrument so struck the -Naturalists of Brazil, where many Toucans are found, that it furnished -them with a name. In Brazilian toucan means “feather.” - -Toucans feed on fruits and insects; they live in bands of from six to -ten in damp places where the palm tree flourishes, for its fruit is -their favorite food. In eating they seize the fruit with the extremity -of the beak, make it bounce up in the air, receive it then into the -throat, and swallow it in one piece. If it is too large, and impossible -to divide, they reject it. They are rarely seen on the ground, and -although their flight is heavy and difficult, they perch on the branches -of the highest trees, where they remain in ceaseless motion. Their call -is a sort of whistle, frequently uttered. - -They build their nests in holes hollowed out by Woodpeckers or other -Birds. They all have very brilliant plumage, and inhabit Paraguay, -Brazil and Guiana. - - - - - THE WOODPECKERS. - - -[Illustration: Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.] - -The Birds which comprise this group have long conical pointed beaks, and -a very extensible tongue. They form two genera—the Woodpeckers and the -Wry-necks. - -Woodpeckers excel in the art of climbing, but they do not perform it in -the same manner as the Parrots. They climb by extending their toes -supplied with bent claws, upon the trunk of a tree and maintain -themselves hanging there. Then they move themselves a little further by -a sudden and jerked skip, and so on. They are helped in these movements -by the disposition of the tail, formed of straight resistant feathers, -slightly worn away at the ends, which pressed against a tree serve as a -support to the Bird. By means of these peculiarities in their feet and -tail feathers, the Woodpeckers traverse the trees in every -direction—upwards, downwards or horizontally. - -Woodpeckers are of a timid, restless disposition; they live alone in the -midst or on the borders of large forests. - -[Illustration: SPOTTED AND DOWNY WOODPECKERS.] - -Insects and their larvae form their nourishment, which they seek in the -trunks and clefts of trees. Their tongue is wonderfully suited for this -purpose. It is very long, and, by a peculiar mechanism, can be projected -out far enough to reach objects three or four inches away. The beak is -terminated by a horny point bristling with small hooks. In many species -it is overlaid with a sticky substance secreted by two glands, the -effect of which is to catch the insects which it touches. Whenever the -Bird darts this tongue into the crevices, it draws it out more or less -laden with insects. If it perceives an insect that it cannot reach by -means of this organ, it uses its strong beak; striking the tree with -redoubled blows, it cuts the bark, breaks an opening, and seizes the -coveted prey. - -It often also taps with its beak to sound a tree, and assure itself that -there is no recess in the interior which would serve as a refuge for its -prey. If the trunk is hollow, it examines all parts to find an entrance -to the cavity. When it has discovered it, it introduces its tongue; and -if the canal is not large enough to permit it to explore the hiding -place with success, it increases the size of the aperture. It is not -only to seek for food that Woodpeckers make holes in trees, but also to -form secure hiding places for their nests. Some species, it is true, -select the openings which they find, but others hollow out their nesting -places according to their tastes. When such is the case, they select -soft-wood trees, such as willow, aspen, etc. The cavity which they bore -to where the nest is placed is generally so oblique and so deep that -perfect darkness surrounds them. This is doubtless a measure of security -against small Mammals, especially the rodents, the natural enemies of -their family. The mother deposits her eggs upon a bed of moss or the -dust of worm-eaten wood. The young Birds grow slowly, and receive for a -long time the care of their parents. - -Woodpeckers are generally considered noxious Birds, because they are -supposed to injure the trees of forests and orchards, and for this -reason a relentless war is made against them. They should, on the -contrary, be protected; for they destroy innumerable insects, the real -enemies of timber, and never touch a sound limb, for in it their food is -not to be found. There are a great number of species of Woodpeckers -known, which are spread over the two continents. The principal are the -Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a native of America; the great Spotted -Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker. - -Wry-necks owe their name to the curious property they possess of being -able to twist their necks in such a manner as to turn the head in all -directions. They repeat this movement every instant, especially when -surprised or angry. At the same time their eyes become fixed, the -feathers of the head stand up, and the tail expands. Like Woodpeckers, -they can hang upon trees, and sustain themselves in a vertical position -for a long time; but they are incapable of climbing. The weakness of -their beaks does not permit of their boring trees; therefore they seek -their nourishment upon the ground, principally among the ant-hills. They -build in natural holes in trees, or in those hollowed by Woodpeckers. -Their plumage is attractive and their size is about that of the Lark. -They inhabit all the old continent. - - - THE JACAMARS. - -Jacamars inhabit equatorial America. They are characterized by long and -pointed beaks, and short wings. They have three or four toes, according -to the species. Their habits are little known; but it is certain that -they live isolated or in pairs, that they are stupid, move but little, -and rarely depart from the neighborhood where they have chosen their -dwelling. All species do not frequent similar localities—as some like -thick woods, others prefer open plains; all, however, are insect eaters. -In their manners, as well as in their physical characteristics, Jacamars -appear to resemble Kingfishers, of which we shall speak hereafter. The -Paradise Jacamar is a good representative of the family. - - - - - THE GALLINACEAE, OR DOMESTIC BIRDS. - - -The family of Birds to which our domestic fowls belong is a very large -one. It is known as the family of Gallinaceous Birds. The word is -derived from the Latin gallina, a hen, and gallus, a cock. The many -different Birds and Fowls found under this family are usually divided -into six groups, and these may be readily classified without their long -Latin names to designate them. - -In the first we find the different kinds of Grouse, the Cock of the -Plains, the Heathcock, the Hazel Hen and others of the same nature, that -resemble our Hens and Roosters, and care for their chickens in the same -manner. Under the second group we find the Quail, the Colin, the -Partridge, etc., that are well known in this country and in Europe. The -Birds under the third group belong to South America, and are -representatives of the Partridge on that continent. The birds belonging -to the fourth group are the Chionides of Australia and New Zealand. In -size they are between our Partridge and Pigeon. They live near the -sea-beach, and feed on the sea-weed and dead Fishes that are thrown up -by the waves. - -In the fifth group are found a queer family of birds with straight -slender bills and feet that are furnished with long, sharp claws. These -birds are also found in Australia and they have a peculiar habit of -laying each of their eggs in a separate hole, then covering each with a -large mound, scraped together by the Birds; and the eggs are then left -to be hatched by the sun. The Bush-turkeys of Australia and New Guinea -also belong to this group. - -The sixth group comprises our Pheasants, Peacocks, Guinea Fowls, -Curassows and Turkeys. The handsomest Birds belonging to the family of -domestic Fowls—the Peacocks, Golden Pheasants, etc., are found in this -group. - - - - - THE PARTRIDGES. - - -[Illustration: COMMON GRAY PARTRIDGE.] - -The Partridges make their home on the ground and never perch in trees -except when they are forced to do so. Like the Quail they run with -remarkable swiftness; their flight is rapid, but low, and does not -extend to long distances. These Birds are very sociable, and live in -flocks or coveys composed of the parents and the young of the last -brood. They are not migratory, and they seem to attach themselves to -certain localities and do not leave unless compelled to. - -At the time of laying, the mother-bird makes a hole in the earth, which -she lines with grass and leaves, and in it deposits her eggs, to the -number of twelve or fifteen, and sometimes twenty or more. While she is -sitting upon the eggs her mate watches over her and guards her from -danger. - -When the young are hatched, the father-bird devotes himself to the care -of his children. He accompanies them in their wanderings; he teaches -them to catch grubs, find ants’ eggs, and shows himself as skilful as -the mother in guarding them from attacks of their enemies. At the -appearance of danger the father utters a cry of alarm, which warns the -young ones to hide. Drooping his wings in order to induce the intruder -to follow him, he pretends to be unable to fly. At the same time the -mother-bird proceeds in another direction and, alighting some distance -off, she runs back to her family, and leads them to a place of safety. -This is one of the intelligent methods by which the young brood is -protected. - -A few weeks after they are hatched the young Partridges are able to fly, -and to provide for their own wants; they do not leave their parents, but -continue to live with them until the following spring, when they begin -to build nests and plan for their own children. - -Partridges are of a shy and timid nature, which shows itself in many -ways. But this is not surprising when it is remembered how numerous are -their foes, for Foxes and Birds of prey make continual havoc among them; -the latter especially are particularly dreaded. At the mere sight of one -of the Falcon tribe, a Partridge is so overcome with fear as to be -almost incapable of concealing itself, and it is not until the dreaded -enemy is gone that it regains self-possession. - -When a Bird of prey unsuccessfully dashes at a Partridge in cover, no -power is able to make it take wing, and any one can then lay hands on it -without difficulty. A Partridge has even been known to prefer dying in -its hiding-place from suffocation to exposing itself to the mercies of -its pursuer. - -The knowledge of these facts has suggested a very simple and effectual -method of making Partridges which are wild remain on the ground without -flying, till the sportsman is within gun-shot. This is done by -frightening them with an artificial Bird of Prey, attached to the tail -of a kite, which is flown over them. - -Partridges make very delicate food of fine flavor, and they are not only -shot in their wild state for this purpose, but in some countries are -tamed and raised in great numbers, like the domestic fowls, especially -the Grey Partridge. We are told of a whole covey of Partridges of this -variety in England which were so tame that they could be driven like a -flock of Geese. - -The California Partridge is one of the handsomest of the whole family of -Partridges. It is a native of the western shores of North America. It is -adorned with a crest, giving it a much finer appearance than that of the -plain little brown fellows of the Eastern part of this country. - - - THE GROUSE AND THE HEATHCOCK. - - -[Illustration: Heathcocks Fighting.] - -There is a great variety of Grouse and Prairie Chickens belonging to -this family of Birds. The Pinnated Grouse is a native of the prairies of -North America. Its feathers are light brown, occasionally spotted with -white. Its call is deep and sonorous, and can be heard for miles in -still weather. The Pinnated Grouse is frequently called the Prairie -Chicken. They lay from twelve to fourteen eggs and are the most devoted -parents. - -The Black Grouse is about the size of a Pheasant, and is distinguished -by the tail, which is divided into two parts composed of four feathers -on each side curling outwards. - -The Ruffled Grouse is an American Bird, but differs from the others in -size and habits. The hill-sides, densely covered with evergreens or -birch are its favorite resorts, and on the wing, it is remarkable for -its swiftness. - -The Hazel Grouse is suspicious and timid, and hides among the thick -foliage of the green trees at the least appearance of danger. This bird -flies awkwardly, but runs very swiftly. It is about the size of a -Partridge, and its plumage is of a reddish brown color, mixed with -white. - -The Heathcock is very similar to the Grouse. The heath plains with their -juniper bushes and birches are his favorite abode. His food consists of -all kinds of seeds and berries, especially the bilberry, juniper berry, -wheat, oats and buckwheat, besides Insects, Snails and Worms, and he is -particularly fond of Ants. The Heathcocks are great fighters. They fight -in the fashion of the domestic Cocks, but with much greater fury and -bitterness. With heads down, fan-shaped tails erected, and wings -hanging, the two opponents circle around each other. Suddenly they rush -together, spring at each other, and mutually endeavor to inflict wounds -with beak and claws, so that the feathers fly far and wide. Wearied, -they pause only to take up the battle again with equal bitterness after -a short rest, until finally one of the combatants is put to flight. Then -the victor flies to a neighboring tree and announces his victory in -clear, joyous tones to all the Hens that can be found in the -neighborhood. But very often this song of triumph is also his death -song. Already the hunter has long observed him from his place of -concealment, and awaited a favorable opportunity. Now he sends at him -the deadly lead, and in the midst of his triumph song the Cock falls -dead to the ground. - -The Hens build a simple nest out of dry twigs, grass and feathers in -some hollow in the high grass, in the midst of the heath or under -bushes. The setting consists of from six to twelve yellow eggs with -brown spots of the same size as those of the domestic Hen’s eggs. After -three weeks the young are hatched out and are taken by the careful -mother under her wings, and anxiously guarded and followed. The flesh of -the Heathcock is more tender and finely flavored than that of the -Wood-grouse. - - - - - THE PIGEONS. - - -[Illustration: CROWNED PIGEON.] - -The family of Birds to which the Pigeons and the Doves belong is usually -classed by itself, as forming a link between two other families, and as -these are important divisions, it will be well to keep in mind the -meaning of their Latin names. The Pigeons and Doves belong to the family -of Columbidae, which is derived from the Latin word columba, meaning a -dove; and this forms the division between the domestic or Gallinaceous -family, that we have just studied, and the family of Passerines, or -Sparrows; the name of this family being derived from the Latin word -passer, meaning a sparrow. - -It would be useless to attempt to describe all the different kinds of -Pigeons in this space, but we can mention the leading groups, with their -distinguishing features. - -The Crowned Pigeon is one of the handsomest. This is usually found in -New Guinea. The plumage of this Bird is a beautiful greyish blue, with -markings of dark blue and white, and its head is crowned with a plume of -long tapering feathers. - -The Fan-tailed Pigeon is remarkable for its tail, which is very large -and raised like that of a Peacock when spread out to its handsomest -extent. - -The Nun Pigeon is recognized by a kind of hood formed of raised -feathers, which covers the back of the head and neck, and to which it -owes its name. - -The Wheeling Pigeon describes circles, like Birds of Prey, when it is -flying. This Bird has an unpleasant disposition, and a bad habit of -annoying other Pigeons. It should be excluded from Pigeon-houses. - -The Tumbler Pigeon owes its name to its curious manner of flying. It has -a habit, after it has risen to a certain height, of throwing five or six -summersaults. - -The Pouter Pigeon owes its name to the faculty which it possesses of -inflating its crop to an immense size by the introduction of air. This -peculiarity often destroys them; indeed, when feeding their young, they -find so much difficulty in causing the seeds which they have swallowed -to reascend into their beaks, that they contract a malady which is -frequently fatal. - -The Roman Pigeons, thus named because they are very common in Italy, are -easily recognized from the circle of red which surrounds their eyes. - -The Swift Pigeon is of small size, its flight is light and rapid. - -The Carrier Pigeons belong to this race. They are celebrated for their -attachment to their birthplace, or to the spot that contains their -young, and for the intelligence which enables them to regain their -native countries from whatever distance. Transport them miles from their -homes, even in a well-closed basket, then give them their liberty, and -they will return, without the slightest hesitation, to the place from -which they were taken. This valuable faculty has long been utilized, -especially in the East. - -The Romans made use of Pigeons as messengers. Pliny says that this means -was employed by Brutus and Hirtius to concert together during the siege -of a town by Mark Antony. At the siege of Leyden, in 1574, the Prince of -Orange employed Carrier Pigeons to carry on a correspondence with the -besieged town, which he succeeded in freeing. The Prince, to mark his -acknowledgment of the services rendered by these wise Birds, wished them -to be fed with strawberries, and their bodies to be embalmed after -death. - -We learn from Pierre Belon, the Naturalist, that in his time navigators -from Egypt and Cyprus took Pigeons upon their galleys, and liberated -them when they had arrived at the port of destination, in order to -announce to their families their safe journey. In our century they have -been made use of for similar purposes. - - - - - THE PHEASANTS. - - -[Illustration: GOLDEN PHEASANTS] - -Under the name of Phasianidae, the Pheasants form a distinct family, -which is divided into several groups of Birds and Domestic Fowls which -have similar characteristics. Not only our well known Pheasants, but the -Peacocks, Guinea Fowls, Turkeys, Currassows, Bankiva Fowl, Tragopans, -and the Argus are all grouped in this family, because they all have -short bills, wings so short that they cannot fly readily, brilliant -plumage, and tails largely developed, forming the greatest beauty of the -Bird in many instances. - -The Pheasant, especially, is remarkable for the length of its tail; the -middle feathers of which in one species, known as Reeve’s Pheasant, -sometimes attain a length of seven or eight feet. - -The Silver Pheasant and the Golden Pheasant are two beautiful species. -The former is clothed in a black and white costume that gives it a fine -silvery appearance. The latter is brilliantly clothed in purple and -gold, and bears a golden yellow crest on its head, with a handsome -circular collar effect; and the tail of the Golden Pheasant is very long -and showy. - -There are many other species of Pheasants, distinguished by some -peculiarity of the plumage, but there is no special difference in their -habits. - -In the wild state the Pheasants prefer wooded slopes or marshy plains, -and their food is composed of grains, berries, Worms, Insects, Snails, -etc. They are shy and timid in their nature, taking flight at the least -indication of danger. They make their nest on the ground in the midst of -a thicket, or in a tuft of grass, and the hen Pheasant lays from twelve -to twenty eggs, which require twenty-four days to hatch. - -In some parts of the country these Birds are raised in enclosures called -pheasantries. During the first two months of existence, the young -Pheasants require the greatest care, as the tender little fellows are -subject to numerous maladies. - - - - - THE PASSERINES, OR THE SPARROW FAMILY. - - -It seems strange that one of the very largest families of Birds should -take as its type our common little Sparrow, yet the Passerine family -takes its name from the Latin word passer, meaning a Sparrow. These are -also known as Perching Birds. Taking it altogether this is an odd family -of Birds, so many are included in it, in which it is difficult to detect -the bonds which connect them. - -For example, where is the link which unites the Crow to the Swallow, or -the Hornbill to the Humming-bird? Nevertheless all these winged -creatures, so different externally, belong to the Passerines. Some -Naturalists have claimed that this family presents only negative -characteristics, bringing together in an odd group all the birds that -are not included among the Rapacious, the Swimming, Wading, Gallinaceous -or Domestic, and Climbing Birds. The principal points in common among -these birds is that the outer toe is united to the middle one, more or -less. Their food consists mainly of seeds, insects and fruit. They fly -gracefully and easily, and their walk consists of a succession of little -leaps. They build their nests and take their rest under the thick -foliage of trees, or under the eaves of buildings. - -In this extensive family we find most of the songsters of the woodlands. -Some of them have even the gift of imitating the human voice and the -cries of wild animals. Many are remarkable for their brilliant plumage, -others are appreciated as delicacies for the table. Some of them are -easily tamed, but none of them have been brought to a domestic state. - -Some Naturalists divide the Passerines into five great groups, the first -based upon the structure of the feet, the other four on the formation of -the bill. Others object to this classification because it is not always -possible to assign a place to certain groups because of peculiarities of -their beak alone. This distribution is generally followed, however, as -it is easy to remember. - - - THE PERCHING BIRDS WITH UNITED TOES. - -As the different members of the great Passerine or Sparrow family are -nearly all Perching Birds, it is easier to give them this classification -in dividing them into groups, and thus avoid the many Latin names that -it is not necessary to remember. In the first group we find the Perching -Birds with united toes—the outer toe being nearly as long as the middle -one and fast to it. This group includes the Hornbills, the Fly-catchers, -the King-fishers, the Bee-eaters, and the Motmots. - - - THE HORNBILLS. - -The Hornbills are remarkable for their enormous development of beak, -which is long, very wide, compressed, and more or less curved and -notched, and in some species surmounted by a large helmet-like -protuberance. This immense beak is nevertheless very light, being -spongy, as in the Toucans. The Hornbills have in some respects the -bearing of the Crow; this led Bontius to class them among the Crows, -under the name of Indian Crow. They walk with difficulty, and their -flight is clumsy, their favorite position being on a perch at the summit -of lofty trees. Great flocks of these haunt the forests of the warmer -regions of the Old World, especially Africa, India, and the Oceanic -Archipelago. They build their nests in the hollows of trees. They are -omnivorous. The fruits, seeds, and insects of those regions are their -principal food; yet they will not refuse flesh. - -In India they are domesticated, their services in destroying rats and -mice being valuable. The plumage of the Hornbill is black or grey, of -various shades; but there is a species described by Dr. Latham and Dr. -Shaw under the name of the Crimson Hornbill, which Mr. Swainson thinks -may prove to be a link between Toucans and Hornbills, and thus combine -the beauty of plumage of the former with the peculiarity of form of the -latter. Their flesh is delicate, especially when fed on aromatic seeds. -Many species are described, varying in size, among which the Rhinoceros -Hornbill is the most worthy of notice. This bird is so named from the -singular protuberance with which its bill is surmounted; this is a -smooth horny helmet, curving upwards from the bill, somewhat resembling -the horn of the rhinoceros. It is a native of India and the islands of -the Indian Ocean. - - - THE FLY-CATCHERS. - -The Fly-catchers are a family of insect-eating Birds, many of which are -British, distinguished by long, broad, and very flat bills, contracting -suddenly at the tip; the tail is short, slender and rounded; the legs -long and weak. It has a bright green plumage above, whitish beneath; and -a scarlet throat. It is a native of South America and the Antilles; and -a traveler, under the name of Green Humming-bird, describes it as “one -of the most beautiful birds he ever saw.” It is a familiar little Bird, -and will often let a Man come within a few feet to admire it before -becoming alarmed. - -It lives almost entirely on the ground, feeding on Insects, which it -catches in the evening. It builds its nest in the crevices on river -banks, or in the soft rocks, in which it hollows out a dwelling by means -of its bill and feet. - - - - - THE KING-FISHERS. - - -[Illustration: KING FISHERS.] - -The King-fishers, the Martin-fishers of some authors, form a highly -interesting group. They are very singular Birds. Their bill is strong, -straight and angular, being of immense length compared with their size. -Living on the banks of rivers, they feed almost exclusively on Fish, -watching patiently from a fixed station, generally a naked twig -overhanging the water, or a stone projecting above the surface, for its -prey. In this position it will sometimes remain for hours, absolutely -immovable. - -When a Fish comes within reach, with great rapidity the King-fisher -darts upon it, seizing it in its powerful mandibles, and after -destroying it by compression, or by knocking it against a stone or the -trunk of a tree, swallows it head foremost. - -When Fish are scarce they feed upon aquatic Insects, which they seize on -the wing. They build their nests in the steep banks of rivers, either in -the natural crevices, or in holes hollowed out by Water-rats; and these -dwelling places are generally littered by the fragments of their food. -Father and mother sit alternately, and when the young are hatched they -feed them with the produce of their fishing. The Bird has a shrill and -piercing note, which it utters on the wing. - - - THE BEE-EATERS. - -The Bee-eaters have the beak long, thin, slightly curved and pointed; -the wings are long and pointed; the tail is well-developed, tapering or -forked. They are slender, graceful Birds. Their cries, while they skim -through the air on rapid wing, are constant. The name of Bee-eaters they -receive from their principal food, which consists of large bees and -wasps. They seize their prey either on the wing, like the Swallows, or -secrete themselves at the entrance to a hive, and catch the inmates that -enter or depart, whose stings they are skilful in avoiding. Living -together in numerous flocks, they rapidly clear a district of wasps and -bees. - -They build their nests in the banks of rivers or rivulets, in holes -which they excavate to the depth of six or seven feet. - - - THE MOTMOTS. - -The Motmots are Birds still very imperfectly known. They are remarkably -massive in form, heavy and slow on the wing. In the Motmots the beak is -long, robust and crenated at the edge. They are very wild, and lead an -isolated life in the thick forests of South America, where they build in -holes in trees. They are about the size of a Magpie and many of that -Bird’s bad qualities are attributed to the Brazilian Motmot. - - - PERCHING BIRDS WITH LONG BEAKS. - -This group is characterized by a long, slender beak, straight or curved, -but always without indentation, and comprises the Humming-birds, -Creepers, Nuthatches and Hoopoes. - - - THE HUMMING-BIRDS. - -[Illustration: SWORD BILL HUMMING BIRD.] - -The Humming-birds are the most lovely of the winged race. Nature seems -to have endowed them with her rarest gifts. In creating them she -surpassed herself, and exhausted all the charms at her disposal; for she -gave them grace, elegance, rapidity of motion, magnificence of plumage, -and indomitable courage. What can be more delightful than the sight of -these little feathered beauties, flashing with the united fires of the -ruby, the topaz, the sapphire, and the emerald, flying from flower to -flower amid the richest tropical vegetation? Such are the lightness and -rapidity of some of the smaller species, that the eye can scarcely -follow the quick beat of their wings. When they hover they appear -perfectly motionless, and one might fancy them suspended by an invisible -thread. - -Specially adapted for life in the air, they are unceasingly in motion, -searching for their food in the calyx of flowers, from which they drink -the nectar with so much gentleness that the plant is scarcely stirred. -But the juice and honey of flowers, as some authors affirm, are not -their only food—such unsubstantial diet would be insufficient to sustain -the great activity displayed almost every moment of their existence. - -The tongue of the Humming-bird is a microscopic instrument of marvellous -arrangement. It is composed of two half-tubes placed one against the -other, capable of opening and shutting, like a pair of pliers. Moreover, -it is constantly moistened by a glutinous saliva, by which it is enabled -to seize and hold Insects. - -[Illustration: CRESTED HUMMING BIRD.] - -Proud of their gay colors, the Humming-birds take the greatest care to -protect their plumage. They frequently dress themselves by passing their -feathers through their bills. - -The nest of the Humming-bird is a masterpiece. It is about the size of -half an apricot. These consist of lichens, and are most artistically -interwoven, the crevices being closed up with the Bird’s saliva; the -interior is padded with the silky fibres furnished by various plants. -This pretty cradle is suspended to a leaf, sometimes to a small branch -of rushes, or even to the straw roof of a hut. The Bird lays twice a -year a pair of pure white eggs, about the size of a pea. - -These little creatures are universally admired for their elegance and -beauty, and the names given them are generally descriptive of their -excessive minuteness. The creoles of the Antilles call them Murmurers; -the Spaniards Picaflores; the Brazilians, Shupaflores, or -Flower-suckers; finally, the Indians call these darlings Sunbeams. - -Among the most formidable enemies of the Humming-bird may be reckoned -the Monster Spider, which spins its web round their nests, and devours -eggs or young; even the old Birds are sometimes its victims. - -Humming-birds are scattered over the greater part of South and North -America, even as far north as Canada; but in Brazil and Guiana they are -most abundant. At least 500 species are known. Among the more remarkable -species we may note the Topaz-throated Trochilus, a native of Brazil; -the Sickle-winged Humming-bird; the Double-crested Humming-bird; Gould’s -Humming-bird; Cora Humming-bird; the Giant Humming-bird, which attains -the size of a Swallow; the Dwarf Humming-bird, whose size does not -exceed that of a bee; the Bar-tailed Humming-bird or Sapho Comet, a -native of Eastern Peru; the Racket-tailed Humming-bird, so named from -the shape of its tail, which spreads out at the extremity in the form of -a racket; the Crested Humming-bird, with a double crest on the head of -the male Bird; and the Sword-bill Humming-bird, with a bill as long as -the whole body of the Bird. - - - - - THE CROWS. - - -[Illustration: CROWS AND RAVENS.] - -The Crows are divided into four groups or sub-genera—namely, the Crows -properly so called, Pies, Jays and Nutcrackers. - -The genus Corvus, or Crow family, as limited by modern Naturalists, -comprehends the Raven, the Carrion Crow, the Royston or Hooded Crow, the -Rook, the Jackdaw, Great-billed Crow, Philippine Crow and Fish Crow. - -All these species have in many respects the same characteristics, and -the same habits. With the exception of the Raven and Magpie, which live -in pairs, the others reside together in companies, whether they are in -quest of their daily food or roosting for the night. They are all -possessed of intelligence, cunning, mischievous habits, the gift of -imitation, though in different degrees, and the same provident habit of -amassing provisions in secret places. This last peculiarity in the tamed -Birds degenerates into a perfect mania, which leads them to carry off -and hide everything that attracts or pleases their eye, especially gems -and bright articles of metal. The whole group are easily tamed. - -The Crows, especially the Raven and the Carrion Crow, are omnivorous. -Living or dead flesh, Insects, eggs, fruit, seeds—nothing comes amiss to -their palate. - -The Ravens possess a vigorous and sustained flight; they have a keen -sense of smell and excellent vision. By exercising these latter -qualities they quickly learn where food is to be obtained, and as they -wing towards it they constantly utter their cry, as if inviting their -companions to join them; this croak, as it is called, is harsh and -dissonant. Their plumage being of a sombre black, and their voice so -unmusical, have doubtless been the reasons why they have long been -considered Birds of ill omen. When taken young, they are tamed with -great facility, for they will neither rejoin their own race nor desert -the neighborhood where they have been kindly treated. True, they may go -into the fields to seek for food, but when the increasing shadows -predict the approach of night, their familiar resting place in the house -of their protector will be sought. They become much attached to those -who take notice of them, and will recognize them even in a crowd. - - - - - THE DIPPERS. - - -[Illustration: DIPPERS OR WATER WRENS.] - -The Dippers or Water Wrens have straight and slender bills; large and -stout toes, furnished with strong hooked claws, and short wings and -tails. The decidedly aquatic habits of these Birds form a curious -exception to the rest of the Sparrow family. They live constantly on the -edge of the water, or in the water itself, hunting for the Insects which -constitute their food. - -Although their toes are not webbed, they may often be noticed diving and -moving about under water, by extending their wings and using them as -fins. They are frequently seen flying along streams, and catching the -winged Insects skimming over the surface of the water. They build their -nests along the banks of mountain streams, and thrive in great numbers -in such rocky countries as the Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain chains -in the south, west and north of Europe. - - - - - Fishes. - - -[Illustration: FLYING-FISH.] - -THE numerous Fishes that inhabit the waters all over the globe are -divided into two great groups—the Cartilaginous Fishes, with their -framework made up of bones in the form of cartilage or gristle, and the -Osseous, or bony Fishes. These large groups are sub-divided in a most -puzzling manner by many Naturalists. The long Latin and Greek names used -to classify these groups and smaller families are so much more difficult -to remember than are the divisions of the great group of Mammals, that -we will entirely discard all these derivations and explanations, using -only the common English names for grouping them according to their -peculiarities of form, the arrangement of the gills, the number and form -of their fins, etc., etc. - -The first great group of Cartilaginous Fishes is divided into three -sections, which make in reality four families, as the second section -comprises two. In the first of these we find the queer family of -Lampreys, in which the mouth forms a sucker. In the second, are the -family of Raias, and the Shark family, characterized by their mouth -being furnished with jaws. The third includes the Sturgeons, which are -distinguished by having the gills free. - -The Bony Fishes are divided into four great sections. The first is -represented by the family of Globe Fish and Coffers, which have the jaw -attached to the cranium. The second includes the queer family of -Pipe-fish and Sea-horses, which have the gills divided into round tufts -arranged in pairs. The third division includes the family of soft-finned -Fishes, in which the rays of the fins are soft. In the fourth section -are the various families of spiny-finned Fishes. And in some one of -these groups with their distinct characteristics, may be classified all -the numerous Fishes that are known to modern Naturalists. - - - - - CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. - - - - - THE LAMPREYS AND THE EELS. - - -It is not usual to class these two families together, but they look so -much alike until studied closely, all the different varieties having the -appearance of serpents, with fins and curious forms of tails and heads, -that it seems best to study them together and find the points of -difference. The Lamprey is of a lighter color than the Eel, and is not -so graceful, but of a rather clumsy form. But it differs most in its -mouth, which is round, and placed below the end of the nose. It -resembles the mouth of a Leech more than that of an Eel. - -The Lamprey has a hole on top of its head through which it spouts water, -somewhat like a Whale, and the fins are formed by a lengthening out of -the skin instead of having a set of bones or spines for that purpose. -The mouth of the Lamprey is not only formed like that of the Leech, but -it has the same property of sticking close to and sucking any body that -is applied to it. It has a wonderful power of holding on to stones by -sucking with its mouth, so that it is almost impossible to draw it away. -We are told of one that weighed only three pounds, and yet it stuck so -firmly to a stone weighing twelve pounds, that it remained suspended by -its mouth, and it was almost impossible to make it loosen its hold. - -This wonderful strength of suction is supposed to arise from the power -of the Lamprey to exhaust the air within its body by the hole over the -nose, while the mouth is closely fixed to the object, and allows no air -to enter. - -This adhesive or sticking quality in the Lamprey is somewhat increased -by the slimy substance which is smeared all over its body. This -substance serves to keep it warm in the cold water, and it also keeps -its skin soft and pliant. - -Every year, usually about the beginning of the spring, the Lampreys -leave the sea, where they usually make their home, and make holes or -nests in the gravelly bottoms of rivers. Here the eggs are laid, and the -mother Lamprey watches near until the eggs hatch. Then she is often seen -with her whole family playing about her until they have become well -grown, when she takes the whole family back in triumph to the ocean. - -There are several different species belonging to the Lamprey family. The -kind known as the Lesser Lamprey inhabits Europe, Japan and the lakes of -South America. It measures from twelve to fifteen inches long. Then -there is a still smaller member of the family called the Lampern, which -lives in European rivers, and is about six or seven inches long. It -hides itself under stones or in the mud, but does not have the same -power of suction as some of the larger ones. - -The Sea Lamprey belongs to the Mediterranean. When full grown it is -about three feet long, and its light yellow body is marbled with brown. -The Lampreys feed on worms, molluscs and small Fishes. The larger ones -often seize Fishes of great size, and suck them like a Leech. - -All the different kinds of Lampreys are considered very fine and -delicate food, and horrible stories are told of how kings and emperors -used to raise the best kinds of Lampreys in ponds and feed them by -throwing into the ponds live slaves who had displeased them; as they -considered the Lamprey had a finer flavor when fed on human flesh. But -only one man, a senator of Rome, was really known to do such a dreadful -thing, and we are told that when Augustus, the emperor, heard it he -ordered all these ponds to be filled up; but not until after many poor -slaves had met this awful death, simply because they did not happen to -please their wicked master. - - - THE EELS. - -The Eels belong to the family of bony Fishes, although the Lampreys -which they resemble in general appearance, belong to the family of -Fishes whose framework is made up of cartilage, or gristle. The Eels -form a very large family if we would include the different kinds of bony -Fishes that have the same snake-like form of the common Eel. We find -these smaller families classed under the name of Apoda; this word means -without feet when applied to animals, but when used to describe Fishes, -means without the ventral fins which serve in the place of feet. - -As the different kinds of Eels found under this family of Apoda are -described by their Greek or Latin names, it will be well for us to -understand the meaning of each of the four divisions. We would hardly -recognize the plain Sand Eel, when we find him classed with “Osseous -Fishes” under the name of “Ammodytes,” yet this is where the Naturalists -place him, because this word in Latin means a sand-burrower, a kind of -serpent, and is also derived from two Greek words meaning sand, and -diver. The Electrical Eel is classed under fresh water Fishes under the -name of Gymnotus, which comes from two Greek words meaning naked and -back, showing that the back of the Electrical Eel is without fins. The -Sea Eel is classed under the name of Muraenas, while Anguilla, which -means snaky, serpent-like, is used to describe the plain Eels with -smooth bodies and very few of the characteristics which distinguish the -other Eels. - -We will simply give all these different kinds of Eels their plain common -name, but when we read of wonderful fresh water Fishes called Gymnotus -Electricus, who have strange electrical powers, we will know the word is -used to describe the Electrical Eel. - - - ELECTRICAL EELS. - -Very strange stories are told of these Eels, and its power to give an -Electric shock to any person or animal who touches it. Alexander von -Humboldt is said to have given the first precise account of this very -curious Eel. This celebrated Naturalist tells of a voyage up the Orinoco -for the purpose of studying the Electrical Eel, great numbers of which -are found in the neighborhood of this river. Some Indians conducted the -party to the Cano de Bera, a muddy pond surrounded by rich vegetation, -Indian figs and beautiful flowers. - -The party of Naturalists were surprised when they learned that it would -be necessary to use about thirty half-wild Horses to help them fish for -the Electrical Eel, and that the severe shocks of electricity given by -the Eels must be expended upon the Horses before it would be safe to -touch the Eels. - -While our hosts were explaining to us this strange mode of fishing, the -troop horses and mules had arrived, and the Indians had made a sort of -battue, pressing the horses on all sides, and forcing them into the -marsh. The Indians, armed with long canes and harpoons, placed -themselves round the basin, some of them mounting the trees, whose -branches hung over the water, and by their cries, and still more by -their canes, prevented the horses from landing again. - -The Eels, stunned by the noise, defended themselves by repeated -discharges of their batteries. For a long time it seemed as if they -would be victorious over the Horses. Some of the Mules especially, being -almost stifled by the frequency and force of the shock, disappeared -under the water, and some of the Horses, in spite of the watchfulness of -the Indians, regained the bank, where, overcome by the shocks they had -undergone, they stretched themselves at their whole length. - -The picture presented was now indescribable. Groups of Indians -surrounded the basin; the Horses with bristling mane, terror and grief -in their eyes, trying to escape from the storm which had surprised them; -the Eels, yellow and livid, looking like great aquatic Serpents swimming -on the surface of the water, and chasing their enemies, were objects at -once appalling and picturesque. In less than five minutes two Horses -were drowned. - -When the struggle had lasted a quarter of an hour, the Mules and Horses -appeared less frightened, the manes became more natural, the eyes -expressed less terror, the Eels shunned, in place of attacking them; at -the same time approaching the bank, when they were easily taken by -throwing little harpoons at them attached to long cords; the harpoon, -sometimes hooking two at a time, being landed by means of the long cord. -They were drawn ashore without being able to communicate any shock. - -Having landed the Eels, they were transported to little pools dug in the -soil, and filled with fresh water; but such is the terror they inspire, -that none of the people of the country would release them from the -harpoon—a task which the travelers had to perform themselves, and -receive the first shock, which was not slight—the most energetic -surpassing in force that communicated by a Leyden jar, completely -charged. - -The Electrical Eel surpasses in size and strength all the other Electric -Fishes. Humboldt saw them five feet three inches long. They vary in -color according to age, and the nature of the muddy water in which they -live. Beneath, the head is of a fine yellow color mixed with red; the -mouth is large, and furnished with small teeth arranged in many rows. - -The Electrical Eel gives the most frightful shocks without the least -muscular movement in the fins, in the head, or any other part of the -body. The shock, indeed, depends upon the will of the animal, and in -this respect differs from a Leyden jar, which is discharged by -communicating with two opposite poles. It happens sometimes that an -Electrical Eel, seriously wounded, only gives a very weak shock, but if, -thinking it exhausted, it is touched fearlessly, its discharge is -terrible. - - - SEA EELS. - -[Illustration: SEA EEL.] - -The Sea Eels are slender, serpent-like Fishes, that are very strong and -active, and they swim with the same waving movements in the water, as -the serpents use in creeping on dry land. These Eels feed on small -Fishes, Crabs, etc., and are such hungry fellows that when other food -fails they begin to nibble at each other’s tails. - -It is difficult to catch a Sea Eel; they are usually caught with rod and -line, or with line and ground bait, but they are quick in making their -escape. When they have swallowed a hook they will often cut the line -with their teeth, or they turn upon it, and try, by winding it round -some object, to strain or break it. When caught in a net they quickly -choose some mesh through which their body can glide. - -Like the Lampreys, these Sea Eels make excellent food, and are often -raised in ponds and carefully fed to give their flesh a delicate flavor. - - - SAND EELS. - -The Sand Eel is an easily frightened little fellow who buries himself in -the sand. He is quite handsome, being silvery-blue—brighter on the lower -parts than on the upper, with the radiating fins first white and then -blue in color. - -This Eel is seldom seen swimming about. It hollows out a burrow for -itself in the sand to the depth of fifteen or twenty inches, where it -hunts out worms on which it feeds, while it shelters itself from the -jaws of the hungry Fishes which eagerly hunt for its delicate flesh. - - - COMMON EELS. - -The plain, snake-like Eel classed under the name of Anguilla is found in -European rivers, and in various parts of North America. Although it is -sometimes eaten it is not considered especially good for food; it does -not often measure much over two feet in length, and is covered with a -soft, slimy skin, and sometimes with tiny scales almost too small to be -seen. - - - CONGER EELS. - -The Conger Eel of the United States which belongs to this family is -often five feet or more in length, while the Conger Eel of Europe is -very large, as thick as a man’s leg, and sometimes ten feet long. - - - - - THE FAMILY OF RAIAS, OR FLAT-FISH. - - -All the curious Fish of this family—which forms the second group of the -Cartilaginous Fishes—are broad, and swim flat on the water, and they are -distinguished by the spines or prickles which the different species have -on various parts of their body, or on the tail. - -It is by these spines that the different members of this family are -distinguished from each other. The Skate has the middle of the back -rough, and a single row of spines on the tail. The Sharp-nosed Ray has -ten spines that are situated towards the middle of the back. The Rough -Ray has its spines spread over the whole back. The Fire-flare has but -one spine but that is a terrible one. This dangerous weapon is placed on -the tail, about four inches from the body, and is about five inches -long. It is of flinty hardness; the sides are thin, sharp-pointed, and -closely and sharply bearded the whole way. - -The White Ray, the Lump-fish and the Torpedo or Cramp-fish are the most -important of this family, and these curious specimens are worthy of -special description. - - - THE WHITE RAY. - -[Illustration: WHITE RAY.] - -The mouth of this Fish is placed in the lower part of the head, and far -from the extremity of the nose; it is furnished with many rows of hooked -and pointed teeth. The eyes, which are on the upper part of the head are -half projecting and are protected by an elastic skin which covers the -head. Immediately behind the eyes are two blow-holes which are connected -with the interior of the mouth. The Fish is able to open and close these -holes at pleasure, by means of a membrane which acts as a sort of valve. -Through these holes it ejects the surplus water that is not required for -respiration. In its general color this Fish is ashy grey on its upper -surface; and white, with rows of black spots below. - -Its tail is long, flexible and slender and is used as a rudder, and as a -weapon. When lying in wait for its prey at the bottom of the sea, and it -has no desire to change its position, a rapid and sudden stroke of this -formidable weapon, armed with hooked bones on its upper surface, arrests -its victim by wounding or killing it, without disturbing the mud or -sea-weed by which the Fish is covered. This species often grows to be -quite large, and their flesh is firm and nourishing, but the larger -specimens seldom approach inhabited shores. - - - THE LUMP-FISH. - -[Illustration: LUMP FISH.] - -This is one of the largest of the Ray family. It sometimes reaches a -length of twelve feet, and being excellent eating, is much sought after -by fishermen. It is commonly seen with the Skate-fish in European -markets, as it inhabits all the European seas. - -A ray of great curving spines extends all along the back of the -Lump-fish, to the end of the tail. Two similar spines are above and two -below the point of the nose. Two others are placed before, and three -behind the eyes. In fact, the whole surface of this curious Lump-fish -fairly bristles with large and small spines, and because of this it is -sometimes called the Buckler-fish; for these spines are not merely for -ornament, but for defence. The color of the upper surface of this Fish -is brown with light spots. The tail, which often exceeds the body in -length, has three small fins at the end. - -Ray-fish of all kinds are inhabitants of the deep sea, but they change -according to the seasons. While stormy weather prevails they hide -themselves in the depth of the ocean, where they lie in ambush, creeping -along the bottom. But they do not always live at the bottom; they rise -occasionally to the surface, far from shore, eagerly chasing other -inhabitants of the deep, lashing the water with their tails and fins, -springing out of the water, and making it foam with their sport. - -When pursuing their prey they use their great fins which resemble wings, -and with these and their tail, they beat the waters in order to fall -unexpectedly upon their prey, as the Eagle swoops upon its victim. - - - THE TORPEDO, OR CRAMP FISH. - -The Torpedo has no spines which can wound, but it has a much more -powerful weapon of defence. Like the Electrical Eel, this Fish has the -power of producing violent electrical shocks. - -The electrical effects produced on the fisherman who seizes one of these -Fish, were noted from early times; but Redi, the Italian Naturalist of -the seventeenth century, was the first who studied them scientifically. -Having caught and landed one of them with every precaution, “I had -scarcely touched and pressed it with my hand,” says this Naturalist, -“than I experienced a tingling sensation, which extended to my arms and -shoulders, and which was followed by a disagreeable trembling, with a -painful and acute sensation in the elbow joint, which made me withdraw -my arm immediately.” - -Other Naturalists have described similar sensations, and careful study -has been made of this Fish to discover the cause of this shock, and the -hidden power possessed by the Fish of storing up this animal -electricity. It still remains a mystery, however, in spite of extensive -experimenting. - -The body of the Torpedo or Cramp-fish is almost circular, and it is -thicker than others of the Ray family. The skin is soft and smooth, and -of a yellowish color marked with darker spots. The eyes are very small, -and behind them are two star-like spout-holes; the mouth is small, and -the long tail tapers to a point, finished with a sort of caudal fin. -These curious Fishes are found in the English Channel and along the -shores of the Mediterranean. - - - - - THE SHARK FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: Diver Battling with a Shark.] - -The Sharks, like the Raias, have their mouth furnished with jaws, and -for this reason they are classified in the same group of Cartilaginous -Fishes, as distinct from the Lampreys and the Sturgeons. This family -includes not only the Sharks, but the Dog-fishes, Hammerheads and the -Saw-fish. All the species have a lengthened body, merging into a thick -tail and a rough skin. - -The Shark becomes the terror of the sea almost as soon as it is born. At -first it eats the Cuttle-fish, Molluscs, etc., then the Flounders and -Cod-fish. But the prey which has the greatest charm for him is Man. He -will even attack a diver in the strong diver’s costume, and in the -waters where these “Hyenas of the Seas,” (as the Sharks are sometimes -called) are to be found, the divers find it necessary to make special -preparations for fighting them. - -When the diver is eagerly engaged with his work, he sees suddenly a -great shadow fall on the bottom of the sea and he immediately recognizes -with horror the spindle-shaped body of the Man-eating Shark. The head is -flat; the fore-part of the snout is projected forward; the wide mouth, -pushed far back, is supplied with sharp triangular teeth. - -The bold robber has seen the diver and comes at him. If he loses his -coolness, he will be the spoil of the greedy Shark. He draws his dagger, -which he carries with him for such an event. Dexterously he avoids the -animal and stabs him deep with the dagger. A great stream of blood -stains the water. In his death struggles the mighty animal threshes the -water with his great fins and seeks safety in flight. Then another Shark -approaches, and again must the diver fight a life and death battle. He -is successful in making this enemy also incapable of fighting; then -completely exhausted, he gives the signal to be drawn up. But the diver -is not always fortunate enough to overcome the horrible animals. He is -sometimes terribly torn by the daring Man-eaters. - -The back and sides of the Shark are of an ashy brown; beneath it is -faded white. The head is flat, and terminates in a nose slightly -rounded. Its terrible mouth is in the form of a semi-circle, and of -enormous size; the contour of the upper jaw of a Shark of ten yards -length being about two yards wide, and its throat being in proportion to -this monstrous opening. - -When the throat of the Fish is open we see beyond the lips (which are -straight and of the consistency of leather) certain plates of teeth, -which are triangular and white as ivory. If the Shark is an adult it has -in the upper as in the lower jaw six rows of these murderous arms, an -arsenal ready to tear and rend its victim. These teeth take different -motions according to the will of the animal; and obedient to the muscles -round their base, by means of which it can erect or retract its various -rows of teeth, it can even erect a portion of any row, while the others -remain at rest in their bed. Thus this far-seeing tyrant of the ocean -knows how to measure the number and power of the arms necessary to -destroy its prey. For the destruction of the weak and defenceless, one -row of teeth suffices; for the more formidable adversary it has a whole -arsenal at command. - -The eyes of the Shark are small, and nearly round; its scent is very -subtle; its fins are strong and rough. The tail is possessed of immense -power, and is capable of breaking the limb of a robust Man by a single -stroke. - -He seeks eagerly for human flesh, and haunts the neighborhood where it -hopes to find the precious morsel. He follows the ship in which his -instinct tells him it is to be found, and makes extraordinary efforts to -reach it. He has been known to leap into a boat in order to seize the -frightened fishermen; he throws himself upon the ship, cleaving the -waves at full speed to snap up some unhappy sailor who has shown himself -beyond the bulwarks. - -He follows the course of the slaver, watching for the horrors of the -middle passage, ready to engulf the Negroes’ corpses as they are thrown -into the sea. Commerson relates a significant fact bearing on the -subject. The corpse of a Negro had been suspended from a yard-arm twenty -feet above the level of the sea. A Shark was seen to make many efforts -to reach the body, and it finally succeeded in securing it, member by -member, undisturbed by the cries of the horror-stricken crew. In order -that an animal so large and heavy should be able to throw itself to this -height, the muscles of the tail and posterior parts of the body must -have an astonishing power. - -The mouth of the Shark being placed in the lower part of the head, it -becomes necessary to turn itself round in the water before it can seize -the object which is placed above him. He meets with men bold enough to -profit by this conformation, and chase this formidable and ferocious -creature. On the African coast the Negroes attack the Shark in his own -element, swimming towards him, and seizing the moment when he turns -himself to rip him up with a sharp knife. This act of courage and -audacity cannot, however, be said to be Shark-fishing. - -The fishing operation is conducted as follows: Choosing a dark night, a -hook is prepared by burying it in a piece of lard and attaching it to a -long and solid wire chain. The Shark looks askance at this prey, feels -it, then leaves it; he is tempted by withdrawing the bait, when he -follows and swallows it gluttonously. He now tries to sink into the -water, but, checked by the chain, he struggles and fights. By-and-by he -gets exhausted, and the chain is drawn up in such a manner as to raise -the head out of the water. Another cord is now thrown out with a running -knot or loop, in which the body of the Shark is caught near the tail. -Thus bound, the captured Shark is soon lifted on deck, where he is put -to death with great precaution as there is still great danger from his -bites and the fierce blows of his tail. - - - THE DOG-FISH. - -[Illustration: DOG-FISH.] - -The Dog-fish, which sometimes attains the length of between three and -four feet, is exceedingly voracious. It feeds upon other fish, of which -it destroys great quantities; it does not hesitate to attack the -fishermen, and especially bathers in the sea. It places itself in -ambush, like the Raias, in order to attack its prey. - -The flesh of the Dog-fish is hard, smells of musk, and is rarely eaten; -but the skin becomes an article of commerce, and is known as shagrin, -being, like the skin of the Shark, used for making spectacle-cases and -for other ornamental purposes, for which its green color and high polish -recommend it. - -There is a smaller species than the preceding, which haunts rocky -shores, where it lies in wait for its prey. Its spots are larger and -more scattered, and its ventral fins are nearly square. It feeds on -Molluscs, Crustaceans, and small Fishes. - - - THE HAMMERHEAD. - -The Hammerhead is chiefly distinguished by the singular form of its -head, which is flattened horizontally, and the sides prolonged, giving -it the appearance of the head of a hammer. The eyes of this Fish are -placed at the extremity of these hammer points of the head; they are -grey, projecting, and the iris is gold-colored. When the animal is -irritated, the colors of the iris become like flame, to the horror of -the fishermen who behold them. - -Beneath the head and near to the junction of the trunk is the mouth, -which is semi-circular, and furnished on each jaw with three or four -rows of large teeth pointed and barbed on two sides. - -The most common species in our seas is long and slender in the body, -which is grey, and the head is black. It usually attains the length of -eleven or twelve feet, weighing occasionally nearly five hundred pounds. -Its boldness and voracity, and craving for blood, are more remarkable -than its size. If the Hammerhead has not the strength of the Shark, it -surpasses it in fury; few Fishes are better known to sailors in -consequence of its striking form. Its voracity often brings it round -ships and near the coast. Its visits impress themselves on the memory of -the sailor, and he loves to relate his hair-breadth escape from the -meeting. - - - THE SAW-FISH. - -The Saw-fish is distinguished from all other known Fishes by the -formidable arm which it carries in its head. This weapon is a -prolongation of the nose, which, in place of being rounded off or -reduced to a point, forms a long, straight, strong, sword-like -termination, flat on both sides, and on the two edges furnished with -numerous strong teeth, giving the appearance of a double saw, or one -with teeth on both edges. - -Thus armed, the Saw-fish—the length of which is from twelve to fifteen -feet—fearlessly attacks the fiercest inhabitants of the ocean. With this -threatening weapon, sometimes two yards in length, it dares to try its -strength with the Whale, and in a combat between the two, the Saw-fish -is usually victorious. - -The Saw-fish is sometimes called the Sword-fish because of the -sword-shape of its long saw, but it should be remembered that these -Fishes are entirely distinct, for the Saw-fish belongs to the class of -Cartilaginous Fishes, while the real Sword-fish, whose sharp sword is -strong and smooth—without the saw-like teeth—is found among the Osseous -or bony Fishes in the Mackerel family. - - - - - THE STURGEON FAMILY. - - -[Illustration: STURGEON.] - -The principal Fish belonging to this family are the different kinds of -Sturgeon and the strange Chimaera, concerning which so many weird tales -have been told. - -Four species of Sturgeon are commonly known. The Caviare Sturgeon, the -Huso or Isinglass Fish, the Great Sturgeon and the Common Sturgeon. The -Caviare Sturgeon is the best known in this country, as well as in -European waters, and it is the most eagerly sought after by fishermen -because it is from the roe of this Fish that the noted delicacy called -caviare is made, which until recent years was confined principally to -Russia, but which is now well known and consumed on both continents. - -What is known as the Isinglass Fish, besides supplying us with roe -similar to that of the Caviare Sturgeon, also furnishes a valuable -commodity known as isinglass. - -The Common Sturgeon abounds in the North Sea and the Mediterranean. It -is usually about two yards to seven feet long, but has been known to -attain the length of ten or twelve feet. - -It is remarkable for the number and form of the osseous plates or -scales, which cover the body like so many bucklers. It has no less than -twelve to fifteen of these rough bony plates, relieved by projections, -which are pointed in the young, and soften down with age. On each side -is a row of thirty to thirty-five of these triangular plates, separated -from each other by considerable intervals. The head is broad at the -base, gradually contracting towards the point, and terminating in a -conical nose. The mouth is large and considerably behind the extremity -of the nose, and its jaws, in place of teeth, are furnished with -cartilages. Between the mouth and the nose are four slender and very -elastic barbs, or wattles, like so many little worms. It is claimed that -these wattles attract small Fishes to the jaws of the animal, while it -conceals itself among the roots of aquatic plants. - -In the sea the Sturgeon feeds on Herrings, Mackerel, Cod-fish and other -Fishes of moderate size. In the rivers it attacks the Salmon which -ascend them about the same time. Mingling with them, however, it seems a -giant. Its flesh is delicate, and in countries where they are caught in -quantities it is dried and preserved. - -The Great Sturgeon, which sometimes exceeds a thousand pounds, is only -found in the rivers which flow into the Caspian and Black seas. The -Volga, the Don, and the Danube produce the largest species. - - - THE CHIMERA. - -[Illustration: CHIMERA] - -This curious member of the Sturgeon family resembles the Sturgeon only -in the formation of the gills. Otherwise it seems distinct not only from -the rest of the family with free gills, but from all other Fishes. Many -strange tales have been told of it in the past; and the Arctic Chimera -is the monster of mythological antiquity, which used to be represented -with the body of a Goat, the head of a Lion, the tail of a Dragon, and a -gaping throat that vomited flames. At a later period it was described -simply as a monstrous Fish with a Lion’s head. But now that it has -become better known, we are inclined to ridicule these old-time tales -that surrounded this Fish with a fascinating mystery. - -But even now the strange form of the Chimera, the manner in which it -moves, the different parts of its hideous mouth and nose, its mode of -showing its teeth, its ape-like contortions and grimaces, its long tail -which acts with such rapidity—reminding one of a Reptile—all work on the -imagination with a horrible fascination, and we can understand how it -influenced the superstitious fishermen of the past who noticed its queer -antics in the sea, and were too cautious to give it close study. - -This strange Fish is usually from five to six feet in length, of a -silver color, spotted with brown. The largest variety, known as the -Arctic, or the Monster Chimera, inhabits the North Sea, and another -species, which closely resembles it, but is somewhat smaller, known as -the Antarctic Chimera, is found in the southern hemisphere. - - - - - THE OSSEOUS OR BONY FISHES. - - -Some Naturalists claim that these are the only inhabitants of the water -that should be called Fishes—that the Cetacea or the Whale family are -simply huge beasts that have taken up their abode in the ocean, and that -the cartilagenous Fishes form an amphibious band by themselves. - -Others have classed the whole of these three great groups under the name -of Fishes. But modern Scientists have settled upon the classification -which has been carried out in this little Natural History—the Cetacea -are placed among the Mammals and kept entirely distinct from the Fishes -(none of which feed and care for their young in the same manner as the -Mammals); and the great tribe of Fishes are now divided into two groups -of cartilaginous and osseous Fishes, with their numerous sub-divisions -into families and species. - -We have studied the curious families of the cartilaginous Fishes and now -we find more familiar varieties of our well-known Fishes among the -families of bony Fishes, although even in this division some very rare -and wonderful specimens are found. - -The history of any one family of the bony Fishes very closely resembles -all the rest—they breathe air and water through the gills. They live by -devouring such Fish and the animal life of the great waters as their -mouth is capable of admitting. They propagate not by bringing forth -their young alive, like the Mammals and a few of the cartilaginous -Fishes, nor by distinct eggs, like the remainder of the latter class, -but by spawn, as their roe is called, which is made up of hundreds, and -in some instances hundreds of thousands of tiny eggs. - -The bones of these Fishes also makes them distinct from all others. They -have the appearance of being solid, but when examined more closely they -are found to be hollow and filled with a substance less oily than -marrow. These bones are very numerous and pointed and to them the -muscles are fixed which move the different parts of the body. - - - - - THE FAMILY OF GLOBE FISH AND COFFERS. - - -[Illustration: COFFRE OR OSTRACION.] - -This forms the first group of bony Fishes, which are distinguished by -having the jaw attached to the cranium. In the Globe Fish the jaws have -no apparent teeth, but they are furnished with a kind of beak in ivory, -which represents them. In the group to which the Coffer Fish belong the -nose terminates in a little mouth armed with true teeth. The first group -includes the Globe-fish and the Diodons; in the second group we find the -Coffers or Ostracions and the File-fish or Balistes. - -The skin of the Globe-fish bristles with small slightly projecting -spines, which repel their enemies, and even wound the hand that would -grasp them. They enjoy, besides, a strange power; they can inflate the -lower part of their body, and give it an extension so great that it -becomes like an inflated ball, in which the real shape of the Fish is -lost. This result is obtained by the introduction of an immense quantity -of air into the stomach when it wishes to ascend to the surface. The -species of Globe-fish are numerous. Some of them are common in the Nile, -where they are frequently left ashore during the annual inundations. - -There is a smooth Globe-fish known as the Moon-fish. Its compressed, -spineless body, being very round, has been compared to a disk, and more -poetically to the moon, to the great circular surface of which the -dazzling silvery white disk bears some resemblance. But it is especially -during the night that it justifies the name given to it. Then it shines -brightly from its own phosphorescent light, at a little distance beneath -the surface. - -On very dark nights, this Globe-fish is sometimes seen swimming in the -soft light which emanates from its body, the rays rendered undulating by -the rippling of the water which it traverses, so as to resemble the -trembling light of the moon half-veiled in misty vapors. When many of -these Fishes rove about together, mingling their silvery trains, the -scene suggests the idea of dancing stars. The Moon-fish is common in the -Mediterranean, and sometimes reaches the markets of Europe. It is about -thirty inches in length. - - - THE DIODONS. - -[Illustration: DIODON.] - -The curious Diodons differ from the Globe-fish in the form of their bony -jaws, each forming only one piece. They differ also in their spines, -which are much larger than those of the Globe-fish. These Fishes may be -said to be the Hedgehogs and Porcupines of the sea. Like the Globe-fish, -they can erect their spines and inflate their bodies. - - - THE COFFERS. - -The Coffers or Ostracions, are without scales, but are covered with -regular bony compartments which are so jointed to one another that the -body seems to be enclosed in a kind of box or long coffer, which only -reveals the fins and a portion of the tail. The body is usually of a -triangular shape, although some species are quadrangular; but no matter -what the form, this queer bony box gives the Fish an odd appearance, -making it distinct from all others. - -These singular Fishes are found in the Indian Ocean and in the American -seas. They are of moderate size, and of little value as food for -mankind. - - - THE FILE-FISH. - -These have a compressed body, and the jaws are furnished with eight -teeth arranged in a single row on each jaw. The mouth is small and the -body is enveloped in very hard scales. The File-fish or Balistes are -inhabitants of tropical seas, with one exception. They are brilliantly -colored, and as they herd together in great numbers they form curious -combinations of rare coloring in the equatorial seas. - - - - - THE PIPE-FISH AND SEA-HORSES. - - -[Illustration: PIPE FISH.] - -The second division of the bony Fishes is quite small, including only -the Pipe-fish and the Sea-horses. These are distinguished by having the -gills divided into small round tufts and arranged in pairs—a structure -that is peculiar and different from that of any other Fishes. These -gills are enclosed under a large cover, which leaves only a small hole -for the escape of water which has served the purposes of respiration. - -The Pipe-fishes belonging to this family possess a very strange organic -peculiarity. Their bodies are long, slender, and slightly tapering, -covered with plates set lengthwise; and the skin in swelling forms a -pouch near the tail into which the eggs glide to be hatched, and which -is afterwards a shelter for the young. - -The Trumpet Pipe-fish has a small head and a long cylinder-shaped nose, -slightly raised at the end, and terminating in a very small mouth -without teeth. It is generally found in the Atlantic and the -Mediterranean. - -There is still another Pipe-fish—the Fistularia—not often classed with -this family, but found among the spiny-finned Fishes, with an extremely -long nose in front of the head; this forms a long tube, in fact, at the -end of which is the mouth. This species is common at the Antilles. It -reaches a length of about three feet. It feeds upon crustaceans and -small Fishes, which it drags from the interstices of the rocks and -stones by means of its long pipe. - - - THE SEA-HORSE. - -The queer little Sea-horses which are often found dried among a -collection of sea-shells and ocean relics, are only a few inches in -length. Their head bears some resemblance to that of a Horse, while the -tail resembles the rings of a Caterpillar, and the body is covered with -triangular scales. They keep in a vertical position when they swim, and -the tail seems on the alert, to seize whatever it meets in the water, -clasping the stems of rushes, etc. Once fixed by the tail, the queer -little animal seems to watch all the surrounding objects, and darts -quickly on any prey presenting itself. They live on Worms and Fish eggs -and substances found at the bottom of the sea. - - - - - THE FAMILY OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES. - - -The principal character of the Fishes of this large family (which forms -the third group of bony Fishes) is that the rays of the fins are soft, -with very few exceptions. They inhabit both the sea and fresh water, and -this group is found to include Fishes of the most importance as human -food, such as the Herring, the Cod, Salmon, Carp, Pike, and many others. - -This family is usually divided into three groups: The Eels—which have -already been described with the Lampreys—the various flat Fishes, like -the Flounders, Turbot, Plaice, Sole, Halibut, etc., and third, the -Fishes already mentioned as the favorites for food, with curious -specimens of Flying-fish, etc. - - - SOME STRANGE SPECIMENS. - -In the second division of this family we find several curious specimens -before coming to the better known flat Fish which are used for food. The -first of these is the Sea-snail, which has a long mucuous body without -scales and front fins forming suckers, whereby it can attach itself to -the rocks. A curious Lump-fish is also classified here which is very -different from the Lump-fish of the Ray family. It has little to -distinguish it, except that this also has a strong sucker formed by the -disc of the ventral fins. And a third queer specimen is the Echineis—an -inhabitant of the Mediterranean, which has a flat disk covering its -head, which is formed of a number of movable plates of cartilage. Aided -by this queer organ it attaches itself firmly to rocks, and even to -ships and larger Fishes which it meets with in its wanderings. Its -adhesion to these objects is so strong that the strength of a man often -fails to separate them. It sometimes attaches itself to a Shark by means -of this strange disk, and makes long voyages on this monstrous -locomotive Fish, without fatigue or danger; for its enemies are kept a -distance by fear of the fierce monster which carries it. - - - - - THE FLAT-FISHES OF THE SOFT-FINNED FAMILY. - - -These have peculiar flat bodies, greatly compressed, but in a direction -different from the flat Fishes of the Ray family. In the case of the -Raia, the body is flattened horizontally, but in the Fishes belonging to -this family the bodies are compressed laterally—like that of the -well-known Flounder. The head of the Fishes of this group are not -symmetrical; the two eyes are placed on the same side, and the two sides -of the mouth are unequal. These strange flat Fishes are always turned -upon their side, and the side turned towards the bottom of the sea is -that which has no eye. It is to this habit of swimming on their side -that they owe their popular name of side-swimmers. - -They advance through the water very slowly compared with the motion of -other Fishes. They can ascend or descend in the water very quickly, but -cannot turn to the right or left with the same ease as other Fishes. -This property of rapidly rising or sinking in the water is more useful -to them, as they spend the greater part of their time at the greatest -depths, where they draw themselves along the sands at the bottom of the -sea, and often hide themselves from their enemies. - - - THE SOLES. - -These flat Fish have an oblong body, the side opposite to the edges -being furnished with shaggy, soft hairs; the nose is round and nearly -always in advance of the mouth, which is twisted to the felt side, and -furnished with teeth only on one side, while the eyes are on the right -side. The Common Sole is from eighteen to twenty inches in length. It is -brown on the right, and whitish on the opposite side. Its flesh has a -very delicate flavor, and it is said to acquire a finer taste by being -kept for several days. - - - THE TURBOT. - -The Turbot resembles a lozenge in general form. Its under jaw is more -advanced than the upper one, and is furnished with many rows of small -teeth. One side is marbled brown and yellow, and the other is white with -brownish spots and points; the long rows of soft fins are yellow with -brown spots. The true Turbot has always been the special delight of the -epicure, and fabulous sums are said to have been paid at different -times, in order to secure a fine specimen. - - - THE FLOUNDERS AND PLAICE. - -The Flounders and Plaice inhabit the northern seas of Europe. They are -also found along our coasts; the Flounders are fresh water Fishes of -small size, abundant in the Thames and many other rivers; and they are -desirable for food, although not so delicately flavored as the Turbot. -The Common Plaice attains the length of ten or twelve inches. It is -brown, spotted with red or orange. On the eye-side of the head are some -bony tubercles, but the rest of the body is smooth. - - - THE HALIBUT AND THE DAB. - -The Dab is distinguished from the other flat Fish by having very hard -scales on its body, and the Halibut has the distinction of being the -largest of this class of flat Fish. It is occasionally caught in the -seas of Northern Europe and Greenland, measuring seven feet, and -weighing from three to four hundred pounds. The body of the Halibut is -more elongated than that of the Plaice or Flounder, and its jaws are -armed with strong and pointed teeth. - -The natives of Greenland fish for the Halibut with an implement which -they call gangnaed. It is composed of a hempen cord five or six hundred -yards in length, to which are attached about thirty smaller cords, each -furnished with a barbed hook at the end. The larger cord is attached to -floating planks, which act as trimmers, indicating the place of this -destructive contrivance. At the end of twenty-four hours these lines are -drawn from the water, and it is not unusual to find five or six large -Halibut caught on the hooks. - -Another mode of catching this and other flat Fish is to spear them on -their sandy beds. No rule is laid down for this method of fishing; in -some places it is carried on successfully by means of a common -pitchfork. In other places a fine spear is used for the purpose—very -long and with sharp prongs. - - - - - THE THIRD GROUP OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES. - - -This includes the well-known Fishes—of which the Cod-fish is the type—so -commonly found on our tables. They are characterized by their pointed -fins, and grouped according to the position of these fins. The body is -long and slightly compressed; the head well proportioned. Their fins are -soft and their scales are small and soft. The majority of these Fishes -are too well known to require further description. According to the -position of their fins we find forming one of the smaller groups—the -Cod, the Whiting and the Haddock. In another small group is the Salmon -and the Trout. A third group includes the Pike, and several curious -relatives—the Stomias, Flying-fish and the Chetedon. And a fourth -includes the Herring, Ancovy, Pilchard, Sprat and Shad. - - - THE CHEATODONS. - -[Illustration: CHAETODON.] - -These Fish form a very curious species. They are brilliantly colored and -marked with odd stripes. Their head is large, with small eyes placed -near the top; the nose and the mouth of some species are very curiously -formed; and the tail—which is not divided—also shows strange forms in -some varieties. - -One of the best known is the Bow-banded Chaetodon. The ground color of -this Fish is brown, which shades to black towards the back, and looks as -though covered with velvet and inlaid with ivory, and the light stripes -in the form of a bow, on both sides of the body give it still more showy -appearance. This species inhabits the coasts of Brazil, and other parts -of South America, and grows from three to six inches in length. Other -varieties are somewhat larger, but they are all comparatively small -Fish. - -In the winter or rainy seasons they lie deep in holes near the shore. -During the summer, when the sun in that climate blazes the whole day, -they keep at a depth of twenty to thirty yards, which protects them from -its intense heat. - - - FLYING-FISH. - -Strange tales have been told from time to time of the marvellous powers -of flight possessed by certain Fishes; and while some of these have been -greatly exaggerated, it is nevertheless true that some Fish do possess -that power to a surprising degree, yet only on certain limited lines, -unlike the upward flight of Birds. (See colored plate). - -The front fins of the Flying-fish are transformed into wings by which -they are enabled to rise for a few seconds. These wings, however, are -neither long nor powerful, for they act the part of a parachute, rather -than wings. - -These curious fins of the Flying-fish are nearly as long as the whole -body; the head is flattened above and on the sides, and the lower part -of the body is covered with a long series of scales; and the mouth is -filled with small pointed teeth. - -The Flying-fishes in their own element are harassed by attacks of other -inhabitants of the ocean, and when under the excitement of fear they -take to the air, they are equally exposed to the attack of aquatic -Birds, especially the various species of Gulls. In their leap from the -water, their fins sustain them like parachutes, with which they beat the -air. Mr. Bennett’s description is clear on this point. “I have never,” -he says, “been able to see any percussion of the pectoral fins during -flight; and the greatest length of time I have seen this Fish on the fly -has been thirty seconds by the watch, and the longest flight, mentioned -by Captain Basil Hall, has been two hundred yards, but he thinks that -subsequent observation has extended the space. The usual height of their -flight, as seen above the surface of the water, is from two to three -feet, but I have known them come on board at the height of fourteen feet -and upwards. And they have been well ascertained to come into the chains -of a line-of-battle ship, which is considered to be upwards of twenty -feet. But it must not be supposed that they have the power of raising -themselves into the air after having left their native element; for on -watching them I have often seen them fall much below the elevation at -which they first rose from the water; nor have I ever in any instance -seen them rise from the height to which they first sprang, for I -conceive the elevation they take depends on the power of the first -spring.” - -The brilliant coloring of the Flying-fish would seem designed to point -it out to its enemies, against whom it is totally defenceless. A -dazzling silvery splendor pervades its surface. The summit of its head, -its back, and its sides, are of azure blue; this blue becomes spotted -upon the fins and the tail. This Fish is the common prey of the more -voracious Fishes, such as the Shark, and also of the Sea-birds; its -enemies abound in the air and water. If it succeeds in escaping the -Charybdis of the water, the chances are in favor of its coming to grief -in the Scylla of the atmosphere; if it escapes the jaws of the Shark, it -will probably fall to the share of the Sea-gull. - -The Dolphin is also a formidable enemy to the much-persecuted -Flying-fish. Captain Basil Hall gives a very animated description of -their mode of attack. He was in a prize, a low Spanish schooner, rising -not above two feet and a half out of the water. “Two or three Dolphins -had ranged past the ship in all their beauty. The ship in her progress -through the water had put up a shoal of these Flying-fish which took -their flight to windward. A large Dolphin which had been keeping company -with us abreast of the weather gangway at the depth of two or three -fathoms, and as usual glistening most beautifully in the sun, no sooner -detected our poor friends take wing than he turned his head towards -them, darted to the surface, and leaped from the water with a velocity -little short, as it seemed to us, of a cannon ball. But though the -impetus with which he shot himself into the air gave him an initial -velocity greatly exceeding that of the Flying-fish, the start which his -fated prey had got enabled them to keep ahead of him for a considerable -time. The length of the Dolphin’s first spring could not be less than -ten yards, and after he fell we could see him gliding like lightning -through the water for a moment, when he again rose, and shot upwards -with considerably greater velocity than at first, and of course to a -still greater distance. - -“In this manner the merciless pursuer seemed to strike along the sea -with fearful rapidity, while his brilliant coat sparkled and flashed in -the sun quite splendidly. As he fell headlong in the water at the end of -each leap, a series of circles were sent far over the surface, for the -breeze, just enough to keep the royals and topgallant studding-sails -extended, was hardly felt as yet below. - -“The group of wretched Flying-fishes, thus hotly pursued, at length -dropped into the sea; but we were rejoiced to observe that they merely -touched the top of the swell, and instantly set off again in a fresh and -even more vigorous flight. It was particularly interesting to observe -that the direction they took now was quite different from the one in -which they had set out, showing that they had detected their fierce -enemy, who was following them with giant steps along the waves and was -gaining rapidly upon them. His pace, indeed, was two or three times as -swift as theirs, poor little things! and the greedy Dolphin was fully as -quick-sighted; for whenever they varied their flight in the smallest -degree, he lost not the tenth part of a second in shaping his course so -as to cut off the chase; while they, in a manner really not unlike that -of the Hare, doubled more than once upon the pursuer. But it was soon -plainly to be seen that the strength and confidence of the Flying-fish -were fast ebbing; their flights became shorter and shorter, and their -course more fluttering and uncertain, while the leaps of the Dolphin -seemed to grow more vigorous at each bound. - -“Eventually this skilful sea-sportsman seemed to arrange his springs so -as to fall just under the very spot on which the exhausted Flying-fish -were about to drop. This catastrophe took place at too great a distance -for us to see from the deck what happened; but on our mounting high on -the rigging, we may be said to have been in at the death; for then we -could discover that the unfortunate little creatures one after another, -either popped right into the Dolphin’s jaws as they lighted on the -water, or were snapped up instantly after.” - - - THE HERRING. - -[Illustration: Herring Attacked by Whale.] - -As this Fish is so commonly known in all parts of the world, it would -not seem necessary to give it special mention or description, except for -the fact of its congregating in such wonderful “schools” at various -seasons, and the fact that it forms the principal food of the Whale -family. Because of the great quantities in which it is captured in -certain parts of the Old World, it has been called the most important of -all Fishes for mankind, and the old Hollanders used to say that the -Herring fishery was the greater and the Whale fishery the least. - -The Herring banks or schools are separated into two groups—the high sea -and the coast schools. In each, the Fish are found in unbelievable -masses; they extend over a vast space, and in some instances it is -claimed that in these great schools the Fish swam so thick that an oar -pushed into the midst, did not fall, but remained standing. - -It has been stated that about thirty years ago, when one of these great -schools were passing, the fishermen of Lowestoft, a coast city of about -fifteen thousand inhabitants, in the English county of Suffolk, caught -in two days around twenty-two millions of Herring, only a small part of -which could be preserved. Neither people, nor casks, nor salt enough -were at hand, and the greater part of these Herring were used for -fertilizer. - -The markings of the Herring are very peculiar in some instances, and -have lead to curious superstitions. The back of the Fish is green during -life, but after death it becomes an indigo blue color. Other parts vary -in their color and markings, sometimes representing written characters, -which ignorant fishermen have considered to be words of mystery. - -In November, 1587, two Herrings were taken on the coast of Norway on the -bodies of which were markings representing Gothic printed characters. -These Herrings had the signal honor of being presented to the King of -Norway, Frederick II. This superstitious prince turned pale at sight of -this supposed prodigy. On the back of these innocent inhabitants of the -deep he saw certain cabalistic characters, which he thought announced -his death and that of his queen. Learned men were consulted. Their -science, as reported, enabled them to read distinctly words expressing -the sentiment, “Very soon you will cease to fish Herrings, as well as -other people.” Other savants were assembled who gave another -explanation; but in 1588 the king died, and the people were firmly -convinced that the two Herrings were celestial messengers charged to -announce to the Norwegian people the approaching end of the monarch. - -This Fish abounds throughout the entire Northern Ocean in immense -shoals, which are found in the bays of Greenland, Lapland, and round the -whole coast of the British islands. Great shoals of them also occupy the -gulfs of Sweden, of Norway and of Denmark. - -It was the favorite theory, not very long ago, that Herrings emigrated -to and from the arctic regions. It was asserted, by the supporters of -this theory, that in the inaccessible seas of high northern latitudes -Herring existed in overwhelming numbers, an open sea within the arctic -circle affording a safe and bounteous feeding-ground. At the proper -season vast bodies gathered themselves together into one great army, -which, in numbers exceeding the powers of imagination, departed for more -southern regions. - -This great Herr, or army, was sub-divided, by some instinct, as they -reached the different shores, led, according to the ideas of fishermen, -by Herring of more than ordinary size and sagacity, one division taking -the west side of Britain, while another took the east side, the result -being an adequate and well divided supply of Herrings, which penetrated -every bay and arm of the sea. - -Closer observation, however, shows that this theory has no existence in -fact. Lacepede denies that those periodical journeyings take place. -Valenciennes also rejects them. It is true that the Herrings have -disappeared in certain neighborhoods in which they were formerly very -plentiful; but it is also certain that, in many of the fishing stations, -Fish are taken all the year round. Moreover, the discovery that the -Herring of America is a distinct species from that of Europe, and that -they do not even spawn in the same waters, is fatal to the theory. In -short, there is a total absence of proof of their migrations to high -northern latitudes, and recent discoveries all tend to show that the -Herring is native to the shores on which it is taken. - -What seems most surprising is the fact that these harmless little -Fishes, which live largely on small crustaceans and small Fishes just -hatched, should continue to thrive in such marvellous numbers, when its -enemies are the most formidable inhabitants of the ocean. All the -different members of the Whale family destroy them by the thousands, and -our illustration on Page 247, where the Sword-Whales are feasting on one -of the great shoals of Herring, gives a limited idea of the great -quantities devoured by these great Fish. Then we must take into -consideration that man, on the other hand, carries on a war which -threatens to be one of extermination. In fact, the Herring fishery has -been to certain nations, the great cause of their prosperity. It was the -foundation of Dutch independence. But in spite of this continual war -against them, the Herrings continue to thrive and increase, and they are -well worthy of the place they have long held as one of the greatest -friends and helpers of mankind that has been found in the animal kingdom -of the great deep. - - - - - THE FAMILY OF SPINY-FINNED FISHES. - - -[Illustration: RED GURNARD.] - -This fourth large family of bony Fishes includes the Perch family, which -is altogether a fresh water Fish; and many curious species which are -found in the sea—like the Weevers, Mullets, Gurnards, Labrus, Frog-fish -and Sword-fish. The well known Mackerel family is also included among -the Fishes with spiny fins, with the Tunny and the curious Archer-fish. - -The Weevers are a good type of these spiny-finned Fishes. They bury -themselves in the sand, and are dangerous to the fishermen because of -the serious wounds which they inflict with their spines. - - - THE GURNARDS. - -[Illustration: FLYING GURNARD.] - -These fascinating Sea-scorpions are remarkable for the hideous -appearance of their heads, quite as much as for the beautiful markings -of their body. The head is mailed and cuirassed in a wonderful manner; -it is very large in proportion to the body, broad in front and -compressed at the sides, and completely covered with large spines and -fringed barbs; the longest of these are over the eyes, and the broadest -near the corners of the mouth; the jaws are furnished with a great -number of small sharp teeth; the tongue is loose, thin and pointed at -the end; the lips are also movable, and the upper lip is composed of two -bones which form a furrow in the middle where they join; the nostrils -are single and lie midway between the mouth and the eyes. The whole -effect of these Fishes, so different from other species, gives them a -disagreeable and even hideous appearance, and has procured for them -various names, such as Sea-frog, Sea-devil, Sea-scorpion, and others -equally significant. And whether we consider the curious and remarkable -appearance of the Red Gurnard as he moves along the sandy bottom, -seeming to walk on the strange projections that look like huge toes -growing out from the front fins—or the still more startling effect of -the Flying Gurnard—it is not surprising that superstitious fishermen -have told remarkable tales of these strange Fish in the past. - -Twelve species of the Trigula or Gurnards are known. The commonest -species are the Grey Gurnard—a silvery grey Fish, clouded with brown, -and speckled with black. This is found in British seas. The Red Gurnard -is commonly found in the Mediterranean. This is a fine, bright red-rose -color, paler beneath and more vivid about the fins. The Perlon or -Sapharine Gurnard is a large species, handsomely marked with green and -blue hues. - -The Flying Gurnard is much like the other Flying-fishes in the formation -of the front fins into wings, and in the manner of their flight, but -their appearance is very different because of their queer armored head -and the large eyes, as well as the brilliant markings peculiar to the -Gurnard family. - - - THE SWORD-FISH. - -[Illustration: SWORD FISH SPEARING HIS PREY.] - -The Sword-fish, so called from the upper jaw being elongated into a -formidable spear or sword, was known to the ancients, and has borne this -name which recalls its important characteristic, from very early times. -And while the Saw-fish, which belongs to the group of Cartilaginous -Fishes, and a species of Sword-whale, have also been known as -Sword-fishes, this species—scientifically known as Xiphias gladius—is -the real, and the original Sword-fish. - -This Fish attains a great size, being found in the Mediterranean and -Atlantic from five to six feet in length. Its body is covered with -minute scales, the sword forming three-tenths of its length. On the back -it bears a single long dorsal fin; the tail is keeled, the lower jaw is -sharp, the mouth toothless, the upper part of the Fish bluish-black, -merging into silver beneath. - -It seems to have a natural desire to exercise towards and against all -the arm with which nature has furnished it; it darts with the utmost -fury upon the most formidable moving bodies; it attacks the Whale; and -there are numerous and well authenticated instances of ships being -perforated by the jaw of this powerful creature, while the toothed spear -of the Saw-fish has been found fast in the body of a Whale which it has -pierced. - -In 1725, some carpenters having occasion to examine the bottom of a -ship, which had just returned from the Tropical seas, found the lance of -a Sword-fish buried deep in the timbers of the ship. They declared that, -to drive a pointed bolt of iron of the same size and form to the same -depth, would require eight or nine blows of a hammer weighing thirty -pounds. From the position of the weapon it was evident that the Fish had -followed the ship while under full sail; it had penetrated through the -metal sheathing, and three inches and a half beyond, into the solid -frame. - -The Sword-fish has obstinate combats with the Saw-fish, and even the -Shark, and it is supposed that when he attacks the bottom of a vessel he -takes that sombre mass for the body of an enemy. - - - THE ARCHER FISH. - -[Illustration: ARCHER FISH.] - -The idea of a Shooting-fish seems quite as odd as that of a Flying-fish, -yet the Archer-fish often uses this method of bringing down its prey. -For this reason he is sometimes known as the Toxotes—the word meaning a -bowman or archer. Although the Archer-fish belongs to this fourth family -of bony Fishes—those with spiny fins—it is not only unlike any other -species of this family, but unlike any other Fish known; in that it is -the only one that goes out gunning for its prey. It possesses the power -of spurting water from its mouth with such force as to bring down -Insects from aquatic plants within its reach. As it lives almost -entirely upon these insects, it may take rather tedious gunning at times -to secure enough to satisfy its hunger, and it is decidedly interesting -to watch this small archer on one of his hunting expeditions. - -In these four groups of cartilaginous Fish, and the four distinct -sections of bony Fishes, with their numerous sub-divisions, may be -classified all the different Fishes that have become known, through all -the careful research of modern Naturalists. Not that they could all be -described in this limited space; nor, in fact, even given separate -mention. Very few have a clear idea of how many different kinds of -Fishes there really are. In the long ago, when Naturalists first made a -study of the inhabitants of the water, and began to write the results of -their researches, it seemed surprising to them to discover nearly a -hundred distinct species. In their different families, Pliny, the -Naturalist, described ninety-four species of Fish. Later Linnaeus -characterized four hundred and seventy-eight. And, marvellous as it may -seem, the Naturalists of the present day know upwards of thirteen -thousand, a tenth of which are fresh water Fishes. While all these -numerous species may possess some distinct peculiarity, they are sure to -possess other characteristics that will classify them with some of these -families. And after becoming familiar with the characteristics of this -limited number of groups and families we may feel acquainted, to a -certain extent, with this whole great throng of nearly thirteen thousand -Fishes. - -We often hear the fact regretted, that so many of the larger Fish live -almost entirely by devouring smaller species. And taking into -consideration the immense quantities consumed by mankind each year, not -only as they are caught fresh from the water, but the hundreds and -thousands of barrels and cans of dried and pickled Fish that are shipped -all over the world from the great Salmon and Cod and Herring fisheries, -it is sometimes thought that, in time, the different species of Fish -must surely be exhausted. - -But when we think of this marvellous number of species, and then -remember the quantities of a single kind sometimes found in a single -shoal (like that of the Herrings, quoted, in which twenty-two millions -were caught in two days), there appears to be little danger of the -Fishes becoming scarce; for it seems almost past belief that there can -be so many finned inhabitants of the vast waters that comprise nearly -three-fourths of the surface of the globe. - - - - -Transcriber's Note: - - -Some punctuation has been corrected without note, however inconsistent -spelling and hyphenation were retained. - -Some page numbers in the table of contents have been corrected and/or -rearranged to match the actual page order. Many headings in the table of -contents do not correspond directly to the headings in the text. These -were left as printed. - -Missing page numbers in internal references were added. - -The order of illustrations was changed in order to place the -illustrations near to the text describing them. The line 'Caracal -Defending His Booty from' in the list of illustrations was moved to -correspond to the correct illustration. - -On p. 73-74, some out of order text was rearranged. - -Further corrections are listed below: - - Table of Contents Vanderoo -> Wanderoo - Table of Contents Mongousts -> Mangousts - List of Illustrations Mongousts -> Mangousts - p. 15 quator -> quatuor - p. 23 unpronouncable -> unpronounceable - p. 29 Molluses -> Molluscs - p. 33 Plantigrae -> Plantigrade - p. 43 caross -> caress - p. 47 form ancient times -> from ancient times - p. 49 but his thigh -> bit his thigh - p. 52 throug -> through - p. 60 gowl -> growl - p. 61 physicial -> physical - p. 64 Turnsplits -> Turnspits - p. 65 beeen -> been - p. 74 acquatic -> aquatic - p. 74 soons -> soon - p. 79 vegetbles -> vegetables - p. 81 prinicpal ->principal - p. 86 Fliny and other Naturalists -> Pliny and other Naturalists - p. 93 considerale -> considerable - p. 98 omniverous -> omnivorous - p. 101 possesssors -> possessors - p. 113 herbivorour -> herbivorous - p. 127 ruminanting -> ruminating - p. 136 browinsh -> brownish - p. 139 both sex -> both sexes - p. 141 sumer -> summer - p. 152 little us -> little use - p. 152 Moluscs -> Molluscs - p. 153 Narwhale -> Narwhal - p. 156 Nothwithstanding -> Notwithstanding - p. 1566 without and -> without a - p. 161 sime -> some - p. 174 Pyranees -> Pyrenees - p. 174 exhaused -> exhausted - p. 176 heir usefulness -> their usefulness - p. 192 surounded -> surrounded - p. 197 Woodcooks -> Woodcocks - p. 202 slighly -> slightly - p. 207 the also resemble -> they also resemble - p. 208 valeys -> valleys - p. 208 in deed -> indeed - p. 209 hey -> they - p. 215 Plantian -> Plantain - p. 217 resistent -> resistant - p. 219 atractive -> attractive - p. 219 neighhood -> neighborhood - p. 222 Prarie Chickens -> Prairie Chickens - p. 224 seige -> siege (two instances) - p. 227 midde -> middle - p. 229 These consists -> These consist - p. 243 ImmIediately -> Immediately - p. 246 the the elbow -> the elbow - p. 264 spindel-shaped -> spindle-shaped - p. 265 a round -> around - p. 266 nothern -> northern - p. 266 Herring fishers -> Herring fishery - p. 272 famlies -> families - p. 272 imense -> immense - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Natural History for Young People: -Our Animal Friends in Their Native , by Phebe Westcott Humphreys - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NATURAL HISTORY *** - -***** This file should be named 50776-0.txt or 50776-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/7/7/50776/ - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sonya Schermann and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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