r-*^ \ ■" -if- »?» ™ # A •a \ flBk-j kJ^Qd -*L*. !(# Presented to the library of the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO by William L. Shelden C^ '{**/> RACES OF MEN, 7—30 MONKEYS, .... .... 30—39 LEMUR, AYE-AYE, &.C., 40—41 BATS, 42—43 CATS, 44— 5G DOGS, WOLF, FOX, HYAENA, 67—66 ICHNEUMON, WEASELS, 67—69 RATS, PACA, AGOUTI, MOLE, 70—74 SLOTH, CARCAJOU, BADGER, OTTER, - - - 75—82 BEARS, RACCOON, COATI, KINKAJOU, - - - 83—92 MARSUPIAL ANIMALS, 93—96 SEALS, JERBOA, HEDGEHOG, PORCUPINE, MARMOT, 97—104 CHINCHILLA, MARMOT, BEAVER, SQUIRREL, - - 106—112 RABBIT AND HARE, - 113 OX, BISON, BUFFALO, 114—124 ANTELOPES, 125—131 GOATS, 132—136 •SHEEP, 137-142 GIRAFFE, 143—147 CAMEL, LLAMA, 148—152 DEER, 153—162 HORSE, ASS, ZEBRA, QUAGGA, 163—169 ELEPHANT, - - 170—174 HOG, RHINOCEROS, HIPPOPOTAMUS, - - - 175—186 HYKAX, ARMADILLO, MANIS, ANTEATER, ORNITHO- RHYNCUS, 187—189 5 CETACEA, • - • 190—198 RAPACIOUS BIRDS— EAGLE, VULTURE, HAWK, OWL, 197—213 GOATSUCKER, SWALLOW, MARTIN, KINGFISHER, - 214—218 PIGEONS, 219—224 FINCHES, THRUSHES, FLYCATCHERS, BUNTINGS, - 225—230 WARBLERS, - ' 231—236 TITS, ROOK, CUCKOO, - - 2 $7— 241 TOUCAN, PARROTS, 241—245 BIRDS OF PARADISE, LYRE BIRD, - - - - 246—249 GALLINACIOUS BIRDS— TURKEY, DOMESTIC FOWL, PEACOCK, PINTADA, 250—255 PHEASANTS, GROUSE, BUSTARDS, .... 256—262 OSTRICH, CASSOWARY, EMU, DODO, - - - - 263—264 HUMMINGBIRDS, MOCKING BIRD, .... 265—267 CAT BIRD, ROBIN, CHATTERERS, WRENS, SPAR- ROWS, WAXWINOS, WOODPECKERS, LARKS, - 268—279 CROWS AND JAYS, 280—282 WEAVER BIRD, TROGONS, CHAJA, CEREOPSIS, - 283—286 HERON, STORK, ADJUTANT, CARIAMA, - - - 287—290 WATER BIRDS, 291—318 REPTILES, 319—329 FISHES, 330-349 INSECTS, - 350—360 CRUSTACEA, - 861—365 MOLLUSCA, 3G6-379 RADIATA. .... .... 880-384 The contemplation and study of Animated Nature excites universal interest and delight. The reason for this is obvious. The subject is, in itself, peculiarly attractive to minds of every class. The mineral and vegetable kingdoms interest comparatively but few, while all are drawn, with irre- sistible curiosity, to an examination of each and all of the orders of animated existence. This universal popular interest in the subject, and the obvious advantages which result from its investigation, have led to the preparation of the following work. Works upon this subject have, heretofore, been too elaborate, technical and expensive, or too con- cise and puerile, for popular use. They have been adapted, either to the critical student of Natural History, or to mere children. Hence, no full and satisfactory work upon this interesting subject, has found its way to the Homes and Firesides of the great body of our people. This work, it is believed, supplies the deficiency. All technical names and terms have been care- fully avoided ; such only being used as will be readily comprehended by the general reader. The value of works upon Natural History, largely consists in the number and accuracy of the illus- trative engravings. In this respect the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animated Nature is very full and accurate, there being thirteen hundred and fifty engravings, exhibiting the different varieties of each of the orders described in the work, including the different races of Men, the various Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Insects, and Microscopic Animalcule of the globe. This work, it is believed, will be acceptable to American readers, leading to a more general appre- ciation of the importance of Natural History, and to a wider diffusion of a popular taste for that inter- esting subject. / V wmmi •Is in i mumt k I *• GRAND ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMATED NATURE. EMBRACING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT RACES OF MEN. AND OF THE CHARACTERISTIC HABITS AND MODES OF LIFE OF THE VARIOUS BEASTS, BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS, REPTILES, AND MICROSCOPIC ANIMALCULA OF THE GLOBE. * BEING A COMPLETE HISTORY I /■ -\. OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. A BY JOHN FROST, L.L.D. See through this Air, this Ocean, and this Earth, All matter quick, and bursting into birth, Above how high created life may go, Around how wide, how deep extend below, Vast chain of being which from God began, ***** Man, Beast, Bird, Fish, Insect, what no eye can see. EMBELLISHED WITH THIRTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY SPIRITED ILLUSTRATIONS, REPRESENTING THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF NATURAL HISTORY. NEW YORK AND AUBURN : MILLER, ORTON & MULLIGAN. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by MILLER, ORTON,- & MULLIGAN, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of New York. AUBURN: KILLER, OttTON & MULLIGAN V ' Stereotypers k Printers. > RACES OF MEN. Negro. American Indian. European. Chinese Tartar R;ice. Laplander. J Man holds the foremost place in the order of creation. The perfection of his bodily form is as far supe- rior to that of other beings as his intellect surpasses their instinct, beautiful and marvellous though it be Between man and brutes there is an impassable barrier, over which man can never fall, or beasts hope to climb. Man, when fallen from his high estate, and deprived of the use of his reason, still holds his supremacy over the lower animals, and is not subject even to the most perfect and powerful brutes. There is but one genus of mankind, Homo, and but one species, Sapiens ; that is, the rational human being. Intellect, or reason, differs from instinct in its power of accommodation to circumstances ; whereas instinct ever remains unchanged. Man is modified according to the climate and position in which he is placed. There are several of these modifications, or varieties as they are called, but authors do not agree as to their number. Some describe the human family as divided into five varieties or races ; the Caucasian, the Mongolian, the Ethiopian, the Malayan, and the American; each of these being subdivided into families, as for instance the Caucasian nice subdivided into the Caucasian, the Celtic, the Germanic, the Arabian, the Libyan, the Nilotic, and the Ind/estanic families. The division generally received is that of Pickering, who enumerates eleven races of men, all of whom he has seen ; the Arabian, Abyssinian, Mongolian, Hottentot, Malay, Papuan, Negrillo, Telingan, Ethiopian, Australian, and Negro. He differs from Prichard in several points, but especially in referring the population of America to the Mongolian race, whereas Prichard considers it as entirely separate. The characteristics and distribution of each race are briefly these. The Arabian race extends over the whole of Europe, excepting Lapland, about half of Asia, including the greater part of India, and most of the northern third of Africa. The complexion is light, the lips are thin, the nose is prominent, and the beard thick. Number about three hundred and fifty millions. The Abyssinian race occupies a small tract towards the east of Africa, including part of Abyssinia, and part of Nubia. The features are like those of Europeans, the complexion is light, the hair is crisp, and the beard moderate. Number about three millions. The Mongolian race is remarkable for a feminine aspect in both sexes, so that a stranger is often perplexed to distinguish a man from a woman at a short distance ; the hair is straight, and the beard is wanting. It extends over the eastern half of Asia, except Corea, over Lapland, and the whole of America, except the western coast by California, and the upper part of South America. Number three hundred million. The Hottentot race occupies the southern extremity of Africa. The complexion is not so dark ving a bald spot in as that of the Negro, the hair is woolly, av d frequently grows in tew /%r patches RACES OF MEN. Asiatic Caucasians. Heads of Africans. South Sea Islanders. the centre of each patch. This race includes,. Bechuanas and the Bosjesmans. The complexion of the Bosjesmans, or Bushmen, is very light, and strongly resembles that of an European, with a few sooty patches irregularly placed. Number about five hundred thousand. The Malay race is almost amphibious, and is never found inland. It is widely spread, and inhabits the centre of Madagascar, the whole of the islands in the Pacific Ocean, except the Fiji, New Hebrides, Solomon's Isles, Papua, and parts of the Philippines. The parts of America not populated by the Mongolians, are also inhabited by this race. The complexion is a dark copper, the hair straight, when cut it stands erect, and the beard is thin. Number one hundred and twenty millions. The Papuan race inhabits about two-thirds of Papua, and the Fiji Islands, where Pickering saw the only individuals of this race who came under his notice. The complexion is dark, the hair bushy, the beard copious. The most remarkable point in this race is the skin, which is astonishingly rough and harsh. Number three millions. The Negrillo race is like the Papuan in color, but the hair is more woolly, the stature is small, and the beard absent. The Negrillos inhabit part of Papua, Solomon's Isles, the northern extremities of Luzon and Sumatra, and the New Hebrides. Number three millions. The Telingan, or Indian race, inhabits the eastern parts of India, especially about Calcutta, several isolated spots in other parts of India, and the east coast of Madagascar. The complexion is dark, (best imitated —bjcajnixture 0f re(j an(i black,) the skin is soft, the features are like those of Europeans, hair straight and fine, and the beard copious. Number sixty millions. The Ethiopian race is darker than the Telingan, the hair is crisp and fine, skin soft, and the features are more like European features than those of the Negro. This race inhabits the north-eastern portion of Africa, including Southern Egypt, part of Nubia, and part of Abyssinia ; a few detached spots towards the north-west, and a large tract of country by Senegambia. Number five millions. The Australian race inhabits Australia alone. The complexion is like that of the Negro, but the hair is not woolly like that of the Negro. Number five hundred thousand. The Negro race inhabits the central parts of Africa, from the north of Ashanti to a little southward of Zanzibar. The complexion is black, the lips are immensely thick, the nose is flat, and the hair is close and curly, strongly resembling wool. Number fifty-five millions. The numbers given in this distribution are of course in many cases only conjectural. The migration of the human race, or their progress from one part of the world to another, is a question of considerable difficulty. Many parts of the earth, such as islands, could not be reached without somp artificial means to enable men to cross the water. This implies some degree of civilization, as boats or rafts are the result of much thought and some skill. The question is yet to be answered. Pickering has published a map containing the probable route of mankind through the earth. He appears to think that the oft mooted problem of the population of America is not very difficult of solution, as the Aleutian Isles form a chain of spots easily traversed by the skin-covered canoes which are still in use among those islands. ^ MONGOLIAN RACE. Fuegians. ^-~: *S^V-* Patagonianf. With respect to the distribution of the Mongolian race, Dr. Pickering says : " The Arctic Region- seem exclusively possessed by the Mongolian race; which besides is diffused through a greater variety of climates than any other, and over a far larger area. This comprises about one half of Asia, and with a slight exception all aboriginal America, or more than two-fifths of the land surface of the globe. Notwith- standing the recent encroachments, the greater portion of the American continent is still inhabited by Mongolian tribes ; and while some of them wander towards the north, further than civilised man has hitherto been able to follow, others are still the nearest dwellers to the Southern Pole." The Patagonians are not, as has been supposed, of unusually tall stature; but they appear tall from their peculiar mode of dress. They are all horsemen, but having no canoes they cannot pass the straits of Magellan; the Fuegians (inhabitants of Terra del Fuego,) do this sometimes, when they are seized and reduced to slavery. The Southern Watermen, or the Fuegians, are far less advanced in the art of navigation than then northern brethren. Their canoes are smaller and inferior in construction. They are not known to venture forth into the open sea ; and even the Falkland Islands, although so near the coast, appear to have remained onvisited by them. The Fuegians go entirely naked, although snow is not unfrequent in their island. Still, the winters are mild, and vegetation is no where checked by a season of cold. The Chilian aborigines have become assimilated to the Spanish in their customs and modes of living, and the races are mixed to a considerable extent. In Peru, the aboriginal blood preponderates, but the political power is not largely shared by the original stock. Some ancient customs are retained, and the language of the Incas still continues to be spoken among portions of the Peruvian Indians. The islands and shores on tin north-west coast of America are inhabited by a maritime people, called the Chinooks, who are like the Patagonians in appearance and habits. Dr. Pickering considers them as pos- sessing, in common with other Mongnolian tribes, peculiar qualifications for reclaiming or reducing animals to the domestic state. Ik en MONGOLIAN RACE. Chilian Indians. Peruvian Indians. I' Pickering" says that the aboriginal stock so preponderates in Mexico, that the people do not regard themselves nationally as belonging to the white race. He considers himself to have positive evidence of the existence of the Malay as well as the Mongolian race among the aborigines of Mexico. The aboriginals of the United States appear to be in every respect physically identical with their breth- ren west of the Rocky Mountains. They have, however, a marked superiority of stature ; and they do not in point of size, fall below Europeans. Dr. Pickering says,-" I have seen examples of the tribes of . lv MUJNUUL1AJN KACE. MALAY RACE. Malay Woman. Malays. the Missouri and Upper Mississippi, in the delegations which, from time to time, have visited Washington as Menomenies, Winnebagoes, Sauks and Foxes, Sioux, Pawnees, Otoes, Miamies, and Iowas." All these tribes, as well as the Crees, Crows, Iroquois, Delawares, Seminoles, and Creeks, he unhesl tatingly classes with the Mongolians, after having carefully examined their features. The Chinese, Dr. Pickering had frequent and ample opportunities of examining, particularly at Manila. He says, "Manila was crowded with .Chinese ; and I was surprised at the scanty clothing of the majority of them, reduced often to the simple belt or sash, as with the Feejeeans and some Hawaiians. They had small retail shops, and were evidently the principal artisans. One of the most remarkable spec- tacles to a stranger, was the confined space in which they carried on, without interfering with one another, all mechanical employments. A competent judge of these matters remarked, ' that he had never seen mechanics require so little room, and at the same time do their work so neatly and faithfully.' In passing through the streets occupied by them, I repeatedly selected individuals, who, if transported in a different dress into the American forest, might, J thought, have deceived the most experienced eye. In stature they were by no means so much degenerated as the Malays, but were reported to be less cleanly in their habits. " The upper classes of Chinese presented a very different picture, and I was much impressed with the respectability of their standing, with their general intelligence, and their ease, politeness, and refinement of manners." The island of Borneo has not been sufficiently observed by persons interested in classifying the races to define accurately the races of its inhabitants , but it is probable that the maritime portion is chiefly Malay, while the natives of the interior are Mongolians. The Laplanders are Mongolians, approaching the Esquimaux in appearance, and connected with the Mongols of Siberia, through the Samoiedos. Malay Race. — " If the Mongolian," says Dr. Pickering, " occupies a larger portion of the surface of the globe, the Malay is yet the most widely scattered race, and in some respects, it is also the most remark- able. In institutions and social condition it exhibits, perhaps, greater variety than all the other -races combined ; and, from a universal, instinctive attachment to the water, it almost merits the appellation of 'amphibious.' Endowed, too, with a wandering disposition, less regardful of a home, than the Best of mankind, its march has been truly ' upon the waves ;' and, beyond the Atlantic, it 1ms reached almost eveiy islet in the ocean that affords the least means of subsistence. " The Malay complexion is very uniform, and is always decidedly darker than the Mongolian. I have ill; MALAY RACE. Women of Borneo. Natives of the North-east coast of Borneo. sver seen it light enough to show the least trace of a flush, nor on the other hand, so dark but that the arks of tattooing were conspicuously visible. The color may be termed reddish-brown, more nearly lan in the Mongolian race, approaching the hue of tarnished copper. "The hair seems in greater quantity than in the other races, the Papuan, perhaps, excepted ; and it is raight, or at most wavy, and usually raven-black. The beard grows long, but is almost always thin, lough some variety prevails in different countries. The East Indian tribes are nearly beardless; while nong the Polynesians a beard is not unusual, though it does not seem to get strong till late in life." We here present figures of the inhabitants of Australia Felix, the coast of Borneo, and the Siamese, all of whom are classed by Dr. Pickering with the Malay race. The Borneans of the coast are addicted to maritime pursuits, like the other Malays, and many of them are pirates of the worst kind. The natives of New Guinea,, as well as a large portion of the inhabitants of the Pacific, and the Siamese, are also Malays. BiamaM. A Native of New Guinea. (12) MALAY RACE. Japanese. Dyaks of Borneo, fighting. The Japanese, Dr. Pickering describes as short, rather stout built men, with dark complexion, rathe flat nose and black hair. The people of Madagascar have very dense hair, and exhibit other obvious marks, in their persona appearance, of the unmixed Malayan. The Taheitians are found to excel in the culinary art; and they exhibit agility and suppleness of limb. Some of the Polynesian Malays have frizzled hair. Dr. Pickering saw specimens at Manua, th Samoan Group, and at Tongataboo. Of the New Zealanders, Dr. Pickering says : " It i usual to represent the New Zealanders with a peculia cast of countenance, and especially with the nose mor prominent than in other Polynesians. It is true th cheeks seemed in general thinner, and the frame not s< well filled out, owing, perhaps, in some measure, to th scarcity and inferior quality of the food ; and I one met with an assemblage of very rugged-looking men On the whole, it appeared to me, that there was som optical illusion arising from the peculiar style of tattoc ing; for, in the countenances that were mostly free froii these marks,- 1 saw rfHy the same series of expression as at Taheiti and Samoa. In stature, however, the Ne\ Zealanders were inferior to the inhabitants of thos places, and they did not, on the average, appear t exceed Europeans." The New Zealanders are ready enough to enter int the European system of civilisation, and adopt the art and fashions of the whites ; but under the new order o things, they have been found to possess the failing o extreme covetousness. They are, besides, apt to b morose and discontented, and not very scrupulous ii (13) Inhabitants of Madagascar. adhering to their bargains. MALAY RACE. Canoe of the New Zealander. Nothing so much surprises the European emigrant as the physical difference between the natives of Australia and New Zealand, two neighboring regions situated between the same parallels of latitude ; the change in habits is likewise radical. The remark may be extended to the other territories of the Southern Hemisphere which are remotely detached, and are noted for their remarkable yet dissimilar natural pro- ductions ; for it will be difficult to select from the human family four nations more unlike than the Austra- lians, Austral Polynesians, Fuegians, and Hottentots. It will further be observed that they severally pursue the precise four ultimate methods of procuring sustenance, and may be classed respectively, as hunting, agricultural, piscatorial and pastoral tribes. The " hunter state," indeed, is impossible in New. Zealand, from the absence of game. By an anoma- lous distribution of the vegetation, the open grounds of this extensive country are almost exclusively covered with fern. There is no pasturage for grazing animals ; neither, on the other hand, have any woodland quadrupeds been allotted to the forests. Although fish enters largely into the diet of the New Zealanders, they are not an exclusively maritime people like the piscatorial tribes of America, but they are diffused throughout the interior country. More- over, what is a little remarkable in the Malay race, they rather avoid the sea; holding, nevertheless, occa- sional communication along the coast. In the management of a canoe or boat, the natives by no means fall behind their Tropical brethren, as we had many opportunities of witnessing, even in the instance of the pilot at Sidney, who had selected New Zealanders for the crew of. his open boat. Unlike the Tropical Polynesians, they were not seen bathing, a circumstance attributed to the coolness of the water, but they are otherwise less cleanly in all tieir habits. Their huts, too, are very small and close, built of bundles of "rapoo," (Typha,) and roofed usually with leaves of the wild palm. (14) MALAY RACE. New Zealanders, dancing. " The New Zealanders have always borne a warlike character ; and I was, therefore, much surprised at tr inefficiency of their weapons. Besides the stone mace, their principal one is a straight, sword-like clul which is wielded with both hands. This is a remarkable change fiom the weapons of the Tropical Pob nesians ; for the javelin appears to be unknown, likewise the bow, and according to Mr. Hale, the slinj Their wars, indeed, do not appear to have ever been very bloody ; and, notwithstanding the eagernes manifested in seeking possession of muskets, these had been used for the most pp"t, at extravagant di lances. The Bay of Islands, two years previously, had been the seat of war. Persons from distai clans were attracted to the spot, and the parties on their arrival would divide to the right and left, brother and other members of the same family, often taking opposite sides. On the restoration of peace, Pomare tribe having killed many of the Kororarika people, gave their opponents a tract of land by way c compensation. " The soil was said to be held by the chiefs, although the consent of each member of the tribe was nece sary to a sale. It appears that in the alleged sales to Europeans, the natives have not understood th: they were alienating their lands absolutely ; nor, if I am rightly informed, would the European view c such transactions be admitted among other Polynesians. " Tattooing is incised, and is a much more painful operation than in the rest of Polynesia. The quantit of marking about the face seemed to be very much in proportion to the rank of the individual ; each chie however, having some variation in the pattern. It was said that in signing a document the chiefs trac this pattern on the paper, such a signature being readily recognised by all the natives who have ever see the individual. This was the nearest approach to writing that I found among the Polynesians, and tr practice appeared to be quite unknown elsewhere." — Dr. Pickering. The New Zealand manufactures show skill at least equalling that of their Tropical brethren MALAY RACE. Polynesian Malays. Speaking of the Ilawaiians, Dr. Pickering say s : " From my first landing, I was surprised at the scanty clothing of many of the men and boys ; their dress con- sisting often of a mere sash, as' with the Fejeeans ; except only that the color was not fixed by fashion. The large-fruited variety of gourd or calabash was only seen here ; and the shells were in general use, as a substitute for baskets, buckets, and chests. All burdens were carried by means of the balance-beam; and this Hin- doo and ancient Egyptian method is common to all parts of Poly- nesia except New Zealand, but is not practised at the Fejee Islands. " The green and pleasant aspect not, however, for the production of. These pools subserve a of many of the valleys was found to be owing to aboriginal irrigation : upland ciops, but to form artificial marshes and pools for the cultivation of taro. double purpose, being likewise used for keeping mullet ; the young fry of which are captured along the coast, and by a course of management are brought to live in fresh water, where they acquire superior size and flavor. In the ponds nearest the coast, I have seen two other kinds of sea-fish, the Butiriuus and the Diiles. Fish-ponds appear to be unknown at the southern Polynesian groups. "The most approved delicacy of the Hawaiian Islands consists of a particular breed of dog, which is fed exclusively on 'poi' (fermented taro-paste,) and is not allowed to taste animal food. Salt has been always used to cure pork and fish ; in which business, in a small way, the Ilawaiians rather excel ; and it was observed, that they did not manifest aversion to our salted provisions, like the other Polynesians, and the Fejee- ans. Another novelty occurred, in the profession of the fowler ; and numbers of small birds offered for sale alive, which had been captured with a species of birdlime. " The houses are of medium size, compared with others among the Polynesians, and are closely built; having the walls and roof usually thatched with dried grass. In this climate, a covering is necessary at night; and layers 01 'tapa' serve for a blanket, and are even preferred for this purpose by many European residents. The bed consists of a layer of mats; and we were shown some specimens of matting of fine texture, that had required the labor of years. A string of tutui-nuts forms a candle; in the same manner as castor beans (Ricinus) are sometimes employed &t the Fejee Islands. " Licentiousness prevailed at this group to a degree not witnessed elsewhere; and in the former state of society, when ' men were living with several wives, and women with several husbands,' there appears to have been really an approach to promiscuous intercourse. In all the other coun- tries which I have visited, more regard has been paid in this respect to the indications of nature." Civilization has m/""^ improved them. 1i \ NEGRO RACE. Women of Kaueiubo and Soudan. A Bechuana. A Bush Girl. " At the present day," says Dr. Pickering, " the personal appearance of the Negro is generally familiar ; and the thick lips, flattened nose, retreating forehead, close, woolly hair, and dark complexion, have become proverbial. The Negro appears to exceed all other races in depth of hue, and in the close, woolly texture of the hair is rivalled only by the Hottentot. The absence of rigidity and of a divided apex in the car- tilage of the nose is a character common equally to the Malayan, and, probably, to some of the other races. " In the case of two Albino children, the Negro aspect had so entirely disappeared, that they might have passed for the children of Europeans, but for the remarkable appearance of the hair, which I could only compare to white fleece. u The Negro race seems to occupy about one half of Africa, and, excluding the northern and southern extremes with the table-land of Abyssinia, it holds all the more temperate and fertile parts of the continent. These limits, to all appearance, would not have been exceeded to this day, aside from foreign interference ; but, as one consequence of the events of the last two centuries, the Negro race seems destined to fill hereafter an important place in general history. " Negroes are now to be found in most parts of the globe where Europeans have established themselves. " During a week spent in different parts of the island of Madeira, I met with no Negroes, except at the port of Funchal ; and the few individuals seen at this place may have been connected with the foreign shipping. " On the other hand, the population of the Cape Verd Islands, judging from our hasty visit, appeared to be principally composed of Negroes; and they were living in a very rude state for the subjects of a civilised government. They, however, exhibited a certain air of independence, not seen in the same race in the United States. " Brazil had more of the aspect of a European colony, although Negroes formed the most numerous class of the population of Rio Janeiro and its environs ; and instances of even mixed descent were compara- tively rare. Most of these Negroes were slaves ; but very many were employed as soldiers in the military police. Others held places of honor and trust under the government ; and one man was spoken of, as being distinguishe^br his abilities as an advocate. Several of the women, too, moved, with their Portuguese husbands, in the first circles of society. " I was careful to look among the imported Negroes for traces of some different race; but I was unable to detect any ; neither have I met with more success in other parts of America. A second race may have been sometimes included in the importations from Madagascar ; but otherwise, I think instances have been extremely rare ; prior at least to the recent introduction by the English of people of Hindostan. •■ There are, perhaps, fewer Negroes in Chili than in any other Europeanised portion of America. I do not remember seeing more than ten or twelve, during the eighteen days I spent in Chili, chiefly at the cities of Valparaiso and Santiago." NEGRO RACE. A Kaffre Man. A Griqua Woman. A Kaffre Woman The Kaffres, next to the Hottentots, are the most important class of natives with which the colonists of South Africa have intercourse. The term Kaffre, or Kaffir, signifying infidel, is applied by the natives of North Africa to those of the south-east who are not Mohammedans, and by the Europeans of the Cape it is usually used to designate the Amakosa, Amatembu, and Amaponda tribes, which live on the colonial frontier. These tribes derive their origin from one common stock. They are possessed of far more energy than the Hottentots in their best days, and are in a higher grade of the pastoral state, adding the cultiva- tion of maize, millet, water-melons, and a few other esculents, to their occupation as herdsmen, and storing up grain for future consumption. They live in kraals of from ten to twenty families, under a subordinate chief; a certain number of kraals acknowledging a chief of higher rank as their head. The chiefs are jealous of their dignity. They possess a few privileges which enable them to maintain a certain degree of importance ; thus they claim offering as first-fruits, a share of the cattle slaughtered, and other privileges. Wars occur occasionally, and chiefly arise out of disputes about paslure-grounds. Their arms are a javelin, a short club, and a large shield made of hide. The existence of a Supreme Being is acknowledged, but they pay him no religious worship, and possess no idols. Their ideas of a future life are vague and indis- tinct; but they believe, nevertheless, in spirits and apparitions, to which they sacrifice animals. They are excessively superstitious, and the Amakira, a prophet or witch-doctor, or rain-maker, exercises a most per- nicious influence over them. Individuals are put to death at the instigation of these characters, and the prophet shares wTith the chief in the property of his victim. Some of the chiefs also pretend to have the power of procuring rain ; and if their predictions are verified they take the credit to themselves, but if they fail they attribute the result to the wickedness of the people. One of the most important of their rites this people have in common with the Jews, and its origin is one of the most interesting points in their history; but they themselves can give no account of its introduction. They do not eat swine's flesh, nor fish, excepting shell-fish. They have no canoes. The right of property in the soil is limited to that only which is under cultivation ; but the right of pasture is held in common by each kraal. Long estab- lished principles and usage serve as a substitute for written law. The huts of the Kaffres resemble bee-hives in shape, and are usually from eighteen to twenty feet in' diameter, and from six to seven feet high. Poles are stuck in the earth, and boughs are wattled in the interstices and made to arch over at the top. They are thatched with straw and plastered with cow-dung or clay. The fire is placed in the centre, without any aperture but the doorway for ventilation. The door NEGRO RACE. Kaffres on a March. is formed of basket-work. A few mats, coarse earthenware pots, of native manufacture, made of the fine clay taken from deserted ant-hills, a rush-basket, so closely woven as to retain liquids, and a wooden bowl or two, constitute the sole furniture of these simple dwellings. Milk is preserved in skins, and is not used until thick and sour, when it is more nutritious. The kaross, or cloak of sheepskin, rendered soft by cur- rying, forms the dress of both sexes. The chiefs wear a leopard's skin by way of distinction. The females wear a covering of hide. The personal appearance of the Kaffres is pleasing. Lieutenant Moodie. in his "Ten Years in South Africa," says, "They are elegantly formed, and so graceful that they appear to be a nation of gentlemen. In their manners they are respectful without servility, and possess a native delicacy which prevents them from giving offence by word or action." The accounts of their personal appearance are generally supposed to be rather exaggerated; but there can be little doubt, from the favorable testi- mony of many travellers, that their appearance and carriage are really prepossessing. Pringle says, "The CafTros are a tall, athletic, and handsome race of men, with features often approaching to the Euro- pean or Asiatic model ; and excepting their woolly hair, exhibiting few of the peculiarities of the Negro race. Their color is a clear dark-brown; their address is frank, cheerful and manly." The women are not M ir'x id-looking as the men, owing to the labors which they undergo. The men will inclose their patches of ground, and milk the cows, but the actual cultivators are the women, who likewise construct their huts. Polygamy is common, but it is confined to the most wealthy, as the wives are always purchased by cattle. The women take their meals apart from the men. The custom of polygamy is believed to be of recent origin, and arose out of the number of unprotected women which followed a war in which great numbers of males were killed. The Kaffre language is soft and copious, but the native airs are tame, and not to be compared to those of the Hottentots, whose language, however, is far less agreeable. Though prudent and economical, the Kaffres are exceedingly hospitable. Cattle are, generally speaking, only killed on the occasion of marriages or other festivities. (24) ETHIOPIAN RACE. A Bisharee Woman. Ktlli.rJ.ijH-. "The Ethiopian race," says Dr. Pickering, "is in some measure intermediate in personal appenrance between the Telingan and the Negro. The complexion, too, seems generally darker than in the Telingan race, holding the third rank in depth of hue. The hair is crisped, but fine in its texture ; anjl I have never seen it wiry, as in the Papuan ; from which latter race the Ethiopian differs, in having a soft skin and European-like features. " Various modern travellers have been struck with the resemblance of the Ethiopian to the Telingan race. The same circumstance was noticed in ancient times by Herodotus, who also speaks of the remark- able beauty of those living south-west of Arabia ; an opinion in which, from actual observation, I am now prepared to concur. " The Ethiopian race occupies the hottest countries of Africa. Most of its tribes are purely pastoral; and some of them are, perhaps, alone acquainted with all the recesses of the Great Desert. The only portions of the race that are known to lead an agricultural life are the Nubians of the Nile, and some of the tribes bordering on the table-land of Abyssinia. " Characteristic portraits of Ethiopians may be found in various works on Egypt and Nubia ; and I would refer particularly to the figures given in Hoskin's Travels on the Upper Nile. " The Ethiopian race was not seen in its purity during the voyage of the Exploring Expedition, but it was doubtless present among some of the mixed Arabs at Singapore. My acquaintance with it commenced on the day of my landing in Egypt." Dr. Pickering had opportunities of examining the Nubians. He ascended the Nile, and observed the Barabra of the Nile, and the Barabra of the Desert. Among the latter are the Bisharee tribe. Of them he says : " In returning down the river, I fell in with the Shekh of the Ababdeh, who was reported to hold authority likewise over the Bishareen. His personal appearance was indicative of mixed Arab descent, but I did not learn the history of his family. He wore a turban, in consequence, as he said, of being on his way to Cairo ; but he intended on his return, to dress his hair after the fashion of his own country. He was well acquainted with Soakin, where he had seen some of the Somali ; and he spoke of the Kostan, as being an extremely troublesome and ferocious people. He was particularly desirous of ascertaining why Europeans came so far to look at antiquities ; and on learning that hieroglyphic characters could be read, he considered himself in possession of the secret. " The Bishareen dwell in the district to the southward of the Ababdeh, and situated in like manner eastward of the Nile. Two individuals seen at Assouan enabled me to identify the physical race. One of them wore a pin for dressing the hair, similar to the Fejeean, but shorter and curved." HOTTENTOT RACE. Hottentots, preparing to remove their Dwelling. " I am not sure," says Dr. Pickering, " that I have seen Hotttentots of pure race ; and in the following account I am obliged to rely in part on published figures and descriptions of them. Eye-witnesses uni- formly agree in regarding the Hottentot as differing in physical race from the Negro, and they refer to the diminutive stature and the light complexion ; the latter, in some well authenticated instances, having even been known to exhibit a flush. " Both races seem to be alike in the texture of the hair, which is more closely woolly than in the rest of mankind ; and to agree also in the general style of feature. But many travellers describe the Hottentot countenance as being to a marked degree peculiar. "I have found many points of interest in the Hottentot character, as portrayed by travellers, who universally bear testimony to the faithfulness, efficiency, and courage of their guides in trying situa- tions, amid the dangers of this difficult and desolate country. Unlike many wild tribes, the Hottentot did not shrink before the advance of Europeans; but readily adopting the habits of civilization, these people have ever proved active and useful assistants of the colonists, their history in this respect contrasting strongly with that of the neighboring Kaffre tribes. Indeed, the advantage of the Hottentot character appears to have contributed essentially to the admission of Europeans into this, the only part of Africa that has proved acces- sible to foreigners; and the benefit deserved a better return than unequal legislation." Recent discoveries have shown that the Hottentot race is more A Bu hman ud. widely diffused than was previously supposed. HOTTENTOT RACE. A Bushman. A Bushman, armed for an Expedition. The Bushmen are the remains of Hottentot tribes, and consist of wandering hordes who were once in the pastoral state, but have again become hunters, having been robbed of their flocks and herds by the colonists, and driven to_ remote districts for safety. They are now wholly destitute of flocks, living in constant alarm in inaccessible rocks, and changing their residence frequently, lest their haunts should be discovered. A hole dug in the earth, and covered with a mat raised on a couple of sticks, often forms their habitation. The parties who wander over immense tracts of country are unconnected with each other; even oppression has not united them, but a long course of cruelty has exasperated them against all man- kind. It has been said that they have an uncontrollable aversion to civilization; and yet, by those who have studied their character, they are represented as by no means deficient in intellect ; bold and skilful hunters; not indisposed for instruction ; susceptible of kindness; grateful; faithful in the execution of a trust committed to them. Not only did the Bushmen feel the savage system of commandoes, but they were murdered by the Cape-Dutch with the utmost coolness. The Bushmen missions are represented as having been attended with some valuable results. Some of these natives of the wild desert had begun to handle the spade and the sickle, to raise Indian corn, pumpkins, water-melons, beans, &c. The mission by which these changes had been effected was put down by Colonial Government in 1816. The Bushmen maintained their position for two or three years ; but oppression at length drove them into the deserts, and the country was given to the boors. The Griquas are a race of mulattoes, whose ancestors were the offspring of colonists by Hottentot females. Treated as an inferior class by those of kindred race, and prevented from acquiring property, they gradually established themselves amongst the tribes beyond the Great Fish River, where their num. bers were augmented by refugees and intermarriages with the females of surrounding tribes. Forty years ago they subsisted by plunder and the chase, but the missionaries have met with much success in their attempts to improve them. The country they inhabit is not well adapted to agriculture. (27) < ABYSSINIAN RACE. Abyssinian Women. A Native of Abyssinia. " I have seen," says Dr. Pickering, " but few genuine Abyssinians, and these few have not presented among themselves a very uniform personal appearance. In a general way the race may be said to possess European features in combination with crisped er frizzled hair. The complexion, however, though it is often very light, does not appear ever to become florid. " The race seems to be confined to the table-lands of Abyssinia, and to its prolongation in a mountainous tract that extends towards the interior of the continent ; but even within these limits there appears to be a large infusion of Ethiopians belonging to the Galla tribes. The Abyssinians having been converted during the early ages of Christianity, continue to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem ; but otherwise, their pre- sence in foreign countries is for the most part, involuntary. " My first interview with Abyssinians took place at Singapore ; where, on entering one of the principal shops, I was greatly surprised to find its three occupants differing in physical race from all the men I had previously met with. The wonder increased oiuperceiving their superiority in refinement and intelligence over the other Orientals around ; and that although so unlike, they did not on these points, seem to fall below Europeans. " The hair was much alike in all three, and was crisped and fine, neither coarse enough nor in sufficient quantity to form a resisting mass. The beard of one individual was in pellets, absolutely like the close wool of the Negro; but the prominence of nose, greater even than usually occurs in the white race, bore sufficient tcBtimony to his purity of descent. The second individual had the face very much elongated, but the nose was not particularly prominent. The third individual had a straighter beard, which was black ■nd grey in regular stripes. The complexion was the same in all three, and though very light, was by no means of a sickly hue ; and, indeed, these persons might readily have been passed in the street as belonging ' - the white race. WHITE OR ARABIAN RACE Europeans, •Europeans and European colonists are comparatively uniform in their complexion and personal appear- ance and they can hardly conceal their origin by dress, even amid the population of Northern Africa and Worth-western Asia. The inhabitants of the two last named countries present among themselves more IfAf "g at tbe Sa™e time there is rarely any difficulty in recognising the physical race. • the White race. then, as it exists in northern climates, may be characterised by its superiority in licrht- ness of complexion, in thinness of lip, in prominence of nose, and in length and copiousness of beard. °No one of these tests is of .itself sufficient to distinguish the race, for Abyssinians, in some instances, rival it in prominence of nose; Telingans, or even Ethiopians, in thinness of lip; many Papuans have as copious a beard ; and I have myself seen the florid complexion among Mongolians of high northern latitudes So far, however, as my observation has extended, flaxen hair, red hair, and blue eyes, (Albinoes being excepted,) are found only in the White race. " The hottest portion of the globe appears to be about seventeen degrees in width, counting from latitude 11 north , and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ganges. One third, perhaps, of this immense tract is inhabited by the White race, although often under a physical aspect that would not readily be acknow- ledged by Europeans. The complexion, always dark, is in frequent instances sufficiently so to conceal a Hush ; indeed the Malay-brown complexion seems rather to predominate ; and I have seen Arabs of a deeper hue who yet were apparently of unmixed descent; moreover a considerable proportion of the inhabitants of Southern Arabia are nearly or quite beardless. In short the White race is here protean or polymorphous, and exhibits a diversity in feature and complexion that I have not found in the other races. The prominence of profile is, however, for the most part permanent; and I further remarked that the various series of expressions of countenance, which pertain respectively to the other races, appeared to be absent. It should be observed, however, that actual mixtures of race have been more frequent and more complicated in the southern Arab countries, and have been taking place there for a longer period, than in the other parts of-^he globe. (29) 3 * WHITE OR ARABIAN RACE. Arabians. " While acknowledging that we are only beginning to be acquainted with the countries and peopie of the East, I have been impressed with one view of the circumstances, in correspondence apparently with an ancient condition of the human family. In the course of my recent tour, I was continually hearing from the lips of Orientals the words of different ancient and modern European languages, until at last the whole class of these languages seemed as if merely recomposed from fragments of Arabic and Sanscrit. Of fragments indeed, which have been disguised more or less by interchanges during some thousands of years; and if any European words can be traced to a different source, they at least remain to be pointed out. " The same state of things appears to exist in the Malay class of languages, and instances have been discovered of English words which can be traced through the Sanscrit to the remotest islands of the Pacific. The rule may, perhaps, be further extended to the languages of the African continent ; but whether appli- cable in any degree to the Chinese, or to the aboriginal American languages I am uninformed. "At the present day the White Race may be conveniently disposed in two divisions, as well geographi- cal, as differing in institutions and habits of life ; the Frank or European, and the Oriental. The extra- ordinary intensity of heat, in some of the countries inhabited by the White race, may help to explain a portion of these differences. " One of the above divisions may in some measure be said to rule the land as the other rules the sea ; for the extent of the caravan routes is almost equivalent to the universal maritime intercourse now attained by Europeans." — Dr. Pickering. In the foregoing account of the races of men, it will be observed that I have quoted nearly the whole from Dr. Pickering's work on that subject. This I have done, not because there were not abundance of other writers on the subject, at the disposal of a compiler, but because I consider him the final authority. He is the most recent and exact of all writers on the races, and his system is founded on actual observation. cm THE MONKEY. The Chimpansee. The section Quadrumana includes the Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys. The name of Quadrumana is given to these animals because, in addition to two hands like those of man, their feet are also formed like hands, and are capable of grasping the branches among which most monkeys pass their lives. The Chimpansee and the Orang-outan have been confounded together by the older naturalists, whose error lias been repeated even to the present time. That they are really distinct animals a glance at the skull of each will at once prove. The Chimpansee is a native of Western Africa, and is tolerably common on the banks of the Gambia and in Congo. Large bands of these formidable apes congregate together, and unite in repelling an invader, which they do with such fury and courage that even the dreaded elephant and lion are driven from their haunts by their united efforts. They live principally on the ground, and, as their name imports, spend much of their time in caves or under rocks. Their height is from four to five feet. THE MONKEY. The Orang-Outan. The Orang-outan inhabits Borneo and Sumatra. In Borneo there are certainly two species of Orang, called by the natives the Mias-kassar and the Mias-pappan. Some naturalists suppose that the Sumatran Orang is also a distinct species. This is the largest of all the apes, as it is said that Orangs have been obtained from Borneo considerably above five feet in height. The strength of this animal is tremendous ; a female snapped a strong spear asunder after having received many severe wounds. Its arms are of extraordinary, length, the hands reaching the ground when it stands erect. This length of arm is admirably adapted for climbing trees, on which it principally resides. The rude hut which they are stated to build in the trees would be more properly called a seat, or nest, for it has no roof or cover of any sort. The facility with which they form this seat is curious. Mr. Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, says : " I had an opportunity of seeing a wounded female weave the branches together, and seat herself in a minute. She afterwards received our fire without moving, and expired in her lofty abode, whence it cost us much trouble to dislodge her." The Pappan is justly named Satyrus, from the ugly face and disgusting callosities. When young the Orang-outan is very docile, and has been taught to make its own bed, and to handle a cup and saucer, or a spoon, with tolerable propriety. For the former occupation it proved itself particu- larly apt, as it not only laid its own bed clothes smooth and comfortable, but exhibited much ingenuity in stealing blankets from other beds, which it added to its own. A young Orang in a zoological collection evinced extreme horror at the sight of a small tortoise, and, when the reptile was introduced into its den stood aghast in a most ludicrously terrified attitude, with its eyes intently fixed on the frightful object. THE MONKEY. The accompanying engraving i.-- a portrait of the interesting ani- mal which was formerly an inmate of the Surrey Zoological Gardens ; it is shown in an attitude which displays its mode of action in a state of nature. The animal is one of four which were brought in a trading vessel to Calcutta, where they were pur- chased and shipped for England. Its height, from the top of the head to the heel, is two feet two inches, and its weight does not exceed fifteen pounds advoirdu- pois. The fore limb, from the shoulder to the end of the middle finger, measures the extraordinary length of one foot nine inches ; and the length of the hand alone, from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger, is six inches and a half. The palm of the hand measures three inches and a half; the sole of the foot five inches ; and the width over the breast is nine inches. This animal exhibited an indif- ference to food not usual with her congeners. A visiter of the Gardens says, " She did not deign to hold out her hand for some fruit that was offered. At last she accepted a large strawberry, and held it with great indifference in her fingers for about five minutes : our attention was then diverted for a moment to the Satyr ; and in the interval the strawberry had disappeared. She also drank some milk, hut without m * apparent appetite." Female Orang-outan. Orang-outan. (33) Hunting the Orang-cutan. Red Monkey. THE MONKEY. Female Orang-outan of tho Zoological Society's Collection, London. From the account of a visi- ter, we extract the following passages in relation to a fe- male Orang-outan, exhibited in 1838, in the collection of the London Zoological So- ciety. "Dressed in its Guernsey jacket and trousers, a sort of clothing which it needs in our climate, its appearance, seated on its chair, or at the table with its keeper in his private room, is very amusing; nor less so the expression of its countenance, when soliciting a share of the food before it : it looks at its keeper, looks at the tempting morsel, and pro- trudes its flexible lips into the form of a conical proboscis ; when offered any liquid to drink in a cup or saucer, it does not, however, dip its lips into the fluid, but holding the cup in its hand, puts the rim between its lips and so drains up the contents, exactly as a child would do under similar circumstances, and with all due gravity and decorum. Though this animal is natu- rally and habitually dull and inanimate, it has its times of sportiveness, when it readily engages in play with those to whom it is attached, and courts their notice." Group of Monkeys. Group of Monkeys. A Barbary Ape. (34) THE MONKEY. Coaita. Collared Tee Tee. White-nosed Monkey. The Coaita is one of the Spider Monkeys, so called from their long slender limbs, and their method of climbing among the branches. The tail seems to answer the purpose of a fifth hand, as it is capable of being used for every purpose to which the hand can be applied. In climbing among the branches of trees, they coil it round the boughs to lower or raise themselves, and often will suspend themselves entirely by it, and then by a powerful impetus swing off to some distant branch. They are extremely sensitive to cold, and when chilly are in the habit of wrapping their tail about them, so that this useful organ answers the purpose of a boa as well as * a hand. They will also, when shot, fasten their tail so firmly on the branches, that they remain suspended after death. The Coaita inhabits Surinam and Guinea. The Collared Tee Tee, or White-throated Squirrel Monkey, is found to the east of the Orinoco. It lives on small birds, insects and fruits. Its habits are, apparently, mild and inoffensive, but its acts belie its looks, for when a small bird is presented to it, it springs upon its prey like a cat and speedily devours it. The White-nosed Monkey is a native of the forests of Guinea. The lightness and agility of its actions, its playfulness and its beauty, render it very attractive ; but it is not without a mixture of the caprice and petulance of its race. Its general color is black, the nose, which is broad and elevated, being white from between the eyes to the nostrils. The Mandrill, which is the most conspicuous of the baboon tribe, is a native of Guinea and Western Africa. It is chiefly remarkable for the vivid colors with which it is adorned. Its cheeks are of a brilliant blue, its muzzle of a bright scarlet, and a stripe of crimson runs along the centre of its nose. It lives principally in forests filled with brushwood, from which it makes incursions into the nearest villages, plundering them with impunity. On this account it is much dreaded by the natives, who feel themselves incapable of resisting its attacks. It is excessively ferocious, and easily excited to anger ; indeed, Cuvier relates that he has seen several of these animals expire from the violence of their fury. Female Coaita and young. (35) Group of Monkeys. Mandrill, or Ribbed-nose Baboon. THE MONKEY. A Baboon. Agile Gibbon. Ursine Howler. The Guereza is a native of Abyssinia, where it lives -in small families, tenanting the lofty trees in the neighborhood of running waters. It is active and lively, and at the sams time, gentle and inoffensive. Its general color is black, the sides of the body and top of the loins being ornamented with a mantle or fringe of long white hairs. The Agile Gibbon is a native of Sumatra. It derives its name of Agile, from the wonderful activity it displays in launching itself through the air from branch to branch. They spring a distance of twelve to eighteen feet with ease. The height of the Gibbon is about three feet, and the reach of the extended arms about six feet. The Howling Monkeys are chiefly remarkable for the pecu- liarity from which they derive their name. They possess an enlargement of the throat, which renders their cry exceedingly loud and mournful. They howl in concert, principally at the rising and setting of the sun. They feed principally on leaves and fruit ; the tail is prehensile. tar* — " i^siiffiW^ Cuimp:ihz 'C Guereza. (36) THE MONKEY. Bonneted or Pig-faced Baboon A Chacma, walking Erect. Chacma, or Pig-faced Baboon. Wande The Chacma, or Pig-faced Baboon, is a native of South Africa. It is an* animal of very considerable strength, and attains, "when full grown, the size of a very large Newfoundland dog. On level ground it always goes on all-fours ; but among the rocks and precipices, which are its natural refuge and habitation, it uses its hinder feet or hands somewhat as a human being would do, only with inconceivably greater boldness and agility, in clambering up the crags, or in springing from cliff to cliff. The Bonneted Monkey is so called from the peculiar manner in which the hair of the upper part of its head diverges, a form not unlike the object to which it is usually compared — the round bonnet of a Chinese. Its native country is the east of Asia. The White-eye-lid Monkey, has a long, black, naked, and dog- like face ; the upper part of the eye-lids of a pure white, which distinguish it from most other species. The Wandaroo is found on the coast of Malabar and in the island of Ceylon. Its hair is of a deep black with the exception of the long beard, which surrounds the face like a ruff. The Mona Monkey inhabits Barbary, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa. The term Mona is of Asiatic origin, and is the Moorish name for all long-tailed Monkeys. White Eve-lid Monkey. (37) Mona Monkey. THE MONKEY. Marmozets. The Marmozet is a most interesting little creature. It is exceedingly sensitive to cold. It will eat almost any article of food, but is especially fond of insects, which it dispatches in a very adroit manner. Its native countries are Brazil and Guiana. The Diana Monkey, so called from the fancied resemblance of the crescent-shaped bar which ornaments its brow to the ancient poetical representations of the goddess of the silver bow, is a native of Guinea, Congo, and Fernando Po. It is one of the most graceful and good tempered of its tribe. It is fond of being caressed, and nods and grins with peculiar expression when pleased ; but after a certain age it becomes more sedate and seldom indulges in these antics. Diana Monkey. Ohimpansee. Orang-Outan. (38) THE MONKEY. Proboscis Monkey. A Pinche. Full Bottomed Monkey. Barbary Ape. One of the most curious of African Monkeys is the Full Bottom, so called from the resemblance of the hair about his head to a full bottomed wig. It is very handsome. The head and upper part of the body are covered with yellow hair, falling over the shoulders and forming a kind of hood and pelerine. The face is brown, and the rest of the body is covered with very shoic close hair of a jet-black color which sets off the snow-white tail, which is much longer than the body and not prehensile. It lives in the forests of Sierra Leone, where the natives give it the name of the " King of the Monkeys," apparently, says Desmarest, on account of the beauty of its colors, and its "camail," which represents a sort of diadem. They attach great value to its fur, of which they make ornaments, and apply it to various purposes. The Barbary Ape, which grows to the height of nearly four feet, is remarkable for docility, and, by force of discipline, is made to exhibit considerable intelligence. Its general color is a palish olive-brown ; the face is a swarthy flesh color It is common in Barbary and the lower parts of Africa, and is also found in considerable numbers on the Rock of Gibraltar. This species was well known to the ancients, and it has been the " showman's ape" from time immemorial. Though morose and sullen in confinement, it is repre- sented as social, active and courageous in its wild state, and is particularly distinguished for its attachment to its young, The Pinche is found in great numbers in Colombia, South America. It is a small animal, (which is indeed the character of the genus,) being only about seven inches long in the body, but having at least twelve inches of tail. One of the most remarkable traits in the appearance of Pinche is the very long white hair on the top of the head, which falling backwards and laterally, forms a complete hood. All the under parts of the body and the insides of the legs are also white. The outsides of the legs, the buttocks and the basal half of the tail, are bright rusty red ; and the terminal half of the tail is black. The back is covered with black hairs having yellowish olive points. The Proboscis Monkey is a native of Borneo. It is remarkable for the extraordinary size and shape of its nose, and the natives relate that while leaping it holds that organ with its paws, apparently to guard it against the branches. The length of its head and body is two feet. (3W) THE LEMUR. Ruffed Lemur. The Lemur derive their name from their nocturnal habits, and their movements ; the word Lemur signify- ing a ghost. The RufTed Lemur is a native of Madagascar. It lives in the depths of the forests, and only moves by night, the entire day being spent in sleep. Its food consists of fruits, insects, and small birds-, which 'atter it takes while they are sleeping. This is the largest of the Lemurs, being rather larger than a cat. Like the former, the Flocky Lemur is a native of Madagascar. Its color is pale ferruginous above, white beneath ; the fur is extremely soft ; face black ; eyes large and greenish-grey. Besides the above men- tioned species, there is another kind of Lemur known as the white fronted. THE AYE-AYE. PARRY'S SPERMOPHILE. BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE. Jci1k.ii. Brazilian Porcupine. Bearer. An Aye-Aye. The Aye-Aye, of which we have already given a brief description, is classed by some naturalists along with the Squirrel; by others, with the Monkeys; and by not a few, among the Lemurs. Timid and harmless, it passes the day in sleep, and when roused up its motions are slow. It is very impatient of cold. It appears to be a subterranean animal, coming out of its burrow on the approach of darkness in quest of its food. This consists of worms, which it draws from their holes by means of its long slender fingers. «^^^ Parry's Spermophile is an animal which naturalists have classed as being intermediate between the Ground Squirrels, and the Marmots. It inhabits the barren grounds of our northern regions from Hudson's Bay to Behring's Straits. It js found generally in stony districts, but seems to delight in sandy hillocks among rocks, where burrows inhabited by different individuals may be often observed crowded together. The Brazilian Porcupine much resembles that of Canada in its habits. Ml) 4 * Parry's Spermophile. It is a sluggish animal. THE BAT. The Amboyna Bat. Splendid Horse-shoe Bat. Common Bat. The Bat tribe embraces a large number of genera, species, and varieties. Their name is derived from the singular manner in which their fore-paws, or hands are developed into wings. The smaller or common species is found in almost every country. All are nocturnal animals, flying about for food during the night, Hnd concealing themselves during the day in old buildings, barns, hollow trees, caverns, and the like, where they cling together seemingly in one mass. In cold climates, at the approach of winter, they cluster together in this way, and fall into a sleep which lasts till spring. The Vampire Bat is very common in South America, where it is held in considerable dread, on account of its blood-sucking propensities. Having selected an animal upon which to feed, the Vampire waits till it is asleep ; then carefully fanning the victim with its wings, it softly bites a hole, not so large as a pin's head in the ear or shoulder, through which it contrives to suck enough blood to make a very ample meal. Vampire Bat The Long-eared Bat is a na- tive of most parts of Europe. It is very easily tamed, and will take insects from the hand. Vampiro on the Win Lone-eared Bat. (42) Kalong. The Splendid Horse-shoe Bat is a native of Java. The Amboyna Bat, or Flyng-fox, is found in India and Amboyna. It is of large size, and greatly resembles the Kalong, which is the largest species of the genus that has been hitherto discovered. In the full grown Kalong the breadth of the expanded wings is full five feet, and the length of the body one foot. The head is oblong, and the muzzle comparatively of moderate length ; it is very gradually attenuated, and measures less than one third of the entire length of the head. The nose is short. The general color of the body and head is black, and of the neck and adjoining parts above smoky-brown. In young subjects the hairs are long, soft to the touch, and glossy; in old subjects they become crisp and rough. Numerous individuals select a large tree for their resort, and suspending themselves with the claws of their posterior extremities to the naked branches, often in companies of several hundreds, afford to a stranger a very singular spectacle. These societies preserve a perfect silence during the day ; but if they are disturbed, they emit sharp piercing shrieks, and their awkward attempts to extricate themselves, when oppressed by the sun's light, exhibit a ludicrous scene. The Greater Javelin Bat is a native of South America. No details have as yet been given with regard to its habits. There is an appendage to its nose nol unlike the head of a spear, or javelin, whence it derives its name. (43) Kalong. Greater Javelin Bat. THE LION. ii v. Laor Mr. Cumming encountering four Lions, of whom he killed two. The Lion stands at the head of the wild beasts. His noble and dignified bearing, the terrific power com pressed into his comparatively small frame, and the deep majesty of his voice, have gained for him the n me of " King of Beasts." The Lion inhabits Africa and certain parts of Asia, such as portions of .'• :-.i!iia and Persia, and some parts of India. It varies in appearance according to the locality, but there is doubt that there is but one species. '■Ye are indebted to Mr. Cumming for many interesting notices of this noble animal, observed during his fence in Southern Africa, and from his book many extracts will be given in the course of this work. iy his cool and daring courage he has been enabled to watch the habits and actions of the most ferocious s in the depths of their own haunts. The Lion is barely four feet high, and eight in length, yet he can, with little difficulty, dash the giraffe to the earth, or overcome the powerful buffalo. He has been known to carry off a heifer in his mouth, and although incumbered with such a burden, to leap a broad dyke, apparently with the greatest ease. Ko animal willingly molests I he Lion, and there are but very few which he cannot over- come. The rhinoceros *; ml elephant are almost the only quadrupeds he dares not med- dle writh, but he does not seem to stand in much fear of them Gnoos, zebras, and antelopes, seem to be his favorite prey, (44) African Lion. Mr. Cumming's servant, Hendrich, killed by a Man-eating Lion. although one of the antelopes, the Oryx, or gemsbok, not unfrequently avenges its own death by the destruction of ,fa pursuer its long straight horns impaling the Lion from side to°side. The two skeletons of it ibsefn SS4S KnturesThe "* * ** *** " ~ °f * #? ****** »* ** ^P " One of the mot striking things connected with the Lion is his voice, which is extremely grand and pecu harly s taking. It consists at times, of a low, deep moaning, repeated five or six times endin ™n faintly audible sig s; at other times he startles the forest with loud, deep toned, solemn roar's repeated nve or six times in quick succession, each increasing in loudness to the third or fourth, when his voiceMies away in live or six low, muffled sounds, very much resembling distant thunder. At times and not unfre- quently a troop may be heard roaring in concert, one assuming the lead, and two, three or four more regu- larly taking up their parts like persons singing a catch." ° " As a general rule Lions roar during the night, their sighing moans commencing as the shadestof evening envelope the forest, and continuing at intervals throughout the night. In distant and secluded regions? however, I have constantly heard them roaring loudly as late as nine and ten o'clock on a bright 8°anuy (45) Asiatic Lion. fi't . * Persian Lion. THE LION. Mr. dimming hunting the Lion in Africa. In hazy and rainy weather they are to be heard at evejry hour in the day, but their roar is subdued." The opinion that Lions will not touch a dead animal is erroneous ; as they were frequently shot by Mr. Cumming while devouring gnoos, &c., that had fallen by his rifle. Those Lions who have once tasted human flesh are generally the most to be dreaded, as they will even venture to spring in among a com- pany of men, and seize their victim. These Lions are called Man-eaters. During the latter part of Cumming's residence in South Africa a dreadful instance of their ferocity occurred. While the hunting party was encamped for the night in the territory of the Balakahari, a Lion taking advantage of the stormy night, suddenly sprang upon two men, Hendrick the driver, and Ruyter, the Bosjesman tracker, who were wrapped in the same blanket, by the fire. It seized Hendrick by the neck, and dragged him into the bushes, in spite of the blows which another man gave it with a burning brand, leaving Ruyter Mr. Cumming watching for Lions at night, in a hole dug near a watering place Oo) THE LlOis. A Lion shot by Mr. Cumming while carrying off a dead Gnoo. i unhurt except by a few scratches with its claws. Next morning it was shot by Mr. Cumming, who placed its skin in his magnificent collection, where Ruyter points it out with great glee. The Lioness is much smaller than the Lion, and is destitute of the magnificent mane which is so great an ornament to her mate. As a general rule she is more fierce and active than the male, especially before she has had cubs, or while she is suckling them. She has usually from two to four cubs at a time. They are beautiful playful little things, and are slightly striped. They have no mane until about two years old. While her cubs are small the Lioness knows no fear, and will attack a company of men or a herd of oxen if they come too near her den. Her mate also ably seconds her endeavors, and has been known to keep the hunters at bay until she has withdrawn her cubs to a place of safety, after which he bounds off in the direction which she has taken. The Lion when* young is easily tamed, and shows a strong attachment to its keeper. Those who have seen Van Ainburgh will know what influence man may obtain over this powerful creature. Many anecdotes have been told of the celebrated Lion "Nero," who would suffer even strangers to caress him, and carry children on his back with the greatest good nature. Many naturalists, of whom Buffon is the chief, have fallen into errors concerning the contradictory dispositions of the Lion and Tiger. "The Lion unites with a high degree of fierceness, courage, and strength, the more admirable qualities of nobleness, clemency, and magnanimity. Walking with a gentle step, he does not deign to attack man unless provoked to the combat. He neither quickens his step nor flies, and never pursues the inferior animals except when urged by hunger," while the Tiger " presents a compound of meanness and ferocity; he seems always thirsty for blood," &c. Now nothing can be more erroneous than these sentences. The Tiger is as tameable as the Lion, the Tiger and Lion seize their prey with equal ferocity, and neither will attack a man or any other animal when satisfied with food. There is a small hook or claw at the extremity of the Lion's tail, which has been represented as the means by which the animal lashes itself into fury, using it as a spur. This is impossible, as the claw or prickle is very small, not fixed to the bone as the claws of the feet are, but merely attached to the skin, and falls off if roughly handled. It is not present in all Lions, as Mr. Wood only discovered it once out of numerous specimens which he examined. (47) THE TIGER. Tiger in a jungle. Bengal Tiger. This magnificent animal is found only in Asia, Hindostan being the part most infested by it. In size it is almost equal to the Lion, its height being from three to four feet, and its length rather more than eight feet. It has no mane, but to compensate for this deficiency it is decorated with black stripes, upon a ground of reddish yellow fur, which becomes almost white on the under parts of the body. The chase of the Tiger is among the most exciting and favorite sports in India. A number of hunters assemble, mounted on elephants trained to the sport, and carry with them a supply of loa led rifles in their howdahs, or carriages mounted on the elephants' backs. Thus armed, they proceed to the spot where a tiger has been seen. The animal is usually found hidden in the long grass or jungle, which is frequently eight or more feet in height, and when roused, it endeavors to creep away under the gra-s. The movement of the leaves betrays him, and he is checked by a rifle ball aimed at him through t le jungle. Finding that he cannot escape without being seen, he turns round, and springs at the nearest elephant, endeavoring to clamber up it, and attack the party in the howdah. This is the most dangerous part of the proceedings, as many elephants will turn round and run away, regardless of the efforts of their drivers to make them face the Tiger. Should, however, the elephant stand firm, a well-directed ball checks the Tiger in his spring, and he then endeavors again to escape, but a volley of rifle balls from the backs of the other elephants, who by this time -•f^**. have come up, lays the savage animal prostrate, and in a very short time his skin decorates the successful marksman's how- dah. These hunts are not car- ried on without considerable danger, as in some cases the Tiger has succeeded in reaching the howdah, and more than one hunter has been known to overbalance himself in his anx- iety to get a shot at his game, and has fallen into the very claws of the enraged brute. Once a wounded Tiger sprang at a badly trained elephant, who immediately turned round and made off. The Tiger succeeded in reaching the elephant's tail, which it mangled dreadfully, Sir Bobert Gillespie leaping OTer a Tiger and spearing him at the same time. THE TIGER. Grand Tiger Hunt of a Native Indian Prince, Mo W ,t 1 ^ ' ^^r a^°Un °f ' S TUnds' and ^^ throuSh the exertionS * a native, J ho kept it back with a spear. The Tiger hung in this way for the greater part of a mile, when another hunter succeeded in overtaking the terrified elephant, and with a single ball freed the poor animalfom ito Tigers are usually taken by the natives in jpttMs, at the bottom of which is planted a bamboo stake, the top of which is sharpened into a point. The animal falls on the point and is impaleo the general notion that Tigers cannot be tamed is erroneous. They can be tamed as easily as the Lion • bat great caution must be used with all wild animals, as in a moment of irritation their mxam nature breaks out, and he consequences have more than once proved fatal. The melancholv death of the " Lion Mueen, in Wombwells Menagerie, is a recent example of this propensity. (49) Tiger Shooting. Tiger of Ceylon. THE LEOTARD. THE OUNCE. THE JAGUAR. African Leopard. Asiatic Leopard. The Leopard is an inhabitant of Africa, India, and the Indian Islands. A black variety inhabits Java, and is not uncommon there. Its height is about two feet. This and the following Felidae are accustomed to live much on trees, and are on that account called Tree-tigers by the natives. Nothing can be more beautiful than the elegant and active manner in which the Leopards sport among the branches of the trees : at one time they will bound from branch to branch with such rapidity that the eye can scarcely follow them ; then, as if tired, they will suddenly stretch themselves along a branch, so as to be hardly distin- guishable from the bark, but start up again on the slightest provocation, and again resume their graceful antics. It is easily tamed, and expresses great fondness for its keeper, and will play with him like a cat. A remarkably beautiful one in Wombwell's Menagerie was exceedingly fond of playing with the tuft at the extremity of a lion's tail, and from the familiar manner in which he patted and bit it, he evidently considered it a.s manufactured for his own particular entertainment. The Leopard and Panther are con- sidered as the same animal, on the authority of Mr. Gray. An Ounce. . TnE Ounce is a native of India, and has been often confounded with the Leopard. Its fur is much more rough than that of the Leopard, and the tail is almost bushy, especially towards the extremity. Its body is marked with irregular wavy stripes, and the head is adorned with black spots. The general color Is a yellowish grey. The habits and history of this animal are but little known. I Thk Jaguar inhabits America. It is larger and more powerful than the Leopard, which it resembles in color, but has a black streak across the chest, and a black spot in the centre of the rosettes. It is fond of climbing trees, and finds little difficulty in ascending, even when the trunk is smooth and destitute of branches. It chases monkeys successfully, and is said to watch for turtles on the beach. THE OCELOT. THE PUMA. Ocelot with a Bird. The Ocelot, one of the Tiger-cats, is a native of Mexico and Peru. Its height is about eighteen inches, and its length about three feet. It is a most beautiful animal, and is easily tamed. When ia.a wild state it lives principally on monkeys which it takes by stratagem. The Puma inhabits the whole of America. Its color is an uniform grey, fading into white on the under parts of its body. It lives much on trees. The Americans speak of this animal as the Panther. Many authors term it the " Cougar," A Puma. An Ocelot (51) THE WILD CAT. DOMESTIC CAT. A Wild Cat. The Wild Cat is a species distinct from the Domestic Cat. It is found in Canada, .Siberia, and Great Britain The Domestic Cat was formerly supposed to be the same animal as the Wild Cat, but it is now proved to be a distinct species, and the difference is seen at once by the form of the tail. That of the Domestic Cat is long and taper, while that of the Wild Cat is bushy and short. The Oat displays a great affection for her kittens, and her pride when they first run about is quite amusing. A Domestic Cat. A Cat and Kitten. (&) THE LION. THE PUMA. THE DOMESTIC CAT. THE JAGUAR. THE OCELOT. THE CHETAH. THE CARACAL. THE LYNX. The Clictah or Hunting Leopard. The Chetah or Hunting Leopard is found in Africa and India, and with a form like a cat, has feet like a dog. It is trained and used in hunting. It cannot climb trees. The Caracal is found in Asia and Africa is two feet long and fourteen inches high. It belongs to the Lynx tribe. Wm%* Ok u The Caracal, A Canadn l.\ ax. The Canada Lynx is re- markable for bounding instead of running. Its fur is greatly valued. (54) ANIMALS OF THE CAT KIND. A Persian Lynx. A Mexican Linn or Puma A Leopard. A Jaguar watching a herd of Deer. A Tiger. A Domestic Cat. A Lion. (55) Group of Animals of the Cat kind. t A Lynx attacking a Moose THE LYNX. Lynxes. The Lynx was formerly spread over the Old World. It was common in France, and has only disap- peared from Germany at a comparatively recent period. It is still found in the north of Europe, and even in Portugal and Spain. Cuvier describes one that was killed within a few leagues of Lisbon, and M. Rory de St. Vincent mentions that he frequently met with them in the central and southern mountains of Spain. They there attain to a larger size than usual, and their colors are remarkably vivid. It is very common in the forests of northern Asia, and in the Caucasus. That which inhabits the more southern parts of Asia, and is found in Africa, is a rather distinct variety, called Caracal, a contraction of the Turkish name kara, black, and kulac/c, ear. It is chiefly distinguished by its uniform vinous red color, by its ears, which are black both without and within, and by a longer tail than any other lynx possess. America is known to have two, or perhaps three varieties of the Lynx. The first is that which, after Button, is called the Canada Lynx. Its color is grey, its tail is longer than that of the common Lynx, and the ears are shorter. The other variety which is found in the United States, is smaller than the one just mentioned. It has the form and distribution of spots of the European variety ; but the ground color is grey ; its spots are more numerous, deeper on the back, and paler on the sides apd limbs. In their manners and habits of life the varieties differ little from one another. An Ounce. V A CoU£fir A Tiger. C56) THE DOG. laving a person from drowning. We now arrive at the Dog family, which includes the Dogs, Wolves, Jackals, and Foxes. The first of the Dogs is the Kolsun, or Dhale, which inhabits Bombay anfl Nepaul. It hunts in packs, as most of the dogs do even in a wild state, and has been known to destroy tigers and chetahs. Let us pass to a more interesting animal, the Newfoundland Dog. This magnificent creature was originally brought from New- foundland. The Newfoundland Dog is well known as a most faithful guardian of its master's property. It is remarkably fond of the water. Many instances are known of this noble animal saving the lives of people that ha\e fallen into the water, and must have perished but for its timely aid. The Newfoundland is one of the largest of the dogs, as it stands nearly two feet two inches in height. A Mastiff. A Dalmatian Coach Dog. C57) A llnnier. A Newfoundland Dog. THE DOG. English and Scotch Terriers. The Terriers never grow to any considerable size. There are several breeds of Terriers, among which the English and Scotch are most conspicuous. These dogs are principally used for destroying rats or other vermin, and are so courageous that they do not hesitate to unearth the fox or the badger. The Scotch Terrier is a rough, wiry little dog, with hair hanging over its eyes, so that those organs are hardly visible, and when it is in the water its wetted hair quite obscures its vision. Terriers are extremely attached to their masters, and are capable of learning many amusing tricks. The Shepherd's Dog is a rough, shaggy animal, with sharp pointed ears and nose. It is an invaluable assistant to the shepherd, as it knows all its master's sheep, never suffers them to stray, and when two flocks have mixed, it will separate its own charge with the greatest certainty. It understands every look and gesture of its beloved master, and drives the flock to any place which he points out. A Shepherd's Doy. A Terrier. A Wild Dog. fW\ THE DOG. Italian Wolf Dogs. Italian Wolf Dogs are a courageous race, used by the shepherds of the Ahruzzi to defend their flocks. They are of a beautiful form, something lighter than the Newfoundland Dog, but strong and muscular. Their fine, long hair is white. There are several varieties of the Blood Hound, inhabiting Cuba, Africa, and England. They all have a wonderfully acute sense of smell, and can trace a man or animal with almost unerring certainty. An African Blood Hound. An English Blood-Hound. THE DOG. A Chasseur with Cuban Blood Hounds. A Cuban Blood Hound. The Cuban Blood Hound was formerly employed by the Spaniards to hunt down the natives while endeavoring to escape from their invasions. A few years since, one of these dogs saved the life of its master, an American hunter, by boldly attacking a Puma which had sprung on him in the darkness, and was lacerating him in a dreadful manner. The sagacious animal had been tied up at home, but apparently knowing the dangers of the forests through which his master was about to pass, he broke his chain, and arrived barely in time to save the hunter from a horrible death. The Water Spaniel as its name denotes, delights in plunging into the water, especially if any game is to be found among the rushes that fringe the rivers. It is a most useful assistant when shooting wild ducks, or water hens, as, when wounded, they conceal themselves so effectually, that, without a dog. discovery is almost impossible. It can dive to some depth, and ^ring up in its mouth any small object from the bottom. The Pointer is used by sportsmen to point out the spot where the game li^. It ranges the fields until it scents the hare or partridge lying close on the ground. It then remains still as if carved in stone, every limb fixed, and the tail pointing straight behind it. In this attitude it remains until the gun is discharged, reloaded, and the sportsman has reached the place where the bird sprung. It then eagerly searches for the game, and brings the bird in its mouth. An Enrrlish Pointer. A .Mexican Wild Dog. An /Irish Greyhound. Alpine Spaniel saving the life of a Child. The Spanish Pointer has long been naturalized in England. His head and snout are thick, his fur short. smooth and glossy. lie is easily trained. The Irish Greyhound, or Wolf Dog, is large and powerful, but harmless and indolent. His fur is smooth and short. He was formerly employed in hunting wolves. The Italian Greyhound is a small and very elegant animal. The Alpine Spaniel, or St. Bernard's, is celebrated for his sagacity in discovering travellers buried iu the snow. The story of one of them saving the life of a child found perishing in the snows is only one of hundreds of the same kind, well authenticated by the benevolent monks of the monastery of the Great St. Bernard. Among the wild dogs is one variety found in America, another in Africa, and a third, called the Dingo, in Australia. The Esquimaux Dog, used in drawing sledges, is more than half wild. The Beagle is the smallest kind of dog used in the chase, chiefly in hare hunting. The Bull Dog is lower than the mastiff, but more muscular ; his head is round, his ears half pricked, his -mout blunt, his neck thick and short, and his under jaw projecting. &, ~n?VuS' r#fc ->^s Cuban Blood Hound, female and young. A Beagle. A Bull Do-. THE WOLF. A Wolf Hunt, from a painting by Snyders. The Wolf is common both to the Old and New World, particularly in the immense forests and cold regions of the north. In length he is about three and a half feet, and in height about two and a half Both externally and internally he resembles the dog, only gaunt and emaciated, with a fiercer and more savage aspect. His common color is a mixture of black, brown, and grey ; but some incline to yellow some are found quite black, and others altogether white ; his hair is rough and hard, mixed towards the roots with a kind of ash-colored fur; his eyes open slantingly upward, and the color of the eyeballs is of a fiery green ; his tail is nearly straight. He is strong and agile, but cruel, cunning, and cowardly. When pressed with hunger, however, he becomes daring and ferocious, and will not hesitate to attack man European Wolves. American Wolves. THE WOLF. The Wolf is in general a solitary animal, and partly nocturnal in his habits, but frequently associates for the sake of plunder. In Poland, during a winter day, a whole pack of wolves will attack a carriage while passing along. The horses are commonly the first victims ; though an anecdote, which commemorates the generous resolution of a servant, proves that they occasionally give this uncoveted preference to men. A gentleman was travelling with his servant in a sledge through one of these dreary forests, when they were suddenly attacked by a number of wolves, who leaped furiously at the carriage. The servant, who instantly saw that one of them at least must perish, exclaimed, " Pro- tect my wife and children," and in- stantly leaped into the midst of them. His master drove wildly on and escaped. The she-wolf goes with young a hundred days, and brings forth five or six, or sometimes more, at a litter. The cubs come into the world with their eyes closed. • The Clouded Black Wolf, from the extreme northern regions of America, is much larger and more robust than the common species, and it is very ferocious. Wolves attacking a Sleighing Party. An Arctic Wolf. An Asiatic Wolf. Wolves attacking a Wild Horse. THE WOLF. Wolves attacking a Moose. A Wolf Hunt. East Indian Wolf Trap. In the accompanying engraving, a representation is shown of the manner in which wolves are caught in India. This is very simple, hut scarcely ever meets with failure. Finding a place where the animals are wont to prowl, the natives dig a deep pit, and cover it with twigs and herbage, so as to look as natural as possible. On both sides of this pit, a strong bamboo cane is fixed in the ground. The ends of the canes are then made to meet in the centre, just above the hidden pit underneath. Where these unite a kind of basket is hung, smeared with blood, and holding the body of a young goat or sheep. Having a keen scent, the wolves speedily find this bait, and in trying to get at it are almost sure to fall into the pit, where they are easily speared to death. A traveller being pursued by wolves urged his horse at the very top of his speed. He reached a house about two miles distant. At the entrance was a gate, which happened to be closed, but the horse dashed this open, and thus himself and his master found refuge within the yard. They were followed, however, by nine of the wolves ; but fortunately, at the instant these had entered the inclosure, the gate swung back on its hinges, and thus they were caught, as it were in a trap. They lost their ferocity at once, and became completely cowed ; so far from offering to molest any one, they slunk into holes and corners, and allowed themselves to be slaughtered, almost without resistance. Wolf attacking a Child. Wolves pursuing a Traveller. THE JACKAL. THE FOX. A Cur Fox. A Jackal. A Mastiff Fox. The Jackal is found in North Africa, Persia, and India. It, like the wolf, unites in bands to hunt, and the prey which the pack has taken so much pains to secure is not unfrequently confiscated by the lion, who keeps the reluctant hunters at a distance until he has satisfied his own royal appetite. The Jackals, however, often retaliate by assisting at the demolition of the larger prey which the lion destroys. It i3 very useful in the East, as it acts as scavenger, and consumes ■ the offal which, in those not very cleanly towns, is cast into the streets, and would inevitably cause a pestilence, were it not for the assistance of the Jackals and other creatures. It is excessively fond of grapes, and makes dreadful havoc in the vineyards. While hunting, it utters most piercing shrieks, which have been compared by those who have heard them to the wailings of evil spirits. There are several kinds of Jackals, one inhabiting Senegal, and another the Cape of Good Hope. They are rather larger than the fox, but do not possess nearly so bushy a tail as that " brush," wherein sportsmen take so much delight. The Fox, the terror of the hen-roosts and the delight of sportsmen, is found in most parts of America, xnd many other countries. It varies very much in color and size, according to the country in which it lives. The habits of this animal are mostly nocturnal. It lies by day concealed in its burrow, if it be fortunate enough to possess one, or in the depths of some thicket, if not a householder. Towards evening it sallies out in search of food, and woe to the unfortunate hare, rabbit, pheasant, or fowl that comes in its way. Sometimes he steals into the hen-roost, destroys and carries off most of its inmates, some of which he devours on the spot, others he carries home, and the remainder he buries for a future repast. When irritated, the fox gives out a strong, disagreeable scent, which lies so long on the ground that it may be perceived for nearly an hour after the fox has passed. A Bed Fox. V W* W&.& A Greyhound Fox. THE HY2ENA. A Striped Hyaena. There are several varieties of the Hyaena, as the striped, spotted and villose; all similar and all dis gusting in their habits. They are found in Asia and Africa. They feed on carrion and on small quadru- peds. They not unfrequently dig up recently interred corpses. Their jaws and teeth are exceedingly powerful, as they can crush the thigh-bone of an ox with apparently little effort. Their skull, too, is very strong, and furnished with heavy ridges for the support of the muscles which move the jaw. The hinder parts of the Hyaena are very small, and give it a strange, shambling appearance when walking. The Hyaena is easily tamed, and even domesticated, so that the tales of its untameable disposition are entirely erroneous. Villose nytena. Spotted fTyienn. cm THE ICHNEUMON. THE CIVET. THE GENET. Ichneumons. Few animals are more useful than the Ichneumon. Snakes, lizards, crocodiles' eggs, or even young •cocodiles themselves, form their principal food. The Egyptian Ichneumon, or Pharaoh's Rat, as it is sometimes called, is a native of North Africa, and is often domesticated for the purpose of destroying the various snakes, and other reptile annoyances, which are such a pest in the houses of hot countries. The Civets are active little animals, averaging about two feet in length. The whole group is celebrated for the perfume which is secreted in a glandular pouch near the tail, and is of some importance in com- merce. The Civet is only found in North Africa, especially in Abyssinia, where it takes up its abode on uncultivated and barren hills. It feeds upon birds and the smaller quadrupeds, which it takes by surprise. As it pursues its prey by night only, its eyes are formed for seeing in the dark. The Genet slightly resembles the cat, particularly in its spots, and the power j>f climbing trees. It inhabits Africa, and is not unfrequently found in the South of France. The Zibet, found in the East Indies, is of the same genus as the Civet, and produces a similar perfume. A Genet. The Zibet. A Civet. THE MUSTELINA, OR WEASEL. Hunting the Sable, In Siberia. The Mustelina, or Weasels, are easily distinguished by their long slender bodies, short muzzle, sharp teeth, and predatory habits. They inhabit almost every part of the world, and procure their food by creep- ing on the unsuspecting victim, generally a rabbit, rat, or bird, and then suddenly darting at it and piercing its neck with their sharp teeth. The Pine Marten, a native of the North, and an inhabitant of the pine forests, whence it derives its name, is abundant in Siberia and the northern portions of America. It is much sought after on account of its beautiful fur. The Sable, long famous, for its costly fur, inhabits Siberia. The chase, or rather the search, after these animals is attended with dreadful hardships and great danger. Stbl*. Rat. Pim: Mm ten. THE MUSTELENA, OR WEASELS. Weasel. Polecat. Stout, or Ermine, in its summer dress. Common Weasel. The Polecat is very common in most parts of Europe. It is dreadfully destructive to the poultry, and destroys both old and young. Winter is the usual time for its appearance in the farm-yard, as in the summer it obtains its food with less risk among the rabbit warrens. The Stoat, or Ermine, is found in the northern parts of the Old World and the New. It is less than the Polecat, but its habits are scarcely less predacious. Hares and rabbits fall easy victims to their little enemy, who dispatches them with a single bite, penetrating the brain. During the winter, the Stoat becomes partially white, in extreme northern countries wholly so, except the tip of the tail, which remains black, tn this state it is called the Ermine, and is killed in great numbers for the sake of its beautiful and valuable fur. The Common Weasel is the least of this fribe, and is found in most parts of Europe and America. It wages unrelenting war on rats and mice, and in an incredibly short space of time extirpates them from a barn or stack. It hunts by scent, like dogs, and tracks the unfortunate rat with the most deadly certainty. On this account some farmers encourage it on their premises, but they generality destroy it. It is a most courageous little animal, and will even attack men, who have found it by no means a despicable antagonist, as it invariably dashes at the throat, where a bite from its long sharp teeth would be very dangerous, and might produce death. THE MOUSE, THE POUCHED BAT, AND THE MOLE RAT. Pouched Rat. Common Mice. The Mouse is so well known, that a description of its size is useless. The Mouse is said to be greatly susceptible of music. An anecdote is related of a gentleman, who was playing a violin, seeing a Mouse run along on the floor and jump about as if distracted. He continued the strain, and after some time the Mouse, apparently exhausted with its exertions, dropped dead on the floor. The Pouched-rat, though long since noted by various observers, is still but little known. It is rendered peculiar in its appearance by the cheek-pouches exterior to the mouth, its short fore legs and long claws. The Mole-rat is a native of Asia Minor, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Southern Russia. The Russians term it Slepez, or the blind. In the Mole-rat the eye is a minute black grain lying beneath the skin, which passes over it, and is besides covered with the fur : it is evident that the sense of vision is denied to this creature : but by way of amends, its internal organs of hearing are largely developed. The Mole-rat has much of the manners of the common mole : it is gregarious, and its burrows are clustered together. Its burrows consist of galleries at a little distance below the surface of the earth, which communicate with chambers sunk to a greater depth. It burrows very expeditiously. In the morning it often quits its retreat and basks with its mate in the sun. At the least noise it raises its head to listen, and in a menacing attitude ; when attacked, it snorts and gnashes its teeth, and defends itself resolutely, inflicting severe wounds. There is a superstition among the people of the Ukraine, that the hand which has suffocated one of these animals is gifted with the virtue of curing scrofulous affections. M,.lo !!..( THE FISHER, WOMBAT, AND DUSKY PACA. Ocelot, attacking n Crane. Co.'iti Mondi. Dusky Pacas, attacked by a bird of prey. Fisher, attacking a Rabbit. The Fisher is an inhabitant of the northern parts of North America It is a very fierce, carnivorous animal, and, in its habits, greatly resembles the Wolverine, or American Glutton, to which it is allied. The hunters and trappers of the regions it inhabits hate it most cordially, as it is con- tinually robbing their traps, and is itself worth little or nothing when it is caught. The Wombat is a burrowing animal, and is found in Australia Its length is about three feet. Its motions are clumsy, and much resemble those of a Bear. Though its disposition is gentle, yet it bites and is furious when provoked, and utters a low cry, between a hissing and a whizzing sound. The Dusky Paca is a native of South America. It lives in burrows, and roots with its nose and grunts like a pig. In length it is about two feet. Its flesh is highly esteemed, and in some districts is in ordinary consumption. For the table it is prepared by being scalded like a sucking pig, and then roasted. Caracal. Dusky Paca. THE COIPUS. Coipus. The Coipus, is a most important animal in a commercial point of view. The fine under-fur which invests its body being extensively employed, like that of the beaver, in the manufacture of hats, thousands of its skins are annually imported, under the name of Racoonda. The Coipus, is a native of the southern and meridional regions of the American Continent. It resides habitually in burrows or holes which it excavates along the banks of the larger rivers, and in these burrows the female brings forth her young, from five to seven in number, to which she manifests great attachment, taking them with her as soon as sufficiently grown to follow her in her rambles. Every point in the con- figuration of this animal indicates its aquatic habits, as well as its facility of burrowing. The body is clothed with two sorts of hair, an under garment of fine close fur, almost water-proof, and an upper layer of long shining straight hairs of rich brown, which is the general color, except on the muzzle, which is dirty white. Long-tailed Manis. Pichiciago. Coipus. THE MOLE, DESMAN, AND COAST RAT. Common Mole. Desmans. Star-Nosed Mole. The Common Mole, or Talpa, is found nowhere but in Europe. The whole structure of this animal is beautifully adapted to the subterranean life which it leads, and to the mode in which it seeks its food. The Mole has been supposed to be deficient in the sense of sight, the eyes being so small, and so hidden behind the hair, that their existence was long denied ; it has been ascertained, however, to be tolerably sharp- sighted. The sense of smell is extremely acute, and its organ largely developed. At the same time it appears to be assisted by that of hearing, which is certainly acute, although aided by no external ear. The burrows of the Mole are of a beautifully complicated construction, and are formed with the utmost art. Its food chiefly consists of earth-worms and the larvse of beetles. The Cape Mole, inhabiting the South of Africa, is very similar to the Common Mole in structure and habits ; but is remarkable as being the only known mammal which presents any appearance of those splendid metallic reflections which adorn so many birds, fishes and insects. Its fur is green, changing with the light to a copper or bronze. The Star-nosed Moles are confined to North America ; they closely resemble the Common Mole in their feet, general aspect and habits, but the tail is longer, and the disc at the end of the snout is encircled by curious little moveable cartilaginous processes like the rays of a star. The Desman, or Russian Musk-Rat, is abundant in the lakes and rivers of Southern Russia, feeding on worms, aquatic insects, and especially leeches, which it searches for in the mud at the bottom of the water, with its long flexible snout. It exales a strong musky odor. m The Coast Rat is a native of Southern Africa, frequenting sandy tracts along the coast. It is about a foot in length, exclus;ve of the tail, which is about three inches. The general color is greyish ash. (73) Cape Mole, on it* back. Gape Mole. THE DORMOUSE, INDIAN GERBILLE, CAPYBARA, AND AGOUTI. Common Dormouse. Indian Gerbille. The Dormouse is very common in all the warmer parts of Europe. It lives in copses and among brush- wood, through which it makes its way with such rapidity that it is very difficult to capture. During the winter it lies torpid, hut takes care to have a stock of food laid up, on which it feeds during the few inter- ruptions to i£s slumbers. The Agouti lives in Brazil, Guiana and Paraguay. It is about the size of a rabbit, and like that animal is generally found in company. In Brazil and Guiana, the Agouti is much sought after for the sake of its flesh, but it appears that in Paraguay the flesh is not eaten. It feeds on vegetables, especially yams and tubers, but in the West India Islands it devours the sugar canes, and is a great pest to the planters. The Capybara is the largest of all the Rodentia. At first sight it looks very like a pig, and its skin is covered thinly with hairs like bristles, which add to the resemblance. It inhabits the borders of lakes and rivers in many parts of Southern America. During the day, it hides among the thick herbage of the banks, only wandering forth to feed at night, but when alarmed, it instantly makes for the water, and escapes by diving. It is hunted for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be remarkably good. The Jaguar appears to be of the same opinion, for he is the most terrible enemy of this creature, destroying immense numbers. The food of the Capybara consists of grass, vegetables and fruits. Its length is about three feet six inches. The .Indian Gerbille is of the size of a common rat. It is common in Hindostan, and seems to be gregarious, great numbers associating together. These animals are very abundant about cultivated lands, and are very destructive to wheat and barley crops, of which they lay up considerable hoards in spacious burrows. Certain classes of the Hindoos go in quest of these animals, at proper seasons, to plunder their hoards of grain ; and often within the soace of twenty yards find as much wheat in the ear as could be (rammed into a bushel basket. *■«#* Capjfbur.i. Agouti. Capybara. (74) THE SLOTH, AND THE FERRET. Ferret. Hunting the Giraffe. Monkey, Catching Birds. The Sloth inhabits the remote and gloomy forests of the New "World, from Brazil to Mexico. It is about the size of the fox ; the fore limbs are double the length of the hinder, wanting soles, but furnished with three toes, which terminate in strong, hook-like nails, crooked downward and backward ; -these render moving on the ground as difficult for him as it would be for a man to advance while supported on the tips of his nails. Its hair is thick and coarse at the extremity, and gradually tapers at the root, where it becomes fine as the finest spider's web, and is so much of the hue of the moss which grows on the branches, that it is difficult to detect it when at rest. In the deep woods where it resides, the branches of the trees touch each other in great profusion, so that it easily passes from tree to tree, and that with a rapidity which is far from justifying its cognomen of Sloth. It is a timid, harmless creature, and its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the Indians. Its food consists of leaves, buds, and fruit. It is a ruminating animal and has four stomachs. The Ferret was originally imported from Africa to Spain. It has white fur and red eyes. It is*easily tamed, and when muzzled, is made use of to drive the rabbits from their burrows. (75) Sloths A Sloth. THE SLOTH. Sloths. The Sloth, in its wild condition, spends it's whole life on the trees, and never leaves them hut- through force or accident; and what is more extraordinary, if Y.yps not upon the branches, but tinder thorn. Tllili UAKUAJUL. A Carcajou attacking a Deer There are many marvellous stories in circulation among the wild hunters of the west respecting the ferocity, activity and strength of the Carcajou. It is admirably adapted for climbing. It preys on deer, beavers, and whatever animals it can master. A Carcajou watching a Deer. C77) THE CARCAJOU. THE RATEL. - A Carcajou. A Carcajou watching a herd of Deer from a tree. The Wolverine, Glutton, or Carcajou, inhabits North America. Accounts vary respecting the habits of this animal. The older naturalists say that it ascends trees, and drops on the neck of any unfortunate deer which happens to pass beneath, and that having once secured its prey, it never leaves it until the last morsel is consumed. Be this as it may, the Carcajou is known to hunt after its prey, which it follows for many miles at a slow but persevering pace, and seldom fails of bringing it down at last. It is especially hated by the sable hunter, as it will follow him in his rounds, robbing the traps of the baits as it proceeds, and should a sable be caught it generally tears it to pieces, or buries it in the snow. The hunter has some slight revenge in robbing it of its skin, as the fur is in some request, but the mischief it does him is not by any means counterbalanced by the value of its hide. It is a very determined animal, and when attacked defends itself vigorously, proving more than a match for a dog. The length of the Carcajou, without the tail, is about two feet six inches. The Ratel is a native of South Africa, and lives principally on the combs and honey of the wild bee, although it is very probable that much of its subsistence is derived from flesh and roots. It is said to be guided to the bee's nest by a bird called the Honey-guide, which, as the natives assert, being very fond of honey and unable to attack the hive by itself, seeks for the Ratel, and admonishes it by a peculiar cry that the desired honeycomb is not very far distant. The Ratel's hairs are stiff and hard, its hide is tough; and the ^animal itself difficult to- kill. The natives assert that it is almost impossible to kill this creature, without givifc" .'A ° Teat number of violent blows on the nose; on which account they usually destroy it by shooting it, or by plunging a KniieluwJ itS l,u,!v. The shortness of its legs will not permit it to escape by flight, when pursued by the hounds. It is able, however, sometimes to extricate itself from their clutches, by biting and scratching them in a most terrible manner ; while, on the other hand, it is perfectly well defended from the assaults of their teeth by the toughness of its hide ; for, when a hound endeavors to bite one, it can lay hold only on this part, which instantly separates from the creatures body or flesh, as it is reported to lie loose from the skin, as within a sack ; so that, when any one catches hold of one by the hind part of the neck, and that even pretty near the head, it can turn round, as it were, in its skin, and bite the arm that seizes it. (78) THE BADGER. Badgers. This harmless and much injured animal (which is often subjected to such ill treatment that the term ■ bad°-ering" a person is used to express irritating him in every possible way,) is found throughout Europe and Asia. It is not now very common in England, but is frequently found in Scotland, where it is termed the " Brock," a name familiar to us all, through the means of Dandie Dinmont, who also immortalized the pepper and mustard terriers. . -, The Badger lives at the bottom of deep burrows which it excavates, and in which it passes all the day, sleeping on a very comfortable bed of hay and grass. When the evening approaches it seeks its food, consisting of roots, fruit, insects, and sometimes young rabbits. It is also said to attack the wild bee, and boldly to devour the honey and combs, its thick hair and skin rendering it utterly regardless of the stings of the enraged bees, who " might as well sting a barber's block." The Badger leads the most solitary and quiet life, not being found in company even with the lemales oi its own species. When attacked, it shows great resolution and courage, grappling with a dog of twice its own weight, and keeping a firm hold with its teeth. When taken young they may be easily tamed, and evince much docility and playfulness. No treatment, however kind, can change the character of the adult The cruel sport of baiting the Badger is still continued. The poor creature is placed inside a kennel, and dogs set at it, who are not unfrequently worsted by the Badger, as its bite is terrific, and its skin so tough, and hair so thick, that the bites of the dog do not take full effect. The pleasure of this " sport as in many other diversions of the sporting world, appears to consist in trying whether the dogs or the Badger will be most mangled in a given time. ' Its skin is rather valuable, the hair being extensively employed in the manufacture ol brushes, and its fur being in some request for holsters. The omnivorous and thrifty Chinese eat its flesh, as indeed they will that of most animals, and consider its hams a very great dainty. The length of the Badger is about two feet three inches. (79) THE OTTER. An Otter, fishing. The Common European Otter, is about two feet long, with a tail sixteen inches in length, flattened honzontally, with short stout limbs, five toes on each, webbed, and having strong grooved nails, but loosely articulated ; they are capable of being brought on a line with the body, and used as fins. The Sea Otter, in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, is double the size of the European species. It is hunted for its fur, which is of a blackish velvet-looking color. An Otter. An Otter. (80) THE OTTER. Hunting for Otters at the Cairn. In the British Islands they have but one species of Otter. But the members of* the genus are very numerous, and spread respectively over every quarter of the globe— nor are all confined to fresh waters ; on the contrary, some are fishers on the sea, and take up their abode, like seals, in the crevices of rocks on ' the shore. Of these we may instance the Lutra stelleri, a native of the Polar Regions. The Otter is found on the wild shores of the western isles of Scotland. Among the Highlanders it is a favorite sport to hunt this animal with dogs of the terrier breed. Parties will sally 'out with torches at night time, when the Otter leaves his hole to seek food. During the day he conceals himself under the large bare stones or fragments of rock close to the margin of the sea, forming what is called a , " cairn. It is a difficult matter to force him from his retreat. The writer being in one of the Hebrides, accompanied a party of gentlemen, attended by gamekeepers, for the purpose of witnessing this sport. It was a fine morning in September. Landing on one of the islands from a boat, the terriers were loosened from the couples and left to their own instinct to find the otter's den. After scrambling a considerable distance over masses of rock and loose pebbles on a remarkably wild and beautiful shore, the dogs by then- eagerness of manner and incessant barking, convinced the party that the game was within scent, gentlemen with guns cocked, then arranged themselves in convenient situations for intercepting the passage of the Otter, should he attempt to take refuge in the sea ; some mounted on the tops of rocks, others st^od near the water or in the boat which had accompanied the party from the landing place, lbe keepers -in the meantime assisted the dogs in their efforts to discover the lurking hole of the prey. One of them a thick-set Highlander, displayed a very characteristic enthusiasm. Addressing the dogs in Gaelic, he set to w0"k witfi all the fervor of the animals themselves, tearing away large stones from the month of the hole, and hai£ burying himself to enable the dogs to come at their object; they m the meantime ran about, velTiinsr ifM-ke greatest excitement, and scratching at every aperture between the stones. While this action was coin" on at one hole, a Lrge Otter poked his head out of another, and looked about with as much astonishment as his countenance was capable of expressing, until catching a glimpse of one of his enemies, he suddenly retreated from the light, This incident having been observed, the attention of the party was (81) THE OTTER. transferred to the retreat thus betrayed. A large stone was first uplifted and hurled upon the top of the pile, with the intention of either forcing the inmates out by the shock, or of breaking some of the stones. Then a pole was thrust into the crevice, which was enlarged so as to admit a dog. One of the canine besiegers immediately rushed in, and, after a few seconds spent in grappling with his antagonist, an Otter was dragged forth, at whom the whole body of dogs ran a-tilt. His defence was most heroic; many of his assailants exhibiting evidences of the power of his bite. The battle was continued for several minutes ; and to those who delight in the display of animal ferocity, the noise of the enraged combatants, and the *ight of wounds and death, must have afforded high enjoyment. Dogs and Otter, involved in one compact group, rolled down a precepitous ledge of crags, at the bottom of which, the power of numbers prevailing, the poor Otter yielding up his life, " dying very hard," as it is called. Two more Otters were taken directly ;ifter at the same cairn; one was shot as he made towards the water, the other was dragged by the tail, by one of the men, from his hole, and bagged alive. This was called a good day's sport. Otter Hunt in Scotland. Among the sports of our forefathers, Otter hunting was not one of the least esteemed ; and a breed of rough-haired powerful dogs was employed in aiding the exertions of the hunters. As the water is the c«genial element of the Otter, a single dog has there little chance against so active and resolute an antagonist, ner indeed could any number unassisted bring him to bay. When forced from his retreat, it is in the water, therefore that the animal naturally takes refuge ; here a host of dogs assailing him would oblige him to swim beneath the surface as long as he could hold his breath, and on his rising to breathe he would be met by a shower of spears, launched at him by the hunters on the bank. Thus attacked on every side, still his activity and resolution would, under ordinary cicumstances, enable him to bafilii'for a long time the most vigilant pursuit of his enemies, and not unfrequently to escape. But at length 'the poor animal perished, as too often happened, wounded and oppressed by numbers, ye+- fighting to the last. In our day Otter hunting is less commonly practised, as the animal is more scarce as well as more limited in its localities ; it is not, however, by any means forgotten. (82.) THE BEAR. Polar Bear. Grizzly Bear. The Bears and their allies are mostly heavy, and walk with the whole foot placed flat on the ground, unlike the cats, dogs, &c, who walk with merely their paws or toes. All the bears are omnivorous, that is, they can eat either animal or vegetable food, so that a leg of mutton, a pot of honey, a potato, or an apple, are each equally acceptable. The Polar, or White Bear, called Nennook by the Esquimaux, lives in the Arctic regions, where it feeds on seals, fish, and even the walrus, but it dares not attack the latter animal openly. It is a formidable antagonist either by land or water, as it dives with great ease, and is able to chase the seal amid the waves. The Grizzly Bear is a native of North America. It is the most ferocious and powerful of its family. The American Indians, fear it so much that a necklace of its claws, which may only be worn by the indi- vidual who destroyed the bear, is a decoration entitling the wearer to the highest honors. It is able to overcome and carry off the enormous bison, and to dig a pit in wThich to bury it. The Cinnamon Bear is found in Russia. It is so called from its color. The Brown Bear inhabits the north of Europe, Switzerland, and the Pyrenees. It has been extirpated from England for many centuries, but is recorded to have been found in Scotland so late as 1057. The inhabitants of Northern Europe hunt it with much skill, and take it in traps and pitfalls, availing themselves of its love for honey. The Bear scents the honey and in his endeavor to come at it, falls into the pitfall and is captured. Black Bear. Cinnamon | f83) Brown Bear THE BEAR. Polar Bears catching Seals. A sailor in the Arctic regions nearly lost his life by imprudently attacking a Polar Bear with no weapon but a rusty musket, which could not be induced to fire ; and indeed had he not been separated from the infuriated Bear by a cleft in the ice, he could hardly have escaped its claws. As the seals frequently crawl out of the water upon rocks or fragments of ice, the Polar Bear is forced to swim after them, but lest they should observe him he makes approaches by a succession of dives, and contrives that the last dive brings him directly under the unsuspecting seal, who is immediately grasped and killed. Richardson states that these bears are often drifted from Greenland to Iceland on the fields of ice, and that they find the flocks and herds so very delicious after a long course of seal diet, that the inhabitants are forced to rise in a body and put an end to their depredations. To give this animal, who is constantly running over fields of ice, a firm footing the soles of its feet are thickly covered with long hair. In our day Ott in its localities ; A Grizzly Bear. A h Hunt, THE BEAR. An Indian having wounded a Bear, the animal fell, and set up a most plain- tive cry — something like that of the panther when he is hungry. The hunter, instead of giving him another shot, stood up close to him, and addressed him in these words : — " Harkee, Bear ! you are a coward, and no warrior, as you pretend to be. Were you a warrior, you would show it by your firmness, and not cry and whimper like an old woman. You know, Bear, that our tribes are at war with each other, and that yours was the aggressor. You have found the Indians too powerful for you, and you have gone sneak- ing about in the woods, stealing their hogs ; perhaps at this time you have hog's flesh in your belly. Had you conquered me, I would have borne it with courage and died like a brave warrior. But you, Bear, sit here and disgrace your tribe by your mean conduct." I was present at the delivery of this curious invective. When the hunter had dispatched the Bear I asked him how he thought the poor animal could understand Avhat he said to it. " Oh," said he, in answer, " the bear under- stood me very well. Did not you observe how ashamed he looked while I was upbraiding him ?" The common mode of hunting the Black Bear is by two or three well-trained dogs. When he finds that he is pursued, he generally pushes forward for eight or ten miles, and sometimes more, in nearly a straight course. But when the dogs come up to him, he turns and strikes at them with his paws, the blows of which are so severe, that one of them, taking eifect, would instantly fell the strongest dog to the ground. The great art in training the dogs consists in teaching them to avoid these blows, and keep harassing the animal till he is exhausted. The Indian and the wounded Bear. *rl> Chippeway Indians hunting the Bear with dog: /ft.^ THE BEAR. In this fight, after receiving a shot in the flank, the Bear ran off, but after biting and tearing at the wound, turned upon the hun- ter and came at him reared on her hind legs. Fortunately she had given him time to reload, and he dis- patched her with a ball through the heart. The Black Bear is often successfully hun- ted with dogs; but Bruin often handles them rather roughly. Mr. Palliser's encounter with a Grizzly Bear. In the higher mountains of Thibet, is a kind of White Bear. Our cut represents a hunting party attacking two of them. The higher mountains of Thibet are covered with perpetual snow, and afford a suitable residence for the White Bear. The same hunters who were engaged in this expedition shot specimens of the Ovis Ammon, a very rare kind of mountain sheep, found in the same snowy regions. Banting White Bears in the Mountains of Thibet. Hunting the Blac5car with Dogs. (86) THE BEAR. Grizzly Bear. Hunting the Bear on tho Ice. In the vicinity of Hudson's Bay, the Black Bear has been observed in the month of June to feed entirely on water-insects, when the berries are not ripe. ...„.,- a ,,, The manner in which the Bears catch these insects, is by swimming with their mouths open, and thus thev Slather the insects on the surface of the water. When the stomach of the animal is opened at this season it is found to be filled with them, and emits a disagreeable odour. The Indians navigating the lakes in their li^ht canoes, sometimes surprise a bear engaged in swimming after the insects. Then commences a highly interesting chase. The Bear, finding himself assailed by the paddles of the Indians, makes for the shore or for the nearest tree standing in the water. When fairly « treed, he is easily dispatched by the arrows or rifle balls of his indefatigable enemies. The Black Bear is very indiscriminate in his feeding, and, though suited by nature for the almost exclusive consumption of vegetable food, yet, when pressed by hunger, he scarcely refuses any thing. Indiana treeing a Bear. (87) THE BEAR. In this hunt, the man who is seen engaged with the Bear, came near losing his life by the panic terror of his companion. But h§ escaped by tumbling down a precipice, the Bear being killed by falling under. The shooting of this animal by a single hunter is both a dangerous and difficult matter. One shot unless it penetrates either the heart or the brain will not kill. The heart is protected by thick hair; the strong muscles on the(side of the head, and the firmness of the skull, which is impentrable to a rifle bullet at any moderate distance, unless that bullet takes effect perpen- dicularly to the surface. In the formation of its teeth, the Grizzly Bear has no more carnivorous character than the mildest of the other land Bears ; and if we are to suppose that the number of false molars, which are small in size and speedily fall out, any indication of an uncarnivorous character, this species should have that character in greater perfection than any of the others, inasmuch as it is furnished with a greater number of those teeth. Bear Hunt in the Pyrenees. A. close encounter with a Black Bear. The hunter escaped by his companion shooting the Bear. (88) A fivizzly Bear hunter in a very awkard situation. He conquered, however; with the knife. THE EEAR. Juggler Bear Jaguar. Newfoundland Dog. Hunting the Grizzly Bear. A Bear assailed by Bees. Polar Bear. A Black Bear. Bear pursuing Goats r891 8* THE RACCOON. The Raccoon. The Raccoon is an inhabitant of Canada and other parts of America. It derives its name, lofor, from the habit it is said to possess of washing its food before eating it. It is about the size of a large fox. Its skin is very valuable, and is much sought after by American hunters, who pride themselves on their skill ki shooting this active and wary animal. The food of the Raccoon is principally small animals and insects. Oysters are also a favorite article of its diet. It bites off the hinge of the oyster, and scrapes out the animal in fragments with its paws. Like a squirrel when eating a nut, the Raccoon usually holds its food between its fore-paws p'ressed together, and sits upon its hind-quarters while it eats. Poultry are favorite objects of its attack, and it is said to be as destructive in a farm-yard as any fox, for it only devours the head of the fowl. Like the fox, it prowls by night. When taken young it is easily tamed, but very frequently becomes blind soon after its capture. This effect is supposed to be produced by the sensitive state of its eyes, which are only intended to be used by night; but as it is frequently ^ awakened by daylight during its ■-• captivity, it suffers so much from the unwonted glare, that its eyes gradu- ally loose their sight. Raccoon. Raccoon. (90) THE OOATI. THE EENNEC. Brown Coati. The Coatis, or Coati-mondis are restricted to the warmer regions of the American continent, and in dentition and general economy approximate to the raccoon. These curions animals, formerly placed by Linnaeus with the Viverrce, cannot easily be confounded with those of any other group. They may be known at once by the peculiar elongation of their snout, which projects considerably beyond the lower jaw. They turn it about in all directions while in search of food, and root with it in the earth in quest of insects. The species presented in the above cut is the Browrn Coati. Its colors are very variable, the brown being more or less tinged with yellow, and sometimes shaded with black ; the under surface is yellowish grey ; the snout is generally black, and several spots or marks of greyish yellow encircle the eye. It is a native of Brazil, Guiana, and Paraguay. The Fennec is a delicate little animal, it is about ten inches long, with very long ears, small legs, and broad feet, with four toes. Each toe is armed with crooked, sharp claws. It builds its nest on trees. It was discovered by Mr. Bruce, in his travels in Africa. It is hunted for its skin. (91) A Coati. The Fennec. THE KINKAJOU. The Kinkajou. The Kinkajou is a native of Southern and Intertropical America, where it appears to be extensively spread, and is known under different appellations. In New Granada it is called, by the native Indians, Gushumbi, and Maniviri in the mission of Rio Negro. In its manners it much resembles the coati-mondi, but differs from that animal not only in the shape of the head, which is short and compact, but also in having a prehensile tail. Of recluse and solitary habits, the Kinkajou lives for the most part among the branches of trees in large woods or forests, and is in every respect well adapted for climbing; being, however, decidedly nocturnal, it is but little exposed to the observation even of those who sojourn among the places frequented by it. During the day it sleeps in its retreat, rolled up like a ball, and, if roused, appears torpid and inactive. As so'on, however, as the dusk of evening sets in, it is fully awake, and is all activity, displaying the utmost restlessness and address, climbing from branch to branch in quest of food, and using its prehensible tail to assist itself in its manoeuvres. Few mammalia are more incommoded by light than the Kinkajou ; we" have seen the pupils of the eyes contracted to a mere round point, even when the rays of the sun have not been very bright, while the animal at the same time testified by its actions its aversion to the unwelcome glare. In size, the Kinkajou is equal to a full-grown cat, but its limbs are much stouter and more muscular, and its body more firmly built. In walking, the sole of the foot is applied fairly to the ground, as in the case of the badger. Its claws are strong and curved, the toes on each foot being five. The ear* are short and rounded. The fur is full, but not long, and very closely set. There is no animal among the Carnivora in which the tongue is endowed with more remarkable powers of extension. The tongue is long and slender, capable of being inserted into crevices or fissures, in search of insects, reptiles, or the eggs of birds. Baron Humboldt informs us that this animal is an extensive devastator of the nests of the wild bee, whence the Spanish missionaries have given it the name of " honey bear," and that it uses its long tongue to lick up the honey from the cells of the comb. Its diet also consists of birds, eggs, small animals, roots, and fruits. MARSUPIAL ANIMALS. The, Marsupial animals form a distinct group or sub-class of the mammalia. Their young, at birth, are generally received into a pouch on the abdomen of the mother, where they attach themselves to the teats, and remain till they are able to take care of themselves. It is from this pouch, or marsnpium, as it is called, that the group derives its name. The Marsupial ani- mals are almost wholly restricted to two portions of the globe, America and Australia. The Virginia Opossum is common in most parts of North America. In its movements it is slow, and its habits are nocturnal. It resides habitually on the branches and in the hollows of trees, remaining asleep during the day. It climbs with great facility, and will hang suspended from some bough by its tail, and by swinging its body, contrive to fling itself to the ad- joining branches. When first born, the young are ' always found adhering to the teats of the mo- ther, and shrouded in Virginia Opossum. her pOUch. . ■"fcg: Opossum seizing a Lizard. (93) MARSUPIAL ANIMALS. Sooty Tapoa. This Marsupial animal — the Sooty Tapoa — presents us with an example of the family termed Phalangers ; but often, though erroneously, it is ranked among the Opossums. The Sooty Tapoa resides almost con- stantly among the branches of trees. Night is the season of its activity. Its food consists principally of fruits, buds, leaves, and the like ; though insects eggs, and things of that kind, are not rejected. Its motions are slow and cautious. When in danger of discovery it will hang itself by the tail, head down- wards, and remain motionless as if dead. It is about as large as a cat, and its general hue is a sooty brown. The hair has a frizzled appearance, and is somewhat soft and fine. Its tail is long, black and bushy. When feeding, it sits up like the squirrel, holding the article of which it par- takes between the fore-paws. It is a native of Australia. The Yapak bears no little resemblance to the otter. It is found in the rivers of Guiana, and the adjoining parts of South America. It is a small animal, not a foot in length, with a tail of six or seven inches. The customary food is small fishes, which it is very expert in catching. Its general color is greyish yellow, marked on the upper part of the body with blackish brown spots. Unlike the Opossums, it is incapable of climbing trees, and lives in holes along the banks of rivers. It is said to take its young early to the water. This curious animal is fur- nished with cheek-pouches of no little size and capacity. The fur of the body is close, short, and somewhat crisped and glossy. The tail, a Yapak except at the base, is scaly. MARSUPIAL ANIMALS. Great Kangaroo. Hunting the Wallaby or Small Kangnri The Kangaroo is a most graceful jmimal, but appears to most advantage when only the upper part of the body is seen; its head being small and deer-shaped, and its eyes soft and lustrous. It inhabits New Hol- land and Van Dieman's Land. Its singular formation, peculiarly adapted to the country, calls forth a cor- responding degree of ingenuity on the part of the natives, who live much on its flesh. Its method of pro- gression is by immense leaps, from its long hind legs, assisted by its tail. The length of each leap is about fifteen feet. The Kangaroo, except when feeding, stands upright on his bind legs, and can then see over the tops of the rank herbage. Hunting this animal is a very favorite sport with both colonists and natives. The natives either knock it down with the boomerang, spear it from behind a bush, or unite to- gether and hem in a herd, which soon fall victims to the volleys of clubs spears, and boomerangs which pour in on all sides. The colonists either shoot it or hunt it with dog^, a herd which is trained for that purpose just as we train fox-hounds. The female Kangaroo carries its young about in a kind of pouch, from which they emerge when they wish for a little exercise, and leap back again on the slightest alarm. There are many species of Kangaroo among which is one known as the Wallaby or small Kangaroo. (95) Chasing the Kangaroo. Group of Kangaroos. MARSUPIAL ANIMALS. A Kangaroo at ii-.iy. A Great Kangaroo. Mr The Anuiis relates the following interesting picture of the chase of the Kangaroo : se timid creatures, which we disturbed while they were feeding, immediately took to the desert over gum bushes and the rough surface of the loose limestone rocks. It is an extraordinary sight to see them clearing the bushes, and springing high into the air ; we took after one of them, the dogs following close upon the track. At two miles the dogs closed with him, and we came up as he stood at bay. He was a noble creature, and fought desperately with his fore-paws ; a single kick with his hind feet would have laid any one of the dogs dead. It was a cruel sight to see the poor beast struggling hard for life, his large and eloquent eyes filled with tears. Hunt.inff fhft Great. KnniTAron. THE SEAL. Greenland Seal Hunting. ^ The Common Seal inhabits the coast of Europe, and is not unfrequently found in many parts of the Scottish coasts, where Seal hunting is a favorite amusement. The length of the Common Seal is about four or five feet, and its weight often two hundred and twenty-four pounds. Walrus, or Morse. THE SEAL. The fore-feet of the Seal are used as fins, and the two hinder feet almost as the tail of a fish, to assist and direct its course. On land the movements of this animal are very clumsy; it shuffles along by means of its fore-feet, or rather paddles, and drags its hind feet after it. When surprised, basking on the shore, it scrambles off' to- wards the water; but if inter- cepted, dashes at its antagonist, oversets him, if possible, and makes its escape as fast as it can. When taken young, it is easily tamed. The Elephant Seal is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. It is much larger than the Common Seal, being from twenty to thirty feet long. It derives its name from the long snout, something like the proboscis of the elephant, or rather the tapir, which it thrusts forward when angry, and snorts loudly. Only the males have this proboscis, and they do not attain it until they are three years old. Although its appearance is very formidable, it does not attempt to attack men ; but if it cannot frighten them by opening its mouth and displaying its teeth, it makes off towards the water, but with great deliberation, as when in good condition it is so fat that its body trembles like a mass of jelly, and will furnish seventy gallons of oil. This oil is the principal object of the South Pacific Seal fishery ; but the skin of this Seal is also very valuable for its strength, and is used in making harness. The Seal skin is often used as fur. It is a migratory animal and changes its residence several times in the year, the first migration taking place in June. There are many Seals known, among which are the Sea Leopard, a spotted species; the Harp Seal, so called from the markings on its back something resembling a lyre ; and the Sea Lion. In Greenland, hunting Seals is an important occupation. No man can pass for a true Greenlander who cannot catch Seals. To the Greenlander, then, the sea is his pasturage, where his flocks and herds are fed ; the sea is his hunting-domain, where, in his light kajak, or Seal-skin canoe, he skims over the waves. Icelanders Hunting the Seal. Icelanders Ilunting Seal3 on the Ice. Harp Seal. (98) MOLLUSCA. Unio Pictorum. a Head of the shell, p TaU, with tw« tubes. B Hinge, r Foot. Noah's Ark. Fig. 1 Side view. Fig. 2 The shell, with the hinge and umbones presented. Fig. 3 A single yalve, showing the hinge, a a The umbones. b The margin. Cyclas Cornea. The class entitled Conchifera, are mostly bivalves, though a few of its species are multivalves, and a few others of completely anomalous configuration. They are acephala, or headless, the entrance to the stomach being buried between the folds of the mantle. This class is best distinguished by the shell, which is composed of particles of lime exuded from the surface of the mantle, in combination with a gluey secretion which holds them together. Each valve consists of a number of layers, of which the outermost is the smallest, each inner one projecting beyond the one covering it. The valves are connected by hinges of various kinds, together with an elastic ligament, which serves at once to bind together and to keep them a little apart, which is their natural position. If the animal wishes to draw the valves tightly together, it does so by means of the adductor muscle, which is attached to the interior of both valves. Many of this class have a sort of foot, a fleshy, muscular organ, used for locomotion, and for sundry purposes besides, though in others it is wanting. The Cyclas Cornea is a bivalve. The mantle, which belongs to all the various species of the Conchifera, is, in this animal, prolonged posterioi'ly into a twofold tube, or syphon, one branch of which is designed to admit the water, which contains the creature's food, as also the oxygen, by which its blood is renovated, and the other serving to carry off the execrementitious matters. Through another aperture in the mantle, it protrudes at will, its large, fleshy foot, which serves not only for locomotion, but for scooping out a /etreat in the sand or mud, where it sometimes burrows, projecting its double syphon from the mouth of its hole, for the twofold purpose of breathing, and of discharging waste matter. The Unio Pictorum is a fresh-water bivalve, and though larger than the Cyclas Cornea, and differently shaped, the general particulars of its structure are so closely analogous, that we need not here repeat them. The observer will note, in the plate, that a is the forward extremity of the shell ; p the hinder extremity, with the two syphons there visible ; h the hinge uniting the valves ; and f the foot, extended nearly to he full. The Noah's Ark, a bivalve, is a native of the Atlantic Ocean, and the European seas. It differs not, in its essential characteristics from the two already described. The shell is boat-shaped, rather thick, equi- valve. though not equi-lateral ; the form is elongated, and somewhat oblique; the umbones are distant, frequent!)- a little curved forward; the hinge is straight-lined, with numerous small interlocking teeth, and tQ.7£\ MOLLUSCA. Chiton Spiniferus. Chiton Blainvillii. Chiton Chilensis. very complex series of ligaments and muscles, which reminds the naturalist of those which unite and move the different segments in the articulated animal. The Chiton Chilensis is found in the crevices of rocks, and under stones. Its name is derived from its locality in the neighborhood of Valparaiso, in Chili. The Chiton Blainvillii is remarkable for a sort of fringed border. It is found on Inner Lobos Island, on the coast of Peru. The Chiton Peruvianus is of a dirty-yellowish green, or yellowish-brown color, inside white. Its border is set with thick, coarse, black hairs. It is found under stones, at low water, in Valparaiso Bay. The Chiton Spinosus is found in the South Seas. Its border is wide, and beset with long, sharp, blackish spines. The Chiton Spiniferus is found in Chili. It has a thick, broad border, set with blunt spines. The Chiton Magnificus grows to the length of five inches. It is found in Chili, often in very exposed situations, attached to rocks beaten by the waves. Our engraving of the Chiton Squamosus affords a view of several parts of the animal. In the engraving, u represents the animal and shell, as seen from above ; b the animal seen from below ; c is a side view of the shell and animal, creeping along the rocks, or adhering to them ; and d is a portion of the branchiae magnified. In the species Chitonellus the border is highly developed, and the valves very small. They are more or less cylindrical, or vermiform, and the valves being very small, and in some species almost entirely hidden under the skin of the border, give the animal an almost naked appearance. The Chitonellus Lsevis and the Chitonellus Larvseformis are examples of this species. The position of the Chitons in the arrangements of the Mollusca, is considered to be near that of the Limpets, (Patella.) Chiton Peruvianus. (373) a Chitonellus Lsevis. A Chitonellus Larvaoformis. 32 Chiton Squamosus. MOLLUSCA. Common Whelk. Common Cono. Royal Staircase Wentletrap. Sea Ear. Money Cowry The Royal Staircase Wentletrap affords us an excellent example of the Turbinidse. Jt is a native of the Chinese and Indian seas, and was formerly so scarce that a specimen two inches in length would sell for a hundred pounds sterling. Even now, a fine specimen cannot be obtained under six or seven pounds. As an example of the large family of Cones, we give the Common Cone, whose beautiful marbled color, and elegant shape renders it a most attractive shell. The Cowries are not less celebrated for the elegance of their form, and the beauty of their markings, than for the curious circumstance that one species is used as current coin in Guinea and Bengal, thus being employed for the same purpose by two entirely distinct races of men, situated in different quarters of the globe. Their value is of course small in proportion to gold or silver. At the present time a rupee in Bengal is worth three thousand two hundred Cowries, the value of the rupee being two shillings three pence, or about fifty cents. The Buccinidae are so named from their fancied resemblance to a trumpet. The Common Whelk is every where abundant on the British Coasts, and is taken in such profusion that it is largely exported for food, and may be seen on the street stalls of London exposed for sale, like the oyster and periwinkle. The proboscis of this creature is of a most singular structure, and by means of the numerous teeth with which it is armed, it is able rapidly to bore its way through shells, and then to feed upon the unfortunate inmate. The hermit crab often takes possession of the empty shells of the Whelk. The famous Tyrian purple was obtained from one of the Buccinidae, Purpura imbricata. In the Haliotis, a very extensive genus of Gasteropoda, the shell is slightly twisted, and from a faint resemblance it is thought to bear to the ear of a quadruped, it has been called the Sea Ear. Some of the species are very beautiful. Chiton, a Greek word signifying a shield, is applied to a family of the class Gasteropoda. The name is an indication of the general form of the shell, which resembles a shield. They are closely allied to the limpets. The species found in our northern seas are small, but within the tropics they attain a large size. Their shell is composed of a number of plates, arranged behind one another with great regularity by a tihi/lM/A* Chiton Spinosus. (372) Chiton Mnenific MOLLUSCA. Patella Comprcssa. Patella Scutellaris. Patella Cymbularia. Patella Cochlearia. Of the genus Patella, or Limpet, the general characteristics are, that they have a body more or less circular, conical above and flat beneath, with a large, oval foot, which is thick and overlapped, on its whole circumference, by the edges of the mantle, which are fringed. The shell is oval, or circular, with a sum- mit upright, or curved more or less forward. The cavity is simple, and more or less deep, and the border is entire and horizontal. The Patella Vulgata is a species of the above, whose summit is obtuse, vertical, nearly medial, and whose shape is conical. It abounds in the English Channel, and is found on the coasts of the European seas generally. The varieties of this species are innumerable. In the Patella Deaurata the shape is somewhat Less conical than that of the above, and the summit is located a little forward of the position of that, with a slight inclination in the same direction. Its resorts are the Straits of Magellan, and the Falkland Isles. The Patella Compressa is a species, oval in form, elongated and compressed at the sides. Its locality is the Indian seas. In the Patella Scutellaris, the summit is sub-anterior, and very little developed, and the general form is perfectly flat, or depressed. The Patella Cochlearia is also a depressed, or flat-shaped species, whose summit is scarcely indicated at all, and which are much narrower before than behind. The Patella Pectinata is an oval species, with a well marked summit, manifestly inclined forward, and sub-marginal, and with a border slightly convex in the middle. Its locality is the Mediterranean sea. The Patella Cymbularia is oval-shaped, delicate, nacreous, and with a festooned border, and its summit is still more distinct and marginal than that last described. The Limpets inhabit all regions of the globe, except the arctic regions. The Common Limpet may be found on every rock, and large stone at the sea-side. The variety of the modes in which it attaches itself to the rocks, is well worthy examination. All, who have seen this animal alive, know how tenaciously it fixes itself to the rock. It does this by producing a vacuum between its body and such rock, the conse- quence of which is, that atmosperic pressure keeps it so tightly fixed to the rock, that a ftrong knife-blade is required to detach it. Sometimes a large shell is picked up, covered with Limpets, which adhere to it firmly, in defiance of the rolling of the waves, and all the agitations to which it must be subjected. Patella Deaurata. Patella Pectinata. Patella Vulgata. 2*W Corcmon Limpet. THE SEAL. The Wall us inhabits the northern seas, but occasionally visits the British coasts. Three instances of this have happened, one in 1817, one in 1825 at the Orkney Isles, and a third in 1839 at the mouth of the Severn. The most remarkable point in the Walrus is the great length of two of its upper teeth, which extend downwards for nearly two feet, and resemble the tusks of the elephant. They furnish very fine ivory, and are exten- sively used by dentists in ma- king artificial teeth, as teeth made from them remain white much longer than those made from the tusks of elephants. These tusks are used by the Walrus for climbing the rocks or heaps of ice, and also for digging up the sea-weeds on which the animal mostly subsists. It will also eat shrimps and young Seals. The Walrus is often hunted for the sake of its oil, its flesh, its skin, and its teeth. It is generally found in troops, and if one is wounded, its companions rush to its rescue and attack the enemy with their sharp tusks, which they have been known to drive through the bottom of a boat. Their skin is so strong and slippery that it is very difficult to drive the harpoon through it, and even a sharp weapon frequently glides off without injuring the animal. The great enemy of the Walrus is the Polar Bear, who does not always venture on an open battle, as when a combat takes place, the Walrus defends himself most vigorously with his curved tusks and often inflicts fearful gashes on the bear, forcing it to abandon the contest. The head of this animal is very small in proportion to the remainder of its body, and often deceives people as to its size, which is difficult to ascertain without examination. The expression of its countenance is very ferocious, principally on account of the enormous size of the upper lip and the thick bristles with which it is covered. The length of the Walrus is about fifteen or sixteen feet, and it vields from twenty to thirty gallons of excellent oil. Hunting the Walrus, or Morse. (99" Common Seals. A Walrus. THE SEAL. Seal Hunting in the Shetland Isles. An interesting account of the habits of the Seal, as observed in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, is given in the " Fauna Orcadensis" of the Rev. George Low, minister of Birsa and Haray, from which wc extract the following particulars. " Seals are very numerous in these parts, especially in the desert isles or sea-rocks that are separated from the land ; there they lie in droves when the sea is low,, and in season bring forth their young. " The Seal swims with great rapidity, and, before a gale of wind, is full of frolic, jumping and tumbling about, sometimes throwing itself entirely out of the water, and performing many awkward gambols, at last retiring to its wonted rock or cavern, and there remaining till the storm is over. Seals seem to have much curiosity. If people are passing in boats they often come up very close, stare at them, and follow them a considerable time. If the people are speaking loud, they seem to pay much attention, and to exhibit some surprise. The Church of Hoy, in Orkney, is situated near a small sandy bay, which is much frequented by these animals ; and Mr. Low used to observe that when the bell rung for divine service, all the Seals within hearing would swim directly for the shore, and would remain while the bells continued ringing, looking about with much appearance of wonder, but without alarm." Numbers of Seals are yearly caught upon the northern coasts, both with nets and shot, for the sake chiefly of the skins and oil. Mr. Low was credibly informed that in North Ronaldsha they were taken also for eating, and that very good hams were made from them. He had seen large numbers of Seals cut up, and had no doubt that the young ones might eat tolerably well ; but the flesh of the old ones is coarse- grained and 'black, and must be very indifferent food. We are not so much surprised as Mr. Low that the people of Ronaldsha should eat Seals. He was probably aware, from Pennant, that Seals formerly found a place at the tables of the great even in England, as appears from the bill of fare of the famous feast given by Archbishop Neville, in the reign of Edward IV., which states that several were provided on that occasion. Mr. Low also informs us that in his time, (he died in 1795,) a ship went annually from Pomona to Soliskerry, and seldom returned without two or three hundred Seals. She was manned with between thirty and forty men. flOO) THE SEAL. Seal Hunting, in Scotland. In Scotland, Seal hunting is followed for pleasure as well as profit. From the interesting account of a gentleman who spent a day in the sport, we give a" few extracts, showing the mode in which it is practised: — "One fine October morning," he writes, " I accompanied a military friend in. quest of the Seals. We embarked in a boat from Mull. The major's body-servant carried two double-barrelled rifles, and had brought an oblong wooden box, fitted "with a square piece of glass at one end, to be employed in searching below the surface of the water for any dead Seals that might be lost. The boat was manned, by four stout Highlanders, who rowed us among certain small rocky islands with which the sea in that part is studded. In a nook of one of these islands we put the boat, and leaving the crew, with an injunction to remain perfectly still, ascended the craggy side of the land ; behind a fragment of rock the keen sportsman crouched with rifle cocked, his eye ranging over the expanse, his whole figure and expression of counte- nance denoting eagerness mingled with caution. There was a long silence of expectation, and the whole scene, as I lay watching the surface of the water, struck me as one of the wildest and most interesting that I ever witnessed. The sea was calm as a lake, the sun shining full upon it; lofty ridges of heather-covered hills, now glowing with warm light, and then subdued by passing shadows, formed a romantic background. The shores were lined by steep cliffs and reefs of jagged rocks, jutting out far into the sea, and the islands before-mentioned, on one of which I was seated, varied the scene still more with color and picturesque forms. The Seal in such a calm scene ventures from the ocean-depths to inhale the air, and seeing no object to alarm, sports above the wave, or swims to and fro like a dog, occasionally landing on pieces of rock, and basking at his ease. Several of these singular animals soon showed their heads above the water, the sportsman waiting until they approached within shot. It is very difficult to hit them in this way, but I have seen experienced marksmen kill them from the boat at the extreme limit of a rifle's power. At one hundred yards they are frequently killed." The tenacity of life displayed by the Seal has often been noticed as being very wonderful. Yet it is a singular fact, that a slight blow over the nose puts an immediate end to the animal, when a rifle ball, in some apparently vital part of the body, has failed to kill it. ,-- t 9* THE JERBOA. THE HEDGEHOG. ■ The Jerboas are cele- brated for their powers of leaping. Their long hind legs enable them to take enormous leaps, during which their tails serve to balance them. Indeed, a Jerboa, when deprived of its tail, is afraid to leap. At first sight the Jerboa seenis to alight on its hind feet, as well as spring from them, but the fact is, that it alights on its fore-feet and draws up the hind legs ready for the next leap with such rapidity that the eye can scarcely follow the movement. The foot of the Jerboa is de- fended by long bristly hairs, which not only five the creature a firm old of the ground for its spring, but also de- fend the foot from the burning soil. The timidity of the Jerboa is very great, and on the slightest alarm it instantly rushes to its burrow, but if intercepted, skims away over the plain with such rapidity that il seems to fly, and when at full speed a swift greyhound can scarcely overtake it. Grain and bulbous roots are its chief food; while eating, it holds the food with its fore paws, and sits upright on its haunches, like the squirrels and marmots. African Jerboa. A Hedgehog. The Hedgehog is remarkable as being guarded with spikes. These spikes are fixed into the skin in a very beautiful and simple manner. When annoyed it rolls itself up, and the tightness of the skin causes all its spikes to stand erect. -^Yc^" An Asiatic Jerboa. (102) THE PORCUPINE. African Porcupine. The Porcupine found in Europe, but said to have been originally brought from Africa, is about two feet in length, has a short truncate head, rough tongue, upper lip divided, and large whiskers. Their dis- tinguishing character is their armour, consisting of long hollow spines or quills, about the size of a goose quill, annulated black and white, closed at the extremity, and generally running out into a fine point. The Desmans is of a blackish color, and feeds on fishes, worms, and &c. The Shrew fives in holes which it excavates in the earth, is nocturnal in its habits, and preys on insects. The Desmans. (103) The Common Porcupine. Shrews. THE MARMOT. Prairie Dogs and burrowing Owls. The Prairie Dog is a species of the Marmot found in the prairies of the West, and the Burrowing Owl resides exclusively in the villages of the Marmot, or Prairie Dog, whose. excavations are so commodious as to render it unnecessary that the bird should dig for himself, as he is said to do, in other parts of the world, where no burrowing animal exists. These villages are very numerous, and variable in their extent, some- times covering only a few acres, and at others spreading over the surface of the country for miles together. Marmots may be seen in England, carried about by the Savoyard boys, who catch them when young and tame them. Alpine Marmot. A Savoyard boy with, bis Marmot. THE SKUNK. THE WOOD-CHUCK. The Skunk. Among the smaller flesh-devouring animals, there is a family, peculiar tothe American continent, to which the name of Skunks has been given. The most remarkable characteristic of this family is the capability of its members to eject a liquid odor, intolerably offensive both to man and beast. The Skunk proper is about a foot and a half in length, with a large and long bushy tail. The general color is brownish biack. It burrows among the roots of trees, or rocky places, and feeds on birds, rats and other animals. The Wood-chuck is an inhabitant of that portion of the western hemisphere situated within the middle latitudes. It is covered with short, coarse hair, of a dirty grey color. 005) Wood-chuck. Chinchillas. THE CHINCHILLA, AGOUTI AND GUINEA PIG. Chinchillas. The Chinchilla is about the size of a small rabbit ; its large ears are half naked, and it is covered with the softest of all furs, except on the tail, where the hairs are harsh. Its color is grey, the fore feet have four toes, with the vestige of another; those behind have three. It lives in the mountains of South America. The Viscacha is a variety of the Chinchilla, about the size of the rabbit. It is also found in South America. The Agoutis much resemble hares and rabbits, and are inhabitants of the West Indies, and the warm parts of America. That species which is called the Have of the Pampas has larger ears than the others, and a very short, naked tail. Their flesh is good eating. An Agouti A Guinea 1'ig. Viscacha. (106) MARMOTS. Alpine Marmots. Some of the species of Marmot eat flesh, as well as insects and grass. They have short legs and tails, flattened heads, and pass the winter in a state of torpor, hiding themselves in holes, the mouths of which they stop up by a quantity of hay. The Capromys is like an enormous rat, the size of a hare, and comes from Cuba, where, with the agouti, it forms the principal game of the inhabitants. (107) Capromys. Common Rat. THE AYE-AYE, HAMSTER, MUSK RAT AND WATER-RAT. The Hamster. A Water Rat. An Aye-Aye. The Aye-Aye presents a singular and frightened appearance ; with its long, slender, middle toe, it conveys food to its mouth. Its skull resembles that of Quadrumana ; it is as large as a hare, is of a chesnut color, has a long, thick tail, naked ears, is nocturnal, moves slowly, lives in holes, and is a native of Madagascar. Hamsters are very destructive, from the quantity of grain which they amass, and with which they some- times fill holes seven feet long. Ondatras are like Arvicoke, and the Musk Rat of Canada belongs to them. It builds mud huts on the ice, in which several live together, and Avhen the frost closes the entrance to their dwellings, they eat one another. The Water Rat belongs to the division Hypudaeus; one of the species lives under ground, like a mole, and fills its magazines with pieces of wild carrot. The Field Mouse is as great a pest in the open air as the common mouse within a house. It not only devours the corn, but strips the bark of young trees, doing great mischief. Field Mice. The Musk Rat. (108) THE BEAVER. Beavers and their Habitations. Beavers Delong to the family of Rodentia. Their life is wholly aquatic ; they chiefly eat bark and other hard substances, and cut down trees with their strong incisors. They have large glandular pockets under their tail, which produce a pomatum of a strong smell, called castoreum, by the druggists. Their size exceeds that of the badger. They select those waters for their dwellings which are too deep to be frozen to the bot- tom, and, as often as possible, running streams ; and, by cut- ting wood above the current, it is carried down by it to the place which they wish to in- habit. They keep the water at an equal height by a dam made of branches mixed with stones and mud, which they strengthen every year, and (109) Hunting the Beaver. which at length vegetates and becomes a hedge. Each hut has two floors, and serves for two or three families : the up- per, which is dry, for the ani- mals to live in. 10 THE SQUIRREL. Grey and Black Squirrel. Among our American Squirrels the Grey Squirrel is the most remarkable. It is subject to much varia- tion in color. Sometimes it is whitish grey, at other times it is much clouded with yellowish. What we call the Black Squirrel seems only a variety of the Grey, having the same form and habits, and differing only in color. It is the only Squirrel deemed worthy of notice as game. It is much sought by boys, who catch it in box traps and keep it in the rolling cages. m The Red Squirrel is found in the. same localities as the Grey, and is about half as large. The Flying Squirrel, still smaller, is a beautiful animal, with very brilliant eyes, and is a favorite pet with boys, who carry it to school in their pockets. A membrane extending from the fore to the hind legs serves to assist its flying. Flying Squirrel. Grey Squirrei rnoi .;.-•■. * THE SQUIRREL. X Striped Squirrel, or Ground Squirrel. An American and an Asiatic variety of this species have been described ; but it is probable that they inhabit a continuous zone in the two continents, 'from Carolina westward to the central longitudes of Siberia, with only the interruption of the Strait of Behring and the narrow part of the North Pacific. The American variety is a very small animal, not above half the dimensions of the common Squirrel of Europe, though resembling it in color, only there is a yellowish white band along each flank, bordered at each side with a stripe of black ; and there is another black stripe down the ridge of the back. The hairs on the tail are much shorter than those on the other Squirrels, so that that organ is but ill adapted for acting as a parachute. The Asiatic variety is described as being rather larger in the body, being about five inches in length, but the tail is only three. The general color of the upper part is tawny-brown, marked with stripes similar in color, in number, and in arrrangement, to those on the American variety. The shoulders and the fore paws are dull tawny, and so is the rump between the lines. The outsides of the thighs, the hind feet, and the hair of the tail, are bright russet. This variety extends over a very great range of longitude .in the north of Asia, indeed over the greater part of Siberia. The species, whether as American or as^ Asiatic, is intermediate in its habits between the hamsters and the Squirrels properly so called. The indi- viduals are rarely, if ever, found climbing trees; they are ground animals, collecting the seeds of various kinds of plants from the surface of the earth, and making use of their cheek pouches to carry the food to their magazines. They nestle in burrows, which they usually construct under bushes, or the spray at the roots of trees. The burrow generally has two entrances and two chambers, one of which is the dwelling and the other the store ; and the spray, whether of bush or of tree, under which they are placed, helps to defend both against the rains. With their collected store in the magazine, they contrive to live tolerably well under the snow, which lies long above their dwelling in the inclement season of the year. (Ill) THE SQUIRREL. Palm Sqv'.nel. Common or European Squirrel. l.ic UiOy dquirrel. Malabar Squirrel. The common or European Squirrel is easily domesticated, and is very amusing in its habits when suffered to go at large in a room or kept in a spacious cage ; but when confined in a little cramped box, especially in one of the cruel wheel cages, its energies and playfulness are quite lost. The color of the English Squirrel is a deep reddish brown, and its tail so large and bushy as to shade its whole body when carried curled over its back, from whence it derives its name of Sciurus, or Shadow-tail. The Malabar Squirrel is the largest animal of the whole genus, being as large as an ordinary-sized cat. The top of the head, a band along the cheek, the middle of the back, and the flanks, are very bright reddish brown ; the shoulders, the rump, and the thighs, are pure black ; and the muzzle, the lower part of the neck, the breast, the belly, and the under sides of the hind legs, are bright yellow. It is one of the brightest in its colors of all the Squirrels, though, like most of the rest it is subject to considerable variations. It occurs in several of the richly wooded districts of India, but is said to be most plentiful on the west of the Malabar coast, to reside chiefly among the palm trees, and to be particularly fond of the milk of the cocoa nut. European Squirrel A Box trap for Squirrels. rii2^ THE HARE AND THE RABBIT. A Rabbit. The Hare, comprising several species, is spread over almost the whole world. The common Hare has two incisors on each jaw, those in the upper doubled ; its ears are longer than its head, and black at the tips ; his large, prominent eyes are so placed, that it can almost see behind when it runs ; its fore legs are shorter than its hind, and its tail is very short ; the inside of their mouth and under part of the feet, are furred, like the rest of the body. Has its form on the ground. The Rabbit has ears shorter than the head, dark-colored towards the lips ; in a wild state, the color is generally uniform, but when domesticated, which it is more easily than the Hare, it varies greatly ; it inhabits the temperate and warmer regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is common on the British continent and islands ; it lives from eight to nine years, and breeds seven times a year, bringing forth four to eight at a time, which are full grown in six months : its flesh is white and delicate, and its fur of some (113) Hunting the Hare. A IT" 10 THE OX. SiP. White Wild Cattle of Chillingham Park. The Ox is spread widely over the earth, scarcely any country being without its peculiar breed. Every part of the Ox is of value. The young Ox is called a calf, and is quite as useful in'its way as the full grown Ox. The flesh is called veal, and by many preferred to the flesh of the Ox or Cow, which is called beef: jelly is made from its feet. The stomach is salted and dried, and is called rennet. Cheese is made by soaking a piece of rennet in water, and pouring it into a vessel of milk. The milk soon forms curd, which is placed in a press, and the watery substance, called whey, squeezed from it. The curd is colored and salted, and is then cheese. At Chillingham Park, in England, there is a breed of wild cattle, apparently descendants of the original race that overran England in former years. They still re- tain their wild habits, and when any one of them must be killed, thirty or forty men go out armed with rifles. A keeper mounted on a very swift horse separates the victim from the herd, and drives it by the concealed marksmen, who speedily lay it pros- trate. The color of the Chillingham breed is always white with dark red ears. English Bull. am THE OX. \ Wild Bull Hunting in the Alemdejo. Iii Spain and Portugal, where extensive wilds and forest lands afford ample pasturage, large herds of Oxen, born in freedom, wander uncontrolled, and untroubled except by man, from whom they flee with precipitation, till roused to fury by his assault, when they attack in turn, and bear upon him wit . res»tle» impetuosity. It is from these herds that the Spaniards and Poruguese select the fiercest and boldest foi their bull-fights ; while others are tamed, and broken in for the ordinary purpose of husbandry. We may easly ima-hie the excitement produced by the chase and capture of a herd of these animals. Our driving represents such a scJe in the forest of Alemdejo. The Bull-fights^f Spain have «£*£** loose in a large arena, where several men, armed with darts and spears, goad him into madness. After these have fought the Bull, one of their number called a Matadore, steps forward and asl<> per- mission to slay the animal. If the Bull has done his duty by killing two or three ho or a man, which last is rare, the people interfere with shouts, the ladies wave their handkerchiefs and the animal is saved. These .-aniniinary spectacles are the delight of the Spanish people. (115) Spanish Bull-Fight, THE OX. Bullocks and Bullock Wagon of South Africa. In South Africa there is an excellent breed of domestic cattle. The Bullocks are of lar^e size with the horns long and sweeping forwards and upwards.- The large engraving represents a scene °on the' banks of the Vial river, South Africa, illustrative of the uses of the Ox in that country, where its services as a beast of draught and burden are of the greatest importance. Wagons drawn by Bullocks, are the ordinary travelling ve- hicles of South Africa. English Domestic Cow. Dupe Buffalo. / THE OX. Hunting Wild Cattle on the Pampas. Common Domestic Cows. The Zebu. The Ox was one of the first of domestic animals carried over to America hy the»arly Spanish settlers. There it has multiplied and spread, and, indeed, in some degree recovered its original independence. Herds of \vi?d Oxen roam the pampas or plains of South America, where they are hunted and slain for their hides. The Cape Buffalo is found nowhere but in Southern Africa. Its general aspect is shaggy and formidable. It has never been tamed, and the males are dangerous to come near. Its temper is depicted in its lowering eye, and the molevolent expression of the countenance, to which the position of the overshadowing its fiery eyes not a little contributes. The Zebu, is spread over the whole of Southern Asia and the Eastern coast, India, and different parts of Africa. In size it varies from that of a large Dog to that of an Ox, the wild being larger than the tame. They are particulary remarkable for a fatty hump be- tween the shoulders, which in some, weighs about fifty pounds. In Africa, the larger kind supplies the place of the Ox, both for labor and food ; in some places of India it is rendered serviceable, as a saddle-horse. i Yorkshire Cow. Cape Buffalo. am THE OX. Furious charge of a Cape Buffalo, When pursued by the hunter the Cape Buffalo tears through the thicket and up the mountain side with surprising impetuosity. Not unfrequently, however, it turns upon its pursuer and charges him with the" greatest fury. Many are the fatal accidents and narrow escapes from death recorded by the travellers who have penetrated the country near the Cape of Oood Hope. That singular animal the Yak, or granting Cow of Tartary, is a small species, the tail of which is covered with long fine hair; it has also a inane on the back, and is from the mountains of Thibet. The standards used by the Turks to distinguish their superior officers were formerly made of the tail of the Yak. The Musk Ox, has been considered as holding an intermediate station between the Ox and the sheep. They belong to the treeless and barren lands of North America. The hair is long and somewhat curled, of a brown color. When fat its flesh is tolerable, but at certain times both that of the Bulls and Cows smells strongly of Musk. Musk Ox. The-Vak. the ox. The Common Buffalo has been long domesticated in India, where its services as a beast of draught and bur- den render it extremely valuable. It differs materi- ally in its general aspect from the common domestic Ox, being a heavier and clumsier, as well as a more powerful animal. Its mas- sive body js supported on short, thick, solid limbs ; the hide is coarse and dense, and covered sparingly with black, wiry hair. The horns lie back, taping up sideways, and often crow to a large size. In its native regions the Buffalo is a formidable animal, and capable of con- tending: with the tiger, which it often foils in the deadly strife. When excited, the beast rushes desperately on its foe, strikes him down with its horns or forehead, kneels upon him, crashing in his chest, and then tramples and gores the lifeless bodv. _ . . _,. ,. ,, The European Bison is an inhabitant of the great forest of Bialowizza, in Lithuania, thickets near tne Bwampy banks of rivers are its favorite places of resort. Its strength is said to be enormous, and trees of five or six inches in diameter cannot withstand the thrusts of old bulls. It is afraid neither of a wolf nor of a bear, and assails its enemies both with its hoofs and its horns. An old Bison is a match tor tour ' wolves. Packs of the latter animal, how- ever, sometimes hunt down even old bulls JKBI-v .-g^S&^^sr-^K when alone, but a herd of Bisons has nothing to fear from any rapacious animal. European Hison attacked by Wolves. (119) A Buffalo. THE OX. Indians hunting the Bison. The American Bison, formerly spread over almost the whole of North America, still roams in countless herds over the regions watered by the Arkansas, Platte, Missouri, and other large streams west of the Mississippi. It is of powerful frame, and exceeds in bulk the ordinary race of cattle. The head is huge, ponderous, and carried low. The neck, withers, and chest, are covered with a profusion of long, shaggy hair, contributing to render the appearance of the animal wild arid terrible. The flesh of this animal is accounted excellent, the tongue and hump being especially delicious. The chase of it is therefore assiduously carried on both by Indians and whites, and the vast herds of the west are being so incessantly thinned, that the time is probably not far distant when the American Bison will be as rare and as limited in its range as the Bison of Lithuania. A Bison A Group of Bisons. THE OX. " Bison Hunting. Endowed with the sense of smell in great perfection, wary, and fierce, the American Bison is not to be easily surprised by the hunter, and, when surprised, the chase of it is not without peril. On the approach of an enemy, the vast herd moves off, with a tread of thunder, in rapid flight. But, if one be wounded, the hunter's life is in jeopardy, for, turning in an instant, the infuriated animal will rush on its assailant with headlong impetuosity. Mr. Catlin relates a story concerning one Monsieur Chardon, who having wounded a bull Bison, was about to discharge a second shot, when the animal turned suddenly and planted its horns full in the Frenchman's unlucky horse, which was going at full speed. The horse was sadly gored ; the rider made a frog's leap of some twenty yards or more over the bull's back. He rose up, and fainted ; but fortunately the Bison was dead, and the hunter, recovering, found that he had been more frightened than hurt. But all Bison hunters do not escape so well, in some instances they perish. /i The Ibex. THE SHEEP. Hunting the Musmon. Of all our domestic animals, the SJ»eep is that of which we have the earliest notice ; for, in Holy Writ we are told that Abel, the son of the first man, " was a keeper of sheep." Next to the cow, perhaps, it is the most use- ful to us. Its flesh is one of our most common and nutricious arti- cles of food; and its wool fur- nishes us with warm winter clothing. Their fleece, however, accommodates itself wonderfully to climate ; the thick wool which gives warmth to the Sheep of cold and temperate latitudes, being supplanted by a coat of hair less oppressive when they are carried to hot countries. Its manners are gentle, and its disposition timid. In eastern countries, where they are regulated by the call, the Sheep knows and can discern the voice of its shepherd, and a stranger's voice they will not follow. On the Alps, and in some provinces of France, they are guided by the sound of the pipe ; and when called at sunset to be penned for the evening, to preserve them from the wolf, they readily follow the Arcadian strain. The Musmon, of Corsica, is now believed to be the original stock from whence most of the European breeds of Sheep have sprung. It still exists wild on the mountains of Corsica and Sardinia. They are about the ordinary size of Sheep, and breed with the domestic races. The horns of the male, (the female is without,) are large, long, and triangular, bending backward like a half circle. The body is large and muscular, the tail short, and bare on the inside ; the legs are pretty long and the hoofs short. The color of the body is a yellow chesnut; the head ash-grey, whitish on the muzzle and about the eyes; the belly, inside of the thighs, and tip of the tail is white, the fleece owes its tints to the long hair, which exceeds the wool. They wander in flocks of about a hundred, led by some old and courageous male. Their habits are like those of our own sheep, docile and gentle, though sometimes a churlish old ram will butt down a child, a woman or a man, who may happen to stand in his road. The Ovis Amnion, or Siberian Argali, is a native of Siberia, but is also met with in the wilds of Tartary. It is the parent stock of the Asiatic breeds of Sheep. It is a large animal ; some stand three feet high at the shoulder, and weigh not less than two hundred pounds. Their horns are of immense size, weighing thirty pounds, and extending backward four feet. The Musmon. An Argali. nafii THE SHEEP. Merino Sheep. Prominent among the domestic varieties of the sheep is the Merino, a native of Spain. It is prized as having the finest wool of any specie hred in Europe. The Merino Sheep, in Spain, are always kept in the open air, being driven before summer to the cool mountains, and brought back again before winter to the warm plains. The distance traversed is upwards of four hundred miles, and the time necessary to complete the journey about seven weeks. The number of sheep in one flock is often as high as ten thou- sand ; and the aggregate of all the flocks is often not less than six millions. The Merino is rather a handsome Sheep. The horns of the male are large and finely curving ; the female is without these appendages. The color of the wool is pure white, but, from its closeness and oily nature, the dust adheres to it much more than to coarser wools, and thus the external color is commonly brownish. ri37^ Common Domestic Sheep. An English Shepherd. THE SHEEP Wallachian Sheep. f Of the many varieties of domestic Sheep, the Wallachjan is one of the most beautiful. It is said to be common in Wallachia, Hungary, Austria, and the western parts of Asia. It is an unruly and vicious animal, and possessing amazing strength. Its horns are very large and remarkably twisted ; in the male they rise almost perpendicularly from the skull ; but in the female, they spread out sideways, before turn- ing upward. The wool of the Wallachian Sheep differs greatly from that of our common breeds, being long, straight, close set, and beautifully fine, and falling from the middle of the back on either side of the animal almost to the ground. The Persian Sheep is a native of Persia, and other parts of the East. One of the most curious characteristics of this animal is the" great deposit of fat on the tail and croup, which gives the animal a somewhat unsightly, and, certainly a very singular appearance. The tail itself is short, and seems buried as it were in the great mass of fat on each side. The general color of the body is a beautiful white, the head and neck black. Its fleece consists of short, coarse wool mixed with hair. The head is small and very delicately shaped. Wallachian Sheep. (138) THE SHEEP. The American Argal, or Rocky Mountain Sheep is found in the Rocky Mountains of North America, from the neighborhood of the Arctic re- gions to that of California. They collect in flocks from three to thirty; the young rams and the females herding together during the winter and spring, while the old rams form separate flocks, except during certain seasons. When the ewes bring forth, they retire to the most inaccessible heights. They are about the size of ordinary Sheep, but their wool, is dissimilar, that on the fore part of the skin having all the apparent qualities of fine wool on the back part much resem- bling cotton, the whole mixed with hairs, and where these are pendant there is little wool : the horns, uncommonly large, in the old rams attain to such a size, and curve so much forward and downward, as to prevent their feeding on level ground. The horns of the female are much shorter and slender. The color of the Rocky Mountain Sheep, in summer is generally greyish fawn, with a reddish or yellowish line down the back. In winter the upper parts incline to red. Wolves and Vultures devouring a Rocky Mountain Sheep. The Many-horned Sheep is found in Siberia, and most countries' of a similar northern latitude. They are rather a small race, but very hardy. The proper breed have their horns very irregular in number, amounting to three, four, or five, standing in different directions, but not forming screws, like the horns of many other Sheep. Their legs are slender, and their hoofs long and sharp, so as to be well adapted for a footing either on the rocks or on the ice. Rock; Mountain Sheep. Mnny-horned Sheep. American Argal. THE SHEEP. Hunter and dead Mountain Sheep. Hunting the Rocky Mountain Sheep. It is extremely difficult to capture the Rocky Mountain Sheep alive ; and it is utterly impossible to preserve" them, when taken in any other region than that in which they are found. " Theirs," says Mr. Sage, in his Scenes in the Rocky Mountains, " is a life of unbroken spring— beauty and grandeur are their dwelling-place, and, amid the awe-inspiring sublimity of nature's works, is their home. They gambol upon the fearful verge of the steep cliff", or climb its perpendicular sides!rbidding defiance to all pursuers. There, secure, from enemies, they rear their young, and teach them to leap from crag to crag in mirthful gaiety, or traverse the dizzy heights in quest of the varied sweets of changeful spring. " These animals are remarkably acute of sight, and quick of scent and hearing. The least noise or tainture of the air excites their attention and places them instantly upon the alert. Mounting upon some high rock, they will stand for hours in the same posture, gazing in the direction of the fancied danger. If fully satisfied of its reality, they abandon their position for another and a safer one, high among more rugged peaks, and often beyond the possibility of offensive approach. Their hue is so akin to that of the rocks which grace their range, they are with difficulty identified when standing motionless, and the hunter is constantly liable to mistake the one for the other." " During our stay," continues Mr. Sage, " we succeeded in killing five Mountain Sheep. Some of these were very large and quite fat. The flesh of this animal is equal in flavor to that of buffalo. It is generally in good order, tender and sweet, and slightly assimilates our common mutton in taste." Their ponderous horns are of great service to their owner in descending the abrupt precipices, which his habits so often render necessary. In leaping from an elevation he uniformly strikes upon the curve of his horns, and thus saves himself from the shock of a sudden and violent concussion. Instead of wool, they are covered with hair, which is shed annually. Their cry is much like that of domestic Sheep, and the same natural odor is common to both. Several naturalists have said that the Musmon of the south of Europe, the Argal of Asia, and the Wild Sheep of America, are only clinaatal varieties of one great species, which tbey have named the Mountain Sheep ; but whether this is a fact we have no means of ascertaining. THE SHEEP. Highland Shepherd, Dog, and Sheep. The Common Domestic Sheep is so well known that no description of it is needed. Of the affection of the ewe for its young, a touching anecdote is related as having occurred in the Highlands of Scotland. In a severe snow storm, late in April, several score of lambs perished. Among these was the offspring of a ewe, who took her loss so much to heart that she placed herself beside the dead lamb. " I visited her," says the narrator " every morning and evening for the first eight days, and never found her above two or three yards from the lamb ; and often, as I went my way round, she eyed me as I came near, and kept stamping with her foot and whistling through her nose to frighten away the dog. The weather grew warm, and the dead lamb, soon decayed ; but still the affectionate mother kept hanging with fondness over the poor remains." For two weeks she never left the spot, and for seven days longer she visited it every morn- ing and evening, uttering a few sorrowful plaints, till every particle of the remains of her offspring had been wasted away by the action of the elements. <141) THE SHEEP. A Sheep-washiDg. The breed of domestic Sheep has been greatly varied and improved by domestication. The varieties of domestic Sheep even in the United States and Great Britain are almost innumerable. The introduction of the Merino breed into this country, which took place more than forty years since, was of immense service to the wool growers. It was followed at a later period by the importation of a superior breed from Saxony, which was even preferred by many farmers to the Merino breed. The raising of Sheep has now become, in this country, a source of national wealth. sa» Common Sheep. Common Sheep. A Scotch Shepherd. (142^ THE GIRAFFE. Giraffes. This singular animal, of which at one period the very existence was almost doubted, has become of late years quite familiar to us. By some naturalists it is thought to belong to the same family as the Camels ; many class it among the Antelopes ; while others consider it the representative of a family group interme- diate between the Deer and the Antelopes, to which they have given the name of Camel leopards. It is found in no part of the world, except the continent of Africa. (143) THE GIRAFFE. Giraffes feeding. Giraffe surprised by Hunters. The head of the Giraffe is small. Its nostrils are surrounded by many strong hairs, and can be shut up so as to prevent the entrance of the sandy particles which the suffocating storms of the desert raise in fiery clouds. Its eyes are large, with mild expression, and are so placed, that the animal can see not only on all sides, but even behind, rendering it next to impossible for an enemy to approach undiscovered. The horns of the Giraffe are curious and singular, being unlike those of any other horned quadruped. They seem to form a part of the skull, and consist of two porous substances, about three inches long, and crowned with a tuft of stiff upright hair. The tongue of the Giraffe is an extraordinary instrument. It is slender and pointed, and can be stretched out to a surprising length, and in this state, is capable of being wound around twigs or branches, and of drawing them to the mouth. The natural food of the Giraffe is the leaves, blossom-;, and tender shoots of the camel-thorn whose lofty and branchy top, the great length of the animal's neck enables it to reach easily. The height of the male Giraffe to the top of the head is about sixteen feet ; That of the female is a little less. The general color is fawn-white, marked regularly and rather closely with large angular spots of chocolate-color. • fc The long flexible neck of the Giraffe, is provided with a short mane. The tail is rather long, slender, and tufted at the end with long coarse black hairs. The fore-knees are remarkably large, and when about, to lie down, the animal sinks upon them, and assumes an attitude that does not appear to be by any means easy or graceful. (144) THE GIRAFFE. Giraffe Hunting. In its native wilds, the lion is the only enemy, man excepted, that the Girafl'e need lear. From various sources, we learn that the lion often surprises the latter when he comes to drink at the pools or fountains, and springs from his ambush upon the tall and powerful beast, which, mad with terror and pain, rushes over the desert, bearing his destroyer, till, strength failing, he reels, sinks and expires. At other times, it is said, however, the Giraffe has successfully resisted the attack of the lion, and even killed him with- blows from its powerful fore-feet. The motions of the Giraffe are by no means graceful. In the'simple walk its neck is stretched out in a tine with the back, which gives the animal a most awkward appearance. In the canter, ils hind-legs are lifted alternately with the fore, and are carried outside of and beyor d them, by a swinging movement. When excited to a swifter pace, the hind legs are often kicked out, the nostrils opened widely, and the head swung backward and for- ward like an immense pendu- lum. Its appearance at such a moment is certainly odd, and has often attracted the attention of observers. Yet, after all, the Giraffe is not an awkward animal ; and it is very far from being slow. Indeed the swiftest coursers of the desert arc scarcely equal to the chase, and among broken and rugged ground utterly un- able to overtake it. Authorities of deserved weight have erroneously stated, that the fore legs of the Giraffe are longer than the hind legs. An exam- ination of the skeleton proves that, taking the limbs only from their setting on, the hind legs are about an inch the longest. (145) Pursuing the Giraffe. 13 TIIE GIRAFFE. Sir W Cornwallis Harris's first Tiew of a Giraffe. Some of the most animating accounts of Giraffe hunts are contained in the work of Sir W. Cornwallis Harris. He says, "It was on the morning of our departure from the residence of his Amazoola majesty, that I first actually saw the Giraffe. At dawn of that day, a large party of hungry savages, with four of the _ Hottentots on horseback, having accompanied us across the Mariqua, we formed a long line, and, having drawn a great extent of country blank, divided into two parties. Beginning, at length, to despair -f success, an object, which had repeatedly attracted my eye, but which I had as often persuaded myself was nothing more than the branchless stump of some withered tree, suddenly shifted its position, and the next moment I distinctly perceived that singular form of which the apparition had oft times visited my .-lumbers, but upon whose reality I now gazed for the first time. Gliding rapidly among the trees, above the topmost branches, of many of which its graceful head nodded like some lofty pine, all doubt was in another moment at an end — it was the stately the long-sought Giraffe. Putting spurs to my horse, I presently found myself half choked with excitement, rattling at the heels of an ani- mal which, to me, had been a stranger even in its captive state, and which, thus to meet free on its native plains, has fallen to the lot of but few of the votaries of the chase. Sailing before me with incredible velocity, his long swan-like neck keeping time to the eccentric motion of his stilt-like legs — his ample black tail curled above his back — seemed to leave whole leagues behind him at each stride. Despairing over such a rough country of improving my acquaintance with this ogre in seven league boots, I dismounted, and the mottled carcass ] >resenting a fair and inviting mark, I had the satisfaction of hearing two balls tell roundly upon him. But he never slackened his pace^ and pushed on so far ahead during the time that I was reloading, that, after remounting. I had some difficulty in keeping sight of him among the trees." Having at length got ahead of the flying Giraffe, Mr. Harris was mortified at finding his rifle so injured, that he was unable to fire upon the animal. Many days afterward, however, he had the satisfaction of bringing one of the stately creatures down, when, tossing his turbanless cap into the air, alone in the wild wood, he hurraed with bursting exultation, and unsaddling his steed, sank, exhausted, beside the noble prize. (140) Giraffei A Mmiii 'hnntinn' the Giraffe. f\ V1\ A Giraffe feeding. THE CAMEL. Arabs with their Camels. The Camel tribe contains two groups, the Camels and Llamas ; the former are restricted to the Old World, and the latter correspond to them in the New. In the true Camels the two toes are united below by a kind of horny sole, almost to their points, which terminate in small hoofs ; and there is a soft cushion beneath the foot, by which it bears upon the sandy surface over which it is formed to move. Two species are known, one called the Bactrian or two-humped Camel, and the other the Arabian, or one-humped. Both are completely domesticated. The two-humped Camel is the larger and stronger. Hadrian Camel. Arabian Camel, or Drotneilary THE LLAMA. y^\ Hunting the Llama. White Llama. The animals which make up this division of the Camel family, are all natives of- South America, and are found in no other part of the world. The chief species are the Llama proper, which is of various colors, from a dull white to almost black, the Guanaco, and the Alpaca. The hair of all these, but chiefly that of the Alpaca, is fine and soft, and highly prized. The Llama, proper, is a domesticated animal, and was once used a great deal by the Peruvians as a beast of burden. The Alpaca dwells in herds among the mountains of Peru. Its general habits are the same as those of the Guanaco. The color of the upper part is various shades of maroon brown, in some places inclining to black, and the upper part and breast are white, as also are the insides of the thighs. It is an animal easily tamed, and quite harmless and docile ; but when teased it assumes an attitude of defence, and blows and spits at its enemies. An Alpaca. A Llama. THE LLAMA. Gu.inaco and White Llama. The Guanaco, or Wild Llama, inhabits the Cordilleras of the Andes, especially of Peru and Chili. When closely pressed in the chase, it will not only spit at the hunter, but strike violently with the fore legs, and even use its teeth. Its usual color is a deep, rich fawn, verging to white on the under parts. A Guanaco Group of Llamas. A Llama. THE LLAMA. The Vicugna. The Vicugna is a variety of the Llamas of South America. The form of the Vicugna is elegant. The le-s are slender, the neck erect, and head small ; the ears long and flexible, and the eyes full and brilliant. When South America was first visited by the Spaniards, the Llama and several other animals were incor- fy described in general terms as belonging to the same species. Linnreus divided them into two species, ie head of which he placed the Llama, useful as a beast of burden, and the Vicugna equally valuable /its flesh and wool. Other naturalists have adopted different classifications of the groups resembling the Jfeia; but the late Baron Cuvier definitively placed the Llama and Vicugna in the rank of a distinct species, and regarded the others simply as varieties having affinities to them. Captain Shelvocke, who visited Peru rather more than a century ago, gave the following description of the Vicugna : " The Vicugna is shaped much like the common Llama, but much smaller and lighter their wool being extraordinarily fine and much valued. These animals are often hunted after the following manner:— Many Indians gather together and drive them into some narrow pass, across ; which they ha^e previously extended cords about four feet from the ground, having bits of wool or cloth hanging to them at small distances. This so frightens them that they dare not pass, and they gather together in a string, when the Indians kill them with stones tied to the ends of leather thongs." - ' In Kerr's "Collection of Voyages," it is stated that in Chili and Peru about eighty thousand of these animals are killed every year for the sake of their wool, and that their numbers are still kept up. Dr. Ure states in his work on the « Cotton Manufacture," that among the mummy-cloths brought from the ancient tombs of Arica, in Peru, by Lord Colchester, there are specimens of a sort of worsted stuff, made of the wool of the Vicugna ; so that at a period long preceding the commencement of manufactures, or the dawn of Civilization in England, the art of manufacturing cloth had been acquired in those early ages by the inhabitants of this portion of the New World. fisn A Dead Stag. Deer have been in all ages of the world among the most interesting of its wild animals. They are inhabitants of northern rather than of central regions, and are unknown, as natives, at the extreme south. The most prominent of this genus, in the opinion of hunters, at least, is the Stag, or Red Deer. It is a native of Europe, where it has been prized for ages. It is also met with in Western Asia, and in some of the mountainous islands of the Mediterranean, and on the slopes of the mountains of Atlas in Northern Africa. The Fallow Deer is a native of the southern parts of Europe. The male, which alone has horns, is commonly called a buck ; the female, a doe ; and the young, a fawn. The usual color is brown. A Hind. A Fallow Deer. Musk Deer. The musk deer is a native of the mountainous parts of northern India. From the male of this animal the perfume, known as " musk," is procured. The Axis Deer inhabits lower India. The Virginia Deer, is found in North America. It is a very graceful animal, and its eyes are peculiarly bright and soft. Axi« Deer — Male. Doe and Fatrn. Virginia Deer. (153) THE DEEK Boucharville and tho wounded Wapiti. The Wapiti, or American Elk, commonly frequents the deep forests and rocky mountains of Canada ; hut it is also met with on the upper Missouri. It is one of the largest of the deer kind. The horns are of im- mense size, and grow with extraordinary rapidity ; having been found to measure as much as five feet in length, and to grow, at certain periods, full an inch and a half a day. The Wapiti when wounded, is a dangerous antagonist. The following story is from Palliser's " Adven- tures of a Hunter : — " " Having gained a favorable position about one hundred and fifty yards from the nearest of a flock of Wapiti, I chose, a fine old Stag, while Boucharville, with an eye to superior meat, singled out a doe. Both shots went off together, when the smoke cleared away, we espied a Wapiti lying down. The next instant down rolled the Stag also. On coming near my Stag, he struggled to rise, but unable to gain his feet rolled back again. I looked towards the other, when what was my surprise at witnessing a regular combat between Boucharville and his wounded Elk, now transformed into a very formidable antagonist. Springing on her haunches, she was- striking furiously at him with her fore-feet ; one hoof missed him, but the other fell on his rifle, which he held up for his protection, and smashing both his ramrod and his loading-stick, beat him down on his knees. Rising a second time, she was about to repeat the attack, when my bullet caught her in the side of the head behind the eye, and with a splendid bound she fell lifeless on the broa9 of her back. A Wapiti. A Fallow Deer. A Wapiti, or American Elk. (154) TJIK DEt'K. A Laplanders Travelling. There is no animal so useful to man in any country, as the Rein-Deer is to the Laplander. It is especi- ally in winter, when any other ruminant animal would perish with cold, and for the want of proper food, that the peculiar value of the Rein-Deer is felt by the Laplanders. Without hflh, communication would be almost utterly suspended. Harnessed to a sledge, the Rein-Deer will draw about three hundred pounds; but the Laplanders generally limit the burthen to two hundred and forty pounds. The trot of the Rein-Deer is about ten miles an hour; and the animal's power of endurance is such, that journeys of one hundred and fifty miles in nineteen hours are not uncommon. The food of the Rein-Deer is the lichen or moss, which they display wonderful quickness of smell in discovering beneath the snow. In the summer they pasture upon all green herbage, and browse upon the shrubs which they find in their march. They also, it is now well ascertained, eat with avidity the lemming or mountain rat, affording one of the le.v instances of a ruminating animal being in the slightest degree carnivorous. • \ Fa] ow Deer. (165) A Ruin-Deer. THE MCEi;. Milking the Rein-Deer. It is. a most pleasing spectacle to see a herd of Rein-Deer in the evening assemble to be milked On all the hills around^very thing \s [n an instant full of life and motion. The busy dogs are every where barking, and bringing the mass nearer and nearer to the encampment, and the Rein-Deer bound and run, stand still, and bound again, in an indescribable variety of movements. When all the herd, consisting of three or four hundred, at last reach the encampment, the}' stand still, or repose themselves, or frisk about in confidence, play with their antlers against each other, 01 browsing in groups surround a patch of moss. When the maidens run about with their milk vessels from Deer to Deer, the brother or ser- vant throws a bark halter round the antlers of the animal which they point out to him, and draws it towards them ; the animal generally struggles, and is unwilling to follow the halter - and the maiden laughs at and enjoys the labrfr it occasions, and sometimes wantonly allows it to get loose that it may again be caught for her; while the father and mother are heard scolding them for their frolicsome behavior, which often has the eilect of scaring the whole A Musk Deer. flock. THE DEER. Black-tailed Deer. The Black-tail Deer is found upon the shores and plains of the upper Missouri. Its habits are little different from most others of the Deer family, except that, that it does not run at full speed, but bounds along, raising every foot from the ground at the same time. Its ears are unusually long, and its eyes larger than those of the common Deer. The tail is tipped with jet black; from which fact the Deer derives its its specific name. The hair of the animal's coat is long and very handsomely colored. In size it is rather larger than the Virginia Deer, and its hoofs are shorter and wider, and more like those of the Wapiti, or American Elk. Rein-Deer. Red Deer. (157) 14 THE DEER Stag going to Drink. During certain seasons, Stags fight fiercely with one .another. At these times it is hazardous to approach them ; and persons have been known to lose their lives by so doing. When thus fighting, they bellow with frightful loudness. They loose their customary watchfulness, and their blundering often ends fatally to themselves. It is not unusual for them, while thus struggling for the mastery, to draw gradually to the edge of some cliff, over whose edge both the combatants, heedless of every thing but fighting, are pre- cipitated. The experienced deer-stalker will tell you that such instances are neither improbable nor uncommon. Though not in season as food at that particular time, many of them fall a prey to the Highland poacher, and some of them are shot by their keepers. Stags Fighting. Elk Deer. (158; THE DEER. Ilunting the Moose. A KIooso. The Moose-Deer, frequently called in Europe the Elk, inhabits the northern part of Europe and America. On the western continent it is found from the Bay of Fundy to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains At present it is not frequently heard of south of the St. Lawrence River. The male Moose often exceeds the largest horse in size ; hut the female is smaller. The hair of the male is long and soft, and black at the tip. The general hue of that of the female is a sandy-brown. From the length of its limbs, and the shortness of its neck and body, the Moose is not remarkably graceful in its motions ; as, when at full speed, its gait is sprawling, and the animal is continually in danger of tripping itself, and even does trip itself at times in consequence of the hind feet treading on the fore-heels. But the loss of beauty caused by this length of limb is amply made up, by the animal's being enabled to crop with ease the buds and young twigs of the birch, maple or poplar, which form its principal food. * During summer, tke Moose frequents swampy or low grounds, near the margins of lakes and rivers, through which they delight to swim, as it frees them for the time from the numerous ijisects by which they are pestered; In the winter, in fami- lies of fifteen or twenty, they seek the depths of the forests for shelter and food. Bears attacking a Moose. A Moose. THE DEER. Indians hunting the Moose. As the Moose Deer possesses a fine sense of hearing and is watchful to an extraordinary degree, the art of catching it is looked upon as a wonderful accomplishment by the Indians, who, in the winter chase the animal upon their snow-shoes Tracking it through the snow, they get within gun-shot only by the exercise of the greatest caution and perseverance. Nor is the chase always unattended by peril. If the animal be an old male, and the shot does not bring him down, he turns furi- ously on the hunter, who has to take shelter behind a tree. Instances are mentioned, in which, at such a time, the en- raged Moose has completely stripped the bark from the trunk of a large tree, by striking it with his fore-feet at the person of his foe. On firm snow, the Moose can sustain a long pursuit. Captain Frank- lin tells of three Indians who chased a Moose for nine days before they could over- take and kill him. Deer Hunt. Stag Hunting in the Highlands of Scotland. Highlnnd Deor 100) THE DEER. Hunters and Deer. • The Roebuck is the most light and handsome of all British Deer; and in some respects'it approaches the antelopes, the ancients giving it and some of the species of that genus indiscriminately the name Dorcas, that is bright eye. The Roebuck is pretty generally distributed, being found in all the temperate parts of Europe and Asia, and even it is said in India, though there it has been confounded with some of the Indian species which resemble it a good deal in the forms of their horns. Tfeere are colored varieties, one very red, and another yellowish brown, and a third nearly black ; they all have the characteristic white disk, at least in the winter, and the tad is never more than an inch in length. Springbok. (161) Musk Deer. Roebuck. 14* THE DEER. The Chevrotain. The family or group to which the Musk Deer belongs are called Moschidce, or the musk tribe. Setting aside the Musk Deer, the other members of this group are called Chevrotains. The largest of the Chevro- tains, called the Meminna, is only eighteen inches in length, and of proportionate stature. Its color is olive grey, the sides being dappled with white, which is the color of the throat and under parts. The Chevrotains are the lightest, smallest, and most delicately beautiful of all the ruminating animals. They are found only in the East Indies. Deer at Bay. IXp.rd nf Depr "DrinVino- /-I CO\ THE HORSE. Anglo-Arab. Bay Arabian. 4.. Originally, the Horse, it would seem, was a native of the eastern hemisphere only ; though multitudes of the race are now found running wild in various parts of North and South America ; as they are, also, in some countries of Asia and Africa. Their existence in America is accounted for by the fact that the}' were conveyed there by the Spanish conquerors, and being turned loose, speedily grew wild. The wild Horses of the Pampas, in South America, are undoubtedly descendants of these Andalusian chargers. The Indians of the Pampas catch and tame them ; and the same people whose forefathers fled in horror and dismay from the fatal apparition of the Spanish Horses, are now literally " incorpsed and demi-natured with the brave beast." The Gauchos, who themselves ride so beautifully, declare that it is impossible to vie with a mounted Indian ; for that the Indians' Horses are better than their own, and also that they have such a way of urging them on, that even were they to change horses, the Indians would beat them. But of all the countries in which the Horse is found in a wild state, Arabia produces the most desirable breed. The animals that are met with in these deserts are of superior symmetry and swiftness. The Arabians are solicitous in catching the Wild Horse, which by their kindness and attention they are not long in domesticating. (163) Indians of the Pampas on Horseback. Arabian Horse. THE HORSE. "?;>""\ A Cart Horse. Calaiuck Marriage Ceremony. The Arabian Horse is of slender make, and beautifully limbed, and seldom exceeds fourteen hands in height. The fondness for their horses which the Arabs manifest partakes of the extravagance of Oriental feelings. They rear them up in their tents among their children and family, and they caress them and apply to them the most endearing epithets. Next to the Arabs there are few people fonder of horses than the Calmuck Tartars, who possess a very fine breed. Among these people the ceremony of marriage is performed on horseback. A girl is first mounted and rides off at full speed. Her lover pursues, and if he overtakes her she becomes his wife, and returns with him to his tent. But it sometimes happens that the woman does not wish to marry the person by whom she is pursued, in which case she will not suffer him to overtake her. If she dislikes him, she rides, in English sporting phrase, neck or nothing, until she has completely escaped, or until the pursuer's horse is tired out, leaving her at liberty to return, to be afterwards chased by some more favored admirer. English Hunter. Godolpliin Arabian. THE HORSE. The multiplication of horses in America, since their intro- duction by the Spanish con- querors, has been prodigious. Innumerable herds, each con- sisting of many thousand ani- mals, roam over the plains of both continents, from Patago- nia to the south western prai- ries of North America ; and, notwithstanding the warfare waged on them by man, by whom they are slaughted for their hides alone, their num- bers would increase to a per- nicious excesss, were it not for the destruction caused among them by floods and droughts. The supply of water often fails in the sultry plains, and then the horses, tortured to madness, rush into the first marsh or pool they can find, trampling each other to death. The impetuous rush of a herd of Wild Horses impelled either by some panic or by raging thirst, is called a stampede. During these stampedes, the herd of maddened animals not unfrequently breaks into the camps of hunting parties on the plains or prairies. In such an event, the tame horses of the hunters are altnost always borne away by the excited throng. The Shetland Pony, as its name implies, is a native of the Shetland Isles. The Sheltie, as it is called, is very small, its height sometimes being only thirty-four inches ; but it is very strong and sure-footed, carry- ing its rider with perfect safety along the most terrific precipices, and almost invaribly choosing to walk on the very edge. It is generally allowed that the hunter, whose spirit is only equalled by his endurance of fatigue, and whose speed is on a par with his beautiful form, presents a happy combination of those qualities which give swiftness to the racer, vigour to the charger, and muscular power to the draught-horse. A Stampede. 065) Shetland Pony. Spanish Mules. THE HORSE. A Roman Horse Race. In all countries, and in all ages of the world, men have found pleasure in racing horses. During the carnival season at Rome, a singular mode of horse racing is practised. At one end of the great street, called the Corso, a rope is stretched across the way, behind which a number of horses are ranged, riderless, decorated with gay feathers, and having attached to their girths little balls of lead, from which issue sharp steel points. At the sound of a trumpet, the rope drops, and the horses dash forward down the street. The harder they run, the more the steel points in the leaden balls prick them and spur them on. Added to this, the street is closed up behind them by a yelling multitude of people ; so that, notwithstanding the absence of riders, they are urged on to the utmost stretch of their speed. In a balcony at the other end of the Corso, stands the Governor of Rome, to judge of the race. To the owner of the winning horse an ornamental flag is given as a prize. (166) THE HORSE. v_ A Wild Ass. ■>f* Eclipse. In England, there have been some instances of wonderful swiftness in the race horse. As among the most prominent of English racers, we may mention the celebrated Eclipse, who was never beaten, and the scarcely less famous horses, Flying Childers and Godolphin Arabian. The humble and hardy Ass is scarcely less serviceable to man than the more imposing horse. In this country, where it meets with harsh treatment, is scantily fed, and only used for laborious tasks, it is dull and obstinate ; but in the East, where it is employed by the rich nobles and is properly treated, it is an elegant and spirited animal, with good action and smooth coat. White Asses are always used in the East for the especial service of bearing persons of distinction, a custom of great antiquity. In Persia, and other countries, there are herds of Wild Asses. They are so fleet that no horses can come up to them, and even with rifles the chase is very uncertain. The Persians esteem its flesh very highly, considering'it one of their greatest delicacies. There is a mixed breed between the Horse and the Ass, called the Mule, an animal in no very great request in this country, but extensively used in the East for riding, and in Spain it is the established beast of burden. It is very sure footed, and is on that acccount employed in the Andes instead of the Llama A Mule. (167) Flving Child' a THE HORSE. A Quagga. A Zebra. I/I/H/W. " The Quagga bears a greater resemblance to the horse than to the zebra; the hair on the neck is brown, with transverse stripes, the croup of a reddish grey, tail and legs whitish ; its voice resembles the barking of a dog. It is a native of the same country as the zebra, but is not so fierce : like it, however, its flesh is much relished both by man and the king of the forest, whose combined depredations are thinning its ranks. The Zebra is a native of the mountain districts of south- ern Africa. In its shape it has no little resemblance to the mule. It is regularly striped, even down to the hoofs, with glossy brownish black on a yellowish white ground. Wild and swift, this beautiful species live in troops in the bold ranges of craggy mountains remote from the abodes of man. Its disposition is savage and intractable, and it is by no means easily obtained, not only from its fleetness, but from the nature of the locality it frequents, where, like the Wild Ass of Tartary, in " the wilderness and barren land is his dwelling ; and he scorneth the mul- titude of the city." Domestic Ass. A Kate A Runaway Horse. (168) THE HORSE. Burchell's Zebra. . ^^± Burchell's Zebra is a tenant of the plains of Southern Africa. It is strong and muscular, and admits of being tamed to a certain extent with facility. Naturalists have noticed the remarkable fact that this species, as well as the Quagga, is often seen » peaceful company with the, ostrich. It may be distinguished from the Zebra of the mountains, by the shortness of its ears, and also by the absence of stripes on the limbs and under surface of the body. When flying in troops before the hunter, these animals are said to present a beautiful appearance. The engraving above represents the spearing of on.e of Burchell's Zebras by a mounted CafFre. & (169) Zebra and Gnu. 15 THE ELEPHANT. Asiatic, or Indian Elephant. African Elephant. Of the Elephant, whose form is familiar to every eye, two species are known, the Indian and the African. The anatomy of this huge quadruped is well worthy of consideration." Its head and tusks are so very heavy that no long neck would bear them ; the neck is therefore very short. This apparent defect is com- pensated by the wonderful manner in which its upper lip and nose are elongated and rendered capable of drawing up water or plucking grass. In the proboscis, or trunk, there are about forty thousand muscles, enabling the Elephant to shorten, lengthen, coil up, or move in any direction this most extraordinary organ. The trunk is pierced throughout its length by two canals, through which liquids can be drawn by suction. If the Elephant wishes to drink, after drawing the liquid into its trunk it inserts the ends of the proboscis into its mouth, and discharges the contents down its throafl^but if it merely wishes to wash itself or play, it blows the contained liquid from the trunk with great violence. Through the trunk the curious trumpet- like voice of the Elephant is produced. At the extremity is a finger-like appendage, with which it can pick up small objects. The tusks and teeth of the Elephant furnish exceedingly fine ivory, which is used for various purposes, such as knife handles, combs, billiard balls, &c. The Asiatic or Indian Elephant is a native of Bengal and other East Indian districts. The African Elephant is distinguished from the Asiatic by the markings of its teeth, the great size of its ears, and some difference in form. It is widely diffused through the vast forests of Africa, and is met with in herds of various numbers. Tta male is very much larger than the female. He is provided with two enormous tusks. These are long\ tapering, and beautifully arched ; their length averages from six to eight feet, and they weigh from sixty to a hundred pounds each. Indian Elephant Asiatic Elephant. (170") THE ELEi'llAJNX. Furious charge of a wounded Elephant. it tfbe^Vt^thfh^ tS hh£?2r and ft ?g' IS yet-n0t S° da^er0US a SP°rt as one miSht «** c h u-4 upon ts ,7sail nf if ,, n T^J' h°WeVer' its ^ is so™times terrific. In its headlong 1TEJ ^^y »PRPfs regardless of every obstacle, shattering trees of lar-e size and end- ing the broken branches high in the air. It was in this way that Mr. Camming was chared bfa hu-e h ve er 1) "f r ^ ^ ^ to fl^0r his life" T^e adventurous hunter returned to & attack hirto he g 'oundr *?**** over forty bar«ls into the animal's body, at length succeeded in bring £' > (171) Shooting the Elephant THE ELEPHANT. Shooting the Elephant. Mr. dimming, in his Adventures in South Africa, relates that, having wounded an Elephant, he dis- mounted from his horse, to get closer to the animal. When, having fired, he endeavored to regain his saddle, the refractory horse refused to allow him to mount, and commenced backing toward the wounded Elephant. At this moment a second Elephant charged upon him at full speed. "I felt certain," says he, "that she would have either me or my horse. I determined not to relinquish my steed, but to hold on by the bridle. For a few seconds my position was certainly not an enviable one. Fortunately, however, the dogs took off the attention of the Elephants ; and^ust as they were upon me, I managed to spring into the saddle, where I was safe." Perilous Encounter of Mr. Camming with two Elephants fl72) THE ELEPHANT. Hamstringing an Elephant In Mr. Cumming's Adventures there are many interesting accounts of Elephant hunts. The most exciting and perilous chase, in which he engaged, was after a large bull Elephant, whom he had ridden out of a herd, Several times the animal charged upon him with terrible fury ; and, on one occasion, he gave himself up for lost, so close was the huge animal upon him. But the good fortune, or skill, of the hunter carried him through all perils, and, after a long contest, he had the satisfaction of bringing the Elephant to the ground. Among the various modes of capturing the Elephant, that of hamstringing is one of the most dangerous. It is frequently practised however, in Africa, and the East Indies. The hunter having ready a sharp cut- ing instrument, creeps cautiously up to the Elephant, and by a dexterous stroke, severs the tendons of one of the animal's hinder legs. Thus disabled, the poor brute is easfty slain. (173; Riling out the best Bull F.leplwmt. r. ♦ THE ELEPHANT. Hunting the Elephant. Wild Elephant left after having been Bound. The Indian Elephant is almost invariably taken from its native haunts and then trained. The Indian hunters proceed into the woods with two trained female Elephants. These advance quietly, and by their blandishments so occupy the attention of any unfortunate male that they meet, that the hunters are enabled to tie his legs together and fasten him to a tree. His treacherous companions now leave him to straggle in impotent rage, until he is so subdued by hunger and fatigue that the hunters can drive him home between their two tame Elephants. When once captured he is easily trained. Bribes of sugar and arrack, a kind of spirit, are the usual means of inducing an Elephant to attempt some new art or to labour Avith particular assiduty. In its wild state it endeavors to gratify its taste for sweets at the expense of the sugar planters. The Natives rejoicing over a slain Klep Elephant. (174) THE HOG. A Hunter assailed by Peccaries. The Peccary is a small, but very fierce animal of the hog kind, found in Mexico, Texas, and South America. There are two varieties, the Collared Peccary and the White-lipped Peccary. The White- lipped Peccary is larger than the other species, weighing one hundred pounds, and being three and a half feet in length. It assembles in large flocks, and attacks the hunter with great intrepidity. M. Sonnini relates that he was often, in the course of his travels in Guiana, surrounded by a troop of Peccaries, infuriated with the havoc made by the muskets of himself and his companion. Mounted upon a tree he was enabled to observe their motions, and to notice the manner in which they encouraged by their grunts and by the rubbing of their snouts together those among them who were injured by the shots which were poured upon them from above. With erected bristles and eyes sparkling with rage, they still maintained their ground under an incessant firing of two or three hours, Avhen they quitted the field. (175) White-lipped Peccary. Collared Peccary. THE HOG. Wild Boar. fficjfe£££fri The animals composing the Hog tribe are found in almost every part of the globe. Their feet are cloven and externally resemble those of the ruminants, but an examination of the bones at once points out the difference. The Wild Hog or Boar inhabits many parts of Europe, especially the forests of Germany, where the chase of the Wild Boar is a common amusement. Its tusks are terrible weapons, and capable of being used with fatal effect. They curve outwards from the lower jaw, and are sometimes eight and ten inches in length. In India, where the Boar at- tains to a great size, the horses on which the hunters are mounted often refuse to go within striking distance of the boar. Babyroussa. Domestic Hog. Wild Boar. (176) Wild Boar Hunt. clean straw more thunX Hog J wallowing ,„ the mire, but no animal seems to enjoy The Babyroa,, , inhabits the Molucca Islands, and Java. It is remarkable for possessing four tusks. The BnbyrousR K*t *} Calling in the Hunters after the Death of the Boar. THE HOG. Chase of the Wild Boar. Boar hunting is a sport by no means unattended with danger to the hunter himself, as well as to his dogs. As practised during the middle ages, the animal, when brought to a stand, was attacked sometimes on horseback and sometimes on foot; and either by swords which were struck into his flesh, or by strong spears which were protruded against him till he either rushed upon the point, or exposed himself to a thrust from the person by whom the" weapon was held. The parts into which it was attempted to plunge the spear, with the view of inflicting the most deadly wounds, were the forehead, between the eyes, and the breast, immediately under the shoulder-blade. The above engraving presents a spirited sketch of this mode of attack. It sometimes happened, however, that the Boar would, by a sudden movement, contrive to seize the haft of the protruded spear between his powerful jaws, in which case his assailant was exposed to the most imminent danger of destruction. One crunch was sufficient to grind the wood to fragments ; and the next instant, unless some one was by to renew the attack, the enraged beast had his unarmed enemy upon the ground under his hoofs, and was ripping him up with his tusks. When horses were employed, they were frequently wounded in this way. Boar hunting is still a favorite amusement in India ; but there the sport appears to be always followed on horseback, and the animal is attacked by long spears or javelins, which are not usually thrust into his flesh, the hunter retaining a hold of the weapon, but are lanced at him from a distance of twenty or thirty yards as he flies before his mounted pursuers. A Domestic Hog. Domestic, Hog Peccary. (178) THE UHINOCEHOS. Indian Rhinoceros. 9 The genus Rhinoceros contains six well established species, which are confined to the hotter regions of the Old World, and are divided between Africa and India, including the islands of Sumatra and Java. Their general characteristics vary but little. All are remarkable for their massive forms, thick, knotty, and almost hairless skins, and for the fact that their eyes are placed nearer the nose than in any other quadru- peds. The Indian Rhinoceros in his native regions leads a tranquil, indolent life, delighting to roll and wallow in the marshy borders of lakes and rivers. Though sluggish in its habitual movements, this ani- mal, when roused is a formidable antagonist. During certain seasons it is dangerous to approach the Rhi- noceros, and he furiously assails every animal that attracts his no- tice or ventures near his haunts, even the Elephant himself. The Indian Rhinoceros has but a single horn, and can easily be distinguished from the other speHes ot the genus by the deep folds into which the coarse ^r- "• gathered Q.79) Rhinoceros attacking an Elephi HE RUINTOCEROS. Indian Rhinoceros. The Javanese Rhinoceros is found nowhere but in the island of Java. Its general appearance is like that of the Indian species. It is, however, a smaller animal, and the folds of the skin are less numerous and less deep. The White Rhinoceros is a native of Africa, and is the largest of the African species, being upwards of twelve feet in length, and six in height. Its general color is pale broccoli-brown. Its disposition is gentlei than that of any other member of the Rhinoceros family. Like all the African species, it is furnished with two horns. Javanese Rhinocerox. White Rhinoceros. (180) THE RHINOCEROS. Huntinj! the Black Rhinoceros ':h:a a print after Ui'>ens. The Hippopotamam is a native of Africa, and is thought to be Behemoth of Scripture. It is nearly the same size ;i.s the Rhinoceros, lias an enormously large head, and its mouth is armed with strong tusks. Though its habits are generally quiet and inoffensive, its rage and strength, when it is roused, render it very dangerous ; it feeds on grass, chiefly during the night ; retiring at day-break to the water, where it it remains until the dusk again invites it forth to graze. The large engraving on this page is intended to represent a scene on the banks of the Nile. A Hippo- potamus and Crocodile engaged in combat, are surprised by the hunters, who, notwithstanding ti.e peril of the adventure, seem to charge with great spirit, nippopotavac Feeding. Hippopotamus iurprised v.l-.iW Fteding. THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. Mr. dimming and the Hippopotamus. The following account of a Hippopotamus hunt is condensed from Mr. Cumming's "Adventures:" Just as the sun was going down, I came upon the fresh lairs of four Hippopotami. They had been lying sleeping on the margin of the river, and, on hearing me come crackling through the reeds, had plunged into the deep water. Next moment I heard them blowing a little way down the river. I then headed them, and with considerable difficulty at length came right down above where they were standing. There were three cows and an old bull; they stood in the middle of the river, and, though alarmed, did not appear aware of the extent of the impending danger. I took the sea-cow next me, and with my first ball I gave her a mortal wound, knocking loose a great plate on the top of her, skull. She at once com- menced plunging round and round, and then occasionally remained still, sitting for a few minutes on the same spot. I feared that she would get into deep water, and accordingly fired a second shot. which, entering the roof of her skull. passed out through her eye ; she then kept continually splashing round and round in a circle in the middle of the river. Divestimg myself of my leathers, and armed with a sharp knife, I dashed into the water, which at first took me up to my arm-pits, but in the middle was shallower! On reaching Iter. T seized her short tail, and attempted to incline per course to land. After Mime hard work, I succeeded in bringing the animal to the bank. I then took my rifle and sent a ball thr ugh the centre of her head. list) Stinting t!i an(i aw covered with a dense armor, composed of hard scales EKE? X a manner' °^ fittGd t0gether like stones in a P^ement. Between the different hand of these, there are narrow rings of membrane, which allow the body to bend. They have claws lapted tor digging, and a tongue but little extensible. The great Armadillo inhabits Brazil and the northern parts of Paraguay. It is never found except in the depths of dense forests. The Weasel-headed, or Six-banded Armadillo is very common in Paraguay. Its strength and activity are very remarkable, and few men can overtake it. In South America, there is also found another singular animal, which presents a remarkable mixture of the characters of different six-banded Armadillo y^fl ? ™ "J6* * ™ ?ichiciaS°> and h™ a firm tesselated shield, like the Armadillo. This, however, only protects the upper surface of the body. In its conformation it resembles the beaver, mole, and ant-eater, besides the Armadillo, to which it is nearest related. Great Ant-eater. (1871 Weasel-headed Armadillo. Gr*at Armadillo. THE ANT-EATER. Long-tailed Manis and Short-tailed Manis. The Ant-eaters, are natives, of the warmer regions of America. Their head is long and slender, termina- , ting in a small mouth without teeth, from which the tongue is protruded nearly two feet, for the purpose of collecting its food, which consists of ants and small insects. When he demolishes the dwellings of the ants, the Ani>eater thrusts this extraordinary member, covered with saliva, amid the insects, to which they adhering, he swallows them by thousands. The Great ant-eater is nearly four feet long, and stands about a foot high. lie fights standing, like the bear, using his fore paws, and will, it is said, sometimes overcome the jaguar. The Manis which is the Ant-eater of Africa and India, has a natural coat of mail still more invulner- able than the Armadillo, all the upper parts of the body being covered with triangular scales of difterent sizes, hard as a flint, and sharp at the point. There arc several species of the Manis, two of which are the long-tailed and short-tailed. Great Ant-eaters breaking into the dwelling of tlie White Ant. Great Ant-eater. (188) ORNITHORHYNCUS, AND ECHIDNA. Male Ornithorhyncus. When the Ornithorhyncus, or Duck-billed Platypus, was ^^^^Euro^itjaa NjgjdM and hind feet are webbed. This extraordinary animal is a native of Austialu. la the same order with the Ornithorhyncus is found the Echidna, or Spiny Ant-eater, which is also a native of Australia. Female Ornithorhyncus. (189) CETACEA. Harpooning the Whale in the Arctic Seas. The Cetacea, or Whale tribe, in many respects resemble fishes, and have often been classed with them by naturalists. They are, however, distinguished from fishes by possessing warm blood, and by being obliged to rise to the surface for air, instead of extracting sufficient from the water by their gills. The Greenland Whale, or Balena, is found in the arctic seas, a dweller amid eternal cold and ice. Numerous vessels are dispatched yearly for its capture, on account of the oil and whalebone furnished by it. The oil is extracted from a thick, fatty layer, immediately beneath the skin, called blubber; the so-named whalebone is obtained from the inside of the mouth, where it fringes the jaws, and serves as a sieve for the animal to strain his food through. The throat of this Whale is small, and its food is a little creature, about one inch and a half long, called clio borealis. When wishing to feed, he rushes through the water, with his vast jaws fully expanded, inclosing a multitude of little sea-animals, together with large quantities of water. When, having shut his mouth, he expels the water through the bony fringes, leaving the animals within. Like other cetacea, this animal produces its young alive, and suckles them. The Cachalot, or Spermaceti Whale, differs in several points from the Greenland Whale. His under jaw is armed with a terrific row of teeth, with which he often bites the boats of the whaler. In a museum, at Oxford, is one of these jaws, sixteen feet and a half long, and containing forty-eight enormous teeth. His head is of immense size, and from this spermaceti is obtained. After his capture, a (190) Qreat Greenland Whale. CETACEA. Dangers of the Whale Fishery. Large hole is made in the top of his head, and the spermaceti is baled out in buckets, to the amount of several hogsheads. The layer of blubber on this animal is thin, but yields a fine and valuable oil. Ambergris, once used as a medicine, but now only as a perfume, is a diseased secretion from the intestines of this animal. The Cachalot is about seventy feet long, and inhabits the arctic sea, though sometimes it is found on the coasts of Europe. The pursuit of* the Whale was practised by the Norwegians in the ninth century, though of the manner we know nothing The first who undertook it for commercial ends, appear to have been the borderers of the Bay of Biscay, who found the animal in their neighborhood. The creature they chased, however, was probably different from, and smaller than the arctic species, and seems to have been captured chiefly for its flesh, then an article of food. Finally, the Whales ceased to visit their bay, and they gradually sought them farther and farther off, till they reached the Newfoundland, Iceland, and Greenland coasts. Thus, in the sixteenth "century, commenced the northern Whale fishery, aj^l it has ever since been pursued. The first English Whaling voyage was in 1594, and the Dutch commenced the business at about the same date. The Hamburghers, French, and Danes soon followed. At present, from various causes, the English, Americans. Hamburghers, and Prussians send forth nearly all the whalers. The Whale ships, which are generally from three to four hundred tons burden, commence fishing in May, or in very good seasons, in April, and the close of the season takes place between early August and late September, according to the nature of the season. As recently as 1820, mo>t Whale ships plied at the east of Greenland, but now those waters are nearly exhausted of their fish. At present. therefore, most ships steer directly for Baffin's Bay, west CETACEA. Carcass of the Whale. A. The Harpoon. B. The Lance. of Greenland, where Whales are yet abundant, but where the prevalence of icebergs make the fishery even more perilous than before. As the Whale was first pursued for its flesh, so the elastic substance called whalebone, lining its jaws, was next the commercial objecf. chiefly contemplated. This article was, at one time, in such demand, that England paid the Dutch one hundred thousand pounds a year for it. Now, the Whale is valued mainly for its blubber, the substance furnishing train oil. This blubber, which is the animal's fat, lies immediately beneath the skin, encompassing the whole body, fins and tail. Its thickness varies from eight to ten and from ten to twenty inches, according to the locality. The lips of the Whale are nearly pure blubber, and yield from one to two tons of clarified oil each. When fresh, the blubber does not smell unpleasant, but ere long becomes tainted and offensive. A Greenland ship, besides a master and surgeon, carries a crew of forty or fifty men, including several classes of officers, such as harpooners, boat-steerers, line-managers, carpenters, coopers, &c. She has, generally, six or seven boats, which being the principal means of prosecuting the fishery, are so hung round her, that they can be detached almost instantly. After the Whale is killed and cut up, the blubber and bone are stowed in the ship ; but all previous operations are performed in the boats. The chief instruments, with which every boat is provided, are two harpoons, andsix or eight lances. The harpoon is wholly of iron, and about three feet long, consisting of a shank with a barbed head, each harb having an inner and smaller barb reversed. To the shank is attached a line about two inches and a quarter in circumference, and one hundred and twenty fathoms long. Each boat has* six of these lines, making jointly seven hundred and twenty fathoms, or four thousand three hundred and twenty feet. The harpoon is commonly thrown by the hand, though sometimes pro- jected from a sort of gun, and its use is simply to strike and hook the fish, which is then killed with the lance. Tffe lance is a spear, six feet long, consisting of a handle of fir, fitted with a steel head, very thin and exceedingly sharp. It is not flung, like the harpoon, but held fast and thrust into the .animal's body. When a Whale is lying on the surface of the water, unconscious of the approach of its foes, the fishers row close upon it, and the harpoon is buried in its back. The wounded creature, in its agony, makes a convulsive effort to escape. This is a moment of peril. The boat is exposed to be violently struck by its head and fins, and especially by its enormous tail, which sometimes sweeps the air with such fury, that boat and men are both liable to a common destruction. CETACEA. Lancing the Whale. On being struck, the Whale instantly dives downward, with the velocity, it appears from the drawing out of the line, of ten miles an hour. The moment the animal disappears, or leaves the boat, a flag is ele- vated on a staff, at sight of which, those watching on the ship's deck give the alarm. The crew rush on deck, perhaps from their berths, and hurry into the boats. The rapidity with which the line is drawn out by the Whale, occasions so much friction on the boat's edge, as often to shroud the harpooner in smoke, and, but for pouring on water, the boat would take fire. Sometimes the line gets foul, and the boat is drawn under water, and then the crew must swim for their lives. The fish generally remains about half an hour under water, and then often rises at some dis- tance from where it descended. The assisting boats hurry to it, and ply their harpoons and lances. At length, exhausted by wounds and loss of blood, it indicates the approach of death by spouting blood from its blow-holes, and sometimes by a convulsive struggle. Finally it turns on its back or side, and ceases to breathe. ^. The next operation is called '-'flensing," which is the clearing of the carcass of its bone and blubber. The dead animal is fastened alongside the ship, and men go down upon it with their feet armed with spurs to prevent slipping, and with knives and other instruments cut off the blubber in slips, which, being by others cut smaller, are then stowed in the hold. This is all that is now done to the Whale in its native regions. The concluding process, which is the conversion of the blubber into oil for use, is essentially the same as that by which the fat of the hog is made lard, and the fat of the ox tallow. That is, it is boiled and purified. The long, technical description, given by writers on this topic, we need not here transcribe. Skeleton of the Whale. 1-7 CETACEA. Spearing the Narwhal. The Narwhal is from thirty to forty feet long, and has an ivory tusk projecting from the left side of his head, from five to nine feet in length. It is said to possess two of these projections, the right one remaining within the head. The use of this tusk is unknown, some supposing that it is employed to dig up sea-weeds for the animal's food, and others that it is used to transfix his living prey. This tusk used to be sold, as the horn of the unicorn, till better knowledge prevailed. The Greenlander finds, in the - Narwhal, oil, food, Aveapons and ropes. To the rapidity, the great powers, and the ferocity of the Narwhal when attacked, many writers have borne testimony. Its form is admirably adapted for cleaving the waters, and we can well believe that the shock of its weapon, driven full tilt against an enemy, must produce a terrible effect. The ribs of the stoutest boat would be transfixed by the dint of such a blow, far more easily than was ever shield by the lance of knight in battle or tournament. Several instances have indeed been known in which the ani- mal has plunged his weapon deep into the thick oak timbers of a ship, when it ha§ fortunately snapped short, the fragment remaining fixed in the orifice, so as to plug it up. A portion Narwhal. of wood taken from the hull of a ship with a piece of 'CETACEA. Greenlander attacking a Narwhal. Whale, diying. Narwhal Is tusk firmly imbedded in it, came some few years ago under our" own inspection. It is probably only in defence of the females and their young, unless indeed when attacked himself, that the male Nar- whal thus rushes against ships or boats; for we utterly discredit the usual accounts of its causeless and indiscriminate attacks upon any object which approaches within its range. Doubtless when wounded and harassed it becomes desperate; and its power, its velocity, and weapon combine to render it formidable. i he Narwhal is gregarious, associating in troops of from six or eight to twenty or more ; and numbers are often seen clustered together, both in the open sea and in bays and inlets free from the ice, forming a compact phalanx, moving gently and slowly along. Under such circumstances the independent move- ments of each individual are necessarily embarrassed, so that a considerable slaughter may be easily effected among them. When attacked at such a time, the hind ranks, instead of turning against their assailants, press upon those before, sliding their long weapons over the glossy backs of their leaders, and all becomes disorder and confusion. Opportunities of this kind are welcome to the Greenlanders, to whom the Narwhal is an im- portant animal. When struck by a harpoon, the Narwhal dives with great velocity, and in the same man- ner as the Whale, but not to the same extent. In general it descends about two hundred fathoms, and on returning to the surface, is dis- patched by a whale-lance, without any difficulty. The blubber is about three inches in thickness, and invests the wThole body ; it affords about half a ton of oil. The female Narwhal produces a single young one at a birth. CETACEA Dolphin. Attacking the Vvhaie. Grampus. The Dolphin has been the theme of many beautiful fables, both in ancient and more recent times, all of which, unfortunately, are fables merely. He exhibits no sunset, changing tints in dying, but the sole change is, that when drawn from the water, his black becomes brown, and his white grey. Like the Whale, the Dolphin nurses its young, and must come to the surface for air. Its snout is very long, and seems to be used for capturing such aquatics as burrow in the mud. The animal's length is from six to ten feet. The Porpoises are found tumbling and rolling in both European and American seas. In old times their flesh was deemed a standard delicacy of the table, but is so no longer, having a strong, oily flavor, like that of most cetacea. The voracity of ^^__- this creature is enormous. It feeds on various fishes, but its feasting times are when the shoals of rings, and other from the north, five feet. o her- migratories, come Its length is about Porpoises. The Grampus is from twenty to twenty-five feet long, and of such a fierce and predacious nature, that it not only destroys the Porpoise and Dolphin, but it is reported that it will even attack Whales. The nose is flat and reverted at the extremity ; and it has thirty teeth in each jaw, those in front being blunt, round, and slender; the hinder sharp and thick. The Grampus is found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas, as well as in both the Polar regions; and it occasionally appears on the British coasts. (196) THE VULTURE. Lammergeyer, or Bearded Vulture. The birds of the Vulture family are, on the whole, perhaps, the largest of the predacious birds ; but they are not the most courageous, they are most abundant in hot climates, where they perform important services in clearing away putrid animal matter, upon which they chiefly feed. The Lammergeyer, or Bearded Vulture, is very common in the Alps of Switzerland and Germany, where, from its depredations on the kids and lambs, it has earned its name of Lammergeyer, or Lambs' Eagle. Its habitation is the loftiest mountains, and there are tales ^ of its having descended upon the unfortunate chamoi* hunter with such irresistible force, as to dash him from the glacier precipice into the gulf below. The belief is current in the Alpine regions, that it has carried off children to feed its young; nor does this seem to be entirely groundless. The color of the upper part is of a greyish-brown, the under parts white, with an orange shade. Its head b feathered, and it has a beard of strong hair, whence it derives its name. THE VULTURE. Condors. With many naturalists, we have placed the Condor among the Vultures ; though it differs from them in having a fleshy tuft growing on its beak, somewhat resembling the wattles of a turkey, as does also the King Vulture. The Condor inhabits the Andes of South America, always choosing its residence on the summit of some solitary rock. It does not build any nest, but lays its two white eggs on the bare rock. It is a very large bird, exceedingly strong, and very tenacious of life. Two Condors will attack and kill the Llama, or even the Puma ; for by their repeated buffeting and pecking they weary it so completely that it yields to their perseverance. L.i:niiiergeyer. Condor. THE VULTURE. Egyptian Vultures. Of the Vultures of the Old World, the Egyptian Vulture is the smallest. It is, however, one of the most common, being found in Egypt and in parts of Europe and Asia. In Egypt its utility in clearing the streets of filth has been frequently noted. In ancient times the Egyptians worshipped it, from which fact it has been called Pharaoh's Chicken. Its length is about two feet five inches; its general color is white. The young of the year are of a deep brown, slightly spotted with lighter brown and white, and do not attain their adult plumage for two or three years. THE VULTURE. Condor. Turkey Vulturo. Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard. The King Vulture is a native of South America, seldom if ever being seen north of Florida. Travellers relate that this species keeps the other Vultures under subjection, and does not suffer them to approach a dead animal until he has completely satisfied his own appetite, which is certainly none of the smallest. The Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, as it is sometimes called, inhabits a vast range of territory in the warmer parts of the American continent, but in the northern and middle states of the Union it is par- tially migratory, the greater part retiring to the south on trie approach of cold weather. In Mr. Darwin's Journal we read that " the Turkey Buzzard is a solitary bird, or at most, goes in pairs. It may at once be recognized from a long distance by its lofty soaring, and most elegant flight. It is well known to be a true carrion-feeder." This bird is abundantly found in Jamaica, where it goes by the name of the John Crow Vulture. It is there protected by law, every person who kills one within a certain distance of the large towns being fined twenty-five dollars. Much contention has arisen between certain naturalists with respect to the olfactory powers possessed by this bird. Mr. Gosse, in his volume, says, " Those who ascribe the power which the Vulture possesses of discerning from a distance its carrion food, to the sense of seeing or the sense of smelling, exclusively, appear to me to be both in error. It is the -two senses, exerted sometimes singly, but generally unitedly, which give the facility which it possesses of tracing its appropriate food from fur distances." The Turkey Vulture is two feet and a half in length, and with wings extended upwards of six feet in breadth. The bill from the corner of the mouth is almost two inches and a half long, of a dark horn color for upward of an inch from the tip of the nostril. Secretary Bird, devouring a Snake. King Vulture. Griffon Vulture, carrying off a Snake. (200) THE VULTURE. Harpy Eagle. Sparrow-Hawk. Sociable Vulture. The Griffon Vultnre, which is one of the largest birds of prey of the Old Continent, measuring from three feet and a half to four feet in length, and more than twice as much in the expanse of its wings, is found on the lofty mountain chains of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The nest of the Griffon Vulture is formed in the clefts of rocks. It lays from two to foui eggs. The Sociable Vulture is a bird of extreme rarity. In size it is fully equal to the Condor, the larger specimens measuring upwards of ten feet in the expanse of their wings. The head and greater part of the neck are of the color of raw flesh, and exhibit only a few scarcely perceptible scattered hairs. The throat is covered with blackish hairs, and the lower part of the neck behind with a kind of ruff of crisped and curling feathers. It is a native of Southern Africa. Eagle and Tortoise. Group of Birds. f&f Condor. (201) THE SECRETARY BIRD, AND THE VULTURINE CARACARA EAGLE. Secretary Birds. The Secretary Bird, or Serpent-eater, as it is more descriptively called, though having long legs like a wading bird, seems to rank between the Vulture and the Eagle, and^therefore, is frequently called the Secretary Vulture. It feeds exclusively upon reptiles, and especially serpents, offering no molestation to quadrupeds, poultry or other warm-blooded animals ; and it pursues its prey on foot, striding over the ground like an Ostrich. It chiefly inhabits the arid plains in the neighborhood of the Cape of Good Hope. In its wild state the Serpent-eater is shy and difficult of approach; but it is easily tamed, and is often kept in poultry-yards by the inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope, for the pur- pose of destroying lizards, snakes, rats, &c. It soon be- comes habituated to the poultry ; but if left too long fasting, it does not scruple to satisfy its hunger with the young chickens. The name Secretary was given to it by the Dutch settlers at the Cape, from a pendent crest on the back of the head, reminding them of the pen stuck behind the ear, according to the custom of writing clerks. Like the Secretary Bird, the Vulturine Caracara Eagle presents one of those intermediate forms, by means of which the relationship of the Vulture and Eagle families is placed beyond a doubt. It is a native of South America, but is rarely met with. Vulturine Dimcarn Exeles. • /•9091 THE EAGLE. Harpy Eagle. esSs^v^erT^^t^6 f a distinct Section amonS the birds of P™y> * s^i°n first welxcl^vdv AmS™ 1P 7 f °St naturalists- The sP^ies comprehended in this genus, Harpra, whiehare f^ZSU d^™ tf1^™63 i7 ^ r™0"8 thickneM ^strength of tho tLi the talons ^^of^Z^^^F KL H? "5 T^' ^ ^V* ^^ h°°M' M ™ South America where it frcrme, 1 S ° Ha*P2 EagIe ™ * natlVe °f GWa aml other Parts of » ^-^.*£ra£i*?isns itssr* from the abodM of me-- of THE EAGLE. Nest of the Golden Eagle. The Golden Eagle measures three or four feet. The general color of its plumage is a deep brown, dashed with tawny about the head and neck, and varie- gated, in different parts, with darker shades, The cere is of a fine golden hue, and the bill is of a dark brown color ; the legs are feathered, the toes yellow, and the claws black. The Golden Eagle builds in mountainous places, and occasionally breeds in the northern parts of this country ; its nest is composed of large sticks, rushes, heath, &c. The hen often lays three eggs, but it rarely occurs that more than two are prolific. Golden Eagle. Golden Eagle. Group of Birds. (204) THE EAGLE. Imperial Engle. Washington Eagle. The Imperial Eagle is closely allied to the Golden Eagle, but has longer wings and large white scapulary feathers. It is extremely powerful, fierce and destructive. The Imperial Eagle inhabits the mountain districts of the South of Europe and the adjacent countries of Asia. The Washington Eagle is a species discovered by Audubon. It is the largest Eagle known. It is very rare, and has been observed only in the United States. Bold and vigorous, it disdains the piratical habits of the Bald Eagle, and invariably obtains it own sustenance without molesting the Osprey. White-headed Eagle, robbing an Osprey. C205) Vulture and Dove. 18 White-headed Eagle. THE EAGLE. Great Sea Eagles. White headed Eagle. AnOwL The Great Sea Eagle is an inhabitant of nearly the whole of Europe and of Northern Asia. It some- times builds its nests in the clefts of rocks, but more frequently on the summit of some lofty tree. The female lays two eggs, about the same size and shape as those of a goose. The young are fed with fish or flesh until they are able to quit the nest, when th.ey sally forth with their parents in quest of their own prey, and speedily , £ ^^p assume an independent mode of life. The White-headed, or Bald Eagle is usually spoken of as inhabiting the northern parts both of the Old and New Con- tinent ; but it appears to be only a rare and occasional visitant of the former. Throughout nearly the whole of North America, on the contrary, it is met with in great abundance, as well on the sea coast, as on the banks of the broad lakes and rapid rivers, from which the chief part of its sustenance is derived. The great Cataract of Niagara is mentioned as one of its favorite places of resort, not merely as a fishing station where it is enabled to satiate its hunger upon its most congenial food, but also in consequence of the vast quantity of four-footed beasts, which unwarily venturing into the stream above, are borne away by the torrent and precipitated down those tre- mendous falls. His most common method of obtaining food, consists in snatching from the Fish-Hawk the hard-earned morsel for which the latter has watched and toiled in vain. Sometimes, however, the Fish-Hawks assemble in bands too numerous for him to encounter, and he is driven to hunt for himself. He then usually retires inland, and occasionally destroys great numbers of young pigs and lambs. At other times he contents himself with fowl; and ducks, geese, and gulls fall victims to his insatiable appetite. Its nest is com- monly built on the top of a large tree, generally a pine or a cypress, and growing in the midst of a morass. Eagle. .'.:ig!e Great Sea Eagle's Nest (206) THE FALCON. Going a Hawking. Hawking for Wild Ducks. Hawk. Peregrine Falcon. Hawking. half. It has its nest on the ro7k,'nt r i ?6W ^J""1- Its le^th is rather more *« a foot »d. flight is JmSSniS iSfe ™ K *T nhree, °r f°Ur eg-S 0f a reddish hue> ™th brow» ^ote. Its the Kite, and exte. 3F£ ravtes to th7 h J f ^ birds' th°U*h ifc wil1 sometimes P^battle to chiefly upon a^ k dlX £ ^ 7 ^ ,Tbere are reckoned at W ten ™'iet^> dependent Under the name of Gen le 7. Icon ^1£,ino««M P?™* °f *«*■, it is often called (he Duck Hawk, use of the Scottish Court bv th k h\S f 1 ^ ? "T^ timGS required t0 be traincd and keP* for the THE FALCON. V- Death of the Heron. Casting off the Hawk. Though now out of fashion in Europe, hawking is still a common amusement among the Turks, in some parts of Asia Minor, among the Persians, Circassians, and the wandering hordes of Turkomans and Tartars. For most species of game, it appears that spaniels, cockers, or other dogs were required to rouse the birds to wing. When at a proper elevation, the Hawk, being freed from his head-gear, was cast off from the sportsman's fist, with a loud whoop to encourage her. When thus cast off, the Hawk flew in the direction of the game, and endeavored to surmount it, or get above it in its flight. When the Hawk reached a proper elevation above the game, she shot down upon it with all her force and velocity, and this descent was techically called " the stoop," or " the swoop." When the Hawk closed or grappled with its prey (which was called binding, in falconry,) they generally tumbled down from the sky together, and the object of the sportsman was, cither by running on foot or galloping his horse, to get to the spot as soon as they should touch the earth, in order to assist the Hawk in her struggle with her prey. The Falcons, it should be observed, were taken into the field with hoods over their eyes, and with little bells on their legs ; and the sportsman carried a lure, to which the bird had been taught to fly by being fed regularly upon or near it, with fresh killed meat. These lures seem to have been of various sorts. In very old times, a " tabur-stycke," which was merely a piece of wood, rounded and besmeared with blood, was in use; but with the progress of civilization, a better lure, called a "hawker," was introduced. The hawker was a staff about twenty-two inches long, cased at the upper part with iron, having a bell "rather of sullen tone than musical," and f be figure of a bird, with outstretched wings, carved at the top. (208) THE FALCON. Merlin, or Stone Falcon. Jer Falcon. Luring the Falcon. The Jer Falcon, a corruption of Hlerofalco, Sacred Falcon, its ancient name, is larger than the Peregrine. It is a native of Iceland. It breeds on the rocks, and lays from three to five spotted eggs : feeds upon birds, which, when it eyes them from its eyrie or its course in the sky, it darts down upon like an arrow. In the days of falconry, this bird was in high esteem, and used for the larger game, such as cranes and herons. Its plumage is white, with dusky lines ; the dark spots on the wings are large, the throat and long thigh feathers pure white. The Merlin, or Stone Falcon, is among the least of the European species. The body above is of a bluish grey color, with a longitudinal black spot on each feather; beneath, the throat is white, and the remainder yellowish-white, with oblong dusky spots pointing downward; the tail feathers have an entire dark broad band, tipt with white at the end ; the female plumage is tinged with brown, and the spots below are more numerous. They nestle in trees or on the ground, and have five or six eggs, white, marked with greenish at the one end. It flies low, but its motions are so quick as almost to elude the sight ; it was formerly used for taking partridges, which it would kill by a single stroke on the neck. It is a migratory bird com- mon to Europe and America. THE HAWK. Sparrow Hawk, 'watching for prey. Goshawk. Chanting Hawk. Sparrow Hawk. The Goshawk is twenty-one inches in length ; the bill and cere are blue ; crown black, bordered on each side by a line of white, finely speckled with black ; upper parts, slate, tinged with brown ; legs feathered half way down, and, with the feet, yellow; the breast and belly white, with a number of wavy lines or bars of black ; the tail long, of an ash-color, and crossed with four or five dusky bars ; wings much shorter than the tail. The Goshawk frequents the deep solitudes of forests, preying upon hares, squirrels, and the larger ground birds; it also feeds on mice and small birds, and eagerly devours raw flesh. It plucks the birds very neatly, and tears them into pieces before it eats them, but swallows the pieces entire. The Goshawk is abundant in the forest districts of continental Europe, and extends also through the temperate regions of Asia and America. It was formerly used in Europe in the once oolebrated pastime of falconry. The Chanting Hawk is the only known bird of prey which sings agreeably. It is a native of Africa. It utters its song every morn- ing and evening, and sometimes continues singing the whole night long. In size it equals a Goshawk ; its plumage is grey above, white barred with brown on the lower part of the back and on the undei parts of the body. It preys upon large birds, hares, and other animals; it builds in trees. The Sparrow Hawk is a bold and spirited bird, but the most per- nicious of the Hawk kind, making great depredations among pigeons, partridges, and the young of domestic poultry. The difference of size between the male and female is very disproportionate; the former measuring about twelve, and the latter fifteen inches. Indi- viduals of this species also vary considerably jn their colors. It is found in considerable numbers in various parts of the world, from Russia to the Cape of Good Hope. This bird was held in great veneration among the ancient Egyptians, because it was made the emblem of their good Osiris. Among the Greeks it was consecrated to Apollo. ~" THE OWL. Barn Owls. Thk Owls, some few excepted, are nocturnal in **^J»Z ^r^SS to prowl for food ; they winnow the air with silent H^J^lflSlSdi celerity" The organic their eyes quick to discern their creeping prey, on which JXSSL^triuTSJ destined mode of life, endowments of these nightly marauders are in ^J^fSrtS? S of day; the iris is irri- The eyes are large and staring, hut hey are incapable of beanng the rtron Ugn ^ ^^ tahlejind the pupil almost completely coated vtteMs £££*&%>.*.***** curtain; out when twilight sets in, the eyes display a very different appearance, the lids are wide open, the curtain folded hack, the pupil is dilated, and they gleam with lustrous effulgence The Barn Owl is spread throughout the temperate and warmer ro Sons of Europe. It conceals itself during the day Tdeep recesses among" ivy-clad ruins, in an iq- church towers, in the hollow of old tree?, in barn lofts prey: which Great, or Eagle Owls. places of seclusion. At night it sallies forth for consists of mice, rats, moles, and shrews. The Great, or Eagle Owl, is a native of the forests of Hun- gary! Russia Germany, and Switzerland, and is said to ocair eastward as far as Kamtchatka. It is upwards of two feet in length. It makes its nest in the fissures of rocks and de- serted buildings. It preys on partridges and other birds. THE OWL. Horned Owl of Virginia. Horned OwL Hawk Owl. The Virginian Horned Owl is a native of North America, being found in almost every quarter of the United States, and in the fur-countries where the timber is of large size. AVilson thus describes the haunts and habits of the Virginian Horned Owl : — " His favorite residence is in the dark solitudes of deep swamps, covered with a growth of gigantic timber; and here, as soon as evening draws on, and mankind retires to rest, he sends forth such sounds as seem scarcely to belong to this world. The flight of this bird is elevated, rapid and graceful. It sails with apparent ease in large circles, and rises and descends without the least difficulty, by merely inclining its wings or its tail as it passes through the air." It preys upon birds, domestic poultry of all kinds, and small quadrupeds. The Hawk Owl is a native of the arctic regions of both con- tinents. Wilson says that this species is rare in Pennsylvania and the more southern of the United States, its favorite range being along the borders of the arctic regions, making occasional excursions southward when compelled by severity of weather, and consequent scarcity of food. It preys by day, its eyes being adapted for a dull light, and its flight is steady. From these circumstances it has obtained its English appellation. From the writer alluded to, we learn that it is bold and active, and will follow the fowler, carrying off' his game as soon as shot. (Utt) THE Jj'ISU HAWK, THE KITE, AND THE BUZZARD. Fish Hawk robbed of its prey by a Bald Eagle. Fish Hawk. The Kite, a large and handsome, but cowardly bird, is spread over Europe, Asia, and Africa. It measures nearly three feet from the end of its yellow bill to the tip of the tail, whichis dark colored and forked ; the feathers above are deep brown, with pale edges ; the under parts are of a rusty iron-color, with dark longitudinal stripes. It breeds on trees, and forms its nest of sticks, lined with wool, laying two or three eggs, white, spotted with dirty yellow. It is known by its flight, which resembles a sailing or gliding through the air, without the least apparent motion of its wings. When pressed by hunger, it assumes an unusual boldness, and making a sudden clutch, will carry off young chickens even from under the eye of the hen. The Buzzard is common in all the wooded districts of Europe and the adjacent parts of Asia, and has been met with in the fur countries of North America. It builds in large woods, usually seizing the old nest of a crow, which it enlarges, and lines with wool and other soft materials ; the female lays two or three eggs the size of a hen's, white, with rusty spots at the larger end. It is of an indolent, sluggish nature, often remaining perched on the same bough for the greatest part of the day. It feeds on mice, rabbits, frogs, and birds, pouncing on its prey on the ground. Sparrow Hawk. Buzzard. THE NIGHT-JAR, OR GOAT-SUCKER. / V Wliip-poor-Will. Group of Birds The birds of the Night-Jar family spend the hours of day in repose, shrouding themselves from obser- vation in the gloom of woods. At evening they come forth to feed upon such insects as, like themselves, are roused from inertion by the approach of darkness. They take their prey upon the wing. Their beak is small, but the gape is enormous, reminding one of the mouth of a toad. The Night-Jar, proper, is found in all parts of Europe, where it is a bird of passage, retiring to Africa to spend the winter. It is called Night-Jar, because in the evening, while on its perch, it utters a. peculiar kind of jarring note. The Whip-poor-Will and the Chuck-Wills-Widow are both found in the United States, and derive their singular names from their cry, which is said closely to imitate the words that have been assigned to them as their names. Both the birds fly by night, or rather in the dusk of the evening, and like the owl are much distressed by being forced to face a brilliant light. The Chuck- Will' s-Widow is partially migratory, and dwells in the more southern parts of America during the winter. Audubon relates that this bird applies its enormous mouth to rather an unexpected use, viz., that of removing its eggs, if it finds that they have been disturbed. Of this curious circumstance he was an eye-witness. He saw the bird that first discovered that an intruder had touched the eggs wTait for its mate, and then saw each of them take an egg in its mouth and convey it off. Night-Jar. Chuck-Will's Widow. Sparrow Hawk. (214) THE NIGHT-JAB. Papuan Podargus. is very ch-.racteristL o he SiSKSfc!??? a^ ^ the tUIe °f PodarSus ^vanensis, and migratory bird throuVhout ev^Lrtlf P £g!* .^i™ ^ ah'eady observed' the Night-Jar is a similar law is not 2 dn K 7T'' h? W^efher the SPecies of the 8"»» PoJ4"s obey a more confused by S than i^frS^^ff^t ^ the memberS °f tbe Senus PoWus F« sombre but intemingled JSs of ^ tnei nl i g ^ +Tbe^haunt th* solitudes of the woods, and the on their aerial chase^d ret WH* the w^f ^V^/T observation. . At night they issue forth , aim retire with the first streaks of day to their wonted seclusion. Blue Bird. (215) Owl. Martin. THE SWALLOW. 1 European Swallow. 2 Martin. 3 Sand Martin. 4 Swift. " The European Swallow," says a British author, " is one of my favorite hirds. He is the joyous pro- phet of Spring. Winter is unknown to him, and he leaves the green meadows of England in autumn for the orange groves of Italy, and the plains of Africa." This bird much resembles the American Barn Swallow, whose habits and appearance are well known. The Martin and the Sand Martin are both birds of the Old World, as is also the Swift. The Sand Martin, it will be observed, is found abundantly in the United States, where it builds its nest in holes dug out of the sandy banks. All these birds have the same general character ; and they are all among the familiar friends and favorites of young people. THE SWALLOW. THE KINGFISHER. Common Kingfisher. Eagle, devouring a Lamb. Purple Martin. The Barn Swallow inhabits America, and receives its name from its fre- quently attaching its nest to the rafters in barns. These birds are easily tamed, and f oon become very gentle and familiar. Their song is a sprightly warble, and is sometimes continued for a length of time. The Purple Martin is a native of the United States and Canada to Hudson's Bay. It is a general favorite, and takes up its abode amOng the habitations of men ; and in some parts of the Union considerable expanse is sometimes incurred in preparing for it a suitable residence. The Common, or European Kingfisher, is a retired and solitary bird, which is only to be found near rivers, brooks, or stagnant waters, subsist- ing entirely on the smaller kinds of fish. The American, or Belted Kingfisher, is distinguished by being of a bluish slate-color, with a ferruginous band on the breast ; having a large collar of pure white round the neck, and an elevated crest on the head. It inhabits all parts of the North American Continent, and is the only species of its tribe found within the United States. WT) Belted Kingfisher. American Barn Swallows. 19 THE PIGEON. Passenger Pigeon. The powers of flight of the Passenger Pigeon is almost incredible. It is a native of America, and over- spreads the country in countless myriads during the breeding seasons. Pigeons have been killed in New York with Carolina rice still in their crops. As their digestion is remarkably rapid, these birds must have flown between three and four hundred miles in six hours, giving an average speed of a mile per minu'e. Not far from Shelbyville, Kentucky, some years ago, there was a breeding place, in the woods, several miles in breadth, and said to be upwards of forty miles in extent ! Pauenger Pigeon. Passenger Pigeon. (218) (Voirned Pigeon. Wild Pigeon. Wild Pigeon. The WiM Pigeon exhibits a variety of beautiful hues in its plumage ; deep blue, brilliant green, purple, gohl, ash, pale red, &o. It builds in the holes of rocks, among woods, the hollows and clefts of old trees, and similar places, and commonly has two broods in a year. The Great Crowned Pigeon in size is nearly equal to the Turkey ; the greater part of its plumage is of a fine purple, or bluish-ash color ; the middle of the back, and the coverts of the wings, are of a dark red- dish-brick color. The head is adorned with a handsome crest of a pale blue, or ash color. This splendid bird is a native of the East Indian Islands ; it coos, and has the actions and manners of other Pigeons. The Double Crested Pigeon is found in New Holland and Java the front and another on the back of its head. It is about seventeen inches in length. It has two crests of feathers, one on (219) Double Crested Pigeon. THE PIGEON. Pouter. Brown-backed Peristcra. Manasope Pigeon. -«^> Tumbler. The Tumbler is a very little domestic Pigeon, and derives its name from its singular habit of falling backwards when on the wing. The Pouter is a large domestic Pigeon. It stands particularly erect, and seems exceedingly vain of the swollen crop which gives it the name of Pouter. The bird is enabled to inflate its crop with air, until the head is almost hidden behind it. This inflation sometimes causes the bird to loose its balance, and fall down. The Brown-backed Peristera is a Pigeon foun*d in Southern Africa, where it is said to frequent woods ; but little appears to be known respecting it. Its principal lines are brown, green, black, and pale orange-brown. The Manasope is an elegant Pigeon, found in the deep forests of New Guinea. It is about nine inches long. Pouter. Passenger Pigetn fV.'Hft THE PIGEON. Chcsnut Shouldered Pigeon. Bronze Winged Pigeon. The Chcsnut Shouldered Pigeon'isa beautiful bird, which appears to resemble the Ring Dove in its habits. It is a native of New ZealflA and is^ery abunditfit in the Bay of Islands. The Bronze Winged Pigeon is a native of Australia. It frequents dry, sandy places, and is generally seen either on the ground or perched qn low branches, or decayed stumps of trees. The Helmet Pigeon is one of the tame varieties, so called from a tuft of feathers on the back of the head resembling the crest of a helmet. The Carrier Pigeon is larger than the Common Pigeon, and its form indicates great strength and activity. The wattles on the beak, and round the eye, are very remar-kable. Its feats of letter-carrying are well known. Among many facts which may be depended on, relative tafn'e extraordinary qualities of the birds of the Carrier kind, we select the following. A gentleman sent a Carrier by the stage-coach from London, to a friend at St. Edmundsbury, with a note, requesting that the Pigeon might be< set at liberty two days after its arrival, precisely at nine in the morning. The person at St. Edmundsbury punctually attended to this request ; and the Pigeon arrived in London at half-past eleven o'clock the same day ; thus having performed a distance of seventy- two miles in two hours and a half. Helmet Pigeon. r22n Ring Dove. 19* Carrier Pigeon. THE PIGEON. ■■ Jf* ## KeociviDg the Carrier Pigeon. Sending forth the Carrier Pigeon. The Wntffed Ground Pigeon is a native of South Africa. They live on insects nnd grain. They are about the size of a Turtle Dove. The base of the bill and forehead are covered with a naked wattle, and another wattle hangs from the chin. The Oceanic Fruit Pigeon is found in the Caroline, Phil- ippine and Pelew Islands. It is fourteen inches in length. The feathers of the forehead, cheeks, and throat are whitish mixed with grey ; the head and the back of the neck are of a deep slaty grey ; the back, rump, wing-coverts, quills, and tail feathers, are of a uniform metallic green, passing into ^ brown on the interior of the great feathers ; the breast and upper part of the belly are 4s£eping up a shrill and rapid twittering; and continuing the attack sometimes for more than a mile, till he is relieved by some other of his tribe equally eager for the contest. The Pewit Fly Catcher is a very familiar bird, inhabiting the continent of North America, from Canada and Labrador to Texas, retiring from the Northern and Middle States at the approach of winter. Their favorite resort is near streams, ponds, or stagnant waters, about bridges, caves, and barns, where they choose to breed. The Red-Eyed Vireo is a common but sweet songster, found in every -part of the American continent, from Labrador to the mild table land of Mexico. It inhabits the shady forests or tall trees near gardens and the suburbs of villages, where its loud, lively, and energetic song is often continued, with little inter- mission, for several hours at a time. (229) 20 THE BUNTING. S. sJ«S 1 Common Bunting. 2 Yellow-hammer, male. 3 Ditto, female. 4 Black-headed Bnnting. The above are all English birds. They are usually placed between the Grosbeaks and the Finches, the construction of the bill constituting its chief peculiarity, and marking it as a distinct tribe. The Common Bunting is found in the corn-growing districts. Tn winter it generally becomes gregarious, and may be seen in the company of Linnets, Chaffinches, and other birds. It is often brought to market in winter and sold with Larks. Its plumage is brown, and it is considerably larger than any of the family of Finches. The note of the Bunting is harsh and disagreeable. The Yellow-hammer, though not a very interesting, is rather a pretty bird, the head being of a bright yellow, variegated with brown, and the cheeks, throat, and lower part of the abdomen are quite yellow. In winter it is common in every hedge. The song of the Yellow-hammer consists of little more than a monotone, repeated quickly several times, some emphasis being laid on the last note, which is also at greater length. The Reed Bunting, a third variety, frequents marshes, and is rather a handsome bird, with a black head It occasionally sings during the night. Montagu says that its song " consists only of two notes, the first repeated three or four times, the last single and more sharp." An undeserved reputation as a good songster is given to this bird. The reason is that the Sedge-warbler, whose merits as a vocalist are really superior, frequents the same haunts as the Reed Bunting; and while the latter bird renders himself prominent when singing, the Sedge-warbler utters his liquid, pleasant notes concealed from view. The Cirl Bunting, which is scarcely found in any part of England except Devonshire, differs but little from the Yellow- hammer in form. The Snow Bunting is an occasional visitant, being driven to the northern parts of Great Britain only when the winters of a still higher latitude are more than usually intense. Its summer haunts are within the Polar Circle, and it lives nearer the Pole than any other bird. It has its summer and •vinter dress, the finer white, and the latter brown. •VXCW THE WARBLElte eto> a *&*&&* 1 The Nightingale. 2 Blackcap. 3. Wren. 4 Redbreast. 5 Sedge Warbler. 6 Whitethroat The above birds are all British. The Nightingale is a summer visitor to England, and the European continent, migrating in winter into Egypt and Syria, and the ' northern districts of Africa. It is also a native of Asia, where its song is as celebrated as in Europe. It haunts close shrubberies, copses and dense coverts. It sings at night. The Blackcap is scarcely inferior to the Nightingale in its musical powers. It is very shy and retired, frequenting woods, thickets and orchards. The Sedge-Warbler lives in marshes on the banks of rivers and lakes. The other birds of the above group will be noticed on another pace. r231) THE WARBLERS. Whentoar. Nightingale. The Robin, the famous Robin Redbreast of ballad and song celebrity, is different from the American Robin, being smaller, and more familiar in its habits. The Whitethroat is a migratory bird, visiting Europe in the summer. Its musical powers are not remarkable. It is about five inches and a half in length The Wheatear is a bird well known throughout Europe, as well as in the northern parts of Asia. It is about five inches and a half long. It is found in mountainous and stony districts. During its migrations it will perch in fields upon isolated stumps, boundary stones, and other elevated spots. It is rarely seen in bushes or upon trees. It leaves during the first half of September, and returns during the first half or about the middle of April, when the night frosts have ceased. When wild it feeds upon all kinds of beetles and flies, which it catches as they run along. In captivity it must immediately have a quantity of ants' eggs and meal-worms. It usually dies of dysentery, and, what is most singular, even when it has not tasted the house food. It may subsequently be fed upon Nightingale food, and also occasionally upon roll steeped in milk. It can be preserved thus for a couple of years. It must be placed in a Nightingale cage, or in a large breeding cage. It may also be allowed to run freely about, but not before it has been accus- tomed to confinement, for if not well fed at first it usually dies. It can rarely be tamed. Goldfinch. Lark. (232) THE WARBLERS. 1 Pipit Lark, as he appears in the act of descending from his song-flight. 2 Woodlark. 3 Thrush. 4 Blackbird. 5 Skylark, male, female, and nest These are all British Birds. The Thrush, or Throstle, sings from the commencement of spring to the close of summer, with untiring note. Its song is full of sweetness and variety. The song of the Blackbird is less varied but richer and mellower. He breaks the shell of the snail against a stone, to get at the ani- iiS' fTnefT/ark tnbf do n,°Vh°P' like the SParrow' but ™lk or r«n- The ^rlark is one of the most celebrated of a 1 the songster* of Europe. It builds on the ground, and lays five eggs in its nest, Selby says the I ipit Lark is in reahty the comniorTfrpit in its renewed and winter plumage. Its changes of plumage during the summer occasions some confusion in assigning its proper place among birds. (-66) . 20 * THE WARBLERS. Blue-throated Redstart. Blue Bird. The Blue Bird, that harbinger of spring to the Americans, like the English Redbreast, " is known to almost every child, and shows," says Wilson, " as much confidence in man by associating with him in sum- mer, as the other by his familiarity in winter." The food of the Blue Bird consists principally of insects. The nest is built in holes in trees, and in the top of fence posts, and similar situations. Its song is cheerful, and is most frequently heard in the serene days of the spring. The Blue-throated Redstart is a native of most parts of Europe. It is a remarkably beautiful bird, and derives its name from its throat being marked with a broad band of the richest sky-blue. The American Redstart is found in almost every part of North America, withdrawing, at the approach of winter, to the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. It is a beautiful, lively bird, and warbles with much sweetness. The nest of the Redstart is very neat and substantial ; fixed occasionally near the forks of a slender hickory or beach sapling, but more generally fastened or agglutinated to the depending branches or twigs of the former ; sometimes securely seated amidst the stout footstalks of the waving foliage in the more usual manner of the delicate cradle of the Indian Tailor-bird, but in the deep and cool shade of the forest, instead of the blooming bower. American Kedstart. C2M) THE WARBLERS AND WRENS. Humming Bird. Caroline, or Mocking Wren. House Wren. Black Cap. The Black-throated Green Warbler is a rather rare passage bird, which reaches the middle parts of the United States about the close of April. It departs again for the south in October. Its song is simple and somewhat plaintive, but not unpleasing. It derives its name from the black hue of its chin and throat. Its breast and belly are white, tinged with pale yellow. It builds its nest in low thickets, and lays four roundish, white eggs. The Maryland Yellow-throat is a very common bird in the United States, where it extends its migra- tions from Florida to Maine, arriving in New England early in May, and returning southward in September. It is a cheerful, though shy bird, dwelling near some gushing brook, in the shade of briars, brambles, and other low shrubbery. Its song is simple, though sweet and agreeable. The House Wren is a lively, cheerful little bird, well known in the United States, where it makes its summer residence. It is found as far north as Labrador, but on the approach of winter, migrates to Mexico. It is likewise met with in Surinam, where its melody has won for it the nickname of Nightingale. The Carolina, or Mocking Wren, is most frequently found in the southern parts of the United States, and derives its name from its remarkable power of mimicking, with the sweetest musical effect, the songs of a great variety of birds. The favorite song may be readily recognized. It is somewhat plaintive and sentimental, and by the country youth is translated into the words "sweet-heart-sweet," pronounced quite rapidly. f235) Black-throated Green Warbler Maryland Yellow-throat. THE CANAEY BIRD. «T^ Tame Canary Bird. Wild Canary Birds. The Canary Bird, originally brought from the Canary Islands, is well known, having been long. domes- ticated in almost every country. In its native groves, its plumage is a dusky grey, but with us has all the variety of color usual among domestic fowls ; some are white, some mottled, some beautifully shaded with green, but the most common is a yellowish white. It has a high, piercing pipe ; dwelling upon the same note for some time in one breath, then rising higher and higher by degrees, it passes through a variety of modulations. Buffon elorpiently remarks, " if the nightingale be the chantress of the woods, the Canary is the musician of the chamber : the first owes all to nature, the second something to art. With less strength of organ, less compass of voire, and less variety of note, the Canary has a better ear, greater facility of imitation, and a more retentive memory. Its education is easy : we rear it with pleasure, because we ara able to in- struct it. It leaves the melody of its own natural note to listen to our voices and instruments. Block Cap. Goldfinch czm THE TITS. 1 Greater Tit. 2 Blue Tit 3 Coal Tit. 4 Marsh Tit. » This group consists of Tits, or Titmice, found in Britain. They are a numerous family of birds, and different species of them are found in almost every part of the globe. .The Greater Tit, called also the Ox-eye, is about six inches long. It is very common in woods and thickets. Its note is not remarkable, but various, and it can imitate other birds. The Blue Til mouse, or Tomtit, is short and compact, but very pretty. It is very courageous. The female is very tenacious of her nest, and in the defence of it, often sulTers herself to be taken rather than quit it, and when taken out, will return again to its protection. The Coal Tit resembles the Tomtit, but is smaller, only four inches long, and with duller plumage. It builds its nest with much neatness in the hollows of trees. The Marsh Tit, a little larger than the Coal Tit, is found among reeds and marshes in the northern part of Britain. Its food is chiefly insects, but in winter it feeds on seeds, and is often tempted to visit the birm-yard for pieces of meat, which it eats with much avidity; indeed its appetite is so great that it has been known to consume more than half its own weight of food per day. Thcv dwell together in con- siderable numbers, and are perpetually in motion THE TIT. The Bottle Tit and its Nest. The Bottle Tit is about five inches and a half in length. The bill is very short, the head round and covered with rough erect feathers ; it has a very long tail, whence its specific name. It is of a brownish color, with black feathers in the tail edged with white. Its nest is generally placed in the forked branch of a large tree overhanging the water, and it lays from twelve to eighteen white eggs. Domestic Fowls. Wedge Tailed Eagle. Wren. rlM) THE TITS. THE RED-BILLED P1QUE-B0EUF. Long-tailed Titmouse. Guinea Hen. ^MLs^^, Pique-Boeuf, or Oxbird. Chickadee. The Tufted Titmouse is very common in the southern parts of the Uuited States. Its usual song par- takes of the high, echoing, clear tone of the Baltimore Bird. As a cage-bird it is very desirable. According to the observations of Wilson, it soon becomes familiar in confinement, and readily makes its way out of a wicker cage by repeated blows at the twigs. It may be fed on hemp-seed, cherry stones, apple-pippins, and hickory nuts, broken and thrown into it. The Chickadee, or Black-capped Titmouse, is a familiar, hardy, restless little bird, inhabiting the northern and middle states, as well as Canada. Its quaint notes and jingling warble are heard even in winter, on fine days, when the weather relaxes in its severity. It adds by its presence, indomitable action, and chatter, an air of cheerfulness to the silent and dreary winters of the coldest parts of America. Dr. Richardson found it in the fur countries up to the sixty-fifth parallel, where it contrives to dwell through- out the whole year. The Long-tailed Titmouse, which is a native of Europe, constructs a very curious nest;1t is of an oval form, with a small hole near the upper part for an entrance ; the principal material of the nest is moss, bound together by the aurelia of insects ; it is lined with down and feathers, so arranged that their soft webs all point inwards. The Bed-billed Pique-Boeuf, is a native of northern Africa. It fives on the parasitic insects infesting the hides of sheep, oxen, and the like. Fixed on their back, by means of his powerful claws, the Pique-Boeuf digs and squeezes out with his beak the larvae that lie be- neath the festering skin, to the real benefit of the ani- Tufted Titmouse. mal, who patiently submits to the operation. (239) THE ROOK. A Rookery. The Rook inhabits almost every part of Europe, and is very common in England, where it lives in a kind of semi-domestication, usually inhabiting a grove of trees near a house, or in a park, where it is protected by the owner, although he makes it pay for this accommodation by shooting the young once every year. Apparently in consequence of this annual persecution, the Rook has an intense horror of guns, perceiving them at a great distance. While feeding in flocks in the fields, or following the ploughman in his course, and devouring the worms and grubs turned up by the share, the Rook has always a sentinel planted in a neighboring tree, who instantly gives the alarm at the sight of a gun, or of a suspicious looking object. The good w"hich the Rook does by devouring the grubs of the cockchaffer, and the tipulas or dady-long- legs, both of which are exceedingly injurious to the crops, more than compensates for the damage it some- times causes, by pulling up young corn, or newly set potato cuttings; in the latter case more, I believe, to get at the wireworms, which crowd to the slices of potato, than to eat the vegetable itself. In the fruit season, the Rook, like most other birds, likes to have his share of the cherries, pears and walnuts, but may be easily kept away by the occasional sight of a gun. Towards evening the Rooks may be seen flying in long lines to their resting-place-^-" The blackening train of crows to their repose." They then perform sundry evolutions in the air, and finally settle to rest. Round the base of the Rook's beak is a whitish looking skin, denuded of feathers, the reason or cause of which is not very obvious. A white variety of the Rook is sometimes seen. The gamekeeper at Ashdovvn had a very fine white Rook, which he kept tame in his garden. The eggs of this bird are five in number similar to those of the Raven in color, but much smaller. The length of the bird is nineteen inches. (10 THE CUCKOO. Cuckoo in a Hedge Sparrow's Nest. The Cuckoo places its offspring entirely under the protection of foster parents, leaving it to them to provide its food and to nourish it until it can shift for itself. Though this is not a pleasing trait in the character of the Cuckoo, the young bird is far from being ill-provided for in the place which it has usurped ; but turning out the nestlings from the home which really belongs to them, they soon perish, while the intruder claims the services of the defrauded and bereaved parent birds, and thrives rapidly under their unceasing exertions to supply it with food. The Cuckoo always deposits its eggs in the nest of a bird which feeds upon insects. The nests of the Hedge Sparrow, the Reed Sparrow, the Titlark, the Wagtail, the Yellow-hammer, and others have been selected ; and instances are mentioned of the nests of the Linnet and White-throat having been the place of deposit ; but the greatest preference is shown to that of the Hedge Sparrow. Dr. Jenner's well known paper in the "Philosophical Transactions" of the Royal Society, 1788, threw great light upon this striking peculiarity ; but there is still much room for observation on the habit. It seems doubtful whether or not the Cuckoo ever builds a nest of its own, but the general belief is that it does not; and whether the Cuckoo deposits the egg from her body while actually sitting upon the nest is equally a matter of doubt. For some time before the bird becomes independent of its foster parents it procures some part of its subsistence by its own exertions. The young bird generally continues in the nest three weeks before it flies, and it is fed more thai? five weeks after this period. THE TOUCAN. • m HHHrMII 1 Aracari Toucan. 2 Red-bellied Toucan. 3 Toco Toucan. 4 Black and Yellow Toucan. The Toucan as well as the Aracaris, which they greatly resemble, are found in the warmest parts of South America. Their plumage is brilliant ; and their feathers have been employed as ornaments of dress by the ladies of Brazil and Peru. Its enormous beak is nearly as long as the body. (242) THE TOUCAN Curl-crested This singular variety of the species Toucan is found in Brazil. It derives its name from the crown of its head being covered with a crest of curled, intense black, and glossy feathers. (243) THE PARROT, I Blue and Yellow Macaws, b Carolina Parrot, c Sealed Parakeet, i> Black-winged Psittacule. e Phillipine Psittacule. P Accipitrine Parrot O White-headed PaiTot. 11 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. I Banksian Cockatoo. K Goliath Cockatoo. f24tt THE PARROT. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Rose-ringed Parrukeets. Alexandrine Parrakeet. It is now very generally admitted that the Psittacidfe, or Parrots, form an independent family group, embracing many genera. Prominent among the Psittacidse is the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, an inhabitant of New Guinea. Its color is white, and the crest is of a sulphur yellow. This Cockatoo is easily tamed, and is of a very affectionate disposition. When in captivity it has been known to live to the age of one hundred and twenty years. The eggs are white. The length of the bird is about eighteen inches. There are other varieties of the Cockatoo, as the Banksian, and Goliath. The Macaws are natives of South America. The Blue and Yellow Macaw inhabits Brazil, Guiana and Surinam, living principally on the banks of rivers. ' The Carolina Parrot is a native of the southern districts of the United States. Its plumage is very beautiful, the general color being a bright, yellowish, silky green, with light blue reflections. The Alexandrine Parrakeet is found only in India and the neighboring islands. It is a beautiful bird ; its general plumage is green, a vermillion collar adorns the neck; the throat and a band between the eyes are black ; a mark of purple red ornaments the shoulders. The Psittacules, or Ground Parrots, form a group of beautiful little Parrakeets, the smallest of their race. The two most prominent varieties are the Black-winged and the Phillipine, both of which are found in the East Indies. The Rose-ringed Parrakeet is no less remarkable for its symmetrical form and graceful movements, than for its docility and imitative powers, and is supposed to have been the first' bird of the Parrot kind known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, having been brought from the island of Ceylon, after the Indian expe- ditions of Alexander the Great. They afterwards obtained other species from Africa. The color of the bird is green, and a rose-colored band round its neck gives it the name of the Rose-ringed Parrakeet. The bill is red. The Parrot genus includes about one hundred and seventy known species. All the species are confined to warm climates, but their range is wider than Buffon considered, when he limited them to within twenty- three degrees on each side of the equator ; for they are known to extend as far south as the straits of Magellan, and are found on the shores of Van Diemen's Land. Parrots live together in families, and seldom wrander to any considerable distance ; these societies admit with difficulty a stranger among them, though they live in great harmony with each other. They are fond of scratching each other's heads and necks ; and when they roost, nestle as closely as possible together, sometimes as many as thirty or forty sleeping in the hollow of the same tree. (245) 21 * THE BIRD OF PARADISE. 1 The Emerald. 2 The Sidet. 3 The Incomparable. I Tho Oloudy. 5 The Superb. Among the feathered glories of creation the Birds of Paradise take the first rank. Nature has lavished upon them the most attractive graces of plumage. From the practice of the natives of New Guinea of cutting off their legs, before selling their skins to travellers, it was once believed, in Europe, that they had no reet, but flow continually in the air, and fed oh morning dew. C246) THE BIRD OF PARADISE. Emerald li:rd of Paradise, female. Golden Bird of Farudise. The Birds of Paradise arc natives of New Guinea, and the adjacent islands, and consist of a number of species, but the best known is the Great, or Emerald Bird of Paradise, about the size of a Thrush. The wings are large, compared with the bird's other dimensions ; the feathers of the hinder part of the breast and belly are singularly extended into bunches, longer than the body ; and the tail, measuring six inches, is of equal length with it; but what chiefly attracts notice is two naked filaments, which spring from above the tail, and are two feet long, of a deep black color, bearded at the insertion and at the point, with downy feathers of a changeable hue. The female is without these floating plumes of the male. These birds are gregari- ous, always seen in large flocks, and perching at night upon the same tree. They live on fruits, and are said to be par- ticularly fond of aromatics. It has a cry like that of the starling. These birds are killed by the natives with blunt arrows, and sold to the Europeans ; but as this forms a lucra- tive kind of merchandise, the " virtuous" Chinese fabricate specimens of these celestial fowls, of the feathers of Parrots and Parrakects, which they sell to strangers, and by which craft they make great gain. _ The Golden Bird of Paradise ^another species, remark- able for the golden hued feathers of its throat, and the long, slender feathers, or filaments, which ornament its head. The Incomparable is distinguished by a tail three times longer than the body, by a double crest on the head, and by incomparable magnificence of plumage. The Superb Bird of Paradise is remarkable as having at- tached to its shoulders a long spreading plume, capable of being erected at pleasure. On its breast are two pointed lap- pets. With the exception of these, the plumage is velvet black, reflecting green and violet. Emerald llird of Piirr>diM, m:ili\ (2471 THE BIRD OF PARADISE. Magnificent Bird of Paradise King Bird of Paradise. The King Bird of Paradise, one of the smallest of the group, is found in the Molucca Isles. It i< very rare, and is about the size of the common Sparrow. -A zone of golden green extends across its breast, ;md from beneath each shoulder springs a fan-like plume of six or seven dusky feathers, tipped with the richest golden green. Its tail is adorned with two long slender shafts, each elegantly terminating in a broad emerald web, disposed in a flat carl on one side of the shaft. # The Magnificent Bird of Paradise is really worthy of its name. Its hues are most brilliant. It is remarkable for a double ruff which springs from the back of its neck, and is composed of slender plumes, variously tipped wfch ■ inr.go, yellow and black. Emerald Bird of Paradise. •Superb Bird of Paradise. THE LYRE BIRD. A Parrot. A Bird of Paradise. A Toiican Lyre Birds, male and female. Naturalists are greatly divided in opinion as to the proper classification of the Lyre Bird ; some placing it among the Birds of Paradise ; others among the Passerines ; and others among the Gallinaceous birds. The Lyre Bird equals a common Pheasant in size, but its limbs are longer in proportion, and its feet much larger. The head is smal^ the beak triangular at the base, pointed and compressed at the tip. In the main the feathers of the head are elongated into a crest; the general plumage is^pi, deep, soft, and downy. The tail is modified into a beautiful, long, plume-like ornament, representing when erect and expanded, the figure of a lyre, whence the name of Lyre Bird. This ornamental tail is, however, confined to the male. It is a bird of heavy flight, but swift of foot. On catching a glimpse of the sportsman, it runs with rapidity, aided by the wings, over logs of wood, rocks, or any obstruction to its progress; it seldom flies into trees except to roost, and then rises only from branch to branch. They build in old hollow trunks of trees which are lying upon the ground, or in the holes of rocks; the nest is merely formed of dried mass. or dried leaves scraped together; the female lays from twelve to sixteen eggs, of a white color, witli a few scattered light blue spots ; the young are difficult to catch, as they run with rapidity, concealing them- selves among the rocks and bushes. The Lyre Bird, on descending from high trees, on which it perches, has been seen to fly some distance ; it is more often observed during the early hours of the morning and in the evening, than during the heat of the day. This bird is found in the hilly districts of Australia. THE TURKEY. Wild Turkeys. The Turkey is an inhabitant of America, and appears to have been imported into Europe about )the year 1600. Its habits in a state of domesti- cation need no description, but when wild in its native woods are rather interesting. It is- partly migratory in its habits, moving from the parts about Ohio, Keniucky and Indiana, towards the Ohio and Mississippi. The march is usually per- formed on foot in large flocks, the birds seldom using their wings except when attacked, or in THE DOMESTIC FOWL. Bantams, male tad female. Game Cock. The Domestic Fowls are too Avell known to need much description. There are many varieties. The Game Fowl was formerly in great request for the cruel sport of cock-fighting, an amusement which, although happily now almost extinct, was in great vogue but a few years since. The Bantam is a very little bird indeed, but exceedingly courageous, and does not hesitate to attack a Turkey or such large birds with most amusing pompousness of manner. Some Bantams have their legs thickly covered with feathers down to the very toes. The Dorking Fowl is a large and delicate species. The chief peculiarity in this bird is the double hind toe, so that it has five toes instead of four. The Malay Fowl, though an awkward, hony, leggy, cowardly bird, watering about for the first six months of its existence with scarcely a feather to cover its nakedness, is yet not so bad a fowl as it has been represented to be. But unless they are of pure breed, their flesh will be found coarse and stringy. THE DOMESTIC FOWL. 1 Fire-backed Jungle Fowl, female. Sonnerat's Jungle Fowl, female. The Fire-backed Jungle Fowl came originally from Sumatra. It is larger than the domestic game breed. Its head is adorned with a crest of naked shafted feathers. The general plumage is black, with gleaming steel-blue reflections. The lower part of the back is flame-color, whence its name. Sonnerat's Jungle Fowl is a native of India, where its courage and spirit render it peculiarly attractive to cock-fighters. It is a splendid bird, and presents altogether a rich and striking object, when the sun shines upon its plumage, the hues of which are purple, aud deep and golden green. Fire-backed Jungle Fowl main Sonnerat's Jungle Fowl, male. (252) THE DOMESTIC FOWL Shanghai Fowl, female. Bankiva Jungle Fowl. Spanish Fowl. The Shanghai fowl has become generally known in the Northern States, and especially in New England. It was brought from Shanghai, China, in 1848, by Captain Forbes, and since that tune other importations of the species have been effected. Their general plumage is of a bright yellow, or gold color, variegated with dark brown and red. They are quiet tempered, their gait is proud and showy, but the legs are rather too long for beauty. , , ,. ... T, . ,. The Bankiva Jungle Fowl is supposed to be the original stock of our domestic varieties It is a native of the East Indies. In size it is nearly twice as large as the Bantam, and is remarkable for its courage. The Polish Fowl is a most beautiful bird, though small in comparison with many other species of the family. Its general color is a deep black, with a white tuft on the crown of the head. - . The Persian Fowl is an extremely rare species. Its plumage is scanty. The Spanish Fowls are large, showy, and possess the blackest of plumage. Shanghai Fowl, male. (253^ Persian Fowl 1HE PEACOCK. DoBMftie Turkey. Peacock. Peacock. This magnificent bird is originally from Asia, but has been domesticated in England for many years. Some suppose that it was first brought from India by Alexander, and by him introduced into Europe. The magnificent plumes that adorn the Peacock are not the tail, as many suppose, but the tail-coverts. The tail feathers themselves sire short and rigid, and serve to keep the train expanded, as may be seen when the bird walks about in all the majesty of his expanded plumage. Although Pea-fowls seek their food on the ground, they invariably roost on some elevated situation, such as a high branch, or the roof of a barn, or haystack. When the bird is perched on the roof, its train lies along the thatch, and is quite invisible in the dusk. In the times of chivalry, a roasted Peacock, still clothed in its plumage, and with its train displayed, formed one of the chief ornaments of the regal board. The nest of this bird is made of sticks and leaves rudely thrown together, and contains from twelve to fifteen eggs. The young do not attain their full plumage until the third year, and only the males possess the vivid tints and lengthened train, the female being a comparatively ordinary bird. A white variety of the Peacock is not uncommon. In this case, the eyes of the train feathers are slightly marked with a kind of a neutral tint. (254) THE GUINEA FOWL. Hen and Chickens. Guinea Fowl. ,.'\V -A ■ Guinea Fowl. The Guinea Fow., or Pintado, was originally brought from Africa. From its peculiar cry it has gained the name of " Come-back." In its wild state it is gregarious, assembling in large flocks in some marshy situation. At night the birds roost on the trees in company, like the Turkey. It is of a restless disposition, which does not leave it in captivity, the bird frequently wandering for several miles from its home. Like the Turkey, the Pin- tado lays its eggs in the closest concealment it can find. r25Si Lyre Birds. Wild Turkeys THE PHEASANT. T*® Tcmminck's Horned Pheasant. of Europe. It is said to be common in Tartary, and some pans o c lchi now Georgia, ^as ascribed by the ancients to Jason, who conducted the Argonautm expecM ^ ^ thirty.seven years ^. "•^mm&SSto* ■ before the birth of our Saviour It is a £ilM$*S wUSk&&*. hardy bird, and hoars the co d months ■^'^>'i/1Wl4BHHB»'' very well. Its nest is built on the ground, and contains from ten to eighteen eggs. Temminck's Horned Pheasant is a bird as rare as it is beautiful, and is a native of China and Thibet. Of its habits and manners in a state of nature very little is accurately known. Only one living specimen has as yet been brought to Europe. Its we is between that V a common fowl and a Turkey It derives the name of Horned Pheasant from the two fleshy horns that arise from behind the eyes. Common Phe (256) THE GROUSE. Cock of the. Wood Under the family title of Grouse, most naturalists include not only the true hird of that name, but the Partridges, Quails, etc. With regard to the true Grouse, it is of the moor-land and heath, the barren rock and the dense pine forest, that they are respectively the tenants. The Capercaillie, or Cock of the Wood, is common in most parts of northern Europe, and was once to be found in Scotland and Ireland. The male is a large bird, almost equalling a Turkey in size, but the female is considerably smaller. In the early spring, before the snow has left the ground, this singular bird commences his celebrated "play." This play is confined to the males, and intended to give notice of their presence to the females who are in the neighborhood. During the play, the neck of the Capercaillie is stretched out, his tail is raised and spread like a fan, his wings droop, his feathers are ruffled up, and in short he much resembles in appearance an angry Turkey-cock. He begins his play with a call something re- sembling peller, peller, pcller ; these sounds he repeats at some little intervals, but as he proceeds they increase in rapidity, until at last, and after perhaps the lapse of a minute or so, he makes a sort of a gulph in his throat, and finishes with sucking in, as it were, his breath. The nest is made on the ground, and contains from six to twelve eggs. Cook of the Woods. Ruffed Grouse THE GROUSE. Black Grouse, female. Black Grouse, male. The Black Grouse, or Black Cock, is still found on the moors of Scotland and some parts of England, and with the Bed Grouse tempts innumerable sportsmen to spend their leisure on the moors. The Bed Grouse, however, has never been found on the Continent, but seems to confine itself to the heaths of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, while the Black species is abundant in almost every part of Europe. The Buffed Grouse is only found on the North American Continent, where it is best known as the Pheasant. The male is remarkable for producing a drumming noise, princi- pally during the spring, but occasionally at other seasons. It is the call of the cock to his mate, and, when heard in the solitudes of the forest, has a singular effect. This noise is produced by the bird striking its wings rapidly upon some old prostrate log. By sportsman the action is called " drumming." Buffed Grouse, or American 1'heasaut Bed Grouse Pinuated Grouse. (258) THE GROUSE. Kuffed Grouse, drumming. Cock of the Wood. Ruffed Grouse. California Quail. The Pinnated Grouse is strictly confined to portions of North America. Open dry plains, interspersed with trees, or partially overgrown with shrub-oaks are it favorite haunts. It is found from New Jersey on the east to the Columbia river on the west. The male is remarkable for a naked sac-like appendage on each side of the neck. The California Quail is abundantly found in that portion of the United States from which it derives its name. It greatly resembles our common Partridge, or Quail, having, however, a crest on its head, which it can erect or depress at pleasure. The American Partridge, which is well known from its peculiar whistle in the spring, the notes of which sound like the words " Bob White," is an inhabitant of almost every part of the North American continent. Where it is not much persecuted by sportsmen, the American Partridge becomes nearly half domesticated, and in winter approaches the barn-yard, mixing with the poultry, and there gleaning its subsistence. Pinnated Grouse American Partridge. (259) THE G HOUSE. Ptarmigans. The legs and feet of the Ptarmigan are thickly covered with hair-like feathers reaching as far as the claws. Their plumage changes in winter from a rich almost tortoise shell color to a pure white. It inhabits the northern parts of Europe and America, and is also found in the north of Scotland, principally among the mountains. Its nest is loosely constructed of twigs and grass, and contains from twelve to fourteen eggs. The English Partridge is well known as one of the birds in- cluded in the designation of "game." It lays from fifteen tp twenty eggs in a rude nest placed on the ground, and dis- plays great attachment to them. It greatly resembles the Ameri- can Partridge, but is somewhat larger. The Common Quail is a well known bird in Europe, where countless flocks of them are spread over the country. English Partridge. f260) Common Quail. Black Grouse. THE BUSTARD. Great Bustard, female. Great Bustard, male. The Bustard family of birds are distinguished for their powers of running and their shynesss : some of the Asiatic species are much sought for by the Indian sportsman as a delicacy for the table. The Great Bustard is the largest of European land birds, the male being about four feet long, and measuring nine feet from tip to tip of the wings when extended, while its weight is on an average twenty-five pounds. The female is not much more than half the size of the male. There is likewise another very essential differ- ence between the male and the female; the former being Tarnished with a sack or pouch, situated in the fore part of the neck, and capable of containing nearly two quarts ; the entrance to it is under the tongue. This singular reservoir the bird is supposed to fill with water, as a supply in the midst of those dreary plains where it is accustomed to wander. The Kori Bustard, of which we give an engraving of the head, is a magnificent bird, inhabiting Southeru Africa, where it is accounted the best of the winged game to be found. Pinnated Grouse. Game Cock. Head of Kori Bustasd. (261) THE BUSTARD. THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL. WW Leaden-tinted Bustard. Rlack -headed Bastard. The Black-headed Bustard is extensively spread throughout India. It is gregarious, and the male is furnished with a pouch similar to that of the Great Bustard. Its flesh is excellent. The Leaden-tinted Bustard is a native of South Africa. Its habits and manners are those of the family generally. The length is twenty inches, and its height, when erect, is seventeen inches. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a native of India and the Indian Islands. The enormous bill, with its incomprehensible append- age, although of course heavy, is really much lighter than it looks, being composed of a kind of light honeycombed struc- ture. The upper protuberance is hollow, and the only con- jecture formed of its use, is that it serves as a sounding board to increase the reverberations of the air, while the bird is uttering its peculiar roaring cry. In spite of the apparently unwieldly bill the bird is very active, and hops about the branches of trees with much ease. The appendage to the upper mandible is small when the bird is young, and only attains its enormous size when the Horubill has reached its full growth. The bill of the Hoopoes presents a somewhat analagous peculiarity, as when the bird is young the bill is short and pointed, and increases with the size of the bird. From this circumstance, together with some other re- semblances, some imagine that there is an affinity between the Hornbills and Hoopoes. The Hornbills seem to be omniv- orous, fruits, eggs, birds, reptiles, &c., forming their food The Rhinoceros nombill. THE OSTRICH. Male and female Ostrich. Negro, riding an Ostrich. The Ostrich is (he largest bird as yet known to exist, its height being from six to eight feet. It is an inhabitant of Africa, ami from thence the elegant plumes are brought. These plumes are mostly obtained from the wings of the bird, and not from the tail as is generally imagined. An immense number of eggs are laid by the Ostriches in one spot, several birds belonging to each nest.. The eggs are very large and strong, and are in general use by the Bosjesmans for holding water. By means of these eggs, which they bury at intervals in the" sand, after filling them with water, they are enabled to make inroads across the desert and retreat with security, as none can follow them for want of water. Each egg holds rather more than five pints. An excellent omelet is made by the natives, by burying the fresh egg in hot ashes, and stirring round the contents with a stick through a hole in the upper end, until thoroughly cooked. The principal strength of the Ostrich tribe lies in the legs. These limbs are so powerful that a swift horse has great difficulty in overtaking the bird. As the Ostrich mostly runs iiP-large curves, the hunters cut across and intercept the bird, which would in all probability escape if followed in its exact course. In running it is aided by its wings, which, however, are too short and weak to raise it from the ground. The Ostrich is easily tamed. Many of our readers have doubtless seen the tame Ostriches at the Hip- podrome, who ran races bearing riders on their backs, and really seemed to enjoy the sport as much as any of the spectators. The food of the Ostrich is vegetable, and it swallows many stones, &c, to assist it in grinding its food. When in confinement it picks up any tfcing, glass, nails, &c, from the effects of which it some times dies. Captain Cunnning remarks a fact not generally known, viz. the care the Ostrich takes of its young. It lias generally been supposed that after the eggs are laid, the female leaves them to be hatched in the sun, and takes no more care for them. The following anecdote would do honor to the far-famed Lapwing. "I fell in with a troop of aliout twelve young Ostriches, which were not much larger than Guinea Fowls. I was amused to sec the mother endeavor to lead us away, exactly like a wild Duck, spreading out and drooping her wings, and throwing herself down on the ground before us, as if wounded, while the cock bird cunnindy led the brood a way in an opposite direction." C203,> THE CASSOWARY. THE EMU. Cassowaries. The Cassowary is a native of the eastern parts of Asia. Like the Ostrich, it cannot fly, hut runs with great swiftness, and if attacked by dogs, kicks with extreme force and rapidity. The feathers of this bird are remarkable for being composed of two long, thread-like feathers, sprouting from the same root. The wing feathers are round, black, and strong, and resemble the quills of the porcupine. At the end of the last joint of the wing is a sort of claw or spur. The Emu is a native of New Holland, and nearly equals the Ostrich in bulk, its height being between five and six feet. Its feathers lie loosely on the body, and its wings are small and hardly to be distin- guished. The skin of theEmu furnishes a bright and clear oil, on which account it is eagerly sought aftei. In its manners the Emu bears a close resemblance to the Ostrich. Its food appears to^be wholly vegetable, consisting chiefly of fruits, roots and herbage, and it is consequently, notwithstanding its great strength, per- fectly inoffensive. The voice of the Emu is a kind of Jaw booming sound. The eggs are six or seven in number, of a dark green color, and are much esteemed by the natives as food. When the natives take an Emu, they break its wings, a curious custom, of no perceptible utility. Young men and boys are not permitted to eat the flesh of this bird. Its flesh has been compared to coarse beef, which it resembles both in appearance and taste. Buxt&rd Emu. THE DODO. Dodo. The Dodo, a singular bird, which is supposed to be extinct, was discovered by the Mauritius by the .artier voyagers, t or many years their accounts of it were supposed to be mere flights of fancy. Lately lowever, the discovery of several relics of this bird in various countries has set the question at rest. Not J3trichqa ° P1'°Per P°sUion of the bird- Some think {t belonSs to the Pigeons, and some to the From the travels of Sir T. Hubert, written in the year 1627, we take the following account. " The Dodo, a bird the Dutch call Walghvogel, or Dod Eersen ; her body is round and fat, which occasions the slovv pace or that her corpuleneie, and so great as few of them weigh less than fifty pound : meat it is with some, but better to the eye than stomach, such as only a strong appetite can vanquish*It is a melancholy visage as sensible of nature s injury in framing so massie a body to be directed by complements wings, such in- deed, as are unable to hoist her from the ground, serving only to rank her anion- birds." Sending away the Carrier Dove. CORS\ PhcH^nnt. Gould's Humming Bird, male and female. The Humming Birds are natives of the New World ; and rich as this continent is in the most splendid feathered beings, the brilliancy and grace of these small birds are such as to excite the highest admiration in the spectator, who at once acknowledges their pre-eminence. Recent discoveries have proved that their range of habitation is .more extended than wa^Dnce imagined; for though they chiefly abound in South America, many visit the temperate and colder portions of the continent. The Ruby-throated Humming Bird passes north as far as the interior of Canada, migrating like the Swallow. Nor is this the only species which extends into a colder climate. Still, how- ever, the central regions of the continent, and the islands adjacent, are their chief resort. There they people the woods and the gardens, glancing in the sun like meteors as they flit by with inconceivable rapidity, or, suspended on their burnished and quivering wings, explore the nectary of some scented blossom. These birds may be almost said to live upon the wing. There is no bird that equals them in power of flight. Group of Bumming Birds. czm THE MOCKING BI11D. Mocking Bird. .The Mocking Bird, or Polyglot Thrush, is a native of most parts of America. This wonderful bird stands pre-eminent in power of song. Not only are its natural notes bold and spirited, but it has the faculty of imitating with deceptive fidelity every sound it hears. To its flexible organs the harsh setting of a saw. the song of a nightingale, the creaking of a wheel, the whistled tune of a passer-by, the full and mellow notes of the thrush, the barking of a dog, the crowing of a cock, and the savage scream of the bald eagle, are each equally easy of execution, and follow one another with such marvellous rapidity that few can believe that the insignificant brown bird before them is the sole author of these varied sounds. The Virginian Nightin- gale and the Canary hear their exquisite modulations per- formed with such superior execution, that the vanquished songsters are silent from mere mortification, while the triumph- ant Mocking Bird only redoubles his efforts. His expanded wings and tail glistening with white, and the buoyant gaiety of his action arresting the eye, as his song does most irre- sistibly the ear, he sweeps round with enthusiastic ecstacy, and mounts and descends as his song swells or dies away. He often deceives the sportsman, and sends him in search of birds that are not perhaps within miles of him, but whose notes he exactly imitates ; even birds are frequently imposed upon by this admirable mimic, and are decoyed by the fancied calls of their mates, or dive into thickets at the scream of what they suppose to be the sparrow hawk. Mocking Bird THE CAT BIRD. THE AMERICAN ROBIN. Cat Bird. ^ Cat Bird. Carolina Parrakeets. Skylark. Next to the Mocking Bird, the Cat Bird is one of the most interesting of the feathered tribes of America. It passes the winter in the southern extremities of the United States, and along the coast of Mexico, from whence, as early as February, they arrive in Georgia. About the middle of April' they are first seen in Pennsylvania, and at length leisurely approach New England, by the close of the first or beginning of the second week in May. They continue their migration also to Canada. The Cat Bird often tunes his cheerful song before the break of day, hopping from bush to bush, with great agility after his insect prey, while yet scarcely distinguishable amidst the dusky shadows of the dawn. The notes of different indi- viduals vary considerably. A quaint sweetness, however, prevails in all his efforts, and his song is fre- quently made up of short and blended imitations of other birds. The familiar and welcome Robin is found in summer throughout the North American continent from the desolate regions of Hudson's Bay, in the fifty-third degree to the table land of Mexico ; it is likewise a denizen of the territory of Oregon, on the western base of the Rocky mountains. We listen with peculiar pleasure to the simple song of the Robin. The confidence he reposes in us by making his abode in our gardens and orchards, the frankness and innocence of his manners, besides his vocal powers to please, inspire respect and attachment even in the truant school-boy, and his exposed nest is but rarely molested. He owes, however, this immunity in no small degree to the fortunate name he bears ; as the favorite Robin Redbreast, said to have covered, with a leafy shroud, the lost and wandering "babes in the wood." Siskin. Robin, or Migrating Thrush. THE MOUNTAIN SHORT-WING. GARRULOUS ROLLER. CRESTED CURASSOW. Mountain Short-AVings. Cedar Bird. The Mountain Short-Wing is a native of Java, where it is chiefly found on the lowest branches of trees or on the ground. As the shortness of its wings incapacitates it for elevated or distant heights, its motions are low, short, and made with great exertion. Its song is almost uninterrupted, and pleasingly varied. The Garrulous Roller is found in Europe. It lives on frogs, beetles, acorns, grains, and fruit. Its flesh is thought excellent. It is the size of the jay. The head, neck, and breast, are of a bluish-green, the upper part of the body reddish-brown : the flag feathers black, and the tail which is forked, has a light blue tint. It builds on trees, particularly the birch. The Crested Curassow is a native of the forests of Mexico, Guiana, and Brazil, where it is so abundant as to be considered an unfailing source of supply to the traveller who has to trust to his gun. It is com- mon, in a domestic state, in the Dutch settlements of Berbice, Essequibo, and Demarara. The crest consists of feathers about three inches long, curled forwards, of a velvety appearance, and capable of being raised or depressed a! will. Garrulous Roller. r269) Crested Curassow. Titmouse on the Winfc. Jav. a* THE WREN. THE COMMON SONG SPARROW. Common Song Sparrow. Short-billed Marsh Wren. The Short-billed Marsh Wren is an amusing and not unmusical bird, found in the northern states, in May and the summer months, and in South Carolina, and Texas, through the winter. It lives in marshy meadows, builds its nest of sedge, on the ground, lays six to eight eggs. It is about four and a half inches long, of a blackish-brown color. The Common Song Sparrow is a familiar and almost domestic bird, and is one of the most common and numerous Sparrows in the United States; it is, also, with the Blue Bird, which it seems to accompany, one of the two earliest, sweetest, and most enduring warblers. Though many pass on to the southern states at the commencement of winter, yet a few seem to brave the colds of New England, as long as the snowy waste does not conceal their last resource of nutriment. When the inundating 'storm at length arrives, they no longer, in the sheltering swamps, and borders of bushy streams, spend their time in gleaning an insufficient subsistence, but in the month of November, begin to retire to the warmer states; and here, on fine days, even in January, whisper forth their usual strains. As early as the 4th of March, the weather being mild, the Song Sparrow and the Blue Bird here jointly arrive, and cheer the yet dreary face of nature with their familiar songs. The latter flits restlessly through the orchard or neighboring fields ; the Sparrow, more social, frequents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest of support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, or taller bough, tunes forth his cheering lay, in frequent repeti- tions, for half an hour or more at a time. These notes have some resemblance to parts of the Canary's song, and are almost uninterruptedly and daily delivered, from his coming to the commencement of winter. When he first arrives, while the weather is yet doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears contemplative, and often delivered in a peculiarly low and tender whisper, which, when hearkened to for some time, will be found more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of reverie, or innate hope of improving sea- sons, Avhich are recalled with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach of winter, this vocal thrill, sound- ing like an Orphean farewell to the scene and season, is still more exquisite, and softened by the sadness which seems to breathe almost with sentiment, from the decaying and now silent face of nature. It builds usually on the ground, a. lit- tle below the level, under a tuft of grass, or in a low bush, and occasionally in an evergreen, as the red cedar, four or five feet from the ground. Its nest is usually formed of fine, dry grass, neatly put together, and mostly lined with horse- hair. The eggs, four or five, are %reenish or bluish-white, thickly spotted with one or two shades of brown. .,<*rfcoiwiK. THK OHATTERfiliS, Oil WAX-WINGS. rf&tf Japanese Chatterer. Bohemian Chatterer. The Cedar Bird is found in the whole extent between Mexico and Canada, and, during the whole year, is a resident of the United States. " The Cedar Birds," says Wilson, " utter a feeble, lisping sound, and fly in compact bodies of from twenty to fifty; and usually alight together so close on the same tree, that one- half are frequently shot down at a time." In June, when strawberries and cherries abound, they become exceedingly fat, and are in great request by sportsmen. In the western states, at this season, they are best known :is Cherry Birds. The Bohemian Chatterer, or Wax-wing, is not confined* to Europe and Asia, but is a native also of the northern regions of the American continent. It is about eight inches in length. The general plumage is dull, vinous ash, tinted with iron-red on the cheeks. The secondary quill-feathers are tip- ped with white, each having the shaft prolonged, and furnished with a small, horny, scarlet appendage, like a little, flattish-oval head of red sealing-wax, whence the name " wax-wing." These appendage* are found on the majority of the birds which compose the family. The Japanese Chatterer is a newly discovered species, differing from the Bohemian and the Cedar Bird in the nakedness of the nostrils, in the length of the crest, and in the entire absence of the wax-like appendages to the^vings. The Japanese Islands, as far as we know, appear to be the native territories of this bird. Of its habits we have no definite details. The crest is long, composed above of feathers of an ashy-reddish color, with an inferior layer of black plumes. The general hue of the rest of the plumage is of a brownish-ash, traversed by a red band across the wings. Ccl.ir ISirrt. (271) THE HOOPOE. Hoopoe. Cuckoo. The Hoopoe is one of the most elegant birds that visit England. Its beautiful crest can be raised or depressed at pleasure, but is seldom displayed unless the bird is excited from some cause. Its food con- sists of insects, which it first batters and moulds into an oblong mass, and then swallows, with a peculiar jerk of the head. In France, Hoopoes are very common, and may be seen examining old and rotten stumps for the insects that invariably congregate in such places. There they m;iy be seen in flocks, but they never seem to come over to England in greater numbers than one pair at a time. M. Beckstein gives a curious account of the attitude assumed by the Hoopoe on perceiving a large bird in the air. " As soon as they perceived a raven, or even a pigeon, they were on their bellies in the twinkling of an eye, their wings stretched out by the side of the head, so that the large quill feathers touched ; the head leaning on the back with the bill pointing upwards. In this curious posture they might be taken for an old rag !" It lays from four to seven grey eggs in the hollow of a tree. Its length is one foot. Wheatear. Goldfinch. Linnet. '.--;■ ^sir — " ... Common Bunting. Quail. Skylnrk. THE PHEASANT. THE CARDINAL GROSBEAK. THE CROSSBILL. GoUflLcii. m Pied Fly Catcher. Iris Pheasant. European Shrike. Ostrich. Cardinal Grosbeak. Shrike. The Peacock Pheasant, or Iris Pheasant, is described as being one of the greatest beauties in nature. We may compare it to sable, thickly set with shining jewels of various colors. Buffou has denominated it the Eperronier, from the singular fact of its having two spurs on each leg. The Cardinal Grosbeak, better known as the Red Bird, chiefly occupies the warmer parts of the United States, from New York to Florida. Some of the more restless wanderers occasionally, though rarely, favor New England with a visit. The song of the Cardinal is loud, mellow, and sweetly varied. Though possessed of much originality, it often consists, in part, of favorite borrowed and slightly altered phrases. When taken young, it is easily domesticated. The Crossbill is about the size of a Lark ; its general color is reddish ; it occasionally visits England, but is an inhabitant of the colder climates, where it always breeds. It is said to fix its nest to a branch by the gummy matter which exudes from the pine tree, and to plaster its little abode with the same substance, so as effectually to exclude the melted snow, or rain, from the interior of its comfortable little tenement. Blackbird. (273) Crossbill. Banting. Mocking Bird. THE SUMMER YELLOW BIRD. RING OUZEL. WOODPECKER. Ring Ouzel. Flicker, or Golden-winged Woodpecker. The Summer Yellow Bird is a very lively, unsuspicious, and familiar little creature, whose bright golden color renders it very conspicuous, as, in chase of flying insects, it darts among the blooming shrubs and orchards. It is found in almost all parts of the American continent. It is a migratory bird, ranging from the confines of the arctic circle to the tropics. The Flicker, or Golden-winged Woodpecker, inhabits throughout North America, from Labrador to Florida. Its plumage is beautifully varied, part of the quills being of a yellow color, whence its name. The Red-headed Woodpecker is another well-known and common American species, remarkable for the brilliant scarlet color of its head. The Ring Ouzel is somewhat larger than the Blackbird, which it much resembles in its general habits. Its general color is dull black. The breast of the male is distinguished by a crescent of pure Avhite, which almost surrounds the neck ; on the female this crescent is much less conspicuous, and in some birds it is wholly wanting. Ring Ouzels are found in various parts of Europe, chiefly in the wilder and more moun- tainous districts. The female builds her nest in the same manner and in the same situations as the Black- bird, and lays four or five eggs of the same color. Their food consists of insects and berries. Bed-headed Woodpecker Summer Yellow Bird. Linnet. (274) THE SHRIKE. American Shrike, or Butcher Bird. European Shrike. The American Shrike, or Butcher Bird, extends its wanderings as far as Natchez, and is not uncommon in Kentucky during severe winters. In March, it withdraws to the North, though some take up their summer residence in the densest forests of Pennsylvania and New England. The principal food of ths species is large insects, as well as small birds, with the surplus of both of which the Shrike disposes in a very singu- lar manner, by impaling them upon thorns. As the little American Butcher Bird, like his more common European representatives prey upon birds, these impaled insects have been supposed to be lures to attract his victims, but his courage and rapacity render such snares useless and improbable, as he has be *n known, with the temerity of a Falcon, to follow a bird into an open cage sooner than lose his quarry. Feeding the Parrot (275) Carolina Parrot. THE PIGEON. BEE-EATER. MEADOW LARK. SHORE LARK. Peacock. Meadow Lark. Collared Turtle. The Collared Turtle is a beautiful species of dove, found throughout Africa, India, and other parts of Asia. In its natural state it frequents the woods, and its habits closely agree with the common species. It has been suggested that this bird is the Turtle of the Scriptures. The Bee-eater is common on the Continent, but seldom visits England. In appearance it is not very unlike the Kingfisher, both in shape and in its brilliant colors. It has long been celebrated for the havoc it causes among the inhabitants of the hive, although it does not restrict itself to those insects, but pur- sues wasps, butterflies, &c, on the wing, with great activity. Like the Kingfisher, it lays its eggs in holes bored in banks. The eggs are white, and from four to seven in number. Its length is eleven inches. The Meadow Lark, or American Starling, is a well-known ^.., _^a inhabitant of meadows and fields in all parts of North America. Like the American Quail, it is sociable, and somewhat gre- garious. Its flesh is white and delicate, and little inferior to that of the Partridge. The Shore Lark is a common bird, inhabiting both the Old and the New World. It is said to sing well, rising into the air, and warbling as it ascends, in the manner of the Skylark. Bee-eater. THE WIIIDAH FINCH. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. BARBET. Startling. Ruffed Grouse. Barbet Visiting the Aviary — Whidah Finch. Cardinal Qosbeak. Red-winged Blackbird. The Whidah Finch is !' i heir danger, and took to (light on the approach of any one. All agree as to the delicacy of its flesh. From tlie ease with which the Cereopsis becomes domesticated, we are not without hope of seeing this bin! ad led to the list of those which enliven our farm-yards, and contribute to the luxuries of our table. It breeds freely in our climate, feeds like the goose, but is even more familiar ; and requires only that ordinary attention which is always paid to domesticated ducks, geese, and poultry. Its voice is deep, hoarse, and clanging; short, but inflected. Its food is entirely vegetable; a short, stout bill is requisite for plucking it up from the ground. In size this beautiful species equals the common goose; but its bill, as we have ■aid, is shorter, being very thick at the base, and somewhat arched above. The top of the head is pule grey, the rest of the plumage is slate grey. THE HERON. Ardea Herodias, or American Bittern. Bittern. The family of Herons is very extensive, and embraces not only the true Herons and Bitterns, but also the Storks and BrstbiUs. As a general rule, they frequent the margins of rivers, or lakes, or marshes, feeding on fish, reptiles, and even small mammalia. The Common Heron is spread over the greater part of Asia and Africa, as well as EuroDe. In America it is represented by an allied species, Ardea Herodias. The Night Heron is found in most parts of the Old World. In many respects it resembles the Common Heron in its habits, breeding, like that bird, in society, on the topmost branches ->f trees, and roosting during the day in the recesses of woods adjacent to wild swamps and rivers, which it visits, on the approach of night, in quest of prey. The Bittern is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was once common in England, when, in the palmy days of falconry, it was eagerly hunted with the hawk. Nifflit Heron. (287 j Hercm. Common Heron. THE HERON. Adjutant. Buatbill. The Adjutant is a native ot the East Indies ; it measures seven feet and a half from the top of the heak to the claws ; it has a very large beak, and a drooping crop of considerable dimensions. Its courage is not equal to its voracity ; for a child of eight or ten years old soon puts it to flight with a switch; though, at first, it seems to stand upon its defence, by threatening with its enormous bill widely extended, and crying out with a loud, Ik .rse voice, like a bear or a tiger. It is an enemy to small quadrupeds, as well as birds and reptiles, and destroys fowls and chickens, though it dare not attack a hen, with her young openly; it preys also on rats, young kittens, and the like, and lias been known to swallow a cat whole ; a bone of a shin of beef being broken asunder, serves it but for two morsels. Dr. Latham observes that these birds in their wild state live in companies, and when seen at a distance, near the mouths of rivers, coming towards an observer, which they often do with their wings extended, may well be taken for canoes upon the surface of a smooth sea; when on the sand-banks, for men and women picking up shell- fish or other things on the beach. The form of the beak of the Boatbill is very peculiar ; it is broad, depressed, and sharp at the point. The Boatbill is an inhabitant of South America; it is about the size of a Crow; the t.-;il and part of the back are of an ash-color; the under parts of the body are white, and the residue of the plumage is black. Green Heron. (288) THE HEliOK. Adjutant. Bittern. IT.cron. Stork. The Stork is extensively found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Holland, Storks are very abundant, and are encouraged by the Dutch to build in their towns. In Holland a kind of false chimney is built by the inhabitants for these birds to make their nests in. When the Stork cannot find a building on which to make its nest, it chooses the flat spreading branches of a cedar or pine "and there collects a large mass of sticks and twigs, on which it lays from three to five whitish eggs. When disturbed, the birds make a great clattering with their bills. Its food consists of rats, mice, frogs, &c. and it is for the benefits it confers upon man by devouring these vermin that it is so carefully protected and encouraged, especially in the East, where the inhabitants do not trouble themselves by removing carrion or offal, but leave that office to the vultures, hyenas, and other scavengers of nature. The height of the Stork is nearly four feet. In their migrations these birds avoid the extremes of heat and cold; never being seen in summer farther north than Russia or Sweden, nor in winter farther south than Egypt. Among the ancients, to kill a Stork was considered a orime, which, in some places, was punished even with death ; and, like the Ibis, this bird became the object of worship. It is remarkable for its great affec- tion towards its young, but more especially for its attention to its parents in old age. 25 (289) THE CARIAMA. The Adjutant. The Cariamn. The Cariama is considered to be related to the waders, the gallinacious birds and the Ostriches. found in the mountain-plains of Brazil. It lives on lizards, insects, molluscous animals, and seeds. It is It is difficult to catch, running with such swiftness as to distance a fleet horse. domesticated. It lays two eggs, in a nest built of sticks. When caught, it is easily The Tiger Bittern is a native of Guiana. It is about thirty inches long. It lives in savannahs, fre- quenting occasionally the banks of rivers. It resembles the common Bittern in appearance and voice. It builds its nest upon the ground, and lays seven or eight roundish eggs. The Tiger Bittcra. f>U(\'\ The Skylark. THE FLAMINGOES. Great Flamingoes. In the Flamingoes the legs are of excessive length. Their wings are small, and their toes partly webbed. They are waders in their habits, but occasionally swim when beyond their depth. They fre- quent low muddy coasts, salt marshes, and the mouths of rivers, biddJhg defiance to the pestilent exhala- tions that drive man fur from their haunts. C291) THE FLAMINGOES. THE SPOONBILL Spoonbill. Little Flamingo. The Great Flamingo is an inhabitant of the warmer parts of Europe, and, with the Little Flamingo, is common in Asia and the coasts of Africa. The singularly shaped beak of this splendid bird is peculiarly adapted to its long and flexible neck. When the bird wishes to feed, it merely stoops its head to the water ; the upper mandible is then lowest, and is well fitted to receive the nutritive substances which are entangled in a filter placed on the edges of the beak. The color of their plumage is a deep brilliant scarlet, except the quill feathers, which are black. When a flock of these birds stand ranged in a line, according to their custom, they present the appearance of a small and well-drilled body of soldiers, but are far more dangerous to approach than the most formidable army, for the miasma of the marshes has a more deadly aim than the rifle, and its breath is more certainly fatal than the bullet. The nest of the Flamingo is a curious, conical structure of mud, with a cavity at the summit, in which are placed two or three whitish eggs. When the female bird sits on the nest, her feet rest on the ground, or hang into the water. The height of the bird is between five and six feet. Great Flamingo, feeding. The Common Spoonbill is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and frequents Holland, together with the Stork. The strange shape of the tip of its beak has gained it the name of Spoonbill. It feeds on worms, snails, and water plants, searching for the latter by agitating the water with its broad beak. The nest of the White Spoonbill is sometimes placed in trees, and sometimes amid rushes. It contains three whitish eggs, slightly spotted with red. The length of the bird is not quite three feet. Wooillnrk. Canary Bird. (292) FRIGATE PELICAN. White Pelican. White Pelican. Frigate Pelican. The Frigate Pelican, or Man-of-War Bird, is usually found between the tropics. Although when stripped of its feathers it is hardly larger than a pigeon, yet no man can touch at the same time the tips of its ex- tended wings. The long wing bones are exceedingly light, and the whole apparatus of air-cells is ex- tremely developed, so that its real weight is very trifling. It flies at a great height above the water, and from that elevation pounces down on fish, especially the poor persecuted flying-fish. According to some authors, the name of Man-of-War Bird was given to it because its appearance was said to foretell the com- ing of a ship ; probably because the Frigate Pelican and ships are equally averse to storms, and both like to come into harbor if the weather threatens. Under the throat of the Frigate Pelican is a large pouch of a deep red color, which can be distended with air at the pleasure of the Bird. The pouch is larger and of a more brilliant red in the male than in his consort, and the general plumage of the female is not so bright as that of the male. Although its swiftness of wing and general activity enable it to snatch a fish from the surface of the water, or to pounce upon the flying-fish before it can again seek the protection of its native clement, yet it too often uses its powers in robbing other birds of their lawful prey. It is enabled in some mysterious way to find its way home by night, even though it may be four or five hundred miles from land. The length of the male bird is three feet, and the expanse of wing eight feet. Tame Goose. Coot. Tame Duck. Booby. 2n* THE WHITE PELICAN. White Pelicans. The White Pelican inhabits Africa, India, and great part of the south-eastern portions of Europe. It is a very conspicuous bird, its singular membranous pouch offering a distinction perfectly un- mistakable. The pouch, when distended holds two gallons of water, but the bird has the power of contracting it so that it is scarcely to be discerned. The pouch also serves as a net, in which to scoop up the fish on which the Pelican feeds. Another most important use of the pouch is to convey food to the young. Ihe parent Pelican presses its pouch against its breast, in order to enable the young to obtain the fish, which action, in all probability, gave rise to the fable of the Pelican feeding its young with its own blood. The red tip of the bill probably aided the deception. Although a web-footed bird, the Pelican, like the cormorant, can perch on trees, although it prefers sitting on rocks. The color of this bird is a pure white, with a very slight tinge of rose color, and the pouch is yellow. The length of the bird is nearly six feet In America, Pelicans are found in the North Pacific, on the coast of California and New Albion ; and from the Antilles and lerra Firma, the Isthmus of Panama and the bay of Campeachy, as far as Louisiana, and Missouri. They are very rarely seen along the coast of the Atlantic, but straggler.') have been killed in the Delaware, and they are known to breed in Florida. w . :i • I' C294) WATEK BIRDS. American Avouset. Great Marbled Godwit. The Turnstone is common in the whole northern hemisphere, as well as Africa and Cayenne. It receives its name from turning over stones in search of worms and insects, a practice which it retains when domes- ticated. It is about ten inches and a half long. The Green Heron, known by a contemptible and disgusting name, is a common and familiar species of Bittern in the United States. He frequents swamps. He is sluggish and not shy. He cats frogs and fishes. His picture is on another page. The Great Marbled Godwit is only a transient visitor along the sea coasts of the United States in spring and fall. In summer it lives on worms and leeches, in the far northern regions. It is nineteen inches in length. Its bill is curved upwards. Its color is dusky brown. The Willet or Semi-palmated Snipe is found on all parts of the coast of the United States and the north of Europe. It p;isses the winter within the topics. It is much sought for by sportsmen, being tender, fat, ftne-flavored game. The American Avoset, supposed to winter in tropical America, comes to the middle states, in May. It frequents shallow lakes, feeding on insects and fresh water Crustacea. In breeding time they are noisy and clamorous. Turnstone, or Sea Dotterel. (295) WATER BIRDS. Wood Ibis. Bay or Glossy Ibis. Species of the Ibis inhabit all quarters of the globe. He frequents the borders of rivers and lakes, feed- ing on insects Crustacea and worms as well as vegetables. They are waders. The Wood Ibis is found in Florida and the other southern states. They are solitary, indolent birds, sit- ting on the topmost limb of some tall cypress, till hunger compels them to seek their prey. The Scarlet ' Ibis is found in the West Indies and Brazil. It is very beautiful. The Bay or Glossy Ibis is found nearly all over the world. In Egypt, in common with the sacred Ibis, it was once revered and embalmed in the vast catacombs of Memphis and Saccara. The Long Billed Curlew is found on the shores of the southern and middle states. They fly high and rapidly, the flock arraying itseif in a wedge like wild geese. Their note sounds like the word Curleiv. By imitating its sound, sportsmen draw them within gun-shot. They live on insects, worms, and small crabs. The young and old, also, on their arrival from the north, where they feed on various kind of berries, still continue their fondness for this kind of food, and now frequent the uplands and pastures in quest of the fruit of the bramble, particularly dew-berries, on which they get so remarkably fat, at times, as to burst the skin in falling to the ground, and are then very superior in flavor. Long billed Curlew. (286) WATER BIRDS. Whooping Crane. The Sanderling Plover is found in the United States. Black-necked Stilt. They breed in the remote regions of the north, making a rude nest of grass, laying four eggs, in June. In August, they migrate to the South. They are found on the beaches, in New Jersey, during part of the winter, in flocks, running about and feeding on small shell-fish and marine insects. The Common, or Golden Plover, is, according to the season of the year, met with in almost every part of the world, breeding in the northern regions in summer, and migrating to the south in winter. On the coast of the United States, they are caught by means of the clap-net. Their flesh is highly esteemed. The Black-necked Stilt is common in North and South America. They are waders, living on larvae, spawn, flies and other insects, and frequenting salt marshes and shallow pools on the sea-board. The Whooping Crane, the largest of American birds, is upwards of four feet long, and stands five feet in height. Its wing and tail feathers resemble those'of the ostrich. Its whoop is like that of an Indian. It frequents the sea-shore, wandering along marshes and muddy flats, in quest of reptiles, fish and marine worms. (297) Sande^ng Plover. The Common, or Golden Plover. WATER BIRDS. Douglas's Stilt Sandpiper. Yellow-Shanks Tatler. The Dunlin or Redbacked Sandpiper of the United States is found, according to the seasons of the year, throughout the northern hemisphere and in the southern hemisphere to the Cape of Good Hope. They frequent muddy flats feeding on worms and small shell-fish. They are seen running about with great activity. They are shot in great numbers by sportsmen. They are about eight inches long. Douglas's Stilt Sandpiper is found in the northern part of America, frequenting interior marshes in the breeding season, and in the autumn resorting in flocks to the flat shores of Hudson's Bay, before migrating to the south. It is ten inches long, of a blackish-brown color and a wader. Wilson's Sandpiper is found in the western as well as the eastern shores of our continent. Our sportsmen call them Peeps. They are six or seven inches long, fat and well flavored. They feed partly on vegetable substances and partly on worms and shell-fish. The Yellow-Shanks Tatler is very common on our sea-beaches and marshes. He is about ten inches long. He has a sharp whistling note which he repeats when alarmed. He lives on worms and insects and his flesh is excellent. In the latter end of summer this bird is abundantly supplied to the markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Mr. "Wilson says though these birds do not often penetrate far inland, yet, on the 5th of September, I shot several dozens of them in the meadows of Schuylkill, below Philadelphia. There had been a violent north-east storm a day or two previous, and a large flock of these, accompanied by several species of Tringa, and vast numbers of the Short-tailed Tern, appeared at once among the meadows. As a bird for the table, the Yellow-Shanks, when fat, is in considerable repute. Its chief residence is in the vicinity of the sea, where there are extensive mud-flats. It has a sharp whistle, of three or four notes, when about to take wing and when flying. These birds may be shot down with great facility, if the sportsmen, after the first discharge, will only lie close and permit the wounded birds to flutter without picking them up ; the flock will generally make a circuit, and alight repeatedly, until the greater part of them be shot down. "-■ Dublin or Ox-bird Wilson's Sandpiper. WATER BIRDS. The Curlew. The Godwit. The Curlew depicted in the wood-cut is the most common in England, known in some parts as the Whaup. It is in length about two feet and a half, and is distinguished by its long bluish legs and extended bill. The latter is of a dusky black color, and about seven inches in length. The pervading color of this bird is a pale brown, but the breast and lower part of the back are white, the former marked with oblong black spots, the Litter with a few spots of a dusky color. The quills are black, spotted on the inner web with white. In the breeding season, when they reside on the moors, they are not gregarious, but when they migrate to the sea-shore they congregate in large numbers, and may be observed following one another in a long line as they wade along the sand, picking up small crabs, worms, ce:c. The Godwit is much smaller than the curlew, being in length about sixteen inches. This bird perhaps exceeds the curlew in timidity, and when in the summer it resorts to the fens, it seldom remains above a day or two in the same place. The Purre belongs to the family of Sandpipers. It is one of the wading tribe, being only about seven or seven and a half inches in length. This bird may be seen on the coast nearly all the year round, though in the summer they are not so numerous, and for a short period (about July) appear all to have departed. It is probable that, like the other birds we have noticed, it retires at this season to breed. But whither they direct their flight has not yet been ascertained. C29M WATER BIRDS. The Ruff and the Reeve. The Ruff, thus denominated from a spreading tuft of feathers on each side of the head in the male, is subject to great variety in the colors of its plumage, but the prevailing ground color is brown, inclining to ash, with lateral and under covers white. He is so pugnacious, that Linnaeus conferred on him the sur- name of the " warlike." Previously to pairing, their contests are frequent and mortal. The females, who are called Reeves, are smaller than the males and want the ruff. They nestle in tufts of grass, in fens, and have four eggs, white, marked with rusty spots. Even in confinement they discover their untameable animosity, nor id it till they are fairly matched that they become peaceable and sedate. The Ruff weighs seven onccs, and is in length a foot. barnacle ljt^,>; Kgyptain Goose. Foolish Guillemot. Frigate Pelican. (300) WATER BIRDS. Little Grebe, or Dabchick. Crested Grebe, or Gaunt. The length of this bird is from twenty three inches to two feet. It inhabits the northern parts of both continents, and feeds on fish, marine worms, and in part on vegetables. Little Grebe, or Dubchick. This bird is the smallest of the species it belongs to, some being only ten inches long. It is common to the colder regions of both continents, though as yet unknown within the United States. It is found in lakes and sluggish rivers, which are well supplied with the shelter of reeds. It rarely takes wing, but, on the least alarm, dives and remains under water with its bill alone above the sur- face for respiration. Its eggs, five or six in number, somewhat less in size than a pigeon's, are deposited in a coarsely made nest. The foot of the Grebe is not webbed like that of most water birds, but each toe is separate and flattened, so as to serve as a separate paddle. Foot of the Mule Grebe. C301) Littlo Grebe, or Dnbrliiek. WATER BIRDS. Bartr.im s Tatler. The Peetweet, one of the commonest of the marsh birds of the Middle and Eastern States, comes from Mexico and the West Indies north about the first of May, and breeds in the former regions as far as the St. Lawrence. They are seen flying in flocks along the margins of tide-water streams in search of their usual food, worms, insects and small shrimps. They are named from their wonted plaintive cry. Bartram's Tatler is twelve or thirteen inches long. It is found, according to the season all over our con- tinent, retiring for the winter to the far south, and returning north from early May onward. These birds are considered delicious game. The American Woodcock differs little in appearance or habits from the European. The female is thirteen and a half inches from point of bill to tip of tail, and the male twelve inches. The bill is very long and so exqusitely sensitive at the tip, that the bird can determine what it is feeding upon without seeing it. It winters in countries south of the United States, and comes northward in early March, but goes no further north than the St. Lawrence, breeding in all the intermediate regions. It feeds on aquatic worms, larvae, sind glutinous roots, and its flesh is very highly prized. The Soree, or Common Rail, winters in the marshes of Georgia till the close of February, and on the first of May is seen in the watery meadows below Philadelphia They breed in the remote fur countries of the north. Their favorite haunts are reedy marshes, lagoons, and river-borders, where they procure then favorite food, the wild rice plant. From the middle of September to that of October, having returned tti the middle states with their new broods, they are in a prime condition for the table. ed Tatler or Pcet«. as their feet are furnished with an apparatus exactly resembling a boy's sucker, by means of which the are able to adhere to the wall or even to the roof. The species represented are common in India. The Salamander has the general appearance of n lizard in the body and tail, but the body is with out scales, variegated with yellow and black porea the fore-feet have only four toes and the whole hav > no nails. It lives in mountainous places. Salamander. (323; Blind Worm. REPTILES. Common Fro TV,p Common Frosr freauents marshy spots and river-banks, and is a capital swinimei. mt ami iug Ind e™ to hlnglfte unde, side of . leaf, whieh they so resemble in eolor, that insects coming unw» ■■!, nigh, are seized by the vigilant animals. The Toad has ^fe^e been the theme of many marvellous tales, among which are its being pois- onous, and having a precious jewel in its head. It does, in fact, secrete from its skin an acrid humor, which de- fends it against certain animals, but otherwise these ac- counts are purely fabulous. It is ea- sily tamed. The Toad occasionally casts his skin, but always swallows it. Tree Frogs. (324) REPTILES. Boa Constrictor. Tiger Python. Boa Constrictor, seizing a Rabbit. The Snakes, by their peculiar gliding movements, constitute an expressive type of the whole rontile £ri£ S?i ? thfU' n%m^fr0m the Latin reP°> J creeP- The extraordinary fleSflity of thet bod s owing to the structure of then- vertebrae, each of which fits into the one behind it by a ball and locket joint, thus allowing free motion in all directions. '" , CKet The Boa Constrictor is the general title for an order, embracing many species, of huge serpents confined to the hotter regions of the globe, and called Constrictor from their mode of destroying tS pre^whTch is by crushing. Lurking m ambush, the tail, which is specially formed for the purpose, g££g& t ink ranX it lES^d*!?" ft t*?' 2? «^ ««*W f* »St teYrible^s cnXor strangle it ihe flesh and bones of the dead victim being compressed into a shapeless mass the snake now begins to swallow it, commencing with the head. His jaws are all distorted, the skin of Ik Tneck s stretched almost to apparen bursting ; the mouth drips with a glutinous saliva, which aids deo ution and 2?ft1Z iT d0Wn*?^h^ maSS- He now 1uie% seeks his usual kuint, coils himself round and lies torpid for a month, till digestion is completed, when he sallies forth for another meal These creatures prey on large fishes as well as quadrupeds, being rapid swimmers. They are all natives of the tropic regions of America, are beautifully tinted, and gleam in the sun. The Tiger Python is a native of India and Java. It is, of its kind, a splendid looking creature and is often brought to Europe for exhibition. Its general characterics are similar to the Boa ' (325) 28 REPTILES. Emperor Boa. Anaconda. Among the principal species of these serpents is the Emperor Boa, which hears also many other exalted titles, indicating the superstitious veneration, with which it was regarded hy the Mexicans. There is also the Anaconda, which would seem to differ from the last named, chiefly in certain peculiarities of the head and the size. It bears also several other names. These serpents, as also the Pythons, who closely resemble them, often attain a monstrous size even now, though, if we may credit ancient authors, they were much larger in old days. Diodorus Siculus, and Suetonius speak of them, as being fifty or seventy-five feet long. The Boa Scytale has scaly plates from the eyes to the end of the muz- zle, and passes by various names. Its color is brownish, with a double row of roundish, black blotches all down the back. It inhabits South America, and feeds on deer, goats, sheep, &c. The Boa Canina is greenish-colored, with irregular, longish spots dis- posed in rings. They are not venomous, but have long, sharp teeth, which inflict a dangerous wound, often mortal, unless proper remedies are at once applied. The immediate cause of death is not stated, but may be presumed to be often tetanus or locked jaw. It is said that this species varies in size. They sometimes stay in houses, where they do no injury, if not irritated. Boa Canina. REPTILES. Emperor 13oa, crushing a Deer. Aboma. ^^^^^TJ^l^tZ^ muzzl5 anMimplf r the sides of the *v> ** the sides. It haunts the marshes o ?'the ™™ S + T£ ^ the -Wh°le back' and variabIe sPots ™ coming to drink. °f the Warm parts of South America> where it preys upon animals The Ringed, or Glass Snake is a harmless denizen of England, is easily tamed, and soon learns to recognize its master. It feeds on frogs, mice, young birds, &c. It sheds its skin several times a year, even to the covering of the eyes. The Rattlesnakes are of various species, all of which are natives of America. The head is covered with scales ; the tail is furnished with an appendage termed the rattle, consisting of several thin, horny cells, which fit into each other so loosely that, when sharply vibrated, they produce a whizzing noise. Up to a certain period, one new rattle is added each year. Its bite is terribly deadly to man and beast. Rattlesnake. Rattlesnake. (327) Ringed, or Glass Snake. REPTILES. Boa Constrictor, attacking a Lascar Common Viper I r*> The Common Viper is spread all over Europe, selecting, for its haunts, dry woods, sandy heaths, peat-lands, and sunny banks. It sometimes goes by the uame of Adder. It is venomous, yet not so dangerous as is often thought. It bites only in self-defence, or when suddenly molested, nor is its bite necessarily mortal. The Egyptian Cerastes was well known to the ancient Egyptians, and is found sculptured abundantly in their temples. Herodotus speaks of them, though incorrectly, if he referred to the creature in its natural state. It inhabits the sandy desert, where in crevices it lies, for successive days, luxuriating in the sun, and being colored like the ground, there is danger of treading on and being wounded by it. Its food is mice, small reptiles, &c. It never drinks, apparently, and can endure much hunger. It is one of the snakes used by the so-named serpent- charmers of the east. The bite is mortal. W; both kinds having first been salted. The Herring fishery is carried on only during the spawning season, the fish then being in the highest condition. The famous Yarmouth fishery commences about the middle of September, though the season varies on different parts of the British coast. Thus, on the coast of Sutherland, the early fishery begins in June, and the late fishery about the middle of July, and lasts till September. On the coast of Cromarty, large shoals appear as early as May. The main object of this fishery is to procure Herrings for curing, though in the early part of the season there is a large consumption of fresh Herrings in London, and other cities. The .spawning season being over by the las' ■ f r> 'ober, or the early part of November, the fishing then terminates, as the fish are exhausted and leave. The size of the boats used in this fishery depends partly on the distance from shore the fishery is to be carried on, and partly on whether red or white Herrings arc !o be cured. As the former must be cured on shore, the red Her- ring fishers must keep within a con- venient distance from land. But as the Uerring. latter may be cured on board the vessel, (844) VISTTES. Yarmouth Beach Cart, for aarrying the produce of the Fishing Boats to the town. requiring only to be salted and barrelled, and as these fishers may go seaward wherever the fish can be found, this is called the deep-sea fishery, and a larger vessel is needed, than in the former case. The deep-sea fishery is a more permanent source of profit, than the in-shore, because the earliest and best Herrings are met with, though requiring the larger capital. The vessels must contain sufficient room in the hold for the stowage of salt, nets, barrels and provisions. They lie low in the water, and their sides are furnished with rollers and lee-boards to aid in drawing in the nets. The Yarmouth vessels are generally of about fifty tons burden, and manned with eleven or twelve men, Dne fourth of whom are usually landsmen. There are two landsmen besides, who .are emploj^ed in boating to and from the vessel, for the curing of Herrings on shore. The fishing places are from fifteen to thirty miles north of Yarmouth, from thirty to forty-five miles east, and as far south as the mouth of the Thames. The depth of water in such places is from fifteen to twenty fathoms. The Yarmouth fishing vessels are fitted out at a cost of about five thousand dollars each, and are furnished with from one hundred and eighty to two hundred nets a piece, which cost between one thousand five hundred to two thousand dollars; and with six ropes, each one hundred and twenty fathoms long, weighing severally four hundred pounds, and together valued at two hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. These nets and ropes must be renewed about every fourth year, owing to the destruc- tive effects of the sea, and the ravages of the dog-fish, while attempting to prey on the inclosed Herrings. There are some varieties in the fitting out and the usages at different fishing stations, but the above notes will give a sufficiently correct general idea of all. The Yarmouth boats continue at sea till the}' have caught eight or ten "lasts." at thirteen thousand Herrings to the " last." unless obliged to come ishore sooner for provisions. Generally, they are out from three to six day* A; previously stated, the white or pickled Herrings are merely salted and barrelled, and this, while the v--sel is at sea. But the curing of red Herrings is much more complex. These Herrings are first sprinkled w'th salt, in quantities depending on the weather, or the distance from shore. On the average, about one third of a ton is applied to each '-last"' of Herrings. On being landed, they are carried directly to the "rousing house," adjoining the smoking-house Here they are again sprinkled with salt, and heaped together on a floor covered with bricks or flag-stones, where they thus remain five or six days, and then are washed, spitted, hung up, and " fired." (34.1 FISHES. Fishermen of the Port of Chioggia, near Venice, preparing to depart fort the deep sea fishery. *™An Green wood is^commonly used, and a large quantity being required the expense ib ^fl^e. Oik and beech are believed to impart the finest color and flavor, but ash, birch and elm are used with S < m Tnt wooS of fruit trees, as L some other woods, would communicate to the fis ^tter tjrtj^ The smokin- process occupies three weeks, when intended for home consumption, as they are prelerrea when soTandn too much dried, but those for exporting are subjected to the operation for *™g«& w thirty days. ' The fires are then extinguished, and the house having cooled, the spits are taken dovur ill, a few day* after, the fish are barrelled. The barrels are commonly of fir, though sometimes of oak, 01 0ttaTalSn't season, the curers take some pains to divide the fish of ^^^^ *JEJ lots Thev are commonly distributed into four classes. The large ,nd wrf] formed constitute tn< nrw n, lity and Z ,n-ned « bloaters." These being removed, the best of the residue make the ■eomdto T, oVhth Z broken in the belly, or will not absorb the salt, but turn white, are the tk, v, the fourth consists of those, which are headless, or will not ham, hv *e gills, but are suspended on tent* hooks by some other part ,3l6^ FISHES. Platax Vespertilio, or But Chsetodon. Diodon, or Short-Sun-fish Polypus. The Platax Vespertilio, or Bat Chaetodon, is found off the coast of Ceylon, it has a very compressed hody, a large, vertical back-fin, brownish-hued, with the anterior spines almost concealed in the membrane, long ventral fins, and with trenchant front teeth, each three-pointed. It grows to a large bulk, and generally inhabits deep water. The Short Sun-fish is named from the curious structure of the jaws. It has often been caught on nearly all parts of the British coasts. It is singularly shaped, looking like the head and shoulders of a very large fish, from whose entire body three-fourths had been cut off. It has been known to weigh three hundred pounds, while but four feet five inches long. It lives chiefly at the bottom of the sea, but occasionally rises to the surface, when the sailors kill it with a harpoon, and eat it. Another variety is distinguished by having a longer body. The Polypus, in structure, may be likened to the finger of a glove, open at one end and closed at the other. The closed end represents the tail, by which the animal fastens itself to the substance it chances to be upon, and the open end the mouth. If we conceive six or eight small strings issuing from this end, we have an idea of its arms, which it lengthens, contracts, and erects at will, as a snail does its horns. The animal is very voracious, and uses his arms as a net to catch whatever small animals comes within reach Lengthening these arms several inches, and keeping them apart, it occupies a large space in the water. So exquisite is their sensibility, that if a small insect touches one of them it closes about him, the other arms come to help, and the creature is drawn into the Polypus's mouth and swallowed. With the microscope, the body of the old Polypus is seen covered with minute Polypuses, which cast their tiny arms abroad, like the parent, for prey, and this prey apparently nourishes at once old and young. And stranger still, these young, while still attached to the parent's body, have young ones springing from themselves, and the food, caught by one, serves to nourish successively all the rest ! But, most wondrous of all, cut a Polypus into minute pieces, and each piece soon becomes a distinct and complete animal, so that destruction is but the generator of new forms of life ! The animals belonging to this extensive and remarkable class, possess an organization so low in the scale of being, that there is very considerable difficulty in distinguishing many of them from the cryptogamic families of the vegetable kingdom. (347) FISHES. Hippocampus. r'ea Porcupine. CJjietodon Vagabundus. The Chrctodon Vagabundus inhabits the coasts of Ceylon. It has a body of a pale yellow color, with numerous oblique, brownish purple lines ; the back fin is blackish, and has thirteen spines ; the tail fin is yellow, with two black bands, and the anal fin is blackish, with a curved, longitudinal band. Its length is from six to twelve inches. It feeds on insects, which it procures in a singular manner. Observing some insect on a weed, or hovering over the water, it ejects a small drop through its tubular snout with such precision as often to disable the little creature, so that it falls into the water and is devoured. The Hippocampus, or Sea-horse, is thus named from its fancied resemblance, in some points, to the horse. It seldom is more than ten or twelve inches long. It is brown, streaked with white and black, and dotted, and compressed at the sides. The Sea Porcupine is covered with spines, which it can erect at will, and has within it an air-bag, which, when angry, it inflates so as to present the form of a large air-ball, armed at all points. It is from seven or eight inches to two feet in length. It is found on the Guinea coast, and in the Indian ocean. The Electric Eel inhabits the fresh water rivers and ponds of South America. It possesses the power of emitting, at will, an electric shock. When fish come near it, they are instantly struck dead, and then devoured. So powerful is the stroke, that a strong man has been knocked down by it. The Angler is very common in all the European seas. Owing to the peculiar formation of its pectoral fins, it can crawl some way on land. On its skull are two elongated, bony appendages, capable of being moved in any direction. It couches on the bottom of the sea, stirs up the mud With its fins, and agitates its skull-pendents. The small fishes mistaking these pendents for worms, come to seize them, and are themselves seized and devoured. It is very voracious. Anglfr. I'fko. ^ Electric lv (-348).. FISHES. Lump Sucker. Devil Fish. John Dory. The Sea Devil7 or Fishing Frog, is a hideous looking creature, growing sometimes seven feet long, and resembles a huge tadpole, its head being much larger than its whole body, with a mouth of a yard wide, and the under jaw longer than the upper. The fishermen, nevertheless, have a regard for it, on account of its enmity to the voracious dog-fish, and whenever they chance to take it alive, they set it at liberty. There are long filaments rising from the head, which it uses as fishing lines. These float, like worms, on the water above the animal's lurking place, and the young fishes mistakingly seize them, and are sucked in by the hidden monster. The John Dory abounds on the coasts of Cornwall and Devonshire, and is supposed to derive its name from the French doree, or golden, in allusion to its golden yellow color. It is the theme of some strange traditions, one being that it was this fish from whose mouth St. Peter took the tribute money, after catching it, by command of Christ. /The Lump Sucker is about sixteen inches long, and weighs about four pounds. The shape of the body is like that of a bream, deep, and it swims edgewise ; the back is sharp and elevated, and the belly flat ; the lips, mouth, and tongue of this animal are of a deep red ; the whole skin is rough, with bony knobs; the largest row is along the ridge of the back; the belly is of a bright crimson color; but what makes the chief singularity in this fish, is an oval aperture in the belly, surrounded with a fleshy, soft substance, that seems bearded all round; by means of this part it adheres with vast force to any thing it pleases. If flung into a pail of water, it will stick so close to the bottom, that on taking the fish by the tail, one may lift up pail and all, though it holds several gallons of water. Great numbers of these fish are found along the coasts of Greenland in the beginning of summer, where they resort to spawn. The roe is remarkably large, and the Greenlanders boil it to a pulp for eating. They are extremely fat, but flabby and insipid. Sword Fish. IUmnuT-headed Shark. Spearing Fish. INSECTS. Epheinerklse. Hive Bees. White Ants. All the animals hitherto described come under the sub-kingdom called vertebrata. The next division, or sub-kingdom of the animal kingdom is styled articulata, and includes insects, Crustacea, and some other inferior classes. . ' The articulata derive their name from the jointed character of the skeleton or hard portion of the structure, and the inclosure of the whole body by this. And this skeleton not only incloses the body, but is prolonged over the appendages for locomotion, where they exist, and the portions of it covering these, are also jointed to give them the requisite flexibility. In the lowest animals of this series, where there are no appendages for locomotion, but all movements are effected by the body itself, the latter is extremely flexible, and the whole envelope so soft, that the division into segments can scarcely be detected. Such animals are the leech, and earthworm, whereas the jointed character is most apparent in the centipede tribe, where the segments are all of nearly the same size, and where each has a short pair of legs, them- selves also jointed. The articulata are nearly always of small bulk, and the chief portion of their bodies is made up not by their nutritive and digestive apparatus, but by the muscles moving it. Being designed for atmospheric respiration, their breathing apparatus is constructed on a principle opposite to that of fishes. The number of classes of the articulata is very great, being thus distributed according to certain general peculiarities of conformation and habits. Each class is divided into several orders, and each order, again into several species, each division being distinguished from the rest by certain marks, more or less plainly discerned. We shall speak very briefly of the most important of these varieties. The class, insects, is one of the most interesting in the whole animal kingdom, in regard to the number, beauty, and complexity of the forms embraced therein, the immensity of individuals of the same species often appearing together, and their resulting importance in the economy of nature. One of the most interesting marks, distinguishing this class from all others, is the metamorphosis, or complete change of form, undergone by them during their development. The whole process, whereby an unsightly worm becomes a brilliant butterfly, or some other creature, bearing not the remotest resemblance to the original, is very curious and wonderful ; but we have here no space to describe it. Insects, in their perfect state, transcend all other creatures in their powers of locomotion. Their senses appear to be acute. Their eyes are large, often formed by the union of several thousand small ones. They are believed to possess hearing and smell, and certainly have somewhere a most delicate touch, whereby the social tribes seem to communicate with each other. They feed upon almost all organised substances, some tribes being purely carnivorous and others herbivorous and are found abundantly in all regions of the globe. Their sub-divisons are formed chiefly by their curious wings, which consist of a double layer of membranes protracted from the skin covering their body and partaking of its properties. The principal orders, into which this class is distributed, are eight, besides several small orders inter- mediate between the main groups. Each of these orders is also subdivided into sundry species, which are finally distributed into families. Such is the method adopted by scientific treatise on this branch of know- ledge. We shall follow a simpler method, merely pointing out characteristics of the individual described, without attempting to specify the sub-division, to which it belongs. The Ephemeridae take their name from the brief duration of their lives in their perfected state. As larvt they exist for two or three years, and in both this and the pupa state they live in the water, burrowing \ INSECTS. Death's-head Moth. Lantern Fly. Dynastes Hercules. the banks. At the time of their last change they quit the water, cast their skin and appear in a new. form. But, singularly, they must again doff their skin, before being competent to propagate. At sunset, on fine summer and autumn days, they appear along the margin of the waters, wherein they were developed. After their second moulting they never eat, and as the propagation of their kind is their only object, they die soon after it is performed, often in a few hours after leaving the water. Hence their name, " for a day." The White Ants are land animals, carnivorous or omnivorous through all their stages. The sexless in- dividuals in these communities are mere soldiers, while the so named workers are larvse, which, except being wingless, closely resemble the perfect animal Being excessively voracious, they commit terrible ra- vages. They live in large nests, above ground, their buildings being channelled with connecting galleries throughout. The workers imprison the females in the centre of the nest, where the abdomen reaches a monstrous size from the quantity of eggs it contains, and the soldiers maintain careful guard. The Hive Bea, with which all are more or less acquainted, are a social race, with regular government, and famed for constructive talent Each society has but one female, the queen, several hundred males, called drones ; and about twenty thousand working bees, which are sexless. The latter build the hives, construct the combs, secrete the honey, and. in a word, do all the work of the establishment. The honey finds its way out of the abdomen of the workers in little scales, which being taken up and kneaded by the jaws, is then put in the proper place. The drones are killed at the close of summer, but the queen and workers remain and go on with their labors in the following season. On the hive becoming too populous, they send forth colonies. The Dynastes Hercules, a native Brazil, is five inches long, and most remarkably formed, having an enormous horn, toothed on the inner edge, projecting from the head, which is matched by a corresponding protuberance from the thorax. Its back is marked with black spots on a white ground. The Lantern Fly is thus named from its possession of a luminous property, which is supposed to exist in a curious prolongation of the fore head, which sometimes equals in size all the rest of the body. It is found in Brazil, Guiana, and China. The Death's-head Moth is so named from a skull-like patch on the back of the thorax, which emits a squeaking sort of sound, produced by means as yet unknown. When appearing in large numbers, its pe- culiar aspect has oaused such appearance to be counted ominous. It is a great enemy to bees, it enters their hives, devours the honey, and terrifies the inhabitants to flight. The Scorpio Occitanus has a large development of the palpi, which form extended arms, terminated by a pincor, or claw. The whole body is clothed in a hard skin ; the abdomen is much prolonged, so as to form a sort of tail, and this tail is terminated by a sting furnished with a venomous secretion. Queen Bee. (351) Scorpio Occitanua. Drone Be*. INSECTS. Mantis Keligiosa. Callichroma. Carabus Clathratus. The Carabus Clathratus is one of the numerous race of Beetles, living exclusively on land. Its body is hard, so that it is enabled to creep under stones, through fissures, beneath the bark of trees, &c, in quest of the insects on which it preys. Its body is elongated, its eyes prominent, and its jaws terminate in a sort of hook. It has, for its means of defence, the power of exhaling a very fetid odor, and to project from its abdomen, to a considerable distance, an acrid fluid capable of producing much irritation. It is one of the social Beetles. The Scaraboeus, which was the sacred Beetle of the Egyptians, feeds chiefly upon the excrements of various animals, and incloses its eggs in balls of the same, which it rolls along with its hind feet, until it reaches the hole, where they are to be deposited. Its antennae are curiously shaped, having the appearance of a crescent-formed comb, with the teeth on the inner edge, and its back is covered with a shield-like plate. The Callichroma Moschata is remarkable for the length of its antennae, which are often much longer than its body. It is a vegetable feeder, and does great injury to plants, some attacking the leaves, and others the roots. It is about one inch long, entirely green, or shaded with blue, and exhales a pleasant, musky odor. It is very common on the willow. The Mantis Religiosa is a strange-looking animal, having a narrow and elongated body, and long, strong legs, furnishing powerful instruments of attack. It sometimes assumes the attitude of prayer, and on this account is regarded with superstitious reverence by the natives of the countries it inhabits. This posture, however, is that in which it lies in wait for prey. It is excessively voracious, and if two are kept together foodless, they will fight, the victor devouring his conquered opponent. The Bocydium Globulare and Bocydium Cruciatum, which are Brazilian species have, as here repre- sented, curious appendages, resulting from an extraordinary developement of the upper part of the thorax. They are often beautifully varied in their colors, and are even found on trees and among plants, on the juices of which they feed. The Flea is a blood-thirsty, troublesome creature. Its body, oval and compressed, is covered with a black, shining, bristly shell ; the head is small, with large eyes ; the mouth contains a cylindrical probo- scis, which perforates both human and animal skin ; its legs are stout, the hind ones being specially fitted for leaping, so that at one bound it will clear two hundred times the diameter of its body. Bocydium Qlobulare, and Bocydium Cruciatum. Sciiraboeuft INSECTS. Phryganea Grandis. Mite. Centipede, and Millipede. The Phryganea Grandis, in its larva state, resides in a cylindrical case, open at each end, to which it at- taches sticks, weeds and pebbles, by silken threads, which it spins from its mouth. This case it bears about with it, never voluntary quitting it. When about to assume the pupa state, it fastens its case to some solid substance under water, closing both ends of the case with a sort of grating, which admits the water neces- sary for breeding. When nearly arrived at their perfect form, they make their way out with a pair of hooked jaws, then furnished them, and swim about very actively by means of the two hind legs. The food of some is vegetable, while others prey upon smaller creatures of their own race. The Podura Villosa is the name of a small animal, whose most distinguishing mark is that its abdomen is prolonged into a somewhat long, elastic, forked tail, by means of which the creature can execute the most astonishing leaps, from which conformation the race are vulgarly called spring tails. There is also a species of mane on the neck, and two plumes rising from the top of the head. The Mycale Fodiens, or Mining Spiders, found in southern Europe, construct on dry, shelving localities, exposed to the sun, subterranean, cylindrical galleries, often two feet deep, and so winding, that their traces are lost. They line these with a silken tube, forming at its entrance a movable lid, composed of silk and earth, and attached to the silken lining by a sort of hinge. This is adapted, by its size, situation and weight, to close the aperture so exactly, as hardly to permit its entrance to be distinguished from the neighboring soil. When the Mycale enters this retreat, or leaves it, the door shuts of itself. This spider spins a cocoon round its eggs, inclosing a hundred or more. These are hatched within it, and sustain their first changes before quitting it. The Centipede, so named from its having a hundred feet, is found in many parts of the world, but is common within the tropics. The largest, which are the East Indian, are about six inches long, of a ruddy color, and as thick as a man's finger. They have many joints, and from each joint a leg on each side ; are covered with hair, and apparently eyeless ; but there are two feelers on the head, Avhich subserve the purposes of eyes ; the head is round, with two sharp teeth, wherewith they inflict painful and dangerous wounds. The Millipede differs from the Centipede in having a far greater number of feet. Some are smooth and others hairy ; some are yellow, some black, and some brown. They are found between the wood and bark of decayed trees, as also among moss-covered stones. Whatever their qualities in the tropics, in Europe they are harmless. The Dytiscus Marginalis is an aquatic Beetle, which passes its larva and perfect states in placid, fresh waters, such as lakes, pools, and ditches, except during its metamorphosis, which occurs on land. Its larva preys upon other aquatic larvee, moving swiftly through the water, and striking them with its expanded tail. The pupse are found buried in the neighboring banks. Its larva? have a long, narrow body, with a strong head, armed with powerful mandibles, and they are of extremely active, carnivorous habits. Dytiscus Marginalis. 30* INSECTS. Leech. Mygale Fodiens. Grasshopper. The Acarus Doraesticus, or Mite, is a very numerous tribe, and so minute as to be nearly microscopic. They wander under stones, leaves, the bark of trees, or upon articles of food, while others live as parasites upon the skin, or in the flesh of animals, often greatly weakening them by their excessive multiplication. The Grasshopper (so named among us) is a small animal, of the color of green leaves, save a brown line streaking the back, and two pale lines under the belly, and behind the legs. It may be divided into head, corselets and belly. The head is oblong, in its vertical direction, and somewhat resembles that of a horse. Its mouth is covered by a sort of round buckler jutting over it, and armed with brown teeth, hooked at the points, and containing a large, reddish tongue affixed to the lower jaw. It has long, tapering horns, and the eyes are like two little, prominent black specks. The corselet is elevated, narrow, armed above and beneath with two serrated spines. The back is armed with a strong buckler, to which the muscles of the legs are firmly boufid, and round these muscles are seen the creature's breathing vessels, snowy-white. The last pair of legs are much longer and more muscular than the first, and admirably fitted for leaping. It has four wings, the hinder being much the larger, and the chief instruments of flight, and a forky, down-covered tail, and three stomachs. It begins to sing soon after getting its wings, the male only having this power, and this song is an invitation to courtship. The female deposites her one hundred and fifty eggs in the ground at the close of autumn, and soon after dies. Neither male or female survives the winter. Their food is vegetable. The Leech is an aquatic animal, and lives on blood. Its mouth is located in the middle of the cavity of the anterior sucker, with three little jaws so disposed around it, that the three edges form the radii of a circle. Each of these has, at its edge, two rows of very minute teeth, presenting the appearance of a small semicircular saw. By the action of a muscle at the base, this saw is so worked as to cut into the skin, a sawing movement being given to each piece separately. The lacerated character of the wound, thus occasioned, is very favorable to the flow of blood, which is further promoted by the vacuum created by suction. Most Leeches are inhabitants of fresh water, though some are found only in the seas. The medical uses of this animal are well known. The Tarantula is the largest of European Spiders, and a native of Italy. It is three fourth of an inch long, and as thick as one's little finger ; its color is generally an olive-brown, varying to one more dusky ; it has eight legs and eight eyes, and sharp, serrated nippers, between which and the fore-legs are two little feelers, which move briskly on the animal's approaching its prey. Its body is covered with a soft down, and it is oviparous. In summer it bites the mowers and field workers, but in winter lurks in holes and is rarely seen. Garden Spider. Squilla Mantis. Tarantula. INSECTS. Garden Spider. Locust. Beetle. Dragon Fly. The Squilla Mantis is entirely marine, and found abundantly in the Mediterranean. It has powerful claws, which it uses for seizing its prey. Its gills are affixed in separate tufts to certain appendages of the abdomen. The Garden Spider, like all others, has two divisions in its body. The fore part, comprising the head and breast is separated from the hinder part of the belly by a slender thread, which connects the two parts. The fore part is covered with a hard shell, as well as the legs, while the hinder part is enclosed by a supple, hairy skin. It has eyes all around the head, brilliant and keen, and two pincers on the fore part of the head, rough, saw-toothed, and terminating in claws like a cat's. Just below the point of the claw is a small hole, through which the creature emits a poison, which, though harmless to us, instantly destroys its prey. It has other weapons of offence. Feeding on flies, and itself wingless they would escape, had it not other means of self-help. Nature has supplied it with a mass of glutinous matter within its body and five teats for spinning a thread out of this. It thus makes a web, where flies are wont to come, and provides food in abundance. This description applies equally to the House and Garden Spider. The latter, however, works out of doors instead of withi^ doors. It spins a large quantity of its thread, which, floating in various directions, sticks, from its glutinous quality, to some high plant or tree. The line being thus fastened, the Spider passing down and up the same, till it has made it strong enough. Then walking along this line to a certain point, here fastens another, and dropping thence to the ground it fastens to some solid body below. In this way it goes on spinning till it has completed a Aveb nearly square, within which it resides and watches for whatever insect may get entangled therein. It is said, that some times it waits for weeks before entrapping a single fly, for this, like many other insects, is extremely patient of hunger. When some insect gets en- tangled, the Spider, waiting to ascertain if it bo completely meshed, walks forward, instils its venom and kills it. This Spider is oviparous, the female laying from nine hundred to a thousand eggs in a season. The Blaps Mortisaga has an ashy-brown or black body and is wingless. It is a land animal, a vegetable eater and a frequenter of dark places. It is very tenacious of life and has been known to live six months foodless and transfixed by a pin. It is often found in dark, filthy places in and about our dwellings. The Whale Louse takes its name from its infesting fhe certacious tribe, as a parasite. These agreeable creatures are sometimes so abundant on the surface of the whale, that the latter may be distinguished, at some distance, by the white color they impart to him. INSECTS. Scorpion. Common Locust. Cantharis. or Blister Beetle. The Simulus Polyphemus, or King Crab, is fonnd in the neighborhood of the Molluccas, and on the coast of America. It sometimes attains the length of two feet. Its legs are very short, the anterior apparently conveying food to the mouth, and the posterior adapted to respiration. The House Cricket greatly resembles the Grasshopper in shape, voice, leaping, arid method of propaga- tion. Its color is of a uniform rusty brown. It lives in the crevices about the fire-place, the smallest serving it for shelter, and where it once lodges, it is sure to propagate. These creatures chirp the year round, chiefly during the night, when they emerge from their holes. They are omnivorous, as well as very voracious, feeding on meat, flour, bread, and especially sugar. 'They have also a great propensity for liquids, and are often found drowned in milk vessels. Dragon Flies are of several species, all which, however, agree in their main characteristics. The largest are from two to three inches long. Their body is divided into eleven rings ; the tail is forked ; their eyes are large, horny, and transparent ; their four wings are large and transparent, and always lie flat, while they are at rest; their colors are varied and brilliant, green, blue, crimson, scarlet, white, and black. They are produced from eggs dropped in the water, and the larvae are water worms, with six feet, which, from their voracity, have been called the crocodiles of vrater insects. This voracity marks also the per- fected animal, which has been seen to devour three times its own bulk in a single hour. It preys on all kinds of insects, from the smallest up to the, wasp, hornet, and butterfly. The Locust, which from immemorial time, has been a terrific scourge alike of Asia, Africa, and Europe, is called the " Great Brown Locust," and is supposed to have originated in Africa. It is about three inches long, and has two horns, or feelers, an inch in length. The head and horns are brownish, while about the mouth and on the inside of the larger legs it is blue. The shield covering the back is greenish; the upper side purple. The upper wings are brown, with small dusky spots, with a large one at the tips, the under wings are more transparent, and of a light brown, tinctured with green, but with a dark cloud of spots near the tips. Such is the animal so truly terrible in its birth-place, the east, as often to be employed in Scrip- ture, as an image to portray what is most destructive and desolating. But it has often visited Europe also, especially its southern sections, and its ravages have there, too, been most appalling. i When these creatures set forth on an expedition, they go in multitudes, literally numberless, with a leader at their head, whose guidance they follow. When they light upon a district, they completely devour every green thing, leaving the trees above mere skeletons, and the ground beneath a naked waste. In this way a famine is often produced, especially in Europe, where vegetation once destroyed, cannot as in tropic climes, renew itself till the coming of another spring. No animal on earth multiplies so rapidly as this, if the sun be warm and the soil holding its eggs be dry. Still more formidable, however, than even the great Brown Locust, is the great West India Locust, which is about as large as the barrel of a goose-quill, with a body six or seven inches long, and divided into nine or ten joints. It has two small eyes, standing out like crab's eyes, and two feelers, like long hairs. The whole body is studded with excrescences, not much bigger than pin-points ; is of a roundish shape, decreasing in circumference towards the tail, which is divided into two horns. Between these is a sheath, containing a small, dangerous sting, which is infallibly darted into any person, who chances to touch this insect. The wound produces a universal shivering and trembling which, however, may soon be stop- ped by rubbing it with palm oil. (356) INSECTS. Earwig. Stag Beetle. House Spider. The Cantharis, or Blister Beetle, is the animal of which are made cantharides, popularly called Spanish Flies, which are employed by physicians in raising blisters, as well as otherwise. These creatures have feelers like bristles, flexible wing-cases, and wrinkled sides to the belly. They vary from each other in size, shape, and color, the length in England being about an inch and the circumference the same. They are all brilliantly beautiful, being, variously, azure or gold-colored, or a mixture of the two. They are chiefly natives of Italy, Spain, and Portugal, but also found about Paris. Their scent is extremely offensive, and furnishes guidance to those in quest of them. To prepare the cantharides, the animals are caught, and tied up in a bag, and then killed with the vapors of hot vinegar ; after which they are dried in the sun, and deposited in boxes. They are now ready for use. The Scorpion has an elongated body, somewhat resembling a lobster's, terminated by a. long, slender (ail whence is ejected a poisonous fluid, secreted by They have eight legs, the two hindmost supplied with forceps, with which they seize their insect prey. The Stag Beetle is the largest of British insects. While in the main particulars of its structure, resembling the other varieties of its class, it is distinguished from them by what are called its jaws, two enormous quarto-circular projections from the fore part of its head, toothed on the inner edge like a comb, or rather, like a saw, two of these teeth on each projection being, perhaps, four times the length of the rest. And yet, though so formidably armed, it is a harmless creature, and uses this fearful-looking instru- ment only to break the tender bark of trees, that the sap it feeds upon may exude. Its mouth is very small, and is supplied with a brush, with which it licks up the food. During the winter it hides in the earth, making for itself a cave very smooth inside. The Earwig is thus named from the fable of its entering the brain by the ear and causing death. It abounds in cool, and in damp places, collecting in troops under stones, and on the bark of trees. They are very injurious to ripe fruits, and even devour their dead companions. Their limbs are suited only for running ; their wings, which are large, and plaited like a fan, are folded transversely under very short, crustaceous wing-cases. They are said to sit upon their eggs, hatch them, and then tend their young with apparent affection, and gather them under their wings, as the hen does her chickens. of six joints, the last of which forms a pointed sting, small glands, and collected in a bladder near the tail. Butterfly. Rhinoceros Beetle. Butterfly. INSECTS. % Glow Worm. Ichneumon Fly. Gadfly. Common Fly. The Glow Worm has heen celebrated, in all ages, for the light it emits, by night, from itself. The male and female differ from each other almost as much as though belonging to different races. The male is completely a beetle, having wings and wing-cases, and flying in the air at will, while the female is wingless, and is, in all respects, a creeping insect. The body of the female has eleven joints, with an oval breast- plate, her head being over this, and very small. She alone is luminous, and it is supposed she is thus endowed in order to attract her male companion. The Common Fly is of an ashy-grey, with four black streaks upon the upper part of the back, with the hinder part of blackish-brown, spotted with black below, and yellowish-brown above. The larva) are bred in dung, carrion, and fish, and the pupae lie parallel to each other. On the approach of winter they get benumbed, or what is called blind, before they disappear. They are most troublesome, disagreeable ani- mals in the warm season, attacking all articles of food, defiling mirrors, ceilings, paintings, and every thing they can reach, and irritating ourselves to* the verge of endurance by their incessant assaults upon every exposed part of our persons. The Ichneumon Fly has a long, slender, black body, four wings like the bee, and a three-forked tail, consisting of bristles ; the two outermost black, and the middle red. It takes its name from the little quadruped so destructive to the crocodile, as it strongly resembles that in its courage and rapacity. Though this three-forked instrument is apparently slender and feeble, yet it is really a powerful and effi- cacious weapon. There is hardly any substance which it will not pierce ; it is the weapon of defence, it is used in destroying prey, and still more, by it the animal deposits her eggs wherever she chooses. The last named being its chief use, the male is not provided with it. All flies of this kind are produced in the same way, owing their birth to the destruction of some other insect, within whose body the egg was deposited, and upon whose vitals the young fly feed, till arrived at maturity. There is no insect whatever, which the female Ichneumon will not attack, in order to leave this fatal deposit within its body, even the spider, himself, so feared by other insects. The Gadflies resemble large, thick-haired flies, furnished with a sort of proboscis, and short antennae, and the feet, in some species, are terminated by two hooks. They take no food, and have a very brief existence, but when they appear in clouds, the cattle instantly fly, and strive by every possible means to get rid of them, as they often cause serious disorders. The Gadflies deposit their eggs in the nostrils or under the skin of herbivorous animals, where they occasion tumors, in which the larvae are bred, and upon the pus of which they feed. When full fed, they drop on and enter the ground, where they are changed into an oval, hard pupa. The Oestrus Equi, or Gadfly of the Horse, is distinguished from other Oestri by the smoothness of the thorax and by the equi-distance of the eyes from each other in both sexes. It is nearly half an inch long ; with, gauze-like yellow and brown wings, with chest of a rusty color on the sides and a yellow tinge poste- riorly ; with belly of a reddish-brown above and dirty-grey below ; and with extremity almost black. The whole insect is thickly covered with down. The Gadfly is seen, in the latter part of summer, very busy about horses ; this is the impregnated female depositing her eggs. She selects some part of the horse, which he can reach with his tongue, and which he often licks, and drops upon it from fifty to one hundred eggs, which adhere to the hair by a glutinous substance surrounding them. Having thus exhausted herself, she slowly flies off, and soon dies. INSECTS. Diamond Beetle. Caterpillar. 1. The female of the GZstrus equi nearly double its natural size. 3. The eggs, also magnified, deposited ou and adhering to the hair. 3. The bots — one-half of their natur.-il size— adhering by their tentacula. en hooked mouths, to the cuticular portion of the stomach. Some of them are supposed to be recently detached, and the excavations which they bad made in the cuticular coat are seen. 4 The full-grown bot detached. 6. The (Estrus ovis, or gad-fly of the sheep. Hercules Beetle. In two or three clays, these eggs are mature enough to he hatched. The horse, feeling some uneasiness from this glutinous matter sticking upon the hair, licks the spot, and by the pressure, together with the warmth and moisture of the tongue, the eggs are burst, and a small worm issues from each, which, adhering to the tongue, is carried down into the stomach, and by means of a hook on each side of the mouth, fastens itself to the insensible coat of that organ. Scooping out a little hole and plunging its muzzle into it, th^re remains till the ensuing summer, feeding on the mucus and other matter belonging to tlio coats of ihe stomach. It has now become an inch long, and proportionally large, and is ready to undergo its transformation. It loosens its hold, falls into the digesting mass contained in the stomach, passes through the intestines, and is discharged with the dung. It then speedily burrows in the ground, and so soon as a proper habita- tion is hollowed out, a shelly envelopment gathers round it, and it appears as a pupa, or chrysalis. r Having remained here torpid, for a few weeks, it bursts from its prison, a perfect fly, identical with that with which we began our description, seeks its mate, and having completed the act of fecundation, dies. The female deposits her eggs and dies also. It is the larvae of this fly which is popularly called Bot. The stomach of the horse is commonly covered with them. Ordinarily they do this animal no injury. Occasionally they do harm, as when, by mistake they fasten on the upper part of the windpipe, thus pro- ducing a cough beyond the alleviation of medicine, or get into the first intestine, and so irritate and choke it as to destroy the horse. These, however, are mere exceptions. That a horse's stomach should contain a large number of bots, is according to the order of nature, and if the animal be otherwise healthy, it is very rare, that even their presence is known by any perceptible tokens. The Oestrus Ovis, or Gadfly of the Sheep, is -more formidable. It is smaller than the Oestrus of the Horse, and its body is dark-brown, spotted with white. It is often seen in copses and on rails in the vicinity of a copse. It abounds most in June and July, and is sometimes an intolerable nuisance in woody regions. It is a great terror to the Sheep, the sight even of one throwing the whole flock into commotion. The fly strives to reach the inner margin of the sheep's nostril, and darting upon it with lightning-speed, deposits an egg. The moist warmth of the part soon hatches it, and a little worm escapes. This crea- ture creeps up the passage and finds its way to some of the sinuses connected with the nose. The irrita- tion caused by it, in crawling up the nose, would seem severe, since the sheep acts as though half-maddened. Having reached some cavity near the root of the nose, the worm fastens itself to the membrane by its two mouth-hooks, and these remain till the following April or May. There are rarely above three or four of these bots in one sheep. (359) INSECTS. Siik Worm. Chrysalides. Cocoons of Uio Sifk Worm. The Silk Worm, the most valuable of all the moths, has no pretensions to beauty. The wings are whitish, with two or three obscure and brown streaks, and a crescent-like spot, on the superior pair. Its eggs are of a straw color, and each about the size of a pin's head. Its larva, known by the name of the Silk Worm, when first produced, is extremely small, and entirely black, and changes its dress before it assumes the chrysalis state. In this state it commences spinning a cone or cocoon of silk thread, in which it envelopes itself, and though weighing two grains and a half, the thread measures nine hundred feet. Here it continues about twenty days, till it undergoes its final transformation, when,by an effort at that part of the cone which is always left thin and is easily broken, it emerges from its silken palace to revel in the light and life of an aerial existence. This wonderful insect is found in a native state on the mulberry trees in the northern provinces of China, whence it was introduced to Europe in the reign of Justinian by the Greek missionaries. Some of the first Crusaders brought it from the Morea, and several centuries afterwards it was cultivated in France under the administration of Sully. The art of manufacturing silk was known to the ancients. Pliny says, the cocoons were first unwound and woven by Pamphila, a woman of Coos, the daughter of Lateus. When it was introduced into England is not certain, but Queen Elizabeth had a pair of black silk stockings presented to her, in the third year of her reign, which she said was " a marvellous delicate wear," and would never after use stockings of any other fabric. A characteristic anecdote is told of James I. of England, whilst King of Scotland. Having observed the Earl of Mar wearing a pair of silk stockings, he begged the loan of them to appear before the English ambassador ; " For ye would not, sure," said he, "that your king should appear as a scrub before strangers." The Ghost Moth, has yellow wings, intersected with broad orange lines. It flies in the dusk of the evening, hovering up and down in one particular spot for a long time together, often in church yards, whence its English name. It lays very small eggs which the female discharges with some force, like the pellet from a pop-gun. The caterpillar is of a cream color, and feeds on hops. The Diamond Beetle is so named, because its breast is covered with a crimson-colored shield, shining like metal ; the head is of the same color, mixed with green, and on the crown of the head stands a shining, black horn, bended backwards. It is sometimes called " the king of the beetles." Not a very high compliment to kingship, since it lives and acts as filthily, .and 4. Butterflies, e. the Eggs. d. Pupa. e. Silk Worm, as most others of the claSS. C360) CRUSTACEA. Crab Fishing. Fishermen examining their Creels, or Crab Pots.' Under the general head of Articulate, are classed the Crustacea. They may be regarded as representing, in the sea, the insects and Arachnidse of the land. Their chief distinction from the latter is in their respira- tory apparatus, which is adapted to breathing in water, and not in air. This apparatus consists of fringes of gills, like those of the fishes or molluscs. They are also distinguished by a calcareous, shelly integu- ment, which is secreted from the true skin, as the shells of molluscs are from the mantle. To provide for the growing bulk of their bodies, they periodically cast their shells, and retire to some hiding place, being then wholly unprotected. Soon, however, these naked, soft bodies are covered with a mucous exudation containing a large amount of calcareous matter, which soon hardens into a new shell. They have a remark- able power of repairing injuries, so that if part of a claw be lost, a new one is. soon produced in its stead. The above will serve as general distinctions of the class, and we shall now proceed to describe some specimens, undsr the same conditions heretofore observed. _ The Crab is mostly aquatic in habits, and grows slowly, though it lives long. It is voracious and car- nivorous, and its first pair of legs constitutes a pair of powerful claws, with which it seizes its food and conveys it to the mouth. Its skeleton is external. Its senses are not deficient in acuteness. Its locomo- tive powers are such, that it can move with equal facility in any direction. Like the Crustacea generally, it periodically casts its shell. It is quite a favorite with epicures. Crabs are taken in various modes — some very simple, and others on a large and more complex scale, for purposes of commerce. The West Indian monkey inserts his tail in the hole of the Crab, and the latter grasping it, the former jerks out his tail, and so secures his prize. The children of fishermen often catch Crabs, by thrusting into their retreats a stick, with a hook on the end of it, which the animal instantly seizing, is drawn forth. This, however, and the like methods, can take but few, and those not the finest in quality. Crab fishing, as generally conducted along the British (361) The Crab coast, is pursued by two men, going out in one boat. Be- 31 CRUSTACEA. Implements employed in Crab Fishing. a. Crab Pot. b. Lobster Pot. c. Well Box. sides their boat, they require a capital of about ten pounds ; one half for creels, cruives, or crab pots, the other half for lines. These Crab-pots are made of dry osier, and resemble basket>work. They are framed on the principle of the wire mouse-trap, the aperture being at the top, instead of the side. Within the pot the bait, consisting of thornback, or skait, is fixed at the bottom, and the pot is then dropped in some favorable location, three stones being fastened inside of weight enough to sink it. Sometimes the pots are sunk twenty fathoms deep, under certain conditions of weather and ground. In fine weather, they are dropped in from three to five fathoms, but Crabs are found chiefly where the bottom is rocky. A line is fastened to the pot, and at the upper end of the line is fixed a cork, which floats on the surface. Thus the place is known where the pot is sunk, and usually from forty to fifty pots are set at the same time. The bait being suspended about the middle of the pot, can readily be seen by the Crabs, which, entering the aperture, find, like a mouse in a wire-trap, that escape is impossible. Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimps are often found captured with the Crabs. After setting all their pots, the fishermen have still some time left to go further seaward for other fish, before it is necessary to visit them. Crab fishing, therefore, while a valuable addition to their means of gaining a subsistence, does not preclude their pursuit of other fish at the same season. The demand for this fish is usually good and in many of the large coast towns is fully equal to the sup- ply. After a few hours' absence, the fishermen visit their creels and take out their contents. There may, perhaps, be a dozen different owners of boats thus engaged, and it is, therefore, necessary to employ some means, by which they may secure the fruits of their own labor, without the risk of dispute. This they effect by putting on their respective floats some distinguishing mark. Crabs are brought to market both raw and boiled. If the market be distant, they are placed in a well box, attached to the outside of the fishing vessel and thus are brought to Billingsgate even from far off Norway. May, June and July are the months in which it is generally out of season, though, even then Crabs may be procured, which are perfectly fit for the table. Before boiling, a good Crab is known by the rough- ness of the shell, especially that of the claws. After boiling, the mode of ascertaining its goodness is by grasping the claws firmly and shaking the body, which, if not in perfection, will rattle, or sound as if water were within. The usual length of boiling is from one fourth of an hour to two hours, either in sea water, or water saturated with salt. (362) CRUSTACEA. [Calappa granulata.] V a. The crab with the limbs exserted. 6, The liifbt chehk Hermit Crab. Cray-Fish. The Calappa Granulata is a genus of Crabs, common in Europe. They are called by the French migranes and cogs de mer from their crests, and also crabes honteux, from their appearing to hide their legs under the shell. They are of a pale rose color. The Hermit Crab is not so well protected as most of his tribe, since his tail is not covered with shell. He is, therefore, wont to secure his undefended tail by inserting it into an empty shell, commonly that of a whelk, and then walks about, dragging after him this curious appendant. Occasionally two of these creatures covet the same shell, and then they have recourse to a duel. As the Crab grows larger, he must have a new shell for his tail, and it is a curious spectacle to see him trying one after another, till he suits himself. They annually visit the sea in large armies. They march straight on, and save a house or other insurmountable barrier, nothing can stop them. The Common Cray-Fish abound in most of our rivers and brooks. They lodge in holes in the bank, some times excavated by themselves, but oftener the abandoned abodes of water-rats. In rocky places, they live under and among the stones. The usual mode of catching them is by lowering to the bottom a net, baited with meat. Soon perceiving this, the fish come in numbers to the bait, when the net is sud- denly hauled up, and the most of them secured. The flesh is esteemed a great delicacy. The Prawn so much resembles the Shrimp, that they are not readily distinguished from each other. The main distinction between them is said to lie in the appearance of the toothed ridge running along the back of the head, or rather the carapace. Brown, in its natural state, the Prawn assumes a pinkish hue after boiling. Shrimp, Prawn. Lobster. m%) CRUSTACEA. The Shrimps are small fishes of the Lobster kind, having long, slender feelers, and between them two projecting laminae, with three pairs of legs and a seven jointed tail. They are found on the sandy shores of the sea, ascend the rivers, and abound in the waters of salt marshes. The epicures pronounce them " de- licious." The mode of taking Shrimps for food is with a net, used either by a man, woman, or child, who wades up to the knees, or by fishermen, who go out in 'a boat. The mouth of the net is stretched out by a cross-piece of wood, having attached to it a pole, the end of which is placed against the chest; and in walking forward, the edge of the part, to which the net is fas- tened, is pushed along the bottom of the water, and the Shrimps, striving to escape, are caught in the bag of the net. The boats, used by the fishermen, are some- times of several tons' burden, and they go farther from the shore, perhaps to the edge of some sand bank, which is the favorite resort of Shrimps. They throw out three or four nets, which are made to drag on the bottom by leaden weights : so that the principal of both methods is the same. Shrimps are not eatable till after boiling, and the fishermen often boil them on board. They are allowed to boil only ten miutes, or even less, as they grow hard and lose their best flavor, if remaining longer in the boiler. For a distant market, Shrimps must be boiled somewhat longer, than for immediate consumption. Hence they are always most relished at or nigh the place of their capture. The chief supply for London is pro- cured from Gravesend, Lynn, Boston, the Isle of Wight, and other parts of the coast not very distant from London. The Shrimps of Pegwell Bay are in highest repute for flavor. Spring is the busiest Shrimp catching time, though they are in season through the year, because the de- mand is then greatest. The largest quantity of this fish is consumed by the least wealthy of the popula- tion, the more opulent usuing them chiefly for sauces or in a potted state. The Atya Scabra is a peculiar sub-division of the Shrimp family, and one species only is known. The Lobster has a cylindrical body; a short, serrated snout, with two long antennae, and between these, two shorter ones ; two large claws, terminated by pincers, which enable him to seize his prey, to fix him- self to rocks in the sea, to resist the motion of the waves, and to fight his enemies. These animals breed in summer and are extremely prolific. They are also favorites of the gourmand. The Apus Productus inhabits fresh water ditches, pools, and stagnant waters. The tribe are gregarious and often occur in measureless quantities. They are most commonly found in spring and early summer, and often appear suddenly in accidental rain water puddles, where they had not been seen befere. They grow rapidly, feed largely on tadpoles, and are all provided with eggs, though the sexes have not, as yet, been distinguished. They arrive gradually at the full developement of their organs by a scries of moults. The genus occurs in England, France and Europe generally. A Shrimper. CRUSTACEA. Apus Productus. Birgus Latro. Atya Scabra. Birgus Latro is a long tailed crustaceous animal approaching the Hermit Crab. Of this genus the middle antennse have their second articulation tufted by pincers ; the feet of the first pair of legs are unequal and terminated by pincers ; the feet of the second and third pair end in a single nail ; and the tail is round. They are natives of Amboyna and the neighboring islands. Wherever they may be, they journey once a year to the sea, and after their return, they hide themselves in the earth for six weeks, so that not one is seen. During this period, like other crabs, they doff the old shell and gain a new one. They are said to be most delicious eating, just after casting their old crust. The number of legs possessed by the Crustacea is greater than that of perfect insects, being never less than four pairs, besides the pair of claws which may be considered as metamorphosed legs. It is in the crab, lobster, cray-fish, &c, that we find this small number; and these belong to the highest order, the Decapoda, or ten-footed Crustacea. In front of these are some curious organs termed feet-jaws, being intermediate in structure between these two kinds of appendages ; in some of the lower Crustacea these become true legs. And from the posterior part of the body there hang down certain appendages, which are also true legs in the lower orders. In fact, the lowest Crustacea approach very closely to the Myria- poda in their general form and structure, differing chiefly in their aquatic mode of life ; the segments of the body are nearly equal, and are each furnished with a pair of legs. On the other hand, among the Deca- pods we find an approximation to the form both of insects and spiders — the lobster representing the one, and the crab the other. In the lobster we have a regular division into head, thorax, and abdomen, as in insects ; and it is to the thorax alone that the locomotive appendages are attached, as in the perfect state of the insect. As in all other Articulata, the eyes of the Crustacea are compound. Their external coating is thrown off with the shell ; and this, when examined with the microscope, is seen to exhibit the division into minute lenses with beautiful distinctness. Lobster. (365) Shrimp. 31* Crab. MOLLUSCA. Cuttle Fish. The Mollusca comprise a variety of forms so great, that it is, perhaps, impossible to frame a definition which shall include them all. On the one side, the class approaches the fish so nearly, as to be hardly distinguishable therefrom ; and on the* other, it in like manner, approximates to the Polyfera. In all the Mollusca, the body is of soft consistence, and is inclosed in a soft, elastic skin, lined with muscular fibres, which is called the mantle. They generally possess a complex digestive and circulating apparatus, but very imperfect organs of sensa'ion and voluntary motion. The great bulk of their bodies is made up of the stomach, and intestines; of the liver and other glands connected with digestion and assimilation ; of the breathing apparatus ; and of the ovary for producing germs ; while the muscular system is often reduced to a few scattered fibres, and rarely attains any complexity or power.. Multitudes of the Mollusca are completely stationary, and depend for food on what is brought to them by waves and currents. A few have locomotive powers, and search for their food. Most of the class have shells, which are formed by a secretion from the surface of the mantle. Many, however, are without shells. Therefore the ancient classification, which divided these creatures into univalves, bivalves, and multivalves, according as the shells consisted of one, two or more pieces, is imperfect, and therefore they are now classed by the particulars of their configuration. On this principle, the Mollusca may be divided, first, into those having a head, that is, a prominent part, on which the mouth is located, with organs of sense near it, and those, which are acephalous, or headless. These general classes are again distributed into many sub-classes. To describe minutely all these sub- classes, with the special characteristics, would too greatly swell our pages. We shall, therefore, furnish several specimens, briefly noting their distinctive marks, and simply state to what division they belong. The Cuttle Fish has a compressed, oval body, of a jelly-like substance, usually covered with a coarse skin, appearing like leather. It has eight arms, furnished with numerous cups or suckers, with which they seize they prey, or attach themselves to rocks so firmly, that it is easier to tear oil' their limbs, than MOLLUSCA. Cuttle Fish, attacking a Chinese Junk. Cups, or Suckers of the Cuttle Fish. compel them to loosen their hold ; and if they are torn off, they are soon reproduced. They have, besides, two feeders, much longer than their arms, provided also with circular suckers. Their mouth is in the centre, horny, and hooked, and strong enough to crush the molluscs, on which it feeds. When pursued, it ejects an inky fluid from the left side of the abdomen, which not only clouds the water, so as to conceal its retreat, but also renders it so bitter, as to drive away its foes. This fluid, when dried, is used in making India ink. In hot climates they attain an enormous size, and sometimes successfully attack boats and small vessels. The Argonauta Argo, commonly called the Paper-Nautilus, from the delicacy of its shell, though little resembling the true Nautilus, belongs to the so-called Octopod group. Its shell has a single spiral cavity, into which the animal can withdraw itself entirely, though it has no muscular attachment thereto. It has eight arms, six of them tapering towards the extremities, and two expanding into wide mem- branous flaps. It has been immemorially reported, that this animal swims on the surface of the water, using its six arms, as oars, and spreading the two membranes as sails. This is an error. The arms are used for swimming through the water, and for creeping along the bottom of the sea, and besides, it is by tl "?e that the material is chiefly found out for the formation or repair of its shell. 1 Ire Carinaria Mediterranea is similar to the Argonauta in its structure. It is found in the Indian ocean, as well as the Mediterranean. The Clio Borealis belongs to the class Pterapoda. It is adapted for swift locomotion through the water, by a pair of fin-like organs, attached to the fore part of the body, and has a very complex internal struc- ture. This species swarms in the Arctic seas, where it is familiarly known as whale's food, and appears to abound equally in the Antartic waters. So glutted is the sea with them at times, that the whale cannot open his mouth without engulfing thousands of them. Carinaria Meditfcn anea. (367) Clio Borealis. MOLLUSCA. Young Shell Young Shell. Adult Shell. Pyprsea Exanthema. Argonauta Argo. Adult Shell. Pteroceras Scorpio. In the class, called Gasteropoda from something like a foot, adapted to locomotion, proceeding from the belly, the distinctive characteristics of the Mollusca are most prominently displayed, that is the high de- velopement of the nutritive apparatus, with very imperfect locomotive powers. In the more perfect of them we find a distinct head, furnished not only with feelers, but with eyes, and the rudiments of smell and hear- ing. They can crawl from place to place, and many of those inhabiting the water can swim rapidly. Gene- rally they are univalve, but occasionally multivalve. Their shell, as in other classes, is secreted from the mantle, and is enlarged as the animal grows. The forms of the shell vary extremely in the several sub- divisions. We present on this page some specimens of the Gasteropoda, namely, the Murex Tenuispina; the Pteroceras Scorpio ; and the Cypraea Exanthema. Bulla is the name of a genus of Molluscs. Of some of its principal varieties we proceed to give a brief account. In the Bulla Fragilis the shell is ovate-oblong, very thin and fragile, of a horn-color, with very small transverse stripes, and with an apex rising into the rudiment of a projecting spire. It abounds in the English Channel, near Nantes and Noirmontiers. In the Bulla Velum the shell is very delicate, of a light horn-color, with a snow-white band about the middle, bordered on either side by a dark-brown one, and with white apex and base, both bordered with dark-brown bands. In the Bulla Ampulla the shell is egg-shaped, and verging on the globular, beautifully mottled with white, plum color, and reddish. It is said to exist in both the Indian and American oceans. Murex Tenuispina. Bulla Fragilis. a Shell, c Spiral End. B Anir (-368^1 r^J MOLLUSCA. Gasteropctra Meckeli. Bulla Ampulla. Bursatella Lcachii. In the Gasteroptera Meckeli the body is divided into two parts, the posterior being round and connected by a peduncle with the anterior portion, which is small, but enlarged on each side into a considerable muscular expansion, transversely oval, and hollowed out in the middle, both above and below, rendering this expansion double-lobed, and an organ for swimming, instead of a foot for creeping. The side-gill is uncovered and there is no shell. It abounds in the Sicilian seas. In the Bursatella Leachii, the body is nearly round ; below is an oval space surrounded by thick lips, indicating the foot; above is an oval opening with thick lips, formed by the union of the swimming appendants of the mantle, and communicating with a cavity, in which are formed one very large gill and the vent. The tentacula, or arms, are four, divided and branched, besides two buccal appendages. It is large-sized, and a native of the East Indian seas. The Common Snail is of the class Gasteropoda. It is so well known as to need no description. It lays eggs large in comparison with the parent. They are deposited about two inches below the surface of the earth. The Snail is very tenacious of life. The Slugs are invaders of the garden like the Snails. They seldom venture out by day, but trail along through the garden at night, devouring the tender leaves. Bulinus is the name of a very largo genus of land mollusca, endowed with lungs. These are described, as plant eaters, as respiring by lungs, and as protected by a spiral shell, more or less elongated, oval, oblong, with an aperture longer, than it is wide, and with a very irregular border, which in the adult, is retorted. The head is furnished with four tentacula, or horns, the two largest of which are terminated by the so called eyes. They abound most in the warmer climates, where some of the species are very large. The reproduction is by eggs, which are white and have a firm shell like those of birds. The Bulini are genuine hermaphrodites, both the sexual organs being distinct, but existing in the same individual, and requiring the union of two for continuing the species. Bulla Velum. MOLLUSCA. a The Egg. A Egg broken, showing the young animal, e Bulinus Ilsomastoma of the natural she. c Young one, just born, d Young one, half-grown. Their food is the tender leaves of plants, and it devours eagerly lettuces and cabbages, when they can be had. During the day, they he in the shade semi-dormant, but move about towards evening, especially if warm and moist, as they are evidently very fond of moisture They are hybernating animals, or torpid during winter, and they deposit their eggs, in spring, about two inches below the earth's surface. We give cuts of three species of the Bulini, at various stages of their life, from the egg upwards. The Midas's Ear of the shell collectors is a good specimen of the genus Auricula. It lives in the neigh- borhood of rivers, lakes and morasses. i/*~^ Auricula Midse.or Midas's Ear. Bulinus Rosaceus. a Adult animal, in motion, b A young shell, e Egg shell, just broken, d Egg, unbroken. . a (370) 4 MOLLUSCA. Cardium C^i' iisja. Variegated Ampliidesma. ilium Elongatum. the ligament is external. Animals of this class affix themselves to other bodies by a particular muscle, which is protruded through the gaping part of the valves. When young, they also adhere by the byssiform epidermis, which envelops the exterior. The Cardium Cardissa belongs to the cockle family of the headless, bivalve molluscs. Of this family the general characteristics are, that the mantle is open in front, but behind presents two syphons, or ori- fices, one for breathing, and the other for passing egesta. These syphons are sometimes distinct, and sometimes massed together. At either end of the shell is a transverse adductor, and a foot for the general purpose of locomotion. As a general rule, the species, with elongated syphons, live buried in the mud or sand. The plate annexed represents the Cardium Cardissa, a spotted variety of the family, a3 of the natural size. The Cardium Elongatum, another variety of the same family, so resembles the preceding in its general features, as to require no separate description. The character of its valves and hinge may be seen in the appended cut. The Brazilian Capsa belongs to a genus, in which the hinge closely resembles that of the Cardium, but the shell nearly approaches the triangular, with the obtuse angle at the umbones of the valves, and the Common Craseatclla. Donax Scortum (375) -*~JU MOLLUSCA. Br.uiUnu Capsa. Scallop. Common Oyster. base of the triangle at their margin ; the shortest side contains the ligament, that is, the hinder part of the shell; whereas, in bivalves, generally, the hinder part is longest. This genus is widely diffused-, some species of it existing in all seas. They lie buried in sand or mud, with the short end of the shell upper- most, that water may enter through the breathing syphon. In the annexed plate are represented the hinge and interior of the valves of the Donax Scortum. The fossil species of this genus are few, occurring chiefly in the blue marls of southern France, and in the oolite series. The Variegated Amphidesma is a species native to the Brazilian coast. Five fossil species are recorded by Phillips, as found in the oolite group. The Common Crassatella comprises ten or twelve known species. It would seem to belong to the shores of America, having been there dredged up from sandy mud in eleven fathoms water. Fossil species of this mollusc are found in the London clay, and in the calcaire grossiere of Paris. The Scallop belongs to the family of Pectens, or Pectenidae. Like the Oyster, it is two-shelled. These two shells are united by a powerful and exceedingly elastic hinge. In addition, the animal is provided with a very powerful muscle, obedient to its will, by means of which it may, at pleasure, open its valves or keep them firmly shut. The Scallop employs the rapid opening and shutting of its shells, as a means of loco- motion. This creature is found in the European seas, and along the southern coasts of England. All ma| remember, the Scallop-shell was used, in the middle ages, as the badge of a pilgrim to the Holy Land. The Common Oyster has been for many ages considered as a delicacy for the table. In the times of the ancjent Romans, we find that the native English Oysters were exported to Ptome, and there placed in the Luerine Lake, where they were fattened. On the coast of England, the Oysters breed in large beds, to .which vast quantities of young Oysters are conveyed by the fishermen, and suffered to increase without molestation. Newly formed beds are untouched for two or three years. During the months of May. June, and .July, the Oysters breed, and are considered unfit for food. At this time the young, called spat, are deposited in enormous numbers. They instantly adhere to the substance among which they fall, and this, whatever it be, is called cultch, and is protected by severe penalties. About May, the fishermen separate the spawn from the cultch, which is then thrown back into its former place. After May, it is felony to disturh the cultch. as were it removed, muscles and cockles would rapidly take the place of the Oysters. The Oysters arc taken in the proper season by the dredge, a kind of small net, fastened round an iron frame- work, which scoops up the Oysters, and many other marine animals. The part of the Oyster called the beard, is in reality the respiratory apparatus. OrocUfiffDr Oysters is necessarily prosecuted in fleets, as the beds lie within a comparatively sn coinpas.-*. Kich bout usually carries two men, or a man and a boy, and is about fifteen feet long. dredge is of about eighteen pounds weight. Each boat is provided with two dredges. (376) The / MOLLLSOA. A Fleet of Oyster Boats. The Pearl Oyster is the mollusc, from which pearls are extracted. The pearl is nothin- else tl«au th<- hacre which hnes the inner surface of the shell, deposited in globular drops. This shel &fi kljfc mmed "mother of pearl/' These oysters are found in both the Old and New World Ceylon fsesS ally famous for its pearl fishenes. The fishers a,c tramed to remain long underwater, and SlesceEg ^^ i to fhe bottom tie a heavy weight to their feet. They j|| rapidly gather into a basket all the oysters near by. anil JH when needing air, give a signal to their friends, who draw / \ them to the surface by a rope. The oysters are then left, for some weeks, to putrefy, when they are washed, and the pearls extracted. The Chinese have a mode of forcing oysters and mussels to form pearls by pkcing beads in their shells, round which a layer of mr*e is deposited, and a pearl produced. mm Cuttle Fish. 32* Pearl Oyster iJ Terebratula. a Valve with the spiral arms, b Valve with arms removed. Terebratula digom. Terebratula Digona. Strophomeria Rugosa. Producta Martini. Strygoccpualus Burtini. Terebratula Dorsata. Terebratula \lata. Terebratula Deformis. Besides the orders now described as composing the class Conchifera, there is a very curious group which should also be included in it, although established as a separate class by many naturalists. This is the group of Brachiopoda, containing only three genera at present known, namely, Terebratula. Lingvla. and Orbicula ; but formerly of much greater comparative importance. These animals have all bivalve shells, differing in no essential particular from those of the Conchifera in general. The two former genera are attached, however, by a footstalk proceeding from an opening in one of the valves near the hinge, to solid substances. The Orbicula is attached, like an oyster, by one of its valves. But in the complexity of the muscular apparatus provided for giving motion to the valves, they much surpass the highest of the other Conchifera. There are not only several muscles provided for the closure of the shell, but another set to open it — an organization which no other bivalves possess. The most peculiar part of their structure, and that from which they derive their name, consists in the presence of two very long arms or tentacula, between the origin of which the mouth is situated. These can be projected to a considerable distance from the shell, or drawn in and coiled up spirally within it. They do not appear, however, to seize upon prey; but rather, by means of the cilia with which they are fringed, to create currents which may bring food to the mouth. In the Terebratula, these arms are affixed at their bases to a very curious framework within the shell, the use of which is uncertain ; but it is believed to aid, by its elasticity, in separating the valves from each other. This framework is most complex in the species in which the arms are shortest. The species of Brachiopoda at present known, live at great depths in the ocean; and many of their pecui liarities seem to have reference to that particular condition. They are distributed through all latitudes. ■ We furnish above a few specimens of this group of shells. MOLLUSCA- Coronu'.a Balsenaris. Tubiomeua Halienarum. The Common Bernicle, or Barnacle, at first sight, closely resemhles a mussel-shell fixed to a long stem. Nearer inspection shows a difference. Its shell is composed of five pieces, and through its aperture are protruded two rows of " cirrhi," or arms, which serve to entangle the small molluscs, or Crustacea, which pass near them, and carry them to the mouth, where they are devoured. The Bernicle is always found attached to some larger object, usually floating wood, and is very common on the hulls of ships. Yet, though the mature animal is permanently fixed, it has been discovered, that the young are free, and capable of locomotion, nor do they finally "settle in life," until a week or two old. It has previously been related how this mollusc acquired the name of " Goose-bearing." The Common Bernicle bears the scientific name of Pentalasmis Anatifera — the last word heing the Latin for goose-bearing, which has been given to the animal on account of the ancient and exploded fable that it actually produced the Bernicle Goose. The Tubicinella Balaenarum, or Whale Bernicle, is so called from its burying itself in the skin and fat of whales, which are sometimes infested with it to an enormous extent. Coronula Balsenaria is wx . iicr Bernicle, also found attached to whales. Pollicepes Mitella ; n Bernicle found in the temperate and warm seas. the principnl rap <-s, of a number of accessory pieces fixed at their base. Conia Poro . a Bernicle found in the Mediterranean, West Indian, and other seas, is of a sub-conical form, the shell being composed of four valves. The lowest and simplest, in structure, of the Mollusca are the Tunicata, so named from the entire dbsence of a shell, the place of which is supplied by a tunic, or outer coat, firmer than the rest of the body, entirely surrounding and protecting the animal, besides being the means of its attachment to the hard sub- stances whereon it commonly rests. This tunic varies in consistence, form and color, sometimes dark and leather-like, sometimes cartilaginous ; sometimes exuding a gluten, which attaches sand, gravel, &c, so as to form an additional envelope. Again, the whole body is soft and delicate, and the tunic is a thin, It is found in the South Seas. It has a triangular shell, besides Conia Porosa. r379) Common Bernicles. Pollicepes Mitella. MOLLUSCA. RADIATA. T \ Star Fish. BotrvUus Stellatus. a Group of four Botrylluses attached to the base of an Ascidia Intestinalis. 4 Botryllus magnified. Ascidia Australia, a External aspect. B Internal structure. translucent membrane. Most of this class are generally attached to solid bodies, or to each other. In the latter case several individuals, each being distinct, are surrounded by a common membrane. The tunic is always provided with two apertures, one for the entrance and the other for the exit of water, which sup- plies the creature's food, besides oxygenating its blood. The Ascidia Australis affords an example of the Tunicata. The Stellated Botryllus. (Botvyiius Stellatus) affords another specimen of the Tunicata. the Mediterranean. It is found in ^reader will recollect that the animal kingdom of which we are treating, comprises four great sub- kingdoms, of which we have already examined three, viz. Vertebrata, Articulata, and Mollusca. We now come to the last and lowest form of animal life, the sub-kingdom. Radiata. The Radiata, like the Mollusca, comprises a vast number of ci..jses and species, differing more or less from each other, yet exhibiting with greater or less distinctness certain common marks. They take their name from having a form approximating to the circular, a mouth in the centre of one of the surfaces, and something like a ray-like disposition of the parts around the mouth. It were t^fncult, if not impossible, to specify any other distinctive mark applicable to all of them. We therefore proceed tr.i Carbasea. found in the seas of Scotlarr, vhe Phcrusa Tubuloza, of Ellis and Solander; the Cellari Ceroide*, of Gmelin, found in the Mediterranean, and the Indian seas; and the Unicellaria Cheluta, fount in the seas of North America. The class, Porifera, presents so complete a commixture of the characters of animals and plants, that i is hard to say to which division they belong. On the one hand, like plants, they are fixed to one spot possess^!, apparently, of no sensibility, and seem to have no power of voluntary motion. On the othe hand, their structure is unlike that of plants, and resembles that of creatures belonging to the anim; kingdom. They are, therefore, commonly assigned to the latter, but at the lowest point on the scale. The Sponge is a familiar variety of this class, which may serve to represent the whole. What we cm and ust; as Sponge is, however, but the skeleton of the creature. When alive, this fibrous network i dollied, within and without, by a thin, gelatinous substance, very similar to the white of an egg Thi substance drains away, on the Sponge being taken from the water. During the Sponge's life, it not onl grows, regularly, but there is a constant flow of water in and out through, its pores. These currents coi vi-v nutriment into the interior of the mass, and carry off excretions. Sponges, like plants, may be multiplied by artificial division, each portion becoming a new indi vidua Their natural mode of increase, however, is by detaching from themselves little, round, gelatinous botlie: called gemmules, which in time become counterparts of the parent. Some kinds of Sponges are found on almost all shores ; and some frequent deep water, whence they ca only be obtained by dredging. It is in this manner that the common Sponge is procured from the Med tenanean, the Grecian Archipelago, and the other localities it frequents. Sponges are not confined to th sea, however ; for there is a species which inhabits fresh water. f384) THE END PVJI^ w * «w» PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY