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Las diagrammes suivants illustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^PFP^ ■«■■■■«■ The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE COLLECTION «/ CANADIANA iiueen's University at Kingston >^J I ■■ p ^^m^mBmmmm UO'^ 4 ^^■t--p1l,"U:it:i'P -hJ-' ^ ir^^^iJ-^ GLEANINGS IN JMAlllliAL HldTuKit id GLEANINGS IN Mil UKIL EidTOJiX! OR, A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ANIMATED NATURE. (ZOOLOGY.) FOR THE PUPILS OF THE LITERATURE COURSE, %. p. §. i. URSULINE CONVENT, QUEBEC. QUEBEC : PRINTED BY C. DARVEAU, 8, Mountain Hill. 1871. <) ^ K \ is '. ni>..^'4 j,j^^ f, , Ja N • §. p g- <^. GLEANINGS IN PART FIRST. ( Vertebrates). ZOOLOGY (N As a Branch of Natural Histdry. ^Natural History is the science which treats of all that is in nature ; it comprehends particularly the de- scription and classification of animals, vegetables, and minerals, — which it is customary to designate as the Animal Kingdom, the Vegetable Kingdom, and the Mineral Kingdom. That branch of Natural History which treats of ani- mals, or the Animal Kingdom, is termed Zoology. The Animal Kingdom embraces all organized be- ings, endowed with sensation and voluntary motion beginning with man, who forms the highest link in the \'xmy^ — 6 — ttruoturo,habit«looa^Ue8 'their vL?."7'''!?'«' '' «'a'nine* their providence of the Alinighty Creator^ SI KooJness, wisJoin. and nothing has been left undone e^onh'J)?--*""^ reminding us that in aaj way advanoa thrwoTfkre and o^^^^^^^ which could en as a whole. ""'^ oomfort of living exiatenoos, tak- DIVI8ION8 OP THE ANFMAL KINGDOM. and are subdivided rtoP:"?S.tr%r' 'r^'"-' mals that nourisli theiryou" with !^iii;T a "'']'■!'• ^.''"'■ Reptilia (reptiles); andSer fishesV' sll^^'t^ ' Classes is again subdirided into OrS" the O?/ ^T Fa«..hes, the Families into GeneVa a?d 'sS ""° Ihe animals comprised in the Br&noh r.f \r ^ x. varjr much in their forms and nstincts hnf Jf"'*^^*^** possessing an internal sLZ J 'j . ' ^" agree in fibres, flesh, and s^nS^^vT^ '^T'^ ^^ ^^" "^^««^^«> and r^d blwd distinn; 1^^ ^""l" ?^ * "^"^^'^'ar heart situated Sties ntK"^ '""'^^ '°^ *^«^ fcmr Umb«. ' ^'^^ ' «°^ °^^e^ aiore than a I — 7 — it-Iiko HOO- 0 tho youth- beingj that itnineii their dispositiona, risdoin, and n^ us that which could :enoo8, tuk. ivier, the ur great culiurity rtebrata limals) ; yed ani- rge pro- iitniliar, ia (ani- birds) ; )f these irs into fcebrata gree ia uscles, heart, taste, e than SUBDIVUT.ONS OF CLASS I. MAMMALIA. [Mammifires.] This class contains about 2,000 species, forming nine Orders. Tho characters of the Orders are taken from diflFerenccs in tho various combinations of the teeth, and the structure of tho hands and feet ; as from these the nature of the animal's food, its habits, and instincts may be best determined. The Orders are named fls follows: — Bim.ina— [j5i- matits] ; Quadrumana — [^Quadrunumes] ; Curnaria — [^CanKtasiers]', Marsupialia — j^M'trsupiaux]] Rodentia — \ Rongeurs] ] Kdentata — [^hJ(te7tUs] \ Pachydermata —Pachtjdernies] ; lluminantia — [^Ruminants] ; Cetacea — [^Cetaces].^ ORDER I. BIMANA— Two-handed. This Order coataina only one geuusandone species,— Man. ^ Differences of climate, food, occupations, or other causes, have induced certain and constant differences of stature, physiognomy, color, nature of the hair, or form of the skull, which have given rise to the subdivision of the hu- man family into three varieties or races, which are, the Caucasian, Mongolian, and Ethiopian. The Malayan and American, which are sometimes added, may be re- garded as subordinate races, derived from the Mongolian. The Caucasian race occupies Europe, (except Lapland and Finland) Southwestern Asia, Northern Africa, Ireland, Canada, the U. States, and is largely intermingled in the populations of Mexico and S. America. The Caucasians ak.'e more beautiful in perdoa and exhibit higher intelUgenue than any other raoe. The Mongolian race embraces the inhabitants of Central, Ba?tern and Northern Asia, the Laplanders and Finlanders in Europe, and the Esquimaux of Greenland and N. America. The Mongolians are shrewd, crafty, insincere, obstinate, cruel to vanquished foes, and contented with a ctationary oiriliiatioB. The Ethiopian race embraces the inhabitants of Africa sooth of the Tropic of Gaofier, together with their deaoendants in the U. S. They . The Amorican r;ico includa.. «n ♦»,« u • . nca. oxcopt the K^qui^ "ix 'tIpI ^''""^ n^I inhabitants of Am« long-coniinued hari lair" ^or h^J/,"? '^^^^^^ b.t not capable of much progress iotho am of cl^iliz'JriiS:-^' '^^ * Peoplo, oZ^^l STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN BODY. Se?S^'-^S^eh&^ whiVk •. *°"^^»8 co^or this frame-work ,i I M" ^esi^rned.- .^i,,g. wh ch .: H mUe to :nove: while ^0',.' '^ ^"^ *^« iDstrump-^f* b^ bones of which 67 f„r,^Artmnk.«» ^h""?" ^^^ «'■»«» of 2 1!> arms, hand,, a„da„,„,. 80 X ,i„t" tohs '"^ """^ "■™'i 62 th" factory nerve, whtl gives ^rfheT*^ ""T^- ^''^ ol-' in the nostrils. The orI« nt I,. • ""' "'^ ''"""' ■'^sides the me„.brane caliej tKZ ofT" """^'^''J"^''''/ in oate internal cavity in which?, >1 4 .f' ""^ ="> '■>'"■ The sense of si.| resi if fh '' ""'""'^ "o^"^- most perfect of oplicalTst ran^en s %P t'"^ '" ">« human eye is nearly globalar with ; y^l ^""" "^ "»« front . It consists of fo„r coats 1 ^ f ^"'J"'^'°" " sclerotic, the cornea, the choroM , "fj"''""*', viz .- the two fluids conBned '^thiu tfal' Zt t" """"• ^' ■"«' aqueous and vitreous humors anTonJT"'' ""i!"'^ *« crystalline. ' ""'' one. lens called the tof p»;rst>rL:„t r UhSVte' ---o ■• >- - The «o„o. . .h, tr.„,pa„„ „,„,„„ ,„- „^ ^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^__ and capa!)le of 'un, in mawhy rt of tho Piioifio able; a senses, sists of 219 '>at; 62 tha ole body ; The ol- ^h resides mainly in an infcri- ry ner^e. ■h is the 1 of the action in m; the It has ^lled the illed the » ; its an- 'e» set in n'. — 9 — the Bclerotio like a watch-glass ;— it is the part through which we see. The choroid in the human eye is nearly black. It is a thin membrane lining the sclerotic, while on the inside of this, lies the retina, which is an expansion of the optic nerve and the immed'.ate seat of vision. .The iris is a thin membrane, Jioon through the cornea, of dififeront colors in different persons : through the iris io a circular opening called the pupil, which expands or enlarges when the light is faint, and contracts when it is too strong. Behind the pupil is the crystalline lens, a firm and perfectly transparent body, through which the rays of light pass from the pupil to the retina. OBDEia II. QITADRUMANA -rPour-handed. The animals of this Order, have their four extremities hand-like; they can stand and even walk somewhat erect, but this position is not natural to them. Their structure fits them better for climbing, and they appear to have been designed to live chiefly among the branches of trees. The tropical regions of the earth are mostly the home of the Monkeys. None are found in Australia, and — it need not be added — none in Canada. ^ The Orang-Outang [OmngOutang)— Homme des hois] is nearly as tall as a man. The Gorilla of Western Africa is six feet in height ; it is the most ferocious and formidable of all the apes. The Chimpanzees [(^Aiwyranse'd^] of Guinea in Western Africa live in troops, construct tents of leaves and branches, and protect themselves from the attacks of other creatures with clvbs and stones. The Baboons \_Bahouins^ Mandriltes\, characterized by a dog-like muzzle, live in Africa and the Philippine Islands ; they are large and dangerous animals. The Monkeys of the New World, of which there are ninety different species, are smaller and less ferocious than those of the Eastern Hemisphere. ORDER III. CARNARIA :- Quac'rupeds, having teeth fitted for tearing and devour- ing flush. This Order embraces three sub-Orders : — 1. Cheiroptera, — Hand-winged, [^ChurojMns'l comprehends the various kinds of Bats and Vampirks. X — 10 — The distinsuishinpr characteristic of these animals consists in a fold of skin which, extendini? between the four mem- bers and the fingers of the anterior extremities, enables the animal to fly as well as a bird. The eyes are excessively Bmall, the ears large, the thumbs short and armed with sharp, hooked claws. Bats are nocturnal in theif habits, and during the day r?main in caves, hollow trees, or other dark places, suspended by their hooks or by the nails of their hind feet. In cold regions they pass the winter in a state of lethargy. The largest of the Bat kind is the Black Rousette of the Straits of Sunda and the Moluccas; it measures nearly four feet with its wings extended. Its loud cry resembles that of the goose. Tlie Vampire belongs to Africa, where it is dreaded as being capable of inflicting severe wounds upon men and animals in order to suck their blood. The common Bat, [Vespertilio svLhuhtus—Vespertih'.on — Chauve Souris'] is not rare in Canada, and is found in all parts of the world. The Red Bat so called from its color ; the Hoary or Gray Bat ; the Silver-haired Bat, which is black with a whitish collar across the shoulders, with three or four other species of the common Bat be' long to N. America. The rapid flight of these winged- animals and their curious turnings," observable in etfrly evening, are for the purpose of capturing insects, of which they devour large numbers. 2. Xnsectivora,— lNsECT-EATERs,[7»se^#n.'oms]are, hke the Bats, mostly nocturnal in their habits, and remain torpid during winter. The Mole, the Shrew, little ani- mals resembling mice, are found nearly all over the world, each country h; zing its characteristic genus or genera.' The Star-nosed Mole,— [Condylura cnHt-d\n,—Conr genera. loiuJijlare ^etite Mu- sores^ in- - Hye.na ,; (Hyenadge), — Bog (Canidse), — Civet, Weasel, Bear, (Ursidae), — Seal (Phocidse) The group termed the Feline, includes the Lion, the Tiger, the Leopard, the Lynx, the Cat and several other sanguinary and formi- dable animals. Their frame is vigorous but agile ; the limbs are short, the teeth and claws excessively sharp ; the latter are concealed in a sheath while the animal is walking or at rest, but are instantly thrust forth when occasion requires their use. Their foot-fall is silent, these animals being provided with elastic pads on the ball of the foot and under each toe. Their sense of sight is very acute ; the eyes are placed obliquely and glare in the dark, or even in the day, when the animal is enraged. The long bristles called whiskers, on each side of the mouth, are very important organs of feeling, and communicate to the animal the impression of the slightest touch of any obstacle which may present itself. The Lion is limited to Africa and certain parts of Asia, The habits and manners of the King of the forest, have been so often detailed by travnUers that no one can be ignorant of its strength daring and ferocity. To carry off a man is no feat of difficulty to this powerful brute. In India, the Lion, instead of retreating on the hun- ter's approach, stands his ground or rushes to meet him open- mouthed on the plain. Lions are thus easily shot; but if they be missed or only slightly wounded, they prove very formidable. In the defence of her cubs the lioness is resolute in the extreme and is doubly savage the time they remain under her care. The lion attains its maturity about the fifth year, but its term of life extends to perhaps more than a hundred years. Excepting in the vast wilds of central Africa, the Lion is much more rare at the present day than it was formerly. The ancient Romans procured in' «jdible numbers for the arena. Sylla brouglit a hundred males at once into the combat ; Pompey gave six hundred ; nor was it until the time of the later emperors that any difficulty in proourins them began to be experienced. * The Tiger is equal in size to the Lion, but of a more elongated form, and pre-eminently graceful. In some districts of India and Sumatra, its ravages are frightful and the infatuated natives, it is said, seldom attempt their destruction, having the belief that they are animat- ed by the souls of their ancestors. I — 12 — The Canine Race [Fam. des chiens] includes the Bog, the Wolf, and the Fox, represented in Canada, by the common House-Dog (chien), three species of Wolf (lupus,— fo»^), three or four species of Fox, the most common being the Cross Fox {Renardfauve). The Weasel Tribe IMustelidce'] comprises Mar- tens \_Martes\, — Sables ^M. Zibellines], — Minks lEermines, belettes], — Otters ILoutres], and other slender-bodied animals, some of them yielding furs of great value. These are the animals (with the Beaver) formerly so eagerly pursued by the hunters in Canada as a source of riches ; they are now comparatively rare. The Bear Family [Ursidse-Owrs] includes the Baccoon— [/2a/on]. The Fanda,— (Ailurus) a native of India, resembles the Baccoon in many points, but forms another genus ; it is said to be the most beautiful of quadrupeds. It is about the size of a cat, the fur above being soft, of a brillant cinnamon-red ; its head, white, its tail marked with brown rings : beneath, it is black. The Seal Family- [Phoeidse—PAo^/zes] includes amphibious animals ; such are the various kinds of seals, the Walrus or Morse, ICheval-marm] which is of the size of a large ox and attains the length of twenty feet. When attacked, it is fierce and readily smashes a boat with its tusks or upsets it. The Sea-Lion, of the Pacific, is about the same size as the Walrus. The Elephant Seal is the largest and the most valuable. The common Seal [Veau-marin — Phoque] is from three to five feet in length. \'' OBDEB IV. MARSUPIALIA:- i uS ^ I POUCH-BEARING ANIMALS. The chief Families in this order, are the Opossums of N. America, of which there are twenty species known, and the harmless Kangaroo of Australia. The greater Kangaroo is six feet high as it sits upright ; the small- 7^ — 13 eludes the Canada, by s of Wolf :, the most •ises Mar- — Minks and other ig furs of e Beaver) in Canada jly rare. jludes the a native of but forms jautiful of fur above ad, white, s black. ] includes kinds of hich is of of twenty smashes a ion, of the rus. The ible. The three to ' V 3possums es known, be greater [he small- est of the forty species belonging to Australia, is about the size of a hare. There are no Marsupials in Canada, — and no quadrupeds but these in Australia. ORDER V. RODENTI A :— Animals with two large incisors in each jaw, separated from the molars and fitted for gnawing hard substances. The Kodents are found in all parts of the world, and are more numerous in Canada than any of the Orders, being represented by five Families, (comprising 18 genera and nearly forty species) : — The Squirrel Fam. [Ecureuih] ; the Beaver Fam. [Castors] ; the Rat and Mouse Fame [Rats] ; the Porcupine Fam. [Pores-epics] ; the Hare Fam. ]Lievres]. All the animals of this Order are remarkable for hav- ing long hind-legs, which give them a facility for leaping. Most of them are afraid of other animals, and live as much as possible ii; obscure situations. Beavers are still numerous in remote parts of Ca- nada. They are the most ingenious of all animals, in constructing a dwelling. Selecting a spot near a stream, they cut young trees, someties 15 or 20 inches in thickness, and let the wood float down to a particular place where they use it in building huts, and erecting dams : there they live much like human beings living m a town. The largest structure of this kind was discover^ ed on Grass-lake (west of Lake Superior). The dam was 360 feet long, and from six to nineteen feet in hei^t. Any one who reads the description of the labors- of the Beaver, may see that no dull animal has been chosen for our national emblem. ^ The Common Mouse, ISouris] although small in size, is ranked among the greatest pests of man ; it has accompanied him in all his adventures for colonisation, and spread itself to every quarter )f the globe. The Rat belonged originally to central Asia ; it found its^ — 14 — way to Europe by emigrating to Russia in large troops (1737). About one hundred years ago (1775) it found its way to America. nJ The Squirrel is a beautiful, active little animal, re- markable for the gentleness and innocence of its manners. Its food consist of fruit, hazle-nuts, beech-nuts, and acorns. The Chipping or Striped Squirrel, the Flying Squirrel, the Red Squirrel are the most common. The Woodchuck or Marmot IMarmotte] is another genus of the Squirrel Family, * ^ not uncommon in this country. The Porcupine is provided with a singular means of defence in the spines which are concealed in its hair ; but the popular notion that it can throw its quills at an enemy is entirely erroneous. The Guinea Pig, indigenous to S. America, is found in a domesticated state in Ca- nada. It is in no way related to the pig, but is classed by naturalists with the Porcupine. * ^ The Hare and Rabbit [Lepus'j are found in nearly all parts of the world. The timidity of these nimals is proverbial. One of the American species, the Northern Hare or White Rabbit, very common in Canada, is re- markable for changing its color with the season, its fur being cinnamon-brown in summer, and white in winter. ORDER VI. EDENTATA :— Animals without front teeth ; their toes are covered with large hoof-like nails. The Edents are animals of comparatively little importance, and are unknown in Ca- nada. The Sloth, inhabiting South America, the Armadillo, the Ant-Eater, are of curious but not engaging habits. ORDER VII. tPACHYDERMATA :- Thick-skinned animals, having no nails cr claws, ♦ 1 The Marmotte is sometimes classed as a separate Fam, • 2 Note. See Tenney's Manual of Zoology. I t large troops f5) it found ) animal, re- its manners, ih-nuts, and , the Flying iraon. The ler genus of his country. ^ular means in its hair ; quills at an :, indigenous state in Ca- it is classed nd in nearly le nimals is be Northern mada, is re- ason, its fur ! in winter. are covered e animals of nown in Ca- 3 Armadillo, ng habits. 'A:- s cr claws, \» Fam. — 15 — but a horny mass, sometimes double, termed a hoof, which seems designed as a kind of shoe to protect their feet. The Ellephant [Elcphantidae] the largest and most sagacious of living land-animals, is distinguished from the other families by a long proboscis, called a trunk, the design of which is to lift food to the animal's mouth. With his trunk, the elephant can seize the smallest, as well as the largest objects, place them on his back, hold them or throw them off with the utmost dexterity. Elephants at the present day, are only found in the warm regions of Asia and Africa. The Rhinoceros Family [RhinooeridDe] includes the Tapir (the only American genus of this Family) and the Hippopotamus. The Swine Family includes the "Wild Boar, the parent stock of the domestic Swine. The Horse Family [Equidae] presents us that no- ble animal the horse, — the most beautiful, graceful, and the most useful to man of all the Pachyderms. The Arab horses are the finest and fleetest ; the largest and etrongest are from the coasts of the North Sea ; the small- est from the North of Sweden and from Corsica. Another animal of this family, the Ass, noted for its patience and great po#er of endurance, has been domesticated, and is used as a beast of burden in all parts of the world. ORDER VIII. RUMINANTIA :- Animals that ruminate, or chew the cud, with cloven feet, and provided with four stomachs. This order includes animals that furnish man with flesh and milk for food, with hides for leather ; many of them are used for beasts of burden and draught. They live on grass, and receive their name, as an Order, from their habit of masticating their food twice. Another characteristic is the absence of incisors in the upper jaw. The Ruminants may be divided into three great — 16 — Families :— those with solid horns, as the Deer Family CCervidae) j those with hollow horns, as the Antelopes Goats, Sheep, and Oxen, called the Cavioornia Fam. ;— ?I!j Jhose which have no horns, as the Camels of the Old World and the Llamas of the NcwJ—Camel Fam The Deer F. [Cer/s-] presents us in CSnada, the Moose lOngnal] ; the Reindeer or Caribou [Renne, Caribou] • the American Elk and Deer [Cerf de Virgmle, C,d grandes oreilles] . ( In the Antelope Family are reckoned, the Prong- horn Antelope lAntihchdvre d'Amirique'] ; the Mountain i^oat I Chevre des Montagnes ]; the Bison [ Bceuf- Btsoiq, the Mountain Sheep [Mouton des Montagnes'] : all so well known to the hunters of Canada and the *^r-VVest m former times, but now fast becoming rare. Other animals of the Cavicornia Family are the well known domestic sheep (Genus Ovis) ; the Goat in its various species (Capra) ; the Wild Goat of Persia; the Cashmere Goat ; the Ibex ; the Ox (Bos) in its numer- ous varieties. The American Buffalo (Bos Americanus) w the largest quadruped of America, and is found in the Western plains in herds, from a score to several thousand ( in number. ORDER IX. CETACEA:- Animals that live in the water, but have warm blood and breathe the atmospher. by means of lungs. The Whale Family IBakines} includ^'es the lar-- est ot living creatures, the common Whale, which is sometimes 100 feet long. It moves through the water by a tail and two paddle feet. The whale is sought for the sake of its fat or blubber,, which has been known in some instances to yield a hundred and twenty tons of oil. Four species of Whale are met with in the Gulf St Lawrence. * .J^h^f^""^^ measuring 62 foet in length, had the curiosity to come up the nver as far as the eastern ertremity of the Island of Orleans where it was caught,— as many others have been before him— and ia now being exhibited in the city (August 1871) .J " \* :l\\\ — IT- ER Family 3 Antelopes, lA Fam.; — mels of the amel Fam. , the Moose I CaribouJ ; -giide, C. d the Prong- e Mountain )n [ Bijeuf- lontagnes^ : da and the ing rare. are the well Goat in its Persia; the its numer- merieanus) )und in the il thousaad rarm blood 3. s the larg- , which is L the water sought for known in ity tons of le Gulf St. The Dolphin Family ^Dauphins] is found in all seas. The species are numerous ; they herd together, and are noted for their rapacity, and for their great ve- locity of movenient. The Grampus or Killer [Dauphin Gibbar] is 20 to 25 feet long, and is daring enough to attack the whale. The common Porpoise [Dauphin vuU gaire] is the smallest of the Cetaceans, being only 4 to 5 feet long. This species abounds in the St. Lawrence, and is prized for the excellent oil it yields. The White Porpoise [Marsouin blanc] is 20 or more feet in length ; it ascends the river to Quebec, and even further. Por- poises are taken in great numbers along tha shores of the Gulf and river. The Dolphin of the ancients, so celebrated for its alleged fondness for music, is of all seas ; it is 6 to 10 feet long ; the color, black above and white beneath. It is generally confounded by navigators with the Porpoise, but it has a much longer and sharper snout, and the body is of a more slender shape. v* There is a.fiah, generally kaown as the Dolphin at the present da^, ^^* which of course is not the cetaceous animal hor» described. This fish is about 5 or 6 feet long ; the back is spangled with bluish-green spots ; the tail and fins are gold color. It swims with such amazing rapidity as to keep pace with a swift-sailing ship for a oonsiderablo time. Its principal food is the Flying-fish. 't. r breeding are observed yas?o^nish^.° '"ues of these migrations while the advantage Mrdsnll"^-' t"^ P»notua!ity; considerable heightin the air'^Tn? '" ^'''^ '^'''^ '» « intuitive knowle°dge enable tC "/"f?""? Peculiar to tainty the route th^y ™e tl pur^^e ^'""'"'' "''^ "''- vast flocks. Within t™orT ^o"" 'nstanoe, assemble in ae tops of old tree orThB rlr^"^' o^*"'' retiring" upon as a place of general resort ^ith equal fa. tiis, but thoip riio organ of bstancG, and )roof by the nd which is lated at tho —thus does ccording to iffors in its ino indivi- )ocies. [ds remove inland dia- these mi- tompera- ' breeding migrations ictuality; used to a 3ouliar to with cer- mode of ily by 7t.. little uo- emble iq retiring, )me soli- ■esort. - 21 - If wo may judgo from what wo have obsorvod horo in tho city, thore are parties orj^Jiuiaod to boat up every rotroat, aud warn fhe ililatory to bo ready. Whorovor tho no^t of a swallow is to ho found, the whole flock will be soon oaroering with loud and oarnoat warblings ; but thu tonatits of tho oloistor, tho dolioato Whito-bruautcd Kwallows, doclino tho noisy invitations of tho Darn J-' ^alluws, and tako t'lolr leuvo of U8 only when tho lirat caravan haa tlopartod. NESTS. -r The Nests of Birds are constructed with such ex- quisite art as to exceed the utmost exertion of human in- genuity t J imitate them with success. The mode ul building, the materials they make use of, as V' i , as the situations they select, are as various as tho diflforent kinds of birds. Those of the same species, what- ever regfon of the globe they inhabit, collect the same kind of materials, arrange theui in the same manner, and make choice of similar situations for their temporary abodes. Every part of the world furnishes materials for the aerial architects : — leaves and small twigs, roots and dried grass, mixed with clay, serve for the external ; ■whilst moss, and wool, fine hair, and the softest down, form the internal carpeting of their little cottages. Some Water-fowl strip the down from their own breasts, for the purpose of lining their nosts with greater comfort for their little family. While the female is hatching, no- thing can exceed her patience ; — neither the calls of hun- ger nor the near approach of danger being capable of driving her from her nest. UTILITY OP BIRDS. Most of the smaller Birds are supported, especially wbon young, by a profusion of caterpillars, worms, and insects ; on these they feed, and thus contribute to pre- serve the Vegetable world from destruction. A single pair of Sparrows, during the time they are feeding theii young, will destroy about four thousand caterpillars weekly. Swallows, in thoir curious winding fliirhts, des troy immense numbers of flies and other winged insects ] ^ b / v../ i^-yz4^ , 22 various other small birds may be observed runninfr up and down the bra'^ches, examining every leaf, feeding; upon insects or their eggs, and thus protecting th^: future harvrest. Birds of the Vulture kind, in the wirra regions to which they belong, are guardians of the public health by destroying putrofying carcasses, whose noxious vapors would corrupt the air ; many other Bir4s of prey, de- vour serpents and other reptiles, or feed upon small ani- mals which are hurtful to man ; while the flesh and e'>"gs of vast numbers, especially of Water-fowl, afford excel- lent food for the poor as well as the rich. In a word, the utility of Birds is such that grave legis- lators debate for their safety, and frame laws for their protection. ^ These are a few instances of that superintending Pro- vidential care which is continually exerted in preserving the various ranks and orders of beings in the scale of Animated N.ture. Myriads of individuals are destroyed every moment, yet not a single species is lost, but every link of the great chain remains unbroken : « Our Heavenly Father guides, . The least of th-ui j and well provides Ifor each, with tendorest care." SUBDIVISIONS OF CLASS II.; OR CLASSIFICATION. The Class of Birds comprises ten to twelve thou- sand species, and is divided into six Orders :— Birds op Prey [i?apaces];— Climbers [GrimpeAirs] ;— Perchers iPassereaux] ;— Gallinaceous, or the Poultry Tribe iGallinacdq ;— Waders lE"« '»>«»^t'i« won attempt to describe the rainbow, as the minS hues whu;h flash from these beautiful forms of life, when gfaS oTsSX^d.'"''" °^'"°°'^'' '^' ^"^^^^'' inquestoftlioirac? They belonor exclusively to the continent and islands ot America ; and are most numerous in the hot recrfons The feet of Humming Birds are very small, their wino-s' long and narrow; th3 bill is thin, sharp-pointed, and generally long ; the tongue is a sort of tube, fitted to extract the honey and the small insects that may be found m the flower-cups. Their nests are beautifully C3nstructed of vegetable down, or of the silk-cotton and moss. fOur collection shows two Ruby-throated Huraminff Birds taken in Quebec j two Emerald-colored, and three lar-erlpeoieg from s Amenca The nest is from Jamaica. It was f .ufd /u^^rded '^ver* the bank of a lutle stream, on one of the most delicate of (he Perns !! the Aiaiden-Hair. It was presented to the Convent (with many other treasures for our museum) by the Hon. John Praser.] ^ Wrens ITroghdj/tes'} are active little birds that feed on msects. Some of the smaller species are scarcely larger than a Humming Bird. Their song is generally short, but pleasing. Some of the species can bear great extremes of temperature. TJ^'p,^!*J?°''^^^^'"'^y^' ''^"^^^ t« *he Wrens, ihe Black-Cap Titmouse or Chicadee CMesanqe a tete noire) is easily known by its black head and throat • the upper part of ifes plumage is lead-colored ; underneath. It IS whitish. This little bird, the farmer's friend is laimliar to those who live near the forests, in any part Oi Canada. In the fall and winter, it leaves the depths i^ r^^^,°°^^ ^"<^ ni^kes its appearance in the vicinity ol the habitations of man, feeding on thelarv^ of insects / 29 concealed in the crevices of tlio bark of old trees, or con- tentiDj^ itself with the seeds of the pine. Our collection numbers three other specimens of the Titmouse Fam- ily, from Australia. Thiir plumage presents a variety of colors in strong contrast. Flycatchers, (Muscicnpidcc). These are also in- Bectivorous birds which take their prey as they fly. There arc a multitude of species diffused through every quarter of the globe. The larirest of tlie Flycatchers is the King-bird or Tyrant Flycatcher (Titiri or T/i-tri, — Tyrannus cario- lensis) easily known by the red spot or crown upon its head ; the general color of the plumage is dark slaty-ash above, and white underneuth. It is a daring and spir- ited bird, making war upon the Crow and Hawk if attacked by them, and defending its young against all intruderPi even were it the hunter himself. The Pcwee Flycatcher {MoucJicrolle brim, — Muscicapa fusca), is common throughout Canada. Its name is derived from its note, — Pee-wee. The color of its plumage is chiefly oliv^ and brown. The Redstart Qfoncherolle dor6, — Muacicapa ruti- cilla) is the most sleti^^t' and graceful of the Flycatchers. Its plumage is black and brown ; its wings are marked with a spot of orange. Wherever flying insects abound, this little bird is sure to be seen. Its nest is form, ed of flax well wound together, interspersed with moss- and lined with down. The eggs are white, sprinkled with gray and blackish specks. The Chatterers or Waxwings (Jaseurs,—Bom- bycillidas) live principally upon berries, of which in the season, they devour enormous quantities. They are also expert at catching flies, which has led some naturalists to group them with the Flycatchers, properly so called ; but the latter feed on insects exclusively. The Bohemian Chatterer (Jaseur de BoUme,— Ampelis garrulus) is clad in plumage of a silky texture delicately shaded in tints of fawn color, yellow and ash! Ill ^ 30 — A lino of intense black crosses the forehead and throat ; upon the wings there are horny tips resembling wax ; — hence the name — Wax-wing. The Cedar Bird (Jasenr du cMre, — A. cedrorum) is similar in plumage, but smaller. Swallow Family, {Ilirundlnce). The habits and modes of living of the Swallow tribe are perhaps more conspicuous and noticed by us than any other. Their arrival is associated in our minds with the idea of spring, and till their departure they are constantly before our eyes ; the air seems to be their liome. The beak of the Swallow is much flattened and very deeply cleft, the feet are short, and the wings long. Their 'food, consisting of the smaller species of insects, is al- iv'ays taken on the wing. Like the Robin, the Swallow returns annually to the same haunts, resumes and repairs her old nest or builds a new one. The Chimney Swallow, {Ilirondelle de cheminee, Ramoneur, — Choetura pelasgia) belongs properly to the Swift Family. Some vacant chimney serves as a hiding place for its nest, formed of small twigs, fastened together with a very adhesive glue, which is secreted by glands on €ach side of its head. The color of the Ch. Swallow is of a deep sooty brown. The White-breasted Swallow {Hirondelle hi- colore, — Hirundo bicolor) is greenish-black above, and white underneath. It is a beautiful bird and a general favorite. It makes its nest in holes around buildings, which it is ingenious in discovering; or it appropriates to this end a box or house, prepared by some hospitable hand for its accommodation. The specimen in our Collection met with an untimely end by mis- taking the chimney of a ventilator, for a house destined for its own convenience. After struggling long to extricate itself it was at last discovered,— but it was too late. The poor Shallow on being set at lib- erty, could only look its thanks, and expired in the hand of its liberator. -.- 31 — Finches {FrmgUlidce). This large Family includes several groups more or less related to each other. None of them are of large size ; they feed chiefly upon various kinds of grain and seeds ; occasionally, also, upon insects. They frequent fields, groves, and woodlands ; while many, being gifted with the power of song, are kept in captiv- ity for the amusement and gratification of man. The common Chipping Sparrovr {Pinson Gris* — Spizella socialis) is a representative of the Finches, so constantly seen in the vicinity of our habitations that no person can be ignorant of its habits. Those that frequent the Convent-Qrounris know well the Bpotfl to whieh thoy may resort for a dnily supply of cruins of bread ; one, even, having b^en fed frorn a certain window at various times, made bold tp ^ come and peck at the glass to obtain its accustomed repast. Two other species build their nests in our cloistered grounds : one is the Song Sparrow (^Rosdgnol du Ca- nada,— Melospiza melodis) sometimes called the Cana- dian Nightingale, one of the first singing-birds heard in spring. Its notes are short, but very sweet, and are uttered (here) from the branches of the lilac or plum tree where it will sit singing for an hour together. Its plu- mage is reddish-gray, streaked with brown. Its nest is so loosely put together that, if he is a musician, it must be owned he is no architect. The eggs are white, speckled with brown. The White-throatred Sparrow (Pinson d, poitrine blanche, — Fringilla albicollis) is the largest and the hand- somest of this genus. I' has a stripe of white, bordered with black, and this again with white, from the base of the bill across its head ; its chin and breast are nearly white ; the rest of its plumage is variegated with ash, brown, and black. Its note is clear and shrill, and very loud, but has little variety. The Canary Finch (Serin, — Fringilla Canaria) is the well known caged-songster, a native of Canary and Maderia. In its wild state, the prevailing color is gray or brown, mingled with other colors, but never reaching iiilll — 32 — the brIllKincy of plumage exhibited by the bird in cap- tivity. ^ The Yellow-Bird, or Goldfinch, (Chrysomitris infitnfi,~Chardonneret) h {mother of our n.itivo sotx^- stors, that loves the orchard or f^ardon. It. favoiiro food IS the seed of the thistle, dandelion, and burdock. Yeliow-birds are easily tamed, and they readily catch the sonn; of the Canary and other bird>:. Their plumage in autumn after moulting u uore temperate climate, they assemble in flocks around the barns and farm-houses on their way, where they fall by hundreds into the fowler's snare. The Grosbeaks from another genus of the Finch Fam. ;— tliey are distinguished by a strong and thick bill. In general they are a^s1iy*and solitary race, chiefly residing at a distance from the abodes of man. The Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola canadensis— (x/os fie r/cs Pins) is the largest of the group ; the plumage of the male is carmine-red ; that of the female olive-brown. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak [Guiraca ludovi- cimn,—Gr(Js B c a gorge /o-sy] is one of the most brilliant of our native birds. Like the Pine Grosbeak it delights in the deepest solitudes of our primeval forests where the buds of the pine, and wild fruits, furnish its bill of fare. Its song is loud, clear and mellow. Another species is of a brilliant blue. The common Crossbill belongs to the same group as the Grosbeak ; its food is the same, but it has a diflerently formed instrument, in its crooked beak, for opening the pine buds to obtain the tender seed within. The species called the Rod Crossbill (Curvirostra Americana,— i^tc C rose ordinaire) is of a dull red color ; wings and tail, brown. The White- winged Crossbill [ C. leucoptera— Beccroiseaux aileshlmchea'] is a species found some- times in company with the former ; it is distinguished I !i — 34 — bj a more -raceful form, nnJ by tho white spot upon its wiriurs In onpti It uses Its bill and claws like a parrot but it b;iit )i vify this Crossbill gives evi lonce of n lun.itfl lovo of lii.orty whio'i reri I ts it siiporior intolli:»pnoe, cii^jo. An ii|».irtinent, liowov iinpttiont of the r, M a fu/niiontsub-'titute for the f( an i It oiiri bj so tiunud a* to de'siro iiiima.: ..,.-, ur <>r iban (h if, ot jiio Canftry Fincli. b-it not.o l„u,l *orost, lU! riocioty 1(8 tion^ is t [Our Oinith(.lo,Mst. Jamoa Lemoine, Esq., enumerates more than twL-iity Warblers that visit Umada. toa uioro man Thrush Family lTa,dUa>:\. The llobin (Tur- dns nugratorius— J/«/./«) is larger than the Warblers and b.slongs according to Naturalists, to a di.stinct family • yet ho is a wurblcr also, —to our ears at least. • ' — 35 — It is ono of the first son^jsters wo hear in sprinj]; ; nnd his flour, shrill note continues to cheer us lute in sum- mer. The Robin builds a larpjc nest, to nihieh it returns, if not disturbed, from year to year- Tho Oltl Anh Troo. laid prostra^o, AususN \^<^7, in a stcrm, hml fllioltorel from time imineiiiDriiil a family of Kobins. I'rivon fn m tljoir old hnuiita, tiiey hnvo not, howov r, quitted tho preoinola of the cloistor ; ono of tho t;ill popliir.^ nenr Notre-Diimo-do-Qraoo has boon selected aa a fit aboile for future years. Another of this family is called tho Wood Thrurh (Grivc r^^,— Quiscalis vyr.sicoler] associates with the Starling in his depredations ; yet there are apologists for both, who maintain that their principal food consists of grubs and larvae, and that it is only in the pursuit of their lawful prey that they meet with the temptation, and are guilty of eating rice and corn. The plumage of the Grakle, placed in a proper light, reflects a rich glossy blue, violet, bronze, and green. The Crow Family [Corvidge— Cor/.m^/x] are but a romove from the Black-bird family. These birds are bold, cunning, and inquisitive ; some are proverbial for pilfering— hiding as they can what they have stolen. The common Crow (Corvus Americanus— Corwe///^), the Raven (CCarnivorus— 6>>rftmw), are examples of this family : also the Mino Bird (Gracula re igiosa— /e Bi- bi/lftrd pieitx) which has the faculty of imitating human speech in greater perfection than any other of the fea- thered tribe. It is a native of Java, where it is highly valued. Its color is velvety black ; its feet and biiryel- lowish ; its head is ornamented with two singular mem- braneous appendages, forming a sort of collar. ^ The Blue Jay [Cyanura crista ta—G^mi bleiq is a bird of beautiful plumage belonging to this family. Its color is bright blue, varied with purple and white, bar- red on the wings and tail with black. It is a shy bird, with a disagreeable voice, foud of chesnuts, acorns and corn. He occasionally plunders the fruit trees, and what is worse, the nests of small birds, tearing the young brood by piece-meal; sometimes even he attacks and kills full-grown birds. The Canadian Jay [Perisoreus Canadensis— G^mi du Canada j is plainiy dressed in gray ; his reputation is BO better than that of his bright-plumed relative. The Shrike Family ILanidsQ -^ Fies-Grieches}. - 37 — The White runiped Shrike (Collyria — Pie-Grieche) is still more notorious than the Jay for its carnivorous ap- pet'te. It attacks and kills small birds and other prey, Buch as mice, frogs, &c. The Kingfisher Family [Alcedinidoe — Martins- Picheurs] comprises birds, generally of an inelegant shape ; — a long, straight bill ; short wings, and small logs. They feed upon fish, diving into the stream for their prey. The Belted Kingfisher [Alcedo Alcyone — iiar- tinji^cheur^ is easily recognized by his long beak, his tufted head, his bluish-gray plumage, and a white band or collar around his neck. His favorite resort is some solitary htream, or mill dam, where, perched upon a post or the branch of some tree, he sits for hours, watching the passage of a fish in (he stream below. No sooner does he perceive one than he plunges, with the swiftness of an arrow, beneath the waves, bringing his prey ashore to feed upon at leisure. [See Museum for the Pied Australian Kingfisher ;— white, orange and brown underneath; head olive brown ; back sky-blue; winga and tail, olive and verditer-green. Two specimens of the Smyrna Kingfisher— size of the Song Thrush. The I'lumage, party-colored ot black and white.] Asia, Africa and America possess numerous species of the Kingfisher; — Europe only one, but of a most splen- did plumage, — orange, white, green and blue. The ancienta supposed that the Alcyone, which feeds on fish, built its nest also upon the waves, which it had the power to lull ; — hence tranquil days came to be called halcyon days. ORDER IV. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. GALLINACiE, RASOKES. This Order comprises birds that have a heavy body, short wings, stout legs, claws adapted for scratching up the soil: the head is small in proportion ,ta^ the body, the bill generally short, with the upper m'anau)!e tPaulted, — 38 — (r}n t\'T^ ^'""^^'' "^^^^^^ ^'^'' «^«'-the Doves (Colomhes), by some naturalists made a sub-order • The Pheasants or true Gallinac^ {Faisans) the Grouse Fam. and the Partridge Fam. (PerdHx). The Order Gallinaeas furnishes us with the greater number of our farm-yard fowls or poultry ; and alfo with much excellent game, their flesh serving as wholesome and substantial food, while their pluma^^e ifu ed for domestic purposes or for ornament. Dove Family [Columbidsel. Of all wild Fowl none are so p^en iful as the Pigeon. Ve read of theirbein' seen in flocks of many millions. ^ Wilson describes a Pigeon-roost or breedinar nlnna ?« ir * i aeveral miles in breadth and upwards oSvmi&^ m Kentucky, weight upon them, bringinfto the^round ^l' ^^^''^ broken by the I^^on. iS «uch ,;antiti^s !hS ^'^^s'T^^Ji:^-^^^^^^^ Pigeons wei;e once abundant throughout Canada • thev are still plentiful in the western part of the cointr^ The Carrier Pigeon is a domestic variety which, from an- ThptwrV^'^r '"^P["^'^ to transmit intelligence. Zi^:^:^:^ "^"^■'^^^^^^' '^^ ^ ^-^^ ^--^ ^^^ The Canada Grouse (Co^ de Brui^ire^Tetvao Cana- densis) j-tne Pheasant or Partridge (Perdnx) r-the Ftariiiigan (Lagop^de, one species is called the Perdrtx hianchey theWM Turkey (Dlndon sauvagef^l^ Pinnated Grouse or Prairie Chicken ;-these are all well known m most parts of North America, and their flesh is considered delicious fare. <= " w QuaHs are smaller than Grouse ; they are of the Par- tridge Family, and are so plentifbl in the "far West " that torn of them and of Prairie Chickens, are shipped to the Atlantic cities. ^^ The V^ginian Quail ( CaWe de Virginie) is common in C.nada West ; m winter they are sometimes seen in the Poultry yard, searching for food, and by their pluma-e — 39 — a mixture of reddish -brown, black, gray and white, as well as by their appearance, might be mistaken for over- grown chickens. In China, Quails are kept in cages, for the singular ^ purpose of serving as a muff to warm the hands of their owners in winter. The Ptarmigan or White Grouse [ Perdrix llanche] is an elegant bird, found in the North of Ameri- ca and Europe. Its plumage is white in winter only, its summer dress being ash-color, mottled with brown and black. These birds fly in small flocks, and easily fall a prey to the Sparrow Hawk. ORDER V. WADERS AND RUNNERS. GRALLATORES, CURS0RE8. This Order comprises birds which have the bill, neck, and legs very long ; the toes are more or less united at the base by a weja ; the legs are devoid of feathers for some distance above the tarsal joint. These are the pro- per Waders, such as Cranes (Grues) ; Storks (Cigognes) ; Herons ; Plovers {Pleuviers) ; Snipes (Becasses) ; Rails {Rales) ; &c. The Sub-Order, Runners, is made up of birds that run with great speed, but cannot fly ; as the Ostrich (Autruche) ,; Cassowary ; Apterix, and the like. Cranes {Gi'us Canadensis) were formerly seen fre- quently in Canada, and have not yet disappeared al- together. Three species belong to North America ; the largest being full four feet in height. The Crane is mi- gratory and, soaring high in the air, performs the bold- est and most distant journeys, passing from^Mpxico, Florida or Texas to the Arctic Ocean. It is a sliy bird, but can be tamed so far as to play with the children about the house like other domestic animals. The Stork belongs to the Eastern Hemisphere ; it is "fr t i ' I5l W 1 — 40 — celebrated for its great affection towards its younij, and still more for its attention to its parents in old age. The African and Indian Stork stands six feet high, and oven seven when the neck is fully erect : its wings expanded measure tifteen feet. The Stork of Europe is only half as tall. It builds its nest in towers and steeples, seeking populous places in- stead of solitude, as if aware^ of it|, utility to man on ac- count of its destruction of rioxioas reptiles. The Heron, another Wading bird of enormous size, which feeds upon reptiles and fish, is common to both continents. The species and varieties are numerous, varying much in size and color, but mostly agreeing in tli^iir habits and instincts. The Ibis Family, nearly related to the three pre- ceding, comprises the Wood Ibis of the Southern States ; the splendid Scarlet Ibis or Pf-ik Curlew of the West Indies ; the White Ibis of the South Atlantic, and a sinaller species called the Glossy Ibis. This is the sacred bird, venerated, if not worshipped, by the Egyptions dur- ing its life, and embalmed after its death. The Sandpipers, the Bittern, Co)t, Hail, Plover, Cur- lew, and other W;iders of smaller dimensions than those mentioned above, are common in most parts of the world. They may be seen, in autumn, hovering in large flocks along the shores of the St. Lawrence. The plumage of the Sandpiper (Alhiiefce da mer) ii' white and gray, mottled with black. The King Plover' (one species of a numerous family, Pleaoifv a colliery has the front, throat, a ring round the neck, and the un- der part of its pluuiage, white ; a band of black extends around the back of the neck and across the breast, also across the head ; the rest of its mantle is ashy-brown. The Plover is remarkable for its fraternal dispositions. They flock together, and if one of their number is wound- ed by tiie hunter, the others, instead of seeking to escape, gather around their unfortunate mate, and suffer them- young, and 1 age. The h, and oven s expanded t builds its IS places in- man on ac- — 41 — selves to be caught or killed, ratber than forsake the dis- tressed one while it continues its cries. The Phalaropes, like the Plovers, live in small flocks on the sea-coasts. The only species seen on tl.c St. Lawrence is the Phala- rope of Wilson (Phalarope) ; it winters in Mexico. The Red Phalarope (see Museum) is common to both con- tinents. ORDER VI. WEB-rOOTSD BIRDS. irmous size, lion to both numerous, agreeing in three Dre- ern States ; i' the West tic, and a the sacred ptions dur- lover, Cur- tlian those the world, iirge flocks de 711 er) 'is^ ing Pioverj ' a cul/ier) ' id the un- k extends ireast, also •hy-brown, spositioiis. is wound- to escape, ifler theiii- PALMIPEDES. These are formed for aquatic life. Their plumage is thick and firm ; their toes, webbed to the claws. They all swim well, and most of them dive freely. The most remarkable families are, — the Duck family (Canards — Anatidse) ; the Petrel F. (Giseaitx de mer) ; the Diver F. (Plcngeiirs) ; the Auk, Pelican, &c. The Duck F. comprisos tho Swan (Cv/gr^e), the most gracefni and majestic of birds ; — two species are Ameri- can ; — and the Goose (Oies — ^ nser) which, in the domes- tic state especially, renders ii ^jortant services to man. The Common Wild Goose {Anser ferns) is sup- posed to be the origin of our domestic species. The bill and legs of this wild Gray Goose are flesh color ; whereas, in the Canada Wild Goose (Oittarde) they are black, as well as a part of its plumage. There are several other species kn^ wn ; as the Snow Goose, which is pure white ; the White-fronted, the White-cheeked Goose, &o. belonging to America. Other species are as plentiful iu the north of Asia and Europe. It has been calculated that upwards of a million Geese, pass the Bummer months in the vicinity of Hudson's Bay, and that at loast 70,000 are killed there annually. Nearer Quebec, at Crane Islsmd, for instance, flocks of 2 or 3,000 may be seen at once feeding in the meadows. J» IS ') i: lit - 42 — Bucks proper, are distinguished from the genus Anser —Geese — by a shorter beak ; the back is flatter and the body more compressed. The flesh of several species of Duck is held in high estimation, particularly that of the Summer Duck (Cu' nard hilpp6ou hranchu). The plumage of this elegant bird is varied with colors in striking contrast. Tho heaJ is surmounted with a tuft of 7'"?(jy fonthor? , the neck is white, gradually admitting a darker .tin i\ chestnut brown, The wings and the upper parts display otb among which the Indian hunters ef former days used to select ^^ht fdathers to orna- ment their calumet, the Pipe of Peace. The Buffled-headed Duck (Marionette) is deck- ed in black and white. The Eider Duck (Canard Eider) is mostly white. The celebrated Eider-down is obtained from the nest of this species, the birds having plucked it from their breasts to place around their eggs. More than 20 genera of i>ucks are enumerated by American Ornithologists ; a large numbar of which frequent the gulf and river ,^! Lawrence through its whole course, as well as the cCa lakes and streams of all N. Ameri- ca. The Old Ccntinent is not less stocked with this excellent game, which Providence has distributed so liberally ^iPj||veo^.£art of the globe accessible to man. The Greb^ belongs to the Diver family. The flight of the Grebe is feeble ; on land they can scarcely walk, but they can plunge to a great depth in the water. Their plumage consists of a dense undercoat of down, overlaid by silky feathers which throw oflf the water as if their surface was oiled. This plumage is used for certain ar- ticles of attire in place of fur. The neck of the Grebe ia long; its tarsi short; it has no tail; its toes are sepa- rate, their edges being furnished with a stifi" membrane covered with scales. Other interesting birds belonging to this Order are the Frigate bird, or Man-of-War (Tachypetes aquila — La Fregatc), which follows the hardy fisherman at a great distance from the shore, and disputes with him his hard earned booty j the Penguins of Australia and Pata- _ 43 - gonia ; the Petrel, associated in the seaman's mind with the terrors of storm and shipwreck ; the hold and des- tructive Sea-Gull ; the solitary and almost sacred Pelican* Two hundred years ago, the two rocks at the entrance of the Gulf St. Lawrence, called the Bird Rocks (hlc- aux-Olsemlx) were so frequented by sea-fowl that a boat could easily be laden with their eggs. It was a danger- ous feat to attempt to land. These rocks arc still the favorite resort of Gannits, Puffins, Gillemots, Auks, Her» ring Gulls and Cormorants. Tho discordant voices of these wild sea- fowl are heard above the surf miles away* |.,i' CLASS III. REPTILIA - REPTILES. [Reptiles.] m m Ml [Consulting, in gome measure, as in tho preceding section, the taste of the young Ladies who are taking a rapid survey of animated Na- ture, " the Gleaner " will not tarry long in this division of animal life. Not that we think the study of the nature, character, and ha- bits of such creatures unworthy of our attention, or doubt the truth of Pope's celebrated lines— «' Ifrom nature's chain, whatever link you strike, Tenth or ten-thousandth, breaks the chain alike." But the limits we have prescribed to this little treatise, as well ag a due regard to that innate horror with which, in most minds, the Very name of reptUe is associated, induce us, the more readily, to refer the curious to other sources. The " Pictorial Museum *' Jehan'a " Tableau de la Creation " and other works on Natural History at their disposition, afford abundant information, not only on the Rep- tilia, but also on the " Finny tribes," (which we shall also survey very briefly,) from the pretty speckled Trout to tho most wondrous of the •• Monsters of the deep ".] Reptiles are distinguished by a slow and imperfect respiration, which causes their bodies to be more cold and inactive than those of the Mammalia and the Birds, which are called the warmblooded Vertebrates. The brain of Keptiles, as well as their lunors, is small, and they are generally sluggish in their habits, passing, in cold countries, a great part of the winter in a dormant state. The vital principlo in these cold-blooded animals, is strong ; they continue to live and exhibit voluntary mo- tion long after losing the brain, and even after the head is cut off and the heart removed from the body, AU most all reptiles are carnivorous. They deposit their eggs in warm sandy places, leaving them to be hatched by the warmth of the atmosphere. — 45 — There are four C idors in this Class, viz : Chclonians, or Tortoises [^Cldlonuus on Torliuf'] ; Sauritiiis, or Li- zards iSamidis od Le-Mul^'] ; Ophidians, or Scipents \^0/ihiih'rvs on Sn pods'] ; and Batracliians, or Froj^s [^Batracicuf; on Gr'nouilks], There is no common coverinp; for the reptiles, as fur for quadrupeds, or feathers lor birds. The skin is naked in froijjs, scaly in lizards and serpents, and covered ^vith a shelly plate in tortoises. OHDEH I. CHELONIANP. This Order of Kcptilcs uiay be divided into three families : Land Tortoises, lliver and Marsh Tortoises, and Marine Turtles. Tortoises are enveloped in a firm bony shell, (form- ed by the spinal column and ribs, which are on the out- side of the body,) from which no part projects but the liead, tail, and four ieet. The upper part of the shell is called the ccu'ajxice, and the lower one the plastron. Land Tortoises, vary from a few inches to three or four feet in leni^th : the best known species in Ameri- ca, is the little Box Tortoise, w^hich is very common. Is is a gentle and timid animal, never takes to the water from choice, and lives on insects and fruit. The little land Tortoise of Europe is used for food. Of the Marsh and River Tortoises, there is a preat variety, differing much in size and character. Among these the u.ost remarkable is the Alligator Tor- toise or Snapping Turtle, so called from its propensity to snap at every thing within its reach. In the Southern States it devours great numbers of young Alligators. Marine Tortoises, which are considered the only true Turtles, are known from the others by the pad- dle-iike form of their feet. The best known species is the Green Turtle, which makes delicious steaks, and 46 — Li " 11 ^1 savory soup. Those Turtles sometimes weio-h 200 or 300 pounds. The largest of the Sea Turtles is the Loo-er- jioad, which sometimes weighs eleven hundred pounds. Tiie Imbricated Turtle furnishes the valuable Tortoise- shell of commerce : ' .ose that afford the finest shell are taken in the Indian Archipelago. ORDE)?. II. SAURIANS. The Saurians or Lizards are scaly Reptiles, with long bodies and generally four feet ; a large mouth, arm- ed with teeth ; and a long tail. It comprises the Croco- dile Fam. ; the true Lizards ; the Iguanas, Chameleons, Glass Sn:ikes, and some others. The hotter climates of the globe are the great nurseries of the Saurians, and we of the temperate zone, can form no idea ef the variety — no, nor of the heauti/ of the Lizard Family. It is a vul- gar error to think that they are poisonous. The Green Lizard especially is a beautiful and harmless creature, well known in the South of the U. States. It frequently enters the houses, moves over the furniture, the walls, and window-panes, in search of flies, and this without annoyance to the inmates. The Horned Toad, of Toxas, belongs to the same family and is equally harmless. It is about 4^ inches long. (&e Miih.) The Brazilian Lizard is quite a different animal, sometimes measuring five or six feet in length. It is noted for robbing hen-roosts, and stealing honey. It at- tacks the bee-hives with blows of its tail, running away each time, after giving a stroke, until it has wearied out the bees, which finally abandon the hive to their enemy. The Iguana is another South Ameriean Lizaid, of formidable size and appearance ; but it is fond oi music, and is easily taken by slipping a noose over its head, its cuptor whutUng to it while engaged in the operation. The Brazilian does not disdain the Iguana for fc jd. The Chameleon, another of the Sauria, we have all read of, in that story of the " two travellei-s " who — 47 — got. into a violent dispute about its color, one 'lo^iaring it was green, the other being quite as ccrta>n j, was blue ; — " So high, in fine, tho contest roae, Prom words thoy almost came to blows ; " And yet the reptile, on being produced by a third party, was found to be neither green, nor blue, nor black —but white I The truth about this power of the Chameleon to change its hues is this. It is naturally of a pale gray color, from which it may pass from pale green to yel- low, and din<:y red, violet, and even black. In other res- pects it is a strange animal. It is very torpid, and is capable of so long an abstinence, that it has been thought to live on the air alone. In reality it feeds on insects. Its large eyes can be directed two ways at once — one looking forward, the other backward. ' The most formidable of the Saurians remain to be mentioned; — these are the Crocodile and Alligator, large and powerful creatures, haunting rivers and shores in warm countries, and often making even man their prey, The usual length of the American Alligator is 18 feet, but that of Africa is sometimes 30 feet long. This an- imal was regarded as sacred by the Egyptians, and it was so trained (being caught young) as to march in their religious processions. ORDER III. OPHIDIANS. The Ophidians or Serpents, have a body much elon- gated, destitute of feet, ,and covered with scales. Al- though many of the serpe.its are of the most resplen- dent coloring, although they glide on the earth, ascend trees, and even direct their course through the waters, without limbs, or feet, or fins, — yet man, without admir- ing their surprising agility and grace, remembers only 1 NIm !-l — 48 — the cnrsconco pronounced upon the race, — nnd the lamen- table event which caused it : — ho turns from the rcptilo with disgust and horror, or seeks to effect its instant dea- truction. Serpents cast their skins onco a year ; they are all carnivorous, swallowing ther food whole, even when the diameter of the object is greater than their own bodies. The principal families of this order are the I3oa (Bna) ; the Coluber, or Cdmnion Snake (Coulh'n) ; the Eattle- snake {Crofalc) ; the Viper (Viper) ; and Sea-Snake. The Boa Constrictor is the largest of the Serpent race, being from 25 to 30 feet in length, and of a propor- tionate thickness. The Rattle Snake (Seipcnt (i smmettes) is peculiar to America, This family, with the Viper, is known to be venomous ; about 60 species have been enumerated. The Coluber serpents, our common harmless snakes, are numerous in their varieties ; over 300 have been de- scribed, a few of which are believed to be venomous. ORDER! V. BATRACHIINS AMPHIBIANS. These arc creatures of the character of the common Frog. The chief interest connected with these animals, lies in the curious transformations thoy undergo, from the character of Fishes in their infancy, breathing by means of gills, to the nature and habits of true reptiles, having four feet and breathing by ujeans of lungs. Thus the common frog begins life as a tadpole or polliwog, hatched from an egg in some pond or marshy place. It then feeds upon vegetables. When the tadpole changes its figure, its appetite becomes carnivorous. It now lives chiefly upon land, but when the cold sets in, it re- turns to the stagnant waters, where it conceals itself and lies all winter in a torpid state. h' '« — 49 — Tho Bull-frojic in the United States attains in some instances a length of 21 inches. Its croakings may be heard at a mile's distance. The Leopard frog is ac- counted very beautiful. It is about 3 inches in length, and is capable of leaping eight or ten feet at a bound. The Tcad Family are allied to the Frogs, but are still more mpulsive ; they are, however, useful to far- mers by destroying insects. The Salamander has been described by the an- cients as an animal that is bred from heat, that lives in the flames and feeds upon fire. It is needless to say that there is no such creature existing : — certainly, the modern Salamander has not the smallest affinity to such an ani' mal. The idle report of its being inconsumable by fire, has caused many of those poor animals to be burnt, for the sake of the experiment. The Salamanders of Ameri- ca are from three to twelve inches in length. The Triton, an animal resembling the Salamander, but entirely aquatic, has the most wonderful power to reproduce mutilated or lost parts. The limbs may be re- moved, and in less than a year they will grow again. Even the eye^ when destroyed, is said in time to be reproduced. Here, again, the moralist might draw our attention to the providential care of the Almighty for the creatures He has formed ; — even for those that seem to us useless or despicable. May it not be chiefly to inspire the poor the weak, the despised among men, with a firm, unfailing confidence that all their necessities will be supplied ? He that has so " clothed the lilies of th« field, " — He that has cared so wonderfully for a poor reptile^ will not forsake the oreatureg formed to His own Image. CLASS IV. PISCES-FISHES. [POISSONS.] Of the real history of Fishes little is yet known, be- yond an accurate description of their forms ; and the pro- vidential pecularities of their passage from one body of water to another at stated seasons. The form of Fishes seems as admirably adapted for motion in the water, as that of the birds for flight in the air. Their progressive motion is chiefly eifected by means of the expanded fin of their tail, with which they strike the water alternately from right to left. The other fins are employed in balancing and directing. The eyes of fishes are large in proportion to the size of their body, and they are destitute of eyelids. Respiration is per- formed by means of gills on each side of the neck, through which currents of water are kept constantly flowing. The small quantity of air contained in water, suffices for the respiration of these animals ; but if they are put into water which has been deprived of air, they immediately die. . Fishes are of great utility to man, furnishing him with abundant supplies of agreeable food ; while the exciting sport of their capture, their varied forms and brilliant colors, combine to render them subjects of interest even to the casual observer ; still more does the reflecting mind find motives for adoring the wisdom and providence of the Almighty, who in peopling the earth, the air, and the sea, with myriads of living creatures, has provided for their support, regulated their instincts and made them all subservient, in some manner, to the general good of mankind. — 51 — :es. known, be- nd the pro- Dne body of adapted for light in the effected by which they The other The eyes their body, tion is per- ick, through tly flowing. , suffices for are put into mmediately ng him with the exciting nd brilliant aterest even lecting mind rovidence of air, and the provided for made them oral good of To some fishes, bred in the sea, fresh water is imme- diate destruction; these are destined to become the prey of other fish ; whilst the Salmon, the Shad and many others, leave their native element at certain periods of the year and proceed up the river several hundred miles, to carry wholesome and abundant food to man, leaving behind them a countless progeny to repeople their ocean home. In structure and sagacity, fishes are quite inferior to quadrupeds and birds. They appear to be most vora- cious creatures and feed generally upon smaller members of their class; — although some are vegetable feeders, and some prey on shell-fish. The number of known species of fishes is about 1 0,000. They are divided into two great groups, Bony or Os- sEUs, and Cartilaginous Fishes, which together in- clude nine Orders. The Spine-Finned Fishes are remarkably beau- tiful. The flesh of all is wholesome, and that of many is highly prized, — as the Perch, Mackerel, Cod. Among Soft Finned fishes, are Salmon, Pike, Trout, Herring. The Salmon of the Arctic seas, which is from two to three feet in length, is celebrated for its delicious flesh. The great Trout of the Northern Lakes weighs sometimes more than one hundred pounds. The Speck- led, or Brook Trout, are all highly prized for the delicacy of their flesh. Pikes are covered with scales of stony hardness. The Cod fishery engages many thousand of men, and is a vast source of riches. The Herring Family includes the delicately-flavored Sardine from the Meditereanean, the Shad [^?ose], as well as the prolific Herring proper. A single Herring fishery sometimes furnishes annually several thousand barrels. The Carp Family is of all fishes the least carnivor- ous. The common Carp, so much esteemed as food, has been introduced into America from Europe, (where it is bred in fish iDOndS-^ nnd mnv rxnw hp. talrfin in fhft Hudson .1 i? ,3 — 62 I I River. The Gold Carp, or Gold Fish, common in aqua- ria and vases, is indigenous to China. It is now bred in ponds in various parts of the United States. Among fish in the Atlantic of extraordinary forms. We may mention the Puffer or Swell-Fish, which has the faculty of inflating itself like a balloon, by swallowing air. It is from 6 to 12 inches long. Another, the Sun Fish, weighing 500 pounds or more, is nearly orbicular in form ; while several other small fishes have fins so fan- tastically formed that they have taken the names of the birds, as the Sea- Robin, the Sea-Swallow, the Sea-Raven. The Trunk-Fish Family have the head and body co- vered with regular bony plates, soldered together, so as to form an inflexible shield, the mouth, the tail and fins being the only movable parts. [ The species in C. Museum belongs to tropical seas ; it was sent from Barhadoes.^ The Flying-Fish, which is froin 2 to 12 inches in length, is provided with pectoral fins so excessively developed that it is enabled to support itself in the air for a few moments. Among Cartilaginous Tribes one of the best known is the Sturgeon ; that of the Atlantic coast is from lour to eight feet long. The Shark family comprises the Shark, the Saw-Fish (^seeits snout in the Museum), the Torpedo, the Vampire of the Ocean, all of which merit to be called " Monsters of the deep'\ The Vampire, a fish 16 or 18 feet thick, and ten or more in length, has been known to seize the cable of a small vessel at anchor, and draw it several miles with great velocity. The Lamprey Family comprises the lowest forms of vertebrated animals, their internal skeleton being com- posed simply of a succession of cartilaginous rings j their mouth is circular, and their tongue adapted to move forward and backward like a piston, thus produc- ing a vacuum and enabling the animal to fix itself on solid bodies or on other fishes. 'J deli lon^ Enj Ch fish he I fit * — 53 — The Lamprey was formerly thought one of the choicest delicacies that could be produced at a feast ; and not long ago (if not at present) the city of Gloucester, in England, retained the ancient custom of oflfering at Christmas a lamprey-pie, as ? present to the King ; the fish being at that season in great scarcity, and only to he procured at a high price, becomes, we suppose, a dish fit " ft> he set hefore a King^^ ii IIP ri M [ VerUbres'}' Vertebrated a&'is. InimnUtilBiM-'JnverUbris ji- ♦ 02 re.. . . cloven Lorna j c, elan . cari- cerfi Waft ; )pe or goat, bce,uf; :Eu.) • • ■ « « e, fish ed by or ca- Tuin / irval. 16 15 Subdivisions of Class II.— Birds. [An Exelamniion Point (1) aignijiea that the 82)eeim«n may 6e, ''ound in the Convent Museum of JYatural History ; — ttoo (I I) that it also jpaaaea the summer, or has been seen in the Convent Oround8.'\ 12,000 specie:?. Order I. Raptores, Rapcces ; strong hooked bills ; sharp claws ; long wings ; plumage differing in the young and in tiie adult. 1. Vulture Fani.Vulturidce, Condor, Vulture; 2. Falcon Fam., Falconidae, Goshawk (ilw- touT)^ Kite {Buse) Falcon proper, (Fau- con) 5 Eagle (Aquila) Golden E., Bald E. (10 sp.of Eag.) Sparrow-Hawk 1 {Epervier). 3. Owl Fam. (150 sp.— 40 Am.) Mottled or Screech Owl ( Scop asio, scops ma- cule) Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus, Due de Virgiiiie), Hawk Owl ! ! (Surnia ulula, Chouette-Epercier) 23 Ord£B II. Scansores, (Grimpeurs) ; toes in pairs, 2 in front and 2 behind, bill straight, stout, or hooked at the tip , . „ .... 25 1. Parrot, (Psittacidae, Perroquets) ; — thick fleshy tongue, gorgeous plumage; — Austra- lian Parrot 1 Toucans, bill thick and long as their body; Trogons broad and short bill 27 2. Woodpecker F, (Picidas, Pics, 25 sp. in Am.) straight, rigid, and sharp bill : 3. Golden winged W. 1 (Colaptes auratus, Pivart, Picdore). 4. Downy Woodpecker I ! (Picus pubescens. Pic minule). 6. Cuckoo Fam. (6 or 8 sp. Am. 2 Can.).. .. 25 a'. 'A 1 m m r: — 68 — IT 1 * Oedrr hi. Insessores, (Passereauu:), legs short and slender, 3 toea before and one behind ; claws long, pointed, and slightly curved. 1. Humming Bird F. (Trochilidie, Oiseaux Ttwuches, 400 sp. known j— N. Am. 6). Rubythroated H. B. I ! (Trochilus Colubris, Rubis de la Caroline). Emerald colored H. B. ! (from S. Am.) 2. Creepers (Certhiadae)j— slender bills, ia- sectivora. Creeper— Nuthatch ! I (Sitta Canadeneis, Si- . telle). ' Wren! (Roitelet, troglodyte). 3. Titmice (Parid£e) Black-cap Titmouse 1 1 (Parus atricapillus, Mesange d tele noire). 28 4. Flycathers (MuscicapidoB or Colopteridfe, Moucherolles) beak "strong, curved at the point : — Tyrant Flycatcher I (Tyrannus cariolensis, lyrant de la Caroline) ; Pewee Flycatcher I (Muscicapa fusca, iioM- cheroUe brun); Redstart I (M. ruticilla, M. dare.) 5. Chatterers or Waxwings (Bombycillidoe) • —bill short ; both mandibles notched : heai crested. Bohemian Chatterer! CAmpelis garrulus. Jaseur de Boheme). Cedar Bird ! I (A. cedrorum, Jaseur du ckdre — Recollet) ,.^ ' 09 6. Swallow F. (Hirundinse), bill very short • winga long, tarsi short : tail generally forked. ° '' White-breasted swallow ! ! (Hirundo bicolo'- hirondelle bicolore). *' Barn Swallow ! ! (H. rustica, H. rousse). Pur- ple martin 1 1 (H. bleue.) 39 1. Finch & Sparrow F. (Fringillida^, Coni- rostres); short, robust, conical bill,- —a Drt and lehind ; 3urved. iseaux 1). 6). •lubris, ,1.) lis, ia- Bis, 8i- )U8e 1 1 loire). 28 eridas, at the [eneis, idou- 29 idoe) : head 'ulus, lort ; (rally iolor, Pur- .... 80 — a — 59 — large Fam. variously divided by different naturalistfi. Chipping Sij;?row I I (Spizella eocialis, Pin- son gris). Song Sparrow 1 I (Melospiza melodis, Pinson chanteur). White-throated Sparrow ! ! ("Fringilla albicol- hs, Pinson d poitrin^ blanche). Canary Finch 1 (Fr. Canaria, Serin). Yellow Bird, or Goldfinch 1 1 ( Chrysomitria tristis, Chardonneret). Black Snow bird I I (Junco hyemalis, Nive- rolle de Wilson). Snow Bunting! (Plectrophanej nivalis, Oi- seau blanc.) 31 Pine Grosbeak 1 (Pinicola canadensis, Uros bee des pins), Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 (Guiraca ludovicia- na). Common Crossbill 1 (Curvirostra Americana, Bee croise). White-winged Crossbill 1 (C. leucoptera. Bee croise aux ailes blanches.) 8. Warblers (Sylvicolidse, Fauvettes) /—-con- ical, slender bill, half the length of the head —fam. numerous, beautiful, singing birds. Black and Yellow Warbler I (Dendroica ma- culosa, Fauvette d tete cendree)- Yellow Warbler ! 1 (Dendroica ^Estiva, Oiseau aune). Nightingale {Rossignol, Eu.)j Lark (Alouette) Green Warbler 1 (Fauvette Verte). Scarlet Tanager 1 1 (Pyranga rubra, Tan- gura icarlate). Summer Red Bird 1 (P. iEstiva, Boi des oi- seaux). Trush Fam. (Turdidse, Grives) j— bill stout } notched near the tip; tarsi rather long. — 60 — Robin ! ! (Turdus inigratorius, Merle). Wood- Trush, {Grive des bois). 10. Black bird F. (Icteridse. Troupialea) ',— long bill ; stout legs ; tail long and rounded. Purple Grakle 1 (Quiscalis versicolor, mani- ate pourpre). Baltimore Oriole 1 (Icterus baltiraore, Oriole). Golden Oriole 1 {Oriole dorS). Red-winged Starling! (Agelains pheniceus, Etourneau aux ailes rouges). 11. Crow Fam. (Corvidse); — strong bill; broad rounded wings; keen sight. Conunon Crow (Corneille) ; Raven, ( Car- beaux.) Mino bird 1 (Gracula religioea, le Bahillard pieux). Blue Jay ! (Cyanura cristata, Oeai bleu). Canadian Jay 1 (Perisoreus canadensis, Geai du Canada). 12. Shrike Fam. (Lanid8e,f*tes Grieches), bill strong, bent at the point ; both mandibles notched. White-rumped Shrike I Am. (Collyrio excu- biteride«. Pie Grieche ). Loggerhead Shrike I (?) (C. Ludovicianus).. 36 13. Kingfisher Fam. (Alcidinoe, Alcyones), large head ; long straight bill ; small legs and tarsi. Belted Kingfisher ! (Alcedo, Alcyone, Mar- tin pechcur) ; Pied Australian Kingfisher 1 Black and white Kingfisher 1 36 Order IV. Gallinacse, Gallinacks : heavy body, short wings ; bill not longer than the head, and vaulted. Suborder Columbidse ; Col. nbes; — basal por- tion of the bill covered by a soil skin ; hind toe on the same level as the others : they live in pairs. f — 61 — nus).. 36 ones), 11 legs 36 1. Turtle Dove, (Colombe ; Pigeon); Crown Pigeon of the Indian Archipelago, (of the size of a turkey) 3,7 Suborder Gallinte,— nac^s : basal portion of the bill hard ; the legs lengthened ; hind toe generally elevated. Curassow and other large birds of S. Am., India and Australia. 2. Pheasant F. (GalHnse, Faisans) ; cheeks partly naked, head surmounted by a comb. Pheasant, Faisan ; domestic cock — coq domestique, &c. 3. Grouse F. (TetraonidsB, Tetras); tarsus feathered to the toes. Ptarmigan or White Grouse! (Lagopua al- bus, perdrix blanche). Canada Grouse, (Tetrao canadensis, Coq de bruy^re) ; Pinnated Grouse or Prairie Chicken, &c. 4. Partridge Fam. (Perdicidae, Perdrix); bare tarsi and red eyelids (40 species Am.) Quail I (Ortyx virginianus, Caille de Vir- ginie) 38 Obdeb V. Grillatores. Cursores. Echassiers. Sub-order Cursores; legs long, naked above the tarsal joint ; the wings short, unfit for flight, body heavy : Ostrich, Autruche / Cassowary, Casoar ; Ap- terix. Emu, &c. Tbe Grallatores live near the water, rarely upon dry plains : bill, neck, and legs long, bare above the knee, some of them fly to a great height 3^ 1. Crane Fam. (Gruidae, Grues)) head more or less bare. 2. Heron Fam. (Ardeidae, Herons) ; bill point- ed acuminate 5 claws acute j the middle toe pectinated. 3. Stork Fam. (Cinconidae; Cigognes,) : geu- — 62 — eral character like the Herons; hill thicker, and middle toe smooth. 4. Ibis Fani. (Tantalidte); bill very long, rounded, slender and decurved. 6. Plover Fam., (Charadridoa, Pluviers) j — bill not longer than the head ; neck short ; head large ; winga when folded, reach be- yond the tail. King or rin^ Plover I (iEgialitis semi-palma- tus, pluvter d collier^ niany species). , 6. Snipe Fam., (ScolopacidaB, Becaaaes) / — bill longer than the head. Least Sandpiper 1 (Tringa Wilsonii, Aloueite de mer) ; Kails, (^Rdlta) ; the wings and tail very short 40 Order VI. Palmipedes. Palmipedes, Bill variously formed ; legs short and placed more or less backwards j anterior toes wholly or partially connected by webs. 1. Duck Fam. (Anatidse proper. Canards) '^ upper mandible ending in an obtuse round- ed nail ; both mandibles grooved 41 Swans, (Cygnus, Cygne) ; neck very long. Geese, (Anser, Oies) j bill flattened and broad at the end. Ducks, (Anatidoe proper. Canards) ; small- er and have a shorter beak than geese, (species numerous). 2. Frigate-Bird Fam., ( Tachypetid^, Fri- gate ; long hooked bill, wings very long j tail long and forked. 3. Cormorant Family ( Phalacrocoracidse, Cormorants) ; bill very acute and hooked j feeding on fish. Labrador Cormorant, (Graoulus Carbo, C. du Lab.) ; 3 feet long ; color bluish black. Petrel Fam. (Procellaridae, Petrels) -, sea- birds, with long wings, the bill deeply groovod, and lengthened. Genera, the Alba- tross, the Fulmar, Pufiin, &c ' Ordi m • i' 3. ' tie ail .. 40 .. 41 — 63 — Stormy Petrels, (G. Thalaseldroma, Oiseau de la iempete) j the stnallefit of web- footed birds, able to contend with the most terrific Btorms : flying close to the \ ater, they pro- ject their feet, and thus have the appear- ance of walking upon its surface ; they are 7 or 8 in. in length. The Stormy Petrel, Mother Carey's Chicken, is less than 6 in. long ; gray, sooty brown, black and white. 6. Gull Fam. (Laridae, Ooinlands) ; bill Rhorter than the head : curved at the tip ; wings long and pointed. Ivory Gulls, (G. Pagophila) are pure white, 18 inches long ; others present a variety of colors 5 (spe. num.). 6. Diver Fam. (Colymbidee, Plongeurs); sol- itary, keen sighted, wary j formed for swim- ming and divmg. Pied-bill Grebe I (Podylimbus, podiceps,P/on- geur), fourteen inches long, wing 5 in. 7. Auk, (Alcidce) ; one species is incapable of flight. Genera Penguins, also incapable- of flight, Puffiins, Guillemots, the Sea dove or little Auk 40 Subdivisions of Class III. — Eeptiles. 44 Order I. Chelonia, Cheloniens : Scaly reptiles with a shield upon the back called a carapace^ connected by bridges to another shield be- low called a plastron. 1, Mud-Tortoise Fam., (Amydae, Tortues- terrestres) ; shell high and arched ; eggs elongated, and covered with a flexible shell, (20 Am. species). — 64 — II ^ Speckled Tortoise, 4 inches 1. ; Wood T. (4 in.); (Box Turtle, Tortue d botle). 2. Mud Turtle Fam. (Cinosternoidse, Tortue amphibie), small, 3 or 4 in. in length. 3. Snapping Turtle Fani. (Tortue feroce (1) large and strong ; they snap their jaws at every thing that moves.) Sea Turtles, Tortues de mer. 4. Loggerhead Fam. CheloniodsB ; Green Turtle (G. Chelonia, Tortue /ran- eke; weighing 2 or 300 pounds) Tortoise shell Turtle, (G. Eretmochelys, Caret). 5. Sphargis Fam., (Sphargididse) weighint^ sometimes 2,000).. , °. . ,° Ordbr II. Sauria. Sauriens. Scaly reptiles without a shell ; long body, and tail ; large mouth, armed with teeth. 1. Crocodile F., (Crocodilidas, Crocodiles); bulky reptiles exceedingly voracious : teeth unequal, toes semi-palmate. 2. Lizard F., (Lacertinidas, Lizards) ; head in the form of a quadrangular pyramid • body and tail, long ; tongue bifid at the apex and extensible; scales in parallel bands. (See Museum). 3. Iguana F.,( Iguanidas, Iguaniens) y lizard Jike m their general appearance, but having a tongue, fleshy and non extensible. Gen- era ;— (Jommon Iguana ; Dragon (E.Ind.) ; (>reen Lizard (S. Car.); Horned Toad (iex. & Missouri; see spec, in Mu.). 4. Chameleon Fam. (Chameleonidm, Came- leon) ; body compressed ; skin rough : tail prehensile : eyes large covered all but the ETtiem:f '"^ '''^'' ^' ^' '' «P^- ^ «^'J ^^7f•;^^,^"^ ^ n ^'^'P^^"' ^S- Atlantic and Gulf States); Ground Lizard, ^U. S.) Orlass Snake or snake-shaped Lizara, ( v7est em States) &c. ..,, Orc 45 Ordbi 46 llfJ 47 — 66 — Order HI. Ophidians, Ophidiens. Scaly reptiles ;-long ; without feet, jaws and palate armed with teeth; tongue long, slen- der and bifid ; eyes without movabl? lids : Jung extending nearly the whole length of the body. ° ^'ffe?^^"" ^^^''^^^ ^°''^' ^e°gth*30or40 Oregt ^^ ''''''"^' ''"^"^ ^'^^"g^ ^^ 2. Coluber Fam. (Coluberidse, Serpents ordi- naires) ; Striped snakes ; Water .nakes : Chicken snake j Black snake j Green snake 3. Rattlesnake Fam. (Crotalidfe, Croiales) • upper javv armed with poison-fangs, con- nected with a gland (near the eye) of fluid poison. (Am.) ^ ' ^ ^■fJi?''ni?n <^^>T'^'^' Viperes; belong to the Old Cont.) Sea-snakes; small, but very venomous 48 Ordbh IV. Batrachians. Batraciens. Sody short, thick, covered with a loose skin • tongue long and capable of being protruded with great swiftness. The young are tad- poles, having a tail. •' » ^'fjuL^T' (Ranid^, Grenouitles); adult tailless; fingers and toes free (spe. num.) ^* J//T?^.^ Fam (Hyloid^, raines ou rai- nettes); toes and fingers enlarged : it in- habits trees, shrubs, and plants? 3. Toad Fam.(Bufonidae,C/-a^awrfs). body t'letl? ' ^^^ ^""^ P^^^^^ ^^^^^'^^^ ^^ '^\^l^^^"^^'' Fam (Salamandrid^, Sala- Trkone ' ^^"^P^^^ends Salamanders and Ir 49 46 :) ^.. ^ I % \ [ SnbdiTisioiu of Cl&«ii IV.— Fisl^i, Foissoiu. Respiration aquatic, by means of gills; limbs (of higher vertebrates) replaced by fins; — the anterior, callad pectorals ; the poste- rior, ventrals. The vertical fins on the back are called dorsal, that at the end of the tail caudal; the skeleton sometimes bony, sometimes cartilaginous. V. f J Ob Or Or] Bony Fishes, Ossei, — Poissons osseux. ^1! 10,000 SPECIES. Order I. Spine-finned Fishes, Acanthoptergians, Acan- thoptergiens ; — nageoires epineuses. (7 fam. ; only two noticed here). 1. Perch Fam., (Percidae, Perches; 600 sp.) all wholesome food. 2. Mackerel Para. (Soomberidee, Scombres, maquereaux). Order II. Soft-finned Fishes, (Malacopterygiens abdo- minaux, Poissons a rayons moux : com- prising the majority of fresh- water fishes). Families, Salmon, saumon, trout, truites &c. Herring, hareng, sardine, shad, alose; Carp, carpe, gold-fish, dorade-, Cat-fish, loche, silure ; Flying-fish, poisson-volant, &c 51 Order III. Soft finned fishes, with ventral-fins, under the pectorals, (M. subrachiens, rayons ven- t rales sous Vepaule), Ci Orde Orde Ordei Ufisi Feast oi t s -- 67 — 1. D,odon Fam. (A.-W,«,„ rfe «^).° '' 2. Tetr^on Fan,., Puffe, ^i, i^^^^^ ' 52 (f- Cartilaginous Pishes, Poissons Cartilagmenx. Obder Vir Free-gilled C. fishes, Branchus Hhr.. Sturgeon Fam. Sturiouidr /\i,L ^• Okdb. VIII. Fixed-gilled, . 6.;.l"e;i;7^^^^^^ Order IX. Suckers (Cydostomea, fifwcewr*). Lamprey Fam., Petromyzonid^, Lanproie., 63- END OP PART FIRST. Ubsulinib Convent, Quebio,, Feast of our Lady of Mercy, 1871. '^