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margin-bottom: 0.2em; } - .c017 { margin-top: 2em; } - .tnotes { border:thin solid black; padding:2em; margin:2em; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Natural History for Young People: Our -Animal Friends in Their Native Homes, by Phebe Westcott Humphreys - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. 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 - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div id='fr' class='figcenter id001'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span> -<img src='images/illus002.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BROWN OR ALPINE BEARS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class='c000' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span><span class='xlarge'>A Natural History for Young People</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c001' /> - -<div> - <h1 class='c002'>Our Animal Friends<br /> <br /><span class='small'>IN THEIR</span> Native Homes</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>INCLUDING</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>MAMMALS, BIRDS and FISHES</span></div> - <div class='c003'>BY</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'><span class='sc'>Mrs. Phebe Westcott Humphreys</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Over One Hundred and Fifty Illustrations,</div> - <div>including Colored Plates, Half-Tones</div> - <div>and Wood Engravings</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>Copyright 1900</div> - <div class='c003'>By <span class='sc'>Phebe Westcott Humphreys</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span> - <h2 id='pr' class='c006'>PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> -<div id='i006' class='figcenter id002'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span> -<img src='images/illus008.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>A FAMILY OF TIGERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c006'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#pr'>PREFACE</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_5'>5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h013'>OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_13'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h017'>QUADRUMANA—FOUR-HANDED MAMMALS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h017b'>THE TAILLESS APES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_17'>17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Gorilla, Orang Outang, Chimpanzee.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h023'>THE APE MONKEYS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_23'>23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Baboons, Mandrills, Macaques, <a id='wand'></a>Wanderoo, Barbary Ape, Bonnet Monkey.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h027'>THE AMERICAN MONKEYS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_27'>27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Howlers, The Spider Monkeys, The Weepers.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h031'>THE LEMURS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Fox-Headed Monkeys.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h033'>CARNIVORA—FLESH-EATING QUADRUPEDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h033b'>PLANTIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE BEAR FAMILY.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_33'>33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Brown or Alpine Bear, The Collared Bear, The American Bear, The Grizzly Bear, The White or Polar Bear, The Sloth Bear.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h042'>DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE HYENA FAMILY.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_42'>42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Spotted Hyena, Striped Hyena, Hunting Hyena.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h044'>THE CAT FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_44'>44</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Wild Cat, Domestic Cats, Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Lynx, Caracal, Ounce, Serval, Cheetah.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h063'>THE DOG FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Sporting Dogs, Running Dogs, Pointers, Setters, Newfoundland Dog, Esquimau Dog, Mastiffs, Spaniels, Wild Dogs, Hyena Dog, Wolf, Jackal, Fox.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h075'>THE WEASEL FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_75'>75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Ermine, Marten, Otter.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h080'>THE CIVET FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_80'>80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>African Civet, Indian Civet, <a id='man1'></a>Mangousts, Genet.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h081'>AMPHIBIOUS CARNIVORA—THE SEAL FAMILY.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_81'>81</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Common Seal, Sea-Elephants, Sea-Lions, The Walrus, or Morse.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h086'>CHEIROPTERA—ANIMALS WITH WINGED HANDS.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Long-Eared Bats, Long-Nosed Bats, Roussette, Vampires.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h091'>INSECTIVORA—INSECT-EATERS.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_91'>91</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Shrews, Water Shrew, Elephant Shrew, The Hedgehogs.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h094'>EDENTATA—TOOTHLESS QUADRUPEDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h094b'>THE SLOTH FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_94'>94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Unau, Ai, Armadillos, Ant-Eaters, Pangolins.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h099'>RODENTIA—GNAWING QUADRUPEDS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Mice, Rats, Porcupines, Beavers, Squirrels, Prairie Dogs, Hares.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h111'>MARSUPIALIA—POUCHED QUADRUPEDS.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_111'>111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>Kangaroo, Opossum.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h114'>PACHYDERMATA—THICK-SKINNED QUADRUPEDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h114b'>THE ELEPHANT FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_114'>114</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>African Elephant, Asiatic Elephant, Mammoth, Mastodon.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h114c'>ORDINARY PACHYDERMATA.</a></td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Hippopotamus.</td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_114'>114</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h117'>THE TAPIR FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_117'>117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>American Tapir, Indian Tapir.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h118'>THE RHINOCEROS FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_118'>118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>One-Horned Rhinoceros, Two-Horned Rhinoceros.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h120'>THE HOG FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Wild Boars, The Wart Hog, The Peccaries.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h123'>THE HORSE FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_123'>123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>Horses and Ponies, The Wild Ass, The Domestic Donkey, The Zebra, The Quagga, The Dauw.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h129'>RUMINANTIA—ANIMALS THAT CHEW THE CUD.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h129b'>THE CAMEL FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Camel, Dromedary, Llama, Paca, Vicuna.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h133'>THE MUSK DEER</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_133'>133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span><a href='#h134'>RUMINANTS WITH HAIRY HORNS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h134b'>The Giraffe.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_134'>134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h134c'>RUMINANTS WITH HOLLOW HORNS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h134c'>THE ANTELOPE FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_134'>134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Chamois, Gazelles, Gnus.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h141'>THE OX FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>Yak, Bison, Buffalo.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h145'>RUMINANTS THAT SHED THEIR HORNS.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_145'>145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Deer Proper, The Reindeer, The Elk or Moose.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h152'>CETACEA—THE WHALE FAMILY.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h152'>BLOWING OR SPOUTING WHALES.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_152'>152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Rorquals, Cachalot, Pot Whale, Dolphin, Porpoise, Narwhal.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h159'>HERBIVOROUS CETACEA</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_159'>159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Manatee, Duyong.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h166'>BIRDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h166b'>BIRDS OF PREY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_166'>166</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h167'>THE OWL FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_167'>167</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Horned Owls, Great Owl, Virginia Eared Owl, Long-Eared Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Scops-Eared Owl.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h169'>HORNLESS OWLS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Snow Owls, Barn or Screech Owls, Hawk or Canada Owls, Brown or Tawny Owls, Ural, Burrowing and Sparrow Owls.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h169b'>THE FALCON FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Sea-Eagles, Eagles, Stone Eagles, Harpy Eagles, Buzzards.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h173'>THE VULTURE FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>King Vulture, Bearded Griffon, Condor.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h176'>THE NATATORES—SWIMMING BIRDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h176b'>THE FAMILY OF DIVERS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_176'>176</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Great Northern Diver, Penguin, Auk, Grebes.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h182'>DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_182'>182</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Wild and Domestic Ducks, Sea Ducks, Fresh-water Ducks, Wild and Domestic Geese, Mute and Whistling Swans, Black Swan of Australia, Black-necked Swan.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h183'>THE PELICAN FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_183'>183</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h190'>LONG-WINGED SWIMMING BIRDS.</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_190'>190</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Albatros, Petrels, Gulls.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h195'>GRALLATORES—WADING BIRDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h195b'>WADERS WITH UNITED TOES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_195'>195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Avocet, Stilt Bird.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h197'>WADING-BIRDS WITH LONG BILLS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_197'>197</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Woodcocks, Snipes, Reed Hens.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h199'>WADING-BIRDS WITH KNIFE-SHAPED BILLS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_199'>199</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Storks, Argala or Adjutant, Marabou, Spoonbill, Cranes.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h203'>WADING-BIRDS WITH COMPRESSED BILLS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_203'>203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Curious Types, Flamingo, Frigate.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h206'>THE SHORT-WINGED BIRDS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_206'>206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Ostrich, Rhea.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h209'>SCRANSORES—CLIMBING BIRDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h209b'>THE PARROT FAMILY </a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_209'>209</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Grey Parrot or Jaco, Green Parrot, Macaw, Parrakeets, Amazonian Parrot.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h214'>THE COCKATOO FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_214'>214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Trumpet Cockatoo, Great White Cockatoo, Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, Toucans.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h214b'>THE CUCKOO FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_214'>214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Trogons, Honey-Guides, Anis, Barbets, Touracos, Plantain-Eaters.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h217'>THE WOODPECKER FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers, Spotted Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h220'>GALLINACEAE—DOMESTIC BIRDS.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h220b'>THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Grey Partridge, California Partridge.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h222'>THE GROUSE FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_222'>222</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Black Grouse, Ruffled Grouse, Hazel Grouse, Heathcock.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h224'>THE PIGEON FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_224'>224</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Crowned Pigeon, Fan-Tailed Pigeon, Wheeling Pigeon, Tumbler Pigeon, Carrier Pigeon.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h225'>THE PHEASANT FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_225'>225</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Silver Pheasant, Golden Pheasant.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h229'>PASSERINES—THE SPARROW FAMILY.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h229b'>HUMMING BIRDS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Sword-bill Humming Bird, Crested Humming Bird.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h229c'>KING FISHERS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h233'>CROWS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_233'>233</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h233'>RAVENS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_233'>233</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h235'>DIPPERS OR WATER WRENS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_235'>235</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span><a href='#h239'>FISHES.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c011' colspan='2'><a href='#h239b'>CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.</a></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h239c'>THE LAMPREYS AND EELS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_239'>239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Lesser Lamprey, Sea Lamprey, Sand Eels, Electrical Eels, Sea Eel.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h243'>THE FAMILY OF RAIAS OR FLAT-FISH</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_243'>243</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The White Ray, The Lump-Fish, The Torpedo or Cramp-Fish.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h249'>THE SHARK FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_249'>249</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>“Man-Eating Sharks,” Dog-Fish, Hammer Heads, Saw-Fish.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h252'>THE STURGEON FAMILY</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_252'>252</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Caviare Sturgeon, Huso, or Isinglass Fish, Great Sturgeon, Common Sturgeon, Chimaera.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h255'>OSSEOUS, OR BONY FISHES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_255'>255</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h257'>FAMILY OF GLOBE FISH AND COFFERS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_257'>257</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Globe-Fish, Diodon, Coffers or Ostracions, File-Fish or Balistes.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h258'>PIPE-FISH AND SEA-HORSES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_258'>258</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h259'>THE SOFT-FINNED FISHES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_259'>259</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Some Curious Specimens, Sea-Snail, Lump-Fish, Echineis.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h260'>FLAT-FISH WITH SOFT FINS</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_260'>260</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>The Soles, Turbot, Flounders and Plaice, Halibut and Dab.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h261'>THIRD GROUP OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_261'>261</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Cod, Whiting and Haddock, Pike, Stomias, Chaetodons, Flying-Fish, Herring.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#h267'>THE SPINY-FINNED FISHES</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_267'>267</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c012'>Trigula or Gurnards, Red Gurnards, Flying Gurnards, Sword-Fish, Archer-Fish.</td> - <td class='c010'></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span> - <h2 class='c006'>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#fr'>Brown Bear</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#fr'>Colored Plate Frontispiece</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i006'>A Family of Tigers</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i006'>6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i012'>A Battle between the Lion and Tiger</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i012'>12</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i016'>Flying Squirrels</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i016'>16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i017'>Gorillas</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i017'>17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i020'>Orang-Outang</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i020'>20</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i022'>Chimpanzee</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i022'>22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i024'>Baboons or Dog Headed Monkeys</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i024'>24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i026'>Mandrill</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i026'>26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i028'>Bonnet Monkeys</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i028'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i030'>Weeping Monkeys</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i030'>30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i031'>Lemur or Fox Headed Monkeys</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i031'>31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i032'>Sloth Bear</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i032'>32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i035'>Grizzly Bear and Buffalos</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i035'>35</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i036'>Panther Surprised by a Tree Snake</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i036'>36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i039'>Polar Bear</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i039'>39</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i042'>Striped Hyena</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i042'>42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i045'>Wild Cats</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i045'>45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i046'>Angora Cat</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i046'>46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i053'>Pumas Fighting over Vultures</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i053'>53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i054'>Caracal Defending His Booty from Jackals</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i054'>54</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i057'>Jaguar</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i057'>57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i059'>Lynx Attacking Fawn</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i059'>59</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i062'>Esquimaux Dogs</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i062'>62</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i063'>Newfoundland Dog</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i063'>63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i066'>Hyena Dogs</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i066'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i067'>Wolf</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i067'>67</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i070'>Jackal</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i070'>70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i072'>Foxes at Home</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i072'>72</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i075'>Weasels and Ermines</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i075'>75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i076'>Marten</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i076'>76</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i078'>Otter Fishing for His Dinner</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i078'>78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a id='man2'></a><a href='#i079'>Mangousts</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i079'>79</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i080'>Genets</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i080'>80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i082'>Common Seal</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i082'>82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i083'>Sea Elephants</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i083'>83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i084'>Walrus</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i084'>84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i085'>Long-nosed Bats</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i085'>85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i087'>Sea Lions in Battle</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i087'>87</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i088'>Whale Attacking Bloodheads</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i088'>88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i089'>Long-eared Bats</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i089'>89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i092'>The Elephant Shrew</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i092'>92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i093'>Hedgehogs</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i093'>93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i095'>Sloths</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i095'>95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i096'>Armadillos</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i096'>96</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i097'>Ant-Eater or Ant Bear</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i097'>97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i100'>Beavers</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i100'>100</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i103'>Porcupines</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i103'>103</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i105'>Goat Defending His Family from a Lynx</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i105'>105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i106'>Bisons in Battle</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i106'>106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i107'>Village of Prairie Dogs</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i107'>107</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i108'>Rabbits</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i108'>108</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i112'>Giant Kangaroos</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i112'>112</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i115'>Elephant in the Jungle</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i115'>115</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i116'>Hippopotamus</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i116'>116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i118'>Indian Tapir</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i118'>118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i119'>One-horned Rhinoceros</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i119'>119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i121'>Wild Boars</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i121'>121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i122'>Wart Hogs</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i122'>122</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i124'>Shetland Ponies</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i124'>124</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i125'>Domestic Donkey</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i125'>125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i126'>Zebras</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i126'>126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i128'>Dromedary</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i128'>128</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i130'>Camel</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i130'>130</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i131'>Llama</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i131'>131</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i132'>Paca</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i132'>132</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i135'>Giraffe</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i135'>135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i136'>Gnu</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i136'>136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i137'>Gazelles</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i137'>137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i140'>Mountain Sheep</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i140'>140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i142'>American Buffalo</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i142'>142</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i144'>Yak</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i144'>144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i146'>American Deer</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i146'>146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i148'>Reindeer</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i148'>148</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i149'>Elk or Moose</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i149'>149</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span><a href='#i155'>Pot Whale</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i155'>155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i157'>Dolphin</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i157'>157</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i158'>Narwhal</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i158'>158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i160'>Manatee</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i160'>160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i164'>Eagle, Colored Plate</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i164'>164</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i165'>Tailor Bird</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i165'>165</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i167'>Owls</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i167'>167</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i170'>Harpy or Crested Eagle</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i170'>170</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i172'>Buzzards</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i172'>172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i177'>Eagle Picking up an Ice Fox</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i177'>177</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i178'>Falcons Fighting</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i178'>178</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i179'>Penguin</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i179'>179</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i184'>Black Necked Swans</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i184'>184</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i186'>Pelicans</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i186'>186</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i187'>Vulture and Griffin Fighting over Prey</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i187'>187</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i188'>Condor Capturing Llama</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i188'>188</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i191'>Albatros</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i191'>191</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i192'>King Fishers</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i192'>192</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i193'>Reed Hen</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i193'>193</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i194'>Ostrich on Her Nest</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i194'>194</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i198'>Woodcock</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i198'>198</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i200'>Broad-billed Stork of Africa</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i200'>200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i201'>Jabiru</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i201'>201</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i203'>Spoonbill</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i203'>203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i210'>Amazonian Parrot</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i210'>210</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i211'>Ivory Billed Woodpeckers</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i211'>211</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i212'>Heathcocks Fighting</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i212'>212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i213'>Cockatoos</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i213'>213</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i216'>Toucan</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i216'>216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i218'>Spotted and Downy Woodpeckers</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i218'>218</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i221'>Common Gray Partridge</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i221'>221</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i223'>Crowned Pigeon</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i223'>223</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i225'>Golden Pheasants</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i225'>225</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i230'>Sword Bill Humming Bird</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i230'>230</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i231'>Crested Humming Birds</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i231'>231</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i232'>Crows and Ravens</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i232'>232</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i234'>Dippers or Water Wrens</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i234'>234</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i238'>Flying Fish. Colored Plate</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i238'>238</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i242'>Sea Eel</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i242'>242</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i244'>White Ray</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i244'>244</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i245'>Lump Fish</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i245'>245</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i247'>Herring Attacked by Whales</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i247'>247</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i248'>Diver Battling with a Shark</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i248'>248</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i251'>Dog Fish</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i251'>251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i253'>Sturgeon</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i253'>253</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i255'>Chimaera</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i255'>255</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i256'>Coffer or Ostracion</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i256'>256</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i258'>Diodon</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i258'>258</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i259'>Pipe Fish</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i259'>259</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i262'>Chaetodon</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i262'>262</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i267'>Red Gurnard</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i267'>267</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i268'>Flying Gurnard</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i268'>268</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i269'>Sword Fish Spearing His Prey</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i269'>269</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'><a href='#i271'>Archer Fish</a></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#i271'>271</a></td> - </tr> -</table> -<div id='i012' class='figcenter id003'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span> -<img src='images/illus021.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>A BATTLE BETWEEN THE LION AND TIGER.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span> - <h2 id='h013' class='c006'>Our Animal Friends.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There is a very good reason for the -hard words and sometimes whole sentences -of <a id='pro'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='quat'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div id='i016' class='figcenter id004'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span> -<img src='images/illus029.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>FLYING SQUIRRELS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span> - <h2 id='h017' class='c006'>Quadrumana—The Four-Handed Mammals.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h017b' class='c014'>THE GORILLA—THE STRONGEST APE.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i017' class='figcenter id005'> -<img src='images/illus033.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GORILLAS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ORANG-OUTANG—THE WILD MAN OF THE WOODS.</h3> - -<div id='i020' class='figcenter id006'> -<img src='images/illus038.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ORANG-OUTANG.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When full grown the Orang measures -from six to seven feet in height. His -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CHIMPANZEE—THE MAN-LIKE APE.</h3> - -<div id='i022' class='figcenter id007'> -<img src='images/illus043.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CHIMPANZEE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Nshiego is distinguished from the -ordinary Chimpanzee, by the absence of -hair on its head, and it is sometimes -called the Bald Chimpanzee.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h023' class='c006'>THE BABOONS—THE DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i024' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus048.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BABOON OR DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE MANDRILLS—THE BRILLIANT MONKEYS.</h3> - -<div id='i026' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus053.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>MANDRILL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>CURIOUS MONKEYS OF THE MACAQUES FAMILY.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE WANDEROO.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE BARBARY APE.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BONNET MACAQUES.</h3> - -<div id='i028' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus060.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BONNET MONKEYS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h027' class='c006'>THE AMERICAN MONKEYS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HOWLING MONKEYS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SPIDER MONKEYS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 <a id='moll'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WEEPING MONKEYS.</h3> - -<div id='i030' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus067.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WEEPING MONKEYS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>they can get them, but their principal -food is the abundance of fruits found -among the trees where they make their -home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span> - <h2 id='h031' class='c006'>THE LEMURS, OR FOX-HEADED MONKEYS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i031' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus072.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LEMUR OR FOX-HEADED MONKEYS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> - <h2 id='h033' class='c006'>Carnivora—Flesh-Eating Quadrupeds.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i032' class='figcenter id009'> -<img src='images/illus075.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SLOTH BEAR.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h033b' class='c006'>PLANTIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE BEAR FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The Bears form the most important -family of the “<a id='plant'></a>Plantigrade Carnivora.” -The sole of the foot is very wide, and the -whole surface touches the ground in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bears can stand upright on their hind -legs longer than almost any other animal, -and they usually take this position when -they fight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In eating, Bears sit down like Dogs, -and taking up the food in their paws raise -it to their mouths.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BROWN OR ALPINE BEAR.</h3> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c017'> - <div>(See <a href='#fr'>Frontispiece</a>.)</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COLLARED AND THE AMERICAN BEAR.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Collared Bear and the American -Black Bear are somewhat peculiar in -their nature and habits.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GRIZZLY, OR “FEROCIOUS BEAR.”</h3> - -<div id='i035' class='figcenter id010'> -<img src='images/illus082.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Grizzly Bear and Buffaloes.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>partially bury a carcass for future supply, -after having feasted upon its best parts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>When driven by hunger, the Grizzly -Bear is especially fierce and daring in -seeking his prey, and (as our illustration -shows on page <a href='#i035'>35</a>) 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WHITE, OR POLAR BEAR.</h3> - -<div id='i039' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus090.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>POLAR BEARS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Polar Bear is found further north -than any other quadruped, having been -seen by Captain Parry beyond 82 degrees -north latitude.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The White Bear is terrible in its attack. -Accustomed, as it is, to meet with little or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>no resistance, and not even suspecting -danger, it rushes upon Man with a blind -fury and determination too often fatal in -their results.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LABIATED, OR SLOTH BEAR.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span> - <h2 id='h042' class='c006'>DIGITIGRADE CARNIVORA—THE HYENA FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE STRIPED HYENA.</h3> - -<div id='i042' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus097.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>STRIPED HYENA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SPOTTED HYENA.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 <a id='car'></a>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HUNTING HYENAS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Hunting Hyena was first described -by Mr. Burchell. It is smaller -and of a more slender shape than either -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h044' class='c014'>THE CAT FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>WILD AND DOMESTIC CATS.</h3> - -<div id='i045' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus105.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WILD CATS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Wild Cat is a reddish brown animal, -marked with more or less distinct -black stripes and spots.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div id='i046' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus110.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ANGORA CAT.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>them to live in peace; in short, the -most perfect harmony frequently reigns -between them.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LION—THE KING OF BEASTS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Lion has been called the “King of -Beasts” <a id='from'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>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, <a id='bit'></a>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE TIGER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>simply defends itself when threatened or -attacked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LEOPARD.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>withdraw my eyes from the scene of its -exploit.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 <a id='through'></a>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PANTHER.</h3> - -<div id='i036' class='figcenter id011'> -<img src='images/illus083.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Panther Surprised by Tree Snake.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Notwithstanding its ferocity when -wild, the Panther is easily tamed when -captured young and is then as mild and -affectionate as a Dog.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE JAGUAR.</h3> - -<div id='i057' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus133.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>JAGUAR.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE PUMA OR COUGAR.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i053' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/illus125.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Pumas Fighting over Vultures.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE OCELOT.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LYNXES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE EUROPEAN LYNX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The European Lynx is not much -smaller than the Wolf, and is said to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CANADA LYNX.</h3> - -<div id='i059' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus140.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LYNX ATTACKING FAWN.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CARACAL.</h3> - -<div id='i054' class='figcenter id013'> -<img src='images/illus126.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Caracal Defending His Booty from Jackals.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<a id='growl'></a>growl of a Lion or Tiger. In their wild -state they avoid man, but are dangerous -foes when hard pressed or wounded.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE OUNCE AND SERVAL.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>These are two members of the Cat family -that seem but little known.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>Its fur, which is varied with bars and -black spots on a buff ground, is quite valuable.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CHEETAH.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Cheetah or Hunting Leopard -forms the transition between the Cat and -Dog families. By its <a id='phys'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This kind of hunting is very popular in -Mongolia, and a well-trained Hunting -Leopard attains an extraordinary price -among the inhabitants.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span> - <h2 id='h063' class='c014'>THE DOG FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i062' class='figcenter id014'> -<img src='images/illus147.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ESQUIMAU DOGS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div id='i063' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus151.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>They are the most intelligent of the -Carnivora. Their senses, particularly -that of smell, are strongly developed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among the Running Dogs might be -mentioned the Greyhound, the Hounds -of Saintonge and of Poitou, English Foxhounds, -Harriers and Beagles, <a id='turn'></a>Turnspits, -Bull-dogs, Mastiffs, etc. The -principal sporting Dogs are the Pointers, -Setters, Land Spaniels and Water Spaniels.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HYENA DOG.</h3> - -<div id='i066' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus158.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>HYENA DOGS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 <a id='been'></a>been driven off by a troop of these -fierce Hyena Dogs.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DESTRUCTIVE WOLF.</h3> - -<div id='i067' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus161.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WOLF.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This craving for slaughter, preceding -the act of hiding the carcasses, rather denotes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>foresight than ferocity; the Wolf is -not, therefore, the monster of cruelty -pictured by Buffon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE JACKAL.</h3> - -<div id='i070' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus170.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>JACKAL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>white beneath; its tail is tipped with black -at the extremity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FOXES.</h3> - -<div id='i072' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/illus175.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>FOXES AT HOME.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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:”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FENNEC FOX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COMMON FOX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='aqua'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Fox most frequently inhabits a -burrow or “earth,” which it excavates -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At times it appropriates the burrow of -a Rabbit or Badger, and re-arranges it to -suit itself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h075' class='c006'>THE WEASEL FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i075' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus182.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WEASELS AND ERMINES.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Of all the animals belonging to this -family, the Weasel is most easily tamed, -and it <a id='soon'></a>soon shows a great affection for -its master.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ERMINE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE MARTENS.</h3> - -<div id='i076' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus187.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>MARTEN SEEKING FOOD IN THE TREES.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>branch, they hunt the small Birds and -Squirrels. They are usually found in the -gloom of dense forests.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE OTTERS.</h3> - -<div id='i078' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus192.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>OTTER FISHING FOR HIS DINNER.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>not satisfied with killing simply to satisfy -their hunger, but often hunt and kill the -Fish, etc., simply for the sake of killing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Unlike the most of the Weasel family, -the Otters will eat <a id='veg'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span> - <h2 id='h080' class='c006'>THE CIVET FAMILY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE MANGOUSTS.</h3> - -<div id='i079' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus195.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>MANGOUSTS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GENETS.</h3> - -<div id='i080' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus200.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GENETS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h081' class='c006'>AMPHIBIOUS CARNIVORA.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Owing to this precaution of nature the -Amphibia can wander freely about in the -depths of the ocean in search of their -food.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COMMON SEAL.</h3> - -<div id='i082' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus208.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>COMMON SEAL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<a id='prin'></a>principal means of support to the Esquimaux -of Labrador, and the inhabitants of -the coast of Greenland.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SEA-LIONS.</h3> - -<div id='i087' class='figcenter id016'> -<img src='images/illus225.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Sea Lions in Battle.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>islands. After choosing their home, the -Sea-Lions will fight fiercely for the rights -of possession, and, as illustrated on page -<a href='#i087'>87</a>; this is probably one of the most interesting -and clumsy battles that can well be -imagined.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SEA-ELEPHANTS.</h3> - -<div id='i083' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus213.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SEA ELEPHANTS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WALRUS OR MORSE.</h3> - -<div id='i084' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus218.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WALRUS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>These enormous animals closely resemble -seals, both in the shape of their -body and the structure of their limbs, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h086' class='c006'>CHIEROPTERA—ANIMALS WITH WINGED-HANDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>FOR a long time these curious little -animals puzzled the Naturalists. -Aristotle defined them as Birds -with wings of skin. After him, <a id='pliny'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>organized for seeing, not in complete -darkness but in the twilight, or in the -feeble light of the moon and stars.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LONG-EARED BATS.</h3> - -<div id='i089' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus229.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LONG EARED BATS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This Bat measures about eighteen -inches from tip to tip of its expanded -wings.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LONG-NOSED BATS.</h3> - -<div id='i085' class='figcenter id010'> -<img src='images/illus221.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LONG NOSED BATS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The animals belonging to this family -inhabit Africa, Asia and the Oceanic Islands.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE VAMPIRES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Gardner, during his travels in the -interior of Brazil, stopped at Riachao. -He says:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>A very similar account of the Vampires -is given by Humboldt:</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h091' class='c006'>INSECTIVORA—INSECT-EATERS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SHREWS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WATER-SHREWS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ELEPHANT SHREW.</h3> - -<div id='i092' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus239.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>THE ELEPHANT SHREW.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HEDGEHOGS.</h3> - -<div id='i093' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus244.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>HEDGEHOGS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='con'></a>considerable time without food.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span> - <h2 id='h094' class='c006'>EDENTATA—TOOTHLESS QUADRUPEDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Edentata, or Toothless Quadrupeds, -include five families—the Sloths, -Armadillos, Ant-eaters, Aard-vark and -Pangolins.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h094b' class='c006'>THE SLOTH FAMILY.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i095' class='figcenter id017'> -<img src='images/illus249.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SLOTHS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ARMADILLOS.</h3> - -<div id='i096' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus252.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ARMADILLOS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ANT-EATERS.</h3> - -<div id='i097' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus257.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ANT-EATER OR ANT BEAR.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It lives in damp forests in which its insect -food is most abundant.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PANGOLINS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“Their flesh is good eating. Those I -captured were very lean, but I was informed -by the natives that they are -sometimes very fat.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span> - <h2 id='h099' class='c006'>RODENTIA—GNAWING QUADRUPEDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='omni'></a>omnivorous, -and will even eat flesh.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BEAVERS.</h3> - -<div id='i100' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus267.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BEAVERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>appearance. The hind feet are larger -than the fore, and are fully webbed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 <a id='pos'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span> - <h2 class='c014'>THE PORCUPINE FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i103' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus274.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PORCUPINES.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>COMMON PORCUPINES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BRUSH-TAILED PORCUPINE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>PREHENSILE-TAILED PORCUPINES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'>THE SQUIRREL FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>GREY SQUIRRELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FLYING SQUIRRELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Flying Squirrels are gregarious, -traveling from one tree to another in -companies of ten or twelve together. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>MARMOTS AND PRAIRIE DOGS.</h3> - -<div id='i107' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus282.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PRAIRIE DOGS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Marmots are characterised by very -long, powerful incisors, strong claws, indicating -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>HARES AND RABBITS.</h3> - -<div id='i108' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus287.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>RABBITS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>word, its defence consists in perceiving -danger and fleeing from it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Besides our well known Wild Rabbits, -many fine species have been imported -from different countries and trained as -pets.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not only is the flesh and the hair of the -Rabbit utilized, but its skin is also employed -in the manufacture of gelatine.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PICAS AND THE CALLING HARES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span> - <h2 id='h111' class='c006'>MARSUPIALIA—POUCHED QUADRUPEDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE KANGAROO FAMILY.</h3> - -<div id='i112' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus297.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GIANT KANGAROOS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Jerboa Kangaroo is so called on -account of the length and slenderness of -its hind-legs similar to those of the Jerboa -Rats.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>dashing their tomahawks or heavy clubs -at the nest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>shelter of a hollow tree, a small hole in a -rock, or some similar place of refuge.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE OPOSSUMS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 <a id='herb'></a>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are several species of Opossum -found in South America, but none in the -Antilles or the West Indies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span> - <h2 id='h114' class='c006'>PACHYDERMATA—THICK-SKINNED QUADRUPEDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_6_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h114b' class='c006'>THE ELEPHANT FAMILY.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i115' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus302.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ELEPHANT.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To these should be added the extinct -species of the Elephant family, the famous -Mammoth of the far north—a carcass -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h114c' class='c006'>THE HIPPOPOTAMUS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i116' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus308.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>HIPPOPOTAMUS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Hippopotamus inhabits Southern -and Eastern Africa; but everything announces -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>that it will not be long in disappearing -before civilization, that is to say, -the sportsman’s gun.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Hippopotamus feeds on young -stalks of reeds, little boughs, small shrubs -and water plants, also on roots and succulent -bulbs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h117' class='c006'>THE TAPIRS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i118' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus315.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>INDIAN TAPIR.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h118' class='c006'>THE RHINOCEROS FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The natural disposition of these animals -is stupid and ferocious. They inhabit -marshes and other damp localities, -and live altogether upon vegetable substances—grass, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>herbs, or the branches of -trees.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are two species—the One-horned -and the Two-horned.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.</h3> - -<div id='i119' class='figcenter id018'> -<img src='images/illus317.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The skin of this species forms a coat of -armor, almost impenetrable by a musket-ball; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>it is in some parts nearly an inch in -thickness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h120' class='c006'>THE BOAR FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To this family belong the Hogs -Proper, the Peccaries, the Wart Hog and -the Babiroussas.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WILD BOAR.</h3> - -<div id='i121' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus323.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WILD BOARS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WART HOGS.</h3> - -<div id='i122' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus326.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WART HOGS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PECCARIES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Peccaries are animals which are -peculiar to America. They resemble the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h123' class='c014'>THE HORSE FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i124' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus332.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SHETLAND PONIES.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WILD AND DOMESTIC DONKEY.</h3> - -<div id='i125' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus335.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DOMESTIC DONKEY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>foot enables it to go where Horses could -not fail to meet with accidents.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In energy, nervous power, and in temperament, -the Donkey even surpasses the -Horse; and it has a greater capacity to -endure fatigue.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ZEBRA.</h3> - -<div id='i126' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus338.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ZEBRAS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE HEMIONUS OR DSHIKKETEE.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE QUAGGA.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DAUW.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span> - <h2 id='h129' class='c006'>QUADRUPEDS THAT CHEW THE CUD.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>THIS order of animals is known as -the Ruminantia, or the Ruminant -Order, because all these animals -possess the strange power of <a id='rum'></a>ruminating, -or of bringing back into their -mouth (in order to re-chew it), the food -that they have once swallowed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Common Ruminants are divided -into three tribes—those with hairy and -permanent horns, those with hollow-horns, -and those that shed their horns.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h129b' class='c006'>THE CAMEL FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i130' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus348.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CAMEL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>also possessed of an extremely acute -sense of smell.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DROMEDARY.</h3> - -<div id='i128' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus341.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DROMEDARY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>where it is acclimatised, it has doubtless -existed since the time of the conquest of -that country by the Arabs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LLAMAS.</h3> - -<div id='i131' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus353.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LLAMA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are three species of Llama—the -Llama proper, the Paca, and the Vicuna.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>In the evening they return, frequently escorted -by wild Llamas; but these take -every precaution to avoid being captured.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PACA.</h3> - -<div id='i132' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus358.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PACA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE VICUNA.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h133' class='c006'>THE MUSK DEER.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Musk Deer is a native of the -mountainous region between Siberia, -China and Thibet.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h134' class='c006'>THE HORNED RUMINANTS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The structure of these horns presents -various differences, and has caused the -division of this large and important family -into three tribes, namely, Ruminants -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>with hairy and permanent horns, hollow-horned -Ruminants and Ruminants which -shed their horns.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h134b' class='c006'>RUMINANTS WITH HAIRY AND PERMANENT HORNS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i135' class='figcenter id019'> -<img src='images/illus365.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GIRAFFE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>This tribe consists of a single genus, -that of the Giraffe, which has also but one -species.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h134c' class='c006'>RUMINANTS WITH HOLLOW HORNS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>These Ruminants have horns which -are covered with an elastic sheath, something -like agglutinated hair; they may -be divided into two groups.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>We shall glance at the most remarkable -genera resulting from the division of -the old general group of Antelopes.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CHAMOIS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The chief characteristic of the Chamois -is constituted by the smooth horns -which are placed immediately above the -orbits. These horns are almost upright, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='brown'></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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GAZELLES.</h3> - -<div id='i137' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus368.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GAZELLES.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GNU.</h3> - -<div id='i136' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus367.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GNU.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GOATS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COMMON GOAT.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE IBEX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BEZOARGOAT.</h3> - -<div id='i105' class='figcenter id020'> -<img src='images/illus278.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Goat Defending His Family from a Lynx.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<a id='sexes'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a href='#i105'>105</a> 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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SHEEP.</h3> - -<div id='i140' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus375.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>MOUNTAIN SHEEP.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>beard. In other respects they are closely -allied to the Goats.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h141' class='c006'>THE OX FAMILY.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i106' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus279.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Bisons in Battle.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE AMERICAN BUFFALO.</h3> - -<div id='i142' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus381.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>AMERICAN BUFFALO.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>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 <a id='summer'></a>summer comes, these wild -troops break up, and the Buffaloes separate -into couples or small herds.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE MUSK OX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Musk Ox is much smaller than the -Common Ox, and has somewhat the appearance -of an enormous sheep. Its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE EUROPEAN BUFFALO.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CAPE BUFFALO.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE YAK.</h3> - -<div id='i144' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus386.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>YAK.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE JUNGLE OX.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COMMON BUFFALO.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h145' class='c006'>RUMINANTS WHICH SHED THEIR HORNS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i146' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus391.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>AMERICAN DEER.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>to provide for the growth of the -antler; these are called burrs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE REINDEER.</h3> - -<div id='i148' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus398.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>REINDEER.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>few paces’ distance, faithfully follow -where he leads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ELKS.</h3> - -<div id='i149' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus401.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ELK OR MOOSE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DEER PROPER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE RED DEER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CANADIAN STAG.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE VIRGINIAN DEER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SAMBOO, AXIS AND PORCINE DEER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FALLOW DEER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Fallow Deer is found over a large -part of Europe, in the north of Africa and -also in Asia Minor.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COMMON ROE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span> - <h2 id='h152' class='c006'>CETACEA—THE WHALES.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i088' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/illus226.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Whale Attacked by Bloodheads.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<a id='use'></a>use for locomotion through the water, but -serve to balance their movements.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <a id='mol'></a>Molluscs -and Crustacea, which they eat in enormous -quantities.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <a id='nar'></a>Narwhal, etc., in which the -head is in the usual proportion to the -body.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WHALE, AND ITS ENEMIES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>combat, as illustrated on page <a href='#i088'>88</a>, 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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CACHALOTS.</h3> - -<div id='i155' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus416.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SPERM WHALE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>The peculiar odorous substance, so well -known under the name of “ambergris,” -is likewise obtained from the Cachalot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WHALEBONE WHALES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<a id='not'></a>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DOLPHINS.</h3> - -<div id='i157' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus423.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DOLPHIN.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When they saw these animals following -their ships, the sailors imagined that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PORPOISES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Porpoises differ from the Dolphins -in having their snout short and uniformly -rounded, without <a id='a-and'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE NARWHALS.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i158' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus428.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>NARWHAL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>The Narwhals have no teeth, but are -furnished with an enormous tusk, that -projects from the upper jaw, and becomes -a most formidable weapon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h159' class='c006'>HERBIVOROUS CETACEANS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This family comprises the Manatees -and the Dugongs.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE MANATEES.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i160' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus436.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>MANATEE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SOUTH AMERICAN MANATEE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DUGONGS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Dugongs were for <a id='some'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span> - <h2 id='h166' class='c006'>Birds.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i164' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/illus444.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>STONE EAGLE GUARDING HIS BOOTY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<div id='i165' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus447.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>TAILOR BIRD.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h166b' class='c006'>BIRDS OF PREY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>They are found over the whole surface -of the globe. The larger species inhabit -lofty mountains, or seek a hiding place in -solitary cliffs.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span> - <h2 id='h167' class='c006'>THE OWL FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i167' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus456.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>OWLS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For brief and simple classification the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>Owl family is usually divided into two -groups—the Horned Owls and the -Hornless Owls.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HORNED OWLS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Great Owl is common in Switzerland -and Italy and also inhabits Asia.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LONG-EARED OWL.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h169' class='c006'>HORNLESS OWLS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h169b' class='c006'>THE FALCON FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Falcon family is divided into the -Falcons proper, the Eagles, Sea Eagles, -Harpy Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks, Goshawks -and Harriers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>prey, Birds and small Mammals, and they -always hunt on the wing.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE EAGLES.</h3> - -<div id='i170' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus466.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>HARPY OR CRESTED EAGLE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>for this Bird; and they use its long -wing and tail feathers to adorn themselves -on state occasions.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE STONE EAGLE.</h3> - -<div id='i177' class='figcenter id020'> -<img src='images/illus484.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Eagle Picking up an Ice Fox.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SEA EAGLE.</h3> - -<div id='i178' class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/illus485.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Falcons Fighting.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BUZZARDS.</h3> - -<div id='i172' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus471.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BUZZARDS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h173' class='c006'>THE VULTURE FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i187' class='figcenter id016'> -<img src='images/illus506.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Vulture and Griffin Fighting over Prey.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Bearded Griffon, Condor, King -Vulture, Urubu, Turkey Buzzard, Fulvous -Vulture and Pondicherry Vulture, -are the principal species of the great Vulture -family.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BEARDED GRIFFON.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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).</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Vulture at the feast hears the rushing -of mighty wings and the Bearded -Griffon, followed by his wife, drops on a -neighboring rock.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CONDOR.</h3> - -<div id='i188' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/illus507.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Condor Capturing Llama.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>As in the Alps and <a id='pyr'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='ex'></a>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span> - <h2 id='h176' class='c006'>THE NATATORES, OR SWIMMING BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It flies high and in a direct course with -great rapidity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But <a id='their'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h176b' class='c006'>THE FAMILY OF DIVERS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The most important birds found in this -family are the Great Northern Diver, the -Arctic Diver, Penguins, Auks, Grebes, -and Guillemots.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Bird is sometimes known as the -Loon. It is seldom found on the land, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PENGUINS.</h3> - -<div id='i179' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus488.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PENGUIN.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE AUK.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE GREBES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h182' class='c006'>DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>DUCKS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span> -<h3 class='c015'>GEESE.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>SWANS.</h3> - -<div id='i184' class='figcenter id021'> -<img src='images/illus500.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BLACK NECKED SWANS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h183' class='c006'>THE PELICAN FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i186' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus503.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PELICANS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Pelicans are large, heavy aquatic -Birds, with great extent of wing and are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The best known species are—first, the -Crested Pelican; second, the White Pelican; -third, the Brown Pelican; fourth, -the Spectacled Pelican.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CRESTED PELICAN.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Of their modes of life travelers in those -regions give very interesting descriptions.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WHITE PELICAN.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BROWN PELICAN.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SPECTACLED PELICAN.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h190' class='c006'>THE LONG-WINGED SWIMMING BIRDS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i191' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus513.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ALBATROS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gifted with an extraordinary power of -flight, these Birds venture out to enormous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To follow in the wake of some passing -ship, probably because the agitation of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>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 <a id='sur'></a>surrounded him, the -poor sailor perished before the very eyes -of his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h195' class='c006'>THE GRALLATORES, OR WADING BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Waders are usually divided into -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h195b' class='c006'>THE WADERS WITH UNITED TOES.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE AVOCET.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE STILT BIRDS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>for the danger to pass before settling -down.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'>LONG-TOED WADERS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i193' class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/illus519.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Reed Hen Caught by Fish.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This order includes the Gallinules, or -Water Hens, Rails, Coots, Pratincoles, -and Screamers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h197' class='c006'>WADING BIRDS WITH LONG BILLS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE WOODCOCK.</h3> - -<div id='i198' class='figcenter id010'> -<img src='images/illus529.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WOODCOCK.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SNIPES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>These Birds closely resemble the -<a id='wood'></a>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h199' class='c006'>WADING BIRDS WITH KNIFE-SHAPED BILLS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE STORKS.</h3> - -<div id='i200' class='figcenter id019'> -<img src='images/illus533.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>BROAD-BILLED STORK OF AFRICA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>very loud. They lay from two to -four eggs. The duration of their life is -from fifteen to twenty years.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Stork is of a mild nature, and is -easily tamed. As it destroys a host of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are several other species which -are allied to the Storks, and are only distinguished -from them by a <a id='slight'></a>slightly different -form of the bill.</p> - -<div id='i201' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus534.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>JABIRU.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SPOONBILL.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span> - <h2 id='h203' class='c006'>THE WADING BIRDS WITH COMPRESSED BILLS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i203' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus542.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SPOONBILL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FRIGATE BIRD AND FLAMINGOES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FRIGATE BIRD.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h206' class='c006'>THE SHORT-WINGED BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This group includes the Ostrich, Emu, -Rhea, Cassowary and the Apteryx.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE OSTRICH.</h3> - -<div id='i194' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/illus520.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Ostrich on Her Nest.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<a id='they'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This Bird (called by the Brazilians -Nhandu-Guacu) inhabits the Pampas of -South America, the coolest <a id='val'></a>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; <a id='indeed'></a>indeed, so -fond are they of water that they take -pleasure in splashing and bathing in it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span> - <h2 id='h209' class='c006'>THE SCANSORES, OR CLIMBING BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h209b' class='c006'>THE PARROTS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i210' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus561.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>AMAZONIAN PARROT.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>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 <a id='they2'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>markings of yellow and even blue; and -some kinds of Parrots have very handsomely -developed tails.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Parrakeets are much smaller than -the Macaws, and like them, have long -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h214' class='c006'>THE COCKATOOS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i213' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus568.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>COCKATOOS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h214b' class='c006'>THE CUCKOOS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>HONEY-GUIDES OR INDICATORS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>ANIS AND BARBETS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>TROGONS AND TURACOS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>The Trogons, like the Barbets, have -the bases of their beaks covered with hair. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Turacos or <a id='plant2'></a>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE TOUCANS.</h3> - -<div id='i216' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus575.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>TOUCAN.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h217' class='c006'>THE WOODPECKERS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i211' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus564.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='resist'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Woodpeckers are of a timid, restless -disposition; they live alone in the midst -or on the borders of large forests.</p> - -<div id='i218' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus581.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SPOTTED AND DOWNY WOODPECKERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='att'></a>attractive and their size is about that -of the Lark. They inhabit all the old -continent.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE JACAMARS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 <a id='neigh'></a>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span> - <h2 id='h220' class='c006'>THE GALLINACEAE, OR DOMESTIC BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h220b' class='c006'>THE PARTRIDGES.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i221' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus591.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>COMMON GRAY PARTRIDGE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>A Partridge has even been -known to prefer dying in its hiding-place -from suffocation to exposing itself to the -mercies of its pursuer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h222' class='c014'>THE GROUSE AND THE HEATHCOCK.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i212' class='figcenter id020'> -<img src='images/illus565.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Heathcocks Fighting.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>There is a great variety of Grouse and -<a id='prairie'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span> - <h2 id='h224' class='c006'>THE PIGEONS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i223' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus596.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CROWNED PIGEON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Roman Pigeons, thus named because -they are very common in Italy, are -easily recognized from the circle of red -which surrounds their eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Swift Pigeon is of small size, its -flight is light and rapid.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Romans made use of Pigeons as -messengers. Pliny says that this means -was employed by Brutus and Hirtius to -concert together during the <a id='siege'></a>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>wished them to be fed with strawberries, -and their bodies to be embalmed after -death.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h225' class='c006'>THE PHEASANTS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i225' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus601.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>GOLDEN PHEASANTS</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>forming the greatest beauty of the Bird in -many instances.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are many other species of -Pheasants, distinguished by some peculiarity -of the plumage, but there is no special -difference in their habits.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h229' class='c006'>THE PASSERINES, OR THE SPARROW FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Some Naturalists divide the Passerines -into five great groups, the first based -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE PERCHING BIRDS WITH UNITED TOES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<a id='middle'></a>middle one and fast to it. This group includes -the Hornbills, the Fly-catchers, -the King-fishers, the Bee-eaters, and the -Motmots.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HORNBILLS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FLY-CATCHERS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h229c' class='c006'>THE KING-FISHERS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i192' class='figcenter id022'> -<img src='images/illus609.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>KING FISHERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE BEE-EATERS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>They build their nests in the banks of -rivers or rivulets, in holes which they excavate -to the depth of six or seven feet.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE MOTMOTS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>PERCHING BIRDS WITH LONG BEAKS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h229b' class='c014'>THE HUMMING-BIRDS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i230' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus612.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SWORD BILL HUMMING BIRD.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>only food—such unsubstantial diet would -be insufficient to sustain the great activity -displayed almost every moment of their -existence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div id='i231' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus617.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CRESTED HUMMING BIRD.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The nest of the Humming-bird is a -masterpiece. It is about the size of half -an apricot. These <a id='consist'></a>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h233' class='c006'>THE CROWS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i232' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus620.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CROWS AND RAVENS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The Crows are divided into four groups -or sub-genera—namely, the Crows properly -so called, Pies, Jays and Nutcrackers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h235' class='c006'>THE DIPPERS.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i234' class='figcenter id023'> -<img src='images/illus623.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DIPPERS OR WATER WRENS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span> - <h2 id='h239' class='c006'>Fishes.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i238' class='figcenter id024'> -<img src='images/illus628.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>FLYING-FISH.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_2_0_6 c013'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h239b' class='c006'>CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h239c' class='c006'>THE LAMPREYS AND THE EELS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE EELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>ELECTRICAL EELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>the mouth is large, and furnished with -small teeth arranged in many rows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>SEA EELS.</h3> - -<div id='i242' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus639.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SEA EEL.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>SAND EELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>COMMON EELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>CONGER EELS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h243' class='c006'>THE FAMILY OF RAIAS, OR FLAT-FISH.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is by these spines that the different -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE WHITE RAY.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i244' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus647.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>WHITE RAY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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. <a id='imm'></a>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE LUMP-FISH.</h3> - -<div id='i245' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus652.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>LUMP FISH.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE TORPEDO, OR CRAMP FISH.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='the'></a>the elbow joint, which made -me withdraw my arm immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>Other Naturalists have described similar -sensations, and careful study has been -made of this Fish to discover the cause of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h249' class='c006'>THE SHARK FAMILY.</h2> -</div> -<div id='i248' class='figcenter id013'> -<img src='images/illus658.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Diver Battling with a Shark.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='spindle'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE DOG-FISH.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i251' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus666.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DOG-FISH.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE HAMMERHEAD.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SAW-FISH.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h252' class='c006'>THE STURGEON FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i253' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus672.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>STURGEON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>but which is now well known and consumed -on both continents.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CHIMERA.</h3> - -<div id='i255' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus677.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CHIMERA</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>which closely resembles it, but is -somewhat smaller, known as the Antarctic Chimera, is found in the southern -hemisphere.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h255' class='c006'>THE OSSEOUS OR BONY FISHES.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>Fishes, although even in this division -some very rare and wonderful specimens -are found.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span> - <h2 id='h257' class='c006'>THE FAMILY OF GLOBE FISH AND COFFERS.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i256' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus682.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>COFFRE OR OSTRACION.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE DIODONS.</h3> - -<div id='i258' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus689.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>DIODON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE COFFERS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE FILE-FISH.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h258' class='c006'>THE PIPE-FISH AND SEA-HORSES.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i259' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus694.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>PIPE FISH.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There is still another Pipe-fish—the -Fistularia—not often classed with this -family, but found among the spiny-finned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SEA-HORSE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h259' class='c006'>THE FAMILY OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This family is usually divided into three -groups: The Eels—which have already -been described with the Lampreys—the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>SOME STRANGE SPECIMENS.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h260' class='c006'>THE FLAT-FISHES OF THE SOFT-FINNED FAMILY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SOLES.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE TURBOT.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE FLOUNDERS AND PLAICE.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HALIBUT AND THE DAB.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='h261' class='c006'>THE THIRD GROUP OF SOFT-FINNED FISHES.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>includes the Herring, Ancovy, Pilchard, -Sprat and Shad.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE CHEATODONS.</h3> - -<div id='i262' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus703.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>CHAETODON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>FLYING-FISH.</h3> - -<p class='c016'>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 <a href='#i238'>colored plate</a>).</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>the height to which they first sprang, for -I conceive the elevation they take depends -on the power of the first spring.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>“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.”</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE HERRING.</h3> -<div id='i247' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/illus657.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>Herring Attacked by Whale.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<a id='around'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>messengers charged to announce to -the Norwegian people the approaching -end of the monarch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='north'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a href='#i247'>247</a>, 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 <a id='fishery'></a>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.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span> - <h2 id='h267' class='c006'>THE FAMILY OF SPINY-FINNED FISHES.</h2> -</div> - -<div id='i267' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus712.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>RED GURNARD.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span> -<h3 class='c015'>THE GURNARDS.</h3> -</div> - -<div id='i268' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/illus717.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>FLYING GURNARD.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>told remarkable tales of these strange -Fish in the past.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE SWORD-FISH.</h3> - -<div id='i269' class='figcenter id025'> -<img src='images/illus720.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>SWORD FISH SPEARING HIS PREY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<h3 class='c015'>THE ARCHER FISH.</h3> - -<div id='i271' class='figcenter id023'> -<img src='images/illus723.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>ARCHER FISH.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='fam'></a>families -we may feel acquainted, to a certain -extent, with this whole great throng of -nearly thirteen thousand Fishes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <a id='imm2'></a>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='tnotes'> - -<p class='c008'><b>Transcriber's Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c007'>Some punctuation has been corrected without note, however inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were retained.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -Such headings were linked to the heading in the text which was closest contextually.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Missing page numbers in internal references were added.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The order of illustrations was changed in order to place -the illustrations near to the text describing them. -Links (in the list of illustrations and within the text) are therefore -made to go to the illustration referenced rather than to the page number. -The line 'Caracal Defending His Booty from' in the list of illustrations -was moved to correspond to the correct illustration.</p> - -<p class='c008'>On p. <a href='#Page_73'>73-74</a>, some out of order text was rearranged.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Further corrections are listed below:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><a href='#wand'>Table of Contents</a> Vanderoo -> Wanderoo</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#man1'>Table of Contents</a> Mongousts -> Mangousts</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#man2'>List of Illustrations</a> Mongousts -> Mangousts</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#quat'>p. 15</a> quator -> quatuor</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#pro'>p. 23</a> unpronouncable -> unpronounceable</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#moll'>p. 29</a> Molluses -> Molluscs</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#plant'>p. 33</a> Plantigrae -> Plantigrade</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#car'>p. 43</a> caross -> caress</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#from'>p. 47</a> form ancient times -> from ancient times</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#bit'>p. 49</a> but his thigh -> bit his thigh</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#through'>p. 52</a> throug -> through</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#growl'>p. 60</a> gowl -> growl</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#phys'>p. 61</a> physicial -> physical</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#turn'>p. 64</a> Turnsplits -> Turnspits</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#been'>p. 65</a> beeen -> been</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#aqua'>p. 74</a> acquatic -> aquatic</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#soon'>p. 74</a> soons -> soon</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#veg'>p. 79</a> vegetbles -> vegetables</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#prin'>p. 81</a> prinicpal ->principal</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#pliny'>p. 86</a> Fliny and other Naturalists -> Pliny and other Naturalists</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#con'>p. 93</a> considerale -> considerable</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#omni'>p. 98</a> omniverous -> omnivorous</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#pos'>p. 101</a> possesssors -> possessors</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#herb'>p. 113</a> herbivorour -> herbivorous</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#rum'>p. 127</a> ruminanting -> ruminating</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#brown'>p. 136</a> browinsh -> brownish</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#sexes'>p. 139</a> both sex -> both sexes</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#summer'>p. 141</a> sumer -> summer</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#use'>p. 152</a> little us -> little use</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#mol'>p. 152</a> Moluscs -> Molluscs</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#nar'>p. 153</a> Narwhale -> Narwhal</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#not'>p. 156</a> Nothwithstanding -> Notwithstanding</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#a-and'>p. 1566</a> without and -> without a</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#some'>p. 161</a> sime -> some</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#pyr'>p. 174</a> Pyranees -> Pyrenees</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#ex'>p. 174</a> exhaused -> exhausted</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#their'>p. 176</a> heir usefulness -> their usefulness</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#sur'>p. 192</a> surounded -> surrounded</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#wood'>p. 197</a> Woodcooks -> Woodcocks</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#slight'>p. 202</a> slighly -> slightly</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#they'>p. 207</a> the also resemble -> they also resemble</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#val'>p. 208</a> valeys -> valleys</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#indeed'>p. 208</a> in deed -> indeed</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#they2'>p. 209</a> hey -> they</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#plant2'>p. 215</a> Plantian -> Plantain</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#resist'>p. 217</a> resistent -> resistant</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#att'>p. 219</a> atractive -> attractive</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#neigh'>p. 219</a> neighhood -> neighborhood</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#prairie'>p. 222</a> Prarie Chickens -> Prairie Chickens</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#siege'>p. 224</a> seige -> siege (two instances)</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#middle'>p. 227</a> midde -> middle</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#consist'>p. 229</a> These consists -> These consist</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#imm'>p. 243</a> ImmIediately -> Immediately</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#the'>p. 246</a> the the elbow -> the elbow</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#spindle'>p. 264</a> spindel-shaped -> spindle-shaped</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#around'>p. 265</a> a round -> around</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#north'>p. 266</a> nothern -> northern</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#fishery'>p. 266</a> Herring fishers -> Herring fishery</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#fam'>p. 272</a> famlies -> families</div> - <div class='line'><a href='#imm2'>p. 272</a> imense -> immense</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -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-h.htm or 50776-h.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. - 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