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ILLUSTRATED

NATURAL HISTORY

BY

REV. J. G. WOOD, MA, F.LS.

AUTHOR OF

"ANECDOTES OF ANIMAL LIFE/' "COMMON OBJECTS OF THE COUNTRY,"
" MY FEATHERED FRIENDS," ETC.

cVol. I ^

MAMMALIA.

WITH MEW ILLUSTRATIONS

BY

WOLF, ZWECKER, WEIR, COLEMAN, HARVEY AND OTHERS

ENGRAVED BY

THE BROTHERS DALZIEL

I,
NEW YORK

HOME BOOK COMPANY

45 VESEY STREET

PREFACE.

IN the present Volume I have endeavored to carry out, on a more extended scale,
the principle which has been partially indicated in several of my smaller works ; namely,
to present to the reader the outlines of zoologic knowledge in a form that shall be readily
comprehended, while it is as intrinsically valuable as if it were couched in the most
repellent vocabulary of conventional technicalities. In acting thus, an author must
voluntarily abnegate the veneration which attaches itself to those who are the accred-
ited possessors of abstruse learning, and must content himself with the satisfaction
of having achieved the task which has been placed in his hands. In accordance with
this principle, the technical language of scientific zoology has been carefully avoided,
and English names have been employed wherever practicable in the place of Greek or
Latin appellatives.

The body of the work has been studiously preserved in a simple and readable form,
and the more strictly scientific portions have been removed to the " Compendium of
Generic Distinctions " at the end of the volume. In this Compendium the reader will
find a brief notice of the various characteristics which are employed by our best
systematic naturalists, such as Owen, Gray, Van der Hoeven, and others, for the purpose
of separating the different genera from each other ; and by its aid he will be enabled
to place every animal in that position which it is at present supposed to occupy. Even
in that Compendium simplicity of diction has been maintained. For example : the
word " five-toed " has been substituted for " pentedactylous ; " "pointed " for "acumi-
nate ; " " ringed " for " annulate ; " together with innumerable similar instances which
need no separate mention.

Owing to the inordinate use of pseudo-classical phraseology, the fascinating study
of animal life has been too long considered as a profession or a science restricted to a
favored few, and interdicted to the many until they have undergone a long apprentice-
ship to its preliminary formulae. So deeply rooted is this idea, that the popular notion
of a scientific man is of one who possesses a fund of words, and not of one who has
gathered a mass of ideas. There is really not the least reason why any one of ordinary
capabilities and moderate memory should not be acquainted with the general outlines
of zoology, and possess some knowledge of the representative animals, which serve as
types of each group, tribe, or family ; for when relieved of the cumbersome diction
with which it is embarrassed, the study of animal life can be brought within the com-

5

vi PREFACE.

prehension of all who care to examine the myriad varieties of form and color with
which the Almighty clothes His living poems.

The true object of Zoology is not, as some appear to fancy, to arrange, to number,
and to ticket animals in a formal inventory, but to make the study an inquiry into the
Life-nature, and not only an investigation of the lifeless organism. I must not, how-
ever, be understood to disparage the outward form, thing of clay though it be. For
what wondrous clay it is, and how marvellous the continuous miracle by which the
dust of earth is transmuted into the glowing colors and graceful forms which we
most imperfectly endeavor to preserve after the soul has departed therefrom. It is a
great thing to be acquainted with the material framework of any creature, but it is a
far greater to know something of the principle which gave animation to that structure.
The former, indeed, is the consequence of the latter. The lion, for example, is not
predacious because it possesses fangs, talons, strength, and activity ; on the con-
trary, it possesses these qualities because its inmost nature is predacious, and it needs
these appliances to enable it to carry out the innate principle of its being ; so that
the truest description of the lion is that which treats of the animating spirit, and not
only of the outward form. In accordance with this principle, it has been my endeavor
to make the work rather anecdotal and vital than merely anatomical and scientific.
The object of a true zoologist is to search into the essential nature of every being, to
investigate, according to his individual capacity, the reason why it should have been
placed on earth, and to give his personal service to his Divine Master in developing
that nature in the best manner and to the fullest extent.

•

What do we know of Man from the dissecting room ? Of Man, the warrior, the
statesman, the poet, or the saint ? In the lifeless corpse there are no records of the
burning thoughts, the hopes, loves, and fears that once animated that now passive
form, and which constituted the very essence of the being. Every nerve, fibre, and
particle in the dead bodies of the king and the beggar, the poet and the boor, the
saint and the sensualist, may be separately traced, and anatomically they shall all be
alike, for neither of the individuals is there, and on the dissecting table lies only the
cast-off attire that the spirit no longer needs. What can an artist learn even of the
outward form of Man, if he lives only in the dissecting room, and studies the human
frame merely through the medium of scalpel and scissors ? He may, indeed, obtain
an accurate muscular outline, but it will be an outline of a cold and rigid corpse,
suggestive only of the charnel house, and devoid of the soft and rounded form, the
delicate tinting, and breathing grace which invest the living human frame. A feeling
eye will always discover whether an artist has painted even his details of attire from
a lay figure instead of depicting the raiment as it rests upon and droops from the
breathing form of a living model ; for such robes are not raiment, but a shroud. So
it is with the animal kingdom. The zoologist will never comprehend the nature of
any creature by the most careful investigation of its interior structure or the closest
inspection of its stuffed skin, for the material structure tells little of the vital nature,
and the stuffed skin is but the lay figure stiffly fitted with its own cast coat.

The true study of Zoology is of more importance than is generally conceived, for
although " the proper study of mankind is Man," it is impossible for us to comprehend

PREFACE. vii

the loftiness and grandeur of humanity, or even its individual and physical nature,
without possessing some knowledge of the earlier forms of God's animated organiza-
tions. We must follow the order of creation, and as far as our perceptions will permit,
begin where the Creator began. We shall then find that no animal leads an isolated
existence, for the minutest atom of animated life which God has enfranchised with an
individual existence, forms, though independent in itself, an integral and necessary
portion of His ever-changing yet eternal organic universe. Hence every being which
draws the breath of life forms a part of one universal family, bound together by the
ties of a common creaturehood. And as being ourselves members of that living and
breathing family we learn to view with clearer eyes and more reverent hearts those
beings which, although less godlike than ourselves in their physical or moral natures,
demand for that very reason our kindliest sympathies and most indulgent care. For
we, being made in the image of God, are to them the visible representations of that
Divine Being who gave the Sabbath alike for man and beast, and who takes even the
sparrows under His personal protection.

INTRODUCTION.

IN order to understand any science rightly, it needs that the student should proceed
to its contemplation in an orderly manner, arranging in his mind the various portions of
which it is composed, and endeavoring, as far as possible, to follow that classification
which best accords with nature. The result of any infringement of this rule is always
a confusion of ideas, which is sure to lead to misapprehension. So, in the study of
living beings, it is necessary to adhere to some determinate order, or the mindbecomes
bewildered among the countless myriads of living creatures that fill earth, air, and
water.

That some determinate order exists is evident to any thinking mind, but the
discovery of the principle on which this order is founded is a problem that as yet has
received but a partial solution. We already know some of the links of that wondrous
chain that connects Man with the microscopic animalcule, but the one plan on which
the Animal Kingdom is formed, has yet to be made known.

It is impossible to contemplate the vast mass of animal life without the conviction
that the most supreme harmony has been observed in their creation, and the most
perfect order exists in their connection one with the other. Whatever may be the key
to this enigma, — and it is of a certainty a very simple one, possibly eluding us from
its very simplicity — from the days of Aristotle to the present time zoologists have
been diligently seeking for the true system of animated nature ; and until that auspi-
cious discovery be achieved, we must be content with making as near an approximation
as possible.

As a general arranges his army into its greater divisions, and each division into
regiments and companies, so does the naturalist separate the host of living beings into
greater and smaller groups. The present state of zoological science gives five as the
number of divisions of which the animal kingdom is composed, the highest of which is
that in which Man himself is, by some, placed. These are called Vertebrates, Molluscs,
Articulates, Radiates, and Protozoa. Of each of these divisions a slight description
will be given, and each will be considered more at length in its own place.

ist. The VERTEBRATES include Man and all the Mammalia, the Birds, the Reptiles,
and the Fish.

The term Vertebrate is applied to them because they are furnished with a succession
of bones called " vertebrae," running along the body and forming a support and protec-
tion to the nervous cord that connects the body with the brain by means of numerous
branches. The Vertebrates, with one or two known exceptions, have red blood and a
muscular heart.

2d. The MOLLUSCA, or soft-bodied animals, include the Cuttle-fish, the Snails, Slugs,
Mussels, etc. Some of them possess shells, while others are entirely destitute of such
defence. Their nervous system is arranged on a different plan from that of the Verte-
brates. They have no definite brain, and no real spinal cord, but their nerves issue
from certain masses of nervous substance technically called ganglia.

3d. The ARTICULATES, or jointed animals, form an enormously large division, com-
prising the Crustaceans, such as the Crabs and Lobsters, the Insects, Spiders, Worms,
and very many creatures so different from each other, that it is scarcely possible to find

i

i VERTEBRATES.

any common characteristics. It is among these lower animals that the want of a true
classification is most severely felt, and the present arrangement can only be considered
as provisional.

4th. The next division, that of the RADIATED animals, is so named on account of the
radiated or star-like form of the body, so well exhibited in the Star-fishes and the Sea-
anemones. Their nervous system is very obscure, and in many instances so slight as
to baffle even the microscope. Many of the Radiates possess the faculty of giving out
a phosphorescent light, and it is to these animals that the well-known luminosity of the
sea is chiefly owing.

5th. The PROTOZOA, or primitive animals, are, as far as we know, devoid of internal
organs or external limbs, and in many of them the signs of life are so feeble that they
can scarcely be distinguished from vegetable germs. The Sponges and Infusorial
Animalcules are familiar examples of this division.

VERTEBRATES.

The term Vertebrate is derived from the Latin word vertere, signifying to turn ; and
the various bones that are gathered round and defend the spinal cord are named
vertebrae, because they are capable of being moved upon each other in order to permit
the animal to flex its body. Were the spinal cord to be defended by one long bone,
the result would be that the entire trunk of the animal would be stiff, graceless, and
exceedingly liable to injury from any sudden shock. In order, therefore, to give the
body latitude of motion, and at the same time to afford effectual protection to the
delicate nerve-cord, on which the welfare of the entire structure depends, the bony
spine is composed of a series of distinct pieces, varying in form and number according
to the species of animal, each being affixed to its neighbor in such a manner as to
permit the movement of one upon the other. The methods by which these vertebrae
are connected with each other vary according to the amount of flexibility required by
the animal of which they form a part. For example, the heavy elephant, would find
himself prostrate on the ground if his spine were composed of vertebrae as flexible
as those of the snakes ; while the snake, if its spine were stiff as that of the elephant,
would be unable to move from the spot where it happened to lie. But in all animals
there is some power of movement in the spinal column, although in many creatures it
is very trifling.

Anatomy shows us that, in point of fact, the essential skeleton is composed of
vertebrae, and that even the head is formed by the development of these wonderful bones.
The limbs can but be considered as appendages, and in many Vertebrated animals,
such as the common snake of our fields, the lamprey, and others, there are no true
limbs at all.

The perfect VERTEBRA consists of three principal portions. Firstly, there is a solid,
bony mass, called the centre, which is the basis of the whole vertebra. From this
centre springs an arch of bone, through which runs the spinal cord, and directly oppo-
site to this arch a second arch springs, forming the guardian of the chief blood-vessel
of the body. Each arch is called by a name significative of its use ; those through
which the spinal cord runs being termed the neural, or nerve arch, and that for the
passage of the blood-vessel is named the haemal, or blood arch. There are other
portions of the vertebrae which are developed into the bones, called " processes," some
of which we can feel by placing a hand on any part of the spine.

It will be seen that, strictly speaking, the vertebrae are not of so much importance in
the animal as the spinal cord, of which the vertebrae are but guardians, and that the
division should rather have been defined by the character of the nerve than by that of
the bone which is built around it.

Indeed, wherever the chief nervous column lies, it seems to gather the bony particles
and to arrange them round itself as its clothing or armor. This may be seen in a very
young chicken, if the egg in which it is formed is opened during the first few days of
incubation.

MAMMALIA. 3

The position of the spinal cord is always along the back in every Vertebrate animal
The insects, the lobster, and other invertebrate animals exhibit the principal nerve-cords
running along the abdomen ; the position, therefore, of the chief nervous cord settles
the division to which the animal belongs. This rule is of great importance in
classification, because in every group of animals there are some in whom the dis-
tinguishing characteristics are so slight that they hardly afford a real criterion by which
to judge. In the lower divisions the number of these enigmatical animals is very con-
siderable, and even in the highest of all, namely, the Vertebrates, there are one or two
individuals whose position is but dubious. The best known of these creatures is the
Amphioxus, a small, transparent fish, not uncommon on sandy coasts. In this curious
animal the vertebral column is composed of, or rather represented by, a jelly-like cord,
on which the divisions of the vertebrae are indicated by very slight markings. The
spinal cord lies on the upper surface of this gelatinous substance, and there is no dis-
tinct brain, the nervous cord simply terminating in a rounded extremity. The blood
is unlike that of the generality of Vertebrate animals, being transparent like water, in-
stead of bearing the red hue that is so characteristic of their blood. Neither is there
any separate heart, the circulation seeming to be effected by the contraction of the
arteries.

On account of these very great divergencies from the usual vertebrate characteristics,
its claim to be numbered among the Vertebrates appears to be a very hopeless one.
But the spinal cord is found to run along the back of the creature, and this one fact
settles its position in the Animal Kingdom.

It must be remembered that the Amphioxus is to be considered an exceptional be-
ing, and that when the anatomy of Vertebrate animals is described, the words " with
the exception of the Amphioxus," must be supplied by the reader. The character of the
nerves, bones, blood, and other structures, will be shown, in the course of the work, in
connection with the various animals of which they form a part.

MAMMALIA.

The Vertebrated animals fall naturally into four great classes, which are so clearly
marked that, with the exception of a few singularly constructed creatures, such as the
Lepidosiren, or Mud-fish of the Gambia, any vertebrate animal can be without difficulty
referred to its proper class. These four classes are termed MAMMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES
and FISHES, — their precedence in order being determined by the greater or less develop-
ment of their structure.

Mammals, or Mammalia, as they are called more scientifically, comprise Man, the
Monkey tribes, the Bats, the Dogs and Cats, all the hoofed animals, the Whales and
their allies, and other animals, amounting in number to some two thousand species,
the last on the list being the Sloth. The name by which they are distinguished is
derived from the Latin word mamma, a breast, and is given to them because all the
species belonging to this class are furnished with a set of organs, called the MAMMARY
GLANDS, secreting the liquid known as milk, by which the young are nourished.

The number of the mammae varies much, as does their position. Many animals
that produce only one, or at the most two, young at the same birth, have but two
mammae, such as the monkey, the elephant, and others ; while some, — such as the cat,
the dog, and the swine, — are furnished with a sufficient number of these organs to
afford sustenance to their numerous progeny. Sometimes the mammae are placed on
the breast, as in the monkey tribe ; sometimes by the hind legs, as in the cow and the
horse ; and sometimes, as in the swine, along the abdomen.

The glands that supply the mammae with milk lie under the skin, and by the
microscope are easily resolvable into their component parts. Great numbers of tiny
cells, or cellules, as they are named, are grouped together in little masses, something
like bunches of minute grapes, and by means of very small tubes pour their secretions
into vessels of a larger size. As the various tube-branches join each other they become
larger, until they unite in five or six principal vessels, which are so constructed as to be

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BLOOD.

capable of enlargement according to the amount of liquid which they are called upon
to hold. In some animals, such as the cow, these reservoirs are extremely large, being
capable of containing at least a quart of milk. The reservoirs are much smaller towards
the mamma itself, and serve as tubes for the conveyance of the milk into the mouth
of the young. Of the milk itself we shall speak in another part of the work.

The BLOOD of the Vertebrate animals is of a light red color when freshly drawn
from the arteries. This wondrous fluid, in which is hidden the life principle that
animates the being, is of a most complex structure, as may be imagined when it is
remembered that all the parts of the body are formed from the blood ; and there-
fore to give a full description of that fluid would occupy more space than can be
afforded to one subject. It is, however, so important a substance that it demands some
notice.

When it is freshly drawn, the blood appears to be of an uniform consistence, but if
poured info a vessel and suffered to remain undisturbed it soon begins to change its
aspect. A comparatively solid and curd-like mass, of a deep red color, rises to the
surface, and there forms a kind of cake, while the liquid on which it floats is limpid and
almost colorless. The solid mass is called the clot, and the liquid is known by the
name of serum. The whole time consumed in this curious process is about twenty
minutes. While thus coagulating the blood gives out a peculiar odor, which, although
far from powerful, can be perceived at some distance, and to many persons is inex-
pressibly revolting.

The upper part of the clot is covered with a thick film of an elastic and tenacious
nature, which can be washed free from the red coloring substance, and then appears of
a yellowish white tint. It can be drawn out and spread between the fingers, as if it
were an organic membrane ; and, as its particles arrange themselves into fibres, the
substance is called fibrin. When a portion of fibrin is drawn out until it is much
lengthened, the fibres are seen crossing each other in all directions, sometimes forming
themselves into regular lines.

The red mass, which remains after the fibrin and serum have been removed, is almost
wholly composed of myriads of small rounded bodies, called corpuscules, which can be
readily seen by spreading a drop of blood very thinly on glass, and examining it with a

microscope. The general appearance of the blood corpuscules
of man is seen in the accompanying illustration. Some of the
disk-like corpuscules are seen scattered about, while others
have run together and adhered 'by their flat sides, until they
look somewhat like rouleaux of coin. There is sufficient dis-
tinction between the blood corpuscules of the various Mammalia
to indicate to a practised eye the kind of animal from which
they were taken ; while the blood of the four great divisions of
the Vertebrates is so strongly marked, that a casual glance
will detect the ownership of the object under the microscope.
The specimen represented above is magnified about two hun-
dred diameters. The blood corpuscules of the Mammalia
are circular, while those of the other three divisions are more or less elliptical.

That the blood contains within itself the various substances of which the body is
composed, is evident to the intellect, although as yet no investigator has discovered
the mode of its operation.

How the blood corpuscules are generated from the vegetable and animal substances
taken into the stomach, we know not ; but we do know that each globule possesses life,
passing through its regular stages of birth, development, age, and death. When yet in their
first stages of existence, the blood corpuscules are colorless, not taking the well-known
ruddy tint until they have attained their full development. The living current that passes
through our bodies is truly a fathomless ocean of wonders ! Even the material formation
of this fluid is beyond our present sight, which cannot penetrate through the veil which
conceals its mysteries. Much less can we explain the connection of the blood with the
mind, or know how it is that one thought will send the blood coursing through the frame

BLOOD CORPUSCLE OF MAN.

THE CAPILLARY VESSELS. 5

with furious speed, crimsoning the face with hot blushes ; or another cause the vital
fluid to recoil to the heart, leaving the countenance pallid, the eyes vacant, and the
limbs cold and powerless, as if the very life had departed from the body.

Not without reason do the earlier Scriptures speak so reverently of the blood, accept-
ing the outpoured life of beasts as an atonement for the sin, and witness of the peni-
tence of man, and forbid its use for any less sacred office. Nor was it without a still
mightier meaning that the later Scriptures endue the blood with a sacramental sense,
giving even to its vegetable symbol, the blood of the grape, a dignity greater than that
of the former sacrifices;

A few words must also be given to the mode by which the blood is kept continually
running its appointed course through the animal frame. This process, commonly called
CIRCULATION, takes place in the following manner, Man being an example :—

In the centre of the breast lies the heart, an organ composed of four chambers, the
two upper being termed auricles, and the two lower being distinguished by the title of
ventricles. These are only conventional terms, and do not express the office of the parts.
The auricles are comparatively slight in structure, but the ventricles are extremely
powerful, and contract with great force, by means of a curiously spiral arrangement
of the muscular fibres. These latter chambers are used for the purpose of pro-
pelling the blood through the body, while the auricles serve to receive the blood from
the vessels, and to throw it into the ventricles when they are ready for it.

By the systematic expansion and contraction of the heart-chambers, the blood is sent
on its mission to all parts of the body, through vessels named arteries, gradually
diminishing in diameter as they send forth their branches, until they terminate in
branchlets scarcely so large as hairs, and which are therefore called " capillaries," from
the Latin word capillus, a hair. The formation of the capillary system is well shown

CAPILLARIES IN SKIN OF
HUMAN FINGER.

f.-

CAPILLARIES OF HUMAN
TONGUE.

CAPILLARY.

by the accompanying sketches. The first figure exhibits a portion of capillaries which
are found in the fatty tissues, while the second and third are examples of the corre-
sponding vessels in the finger and the tongue.

In the capillaries the blood corpuscules would end their course, were they not met
and welcomed by a second set of capillaries. These vessels take up the wearied and
weakened globules, carrying them off to the right-hand chambers of the heart, whence
they are impelled through a vessel known by the name of the " pulmonary artery," to
be refreshed by the air which is supplied to them in the beautiful structure known as
the lungs. Meeting there with new vitality — if it may so be called — the blood cor-
puscules throw off some of their effete portions, and so, brightened and strengthened,
are again sent through the arteries from the heart to run their round of existence, and
again to be returned to the heart through the veins.

It is indeed a marvellous system, this constant circular movement, that seems to be
inherent in the universe at large, as well as in the minute forms that inhabit a single
orb. The planets roll through their appointed courses in the macrocosmal universe, as
the blood globules through the veins of the microcosm, man : each has its individual

RESPIRATION.

life, while it is inseparably connected with its fellow-orbs, performing a special and ye
a collective work in the vast body to which it belongs ; darkening and brightening in
its alternate night and day until it has completed it career.

In order to prevent other organs from pressing on the heart, and so preventing it
from playing freely, a membranous envelope, called from its office the " pericardium,"
surrounds the heart and guards it.

The various operations which are simultaneously conducted in our animal frame are
so closely connected with each other that it is impossible to describe one of them
without trenching upon the others. Thus, the system of the circulatory movement by
which the blood passes through the body, is intimately connected with the system o:
RESPIRATION, by which the blood is restored to the vigor needful for its many duties.
In order to renew the worn-out blood, there must be some mode of carrying off its
effete particles, and of supplying the waste with fresh nourishment. For this purpose
the air must be brought into connection with the blood without permitting its escape
from the vessels in which it is confined. The mode by which this object is attained, in
the Mammalia, is briefly as follows : —

A large tube, appropriately and popularly called the " windpipe," leads from the back
of the mouth and nostrils into the interior of the breast. Just as it enters the chest
it divides into two large branches, each of which subdivides into innumerable smaller
branchlets, thus forming two large masses, or lobes. In these lobes, or lungs, as they
are called, the airbearing tubes become exceedingly small, until at last they are but
capillaries which convey air instead of blood, each tube terminating in a minute cell.
The diameter of these cells is very small, the average being about the hundred and
fiftieth of an inch. Among these air-bearing capillaries the blood-bearing capillaries
are so intermingled that the air and blood are separated from each other only by

membranes so delicate that the
comparatively coarse substance of
the blood cannot pass through, al-
though the more ethereal gases
can do so. So, by the presence
of the air, the blood is renewed
in vigor, and returns to its bright
florid red, which had been lost in
its course through the body, while
the useless parts are rejected, and
gathered into the air-tubes, from
whence they are expelled by the
breath.

The accompanying illustra-
tions will give a good idea of the
capillary structure. Fig. i rep-
resents the air-tubes of the lungs,
and fig. 2 exhibits the capillaries
through which the blood is con-
veyed.

The heart is placed between the two lobes of the lungs, and is in a manner embraced by
them. The lungs themselves are enclosed in a delicate membrane called the "pleura."
These two great vital organs are situated in the breast, and separated from the diges-
tive and other systems by a partition, which is scientifically known by the name of
" diaphragm," and in popular language by the term " midriff." This structure does
not exist in the Birds ; and its presence, together with that of the freely-suspended
lungs, is an unfailing characteristic of the Mammalian animal.

Thus the entire structure bears the closest resemblance to a tree, growing with its root
upwards and its leaves downward, — the trachea being the trunk, the branchial tubes
the limbs, the smaller tubes are the branches, and the air-cells the leaves. A similar
idea runs through the nerve system and that of the blood; all three being interwoven
with each other in a manner most marvellous and beautiful.

FIG. i.

AIR-TUBES OF THE LUNGS.

FIG. 2.

CAPILLARIES OF THE LUNGS.

NUTRITION. 7

The ORGANS OF NUTRITION occupy the greater part of the space between the
diaphragm and the lower limbs, and are composed of the following parts. The mouth
receives and, in most cases, grinds the food until it is sufficiently soft to be passed
onwards into the general receptacle, called the stomach. Here begins the process of
digestion, which is chiefly carried on by means of a liquid called the gastric juice, which
is secreted by glands within the stomach, and dissolves the food until it is of an uni-
form soft consistency. In this state the food is called " chyme," and passes from the
stomach into a tube called the " duodenum." Here the chyme begins to separate
into two portions ; one, an indigestible and useless mass, and the other, a creamy kind
of liquid, called " chyle." The former of these substances is propelled through the
long and variously-formed tube, called the intestinal canal, and rejected at its outlet ;
while the chyle is taken up by numerous vessels that accompany the intestines, and is
finally thrown into one of the large veins close by the heart, and there mixes with the
blood.

There is another curious system called the u lymphatic," on account of the limpid
appearance of the liquid which is conveyed through the lymphatic vessels. These are
analogous to the lacteals, but instead of belonging to the intestines, they are spread
over the whole frame, being thickly arranged just under the skin. They are curiously
shaped, being studded with small knotty masses, and fitted with valves which keep
the contained liquid in its proper course. Both the lacteal and lymphatic vessels pour
their contents into one large trunk, called from its position the thoracic duct. This
vessel is about twenty inches in length, and when distended, is in its widest part as
large as a common lead-pencil.

Al] these wonderful forms and organs would, however, be but senseless masses of
matter, differing from each other by the arrangement of their component parts, but
otherwise dead and useless. It needs that the being which is enshrined in this bodily
form (whether it be man or beast) should be able to move the frame at will, and to
receive sensations from the outer world.

More than this. As all vertebrated animals are forced at short intervals to yield
their wearied bodies to repose, and to sink their exhausted minds in the temporary
oblivion of sleep, there must of necessity be a provision for carrying on the vital
functions without the active co-operation of the mind. Were it otherwise, the first
slumber of every being would become its death-sleep, and all the higher classes of
animals would be extirpated in a few days. The mind would be always on the stretch
to keep the heart to its constant and necessary work ; to watch the play of the lungs
in regenerating the blood ; to aid the stomach in digesting the food, and the intestinal
canal in sifting its contents ; together with many other duties of a character quite as
important.

Supposing such a state of things to be possible, and to be put in practice for one
single hour, how terrible would be the result to humanity ! We should at once degen-
erate into a mass of separate, selfish individuals, each thinking only of himself, and
forced to give the whole of his intellectual powers to the one object of keeping the
animal frame in motion. Society would vanish, arts cease from the face of the earth,
and the whole occupation of man would be confined to living an isolated and almost
vegetable life.

This being the case with man, the results to the lower portions of the animal king-
dom would be still more terrible. For their intellect is infinitely below that of the dull-
est of the human race, and they would not even possess the knowledge that any active
exertion would be necessary to preserve their lives. And for all living beings the
wandering of the mind but for a few seconds would cause instantaneous death.

All these difficulties are removed, and the animal kingdom preserved and vivified,
by means of certain vital organs, known by the name of nerves.

It is clear enough that mind does not act directly upon the muscles and the various
organs of the material body, but requires a third and intermediate substance, by which
it is enabled to convey its mandates and to receive information. The necessarily
multitudinous channels through which this substance is conveyed are called "nerves,"
and are of a consistency more delicate than that of any other portions of the animal

8

SENSATION.

TERMINATION OF NKRVB-LOOPS IN
MUSCULAR FIBRES.

frame. There is a rather striking and close analogy between the mode in which the
three systems of mind, nerve, and muscle act together, and the working of a steam-
engine. In the engine we may take the fire as the analogue of the mind ; the water, of
the nervous substance — the water-tubes representing the nerves ; and the iron and
brass machine as the representative of the bone and muscle. Thus we may make as
large a fire as we like, heap on coals, and urge a fierce draught of air through the fur-
nace, until the grate is filled with a mass of glowing white-hot matter. But the fire
cannot act on the wheels without the intermediate substance, the water. This medium
being supplied, the fire acts on the water, and the water on the metallic bars and
wheels, so that the three become one harmonious whole.

Towards the great nerve mass, called by the name of
" brain," tend the nerve-cords that supply the body with
vital energy. It seems to be the nerve-heart, so to speak.
From the brain, a cord of nervous matter, called the
" spinal cord," runs along the back, under the guardianship
of the vetebrae, continually giving off branches of vari-
ous sizes, according to the work which they have to fulfill.
These branches ramify into smaller twigs, subdividing un-
til they become so small that they almost even baffle the
microscope. A familiar proof may be given of the won-
derfully minute subdivision of the nerves, by trying to probe the skin with the point
of a fine needle, and to discover any spot so small that the needle-point does not meet
with a nerve.

The cause of the peculiarly delicate sensi-
bility of the finger tips is shown by the accom-
panying engraving, which exhibits the mode in
which the nerve-loops are distributed. The ob-
ject is greatly magnified, the two ridges being
the enlarged representations of the minute
raised lines which appear on the tips of the
fingers and thumbs.

That the nerves all find their way to the
brain and issue from thence, is plainly shown by
the well-known fact that if the spinal cord be
injured all sensation ceases in the parts of the

body that lie below the injury. And it is possible to deprive any limb of sensation by
dividing the chief nerve that supplies that member with nerve-fibres.

There seem to be two sets of nerves for the two purposes of conveying motive
power to the body and of bringing to the nervous centres the sensations of pain or
pleasure felt by any part of the body. These are appropriately known as nerves of
motion and nerves of sensation.

Connected with these nerves is a second system of a very curious nature, known by
the name of the " sympathetic nerve." The greater portion of the sympathetic nerve
in the human frame " communicates with the other nerves immediately at their exit
from the cranium and vertebral canal. It is called the ganglionic nerve, from being
constituted of a number of ganglia, and from the constant disposition which it evinces
in its distribution to communicate and form small knots or ganglia." * It is wonder-
fully interwoven with the vital organs, and from this disposition it is sometimes
termed the "organic nerve." Its functions are closely connected with the phenomena
of organic life, and it seems to be especially sensitive to emotional disturbances. There
are several aggregations of the ganglia in various portions of the body ; the largest,
which is known by the name of the " solar plexus," is placed in the pit of the
stomach or " epigastrium." Its importance may be easily inferred from the extreme
agony that is caused by the slightest blow near the region of that group of ganglia.
A concussion that would hardly be felt upon any other portion of the body, will, if
it takes place on the epigastrium, at once cause the injured person to fall as if shot,

* Wilson.

NERVKS OP FINGER TIPS.

STRUCTURE OF BONE.

bring on collapse, deprive him of breath for some time, and leave him gasping and
speechless on the ground ; while a tolerably severe blow in that region causes instan-
taneous death.

Anxiety seems to fix its gnawing teeth chiefly in the solar plexus, causing indigestion
and many other similar maladies, and deranging the system so thoroughly that even after
the exciting cause is removed the effects are painfully evident for many a sad
year.

By means of this complicated system of nerves the entire body, with its vital organs,
is permeated in every part by the animating power that gives vitality and energy to the
frame so long as the spirit abides therein.

This is the portion of the nervous system that never slumbers nor sleeps, knowing
no rest, and never ceasing from its labors until the time comes when the spirit finally
withdraws from the material temple in which it has been enshrined. It is the very
citadel of the nerve forces, and is the last stronghold that yields to the conquering
powers of death and decay.

Thus it will be seen that each animal is a complex of many animals, interwoven with
each other, and mutually aiding each other, In the human body there is, for example,
the ne*ve-man which has just been described ; there is a blood-man, which, if separated
from the other part of the body, is found to present a human form, perfect in propor-
tions, and composed of large trunk-vessels, dividing into smaller branches, until they
terminate in their capillaries. A rough preparation of the blood-being may be made by
filling the vessels with wax, and dissolving away the remaining substances, thus leaving
a waxen model of the arteries and veins with their larger capillaries.

Again, there is the fibrous and muscular man, composed of forms more massive and
solid than those which we have already examined.

Lastly, there is the bone-man, which is the least developed of the human images,
and which, when stripped of the softer coverings, stands dense, dry, and lifeless ; — the
grim scaffolding of the human edifice. Although the bones are not in themselves very
pleasing objects, yet their mode of arrangement, their adaptation to the wants of the
animal whose frame they support, and the beau-
tiful mechanism of their construction, as revealed
by the microscope, give a spirit and a life, even to
the study of dry bones.

The accompanying illustration represents the
appearance of a transverse section of human
bone,as seen under a tolerably powerful micro-
scope.

The larger hollows are caused by the minute
blood-vessels which penetrate the bone through-
out its substance, and serve to deposit new par-
ticles, and to remove those whose work is over.
They are, in fact, a kind of lungs of the bones,

SECTION OF HUMAN BONE.

through which the osseous system is regenerated in a manner analogous to the respira-
tion which regenerates the blood. In order to supply a sufficient volume of blood to
these various vessels, several trunk vessels enter the bones at different parts of their
form, and ramify out into innumerable branchlets, which again separate into the hair-
like vessels that pass through the above-mentioned canals. These are termed, from
their discoverer, C. Havers, the Haversian canals, and their shape and comparative
size are most important in determining the class of beings which furnish the portion
of bone under examination.

In the human bone these canals run so uniformly, that their cut diameters always
afford a roundish outline. But in the bird-bone, the Haversian canals frequently turn
off abruptly from their course, and running for a short distance at right angles, again
dip and resume their former direction.

The reptiles possess very few Haversian canals, which when they exist, are extremely
large, and devoid of that beautiful regularity which is so conspicuous in the mammalia,
and to a degree in the birds.

IO

THE TEACHINGS OF SCIENCE.

The fish-bone is often totally destitute of these canals, while, in other cases, the
bone is thickly pierced with them, and exhibits also a number of minute tubes, white
and delicate, as if made of ivory.

Returning to the human bone, the Haversian canals are seen to be surrounded with
a number of concentric bony rings, varying much in number and shape, on which are
placed sundry little black objects that somewhat resemble ants or similar insects.
These latter objects are known by the name of bone-cells ; and the little dark lines
that radiate from them are the indications of very minute tubes, the number and com-
parative dimensions of which are extremely various in different animals.

Thus, it will be seen, how easily the observer can, in a minute fragment of bone,
though hardly larger than a midge's wing, read the class of animal of whose frame-
work it once formed a part, as decisively as if the former owner were present to claim
his property ; for each particle of every animal is imbued with the nature of the whole
being. The life-character is enshrined in and written upon every sanguine disc that
rolls through the veins ; is manifested in every fibre and nervelet that gives energy and
force to the breathing and active body ; and is stereotyped upon each bony atom that
forms part of its skeleton framework.

Whoever reads these hieroglyphs rightly is truly a poet and a prophet ; for to
him the " valley of dry bones " becomes a vision of death passed away, and a pre-
vision of a resurrection and a life to come. As he gazes upon the vast multitude of
dead, sapless memorials of beings long since perished, " there is a shaking, and the
bones come together " once again ; their fleshly clothing is restored to them ; the vital
fluid courses through their bodies ; the spirit of life is breathed into them ; " and they
live, and stand upon their feet." Ages upon ages roll back their tides, and once more
the vast reptile epoch reigns on earth. The huge saurians shake the ground with
their heavy tread, wallow in the slimy ooze, or glide sinuous through the waters ; -while
winged reptiles flap their course through the miasmatic vapors that hang dank and
heavy over the marshy world. As with them, so with us, — an inevitable progression
towards higher stages of existence, the effete and undeveloped beings passing away
to make room for new, and loftier, and more perfect creations. What is the volume
that has thus recorded the chronicles of an age so long past, and prophecies of as far
distant a future ? Simply a little fragment of mouldering bone, tossed aside con-
temptuously by the careless laborer as miners' " rubbish."

Not only is the past history of each being written in every particle of which its
material frame is constructed, but the past records of the universe to which it belongs,
and a prediction of its future. God can make no one thing that is not universal in its
teachings, if we would only be so taught ; if not, the fault is with the pupils, not with
the Teacher. He writes his ever-living words in all the works of his hand ; He spreads
this ample book before us, always ready to teach, if we will only learn. We walk in
the midst of miracles with closed eyes and stopped ears, dazzled and bewildered with
the Light, fearful and distrustful of the Word !

It is not enough to accumulate facts as misers gather coins, and then to put them
away on our bookshelves, guarded by the bars and bolts of technical phraseology.
As coins the facts must be circulated, and given to the public for their use. It is no
matter of wonder that the generality of readers recoil from works on the natural
sciences, and look upon them as mere collections of tedious names, irksome to read,
unmanageable of utterance, and impossible to remember. Our scientific libraries are
filled with facts, dead, hard, dry, and material as the fossil bones that fill the sealed
and caverned libraries of the past. But true science will breathe life into that dead
mass, and fill the study of zoology with poetry and spirit.

QUADRUMANA.

ii

QUADRUMANA;

OR THE MONKEY TRIBE.

THE QUADRUMANOUS, or Four-handed animals, are familiarly known by the titles oJ
Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys. There is another family of Quadrumana, called
Lemurs, which bear but little external resemblance to their more man-like relations, are
comparatively little known, and have even been popularly termed " rats," " cats," or
" dogs," by travellers who have come in contact with them.

12 HANDS AND PAWS.

With the exception of a few small species, such as the marmosets and the lemurs,
the Quadrumana are not very pleasing animals in aspect or habits ; while the larger
apes and baboons are positively disgusting. The air of grotesque humanity that
characterizes them is horribly suggestive of human idiocy ; and we approach an im-
prisoned baboon with much the same feeling of repugnance that would be excited by
a debased and brutal maniac. This aversion seems to be caused not so much by the
resemblance that the ape bears to man, as by the horror lest man should degenerate
until he resembled the ape. It is true that the naturalist learns to see wonder or
beauty in all things of nature, and therefore looks with lively interest on such animals
as the shark, the toad, the viper, the vulture, the hyena, or the ape. But still, these
creatures are less pleasing in his sight than many others which may be not so highly
developed ; and in truth there are few who, if the choice lay between the two fates,
would not prefer to suffer from the fangs and claws of the lion, than from the teeth
and hands of the ape.

Although these animals are capable of assuming a partially erect position, yet their
habitual attitude is on all fours, like the generality of the mammalia. Even the most
accomplished ape is but a bad walker when he discards the use of his two upper
limbs, and trusts for support and progression to the hinder legs only. There are
many dogs which can walk, after the biped manner, with a firmer step and a more
assured demeanor than the apes, although they do not so closely resemble the human
figure.

\Ve are all familiar with the small monkeys that are led about the streets in company
with a barrel-organ, or seated, in equestrian fashion, upon a bear or dog. These poor
little creatures have been trained to stand upon their hind feet, and to shuffle along at
a slow and awkward pace. But if they are startled, and so forget for a moment their
acquired art, or if they wish to hurry their pace, they drop down on all fours, and
scamper off with an air of easy comfort that contrasts forcibly with their former con-
strained and vacillating hobble. The difficulty seems to increase almost proportionately
with the size of the animal, and the largest apes, such as the orang-outang, are forced to
balance themselves with outstretched arms.

However carefully a monkey may be educated, yet it never can assume an attitude
truly erect, like that of man. The construction of its whole frame is such, that its
knees are always bent more or less, so that a firm and steady step is rendered impos-
sible. When in the enjoyment of liberty among their native haunts, none of the
monkey tribes seem to use their hind legs exclusively for walking, although they often
raise themselves in a manner similar to that of the bears, and other animals, when
they wish to take a more extended view of the surrounding localities.

On account of the structure of the limbs, the term " hand " is given to their ex-
tremities; but hardly with perfect fitness. It must be borne in mind that the thumb
is not invariably found on the fore extremities of these animals. In several genera of
the monkeys, the fore-paws are destitute of effective thumbs, and the hand-like grasp
is limited to the hinder feet. The so-called hands of the monkey tribes will not bear
comparison with those of man. Although the thumb possesses great freedom of
motion, and in many species can be opposed to the fingers in a manner resembling
the hand of man, yet there is no intellectual power in the monkey hand ; none of that
characteristic contour which speaks of the glorious human soul so strongly, that an
artist can sketch a single hand, and in that one member exhibit the individuality of its
owner ! The monkey's "hand " is Kpaw— a thieving, crafty, slinking paw, and not a
true hand. So is his foot but a paw, and not a true foot, formed for grasping and not
for walking. Man seems to be the only earthly being that possesses true feet and
hands. Some animals patter along upon their paws, some trot and gallop upon hoofs,
others propel themselves with paddles ; but Man alone can walk. Man is never so
much Man as when erect, whether standing or walking. It is no mere figure of speech
to say that man walks with God.

In order to bring this point more clearly before the eyes of the reader, the skeleton
of a man is contrasted with that of the gorilla, the most highly organized of all the apes.
The heavy, ill-balanced form of the ape ; its head sunk upon its shoulders ; its long,

SKELETON-MAN.

SKELETON-GORILLA.

uncouth arms, with those enormous paws at their extremities ; its short, bowed, and
tottering legs, unable to support the huge body without the help of the arms ; the
massive jaw-bones and protruding face, put the creature at an unappreciable distance
from humanity, even though it is represented in an attitude as similar to that of the
human being as the organization of the bones will permit. Any one who could fancy
himself to be descended, however remotely, from such a being, is welcome to his
ancestry.

Contrast with the skeleton of the gorilla, that of man. Light in structure, and
perfectly balanced on the small and delicate feet ; the slender arms, with their char-
acteristic hands ; the smooth and rounded skull ; the small jaw-bones and regular teeth,
all show themselves as the framework of a being whose strength is to lie in his intellect,
and not in the mere brute power of bone and muscle. There seems to be a strange
eloquence inform, which speaks at once to the heart in language that can only be felt,
and is beyond the power of analysis to resolve. Thus, the contrasted shapes of these
two frames speak more forcibly of the immeasurable distance between the two beings
of which they form a part, than could be expressed in many pages of careful description.
Strength for strength, the ape is many times the man's superior, and could rend him
to pieces in single combat. But that slender human frame can be so intellectually
strengthened, that a single man could destroy a troop of apes, if he so desired, and
without offering them the possibility of resistance.

One great cause of the awkward bipedal walk of the monkey tribes, is the position
of the orifice in the skull, through which the spinal cord enters the brain. In the
human skull this orifice is so placed that the head is nearly equally balanced, and a
considerable portion of the skull projects behind it ; but in the lower animals, this

HANNO'S VOYAGE.

orifice — called the " occipital foramen " — is set so far back, that the whole weight of
the brain and skull is thrown forwards, and so overbalances the body.

Another cause is seen in the structure of the hind limbs. These members are in-
tended for progression among the branches of trees, and are so formed that, when the
animal uses them for terrestrial locomotion, it is forced to tread, not upon their soles,
but upon their sides. The muscular calves, which brace the foot and limb, are want-
ing in the Quadrumanous animals ; and even when they are standing as uprightly as
possible, the knees are always partially bent. The monkeys, then, are just quadru-
peds, although their paws are more perfectly developed than those of the generality of
animals.

\Ye will now proceed to our examples of the Quadrumanous animals.

SIMIAD^E, OR APES.

The Apes are at once distinguished from the other Quadrumana by the absence of
those cheek-pouches which are so usefully employed as temporary larders by those
monkeys which possess them ; by the total want of tails, and of those callosities on
the hinder quarters which are so conspicuously characteristic of the baboons. Besides
these external differences there are several distinctions to be found in the interior
anatomy both of the bones and the vital organs.

The first in order, as well as the largest of the Apes, is the enormous ape from
Western Africa, the Gorilla, the skeleton of which has already been given. This
animal is comparatively new to modern zoologists, and very little is at present known
of its habits. The first modern writer who brought the Gorilla before the notice of the
public seems to be Mr. Bowdich, the well-known African traveller ; for it is evidently
of the Gorilla that he speaks under the name of Ingheena. The natives of the Gaboon
and its vicinity use the name Gina, when mentioning the Gorilla. The many tales,
too, that are told of the habits, the gigantic strength, and the general appearance of
the Ingheena, are precisely those which are attributed to the Gorilla.

Of the Ingheena, Mrs. Lee (formerly Mrs. Bowdich ) speaks as follows : — " It is in
equatorial Africa that the most powerful of all the Quadrumana live, far exceeding the
orang-outang, and even the pongo of Borneo.

" Mr. Bowdich and myself were the first to revive and confirm a long-forgotten and
vague report of the existence of such a creature, and many thought that, as we ourselves
had not seen it, we had been deceived by the natives. They assured us that these
huge creatures walk constantly on their hind feet, and never yet were taken alive ; that
they watch the actions of men, and imitate them as nearly as possible. Like the ivory
hunters, they pick up the fallen tusks of elephants, but not knowing where to deposit
them, they carry their burdens about until they themselves drop, and even die from
fatigue ; that they built huts nearly in the shape of those of men, but live on the out-
side ; and that when one of their children dies, the mother carries it in her arms until
it falls to pieces ; that one blow of their paw will kill a man, and that nothing can ex-
ceed their ferocity."

Its existence was evidently known to some adventurous voyagers more than two
thousand years ago, and a record has been preserved of these travels.

Somewhere about the year 350 B. c., the Carthaginians, then a most powerful and
flourishing nation, organized a naval expedition for the purpose of examining the
coasts and of founding colonies. The command of the fleet, which consisted of sixty
large vessels containing nearly thirty thousand men and women, together with provis-
ions and other necessaries, was entrusted to Hanno, who wrote memoirs of the voy-
age in a small work that is well known by the title of the " Periplus," or the Circum-
navigation of Hanno. In the course of this voyage he founded seven colonies, and
after advancing as far as the modern Sierra Leone, was forced to return for want of
provisions.

The whole treatise is one of great interest, especially in the present day, when
travels of discovery in Africa have been prosecuted with so much energy. The passage,
however, which bears on the present question is briefly as follows. After narrating

THE GORILLA. 15

with these creatures on an island off the west coast of Africa, he proceeds to say : —
" There were many more females than males, all equally covered with hair on all parts
of the body. The interpreters called them GORILLAS. On pursuing them we could
not succeed in taking a single male ; they all escaped with astonishing swiftness, and
threw stones at us ; but we took three females, who defended themselves with so
much violence that we were obliged to kill them, but we brought their skins stuffed
with straw to Carthage." It is evident that Hanno (or Annon, as his name is some-
times given) considered these Gorillas to be the veritable savage human inhabitants

GORILLA.— Troglodytes Gorilla.

of the island ; perhaps rather more savage and powerful than ordinary, and rather less
given to clothing ; which latter deficiency, however, was supplied by the natural cover-
ing of hair.

Imperfect as is his description, yet it is of much interest, as it proves the existence of
extraordinarily huge apes hitherto unknown even to the Carthaginians, the stuffed skins
being visible tests.

For two thousand years nothing was heard of the Gorilla except certain floating
rumors of satyr-haunted woods, and of wild men who used to make their appearance at

16 HABITS OF THE GORILLA.

at distant intervals and then to disappear ; " of which kind," it is said, " there are still
in Ethiopia." But by degrees the truthfulness of the narrative was made clear ;
detached bones were discovered and sent to Europe, and at last the complete animal
made its appearance. Indeed, we are much indebted to this straightforward and simple-
minded sailor, for his unadorned narrative, which forms such a favorable contrast to
the travellers' tales of later voyagers, who on some small substratum of truth raised
such enormous fictions as the monopods, the pigmies and cranes, the acephali, and
other prodigies. For a vivid description, and graphic though rude figures of these
and many other monsters, the reader is referred to the " Nuremberg Chronicle."

Perhaps it may be of this animal that the following history is narrated : —

" A certain ape after a shipwreck, swimming to land, was seen by a countryman,
and thinking him to be a man in the water, gave him his hand to save him, yet in the
meantime asked him what countryman he was, who answered he was an Athenian.
1 Well,' said the man, * dost thou know Pirceus ? ' (which is a port in Athens).

" ' Very well,' said the ape, * and his wife, friends, and children ; ' whereat the man
being moved, did what he could to drown him."

At present we have but a very slight acquaintance with the mode of life adopted by
the Gorilla in a wild state, or even with its food. For a knowledge of the habits of
animals is only to be gained by a long residence in their vicinity, and by careful
watching. With some creatures this is an easy task, but there are some which are so
wary, so active, and so fierce, that a close inspection is almost an impossibility.
Among the worst of such objects is the Gorilla. In the first place, it is only to be
found in the thickest jungles of the Gaboon, far from man and his habitations. Then,
it is wary, as are all the apes, and is said to be so ferocious, that if it sees a man, it
immediately attacks him, so that there would be little time for gaining any knowledge
of the creature's domestic habits, and scarcely any likelihood of surviving to tell the
result of the investigation.

To judge by the structure of the skeleton, and of the entire form, the strength of
an adult male must be prodigious. The teeth are heavy and powerful, and the great
canines or tusks are considerably more than an inch in their projection from the jaw.
The jaw-bone, too, is enormously developed, and the strength of the muscles that
move it is indicated by the deep bony ridges that run over the top of the skull, and
in different parts of the head. As is usual among such animals, the tusks of the male
Gorilla are nearly double the size of those of the female ape.

Although the body is comparatively small, as are the hinder legs, yet the breadth of
shoulder and length of arm are singularly great; while an ordinary human hand placed
on that of the ape, dwindles down to insignificance before the huge muscular paw.
The thumb of the hinder paws is enormously large, as is well shown in the en-
graving.

There is a treacherous and cruel aspect about this hind foot, with its enormous
thumb ; and if all tales be true, the foot belies not its character. The natives of the
Gaboon country hold the Gorilla in great dread, fearing it even more than the lion
itself, on account of its furtively murderous disposition.

Concealed among the thick branches of the forest trees, the Gorilla, itself unseen,
watches the approach of the unsuspecting negro. Should he pass under the tree, woe
betide him ; for the Gorilla lets down its terrible hind foot, grasps its victim round the
throat, lifts him from the earth, and finally drops him on the ground, dead.

Sheer malignity must prompt the animal to such a deed, for it cares not to eat the
dead man's flesh ; but finds a fiendish gratification in the mere act of killing. It is a
kind of sporting ; though the game is of a better quality than that which is usually
chased over the fields, shot in the air, or hooked out of the water ; not to be eaten, but
for the sport.

Such a deed as the capture of an adult Gorilla has never been attempted, and much
less achieved, by the human inhabitants of the same land. There are many reasons
for this circumstance.

In the first place, the negroes, seeing that the Gorilla is possessed of strength, fero-
city, and pitiless cruelty, conceive that the animal must be inspirited by the soul of one

THE GORILLA. ,7

of their kings ; for in the lower stages of man's progress he does honor to physical
force alone, and values his ruler in proportion to his power, brutality, and heartless-
ness. It is the best boast of a savage chief, no matter of what nation and of what
country, that he has " no heart." The savage crouches in terror before the imaged
incarnation of the evil principle, and adores, for he can only worship the object of his
fears. His belief is truly that of the demons — " he believes and trembles." Rever-
ence for the inborn royalty of the Gorilla does not save the animal from the fate of
being eaten whenever it falls a victim to the weapons of its negro assailants. Perhaps
the very feeling of reverence may incite to the act, in a manner analogous to the filial
piety of the Scythians, which was best shown by killing their aged parents and duti-
fully eating them.

But putting aside the terrors of diabolism, which are engrained in the native African
mind, the task of capturing a living and full-grown Gorilla is well calculated to appal
the heart of any man. The strength, the activity, and the cunning and sanguinary
malevolence of the animal are so great, that the uncivilized Africans may well be ex-
cused for their dread of its powers.

Yet it does not follow that although the Africans have failed, Europeans should not
succeed. The native Africans have not dared to attempt the capture of the elephant,
although Europeans have succeeded in that endeavor, and have subdued the terrible
foe, converting it into a docile servant, and even making it an attached and intelligent
friend.

Once or twice, the young Gorillas have been captured, in spite of the furious resist-
ance which is made by their male friends ; but from some reason they have always died
in a very short time.

Cunning as is the Gorilla, and ingenious in some things to a striking degree, its in-
telligence is but limited, and the animal exhibits such unexpected instances of fatuity,
that it well shows the distinction between cunning and wisdom, and proves itself to be
but an animal, and nothing more.

If it finds the remnant of a fire which has been relinquished by the persons who
kindled it, the Gorilla, is greatly charmed with the novel sensation produced by
artificial warmth, and sits by the bright wonder with much satisfaction. As the fire fails,
and the glowing brands sink into white ashes, the animal draws closer to the expiring
embers, and does not leave them until all heat has left the spot. But it never thinks
of keeping up the fire by placing fresh fuel upon it, and does not even learn to imitate
that action, which it may often have seen performed by the hunters who kindled the
fire, and kept it well supplied with fuel during the night. It is most providential that
the beast is devoid of this faculty, for, with the usual perseverance of the monkey race
in such cases, it would probably continue to heap fuel, until the forest itself was ablaze.

It is said also, that when the Gorilla makes an incursion into a sugar plantation, it
has sufficient sense to bite off a number of the canes, and to twist them into a bundle
for better conveyance. But it frequently includes several of the growing canes in its
fagot, and then feels woefully discomfited because it cannot carry away the parcel
which had cost so much trouble in making.

The natives of Africa have an idea that these, and other large apes, are really men ;
but that they pretend to be stupid and dumb, in order to escape impressment as slaves.
Work, indeed, seems to be the summum malum in the African mind, and a true African
never works if he can help it. As to the necessary household labors, and the task of
agriculture, he will not raise a finger, but makes his wives work, he having previously
purchased them for that purpose. In truth, in a land where the artificial wants are so
few — unless the corruptions of pseudo-civilization have made their entrance — and
where unassisted nature is so bountiful, there is small need of work. The daily" life
of a " black fellow " has been very graphically described in a few words. He gets a
large melon ; cuts it in two and scoops out the inside ; one half he puts on his head,
he sits in the other half, and eats the middle.

It is rather singular that this legendary connection of apes and indolence should
prevail on the continents of Africa and Asia.

The outline of the Gorilla's face is most brutal in character, and entirely destroys

2

THE GORILLA.

the slight resemblance to the human countenance, which the full form exhibits. As in
the Chimpanzee, an ape which is placed in the same genus with the Gorilla, the color
of the hair is nearly black ; but in some lights, and during the life of the animal, it
assumes a lighter tinge of grayish brown, on account of the admixture of variously
colored hairs. On the top of the head, and the side of the cheeks, it assumes a grizzly
hue. The length of the hair is not very great, considering the size of the animal, and
is not more than two or three inches in length. On the arms it is arranged in a rather
curious manner, the hair from the shoulder to the elbow points downwards, while that
from the elbow to the fingers points upwards, so that the two sets of hairs meet at the
elbow, and make a pendant tuft. A similar structure is found in other large apes, but
the object of so curious a disposition is not yet known. One reason for this arrange-
ment of the hair, may be that if their long hairs were to hang along the arm and wrist,
they would get into the hand, and interfere with the grasp, while by their reverted
growth such an embarrassment is removed. The color of the eye is dark brown,
glowing with a baleful emerald light, when the fierce passions are roused.

It will be seen, on referring to the two engravings, which represent the skeleton of
this animal, and the living creature itself, that the paws of the four extremities are not
precisely alike in their development. On the two fore-paws, the fingers are enormous,
the thumbs being comparatively trifling in dimensions ; while the corresponding mem-
bers of the hinder paws are just reversed in their size. The figure of the Gorilla, on
p. 15, marks these peculiarities with great fidelity, and in the action of the creature
shows the reason for the extraordinary and gigantic thumbs of the hinder limbs. .

As to the size of a full-grown Gorilla, accounts vary much. The specimen which is
best known in England is five feet six inches high, when placed erect. From shoulder
to shoulder it measures nearly three feet, while the body is only two feet four inches,
measured from the hip-joint. It is possible, however, that there may be much larger
individuals. Independent, however, of the impression made on the minds of the
spectators by the sight of an infuriated animal, it is a fact that the feeling of anger
does dilate the form, whether of man or beast. And as one effect of anger is to cause
the hair to bristle up (as indeed is seen familiarly in dogs, cats, and other animals),
the ape while under the influence of that fiery rage to which these animals are so sub-
ject, would in reality present a larger outline than if it were calmly engaged in its usual
pursuits. Six, or even seven feet of height, have been attributed to these creatures.
But it must be remembered that a wild, fierce animal always looks very much larger
when living and in motion, than when lying dead and still on the ground, or even "set
up " in a museum, with glass eyes, and straw-distended skin. Elephants of sixteen feet
high, have shrunk to eleven and ten feet under the application of the measuring rod,
and it is proverbial among anglers, that the fish which they do not catch, are finer
and heavier than those which they can subject to scales and foot-measure. So it is
likely enough that a wild and savage Gorilla, with his fury-flashing eyes, his fierce
gestures, and enormous arms, would impress the mind of his opponent with an idea of
a very much larger animal. It is not only upon Gadshill that two men in buckram
multiply unto eleven.

But granting that the Gorilla does not attain to any much greater height than five
feet, even then it is an animal much to be dreaded as an enemy, and capable of doing
vast mischief, if so inclined. But it is a most merciful provision, and one that
seems to be universal among creatures of such a stamp, that in proportion as their
bodily powers increase, their mental powers degenerate. The larger apes are, in their
period of childhood, so to speak, teachable and tolerably docile ; while when they at-
tain to years of maturity, the animal attributes assume strength, gradually gain dominion
over the mental, until at last the reasoning capacities seem to degenerate into a mere
contracted cunning.

It seems that this degeneration is intended to prevent the animal from passing be-
yond the bounds to which it is confined, and by the very laws of its being to prevent
it from using its vast strength for bad purposes. The ape evidently does not know
his strength, nor how terrible an enemy he could be, if he only knew how to use the
singular power and activity which he possesses. These huge apes seem to live apart

THE GORILLA.

and not to band together in large herds as do the baboons and other quadrumanous
animals. If they were to unite, and to understand the principle of combination, they
could speedily depopulate any country that was inhabited by men who were not
possessed of fire-arms, and were unable to construct defences.

But, fortunately for those human beings who are within reach of these terrible
animals, the adult ape is one of the most dull and stupid creatures imaginable ; sulky,
ferocious, and given solely to its own animal appetites.

Here is a sketch of one of the lowest and
least developed of human beings, probably the
very lowest of the human race. This little
man, who belongs to the same country as the
Gorilla, hardly attains even to the same stature,
and in muscular proportions is a very pigmy.
Yet that in mere animal form the Bushman is
infinitely higher than the ape, is evident from
the contrast displayed by the two figures ;
while, if the comparison be extended to the
mental endowments, the impassable barrier
that exists between the two beings, exhibits
itself in the most unmistakeable manner.

Modern zoologists have done rightly in refus-
ing to admit mankind into the same order with
beings so infinitely below them, as are even the
very highest of the apes. The unprogressive
animal is restricted to a narrow circle of thought
and reason, and is totally devoid of that great
privilege of human nature which we call by the
name of aspiration. Man ever proceeds on-
wards and upwards, anticipating something
beyond that which he possesses, while the brute
creation remain in the same course of life in
which they were originally placed. The rec-
ords of geological experience, show that
Simiadae of gigantic stature existed on earth
ages before the creation of human beings.
Relics of these creatures have been found in va-
rious parts of the globe, and even in the tertiary

formations of our own island. Apes were, therefore, at least contemporary with man-
kind ; but while men have progressed, the apes have stood still, and always will stand
still as long as they remain upon earth. The ape which saw the light in the year B. c.
4,000, was not a whit behind its descendant of the year A. D. 1859 in intellect or civiliza-
tion ; and if the order were to be continued for twenty thousand years longer, the last
ape would be not a step nearer civilization than the primeval pair. Within its own
little circle of life, many of its bodily senses are far more acute than those of man, and
its bodily powers greater ; but there ends the advantage. The animals are only partial
and individual in their existence, restricted to a small sphere of life, and often confined
within a very limited portion of the earth. These very limits place the animals at an
immeasurable distance from man, who spreads himself over the entire earth, enduring
with equal ease the fierce rays of the tropical sun or the icy blasts of the arctic gales,
and accommodating himself, through the agencies which his intellect projects, to these
totally dissimilar modes of life.

BUSHMAN.

20

THE CHIMPANZEE.

CLOSELY connected with the preceding animal is the large black ape, which is
well known by the name of CHIMPANZEE.

This creature is found in the same parts of Western Africa as the gorilla, being
very common near the Gaboon. It ranges over a considerable space of country, in-
habiting a belt of land some ten or more degrees north and south of the torrid zone.
For some little time it was supposed that the gorilla was simply an adult Chimpanzee,
but zoologists now agree in separating it from that animal, and giving it a specific
name of its own.

THE CHIMPANZEE.- Troglodytes Niger.

The little niger, or black, sufficiently indicates the color of the hair which envelops
the body and limbs of the Chimpanzee. The tint of the hair is almost precisely the
same as that of the gorilla, being nearly entirely black ; the exception being a few
white hairs scattered thinly over the muzzle. Age seems to give the hair of the animal
a grayish tint in many places. As in the gorilla, the hair of the fore-arm is
turned towards the elbow, where it meets the hair from the upper arm, and forms
a pointed tuft. On the chest and abdomen it is rather thinner than on the remainder of

THE CHIMPANZEE. 21

the body, and permits the skin to be seen between the hairs, but on the arms and other
parts it is sufficiently thick and long to hide the skin altogether. There is a small
beard on the chin and face, which has a Chinese kind of aspect about it.

With very few exceptions, the nostrils of the Quadrumana are placed almost flat upon
the face, and are devoid of that projecting character which gives such expression to the
human countenance. Even in that very large-nosed animal, the Proboscis Monkey, the
nostrils are only oval orifices for the conveyance of air, and seem as devoid of charac-
ter as those of a wax doll.

Just as man is the only being that possesses two hands and feet, so is he the only
inhabitant of earth who can lay claim to a nose. All the Mammalia have nostrils, and
some species are endowed with wonderful powers of scent, such as the dogs, the deer,
and others. Some of them carry a proboscis more or less elongated, such as the ele-
phants and the tapirs. Then there are some, such as those of the porcine group, which
possess snouts ; but not one of them has a nose.

So in the Chimpanzee and its relatives, the muzzle projects exceedingly, and the
nostrils lie almost flatly upon the projecting mass. Herein lies one of the chief char-
acteristics of the simian countenance, which is not so conspicuous when the face is
viewed directly from the front, as when it is turned with the profile towards the obser-
ver. In front, the flattened and divergent nostrils, together with the projecting muzzle,
are not forced on the notice, and might escape a hasty observation ; but if the animal
turns its head, then the simian character shows itself in all its repulsive brutality.

Even in the young Chimpanzee, this preponderance of the face and jaws over the brain-
skull is very considerable, and, as we have already seen, continues to increase as the
animal draws nearer to maturity. The accompanying sketch ex-
hibts the general characteristics of the Chimpanzee skull, and shows
how radically it differs from that of the human being. The distinc-
tion is even more clearly shown if the lower jaw be removed, and the
skull examined from below ; for then, the disproportion between the
animal and reflective parts shows itself most forcibly. SKULL OF THB CHIMP-

In its native country, the Chimpanzee lives in a partly social state, ANZEH.

and at night the united cries of the community fill the air with their reiterated yells. If
we may credit the reports given by the natives of Western Africa the Chimpanzees weave
huts for themselves, and take up their residence in these dwellings. Now it is a well-
known fact that the orang-outang, which comes next in our list, can rapidly frame a kind
of platform of interwoven branches, and so it is not beyond the bounds of credibility
that the Chimpanzee may perform a work of similar character. Only, the chief difference
between the customs of the two animals seem to be, that the one lives upon the structure
or roof, if it may so be called, and the other beneath it. Some travellers say, that although
the huts are actually inhabited, yet that only the females and young are permitted to
take possession of the interior, and that the male takes up his position on the
roof.

The latter supposition derives more force from those habits of the Chimpanzees
with which we are acquainted, and which have induced naturalists to give to the entire
genus, the name of troglodytes. This term is compounded from two Greek words,
signifying a " diver into caverns," and was applied to this ape, because it seems to
prefer rocky and broken ground to the forest branches, which form the refuge of nearly
all quadrumanous animals.

This compound word is not of modern invention ; for in the works of Aristotle, Pliny
and other writers on the subject of natural history, much mention is made of a race of
men who lived in rocky caverns, and who earned, by their burrowing habits, the title
above mentioned. The language and costume of these people were as barbarous as their
habitations, for the former characteristic was said to resemble the hissing of serpents,
rather than to bear any likeness to articulate speech, and in the latter accomplishment
they were totally deficient in the hotter months. It is possible that the Bushman tribes
may have given rise to these descriptions, which, indeed, would not be very erroneous
if they had been used in depicting the " Digger " Indians of the New World.

Be this at is may, it is a remarkable fact that the Chimpanzees are groundlings, and

22

THE CHIMPANZEE.

are not accustomed to habitual residence among the branches of trees. Although these
apes do not avail themselves of the protection which would be afforded by a loftier
habitation, yet they are individually so strong, and collectively so formidable, that
they dwell in security, unharmed even by the lion, leopard, or other members of the cat
tribes, which are so dreaded by the monkey tribes generally. Even the elephant yields
to these active and ferocious animals, and leaves them undisturbed. Yet a Chimpanzee
would not dare to meet a panther in single combat, and depends for safety upon the
assistance that would be afforded by its companions. This is shown by a curious and
rather absurd incident that occurred on board a ship where a young and docile
Chimpanzee suddenly came in sight of a caged panther, which had taken voyage in the
same vessel.

The unexpected sight of the panther entirely overcame his feelings, and with a
fearful yell he dashed along the deck, knocking over sundry of the crew in his passage.
He then dived into the folds of a sail which was lying on deck, covered himself up
with the sail-cloth, and was in such an agony of terror, that he could not be induced
to come out of his retreat for a long time.

His fright was not groundless, for the panther was as much excited as the ape, only
with eager desire, and not with fear. It paced its cage for hours afterwards, and con-
tinued to watch restlessly, much as a cat may be seen to watch the crevice through
which a mouse has made good its escape.

There are also strange reports, which are still credited, that the Chimpanzees carry
off negresses, and detain them in the woods for years, sometimes until they are re-
leased by death from their terrible captivity.

The food of these creatures appears to be almost entirely of a vegetable nature, -and
they are very unprofitable neighbors to any one who has the misfortune to raise crops
of rice, or to plant bananas, plantains, or papaus, within an easy journey of a Chimpanzee
settlement. As is the case with many of the monkey tribes, the animal will eat food
of a mixed character, when it is living in a domesticated state.

Many specimens have been brought to Europe, and some to England ; but this
insular climate seems to have a more deleterious effect on the constitution of this ape
than even on that of the other Quadrumana. In this country, our worst, most insidious,
and most irresistible malady fastens upon the apes with relentless hand. The lungs of
these creatures are accustomed to the burning suns which heat and rarefy the air of
the tropical climates, and are peculiarly sensitive to cold and damp. Few members
of this family live to any length of years, after they have once crossed the Channel.
They are, after awhile, seized with a short hacking cough, the sure sign that con-
sumption has begun that work which it is so sure to accomplish.

It may be, that the atmosphere of so small an island as England, is loaded with
marine and saline exhalations which prove too irritative to the lungs of the ape. Be
this as it may, the free use of food which supplies a large amount of carbon, is the
best preventive of this lethal ailment. Cod liver oil will be found very efficacious ;
and I know of one successful cure, where the animal was treated to a glass of wine
daily. It seems to supply, internally, the heat principle, which is poured in fiery
vehemence from the vertical sun of the tropics, and which our temperate zones can only
afford in moderate proportions.

A monkey, when afflicted with this disease, is a truly pitiful sight. The poor animal
sits in such a woeful attitude, coughing at intervals, and putting its hands to its chest
in a way terribly human. And it looks so mournfully and reproachfully out of its
dark brown eyes, just as if it were rebuking the spectator for his part in bringing it
from its native land, where it was happy among its friends, to die a solitary death of
cold and consumption, behind the bars of its prison.

The climate of France seems to be better suited to these animals than that of
England.

In the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris, there was a remarkably fine specimen of the
Chimpanzee. Black, sleek, and glossy, he was facile princeps in the establishment
and none dared to dispute his authority.

He was active enough, and displayed very great strength, and some agility, as he

THE CHIMPANZEE. 23

swung himself from side to side of the cage, by means of the ropes that are suspended
from the roof ; but he preserved a dignified air as became the sole ruler.

There was a kind of aristocratic calmness about the animal, and he would, at inter-
vals, pause in his airy promenade, and, seating himself on a convenient spot, delib-
erately scan the large assembly that generally surrounded the monkey-house. His sur-
vey completed, he would eat a nut or a piece of biscuit, and recommence his leisurely
gambols. His health seemed to be perfectly good, as was shown by the alertness
of his movements, and the full, open look of his eyes.

A sad contrast to this animal was presented by a wretched little Chimpanzee which I
saw in England. It was still possessed of sufficient strength to move about its cage,
but executed all its movements in a slow, listless manner, that would have told its own
tale, had not the frequent hacking cough spoken so plainly of the malady that was con-
suming its vitals. The countenance of the poor creature was very sad, and it did not
appear to take the least interest in anything that occurred.

I have seen many monkeys with this sad aspect, and was always haunted by their
piteous looks for days afterwards.

The ravages which this disease can make in the delicate formation of a monkey's lung,
before the creature finally succumbs, must be seen to be appreciated. The whole organ
is so eaten up and its color and substance so changed, that the spectator marvels that
the creature's life could have been sustained for an hour under such circumstances.

As long, however, as they resist the untoward influence of our climate, the specimens
which we have known, have always been extremely gentle and docile. Taught by the
instinctive dread of cold, they soon appreciate the value of clothing, and learn to wrap
themselves in mats, rugs, or blankets, with perfect gravity and decorum. Dress ex-
ercises its fascinations even over the ape, for one of these animals has been known to
take such delight in a new and handsome costume, that he repudiated the previous
dress, and in order to guard against the possibility of reverting to the cast-off garment,
tore it to shreds. Whether the natives of Western Africa speak rightly in asserting
that the Chimpanzee is capable of using weapons, is at present rather a doubtful point.
The negroes say that the " Baboos," as they call the animals (the name evidently
being a corruption from our own word Baboon), make use of clubs, staves, and other
rude weapons, and that they can use them with great address. Certain it is, that the
adult Chimpanzee has been known to snap with a single effort branches so thick, that
the united strength of two men could hardly bend them. But whether the animal
would possess sufficient intellectual power to make use of a weapon thus obtained, is
not so certain.

It is said that they have a sufficient amount of knowledge to be aware that the
strength of a man lies in his weapons, and not in his muscles only ; and that if a
hunter should draw on himself the vengeance of the troop, by wounding or killing one
of their number, he can escape certain death, by flinging down his gun. The enraged
apes gather round the object that dealt the fatal stroke, and tear it to pieces with
every mark of fury. While they are occupied with wreaking their vengeance on the
senseless object, the owner of the fatal weapon escapes unnoticed.

The strength of arm with which this animal is endowed, has already been shown.
But although the hinder limbs are not possessed of that gigantic muscular strength
which is given to the arms, yet they are powerful to a degree that would be remarkable
in any animal less athletic than the Chimpanzee. One of these creatures has been
seen to lower itself backwards from the bar on which it was sitting, and to draw it-
self up again, merely by the grasp of the hinder feet.

The age to which the Chimpanzee attains in its wild state, is as yet unknown.
But to judge by the length of time that elapses before the animal reaches maturity, its
life cannot be very much less than that of the human inhabitants of the same land.
Nine or ten years are spent by the Chimpanzee before it has reached the perfection of
its development ; and it is well known that the inhabitants of the tropical regions
attain to maturity at a very early age indeed.

A peculiarly fine specimen of the Chimpanzee, which was tamed and domesticated
in its native country, lived to the age of twenty-one years. This animal was possessed

24 THE CHIMPANZEE.

of gigantic strength, and on one occasion was intercepted in the act of carrying a
soldier into the tree to which he was chained. This ape might, however, have been a
specimen of the gorilla.

One great and almost radical objection to the weapon-using powers of the Chim-
panzee, may be found in the difficulty which these animals experience in standing
erect. In order to use a weapon effectively, the hands and arms must be at liberty and
the feet planted firmly on the ground. A defect in either of these conditions, is fatal
to the right handling of the weapon. Now, as the Chimpanzee has much difficulty
in preserving even a semi-erect position, and is forced to aid itself by placing the backs
of its hands on the ground, it will be at once seen that a club would not give very
much assistance to the creature. It might certainly launch stones with force and
effect ; but a weapon that requires the full and independent use of both sets of limbs,
would be of small beneft.

Besides, the creature is already so terribly armed by nature with formidable fangs
and limbs of Herculean strength, that it needs no artificial means of offence, and
would probably be rather embarrassed by them than otherwise.

Still, it is not improbable that these inquisitive animals have seen their human neigh-
bors armed with sticks, and in that irresistible spirit of imitation to which monkey
nature seems to be a victim, have armed themselves in similar manner, though with cer-
tain detrimental results. Should they really have recourse to these artificial and use-
less weapons, when brought into collision with human foes, it may be a providential
means of depriving them of those terrible natural weapons, which would be truly for-
midable, and so causing them to be the more easily overcome by man. Judging from
the familiar instances of their imitative nature, we may safely allow that the Chimpanzees
do carry sticks, although we may infer that such weapons would be worse than useless
to their bearers.

In common with the orang-outang, and several other members of the same family, the
Chimpanzee is possessed of extremely mobile lips. In the lips, indeed, the whole ex-
pression of the face seems to be concentrated ; and by the lips the animal expresses
the various emotions of fear, astonishment, hatred, rage, or pleasure, that agitate the
ape's brain. Those lips can be protruded until they assume an almost snout-like aspect ;
they can be moulded into the strangest forms ; they can be withdrawn, and almost oblit-
erated from the countenance, when the creature extends its mouth into the grin of anger,
exhibiting its sharp teeth, and uttering its furious cries. There are in the face of the
ape none of those delicate lines that render the human countenance an index of the
mind within ; and, therefore, the animal makes the most of the limited means which it
possesses. Articulate voice it has none, although it can be taught to comprehend
the commands of its instructor ; but it is a proficient in natural language of action, and
by gesture can make itself understood without difficulty.

Though the language of the ape be not articulate, according to our ideas, yet in their
wild state the Chimpanzee can talk well enough for their own purposes. One proof of
this, is the acknowledged fact that they can confer with one another sufficiently to act in
unison, at the same time and place, and with a given object.

Strong and daring as they are, they do not appear to seek a contest with human
beings, but do their best to keep quietly out of the way. Like most animals that herd
together, even in limited numbers, the Chimpanzees have ever a watchful sentinel
posted on the look-out, whose duty it is to guard against the insidious approach of foes,
and to give warning if he sees, hears, or smells, anything of a suspicious character.

Should the sentinel ape perceive a sign of danger, he sets up a loud cry, which has
been likened to the anguished scream of a man in sore distress. The other apes
know well enough the meaning of that cry, and signify their comprehension by an-
swering cries. If the danger continues to threaten, then the ape-conversation becomes
loud, shrill, and hoarse, and the air is filled with the various notes of the simian
language, perfectly understood by themselves, although to human ears it consists of
nothing but discordant yells and barks.

On reference to the engraving on p. 20, it will be seen that the arms of this animal, of
the gorilla, and the orang-outang, are of considerably greater length than might be

THE ORANG-OUTANG. 25

inferred from the height of the animal. It will also be seen that each creature is repre-
sented with the knuckles of one hand resting on the tree-trunk on which they are
supported. This peculiar action has been thus noted, because, when these creatures
aid their steps by placing the hands on the ground, they have the curious habit of rest-
ing the knuckles on the ground instead of the palms of the hands, as might have been
supposed. From this peculiarity, the three apes have received the appropriate title of
" knuckle-walkers."

The head of the Chimpanzee is remarkable for the large development of the ears,
which stand prominently from the sides of the head, and give a curiously peculiar expres-
sion to the contour of the head and face.

We should probably have seen many more specimens of this ape imported into this
country, had not the superstitious fears of the natives kept them aloof from meddling
with these animals. Probably on account of the weird resemblance to the human
form, which is one characteristic of their race, or on account of their cunning, the
inhabitants of the Gaboon and the neighborhood labor under the dread of being
bewitched by the Chimpanzees, and so very prudently let them alone. Certainly,
they would be " no canny " to deal with, and the discretion exercised is not to be
blamed.

THE ORANG-OUTANG.

THE title of Satyrus, or Satyr, is very rightly applied to the huge ape which is known
by the name of ORANG-OUTANG.

For, saving that the long-eared Satyrs of the classic authors were more intellectual
in countenance, and usually wore hoofs instead of hands at the extremities of the lower
limbs, there is no small resemblance between the veritable and the imaginary wild man
of the woods.

An ancient proverb tells us that there is no smoke without fire ; and we generally
find that even the wildest travellers' tales have some foundation in fact. The ruddy
color of the hair of these Satyrs is especially noticed, and the reader will remark that
the Orang-outan is at once distinguishable from the two preceding animals, by the
reddish, chestnut color of its hair. The goat-legs with which Satyrs were generally
furnished, do not seem to be indispensable, for I have now before me two curious old
wood-engravings of Satyrs, neither of which creatures possess the hircine leg.

One of them is represented with a flute in his hand, and legs and feet of a human
form, while the other is a composite animal altogether. On the top of his head is a
huge fleshy comb, like that of a cock ; two ibex horns curl over his shoulders, and his
ears are those of an ass, dressed and pointed. Three large skin pouches hang from
the throat to the middle of the breast, concealed at their origin by an enormous beard
that curves upwards until its tip is on a level with the nose. The body and limbs are
those of a man, fringed and studded with tufts of long hair, and the tail is that of a
wolf. The hands are replaced by four-clawed paws, and the feet are modelled from
those of the chameleon.

The account which is affixed to the portrait, avers the color of the nondescript to be
a " yellowish carnation," and states that it was seen in a forest belonging to the Bishop
of Saltsburg, in the year 1530. The date of the print is 1658.

In connection with this subject we may mention the curiously similar legends of
Brazil, as told by Dr. Lund. With the exception of color, and of several added pecul-
iarities, the native accounts of the Caypore, as they called the creature, differ but very
slightly from the tales told of the Ingheena of Africa.

The animal is said to be equal in stature to the human form, to be in the habit of
walking in the erect posture, to be quiet and harmless when young, but when aged to
become fierce and dangerous, and to attack mankind with the formidable tusks that
grow from its jaws. So much for the points of similarity, which are sufficiently striking.
The additional properties are as follows : —

26

THE ORANG-OUTAN.

The Caypore, or " Dweller of the wood," is covered with long curling hair of a
brown color, so thick as to be invulnerable except in a single white spot on the abdo-
men. Its feet are each furnished with two heels, one in the usual position, and the
other in the place where the toes are generally placed. On account of this peculiarity
its footmarks, although they cannot be mistaken for those of any other animal, cannot
be tracked, as no one can tell in which direction the footprints proceed. It is the lord
of the wild- hogs, and if any of its subjects be killed its angry voice warns the slayer
to make his escape. The upper portion of its body is that of an ape, and from the
waist downwards, that of a pig. It maybe seen in the middle of the wild swine, riding
upon the largest of the herd.

THE ORANQ-OUTAN.-S/m/a Satyrus.

It is most remarkable that there should be similar legends in Western Africa, in
"Borneo, and in Brazil ; and the elucidation of the mystery would in all probability
bring to light some curious physical facts.

The Orang-outan is a native of Asia, and only to be found upon a small portion of
that part of the globe. Borneo and Sumatra are the lands most favored by the
Orang-outan, which inhabits the woody districts of those islands, and there rules
supreme, unless attacked by man.

THE ORANG-OUTANG. 27

There seem to be at least two species of this animal, that are found in Borneo, and
some zoologists consider the Sumatran ape to be a third species.

The natives distinguish the two Bornean species by the name of Mias-kassar, and
Mias-pappan, the latter of which animals is the Simia satyr us, so well represented in the
engraving.

The Pappan is a truly terrible animal when roused to anger, and would be even more
formidable than is the case, were it endowed with a less slothful disposition. Its length
of arm is very great ; for when the animal stands erect, and permits the arms to hang
by its sides, its hands can nearly touch the ground. The muscular power of these arms
is proportionate to their length, and-it is chiefly by means of the upper limbs that the
ape makes progress among the boughs of the trees on which it loves to live.

So powerful, indeed, are the arms, that a female Orang has been known to snap a
strong spear like a reed, and this after she had been weakened by many wounds and
loss of blood. In attack the Orang-outang is not sparing of teeth as well as hands ; and
uses to the utmost the weapons with which it has been endowed. The teeth of an
adult Orang are truly formidable weapons, and it is said that even the leopard cares
not to prove their power. So strong are even the front teeth, that they are capable of
gnawing through and tearing away the dense fibrous covering in which the cocoa-nut is
enveloped, and possibly can cut through the hard shell itself. Besides these teeth, the
Orang is furnished with enormous canines, or tusks, the object of which is probably
to act as offensive weapons ; for the Orang is a vegetable-feeding animal, and the canine
teeth can hardly be given merely for the purpose of cutting vegetable food.

Although the hind limbs are not so largely developed as the arms, yet they possess
great power, and are perfectly adapted to the purpose which they serve. For terres-
trial locomotion they are anything but fitted, as the animal is unable to plant the sole,
or rather the palm, flat upon the ground, and rests upon the outside edges of the
feet.

The walk of the Orang-outang is little better than an awkward hobble, and the creat-
ure shuffles along uneasily by help of its arms. The hands are placed on the ground,
and are used as crutches in aid of the feet, which are often raised entirely from the
ground, and the body swung through the arms. Sometimes it bends considerably
backwards, and throwing its long arms over its head, preserves its equilibrium by their
means.

This attitude is caused by the peculiar structure of the hind limbs, which, besides
their comparative shortness, are only loosely jointed to the hip-bones. The Orang-
outang is destitute of the short, but very strong ligament, that binds the thigh-bone to
the hip- joint, and which is called the ligamentum teres. This ligament is very power-
ful in man, and plays an important part in giving him that steady tread, which alone
is sufficient to distinguish the human species from the apes.

But the Orang-outang is intended for an arboreal life, and requires limbs that can
adapt themselves to the boughs. Therefore the legs are so twisted inwards, that the
feet can grasp the branches freely, and hold the body in its position, while the long
arms are stretched out to take a fresh hold.

Among the trees the Orang-outang is in its element, and traverses the boughs with
an ease and freedom that contrasts strongly with its awkward movements when on the
ground. It has a curious habit of making for itself a temporary resting-place, by
weaving together the branches so as to make a rude platform or scaffold on which it
reposes. The powerful limbs of the animal enable it to execute this task in a very
short time. Rajah Brooke of Sarawak narrates an interesting tale of a female Orang-
outang, which when severely wounded ceased her attempts to escape, and weaving to-
gether a branch-platform, seated herself upon it, and quietly awaited her end. The
poor animal received several more shots before she expired, and as she fell dead upon
her extemporary edifice, the hunters were put to some trouble before they could dis-
lodge the dead body. The whole process of weaving the branches and seating herself
did not occupy more than a minute.

When the hunters desire to capture an adult Orang-outang they hem him in by felling
the trees around that on which he is seated, and so deprive him of the means of escape.

28 THE ORANG-OUTANG.

Having thus cut off his retreat, they apply the axe to the tree of refuge, and endeavor
to secure the ape before he has recovered from the shock of the fall.

The adult male animal is singularly hideous in aspect, owing much of its repulsive-
ness to the great projection of the jaws and the callosities that appear on the cheeks.
As is the case with all the larger apes, it becomes sullen and ferocious as it approaches
its adult state although in the earlier years of its life it is docile, quiet, and even affec-
tionate. Several young specimens have been brought to Europe, and were quite
interesting animals, having many curious tricks, and exhibiting marks of strong
affection to any one who treated them kindly. One of these animals learned to take
its meals in a civilized manner, using a spoon or a cup and saucer, with perfect
propriety.

When brought to colder climates than that of its native land, the animal covets
warmth, and is fond of wrapping itself in any woolen clothes, or blankets that it can
obtain. On board ship it has been known to rob the sailors or passengers of their
bedding, and to resist with much energy any attempt to recover the stolen property.

Though sufficiently docile and good-tempered when it has his own way, the young
Orang is rather subject to sudden gusts of passion when crossed in its wishes, and
in such cases puts forth its powers with much effect. But the angry passion soon
passes away, and the creature seems to be ashamed of its conduct.

One of these animals which I watched for some little time, had a curiously wistful
and piteous expression of countenance, and although very young, its face was wrinkled
like that of an old man of eighty. The creature sat and looked out of its deeply-set
eyes, as if the cares of the nation rested on its shoulders. It was not very lively, but
moved about among the branches with great ease. The form was not at all sym-
metrical, for the long arms, and feet, and hands seemed strangely out of proportion
with its round, weakly-looking body, so that it involuntarily reminded the spectator of
those long-legged, round-bodied spiders that are so common about old walls.

The lips were very mobile, and the animal moved them when agitated by any emo-
tions ; sometimes shooting them forward like the poutings of a petulant child, and
sometimes drawing them together in strange wrinkles. The neck was but slightly
indicated, and the whole animal presented an uncouth, goblin-like aspect.

One of these animals, that was brought to England by Dr. Abel, exhibited many curious
habits.

It had been taught to walk in an erect position, without supporting itself by extra-
neous help, but the erect posture was so ill-adapted to its structure, that it could only
preserve its balance by raising the arms over its head, and throwing them behind it,
as has already been mentioned . The mode in which the head is united to the neck
renders the equilibrium uncertain.

This animal was tolerably omnivorous in appetite, for although its usual food con-
sisted of fruits and bread, it was exceedingly fond of raw eggs, and would eat almost any
kind of meat, whether dressed or raw. It would drink water, or milk, or beer, prefer-
ring the two latter liquids to any other. But it was also fond of wine, and was partial
to mixtures of a still more potent character. Coffee and tea were favorite beverages
with the animal, so that it displayed a decidedly civilized taste.

As might be expected, while it was onboard ship the sailors petted their companion
after their wont, and it was quite familiar with them, showing no fear, and even
occasionally indulging in a sham fight. But it was struck with unaccountable fright
at some very harmless creatures that became inmates of the same vessel. They were
only common turtles, perfectly incapable of doing damage, and destined for soup. But
the mere sight of them terrified the Orang-outang to such an extent that it ran away
to the mast-head, and, protruding its lips, uttered a series of strange sounds. A land
tortoise affected the animal in a similar manner, as also did the sight of a number of
men bathing and floating in the water. Perhaps there was some connection in the
mind of the ape between the turtle and the cayman, which supposition is strengthened
by the alarm caused by the bathers. I have known a common snail cause a great
turmoil in a cage of monkeys, and there may possibly be some instinctive antipathy
between monkeys and crawling animals.

THE ORANG-OUTANG. 29

This singular emotion is worthy of notice, because it proves the fallacy of judging
any animal to be the natural enemy of another, merely because the latter is terrified
at its approach. Granting that the apes might occasionally have been prompted by
their mischievous nature to meddle with the turtles, and to have been half-blinded
by a sand-shower thrown from the turtle's flippers, or have suffered a painful wound
from the snap of a turtle's sharp jaws, yet the little land-tortoise could not do damage.
As we have just mentioned, even the presence of a poor garden-snail is a terror to
many members of the monkey race.

It is therefore evident that the antipathy does not exist only in some individuals
which may have suffered by the reptiles, but that it is the common propensity of these
strange animals. We can easily understand that an ape should display an agony of
terror at the sight of a leopard, or a snake, for the one has teeth and claws, being
also very fond of ape-flesh, and the other has fangs. But that the same animal should
be just as frightened when it sees a turtle, a tortoise, or a man bathing, is indeed
remarkable.

Our best insight into the habits of animals is generally gained by watching the
actions of a single individual, and these biographies are usually found to be most
interesting. An admirable description has been given by Dr. Abel of the young Orang-
outang, which has been already mentioned.

At first the ape was put into a cage, but he broke the bars and got out. Then he
was chained, but he detached the chain from the staple, and finding that the heavy
links incommoded him, he coiled the chain round his shoulder, and to prevent it from
slipping, held the end in his mouth. As he always succeeded in escaping from his
bonds, his keepers made a virtue of necessity, and permitted him to enjoy the full
range of the vessel. Among the ropes he was quite at home, and, trusting to his
superior activity, was accustomed to take liberties with the sailors, and then escape
among the ropes. One very curious trait in his character must be given in the words
of the narrator.

"Although so gentle when not exceedingly irritated, the Orang-outang could be excited
to violent rage, which he expressed by opening his mouth, showing his teeth, and
seizing and biting those who were near him.

" Sometimes, indeed, he seemed almost driven to desperation ; and on two or three
occasions committed an act which in a rational being would have been called the
threatening of suicide. If repeatedly refused an orange when he attempted to take
it, he would shriek violently and swing furiously about the ropes, then return and
endeavor to obtain it. If again refused, he would roll for some time like an angry
child upon the deck, uttering the most piercing screams ; and then, suddenly starting
up, rush furiously over the side of the ship and disappear.

" On first witnessing this act, we thought that he had thrown himself into the sea ;
but on a search being made, found him concealed under the chains."

He learned artificial tastes of civilization, and preferred tea and coffee to water.
Tastes less natural and more to be regretted soon followed, for he took to drinking
wine, and was so fond of spirituous liquids, that he was detected in stealing the
captain's brandy-bottle. This interesting animal survived the English climate for
about eighteen months, and then succumbed to the usual foe of the monkey
race. The fatal issue of the disease was probably promoted by the shedding of his
teeth.

In its native woods, the Orang-outang seems to be an unsocial animal, delighting
not in those noisy conversaziones which rejoice the hearts of the gregarious monkeys
and deafen the ears of their neighbors. It does not even unite in little bands of
eight or ten as do many species, but leads a comparatively eremitical existence among
the trees, sitting in dreamy indolence on the platform which it weaves, and averse
to moving unless impelled by hunger, anger, or some motive equally powerful. When
it does move, it passes with much rapidity from tree to tree, or from one branch to
another by means of its long limbs, and launches itself through a considerable distance,
if the space between the branches be too great for its reach of arm.

It has already been mentioned that the adult Orang is a sullen and ferocious animal

THE SIAMANG.

SKfl.L OF ORANO
OUTAN.

and if the reader will refer to the accompanying sketch of the skull, he may form an
opinion of the nature that belonged to the animal that owned such a skull. It is
almost totally animal in character ; there is hardly any space for the brain ; the
head is surmounted with heavy ridges of bone, showing the great
strength of the muscles that are attached to them ; the lower part of
the face and jaws projects greatly, and, in fine, the skull is almost
wholly made up of face, jaws, and bony ridges. The teeth, too, are
very formidable.

The hair of the Orang outang is of a reddish chestnut hue, deepening
here and there into brown. The texture of the hair is coarse, and its
length varies according to the part of the body on which it is placed.
Over the face, back, breast, shoulders, and arms, it falls in thick pro-
fusion, becoming especially long at the elbow-joint, where the hairs of the upper and
fore-arm meet. The face is partly covered with a beard, which seems to increase in
size as the animal grows older. The hair of the face takes a lighter tinge of red than
that of the body, and merges the red or auburn tint in the brown, on the inside of the
limbs.

At a little distance, the face appears to be black ; but if examined closely is found
to present a bluish tint.

The Mias-kassar is similar to the Mias-pappan in general appearance, and color of
hair ; but is evidently a different species from the Pappan, and not the young of that
animal. Of this ape, Sir J. Brooke says, that it is " a small, slight animal ; by no means
formidable in its appearance ; with hands and feet proportioned to the body. They
do not approach the gigantic extremities of the Pappan either in size or power ; and,
in short, a moderately strong man could readily overpower one ; when he would not
stand a shadow of a chance with the Pappan."

The height of a full-grown Pappan does not seem to be quite so great as has been
supposed. Credible informants, however, tell us that they usually grow to the height
of five feet, or even more, which, taking into consideration the extreme length of the
arms, and the general muscular development, gives us a very large ape indeed. Sir J.
Brooke was deceived into the belief that one of these animals which he killed was
nearly six feet in stature ; but was surprised to find when the animal was dead that
the height was very much overrated.

Many of the quadrumanous animals, among which are the large apes, the siamang,
many of the tailed monkeys, and the baboons, are furnished with a singular appendage
to the throat, which has been carefully investigated by M. Vrolik. This appendage
consists of a pouch, varying in form and size, which is connected with the lungs by an
opening into the windpipe, and can be dilated with air at the pleasure of the animal.

The result of his researches is, that the air-pouch is not connected with the voice ;
but that it is intended to reduce the specific gravity of the animal, and to assist it in
climbing or leaping. The pouch is not a mere hollow sac; but is furnished with
many subordinate receptacles, something like a badly made glove, with three or
four adcliti nal fingers or thumbs. These prolongations lie between the muscles of
the throat. Th^y are larger in the male than in the other sex, and increase together
with the growth of the animal. In the Orang-outang, these pouches are very largely
developed ; much more so than in the chimpanzee. The Siamang possesses them of a
large size, while the gibbons are without them.

The generic name Simia, which is applied to these apes, and which serves to dis-
tinguish the entire family, is derived from the Greek word Simos, signifying " flat-
nosed."

THE SIAMANG.

THE accounts of this ape vary extremely. Some authors pronounce the Siamang
to be a dull and stupid animal, caring not to distinguish between friends and foes ; never

THE SIAMANG.

moving until forced to do so, and hardly even taking the trouble to put food into its
mouth. Others gave to the Siamang the character of being a lively and affectionate
creature, soon tamed, and attaching itself strongly to those with whom it has made
acquaintance, and who behave kindly to it. As the latter character has been borne by
the Siamang when in the possession of those who treated it well, and studied its habits,
it is but justice to the creature to give it the credit of good behavior.

The SIAMANG is a Sumatran
animal, and, as far as is known,
is found in no other spot on the
globe. The color of the hair is
black, and it is so thickly planted,
that, although it is but short, it
conceals the skin, except in one
or two spots, such as the upper
part of the breast, where the skin
can be seen through the woolly
covering. It is a large animal,
measuring some three feet in
height, when it has attained to its
full growth. The arms are long,
and the hands narrow, with
slender fingers covered with the
woolly black hair as far as the roots
of the nails. The term Syndactyla,
or " joined-fingers," is applied to
this ape because the first and

THE SIAMANG.— Slamaaga Syndactyla.

second fingers of the hinder limbs

are united as far as the middle

of the second joint. This union of the members is by means of a membrane that

runs between the fingers, and does not extend to the bones, which when stripped of

their fleshy coverings are found to be as distinct as those of any other animal.

There is a curious structure of the throat which is worth notice. This consists of a
double pouch under the chin and throat, formed by the loose folds of skin. When the
animal is excited either by anger, or pleasure, it inflates these pouches to such a degree,
that their exterior surface becomes quite glossy. The pouches are without hair.

At sunrise and sunset, the Siamangs assemble in great numbers, under the command
of a chief who is thought by the natives to be weapon-proof, and, being assembled,
utter most hideous yells, each striving to outdo the other in their cries. It is supposed
by some writers that the peculiar resonance of the animal's cry, is in a great measure
to be attributed to the throat-pouches above mentioned. M. Vrolik, however, seems
to be of a different opinion, as has been already noticed in the account of the Orang-
outan. Except at the beginning and end of the day, the Siamangs are comparatively
quiet.

There is not a very great development of the combative nature in this animal,
which is timid, unless urged by those feelings which inspire even the weakest and
mildest creatures with reckless courage. The poor animal has no notion how to
inflict or avoid a blow ; but in defence of its young, when threatened with danger,
or in revenge for their loss, if slain, the mother Siamang dauntlessly flings herself
upon the enemy, caring nothing for her own life in comparison with that of her
offspring.

When permitted to range unmolested in the woods, the care of the mother Siamang
for her young affords a pleasing, and sometimes an amusing spectacle. But the
father must not be passed over without the tribute of honor due to his paternal
virtues. Those who have watched the Siamangs as they wandered unrestrainedly,
say that the parents divide the care of the family between them ; the father taking
care of the male offspring and the mother of the females. They are properly solicitous
about the cleanliness of their young charge, and duly wash them, rub and dry them in
spite of the screams and struggles of the little ones.

THE GIBBONS.
«^

It seems to be a general rule, that when an animal is peculiarly adapted for one
mode of life, displaying singular powers therein, it is quite at a loss when placed in an
uncongenial condition. The bats, for example, are awkward and helpless animals
when placed on a level surface ; so are many of the swift-winged birds, such as the
albatross, the frigate-bird, and others, while the diving-birds are just as clumsy on
land as they are agile in the water. So it is with the Siamang, for its great length
of limb, that gives it such powers of locomption among trees, forms a serious impedi-
ment to its progress on level ground. Among the trees the Siamang is unapproach-
able ; and although not quite so active as the gibbons, is yet sufficiently so to be
perfectly secure from pursuit. But let the creature once descend to earth, and it is so
embarrassed by its long limbs that it can be overtaken and captured with ease.
Indeed, those specimens that have been taken unhurt, have almost invariably been
made prisoners while struggling to regain the shelter of the trees.

One of these animals was for some time an inmate of a ship, where it became quite
companionable, and gained the affections of passengers and crew. So far from exhib-
iting the sullen and sluggish demeanor which has been attributed to this ape, the
Siamang displayed great activity and quickness, skipping about the ropes, and given
to harmless tricks. It took a fancy to a little Papuan girl who was on board, and
would sit with its arms round her neck, eating biscuit with her. It was of an inquisi-
tive nature, running up the rigging, and watching from its elevated position a passing
vessel, and remaining there until the ship was out of sight. In temper it was rather
uncertain, and apt to fly into a passion if opposed in any wish.

When thus excited, it would fling itself down, just like a naughty, spoiled child, roll
about the deck with great contortion of limbs and face, strike at everything which
came in its way, and scream incessantly, with a sound like " Ra ! ra ! ra ! "

It had a strange predilection for ink, and in order to procure this remarkable dainty,
would drain the ink-bottle whenever there was an opportunity for so doing, or suck the
pens in default of the liquid itself. Being itself destitute of a tail, and feeling no fear
of reprisals in that direction, the Siamang used to make very free with the tails of some
monkeys that lived on board of the same vessel. Catching an unfortunate monkey
by its caudal appendage, away went Ungka, as the ape was named, dragging the monkey
after him along the deck, until the wretched animal writhed itself free from its tor-
mentor. At another time, Ungka would carry the monkey by the tail up the rigging,
in spite of its squeaks and struggles, and them quietly let it drop.

It was sensitive to ridicule ; and when its feelings were hurt, it used to inflate its
throat until it resembled a huge wen, and looked seriously at the offenders, uttering
hollow barks at intervals. This sound seemed to be used for the purpose of expressing
irritation. Anger was expressed by the shrieking " Ra ! ra ! " and pleasure by a kind
of mixture between a squeak and a chirp.

For the account of this animal we are indebted to Mr. Bennett, who has re-
lated many other traits indicative of its character. Sir S. Raffles possessed several
specimens of this ape, and describes them as being social in their manners, and of an
intelligent nature. Although they were powerful animals, they were gentle, and showed
themselves to be pleased with the society of those persons to whom they were at-
tached.

THE GIBBONS.

ALTHOUGH in their physical characters the GIBBONS bear much resemblance to the
apes which have already been described, yet there are some peculiarities in form and
anatomy which show them to be a link of transition between the great apes, and the
lesser monkeys and baboons.

They possess, although in a small degree, those singular callosities on the hinder
quarters which are so conspicuous in the baboon family, and assume such strange

THE LAR GIBBON.

33

tints. The gorilla, chimpanzee, and the orangs, are entirely destitute of these peculi-
arities, but the Gibbons are found to possess them, although the callosities are very
small, and hidden by the fur from a casual view.

As in the great apes, the arms of the Gibbons are of enormous length, and endowed
with exceeding power of muscle, though the strength which resides in these largely
developed limbs is of a different character.

If the gigantic and powerful gorilla be compared to Hercules, then the light and
active Gibbons may find the type in Mercury, the swift aerial messenger of the Olym-
pian deities. The ponderous weight of the larger apes binds them to earth ; and even
the orangs, which are more active than the chimpanzee, are no very great adepts at
leaping through great intervals of space. But the Gibbons seem to pass nearly as much
time in the air as on the branches, shooting from one resting-place to another, with
such rapid movements, that the eye can hardly follow their course — the very swallows
of the monkey race.

THE LAR GIBBON. -//x/oftates Lar.

From their wonderful agility in flinging themselves from branch to branch, or from
tree to tree, naturalists have given to these animals the generic name of hylobates^
signifying, "tree traverser." And carrying out the mythological comparison which has
just been mentioned, the name Lar has been attributed to this species.

According to the legends of antiquity, it appears that a very beautiful and very
loquacious Naiad, named Lara, indiscreetly acquainted Juno with one of the many
causes for jealousy for which her husband gave occasion. Jupiter, being greatly in-
censed at her conduct, deprived her of the offending tongue, and sent her off to Hades
under the charge of Mercury. That faithless messenger, however, found that pity melted
the heart to love, and instead of obeying the order of his master, became enamored
of the beautiful criminal, saved her from the punishment to which she had been
destined, and married her instead of delivering her to Pluto.

From this union sprang the Lares, twin demigods, who took on themselves the
guardianship of domestic hearths, and the peace of families. The Romans symbolized
these protecting deities under the form of monkeys clothed with the skins of dogs, and
placed their images around the hearths which they protected, and behind the doors
which they guarded from evil.

3

THE LAR GIBBON.

These children of the eloquent and swift deity, Mercury, and the Naiad offspring
of the waters, \\vre supposed to combine the space- traversing attributes of both
parents, and so the name of " Lar " is sufficiently appropriate for this most agile of
animals.

The derivation of the name Gibbon is rather doubtful, although it is of great
antiquity. The opinion which seems to be most in accordance with probability is, that
tin; term is a corruption of Kophin, a Chaldaic word, signifying an ape. Delachamp
thinks that it may be derived from Keipos, which in Strabo's version of the well-known
word Kcphos signifies an ape or monkey. The difficulty in the latter case appears to
be that the Keipon resides in Ethiopia, while the Gibbons are Asiatic animals.

The present species is sometimes called the " White-handed Gibbon," because the
hands and feet are of a much paler tint than the rest of the body and limbs.

There are slight differences in the color of the fur in different individuals, but the
prevailing tint is a darkish brown, changing to a creamy hue about the hands, and the
face is quite black. Some specimens have the fur nearly black, while others assume a
whitish tint along the throat and abdomen, and several specimens have the fur of the
hind quarters rather paler than that of the remainder of the body.

In all the Gibbons, the hair is thicker and finer than in any of the preceding an-
imals. It is short, being only an inch or so in length, and has more of a woolly
appearance than is seen in most of the monkey tribe.

Many animals exhibit great differences of form and color in the various periods of
life, and in the two sexes. It has often happened that the greatest confusion has been
caused by these changes of form, so that the young, and the two sexes of an animal
have been described as several distinct species. We are the more liable to error when
we cannot watch the entire development of the creature, and therefore such animals as
the monkey tribes are very embarrassing to the systematic naturalist.

The Lar Gibbon seems to be one of. these animals, and is probably identical with
the Little Gibbon ; this latter animal appears to be only a smaller specimen than usual,
and its disparity of color to be of little importance. The proportions are precisely
the same as those of the Lar Gibbon, and although the general tints are so unlike those
of the Gibbons as to earn from Cuvier the name of " Variegated Orang," yet we have
already seen that the tint of the fur is extremely capricious, and can form no true
criterion, unless accompanied by other distinctions.

The Lar, or White-handed Gibbon, is an inhabitant of Malacca and Siam.

On looking at a living specimen of this animal, or indeed at any of the same genus,
the hands are seen to differ much from those of the large apes, and especially in the
shape and direction of the thumb. As we have already seen, the thumb of the chim-
panzee is very large, and is so formed that it can be opposed to the fingers in order to
grasp any object between them. But the thumb of these tree-traversing apes is com-
paratively small, is hardly opposable to the fingers, and is placed in the same direction
as the fingers themselves. Moreover, the bones of the hand are so formed, that the
thumb appears to take its origin from the wrist, and not to be set on after the usual
manner. Sometimes it is found that the first and second fingers of the hinder paws or
hands are fixed together.

The reason of this arrangement is evident to any one who has practised gymnastic
exercises. In order to grasp a pole in the firmest manner, and with the least expend-
iture of strength, the fingers must be set close to each other, the thumb placed against
the forefinger, and the hand hooked over the pole. In this position the muscles of the
fore-arm are not subjected to the exhausting grasp of the thumb, and the power of
the limbs is applied in precisely the right direction.

So it is with these apes, the most accomplished gymnasts in the world. If a monkey
be watched while dancing about the bars and poles of his cage (not on hanging ropes,
for then the thumb is wanted), it will be seen that the animal seldom or never grasps
a horizontal bar, except occasionally with the hinder paws. The hands are always
just hooked over the bars, and by their aid the animal flings itself from one place to
another, using the grasp of the hinder feet to check itself when it wishes to sit still for
a time.

THE AGILE GIBBON.

35

This mode of employing the two sets of limbs is well shown in the Gibbons, and in
order to fit them in the best manner for their arboreal existence, the thumb of the
fore-hands is found to be almost destitute of the muscular prominence which is pop-
ularly known as the " ball " of the thumb, is therefore incapable of grasping, and can
only follow the direction of the fingers ; while the corresponding member on the
hinder hands is very large and powerful in proportion.

All the Gibbons are gifted with voices as powerful as their limbs, and the creatures
seem to lose few opportunities of exercising lungs or limbs. The cry which these an-
mals utter is a singular one, loud, and piercing, and has been represented by the
syllables " wou-wou," which duplex combination of intonations is often used as a general
name common to the whole family. Some writers express the sound by the words
" oa-oa," and others as " woo-woo," among which the reader is left to choose.

The several species of Gibbon do not seem to inhabit the same localities, although
they all, without an exception, live among trees. Some reside among the mountainous
ranges and their forests of fir-trees, while others prefer the lower regions of the wooded
plains and valleys. All, however, agree in their exceeding activity and noisy voices,
thus proving themselves in every way to be worthy types of their mythological
lineage.

All animals which are destined to move with great rapidity, bear a sure sign of their
destiny in the configuration of their bodies. Active exertions cause the heart to beat
so fiercely, and the blood to circulate with such rapidity, that a provision must be
made to give the blood a sufficiency of air to refresh it after its hard labor. This can
only be done by the gift of very large lungs with plenty of room for their free action.
Accordingly, the frames of all swift animals are found to be made on a similar model,
although necessarily modified according to the description of animal.

Thus, among the well-known living creatures with which all are familiar, we may
cite the greyhound and the racehorse. Or if we turn to the birds, the falcons and
swallows are good examples of this formation of body. The chest and fore-part of
the body are wide and capacious, in order to accommodate the large lungs which are
necessary for the creature. The limbs which aid the progress of the animal, whether
it be bird or beast, are very largely developed, while the subordinate parts of the
body and limbs are reduced to the smallest size compatible with the well-
being of their possessor. A greyhound in proper
health, and ready for the course, has not an ounce
of superabundant weight about it ; neither, has
the racehorse when at the post. So with the
falcons and swallows, until we come to the hum-
ming-birds, which exhibit this modification of
limb and body in singular perfection.

The Gibbons are formed on a model of a sim-
ilar nature, their enormously long arms and broad
shoulders contrasted with the smaller hinder
limbs and thin flank showing that they are capable
of rapid movement, while the deep and capacious
chest gives indication that they can endure a long
continuance of labor without being exhausted
by it.

Of the habits of the Gibbons in a wild state,
very little is known, as they are shy in their nature,
and by means of their wonderful agility escape
among the trees in a manner that baffles pursuit or
observation. As to the species which is repre-
sented in the accompanying engraving, it seems to
be the most active of this agile family, and well deserves the name that has been given to
it. Rather more has been noticed of this wonderful creature, and a further insight
into its habits has been gained by means of a female specimen, which was captured
and brought safely to London, where it lived for some time.

AGILE GIBBON. -Hylobates Agills.

36 THE AGILE GIBBON.

In their native woods, these animals are most interesting to the observer, if he is
only fortunate enough to get near them without being seen by the vigilant creatures,
ood telescope affords an excellent mode of watching the customs of animals that
are too timid to permit a human being to come near their haunts.

When startled, the Agile Gibbon flits at once to the top of the tree, and then,
seizing the branch that seems best adapted to its purpose, it swings itself once or
twice to gain an impetus, and launches itself through the air like a stone from a sling,
paining its force very much on the same principle. Seizing another branch, towards
which "it had aimed itself, and which it reaches with unerring certainty, the creature
repeats the process, and flings itself with ease through distances of thirty or forty feet,
Hying along as if by magic. Those who have seen it urging- its flight over the
trees, have compared its actions and appearance to those of a bird. Indeed, these
creatures seem to pass a life that is more aerial than that of many birds, putting out of
question the heavy earth-walking birds which have not the power to raise themselves
from the ground, even if they had the will.

The color of this species is extremely variable, and as may be seen by reference to
the figure, the offspring is not necessarily of the same color as the parent. This differ-
ence in tint is not solely caused by age, for it frequently happens that a cream-colored
mother has a dark infant, and vice versa. Of the specimens in the British Museum,
hardly any two are alike in the tint of their soft woolly fur. Some are nearly black,
some are brown, and some are of a light cream-color. It is worthy of remark that one
of the black specimens was brought from the Himalayas ; the brown and the cream-
colored examples being from Malacca.

The natives of Sumatra, where the Agile Gibbon is found in the greatest plenty,
call it the Ungka-puti, or sometimes Ungka-etam. Sometimes the Siamang goes by
the same name of Ungka, being called the Black Ungka Ape.

The singularly active manners of this animal were exhibited by the ape above
mentioned as being a visitor to our shores. A large apartment was prepared for it,
and branches set up at some distance from each other, so as to give it as much room
as possible for its wonderful evolutions. Eighteen feet appears to have been the
farthest distance between the branches, and this space was cleared with consummate
ease, as would probably be the case with an animal which was accustomed to launch
itself through a space nearly double the eighteen feet. The animal, however, was
hindered by many drawbacks. Putting aside the disadvantages of a strange climate
and the want of the usual food, she had been subjected to the inconvenience of a long
sea voyage, had suffered from confinement and the deprivation of its natural atmosphere.
Even with all these drawbacks, the Gibbon exhibited such singular feats of agility,
that the spectators were lost in astonishment.

She was accustomed to fling herself, without the least warning or apparent prep-
aration, from the branch on which she might be sitting, towards another branch,
which she invariably succeeded in catching with her outstretched hand. From branch
to branch the Gibbon would continue her flight, for so it might be aptly termed,
without cessation, until checked. The most curious part of the performance was,
that she did not seem to require any further impulse after her first swing, but was
content just to touch the branches as she passed from one to the other. So easy was
this exercise, and of such quick eye and hand was the animal possessed, that the
spectators were accustomed to amuse themselves by throwing fruits or other objects
in the air, which she would adroitly catch as she passed along, without thinking it
needful to stop for that purpose.

Swift as was its flight, the equilibric powers of the animal were so perfect, that even
in its most rapid course, it could arrest itself in a moment, catching a branch with the
hands, and then suddenly drawing up the hinder feet to the same level. The firm
grasp of the hinder feet then came into play, and the creature sat on the branch as
quietly as if it had never stirred.

Some idea of the proportion of limbs and body of this ape may be gained by
contrasting them with those of the human form. An ordinary man, when standing

THE SILVERY GIBBON. 37

erect, permitting the arms to hang freely by his sides, finds that the tips of his fingers
reach to the middle of the thigh. But when the Gibbon assumes the erect attitude, its
finger-tips reach as far as the ankle-joint. Again, if a well-proportioned man stands
perfectly erect, and stretches his arms out in a horizontal direction, the distance be-
tween the extended finger-tips is as nearly as possible equal to the height of the body,
measured from the top of the head to the ground. But if the Agile Gibbon extends its
limbs in a similar manner, the measurement between the fingers is just double that
of the entire height of the animal.

On account of this great preponderance of the arms over the legs, the Agile Gibbon
is not a very good walker on its hinder feet, but waddles along in an awkward fashion.
While thus employed, the animal sways its long arms as balancers after the fashion
of a rope-dancer, and now and then helps itself along the level surface with the hands
on the ground. The Gibbon, though so marvellously light and active among trees, is
totally out of its element when it is deprived of the branches, and forced to traverse
the flat ground. All its elegance a.id exquisite address are lost, and the creature be-
comes as clumsy as it was formerly graceful. A swan while awkwardly hobbling over
dry land, with a gait like that of a lame Silenus, affords no greater contrast to the same
bird when proudly sailing on the water with arched neck and gliding movement, than
does the Gibbon when stranded on unfamiliar earth to the same animal disporting itself
among the congenial branches.

This species does not appear to love society as much as do many of the apes and
monkeys, but lives in pairs, contented with the society of its own family.

The voice of this ape is of a very peculiar character, and its powers are put forth
with the greatest intensity while the animal is performing its wonderful feats of agility.
The time of day seems to have some influence upon the creature and its cry, for in its
native state the Gibbon is most noisy in the early mornings, — the loud, strange cry
being probably a call-note to its companions. Even in the open air, this call-note is
exceedingly loud, and can be heard at great distances, so that when the animal is
confined in a room, and exerts its voice, the ears of the bystanders suffer somewhat
from its deafening resonance.

In themselves, the notes of this curious cry are rather musical than otherwise, but
they are uttered with such vigor, that they become painful to the ears.

To judge by the cry of the female Gibbon, it is quite a musical performance, capable
of being set to musical notes, and coming to an abrupt conclusion, by a couple of barks
in octaves. The animal achieves the chromatic scale admirably, effecting the descent
(no easy task even to the practised human vocalist) with a precision and rapidity that
renders the vocal gymnastics as remarkable as those of the limbs. The note on which
the creature began was E ; and starting from this note, she began a series of chromatics,
first ascending to the upper octave, and then descending in the same way, but always
sounding the lower E almost simultaneously with the upper note, whatever that note
might be. These musical efforts seemed to excite the creature greatly, for her whole
frame appeared strung to a pitch of great intensity, her body dilated and quivered with
excitement while she uttered her rapid cry, and at its conclusion she shook with all her
strength the object to which she was clinging.

This individual was pleasing in manners, gentle and caressing to those whom
she favored. With delicate discrimination, she at once admitted ladies into her
confidence, and would come to them voluntarily, shake hands, and permit herself
to be stroked. But when gentlemen tried to gain her affection, she deliberated on
the matter, and did not allow of a nearer acquaintance without further investigation.
But when her scruples were once overcome, she was perfectly affectionate and
confiding.

The SILVERY GIBBON derives its name from the silver-gray color which generally
pervades the fur. In some parts of the body, however, there is a browner tinge, and the
face and palms of the hands are quite black. The sides of the face are covered with
white, furry hair, which is so plentiful, that although the ears are tolerably large, they are
nearly hidden amongthe luxuriant hairy fringe that encircles the head. The eyes of this
and of the other Gibbons are deeply sunk in the head. The sizejof the Silvery Gibbon is

THE SILVERY GIBBON.

little different from that of Gibbons generally, the adult animal measuring about three
feet or so in height. Active, as are all its relatives, it lives among the branches and

SILVERY GIBBON.— Hylobates Leuciscus.

tall canes of the Malaccas, and displays in these congenial habitations the same sport-
ive agility that is so peculiar to the Gibbons.

A vefy different group of animals now comes before us, separated even by the outer
form from the apes.

The chief distinction which strikes the eye, is the presence of a tail, which is of some
length, and in several species, among which we may mention the SIMPAI itself, is
extremely long and slender in proportion to the body. The arms of these animals are
not of that inordinate length which is seen in the limbs of the apes, but are delicate and

well proportioned. The hinder
paws, or hands, are extremely
slender, their thumbs being
short, and, as will be seen by
reference to the engraving, are
twice the length of the fore-
paws.

Some of these monkeys are
furnished with small cheek-
pouches, while others appear to
be destitute of these natural
pockets. The callosities of the
hinder quarters are well shown.
In this group of the Quad-
rumana, the characteristics of
the apes disappear, and the
animals betray more clearly
their quadrupedal nature. Very
seldom do they assume the erect
attitude, preferring to run on all
SIMPAI.— Presbytes Meiaiophos. fours like a dog, that being their

legitimate mode of progression.

Even when they do stand on their hind feet, the long tail at once deprives them of that
grotesque semblance of the human form, which is so painfully exhibited in the tail-less

THE SIMPAI AND ENTELLUS. 39

apes. Besides these external distinctions, there are many remarkable peculiarities in
the anatomy of the internal organs, which also serve to settle the position of the animal
in the order of nature. Among these internal organs, the stomach displays the most
remarkable construction, being very large, and divided into compartments that bear
some resemblance to those in the stomach of ruminating animals.

These monkeys are distributed through several parts of the world, the Simpai making
its residence in Sumatra.

This is a beautiful little animal, and is pleasing both for elegance of shape, and the
contrasting tints with which its fur is decorated. The prevailing color of the body is
a light chestnut, with a perceptible golden tinge, showing itself when the light falls
obliquely on the fur. The inside of the limbs and the abdomen are not so bright as
the rest of the body, but take a most sober tint of gray. At the top of the head the
hair is straight, and is set on nearly perpendicularly, so as to form a narrow crest.
The color of the crest, together with that of a narrow band running over the eyes and
temples, is black. From this conspicuous peculiarity, the Simpai is also called the
Black-crested Monkey. The name Presbytes signifies an old man, and is given to
these monkeys on account of the wizened, old-fashioned aspect of their countenances.
The term " melalophos " is literally " black-crested," and therefore a very appropriate
name for this species.

The length of this animal, measured from the nose to the root of the tail, is about
twenty inches, and that of the tail itself is not very far from three feet. Its fur is very
soft and glossy.

Several allied species are rather celebrated among furriers for the beauty of their
natural garments, and suffer much from the hunters. A well-known example, the
Negro Monkey, sometimes called the Moor, or the Budeng (Presbytes Maura), furnishes
the long black monkey-fur that is put to so many uses. Jet black as is the long silky
fur of an adult Budeng, it is of a very different color when the creature is young. The
fur of the very young Negro Monkey is of a yellowish red color, and the black tint
appears first on the hands, whence it spreads up the arms, across the shoulders, and
by degrees creeps over the whole body.

It is a native of Java, and is a gregarious animal, being found in troops of fifty or
more in number, and extremely noisy on the approach of a human being. In temper
it is said to be morose and sulky, so that, in spite of its beautiful coat, it is seldom
domesticated. In such a case a bad temper must be a positive blessing to a
monkey.

Not only for the skins are these monkeys valuable. Their teeth are in some favor
for the composition of ornaments, being pierced and curiously strung together.

There is another substance which is furnished by some individuals among this group
of monkeys, but is not always found in them. This is the bezoar, a substance which
was long in high esteem for the cure of disease, and even now is used for that purpose
by the physicians of the East. The word bezoar is originally " bad-zahr," or poison-
expeller, and was applied to this substance as it was supposed to possess extraordinary
virtue in destroying the effects of poison, whether administered internally, or applied
to the bite of serpents, or the wounds caused by poisoned weapons. The bezoars are
concretions, chiefly of phosphate of lime, which are found in the stomachs of many
ruminating animals, the most valuable being those of the Persian wild goat. So highly
valued were the last, that they were sold for ten times their weight in gold.

Those of the Asiatic monkeys are considered the most valuable of all the bezoars,
as, although small in size, they are powerful in quality. It is a somewhat remarkable
circumstance that these monkeys, with their approximation to the ruminant stomach,
should produce the same description of substance that was formerly thought to be the
special produce of the ruminating animals.

A well-known example of this group of monkeys is the HOONUMAN, or ENTELLUS.
This is a considerably larger animal than the Simpai, as the adult Hoonuman measures
three or four feet from the nose to the root of the tail, and the tail itself rather exceeds
the body in length. The color of this monkey when young is a grayish brown, except-
ing a dark brown line along the back and over the loins. As the animal increases

THE ENTELLUS.

ENTELLUS

Presbytes Eatellus.

in years, the fur darkens in color, chiefly by means of black hairs that are inserted at
intervals. The face, hands, and feet are black.

It is a native of India, and fortunately for itself, the mythological religion is so closely
connected with it that it lives in perfect security. Monkeys are never shortsighted in
spying out an advantage, and the Entellus monkeys are no exception to the rule.
Feeling themselves masters of the situation, and knowing full well that they will not

be punished for any delinquency, they
take up their position in a village with as
much complacency as if they had built it
themselves. They parade the streets, they
mix on equal terms with the inhabitants,
they clamber over the houses, they frequent
the shops, especially those of the pastry-
cooks and fruit-sellers, keeping their pro-
prietors constantly on the watch.

Reverencing the monkey too much to
afford active resistance to his depredations,
the shopkeepers have recourse to passive
means, and by covering the roofs of their
shops with thorn-bushes, deprive the thiev-
ing deity of his chief point of vantage.
Let it not be matter of wonder that a
thief can be a god, for even the civilized
Romans acknowledged Mercury to be the
god of thieves, and they only borrowed their mythology from a much more ancient
source. Certainly the Hoonuman gives practical proof of his claims to be the repre-
sentative of such a deity ; for he possesses four hands with which to steal, and neglects
no opportunity of using them all.

Conscious of the impropriety of its behavior, the monkey does not steal anything
while the proprietor is looking at it, but employs various subtle stratagems in order to
draw off the owner's attention while it filches his goods. Many ludicrous anecdotes of
such crafty tricks are known to every one who has visited India, and employed his eyes.
The banyan-tree is the favored habitation of these monkeys ; and among its many
branches they play strange antics, undisturbed by any foes excepting snakes. These
reptiles are greatly dreaded by the monkeys, and with good reason. However, it is said
that the monkeys kill many more snakes in proportion to their own loss, and do so with
a curiously refined cruelty. A snake may be coiled among the branches of the banyan,
fast asleep, when it is spied by a Hoonuman. After satisfying himself that the reptile
really is sleeping, the monkey steals upon it noiselessly, grasps it by the neck, tears it
from the branch, and hurries to the ground. He then runs to a flat stone, and begins to
grind down the reptile's head upon it, grinning and chattering with delight at the
writhings and useless struggles of the tortured snake, and occasionally inspecting his
work to see how it is progressing. When he has rubbed away the poor animal's jaws,
so as to deprive it of its poison-fangs, he holds great rejoicings over his helpless foe,
and tossing it to the young monkeys, looks complacently at its destruction.

Besides the reverence in which this animal is held through its deification, it has other
claims to respect through the doctrine of metempsychosis, or the transmigration of
souls through the various forms of animal life. From the semblance of human form
which is borne by the monkeys, their frames were supposed to be the shrines of human
souls that had nearly reached perfection, and thereby made their habitations royal.
Therefore, to insult the Hoonuman is considered to be a crime equivalent to that of
insulting one of the royal family, while the murder of a monkey is high treason, and
punished by instant death. Many times enthusiastic naturalists, or thoughtless " griffs,"
endangered their lives by wounding or killing one of these sacred beings. The report of
such a sacrilegious offence is enough to raise the whole population in arms against the
offender ; and those very men who study cruelty as a science, and will inflict the keenest
tortures on their fellow-beings without one feeling of compunction, — who will leave an

THE PROBOSCIS MONKEY. 4,

infirm companion to perish from hunger and thirst, or the more merciful claws of the
wild beasts, will be outraged in their feelings because a monkey has been wounded.

The hunters in India find these animals to be useful auxiliaries in some cases, though
tiresome in the main. They collect on boughs when a tiger or similar animal of prey
passes under them, and often serve to point out to the hunter the whereabouts of the
quarry. A tree thus covered with monkeys is a curious sight ; for the boughs are studded
with them as thickly as fruit, and the pendent tails give an absurd appearance to the group.

Although each part of every animal must be formed with some definite object, there
are many which seem to be devoid of use, and among them is the monkey's tail.

Some of the monkeys — the spider-monkeys of America, for example — find in their
tail a most useful member, by means of which they can suspend themselves from
boughs, aid their limbs in tree-climbing, or, on an emergency, pick an object out of a
crevice which the hand could not enter. But the use of the tails belonging to these
old-world monkeys does seem to be very obscure.

Some writers have opined that the tails are intended to balance the body in the
various attitudes assumed by its owner. But when we reply that the Gibbons, although
very much more agile, and, from their very form, requiring more balancing than the
monkeys, yet are totally devoid of tails, this supposition fails to the ground. It can-
not be for the purpose of flapping away flies that these animals are furnished with such long
and slender tails, for their shape renders them useless for that occupation ; and, besides
the hands of the monkey are much better fly-flappers than its tail could possibly be.

The question arises, " What does the monkey do with his tail ? "

He nibbles it sometimes, when he is at a loss for occupation.

It is a curious fact that — at all events in captivity — the long-tailed monkeys Z£/z7/eat
their tails, and nothing seems to deter them from this strange act. The tips of those
members have been covered with plasters, and have been tied up in bandages, but without
effect. The ends of the tails have been treated with aloes, cayenne pepper, and other
disagreeable substances, just as the finger-tips of a nail-biting child are dressed. But,
though the creature splutters and makes strange grimaces at the horrid flavors that greet
his palate, he cannot refrain from the accustomed luxury, and perseveres in his nibbling.
One great charm of this habit seems to be the excitement felt by the monkey in trying
how far he can nibble without smarting for it. Whatever may be the cause, the effect is
that the tail is gradually eaten up, in spite of all endeavors to prevent such a consum-
mation. Considered in a social light, the tails are calculated to promote the merriment
of the company, for they are admirable handles for practical jokes, and afford mutual
amusement, not unmingled with indignation.

The PROBOSCIS MONKEY, or KAHAU, as it is some-
times called, on account of its cry bearing some re-
semblance to that word, is an inhabitant of Borneo,
and probably of several neighboring countries. It is,
as may be seen by the engraving, an animal of very
unattractive features, principally on account of its
enormously lengthened nose. This feature does not
present itself in perfection until the Kahau has reached
its maturity. When the animal is very young, there
are but few indications of the singular length to which
this feature will attain ; for, although it is rather more
prominent than in most of the monkeys, it is rather of
that description of nose denominated " retrousse"

In size, the Kahau is about equal to the hoonuman,
and seems to be an active animal, leaping from branch
to branch, through distances of fifteen feet or more. RAH AU. -Presses Larvatus.
The natives assert, that while leaping they take their

noses in their hands, in order to guard that feature from being damaged by contact
with branches. Whether this refinement of caution be true or not, it is certain that
they do hold their outstretched hands in a manner unlike that of the generality of
monkeys, and probably for the purpose just mentioned.

URSINE AND BLACK COLOBUS.

These monkeys are fond of society, assembling together in large troops, and howling
with exceeding fervor. They observe hours, regulating themselves by the sun, at whose
rising and setting they congregate together, and perform their arborial gymnastics.

For the preternatural ugliness of the countenance, the Kahau is partially com-
pensated by the beautiful coloring of its fur, which is thick, but not woolly, nor very
long. The principal color in the body is a bright chestnut red ; the sides of the face,
part of the shoulders, and the under parts of the body being of a golden yellow. A
rich brown tint is spread over the head and between the shoulders ; the arms and legs
taking a whiter tinge than the shoulders.

The nostrils of this creature do not at all resemble those of man, although the
animal's nose seems to be a burlesqued edition of the corresponding feature of the
human countenance. They are placed quite at the extremity of the nose, and are sep-
arated from each other by a very thin cartilage. They are therefore, as has been ob-
served in a former page, quite devoid of that expressive character which is so strongly
exhibited in the contour of the human nostril.

We will pass on to more pleasing animals ; but before taking leave of this group of
monkeys we must observe that they are hardly deserving of the title " Slow Monkeys,"
which has been applied to them. They sit quietly on the branches, with their tails
hanging down, and their bodies gathered together ; but they only need some exciting
cause to make them throw off their seeming apathy. They then spring from branch to
branch, flinging themselves towards their mark with wonderful precision, and are all
life and energy.

URSINE COLOBUS. -Colobus Ursiaus.

BLACK COLOBUS.— Colobus Satanas.

. THE COLOBUS.

THE scientific name which is given to this genus of monkeys, explains — as is the
proper office of names — one of the leading peculiarities of the animals. The title
" Colobus " is a Greek word, signifying " stunted," or " maimed," and is given to these
animals because the thumbs of the two fore-limbs give but little external indication of
their presence, so that the hand consists merely of four fingers. They are exclusively
African animals. They are rather handsome creatures, and their hair is sufficiently
long and silky to be valuable as a fur.

THE GUEREZA.

43

The Ursine, or Bear-like Colobus, is so named because the general color of its long
black fur, and the form of the monkey itself, with the exception of the tail, has some-
thing of the bearish aspect. The cheeks and chin of this animal are covered with white
hair ; there is a white patch on the hind legs ; and, with the exception of a few inches at
its root which retain the black hue of the body, the tail is of a beautiful white, termi-
nated with a long and full white tuft.

Another species, called the Full-maned Colobus, is rather a remarkable animal, not so
much on account of its habits, of which little is known, but on account of the huge mass
of long hairs which cover the head and shoulders, falling nearly as low as the middle of
the breast. The color of this mane, or "full-bottomed peruke," as it has also been
called, is yellow, with black hairs intermixed. Like the Ursine Colobus, the Full-mane
possesses a tail of a white color, decorated with a snowy-white tuft.

The Black Colobus is devoid of these exquisitely white portions of the fur that
are so strongly marked in the Ursine and the Full-maned Colobus. The head, body,
limbs, and even the tail, are jet black, unrelieved by any admixture of a lighter tint.

GUEREZA.— Colobus Guereza.

This uniform black hue of the long glossy fur, has earned fof the animal the demoniacal
title which will be found appended to the figure. Beside the sable garments that are
conventionally attributed to the powers of darkness, the animal in question is probably
in part indebted for its name to the black crest, that projects over the forehead and
eyes with so pert and impish an air.

Our last example of this genus is the beautifully adorned GUEREZA. This monkey
presents a singular example of contrast in colors. The back, shoulders, the crown
of the head, the limbs, and part of the tail, are black. But along the sides, the black
hairs have hardly run a fifth of their course, when they suddenly become of a pure
white. This change is not effected by a gradual melting of the black into white, but
the line of demarcation is clearly defined. There is also a fringe of white hairs that
encircles the cheeks, and becoming suddenly very narrow, runs across the forehead, just
above the eyes, and is boldly contrasted with the black face and black scalp. The
tail ends in a whitish tuft, but not so large as that of the Ursine Colobus, nor so purely
white.

44 GRIVET, GREEN MONKEY, AND VERVET.

Very little is known of the habits of this animal, but it is said to be a gentle creature
feeding on insects as well as on the usual vegetable food for monkeys.

It is a native of Abyssinia, and its name " Guereza " is its Abyssinian title

The beauty of its fur causes it to be much sought after by the natives of the country,
who make its skin into coverings for the curiously shaped shields which they bear.
The white fringe is that the part is chiefly valued, and its appearance on a shield
points out at once a person of distinction in its bearer.

We now arrive at a group of small monkeys, with exceedingly long names. The term
" Cercopithecus " is composed from two Greek words, signifying " tailed ape."

The monkeys belonging to this genus are very abundant in their native forests, and
the unfortunate peripatetic monkeys that parade the streets in tormenting company
with barrel organs, or seated on the backs of dejected and pensive bears, are mostly
members of this group. The first glance at one of these monkeys will detect a peculiar
sheen of the fur, that bewilders the eye and conceals the precise color. If, however,
the hairs are examined separately, each hair will be found to be varied in color several
times, black and yellow being the principal colors. First the hair will be black for a
part of its length, then yellow, then black again, and so on to the tip. As the black has
something of a bluish tinge in it, the mixture of the yellow and blue gives an undefined
greenish hue, which in the central figure of the engraving is so decided, as to cause the
name of Green Monkey to be given to the animal.

QRIVET. GREEN MONKEY. VERVET.

Cercopithecus Eagythlthla. Cercopithecus Saboeus. Cercopithecus Pygerftbrus

The Cercopitheci are remarkable for the singularly large development of the cheek
pouches, which seem to possess an illimitable power of extension, and to accumulate a
strange medley of articles. Supply one of these monkeys with nuts or biscuit, and
he will contrive to put the greater part of the food into his cheek pouches, only eating
a small portion at the time..

I never knew but one instance when the pouches were quite full, and even then th«
monkey was a small one, and the nuts were large. The little creature was liberally
gifted with nuts, with the special purpose of ascertaining the capabilities of the pouches,
and after dilating its cheeks to a wonderful extent with large " cob " nuts it was at last
compelled to empty them into its hands.

These pouches have been aptly compared to the stomach of a ruminant animal,
and are employed in much the same manner. By means of the possession of these
natural cupboards, the monkey is enabled to make little incursions, to eat as much food
as hunger demands, and to carry away sufficient nourishment for one or two meals more,
without being embarrassed in its retreat by its burden.

It is worth notice that the word "monkey " is derived from the name of one of this
group, the Mona. The diminutive of Mona is Monikin, the transition from which word
to our " monkey " is sufficient by evident.

GRIVET, GREEN MONKEY, AND VERVET. 45

The GRIVET, or TOTA, as it is called by some writers, is of a sombre green color ;
the green being produced, as has been already mentioned, by the black and yellow
hair. The limbs and tail are of a grayer tint than the rest of the body, the yellow por-
tion of the hair being changed to a dull white. The inside of the limbs and the abdo-
men are slightly tinged with white. In the male animal the canine teeth are rather
protuberant, showing themselves beyond the lips. The naked skin of the face, ears,
and palms, is black, dashed with that deep violet hue that is found in so many of the
monkeys. At each side of the head, the white hairs stands out boldly, whisker fash-
ion, and give a very lively character to the head. It is an African animal, and com-
mon in Abyssinia.

The centre of the group is occupied by the GREEN MONKEY sometimes called the
Callithrix, or Beautiful-haired Monkey, on account of the exquisitely delicate marking
of each separate hair. The inside of the limbs is nearly white, as is the under surface
of the body, and the outer side of the limbs takes a grayish tinge. The hairy fringe
that grows over the side of the face is of a delicate golden yellow.

This monkey is a native of Senegal and the neighboring parts, and is frequently
brought to this country.

The VERVET is the last of the figures. This is rather a variable animal in point of
color, some specimens being decidedly pale, while others assume a blackish hue. In
general, the color of the animal is as follows. The prevailing tint of the fur is much
the same as that of the Grivet, to which animal the Vervet bears a strong resemblance.
The head, the throat, and breast, are of a light dun, the paws being very dark. In the
male Vervet the canines are rather long, and show their points beyond the lips.

These little animals are extremely abundant in their native land, and in Senegal
especially are seen among the branches in immense troops. They seem to feel their
own dignity as masters of the wood, and are aggrieved by the intrusion of human
beings into their special domains. They are so agile and swift in their movements,
and withal so quick of sight, that they almost invariably descry an intruder before
themselves are visible. There may be hundreds of little heads peering through the
branches of the very tree under which the traveller is seated, and double the number
of sharp little eyes glittering among the foliage ; but their owners are so lithe and
'cautious, that their presence remains undiscovered until they choose to announce
themselves in their own fashion.

Monkeys have their code of etiquette, as well as men ; and, as they do not possess
cards, the correct mode in which a monkey announces its presence to a human visitor
is by dropping a piece of stick upon him. Perhaps he may consider the stick to be
only a twig fallen in the course of nature, and so take no notice of it. Down comes
another stick, and if that does not cause him to look up, several more are let fall upon
him until his attention is drawn to the assembly in the branches.

This point having been gained, the next object is to let the intruder know that his
company is undesirable, and that the sooner he takes his departure the more agreeable
it will be for all parties.

That the long-tailed party are averse to so big an animal without an inch of tail, is
clearly shown by the angry chattering that is set up, and the double rows of white and
sharp teeth that are freely exhibited ; and that the position of the objectionable in-
dividual will become anything but agreeable, is practically proved by the riot among
the branches, which are shaken with noisy violence, the constant cries and chattering,
and the shower of sticks and various missiles that pour upon him from above. Whether
the object of their dislike be armed or not, seems to make but little difference to these
tetchy animals. Should he retreat from so unpleasant a proximity, well and good —
they have achieved their point, and satisfied their pride of place. Should he retaliate,
and hurl deadly leaden missiles among his persecutors in exchange for the harmless but
disagreeable assaults committed on himself, they sullenly receive his fire, unterrified by
the fall of their slaughtered companions, and, even when wounded, continue the un-
equal conflict. They evidently feel themselves in the right, and refuse to abandon their
position. One traveller who had been thus treated by the monkeys, killed twenty-
three of the poor animals in less than an hour — not much to his credit.

46 THE POWER OF KINDNESS.

Killing a monkey is always a pitiful business, for it is so much like an act of murdef
committed on a human being. Many are the travellers who, urged either by anger,
curiosity, scientific researches, or innate destructiveness, have destroyed these animals,
and have been so stricken by remorse at the effect of their cruelty, that they have
vowed never to kill another monkey as long as they lived. There are several most
touching narratives of such scenes, but they are so trying to the feelings, that I can
neither bring myself to write them, nor to inflict such tragical tales on my readers. It
were much to be wished that men could read the effects of their cruelty in the eyes of
other animals except the monkeys, and would bind themselves never to inflict one un-
necessary pang upon any living creature. Surely no wounded monkey could look at
its tormentor with more pitiful eyes than those of the over-laden and over-driven ass,
or even the neglected and ill-treated dog. These latter animals, too, are always with
us, and need not only the cessation of actual cruelty, but even the gift of human sym-
pathies, before they can take their proper place in creation, and become the true serv-
ants and companions of man. It rests with man, who gave names to all living beings,
to complete the work which God began in making them, and by stooping from his own
superior nature, to be a protecting and loving providence to the beings that are placed
under him. By so doing, man draws out, fosters, and develops the better nature which
is inherent in every animal, and which would remain concealed, like a seed in ice-
bound soil, unless it were brought into vigorous life by the genial influence of a higher
being. I cannot believe that any animal is utterly untameable, and so totally brutish
as to be insensible to the touch of kindness. There are many animals which are
proof against the old-fashioned way of education, and which are only rendered more
fierce and obstinate by the tortures and blows which were formerly so freely bestowed
on animals in course of training. But these very animals have proved to be sensitive
to gentle and kind treatment, and, though fierce and savage towards one who only
approached in order to torment, became docile and subdued when in the hands of a
tender and sympathetic owner.

The same rule holds good with human beings ; and the great and beautiful truth
becomes daily more apparent, that seventy of punishment has an injurious rather than
a beneficial effect, and that the only true rule is that of love.

The Grivets and Vervets are frequent visitors to our land ; and being extremely in-
quisitive in character, as well as active in body, play strange pranks in their land of
exile. One of these creatures which resided in London some few years ago, caused
considerable annoyance to his neighbors, one of whom very kindly favored me with
the following account of some of his misdemeanors.

" A few years ago, we lived next door to a lady who had a pet monkey, which was
one of the most imitative and mischievous little beings that ever existed. His imita-
tive nature caused the servants so much trouble, that he had not a friend among those
of his own house.

" One day he observed the ladies'-maid washing her mistresses' lace ; and his offers
of assistance having been somewhat roughly repulsed by her, chattering and scolding
he went forth in search of adventures. Unfortunately, my windows were invitingly
open, and he entered, with the idea of washing fresh in his head.

" His spirit of curiosity induced him to open two small drawers, from which he ab-
stracted their whole contents, consisting of lace, ribbons, and handkerchiefs. He
placed these things in a foot-pan, together with all the water and soap that happened
to be in the room, and he must then have washed away with great vigor ; for when I
returned to my room, after an absence of an hour or so, to my astonishment, I found
him busily engaged in his laundry operations, spreading the torn and disfigured rem-
nants to dry. He was well aware that he was doing wrong, for without my speaking
to him, he made off the moment he saw me, going very quickly and hiding himself in
the case of the kitchen clock in his own home.

" By this act, the servants knew he had been doing mischief, as this was his place
of refuge when he was in trouble or disgrace.

" One day he watched the cook while she was preparing some partridges for dinner,
and I suppose that in his own mind he considered that all birds ought to be so treated, for

MONKEY TRICKS.

47

he managed to get into the yard where his mistress kept a few pet bantam fowls,and after
robbing them of their eggs, he secured one bf the poor hens, with which he proceeded to
the kitchen, and then commenced plucking it. The noise that the poor bird made
brought some of the servants to the rescue, but they found it in such a pitiful and bleed-
ing state, that in mercy it was at once killed.

" After this outrageous act, Mr. Monkey was chained up, which humiliated him so
much that he steadily refused his food, and soon died."

In their native woods these animals are very amusing if they can be watched without
exciting their anger or fears. They chase one another about the branches, screaming,
chattering with delight when they have succeeded in playing off a practical joke on a
comrade, and anon shrieking with anger when suffering from a joke played on them-
selves. Not only do they chase the members of their own race, but wage a constant war
against the tail-feathers of the brilliant and noisy parrots that inhabit the same country.

The motives that incite the monkeys to pluck out these feathery trophies are twofold,
each of them dear to the very soul of the mischievous creature. The first and most
obvious motive is that of sheer mischief, but the second is of rather a more complex
character. When an immature feather is recently drawn from a bird, its quill portion is
generally soft, and filled with the material by which the feather is supplied with nourish-
ment. The monkeys take great delight in sucking these soft feathers ; and in order to
procure a supply of this curious dainty, chase the poor parrots, even to the tops of the
trees. At first sight, it would appear that the legs and arms of the monkey would have
little chance of winning a prize defended by the beak and wings of the parrots, which
sit exultantly screaming on twigs that bear their weight easily enough, but are too slen-
der even for the monkeys to venture upon. But the restless vigilance and quick hand
of the monkey often win the day ; and while the parrot is shrieking defiance to an
enemy in front, it is suddenly startled from its fancied security by the loss of its tail,
which has been snatched away by a stealthy foe from behind. The deafening din which
is occasioned by the joint voices of parrots and monkeys, may be easier imagined than
described.

That the monkeys should take an interest in so singular a game, and should play it
with such spirit, is no matter of wonder, inasmuch as they have nothing to lose in case
of failure, and a pleasant little reward in case of success. But the parrots seem to be
actuated by very strange motives when they consent to hazard so valuable a stake upon
their own alertness ; and even if they win the game, can gain nothing but the retention
of their own tails. A stroke or two of their wings would carry them beyond the reach
of the most agile monkey that ever tenanted a tree ; but they prefer to measure their
own agility and vigilance against that of their four-handed antagonists, and often pay
the penalty of so witless a pastime.

Were the parrots capable of connected reasoning, they might sometimes find cause
for alleviating the pangs of defeat, by vindictive satisfaction in seeing their foes succumb
to a still worse fate than that which had been inflicted on themselves. If the monkey
likes to suck the bleeding trophies snatched painfully from the bird's person, there are
many animals which feel a great partiality for the monkey, not as a pleasant companion,
but as an agreeable article of diet. Some of these foes, such as the leopards and
snakes, have been already mentioned ; but there is one enemy who is more to be
dreaded than serpent or pard, and this foe is man.

Monkey flesh forms a favorite article of food with the human inhabitants of the same
country, and is said to be tolerably good eating, though extremely dry and sapless. Part
of this fault seems, however, to lie with the very primitive style of cooking which is prev-
alent in those regions, and which is achieved by running a sharp stake through the
animal's body, and letting it roast before the fire.

Europeans find a difficulty in accustoming themselves to the sight of broiled monkey ;
for it presents an appearance so unpleasantly suggestive of a toasted child, that horrid
ideas of cannibalism arise in the mind, and even a stomach sharpened by hunger
revolts from the unsightly banquet.

The well-known Mona monkey belongs to the same genus as the foregoing animals.
All the long-tailed African monkeys are termed Monas by the Moors. On account of

THE MONA.

its green, maroon, gray, and white fur it is sometimes called the Variegated Monkey.
Little is known of its habits in a state of nature and accounts of its captive character,
vary as much as is usually found in similar cases. On the authority of one writer, who
speaks from personal experience, we are told that the adult Mona is savage and irritable,
while another, who also writes from personal observation, tells that the Mona is gentle,
and devoid of petulance or malice, its excellent disposition, remaining unaltered by age.

One of these animals, which passed several years in Europe, was remarkable for its
amiable temper ; and although by no means free from the little mischievous and
pilfering habits that are so inextricably interwoven in the monkey nature, was so quiet
and gentle as to be left at perfect liberty. He was an adept at unlocking boxes and
examining their contents, could unravel the intricacies of a knot, and was possessed of a
hand dexterous and nimble at picking pockets. The last-named occupation seemed to
afford peculiar gratification, which was increased by the fact that his visitors were ac-
customed to carry nuts, ca'kes, and other delicacies in their pockets, on purpose for the
monkey to find them there.

Many specimens of this animal have been brought to Europe, and their disposition
seems to vary according to the temperament of their owner. Monkeys are very sen-
sitive animals, and take much of their tone of character from that of the person with
whom they are most familiar.

They seem to be affected almost instantaneously by predilection or antipathy, and
on their first interview with a stranger, will evince either a satisfaction at or objection to,
his presence, which they will maintain forever afterwards. I have often watched this
propensity, and seen the same animal come voluntarily and offer itself to be caressed
by one person, while the very approach of another would set it chattering with anger.
It may be that the animal is actuated simply by caprice ; but the more rational mode
of accounting for such an action, is to suppose that the fine instincts which are im-
planted in its nature, enable it to discover its true friends at a glance without the trou-
ble of testing them.

THE WHITE-NOSE MONKEY.
Cercopithecus Petaurista.

THE PAT AS.

Cercopithecus ruber.

THE DIANA MONKEY.
Cercopithecus Diana.

The three monkeys which form the subject of the accompanying engraving are all
members of the same genus, although they are marked by decided differences of
color and general aspect.

The little animal which occupies the left hand of the group is the White-nose Mon-
key of Western Africa. It is a curious little creature, with an air of quaint conceit, for
which it is indebted to the fringe of white hairs that surrounds its face, and the con-
spicuous white spot on the nose, which has earned for it the title of White-nose. As
is so often the case in these animals, the underside of the body and inside of the limbs
is of a much lighter tint than the upper portions. This distinction is peculiarly well
marked in the long tail, which is nearly black above, and beneath takes a grayish hue.

THE DIANA MONKEY.

49

It is a very graceful little creature, playful, but petulant and coquettish, disliking to
be touched, but fond of notice and nuts, and often balanced in curious perplexity be-
tween its coy shyness and the charms of an offered dainty. When in perfect health, it
is seldom still, but flits with light grace from one spot to another, performing the most
difficult muscular efforts with exquisite ease, and profoundly sensible of the admiration
which its pretty antics never fail to excite in the spectators.

It is by no means a large animal, its head and body only measuring fifteen or sixteen
inches, the tail being little short of two feet in length.

The central figure of the group is the PATAS, sometimes called the Red Monkey, on
account of the ruddy color of the hair. The general tint of the fur is a bright chestnut,
or fawn color, with a deep shading of red. This hue is shown very decidedly on the
sides and on the outer portions of the hind legs, the legs themselves being of a darkish
cream color. The breast and the fore-limbs are covered with hair, which much resembles
that of the Green Monkey.

It is an inhabitant of Western Africa, being found very commonly in Senegal. In size
it is much superior to the last-mentioned animal, reaching more than three feet in length.

When left to an undisturbed life, these creatures are playful and inquisitive, but
mischievous and spiteful withal. They display great courage when engaged in a fray,
and if their size and strength were proportionate to their bravery and endurance, would
be truly formidable antagonists. Even the fall of their comrades only seems to redouble
their rage, and to stimulate them to increased exertions.

Too crafty to venture upon close combat, these monkeys retain their posts of vantage
on the tree tops, and hurling from thence every kind of offensive missile that can be
procured, render their attack a matter of exceeding inconvenience, even to armed men.
During the skirmish, the monkeys distort their features into strange grimaces, and rend
the air with their cries of rage. They have been known to follow boats up the course
of a river, keeping pace upon the overhanging trees, and becoming so troublesome from
the constant shower of sticks, fruits, and other missiles, that the occupants of the boats
were forced to fire at their assailants, and to kill many of the number before they could
be freed from the annoyance.

This, as well as the foregoing long-tailed monkeys, belongs to that large group of
quadrumanous animals called the GUENONS, nearly all of which possess similar charac-
teristics of disposition. They are amusing and playful creatures, very active, and move
with much grace of deportment. In captivity they are remarkable for their mercurial
temperament, their ingenuity in devising and executing small malevolent pranks, and
their insatiable appetite for nuts, and other similar dainties. They are curiously sensi-
tive to ridicule, being thrown into furious excitement by any mocking gestures or sounds.
Nothing seems to irritate a monkey more than a grin and a chatter, in imitation of its
own habits. It will fly at the offender with furious looks and screams of rage, and,
unless restrained by chains or bars, would be likely to inflict some damage by its sharp
teeth. It will remember the person of its tormentor with singular tenacity of memory, and
will ever after be thrown into a state of angry agitation by the sound of the hated voice.

Although rather tetchy and hot-tempered, and too apt to resent any supposed slight
or injury, the Guenons are very capable of education, and in the hands of a kind and
gentle teacher can be trained to perform many curious feats. Severity defeats its own
aim, and only makes the creature fall back upon the innate obstinacy which is
inherent in most animals, and of which the monkey has a large share. But a kind
instructor, and one who will never lose his own temper, may take in hand even a savage
monkey and reduce it to gentle obedience. As a general rule, the male monkeys are
less open to higher influences than the females, and are therefore more difficult subjects
for the trainer.

Nearly all the long-tailed monkeys that come to England belong to the Guenons, and
the many anecdotes that are related of them may be safely attributed to this group of
animals.

The monkey which is known by the name of the DIANA is remarkable not only for its
quaint aspect, but for the richly-variegated tints with which its fur is adorned. The most
conspicuous feature in the Diana Monkey, is the long and sharply-pointed beard which
4

5o THE SOOTY MANGABEY.

decorates its chin and face. The color of the beard is a pure white, and the animal is ex-
tremely solicitous about the perfect spotlessness of its hue, taking every precaution to
preserve the cherished ornament from stain. So careful is this monkey,that when it drinks
it holds back its beard with one hand, least it should dip into the liquid and be soiled.

It may seem rather singular that an animal which bears so masculine an adornment
should be named after the bright virgin huntress of mythology, radiant in her perpetual
youth. But though as Diana the beard might be scarcely appropriate, yet as Hecate it
would not be so very inconsistent. The reason, however, forgiving to this monkey the
title of the Diana, may be found not on the chin but on the forehead : where a semi-lunar
line of white hair gleams out conspicuously against the black brows, and bears a close
resemblance to the silvery crescent borne by the Diana of the ancients.

The coloring of the fur is extremely diversified, and in several parts assumes a force
and richness of tint that we should rather expect in the plumage of a bird than in the
fur of a monkey. The back is mostly of a deep chestnut color, and is relieved by a bright
orange hue that covers the lower part of the abdomen and the inside of the thighs.
The orange color is very much the same as that of the well-known penguin feathers
which are so extensively used for slippers, pouches, and other fanciful articles.

THE SOOTY MANGABEY.— Cercocebus htllglaosus.

A band of pure white separates the chestnut from the orange, and serves to set them
off to great advantage. The remainder of the body is of a rather dark gray, and the
hands are nearly black. The color of the eye is a clear gray.

In captivity it is rather a pleasing animal ; almost fastidiously clean in habits, therein
exhibiting an advantageous contrast to many of the monkey tribe. It is easily tamed, and
walks deliberately forward to receive any gift at the hands of its visitors. When walking,
its diverse colors produce a curious effect, especially when it is viewed from behind.

Although it is by no means a rare species, and is found in plenty in Guinea, Congo,
and other places, it is not so often imported as might be expected. The total length
of tail and body is about four feet and a half, of which the tail occupies rather more
than the moiety.

There are several species of monkeys belonging to the genus Cercocebus (/. e. Tailed
Monkey), of which the animal that is so well depicted in the accompanying illustration
is a good type. The Mangabeys as these monkeys are called, are all inhabitants of
Western Africa, and are tolerably frequent visitors to our island. They are amusing in
their habits, and gentle in manner ; easily domesticated, and open to instruction. Their

MACAQUES. SI

temper does not seem to be so irritable as that of many monkeys ; and even when they
are roused to anger, their ire is comparatively evanescent.

On account of the white hue which marks the eyelids, the Mangabeys are sometimes
termed the " White-eyelid Monkeys." The Sooty Mangabey is well named ; for its
general color is nearly black, something like a half-tint chimney-sweeper. The black
hue is only found in the adult animal, the color of the young Mangabey being a
fawn tint. Sometimes it goes by the name of the Negro Monkey ; and under these
several titles suffers somewhat from the confusion that is almost inseparable from such
uncertain nomenclature. It is rather a small animal, measuring some eighteen inches
or so from the nose to the root of the tail, which occupies about the same space.

Among the peculiar habits which distinguish the Mangabeys, we may especially
notice the action of their lips, and the mode in which they carry the tail. They have a
strange way of writhing their faces into a kind of quaint grin, in which they raise the
lips, and exhibit the teeth almost as if they were laughing. When walking, they have
a fashion of turning their tails over their backs, and carrying them reversed, in a line
almost parallel with the direction of the spine.

Few monkeys can assume more outri: attitudes than the Mangabeys, which seem to be,
among monkeys, almost the analogues of the acrobats among mankind ; and twist them-
selves into such strange contortions, that they seem to be able to dispense with the bones
and joints with which other animals are furnished. They seem to be quite aware of
their own accomplishments, and soon learn that their display will bring in a supply of
nuts, cakes, and fruit to their exchequer. So they keep a vigilant eye on the visitors, and
when they conceive that they have drawn attention to themselves, they execute a series
of agile gambols, in the hope of meeting the reward which sweetens labor.

Their attention is soon excited by any object that is more than ordinarily glittering ;
jewellery of all kinds being as magnets, to which their eyes and fingers are instinctively
drawn. My own fingers have more than once been endangered by the exceeding zeal
manifested by the animal in its attempts to secure a ring to which it had taken a sudden
liking. The monkey held out its paw as if it wanted to shake hands, seized my fingers
with both its hands, and did its best to remove the object of its curiosity ; fortunately,
the ring fitted rather tightly, or it would probably have been lost or swallowed. As it
was, a few scratches on my hands, and an outburst of disappointed anger on the part
of the monkey, were the only results of the sudden attack.

MACAQUES.

THE various species of monkeys which are ranged under the common title of Maca-
ques, are mostly well-known animals ; being plentiful in their native lands, and frequently
domesticated, both in their own and in foreign countries. They are all inhabitants of
Asia, although the word Macaco is the name which is given to all kinds of quadruman-
ous animals on the coast of Guinea, and is almost synonymous with our own word
monkey.

One of the best typical examples of this genus is found in the BONNET MACAQUE, or
MUNGA, as it is often called. A native of Bengal and Ceylon, it is a frequent visitor
to our shores ; being tolerably hardy in constitution, bearing the long voyage well ; and
suffering less from our insular climate than many of the monkey tribe.

For the title of Bonnet it is indebted to the peculiar arrangement of the hairs on the
crown of the head, which radiate in such a manner that they seem to form a kind of
cap or bonnet. The general color of the animal is a rather bright olive-gray, fading into
white beneath. The skin of the face is of a leathery flesh color.

The distinctions between the Macaques and the Cercopitheci, are not very striking ;
but by comparison of the two genera, sufficiently decided variations are visible. These
are rather comparative than absolute. In the Macaques, the muzzle is slightly more
solid than in the Guenons, the body and head are larger, and in most species the tail

52 THE RHESUS, OR BHUNDER.

is shorter. The callosities are well marked, and in some instances are rendered more
conspicuous by a surrounding fold of skin devoid of hair. The limbs, too, are more
muscular than those of the Guenons. These peculiarities may be seen on reference to
the illustration.

Whether the fault lies with its proprietor, or whether the temper of this Macaque be
really uncertain, is difficult to say ; but its general disposition when in captivity is
rather of a snappish and crabbed character. Those who have had much to do with the
Munga, say that it is very capricious, and that its good humor cannot be depended
upon, as is the case with many domesticated monkeys.

In its native land, the Munga enjoys exemption from most of the external ills to
which monkey nature is liable ; for, in common with several other species, it is piously
protected by the natives, on account of its importance in their myriad-deitied religion.
Not content with permitting these monkeys to devastate his plantations at will, the
devout Hindoo prepares a home for them in his temple, where they rule supreme, and
tolerate not the intrusion of any monkeys of another caste. When old, they are of a
very high caste indeed, according to the Hindoo ideas on the subject. The more fierce
and savage the monkey, the higher is its caste ; and among serpents, the cobra is signif-
icantly the Brahmin.

The RHESUS, or BHUNDER MONKEY, is rather a handsome animal in point of color ;
the usual olive-green and yellow being 'relieved by warmer tints of a very bright chest-
nut, almost amounting to orange. The back is of a brownish hue, while the lower part
of the spine and the outside of the thighs is of the warm tint already mentioned. The
arms and shoulders are lighter, and change to dun below. The eye is of a light brown
color.

As will be seen in the engraving, the Rhesus is of a short and sturdy make, and looks
more like an ordinary quadruped than any of the preceding monkeys. The tail, too, is
very short, and the callosities are very conspicuous ; more on account of their ruddy
color, than their size.

For cool impudence and audacity, this monkey stands unrivalled among its congeners ;
surpassing even the previous animal in both these characteristics.

So excellent and spirited a description has been given by Captain Johnson, of these
monkeys in their wild state, that I cannot do better than present his account in his own
words.

" At Bindrabun (which name, I imagine, was originally Baunder-bund, literally signi-
fying a jungle of monkeys), a town only a few miles distant from the holy city of Muttra,
more than a hundred gardens are well cultivated with all kinds of fruit, solely for the
support of these animals, which are kept up and maintained by religious endowments
from rich natives.

" When I was passing through a street in Bindrabun, an old monkey came down to
the lower branches of a tree we were going under, and pulled off my Harcarrah's tur-
ban, as he was running in front of the palanquin, decamped with it over some houses
where it was impossible to follow him, and was not again seen.

" I once resided a month in that town, occupying a large house on the banks of the
river, belonging to a rich native ; it had no doors, and the monkeys frequently came into
the room where we were sitting, carrying off bread and other things from the breakfast-
table. If we were sleeping or sitting in a corner of the room, they would ransack every
other part.

" I often feigned sleep, to observe their manoeuvres, and the caution with which they
proceeded to examine everything. I was much amused to see their sagacity and alert-
ness. They would often spring twelve or fifteen feet from the house to another, with
one, sometimes two young ones under their bellies, carrying with them also, a loaf of
bread, some sugar, or other article ; and to have seen the care they always took of
their young would have been a good lesson to many mothers.

" I was one of a party at Teekarry, in the Bahar district ; our tents were pitched in a
large mango garden, and our horses were picketed in the same garden at a little distance
off. When we were at dinner, a Syce came to us, complaining that some of the horses
had broken loose, in consequence of being frightened by monkeys on the trees ; that with

THE MAGOT.

S3

their chattering and breaking off the dry branches in leaping about, the rest would also
get loose, if they were not driven away.

" As soon as dinner was over, I went out with my gun to drive them off, and I fired
with small shot at one of them, which instantly ran down to the lowest branch of the
tree, as if he were going to fly at me, stopped suddenly, and coolly put its paw to the
part wounded, covered with blood, and held it out for me to see ; I was so much hurt
at the time, that it has left an impression never to be effaced, and I have never since
fired a gun at any of the tribe.

" Almost immediately on my return to the party, before I had fully described what
hrad passed, a Syce came to inform us that the monkey was dead; we ordered the Syce
to bring it to us, but by the time he returned, the other monkeys had carried the dead
one off, and none of them could anywhere be seen.

" I have been informed by a gentleman of great respectability, on whose veracity I
can rely (as he is not the least given to relating wonderful stories), that in the district
of Cooch-Bahar, a very large tract of land is actually considered by the inhabitants to
belong to a tribe of monkeys inhabiting the hills near it ; and when the natives cut their

BONNET MACAQUE.-jWaca«/s S/oAws.

RHESUS.— Macacus Rhesus.

different kinds of .grain, they always leave about a tenth part piled in heaps for the
monkeys. And as soon as their portion is marked out, they come down from the hills
in a large body, and carry all that is allotted for them to the hills, storing it under and
between rocks, in such a manner as to prevent vermin from destroying it.

" On this grain they chiefly live ; and the natives assert, that if they were not to
have their due portion, in another year they would not allow a single grain to become
ripe, but would destroy it when green. In this account, perhaps, superstition has
its full influence."

The natives are nearly as careful of the Rhesus, as of the Hoonuman itself ; and
take sanguinary revenge on any one who wounds or kills one of these animals. On
one occasion, two officers, together with their servant, lost their lives in a popular
tumult caused by the death of a monkey, at which they had thoughtlessly fired. But
although the monkeys may not be hurt, and are allowed to plunder the crops at their
own sweet will, the Hindoo cultivators are by no means pleased to see their fields so
often devastated, and would willingly preserve them from the depredators in spite of
their divine, though thievish character.-

54 THE MAGOT.

To drive away the monkeys is almost an impossible act on the part of the native
proprietor ; for the monkeys consider themselves as quite on an equality with any
dark-skinned human being, and decline to move an inch. So the only resource is to
beg a European to undertake the task ; and the monkeys, knowing that a white man is
not so scrupulous as a black one, take the hint, and move off.

One ready-witted Englishman succeeded in keeping the monkeys away from his
plantation for more than two years, and that without using any violence, or offending
the prejudices of the natives.

He had planted a patch of sugar-canes, and had seen his growing crops eaten by
elephants, swine, deer, monkeys, and other animals, without being able to guard the
ground from the robbers. The heavier animals he excluded by means of a deep trench
surrounding the cane-patch, and a strong palisading of bamboos just within the
ditch. But the monkeys cared nothing for moat or wall, and carried off whole canes
in their hands, eating them complacently as they proceeded to the shelter of the
trees.

For a long time this state of things continued, and the planter was doomed to see
the ripening canes devoured in his very presence, and the chewed fragments spit in
his face by the robbers. This last insult proved too great a strain for his patience to
endure, and after some thought, he hit upon a stratagem which answered even beyond
his expectation.

He chased a flock of the monkeys into a tree, which he then felled ; and by the
help of his assistants, captured a number of the young, which he conveyed home.

He then mixed some treacle with as much tartar-emetic as could be spared from the
store, and after painting all the young monkeys with this treacherous mixture set them
free. Their anxious parents had been watching for their offspring, and carried them
away out of danger. The liberated captives were then surrounded by the whole
troop, who commenced licking the treacle from their fur. Before very long the ex-
pected effects made their appearance, and the poor monkeys presented a most pitiful
appearance.

The result of the affair was, that the monkeys were so terrified at the internal anguish
which their depredations had caused them to suffer, that they fled the place, and not a
monkey was seen in that locality until long afterwards.

In captivity they are most mischievous, and are always on the watch for an oppor-
tunity of exhibiting a little malice.

They tear pieces out of the dress of anybody who may happen to approach near
their cage ; they snatch at any ornament that strikes their quick eyes ; they grin and
chatter with exultation when they succeed in their mischief, and scream with rage
when they are foiled. They prefer to exercise these abilities on human sufferers ; but
in default of man, whom they consider their legitimate game, they are not above
playing practical jokes upon each other, and, better still, upon the inhabitants of
neighboring cages.

Some are of so jealous a disposition that the sight of another monkey eating a nut
will throw them into a state of angry irritation, which is not always pacified even by
the gift of a similar or even a better article.

The skin of this monkey is very loose about the throat and abdomen, and generally
hangs in folds.

The animal which is shown in the following engraving is one of the best known of
the monkey tribe ; as it is tolerably hardy, it endures the changeable and chilly
European climates better than most of its race.

As its name implies, it is a native of Barbary, where it is found in great numbers,
but has also been naturalized upon the rock of Gibraltar. The Gibraltar MAGOTS are
frequently mentioned in books of travel, and display great ingenuity in avoiding pur-
suit and discovering food. They keep to the most inaccessible portions of the rock,
and scamper away hurriedly on the slightest alarm. But with the aid of a moderately
good telescope, their movements may be watched, and are very amusing.

When in their native wilds, the Magots live in large flocks, each band seeming to be
under the orders of some chosen leader. They are very intelligent, and possessed

THE MAGOT.

55

of a large share of the cunning that belongs to the monkeys, and which, when aided
by their strength of muscle, agility of limb, and quickness of sight, keeps them in
tolerable security from foes, and enables them to make raids upon cultivated lands
without suffering the penalty due to their crimes.

The enemies which these creatures hold in greatest dread are the climbing felidae ;
and on the approach of one of these animals, the colony is instantly in a turmoil. The
leaders yell their cry of alarm and give the signal for retreat, the mothers snatch up
their little ones, the powerful males range themselves in battle array, and the whole
body seeks a place of refuge.

Open attacks are little feared by the Magots, as their combined forces are sufficiently
powerful to repel almost any enemy. But at night, when they are quietly sleeping,
the crafty foe comes stealing along, and climbing up the trees or rocks on which the
Magots are sitting asleep, strikes down its unsuspecting prey.

When young, the Magot is tolerably gentl£ ; and as it is sufficiently intelligent to
learn many tricks, it is frequently brought to Europe, and its accomplishments ex-
hibited before the public. But this state of comparative domesticity is only for a time,

MAGOT, OR BARBARY APE.-Afacaciis lancus.

and as the bodily frame becomes more developed, so does the Magot lose its gentle
nature, and put on a sullen and fierce deportment. Captivity seems to exert a terri-
bly depressing influence over the animal as soon as it becomes fitted by nature for its
wild independence ; and as the stimulus to the mind is removed by the restrictions
under which the animal is placed, the mind loses its spring, and the creature is deserted
by the apt intelligence that characterizes its wild state, and for which it has no need
in its hopeless thraldom.

This monkey is not very widely spread, for with the exception of the Rock of
Gibraltar, it seems to be confined to Northern Africa. Some authors state that it is
found in India, China, and even the entire African continent, but it seems clear that
there has been some confusion of species. Indeed, the Magot has caused some little
labor in placing it in its right position.

It is not a very large animal, as the full-grown males only measure about a yard in
length, and the females are rather smaller. The general size of the Magot is about
that of an ordinary bull-terrier dog.

56 THE MAGOT.

The color of the fur is tolerably uniform, differing chiefly in depth of shade, and is
of a clear grayish color. The head is strong and heavy, the eyes deeply set under the
overhanging brows, the neck is short and powerful, the teeth are fully developed
and sharp, the finger-nails are sufficiently strong to inflict a severe wound ; so
that the entire aspect of an adult male Magot is that of a fierce and dangerous
animal.

Its walk on level ground is rather awkward, this animal making use of feet and
hands for that purpose ; but it climbs with ease and agility up trees or rocks, and in a
domesticated state is fond of running up and down ropes, and swinging itself about
its cage.

In captivity it will eat almost any kind of food,, but in its wild state it prefers fruit,
leaves and other vegetable fare, varying its diet by sundry insects which it captures.
When enraged it utters a fierce harsh yell, which, when enhanced by the force of
numbers, the fury flashing eyes and warlike gestures, often suffices to intimidate a foe
from venturing upon an attack. But when it is not under the influence of angry feel-
ings, its voice is comparatively mild and gentle, being a soft and almost caressing
chatter.

There is a strange grimace in which this animal habitually indulges on almost
every emotion, whether it be caused by pleasure, anger, or disappointment. The
cheeks are sucked in, the lips are contracted over the gums, and the teeth are freely
exhibited.

Although it is popularly termed the Barbary Ape, the Magot is not a true ape,
being organized after a very different fashion from the veritable Simians. Belonging
to the same genus as the Munga and Rhesus, it is almost entirely destitute of the
tail which is so conspicuous an adornment of these monkeys. In the Magot the tail
is reduced to a mere projection, sufficient to mark the spot where that member would
have been placed, but not prominent enough to be ranked among real tails. Owing
to this formation, the Magot, although one of the Macaques, was placed among the
apes by earlier naturalists.

When at liberty in its native lands, the Magot has a great predilection for hunting
scorpions, insects, and similar creatures, and devouring them on the spot. It displays
peculiar aptitude for discovering and pouncing upon its prey.

Scorpions and beetles are found in profusion under stones, logs, or in similar shelter-
ing places, and are there secure from any ordinary foe. But the quick senses of the
Magot detect them in their concealment, and the ready hands sweep away the shelter
and make the insect prisoner before it recovers the suHden surprise of its violated
roof. On the rock of Gibraltar these monkeys are constantly engaged in turning
over the loose stones, and by their perpetual industry have, in course of years, quite
altered the surface of the earth, affording, it may be, grounds for sore perplexity in the
minds of future geologists.

To any ordinary animal the scorpion would be rather a dangerous prey, and
would probably avenge its death most fully by a stroke of its torture-giving and
swiftly-lashing tail. The Magot, however, has hands which can overmatch even
the scorpion's tail, and no sooner is one of these baneful creatures brought to
light, than the monkey pounces upon it, twitches off the poison-joints of the tail,
and then, grasping the disarmed scorpion, eats it as composedly as if it were a
carrot.

In default of such large insects as have been mentioned, the Magot turns its
attention to smaller deer, and, entering into a mutual engagement with a friend of
its own race, they reciprocally exterminate the parasitic insects with which monkeys
generally swarm.

Small though the quarry may be, the Magot displays much excitement in the
chase, and after running down its prey successfully, holds the captured insect to its
eyes, contemplates it with a grimace of satisfaction, and then daintily eats it. When
in captivity it continues the same pursuits, and may often be seen nestling close
to a friendly cat or dog, busily engaged in a minute investigation of its fur, and
ever and anon giving vent to a little complacent chuckle which proclaims a successful

THE BLACK MACAQUE.

57

chase. Sometimes the Magot contracts a strong friendship for its master, and being
desirous to render every service in its power, jumps on his shoulder, and examines
his head with much care, though, we may hope, with little ultimate satisfaction.

It often happens that the domesticated Magot takes a fancy for some other animals
that may chance to come in its way, especially if they are young and comparatively
helpless. It then acts as a voluntary nurse, and performs sundry kind offices for its
charge, carrying them about with it, and, like nurses, in general, becomes horribly
jealous if its authority be in the least infringed.

Its attitudes are rather singular. When walking or running, it goes chiefly on
all-fours, but when it wishes to rest, it sits in a manner very similar to the correspond-
ing attitude in man ; when sleeping it generally lies extended at length, reclining on
one side, or gathered up in a seated position, with its head drooping between its hind
legs.

In the absence of a tail, and in general form, the BLACK MACAQUE bears some resem-
blance to the Magot, but in color
and arrangement of hair it is en-
tirely distinct from that animal.

The tint of the fur is as deep
a black as that of the Budeng, or
Black Colobus, which was men-
tioned on p. 42. Both these mon-
keys are possessed of crests which
give a peculiar character to the
whole aspect. That of the Black
Colobus, however, is reverted for-
ward, and curves to a point over
the forehead, while that of the ani-
mal before us rises from the head
and bends backward over the neck
in a manner not unlike that of the
cockatoo.

Like the Magot, the Black Ma-
caque has been called an ape by
some writers, and a baboon by
others, on account of the apology
for a tail with which its hinder
quarters are terminated, but not decorated. It is an inhabitant of the Philippines
and the neighboring countries.

THERE are few races of animals which have not been impressed by their human
superiors into their service. Although the bodily powers of man are often mqre limit-
ed than those of the inferior animals, yet the lofty human intellect can more than
compensate for corporeal deficiencies by making use of these faculties which are
possessed by the subservient creation.

Thus the Indian hunters take advantage of the active and stealthy cheetah to
capture the prey which is too vigilant of sight and too active of foot to be approached
by man.

In the bird-kingdom, the falcons take the place of the cheetah, and chase through
the realms of air those creatures whose wings would carry them beyond the grasp of
man or the range of any weapon which he could devise.

Again, the otter and the cormorant are both employed for the capture of fish in their
native element, although the one is a quadruped and the other a bird.

The ponderous strength of the elephant, and the drought-enduring powers of the
camel, are equally utilized by man ; and indeed, throughout the whole creation, whether
of animate or inanimate bodies, there is perhaps no one object that cannot, either
directly or indirectly, be converted to some human use.

Some there are, which are more directly profitable than others, among which
may be enumerated the long list of domesticated animals which are familiar to us

BLACK MACAQUE.— yffacacus Niger.

E PIG-TAILED MACAQUE.

from childhood. Many of these animals, such as the horse and the dog, are universally
employed in all parts of the wourld, while others, such as the camel, are of no service
except in the peculiar climate and among the peculiar circumstances for which they
were created.

Among these latter animals is the monkey which is depicted in the engraving
on the next page. This is the PIG-TAILED MACAQUE sometimes called the
BRUH.

An inhabitant of Sumatra and neighboring parts, the Bruh is possessed of the
activity which distinguishes the monkey tribes, and withal is endowed with a larger
share of intelligence than usual, even with the quadrumanous animals. The inhabitants
of Sumatra are in the habit of capturing the Pig-tailed Macaque when young, and
training it to climb the lofty cocoa-nut palms for the purpose of gathering the fruit.
So clever are the monkeys, and so ingenious are the teachers, that the young scholars
are instructed to select the matured nuts only, leaving the others to ripen on the
tree. On this account, the Bruh has been called by a name which signifies the
" fruit-gatherer."

In captivity it is generally an amusing animal, displaying to the full those traits
of curiosity, impertinence, petty malice, and quaint humour, for which the monkeys
are celebrated, enhanced by a spice of something that is not very far removel
from wit.

I have often remarked the exceeding ingenuity of this animal in planning an
attack on some unsuspecting person, its patience in biding its time, and its prompt
rapidity of some execution.

On one occasion, a young lady happened to pass near a cage where a pair of these
animals were confined, and their attention was immediately drawn to some beautiful
white feathers which she bore on her hat. Now, the monkeys were far too wise to
betray the least emotion, and not even by a look did they show that t*hey had even
observed the objects on which their very hearts were fixed. But any one who knew
the ways of monkeys could divine, by the sudden sparkle of the eye, that there was
mischief brewing

For some time, all went on as usual. The two monkeys held out their paws for
nuts, cracked them, ate the sound kernels, and flung the bad nuts at the donors, just
as if they had nothing on their minds, and had no soul above nuts. Interested by the
amusing pranks which the creatures were playing the owner of the feathers incautiously
approached within reach of the cage.

Almost too quickly for the eye to follow, one of the Bruhs shot down the bars,
and with a single adroit movement, whipped out one of the white feathers and leaped
to the ba^k of the cage.

Seating himself on the ground, he gravely inspected his prize, turning it over in every
direction, smelling it critically, and biting off strips of the feather in order to ascertain
the flavor. Having satisfied himself on these points, he stuck the feather behind one
of his ears, so that it drooped over his head in ludicrous imitation of the manner in
which it had been fastened into the hat. Thus accoutred, he paraded about the floor of
the cage with stately pride.

His compainon now thought himself entitled to some share in the booty, and,
creeping up stealthily from behind, made a sudden spring at the feather. It was quite
useless, for the original thief was on the alert, and, putting the feather in his mouth,
climbed up a suspended rope with wonderful agilty ; and in order to guard against an
attack from below, as he coiled up the rope with his hinder feet fast as he ascended, thus
cutting off all communication. When he reached the ceiling, as he hitched his fingers
and toes though the staple to which the rope was attached, and thus remained for
awhile in pefect security.

However, even a monkey's limbs will not maintain their hold forever, and the Bruh
was forced to descend. His companion was waiting for him on the floor, and, when he
reached the ground, gave chase, the two monkeys leaping about the cag, climbing the
bars, and swinging from the ropes in the most agile manner.

At last they seemed to be tired of the game, and, sitting, on one of the bars amicably

THE PIG-TAILED MACAQUE.

59

set to work at the feather, picking out each vane separately, nibbling it, and spurting
the fragments on the floor.

Just at this juncture the keeper made his appearance at the door, and the very gleam
of his cap was a signal for the delinquents to dive into the furthermost corner of their
cage, out of reach of stick or whip. The feather was ultimately restored to its rightful
owner, but as its shaft had been bitten nearly through, had lost many of its snowy
vanes, and hung limp and flaccid, as if it had been mangled, there was but slight prob-
ability of its ever renewing its position upon hat or bonnet.

As to the depredators, they were incorrigible. Hardly had the excitement caused by
the feather-robbery begun to subside, when a fresh storm of laughter and exclamations
arose.

'0,

FIG-TAILED MACAQUE— Macacus nemesMnus.

On my returning to the cage, the same monkey was seen perched on his bar examin-
ing leisurely a new prize in the shape of a bracelet, which he had snatched from the
hand of a lady who was offering some biscuit. It was one of those bracelets that are
composed of large beads, threaded on elastic cord, and the whole attention of the thief
was absorbed in the amusement caused by drawing the bracelet to its full length, and
letting it snap. The clatter of the beads seemed to amuse the monkey mightily, and
he was so entirely charmed with this novel recreation, that he did not even see the
approaching keeper. At the sound of his voice, however, down went beads, away
went monkey, and the bracelet was soon in possession of its owner.

It was a very fortunate circumstance for the monkey that he was deprived of his
prize. He would most certainly have pulled the bracelet until the string broke, and the
beads fell on the floor ; and in that case, he would inevitably have swallowed every bead
that had not been seized and eaten by his companion.

THE WANDEROO.

The floor of the cage was strewed with fragmentary trophies of the powers of these
most mischievous creatures. There were scraps of ribbon, evidently torn from feminine
wrists ; there were odd fingers and thumbs of gloves, of every material and make ; there
were patches of various laces and light textures, which had once formed part of summer
dresses ; even to little pieces of slight walking-sticks, which had been seized and broken
by the monkey in excusable avenging of insults offered by their bearers ; — there were
representative fragments of man, woman, and child, lying tossed about in admirable
confusion.

I never knew so excellent a show of trophies, excepting in one instance, where
several monkeys were confined in the same cage, and even in that case, I fancy that
the superiority was simply occasioned by the less frequency with which the cage was
swept. It is quite a common sight to see the skeleton of a parasol or two lying help-
lessly on ,the floor, or hung derisively from some bar or hook that is out of reach of
any hand but that of the monkey.

WANDEROO.— SHeaus veter.

Tassels of all kinds fall easy victims to the monkey's quick paw, and, after being well
gnawed, are thrown contemptuously on the ground. The hard knob. that is usually
found in the upper part of a tassel irritates the monkey exceedingly. He thinks that he
has found a nut concealed in the silken threads, and expends much time and labor in
trying to crack it. The fine fibres of the silk annoy him wonderfully, and the air of
angry vexation with which he spits out the obnoxious threads is highly amusing.

The fur of the Pig-tailed Macaque is tolerably uniform in its hue. The color of the
greater part of the fur is a light fawn ; a dark brown tint is washed over the top of the
head and along the back, spreading partly over the sides, and coloring the upper sur-
face of the tail. The under parts of the body and tail, together with the cheeks are of
a lighter tint.

The last of the Macaques which we shall notice in this work is the monkey which
is well known under the name of WANDEROO, or OUANDEROO, as it is sometimes
written.

Although the Wanderoo is by our best authorities considered to be a member of the
Macaques, and is therefore placed among them in this work ; some naturalists are more

THE WANDEROO. 61

inclined to give it a place at the head of the Baboons, and assert that it forms the link
between them and the Macaques.

To this decision they are led by the general physiognomy of this monkey, and by the
fact that the extremity of the tail is furnished with a brush. Still, the muzzle is not of
that brutal character which is so repulsively exhibited in the baboons, and the nostrils
are situated in their ordinary position, instead of being pierced at the extremity of the
muzzle.

The Indian name of this animal is " Nilbandar," or more properly " Neel-bhunder,"
the word being a composite one, and signifying a black Bhunder.

This very singular animal is a native of the East Indies, and is found commonly
enough in Ceylon. The heavy mass of hair that surmounts the head and envelops the
entire face, gives it a rather dignified aspect, reminding the observer of the huge peruke
under whose learned shade the great legal chiefs consider judgment. The hair on the
top of the head is black, but the great beard that rolls down the face and beneath the
chin is of a gray tint, as if blanched by the burden of many years. In some instances
this beard is almost entirely white, and then the Wanderoo looks very venerable indeed.

It is not a very mischievous animal in its wild state, and withdraws itself from the
habitations of men. When in captivity it is of a tetchy and capricious disposition,
sometimes becoming mild in its demeanor, and presently, without the least apparent
motive, bursting into a fit of passion, and indulging in all kinds of malicious tricks.
But, as is the case with so many of the monkey tribe, as the creature becomes older, it
loses the gentle part of its nature, and develops the brutality alone. Thus, a Wanderoo
may be quiet, docile, and even affectionate, at a year old, and appear quite a model of
monkey nature ; at two years of age the same animal will be full of lively caprice, at
times playful, and at times cross and savage ; while at full age, the creature will be surly,
inert, savage, and revengeful.

From the form of the tail, which is of a moderate length, and decorated with a hairy
tuft at its extremity, the Wanderoo is also known by the name of the Lion-tailed Baboon.

The greater part of the fur of this animal is of a fine black, but the color assumes
a lighter hue on the breast and abdomen. The callosities on the hinder quarters are of
a light pink.

It is not a very large animal, being rather less than three feet from the nose to the tip
of the tail.

The name Silenus is appropriate enough, for the white beard and whiskers bear some
resemblance to those facial ornaments attributed to the aged companion of the youth-
ful Bacchus. And the specific title of " Veter," signifying "old," is well earned by
the veteran aspect of the animal. The eye is a bright brown, and looks knowingly out
of the hairy mass, from which it peers inquisitively at the bystanders.

Probably on account of the sapient mien, for which it is indebted to the mass of
circumfluous locks, the Wanderoo is considered by the inhabitants to be a personage of
great distinction among its own people. All other monkeys of the same land are said
to pay the most profound reverence to their bearded chief, and, in his presence, to
humble themselves as subjects before an emperor.

When feeding, the Wanderoo has a discreet custom of filling its cheek pouches before
it begins to eat, thus laying up a provision against future emergencies before it has begun
to satisfy the actual present wants of hunger. This habit presents a curious analogy
with the peculiar stomach of the ruminating animals, when in the act of eating ; a portion
of the food passes into a series of pockets or pouches, where it is retained until the
creature is possessed of time and leisure for re-mastication.

In its earlier youth, the Wanderoo is susceptible of education, and can be trained to
perform many ingenious tricks, preferring those of a grave and sedate cast to the mer-
curial and erratic accomplishments displayed by the generality of learned monkeys.

BABOONS, OR DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.

'•

GROUP OP CHACMAS.

BABOONS, OR DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.

A WELL-MARKED group of animals now comes before us, popularly known by the name
of BABOONS. In more learned language they are entitled " Cynocdphali," or Dog-
headed animals, on account of the formation of the head and jaws, which much re-
semble those of the dog tribe.

One distinguishing characteristic of these creatures is that the nostrils are situated
at the extremity of the muzzle, instead of lying nearly flat upon its base, and just under

THE GELADA. 63

the eyes, as in the apes, and other quadrumanous animals. The muzzle, too, is peculiar
in its form, being, as it were, cut off abruptly, leaving a round and flattened extremity,
which is well shown in the engraving of the Gelada, on p. 64. This extreme projection
is not so conspicuous in the young baboon as when it attains a more mature age, and,
indeed, is sometimes so little developed, that the young baboons have been taken for
adult Macaques.

Of all the Quadrumana, the baboons are the most morose in temper, the fiercest in
character, and the most repellent in manners.

So odiously disgusting are the habits in which many of these animals continually
indulge, that, as a general rule, their presence is offensive in the extreme, and, excepting
for purposes of scientific investigation, it is better to shun the cage that holds any
specimen of these creatures.

There are now and then exceptional cases, but they are few and far between, and it is
hardly possible to watch an adult baboon for many minutes without incurring a risk of
some shock to the nerves. Even their exceeding cunning, and the crafty wiles which
are hatched in their fertile brains cannot atone for their habitual offences against
decorum.

It is rather curious that in the preceding genera, such as the Cercopitheci, and the
Cercocebi, the chief characteristic from which the genus derives its rather lengthy title
is founded upon the tail ; while in the baboons, the systematic naturalists leaped at
one bound to the opposite extremity of the body, and took up their stand upon the
head.

For the introduction to science of the GELADA, one of the most singular of these
animals, we are indebted to Dr. Ruppell, who has gained so well-earned a name in the
annals of natural science.

Together with all the Cynocephali, the Gelada is a native of Africa, Abyssinia being
the country from which our specimens have been derived. Dr. Ruppell, in his work on
the " Fauna of Abyssinia," places this animal among the Macaques. The adult animal
exhibits in perfection the curious mass of hair that is seen to cover the neck and
shoulders of the monkeys of this group, and sit magnificently placid under the shade of
its capillary mantle.

The young Gelada is almost totally devoid of this heavy mane, if it can be so called,
and only by slight indications gives promise of the future development.

The general color of this animal is a brown tint of varying intensity. The body and
mane are of a dark brown, fading into a much lighter hue on the top of the head and
sides of the face. The limbs partake of the character of the body, with the exception
of the fore-legs, and paws, and the hinder feet, on which the fur is nearly black.

The baboons are more quadrupedal in their gait than any of the animals hitherto
described, their formation being well adapted to such a style of progression. Even in
walking some three or four steps, they seldom move otherwise than on all-fours, and when
at liberty in their native haunts, are almost invariably seen either to walk like a dog, or
to sit in the usual monkey fashion, discarding all attempts to imitate the human attitude.
Sometimes they will stand in a tolerably erect posture for a few moments if they are
desirous of looking at a distant object, or of playing some of their fantastic pranks ; but
even in that case, they usually aid themselves by resting a paw on any convenient
support.

Their paces are generally of two kinds, a walk when they are at leisure and un-
interrupted in their proceedings, and a gallop when they are alarmed, or otherwise
hurried. The walk is remarkable for its jaunty impertinence, and must be seen before
it can be properly appreciated. There is an easy, undulating swagger of the whole
person, and a pretentious carriage of the tail, that, aided by the quick cunning blink of
the little deep-set eyes, imparts an indescribable air of effrontery to the animal. This
characteristic action is admirably hit off by the artist in the lesser figures depicted in
the engraving on p. 62. Their pace, when hurried, is a gallop, somewhat resembling
that of a dog.

All the baboons are excellent climbers of trees, as well as accomplished cragsmen,
and are seldom found very far from trees or rocks. As they band together in great

64

THE GELADA.

numbers, they are nearly invincible in their own domains, whether of forest or clifi^
bidding defiance to almost every enemy but man.

Although more ready to shun an enemy than to attack, and always preserving the
better part of valor, they are terrible foes when they are brought to bay, and turn
upon their enemies with the furious energy of despair. Active to a degree, and fur-
nished with powerful limbs, they would be no despicable antagonists were their means
of attack limited to hands and feet alone ; but when their long sharp teeth and massive
jaws are thrown into the scale, it will be seen that hardly the leopard itself is a more
formidable animal.

QELADA.— <7//a<fe RuppellH.

l

The teeth are formed in a manner which peculiarly fits them for the mode of attack
that is employed by all the baboons. The great canine teeth are long and pointed at
their tips, while their inner edge is sharp as that of a knife, and can cut with more
effect than many a steel weapon.

Knowing well the power of the terrible armature with which he is gifted, the en-
raged baboon leaps upon his foe, and drawing it towards him with his hands and feet,
fixes his teeth in its throat until the sharp fangs meet together. He then violently
pushes the miserable aggressor from him, so that the keen-edged teeth cut their way
through the flesh, and inflict a wound that is often immediately fatal.

In this manner they repel the attacks of dogs ; and woe be to the inexperienced hound
who is foolish enough to venture its person within grasp of the baboon's feet or hands

THE CHACMA. 65

Many a time have these reckless animals paid for their audacity by their life. The
whole affair is the work of only a few seconds. The baboon is scampering away in hot
haste, and the hound following at full speed. Suddenly the fugitive casts a quick
glance behind him, and seeing that he has only one antagonist close upon him, wheels
round, springs on the dog before it can check itself, and in an instant flings the dying
hound on the earth, the blood pouring in torrents from its mangled throat.

OF THE Dog-headed baboons, the species which is most celebrated for such feats of
prowess is the well-known animal called the CHACMA, or URSINE BABOON, the latter
title being given to it on account of the slightly bear-like aspect of the head and neck.
The word Chacma is a corrupted, or rather a contracted, form of the Hottentot name
T'chakamma. The Zulu name for this baboon is Imfena, a much more euphonious
word, without that odious click, so impossible of achievement by ordinary vocal organs.
In the same dialect, one which is in almost every case remarkable for the rich softness
of its intonation, the word " Inkau," is the synonym for a monkey.

This animal, when it has attained its full age, equals in size a large mastiff, or an
ordinary sized wolf ; while, in bodily strength and prowess, it is a match for any two
dogs that can be brought to attack it.

Curiously enough, although it is so ruthless an antagonist, being the certain slayer
of any hound that may come to close quarters, there is no animal which is so eagerly
hunted by the South African hounds. Experience seems in this case to have lost its
proverbially instructive powers ; and the cruel death of many comrades by the trenchant
fangs of the Chacma has no effect in deterring the ardent hound from attacking the
first baboon that comes in its way.

The owners of the hounds are more careful in this matter than are the dogs them-
selves, and evince more caution in setting their dogs on the track of a baboon than on
the " spoor " of a leopard, or even of the regal lion himself.

The Chacma is a most accomplished robber, executing his burglaries openly when-
ever he knows that he will meet with no formidable opposition, and having recourse to
silent craft when there are dogs to watch for trespassers, and men with guns to shoot
them.

With such consummate art do these animals plan, and with such admirable skill do
they carry out their raids, that even the watchful band of dogs is comparatively useless ;
and the cunning robbers actually slip past the vigilant sentries without the stirring of
a grass blade, or the rustling of a dried twig, to give notice to the open ears of the wake-
ful but beguiled sentries.

In such a case, the mode to which they resort is clever in the extreme.

They know full well, that if a number of their body were to enter the forbidden
domain, they could hardly elude the observation or escape the hearing of dogs and
men ; so they commit the delicate task of entering the enemy's domains to one or two
old experienced baboons. These take the lead, and gliding softly past the sentry dogs,
find admission by some crevice, or by the simpler mode of climbing over the fence.

Meanwhile, the rest of the band array themselves in a long line, leading from the
scene of operations to some spot where they will be out of danger from pursuit.

All being ready, the venturous leaders begin to pluck the fruit, or to bite off the stalks,
as the case may be, and quietly hand the booty to the comrade who is nearest to them.
He passes the fruit to a third, who again hands it to a fourth ; and thus the spoil is
silently conveyed to a distance, in a manner similar to that which is employed in hand-
ing water-buckets to a fire-engine. When a sufficient amount of plunder has been se-
cured, the invading party quietly make their retreat, and revel in security on their ill-
gotten goods.

Although on service for the general weal, each individual baboon is not unmindful
of his personal interest ; and while he hands the booty to his next neighbor, deftly slips
a portion into his pouches, much on the same principle that an accomplished epicure,
while busily carving for the assembled guests, never loses sight of his own particular
predilection, and when he has exhausted the contents of the dish, quietly assumes the
portion which he had laid aside.

When young, the Chacma is docile enough, and by its curious tricks affords much
5

66 THE CHACMA.

amusement to its master and those around it. Not only for amusement, however, is
this animal detained in captivity, but its delicate natural instincts are sometimes enlisted
in the service of its master. It displays great ability in discovering the various roots
and tubers on which it feeds, and which can also be used as food for man ; and in
digging like Caliban, with his long nails, pignuts.

A more important service is often rendered by this animal than even the procuration
of food ; and that is, the hunting for, and almost unfailing discovery of water.

In the desert life, water loses its character of a luxury, and becomes a dread neces-
sity ; its partial deficiency giving birth to fearful sufferings, while its total deprivation,
even for a day or two, causes inevitable death. The fiery sun of the tropical regions,
and the arid, scorching atmosphere, absorb every particle of moisture from the body,
and cause a constant desire to supply the unwonted waste with fresh material, exactly
where such a supply is least attainable.

Among these climates, the want of a proper supply of water is soon felt, the longing
for the cool element becomes a raging madness ; the scorched and hardened lips refuse
their office, and the tongue rattles uselessly in the mouth, as if both tongue and palate
were cut out of dried wood.

The value of any means by which such sufferings can be alleviated is incalculable ;
and the animal of which we are speaking is possessed of this priceless faculty.

When the water begins to run short, and the known fountains have failed, as is too
often the sad hap of these desert wells, fortunate is the man who owns a tame Chacma,
or " Bavian," as it is called. The animal is first deprived of water for a whole day,
until it is furious with thirst, which is increased by giving it salt provisions, or putting
salt into its mouth. This apparent cruelty is, however, an act of true mercy, as on the
Chacma may depend the existence of itself and the whole party.

A long rope is now tied to the baboon's collar, and it is suffered to run about wher-
ever it chooses, the rope being merely used as a means to prevent the animal from get-
ting out of sight. The baboon now assumes the leadership of the band, and becomes
the most important personage of the party.

First it runs forward a little, then stops ; gets on its hind feet, and sniffs up the air,
especially taking notice of the wind and its direction. It will then, perhaps, change the
direction of its course ; and after running for some distance take another observation.
Presently it will spy out a blade of grass or similar object, pluck it up, turn it on all
sides, smell it, and then go forward again. And thus the animal proceeds until it leads
the party to water ; guided by some mysterious instinct which appears to be totally
independent of reasoning, and which loses its powers in proportion as reason gains
dominion.

The curious employment of the animal for the discovery of water, is mentioned by
Captain Drayson, R.A., in his interesting work, " Sporting Scenes among the Kaffirs of
South Africa." In the course of the same work he gives many life-like illustrations of
baboon habits, whether wild or tame.

Of the daily life of the baboons, the following affords a graphic and amusing
description.

" During the shooting trip with the Eoers, I awoke before daybreak, and as-I felt very
cold and not inclined to sleep, I got up, and taking my gun, walked to a little ravine,
out of which a clear, murmuring stream flashed in the moonlight, and ran close past
our out-span. A little distance up this kloof, the fog was dense and thick ; the blue
and pink streaks of the morning light were beginning to illuminate the peaks of the
Draakensberg, but all immediately around us still acknowledged the supremacy of the
pale moonlight. I wanted to see the sun rise in this lonely region, and watch the
changing effects which its arrival would produce on the mountains and plains around.

" Suddenly I heard a hoarse cough, and on turning, saw indistinctly in the fog a queer
little old man standing near, and looking at me. I instinctively cocked my gun, as the
idea of bushmen and poisoned arrows flashed across my mind. The old man instantly
dropped on his hands ; giving another hoarse cough, that evidently told a tale of consump-
tive-lungs ; he snatched up something beside him, which seemed to leap on his shoulders,
and then he scampered off up the ravine on all-fours. Before half this performance was

THE CHACMA. 67

completed, I had discovered my mistake ; the little old man turned into an ursine
baboon with an infant ditto, who had come down the kloof to drink. The * old man's '
cough was answered by a dozen others, at present hidden in the fogs ; soon, however,

" ' Up rose the sun, the mists were curl'd
Back from the solitary world
Which lay around,' '

and I obtained a view of the range of mountains gilded by the morning sun.

THE CHACMA.— Cyaocephalus Porcarius.

" A large party of the old gentleman's family were sitting up the ravine, and were evi-
dently holding a debate as to the cause of my intrusion. I watched them through my
glass, and was much amused at their grotesque and almost human movements. Some
of the old ladies had their olive branches in their laps, and appeared to be ' doing their
hair,' while a patriarchal old fellow paced backwards and forwards with a fussy sort
of look ; he was evidently on sentry, and seemed to think himself of no small impor-
tance.

" This estimate of his dignity did not appear to be universally acknowledged ; as two or
three young baboons sat close behind him watching his proceedings ; sometimes with
the most grotesque movements and expressions they would stand directly in his path,
and hobble away only at the last moment. One daring youngster followed close on the
heels of the patriarch during the whole length of his beat, and give a sharp tug at his tail
as he was about to turn. The old fellow seemed to treat it with the greatest indifference,
scarcely turning round at the insult. Master Impudence was about repeating the perform-
ance, when the pater, showing that he was not such a fool as he looked, suddenly sprang
round, and catching the young one before he could escape, gave him two or three such
cuffs that I could hear the screams that resulted therefrom. The venerable gentleman

68

THE CHACMA.

then chucked the delinquent over his shoulder, and continued his promenade with the
greatest coolness : this old baboon was evidently acquainted with the practical details
of Solomon's proverb.

" A crowd gathered round the naughty child, who, childlike, seeing commiseration,
shrieked all the louder. I even fancied I could see the angry glances of the mamma,
as she took her dear little pet in her arms and removed it from a repetition of such
brutal treatment."

One of these animals, personally known to Captain Drayson, was a great practical
jester, and was fond of terrifying the Kaffir women by rushing at them open-mouthed,
catching them by their ankles, and mowing at them with extravagant grimaces, as if he
meant to eat them up bodily. Sometimes a dog would be set at him while thus employed,
and change the aspect of affairs in a moment. The pursuer then became the pursued,
and quitting his prey, made for the nearest tree, up which he scuttled, and settled him-
self among the branches just so high as to be out of reach of the dog's jaws, and just
so low as to give hopes of success by a higher than ordinary leap. There he would sit
as if there were no such being in the world as a dog, and giving himself up to the con-
templation of the surrounding scenery, or the aspect of the sky, would leisurely pursue
his train of thought until the dog was tired and went away.

His keenness of sight was remarkable, his eyes possessing powers of distant vision
that rivalled the telescope.

In order to prove the powers of the creature's sight, his master made several experi-
ments, by going to so great a distance that the baboon perched on its pole was barely
perceptible to the naked eye, and from thence producing sundry distortions of counte-
nance, and strange attitudes of body. By looking through a telescope, he was able to see
that the animal was not only capable of discerning and imitating his gestures, but even
the very changes of countenance ; so that a grimace on the part of the gallant owner
was immediately reproduced, or rather, represented by a grin on the part of the baboon.

There is a well-known story of a monkey who literally " plucked a crow " which had
been in the habit of stealing his food, and curiously enough, the scene was re-enacted
by this very animal, with the exception of one or two slight differences.

He was chained to the pole because he was rather too mischievous to be left entirely
at liberty. He had been already detected in eating a box of wafers, studying practically
the interior construction of a watch, and drinking a bottle of ink — in this last exploit
displaying similar tastes with the siamang described on p. 32 of this volume. His age
was only two years at the time when the account of his performances was written.

Captain Drayson has very kindly furnished me with the following original anecdotes
of this tame Chacma : —

" A young baboon which had been reared by his owner from infancy resided for some
months near my tent, and often served to while away an idle hour.

" Sometimes a stout earthen pot, which had just been emptied of its contents of good
English jam, was submitted to the mercy of ' Jacob,' as this animal was named. The
neck of the pot would not admit even a hand to be inserted, and it was most amusing to
watch the manoeuvres which were practised to procure some of the remnants of the
sweets. If a stick were near, the jam was scooped out ; but if not, the pot was elevated
high above Jacob's head, and then flung to the ground with great force.

" The earthen pot was stout and strong ; but upon one occasion, by good luck, the pot
struck a stone, and was fractured. Great was the delight of Jacob, but not unmixed with
suspicion ; for he appeared to think that the bystanders had been merely waiting to
take advantage of his skill in projectiles, and that they would now purloin his frag-
ments. Cramming his pouches full of bits of the jam-pot, he then seized the largest
remaining piece and retreated to the top of his pole to enjoy the licking.

" He was always fully occupied for some hours after these feats ; for the jam adhered
to his body, and he had to contort himself to lick off all the particles.

" There is almost as much expression in the tail of a baboon, as there is in his
face. The alteration of the curve in whch it is usually carried, or the lowering of
this appendage, having a special meaning, according to the character of the
individual.

THE CHACMA. 69

" The baboon is perfectly aware of the dangerous character of the snake, and when
he approaches a clump of bushes for the purpose of feasting upon the young shoots or
ripe berries, he invariably peeps suspiciously amongst the underwood in search of his
dreaded foe.

" In consequence of Jacob's detestation of the serpent race, a cruel trick was frequently
played upon him, but which was one that gave great amusement. This was to frighten
him with a dead snake.

" Serpents of every description were here very common ; a*nd sometimes when one
had been killed, it was laid across a stick and taken towards Jacob. The instant his
persecutor came in sight, the snake was sure to be seen ; Jacob would then wrap him-
self up in his blanket and turn over an old box, under which he would hide. This re-
treat soon failed him, as there was a small knot-hole in the box, through which the tail
of the snake was insinuated.

" Finding that this artifice had failed, he would upset the box, and spring away ; a
little dodging would then take place, and Jacob would be hemmed in so that the snake
was brought close to him. Then, indeed, things required a desperate remedy, and with
great presence of mind, he would seize the tail — invariably the tail — of the snake, and
would fling the reptile to a distance. He would then at once rush towards his perse-
cutor, and sit down beside him, as though to intimate that he wished to be friends.

" There was only one method from which there was no escape ; this was to tie the
snake loosely around the upper part of Jacob's chain, and then hold it so that a little
shaking caused the reptile to slide towards him.

" After several jumps and grimaces, he would 'appear to be convinced that escape
was useless, and would then resign himself complacently to his fate.

" Lying down on his side, as though perfectly prepared for the worst, he would re-
main as though dead. But as soon as the snake was taken away, the mercurial tem-
perament of the creature instantly showed itself ; for he would then jump on the shoul-
ders of any person who might happen to be near, and would play off some practical joke
as a retaliation.

" Although evidently alarmed whenever snakes were brought near him, he still ap-
peared perfectly to understand that nothing more than a joke was intended.

" His treatment of small dogs was very quaint.

" If by chance a young pup came near him, he would seize hold of it and cuddle it
in his arms in a most affectionate and maternal way ; not being very particular, how-
ever, whether he held the animal by the ear, the tail, or a leg.

" If the pup, as sometimes happened, objected to this treatment, and endeavored to
escape or to misbehave, Jacob would catch hold of its hind leg or tail, and would swing
it round at arm's length, and at last fling it from him.

" The morning of life is decidedly the period of light-heartedness with the baboon ;
when the weight of years has been accumulated upon the shoulders of a veteran he
becomes staid and philosophic, and sometimes rather quarrelsome, objecting strongly to
the presuming manners of his juniors, and taking every opportunity to punish them
should they be caught taking liberties with him."

The Chacma is supposed to be rather a long-lived animal, and with some reason.
For although it is not easy to follow the course of a Chacma's existence from birth to
death, and there are not as yet any official registers among the quadrumanous tribe,
there are certain registers which are written by Nature's hand, and not subject to erasion,
forgery, or alteration. One of these official registers, is the proportion that exists be-
tween the time which is passed by an animal before it attains its adult state, and the
entire term of its life. It is found that the Chacma arrives at its full development at the
age of eight or nine years ; and, therefore, its lease of life may be calculated at about
forty years.

The chief, and most legitimate food of this baboon, is the plant which is called from
this circumstance, Babiana. It affords a curious example of vegetable life existing under
trying circumstances, as it only gets rain for three months in the year ; and during the
remainder of the twelvemonth is buried in a soil so parched, that hardly any plant except
itself can exist. The portion that is eaten is the thick, round, subterraneous stem, which

70 THE BABOON.

is neatly peeled by the more fastidious baboons, and eaten entire by the less refined and
more hungry animals.

The number of species belonging to the Dog-headed Baboons is very limited. All of
them seem to be possessed of very similar habits and modes of action. The species which
is represented in the accompanying engraving presents characteristics that are typical of
the entire race, and is therefore called the Baboon, par excellence. There is some
difficulty about the precise distinctions between several of the species, — a circumstance
which, although to be regretted, is almost inevitable from the great external changes
which are occasioned by age and sex, and the impossibility of keeping a close watch
on these animals in their wild state.

The most interesting portion of natural history is that which relates the habits and
manners of the creatures observed ; and in the majority of instances the narrations are
given by persons who, although fully alive to the little traits of temper," humor,
or ingenuity, are unacquainted with the more recondite details of systematic
zoology.

Consequently, an act performed by a baboon is considered by them in virtue of the
deed itself, rather than in relation to the particular species of the animal who achieved it;
and the intellectual power displayed by the animal is thought to be of more real value
than the number of projections upon its molar teeth. This uncertainty is very great
among the baboons, and as long as an act of theft or cunning is performed by a baboon,
the narrator seems to care little whether the species be the Chacma, the Baboon, the
Papion, or any other member of the same genus.

There are many most curious and interesting anecdotes on record which admirably
illustrate the baboon nature, and yet which are not to be attributed with absolute cer-
tainty to any one species.

For example, there is a well-authenticated tale of a tame baboon which used to per-
form all kinds of clever tricks, some for the pecuniary benefit of its master, and others
for its own individual pleasure.

The animal must have been of great service to its owner, for it cost him nothing in
food, being accustomed to steal its own daily supply. On one occasion this capability
was put to the test ; a date-seller being the unfortunate subject upon whom the talents
of the baboon were tried. The performance began by a simulated fit on the part of
the animal, which fell down apparently in great pain, and grovelled on the earth in a
paroxysm of contortions, its eyes steadily fixed on those of the date-seller.

Apparently motiveless as this conduct might be, it was the result of much care, for
every writhing twist of the body brought the creature nearer to the basket which con-
tained the coveted dainties. When it had arrived within reach, it fixed the date-seller's
attention by strange grimaces, and, with its hind feet, commenced emptying the
basket.

The most absurd part of the story is, that its " wicked conscience smited it " for the
theft, and that it perfectly understood the unjustifiable character of the deed which it
had just accomplished ; for, as it was retreating, after having secured its plunder, a
mischievous boy gave the animal a sly tug of the tail. The baboon, fancying that the
insult had come from the date-seller, in reprisal for the abstraction of his goods, turned
round, flew at the man, and, if it had not been captured by its master, would probably
have done him some material injury.

A very quaint story is told of the same animal, which, if true, exhibits the strangest
combination of cunning, simplicity, and ready wit, that ever entered the brain of living
creature. At all events, if it be not true, it deserves to be so.

It appears that the baboon was so tame, and had proved so apt a pupil, that its master
had taught it to watch the pot in which he prepared his dinner, and was accustomed to
leave it in charge of the culinary department while he was engaged in other business.
One day, he had prepared a fowl for his dinner, and, after putting it into the pot, and the
pot on the fire, went away for a time, leaving the baboon in charge, as usual.

For a time all went well, and the animal kept a quiet watch over the fire. After a
while, it was seized with a desire to see what might be in the pot, and so, taking off the
lid, peeped in. The odor that issued from the boiled fowl was gratifying to the animal's

THE BABOON.

nostrils, and induced it, after a brief mental struggle, to pick just a little bit from the
fowl, and to put the bird back again. This was done accordingly, but the experiment
was so very successful that it was speedily repeated. Again and again was a morsel
pinched from the fowl, until the natural consummation followed — the fowl was picked
quite clean, and nothing left but the bones.

Now came remorse and sudden fear, causing the wretched animal to chatter with
terror at the thought of the scarifying which was sure to follow so grievous an offence.

What was the poor thing to do ? Time was passing, and the master must soon return
for his dinner. At last a brill-
iant thought flashed through the
animal's brain, and it immedi-
ately acted upon the idea.

Now, in order to understand
the depth of the craft which was
employed, it must be remem-
bered that the baboons are fur-
nished, in common with very
many monkeys, with two callos-
ities on the hinder quarters,
which serve them for seats, and
which are, in these animals, of a
bright red color.

Rolling itself over and over in
the dust, it covered its body with
an uniformly sombre coating,
and then, gathering itself well
together, and putting its head
and knees on the ground, it pre-
sented an appearance marvel-
lously resembling a rough block
of stone with two pieces of raw
meat laid on its top. In those
climates the birds of prey abso-
lutely swarm, and, being encour-
aged by their well-earned impu-
nity, crowd round every place
where cooking is going on, and
where they may have a chance
of securing a portion, either by
lawful gift, or lawless rapine.
Several of these birds, among
which were some kites, being
attracted by the scent of the
boiling meat, came to the spot,

THE BABOON.— Cyaocephalus Babouln.

and seeing, as they thought,
some nice raw meat temptingly
laid out for them, swept upon their fancied prize.

In a moment the baboon had sprung to its feet, and, with a rapid clutch, seized
one of the kites. The cover was again taken off the pot, and the shrieking and strug-
gling prisoner thrust into the boiling water in spite of its beak and claws. The lid was
then replaced, and the baboon resumed its post of sentry with the placid ease that be-
longs to a conscience void of offence.

The baboons, when in their native fastnesses, are under a very complete system of
discipline, and enforce its code upon each other most strictly. Considering the daring in-
roads which these creatures constantly make upon their neighbors' property, the most
wary vigilance is necessary for the safety of the whole community.

The acknowledged chiefs of the association are easily recognized by the heavy mass

72 THE BABOON.

of hair that falls over their shoulders, and which, when thick and gray with age, is a
natural uniform that cannot be wrongly assumed or mistaken.

These leaders have a mode of communicating their orders to their subordinates, and
they again to those placed under them, in a curiously-varied language of intonations.
Short and sharp barks, prolonged howls, sudden screams, quick jabberings, and even
gestures of limbs and person, are all used with singular rapidity, and repeated from one to
the other. There was a system of military telegraphing, by means of attitudes and sounds,
which was invented some time ago, and which really might have been copied from the
baboons, so much do their natural tactics resemble the artificial inventions of man;
kind.

It must be remembered that, clever as are these animals, their ingenuity is quite
equalled, and even surpassed, by many of the animal kingdom which are placed much
lower in its system. Therefore, although these examples of their sagacity are thus placed
on record, it is not to be imagined that the quadrumanous animals are put forward as
the most rational of the lower creations.

In recording the known instances of the mental powers displayed by the monkey
tribe, we only give to the creature its due meed of praise, and act honestly by treating of
every being with equal justice. It is so sad that many writers should set about such a
task, having a purpose to serve, and that, in order to give to their own theory the greatest
weight, they lay the greatest stress upon those records which tell in their favor, while they
suppress those facts which might tend to overthrow or modify their own peculiar views.

To resume the account of the baboons :—

Like all animals which assemble in flocks, they never rest or move without the
protection of certain sentries, which are chosen out of their number, and which keep the
most careful watch over the troop to which they belong. The duty is anything but an
agreeable one, and its labors are equally divided among the community, each competent
member taking that task upon himself in his own turn.

When they make an attack upon a field or a plantation, they always guard against
surprise by posting sentries on elevated spots, and, knowing that due notice will be given
if any suspicious object be seen or heard, they devote all their energies to the congenial
business of theft, while the sentries remain at their posts, never daring to withdraw their
attention from the important charge which is committed to them. However, the sentinels
do not entirely lose the benefit of all the good things, but take their proper share of the
spoil after the thievish band has returned to a place of safety; so that their greatest
trial is an exercise of patience of rather a prolonged character.

In their rocky fastnesses, their chief foe is the leopard, and so terrified are they at
the very sound of their enemy's voice, that even a very poor imitation of a growl is
sufficient to set them flying off as fast as their legs can carry them, while a breath of
air that bears upon its wings the least taint of that rank odor which exhales so powerfully
from the large Felidae, scatters dire consternation among the assemblage. There is a
story of a life saved by means of the ingenuity of a native servant, who, seeing his
master beset by a party of angry baboons, quietly stepped behind a rock, and imitated
the growl of a leopard with that startling fidelity that is so general an accomplishment
among savage tribes.

The leopard seldom attacks an adult baboon, not caring to risk its claws and fangs
against the hands and teeth of so powerful an opponent. Much less does it openly
venture to assault a band of baboons in hopes of securing one of their number. Its
mode of procedure is by slyly creeping round their rocky domains, and whipping off
one of the young baboons before an alarm is given.

Bold as are these animals, they will not dare to follow a leopard into its den ; so that,
if their dreaded foe succeeds in once getting clear of their outposts, it may carry off its
prey with impunity. The constant dread which the leopard seems to excite in a baboon's
mind appears to be occasioned more by the stealthy craft and persevering aggression
of the animal, rather than by its physical powers alone.

One of these animals, the Thoth Baboon, bore a conspicuous part in the sculptured
mythology of the Egyptians, and may be seen in almost every stony document that is
impressed with the hieroglyphical wisdom of that wondrous nation. Only the male

THE PAPION.

73

seems to have been considered worthy of forming one of the symbols of that represent-
ative language, as is shown by the fact that, whenever the Thoth Baboon is engraved,
the large mass of hair over the shoulders proves it to be of the male sex, and adult.
The attitude is generally a sitting position.

Among the Egyptians, the god Thoth held the same place among the minor deities,
as Hermes of the Greeks, and Mercury of the Romans, — being probably the prototype
of them both.

Another well-known species of the
Dog-headed Baboons is the PAPION, an
animal of rather a more refined aspect
than the Chacma, or, more properly
speaking, not quite so brutal.

The face, although unattractive
enough, is yet not so repulsive as that of
the Chacma, and the colors are rather
more bright than those of that animal.

Great reverence was paid to these
creatures, and specially to certain se-
lected individuals which were furnished
with a safe home in or near their tem-
ples, liberally fed while living, and
honorably embalmed when dead. Many
mummied forms of these baboons have
been found in the temple caves of Egypt,
swathed, and spiced, and adorned, just
as if they had been human beings.

Some authors say that the Thoth
Baboon was an object of worship
among the Egyptians, but hardly with
sufficient reason. Various animal forms
were used as visible living emblems of
the attributes of deity, and the qualities of the human intellect, but were no more
objects of idolatrous worship than the lion of England, or the eagle of America.

The fur of the Papion is of a chestnut color ; in some parts fading into a sober
fawn, and in others warmed with a wash of ruddy bay. The paws are darker than the
rest of the body. When young, it is of a lighter hue, and deepens in color until it
reaches its full age. In the prime of existence its colors are the lightest, but as years
begin to lay their burden on the animal, the hairs begin to be flecked with a slight
grizzle, and, in process of time, the snows of age descend liberally, and whiten the
whole fur with hoary hairs.

The sense of smell is very largely developed in the baboons, their wide and roomy
snouts giving plenty of space for the olfactory nerve to spread its branches. Aided
by this formation, they are enabled to distinguish between poisonous and wholesome
food — much to the advantage of their human neighbors, who profit by their intelli-
gence, knowing that they may safely eat any vegetable which a baboon will admit into
its list of viands. What is good for baboon is good for man, say they.

As to the animal food in which these animals indulge, it might possibly be made use
of under the presure of imminent starvation, but hardly under any circumstances less
distressing. It must require a very hungry man to eat a scorpion or a centipede, although
ants and some other insects are said to possess quite a delicate and almondlike flavor.

As has already been mentioned, they are singular adepts at discovering the presence ot
water, even though the priceless element should lie concealed under sand or stony ground.
In such a case of subterraneous springs, the baboons set regularly to work, and using
their hands in lieu of spades and mattocks, dig with wonderful celerity. While thus work-
ing, they divide the task among themselves, and relieve each other at regular intervals.

When the baboons move in parties, they employ an almost military mode of arranging
their numbers. In the advanced guard are the young males, who keep forward, well in

THE PAPION. —Cynocephalus Sphinx.

74

THE MANDRILL.

front of the main body, and run from side to side, for the purpose of reconnoitering the
ground over which they will have to pass. The females and their young occupy the
centre, while the rear is brought up by the old and experienced males.

Thus, the more active and vigilant animals lead the way, the weakest are kept under
protection, and the powerful elders have the whole of their charge constantly in view.
In order to ensure the utmost precision in the line of march, several trusty animals are
selected as " whippers in," whose business it is to keep order, to drive stragglers back
to their proper position, to moderate the exuberant playfulness of the advanced guard,
to keep a watchful eye upon the weaker members of the community, and to maintain a
correspondence with the venerable chiefs in the rear.

The number of individuals composing a troop is sometimes above one hundred, ten
or twelve being adult males, twenty or so adult females, and the rest of the band com-
posed of the young of both sexes.

The specimens of baboons that have been captured and domesticated, are generally
taken by a crafty stratagem. Jars of well-sweetened beer are placed near their haunts,
and drugged with some of those somniferous herbs which are so well known to the
Orientals.

The baboons, seeing the jars left apparently unwatched, come cautiously from their
homes, and assemble round the novel articles with much grin and chatter. They first
dip in a cautious finger, and taste suspiciously. Misgiving gives place to confidence,
and they partake freely of the sweet treachery. The soporific liquid soon manifests its
power, and the baboons fall easy victims to their captors.

The two animals with which this history of baboons is closed, are removed from the
preceding species, on account of various points in their conformation, and are placed
in a separate genus, under the name of Papio.

FEW ANIMALS present a more grotesque mixture of fantastic embellishment
and repulsive ferocity than the baboon which is known under the name of MAN-
DRILL.

The colors of the rainbow are emblazoned on the creature's form, but always in the
very spots where one would least expect to see them. A bright azure glows, not in its
" eyes of heavenly blue," but on each side of its nose, where the snout is widely
expanded, and swollen into two enormous masses. The surfaces of these curious and
very unprepossessing projections are deeply grooved, and the ridges are bedizened with
the cerulean tint above mentioned. Lines of brilliant scarlet and deep purple alternate
with the blue, and the extremity of the muzzle blazes with a fiery red like Bardolph's
nose.

That all things should be equally balanced, the opposite end of the body is also ra-
diant with chromatic effect being plenteously charged with a ruddy violet, that is per-
mitted to give its full effect by the pert, upright carriage of the tail.

The general color of the fur is of an olive brown tint, fading into gray on the under
side of the limbs, and the chin is decorated with a small yellow pointed beard. The
muzzle is remarkable for a kind of rim or border, which is not unlike the corresponding
part in a hog, and is well shown in the engraving. The ears are small, devoid of fur,
and of a black color with a tinge of blue.

As in the Diana, the colors of this animal are more of a character that we look for
in the plumage of birds, than in one of the mammals. These bright tints do not, how-
ever, belong to the hair, but only are developed in the skin, fading away after death,
and turning into a dingy black. The same circumstance is found to take place in
many other animals, the skin colors being very fugitive.

So dependent are these tints upon the life of the animal, that unless it be in perfect
health and strength, the bright colors dim their beauty, and form, by their brilliancy
or faintness, a tolerable test of the state of the creature's health.

The curious cheek expansions are due, not to the muscles of the face, but to the very
bones themselves, which are heavy, protuberant, and ridged in the bone skull as in the
living head. This addition to the usual form of the skull, adds greatly to the brutish
appearance of the animal and gives it a less intelligent aspect than that which is seen in
most of the monkey tribe.

THE MANDRILL.

75

\Only the male Mandrill possesses these strange adornments in their full beauty of
stye and color, the females being only gifted with the blue tint upon the muzzle, and
m that is of a much less brilliant hue than in the male. The cheek-bones are but
little elevated above the face, and are without the deep furrows that give so strange
an appearance to the male sex.

Even in the male animal, these ornaments do not fully develop themselves until the
creature has attained maturity. Not until the task of dentition is fully accomplished
does the Mandrill shine out in all the glory of his huge azure nose, his crimson
mouth, and carmine termination.

THE MANDRILL.— Papto Malmon.

Of all the baboons, the Mandrill appears to be the most hopelessly savage, though
examples are not wanting of individuals which have been subjected to kind treatment,
and have proved tractable and gentle — that is, for baboons.

The adult Mandrill is liable to terrible gusts of passion, during which it seems to be
bereft of reason and possessed with an insane fury. That which in other monkeys is
a hasty petulance, easily excited and soon passing away, becomes in this animal a
paroxysm of wild and blind rage, to which the anger of an ordinary monkey is but a
zephyr to a tornado.

When thus infuriated — and but small cause is needed for its excitation — the animal
seems to be beside himself with fury, heedless of everything but the object of its anger.

76

THE MANDRILL.

A demon light glares from the eyes, and it seems verily possessed with a demon's
strength and malignity. With such violence do its stormy passions rage, that the vital
powers themselves have been known to yield before the tempest that agitates the
mind, and the animal has fallen lifeless in the midst of its wild yells and struggles.

" Sudden and quick in passion " as is the Mandrill, it bears no short-lived anger,
after the custom of most quick-tempered beings, but cherishes a rancorous and deeply-
rooted vengeance against any one who may be unfortunate enough to irritate its froward
temper. It will often call in the aid of its natural cunning, and will pretend to have
forgotten the offence, in order to decoy the offender within reach of its grasp.

The power of this animal is very great, and more than might be inferred from its size
alone, though its dimensions are far from trifling.

Although in a foreign land, this, in common with most of the monkey tribes, seldom
reaches the stature to which it would have attained had it passed its existence among
the congenial influences of its own country ; even in England it has been known to
reach so considerable a size, that it was looked on as a dangerous animal, and one
which required strong bars and careful surveillance.

In this country, the Mandrill is seldom seen to equal a tolerably large terrier in size,
but in its native land a full-grown male measures more than five feet when standing
upright, a stature which equals, if not excels, that of the chacma. As with monkeys in
general, the muscular power is very great in proportion to the size of the limbs, and
therefore the attack of a Mandrill is a serious matter. Even an armed man would as
soon encounter a leopard or a bear as a Mandrill, while a weaponless man would be quite
at the animal's mercy — and mercy it has none.

Perhaps it may be on account of the repulsive look of this animal that it is held in
such detestation by the natives, as much as on account of its ferocity and strength.
Be this as it may, the Mandrill is thoroughly feared and hated by the inhabitants of
Guinea.

Unless they travel in large numbers and well armed, the natives shrink from passing
through the woods in which these animals make their residence.

For the Mandrills live in society, and their bands are so powerful in point of numbers,
and so crafty in point of management, that they are about as formidable neighbors as
could be imagined. It is said that wherever they take up their abode they assume
supreme sway, attacking and driving from their haunts even the lordly elephant
himself.

These animals are also affirmed to keep a watch over the villages, and when their
male population is dispersed to field labor, that they issue in large companies from
the woods, enter the defenceless villages, and plunder the houses of everything eatable,
in spite of the terrified women. Some of the female population are said to fall victims
to the Mandrills, which carry them away to the woods, as has been related of the
Chimpanzee.

This latter assertion may be untrue, but it is strengthened by much collateral
evidence. The large male baboons, when in captivity, always make a great distinction
between their visitors of either sex, preferring the ladies to the gentlemen. Sometimes
they are so jealous in their disposition that they throw themselves into a transport of
rage if any attentions be paid to a lady within their sight.

This curious propensity was once made the means of re-capturing a large baboon—
a chacma — that had escaped from its cage in the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris.

It had already baffled many attempts to entice it to its home, and when force was
tried, repelled the assailants, severely wounding several of the keepers. At last a
ready-witted keeper hit upon a plan which proved eminently successful.

There was a little window at the back of the cage, and when the keeper saw the
baboon in front of the open door, he brought a young lady to the window, and pretended
to kiss her. The sight of this proceeding was too much for the jealous feeling of the
baboon, which flew into the cage for the purpose of exterminating the offending keeper.
Another keeper was stationed in ambush near the cage, and the moment the infuriated
animal entered the den, he shut and fastened the door.

The male Mandrills are always more ferocious and less tameable than the females

THE MANDRILL. 77

who are also comparatively free from the revolting habits that are so unfortunately found
in the adult males.

There are several instances on record of Mandrills which have led a peaceful life in
captivity, and learned many accomplishments — some, perhaps, rather of a dubious
nature.

One of the most celebrated of these individuals, surnamed " Happy Jerry," on
account of his contented disposition, was a well-known inhabitant of the menagerie at
Exeter 'Change during his lifetime ; and, even after his death, is still before the public
who visit the British Museum.

He was accustomed to drink porter, which he liked, and to smoke a pipe which
he tolerated. He had the honor of being a royal guest, by special invitation, and
seems to have passed a life as happy as could well fall to the lot of an expatriated
animal.

There are several allusions to this baboon by ancient writers, although they seem to
have been very undecided about the real character of the animal.

Topsel gives a really good illustration of the Mandrill, placing it among the hyenas,
because preceding writers had done so. However, his own penetrative mind refused to
accept this opinion, and after saying that it might be the Artocyon, a beast which was
supposed to be the offspring of bear and dog, diffidently puts forward his own idea on
the subject, which is the correct one, as is usual when men will venture to think boldly
for themselves, and shake off the trammels of conventional prejudice.

" His fore-feet," says Topsel," are divided like a man's fingers. It continually holdeth
up his tail, for at every motion itturneth that as other beasts do their head. It hath a
short tail, and but for that I should judge it to be a kind of ape." Many of the traits
recorded by the same author are precisely applicable to the Mandrill, although, as he
thought, that it ought to be a hyena, he has intermixed with his account a few truly
hyenine anecdotes.

His name for it is, " The Second Kinde of Hyaena, called Papio, or Dabuh."

In its native land, the usual food of the Mandrill is of a vegetable nature, although, in
common with the rest of the baboons, it displays a great liking for ants, centipedes, and
similar creatures.

Sometimes it happens that it takes a carnivorous turn, and then will capture and
devour small birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles. In captivity it is tolerably carnivorous, its
tastes being sufficiently universal to accommodate itself to strong drink, as well as to
civilized fare. Meat of all kinds seems acceptable to the animal, as does beer and
wine. Tobacco, as we have seen, it can endure, but hardly appreciate.

It drinks by shooting forward its mobile lips into the vessel, and drawing the liquid
into its mouth by suction.

When it eats, it generally commences its repast by filling its pouches with food in
readiness for another meal, and unless very severely pressed by hunger, never neglects
this precaution.

The tail of this animal is a remarkable feature, if it may so be termed, in the general
aspect of the baboon. It is short, set high on the back, and curved upwards in a manner
that is most singular, not to say ludicrous, in the living animals, and conspicuously notice-
able in the skeleton. The skull of an adult Mandrill is most brutal in character. The
brain has but little place in the cranium, and the greater part of the surface is either com-
posed of, or covered with, heavy ridges of solid bone that are formed for the support of the
large muscles which move the jaws.

The eyes are placed extremely high in the face, leaving hardly any forehead above
them, and they are deeply set beneath a pair of morosely overhanging brows. The hair on
the head is rather peculiar in its arrangement, forming a kind of pointed crest on the
crown, and thus giving an almost triangular outline to the head.

It is a very common animal in its own country, but on account of its great strength,
cunning, and ferocity, is not so often captured as might be expected. Even when a
specimen is made prisoner, it is generally a very young one, which soon loses in captivity
the individuality of its being, and learns to accommodate itself to the altered circum-
stances among which it is placed.

78

THE DRILL.

The name " Maimon," which is applied to the Mandrill, is most appropriate. It is a
Greek word, signifying a hobgoblin, and is therefore peculiarly applicable to so uncanny
a looking animal.

The DRILL, co-native with the Mandrill, of the coast of Guinea, somewhat resembles
the female or young male mandrill, and is not of quite so savage and grotesque an
aspect as that animal.

Its cheek-bones are not nearly so protuberant as those of the mandrill's, nor is its
skin so brilliantly colored. The upper parts of the body are greener than those of
the mandrill, the yellow rings in the hair being more frequent. Its face and ears are
of a light polished black, and the palms of the hands and feet are devoid of hair, and
of a coppery tinge.

Formerly the Drill was thought to be only a young mandrill, and was so named.
But the fact that even after their second dentition, the male Drills do not put on the

THE DRILL.— Papio Leucophasus.

furrowed cheek-bones, or the bright coloring that distinguishes the mandrill, is suffi-
cient to prove that it is a distinct species.

Little is known of its habits when in a state of nature, as it has probably been con-
founded with the mandrill, and its deeds narrated as if they belonged to the last-named
animal.

It is a frequent visitor to England, and lives in tolerably good health. As far as is
known, it is much like the mandrill and other baboons in temper, being quiet and
docile when young, but subsiding into morose apathy as it becomes older.

The little stumpy tail is very like that of the mandrill, and is covered with short and
stiff hair. Its length is not more than two inches even in a full-grown male. The
Drill is always a smaller animal than the mandrill, and the female much smaller than
the male, from whom she differs also in the comparative shortness of her head, and
the generally paler tint of her fur.

AMERICAN MONKEYS.

AMERICAN MONKEYS.

WE have now taken a rapid survey of the varied forms which the Quadrumana of
the old world assume ; forms so diversified that there hardly seems to be scope for
further modifications. Yet the prolific power of nature is so inexhaustible, that the
depth of our researches only brings to view objects of such infinite variety of shape
that the mind is lost in wonder and admiration.

8o AMERICAN MONKEYS.

Tubs it is with the Cebidae, or American Monkeys. While preserving the chief
characteristics of the monkey nature, thus proving their close relationship with the
Old World monkeys, they exhibit the strangest modification of details. The four
hand-like paws, and other quadrumanous peculiarities, point out their position in the
animal kingdom, while sundry differences of form show that the animals are intended
to pass their life under conditions which would not suit the monkeys of the Old
World

It is curious to observe how the same idea of animal life is repeated in various lands
and various climates, even though seas, now impassable to creatures unaided by the light
of true reason, separate the countries in which they dwell. So we have the Simiadae of
Asia and Africa represented by the Cebidae of America. The lion, tiger and other Felidae
of the Eastern continents, find Western representatives in the jaguar and puma. The
dogs are spread over nearly the whole world, taking very diversified forms, color, and
dimensions, but still being unmistakably dogs. The same circumstance may be re-
marked of nearly all the families of mammalian animals ; of the chief bird forms ; of
the reptiles ; the fishes, and so on, through the entire animal kingdom.

It seems, also, as if a similar system ran through the various classes of the animal
kingdom, the nature or instinct being the original creation, and the outward shape only
the manifestation thereof.

Thus, taking the Destructive Idea, as an example. Among the Mammalia it takes
form as a lion, a tiger, or a leopard. In the birds, it becomes an eagle or a falcon.
Descending to the reptiles, we find the destructive idea more constantly developed in
the crocodiles and alligators, and serpents ; while among fishes, the lowest of
the vertebrated animals, the shark, pike, and indeed almost every species of fish, exhibits
this same idea enshrined in outward shape.

The records of the past, written upon rocks and stones, prove that in the earlier ages
of this world the destructive element was powerfully manifested and widely diffused,
and that nearly every creature to whom Almighty God imparted the breath of animated
life, and that moved on the earth in those strange dark times, was of a rapacious char-
acter, living almost exclusively on slaughtered animals, and waging ceaseless wars
against every being less powerful than itself.

As the earth, under the moulding hand of its divine Maker, advanced towards a
more perfect state of being, the old fierce creations died out, and were replaced by milder
and gentler races. Thus, by slow degrees, it was made a fit residence for man, the
epitome of all previous beings, combining in himself a capacity of inflicting torture more
appalling than the aggregated cruelty of all the repacious animals that belong to the
material world, and a faculty of self-sacrificing love that belongs wholly to the better
world to which he alone is privileged to look forward.

Even in man himself, there exists an analogy from which we may infer that the same
grand system reigns. At one extreme of the human scale we see the ruthless savage,
pouring out blood like water, exultant at another's suffering, and feasting with diabolical
enjoyment on the banquet torn from the still breathing body of his fellow-man. At the
other extreme we have the man, more like what God intended that being to be when
He made him in His own image, shunning to pain another even by an unkind thought,
the aim of whose life is to love and to labor for all mankind.

" Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," was the benediction pronounced
upon the true humanity, and just as good is in itself its own blessed reward, and though
love continually gives birth to love, so evil, being destructive, bears within its very being
the doom of eternal death, and by unwilling self-annihilation prepares the way for better
and higher natures. Therefore, in the earlier and less perfect races, there was greater
destructiveness, because there was more evil to destroy.

Herein we may find a key to that problem that must present itself to all reflective
minds, namely, the reason why rapacious animals should exist at all.

The answer to this enigma is, that all creation represents somewhat of the Creator's be-
ing, and thus the destructive animals are the visible embodiments of God's evil-destroying
power. As the evil is destroyed, so will the destroyers perish, " the evil beasts shall cease
out of the land," and vanish from the face of the earth as completely as the rapacious

THE CHAMECK.

81

saurians of aeons long passed away, leaving but their dry and fossil remains as records
of an evil time that has been, but is no longer. So with mankind. The wild beasts
melt away before the savage man, and the human wild beasts die out before the resist-
less march of higher races ; and thus the earth is gradually purified and regenerated.
Imperfect though it be, the world is better than it has ever been, and it rests with each
individual who is placed upon it, to aid by his own efforts the advancement of the orb
on which he lives, and the progress of that vast humanity of which he forms a part.

In each embodiment of the prevailing idea there is a strong individuality, which
causes great modifications in the external form, according to the time, place, and
climate, in which the animal is intended to pass its existence.

The lion, tiger, wolf, bear, and weasel, are all rapacious animals, being inspired with
the same prevailing principle ; but each carries out that principle in its own way, and
thus performs its allotted task without interfering with the work which is assigned to
any other being. As with the mammals, so with the birds, the eagle, vulture, owl, and
shrike, being examples of different kinds of rapacity. The same remark may be made
upon the instances which have just been quoted from the reptiles and the fishes.

CHAMECK.- Ateles Chameck.

So, all the parts of the world are filled with endless variety, and whether by night or
day, in the fierce rays of the tropical sun, or under the sunless winter of the polar regions,
earth, air, and water, are peopled with infinite multitudes of living forms, each perform-
ing its allotted task in working out its individual portion of the universal principle.

It appears to be only consistent with reason, to suppose that this system is not solely
confined to the animal kingdom, but reigns through the entire creation, and that even
in vegetable and mineral objects we may discover the same beautiful order to prevail.

The curiously shaped monkey which is represented in the above engraving, is an
excellent example of the Cebidae, or Sapajous, as they are often called.

The name "Ateles," which is given to the entire genus to which this animal belongs,
signifies " imperfect," and has been applied to the creatures because the fore-paws are
devoid of useful thumbs. Sometimes that member is almost entirely absent, and in
other instances it only just shows itself.

In the CHAMECK, the thumb is slightly projecting, but even in this case it has only a
single joint, and is not furnished with a nail after the usual custom of thumbs and fin-
gers. Even when the thumb reaches its greatest size, it cannot be used as the human
thumb, as it is not capable of being opposed to the fingers.
6

82 THE COAITA.

The Chameck is a native of various parts of Brazil, where it is found rather profusely.
From all accounts, it seems to be a very gentle creature, and susceptible of a high amount
of cultivation. It does not appear tq be so capricious of temper as the monkeys of
the Old World, and although playful when in the humor for sport, is not so spitefully
tricky as its transatlantic relatives. It soon learns to distinguish those persons who
treat it with kindness, and will often enter into playful mock combats, pretending to
inflict severe injuries, but never doing any real damage.

It is not a very large animal, the length of its body being about twenty inches, and
the tail just over two feet in length. The fur is tolerably long, and falls densely over
the body and limbs.

On referring to the engraving it will be seen that the hair is longer than usual by the
region of the hips, and rather thickly overhangs the hinder quarters. This arrange-
ment seems to stand the creature in place of the callosities which have so often been
alluded to, and which are not possessed by the Cebidae. These monkeys are also
destitute of cheek-pouches, but, as if to compensate them for the want.of these append-
ages; they are furnished with an additional supply of teeth, having thirty-six instead
of thirty-two, which is the ordinary complement.

The nostrils are very different from those of the monkeys which have already been
described, as they open at the sides instead of underneath, and are separated from each
other by a wide piece of cartilage. The ear is less unlike that of man than is the case
with the greater part of the monkey tribe, the greatest distinction between the two
being that the ear of the monkey is destitute of that soft lower lobe, which is so
characteristic of the human ear, and through which ladies barbarously hook their
auricular trinkets.

If the reader will refer to the illustration of the Chameck, he will see that the tail is
the most conspicuous member of the animal. For the greater part of its length it is
thickly covered with long drooping fur, but the last seven or eight inches are nearly
denuded of hair on the upper surface, and entirely so on the lower. Towards the base
it is extremely thick, and is furnished with muscles of great strength and marvellous
flexibility, destined to aid the member in the performance of those curiously active
movements for which these monkeys are so renowned.

The tail of these animals is to them equivalent, and more than equivalent, to a fifth
hand. The naked extremity is endowed with so sensitive a surface that it can be
applied to most of the uses to which the hand can be put, while the powerful muscles
that move it are so strong and lithe that they can exert a singular amount of strength,
even so as to suspend the entire weight of the animal.

In ascending trees or traversing the branches, the monkeys continually aid their
progress by twining the end of the tail round the neighboring boughs. Sometimes
they even suspend themselves wholly by their tails, and after giving their bodies a few
oscillating movements, boldly swing themselves from one branch to another, clearing
considerable spaces in the effort. On account of these capabilities, the tail is known
by the name of "prehensile."

The color of the Chameck is nearly black, and of an uniform tint over the head,
body, and limbs. Its hair is rather long and thick, in some parts taking a slight curl.
The head is very small in proportion to the rest of the body. During the life of the
animal the face is of a deep brown color, as are the ears, cheeks, and chin, on which
some long black hairs are scattered at distant intervals. Its lips are possessed of some
mobility, but not equal to those of the chimpanzee or orang-outang.

The COAITA, or QUATA, as the word is frequently written, resembles the chameck
in many characteristics.

It is one of the best known of this group of animals, which are called by the name
of Spider Monkeys, on account of their long sprawling limbs, and their peculiar action
while walking.

It is very remarkable, that although these creatures appear to be much less calcu-
lated for bipedal locomotion than the large apes, they should really be better walkers than
most of the monkey tribe. When placed on a level surface and desirous to walk

THE GOAITA. 83

in an erect position, they always attempt to aid their tottering steps by means of their
prehensile tails, which they twine about in every direction in the hope of grasping some
object by which to help themselves along. But when they find that all chances of
external support are vain, they bravely throw themselves on their own resources, and,
using their tail as a balance, move along with tolerable ease.

The mode in which they apply the tail to this unexpected use is by raising it up
behind until it is on- a level with the head, and then curling the tip of it downwards,
so as to form the figure of a letter " S."

The spider monkeys can apply the tail to uses far more remarkable than any of those
which have been mentioned. With such singularly delicate sense of touch is it fur-
nished, that it almost seems to be possessed of the power of sight, and moves about
among the branches with as much decision as if there were an eye in its tip. Should

GO AIT A.— Ateles Paaiscus.

the monkey discover some prize, such as a nest of eggs, or any little dainty, which lies
in a crevice too small for the hand to enter, it is in nowise disconcerted, but inserts
the end of its tail into the cranny, and hooks out the desired object.

It is impossible to contemplate this wonderful provision of nature without a feeling
of admiration at the manner in which the most unlikely portions of an animal are
developed for the purpose of performing sundry uses. There seems to be a curious
parallel between the elephant's trunk, and the spider monkey's tail, being developments
of the two opposite extremes of the body, the /ormer belonging to the Old World and
the latter to the New.

There is a wonderful resemblance in the use to which these members are put, except-
ing of course those discrepancies that must arise from the different natures of the organs,
and the habits of the animals to which they belong. Even in external form the proboscis
and the tail are marvellously similar ; so much so, indeed, that an outline of one would

84

THE COAITA.

almost serve as a sketch of the other. Each is gifted with discriminating faculty of
touch, and therefore able to pick up any small object ; while at the same time its mus-
cular powers are so great, that it can endure severe and prolonged exertion.

The proboscis of the elephant can seize a tree-branch and tear it from its parent
trunk. The spider monkey has no such gigantic strength, but it can sling itself from
a bough by its tail, and remain suspended for almost any length of time. There is a
beautiful formation of the tail of this creature, by means of which the grasp of that
member retains its hold even after the death of the owner. If a spider monkey is mor-
tally wounded, and not killed outright, it curls its tail round a branch, and thus sus-
pended yields up its life. The tail does not lose its grasp when the life has departed ;
and the dead monkey hangs with its head downwards for days, until decomposition sets
in and the rigid muscles are relaxed.

We may here trace another curious analogy between this automatic contraction of
the tail, and the well-known structure by which a bird is enabled to hold itself on its
perch during sleep. If the spider monkey's tail be drawn out till it is straightened, the
tip immediately curls round, and remains so until the member is suffered to return to
its usual curve. Perhaps one reason for this provision may be, that it is for the
purpose of retaining the animal in its arboreal residence, and guarding it against
a fall.

Still, it is a curious fact, and cannot be wholly accounted for on those grounds ; for
the monkeys of the Old World, although not gifted with prehensile tails, are quite as
arboreal as their brethren of the New, and consequently as liable to Eutychian casualties.
It may be remarked, en passant, that there are Preacher Monkeys in America, and con-
sequently that an especial provision against such misfortunes may be more requisite
in Brazil than in Africa.

In their native country, the spider monkeys maybe seen in great profusion, swinging
from the tree-branches in groups, like bunches of enormous fruits.

They are very lazy animals, and will sit, swing, or recline for hours in the strangest
attitudes without moving a limb ; just as if they were striving to emulate the Hindoo
Fakirs in their motionless penances. Such a propensity is the more curious, because
the slight forms of the animals, their long and slender limbs, and above all, their won-
derful tail, would lead us to anticipate the same singular swiftness and activity that are
found in the gibbons. In the American monkeys, however, we do not find the capa-
cious chest and thin flanks which mark out the character of the gibbons.

Yet, when aroused by hunger or other sufficient motive, the spider monkeys can move
fast enough ; and in such a manner, that nothing without wings can follow them. In
their native land, the forests are so dense and so vast, that if it were not for the rivers
which occasionally cut their path through the dark foliage, the monkeys could travel
for hundreds of miles without once coming to the ground.

Not that the monkeys care very much for a river, provided that the distance between
the banks is not very great ; and as they detest going into the water, they most ingeni-
ously contrive to get over without wetting a hair. The manner in which they are said
to achieve this feat of engineering is as follows.

When a marching troop, often amounting to a hundred or more, arrives at the bank of
a river, the principal body halts, while the oldest and most experienced of their band
run forward, and carefully reconnoitre the locality. After mature deliberation they fix
on some spot where the trees of the opposite banks incline riverwards, and approximate
nearest to each other.

Running to the overhanging boughs, the most powerful monkeys twist their tails
firmly round the branch, and permit themselves to hang with their heads downwards.
Another monkey then slides down the body of the first, twines his tail tightly round his
predecessor, and awaits his successor. In this way a long chain of monkeys is gradually
formed, until the last, who is always one of the strongest of the troop, is able to plant
his paws on the ground. He then begins to push the ground with his hands, so as to
give the dependent chain a slight oscillating movement, which is increased until he is
able to seize a branch on the opposite side of the river.

Having so done, he draws himself gradually up the branches, until he finds one that

THE MARIMONDA. 85

is sufficiently strong for the purpose in view, and takes a firm hold of it. The signal
is then given that all is ready, and the rest of the band ascend the tree, and cross the
river by means of this natural suspension bridge.

So far, so good ! The monkeys run over the bridge easily enough ; but how is the
bridge itself to get over. Their plight is very like that of the man who invented a system
of iron doors to be closed from the interior, and who, after closing them in the most
admirable and effectual manner, was obliged to open them again in order to get out.

Still, whatever may be the case with human beings, when monkeys are clever enough
to make such a bridge, they are at no loss to achieve the passage of the bridge
itself.

Two or three of the stoutest keep themselves in reserve for this emergency, and,
attaching themselves to the last links of the living chain, relieve their comrade from his
arduous task of clutching the boughs, and at the same time slightly lengthen the chain.
They then clamber up the tree as high as the chain will stretch, or the boughs bear the
strain, and take a firm hold of a tough branch. A second signal is now given, and the
monkey on the opposite bank relaxing his hold, the entire line of monkeys swings across
the river, perhaps, slightly ducking the lowermost in the passage. Once arrived, the
lower monkeys drop to the ground, while the others catch at branches, and break their
connexion with the much-enduring individual at the top. When the last monkey has
secured itself, the leaders descend the tree, and the whole troop proceed on their march.

Those who have witnessed this curious scene, say that it is a most amusing affair, and
that there is a considerable comic element in it, on account of the exuberant spirits of
the younger and less staid individuals, who delight in playing off little practical jokes
on the component parts of the bridge in their passage ; knowing that there is no op-
portunity for immediate retaliation, and trusting to escape ultimately in the confusion
that follows the renewal of the inarch.

The Coaita is by no means a large animal, measuring very little more than a foot
from the nose to the root of the tail, while the tail itself is two feet in length. Its color
is very dark and glossy ; so dark, indeed, as to be almost black. The hair varies much
in length and density. On the back and the outside of the limbs it hangs in long
drooping locks, forming a thick covering through which the skin cannot be seen. But
on the abdomen the hair is quite scanty, and is so thinly scattered that the skin is
plainly visible. The skin of the face is of a dark copper color.

The Coaita seems to be as much averse to the intrusion of strangers into its do-
mains as the African monkeys, whose proceedings have been already narrated. Banding
together in large troops, these monkeys will assault a stranger with great vigor. Their
first proceeding upon the approach of any intruder, whether man or beast, is to descend
to the lower branches of their trees, and to satisfy themselves by a close inspection,
whether the object be a friend or a trespasser. Having decided on the latter point of
view, they re-ascend to their stronghold, and commence an assault by pelting with sticks,
and keep up their attacks, until they fairly worry the intruder out of their dominions.

Another example of this wonderful group of monkeys "is found in the MARIMONDA ;
an inhabitant, like the two last-named animals, of Central America, and found in great-
est numbers in Spanish Guiana, where, according to Humboldt, it fills the place of the
Coaita.

The general shape, the formation of its limbs, and the long prehensile tail, point it
out at once as another of the spider monkeys. It is certainly a very appropriate name
for these animals. Their heads are so small, their bodies so short, their limbs so
slender, and their tail so limb-like, that the mind unconsciously draws a parallel between
these monkeys and the long-legged spiders that scuttle so awkwardly over the ground,
and are so indifferent respecting their complement of legs.

The resemblance holds good even when the monkey is at rest, or even when it only
appears before the eye in an illustration. But when the creature begins to walk on level
ground, and especially if it be hurried, its clumsy movements are so very spider-like, that
the similitude is ten times more striking. Be it remarked, that both creatures are sup-
posed to be placed in uncongenial circumstances. The spider is deft and active enough
among the many threads of its air-suspended nets, as is the monkey among the slight

86

THE MARIMONDA.

twigs of the air-bathed branches. But when both animals are subjected to circum
stances which are directly opposed to their natural mode of existence, they become
alike awkward, and alike afford subjects of mirth.

The mode by which a spider monkey walks on level ground is rather singular, and
difficult to describe, being different from that which is employed by the large apes.
They do not set the sole of either paw, or hand, flat upon the ground, but, turning the
hinder feet inwards, they walk upon their outer sides. The reverse process takes place
with the fore-paws, which are twisted outwards, so that the weight of the animal is
thrown upon their inner edges.

It will easily be seen how very awkward an animal must be which is forced to em-
ploy so complicated a means for the purpose of locomotion. Although it has been
already stated that the spider monkey has been known to walk in a manner much more
steady than that of any other monkey, yet it must be remembered that this bipedal
progression was only employed for a few paces, and with a haven of rest in view in
the shape of a window-sill, on which the creature could rest its hands.

MARIMONDA.— Ateles Belzebuth.

In captivity, the Marimonda is a gentle and affectionate animal, attaching itself
strongly to those persons to whom it takes a fancy, and playing many fantastic gam-
bols to attract their attention. Its angry feelings, although perhaps easily roused, do
not partake of the petulant malignity which so often characterizes the monkey race,
and are quite free from the rancorous vengeance which is found in the baboons.
Very seldom does it attempt to bite, and even when such an event does take place, it
is rather the effect of sudden terror than of deliberate malice.

On account of its amiable nature it is often brought into a domesticated state, and,
if we may give credence to many a traveller, is trained to become not only an amus-
ing companion, but an useful servant.

The color of this animal varies much according to the age of the individual.

When adult, the leading color is of an uniform dull black, devoid of the glossy lustre
which throws back the sunbeams from the coaita's furry mantle. On the back, the
top of the head, and along the spine, the hair is of a dense, dead black, which seems
to have earned for the animal the very inapposite name with which its nomenclators
have thought fit to decorate the mild and amiable Marimonda.

THE MIRIKI. Sc

The throat, breast, inside of the limbs and the under side of the tail are much lighter
in tint, while in some individuals a large, bright chestnut patch covers the latter half
of the sides.

It seems to be of rather a listless character, delighting to bask in the sun's rays, and
tying in the strangest attitudes for hours without moving. One of the postures which
;s most in vogue is achieved by throwing the head back with the eyes turned up, and
then flinging the arms over the head. The positio* in which this animal is depicted
in the illustration is a very favorite one with most of the spider monkeys.

There are several other species belonging to this group of animals, among which may
be mentioned the Cayou, or Black Spider Monkey, the Chuva, the Brown Coaita, and
others. The habits, however, of all these creatures are very similar, and therefore only
one more example will be described. This is the MIRIKI or MONO, as some authors
call it.

MlRlKl.—Brachyteles hypoxanthus.

The hair of this species is very thick, short, and furry, of a tolerably uniform brown
tint over the head, body, and limbs, the paws being- much darker than the rest of the
animal. There is a slight moustache formed by a continuation of the long black hairs
which are scantily planted on the chin and face. On account of the thick coating of fur
with which the skin of this animal is covered, water has but little effect upon it. Know-
ing this wet-repellent property, the hunters of Brazil are accustomed to make the skin
of the Miriki into cases wherewith to cover the locks of their guns in rainy days.

This species is easily distinguishable from its companions by the presence of a bettei
developed thumb on the fore-paws than falls to the lot of spider monkeys generally

I conclude the account of the spider monkeys with a few anecdotes of one of these
animals, that have been kindly narrated to me by its owner, a captain in the royal
navy.

88

THE MIRIKI.

The monkey — a lady — to whom the name of Sally was given, was captured in British
Guiana, and brought to the governor of Demerara, from whom it passed to its present
gallant possessor. Sally seems to be a wondrous favorite, and to take in her owner's
heart the place of a favorite child. There are many photographic portraits of this sable
pet, three of which are at present before me, one representing Sally as lying contentedly
in her master's lap, her little wrinkled face looking over his arm, and her tail twisted
round his knees, while one hind-foot is grasping this appendage. A second portrait
exhibits her standing on a pedestal, by the side of the captain's coxswain, — to whose care
she was chiefly committed — her left arm flung lovingly round his neck, and her tail
coiled several times round his right hand, on which she is partly sitting. In the third,
she is shown standing by the side of the same man, with her foot upon his hand, and
the tip of her tail round his neck, by way of a change.

In almost every case there is a slight blur in the monkey's form, owing to the difficulty
in persuading so volatile an animal as a monkey to remain still for two seconds to-
gether. However, the proportions of the animal are well preserved, and its characteristic
attitudes shown clearly enough.

She is a most gentle creature, only having been known to bite on two occasions, one
of which was simply in self-defence. She had got loose in the dock-yard at Antigua,
and had been chased by the men for some time. At last she was hemmed into a
corner, and would have been taken easily, had not the dock-yard laborers rather feared
her teeth. Her master, however, in order to prove that she was not dangerous, caught
her, and was rewarded by a rather severe bite on his thumb. Had it not been, how-
ever, that poor Sally was terrified out of her senses by the pursuit of the laborers, she
would not have behaved so badly.

So gentle was she in general, that whenever she received a slight correction for some
fault, she would never attempt to retaliate, but only sidle away and accept the rebuke.
Malice does not seem to be in her nature, for she soon forgets such injuries, and does
not lose her kind feelings towards her corrector. Her master tells me that if
any one gets bitten by her, it is entirely the fault of the sufferer, and not of the
monkey.

On board ship she is not trammeled by chain or rope, but is permitted to range the
vessel at her own sweet will. She revels among the rigging, and when she becomes
playful, dances about a rope in such a strange manner, and flings her limbs and tail about
so fantastically, that the spectators are at a loss to distinguish the arms and legs from
the tail. When thus engaged, the name of spider monkey is peculiarly apposite, for
she looks just like a great overgrown tarantula in convulsions. During these fits of
sportiveness, she stops every now and then to shake her head playfully at her friends,
and, screwing up her nose into a point, utters little, short, soft grunts at intervals. She
generally becomes vivacious towards sunset.

There is a curious custom in which she is in the habit of indulging. She likes to
climb up the rigging until she reaches a horizontal rope, or small spar, and then, hook-
ing just the tip of her tail over it, will hang at full length, slowly swinging backward
and forward, while she rubs each arm alternately from the wrist to the elbow, as if she
were trying to stroke the hair the wrong way. She always must needs have her tail
round something, and, if possible, would not venture a step without securing herself to
some object by the means of that long and lithe member.

Unlike many of her relatives, who are inveterate thieves, and with the tips of their
tails quietly steal objects from which their attention is apparently turned, Sally is
remarkably honest, never having stolen anything but an occasional fruit or cake. She
is accustomed to take her dinner at her master's table, and behaves herself with perfect
decorum, not even beginning to eat until she has obtained permission, and keeping to
her own plate like a civilized being. Her food is mostly composed of vegetables, fruit,
and sopped bread, although she occasionally is treated to a chicken bone, and appre-
ciates it highly.

In the matter of food she is rather fastidious, and if a piece of too stale bread be given
to her, smells it suspiciously, throws it on the floor, and contemptuously ignores its
existence. With true monkey instinct, she is capable of distinguishing wholesome from

THE MIRIKI. 89

harmful food, and, after she had left the tropical fruits far behind, she accepted at once
an apple which was offered to her, and ate it without hesitation.

At Belize, Sally was permitted to range the town at large for some days. One
morning, as her master was passing along the streets, he heard high above his head
a little croaking sound, which struck him as being very like the voice of his monkey ;
and on looking up there was Sally herself, perched on a balcony, croaking in pleased
recognition of her friend below.

Once, and once only, poor Sally got into a sad scrape. Her master was going into
his cabin, and found Sally sitting all bundled together on the door-mat. He spoke
to her, and the creature just lifted up her head, looked him in the face, and sank down
again in her former listless posture.

" Come here, Sally ; " said the captain.

But Sally would not move.

The order was repeated once or twice, and without the accustomed obedience.

Surprised at so unusual a circumstance, her master lifted her by the arms, and then
made the shocking discovery that poor Sally was quite tipsy. She was long past the
jovial stage of intoxication, and had only just sense enough left to recognize her master.
Very ill was Sally that night, and very penitent next day.

The reason for such a catastrophe was as follows : —

The officers of the ship had got together a little dinner-party, and being very fond
of the monkey, had given her such a feed of almonds and raisins, fruits of various
kinds, biscuits and olives, as she had not enjoyed for many a day. Now of olives in
particular, Sally is very fond, and having eaten largely of these dainties, the salt juice
naturally produced an intense thirst. So, when the brandy and water began to make
its appearance, Sally pushed her lips into a tumbler, and to the amusement of the
officers, drank nearly the whole of its cool but potent contents.

Her master remonstrated with the officers for permitting the animal to drink this
strong liquid ; but there was no necessity for expostulating with the victim. So entirely
disgusted was the poor monkey, that she never afterwards could endure the taste or
even the smell of brandy. She was so thoroughly out of conceit with the liquid that
had wrought her such woe, that even when cherry-brandy was offered to her, the
cherries thereof being her special luxury, she would shoot out her tongue, and with
just its tip taste the liquid that covered the dainty fruits beneath, but would, not venture
further.

She seemed to bear the cold weather tolerably well, and was supplied with plenty
of warm clothing which stood her in good stead even off the icy coasts of Newfoundland,
where, however, she expressed her dislike of the temperature by constant shivering.
In order to guard herself against the excessive cold, she hit upon an ingenious device.
There were on board two Newfoundland dogs. They were quite young, and the two
used to occupy a domicile which was furnished with plenty of straw. Into this refuge
Sally would creep, and putting an arm round each of the puppies and wrapping her
tail about them, was happy and warm.

She was fond of almost all kinds of animals, especially if they were small, but these
two puppies were her particular pets. Her affection for them was so great, that she
was quite jealous of them, and if any of the men or boys passed nearer the spot than
she considered proper, she would come flying out of the little house, and shake
her arms at the intruders with a menacing gesture as if she meant to annihilate
them.

A kennel had been built for her special accommodation, but she never would go into
it. She is a very nervous animal, and apparently has a great dislike to any kind of
covering over her head. So she was accustomed to repudiate her kennel, and to coil
herself up in the hammock nettings, where she would sleep soundly. She is rather
somnolent in character, giving up her eventide gambols soon after dark, and falling
into a sound slumber from which she does not awake until quite late in the morning.

She has now been in the possession of her present owner some three years, and prob-
ably is not more than four or five years of age, to judge by her teeth ; though from
lur old-fashioned, wrinkled face, she might be a century old. Her color is black, but

9o

THE ARAGUATO.

it is remarkable, that once when she was ill, her jetty coat became interspersed with
hairs of a red tint, imparting an unpleasant rusty hue to her furry mantle.

She is expected to reach England in the course of the summer, and it may chance
that the public will one day have the opportunity of studying the biography of Sally the
spider monkey.

THE ANIMAL which is engraved on the next page, is an example of the celebrated
group of HOWLING MONKEYS, or ALOUATTES as they are termed by some naturalists,
whose strange customs have been so often noticed by travellers, and whose reverberating
cries rend their ears. Little chance is there that the Howling Monkeys should ever fade
from the memory of any one who has once suffered an unwilling martyrdom from their
mournful yells.

Several species of Howling Monkeys are known to science, of which the ARAGUATO
as it is called in its own land, or the URSINE HOWLER as it is popularly named in this
country, is, perhaps, the commonest and most conspicuous. It is larger than any of the
New World monkeys which have hitherto been noticed ; its length being very
nearly three feet when it is fully grown, and the tail reaching to even a greater
length.

The color of the fur is a rich reddish-brown, or rather bay, enlivened by a golden
lustre when a brighter ray of light than usual plays over its surface. The beard which
so thickly decorates the chin, throat, and neck, is of a deeper color than that of the
body.

Few animals have deserved the name which they bear so well as the Howling
Monkeys. Their horrid yells are so loud, that they can be heard plainly although the
animals which produce them are more than a mile distant ; and the sounds that issue from
their curiously-formed throats are strangely simulative of the most discordant outcries
of various other animals — the jaguar being one of the most favorite subjects for im-
itation. Throughout the entire night their dismal ululations resound, persecuting the
ears of the involuntarily wakeful traveller with their oppressive pertinacity, and driving
far from his wearied senses the slumber which he courts, but courts in vain. As if to
give greater energy to the performance, and to worry their neighbors as much as pos-
sible, the Araguatos have a fashion of holding conversations, in which each member
does his best to overpower the rest.

A similar custom is in vogue with many of the African and Asiatic monkeys, but
with this difference. The above-mentioned animals certainly lift up their voices to-
gether, but then, each individual appears to be talking on his own account, so that the
sound, although it is sufficiently loud to affect a listener's ears most unpleasantly, is
disjointed and undecided.

But the Howlers give forth their cries with a consentaneous accord, that appears to
be the result of discipline rather than of instinct alone.

Indeed, the natives assert that in each company, one monkey takes the lead, and
acting as toast-master, or as conductor of an orchestra, gives a signal which is followed
by the rest of the band. The result of the combined voices of these stentorian animals
may be imagined. And when the effect of this melancholy and not at all musical inter-
mittent bellow is heightened by the silence of night and the darkness that hangs over
the midnight hours in the dense forests, it may easily be supposed, that but little sleep
would visit the eyes of one who had not served an apprenticeship to the unearthly sounds
that fill the night air of these regions.

In order that an animal of so limited a size should be enabled to produce sounds of
such intensity and volume, a peculiar structure of the vocal organs is necessary.

The instrument by means of which the Howlers make night dismal with their
funestral wailings, is found to be the " hyoid bone," a portion of the form which is very
slightly developed in man, but very largely in these monkeys. In man, the bone in
question gives support to the tongue, and is attached to numerous muscles of the neck.
In the Howling Monkeys it takes a wider range of duty, and, by a curious modification
of structure, forms a bony drum which communicates with the windpipe and gives to
the voice that powerful resonance, which has made the Alouattes famous.

It is said by those who have been able to watch the habits of these creatures, that the

THE ARAGUATO, OR URSINE HOWLER. 9r

howlings of the Alouattes are but nocturnal serenades addressed by the amorous monkeys
to their arboreal lovers. It is proverbial that good taste, both in beauty and art, are
dependent entirely upon race and date, and so the deafening yells of a band of howl-
ing Araguatos may be as pleasing in the ears of their listening mates as Romeo's loving
words to Juliet in her balcony ; or as, to bring the matter nearer our home and sym-
pathies, the tender plaints of our favorite Tom-cat upon the housetop to his inamo-
rata in the neighboring garden.

The howling monkeys are said to be less gentle than the spider monkeys, and lo
partake more of the baboon nature than any of their American brethren. From the fact
of their large size, their formation of head and face, together with one or two other
peculiarities, some naturalists have considered the Alouattes to be the Western repre-
sentatives of the baboons that inhabit the Eastern continent.

There is rather an ingenious mode of capturing those monkeys, which is worthy r-c
notice.

ARAGUATO, OR URSINE HOWLER.— Mycetes ursiaus.

A certain plant, the " Lecythis," produces a kind of nut, which, when emptied of
its contents, becomes a hollow vessel with a small mouth. Into one of these hollowed
nuts a quantity of sugar is placed, the nut left in some locality where the monkey is
likely to find it, and the monkey-catchers retreat to some spot whence they can watch
unseen the effect of their trap.

So tempting an object cannot lie on the ground for any length of time without being
investigate^ by the inquisitive monkeys. One of them soon finds out the sweet treas-
ure of the nut, and squeezes his hand through the narrow opening for the purpose of
emptying the contents. Grasping a handful of sugar, he tries' to pull it out but can-
not do so because the orifice is not large enough to permit the passage of the closed
hand with its prize. Certainly he could extricate his hand by leaving the sugar and
drawing out his hand empty, but his acquisitive nature will not suffer him to do so.
At this juncture, the ambushed hunters issue forth and give chase to the monkey. At
all times, these monkeys are clumsy enough on a level surface, but when encumbered
with the heavy burden which is often as big as the monkey's own head, and deprived
of one of its hands, it falls an easy victim to the pursuers.

CAPUCIN MONKEYS.

All these monkeys are eaten by the inhabitants of these lands, being cooked upon an
extempore scaffolding of hard wood. Their flesh is very dry indeed, so much so, that
a monkey's arm has been preserved for many years only by being roasted over a fire.

They are not so playful in their habits as most of the monkey tribe, even when young
preserving a solid gravity of demeanor. They are very numerous among the trees of
their favorite resorts, as many as forty individuals having been seen upon one tree.

The CAPUCIN MONKEYS, two examples of which are here given, are active little
animals, lively and playful. In habits, all the species seem to be very similar, so that the
description of one will serve equally for any other. In consequence of their youth and
sportive manners they are frequently kept in a domesticated state, both by the native
Indians and by European settlers. Like several other small monkeys, the Capucin often
strikes up a friendship for other animals that may happen to live in or near its home, the
cat being one of the most favored of their allies. Sometimes it carries its familiarity so
far as to turn the cat into a steed for the nonce, and, seated upon her back, to perambu-
late the premises. More unpromising subjects for equestrian exercise have been pressed

HORNED SAPAJOU. -Cebus fatuellus.

THE CAPUCIN. -Cebus Apella.

into the service by the Capucin. Humboldt mentions one of these creatures which was
accustomed to catch a pig every morning, and, mounting upon its back, to retain its seat
during the day. Even while the pig was feeding in savannahs its rider remained firm, and
bestrode its victim with as much pertinacity as Sinbad's old man of the sea.

There is some difficulty in settling the species of the Capucins, for their fur is rather
variable in tint, in some cases differing so greatly as to look like another species. The
general tint of the CAPUCIN is a golden olive, a whiter fur bordering the face in some
individuals, though not in all.

The HORNED CAPUCIN is much more conspicuous than the last-mentioned animals,
as the erect fringe of hair that stands so boldly from the forehead points it out at once.
When viewed in front, the hair assumes the appearance of two tufts or horns, from
which peculiarity the creature derives its name. These horns are not fully developed
until the monkey has attained maturity.

In color, too, it is rather different from the Capucin, having a constant tinge of red
in it. The fur is mostly of a deep brown, but in some individuals resembles that
peculiar purple black which is obtained by diluting common black ink with water, while
in others the ruddy hue prevails so strongly as to impart a chestnut tint to the hair.
The fringed crest is tipped with grey.

The last example of the Capucins which will be noticed in these pages, is the WEEPER
MONKEY, or SAL.

THE SAI.

93

As is the case with the two previously-mentioned animals, it is an inhabitant of the
Brazils, and as lively as any of its congeners. The tails of the Capucins are covered
with hair, but are still possessed of prehensile powers. All these monkeys seem to be
possessed of much intelligence, and their little quaint ways make them great favorites
with those who watch their motions.

Their food is chiefly of a vegetable nature, but they are fond of various insects, some-
times rising to higher prey, as was once rather unexpectedly proved. A linnet was
placed, by way of experiment, in a cage containing two Capucin monkeys, who pounced
upon their winged visitor, caught it, and the stronger of the two devoured it with such
avidity that it would not even wait to pluck off the feathers. Eggs are also thought
to form part of the Capucin's food,

S\l.—Cebus Capacious.

There is always much difficulty with regard to the names of various animals, as
almost every systematic naturalist prefers a name of his own invention to one which
has already been in use. It often happens, therefore, that the same creature has
been burdened with ten or fifteen titles, given to it by as many writers. The chacma,
for example, has been named " Cynocephalus porcarius " by one author, " Simia
porcaria " by another, " Simia sphingiola " by a third, " Papio comatus " by a fourth,
and " Cynocephalus ursinus " by a fifth. In order to avoid the great waste of valuable
space that would be caused by giving a list of these various names, I only make
use of the title by which each animal is designated in the catalogue of the British
Museum, and under which name it may be fpund in that magnificent collection.

A very pretty genus of monkeys comes next in order, deriving, from the beauty of
their fur, the term Callithrix, or "beautiful hair." Sometimes these animals are
called Squirrel Monkeys, partly on account of their shape and size, and partly from
the squirrel-like activity that characterizes these light and graceful little creatures.

94

THE TEE-TEE.

The TEE-TEE, or TITI — as the name is sometimes given — is a native of Brazil, and is
found in great numbers. Another name for the animal is the SAIMIRI.

The colors of the Tee-tee are very diversified. A grayish olive is spread over the
body and limbs, the latter being washed with a rich golden hue. The ears are quite
white, and the under surface of the body is whitish gray. The tip of the tail is
black.

There are several species of Tee-tee, four of which are in the British Museum. Our
engraving of the last of these monkeys, namely, the COLLARED TEE-TEE, is given
opposite.

They are most engaging little creatures, attaching themselves strongly to their
possessors, and behaving with a gentle intelligence that lifts them far above the greater
part of the monkey race. Their temper is most amiable, and anger seems to be almost
unknown to them. In the expression of their countenance, there is something of an
infantine innocence, which impresses itself the more strongly when the little creatures
are alarmed. Sudden tears fill the clear hazel eyes, and, by the little, imploring,
shrinking gestures, they establish an irresistible claim on all kindly sympathies.

TEE-TEE.— Callttbrix Sciureus.

The Tee-tees have a curious habit of watching the lips of those who speak to them,
just as if they could understand the words that are spoken, and when they become quite
familiar, are fond of sitting on their friend's shoulder, and laying their tiny fingers on
his lips. They seem to have an intuitive idea of the empire of language, and to try, in
their own little way, to discover its mysteries.

A pleasant musky odor exhales from these animals. Their beautiful, furry tails
have no prehensile power, but can be wrapped about any object, or even coiled round
their own bodies in order to keep them warm.

The strange looking animal which is represented in the engraving on the opposite page,
is no less remarkable in its character than in its looks. It is savage in its temper, and
liable to gusts of furious passion, during which it is apt to be a very unpleasant
neighbor, for it has long sharp teeth, and does not hesitate to use them.

On examining this animal, the attention is at once drawn to the curious manner in
which both extremities of the body are decorated.

The beard is of a dull black color, and is formed chiefly by hairs which start from
the sides of the jaw and chin, and project forward in the curious fashion which gives
the animal so strange an expression.

COLLARED TEE-TEE.— QallUhrtx torquatus.

Of this ornament the Cuxio is mightily careful, protecting its facial ornament with a
veneration equal to that beard-worship for which the mediaeval Spanish noble was
world-famous. It is even more fastidious in this respect than the Diana monkey, whose
beard-protecting customs have been alluded to on page 50. The Diana will hold its

CUXIO, OR BEARDED SAKI.— Brachyurus Satanas.

beard aside when it drinks ; but the more cautious Cuxio forbears to put its face near
the water. Instead of drinking a deep draught by suction, as is the custom with most
monkeys, it scoops up the liquid in the palm of its hand, and so avoids the danger of
wetting its beard.

96

THE BLACK YARKE.

This curious habit, however, is but rarely witnessed, as the animal dislikes to ex-
hibit its fastidiousness before spectators, and only when it thinks itself unwatched will
it use its natural goblet. When in the presence of witnesses it drinks as do other
monkeys, wetting its beard without compunction.

The gene'ral color of this monkey is a grizzled brown, sometimes speckled with rust-
colored hairs, and the limbs, tail, and head are black. If, however, the hair of the
body be blown aside, a grayish hair takes the place of the dark brown ; for the hairs
are much lighter towards their insertion, and in many cases are nearly white. The
hair of the head is remarkable for the mode of its arrangement, which gives it an air
as if it had been parted artificially. The long black hairs start from a line down the
centre of the head, and fall over the temples so densely that they quite conceal the
ears under their thick locks. The large quantity of hair that decorates the head and
face increases the really great comparative size of the rounded head. The nostrils
are rather large, and are separated from each other by a dividing cartilage which is
larger than is usual even in the American monkeys.

*<\ .'!'• * '•' '

BLACK YARKE.-Pttftec/a Leucocephala.

The teeth are so sharp and the jaws so strong, that Humboldt has seen the animal,
when enraged, drive its weapons deeply into a thick plank. When it suffers from a fit
of passion, it grinds these sharp teeth, leaps about in fury, and rubs the extremity of
its long beard. Even when slightly irritated, it grins with savage rage, threatening the
offender with menacing grimaces, and wrinkling the skin of its jaws and face.

It is not known to live in companies, as is the wont of most American monkeys, but
passes a comparatively solitary life, limiting its acquaintance to its partner and its
family. The cry of this animal is rather powerful, and can be heard at a considerable
distance. The color of the female Cuxio is not so dark as that of her mate, being
almost wholly of a rusty brown. It is chiefly nocturnal in its habits.

There are several monkeys known by the name of Sakis, among which are reckoned
the Cuxio, which has just been described, and two other species, which are easily dis-
tinguished from each other by the color of their heads. The first of these animals is
the BLACK YARKE, or WHITE-HEADED SAKI, and the other the CACAJAO, or BLACK-
HEADED SAKI.

The former of these Sakis is a rather elegant creature in form, and of color more

THE CACAJAO.

97

varied than those of the Cuxio. As will be seen from the accompanying engraving,
the head is surrounded with a thick and closely-set fringe of white hair which is rather
short in the male, but long and drooping in the female. The top of the head is of a deep
black, and the remainder of the body and tail is covered with very long and rather
coarse hair of a blackish-brown. Under the chin and throat the hairs are almost entirely
absent, and the skin is of an orange hue.

Beside the difference of length in the facial hairs of the female Yarke, there are several
distinctions between the sexes, which are so decided as to have caused many naturalists
to consider the male and female to belong to different species. The hair of the female
Yarke is decorated near the tip with several rings of a rusty brown color, while the
hair of the male is entirely devoid of these marks.

CACAJAO.— Pithefla Melaaocephala.

The natural food of these animals is said to consist chiefly of wild bees and their
honeycombs. Perhaps the long furry hair with which the Sakis are covered, may be
useful for the purpose of defending them from the stings of the angry insects. On
account of the full and bushy tail with which the members of this group are furnished,
they are popularly classed together under the title of Fox-tailed Monkeys.

The two animals which have just been noticed are marked by such decided peculiarities
of form and color that they can easily be distinguished from any other monkeys. The
Cuxio is known by its black beard and parted hair, the black Yarke by its dark body and
white head-fringe, while the CACAJAO is conspicuous by reason of its black head and
short tail.

When this animal was first discovered, it was thought that the tail had been docked
either by some accident, or by the teeth of the monkey itself, as is the custom with so
many of the long-tailed monkeys of the Old World. But the natives of the country
where it lives assert that its brevity of tail is a distinctive character of the species.
• -7

98

THE DOUROUCOULI.

Indeed among the many names which have been given to the Cacajao, one of them,
" Mono Rabon," or short-tailed Mono, refers to this peculiarity. On account of the very
short tail, and the general aspect of the animal, the Cacajao is supposed by some
naturalists to be the American representative of the Magot.

The head of the creature is not only remarkable for its black hue, but for its shape,
which instead of being rounded, as is the case with most monkeys, is slightly flattened
at the temples. The general color of the fur is a bright yellowish-brown, the only
exceptions being the head and the fore-paws, which are black. The ears are devoid of
hair, are very large in proportion to the size of the animal, and have something of the
human character about them. The length of the head and body is said to reach nearly
two feet in full-grown animals, and the tail is from three to five inches long according to
the size of the individual.

Very little is known of the habits of the Cacajao in a wild state, but in captivity it
bears the character of being a very inactive and very docile animal. Fruits seem to be
its favorite diet, and when eating them it has a habit of bending over its food in a very
peculiar attitude. It is not so adroit in handling objects as are the generality of monkeys,
and seems to feel some difficulty in the management of its long and slender fingers, so
that its manner of eating is rather awkward than otherwise.

Among the names by which this monkey is known, we may mention, " Mono-feo,"
or Hideous Monkey, Chucuto, Chucuzo, and Caruiri. The term " Melanocephala"
signifies Black-headed, while the word " Leucocephala," which is applied to the Yarke,
signifies White-headed.

It seems to be a timid, as well as a quiet animal, as a Cacajao which had been
domesticated displayed some alarm at the sight of several small monkeys of its own
country, and trembled violently when a lizard or a serpent was brought before its eyes.
The localities where it is most generally found are the forests which border the Rio
Negro and the Cassiquiare, but it does not seem to be very plentiful even in its own
land.

The term " Nyctipithecus," or Night-monkey, which is used as the generic title of the

DOUROUCOULI, refers to its habits,
which are more strictly nocturnal
than those of the animals heretofore
mentioned. The eyes of this little
creature are so sensitive to light,
that it cannot endure the glare of
day, and only awakes to activity and
energy when the shades of night
throw their welcome veil over the
face of nature.

In its wild state, it seeks the shelter
of some hollow tree or other dark-
ened place of refuge, and there a-
bides during the hours of daylight,
buried in a slumber so deep, that it
can with difficulty be aroused, even
though the rough hand of its captor
drag it from its concealment. Dur-
ing sleep it gathers all its four feet
closely together, and drops its head
between its fore-paws. It seems to
be one of the owls of the monkey
race.

The food of this Douroucouli is mostly of an animal nature ; and consists chiefly of
insects and small birds, which it hunts and captures in the night season. After dark, the
Douroucouli awakes from the torpid lethargy in which it has spent the day, and shaking
off its drowsiness becomes filled with life and spirit. The large dull eyes, that shrank
from the dazzling rays of the sun light up with eager animation at eventide ; the listless

•DOUROUCOULI. Nyctipithecus Trlvorgatus.l

THE MARMOSET.

99

limbs are instinct with fiery activity, every sense is aroused to keen perception, and
the creature sets off on its nightly quest. Such is then its agile address, that it can
capture even the quick-sighted and ready-winged flies as they flit by, striking rapid
blows at them with its little paws.

The general color of the Douroucouli is a grayish-white, over which a silvery lustre
plays in certain lights. The spine is marked with a brown line, and the breast, abdo-
men, and inside of the limbs, are marked with a very light chestnut, almost amount-
ing to orange. The face is remarkable for three very distinct black lines, which
radiate from each other, and which have earned for the animal the title of "Triver-
gatus," or "Three-striped." There are but very slight external indications of ears, and
in order to expose the organs of hearing, it is necessary to draw aside the fur of the
head. On account of this peculiarity, Humboldt separated the Douroucouli from its
neighbors, and formed it into a distinct family, which he named " Aotes," or " Earless."

Guiana and Brazil are the countries where this curious little animal is found. Al-
though by no means an uncommon species, it is not taken very plentifully, on account
X)f its monogamous habits. The male and his mate may often be discovered sleeping

MARMOSET.— Jacchus Vulgaris.

snugly together in one bed, but never in greater numbers, unless there may be a little
family at the time. Its cry is singularly loud, considering the small size of the animal
which utters it, and bears some resemblance to the roar of the jaguar. Besides this
deep-toned voice, it can hiss or spit like an angry cat, mew with something of a
cat-like intonation, and utter a guttural, short, and rapidly repeated bark. The fur is
used for the purpose of covering pouches and similar articles.

The beautiful little creature which is so well known by the name of the MARMOSET,
or OUISTITI, is a native of the same country as the Douroucouli, and is even more
attractive in its manners and appearance. The fur is long and exquisitely soft, diver-
sified with bold stripes of black upon aground of white and reddish-yellow. The tail is
long and full ; its color is white, encircled with numerous rings of a hue so deep that
it may almost be called black. A radiating tuft of white hairs springs from each side
of the face, and contrasts well with the jetty hue of the head.

On account of the beauty of its fur, and the gentleness of its demeanor when rightly
treated, it is frequently brought from its native land, and forced to lead a life of compelled
civilization in foreign climes. It is peculiarly sensitive to cold, and always likes to have

IOO

THE PINCHE.

its house well furnished with soft and warm bedding, which it piles up in a corner,
and under which it delights to hide itself.

The Marmosets do not seem to be possessed of a very large share of intelligence,
but yet are engaging little creatures if kindly treated. They are very fond of flies and
other insects, and will often take a fly from the hand of the visitor. One of these animals
with whom I struck up an acquaintance, took great pleasure in making me catch flies for
its use, and taking them daintily out of my hand. When it saw my hand sweep over a
doomed fly, the bright eyes sparkled with eager anticipation ; and when I approached the
cage, the little creature thrust its paw through the bars as far as the wires would permit, and
opened and closed the tiny fingers with restless impatience. It then insinuated its
hand among my closed fingers, and never failed to find and to capture the imprisoned
fly.

When properly tamed, the Marmoset will come and sit on its owner's hand, its little
paws clinging tightly to his fingers, and its tail coiled over his hand or wrist. Or it
will clamber up his arm and sit on his shoulders, or, if chilly, hide itself beneath his
coat, or even creep into a convenient pocket.

The Marmoset has a strange liking for hair, and is fond of playing with the locks of
its owner. One of these little creatures, which was the property of a gentleman adorned
with a large bushy beard, was wont to creep to its master's face, and to nestle among the
thick masses of beard which decorated his chin. Another Marmoset, which belonged
to a lady, and which was liable to the little petulances of its race, used to vent its anger
by nibbling the end of her ringlets. If the hair were bound round her head, the curious
little animal would draw a tress down, and bite its extremity, as if it were trying to eat
the hair by degrees. The same individual was possessed of an accomplishment which is
almost unknown among these little monkeys, namely, standing on its head.

Generally, the Marmoset preserves silence ; but if alarmed or irritated, it gives vent
to a little sharp whistle, from which it has gained its name of Ouistiti. It is sufficiently
active when in the enjoyment of good health, climbing and leaping about from bar to bar
with an agile quickness that reminds the observer of a squirrel.

Its food is both animal and vegetable in character ; the animal portion being chiefly
composed of various insects, eggs, and, it may be, an occasional young bird, and the vege-
table diet ranging through most of the edible fruits. A tame Marmoset has been known
to pounce upon a living gold fish, and to eat it. In consequence of this achievement,
some young eels were given to the animal, and at first terrified it by their strange
writhings, but in a short time they were mastered, and eaten.

Cockroaches are a favorite article of food with the Marmoset, who might be put to
good service in many a house. In eating these troublesome insects, the Marmoset nips
off the head, wings, and bristly legs, eviscerates the abdomen, and so prepares the
insect before it is finally eaten. These precautions, however, are only taken when the
cockroach is one of the larger specimens, the smaller insects being eaten up at once,
without any preparation whatever.

Several instances of the birth of young Marmosets have taken place in Europe, but
the young do not seem to thrive well in these climates. The color of the young
animal is a dusky gray, without the beautiful markings which distinguish them when
adult, and the tail is destitute of hair.

The length of the full-grown Marmoset is from seven to eight inches, exclusive of
the tail, which measures about a foot.

The two elegant little animals which are represented in the preceding page are
members of the same genus as the Marmoset, inhabitants of nearly the same localities,
and possessed of many similar qualities.

The PINCHE is remarkable for the tuft of white and long hair which it bears on its
head, and which is so distinctly marked, that the little creature almost seems to be
wearing an artificial head of hair. The throat, chest, abdomen, and arms, are also
white, and the edges of the thighs are touched with the same tint. On each shoulder there
is a patch of reddish-chestnut, fading imperceptibly into the white fur of the chest, and the
grayish brown hair that covers the remainder of the body. Its eyes are quite black.

The tail of the animal is long and moderately full ; its color slightly changes from

THE MARIKINA.

101

the russet-brown tint with which it commences, to a deeper shade of brownish-black. I ts
voice is soft and gentle, and has often been compared to the twittering of a bird.

The Pinche is quite as delicate in point of health as its slight form seems to indicate,
and can with difficulty endure the privations of a voyage. When the animal is full-
grown, the length of its head and body is about eight inches, and that of its tail rather
exceeding a foot.

Among the various members of the monkey tribe, there is hardly any species that
can compare with the exquisite little MARIKINA, either for grace of form, or soft beauty
of color.

The hair with which this creature is covered is of a bright and lustrous chestnut, with
a golden sheen playing over its long glossy locks. To the touch, the fur of the Marikina
is peculiarly smooth and silken ; and from this circumstance it is sometimes called the
Silky Monkey.

PINCHE.-Jacc/ws OBdlpus.

MARIKINA. Wacc/ms Rosalia.

Both for the texture and color of the hair, the name is happily chosen, for the tint
of the Marikina's fur is just that of the orange-colored silk as it is wound from the
cocoon, while in texture it almost vies with the fine fibres of the unwoven silk itself.

Another name for the same animal is the Lion Monkey, because its little face looks
out of the mass of hair like a lion, from out of his mane.

The color of the hair is nearly uniform, but not quite so. On the paws it darkens
considerably, and it is of a deeper tint on the forehead and the upper surface of the
limbs than on the remainder of the body. Some specimens are wholly of a darker hue.
In no place is the fur very short ; but on the head, and about the shoulders, it is of
very great length in proportion to the size of the animal.

The Marikina is rightly careful of its beautiful clothing, and is fastidious to a degree
about preserving its glossy brightness free from stain. Whether when wild, it keeps its
own house clean, or whether it has no house at all, is not as yet accurately ascertained ;
but in captivity, it requires that all cleansing shall be performed by other handn.* This

IO2

THE LEMURS.

slothfulness is the more peculiar, because the creature is so sensitive on the subject, that
if it be in the least neglected, it loses its pretty gaiety, pines away, and dies.

It is fond of company, and can seldom be kept alone for any length of time. The
food of the Marikina is chiefly composed of fruits and insects ; but in captivity, it will
eat biscuit and drink milk. It is a very timid animal, unable to fight a foe, but quick in
escape, and adroit in concealment. Its voice is soft and gentle when the animal is
pleased, but when it is excited by anger or fear, it utters a rather sharp hiss. The
dimensions of the Marikina are much the same as those of the Pinche.

RUFFED LEMUR.- Lemur Macaco.

LEMURS.

THE form of the monkeys which are known by the name of Lemurs, is of itself suffi-
cient to show that we are rapidly approaching the more quadrupedal mammalia, the
which, however, we shall only reach through the wing-handed animals, or bats, and the
strangely formed flying-monkey, which seems to span the gulf between the monkeys and
bats.

The head of all the Lemurs is entirely unlike the usual monkey head, and even in
the skull the distinction is as clearly marked as in the living being. Sharp, long, and
pointed, the muzzle and jaws are singularly fox-like, while the general form of these
animals, and the mode in which they walk, would lead a hasty observer to place them
among the true quadrupeds. Yet, on a closer examination, the quadrumanous charac-
teristics are seen so plainly, that the Lemurs can but be referred to their proper position
among, or rather at the end of, the monkey tribe.

The word Lemur signifies a night-wandering ghost, and has been applied to this
group of animals on account of their nocturnal habits, and their stealthy, noiseless step,
which renders their progress almost as inaudible as that of the unearthly beings from
whom they derive their name.

THE LEMURS.

103

The RUFFED LEMUR is one of the handsomest of this family, challenging a rival-
ship even with the Ring-tailed Lemur in point of appearance.

The texture of the fur is extremely fine, and its color presents bold contrasts between
pure white and a jetty blackness, the line of demarcation being strongly defined. The
face of the Ruffed Lemur is black, and a fringe of long white hairs stands out like a
ruff round the face, giving to the creature its very appropriate title.

As is the case with all the Lemurs, it is a native of Madagascar and of the adjacent
islands, and seems to take the place of the ordinary monkeys. Of all the Lemurs this
species is the largest, its size equalling that of a moderately grown cat. Its voice is a
sepulchral, deep roar, peculiarly loud, considering the size of the animal, and can be
heard at a great distance in the stilly night. As the Lemurs delight in gathering to-
gether in large companies, the effect of their united voices is most deafening. The
eyes are furnished with a transverse pupil, which dilates as darkness draws on, enabling
the creature to see even in a dark night, and to make search after their daily, or rather
their nightly food.

This species is timid at the presence of man, and hides itself at the sound of his
footsteps. But if pursued and attacked, it takes instant courage from despair, and
flinging itself boldly on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the conflict, its sharp
teeth stand it in good stead, and inflict wounds of no trifling severity.

It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays much
gentle affection, readily recognizing its friends, and offering itself for their caresses,
but avoiding the touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to whom it takes
a dislike. It is very impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a fire, where it will perch
itself for an hour at a time without moving, its attention solely taken up by the grateful
warmth.

It is an active creature, being able to leap to some distance, and always attaining its
mark with unfailing accuracy. While leaping or running rapidly, the tail is held in a
peculiar and graceful attitude, following, indeed, Hogarth's line of beauty.

RING-TAILED LEMUR.
Lemur Catta.

WHITE-FRONTED LEMUR.
Lemur albifrons.

RED LEMUR.
Lemur Ruber.

The RING-TAILED LEMUR, or MACACO, is at once recognizable by the peculiarity
from which it derives its popular name.

It is not quite so large as the Ruffed Lemur, as it only measures a foot from nose
to tail, the tail itself being some seven or eight inches in length. In captivity it soon
becomes familiar, and when it chooses to exhibit its powers, is very amusing with its merry
pranks. If several individuals are confined in the same cage, they are fond of hud-
dling together, and involving themselves in such a strange entanglement of tails, limbs,
and heads, that until they separate, it is almost impossible to decide upon the number
of the animals that form the variegated mass.

104 THE LEMURS.

It sometimes breeds in confinement, and then affords an interesting sight. The young
Lemur is not so thickly clothed as its mother, but makes up deficiencies in its own
covering by burying itself in the soft fur of its parent. Many a time have I seen the
little creature sunk deeply in the soft fur of its mother's back, and so harmonizing with
her, that the child could hardly be distinguished from the parent. Sometimes it would
creep under the mother, and cling with arms and legs so firmly, that although she
might move about her cage, the little one was not shaken off, but held as firmly as
Ulysses to the Cyclops' ram.

There is a curious structure in the hand and arm of this Lemur, bearing consider-
able analogy to the formation of the spider monkey's tail, which is mentioned on p. 84.
By means of this construction of the limb, the fingers of the hand are closed when the
arm is stretched out, so that the animal can suspend itself from a tree-branch, without
incurring fatigue. It sometimes utters a sound which resembles the purring of a cat,
and from that habit is derived the name of Cattus. The manner in which the dark
spots and rings are distributed over the body and tail is well shown in the engraving,
and need not be described.

The WHITE-FRONTED LEMUR derives its name from the patch of white hairs which
appears on its forehead. Some naturalists suppose it to be the female of a similar
animal on whose forehead a sable patch is substituted for the white, and is therefore
called the Black-fronted Lemur. At present, however, the Black-fronted animal is
considered to be a distinct species ; and the only difference between the sexes of the
White-fronted Lemur seems to be, that in the male animal the forehead and some other
portions of the fur are white, while in the female they are of a light gray. The general
color of the animal is a brownish chestnut, but in some examples a gray tint takes the
place of the darker color.

It is a gentle and engaging creature, and not at all shy, even to strangers, unless they
alarm it by loud voices or hasty gestures. It is possessed of great agility, climbing
trees, and running among the branches with perfect ease, and capable of springing
through a space of several yards. So gently does it alight on the ground after it leaps,
that the sound of its feet can hardly be heard as they touch the ground.

As will be seen from the figure on p. 103, the RED LEMUR possesses a fur which has
somewhat of a woolly aspect, the hair separating into tufts, each of which is slightly
curled. It is a beautifully decorated animal, displaying considerable contrast of color-
ing. The body, head, and 'the greater portion of the limbs, are of a fine chestnut, with
the exception of a large white patch covering the back of the head and nape of the neck,
and a smaller one in the midst of each foot. The face, the tail, and paws, are black,
as is all the under side of the body. This latter circumstance is most remarkable, as
it is almost a general rule that the under parts of animals are lighter in tint than the
upper. Around the sides of the face, the hair is of a paler chestnut than that which
covers the body.

In habits it is similar to the Lemurs which have already been described. Being
naturally a nocturnal animal, it passes the day in a drowsy somnolence, its head pushed
between its legs, and the long bushy tail wrapped round its body, as if to exclude the
light and retain the heat. Should it be accustomed to be fed during the daytime, it
shakes off its slumber for the purpose of satisfying the calls of hunger ; but even
though urged by so strong an inducement, it awakes with lingering reluctance, and sinks
to sleep again as soon as the demands of its appetite are satisfied. Its entire length
is nearly three feet, of which the tail occupies about twenty inches. Its height is
about a foot.

The curious animal which is known by the name of the DIADEM LEMUR, is generally
thought to belong quite as much, if not more, to the Indris than to the Lemurs, and
has, therefore, been placed by Mr. Bennett in a separate genus, which he names
Propithecus.

The name of Diadem Lemur is given to this creature on account of the white semilu-
nar stripe which runs across the forehead; the curve being just the opposite to the cres>
cent on the head of the Diana monkey, and therefore assuming the shape of a diadem.
This white stripe is very conspicuous, and serves by its bold contrast with the black head

THE LEMURS.

IOS

and face, to distinguish the animal from any of its relatives. The shoulders and upper
part of the back are of a sooty tint, not so black as the head, and fading almost imper-
ceptibly into palest brown on the hinder quarters and the limbs. The under parts of
the body are very light gray, nearly white. The paws are nearly black. The tail is
tawny at its commencement, but gradually changes its color by the admixture of lighter
hairs, until at its tip it is nearly white, although with a slight golden tinge.

The hair of the tail is not so long as that of the body, which is long and rather silky
in texture with the exception of the fur about the lower end of the spine, which has a
slight woolliness to the touch. As may be seen from the engraving, the thumbs of the

PROPITHECE, OR DIADEM LEMUR. -Proptthecus Diadem.

hinder paws are large in proportion, and suited for taking a firm grasp of any object to
which the animal may cling ; while the corresponding members of the fore-paws are not
so largely developed, but yet can be used with some freedom. The face of the Propithece
is not so long as that of the true Lemurs, and the round tipped ears are hidden in the
bushy hair which surrounds the head. The length of the animal, exclusively of the tail,
is about twenty-one inches, and the length of the tail is about four inches less.

Resembling the Lemurs in many respects, and given to similar customs, the animals
which are known by the name of Loris are distinguished from the Lemurs by several
peculiarities of structure.

io6

THE SLENDER LORIS.

The first point which strikes the eye of the observer, is the want of that long and
bushy tail which is possessed by the Lemurs, and which is only rudimentary in the Loris.
The muzzle too, although sharp and pointed, is abruptly so, whereas that of the Lemur
tapers gradually from the ears to the nose. The country which they inhabit is not the
same as that which nurtures the Lemurs, for whereas the latter animals are found
exclusively in Madagascar, the Loris is found in Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, and other
neighboring parts.

The SLENDER LORIS is a small animal, measuring only nine inches in length, and
possessed of limbs so delicately slender, as to have earned for it the popular name by
which it is distinguished from the Slow-paced Loris. Its color is gray, with a slight
rusty tinge, the under portions of the body fading into white. Round the eyes, the fur
takes a darker hue, which is well contrasted by a white streak running along the nose.

Small though it be, and apparently without the power to harm, it is a terrible enemy
to the birds and insects on which it feeds, and which it captures, " like Fabius, by delay."

Night, when the birds are resting with their heads snugly sheltered by their soft
feathers, is the time when the Loris awakes from its daily slumbers, and stealthily sets

SLENDER LORIS.-tor/a Qracllls,

forth on its search. Its large round eyes blaze in the dusky gloom like two balls of
phosphorescent fire, and by the eyes alone can its presence be known. For the color of
its fur is such that the dark back is invisible in the obscurity, and the white breast and
abdomen simulate the falling of a broken moonbeam on the bark of a branch. Its
movements are so slow and silent, that not a sound falls on the ear to indicate the
presence of a living animal.

Alas for the doomed bird that has attracted the fiery eyes of the Loris ! No Indian
on his war-path moves with stealthier step or more deadly purpose than the Loris on its
progress towards its sleeping prey. With movements as imperceptible and as silent as
the shadow on the dial, paw after paw is lifted from its hold, advanced a step and placed
again on the bough, until the destroyer stands by the side of the unconscious victim.
Then, the hand is raised with equal silence, until the fingers overhang the bird and nearly
touch it. Suddenly, the slow caution is exchanged for lightning speed, and with a move-
ment so rapid that the eye can hardly follow it, the bird is torn from its perch, and
almost before its eyes are opened from slumber, they are closed forever in death.

THE SLOW-PACED LORIS.

107

The SLOW-PACED LORIS, or KUKANG, is very similar in its habits to the animal just
mentioned, but differs from it in size, color, and several parts of its form.

The fur is of a texture rather more woolly than that of the Slender Loris, and its
color has something of a chestnut tinge running through it, although some specimens
are nearly as gray as the Slender Loris. As may be seen from the engraving, a dark
stripe surrounds the eyes, ears, and back of the head, reaching to the corners of the
mouth. From thence it runs along the entire length of the spine. The color of this
dark band is a deep chestnut. It is rather larger than the preceding animal, being a
little more than a foot in length.

In the formation of these creatures some very curious structures are found, among
which is the singular grouping of arteries and veins in the limbs.

Instead of the usual tree-like mode in which the limbs of most animals are supplied
with blood, — one large trunk-vessel entering the limb, and then branching off into
numerous subdivisions, — the limbs of the Loris are furnished with blood upon a strangely
modified system. The arteries and veins as they enter and leave the limbs, are sudden-

KUKANG, OR SLOW -PACED LORlS.-Nyctlcebus Javanlcus.

ly divided into a great number of cylindrical vessels, lying close to each other for some
distance, and giving off their tubes to the different parts of the limb. It is possible
that to this formation may be owing the power of silent movement and slow patience
which has been mentioned as the property of these monkeys, for a very similar structure
is found to exist in the sloth.

The tongue of the Loris is aided in its task by a plate of cartilage, by which it is sup-
ported, and which is, indeed, an enlargement of the tendinous band that is found under
the root of the tongue. It is much thicker at its base than at the extremity, which is
so deeply notched that it seems to have been slit with a knife. It is so conspicuous an
organ, that it has been often described as a second tongue. The throat and vocal
organs seem to be but little developed, as is consistent with the habits of an animal
whose very subsistence depends upon its silence. Excepting when irritated, it seldom
or never utters a sound ; and even then, its vocal powers seem to be limited to a little
monotonous plaintive cry.

In captivity, this Loris appears to be tolerably omnivorous, eating both animal and

io8

THE AVAHI, OR INDRI.

vegetable food, preferring, however, the former. Living animals best please its taste,
and the greatest dainty that can be offered to the creature is a small bird, which it in-
stantly kills, plucks, and eats entirely, the bones included. Eggs are a favorite food
with it, as are insects. It will take butcher's meat, if raw, but will not touch it if cooked
in any way. Of vegetable substances, sugar appears to take its fancy the most, but it
will eat fruits of various kinds, such as oranges and plantains, and has been known to
suck gum arabic.

Another curious inhabitant of Madagascar is the INDRI, or AVAHI, a creature that has
sometimes been considered as one of the lemurs, and placed among them by systematic
naturalists. From the curled and woolly hair with which the body is covered it derives
its name of " Laniger," or Wool-bearer. Just over the loins, and partly down the flanks,
the soft wool-like hair takes a firmer curl than is found to be the case in any other part
of the body or limbs. It is but a small animal, the length of its head and body being
only a foot, and its tail nine inches. The general color of the fur is a lightish brown,
with a white stripe on the back of the thigh, and a tinge of chestnut in the tail. In

some individuals a rusty red, mingle with
a yellow hue, takes the place of the
brown ; and in all the under parts are
lighter than the upper. Its face is black,
and the eyes are gray, with a greenish
light playing through their large orbs.

The name Indri is a native word, signi-
fying, it is said, " man of the woods." Its
voice is not very powerful, but can be
heard at some distance. It is of a mel-
ancholy, wailing character, and has been
likened to the cry of a child.

The LITTLE GALAGO, which is repre-
sented in the lower figure of the accom-
panying engraving, is sometimes called
by the name of the Madagascar Rat, on
account of its rat-like form, and the color
of the fur. It is about the size of a small
rat, and, as may be seen by a reference to
the engraving, might easily be mistaken
for one of those animals by a non-zoolo-
gist. The tint of its fur is a very light
mouse-color.

The ears of the Galago are large, and,
during the life of the animal, are nearly
transparent. The eyes are very large,
and of that peculiar lustre which is always seen in the nocturnal animals. It is a native
of Madagascar.

The MOHOLI GALAGO is a larger animal than the preceding, being nearly sixteen in-
ches in length, inclusive of the tail. Its color is gray, with irregular markings of a deeper
hue. The under parts of the body are nearly white, and the limbs are slightly tinged
with a golden lustre. The tail is not very bushy, excepting at the extremity, and its
color is a chestnut brown. The texture of the fur is very soft, and there is a slight
woolliness in its setting.

Nocturnal in habits, it sleeps during the day, with its large ears folded over the head
in such a manner as to give it the aspect of an earless animal. More active than the
loris, the Moholi does not secure its prey by stealing on it with slow and silent movements,
but leaps upon the flying insects on which it loves to feed, and seizes them in its
slender paws. Besides insects, various fruits form part of the Moholi's food, more
especially such as are of a pulpy nature, and it is said that the Moholi eats that vegetable
exudation which is known by the name of Gum- Senegal. Its diurnal repose is taken in
the curious nest which it builds in the forked branches of trees, using grass, leaves, and

AVAHI, OR INDRI. -Indrls Laniger.

THE TARSIER.

109

LITTLE GALAQO.— Galago Minor.

MOHOLl.—Oalago Moholl.

other soft substances for the purpose. In this lofty cradle the young are nurtured
until they are of an age to provide for themselves.

The face is full of expression, in which it is aided by the large and prominent ears ;
and the creature is said to contract its countenance into strange grimaces, after the
fashion of the ordinary monkeys. Like the monkeys, too, it can leap for some little
distance, and springs from one branch to another, or from tree to tree with agility and
precision. The Moholi Galago is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, having been
found by Dr. Smith hopping about the branches of the trees that bordered the Lim-
popo river, in twenty five degrees of south latitude.

At first sight, there is some external
resemblance between the Galago and the
little animal which is figured in the accom-
panying engraving. The ears, however,
are not so large as those of the Galago,
and the tail is less thickly covered with
fur, being almost devoid of hair, except
at its extremity, where it forms a small
tuft. On reference to the figure, it will
be seen that the hands are of extraor-
dinary length, in proportion to the size
of the creature. This peculiarity is
caused by a considerable elongation of
the bones composing the " Tarsus," or
back of the hands and feet, and has
earned for the animal the title of TAR-
SIER. This peculiarity is more strongly
developed in the hinder than in the
fore-paws.

The color of the Tarsier is a grayish-
brown, with slight olive tint washed over
the body. A stripe of deeper color sur-
rounds the back of the head, and the
face and forehead are of a warmer
brown than the body and limbs. It is
a native of Borneo, Celebes, the Philippine Islands, and Banca. From the lattel
locality it is sometimes called the Banca Tarsier. Another of the titled by which
it is known, is the Podji.

T A RSI ER. — Tarstus Spectrum.

no THE AYE-AYE.

It is a tree-inhabiting animal, and skips among the branches with little quick leaps
that have been likened to the hoppings of a frog. In order to give the little creature
a firmer hold of the boughs about which it is constantly leaping, the palms of the hands
are furnished with several cushions. The back of the hands are covered with soft
downy fur, resembling the hair with which the tail is furnished. Excepting on the hands
and tail, the fur is very thick and of a woolly character, but at the root of the tail, and
at the wrists and ankles, it suddenly changes to the short downy covering.

The true position of that very rare animal the AYE-AYE, seems very doubtful, some
naturalists placing it in the position which it occupies in this work, and others, such as
Van der Hoeven, considering it to form a link between the monkeys and the rodent
animals.

As will be seen by a reference to the figure, in its head and general shape it resem-
bles the Galagos, but in the number and arrangement of its teeth it approaches the
rodent type. There are no canine teeth, and the incisors are arranged in a manner
similar to those of the rodents, the chief difference being, that instead of the chisel-
like edge which distinguishes the incisor teeth of the gnawing animals, those of the
Aye-aye are sharply pointed. These curious teeth are extremely powerful, and are
very deeply set in the jawbones, their sockets extending nearly the entire depth of the
bone.

The color of the animal is a rusty brown on the upper portions of the body, the
under parts, as well as the cheeks and throat, being of a light gray. The paws are
nearly black. The fur of the body is thickly set, and is remarkable for an inner coating
of downy hair of a golden tint, which sometimes shows itself through the outer coating.
On the tail the hair is darker than on the body, greater in length, and in texture much
coarser. The tail seems to be always trailed at length, and never to be set up over
the body, like the well-known tail of the squirrel. The ears are large, and nearly des-
titute of hair.

It is probable that the natural food of the Aye-aye, like that of the preceding
animals, is of a mixed character, and that it eats fruit and insects indiscriminately. In
captivity it usually fed on boiled rice, which it picked up in minute portions, like
Amine in the " Arabian Nights," using, however, its slender fingers in lieu of the cele-
brated bodkin with which she made her mock meal. But in its wild state it is said to
search the trees for insects as well as fruits, and to drag their larvae from their conceal-
ment by means of its delicate fingers. Buds and various fruits are also said to be eaten
by this animal — possibly the buds may contain a hidden grub, and the entire flower be
eaten for the sake of the living creature which it contains, as is the case with many a
bud that is plucked by small birds in this country.

It is a nocturnal animal like the Galagos and Lemurs, and seeks its prey by night
only, spending the day in sleep, curled up in the dark hollow of a tree, or in some
similar spot, where it can retire from view an$ from light.

As is shown by the scientific name of the Aye-aye, it is a native of Madagascar, and
even in that island is extremely scarce, appearing to be limited to the western portions
of the country, and to escape even the quick eyes of the natives. Sonnerat, the naturalist,
was the first to discover it, and when he showed his prize to the natives, they exhibited
great astonishment at the sight of an unknown animal, and the exclamations of surprise
are said to have given the name of Aye-aye to the creature. The name " Cheiromys,"
signifies " Handed Mouse," and is given to the animal because it bears some resem-
blance to a large mouse or rat which is furnished with hand-like paws instead of feet.

With the exception of the Aye-aye, all the Quadrumanous animals bear their mammae
upon the breast, and clasp their young to their bosoms with their arms. But in the
Aye-aye, the milk-giving organs are placed on the lower portion of the abdomen, and
thus a great distinction is at once made between this creature and the true quadrumana.
Indeed, there are so many points of discrepancy in this strange being, that it is quite
impossible to make it agree with the systematic laws which have hitherto been laid
down, and naturalists place it in one order or another, according to the stress which
they lay on different points of its organization.

The eyes are of a brownish-yellow color, and very sensitive to light, as may be

THE AYE-AYE.

in

expected in a creature so entirely nocturnal in its habits. The movements of e Aye-
aye are slow and deliberate, though not so sluggish as those of the Loris. It is not a
very small animal, measuring almost a yard in total length, of which the tail occupies
one moiety.

On a review of this and the Lemurine monkeys, it can hardly fail to strike the ob-
server that there must be something very strange in the climate or position of Mada-
gascar—perhaps in both — that forbids the usual quadrumanous forms, and produces in
their stead the Lemurs, the Indris, and the Aye-aye. So very little is known of this
important island, that it may be the home of hitherto unknown forms of animal life,
which, when brought under the observation of competent naturalists, would fill up sun-
dry blanks that exist in the present list of known animals, and afford, in their own
persons, the clue to many interesting subjects which are now buried in mystery.

AYE-AYE.— Chelromys Madagascarleasls.

The strange animal which is known by the name of the FLYING LEMUR, or COLUGO,
presents a singular resemblance to the large bat which is popularly called the Flying
Fox, and evidently affords an intermediate link of transition between the four-handed
and the wing-handed mammals.

By means of the largely-developed membrane which connects the limbs with each
other, and the hinder limbs with the tail, the Colugo is enabled to leap through very
great distances, and to pass from one bough to another with ease, although they maybe
situated so far apart that no power of leaping could achieve the feat. This membrane
is a prolongation of the natural skin, and is covered with hair on the upper side as
thickly as any part of the body, but beneath it is almost naked. When the creature
desires to make one of its long sweeping leaps, it spreads its limbs as widely as possi-
ble, and thus converts itself into a kind of living kite, as is shown in the figure. By thus
presenting a large surface to the air, it can be supported in its passage between the
branches, and is said to be able to vary its course slightly by the movement of its arms.

When the animal is walking or climbing about among the branches, the wide mem-
brane is folded so closely to the body, that it might escape the observation of an

112

THE COLUGO.

inexperienced eye. The membrane is not used in the manner of wings, but is merely
employed as a sustaining power in the progress through the air. It is evident, there-
fore, that at every leap, the spot at which it aims must be lower than that from which
it starts, so that it is forced, after some few aerial voyages, to run up the trees and at-
tain a higher station. It is said that the Colugo will thus pass over nearly a hundred
yards.

Among other bat-like habits, the Colugo is accustomed to suspend itself by its hinder
paws from the branch of a tree, and in this pendant attitude it sleeps. Its slumbers
are mostly diurnal, for the Colugo is a night-loving animal, and is seldom seen in
motion until the shades of evening draw on. But on the approach of night, the Co
lugo awakes from its drowsiness, and unhooking its claws from the branch on which it
has hung suspended during the hours of daylight, sets off on its travels in search of
food.

COLUGO. -Ouleopithecous volaas*

The diet of this animal is said to consist of mixed animal and vegetable substances,
the former being eggs, insects, and small birds, while the latter is composed of various
soft fruits. Its paws are equally adapted for grasping the boughs of the trees among
which it passes its existence, and for seizing the prey on which it lives. The thumbs
are not capable of opposition to the fingers, and therefore cannot be used as are the
thumbs of the human hand.

It will be remembered that, in the Aye-aye, the structure of the mamma? is very
different from that of the true monkeys ; and in the Colugo, the same organs are marked
by a singular peculiarity of form and number. Instead of the usual supply of two
mammae on the breast, the Colugo is furnished with four of those organs.

The female Colugo is motherly in her habits, and carries her young family with her
until they have attained a moderate size.

THE COLUGO. 113

It is found in many of the islands that belong to the Indian Archipelago, and is
tolerably common. As far as is known, there are several species of Galeopithecus ;
three, according to some naturalists, and four according to others.

The color of the fur is very uncertain, even in the same species, some specimens
being of a light brown, others of a gray tint, more or less deep ; while many individuals
have their fur diversified with irregular marblings or stripes, or spots of different shades
and tints.

The teeth of the Galeopithecus are very curious in their shape, and present as great
a contrast to the usual quadrumanous tooth as the entire form does to that of the true
monkeys. The upper incisor teeth are separated from each other by a rather wide
empty space, the lower incisors have their crowns deeply cut, as if they were being
manufactured into combs, bearing, indeed, a very close resemblance to the rudely-
manufactured wooden combs made by the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands.

None of the fingers of this animal are furnished with the broad flat nail which is
found in the real monkeys, but each finger is armed with a sharp claw, decidedly
hooked, and retractile. The thumbs are not opposable to the fingers. The hinder
limbs are slightly larger than the arms. The Colugo is by no means a small animal,
as, when it is full grown, it equals a large cat in size. The natives of the countries
where this animal is found are in the habit of using it as an article of food. Strangers,
however, find its flesh very unpleasant, on account of a strong odor with which it is
pervaded.

As in this work it has been my endeavor to render the study of Animal Life as en-
tertaining as possible, I have carefully avoided the use of scientific terms, which might
give an air of pedantry to its pages, and deter the reader from venturing upon a sub-
ject so repellent. A greater stress has, therefore, been laid upon the disposition and
habits of the various animals than on their purely physical form, and the descriptions
have been rather of species than of genera. But if any reader should desire to learn
the leading characteristics by which the genera are separated from each other and
placed in their respective positions, he is referred to a " Compendium of Generic Dis-
tinctions," which will be found at the end of Volume I., and by means of which the
reader will be enabled to assign almost any animal to its proper genus.
8

CHEIROPTERA.

CHEIROPTERA !

OR WING-HANDED ANIMALS.

FROM the earliest times in which the science of zoology attracted the attention of ob-
servant men, the discovery of a true systematic arrangement has been one of the great
objects of those who studied animal life, and the forms in which it is outwardly mani-
fested. In the writings of these pioneers of zoological science, from Aristotle, its father,
even to the latest authors on this subject, we find that many animals, whether in groups
or in single species, have long baffled investigation. Among the more conspicuous of
these enigmatical beings are the strange and weird-like animals which are popularly
known by the terse title of Bats, and, scientifically, by the more recondite name of
Cheiroptera, a term derived from two Greek words signifying, the former, a hand, and
the latter, a wing.

On a retrospect of the theories which have been broached on the subject of the Bats,
we find that the singular diversity of opinion is quite on a par with the peculiar form
of the animal which excited them.

Some authors place the Bats among the birds, because they are able to fly through
the air, while others assign them a position among the quadrupeds, because they can
walk on the earth. Some, again, who admitted the mammalian nature of the creatures,
scattered them at intervals through the scale of animated beings, heedless of any dis-
tinction excepting the single characteristic on which they took their stand, and by which
they judged every animal. These are but a few of the diverse opinions which ran riot
among the naturalists of the former times, among which the most ingeniously quaint,
is that which places the bat and the ostrich in the same order, because the Bat can fly,
and the ostrich cannot.

By degrees the true mammalian character of the Bats became more clearly under-
stood, and they were removed from the birds to take their rank among the higher
forms. Even then, however, they were placed at the very end of the mammals, being
considered as a connecting link which prevented a too abrupt change from the hairy to
the feathered beings ; and it was left to the more recent investigators to discover, by
careful anatomical research, the real position of the Bat tribe.

In general form the Bats are clearly separated from any other group of animals, and
by most evident modifications of structure, can be recognized by the most cursory
glance.

The first peculiarity in the Bat form which strikes the eye, is the wide and delicate
membrane which stretches round the body, and which is used in the place of the wings
with which birds are furnished. This membrane, thin and semi-transparent as it is, is
double in structure, being a prolongation of the skin of the flanks and other portions of
the animal, and, therefore, having its upper and under surface, in the same manner as
the body of the creature itself. The two surfaces are so clearly marked, that with
ordinary care, they can be separated from each other. Along the sides, this double
membrane is rather stronger and thicker, but, as it extends from the body, it assumes
greater tenuity, until at the margin it is so exquisitely thin, that the tiny blood-
corpuscles, which roll along the minute vessels that supply the wing with nourishment,
can be seen clearly through its integument, by the help of a good microscope.

In order to support this beautiful membrane, to extend it to its requisite width, and
to strike the air with it for the purpose of flight, the bones of the fore-part of the body,
and especially those of the arms and hands, undergo a singular modification.

As will be seen on reference to the accompanying engraving, which represents the
skeleton of the Vampire, and which has been originally taken by the photographic

THE VAMPIRE BAT. 115

process, the bones which thus constitute the arm and hand are marvellously elongated,
becoming longer the farther they recede from the body.

The two bones of the fore-arm are extremely long, and the bone which is
scientifically known by the name of the "ulna" is extremely small, and in many species
almost wholly wanting. The reason for this arrangement is, that the great object of
these two bones is, by the mode in which they are jointed to each other, to permit the
arm to rotate with that movement which is easily shown by the simple process of turn-
ing the hand with its palm upwards. This latitude of motion would not only be useless to
the Bats, but absolutely injurious, as the wing-membranes would not be able to be at the
air with the steady strokes which are needful for maintaining flight. Therefore the
arm is rendered incapable of rotation.

Passing onwards from the arms to the hands, the finger-bones are strangely dispropor-
tioned to the remainder of the body, the middle finger being considerably longer than the
head and body together. The thumb is very much shorter than any of the fingers, and
furnished with a sharp and curve claw. By means of this claw, the bat is enabled to
proceed along a level surface, and to attach itself to any object that maybe convenient.
In some of the bats the thumb is much longer than that which is here figured.

The bones of the breast and the neighboring parts are also formed in a peculiar
manner, being intended to support the broad surface of the wing-membrane, and to en-

SKELETON OF VAMPIRE BAT.

able it to beat the air with sufficient force. The collar-bones are long, considerably
arched, and strongly jointed, to the breast-bone and the shoulder-blades. In the insect-
eating Bats, these bones are more developed than in the fruit-eaters ; probably because
the former need a better apparatus for the capture of their quick-winged prey, than the
latter for seeking their vegetable food. Some species of Bat present a collar-bone which
is half the length of the elongated upper arm.

The breast- bone is very long, and is widely expanded so as to form a strong point of
attachment for the two collar-bones. There is also a bony crest running down its centre,
which serves as a support for the enormous breast-muscles that work the wings. The
ribs are long and well rounded, and, indeed, seem to be much greater in proportionate
length than those of any other mammal.

The lower portions of the body and limbs are singularly small in proportion to the
upper limbs. The legs are short and slender, and so arranged that the feet are rather
turned outward, for the purpose of using their sharp claws freely. A kind of slender and
spur-like bone is seen to proceed from the heel of each foot. When the skeleton is
clothed with its softer textures, these curious bones run between the double membrane
that joins the legs to the tail, and reach nearly half-way to the latter member. The

n6

THE VAMPIRE BAT.

exact history of this bony spur is not quite settled, some authors considering it to be a
separate bone, while others think that it is merely a projection of the heel-bone, which
remains permanently disunited. The feet are small, and each toe is furnished with a
very sharp, strong, and curved claw, by means of which the animal is enabled to suspend
itself from any object which affords a slight projection.

It will be seen on a glance at the formation of the bat, that the hands, or wings, if
they may be so called, are the leading characteristics of the animal, and that, to those
members, the whole of the body and the remaining limbs are subsidiary.

Having thus made a cursory review of the skeleton, we proceed to the outward form,
and take for our first example the creature which has earned for itself a world-wide
celebrity by the best means of obtaining mundane fame — the shedding of much blood.

The VAMPIRE BAT is a native of Southern America, and is spread over a large extent
of country. It is not a very large animal, the length of its body and tail being only six
inches, or perhaps seven in large specimens, and the spread of wing two feet, or rathei
more. The color of the Vampire's fur is a mouse tint, with a shade of brown.

Many tales have been told of the Vampire Bat, and its fearful attacks upon sleeping
men, — tales which, although founded on fact, were so sadly exaggerated as to cause a
reaction in the opposite direction. It was reported to come silently by night, and to
search for the exposed toes of a sound sleeper, — -its instinct telling it whether the in-
tended victim were thoroughly buried in sleep. Poising itself above the feet of its prey,
and fanning them with its extended wings, it produced a cool atmosphere, which, in
those hot climates, aided in soothing the slumberer into a still deeper repose. The Bat
then applied its needle-pointed teeth to the upturned foot, and inserted them into the
tip of a toe with such adroit dexterity, that no pain was caused by the tiny wound. The
lips were then brought into action, and the blood was sucked until the Bat was satiated.
It then disgorged the food which it had just taken, and began afresh, continuing
its alternate feeding and disgorging, until the victim perished from sheer loss of
blood.

For a time, this statement gained dominion, but, after a while, was less and less
believed, until, at last, naturalists repudiated the whole story as a " traveller's tale."
However, as usual, the truth seems to have lain between the two extremes ; for it is
satisfactorily ascertained, by more recent travellers, that the Vampires really do bite both
men and cattle during the night, but that the wound is never known to be fatal, and, in
most instances, causes but little inconvenience to the sufferer.

When they direct their attacks against mankind, the Vampires almost invariably
select the foot as their point of operation, and their blood-loving propensities are the
dread of both natives and Europeans. With singular audacity, the bats even creep into
human habitations, and seek out the exposed feet of any sleeping inhabitant who has
incautiously neglected to draw a coverlet over his limbs.

When they attack quadrupeds, they generally fix themselves on the shoulders and
flanks of the animal, and inflict wounds sufficiently severe to cause damage unless
properly attended to. It is quite a common occurrence that when the cattle are brought
from the pastures wherein they have passed the night, their shoulders and flanks are
covered with blood from the bites of these blood-loving bats. It might be said that the
bleeding wounds might be accounted for by some other cause, but the matter was set
at rest by a fortunate capture of a Vampire " red-handed " in the very act of wounding
a horse.

Darwin, who narrates the circumstance, states that he was travelling in the neigh-
borhood of Coquimbo, in Chili, and had halted for the night. One of the horses became
very restless, and the servant, who went to see what was the matter with the animal,
fancied that he could see something strange on its withers. He put his hand quickly
on the spot and secured a Vampire Bat. Next morning there was some inflammation
and soreness on the spot where the bat had been captured, but the ill effects soon
disappeared, and three days afterwards the horse was as well as ever.

It does not seem to be the severity of the wound which does the harm, but the
irritation which is caused by pressure, whether of a saddle, in the case of a horse, or
of clothing, in the case of a human being.

THE VAMPIRE BAT. Ii;

The Vampire seems to be very capricious in its tastes, for while one person may sleep
in the open air with perfect impunity, another will be wounded almost nightly. Mr.
Waterton, urged by his usual enthusiastic desire for personal investigation, slept for the
space of eleven months in an open loft, where the Vampires came in and out every night.
They were seen hovering over the hammock, and passing through the apertures that
served for windows, but never made a single attack. Yet an Indian, who slept within
a few yards, suffered frequently by the abstraction of blood from his toes. This
distinction was not on account of color, for a young lad about twelve years of age, the
son of an English gentleman, was bitten on the forehead with such severity, that the
wound bled freely on the following morning. The fowls of the same house suffered so
terribly, that they died fast ; and an unfortunate jackass was being killed by inches. He
looked, to use Mr. Waterton's own language, " like misery steeped in vinegar. "

Although these bats have so great a predilection for the blood of animals, they are not
restricted to so sanguinary a diet, but live chiefly on insects which they capture on the
wing. Indeed, they would have but a meagre diet were they to depend wholly on a

VAMPIRE BAT.— Vatapyrus Spectrum.

supply of human or brute blood, for there are sufficient Vampires in existence to drain
the life-blood from man and beast. Many other creatures have the same propensities
— happy if they can gratify them ; satisfied if they are withheld from so doing. The com-
mon leech is a familiar example of a similar mode of life ; for it may be that not one leech
out of a thousand ever tastes blood at all, although they are so ravenously eager after it
when they have the opportunity for gratifying their sanguinary taste.

On reference to the figure of the Vampire Bat, it will be seen that the wide
and flattened membrane which supports the body in the air, connects together the whole
of the limbs and the tail, leaving free only the hinder feet, and the thumbs of the fore-
paws. This membrane is wondrously delicate, and is furnished not only with the minute
blood-vessels, to which allusion has already been made, but with a system of nerves
which possess the most exquisite power of sensation.

It has been long known that bats are able to thread their way among boughs of trees
and other impediments with an ease that almost seems beyond the power of sight,

n8 THE VAMPIRE BAT.

especially when the dark hours of their flight are considered. Even utter darkness
seems not to impede these curious animals in their aerial progress, and when shut up
in a darkened place, in which strings had been stretched in various directions, the bats
still pursued their course through the air, avoiding every obstacle with perfect precis-
ion. In order to ascertain beyond doubt whether this faculty were the result of a
more than usually keen sight, or whether it were caused by some hitherto unknown
structure, Spallanzani deprived a bat of its eyes, and discovered by this most cruel ex-
periment, that the bat seemed as capable of directing its flight among the strings with-
out its eyes as with them.

Whether this curious power were resident in any part of the animal's structure, or
whether it were the result of a sixth and unknown sense, was long an enigma to naturalists.
The difficulty, however, seems to have been solved by the investigations which have been
made into the formation of the bat's wing, and it is now universally allowed, that to the
exquisite nervous system of its wings the bat is indebted for the above-mentioned faculty.

The Vampires are said to unite in themselves the progressive power of quadrupeds
and birds, and to run on the ground as swiftly as rats, while they fly through the air
as easily as any bird. But this accomplishment of running is by no means general
among the bats, whose mode of progress is awkward in the extreme, and when the
animal is hurried or alarmed, positively ludicrous.

Bats are in general very much averse to the ground, and never, unless under com-
pulsion, place themselves on a level surface. Their mode of walking is grotesque and
awkward in the extreme ; and the arduous task of proceeding along the ground is
achieved with such difficulty, that it seems almost to be painful to the animal which is
condemned for the time to exchange its easy aerial course for the tardy and uncongenial
crawl to which its earthly progress islimited. Quadrupedal in its form, although that form
may be strangely modified, the bat will occasionally assume quadrupedal action, and
walk on the ground by the aid of all its four feet. The method of advancing is as
follows :

The bat thrusts forward one of the fore-legs or " wings," and either hooks the
claw at its extremity over any convenient projection, or buries it in the ground. By
means of this hold, which it thus gains, the animal draws itself forward, raises its body
partly off the earth, and advances the hind leg, making at the same time a kind of
tumble forward. The process is then repeated on the opposite side, and thus the
creature proceeds in a strange and unearthly fashion, tumbling and staggering along as
if its brain were reeling from the effects of disease. It steers a very deviating course,
falling first to one side and then to the other, as it employs the limbs of either side.

None of the bats like to raise themselves into the air from a perfectly level surface,
and therefore use all their endeavors to climb up some elevated spot, from whence
they may launch themselves into the air.

They climb with great ease and rapidity, being able to hitch their sharp and curved
claws into the least roughness that may present itself, and can thus ascend a perpen-
dicular wall with perfect ease and security. In so doing they crawl backwards, raising
their bodies against the tree or wall which they desire to scale, and drawing themselves
up by the alternate use of the hinder feet. When they have attained a moderate height
they are able to fling themselves easily into the air, and to take to immediate flight.
They have the power of rising at once from the ground, but always prefer to let them-
selves fall from some elevated spot.

The reason is now evident why the bats take their repose in the singular attitude
which has been already mentioned. When suspended by their hind feet, they are in
the most favorable position for taking to the air, and when they desire to fly need only
to spread their wings, and, loosing their foothold, to launch themselves into the air.

There may be, and probably are, other reasons for the curious reversed attitude, but
that which has already been given accounts in some measure for it. Even among the
birds examples are found of a similar mode of repose ; members of the genus Colius, an
African group of birds, sleep suspended like the bats, clinging with their feet, and hanging
with their heads downwards. But these birds cannot assume this attitude for the pur-
pose of taking to flight, as their wings are used as readily as those of most other feathered

THE HORSESHOE BAT. II9

creatures, and therefore the reason which was given for the reversed position of the
bats will not apply to the birds.

On the nose of the Vampire Bat may be observed a curious membrane of a leaf-like
shape. This strange and not prepossessing appendage to the animal is found in some
of the bats which inhabit our own country. Among the British bats which possess the
leaf-decorated nose, the GREAT HORSESHOE BAT is the most conspicuous. Only the
head of this animal is given in the engraving, as in its
wings and body it differs but very little from other British
bats.

The membrane which gives to this creature the title of
Horseshoe Bat, is extremely large in proportion to the
size of the animal, though not so large as in some of the
foreign bats. It is double in form, that portion which is
in front resembling a horseshoe in shape, and curving
from the lips upwards, so as to embrace the nostrils.
The second leafy membrane is placed on the forehead,
and is sharply pointed.

The ears of this bat are large, pointed, and marked

HPAD OP HOI?^PSHflP RAT

with a succession of ridges, which extend from the Rhiaoiophus Ferrum-eguiaum.'
margins nearly half-way across the ears. The " tragus,"

or inner ear, is wanting in this bat, but its office seems to be fulfilled by a large
rounded lobe at the base of the ear.

The color of the fur is gray with a slight tinge of red above, while on the under por-
tions of the animal the ruddy tint vanishes, and the hair is of a very pale gray. The
membrane is of a dusky hue. The bat is not a very large one, the length of the head
and body being only two inches and a half, while that of the extended wings is about
thirteen inches. The ears are half an inch in breadth, when measured at their widest
part, and are about three-quarters of an inch in length.

What may be the object of the wonderful nasal appendage seems to be is quite
unknown. The most obvious idea, that it is given to the animals for the purpose
of increasing the delicacy of their sense of smell in seeking food and avoiding foes.
But even if such be the case, there seems to be no apparent reason why such a privi-
lege should be granted to one species and denied to another — both animals being in
the habit of seeking their nutriment and escaping pursuit in a similar manner. The
generic term, Rhinolophus, which is applied to these bats, is derived from two Greek
words, the former signifying a nose, and the latter a crest.

Another peculiarity of form which has been noticed in these animals, is the presence
of two prominences on the groin, which have been taken for supplementary mammae,
and described as such. As, however, no mammary glands exist beneath these
projections, they are evidently no true mammae, and probably belong only to the
skin.

The Great Horseshoe Bat seems to be less endurent of light than any of its British
relatives, and takes up its abode in caverns so dark and gloomy that no other species
of bat will bear it company. This instinct of concealment induces the bat to leave its
home at a later and to return at an earlier hour than the other bats, and consequently
it has only recently been found to exist in England. The first specimen which was
captured had fixed its abode in rather a precarious situation, and was found in a build-
ing belonging to the Dartmouth powder mills. Since that time it has been discovered in
many places, but always in some-dark and retired situation.

There is another similar animal found in England, called the Lesser Horseshoe Bat
{Rhinolophus Hopposideros). This creature was for some time thought to be the
young of the last mentioned animal, but is now known to be a distinct species. The
name Hipposideros is Greek, and in that language signifies the same as Ferrum-equinum
in Latin, /'. e. Horseshoe.

The bats which we shall now examine are devoid of that strange nasal leafage which
gives so unique an aspect to its wearer. The BARBASTELLE does not seem to be very

I2O

THE BARB AST ELLE.

plentiful in this country, although specimens have several times been taken in various
parts of England. It is a singular coincidence that the first acknowleged British
specimen was captured in a powder mill, as was the case with the Great Horseshoe Bat.

One of these animals which was for some weeks in the possession of Mr. Bell, was
taken in Kent, at the bottom of a mine seventy feet in depth. It did not seem
to be so active as some Long- Eared and other bats which were taken in the same
locality, and preferred lying on the hearth-rug to using its wings. It fed readily
on meat and would drink water, but never became so tame as its companions.
Its captive life lasted only a few weeks, its death being apparently hastened by
the attacks of the other bats, one of which was detected in the very act of inflicting
a bite on the Barbastelle's neck.

The color of the Barbastelle is extremely dark, so much so, indeed, that by depth of
tint alone it can be distinguished from any other British bat. On the hinder quarters,
a rusty brown takes the place of the brownish-black hue which characterizes the fore-
part of the body. Underneath, the hair is nearly gray, being, however, much darker to-
wards the neck.

The length of its head and body is just two inches, that of the ears half an inch, and

BARBASTELLE.— BarbastelJus Communis.

the expanse of wing measures between ten and eleven inches. The ears are tolerably
large, and slightly wrinkled. The tragus is sharply pointed at its tip, and widened at
its base. A full view of the face shows a rather deep notch in the outer margin and
near the base of the ear.

The engraving represents the Barbastelle as walking on a level surface, and exhibits
the strangely awkward mode by which these animals achieve terrestrial progression.

One of the most common, and at the same time the most elegant, of the British
Cheiroptera, is the well-known LONG-EARED BAT.

This pretty little creature may be found in all parts of England ; and on account of
its singularly beautiful ears and gentle temper has frequently been tamed and domes-
ticated. I have possessed several specimens of this bat, and in every case have been
rewarded for the trouble by the curious little traits of temper and disposition which
have been exhibited.

My last bat-favorite was captured under rather peculiar circumstances.

It had entered a grocer's shop, and to the consternation of the grocer and his assist-
ant, had got among the sugar-loaves which were piled on an upper shelf. So terrible a
foe as the bat (nearly two inches long) put to rout their united forces, and beyond poking
at it with a broom as it cowered behind the sugar, no attempts were made to dislodge it.

THE LONG-EARED BAT. 121

At this juncture, my aid was invoked ; and I, accordingly, drew the bat from its hiding
place. It did its little best to bite, but its tiny teeth could do no damage even to a
sensitive skin.

The bat was then placed in an empty mouse-cage, and soon became sufficiently
familiar to eat and drink under observation, It would never eat flies, although many of
these insects were offered, and seemed to prefer small bits of raw beef to any other food.
It was a troublesome animal to feed, for it would not touch the meat unless it were
freshly cut and quite moist ; forcing me to prepare morsels fit for its dainty maw, six
or seven times daily.

It spent the day at the top or on the side of its cage, being suspended from its hinder
claws, and would occasionally descend from its eminence in order to feed or to drink.
While eating, it was accustomed to lower itself from the cage roof, and to crawl along the
floor until it reached the piece of meat. The wings were then thrown forward so as to
envelope the food, and under the shelter of its wings, the bat would droop its head over

LONG-EARED BAT.— Plelotus communia.

the meat, and then consume it. On account of the sharp surface of its teeth, it could
not eat its food quietly, but was forced to make a series of pecking bites, something like
the action of a cat in similar circumstances.

It would drink in several ways, sometimes crawling up to the water vessel and
putting its head into the water, but usually lowering itself down the side of the cage
until its nose dipped in the liquid. When it had thus satisfied its thirst, it would
re-ascend to the roof, fold its wings about itself, and betake itself to slumber once more.

I kept the little animal for some time, but it did not appear to thrive, having, in
all probability, been hurt by the broom-handle which had been used so freely
against it, and at last was found dead in its cage from no apparent cause. Although dead,
it still hung suspended, and the only circumstance that appeared strange in its at-
titude was, that the wings drooped downwards instead of being wrapped tightly round
the body.

In the attitude of repose, this bat presents a most singular figure. The wings are
wrapped around and held firmly to the body; the immense ears are folded back, and the
pointed inner ear, or " tragus," stands boldly out, giving the creature a totally different
aspect.

122

THE LONG-EARED BAT.

HEAD OF LONG-EARED BAT.

The enormous ears, from which the animal derives its name, are most beautiful
organs. Their texture is exquisitely delicate, and the bat has the power of throwing
them into graceful folds at every movement, thereby giving to its countenance a vast
amount of expression. The figure on p. 121, exhibits the animal as it appears on the
wing, and with its ears fully extended. But the present engraving shows the head of
this bat, as it appears while the ears are disposed in slight folds and gently curved.
It sometimes happens that the Long-eared Bat has lived long in captivity, and even

produced and nurtured its young under such conditions.
For the following very interesting account of a maternal
bat, I am indebted to the kindness of Mrs. S. C. Hall.

" While living in an old rambling country-house in
Ireland, without any companions of my own age, — an only
solitary child left (after my ' lessons ' were finished) to
create my own amusements — I made friends, of course
with our own dogs and horses ; and as all the servants
loved ' little Miss,' and anxiously ministered to her desires,
I became well acquainted with the habits and peculiarities
of the wild creatures in our own grounds and neighbor-
hood. We were within a mile of the sea, and there was a
beautiful walk from the dear old house, on to the cliff that sheltered our bathing cove
which I have traversed, accompanied by our Newfoundland dog, the old retriever
spaniels, and a fine deerhound, at nearly all hours of the day and night.

" A lovely ivy-covered cottage near the orchard, which, before I was born, was
occupied by an old gardener, was at last given over to my menagerie, as the only way
of keeping the ' big house ' free from * Miss Mary's pets.' My ' help ' was a strong-
bodied girl, one of the * weeders,' who had the rare merit of not being afraid of anything
' barring a bull ; ' and she always intimated if I made a pet of a bull, she would ' wash
her hands clean out of the menageeree for ever — Amin ! '

" As I never did, poor Sally remained my assistant until the death of my dear grand-
mother broke up the establishment ; and I came to England in the first blush of girl-
hood, to be civilized and educated, and made * like other young ladies.'

" But those years were precious years to me ; I grew, and fostered in those wild hours
an acquaintance with, and a love of Nature, which has refreshed my life with greenest
memories. My dear young mother knew every bud and blossom of the parterre and the
field, and though she disliked my seal, and obliged my young badger to be sent away
(I was not very sorry for him, he bit so furiously and would not be friends with the
dogs, which the seal was), yet she tolerated my owl, my kites, and even a most pros-
perous colony of mice of many colors, and a black rat who was really an affection-
ate companion. My hare I was permitted to keep at the house, for he would hold no
friendship with rabbits.

" Song birds I never attempted to cage, but robins and pigeons followed me (accord-
ing to Sally), ' like their born mother.'

" The gable end of an old stable was covered by one of the finest myrtles I ever
saw : it was twenty-two feet high and seventeen wide, and standing out here and there
from the wall. Swallows and bats loved to shelter in the holes of the old building. I
was just a small bit afraid of the leather-winged bat ; ' my nurse often told me how they
sucked cows, and even scratched out children's eyes.

" But one cold spring morning I saw a body tossing into the air and catching again
what I fancied to be a large mouse : of course, my sympathy awoke at once, and I rushed
to the rescue ; it proved to be a half-dead bat, very large and fat, its beautiful broad
ears were still erect, and when I took it in my hands I felt its heart beat. I placed it
in a basket, covered it with cotton, and put it inside the high nursery fender. I peeped
frequently under the lid, and at last had the pleasure of seeing it hanging bat-fashion
on the side of the basket, its keen bright eyes watching every movement. When it was
fully restored, I endeavored to take it out, and then discovered that one of its hind feet
had been crushed, and was hanging by a bit of skin. With trembling hands I removed
the little foot, and applied some salve to the extremity.

THE LONG-EARED BAT. 123

" All this time the poor thing continued hooked on to the basket, and during the first
day she would take no food, would not be tempted by meat or milk, by a fly or a spider.
The next morning I saw her cowering in the cotton, and when I attempted to touch her
she endeavored to bite my finger, and made the least possible noise you can imagine.
I then offered her a fly, and in a moment it was swallowed ; a bit of meat shared the
same fate, and then she folded her wings round her, intimating, as I imagined, that she
had had enough. All day she never moved, and at dusk, when I again tempted her
with food, she took it. This continued for some days ; she became tamer, and seemed
to anticipate 'feeding-time.'

" At last, to my astonishment, I saw a baby-bat covered with light brownish fur, but
still looking as young mice look, under the folds of her wing (I do not know what else
to call it). Doubtless Nature had taught her that for the sake of this little one she must
take food. I believe it sucked, for, afterwards, when she again suspended herself against
the side of the basket, the young bat was not in the cotton, and I fancied that it hung
from the mother while imbibing nutriment.

" The old bat became furious if I attempted to touch the young one ; her soft hair
stood up, and she would tremble all over, and utter little, short, sharp sounds. I wanted
very much to see if the baby — like Chloe's puppies — was blind, but she would not allow
an investigation. Certainly before a fortnight had passed, I saw its eyes, like little
bright beads in the candle-light.

" My bat and her baby excited great curiosity, and she was too frequently disturbed ;
the young one lived for about a month, when, to my great grief, I found it dead in the
cotton, the parent hanging, as usual, from the side of the basket. I am sorry to add,
that the wee bat had what might have been a bruise, but which looked very much like a
bite, at the back of the neck.

" The old bat became as tame as a mouse, would hang itself to any convenient portion
of my dress, and devour whatever I gave it of animal food, and lick milk off my finger.
It knew me well, would fly round my room in the evening, and go out at the window
hawking for insects, and return in a couple of hours and hang to the window-sill, or to
the sash, until admitted. At night, it would sometimes fasten in my hair, but never went
near my mother or the servants. It did not seem to experience any inconvenience from
the loss of its foot, and continued a great favorite for more than two years. I suppose
the heat of my room prevented its becoming torpid in winter, though certainly it never
prowled about as it used to do in spring and summer ; I do not think it ate in winter,
but of this I cannot be certain. It disappeared altogether at last, falling a prey, I believe,
to some white owls, who held time-honored possession of an old belfry. I was very
sorry for my bat, and should be glad to cultivate the intellect and affections of another,
;f I had the opportunity,"

In the valuable work on " British Quadrupeds," by Mr. Bell, there is an account
of a nursling bat, which presents many points of similarity with the foregoing de-
scription.

England possesses many species of these curious flying mammalia, nineteen of which
are mentioned in " Bell's British Quadrupeds." Of these, the last which will be described
in this work is nearly the largest of the British Cheiroptera, being only exceeded by the
Large-eared Bat (Myotis murinus).

In length of head and body it is almost three inches, and the spread of its wings, from
thirteen to fourteen inches. The tail is about an inch and three-quarters long, and is
capable of considerable movement. The color of the fur is a reddish brown, nearly
uniform in tint over the whole body, and its texture is very soft. The ears are rather
large, and the tragus is short, narrow at its root, and then expanding into a rounded
head.

On account of the great height at which this bat loves to fly, it has been named
" altivolans," or " high-flying," and seems to be among bats what the swift is among the
swallow tribe.

It is curious, by the way, to mark the analogy that exists between the swallows and
bats. Each of these groups loves the air, and is mostly seen on the wing. Their food
consists of the flying insects, which they chase by their exquisite command of wing ; and

124

NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT.

it will be noticed that, as soon as the swallows retire to rest at dusk, after clearing the air
of the diurnal insects,, the bats issue from their homes, and take up the work, perform-
ing the same task with the insects of night, as the birds with those of day. Then, as
the dawn breaks, out come the swallows again, and so they fulfil their alternate duties.

NOCTULE, OR ORE AT B\T.—NoctuliaiaaltivoIans.

The NOCTULE is not so pleasant a companion as the Long-eared Bat, for it gives forth
a most unpleasant odor. Its cry is sharp and piercing, thereby producing another
analogy with the swifts, which are popularly known by the name of " Jacky-screamers."
The voice of all British bats is singularly acute, and can be tolerably imitated by the
squeaking sound which is produced by scraping two keys against each other. There
are many people whose ears are not sensible to the shrill cry of these animals — which,
in some cases, is rather fortunate for them. I well remember being on Hampstead-
heath, one summer's evening, when the air was crowded with bats hawking after flies,
and their myriad screams were so oppressive, that I longed for temporary deafness.
Yet my companion — an accomplished musician — was perfectly insensible to the shrill
cries, which seemed to pierce into the brain like so many needles. It is also known
that many ears are deaf to the stridulous call of the grasshoppers.

In order to show the sharply-pointed teeth of the insect-feeding bats, the skull of the
common bat is here given.

One use of the tail is, evidently, that it should act as a rudder, in order to guide the
flight while the creature is on the wing. There is, however, another purpose which it
serves, and which would never have been discovered, had not the
bat been watched. It seems that the female bat uses its tail, and
the membrane which stretches on either side from the tail to the
hind legs, as a cradle, in which to deposit its young when newly born
and comparatively helpless.

Bats are generally found to assemble in great numbers wherever
they find a convenient resting-place, and in such localities as church
towers, rocky caverns, hollow trees, and the like, they may be found by the hundred
together. These numerous assemblies are the cause of a large deposition of guano,
which consists almost wholly of the refuse of insects, such as wings, legs, and the harder
coverings. In this guano are found, by the aid of the microscope, very many curious
infusorial objects, which maybe separated from the guano by the usual modes of prep-
aration.

The odor which arises from this substance is peculiarly sharp and pungent, and can-
not easily be mistaken. The animals themselves are readily alarmed when disturbed
in their home, they disengage themselves from their perches, and flap about in great
dismay, knocking themselves against the intruder's face, much as the great nocturnal

SKULL OF BAT.

THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE.

:5

beetles are wont to do on summer's evenings. A visit to a bat-cave is, therefore, no
pleasant affair.

The bats which have heretofore been mentioned feed on animal substances, insects
appearing to afford the principal nutriment, and raw meat or fresh blood being their
occasional luxuries. But the bats of which the accompanying engraving is an example,
are chiefly vegetable feeders, and, in their own land, are most mischievous among the
fruit-trees.

FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE.— Pteropus RubrlcolHs.

They are the largest of the present bat tribe, some of them measuring nearly five feet
in expanse of wing. Their popular name is FLYING FOXES, a term which has been ap-
plied to them on account of the red, fox-like color of the fur, and the very vulpine aspect
of the head. Although so superior in size to the Vampires, the Flying Foxes are not to be
dreaded as personal enemies, for, unless roughly handled, they are not given to biting
animated beings.

But though their attacks are not made directly upon animal life, they are of consider-
able importance in an indirect point of view, for they are aimed against the fruits and

I26 THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE.

other vegetable substances by which animal life is sustained. Figs and other soft fruits
appear to be the principal food of these bats ; and so pertinacious are the animals in
their assaults on the crops, whether of field or tree, that they are held in no small dread
by the agriculturist.

It is no easy matter to guard against such foes as these winged devourers, for as the
air is an ever open path by which they can proceed on their destructive quest, and the
darkness of night shields them from watchful eyes, the ordinary precautions which are
taken against marauders would be useless.

There are but two alternatives for any one who desires to partake of the fruit which
he has cherished — the one, to cover the whole tree with netting or similar fencing, and
the other, to enclose each, separate fruit-cluster with a sufficient protection. As the
trees which the Kalongs, as these bats are often called, most affect, are of considerable
size, the latter plan is that which is generally pursued. For this purpose, the natives
weave from the split branches of the bamboo, certain basket-like armor, which is fast-
ened round the fruit as it approaches maturity, and is an effectual guard even against
the Kalong's teeth.

When the trees are small, they are sometimes covered entirely with netting, but not
to such good purpose as when each fruit is separately protected. For these bats are
so cunning, that they creep under the nets and render nugatory all the precautions
which have been taken. One proprietor of a garden at Pernambuco was never able
to secure a single fig from his trees, in spite of nets by night and guns by day. The
bats are wise animals, and do not meddle with unripe fruit.

The flight of these creatures is unlike that of the more active insect-feeding Cheir-
optera. The stroke of the wings is slow and steady, and instead of the devious course
which characterizes the carnivorous bats as they flit about the air in chase of
their insect prey, these frugivorous species fly in straight lines and to great dis-
tances.

The Kalongs do not seem to care much for dark and retired places of abode ; and
pass the day, which is their night, suspended from the trunks of large trees, preferring
those which belong to the fig genus. On these boughs they hang in vast numbers,
and, by an inexperienced observer, might readily be taken for bunches of large fruits,
so closely and quietly do they hang. If disturbed in their repose, they set up a chorus
of sharp screams, and flutter about in a state of sad bewilderment, their night-loving
eyes being dazzled by the hateful glare of the sun. They are apt to quarrel under
such circumstances, and fight for- their roosting, or rather their hanging places, much
as birds do when retiring to rest for the night.

Bats do not seem to be very tempting additions to the cuisine, but man is an omniv-
orous animal, and eats everything, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, the last-
named diet being exemplified by the "stone-butter" of the German miners, and the
clay balls of the Indian savage. Some nations there are which feed on their own kind.
Many there are which live habitually on the Quadrumana that inhabit their country,
and there are some who find a favorite article of diet in the Cheiroptera.

The species which is most generally eaten is the Edible Kalong (Pteropus Edulis),
a bat which is found in great quantities in the island of Timor and other places. It is
a very large animal, the expanse of wing rather exceeding five feet, and the length of
head and body being about a foot. The eye is a fine brown. The flesh of these bats
is said by those who have ventured upon so strange a diet, to be very delicate in flavor,
tender in substance, and white in color.

It is probably to these animals that Bennett refers, in his " Whaling Voyage round
the Globe."

" The only animals that came under our notice at Timor, were bats and foxes. The
bats were of that large kind which sailors call Flying Foxes. When our woodcutters
commenced their labors in the forest, the first blow of the axe caused a large flock of
these creatures to mount in the air, and wing their way to a less precarious retreat.
They flew in a body to the distance of more than two hundred yards, then returned as
simultaneously to the vicinity of the spot which they had quitted, and ultimately settled
in the depths of the jungle.

THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE.

127

" Considering how little their vision is adapted for day duty, it was interesting to
notice the systematic manner in which they directed their flight : one which arose some
time after the others, taking immediately the right direction to follow and join the main
body of fugitives."

In this latter passage is mentioned one distinguished peculiarity of these creatures,
namely their habit of flying in long lines, somewhat after the manner of rooks return-
ing to roost —

" The blackening train of crows to their repose."

One bat seems to take the lead, and the others follow at short and irregular intervals,
pursuing the same course as their pioneer.

The bats which belong to this genus (Pteropus) are remarkable for the fact that they
possess fewer vertebrae than any other known mammalian animal. In the entire spinal
column there are but twenty-four of these bones ; this paucity of number being caused
by the entire absence of a tail.

The hair with which the bat tribe is furnished, is of a very peculiar character, and
although closely resembling the fur of a rat or mouse when seen by the unaided eye, is
so unique in aspect when seen under a microscope, that a bat's hair can be detected
almost at a glance. Each hair is covered with very minute scales, which are arranged
in various modes around a central shaft.

The accompanying figure exhibits the central portion of a hair taken from one of the
Indian bats, magnified five hundred diameters, or two hundred and fifty thou-
sand times superficially. Near the root, the hair is almost devoid of these
scales, and therefore appears much smaller than the central and terminal por-
tions. Some of these external scales bear a close resemblance to the scales
which are placed on the surface of a butterfly's wing ; but can easily be dis-
tinguished from them by their smaller size, and the absence of the striated
markings that are found on the scales of the butterfly's wing.

The strange similitude between the bat's hair, and the plant which is pop-
ularly known by the name of " Mare's-tail," cannot but strike any one who is
in the least acquainted with botany. It may be, that so remarkable an out-
ward resemblance would not exist unless there were some cause, at present
hidden, which would account for it.

Before leaving the study of the bats, we must take a cursory view of the
strange condition of life in which these animals pass the colder months of
the year, which condition is known by the name of hibernation, because it
takes place in the winter.

The insect tribes on which the bats chiefly subsists, and wholly so in this
country, are either quiescent during the winter months, or are abroad in such
limited numbers that they could not afford a subsistence to the bats or swal-
lows. The latter creatures meet the difficulty by emigrating to more genial
lands, and there finding the food which they would lose in these cold climes ;
but the former are obliged by the laws of their being to remain in the country
where they were born. It is evident, therefore, that unless some provision
were made for them during the insectless time of year, every bat would perish of
hunger.

Such a provision exists, and exerts its power by throwing the bats into a deep
lethargy, during which they require no food and take no exercise, but just live
throughout the winter in a state of existence that seems to partake more of the vege-
table than the animal life.

During hibernation, the respiration ceases almost wholly, and if it takes place at all, is
so slight as to defy investigation. The air in which these creatures pass the winter seems
to undergo no change by the breath, as would be the case if only one inspiration were
made ; and, strangest of all, the animal seems capable of existing for some time in gases
that would be immediately fatal to it in the waking state, or even without any air at all.
The temperature, too, sinks to that of the surrounding atmosphere, although as a general

HAIR OF
INDIAN BAT.

128 HIBERNATION OF THE BATS.

fact, the animal heat of these creatures is rather high, as is the case with most flying
beings, whether mammals or birds.

Many curious and valuable trials have been made upon bats while in a state of torpid-
ity, the subjects of experiment being placed in such a manner that the least act of
respiration made itself clearly visible, by the movements of a delicate index. The
wing was extended in such a manner, that the circulation of the blood was perceptible
through its semi-transparent membrane, and a thermometer was arranged so as to
register the temperature.

Very great care is requisite in conducting these experiments, because the least
excitement, or the slightest raising of the temperature, suffices to rouse the somnolent
animal, and to alter the conditions which are absolutely necessary for true hiberna-
tion. A hasty footfall, or an accidental tap given to the table on which the creature
rested, would cause it to make several respirations, and to recover sufficient vitality to
raise the temperature, and to consume some portion of oxygen from the air. The same
animal which passed ten hours in a state of perfect somnolence, without producing any
perceptible effect on the oxygen contained in the atmospheric air, consumed in a single
hour more than four cubic inches of oxygen, when aroused and lively.

The curious subject of hibernation will be again noticed in connection with the various"
animals, such as the marmot, dormouse, and others, which pass the cool months in a
state of torpidity.

The analogy that exists between the bats arid the birds is too evident to escape
attention. But the most curious part of the analogy is the order in which the various
portions of a mammalian animal are modified, so as to discharge the faculties which
belong more properly to the feathered tribes.

The elongation of the fingers, and expansion of the membranous " wings," has
already been mentioned, as well as the general development of the breast-bone. These
two structures are in common with all bats, as are their corresponding portions in all
birds. But there are some organizations which are found greatly developed in certain
families of birds, and are repeated in certain of the bats.

The structure to which allusion is here made is that connection of the lungs with the
skin, or, rather, with the space between the skin and the body, that is found in many
birds, especially those which pass a marine existence, and which enables the bird to
inflate its skin with air, and so to increase its bulk largely without sensibly increasing
its weight.

In the birds, this inflation is made by direct communication with the lungs ; but in
the bat, the air is conveyed into the membranous cells after a different fashion. A very
small opening is found to exist at the bottom of the cheek-pouches of either side, and is
furnished by an apparatus by means of which the air is prevented from escaping without
the will of the animal. This opening affords a communication between the mouth of
the bat and the space beteen the skin and flesh, which are only tied to each other by
a few membranous threads at each side of the neck, and on the sides of the thumb.

When, therefore, the bat desires to inflate its body, it closes its mouth, and forces
the air from -its lungs through these cheek passages into the empty space between the
skin and flesh. The result of this operation is, that the skin is puffed out on all sides
of the animal, so that the creature is immersed in a kind of atmospheric bath. So
enormously is it distended by the amount of air which is introduced, that it loses all
its shapely proportions, and looks like a little ball of fur, to which the head and limbs
had been artificially attached.

The bats which are possessed of this wonderful faculty belong to the genus "Nycteris,"
and are found in Africa. What may be the object of so singular a power is not satis-
factorily proved. That it gives very great buoyancy to the form is evident enough
but it also seems plain that it is intended for other designs than the obvious one of
decreasing the proportionate weight of the animal

FELID^S.

129

LION, LIONESS AND HER YOUNG, AND LEOPARD,

FELDI/E;

V
OR, THE CAT TRIBE.

THE beautiful and terrible animals which are known by the general name of the Cat
Tribe, now engage our attention.

With the exception of one or two of the enigmatical creatures which are found in
every group of beings, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, the Cats, or FELID^E as
they are more learnedly termed, are as distinct an order as the monkeys or the bats.

9

130

JAWS AND TEETH OF LION.

Pre-eminently carnivorous in their diet, and destructive in their mode of obtaining food,
their bodily form is most exquisitely adapted to carry out the instincts which are im-
planted in their nature.

All the members of the cat tribe are light, stealthy, and silent of foot, quick of ear
and eye, and swift of attack. Most of them are possessed of the power of climbing
trees or rocks, but some few species, such as the Lion, are devoid of this capability.

The teeth of the exclusively carnivorous animals are always of a form which permits
them to seize and tear their prey, but does not give them the power of masticating
their food after the manner of the vegetable feeders. We are all familiar with the
mode in which the domestic cat consumes her food, whether it be a piece of butchers'
meat which is given to her by the hand of man, or a mouse which she has captured
by her own paws. Instead of the grinding process which is employed by monkeys
and other creatures whose teeth are fitted for grinding their food, the cat tears
the meat into conveniently sized morsels, and then eats the food by a series of
pecking bites.

The annexed engraving of a Lion's teeth and jaws will explain the reason for this
mode of action.

None of the teeth are furnished with the flat surfaces which are necessary for grinding

the substances which may be placed
between them ; and this inability does
not lie only in the teeth, but extends to
the very framework of the jaws. As may
be seen on reference to the engraving,
the lower jaw is so largely developed at
its base, and fits so deeply into its socket,
that lateral motion is impossible.

In order to give a more perfect
view of the lower jaw-bone, the bone
immediately above it has been removed,
and presents only its cut surface. This
part of the structure is scientifically
known as the " malar," or cheekbone, and
forms an arch which has been termed the
" zygomatic " arch. In the carnivorous,
and more especially in the feline animals,
this bone is extremely large in proportion,

and is increased in strength by its very decided curve. The great size, as well as the
peculiar form of this bone, are required for the purpose of affording protection to the
enormously powerful muscles by means of which these animals are enabled to tear
their food, and also for the attachment of certain jaw-moving muscles. There is an
upward as well an outward curve in the malar bone, which gives strength precisely in
the direction where it is most required.

On reference to the skeleton of the Lion, many curious structures will be seen. It
would be impossible in the present volume to give a detailed history of even one portion
of the bony framework around which the moving and vital organs of the Lion are
arranged. Only a short description, therefore, will be here given ; and in order to
proceed methodically, we will start from the head.

The teeth and jaws have already been mentioned. On the top of the skull there
runs a tolerably high bony crest, which reaches its greatest elevation at the very back
of the head. This bone-ridge is intended for the attachment of the powerful muscles
which raise the head, and enable the animal to perform its wonderful feats of strength.
Pausing awhile at this portion of the animal's form, and directing our view to the
interior of the skull, a curious internal ridge of bone is seen, which arises to some little
height and separates the two great divisions of the brain from each other. In the cat
tribe, this ridge arises entirely from that part of the skull which is known by the name
of the " parietal bone ; " but in other carnivorous *»«»mals, the " occipital bone " is the

JAWS AND TEETH OF LION.

THE SKELETON OF LION.

principal source of this structure. The use of the bony ridge is not quite certain ; but
it seems likely that it may play an important part in guarding the brain from the severe
shocks which must be occasioned by the movement of the animals when they leap upon
their prey.

Reverting to the exterior form, and passing from the head to the neck, we find that
the two first vertebrae partake of a similar enlargement to that which has already been
observed on the back of the skull. The vertebra which is nearest to the head, and is
called the " atlas," is broad and strong, and spreads laterally, while the second, or
" axis," is long, and is developed upwards into a very powerful crest.

The ribs are beautifully formed, and placed rather widely apart, giving plenty of
room for the heart and lungs to perform their duties effectually. The vertebrae that fill
the space between the ribs and the hip-bones are very large, and so exquisitely jointed
together, that they unite a graceful flexibility of movement with great muscular
power.

The limbs exhibit in their structure a beautiful unison of strength and lightness.

SKELETON OF LION.

Powerful as are the bones which support the limbs, and heavily as they are framed,
they are but just sufficient for the attachment of the enormous muscles which can carry
the animal through the air for vast distances, and can strike down an ox with a single
blow of the paw. So easy and so apparently gentle are the movements of the Lion's
paw, that their power can only be judged by the effects. I have seen a Lion just wave
his paw, and with that quiet movement send his mate rolling over and over on the
ground, although her weight was but little inferior to his own.

The muscles in which such terrible power resides, move so easily that they hardly
give any external indications of their true character. But when the skin, with its thick
covering of hair, is removed, the iron muscles stand out in all their marvellous strength.
Needs be, that the anatomist who undertakes the dissection of an adult Lion should be
furnished with a large supply of the sharpest and most highly tempered knives ; for the
muscles are so hard and tough, that they make sad havoc with delicate instruments.

It will be seen, on reference to any member of the cat tribe, that the mode of walking
employed by these creatures is different from that of man, monkeys, or bats. The weight
of the body rests only on the toes, and not on the entire foot. This manner of walking

I32

CLAW AND TONGUE OF LION.

is termed " digitigrade," from the Latin words " digitus," a finger, and " gradus," a step.
As, however, this mode of progression would endanger the sharpness of the claws, if
they were permitted to rest upon the ground, there is a beautiful structure by means
of which the talons are kept from the earth, and preserved in their so-called sheaths
until they are wanted for their legitimate use.

In the accompanying figure the mechanism of the claw is exhibited.

When the animal is at rest, the upper tendons draw the claw backwards, so that it is
lifted entirely from the ground, and the weight of the body rests only on the soft pads
which stud the under surface of the foot. But when the creature becomes excited, and
thrusts out its paw for the purpose of striking a blow, or clutching at its prey, the upper
tendons become relaxed, while the lower tendons are tightened, and the claw is thrown
boldly forward, sharp and ready for either use.

The claw which is represented is that of the Lion, but the mechanism is common to
all the true cats.

Another curious structure is common to the group of feline animals ; and as the Lion
seems to be their most perfect representative, the example has been taken from that
animal.

CLAW OP LION.

TONGUE OP LION.

Every one who cares for cats, and who in consequence is cared for by those graceful
creatures, is familiar with the dry roughness of pussy's tongue, as she licks the hand of
her human friend. This peculiarity of formation is the more conspicuous because it
presents so great a contrast with the wet, smooth tongue of the dog ; and, as a general
rule, men are more accustomed to the lingual caresses of the dog than of the cat. The
cause of the strangely dry tongue of the Felidae is at once seen by reference to the
tongue of a lion or tiger, or by applying a magnifying glass to the tongue of a domestic cat.

The entire surface of the tongue is covered with innumerable conical projections, which
arc so curved that their points lie towards the throat. On the central line of the tongue
these projections are larger than at the side. Their chief, if not their only use, is to aid
the cat in stripping the flesh from the bones of the animals which it has killed, and so
to prevent the least avoidable waste of nutriment. Truly, in nature the economical
system reigns supreme, and waste is an impossibility.

So strongly made are these armatures, that the constant licking of a cat's tongue will
remove the living tissues from a delicate skin, while the tongue of the Lion can rapidly
cause the outflow of blood. There is a well-authenticated anecdote of a tame Lion
cub and its owner, which exhibits strongly the rasping power of the feline tongue.

THE LION.

133

A gentleman had indulged himself in that rather dangerous pet, a tame Lion cub.
The animal was very fond of its master, and would play with him as guilelessly as if it
were a kitten.

One day the gentleman fell asleep, leaving one of his hands hanging over the side of
his couch. His pet Lion came up to the couch when its master was slumbering, and by
way of showing its affection, began to lick the exposed hand. In a very short time, the
rough, file-like tongue cut through the delicate skin of the hand, and caused some little
pain and a slight effusion of blood, which was eagerly licked off by the animal.

The pa.;n which was caused by the too affectionate creature awoke its master, who

THE LION.— Leo Barbaras.

naturally began to withdraw his hand from the caresses of the Lion. But at tne first
movement the Lion uttered a short, deep growl, which was repeated in a menacing
manner at each attempt to remove the hand from its dangerous and painful position.
Seeing that the Lion cub had become suddenly transformed from a domestic pet to a
wild beast, which had for the first time lapped blood, and thirsted for more, its owner
quietly slipped his other hand under his pillow, where he kept a ready-loaded pistol,
and shot the poor Lion through the head. It was an act that went sorely against his
will, but was the only course which he could have adopted in such an extremity, when
there was no time for reflection, and when the hesitation of a moment might have cost
a life.

I34 THE LION.

Of the magnificent and noble creatures called Lions, several species are reported to
exist, although it is thought by many experienced judges that there is really buv one
species of Lion, which is modified into permanent varieties according to the country
in which it lives.

The best known of these species or varieties is the SOUTH AFRICAN LION, of whom
so many anecdotes have been narrated. This noble animal is found in nearly all parts
of Southern Africa, where the foot of civilized man has not stayed its wanderings.
Before the tread of the white man, the Lion shrinks unwillingly, haunting each advanced
post for a time, but driven surely and slowly backward as the human intellect gains
opportunity for manifesting its supremacy over the lower animals. So entirely does
man sweep the wild beasts from his presence, that even in the Cape colony, a living
Lion is just as great a rarity as in England, and there are very few of the colonists who
have ever beheld a living Lion except when pent in a cage.

The color of the Lion is a tawny yellow, lighter on the under parts of the body,
and darker above. The ears are blackish, and the tip of the tail is decorated with a
tuft of black hair. This tuft serves to distinguish the Lion from any other member
of the cat tribe. The male Lion, when full grown, is furnished with a thick and shaggy
mane of very long hair, which falls from the neck, shoulders, and part of the throat
and chin, varying in tint according to the age of the animal, and possibly according to
the locality which it inhabits. The Lioness possesses no mane, and even in the male
Lion it is not properly developed until the animal has completed his third year.

When fully grown, the male Lion measures some four feet in height at the shoulder,
and about eleven feet in total length. These measurements are only applicable to the
noble animals which have passed their lives in the free air of their native land, and
have attained their majority with limbs unshackled and spirits unbroken.

The Lioness is a smaller animal than her mate, and the difference of size appears to
be much greater than really is the case, because she is devoid of the thick mane which
gives such grandeur and dignity to her spouse. Although smaller in size, she is quite
as terrible in combat ; and, indeed, the Lioness is ofttimes a foe much more to be
dreaded than the Lion. When she has a little family to look after, Leaena is a truly
fearful enemy to those who cross her path, assuming at once the offensive, and charg-
ing the intruders with a fierce courage that knows no fear and heeds no repulse.

Of the character of the Lion, opinions the most opposite have been promulgated.

Until later days the Lion was considered to be the very type of fiery courage and
kingly generosity, indomitable in conflict with the strong, but merciful in sparing the
weak and defenceless. Latterly, however, writers have passed to the opposite extreme,
speaking of the Lion as a cowardly sneaking animal, and have even gone so far as to
declare him to be no more formidable than a mastiff. It must be remarked that these
opposite ideas have been put forth by men of practical experience, who have been
personally acquainted with the king of beasts in his own domains.

Making due allowance for the " personal error," as astronomers would term the
difference of idiosyncrasy in the narrators, we may safely conjecture that the truth lies
somewhere between the two extremes, and that the Lion is not always so fierce an
animal as is said to be the case by some, nor always so cowardly as it is said to be by
others.

Even the same individual may be at one time ferocious and truculent, attacking a
party of armed men, in spite of their fire-rampart, and carrying off one of their number
from among them ; or at another time it may be timid and cowardly, skulking out of
sight if discovered, and flying in terror before the shouts and cries of a few savages.

Hunger seems to be the great cause of a Lion's defiance of danger ; and it but
seldom happens that a Lion which has had plenty to eat troubles itself to attack man
or beast.

There seems to be a considerable spice of indolence in the Lion, which indeed is
the case in most of the members of the cat tribe. It is capable of very great muscular
efforts, and for a time will exert the most wary vigilance. But as soon as the existing
cause is removed, the creature seems overcome with lethargy, and, seeking the cover
of its lair, yields itself to repose.

THE LION. 135

Even when aroused by the calls of hunger, the Lion will not take more trouble than
is necessary for the attainment of its end, and if it can strike down an antelope or
jaguar with a blow of its paw, will be quite satisfied with its success, and will not
trouble itself about such difficult game as a buffalo or a giraffe.

It is supposed by those who have had much experience of the leonine character, that
the terrible " man-eating " Lions owe their propensity for human flesh to the indolence
of their character or the infirmity of their frame, and not to their superior activity or
courage. Unwilling, or unable, to expend strength and patience in the pursuit of the
swift-footed antelope or powerful buffalo, the Lion prowls about the villages, thinking
to find an easy prey in the man, woman, or child that may happen to stray from the
protecting guardianship of the kraal and its dogs. Unarmed, man is weaker of limb,
slower of foot, and less vigilant of senses than any of the wild animals, and therefore
is a victim that can be slain without much trouble.

It is said that the taste for human flesh is often engendered by the thoughtless
conduct of the very people who suffer from the "man-eaters." The Kaffirs are apt to
leave their slain exposed in the bush, " a prey to dogs and all kinds of birds."

The Lion who passes near the spot where a dead Kaffir lies, is mightily pleased with
the opportunity of obtaining a dinner on such charmingly easy terms ; and being master of
the situation, drives away hyenas, jackals, and vultures, until he has satisfied his lordly
appetite. Having satiated himself, he retires to rest, and on awaking, repairs again to
the site of his banquet in hope of making another such meal. He finds nothing but
the fragments of bones, for the jackals and vultures have long ago consumed every
morsel of flesh, and the hyenas have eaten the greater part of the bones. From that
moment the Lion becomes a man-eater, and is a scourge to the neighborhood. It
beseemeth the whole armed population to rise and destroy this pest ; for as long as the
man-eater lives he will pay constant visits to the villages, and night after night, or even
day after day, so great is his audacity, will he carry off his victims.

It is worthy of notice, that in all parts of the world where the larger felidae live,
certain individuals seem to isolate themselves from their kind by this propensity, and
distinguish themselves for their predilection for human flesh.

As a general rule, the Lion is no open foe. He does not come boldly out on the
plain and give chase to his prey, for he is by no means swift of foot, and, as has already
been mentioned, has no idea of running into danger without adequate cause. He can
make tremendous leaps, and with a single blow from his terrible paw can crush any
of the smaller animals. So he creeps towards his intended prey, availing himself of
every bush and tree as a cover, always taking care to advance against the wind, so that
the pungent feline odor should give no alarm, and when he has arrived within the
limits of his spring, leaps on the devoted animal and strikes it to the ground.

This mode of action gives a clew to the object of the fear-instilling roar which has
made the Lion so famous.

As the Lion obtains his prey by stealth, and depends for nutrition on the success of
his hunting, it seems strange that his voice should be of such a nature as to inspire
with terror the heart of every animal which hears its reverberating thunders. Yet it
will be seen, that the creature could find no aid so useful as that of his voice.

If the Lion has been prowling about during the evening hours, and has found no
prey, he places his mouth close to the earth, and utters a terrific roar, which rolls along
the ground on all sides, and frightens every animal which may chance to be crouching
near. Not knowing from what direction the fearful sound has come, they leave their
lairs, and rush frantically about, distracted with terror and bewildered with the sudden
arousing from sleep. In their heedless career, one or two will probably pass within a
convenient distance of the lurking foe.

These nocturnal alarms cause great trouble to those who travel into the interior of
Africa. When night draws on, it is the custom to call a halt, and to release the draught
oxen from their harness. A kind of camp is then made, a blazing fire is kept alight
as a defence against the wild beasts, and the oxen are fastened either to the wagons
or to the bushes by which the encampment is made.

The Lion comes and surveys the mingled mass of oxen, men, and wagons, but fear

136

THE LION.

to approach too closely, for he dreads the blaze of a fire. In vain does he prowl
around the encampment, for he can discover no stragglers from the protecting flame,
and, moreover, finds that the watchful dogs are on the alert. So he retires to some
little distance, and putting his mouth to the ground, pours forth his deepest roar.
Struck with frantic terror, the stupid oxen break away from their halters, and quitting
their sole protection, gallop madly away, only to fall victims to the jaws and talons of
the author of the panic.

It often happens that several Lions combine in their attacks, and bring their united
forces to bear upon the common prey, each taking his appointed part in the matter.
One of these joint attacks was witnessed by two English officers engaged in the late
Kaffir war, with one of whom I am well acquainted.

LION AND ZEBRAS.

A small herd of zebras were quietly feeding in a plain, all unconscious of the stealthy
approach of several Lions, which were creeping towards them in regular order, under
cover of a dense reed thicket. So quietly did the Lions make their advance, that their
progress was unnoticed even by the zebra-sentinel. The Lions crept on, until they
reached the sheltering thicket, when the sentinel took the alarm. It was too late — with
a single bound, the leading Lion sprang over the reeds, felled one of the zebras, and
set the others scampering in all directions so as to fall an easy prey to his companions.

It has happened that such alliances have come to a tragical end for the assailant as
well as the victim.

" Early one morning," says Mr. Anderson, in his " Lake Ngami," " one of our herds-
men came running up to us in a great fright, and announced that a Lion was devour-
ing a Lioness. We thought at first that the man must be mistaken, but his story was
perfectly true, and only her skull, the larger bones, and the skin were left. On examin-

THE LION.

'37

more closely, the fresh remains of a young springbok were also discovered. We
therefore conjectured that the Lion and Lioness, being very hungry, and the antelope
not proving a sufficient meal for both, had quarrelled ; and he, after killing his wife,
had coolly eaten her also."

The same writer relates a curious instance of a wounded Lion being torn in pieces
by a troop of his fellows.

In the attack of large animals, the Lion seldom attempts an unaided assault, but
joins in the pursuit with several companions. Thus it seems to be that the stately
giraffe is slain by the Lion, five of which have been seen engaged in the chase of one
giraffe, two actually pulling down their prey, while the other three were waiting close
at hand. The Lions were driven off, and the neck of the giraffe was found to be bitten
through by the cruel teeth of the assailants.

When the Lion kills an eland, and does not happen to be very ravenously hungry, he
feeds daintily on the heart and other viscera, not often touching the remainder of the
flesh. In so doing, he rips open the abdomen with his powerful claws, and tearing out
his favorite morsels, devours them. Sometimes, after satisfying his hunger, he will
leave the eland lying on the ground apparently uninjured, the only visible wound being
that which he has made by tearing the animal open.

Owing to the uniform tawny color of the Lion's coat, he is hardly distinguishable
from surrounding objects even in broad daylight, and by night he walks secure. Even
the practised eyes of an accomplished hunter have been unable to detect the bodies of
Lions which were lapping water at some twenty yards' distance, betraying their vicinity
by the sound, but so blended in form with the landscape, that they afforded no mark
for the rifle even at that short distance.

Under such circumstances, their glowing eyes afford the only means by which they
can be discovered, and even with such assistance the position of the body cannot be
made out. The felidae tread so silently, that no footfall gives notice of their where-
abouts; and aided by the beautiful mechanism of the "whiskers," they appear to be
enabled to thread their stealthy way, almost without the aid of eyes.

Each whisker hair is, in fact, an organ endued with an
exquisite sense of touch, and in connection with a set of large
nerves that convey to the brain the least touch. In the en-
graving is given a magnified representation of a single hair-
bulb of one of the whiskers, together with the nerves by means
of which the hair is converted into a tactile organ. It will be
seen, on reference to the figure, that if the extremity of the
hair is touched, a pressure will instantly be made on the
nerves at its root. By means of these delicate feelers, the
animals are able to guide themselves through the thickets,
and to escape the risk of alarming their intended prey by
too rude a contact with the branches.

Among the more inland settlers of Southern Africa,
adventures with the Lion are of common occurrence. As
may be expected, many of these rencontres are of a deeply
tragic nature, while others are imbued with a decidedly comic
element. A great number of original anecdotes of this
nature have been most kindly placed at my disposal by
Captain Drayson, who heard them from the lips of the actors
themselves. In these narratives, the characters of both man

and beast are well shown.

ROOT AND NERVES OF LION S
WHISKER HAIR.

u ANY person who has mixed much with either Dutch,

Hottentot, or Kaffir sportsmen, is sure to have heard many exciting and curious adven-
tures connected with the chase of the Lion. From amongst a somewhat large stock [
will now select one or two anecdotes which will serve to illustrate either the habits
and character of the animal or the method of hunting him.

138 THE LION.

A soldier, belonging to a line regiment, had heard that a great quantity of money
might be obtained from amongst the Dutch Boers in the interior, by various simple
processes with which he fancied himself acquainted.

Selecting a favorable opportunity, he deserted, taking care to well fill his haversack
with meat, to serve him during his march across the wild uninhabited district which
separated the Dutch locations from our frontier.

The soldier marched, during two days, some sixty miles or so, taking care when he
slept to place the bag containing his meat under his head. On the third or fourth night,
he lay down as usual to rest, with his head upon his pillow. It happened that in the
country to which he belonged Lions were very common, and one of these unwelcome
visitors happened to be prowling about in search of a supper, and dropped upon the
military hero who was quietly snoring.

Whether the Lion were aware of the fierce calling of the sleeper, and therefore paid
him some respect, is not mentioned ; but, instead of carrying off the man, he merely
clawed up the bag, and trotted away growling with his trophy. The only damage that
he had inflicted on the soldier was the abstraction of a few inches of his scalp.

A Dutch Boer found the deserter wandering half starved on the plain, where he had
been without food for a day and a night. The Boer fed and doctored him, but in
return made him act as leader to the oxen and wagon, a position considered by the
Dutch Boers to be the most degrading to man."

" NEAR the sources of the Mooi river there are several extensive plains on which
large herds of elands and hartebeest were formerly found. Bordering on these plains
are several ranges of hills, spurs from the Quathlomba mountains, and between these
rocky spurs, kloofs or ravin'es exist, affording shelter for bush-buck, buffaloes, and
many other animals which seek cover amongst either reeds or bushes.

At the time when the following scene occurred, there was scarcely an inhabitant in
this locality besides a few Welshmen, who resided amongst the stony hills, and lived
by the chase, and two or three Dutch Boers, the remnants of those who had accom-
panied Maritz in his migration from the old colony.

The Dutchmen had built themselves some wattle-and-daub huts, and were contented

to remain where they were, as hunting and grazing-grounds were plentiful. A few thefts

•erformed by their little neighbors, the Bushmen, had caused a commando to be raised,

.nd, during the invasion of the hills that were then occupied by these little men, a boy

ad been captured by one of the Boers, and had been retained as a domestic. This

individual will figure in the following scene with the Lion.

One evening, whilst one of these Boers was sitting with his son, a lad of about six-
teen years of age, in front of his hut, smoking his stone pipe, and looking with pride
upon his sleek herds which grazed about him he noticed some object that moved slowly
along the side of an old watercourse at a considerable distance from him. A telescope
was an article of value which few of these residents possessed : it was therefore by
patient watching only that the father and son at length discovered that the object was
a Lion, which appeared to be carefully stalking a valuable black stallion grazing near
the old watercourse. Instantly seizing their guns, which were as usual loaded and at
hand, the two ran down towards the Lion, shouting as they went to the Hottentots who
were engaged about the farm.

These individuals did not appear to be anxious about hurrying towards the scene of
danger, and, consequently, the Dutchman and his son reached the stallion before any
other aid arrived.

The course which they followed had caused them to lose sight of the Lion in conse-
quence of intervening slopes of ground, so that, upon reaching the horse, which was graz-
ing, unconscious of danger, no Lion was to be seen. The young Boer, acting against the
advice of his father, walked along the side of a ravine, in search of the grim monster.
The old Boer repeatedly called to his incautious son to come back, and wait for the
Hottentots and the dogs, which would soon come up ; but, finding his advice dis-
r yarded, he left the horse and walked toward his son, whom he found throwing stones
nto the long grass which fringed the edge of the ravine for the purpose of starting

THE LION. 139

the Lion. When the Boer was about a hundred yards from the lad, he saw him stop,
raise his gun, and fire suddenly, though apparently without aim, and then turn, run-
ning a few paces toward him. At the same instant, he saw the Lion make two
prodigious bounds, and alight on his boy, whom he instantly dragged to the ground.

All this occurred in a very few seconds ; so that before the Boer, who ran to the
rescue, arrived, the young Dutchman was mortally wounded. The Lion, crouching
down among the long grass, retreated a few yards, then bounded over the rocks and
reeds until out of sight, the shot which was fired by the old Boer being unheeded by
him. When the father reached the fatal spot, he found his son senseless, and torn so
fearfully as to preclude all possibility of recovery. He, however, had him conveyed
home, but the lad never again spoke, and died during the night. Revenge was the first
thought of the old Dutchman, who immediately sent round to his neighbors to warn
them that a Lion was in their vicinity, and to beg their assistance on the following
day in tracing the Lion to its den.

The night was passed by the Boer as usual ; for these men are very philosophic,
and rarely allow any circumstance to interfere with their comfort. On the following
morning, however, he was up very early, busily preparing for the great business of the
day ; bullets were being cast and powder-horns filled, etc., etc., when he was suddenly
interrupted by the entrance of his little Bushman, who had, since his capture by the
Boer some years before, reached his full growth, and might be estimated at any age
between sixteen and sixty.

' What do you here ? ' asked the Dutchman.

The Bushman, who was armed with his tiny bow and arrows, answered by showing
a small tuft of black hair like a shaving brush.

This was an intelligible answer to the Boer, who, with eagerness, demanded the
particulars ; and the following is a translation of the Bushman's account.

When the Lion struck down the young Dutchman, the Bushman was sitting upon a
rock which commanded a view of the scene. The little creature then watched the
Lion in its retreat, and marked it down amongst some long grass and bushes at the dis-
tance of a mile or so. He then procured an old and nearly useless ox from the cattle
kraal, and, arming himself with his bow and poisonous arrows, drove the beast close
to the Lion's retreat, made it fast to a bush, and concealed himself in some long grass.

The Bushman, from his nocturnal habits, can see by night nearly as well as by day ;
and so, when, shortly after dark, the Lion left his lair and walked on to the open plain
outside, the Bushman was an attentive observer of his movements.

The ox soon attracted the attention of the Lion, which approached with caution
upon its victim ; the Bushman at the same time holding his bow and arrows in readi-
ness for an attack upon his victim. Soon the Lion sprang upon the ox, and, at the
instant when he was engaged in the death struggle, the Bushman, with great rapidity,
twice twanged his bow, and lodged two poisoned barbs in the Lion's flesh.

The ox was soon overcome, and was dragged amongst the reeds, whilst the Bush-
man sought shelter in the crannies of the rocks near the scene of his operations.

As soon as day began to dawn, the Bushman commenced his stealthy approach,
through the grass and reeds, towards the Lion's lair, and was shortly sitting grinning on
the carcass of the Lion, which, but a few hours before, was a terror to all the Hotten-
tots on the farm, but now, overcome by the malignant poison with which the arrows had
been prepared, was as harmless as one of the stones on which he lay.

Being anxious to proclaim his triumph, the Bushman merely cut off the tuft of hair
from the tail of the Lion and returned with this trophy to the Dutchman, who was not,
however, quite satisfied with the business, for he would have preferred to shoot the
Lion himself ; moreover, he grudged the loss of the old ox, which he thought might
have been spared to die the usual death of a draught ox, /. ^., to work until it drops from
fatigue, and to die where it falls. The Bushman, however, explained that, if he had
wounded the Lion as it was walking along, it would have sprung upon him as soon as
it felt the sharp arrow in its side ; but, when it was busily employed in killing the ox,
it would only think that the ox had pricked it with its horns, and would neither see
nor think of its human enemy. Therefore it was safer and more certain to take the

140

THE LION.

ox for a bait, and so, to save many a young and vigorous animal by the sacrifice of
one old and worn-out beast."

? " A BOER, a very humorous fellow, told me that he was returning to his wagons one
evening, when he was far in the interior ; at the time, he had with him only the single
charge of powder with which his gun was loaded, as he had been out buck-shooting
all day.

Straight in his path he disturbed a Lion, which jumped up and turned to look at
him. Very naturally, his first impulse was to fire, but remembering that he had but
that one charge in his gun, he changed his tactics.

The Dutchmen usually wear large broad-brimmed felt hats, around which several
ostrich feathers are fastened. The Boer jumped from his horse, and pulled off his hat,
which he held with his teeth by the brim, so that the upper part only of his face could
be seen above the conglomeration of feathers. He then dropped upon his hands
and knees, and commenced crawling towards the Lion. Such a strange animal had
never before been seen by the astonished Leeuw, which turned and fled without a
moment's hesitation.

This method of alarming animals is not always successful ; for whilst I was on the
frontier, a Hottentot, who had been told of a somewhat similar plan to frighten a
savage ox, met v.lth a severe accident.

The man had been instructed that to stoop down and look back at an animal from
between the knees was a certain means of driving it away. So, being pursued by an
infuriated ox, he stopped short, and doubled himself up for his peep ; but unfortu-
nately without the desired result. For the animal charged home, ripped up the Totty's
leather crackers, wounded him, and sent him sprawling into a bush."

" AN OLD DUTCH BOER, who lived under the shadow of the Draakensberg mountains,
gave me the following account of an interview with a Lion. The man was a well-
known sportsman, and lived principally by means of the dollars which he realized
upon ivory and skins. He was accustomed to make a trip each year into the game
country, and traded with the Kaffirs or other inhabitants, under very favorable
auspices. His stock-in-trade consisted of his guns and ammunition, several spans of
fine oxen, some horses, and about a dozen dogs.

A Lion, which appeared to have been roaming about the country, happened to pass
near this Boer's location, and scenting the three coursers kept by the Boer, thought
that the locality might suit him for a short period. A dense kloof, situated about a
mile from the farm, afforded both shelter and water, and this spot the Lion selected as
a favorable position for his headquarters.

The Boer had not to wait for more than a day, before the suspicions which had been
excited in his mind by some broad footmarks which he saw imprinted in the soil, were
confirmed into a certainty that a full-grown Lion had passed near his residence.

It now became a question of policy, whether the Boer should attack the Lion, or
wait for the Lion to attack him. He thought it quite possible, that Leeuw, having
been warned off by the dogs, whose barking had been furious and continued during
the night on which the Lion was supposed to have passed the farm, might think dis-
cretion to be the better part of valor, and consequently would move farther on, in
search of a less carefully guarded locality upon which to quarter himself. He deter-
mined, therefore, to wait, but to use every precaution against a night surprise.

The Lion, however, was more than a match for the Boer. For during the second
night, Roeberg, the stout after-ox of the pet span, was quietly carried off, and although
there was some commotion amongst the dogs and cattle, it was supposed that the
alarm had scared the Lion, which had then decamped.

The morning light, however, showed that the poacher had leapt the palisade which
surrounded the kraal, and having killed the ox had evidently endeavored to scramble
over it again, with the ox in his possession. The joint weight of the Lion and ox had
caused the stakes to give way, and an exit had then been easily effected.

The spoor of the Lion was immediately followed by the Boer, who took with him a
Hottentot and half-a-dozen of his best dogs. The traces were easily seen, and the
hunters had no difficulty in deciding that the Lion was in the kloof. But this in itself

THE LION. 141

was no great advance, for the kloof was about a mile in length, and three or four
hundred yards in breadth ; and the cover was composed of wait-a-bit thorns, creepers,
and long grass, forming a jungle so thick and impenetrable, that for a man to enter
appeared almost impossible.

It was therefore agreed that the Boer should station himself on one side, whilst the
Hottentot went to the other side of the kloof, and that the dogs should be sent into the
cover. This arrangement, it was hoped, would enable either the Dutchman or Hottentot
to obtain a shot ; for each concluded that the dogs, which were very courageous
animals, would drive the Lion out of the kloof, and that it would, upon breaking cover,
afford one or the other a good chance.

The excited barks of the dogs soon indicated that they had discovered the Lion, but
they appeared to be unable to drive him from his stronghold : for although they would
scamper away every now and again, as though the enraged monster were charging
them, still they returned to bay at the same spot.

Both of the hunters fired several shots, upon the hope that a stray bullet might find
its way through the underwood to the heart of the savage. But a great quantity of
ammunition was expended, and no result achieved.

At length, as the dogs had almost ceased to bark, it was considered advisable to call
them off. But all the whistling and shouting failed in recalling more than two out of the
six, and one of these was fearfully maimed. The others, it was afterwards found, had
been disposed of by the Lion in the most unceremonious manner ; a blow from his paw
had sufficed either to break the back or smash the skull of the nearest intruder.

It thus happens that the bravest dogs are not always the best adapted for Lion or
buffalo hunting. A cur is, perhaps, the most suitable ; for while a courageous dog will
boldly face a Lion, and even venture within reach of his deadly stroke, and thus soon
be " expended," a cur will continue to annoy and occupy the attention of the fierce
game, but at the same time will take good care of its own safety. It is not expected
that a dog is to struggle with either a Lion or a buffalo ; its duty is merely to distract
the animal, and prevent it from devoting too much of its time to the hunter. Well-bred
dogs are nearly useless when employed against dangerous game.

This, the first attempt on the Lion, was a total failure, and the Boer returned home
to lament the loss of his dogs, and to refresh himself after his exertions. During the
night, he watched beside his kraal, but the Lion did not pay him a second visit.

Early on the following evening, he, accompanied by his Hottentot, started afresh for
the kloof, and having marked the spot from which the Lion had on the former occasion
quitted the dense thorny jungle, the two hunters ascended a tree, and watched during
the whole night for a glimpse at their purposed victim. But whilst they were paying the
residence of the Lion a visit, he favored the farm with a call, and* this time, by way of
variety, caryed away a very valuable horse, which he conveyed to the kloof, having
been wise enough to walk out and return by a different path to that which he used on
the former occasion. Consequently he had avoided the ambush which had been pre-
pared for him.

When the Boer returned to his farm, he became furious at his new loss, abused the
Totties and Kaffirs for their neglect and cowardice, but soon became reasonable, and
determined on a plan which, although dangerous, was still the one which appeared the
most likely to insure the destruction of this ravenous monster. This plan was to enter
the dense kloof on foot, without dogs, and to endeavor by fair stalking to obtain his
shot at the Lion.

Now, when we consider the difficulty of moving through any cover without making
a noise, and also the watchful habits of every member of the feline race, we may be
certain that to surprise the Lion was a matter of extreme difficulty, and that the prob-
ability was that the Dutchman would meet with a disaster.

At about ten o'clock on the morning after the horse slaughter, the Boer started for
the kloof, armed with a double-barrelled smooth bore, and clothed in the most approved
bush costume. He would not allow his faithful Hottentot to accompany him, because,
as success mainly depended upon surprise, he considered that the highly flavored
Totty might be scented by the Lion ; whereas he alone would be more likely to escape

142

THE LION.

detection. By this arrangement the Boer demonstrated the truth of the proverb with
reference to the pot and the kettle, for the Dutchmen are not fonder of lavations than
their Hottentot servants, and it is probable that, although a wide-awake Lion might
have scented the Totty at 600 yards down wind, he would have discovered the Boer
under similar conditions at 400 yards. We must, however, take the Boer's reason as
a just one, and conclude that to leave his Totty at home was a wise precaution.

On the first occasion, when the Lion was attacked by the Boer, it had been bayed by
the dogs near some tall trees, far down in the kloof. If the animal had again selected
the same location, the Boer would have had to creep through two or three hundred
yards of thorny bush, and he would probably have alarmed the Lion long before he
arrived within shot. He had thought over this, and had concluded that after drag-
ging the carcass of the horse all the way from the farm, the Lion would not be disposed
to drag it very far through the underwood in the kloof, and that, therefore, he should
find the carcass of the horse at least at no great distance from the edge of the ravine,
and probably the Lion close to it.

Now it is the nature of the Lion, when gorged, to sleep during the day ; and if the
animal has carried off any prey, it usually conceals itself near the remains to watch
them until it is ready for another feast.

The Boer was aware of all this, and had laid his plans very judiciously. He
approached the kloof slowly and silently, hit off the spoor of the Lion, and traced the
spot where the horse had been allowed to remain on the ground for a short time.

Although he moved onwards very slowly and with great caution, he was soon
surrounded, by the bush ; and the brightness of the plain was succeeded by the gloorn
of the kloof. Being a most experienced hand at bushcraft, he was enabled to walk or
crawl without causing either a dried stick to crack or a leaf to rustle, and he was aware
that his progress had been accomplished without noise ; for the small birds, usually so
watchful and so much on the alert, flew away only when he approached close to them,
thus showing that their eyes and not their ears had made them conscious of the
presence of man.

Birds and monkeys are the great obstacles in the bush to the success of a surprise,
for the birds fly from tree to tree, and whistle or twitter, whilst the monkeys chatter
and grimace, and express, by all sorts of harlequin movements, that some curious creat-
ure is approaching. When, therefore, the bushranger finds that birds and monkeys
are unconscious of his presence until they see him, he may be satisfied that he has
traversed the bush with tolerable silence, and has Vanquished such formidable obstacles
as sticks hidden by leaves, broken and dead branches, etc.

There is a vast difference between hearing or reading how any dangerous work has
been accomplished, and doing that work itself. But we can, by imagining ourselves in
the position of the performer, realize in a measure the sort of sensations wl^ich he must
have experienced, and we can then weigh the effect which the circumstance would have
produced upon our own moderately strong nerves. It is highly probable that those who
sigh for new sensations, might possibly find them were they to enter a dense bush on
foot, and expect momentarily to meet, within speaking distance, a Lion of capacious
maw, or a long-tusked, heavy-footed elephant, or even such a moderate opponent as a
bull buffalo.

The effect produced upon the system is much decreased when many individuals are
together. To obtain the most satisfactory results, therefore, a person should undertake
the journey alone, and he will soon learn to consider those only as epicures who thus
conjointly enjoy solitude and excitement.

The Boer had penetrated scarcely fifty yards into the bush, when he had reason to
suspect that he was close upon the lair of the Lion. He believed that such was a fact
in consequence of the strong leonine scent, and from a part of the carcass of the horse
being visible between the intervening branches. Instead, therefore, of advancing, as
an incautious or inexperienced bushranger would have done, he crouched down behind
a bush, and assumed a convenient attitude, so that he could remain still without in-
convenience.

All the animal creation are aware of the advantages of a surprise, and the feline tribe

THE LION. 143

especially practise the ambuscading system. The Boer therefore determined, if pos-
sible, to turn the tables on the Lion, and to surprise, rather than to be surprised. He
concluded that the Lion, even when gorged with horse-flesh, would not be so neglectful
of his safety as to sleep with more than one eye at a time, and that, although he had
walked with great care through the bush, he had probably caused the Lion to be
watchful ; if, therefore, he should go up to the carcass of the horse, he might be pounced
upon at once.

To sit down quietly within a few yards of a Lion, whose exact hiding-place was not
known, required a certain amount of nerve ; but the Boer knew what he was about,
and had adopted the best and safest method to conquer his foe.

After remaining silent and watchful for several minutes, the Boer at length saw that
an indistinctly outlined object was moving behind some large, broad-leafed plants, and
at about twenty paces from him. This object proved to be the Lion, which was half-
crouched behind some shrubs, and was attentively watching the bushes near the Boer.
The head only was clearly visible, the body being concealed by the foliage.

It was evident that the Lion was aware that some person or thing had approached,
but was not certain where this thing was now concealed. The Boer knew that this was a
critical period for him, and therefore remained perfectly steady ; he did not like to risk
a shot at the forehead of the Lion, for it would require a very neat shot to insure a
death wound, and the number of branches and twigs which were on the line of flight
of the bullet would render a clear course almost impossible.

The Lion, after a careful inspection, appeared to be satisfied, and laid down behind
the shrubs. The Boer then cocked both barrels of his heavy roer, and turned the
muzzle slowly round, so that he covered the spot on which the Lion lay, and shifted
his position so as to be well situated for a shot.

The slight noise which he made in moving attracted the attention of the Lion, who
immediately rose to his feet. A broadside shot could not be obtained, so the Boer
fired at a spot between the eyes ; the bullet struck high, as is usually the case when
the range is short and the charge of powder is heavy, but the Lion fell over on its back,
rising, however, immediately, and uttering a fierce roar. As it regained its feet, it
showed its side to the Boer, who sent his second bullet into its shoulder.

The Lion bounded off through the bush, much to the satisfaction of the Boer, who
felt more calm as each snap of a branch showed that the animal was farther from him.

The Boer immediately started off home, and brought his Hottentots and dogs to
assist in the search after the wounded animal, which the Boer concluded would be
found dead, as the second wound, he thought, must be a mortal one.

Before sunset that evening, the skin of the Lion was pegged down outside the Boer's
house, and the Hottentots were drunk with delight at the success of ' the master.' '

KOLBEN, a traveller who visited the Cape about the year 1705, described the appear-
ance and character of the African Lion. He gives a rule by which all travellers may
know to a certainty the state of mind in which Leeuw may be. He, however, does not
mention whether he actually tested the truth of his assertions, but merely states as
follows : —

" The Lions here are remarkable for their strength. When they come upon their
prey they knock it down, and never bite till they have given the mortal blow, which is
generally accompanied by a fearful roar. When the Lion is pinched with hunger, he
shakes his mane and lashes his sides with his tail. When he is thus agitated it is
almost certain death to come in his way, and as he generally lurks for his prey behind
the bushes, travellers sometimes do not discover the motion of his tail till it is too late ;
but if a Lion shakes not his mane, nor lashes himself with his tail, a traveller may pass
safely by him."

If we could drive a bargain with the Felis Leo that he should always thus signal to
travellers, we might pass through the African wilderness with less risk than at the present
time. But from the experience gained by more modern hunters, it appears that the
Lion will frequently attack horses, oxen, etc., without any intimation from mane or tail.

The most formidable attacks are those which take place during a dark night, whea

144

THE GAMBIAN LION.

it would be impossible to be prepared in consequence of not observing the shaking
and flashing above referred to."

It has already been mentioned, that several naturalists accept the Lion of Western
Africa as a species distinct from the Lion of Southern Africa, and have therefore given
to the animal a different specific name, which is derived from the country in which it
is found. Whatever may be said of the distinction between the Asiatic and African
Lion, there seem to be scarcely sufficient grounds for considering the very slight dif-
ferences which are found in Lions of Africa to be a sufficient warrant for constituting
separate species. They may be permanent varieties, and even in that case are not
nearly so different from each other as the mastiff from the spaniel.

From all accounts, however, it seems that the habits of all Lions are very similar,
and that a Lion acts like a Lion, whether he resides in Africa or Asia.

GAMBIAN LION.-teo Qambiaaus.

We all are familiar with the self-gratulatory half-threatening mixture between a purr
and a growl, which is emitted by the domestic cat when she has laid her paws on a
mouse or a bird, and is divided in mind between the complacent consciousness of
having won a prize by her own efforts, and the ever present fear that it should escape
or be taken away. If we substitute a Lion for a cat, and suppose ourselves to be in
the position of the victim, we may partly realize the feeling which must have filled the
mind of a recent traveller and hunter in Southern Africa.

He had built for himself a "skarm," or slight rifle-pit, composed of stones, logs, and
other convenient substances, and had watched during the night in hopes of finding
game worthy the sacrifice of time and sleep. Nothing, however, had come within
range of the concealed hunter excepting a white rhinoceros, which was shot, and fell
dead on the spot. Wearied out with the prolonged vigil, the hunter dropped asleep,
and lay for some time wrapped in unconsciousness.

But the active desert life requires that its votary should be ever prepared for any

THE GAMBIAN LION. 145

emergency, and even during sleep should be capable of instantaneous awaking ready for
action. So it happened, that although the deep sleep of wearied nature had wrapped
the hunter's senses in oblivion, a part of his being remained awake, ready to give the
alarm to that portion which slept. Suddenly a sense of danger crept over the sleeper,
and he awoke to a feeling that a monotonous rumbling sound, which reverberated in
his ears, was in some way connected with imminent peril. A moment's reflection told
him that none but a Lion could produce such sounds, and that one of those fearful
animals was actually stooping over him, its breath playing on his face.

Taught by practical experience of the danger of alarming the Lion, the hunter
quietly felt for his gun, which was lying ready loaded and cocked in front of him, and
raised himself in order to get a glimpse at the foe. Slight as the movement was, it
sufficed to alarm the Lion, which uttered a sharp, menacing growl, speaking in a lan-
guage well known to the intended victim. Knowing that not a moment could be lost,
he pointed his weapon towards an indistinct mass, which loomed darkly through the
mists of night, and fired.

The report of the gun was instantly mingled with the fierce roarings of the infuriated
Lion, maddened with the pain of its wound, seeking to wreak its vengeance on its foe,
and tearing up the ground in its fury, within a very few paces of the skarm. By degrees
the fierce roars subsided into angry growls, and the growls into heavy moans, until the
terrible voice was hushed, and silence reigned during the remainder of the night.

When the dawn broke, the hunter ventured from his place of concealment, and
searched for the carcass of the Lion, which he found lying within fifty yards of the
spot from whence the fatal shot had been fired. Even in that short space of time the
hyenas and jackals had been busy over the body of their departed monarch, and had
so torn his skin that it was entirely spoiled for any purpose except that of a memorial
of a most fearful night.

The hero of this adventure was C. J. Andersson, who has recorded his valuable
African experiences in his visit to " Lake Ngami."

The same author relates a curious anecdote of a half-starved, and entirely bewildered
Lion, which contrived to get into the church at Richterfeldt. The unfortunate brute
was so weakened by fasting, that the Damaras dragged him out of the edifice by his
tail and ears, and speared him without trouble.

In the leonine character is no small craft, which displays itself in various modes.
Keen of scent in perceiving the approach of an enemy, the Lion appears to be well
aware of the likelihood that his own approach might be manifested by the powerful
odor that issues from his body. He therefore keeps well to leeward of the animal
which he pursues, and employs the direction of the wind to conceal him from the
olfactory senses of his game, and the position of the rocks, trees, or reeds, to hide his
approach from their organs of vision.

A curious property connected with the Lion's tooth is worthy of notice. It has hap-
pened that, when a man has been bitten by a Lion, and escaped from its fangs, he has long
felt the after-effects of the injury, and this in a singular manner. Although the wound
has healed kindly, and to all appearance has left no evil result except the honorable
scar, yet that wound has broken out afresh on the anniversary of the time when it was
inflicted. There is probably some poisonous influence upon the Lion's tooth by which
this effect is produced, for it has been recorded that two men have been attacked by
the same Lion, one of whom, who was bitten upon his bare limb, suffered from the
annual affliction, while the other, whose limb was protected by his coat, felt no after-
inconvenience of a similar nature from the bite of the same animal.

A similar effect, lasting for several years, has been produced by the bite of a rabid
dog, where the poisonous effects of the envenomed tooth were not sufficiently powerful
to produce the fearful disease of hydrophobia. In an instance with which I am ac-
quainted, the wound continued to re-open annually at least for the space of six years,
and possibly for some years longer. The bite of a venomous snake has sometimes
been known to produce the same phenomenon.

The Lion is by no means so fastidious a feeder as is popularly supposed. It is true
that he does very much like to strike down a living prey, and lap the hot blood as it
wells from the lacerated victim. But he is very well satisfied with any dead animal
10

146

THE GAMBIAN LION.

that he may chance to find, and indeed is in no way particular whether it be tainted or
otherwise. So thoroughly is this the case, that Lion-hunters are in the habit of decoy-
ing their mighty game by means of dead antelopes or oxen, which they lay near some
water-spring, knowing well that the Lions are sure to seize so excellent an opportunity
of satisfying at the same time the kindred appetites of thirst and hunger.

In default of larger game, the Lion feels no hesitation in employing his mighty paw
in the immolation of the small rodents, and frequently makes a meal on locusts, diver-
sified with an occasional lizard or beetle. Led by implanted instinct, this animal will,
when water is not to be found, quench its thirst by devouring the juicy water-melons,
that so marvellously store up the casual moistures of the desert, which would other-
wise be exhaled in vapor before the fierce rays of the burning sun. Many other car-
nivorous animals, and one or two carnivorous birds, are known to possess the same in-
stinctive knowledge. The scientific name of this water-melon is " Cucumis Caffer,"
and its native title " Kengwe," or " Kerne."

That a carnivorous animal should voluntarily take to vegetable food is a very curious
fact, and seems to argue a high state of intellectual power. It is true that herbivo-
rous animals, such as the rhinoceros and others, will resort to the same plant for the
purpose of quenching their thirst ; but then it must be remembered that these latter
creatures are but following their usual dietary system, while the Lion is acting in a
manner directly opposed to his own flesh-loving nature.

The cautious habits which the Lion acquires when its domain has been invaded by
man are most singular, and exhibit a considerable degree of reasoning power. The
Lion which has never known man, knows no fear at the sight of man and his deadly
weapons, attacking him with as much freedom as it would attack an antelope. But
after it has had some experience of man and his wiles, it can only be induced by the
calls of pressing hunger to venture upon an open attack, or to approach any object
that looks as if it might be a trap.

Lions have been known to surround an escaped horse, and to prowl round it for two
entire days, not daring to attack so apparently defenceless a prey, simply because its
bridle was dangling from its neck, and made the creature suspicious, even though the
rein had accidentally been hitched over a stump. On another occasion, a Lion crept
close to a haltered ox, saw the halter, and did not like it, crept away again until he
reached a little hillock about three hundred yards away, and there stood and roared
all night.

The hunters take advantage of this extreme caution to preserve the game which
they have killed from any marauding Lion that may happen to pass in that direction.
A simple white streamer tied to a stick, and waving over the dead beast, is amply
sufficient to prevent the Lions from approaching so uncanny an object. Sometimes,
when no streamer can be manufactured, a kind of clapper is substituted, which shakes
in the wind, and by the unaccustomed sound, very much alarms the Lion. It does
truly seem absurd, that so terrible a beast as the Lion should be frightened by the
fluttering of a white handkerchief, or the clattering of two sticks — devices which
would be laughed to scorn by a tomtit of ordinary capacity.

Nearly all the feline animals seize their prey by the back of the neck, but the Lion
seems to prefer the flank or shoulders as his point of attack. It seldom happens that
the Lion springs upon the back of his prey, as is the case with many of the felidae, for
in the chase of a large animal, he chooses rather to pull down the doomed creature by
main strength, his hinder feet resting on the earth, and his fore-paws and fangs tearing
deeply into the neck and shoulders of his victim. There are, of course, exceptional
instances, but the general rule seems to be that the Lion either strikes down his prey
with a furious blow of his paw, or drags it to the ground by hanging on its neck with
teeth and claws.

The young of the Lion are various in number, sometimes amounting to three or four
at a birth, thus entirely controverting the well-known fable of the Lioness and Fox. For
some time, the young Lion cubs present a curious appearance, their fur being faintly
brindled in a manner very similar to that of the tiger, or, to give a more familiar illus-
tration, resembling the coat of a tabby cat, very indistinctly marked upon a light tawny

THE GAMBIAN LION. 147

ground. These faint brindlings are retained for some months, when they gradually
fade into the deeper brown which tinges the tawny fur, and after awhile become wholly
merged in the darker hue. I have observed a similar absorption of the brindled
markings in a kitten. In its earliest youth, it was of a lightish brown, marked with
tolerably defined stripes ; but as it grew older, the dark streaks gradually became more
faint, and, when the animal was about three months old, vanished entirely.

A cub-lion is just as playful an animal as a kitten, and is just as ready to romp with
any one who may encourage its little wanton humors. Only it is hardly so safe a
playfellow, for the very small Lion is as large as a very big eat and sometimes becomes
rather unpleasantly rough in itsgamesomeness. It has no idea of the power of its stroke,
and if it should deal a playful blow with its claws protruded, is apt to do damage which
it never intended.

The weight of a Lion-cub is extraordinary in comparison with its size. I have
personally tested the weight of several cubs, and was surprised at the massive build of
the little creatures. Their bones are very large, and the muscular system very solid, so
that a cub which about equals a large cat in actual measurement, far exceeds that animal
in weight.

The development of the young Lion is very slow, three or four years elapsing before
he can lay claim to the full honors of Lionhood, and shake his tawny mane in conscious
strength.

At the tip of the Lion's tail is sometimes found a curious appendage, which was
once thought to be a veritable claw, and to be used for the purpose of exciting the Lion
to rage, when he lashed his sides with his tail. It is now, however, proved to be nothing
but a piece of thickened skin, which is only slightly attached by its base to the member
on which it rests, and falls off at a very gentle touch. A similar protuberance has been
discovered on the tail of an Asiatic leopard.

Before bidding farewell to the African Lion, it is but right to refer to the species or
variety which inhabits the more northern portion of this huge continent. According to
the account of Jules Gerard, the French lion-hunter, the Northern Lion is far more
formidable an antagonist than his Southern relative. But to an unprejudiced reader,
the spirited narratives which are given in the name of that author seem rather to bear
reference to the singular cowardice of the native Algerian mind when brought in con-
tact with the Lion, than the absolute ferocity of the animal, or the courage of the
hunter.

To take but one instance.

That a large party of warriors, each armed with loaded musket, should stand in
a row with their backs against a rock, trembling in deadly fear, whilst a lion walked
coolly along the line, with tail erect, in calm defiance of the firelocks that waved their
faltering muzzles before his gaze like ears of corn before the gale, speaks but little for
the courage of the warriors, and, in consequence, for that of their impudent foe.

It is true, also, that the North African Lion is a terribly fearful opponent on a dark
night, when he is met face to face, with but a few yards between his body and the rifle-
muzzle of the hunter ; but so is the Lion of Southern Africa, in similar circumstances.
All animals, like dogs, " bark best on their own threshold," and it behoves a man, who
dares alone to make his nocturnal quest after the Lion, to bear a bold heart, a quick
eye, and a ready hand. Yet these accomplishments are far more general than some
writers would have us suppose, and there is many an unassuming hunter who sallies
out at night and shoots a Lion or two without thinking that the beast was so inordinately
ferocious, or himself so marvellously courageous.

There is really nothing in the character or history of the Lion of Algeria that could
separate him from the Lion of Southern Africa.

As far as is known, the Lion which inhabits Asia is very similar in habits to that
which is found in Africa, and therefore needs no detailed description. There is, how-
ever, one species, or variety, which ought to be noticed, on account of the peculiarity

148

THE GAMBIAN LION.

from which it derives its name. This is the " MANELESS LION " of Guzerat so called
from the very meagre mane with which its neck and throat are decorated.

When first this animal was brought before the notice of naturalists, it was supposed
to be merely a young male, whose mane had not yet reached its full development. It
is now, however, allowed to be either a distinct species, or at all events, a permanent
variety, — between which opinions there is such very trifling difference that one is
nearly as decided as the other.

As may be seen from the engraving, the mane is not altogether absent, as the popular
name might give cause to suppose, but is very trifling in comparison with the luxuriant
mass of hair which drops over the shoulders of the African Lion. The limbs do not

MANELESS LION. Leo Goojrattensis.

appear to be quite so long in proportion as those of the last-named animal, and the tail
is shorter, with a more conspicuous tuft. This tuft, by the way, is the readiest point of
distinction which separates the Lion from the other cats.

The natives term this animal the " Camel tiger," because its uniform tawny fur bears
some resemblance in tint to that of the camel.

That one animal should support its own life only by the destruction of another
creature, appears to be rather a cruel disposition of nature, and repugnant to the beauty
and kindness which prevail in the order of created things. Averse as are we, the
created beings, to inflicting pain on any of our fellow-creatures, it cannot but seem
strange that the Creator should have made so many animals to suffer a violent death,

DESTRUCTION AND MERCY. 149

and apparently to endure torturing pangs, by the lacerations to which they are subjected
by their destroyers. The reflection is a just one, and one which until late years has never
received a worthy answer. Endeavors were made to reconcile the Divine love with this
apparent cruelty, by asserting that the lower animals were endued with so low a sense
of pain that an injury which would inflict severest torture on a man, would cause but
a slight pang to the animal. Yet, as all animals are clearly sensitive to pain, and many
of them are known to feel it acutely, this argument has but trifling weight. Moreover,
the system which was insensible to pain would be equally dull to enjoyment, and thus
we should reduce the animal creation to a level but little higher than that of the
vegetables.

The true answer is, that by some merciful and most marvellous provision the mode
of whose working is at present hidden, the sense of pain is driven out from the victim
as soon as it is seized or struck by its destroyer. The first person who seems to have
taken this view of the case was Livingstone, the well-known traveller, who learned the
lesson by personal experience. After describing an attack made upon a Lion he
proceeds : —

" Starting and looking half round, I saw the Lion just in the act of springing on me.
I was upon a little height ; he caught my shoulder as he sprang, and we both came to
the ground below together. Growling horribly close to my ear, he shook me as a
terrier-dog does a rat. The shock produced a stupor similar to that which seems to be
felt by a mouse after the first shake of the cat. It caused a sort of dreaminess, in
which there was no sense of pain or feeling of terror, though I was quite conscious of all
that was happening. It was like what patients partially under the influence of chloroform,
describe, who see all the operation, but feel not the knife. This singular condition
was not the result of any mental process. The shake annihilated fear, and allowed no
sense of horror in looking round at the beast. This peculiar state is probably produced
in all animals killed by the carnivora ; and, if so, is a merciful provision by our
benevolent Creator for lessening the pain of death."

This fearful experience is, although most valuable, not a solitary one, and is made
more valuable by that very fact. I am acquainted with a similar story of an officer of
the Indian army, a German nobleman by birth, who, while in Bengal, was seized and
carried away by a tiger. He described the whole scene, in much the same language
as that of Livingstone, saying that as far as the bodily senses were concerned, the
chief sensation was that of a pleasant drowsiness, rather admixed with curiosity as to
the manner in which the brute was going to eat him. Only by his reasoning powers,
which remained unshaken, could he feel that his position was one of almost hopeless
danger, and that he ought to attempt escape. Perhaps, in so sudden and overwhelming
a shock, the mind may be startled for a time from its hold upon the nerves, and be, so
to speak, not at home to receive any impression from the nervous system. Many men
have fallen into the jaws of these fearful beasts, but very few have survived to tell
their tale. In the case of Livingstone, rescue came through the hands of a Hottenot
servant, who fired upon the Lion, and who was himself attacked by the infuriated
animal. In the latter instance, the intended victim owed his life to a sudden whim of
the tiger, which, after carrying him for some distance, threw him down, and went off
without him. The officer used playfully to attribute his escape to his meagre and
fleshless condition, which, as he said, induced the epicurean tiger to reject a dinner
on so lean and tough an animal as himself.

Those who have been in action are familiar with the indifference with which the
severest wounds are received. There is one well-known instance of this apparent
insensibility to pain, which occurred in the Crimean war. An officer was stooping to
light his pipe at a camp-fire, when an enemy's shell plunged into the midst of the
embers, and exploded, knocking the pipe out of his hands. He uttered an exclamation
of annoyance at the loss of his pipe, unconscious that the fragments of the shell had
carried off several of his fingers and frightfully shattered other portions of his limbs.
Even in cases of natural death a similar phenomenon occurs, and those who have ex-
pressed, in their last illness, the most utter terror of death, meet their dreaded fate with
calm content welcoming death as a friend instead of fearing him as a foe.

i So THE TIGER.

Upon the African continent, the lion reigns supreme, sole monarch over the feline
race. But in Asia his claim to undivided royalty are disputed by the TIGER, an
animal which equals the lion in size, strength, and activity, and certainly excels him
in the elegance of its form, the grace of its movements, and the beauty of its fur. The
range of the tiger is not so widely spread as that of the lion, for it is never found in
any portions of the New World, nor in Africa, and, except in certain districts, is but
rarely seen even in the countries where it takes up its residence. Some portions of
country there are, which are absolutely infested by this fierce animal, whose very
appearance is sufficient to throw the natives into a state of abject terror.

In its color the Tiger presents a most beautiful arrangement of markings and contrast
of tints. On a bright tawny yellow ground, sundry dark stripes are placed, arranged,
as may be seen by the engraving, nearly at right angles with the body or limbs. Some
of these stripes are double, but the greater number are single dark streaks. The
under parts of the body, the chest, throat, and the long hair which tufts each side of the
face, are almost white, and upon these parts the stripes become very obscure, fading
gradually into the light tint of the fur. The tail is of a whiter hue than the upper
portions of the body, and is decorated in like manner with dark rings.

So brilliantly adorned an animal would appear to be very conspicuous among even
the trees and bushes, and to thrust itself boldly upon the view. But there is no
animal that can hide itself more thoroughly than the Tiger, or which can walk through
the underwood with less betrayal of its presence.

The vertical stripes of the body harmonize so well with the dry, dusky jungle grass
among which this creature loves to dwell, that the grass and fur are hardly distin-
guishable from each other except by a quick and experienced eye. A Tiger may thus
lie concealed so cleverly, that even when crouching among low and scanty vegetation,
it may be almost trodden on without being seen. The step too, is so quiet and stealthy,
that it gives no audible indication of the creature's whereabouts, and the Tiger has,
besides, a curious habit of drawing in its breath and flattening its fur, so as to reduce
its bulk as far as possible. When a Tiger thus slinks away from the hunters or from
any dreaded danger, it looks a most contemptible and cowardly creature, hardly to be
recognized in the fiery beast, which, when driven to bay, rushes, regardless of danger,
with fierce yells of rage and bristling hair, upon the foremost foe.

When seeking its prey, it never appears to employ openly that active strength which
would seem so sure to attain its end, but creeps stealthily towards the object, availing
itself of every cover until it can spring upon the destined victim. Like the Lion, it has
often been known to stalk an unconscious animal, crawling after it as it moves along,
and following its steps in hopes of gaining a nearer approach. It has even been
known to stalk human beings in this fashion, the Tiger in question being one of those
terrible animals called " Man-eaters," on account of their destructive propensities.
It is said that there is an outward change caused in the tiger by the indulgence of this
man-slaying habit, and that a "Man-eater" can be distinguished from any other Tiger
by the darker tint of the skin, and a redness in the corner of the eyes. Not even the
Man-eating tiger dares an open assault, but crawls insidiously towards his prey, pre-
ferring, as does the lion, the defenceless women and children as the object of attack,
and leaving alone the men, who are seldom without arms.

The tiger is very clever in selecting spots from whence it can watch the approach of
its intended prey, itself being couched under the shade of foliage or behind the screen
of some friendly rock. It is fond of lying in wait by the side of moderately frequented
roads, more particularly choosing those spots where the shade is the deepest, and
where water may be found at hand wherewith to quench the thirst that it always feels
when consuming its prey. From such a point of vantage it will leap with terrible
effect, seldom making above a single spring, and, as a rule, always being felt before it
is seen or heard.

It is a curious fact that the Tiger generally takes up his post on the side of the road
which is opposite his lair, so that he has no need to turn and drag his prey across the
road, but proceeds forward with his acquisition to his den. Should the Tiger miss his
leap, he generally seems bewildered and ashamed of himself, and instead of returning to

THE TIGER.

the spot, for a second attempt, sneaks off discomfited from the scene of his humiliation.
The spots where there is most danger of meeting a Tiger, are the crossings of nullahs, or
the deep ravines through which the water-courses run. In these localities the Tiger is
sure to find his two essentials, cover and water. So apathetic are the natives, and so
audacious are the Tigers, that at some of these crossings a man or a bullock may be
carried off daily, and yet no steps will be taken to avert the danger, with the exception of
a few amulets suspended about the person. Sometimes the Tigers seem to take a panic,
and make a general emigration, leaving, without any apparent reason, the spots which
they had long infested, and making a sudden appearance in some locality where they
had but seldom before been seen.

In the districts where these terrible animals take up their abode, an unexpected

TIGER.— Tigris Regalis.

meeting with a Tiger is by no means an uncommon event. While engaged in hog-
spearing, the sportsmen have many times come suddenly upon a Tiger that was lying
quite composedly in the heavy " rhur " grass from which the hog had started. In such
cases, the terror of the native horses is excessive, for their dread of the Tiger is so
great, that the very scent of a Tiger's presence, or the sight of a dried skin, is sufficient
to set them plunging and kicking in their attempts to escape from the dreaded propin-
quity. One horse, which had been terrified by a Tiger, could not afterwards endure
the sight of any brindled animal whatever, and was only restored to ordinary courage
by the ingenious device of his master, who kept a brindled dog in the same stable with
the horse until the poor beast became reconciled to the abhorred striped fur.

A very curious introduction to a Tiger occurred to a gentleman who was engaged in
deer shooting.

I52

THE TIGER.

He had crept up to a convenient spot, from whence he could command a clear view
of the deer, which were lying asleep in the deep grass ; had taken aim at a fine buck
which was only at twelve yards' distance, and was just going to draw the trigger, when
his attention was roused by a strange object which was waving above the grass, a few
feet on the other side of the deer. It was the tail of a Tiger, which had approached
the deer from the opposite direction, and had singled out the very animal which was
threatened by the rifle. Not exactly knowing what kind of an object it was that stirred
the grass, the sportsman re-adjusted his piece, and was again going to fire, when a
Tiger sprang from the cover of the " moonje " grass, and leaped upon the very buck
which had been marked out as his own. Under the circumstances, he did not choose
to dispute the matter, but retreated as quietly as possible, leaving the Tiger in posses-
sion of the field.

The deer was an Axis, or Spotted Deer, animals which are very common in some
parts of India, and are much appreciated by Tigers as well as men. Peacocks also
abound in the same districts ; in short, wherever spotted deer and peacocks may be
found, Tigers are sure to be at no great distance from them. On one occasion, another
sportsman had wounded a peacock, which fluttered about for a time, and then fell into
a little open space in the bushes. As these birds, when winged, can run too fast to
be overtaken by a man, the sportsman ran after the bird in order to catch it as it fell,
and on entering the little area found himself in the presence of three Tigers, which
had been evidently asleep, but were just roused by the report of the gun, and were
looking about them in a dreamy and bewildered manner. The peacock lay dead close
to the Tigers, who probably made a light repast on the game thus unexpectedly laid
before them, for the sportsman took to his heels, and did not feel himself safe until
he was fairly on board of his vessel.

The chief weapons of the Tiger are his enormous feet, with their sharp sickle-like
talons, which cut like so many knives when the animal delivers a blow with his power-
ful limbs. Even were the talons retracted, the simple stroke of that sledge-hammer paw
is sufficient to strike to the ground as large an animal as an ox ; while, if the claws lend
their trenchant aid to the heavy blow of the limb, the terrible effects may be imagined.

Besides the severity of the wound which may be inflicted by so fearful a weapon,
there are other means of destruction that lie hid in the Tiger's claws. From some
cause or other, — it may be presumed on account of some peculiar manner in which the
claws affect the nervous system, — even a trivial wound has often been known to produce
lockjaw, and to destroy the victim by the effects of that fearful disease. It may be,
that the perturbation of mind caused by the attack of the Tiger, may have some hand
in the matter. Captain Williamson, an officer of twenty years' experience in Bengal,
states that he never knew a person to die from the wounds inflicted by a Tiger's claws
without suffering from lockjaw previous to death ; and he adds, that those cases which
appeared the least alarming were the most suddenly carried off.

Many modes are adopted of killing so fearful a pest as the Tiger, and some of these
plans are very ingenious.

There is the usual spring-bow, which is placed in the animal's path, the bow drawn
to the arrow's head, and a string leading from the trigger across the path in such a
manner that the creature presses against it with its breast, discharges the weapon, and
so receives the arrow in its heart.

The bow is set by fastening it to two strong posts set by the side of the Tiger's
path, the string of the bow being parallel with the path. The string is then drawn
back to its utmost limits, and a stick placed between the bow and the string, thus keep-
ing the weapon bent. A long wedge is inserted between the stick and the bow, and
the liberating cord tied to its projecting end. Lastly, the arrow is laid on the string
and the engine is ready for action. Of necessity, as soon as the Tiger presses the
cord, the wedge is drawn away, the guarding stick drops, and the bow hurls its deadly
missile. So rapidly does this simple contrivance act, that the Tiger is generally hit
near the shoulder. The arrow is usually poisoned by means of a thread dipped in
some deadly mixture, and wrapped round the arrow-point.

There is another plan, in which human aid is requisite, namely, by building a strong
bamboo enclosure, in which the hunter lies, armed with a spear. At nightfall the

THE TIGER.

153

Tiger comes prowling along, and smelling the man, rears up on its hind legs, trying to
claw down the bamboo bars. The hunter in the meanwhile takes his spear, and mor-
tally wounds the brindled foe, by striking the spear-point between the bars of the
edifice.

A still more ingenious mode of Tiger killing is that which is employed by the natives
of Oude.

They gather a number of the broad leaves of \heprduss tree, which much resembles
the sycamore, and having well besmeared them with a kind of bird lime, they strew
them in the animal's way, taking care to lay them with the prepared side uppermost.
Let a Tiger but put his paw on one of these innocent looking leaves, and his fate is
settled. Finding the leaf stick to his paw, he shakes it, in order to rid himself of the
nuisance, and finding that plan unsuccessful, he endeavors to attain his object by rub-
bing it against his face, thereby smearing the ropy birdlime over his nose and eyes, and

TIGER AND DEER.

gluing the eyelids together. By this time he has probably trodden upon several more
of the treacherous leaves, and is bewildered with the novel inconvenience ; then he
rolls on the ground, and rubs his head and face on the earth, in his efforts to get free.
By so doing, he only adds fresh birdlime to his head, body, and limbs, agglutinates his
sleek fur together in unsightly tufts, and finishes by hoodwinking himself so thoroughly
with leaves and birdlime, that he lies floundering on the ground, tearing up the earth
with his claws, uttering howls of rage and dismay, and exhausted by the impotent
struggles in which he has been so long engaged. These cries are a signal to the au-
thors of his misery who run to the spot, armed with guns, bows, and spears, and find
no difficulty in despatching their blind and wearied foe.

Another mode of destroying the Tiger is by means of a strongly constructed trap,
made on the same principle as the ordinary mousetraps, which take their victim by

154 THE TIGER.

dropping a door over the entrance. The Tiger trap is little more than the mousetrap,
only made on a much larger scale, and of strong wooden bars instead of iron wires.
The bait is generally a pariah dog, or a young goat, both of which animals give vent to
their anxiety by loud wailings, and so attract the prowling foe. In order to secure the
living bait from being drawn out of the trap by the Tiger's claws, it is protected by an
inner cage, to which the animal cannot gain access without dropping the door against
his egress. This plan, however, is not very generally followed, as it possesses hardly
sufficient elements of success.

A more productive plan — productive, because the reward for killing a Tiger, together
with the sum for which the skin, claws, and teeth sell, is sufficient to keep a native for
nearly a twelvemonth, — is, by digging a hole in the ground near a Tiger's haunt, putting
a goat in the hole, and tethering it to a stake which is firmly driven into the centre of
the little pit. A stone is then tied in one of the goat's ears, which cruel contrivance
causes the poor animal to cry piteously, and so to call the attention of the Tiger. On
hearing the goat cry, the Tiger comes stealthily to the spot, and tries to hook up the
goat with his paw. Not succeeding, on account of the depth of the pit, he walks round
and round, trying every now and then to secure the terrified goat, and thus exposing
himself fairly to the hunters, who, quietly perched on a neighboring tree, and taking a
deliberate aim with their heavy firelocks, lay him dead on the spot of his intended
depredation.

A somewhat similar, but more venturous mode of proceeding, is that which is adopted
by the Shikarries, as these native hunters are called.

When a Tiger has carried off a bullock, or some such valuable animal, the shikarrie
proceeds to the spot, and after waiting sufficient time for the robber to gorge himself,
and become drowzy, he sets off in search of the murdered bullock ; a dangerous task,
but one which is much lightened by the indications afforded by vultures, jackals, and
other carrion-loving creatures, which never fail to assemble round a dead animal, of
whatever race it may be.

Having found the half-eaten carcass, and ascertained that the Tiger is fast asleep,
the hunter calls together as many assistants as possible, and with their aid, rapidly
builds a bamboo scaffold, some twenty feet high, and four feet wide, which is planted
close to the spot where the dead and mangled bullock lies. On the summit of the
scaffold the shikarrie mounts ; his gun and ammunition are handed up to him by his
companions, his sharp " tulwar," or sword, is hung ready to his grasp, and after offering
their best wishes for success, the assistants take their leave, each putting in a claim for
some part of the spoils. The claws are the most coveted portion of the animal, for the
natives construct from two of these weapons a charm, which, on the homeopathic prin-
ciple, is supposed to render the wearer invulnerable to attacks from similar weapons.

After a while, the Tiger wakes from the drowzy lethargy which was caused by
repletion, and after shaking himself, and uttering a few yawns, which draw the attention
of the watchful hunter, proceeds to his temporary station, for the purpose of making
another meal on the remains of the slaughtered animal.

The shikarrie takes advantage of the opportunity, and resting his gun on the plat-
form, takes a deliberate aim and lodges a bullet — often an iron one — in, the body of the
Tiger. Generally the aim is so true that the Tiger falls dead, but it sometimes happens
that the wound, although a mortal one, is not instantaneously fatal, and the animal
springs furiously upon the foe who dealt the blow. The Tiger is no climber, but rage
will often supply temporary ability ; and so fiercely does the animal launch itself against
the scaffolding, that if made of a softer material, permitting the hold of the Tiger's
claws, the creature might reach the hunter ; or that if not firmly planted, the whole
edifice would be brought to the ground. But the smooth, hard surface of the bamboo
affords little hold for the sharp talons ; and, even if the animal should succeed in
approaching the platform where the hunter sits, a blow from the razor-edged tulwar
strikes off a paw, and the tiger falls helplessly to earth, only to meet its fate by a second
bullet from the deadly firelock.

Attracted by the report of the hunter's gun, the neighbors flock to the spot, each
man armed according to his ability ; and if the beast is killed outright, join in a chorus

THE TIGER. 155

of laudation towards the successful hunter, and of anger towards his victim, which may
now be insulted with perfect impunity. Besides the ordinary trophies, which consist
of the skin, claws, teeth, and the ordinary reminiscences of success, other portions of the
Tiger are eagerly sought by the natives, the tongue and liver bearing the highest value.
These organs are appropriated to the medical art, and after being chopped into little
dice-like cubes, are prepared after some Esculapian and mysterious fashion, and thence-
forward hold rank as remedies of the first order.

Another, though less gallant, mode of killing Tigers is by setting certain enormous
nets, supported on stakes, so as to form an inclosure, into which the animal is partly
enticed and partly driven.

The height of the stakes to which the nets are suspended is about thirteen feet ; so
that, allowing for the droop at the upper portion of the toils, the nets are about eleven
feet in height at their lowest point. It is, however, rather a stupid, and withal hazard-
ous, mode of Tiger-hunting, and is not very often employed. It requires the aid of a
very large body of men, and besides there is always a risk of inclosing some large
animal such as the buffalo or elephant, which rushes madly forward, and with the
irresistible impetus of its huge body bears to the ground nets, stakes, and sentinels,
leaving a wide path free for the remainder of the inclosed game to follow.

In order to induce the Tiger to leave its lair and to enter the toils, all possible
means are used. Fires are lighted, burning torches are waved, guns are fired, drums
are beaten, and, lastly, fireworks are largely employed. The most effective kind of fire-
work is one which is made on the rocket principle, the tube which holds the fiery com-
position being of iron, and the " tail," or shaft, of bamboo. The rocket is held in the
hand like a spear, and the fuse lighted. When it begins to fling out its burning contents,
and to pull against the hand of the thrower, it is launched by hand, as if it were a
spear, in the direction of the concealed quarry. An extremely powerful impulse is
given by the burning composition, and the missile rushes furiously onward scattering
on every side its burden of fiery sparkles, hissing and roaring with a terrible sound,
and striking right and left with its long wooden tail.

No Tiger can endure this fiery dragon which comes on with such fury, and accord-
ingly the terrified animal dashes out of cover, and makes for the nearest place of con-
cealment. But so artfully managed is the whole business that his only path of escape
takes him among the nets, and, once there, his doom is certain. He cannot leap over
the toils, because they are too high, nor break them down, because they are so
arranged that they would only fall on him, and inclose him in their treacherous folds.
Should he endeavor to climb over the rope fence, he exposes himself as a target for
bullets and arrows innumerable ; and, if he yields the point, and tries to conceal
himself as best he may, he only delays his fate for a time, falling a victim to the
watchful enemies who start him from his last fortress, and, from the safe eminence of an
elephant's back, or the branches of a tree, pour their leaden hail on the devoted
victim.

This mode of hunting, as well as the more legitimate custom of following the Tiger
into the jungle, while mounted on elephants, requires the aid of many men, elephants
and horses, and cannot be undertaken every day. There is, however, another method
of killing this terrible beast, which, when employed by hunters who understand each
other's plans, and can place the fullest reliance on their mutual courage and tact, is
more destructive to the fierce quarry than even the netting system, with its mob of beasts
and men.

Two, or at the most three, hunters set out on their campaign, accompanied by their
chosen " beaters " and other servants, and start with the determination of bearding the
Tiger in his den, unaided by horse or elephant. It is a bold plan, yet, like many bold
plans, succeeds through its very audacity.

The object of the beaters is by no means to give assistance when a Tiger is started,
because they always run away as soon as the brute shows itself ; but to make so
astounding a noise that the Tiger cannot remain in the vicinity. When they reach a
likely, or, as it is termed, a " Tigerish " spot, they shout, they yell, they fire pistols, they
rattle stones in metal pans, they beat drums, they ring bells, they blow horns, and, by

156

THE TIGER.

their united endeavors, produce such horrible discord, that not even a Tiger dare face
such a mass of men and noise. This precaution is absolutely necessary, for the Tiger
loves to hide itself in as close a covert as it can find, and, unless driven from its place
of refuge by such frightful sounds as have been mentioned, would lie closely crouched
upon the ground, and either permit the hunters to pass by, or leap on them with a sudden
spring, and so obtain a preliminary revenge of its own death.

A few bold and active beaters are sent forward as scouts, whose business is to climb
trees, and, from that elevated position, to keep watch over the country, and detect the
Tiger if it attempt to steal quietly away.

There is a certain bushy shrub, called the korinda, which is specially affected by
the Tigers on account of the admirable cover which its branches afford. It does not
grow to any great height, but its branches are thickly leaved, and droop over in such a
manner that they form a dark arch of foliage, under which the animal may creep, and
so lie hidden from prying eyes, and guarded from the unwelcome light and heat of the
noonday sun. So fond are the Tigers of this mode of concealment that the hunters
always direct their steps to the korinda-bush, knowing well that if a Tiger should be in
the neighborhood, it would be tolerably certain to be lying under the sombre shade of
the korinda branches.

As it is necessary that pedestrian hunters should on a pinch be able to conceal them-
selves from the sharp eyes of the Tiger, the color of their dress is a matter of some
importance. Experience shows that there is no tint so admirably suited for the purpose
as that warm reddish-brown which is assumed by dried leaves. Clothed in this dress,
the hunter can so easily amalgamate his person with the surrounding objects, that not
even the Tiger's eyes can distinguish his form. A hunter has actually thus lain on a
piece of rock while a Tiger prowled along within fifteen feet of the unsuspected foe, and
passed on without detecting his presence. Even when a Tiger does see a human
being thus attired, it becomes suspicious, and, not knowing what to make of the strange
object, moves slowly away from the cause of alarm. This costume is especially useful
among rocky ground, with which it assimilates most perfectly.

If a Tiger be fairly traced to its ordinary lair, the sportsmen prefer to lie in wait at
some convenient point, and either to await the voluntary egress of the quarry, or to send
in the beaters, and cause the animal to be driven out in the proper direction. When
this mode is adopted, it is found best to have, besides those which are held in hand, a
whole battery of guns, eight or ten in number, which are laid on the ground, ready
loaded and cocked, their muzzles all pointing towards the spot where the Tiger is
expected to make its appearance. The object of this expedient is twofold : firstly, to
make sure of the animal in case the first shots fail to tell mortally ; and, secondly, to
be in readiness should a second or even a third Tiger be driven from the bush. It
is so usual an occurrence for two Tigers to make their sudden appearance where only
one was expected to lie, that the precaution is an absolutely necessary one.

Contrary to the habits of most animals, which take the utmost care of their young,
and in their defence will expose themselves to the direst peril, the mother Tiger is in
the habit of making her young family her pioneers, and, when she suspects anything
wrong, of sending them forward to clear the way. Knowing this curious propensity,
the experienced hunter will not fire upon a cub that shows itself, for the mother will, in
most cases, be waiting to see the result of her child's venture. Therefore, they permit
the cub or cubs to pass with impunity, and reserve their ammunition for the benefit of
the mother as she follows her offspring.

Should the Tiger not fall to the shot, but bound away, the hunters know whether the
wound is a mortal one by inspecting the marks made in the ground by the feet of the
retreating animal. It is a curious fact, that however hard a Tiger may be hit, yet, if
the wound be not a rapidly mortal one, the claws are kept retracted, and the footprints
show no mark of the talons. But should the injury be one which will shortly cause
death, the Tiger flings out its limbs with the paws spread to their utmost, and at every
leap tears up the ground with the protruded talons.

A Tiger has many weak points where a bullet does its work with great rapidity. The
brain and heart are of course instantaneously mortal spots and the lungs come next in

THE WHITE TIGER. 157

order. The liver is a very dangerous organ to touch, and a Tiger, when there struck,
rarely lives for more than fifteen or twenty minutes.

Perhaps of all animals the Tiger is one of the easiest to kill, although the wound may
not be an instantaneous cause of death. Whether the cause may lie in the habits or
diet of the creature is not certain, but true it is, that a wound inflicted on a Tiger very
soon assumes an angry appearance, becomes tainted, and affords a resting-place for
the pestilent blow-flies, which take such a hold of the poor beast, that even a slightly
wounded Tiger has been known to die, not from the immediate effects of the injury,
but from the devouring maggots which swarm in and about the wound.

In tracking the wounded Tiger, the blood-spots that are flung from the agitated
animal are of vast service. They are easily distinguishable, even though they dry
instantaneously on touching the ground. As it dries, each blood-patch is surrounded
by innumerable tiny ants, which seem to crowd to the spot as if they had been created for
that sole purpose, and from their numbers make the gory traces more apparent. But
these bloody tracks are by no means a necessary consequence of wounding a Tiger
which very often receives a deadly hurt, and yet spills no single drop of blood. The
cause of this strange fact is the loose manner in which the skin lies over the body. It
may therefore happen that, when the Tiger is in energetic movement, a portion of the
skin which, when the animal is at rest, would be over the shoulder-blades, is shifted to
quite another spot. If at that moment a bullet passes into the body of the creature,
and checks its active movement, the skin slips back again to its usual position, so
that the hole in the skin and that in the body no longer coincide ; thus preventing the
external outflow of blood.

When the Tiger is killed, it is necessary to guard it in some way from the direct
beams of the sun, or even from actual contact with objects which have been heated by
its burning rays.

Should the creature fall on a tolerably cool spot, all that is necessary is to cover it
with bushy branches, grass, and other foliage ; but if the locality should be a hot one,
as is generally the case, further precautions must be taken, by dragging the dead
animal under the shelter of some shady tree or bushes. The reason for this cautious
proceeding is that the Tiger's flesh rapidly yields to putrefaction, and thus loosens the
hair from the skin. So, however fatigued the hunter may be after he has succeeded
in killing his prey, he dares not give way to repose until he has taken all the neces-
ary precautions. Even ten or fifteen minutes under a hot sun is sufficient to bring off
the hair in large patches, leaving the hide in a state perfectly unfit for use. Should the
animal lie on a hot rock, the result will be the same.

After taking the skin from the dead Tiger, — which in itself is no easy task, — the next
business is to preserve it in such a manner that it will dry uniformly without contract-
ing into unsightly folds, without putrefaction, and without suffering from the teeth of
the swarming ants and other insects, which are the plague of all taxidermists, in hot
countries.

For the latter object, sundry preparations are used, arsenical soap being that which
is most generally known. It is, however, an exceedingly dangerous substance, re-
quiring very great care in manipulation. A more harmless preparation is composed of
a very strong solution of salt, alum, and powdered " cutch." in which the hide is
steeped before being dried. In order to insure regularity of drying, the skin is laid on
the ground with the fur downward, and fastened to the earth by a great number of
wooden pegs, which are driven through its edges, fringing its entire outline, inclusive
of the head and limbs. The hot sunbeams soon draw away the moisture, and in a
few hours the skin is dried, and may be packed for carriage. The size and value of
the skins vary exceedingly, the latter according to the current prices of the day, and
the former according to the age and growth of the animal. As a general rule, the
finest skins are eleven feet six inches in length.

The color, too, is more variable than might be supposed, some skins being much
darker than others ; while occasionally, a specimen is discovered, the fur of which is so
pale, as to earn for the animal the title of white Tiger. One of these animals is figured
in the engraving ; the original was a well known specimen in London about the year
1820.

THE WHITE TIGER.

The color of this animal was a creamy white, with the ordinary tigerine stripes so
faintly marked that they were only visible in certain lights. It is probable that these
White Tigers are only albinos, like the white pheasants, peacocks, crows, etc, which
are so well known, and that they cannot even be ranked as permanent varieties. The
markings are of that obscure neutral tint which is seen in the " eyes " of the albino
peacock's tail, and on the feathers of the albino pheasant.

Not only is the Tiger skin considered as an article possessing a commercial value,
but the fat commands an equally high price among the natives, who employ it as an
infallible specific against rheumatic affections. It is prepared for use in rather a
curious, and withal, a simple manner.

Were the fat to be exposed to the action of the atmosphere, it would soon become
rancid, and then putrid ; but by subjection to the native mode of treatment it clarifies
itself with no trouble to the preparer. As soon as removed from the animal, the fat is

cut into long strips of a convenient size to enter the necks of sundry bottles, which are
cleansed for the purpose. By the aid of a stick, as many as possible of these strips
are pushed into the bottle, which is then corked, and set in the sunshine for a whole
day. The heat of the sun's rays soon melts the fat, and liquifies it as if it were oil.
In this state it is permitted to remain until the evening, when it cools down into a firm
white mass, resembling lard. This prepared fat is as useful to Europeans as to natives,
not so much to rub on their rheumatic joints, as to lubricate their guns and locks,
on which may depend the life of the owner.

Those who have hunted the Tiger in agenuinely sportsmanlike manner, matching fairly
man against beast, are unanimous in asserting it to be a very cunning animal, putting
all the powers of the human intellect to the proof. As is the case with the fox, — our
most familiar instance of astuteness among brutes, — each Tiger seems to have its

THE TIGER. 159

peculiar individuality so strongly marked, that it must be separately matched by the
hunter's skill.

Of the ordinary Tiger-hunt, or rather Tiger-mobbing, with its posse comitatus of
elephants, horses, dogs, and men, no description will be given, as the subject has been
rendered so familiar by many illustrated publications which have issued from the press
in late years ; and the space which would be required for a detailed narration of such
scenes may be better employed in describing those portions of the Tiger's character
which are not so popularly known.

When the Tiger strikes down and kills a large animal, such as an ox, he tears open
the throat of his prey, and eagerly laps the blood as it streams hotly from the wound.
Having solaced his appetite by this preliminary indulgence, he drags it to some place
of concealment, where he watches over it until the evening, and makes up his mind
for a prolonged banquet. Beginning at the hinder quarters, he eats his way gradually
towards the head, occasionally moistening his sanguine feast by a draught of water
from a neighboring stream, but never ceasing from his gluttonous repast until he has
so entirely gorged himself that he is incapable of taking another mouthful. He is in
no way choice of palate, but eats everything as it comes, even to the skin and the very
bones themselves. He now yields himself to sleep, and for three days lies in a semi-
torpid state, never moving except to drink, and calmly enjoying the double happiness
of a powerful appetite and a good digestion. After the three days have passed, he is
ready for another feast, and returning to his prey, again gorges himself on the remains,
caring little whether the taint of corruption has come upon them, and only desirous to
assimilate as much animal matter as possible in a limited time.

Knowing the habits of the Tiger, the herdsman who has suffered the loss of one of
his oxen takes his revenge by watching the marauder to his lair, waiting until the
repleted animal has retired either to drink, or for his long sleep. He then rubs some
arsenic into a few gashes which he cuts upon the hinder quarters of the stolen ox, and
leaves the poison to do its work. In due time the Tiger returns to his prey, tears off
and swallows the deadly food, and on feeling the burning agony caused by this most
irritant of poisons, runs to the water-side, where he endeavors in vain, by repeated
draughts of the cool stream, to quench the fire that consumes him. But a few hours
now elapse before he lies dead by the water-side.

It would have been well for one cattle proprietor if he had adopted this safe expedient
of destroying the animal that had robbed him.

Preferring the excitement of shooting the Tiger, he lay in wait for the beast as it
returned to the deadoxfor its second banquet, and fired at the marauder with uncertain
aim, only frightening instead of destroying it. The Tiger was so alarmed at the report
of the gun, that it would not run the risk of a similar danger, and yet was so fond of
beef, that it could not refrain from attacking the herds. So it compromised the matter
by making only a single meal on every ox which it killed, and was so fearful of ex-
posing itself to peril, that it would only drink the blood of the slaughtered ox, and
never return to it a second time. The consequence of this manoeuvre was, that the
Tiger used to kill two or three oxen at a time, merely for the purpose of drinking their
blood.

The destruction of the Indian Tiger might be more complete were nt>t the animal
protected in various ways.

Religious principles take the chief ground, and, as is generally the case in India,
choose the wrong side of the question. Many sects of that strange, polytheistic my-
thology, deem the Tiger to be a sacred animal, simply because it is so destructive and
so dangerous, and will not suffer it to be killed unless it is one of the " man-eaters"-
whose propensities have already been mentioned.

Private predilections take second rank in this matter, and cause many a Tiger to
roam unmolested, to the destruction of human and animal life, whose career might
easily have been arrested, did not the willsof an imperious ruler decree that the
destructive animal should be at liberty to depopulate the country until such time as it
pleased the self-willed autocrat to amuse a heavy hour by giving chase to the animal.

There are, in fact, some native chiefs — and, until later days, there were many more

160 THE TIGER.

of them — who actually "preserve " the Tiger as carefully as English squires preserve
foxes, and will permit none to be killed except those whose honorable fate calls them
to die nominally by a royal hand. Nominally, because it only needs that the Oriental
potentate should once discharge his weapon for the assembled crowd to give him the
credit of killing the Tiger, even though the muzzle of his piece may at the time have
been pointed to the zenith. Nowhere does courtiership reign so disguiseless as in the
East.

The Tiger is a capital swimmer, and will take to the water with perfect readiness,
either in search of prey, or to escape the pursuit of enemies.

It has been known to carry its aquatic audacity to such an extent, as to board a
vessel, and by its unexpected advent, to cause an involuntary mutiny among the crew.
Some jumped into a boat that was being towed astern, others leaped overboard, and
sought safety in swimming, while others fled into the cabin, and barricaded the doors
thereof. The Tiger, meanwhile, was left in possession of the vessel, but not compre-
hending the use of a rudder, he soon drove the vessel ashore, and springing to land, he
indulged in a few growls at the occupants of the boat, and then disappeared in the jungle.

The Tiger swims rather high in the water, and therefore affords a good mark to
those who are quick of aim. His natatory abilities are by no means small, and while
swimming he can strike out with his paws most effectively, inflicting deep wounds
wherever his outspread talons make good their aim. So cunning is the animal, that if
there should be no cause for hurry, it will halt on the river's brink, and deliberately
put its paw into the water, so as to ascertain the force of the stream. This point being
made clear, it proceeds either up or down the river, as may best suit its purpose, and
so makes allowance for the river stream, or the ocean tide.

The experienced natives say that there are more female than male Tigers, and that
this discrepancy in numbers is caused by the unnatural behavior of the adult males,
who destroy every young one of their own sex upon whom they can lay a paw. All
Tigers, when wild, seem to have a habit of rolling themselves in dusty spots, probably
for the purpose of destroying the parasitic insects with which these animals are largely
infested. This process is analogous to the dust-baths, of which birds are so fond.

In all barbarous ages, men have been accustomed to seek amusement by witnessing
the combats which take place between various animals, among whom the armed human
animal was the favorite. Next to the gladiatorial duels with which we are all familiar,
stand the combats between various ferocious beasts, such as the lion, tiger, leopard, etc.

Even to the present day, and in the Christian world, vast multitudes of people
derive ferocious gratification from the tortures of an irritated bull and the imminent
peril of human life and limb that forms the most exciting part of the spectacle. There-
fore, it is no cause of wonder that in the heathen world, combats of a similar nature
should minister largely to the savage joys of the inhabitants. Many animals are kept
solely for the purpose of fighting each other, or of contending with certain enemies,
whether human or bestial, which are brought to oppose them.

The cruel sports which delight the Oriental monarchs are familiar to all students of
the Oriental character, who have found an admirable subject of contemplation in the
last monarch who has ruled, or pretended to rule, the great kingdom of Oude" All
kinds of animals were kept by this sensualist, simply for the purpose of fighting each
other, and among the most celebrated of these warlike animals was the magnificent
Tiger known by the name of JUNGLA.

This splendid animal has been brought to England, and I have been fortunate
enough to procure a portrait, drawn from the living creature.

" Jungla " is one of the finest, if not the very finest Tiger that has ever set foot on
English ground, and even when penned in the straight limits of a wooden cage that
would not permit his noble head to be raised to its full height, and only gave room
for a single short step backwards and forwards, his grand proportions were most
striking. His present age is about five years.

In height he is about four feet, and the relative proportions can be judged from the
illustration. The total length of the animal is said, by his keeper, to be thirteen feet
six inches, and in girth he measures four feet eight inches. The principal peculiarity

THE TIGER.

161

in the appearance of this animal is, that nearly all the stripes are double, including
those which partially surround the tail. Sometimes these dark streaks are very long,
and sometimes comparatively short and very wide, leaving a broad interval of the
golden-yellow fur between the outer and inner stripes. Between many of these streaks
are placed a number of spots similar to those which appear on the leopard's skin, but
the spots are small in size and not so distinctly outlined as the stripes. They are
rather thickly scattered by the shoulders and flanks, occasionally making their ap-
pearance on the sides. Over the eyes some black lines are drawn, which closely
resemble a stag's horn, and on the forehead runs a series of equally dark stripes,
which remind the spectator of the figure of a bat with outstretched wings. The ears
are black, with a solitary white spot upon the back of each ear.

JUNQLA.

His light yellow eyes are constantly changing their tint, at one moment becoming
almost green, and at another time assuming a deep neutral tint. As is the case with
all felines, the pupil of the eye varies rapidly in size, the passing of a hand near the
front of the cage being sufficient to make them contract to half their previous diameter.

He has been matched against many antagonists, and always came off victorious in
the fight, whether his opponent were a strong-horned and hard-headed buffalo, or a Tiger
like himself. The last Tiger to which he was opposed was killed in fifteen minutes.

In India, many tales are told of the Tiger and its ferocious daring. It has often been
known to leap on the roof of a native hut, tear up the slight covering with its claws,
and leap into the room below. However, when a Tiger acts in this manner, the tables
are generally turned, for the noise made by the scratchings and clawings on the roof
give warning for the inhabitants to make their escape by the door, and bar the entrance
behind them. It is not so easy to jump out of the house as into it, and in consequence,
the neighbors speedily change the course of events by getting on the roof in their

ii

162 THE TIGER.

turn, and shooting the burglarious quadruped through the opening which its own daws
had made.

A rather ludicrous adventure occurred to an old woman who was on her way home.
She had just arrived in sight of her doorway, when she perceived a large Tiger crawl
up to the entrance, and allured, probably, by the scent of provisions, walk coolly into
her house. With great presence of mind she closed the door on the intruder, and calling
for aid from her friends, soon had the satisfaction of placing her hand upon the Tiger's
carcass as he lay on her floor, pierced with the missiles hurled at him through the
window.

Many of these beautiful animals have been brought to England, and through the
medium of Zoological Gardens and travelling menageries are familiar to us all. When
caught in its first infancy, or when born and bred in captivity, the Tiger is as tameable
an animal as the lion or any of the feline race, displaying great attachment to its keeper,
and learning many small accomplishments, such as jumping through hoops and over
sticks, enacting the part of a couch to its keeper, letting him pull its huge jaws open,
and all with perfect good humor. These exhibitions, however, are never quite safe,
and ought not to be permitted.

On some occasions the animal may be in a bad temper, and not willing to go through
its performances, and upon being urged strongly to act against its inclination, may turn
upon its persecutor and inflict a fatal wound in a moment. The creature may not
intend to commit murder, but its strength is so great that, having no mathematical
knowledge of the theory of forces, it cannot calculate the effect of a blow from its paw,
or a grip of its teeth. Such events have more than once occurred, one of which, the
death of the well-known " Lion Queen," was singularly tragical. The Tiger was required
by the " Lion Queen " to exhibit some part of his usual performances, and being in a
sulky mood, refused to obey. The girl struck him with her whip, when he sprang upon
her, forced her against the side of the cage, and seized her by the throat. She was
almost immediately extricated from his grasp and removed from the cage, but although
no apparently mortal injury had been inflicted, she died within a very few minutes.

If we look down the vista of long past centuries, we may recall the time when England
was but one large hunting-field, where the wild beasts roved at their pleasure. That
a human being should be struck down by a wild beast was in those days no uncommon
event, but that a similar circumstance should occur at the present day and in the open
streets of London, seems almost impossible. Yet it was but lately that a Tiger sprang
upon a young lad, in Ratcliffe Highway, providentially without inflicting very serious
damage.

The animal had escaped from his cage, and dashing down the street, more perhaps,
in terror than rage, leaped upon the boy, and bore him to the ground. Fortunately
the keepers came up, and with their usual cool audacity rescued the sufferer, and
recaptured the truant Tiger. The nonchalance with which these men treat the fiercest
beasts, is most remarkable. They talk of a savage Tiger or leopard as if it were a
kitten, and seem to handle the dangerous beast with as much composure as if it were,
in truth, one of those animals.

The same Tiger is also celebrated for his battle with a lion, resulting in the death
of the latter.

The two creatures had been put into one large cage, or box, which was divided by a
partition in the centre, so as to separate the two animals. While the attendants were
at their breakfast, the Tiger battered down the too frail barrier, and leaping into the
lion's chamber, entered into fierce combat. Not even the keepers dared interfere to
stop the battle, which raged until it was terminated by the slaughter of the lion. The
poor beast never had a chance from the beginning, for it was weakened by three years'
captivity, and had lost the swift activity of its wild nature. Its heavy mane defended
its head and neck so well,, that the Tiger could not inflict any severe injury on those
portions, and the fatal wounds, under which it sank, were all upon the flanks and
abdomen, which were torn open by the Tiger's claws.

It was a serious loss to the proprietor, for the lion had cost three hundred, and the
Tiger, which, although the victor, did not escape unscathed, four hundred pounds.
The lion was six or seven years of age at the time.

THE LEOPARD. 163

Dissimilar as are the lion and Tiger, there has been an example of a mixed offspring
of these animals, the lion being the father and the Tigress the mother. The lion had
been born and bred in captivity, and the Tigress had been captured at a very early
age, so that the natural wildness of their character had been effaced by their captive
life, in which they felt no need to roam after living prey, as their daily sustenance
was always forthcoming.

It has already been mentioned, that the young of the lion are marked with faint
stripes of the tigrine character. Similar streaks were observed on the fur of the Lion-
Tiger cubs, but they were darker than those of the lion cub, and were permanent in-
stead of vanishing as the creature increased in years. The shape of the head was
like that of the lion, while the contour of the body resembled that of the Tiger. These
curious little creatures were too valuable to be entrusted to the care of the mother, and
therefore were removed immediately after birth, and placed under the fostering care of
a goat and several dogs. Under this treatment they throve well, but did not reach
maturity. This is not the only instance of a hybrid breed between the lion and Tiger.
Although Europeans do not seem to succeed very perfectly in taming the Tiger, many
native Indians meet with a better reward for their labors. Some of the fakirs or
mendicant priests have so far subdued the savage nature of the Tiger, that they permit
their fierce favorites to wander at large among the jungles and to enter or leave their
rude dwellings at pleasure. They give these tame Tigers no raw animal food, but
supply them with a mixture of boiled rice and ghee. One of these men was ac-
customed to walk in the streets of a neighboring town accompanied by his favorite
Tiger, which followed him like a dog, without requiring even the frail bondage of a
cord and a collar. The inhabitants of the town were quite accustomed to the man and
the beast, and felt no alarm when this strange pair promenaded their streets. English
visitors, however, could not exhibit an equal stoicism, and were rather uneasy at the
inquisitive air with which the Tiger walked round them. The fakir had wisely pro-
hibited all people from touching his brindled favorite, to which caution it is probable
that much of his success was owing. The natives were withheld from infringing this
command by the dread of religious anathemas which were liberally threatened by the
fakir, and the English visitors were respectfully begged to adhere to the same rule.
However, in this case, such a precaution was totally unnecessary, for they felt in no way
inclined to diminish the distance between themselves and the perilous-looking animal
that regarded them with curious eyes.

Unlike the Tiger, which is confined to the Asiatic portion of the world, the LEOPARD
is found in Africa as well as in Asia and is represented in America by the Jaguar, or,
perhaps, more rightly, by the Puma.

This animal is one of the most graceful of the graceful tribe of cats, and, although far
less in dimensions than the tiger, challenges competition with that animal in the beautiful
markings of its fur, and the easy elegance of its movements. It is possessed of an ac-
complishment which is not within the powers of the lion or tiger, being able to climb
trees with singular agility, and even to chase the tree-loving animals among their
familiar haunts. On account of this power, it is called by the natives of India " Lakree-
baug," or Tree-tiger. Even in Africa it is occasionally called a " Tiger," a confusion
of nomenclature which is quite bewildering to a non-zoologist, who may read in one
book that there are no tigers in Africa, and in another, may peruse a narrative of a
tiger-hunt at the Cape. Similar mistakes are made with regard to the American
felidae, not to mention the numerous examples of mis-called animals that are insulted by
false titles in almost every part of the globe. For, in America, the Puma is popularly
known by the name of the Lion, or the Panther, or " Painter," as the American forester
prefers to call it, while the Jaguar is termed the " Tiger."

In Africa, the Leopard is well known and much dreaded, for it possesses a most
crafty brain, as well as an agile body and sharp teeth and claws. It commits sad dep-
redations on flocks and herds, and has sufficient foresight to lay up a little stock of
provisions for a future day. A larder belonging to a Leopard was once discovered in
the forked branches of a tree, some ten feet or so from the ground. Several pieces of

164

THE LEOPARD.

meat were stowed away in this novel receptacle, and hidden from sight by a mass of
leaves piled upon them.

When attacked, it will generally endeavor to slink away, and to escape the observa-
tion of its pursuers ; but, if it is wounded, and finds no mode of eluding its foes, it
becomes furious, and charges at them with such determinate rage, that, unless it falls
a victim to a well-aimed shot, it may do vfearful damage before it yields up its life. In
consequence of the ferocity and courage of the Leopard, the native African races make
much of those warriors who have been fortunate enough to kill one of these beasts.

The fortunate hunter is permitted to decorate his person with trophies of his skill
and courage, and is looked on with envy by those who have not been able to earn
such honorable distinctions. The teeth of the Leopard are curiously strung, with
beads and wire, into a necklace, and hung about the throat of the warrior, where they
contrast finely with their polished whiteness against the dusky hue of the native's
brawny chest. The claws are put to similar uses, and the skin is reserved for the
purpose of being dressed and made into a cloak, or " kaross," as this article of apparel

LEOPARD.— Leopardus Varius.

is popularly termed. The tail is cut off, and, being hung to a string that passes round
the waist, dangles therefrom in a most elegant and fashionable manner. If a Kaffir is
able to procure some eight or ten tails, which he can thus suspend around his person,
he is at the very summit of the aristocratic world, and needs no more attractions in
the eyes of his comrades. Generally, these " tails " are formed from the skin of the
monkey, which is cut into strips, and twisted so as to keep the hairy side of the fur
outwards. But these are only sham tails, and are as nothing in comparison to the
real tail which is taken from a veritable Leopard.

The natives seem in some way to connect the Leopard's skin with the idea of
royalty, and to look upon it as part of the insignia of majesty, even when it is spread
on the kingly throne, instead of hanging gracefully from the kingly shoulders. And,
though the throne be but a mound of earth, and the shoulders be redolent with rancid
grease, yet the native African monarch exercises a sway not less despotic than that of
the former Turkish Sultans.

The Leopard, like most of the feline tribe, is very easily startled, and, if suddenly
alarmed, will in most cases make off with the best speed possible. As the creature i§

THE LEOPARD.

'65

so formidable a foe, it may be imagined that to meet it on equal terms would be a
proceeding fraught with the utmost danger. Yet this is not the case, for there are in-
numerable instances of such rencontres, where both parties seemed equally surprised
by the meeting, and equally anxious to shorten its duration as much as possible. One
of these adventures, which was told me by Captain Drayson, R. A., who had learned
the tale from the hero — if so he may be called — of the narrative, was a most singular
one, and one in which was more of peril than is usually the case.

A Dutch Boer, — one of the colonists of Southern Africa — was travelling across
country, and, permitting the wagons to precede him at their slow uniform pace, amused
himself by making a wide detour in search of game. Towards the end of his circuit,
and just as he was coining in sight of the wagons in the far distance, he came upon
a clump of scattered rocks, from which suddenly leaped no less than seven Leopards.

THE SEVEN LEOPARDS.

In the hurry of the moment he acted in a very foolish manner, and fired his single-
barrelled gun at the group. Fortunately for himself, the result of the adventure
turned out better than he deserved ; for, instead of springing upon the Boer, who was
quite at the mercy of so formidable a party, the Leopards only started at the report of
the gun, and one or two of them, leaping on their hind legs, clawed at the air as if
they were trying to catch the ball as it sang by their ears.

The illustration is drawn from a sketch made by the narrator of the anecdote.
_ In its own country the Leopard is as crafty an animal as our British fox; and being
aided by its active limbs and stealthy tread, gains quiet admission into many spots
where no less cautious a creature could plant a step without giving the alarm. It is
an inveterate chicken-stealer, creeping by night into the hen-roosts, in spite of the
watchful dogs that are on their posts as sentinels, and destroying in one fell swoop the

166 THE LEOPARD.

entire stock of poultry that happen to be collected under that roof. Even should they
roost out of doors they are no less in danger, for the Leopard can clamber a pole or
tree with marvellous rapidity and with his ready paw strike down the poor bird
before it is fairly awakened.

The following narratives of the Cape Leopard and its capture are taken from the
anecdotes so kindly placed at my disposal by Captain Drayson.

The LEOPARD acts in a very subtle manner, remaining in some unlikely spot near a
village and committing a great amount of havoc before its whereabouts is discovered.
I knew that two Leopards were located in the bush at Natal within half a mile of the
barracks, and yet they were never seen. The disappearance of a dog and a stray pig
were the only indications that they gave to the non-observers of their being in the
vicinity.

I became acquainted with their presence in rather a curious way. Being alone in
the bush one day, as was my usual custom, I sat down under the shade of a dark
Euphorbia, to watch the habits of a chameleon which I had caught. I set him upon
a branch, and saw him try every change of color of which he was capable. At first he
was a dull green, then some spots of brown came over him, and he changed all over
of a brownish tint, when I irritated him with my finger he opened his comical mouth
and gave a gaping sort of hiss, whilst his swivel eyes pointed each in different direc-
tions at the same time.

Suddenly I heard the scream of a buck at a short distance from me ; and concluding
that the animal had been caught in a trap set by the Kaffirs, I grasped my gun, and
pushed through the underwood towards the spot. Before I had gone far the noise
ceased, and when I reached the place whence I conceived it had come, I saw nothing
remarkable ; there was no sign of a buck or of a trap. I therefore examined for
spoor, and found that there had been a scuffle on the ground ; and a few yards from
the sign of blood-spots lay on the leaves, together with small pieces of fur which I rec-
ognized as belonging to a Leopard.

[ followed the trail for some distance, but at length lost it. On several successive
occasions I went over this ground, and always found the spoor of one, and sometimes
of two Leopards, either fresh or a day or two old.

It is a practice of this cunning animal to take up its position near a village, and then
go to the farms of another village quite at a distance, so that its lair shall neither be
suspected nor discovered.

The LEOPARD when seen in its wild state is a most beautiful and graceful animal ;
its motions are easy and elastic, and its agility amazing. Although far inferior to the
tiger in size, strength, and intrepidity, and though it shuns man, it is nevertheless,
when wounded or driven to desperation, a most formidable antagonist. When hunted
with dogs, the Leopard usually takes to a tree, if one should happen to be near. But
to approach him here is a proceeding fraught with danger ; for from this elevated
position he will leap to the ground, and with one spring will be beside his pursuer,
who will then fare badly unless he be sufficiently handy with his gun to kill (not wound)
the animal in its advance. The Leopard usually selects some elevated position from
which to bound upon his prey as it passes underneath.

I have been told by Hottentots and Kaffirs that this animal has the habit of lying
on the ground half concealed by long grass or branches, and then twisting itself
about so as to attract the attention of any antelope which may be near. The Leopard,
being aware that curiosity is one of the failings of the antelope tribe, carries on its
mysterious movements until its victim approaches to investigate what is going on,
when it springs on and kills the weak-minded animal.

It is a well-known fact that the Leopard does a very good business when it devotes
its attention to a herd of baboons. Success in this line speaks well for the Leopard ;
for he must be an adept in stalking who succeeds in surprising and capturing one of
these wide-awake caricatures of humanity. I suspect, however, that the victims are
either the old and infirm, or those reckless youngsters who have not paid sufficient

THE LEOPARD. 167

attention to the instructions which their anxious parents have endeavored to instil
into them.

It may be said, and with some truth, that when hunting and shooting are made the
regular business of life, and more important pursuits neglected, we are merely expend-
ing our abilities and sacrificing our energies upon a frivolous pleasure. These objec-
tions may certainly have some weight when they are directed against those who devote
the whole of their time to mere sporting matters in such a place as England, where field
sports should merely be taken up as a relaxation, and as a means of obtaining exercise
and skill in those affairs which make an individual " more of a man." But these re-
quirements cannot be employed against those who, having a great amount of leisure,
occupy their time in hunting such animals as are to be found in India and Africa, and
of ridding the country of man-eating tigers and lions, destructive Leopards, or other
dangerous and formidable neighbors, — and even when engaged in the pursuit of less
noble game. The African sportsman is either providing himself and his servants with
venison, or is enabled to feed whole families of hungry Kaffirs, who have fasted from
meat for many days.

To shoot or capture a Leopard is therefore useful as well as gratifying, and we shall
be sure when we catch one of these beasts to have the opportunity of punishing either
an old offender or one that is likely to become so.

When the Leopard has committed many deeds of rapine in one locality, he often
appears to think it better to decamp and try some far-removed scene of operations.

A HOUSE some few miles from Natal had been frequently visited by a Leopard, which
had carried off a dog, chickens innumerable, and a pig. To support a Leopard with
so promiscuous and extravagant an appetite was rather unsatisfactory. So the com-
bined intellect of three individuals plotted a trap for this robber, and an old hen was
the bait. Scarcely had the night begun when a great cackling and various sounds of
alarm were heard proceeding from the ancient fowl. She had been fastened on to the
perch by some string, and it would be necessary for the Leopard to pull her off the
perch before he let drop the door of the trap. The ordinary mouse-trap principle had
been adopted, and the top of the cage secured by planks, on each end of which iron
half-hundred weights were placed. The planks were also laid so close together that
there was no room for a paw to be inserted, and the sides of the trap being made of
stout stakes driven some feet into the ground, and lashed together at the top and
bottom, made a very secure prison.

The Leopard was too cunning on the first occasion that he paid this trap a visit, and
would not touch the hen ; but a few nights afterwards he came again, seized the hen,
and became a prisoner. I was told that when first trapped he was furious, and made
the most frantic efforts to escape, trying, but vainly, to force the stakes asunder. Upon
the appearance of a man, he became sullen and quiet, and slunk growling into the
corner of his cage.

I visited him the morning after his capture, and was received with the most villainous
grins and looks. He could not endure being stared at, and tried every plan to hide
his eyes so that he need not see his persecutor. When every other plan failed, he
would pretend to be looking at some distant object, as though he did not notice his
enemy close to him. When I gazed steadily at him he could not keep up this acting
for longer than a minute, when he would suddenly turn and rush at me until he dashed
himself against the bars, and found that he was powerless to revenge himself.

Several Kaffirs who had suffered from his depredations visited him, and exhausted
their abusive vocabulary by the epithets which they hurled at his devoted head. Even
the civilized man finds it difficult to restrain his triumph over a fallen but dreaded
foe, and the savage has no compunction about the matter. Around the cage, there-
fore, the Kaffirs are seated, and address the Leopard in the following terms : —

" You rascally cowardly dog ! you miserable eater of chickens ! so you are caught,
are you ? Do you remember the red and white calf you killed last moon ? That calf
was mine, you coward ! Why didn't you wait until I came with my assagies and
sticks ? But we let you eat it that your skin might be more sleek when you were

1 68

THE BLACK LEOPARD.

killed ! " " Look at my assagy," says another ; " I will strike it into your heart as 1
now do into the ground ! " — (digs assagy deep into the ground several times) — " Ah,
show your teeth, they will make me a necklace, and we will roast your heart ! "

Suddenly, in the middle of their choice address, the Leopard would spring up, rush
at the stakes, and away would fly all the boasting Kaffir warriors.

It was intended to have kept this animal, and shipped it in the bay for Cape Town,
but during the second night it nearly escaped ; and as some days would elapse before
the regular cage could be made, it was found expedient to shoot it. It was a fine an-
imal, in superb condition, and had committed an infinity of mischief in the neighbor-
hood.

I ASSISTED an old Kaffir in building a cage near the Umlass river soon after this,
and one of the largest Leopards I ever saw was captured in a few days. This Leopard
was caged and sent down to Natal, where it brought a good price.

Owing to the stealthy and watchful habits of this creature, it is not often seen, and
although the spoor may show that Leopards are plentiful in a particular locality, it does
not follow that the sportsman will obtain a shot at once. The marks of claws on the
stems of trees, will frequently be seen in those parts of the bush which the Leopard
frequents.

If the hunter expects an encounter with a Leopard, it is a very useful precaution to
bind some leather and woollen stuff round the left hand and arm, so that if an accident
should happen, and the Leopard come to close quarters where the gun could not be
used, this shield would serve to protect the face or body, and a knife or revolver might
then be used with greater chance of success than when the independent arm was being
lacerated by the jaws of -the monster.

Numberless instances are on record which prove the ferocity of the Cape Leopard,
and those who purpose a campaign against Ferae of this description, would do well to
remember that precaution is no indication of an absence of courage, for it frequently
happens that men whose intellects are the densest are incapable of seeing danger,
blunder into peril, and by great good luck blunder out again.

I once caught a man smoking his pipe on the front of a wagon which was loaded
with some hundreds of pounds of powder. On another occasion a gunner of the ar-
tillery carried a burning portfire amongst two dozen or so of loaded shells, whilst he was
looking for the nipper with which to cut off the end. And I also knew a man who
went into a bush to attack a wounded Leopard with an old sword, and who was disabled
for life in consequence of his temerity.

Now, none of these individuals ought to be called wonderfully brave for their pro-
ceedings, they were simply so thick-headed that they did not know how much risk they
ran. A Dutch Boer who lived over the Draakens Berg mountains, and who planned
an attack upon an old man-eater lion, which he followed on foot into a dense kloof,
and which he there shot dead, deserved praise for his courage, as he must have been
well aware of all the risks of the affair, and made his arrangements accordingly. In
leopard, lion, elephant, and buffalo shooting, the accidents usually happen to those
who pretend to despise, and who therefore do not take ordinary precautions.

THE habits of the Indian Leopard are almost identical with those of its African
relative. Equally cautious when caution is necessary, and equally bold when audacity
is needed ; the animal achieves exploits of a similar nature to those which have been
narrated of the African Leopard. The following anecdote is a sample of the mixed
cunning and insolence of this creature.

An ox had been killed, and the joints were hung up in a hut, which was close to a
spot where a sentry was posted. In the evening the sentry gave an alarm that some
large animal had entered the hut. A light was procured and a number of people
searched the several rooms of which the hut was composed, without discovering the
cause of the alarm. They were just about to retire, when one of the party caught

THE BLACK LEOPARD.

169

jight of a Leopard, which was clinging to the thatched roof immediately above the
hooks on which the meat was suspended. No sooner did the animal discover that its
presence was known, than it dropped to the floor, laid about it vigorously with its
claws, and leaping through the doorway, made its escape, leaving several souvenirs of
its visits in various scratches, one of which was inflicted on the sentry who gave the
alarm, and kept him to his bed for several weeks.

The consternation caused by such an attack was very great, and many who escaped
the Leopard's claws, suffered severely from bruises which they received in the general
rush towards the door.

The usual color of the Leopard's fur is a golden-yellow ground, which is thickly
studded with dark rosette-shaped spots. The form of the rosettes and the color of
the fur are by no means uniform.

There are some Leopards whose fur is so very dark as to earn for them the name of
Black Leopard. This is 'probably only a variety, and not a distinct species. Although
at first sight this Leopard appears to be almost uniformly black, yet on a closer in-

BLACK LEOPARD.

spection it is seen to be furnished with the usual pardine spots, which in certain lights
are very evident. There have been often exhibited sundry Leopards of an exceedingly
dark fur, and yet partaking largely of the distinct spottings of the ordinary Leopard.
These were a mixed breed between the Black Leopard and the Leopard of Africa.
The black variety of this animal is found in Java, and has by some authors been con-
sidered as a separate species under the title of " Felis (Leopardus) melas," the latter
word being a Greek term, signifying " black."

The strength of the Leopard is marvellous when compared with its size. One of
these animals crept by night into the very midst of a caravan, seized two wolf-grey-
hounds that were fastened to one of the tent pegs, tore up the peg to which they were
tethered, and although both the dogs were linked together, and were of that powerful
breed which is used for the pursuit of wolves and other fierce game, the Leopard
dragged them clean out of the camp and carried them for some three hundred yards
through dense thorny underwood. A pursuit was immediately set on foot, and the

1 7o THE LEOPARD.

dogs rescued from the daring foe. To one of them aid came too late, for its skull
was literally smashed by a blow from the Leopard's paw. The same animal had sprung
upon and killed a goat which was picketed in the midst of the numerous servants
that accompany an European.

Another Leopard committed an act of audacity which very much resembled the ex-
ploit of the roof-clinging Leopard mentioned on p. 168.

In a native hut some goats were kept, and as night had drawn on, the humane
inhabitants of the hut were beneath the shelter of their own roof. A Leopard which
was prowling about, and was probably attracted either by the bleating or the scent of
the goats, clambered up the low walls of the hut, and tearing away with his claws the
fragile thatch, leaped into the middle of the room. In this ca£e, the Leopard fared
well enough, for the terrified inhabitants were without arms, and as soon as they saw
the unexpected visitor come tumbling through the roof, they hid themselves like so
many lean Falstaffs, in some wicker corn baskets that were standing in the hut, leav-
ing the Leopard to his own devices and in full possession of the ground.

The Leopard has a curious and ingenious habit of obtaining a meal. He pays a
visit to some village, and taking up a convenient post, at some little distance, sets up
a loud and continuous growling.

The pariah dogs, which swarm in every village, present a curious contradiction of
qualities. At the sound of a Leopard's voice they will rush furiously to the spot ut-
tering their yelling barks, as if they meant to eat up the enemy on the spot. But when
they come to close quarters, self-preservation obtains the upper hand, and they run
away as fast as they had appeared, turning again and baying at their foe as soon as
they see that he is not pursuing them. These habits render them of invaluable assistance
to the hunter, who employs the pariah dogs to point out the locality of his fierce
quarry, and to distract its attention when found.

So at the sound of the angry growl, out rush the pariahs towards the spot from
whence the sounds proceeded, yelping as if they would split their throats by the
exertion. To draw the dogs away from the protecting vicinity of man is just the
object of the concealed Leopard, who springs from his hiding-place upon one of the
foremost dogs, and bounds away into the woods with his spoil.

Fond as is the Leopard of well wooded districts, it appears to have a distaste for
trees around which there is no underwood. The long grass jungle which is so favored
by the tiger, is in no way suited to the habits of the Leopard ; so that if the hunter
seeks for tigers, his best chance of success is by directing his steps to the grass jungles,
while, if Leopards are the objects of his expedition, he is nearly sure to find them
among wooded places where the trees are planted among underwood reaching some
seven or eight feet in height.

When a Leopard is " treed," /. <?. driven to take refuge in a tree, it displays great
skill in selecting a spot where it shall be concealed so far as possible from the gazers
below, and even when detected, covers its body so well behind the branches, that it is
no easy matter to obtain a clear aim at a fatal spot. Its favorite arboreal resting
places are at the junction of the larger limbs with the trunk, or where a large bough
gives off several smaller branches. The Leopard does not take to water so readily as
the tiger, and appears to avoid entering a stream unless pressed by hunger or driven
into the water by his pursuers. When fairly in the water, however, the Leopard is a
very tolerable swimmer, and can cross even a wide river without difficulty.

The Leopard has often been tamed, and, indeed, almost domesticated, being
permitted to range the house at will, greatly to the consternation of strange visitors.
This complete state of docility can, however, only take place in an animal which has
either been born in captivity, or taken at so early an age that its savage propensities
have never had time to expand. Even in this case, the disposition of the creature
must be naturally good, or it remains proof against kindness and attention, never losing a
surliness of temper that makes its liberation too perilous an experiment. The very same
treatment by the same people will have a marvellously different effect on two dif-
ferent animals, though they be of the same species, or even the offspring of the same
parents.

THE LEOPARD.

Some years ago, a couple of Leopards, which lived in England, afforded a strong

roof of the innate individuality of these animals. One of them, a male, was always sulky
and unamiable, and never would respond to offered kindnesses. The female, on the
contrary, was most docile and affectionate, eagerly seeking for the kind words and
caresses of her keeper. She was extremely playful, as is the wont of most Leopards,
and was in the habit of indulging in an amusement which is generally supposed to be
the specialty of the monkey tribe. Nothing pleased her so well as to lay her claws
on some article of dress belonging to her visitors, to drag it through the bars of her
cage and to tear it in pieces. Scarcely a day passed that this amusingly mischievous
animal did not entirely destroy a hat, bonnet, or parasol, or perhaps protrude a rapid
paw and claw off a large piece of a lady's dress.

The cubs of the Leopard are pretty, graceful little creatures, with short pointed tails
and spots of a fainter tint than those of the adult animal. Their number is from one
to five. Even in captivity, the Leopard is a most playful animal, especially if in the
society of companions of its own race. The beautiful spotted creatures sport with each
other just like so many kittens, making, with their wild, graceful springs, sudden attacks
upon one companion, or escaping from the assaults of another, rolling over on their
backs, and striking playfully at each other, and every now and then uniting in a general
skirmishing chase over their limited domains.

Even when they are caged together with lions and tigers, their playfulness does not
desert them, and they treat their enormous companions with amusing coolness. I
remember seeing rather a comical example of the sportful propensities which take
possession of the Leopard. Several of the feline race, such as lions, tigers, and
Leopards, were shut up in a rather large cage, and being docile animals, had been
taught some of the usual tricks which are performed by tamed felidae. They jumped
through hoops, or over the keeper's whip, always taking advantage of the barred front
of their den to afford a temporary support in their leaps; they stood on their hind
legs, they rolled on their backs, and opened their huge jaws at the word of command,
and, in fine, went through the established feline accomplishments.

Among the inhabitants of the cage, two were especially conspicuous. One was a
very fine lion, all-glorious in redundant mane and tufted tail, demure and dignified in
movement, — as became the monarch of the predacious animals. The other was a slight,
agile, malapert Leopard, who recked little of dignities, and, so that he could play a
saucy trick, cared nothing for the personal stateliness of the object of his joke.

One day, the imprisoned animals had gone through their several performances with
the usual accompaniments of growls and snarls, when the lion, as if to assert his dignity,
— which had been somewhat chafed by his obedience to the commands of his keeper,
— began to parade up and down the den in a solemn and stately manner, his nose
thrown up, and his tail held perfectly erect, with the tufted tip bending to and fro in a
majestic and condescending manner. The Leopard had, in the meantime, taken up
his post on a little wooden bracket that was hitched over the upper bars of the cage,
and formed a portion of the machinery that was employed in the exhibition. As this
bracket was hooked over the bars of the cage, and the lion was parading in the very
front of the den, it necessarily happened that the perpendicularly held tail, with its
nodding tuft, passed immediately under the little bracket whereon the Leopard had
poised himself in a compact and catlike manner.

Every time the lion passed beneath, the Leopard protruded a ready paw, and hit the
black tip of the lion's tail a rather hard pat. The owner of the aggrieved tail took no
notice of this insult, so the Leopard improved his amusement by lying on the bracket
in such a manner, that both its fore paws were at liberty. As the lion passed and
repassed below the Leopard struck the tail-tuft first to one side, and then to the other, so
that it enjoyed two blows at the lion's tail instead one. The lion, however, disdained
to take the least notice, and the Leopard continued its amusment until the keeper put
an end to the game by entering the cage, and commencing the performances afresh.

There are two titles for this animal ; namely, the Leopard, and Panther, both of
which creatures are now acknowledged to be but slight varieties of the same species.

172

THE OUNCE.

The OUNCE, however, which was once thought to be but a longer haired variety of the
Leopard, is now known to be truly a separate species.

In general appearance it bears a very close resemblance to the leopard, but may be
distinguished from that animal by the greater fulness and roughness of its fur, as vrell
as by some variations in the markings with which it is decorated. From the thickness
of its furry garment, it is supposed to be an inhabitant of more mountainous and
colder districts than the leopard. The rosette-like spots which appear on its body are
not so sharply defined as those of the leopard ; there is a large black spot behind the ears.
The spots exhibit a certain tendency to form stripes, and the tail is exceeding bushy
when compared with that of a leopard of equal size. The general color of the body
is rather paler than that of the leopard, .being a grayish white, in which a slight yellow

OUNCE.— Leopardus Uacia.

tinge is perceptible, and, as is usual, with most animals, the upper parts of the body
are darker than the lower. The Ounce is an inhabitant of some parts of Asia, and
specimens of this fine animal have been brought from the shores of the Persian Gulf.
In size, it equals the ordinary leopard of Asia or Africa.

The feline animals which have hitherto been described belonging to the African and
Asiatic continents, with their neighboring islands. Passing to the New World, we
find the feline races well represented by several most beautiful and graceful creatures,
of which the JAGUAR is the largest and most magnificent example.

Closely resembling the leopard in external appearance, and in its arboreal habits, it
seems to play the same part in America as the leopard in the transatlantic continents.
It is a larger animal than the leopard, and may be distinguished from that animal by
several characteristic differences.

THE JAGUAR.

173

\J"n the first place, the tail is rather short in proportion to the size of its owner, and, when
the animal stands upright, only just sweeps the ground with its tip. Across the breast
of the Jaguar are drawn two or three bold black streaks, which are never seen in the
leopard, and which alone serve as an easy guide to the species. The spots, too, with which
its fur is so liberally studded, are readily distinguishable from those of the leopard by
their shape and arrangement. The leopard spots are rosette-shaped, and their out-
lines are rounded, whereas those of the Jaguar are more angular in their form. But

JAGUAR.-Leopardus Oaca.

the chief point of distinction is found in a small mark that exists in the centre of the
dark spots which cover the body and sides. In many instances, this central mark is
double, and, in order to give room for it, the rosettes are very large in proportion to
those of the leopard. Along the spine runs a line, or chain, of black spots and dashes,
extending from the back of the head to the first foot, or eighteen inches, of the tail.

The color is not quite the same in all specimens. Many Jaguar skins have an
exceedingly rich depth of tinting, and are very highly valued, being worth rather more

174 THE JAGUAR.

than three pounds. They are chiefly used for military purposes, such as the coverings
of officers' saddles in certain cavalry regiments. Sometimes, a black variety of the
Jaguar is found, its color being precisely similar to that of the Black Leopard, men-
tioned on page 169.

The whole fur seems to take the tint of the dark spots, while the spots themselves
are just marked by a still deeper hue. Probably, the cause of this curious difference
in tint may be, that in the blood of the individual Jaguar there exists a larger quantity
than usual of iron, which metal, as is well known, is found to form one of the constitu-
ents of blood. It can be extracted in the metallic form, and resembles very fine sand.
In the human blood, late researches have discovered that the blood of the negro is
peculiarly rich in iron, and it seems but reasonable that a similar cause will account
for the very great variation in the leopard's and Jaguar's fur.

This beautiful animal is familiar to us through the medium of many illustrated works
on natural history, and also on account of the numerous species which have been trans-
mitted to this country. One of these creatures, which was brought to England by Cap-
tain Inglefield, and placed in the collection of the Zoological Gardens, was so gentle
and docile, that it directly controverted the once popular notion that the Jaguar is an
irreclaimable and untameable animal. It was a general pet on the voyage, and, from an
account of its proceedings while on board ship, I am indebted to Captain Inglefield
himself.

The Jaguar was named " Doctor," and was as well acquainted with its name as any
dog. It was at times rather lazy, and loved to lie at full length on deck, and stretch
its limbs to their full extent. It was so perfectly tame that Captain Inglefield was
accustomed to lie down by the side of the spotted favorite, using its body as his pillow.
When the vessel arrived in harbor, and people were anxious to view the Jaguar, the
creature walked to the stable where it was to be exhibited, merely being led by its chain.
It was a remarkable circumstance, that, although the animal was so entirely tame and
gentle towards men, and would let them pull it about in their rough play, it could never
be trusted in the presence of a little child, nor of a dog. In either case, the animal
became excited, and used to stretch its chain to its utmost limit.

Uncooked meat was never permitted in its diet, and, except in one or two instances,
when the animal contrived to obtain raw flesh, it was fed exclusively on meat that had
been boiled. One of these exceptional cases was rather amusing.

At Monte Video, the admiral had signalled for the captains of H. M. ships to come
on board and dine with him. His cook was, of course, very busy on the occasion, and
more especially so, as there was at the time rather a scarcity of fresh provisions. The
steward had been making the necessary arrangements for the entertainment, and came
on board carrying a leg of mutton and some fowls. Just as he stepped on deck, the
Jaguar bounced out of his hiding-place, and, clutching the meat and fowls out of the
steward's hands, ran off with them. The fowls were rescued by the Captain, who got
them away from the robber undamaged, with the exception of their heads, which had
been bitten off and eaten, but the mutton was past reclaiming, and so, to the great
disgust of the cook and steward, the bill of fare had to be altered.

When " Doctor " received his daily food, he used to clutch and growl over it like a
cat over a mouse, but was sufficiently gentle to permit the meat to be abstracted. In
order to take away the animal's food, two men were employed armed with large sticks,
one of whom took his place in front of the Jaguar, and the other in the rear. When
all was arranged, the man in the rear poked " Doctor " behind, and, as he turned
round to see what was the matter, the man in front hooked away the meat with his
stick. However the animal might growl over its food, and snarl at any one who
approached, it would become perfectly quiet and gentle as soon as the cause of anger
was removed.

It was a very playful animal, and was as mischievous in its sport as any kitten,
delighting to find any one who would join in a game of romps, and acting just as a
kitten would under similar circumstances. As the animal increased in size and strength,
its play began to be rather too rough to be agreeable, and was, moreover, productive
of rather unpleasant consequences to its fellow-voyagers. For, as is the custom with

THE JAGUAR. 175

the Jaguar delighted in sticking its talons into the clothes of its human playfellows
and tearing them in a disastrous manner. The creature was so amusing that no one
could resist the temptation of playing with it, and so the evil was remedied by docking
the " Doctor's claws of their sharp points.

" This animal was about two years old when it was brought to England, and died but
very lately. Two years after its arrival, Captain Inglefield went to see his old favorite,
the " Doctor," and found that the Jaguar recognized him in spite of the long interval
of time, and permitted him to pat his head and to open its mouth.

In its native land, the Jaguar ranges the dense and perfumed forests in search of
the various creatures which fall victims to its powerful claws. The list of animals,
that compose its bill of fare is a large and comprehensive one, including horses, deer,
monkeys, capybaras, tapirs, birds of various kinds, turtles, lizards, and fish ; thus com-
prising examples of all the four orders of vertebrated animals. Nor does the Jaguar
confine itself to the vertebrates. Various shell-fish, insects, and other creatures fall
victims to the insatiate appetite of this ravenous animal.

It seems strange that such powerful creatures as horses should be reckoned among
the prey of the Jaguar, for it would seem unlikely that the muscular force of the animal
could be equal to the task of destroying and carrying away so large a quadruped as a
horse. Yet such is truly the case ; and the Jaguars commit infinite havoc among
the horses that band together in large herds on the plains of Paraguay. A Jaguar has
been known to swim across a wide river, to kill a horse, to drag it for some sixty yards
to the water side, to plunge it into the stream, to swim across the river with its prey,
to drag it out of the water after reaching the opposite bank, and, finally, to carry it off
into a neighboring wood. The natives of the country where the Jaguar lives assert
that even when two horses have been fastened to each other, the Jaguar has been known
to kill one of them, and to drag off the living and the dead horse in spite of the strength
of the survivor.

These seem to be marvellous exploits, when the ordinary size of the Jaguar is taken
into consideration. But Humboldt, than who is no better or more trustworthy authority,
says that he has seen a Jaguar, " which in length surpassed that of all the tigers of
India which I had seen in the collection of Europe."

The favorite food of the Jaguar — when he can get it — is the flesh of the various mon-
keys. But to catch a monkey is not the easiest task in the world, and in general can
only be achieved by leaping upon the prey from a place of concealment, or by sur-
prising the monkeys while sleeping. Sometimes it is fortunate enough to get among a
little band of monkeys before they are aware of the presence of the dreaded foe, and
then seizes the opportunity of dealing a few fierce strokes of its terrible paw among
the partly-awakened sleepers, thus dashing them to the ground, whither it descends to
feast at leisure on the ample repast. The fierce hoarse roar of the Jaguar and the
yells of terror that come from the frightened monkeys resound far and wide, and pro-
claim in unmistakable language the deadly work that is going on among the trees.

Peccaries are also a favorite article of diet with the Jaguar, but he finds scarcely less
difficulty in picking up a peccary than in knocking down a monkey . For the little,
active, sharp -tusked peccary is even more swinishly dull than is usual even with its
swinish relatives, and being too thick-headed to understand danger, is a very terrible
antagonist to man or beast. It seems to care nothing for size, weapons, or strength,
but launches itself as fearlessly on a Jaguar or an armed man as on a rabbit or a child.
So, unless the Jaguar can manage quietly to snap up a straggler, he has small chance
with a herd of these warlike little pigs, which, if they caught a Jaguar among them,
would cut him so severely with their lancet-like teeth, that he would ever repent his
temerity, even if he escaped with his life.

One of the easiest animals to obtain is that huge and timid rodent, the capybara,
which is not sufficiently swift of foot to escape by flight, nor agile of limb to bound out
of reach of its enemy, nor furnished with natural arms with which to defend itself
against his assaults. Should it take to the water, and so endeavor to elude pursuit,
the Jaguar is in nowise disconcerted, for he is nearly as familiar with that element as
the capybara itself, and thus seldom fails in securing his prey. When the Jaguar

176

JAGUAR AND MONKEYS.

animal, such as a horse or a deer, it performs its deadly task in a very curious manner.
Leaping from some elevated spot upon the shoulders of the doomed animal, it places one
paw on the back of the head and another on the muzzle, and then, with a single tre-
mendous wrench, dislocates the neck. With smaller creatures, the Jaguar uses no such
ceremony, but with a blow of the paw lays its prey dead at its feet.

With the exception of such animals as the long-tailed lizards, the food of the Jaguar
is of a nature that human hunters would not disdain, and in many instances would meet
the approbation of a professed epicure. Of turtles and their eggs the Jaguar is particularly
fond, and displays great ingenuity and strength in the securing, killing, and eating such
impracticable animals as turtles. Any one who has handled a common land tortoise
would be wofully puzzled if he were ordered to kill that strong mailed creature without

JAGUAR AND MONKEYS.

the aid of tools, and still more bewildered, were his only meal that day to consist of the
flesh that was locked in so hard and impenetrable a covering. As to a huge turtle in the
vigor of active health, scuttling -over the sandy shores, throwing up showers of blinding
dust with its flippers, and ready to snap at an intruder with its sharp-edged jaws ; he
must be a powerful man who would arrest the unwieldy creature in its onward progress
and a very clever one who would make a dinner upon the flesh of the reptile,

Yet the Jaguar contrives to catch, kill, and eat the turtle, displaying in this feat equal
strength and ingenuity.

Watching a turtle as she — for it is generally the female turtles that are made the
Jaguar's prey — walks riverwards, or seawards, as the case may be, after depositing her
eggs under a slight covering of earth, there to be warmed into being by the genial rays of

THE SERVAL.

'77

eggs under a slight covering of earth, there to be warmed into being by the genial
rays of the sun, the Jaguar springs upon the creature as it is slowly making its way to
its familiar element, and with a quick and adroit movement of the paws, turns the turtle
on its back. There the poor reptile lies, helpless, and waiting until its captor is pleased
to consummate his work by killing and eating the animal which he has thus ingeniously
intercepted. The Jaguar needs no saw to cut through the bony shell, nor lever to
separate the upper from the lower portion, nor knife to sever the flesh from the bones,
for his paw stands him in the stead of these artificial instruments, and serves his pur-
pose right well. Tearing away as much as possible of the softer parts that lie by the
tail, the Jaguar inserts his supple paw, armed with its sharp talons, and scoops out, as
neatly as if cut by knives, the flesh together with the vital organs of the devoted chelonian.
The difficulty of this task can only be rightly appreciated by those who have under-
taken a similar task, and have achieved the feat of removing the interior of a tortoise
or turtle without separating the upper and under shells.

The eggs of the turtle are nearly as important to the Jaguar as is the flesh of the
mother turtle herself. After inverting the maternal turtle, the Jaguar will leave her
in her impotent position, and going to the shore, coolly scoop out and devour the soft
leather-covered eggs which she had deposited in the sandy beach in vain hopes of
their seasonable development by the warm sunbeams.

Birds are simply struck down by a single blow of the Jaguar's ready paw ; and so
quick are his movements, that, even if a bird has risen upon the wing, he can often
make one of his wonderful bounds, and with a light, quick stroke, arrest the winged
prey before it has had time to soar beyond his reach. As to the fish, the Jaguar
watches for them at the water side, and as soon as an unfortunate fish happens to
swim within reach of the spotted foe, a nimble paw, with outstretched talons, is sud-
denly thrust forth, and the fish swept out of the water upon dry land.

The Jaguar is quite as suspicious and cautious an animal as any of the Old World
felidae, and never will make an open attack upon man or beast. Should a solitary
animal pass within reach, the Jaguar hesitates not in pouncing upon it ; but if a herd
of animals, or a party of men, should be travelling together, the Jaguar becomes very
cautious, and will dog their steps for many miles, in hopes of securing one of the party
in the act of straggling. If the Jaguar should be very hungry indeed, and unable to
wait patiently, it will yet temper audacity with caution, and though it will, under that
urgent necessity seize one out of the number, it will always choose that individual
which is hindermost, hoping to escape with its prey before the companions can come
to the rescue. A Jaguar has been known to follow the track of travellers for days
together, only daring to show itself at rare intervals.

In the countries where the Jaguar most abounds, many tales are rife respecting the
strength, agility, and audacity of this fierce animal. When the earlier settlers fixed
their rough wooden huts in the recesses of the American forests, the Jaguar was one
of their most persistent and relentless foes. Did they set up a poultry-yard, the Ja-
guar tore open the hen-roosts, and ate the fowls. Did they fill their stables with horses,
the Jaguar broke their necks, and did his best to carry the heavy carcasses to his
forest-home. Did they establish a piggery, the Jaguar snapped up sow and litter ;
and in fine, it was hardly possible to secure their live stock so effectually that it could
not be reached by this ravenous beast. The only resource was to kill the Jaguar him-
self, and so to put an effectual stop to his depredations. But there are many Jaguars
in a district ; and for a term of years, the toil of ridding the country of these fierce
marauders was a most arduous one. However, perseverance and indomitable courage
gained the day at last, and the Jaguars were forced to retire from the habitations of
men, and hide themselves in the thick uncultivated forest land.

The SERVAL, or " Bosch-katte," /. e. " Bush-cat," as it is appropriately termed by the
Dutch colonists of the Cape, is an inhabitant of Southern Africa. It is a very pretty
animal both with regard to the color of its fur and the elegant contour of its body.
The short, puffy tail, however, rather detracts from the general effect of the living
animal. On account of the bold variegations of the Serval's fur, its skin is in great
12

THE PUMA.

request, and finds a ready sale among furriers, who know it by the name of the Tiger-
cat.

The ground color of the Serval's fur is of a bright golden tint, sobered with a wash
of grey. The under portions of the body and the inside of the limbs are nearly white.
Upon this ground are placed numerous dark spots, which occasionally coalesce and
form stripes. In number and size they are very variable. The ears are black, with a
broad white band across them, and from their width at the base, they give the animal a
very quaint aspect when it stands with its head erect.

In disposition, the Serval appears to be singularly docile, and even more playful
than the generality of the sportive tribe of cats. It is not a very large animal, measur-
ing about eighteen inches in height, and two feet in length, exclusive of the tail, which
is ten inches long, and covered with thick, bushy fur.

SERVAL. -Leopart/i/s Servaf.

Few animals have been known by such a variety of names as the PUMA of America.

Travellers have indifferently entitled it the American Lion, the Panther, the Couguar,
the Carcajou (which is an entirely different animal), the Gouazouara, the Cuguacurana,
and many other names besides. For the name of Lion, the Puma is indebted to its
uniform tawny color, so different from the conspicuous streaks and spots which deco-
rate the fur of its congeners. It was entitled a Panther, on account of its pardine
habits, which are almost identical with those of the spotted leopards of both conti-
nents. The word Couguar is a Gallican abbreviation of the Paraguay word Gouazou-
ara ; and then the names Carcajou and Quinquajou are simply instances of mistaken
identity. The Anglo-Americans compromise the matter by calling the creature a
" painter."

It is rather a large animal, but, on account of its small head, appears to be a less
powerful creature than really is the case. The total length of the Puma is about six
feet and a half, of which the tail occupies rather more than two feet. The tip of the
tail is black, but is destitute of the black tuft of long hair which is so characteristic of
the true lion. Its limbs are extremely thick and muscular, as needs be for an animal
whose life is spent almost entirely in climbing trees, and whose subsistence is gained
only by the exercise of mingled activity and force.

GROUP OF PUMAS.

179

GROUP OP PUMAS,

The color of the Puma is an uniform light tawny tint, deeper in some individuals
than in others, and f adi ng into a beautiful grayish-white on the under parts. It is remark-
able that the young Puma displays a gradual change in its fur, nearly in the same way as
has been narrated of the lion cub. While the Puma cubs are yet in their first infancy,
their coat is marked with several rows of dark streaks extending along the back and sides
and also bears upon the neck, sides, and shoulders many dark spots, resembling those of

THE PUMA.

the ordinary leopard. But, as the animal increases in size, the spots fade away, and,
when it has attained its perfect development, are altogether lost in the uniform tawny
hue of the fnr.

Until it has learned from painful experience a wholesome fear of man, the Puma is
apt to be a dangerous neighbor. It is known to track human beings through long dis-
tances, awaiting an opportunity of springing unobservedly upon ~a heedless passer-by.
A well-known traveller in American forest lands told me candidly, that he always ran
away from " Grizzlys," /. e. grizzly bears, but that " Painters were of no account." He
said that as long as a traveller could keep a Puma in sight, he need fear no danger from
the animal, for that it would not leap upon him as long as its movements were watched.

Even in those rare instances where the Puma, urged by fierce hunger, issued boldly
from the dark leafage of the woods, and ventured to track the very pathway that was
trodden by the travellers, there was yet no real danger. The Puma would cifeep
rapidly towards the party, and would, in a short time, approach sufficiently near to
make its fatal spring. But if one of the travellers faced sharply on the crawling animal,

PUMA.— Leopardus Concolor.

and looked it full in the face the beast was discomfited at once, and slowly retreated,
moving its head from side to side, as if trying to shake off the influence of that calm
steady gaze to which it had never been accustomed, and which was a positive terror to the
rapacious animal. A caged leopard has displayed a similar uneasiness at a fixed gaze
of a spectator, and has finally been so quelled that in its restless walk it dared not
turn its face towards its persecutor.

Although it is not an object of personal dread to the civilized inhabitants of the
forest lands, the Puma is a pestilent neighbor to the farmer, committing sad havoc
among his flock and herds, and acting with such consummate craft, that it can seldom
be arrested in the act of destruction, or precluded from achieving it. No less than
fifty sheep have fallen victims to the Puma in a single night. It is not, however, the
lot of every Puma to reside in the neighborhood of such easy prey as pigs, sheep, and
poultry, and the greater number of these animals are forced to depend for their sub-
sistence on their own success in chasing or surprising the various animals on which
they feed. As is the case with the jaguar, the Puma is specially fond of the capybara
and the peccary, and makes a meal on many smaller deer than even the latter animal.

THE YAGOUARONDI.

181

Such creatures as are unfortunate enough to please the taste of the Puma, are nearly
always taken by surprise, and struck down before they are even aware of the vicinity of
their tawny foe. The Puma loves to hide upon the branches of trees, and from that
eminence to launch itself upon the doomed animal that may pass within reach of its active
leap and its death-dealing paw.

While thus lying upon the branches, the creature is almost invisible from below, as
its fur harmonizes so well with the brown bark which covers the boughs, that the one can
scarcely be distinguished from the other. Even when imprisoned within the limits of a
cage, where the eye has no great range of objects for inspection, the Puma will often lie
so closely pressed against a shelf, or flattened upon the thick boughs which are placed
in its cell, that the cage appears at first sight to be empty, even though the spectator
may have come to it with the express object of inspecting the inhabitants. It may there-
fore be easily imagined how treacherous a foe the Puma may be when ranging at will
among the countless trees of an American forest.

The flesh of this animal is said, by those who have made trial of it, to be a pleasant
addition to the diet scale, being white, tender, and of good flavor. When taken young,

YAGOUARONDI. —Leopardus Yagouarondi.

the Puma is peculiarly susceptible of domestication, and has been known to follow its
master just like a dog. The hunters of the Pampas are expert Puma slayers, and achieve
their end either by catching the bewildered animal with a lasso, and then galloping off
with the poor creature hanging at the end of the leather cord, or by flinging the celebrated
bolas — metal balls or stones fastened to a rope — at the Puma, and laying it senseless
on the ground with a blow from the heavy weapon.

The Puma is not the only example of a pardine animal which is destitute of the usual
pardine spots and stripes.

The YAGOUARONDI possesses a fur of a nearly uniform color, without either spots or
streaks. Its color is rather a variable brown, sometimes charged with a deep black
tinge, and sometimes dashed with a slight freckling of white. When the animal is angry,
the white grizzly tinge becomes more conspicuous than when its temper is undisturbed.
The reason for this curious change of hue is, that each hair is alternately dark and
white, the tips being all black. If, therefore, the Yagouarondi is in a placid humor,

182

THE OCELOT.

its fur lies closely to the body, and only presents its black surface to the eye* But if it
is excited, and sets up its fur after the manner of an angry cat, the white markings of
the hair immediately become visible. It is said to be a very savage animal when wild.
It is a native of Guiana, and several specimens have been brought to this country.

The MARBLED CAT partakes more of the proverbial pardine spotted character than
either of the two preceding animals, and although not so finely marked as the beautiful
Ocelots, or Tiger Cats, possesses a fur prettily diversified with dark spots upon a light
ground. The ground of the fur is generally of a grayish tawny, on which are scattered
many spots, not so sharply defined as those of the leopard, or the Tiger Cats. It is an
inhabitant of Malacca.

MARBLED CAT.— Lcopardus Marmoratus.

MANY of the members of the large genus Leopardus, are classed together under the
title of Ocelots, or, more popularly, of Tiger Cats. They are all most beautiful
animals, their fur being diversified with brilliant contrasts of a dark spot, streak, or dash
upon a lighter ground, and their actions filled with easy grace and elegance.

The common OCELOT is a native of the tropical regions of America, where it is found
in some profusion. In length it rather exceeds four feet, of which the tail occupies a
considerable portion. Its height averages eighteen inches. The ground color of the fur
is a very light grayish-fawn, on which are drawn partially broken bands of a very deep
fawn-color, edged with black, running along the line of the body. The band that extends
along the spine is unbroken. On the head, neck, and the inside of the limbs, the bands
are broken up into spots and dashes, which are entirely black, the fawn tint in their
centre being totally merged in the deeper hue ; the ears are black, with the exception of
a conspicuous white spot upon the back and near the base of each ear. Owing to the
beauty of the fur, the Ocelot skin is in great request for home use and exportation, and
is extensively employed in the manufacture of various fancy articles of dress or luxury.

In its habits the Ocelot is quick, active, and powerful, proving itself at all points a
true leopard, although but in miniature.

THE OCELOT.

183

It is sufficiently fierce in its wild state to be an unchancy opponent if wounded or
otherwise irritated. When in captivity, its temper seems rather capricious, depending in
all probability on the individuality of the animal, or the treatment of its keepers. Some
of these creatures are always fierce and surly, setting up a savage growl when any one
approaches their cage, spitting at the visitor like an angry cat, and striking sharp, quick
blows with the paws. Others, again, are as quiet and well-behaved as the generality
of domestic cats, like to be noticed, and, if they think that the visitor is about to pass
by their cage without recognizing them, call his attention by a gracious purr, and rub-
bing themselves against the bars. They will even offer themselves to be stroked and
patted, and will bow their heads, just as a cat does on feeling the touch of a friendly hand.

The GRAY OCELOT is so called on account of the comparatively light hue of the fur.
The spots are not quite so numerous nor so bold as in the preceding animal, and the
throat is remarkable for its whitish-gray tint, unbroken by spots or streaks. All these
creatures are found in tropical America.

The Ocelot soon learns to distinguish friends from foes, and can easily be brought to
a state of partial tameness.

Several of these animals, when I first made their acquaintance, were rather crabbed
in disDOsition, snarled at the sound of a strange step, growled angrily at my approach,

OCELOT.— Leopard us Pttrdalis.

and behaved altogether in a very unsocial manner, in spite of many amicable over-
tures. After awhile, I saw that these creatures were continually and vainly attempting
the capture of certain flies which buzzed about the cage. So I captured a few large
blue-bottle flies, and poked them through a small aperture in the cage, so that the
Ocelot's paw might not be able to reach my hand. At first, the Ocelots declined to
make any advances in return for the gift, but they soon became bolder, and at last freely
took the flies as fast as they were caught. The ice was now broken, and in a very
short time we were excellent friends, the angry snarl being exchanged for a compla-
cent purr, and the suspicious shrinking movements for a quiet and composed demeanor.

The climax to their change of character was reached by giving them a few leaves of
grass, for which they were, as I thought they would be, more anxious than for the flies.
They tore the green blades out of my hand, and retired to their sleeping-house for the
purpose of eating the unaccustomed dainty undisturbed. After this they were quite
at their ease, and came to the front of the cage whenever I passed.

Every one who has watched the habits of the domestic cat must have noticed how
thankful she seems for a few leaves of grass. It is curious that a carnivorous animal
should be so impelled by instinct as to turn for a time to vegetable food, and to become
for the nonce, a herbivorous creature. Dogs, it is well known, will resort to the same
plant, and appear to use in a medicinal point of view.

184

THE PAINTED OCELOT.

GRAY OCELOT.— Leopard us Griseus.

The eye of the Ocelot is a pale yellowish brown, and tolerably full, with the linear
pupil that is found in the smaller felidae.

There are several species of these pretty and agile animals, among which the most
conspicuous are the common, the gray, and painted Ocelots, and the Margay, or
Marjay, as it is sometimes called. The habits of these animals are very similar.

In its native woods, the Ocelot seeks its food, chiefly among the smaller mammalia
and birds, although it is sufficiently powerful to attack and destroy a moderately sized
monkey. The monkeys it can chase into the tree branches, being nearly as expert
a climber as themselves but, as it cannot follow the birds into their airy region, it is
forced to match its cunning against their wings. As is often done by the domestic cat,
the Ocelot can spring among a flock of birds as they rise from the ground, and, leaping
into the air, strike down one of them with its rapid paw. But its chief method of ob-
taining birds is by concealing itself among the branches of a tree, and suddenly knock-
ing them over as they come and settle unsuspiciously within reach of the hidden foe.

PAINTED OCELOT.— Leopardus.

The PAINTED OCELOT resembles the preceding animal in the general aspect of its
fur, but is marked in a richer manner.

The spots are more numerous, closer together, and more uniform than those of the
common Ocelot. The black markings of the tail are of a very deep hue indeed, and oc-
cupy a large portion of that member. The throat is grayish white, with one or two very

THE MARGAY.

'85

bold black streaks drawn upon it, extending towards the shoulders. These streaks are
branch-like in form, and are very clearly defined. The spots that run along the spine
are solid, and of a deep velvety black.

When in captivity, the Ocelot seems to prefer birds and rabbits, or similar creatures,
to any other food, and is able to strip the feathers from the bird before it begins its
meal. The head appears to be its favorite morsel, and, with the head, the Ocelot gen-
erally commences its meal. The reader may remember that the jaguar, mentioned on
page 174, had decapitated the fowls which it had snatched from the steward, and had
eaten their heads before they could be reclaimed.

The MARGAY is a very handsome example of the Tiger Cats. The tail is rather
more bushy towards the tip than those of the preceding animals, and the spottings are
hardly so apt to run into hollow streaks or links. It will be observed that the spots
are small and numerous towards the hind quarters.

MARQAY.— teopanfus

It is, when caught young and properly treated, a very docile and affectionate animal,
although it has been slanderously described as a wholly untameable and ferocious beast.
Mr. Waterton mentions, in one of his essays on natural history, that when he was in
Guiana he possessed a Margay which had been captured by a negro while still a kitten.
It was nurtured with great care, and became so fond of its master that it would follow
him about like a dog. Against the rats which inhabited the house, this Margay waged
incessant war, creeping about the staircase in search of the destructive rodents, and
pouncing with unerring aim on any rat that was unfortunate enough to make its appear-
ance from out of its hiding-place behind the casements.

With an instinctive knowledge of rats and their habits, the Margay was accustomed
to choose the closing hours of day as its best hunting time. The creature's assistance
in rat-killing was most useful, for, during the owner's absence, the rats had gained
entrance to his house, and, finding no one there to oppose their devices, took posses-
sion, and roamed about the rooms at their own will. Thirty-two doors had been gnawed
through by the chisel-edged teeth of the rats, and many of the valuable window-frames
had suffered irreparable damage from these long-tailed pests.

i86 THE RIMAU-DAHAN.

THE very handsome animal which is known by the name of Rimau-dahan, or more
popularly as the Clouded or Tortoiseshell Tiger, was, until comparatively late years, a
stranger to this country. One of the first specimens which visited England was
exhibited for some time in a travelling menagerie, where it died. So indifferent or so
ignorant were its proprietors, that after its death no trace was found of this unique
animal, excepting a tradition that its hide had been cut up for the purpose of making
caps for the keepers.

The spots and marks which cover the fur of the Rimau-dahan are so very irregular in
shape and arrangement that a detailed description is almost impossible. Some of the
patches are nearly oval, some are angular, some are particularly open, while others are
enclosed within a well-defined dark edging. There are stripes like those of the tiger,
solid spots. like those of the leopard, hollow spots resembling those of the jaguar, and
large black-edged spots like those of the ocelots. The black has a peculiarly rich and
velvety appearance.

The ground color of the fur is gray, tinged with brown, and however the other mark-
ings may vary, there are always two bold uninterrupted bands of velvety-back run-
ning along the entire length of the animal, beginning at the back of the head, and only
ending at the root of the tail. The tail itself is covered with dark rings, which contrast
well with the very light ground of the fur. The hair is rather long, and beautifully fine
in its texture. Altogether, the Rimau-dahan, although so large an animal, bears a close
resemblance to the Marbled Cat, which has already been mentioned on page 182.

It seems to be a gentle animal, in despite of its size and strength, which are greater
than those of the ocelots, and nearly approaches the tiger and leopard in those qualities.
Two specimens, which were in the possession of Sir S. Raffles, were exceedingly well-
behaved and playful animals, courting notice like petted cats, and rolling over on their
backs the better to enjoy the caresses of those who would pat or stroke their beautiful
soft fur. Nor did they confine their sportful propensities to human companions. One
of them, while on board ship, struck up a great friendship for a little dog that was its
co-voyager, and used to gambol with its diminutive playfellow in the most considerate
manner, taking great care to do no damage through its superior strength and size.
While on board, it was fed chiefly on fowls, and generally used to extract a little amuse-
ment out of its dinner before it proceeded to the meal. When it received the fowl,
it was accustomed to pounce upon the dead bird just as if it had been a living one and
tear it to suck the blood. It would then toss the bird about for hours, just as a cat tosses
a mouse, tumbling over it, and jumping about it, and, after it had thus amused itself
for an hour or so, would at last condescend to eat its feathered toy.

The natives of Sumatra, where it is found, assert that it is by no means a savage
animal, and that it generally restricts it depredations to the smaller deer and to birds.
In the latter category are comprised the domesticated poultry, among which the Rimau-
dahan is apt to make sad havoc. The curious name which is given to this animal is
of native formation, and has been given to the creature on account of its arboreal pro-
pensities. It is said to spend much of its time upon the tree branches, and to lie in
wait for its prey, crawling along a bough, with its head resting in the fork of the
branches. The word " Dahan," or " Dayan," signifies the forked portion of a bough.

If the physiognomy of an animal is to be any test of its mental qualities, the Rimau-
dahan is in truth — for a wild feline — a most gentle and forbearing creature. Its head is
small in proportion Ito the body, and there is a very mild and pleasant expression in its
countenance. It is not a very common animal, and even in its own land is not very
often found. The southern portions of Sumatra are the localities which are most ap-
proved by this beautiful creature.

The tail of the Clouded Tiger is peculiarly capable of that curious expansion which
is so familiar to us in the domestic cat when she is either very much pleased or very
much irritated. Its limbs, although apparently rather short in proportion to the dimen-
sions of the body, are very thick and powerful ; and altogether, the Rimau-dahan pre-
sents the appearance of an animal which, if it chose to take up the offensive, might be
a truly fearful foe.

An allied species, named popularly the TORTOISESHELL or SMALLER CLOUDED TIGER
and scientifically termed Leopardtis Macroceloides, is found in the same locality as the

THE COLOCOLO.

187

Rimau-dahan. It possesses many of the properties which belong to its larger rela-
tive, and is equally fond of climbing up, or resting on, the branches of trees.

A very fine and healthy specimen of this animal is at present in the Zoological
Gardens, and is always attractive to visitors whenever it will venture from its straw
couch. On the thick branches which are placed in its cage this leopard loves to re-
pose, and sometimes assumes the strangest, and apparently the most uncomfortable,
attitudes. Lately, I saw the creature lying at full length on a nearly horizontal pole,
its right cheek pillowed on the bar, and all its four legs hanging down at each side of
the pole. It was, in fact, lying astride the bar with all four legs at once.

RIMAU-DAHAN.- Leopardus Macracedus.

IF the rimau-dahan be a gentle and quiet animal, it finds its contrast in the smaller,
but more ferocious, creature, the COLOCOLO. The color of this creature is almost
wholly gray, with the exception of the under parts of the body, the throat, and inside
of the limbs, which are white. Black streaks, occasionally diversified with a deep
tawny hue, are drawn at intervals over the body and limbs ; the legs are of a darker
gray than the rest of the body, and the tail is covered with a series of partial black
rings, which extend only half way round that member. These black stripes are almost
invariably edged with a deep tawny hue, and, on the shoulders, flanks, and thighs,
they are entirely tawny. The legs themselves are darker than the rest of the body,
being of a very deep gray. In size, the Colocolo equals or surpasses the ocelots, and,
to judge from collateral evidence, is a terrible enemy to the animals among which it
lives.

A specimen of this creature was shot on the banks of a river in Guiana by an officer
of rifles, who stuffed it, and placed the skin to dry on the awning of his boat. As the

1 88

THE COLOCOLO.

vessel dropped down the river, it passed under overhanging boughs of large trees, on
which rested numerous monkeys. Generally, when a boat passes along a river, the
monkeys which inhabit the trees that border its banks display great curiosity, and run
along the boughs so as to obtain as close a view as possible of the strange visitant.
Before the Colocolo had been killed, the passage of the boat had been attended as
usual by the inquisitive monkeys, but when the stuffed skin was exhibited on the awn-
ing the monkeys were horribly alarmed, and, instead of approaching the vessel as they
had before done, trooped off with prodigious yells of terror and rage. From this uni-
versal fear which the sight of the animal occasioned to the monkeys, it may be con-
jectured that the Colocolo, like the jaguar, the puma, and the ocelots, is in the habit
of procuring its food at the cost of the monkey tribes.

The head of this animal is peculiarly flat and broad, and the ears are large and
rounded. In its general aspect, it bears a slight resemblance to the contour of the
serval.

COLOCOLO.— Leopardus ferox.

THE pretty cat-like Leopard, which is known by the name of KUICHUA, is an inhab-
itant of Brazil, where it appears to be of very rare occurrence. It is chiefly remark-
able for its beautiful tail, which, as will be seen from the engraving, is extremely long,
very bushy, and boldly marked with black semi-rings upon an ochery-gray ground.
The markings of the body are variable, as is the case with most of the Leopards,
sometimes falling into solid or hollow spots, and sometimes coalescing until they form
interrupted streaks. The face of the Kuichua is very short, and the neck long and
thin. The very appropriate name, Macrourus, is a compound of two Greeks words,
signifying long-tailed.

ALTHOUGH so gentle in its demeanor when domesticated as to have earned for itself
the name of " Mitis" or " placid," the Chati is, when wild, a sufficiently destructive
animal. It is not quite so large as the ocelots, with which creatures it is a compatriot.

The color of the Chati resembles that of the leopard, only is paler in general hue.
The dark patches that diversify the body are very irregular — those which run along the
back are solid, and of a deep black, while those which are placed along the sides have
generally a deep fawn-colored centre. Towards the extremity of the tail, the spots change

THE CHATI.

189

KUICHUA.— Leopardus Macrourus.

into partial rings, which nearly, but not quite, surround the tail. All specimens, how-
ever, are not precisely alike, either in the color or the arrangement of the markings, but
those leading characteristics which have just been mentioned may be found in almost
every individual.

CHATI.-Z.eo/wmfus Mltls.

When at large in its native woods, it wages incessant and destructive warfare against
small quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being its favorite prey. The Chati
is a vexatious and expensive neighbor to any one who may keep fowls, for it seems to like

190

THE PAMPAS CAT.

nothing so well as a plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the henroost. It is so
active and lithe an animal that it can climb over any palisade, and insinuate itself through
a surprisingly small aperture ; and it is so wary and cautious in its nocturnal raids, that
it generally gives no indication of its movements but that which is left next morning
by the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked with blood-spots.

During the day it keeps itself closely hidden in the dark shades of the forests, sleeping
away its time until the sun has set, and darkness reigns over its world. It then awakes
from its slumber, and issues forth upon its destructive quest. On moonlight nights, how-
ever, it either stays at home, or confines its depredations to the limits of its native woods,
never venturing near the habitations of man. Stormy and windy nights are the best
adapted for its purpose,' as it is sheltered from sight by the darkness, and from hearing,
by the rushing wind, which drowns the slight sounds of its stealthy footsteps. On
such nights it behoves the farmer to keep a twofold watch, and see well to his doors
and windows, or he may chance to find an empty henroost in the morning.

In two years, no less than eighteen of these animals were caught by a land-owner
within a space of five miles round his farm, so that their numbers must be truly great.
They do not congregate together, but live in pairs, each pair seeming to appropriate its
own hunting-ground.

In captivity it is a singularly gentle, and even affectionate, animal, possessed of most
engaging habits, and full of pretty graceful tricks. One of these creatures, which was
captured by the above-mentioned land-owner, became so entirely domesticated that it
was permitted to range at liberty. But, although so gentle and tractable towards its
owner that it would sleep on the skirts of its master's gown, its poultry-loving habits
were too deeply implanted to be thoroughly eradicated, and it was quietly destructive
among his neighbors' fowls. This propensity cost the creature its life, for the irritated
farmers caught it in the very deed of robbing their hen-roosts, and killed it on the
spot.

The native name for the Chati is Chibiguazu. It was found by experimenting on the
captured Chatis, that the flesh of cats and of various reptiles was harmful to their con-
stitution. Cat's-flesh gave them a kind of a mange, which soon killed them, while that
of snakes, vipers, and toads caused a continual and violent vomiting, under which they
lost flesh and died. Fowls however, and most birds, were ravenously devoured, being
caught by the head, and killed by a bite and a shake. The Chatis always stripped the
feathers from the birds before beginning to eat them.

FROM the shorter heads, and other characteristics of the last few animals, it will be
seen that we are rapidly approaching that type of the feline nature with which we are so
familiar in the domestic cat. The PAMPAS CAT might easily be mistaken for a rather
large domestic cat which had run at large for some time, and assumed the fierce, suspi-
cious demeanor of the wild animal.

Its general color is a yellowish gray, something like the tint which we call " sandy,"
when it belongs to the fur of a domestic cat or the scalp of a human being. The body
is covered with numerous brown stripes, admixed with yellow, which run at a very small
angle with the line of the body. On each side of the face two bold streaks are drawn
from the eye over the cheeks, the lower stripe running round the neck, and uniting with
the corresponding stripe of the opposite side. Two or three dark streaks appear across
the upper portion of the legs. The depth of tint appears to be variable in different in-
dividuals, and the markings present slight discrepancies.

The fur of the Pampas Cat is extremely long, some of the hairs reaching a length of
five inches. The tail is not very long, is well covered with bushy hair, and is devoid of
the ring-like markings which are found in the same member in the ocelots.

The natives of Buenos Ayres and its vicinity name the Pampas Cat " Gato Pajero," the
former word signifying a cat, and the latter being formed from the Spanish term " paja,"
or straw. It is so called because it frequents the jungles or reeds, and by the English
residents is often termed the Jungle Cat. It is spread over a very large space of country,
being found on the whole of the Pampas which are spread on the eastern side of South
America, a range of some fourteen hundred miles. The food of the Pampas Cat consists

THE EGYPTIAN CAT.

191

chiefly of the moderately sized rodents which inhabit the same country in great pro-
fusion, and it is by no means so dangerous a foe to poultry as the ocelots or the chati.
The length of the animal, inclusive of the tail, is rather more than three feet, the tail
occupying about eleven inches. Its height, when adult, is rather more than a foot.

EXCEPTING for a certain upright and watchful carriage of the ears, the EGYPTIAN CAT
has a very domestic look about it.

This animal is supposed to be the species which was so honored by the ancient
Egyptians, that they refused to attack an invading army which bore a number of Cats
in their front rank; and even when their land was in possession of the hostile force,
the people rose like one man, and demanded the life of a soldier who had killed one
of these sacred animals. So deeply were these ideas implanted in their minds, and so
determinately did they persist in their demand, that the invading general yielded to
their religious enthusiasm, and actually delivered the unwitting offender into their hands.

The Egyptian Cat was not only honored and protected during its lifetime, but even
after death it received funeral honors such as only fall to the lot of distinguished or
wealthy personages.

PAMPAS C\T.—Leoyardus Pageros.

There were several methods of embalming in use among the Egyptians, by which
the bodies of the dead were for a time, withheld from the natural and beneficial process
of decay, only to yield to its power a few hundred years later. Of these modes, only
the most elaborate has left its records on the still existing bodies of the mighty dead.
The carcass of the plebeian might be drenched and soaked in the antiseptic mixture,
and so be preserved for a time. But it was the privilege for kings and rulers alone to
have their bodies imbued with costly drugs and sweet spices, and to lie unchanged in
their tombs for thousands of years, until their mummied remains were removed from
their long repose, and exhibit to the public gaze of a people who, in their own royal
time, were but a race of naked savages. The privilege which was denied to the work-
man was granted to his Cat, and we have in this country many specimens of mummied
Cats, their bodies swathed, bandaged, and spiced in the most careful manner, partak-
ing of this temporary immortality with a Rameses or a Pharaoh.

192

THE WILD CAT.

The species of Cat which was thus glorified by these ghastly honors of the charnel-
house, is the animal which is represented in the engraving. It is supposed to be the
original stock from which descended the race of domestic Cats which found their
home by the Egyptian's hearth, and were so piously cherished by that strange, intel-
lectual, inexplicable people. It is indigenous to Nubia, and has been found on the
western side of the Nile, inhabiting a district which was well furnished with brush-
wood, and broken up into rocky ground.

The general color of this animal is something like that of the Pampas Cat, but not
so clear or bright, as a brownish-gray tint is washed over the white portions. On the
back, the color is deeper than on the remainder of the body. The under portions of
the body and inside of the limbs are a grayish-white, the gray disappearing under the
throat and about the cheeks, leaving those parts of a pure white. Many streaks and
dashes of black, or ochry-yellow, are spread over the body and limbs, two of the lighter
stripes, encircling the neck. Its eye is bright golden yellow.

The Egyptian Cat is about the size of an ordinary domestic cat, being nine or ten
inches in height, and two feet five inches in length ; the tail is about nine inches long

EGYPTIAN CAT.— Fells Maniculata.

FEW of the Felidae are so widely spread, or so generally known as the WILD CAT.
It is found not only in this country, but over nearly the whole of Europe, and has been
seen in Northern Asia, and Nepaul.

In England the Wild Cat is almost extinct, having been gradually exterminated by
civilization and the conversion of forests and waste land into arable ground. It now
very seldom occurs that a real Wild Cat is found even in an English forest, for the
creature appears to be driven gradually northwards, finding its last fortress among the
bleak and barren ranges of the Scottish hills. In Scotland it still lingers, but its
numbers seem to diminish rapidly, and the time is not very far distant when the Wild
Cat will be as entirely extinct as the wolf.

It is true that many so-called Wild Cats are found in the snares set by the game-keeper
to protect the pheasants, hares, and patridges under his charge, but in ninety-nine
cases out of every hundred, these captured robbers are nothing more than domesticated
cats which have shaken off the trammels of their civilization, and have taken to a savage

THE WILD CAT.

'93

WILD CAT.— Fells Catus.

life in the bush. Even tame and petted Cats have been known to take to poaching, and
to bring to their owner a daily pheasant or partridge. There are few more dangerous foes
to game than the domestic Cat, and the Wild Cat gets the credit of its misdeeds.

Whether the Wild Cat be the original progenitor of our domestic Cat is still a mooted
point, and likely to remain so, for there is no small difficulty in bringing proofs to bear
on such a subject. It is certain that if such be the case, the change from savage to
domestic life must be of very long standing, for it is proved that certain distinctions
between the Wild and domestic Cat are found in full force, even though the domestic Cat
may have taken to a wild life for many a year. There are several points of distinction
between the Wild and the domestic Cat ; one of the most decided differences being found
in the shape and comparative length of their tails.

As may be seen from the accompanying figure, the tails of
the two animals are easily distinguished from each other. The
upper figure represents the tail of the domestic Cat, which
is long, slender, and tapering, while the lower represents
the tail of the Wild Cat, which is much shorter and more bushy.
Now it is proved that, even if several domestic Cats have
escaped into the woods and there led a sylvan life, their long
tapering tails have been transmitted to their posterity through
many successive generations, in spite of their wild and maraud-
ing habits.

The color of the Wild Cat is more uniform than that of the domestic animal, and is
briefly as follows :

The ground tint of the fur is a yellowish, or sandy gray, diversified with dark streaks
drawn over the body and limbs in a very tigrine manner. These stripes run, as do those
of the tiger, nearly at right angles with the line of the body and limbs, so that the
creature has been termed, with some justice, the British Tiger. A very dark chain of
streaks and spots runs along the spine, and the tail is thick, short, and bushy, with a
black tip, and many rings of a very dark hue. The stripes along the ribs and on the legs

CAT'S TAILS.

94 THE WILD CAT.

are not so dark nor so clearly defined as those of the spine. The tail is barely half the
length of the head and body. The fur is tolerably long and thick, and when the animal
is found in colder regions, such as some parts of Germany and Russia, the fur is
peculiarly long and thick.

In the wilder and less cultivated parts of Scotland, the Wild Cat is still found, and is
as dangerous and enemy to the game of Scotland as is the ocelot to that of tropical
America.

The amount of havoc which is occasioned by these creatures is surprising. Mr.
Thompson mentions, in his Notes on the Mammalia of Ireland, that a gamekeeper had
frequently noticed certain grouse feathers and other debris lying about a " water-break "
which lay in his beat, and had more than once come upon some of the birds lying with-
out their heads, but otherwise in such excellent condition that they were taken home
and served at table. Suspecting the Wild Cat to be the culprit, he set a trap, and cap-
tured two of these animals, an old and a young one.

Here, again, is exhibited the strange predilection which the Cat tribe seem to feel for
the heads of the creatures on which they feed. No less than five grouse were dis-
covered at the same time lying headless on the ground, and it is probable that their
destroyers would have contented themselves with the heads only ; and, like the blood-
sucking tiger mentioned on p. 159, would have killed victim after victim for the sole
purpose of feasting upon their heads. The keeper expected to secure one or two more
of these feline marauders, for the young Wild Cats remain with their parents until they
are full grown and able to take upon themselves the cares of wedded life.

The Wild Cat is said by some naturalists to be indigenous to Ireland, but is denied
that honor by others. In Maxwell's " Wild Sports of the West " are several anecdotes
of a fierce savage breed of Cats running wild, and depopulating the rabbit-warrens sadly.
One of these animals, which was killed after a severe battle, was of a dirty-gray color,
double the size of the common house Cat, and its teeth and claws more than porportion-
ately larger. This specimen was a female, which had been traced to a burrow under a
rock, and caught in a rabbit-net. With her powerful teeth and claws she tore her way
through the net, but was gallantly seized by the lad who set the toils. Upon him she
turned her energies, and -bit and scratched in a most savage style until she was
despatched by a blow from a spade. The wounds which she inflicted were of
so severe a character that lock-jaw was threatened, and the sufferer was sent to an
hospital.

Besides these huge Wild Cats, which may, in all probability, be the true Felis Catus,
there are many house Cats which run away from their rightful home, and, taking up
their residence in the rabbit-warren, are as formidable enemies to rabbits and poultry as
those of the larger kind. No less than five males were caught at one time in an
outhouse, penned up until the morning, and then shot ; after which execution the
neighboring warren largely increased its population.

The Wild Cat takes up its residence in rocky and wooded country, making its home
in the cleft of a rock or the hollow of some aged tree, and issuing from thence upon its
marauding excursions. It has even been known to make its domicile in the nest of
some large bird. It is rather a prolific animal, and, were it not kept within due bounds
by such potent enemies as the gun and the snare, would rapidly increase in numbers.
As it is, however, the Wild Cat yields to these foes, and slowly, but surely, vanishes
from the land. The number of its family is from three to five, or even six. The female
is smaller than the male.

In total length, an adult male Wild Cat is about three feet, of which the tail occupies
nearly a foot. This does not seem to be a very considerable length, as there are dom-
estic Cats which equal or even exceed these dimensions ; but it must be remembered
that the tail of the Wild Cat is much shorter than that of the domestic animal.

Of the fiery energy which actuates this animal when attacked and roused to fury, the
following extract from St. John's " Highland Sports " will give an excellent idea : —

" The true Wild Cat is gradually becoming extirpated, owing to the increasing pre-
servation of game ; and, though difficult to hold in a trap, in consequence of its great

THE WILD -CAT. 195

strength and agility, he is by no means difficult to deceive, taking any bait readily, and
not seeming to be as cautious in avoiding danger as many other kinds of vermin. In-
habiting the most lonely and inaccessible ranges of rock and mountain, the Wild Cat is
seldom seen during the daytime ; at night, like its domestic relative, he prowls far and
wide, walking with the same deliberate step, 'making the same regular and even track,
and hunting its game in the same tiger-like manner ; and yet the difference between the
two animals is perfectly clear and visible to the commonest observer. The Wild Cat
has a shorter and more bushy tail, stands higher on her legs in proportion to her size,
and has a rounder and coarser look about the head.

The strength and ferocity of the Wild Cat, when hemmed in or hard pressed, are
perfectly astonishing. The body when skinned presents quite a mass of sinew and
cartilage.

I have occasionally, though rarely, fallen in with these animals in the forests and
mountains of this country. Once, when grouse shooting, I came suddenly, in a rough
and rocky part of the ground, upon a family of two old ones and three half-grown ones.
In the hanging birch woods that border some of the Highland streams and rocks, the
Wild Cat is still not uncommon ; and I have heard their wild and unearthly cry echo
far in the quiet night, as they answer and call to each other. I do not know a more
harsh and unpleasant cry than that of the Wild Cat, or one more likely to be the origin
of superstitious fears in the mind of an ignorant Highlander.

These animals have great skill in finding their prey, and the damage they do to the
game must be very great, owing to the quantity of food which they require. When
caught in a trap, they fly, without hesitation, at any person who approaches them, not
waiting to be assailed. I have heard many stories of their attacking and severely
wounding a man, when their escape has been cut off. Indeed, a Wild Cat once flew
at me in the most determined manner. I was fishing at a river in Sutherlandshire, and
in passing from one pool to another, had to climb over some rock and broken kind of
ground. In doing so, I sank through some rotten heather and moss up to my knees,
almost upon a Wild Cat, who was concealed under it.

I was quite as much startled as the animal herself could be, when I saw the wild-
looking beast so unexpectedly rush out from between my feet, with every hair on her
body standing on end, making her look twice as large as she really was. I had three
small Skye terriers with me, who immediately gave chase, and pursued her till she
took refuge in a corner of the rocks, where, perched in a kind of recess out of reach
of her enemies, she stood with her hair bristled out, and spitting and growling like a
common Cat. Having no weapon with me, I laid'down my rod, cut a good-sized stick,
and proceeded to dislodge her. As soon as I was within six or seven feet of the place,
she sprang straight at my face, over the dogs' heads. Had I not struck her in mid-air
as she leaped at me, I should probably have got some severe wound. As it was, she
fell with her back half broken amongst the dogs, who, with my assistance, despatched
her. I never saw an animal fight so desperately, or one which was so difficult to kill.
If a tame Cat has nine lives, a Wild Cat must have a dozen.

Sometimes one of these animals takes up his residence at no great distance from a
house, and, entering the hen-houses and out-buildings, carries off fowls or even lambs in
the most audacious manner. Like other vermin, the Wild Cat haunts the shores of the
lakes and rivers, and it is, therefore, easy to know where to lay a trap for them. Having
caught and killed one of the colony, the rest of them are sure to be taken, if the body of
their slain relative is left in some place not far from their usual hunting ground, and
surrounded with traps, as every Wild Cat who passes within a considerable distance of the
place will to a certainty come to it. The same plan may be adopted successfully in
trapping foxes, who also are sure to visit the dead body of any other fox which 'they
scent during their nightly walk."

Although so scarce in these days of allotments and railways, the Wild Cat was once so
common in England as to be an absolute pest, and was formerly numbered among the
beasts of chase that contributed to the amusement of the dull unlearned leisure which fell
to the lot of those olden aristocrats of our land whose only excitement was found in the

196

THE DOMESTIC CAT.

act of destruction, either of men or beasts. As were almost all destructive beasts, it
was protected by the great few who suffered no scath by its depredations, to the loss of
the many small, whose little stock of poultry paid heavy toll to the licensed marauders.
Even its fur was made a subject of legal enactment, being permitted to some orders of
the people and forbidden to others.

In Ireland — if the large savage feline that ranges the waste lands be indeed the true
Felis Catus — it goes by the appropriate name of the Hunting Cat.

WHEN ENGAGED in the study of an illustrated work on ethnology, with its portraits of
the various forms which are assumed by the human race, a certain feeling of relief and
repose takes possession of the mind when the reader turns from the savage races of
mankind, with their selfish, restless, eager, bestialized expression, to the mild and intel-

THE CAT.-Fe/fc Domestic*.

lectual countenances of the civilized nations. A similar sensation of repose is felt when
we turn from the savage, hungry-looking Wild Cat to the placid face and tranquil
expression of our favorite, the DOMESTIC CAT.

Although this country possesses an indigenous Cat, which would naturally be
considered as the original progenitor of the Domestic Cat, which attaches herself so
strongly to mankind, it is now generally admitted that for this useful and graceful animal
we are indebted to another continent. In the description of the Wild Cat, it has been
mentioned that the distinguishing marks which characterize the two species are so per-
manent as to defy eradication, and to mark decisively the " Felis Catus " from the " Felis
Domestica." The comparative length of their tails is of itself a distinction, and one which
seems never to be lost by either the wild or the domestic animal. Whether those two
creatures have ever produced a mixed breed is a matter of much uncertainty, for although

THE DOMESTIC CAT. 197

a wood or a warren may be infested with Cats living in a wild state, yet in almost
every case, they are only Domestic Cats in which the savage part of their nature has
predominated, and conquered the assumed habits of domestication. They have acted
as men sometimes act under similar temptation, and have voluntarily taken to a savage
life. As far as is at present known, the Egyptian Cat, for which see p. 192, is the
origin of our Domestic Cat.

In the long past times, when the Egyptian nation was at the head of the civilized
world, the " Felis maniculata " was universally domesticated in their homes, while at
comparatively later days of English history the Domestic Cat was so scarce in Eng-
land that royal edicts were issued for its preservation. Yet in those days, A.D. 948,
the wild Cat was rife throughout the British Islands, and was reckoned as a noxious
animal, which must be destroyed, and not a useful one which must be protected. It
is conjectured that the Domestic Cat was imported from Egypt into Greece and Rome,
and from thence to England.

In the eyes of any one who has really examined, and can support the character of the
Domestic Cat, she must appear to be a sadly calumniated creature.

She is generally contrasted with the dog, much to her disfavor. His docility,
affectionate disposition, and forgiveness of injuries ; his reliability of character, and
his wonderful intellectual powers are spoken of as truly they deserve, with great en-
thusiasm and respect. But these amiable traits of character are brought into violent
contrast with sundry ill-conditioned qualities which are attributed to the Cat, and
wrongly so. The Cat is held up to reprobation as a selfish animal, seeking her own
comfort and disregardful of others,; attached only to localities, and bearing no real
affection for her owners. She is said to be sly and treacherous, hiding her talons in
her velvety paws as long as she is in a good temper, but ready to use them upon her
best friends if she is crossed in her humors.

Whatever may have been the experience of those who gave so slanderous a character
to the Cat, my own rather wide acquaintance with this animal has led me to very
different conclusions. The Cats with which I have been most familiar have been as
docile, tractable, and good-tempered as any dog could be, and displayed an amount of
intellectual power which would be equalled by very few dogs, and surpassed by
none.

With regard to the comparatively good and bad temper of the Cat and dog, there is
as much to be said in favor of the former as of the latter animal, while, as to their mental
capacities, the scale certainly does not preponderate so decidedly on the side of the dog
as is generally imagined. Nor is my own experience a solitary one, for in almost every
instance where my friends have possessed favorite Cats the result has been the same.

For example, the following lines are an extract from a letter, which was sent to me,
narrating the habits of two of these animals : —

" I must now tell you something about our Mincing Lane Cats. Their home was the
cellar, and their habits and surroundings, as you may imagine from the locality, were
decidedly commercial. We had one cunning old black fellow, whose wisdom was ac-
quired by sad experience. In early youth he must have been very careless ; he was
then always getting in the way of the men and the wine cases, and frequent were the
disasters he suffered from coming in to collision with moving bodies. His ribs had been
often fractured, and when Nature repaired them she must have handed them over to
the care of her 'prentice hand,' for the work was done in rather a rough and knotty
manner. This battered and suffering pussy was at last assisted by a younger hero,
who, profiting by the teachings of his senior, managed to avoid the scrapes which had
tortured the one who was self-educated.

" These two Cats, senior and junior, appeared to swear (Cats will swear) eternal
friendship at first sight. An interchange of good offices between them was at once
established. * Senior ' taught 'junior' to avoid men's feet, and wine-cases in motion,
and pointed out the favorite hunting grounds, while ' junior' offered to his mentor the
aid of his activity and physical prowess.

" ' Senior had a cultivated and epicurean taste for mice, which he was too old to catch ;

198 THE MERCANTILE CATS.

he therefore entered into a solemn league and covenant with ' junior ' to the following
effect : It was agreed between these low contracting powers that * junior ' should devote
his energies to catching mice for the benefit of 'senior,' who, in consideration of such
feudal service, was daily to relinquish his claim to a certain allowance of cat's meat in
favor of ' junior.'

This curious compact was actually and seriously carried out. It was an amusing
and touching spectacle to behold young pussy gravely laying at the feet of his elder
the contents of his 'game bag' ; on the other hand, ' senior,' true to his bargain, licked
his jaws and watched 'junior ' steadily consuming a double share of cat's meat.

' Senior ' had the rare talent of being able to carry a bottle of champagne from one
end of the cellar to the other, perhaps a distance of 150 feet. The performance was
managed in this wise. You gently and lovingly approach the Cat, as if you did not
mean to perpetrate anything wicked ; having gained its confidence by fondly stroking
its back, you suddenly seize its tail, and by that member raised the animal bodily
from the ground, its fore-feet sprawling in the air ready to catch hold of any object
within reach. You then quickly bring the bottle of wine to the seizing point ; pussy
clutches the object with a kind of despairing grip. By means of the aforesaid tail you
carefully carry pussy, bottle and all, from one part of the cellar to another. Pussy,
however, soon became disgusted with this manoeuvre, and when he saw a friend with
a bottle of champagne looming in the distance, he used to beat a precipitate retreat.
So ends my tale."

In the course of this description of the Domestic Cat, I shall endeavor to introduce,
as far as possible, entirely new anecdotes of this animal, which will bring forward
certain traits of character that have never yet been laid before the public notice. Many
of the incidents which will be recorded in the following pages are sufficiently wonderful
to call forth an incredulous smile on the part of those who have no sympathy with
this graceful and intelligent animal, and who have not given to its intellectual capacities
the credit which they deserve. I therefore think it needful to state that every narrative
of feline character which will be found in this work, either occurred within my own
knowledge, or is substantiated by the : authority of the correspondents who have favored
me with their narratives, many of whom enjoy a world-wide reputation in the realms
of literature and science.

From putting forward some of these statements I have somewhat shrunk, knowing
the incredulity which meets any controversion of a popular prejudice. But it seems a
species of cowardice to withhold the truth through fear of opposition or ridicule, and,
therefore, the following narratives are laid before the public simply because they are
true, and not because they are credible.

The two anecdotes which have been just narrated will convey to the mind of any
unprejudiced reader a certain respect for the amount of intellectual power possessed by
both these animals, and for the exceeding good temper of the elder Cat while employed
in his unwilling task of wine porterage.

As a general rule, a Cat that is well treated is as kindly an animal as a dog under
similar circumstances, and towards young children still more so. There is, perhaps,
no animal which is so full of trust as a Cat which is kindly treated, and none which,
when subjected to harshness, is so nervously suspicious. Its very trustfulness of
nature seems, when rebuffed, to react so forcibly upon its sensitive disposition as to
cause an entire change of character, and fills it with a shy, timid suspicion. I have
had many Cats, and never yet found one which would not permit almost any liberty to
be taken with it. Indeed, there are few dogs which would suffer, without resent-
ment, such unceremonious treatment as my Cats were called upon to meet daily.

One of these Cats, a huge, dignified, portly animal, would let me pick him up and
carry him about in. the most disrespectful manner. Any part of his body or limbs
served as a handle, and he might be lifted by one or more of his legs, by a handful of
his loose skin, by his tail, by his head, or by any portion of his person that happened
to be most convenient, and would endure this ungracious manipulation with unruffled
composure. Or he might be pitched into the air from one person to another, and used

"PRET."

199

in the light of a quadrupedal ball without even uttering a sound of displeasure. Or
he might be employed as footstool, a " boa," or a pillow, and in either case would
placidly go to sleep.

This kind of behavior was the more extraordinary because his natural disposition
was of a peculiarly dignified character, and no human being could feel a slight more
keenly than " Purruts." Those whom he favored with his confidence, and they were
but few, might toss him about, make him jump over their hands, or leap on their shoul-
ders and walk along their extended arms, and he would remain calm and complacent.
But let any one laugh at him, and he immediately asserted his dignity by walking away
very slowly, with his tail very upright and his whole person swaggering from side to
side in a most self-asserting manner.

Only a short time ago, died one of the most accomplished and singular Cats that
ever caught a mouse or sat on a hearth-rug.

Her name was " Pret," being an abbreviation of " Prettina," a title which was given
to her on account of the singular grace of her form and the beauty of her fur, which
was soft as that of a chinchilla. Her color was a very light gray tabby, and she was
remarkable for an almost humanly expressive countenance, and an exceedingly long
nose and tail. Her accomplishments were all self-taught, for she had never learned
the usual routine of feline acquirements.

" Pret " was brought when quite a kitten from the Continent, being one of a rather
peculiar breed of Cats, remarkable for the length of their tails and the softness of their
fur. She accompanied her mistress in rather a lengthened journey, and finally settled
down in England, not very far from the metropolis. Her mistress kindly sent me the
following account of " Pret's " conduct during a severe illness : —

" Three years ago I had a lovely kitten presented to me. Her fur was of a beautiful
blue-gray color, marked with glossy black stripes, according to the most approved
zebra or tiger fashion. She was so very pretty that she was named ' Pret,' and was,
without exception, the wisest, most loving, and dainty pussy that ever crossed my path.

When Pret was very young, I fell ill with a nervous fever. She missed me imme-
diately in my accustomed place, sought for me, and placed herself at my door until she
found a chance of getting into the room, which she soon accomplished, and began at
once to try her little best to amuse me with her little frisky kitten tricks and pussy-cat
attentions. But soon finding that I was too ill to play with her, she placed herself be-
side me, and at once established herself as head nurse. In this capacity few human
beings could have exceeded her in watchfulness, or manifested more affectionate regard.
It was truly wonderful to note how soon she learned to know the different hours at
which I ought to take medicine or nourishment ; and during the night, if my attendant
were asleep, she would call her, and, if she could not awake her without such extreme
measures, she would gently nibble the nose of the sleeper, which means never failed to
produce the desired effect. Having thus achieved her purpose, Miss Pret would watch
attentively the preparation of whatever was needed, and then come and with a gentle
purr-purr announce its advent to me.

The most marvellous part of the matter was, her never being five minutes wrong in
her calculations of the true time, even amid the stillness and darkness of night. But
who shall say by what means this little being was enabled to measure the fleeting
moments, and by the aid of what power did she connect the lapse of time with the
needful attentions of a nurse and her charge ? Surely we have here something more
than reason."

The never-failing accuracy of this wise little Cat was the more surprising because
she was equally infallible by night or day. There was no striking clock in the house,
so that she could not have been assisted by its aid ; nor was it habit, for her assiduous
attentions only began with the illness, and ceased with the recovery of the invalid.
Instinct, popularly so called, will not account for this wonderful capability so suddenly
coming into being, and so suddenly ceasing. Surely some spirit-guiding power must
have animated this sympathetic little creature, and have directed her in her labor of love.

200 CURIOUS ANTIPATHIES.

No animals seem to require human sympathy so much as Cats, or to be so capable
of giving sympathy in return. " Pret " knew but one fear, and had but few hates.
The booming sound of thunder smote her with terror, and she most cordially hated
grinding-organs and singular costumes. At the sound of a thunder-clap poor Pret
would fly to her mistress for succor, trembling in every limb. If the dreaded sound
occurred in the night or the early morning, Pret would leap on the bed, and creep under
the clothes as far as the very foot. If the thunder-storm came on by day, Pret would
jump on her mistress' knees, put her paws round her neck, and hide her face between
them.

She disliked music of all kinds, but bore a special antipathy to barrel organs ;
probably because the costume of the organ grinder was unpleasing to her eyes, as
his doleful sounds to her ears. But her indignation reached its highest bounds at the
sight of a Greenwich pensioner, accoutred in those grotesque habiliments with
which the crippled defenders of the country are forced to invest their battered
frames. It was the first time that so uncouth an apparition had presented itself to
her eyes, and her anger seemed only equalled by her astonishment. She got on the
window-sill, and there chafed and growled with a sound resembling the miniature roar
of a small lion.

When thus excited, she used to present a strange appearance, owing to a crest, or
ridge of hair, which used to erect itself on her back, and extend from the top of her
head to the root of her tail, which latter member was marvellously expanded. Gentle
as she was in her ordinary demeanor, Pret was a terrible Cat to fight when she saw
cause, and seemed to be undaunted by size or number. She was amusingly jealous of
her own territories, and if a strange Cat dared to come within range of her special
domain, would assault the intruder furiously, and drive it away.

She had a curious habit of catching mice by the very tips of their tails, and of
carrying the poor little animals about the house, dangling miserably from her jaws.
Apparently, her object in so doing was to enable her to present her prey uninjured
to her mistress, who she evidently supposed would enjoy a game with a mouse as
well as herself ; for, like human beings, she judged the character of others by her own.

This strange custom of tail-bearing was carried into the privacy of her own family,
and caused rather ludicrous results. When Pret became a mother, and desired to
transport her kittens from one spot to another, she followed her acquired habits of
porterage, and tried to carry her kittens about by the tips of their tails. As might be
supposed they objected to this mode of conveyance, and sticking their claws in the
carpet, held firmly to the ground, mewing piteously, while their mother was tugging at
their tails. It was absolutely necessary to release the kittens from their painful
position, and to teach Pret how a kitten ought to be carried. After a while, she seemed
to comprehend the state of things, and ever afterwards carried her offspring by the
nape of the neck.

At one time, while she was yet in her kittenhood, another kitten lived in the same
house, and very much annoyed Pret by coming into the room and eating the meat
which had been laid out for herself. However, Pret soon got over that difficulty by
going to the plate as soon as it was placed in her accustomed spot, picking out all the
large pieces of meat, and hiding them under a table. She then sat quietly, and placed
herself as sentry over her hidden treasure, while the intruding Cat entered the room,
walked up to the plate, and finished the little scraps of meat that Pret had thought
fit to leave. After the obnoxious individual had left the room, Pret brought her
concealed treasures from their hiding-place, and quietly consumed them. I never saw
a more dainty Cat than Pret. She would not condescend to eat in the usual feline
manner, but would hitch the talons of her right paw into the food that was given to
her, carrying it to her mouth as delicately as if she had been accustomed to feed her-
self with a fork.

One curious little trait in her character is deserving of notice. She detested to see
a pin, whether belonging to the hair or the dress, and devoted her energies to extract-
ing the offending articles of costume, and laying them on the table.

In her friendships as well as her antipathies she was somewhat peculiar. She made

THE CAT AND THE CANARY. 201

acquaintance at one time with a puppy, a rabbit, and a game cock, and for the time
was very affectionate in her conduct towards these strange allies.

She had curious tastes for a Cat, preferring well sweetened tea to milk, and bread
crust to meat. Moreover, she would not eat her meals unless the dish were placed
near her mistress, and if this wish were not gratified, always sniffed contemptuously
and turned away. She was an enthusiastic mouser, but her greatest talents were dis-
played in the capture of sparrows. She was accustomed to creep quietly into the
garden, and to seek concealment under the thickest foliage that she could find. Being
thus hidden from the watchful eyes of the little birds which flock in such numbers and
with such easy impertinence to the suburban gardens, Pret would imitate the chirping
of the sparrows with such wonderful success that she repeatedly decoyed a heedless
sparrow within reach of her spring, leaped upon it, and carried it off in triumph to her
mistress. While engaged in this singular vocal effort, she used to contort her mouth
in the strangest manner, forcing her lower jaw so far from side to side, that it appeared
every moment to be in danger of dislocation. On such occasions the distortion of the
features was so great as to make her absolutely ugly.

She was one of the most playful Cats that I ever knew, and, even to the very last
hours of her existence, would play as long as she had power to move a limb. Although
the mother of several families, she was as gamesome as a kitten, and delighted in get-
ting on some elevated spot, and dropping a piece of paper or a handkerchief for the
purpose of seeing it fall. More than once she got on a chest of drawers, and insinuat-
ing her supple paw into a drawer that had been left slightly open, hooked out every
article of apparel that it contained and let them drop on the floor.

When any one was writing, Pret was apt rather to disconcert the writer. She always
must needs try her skill at anything that her mistress did, and no sooner was the pen
in motion than Pret would jump on the table, and seizing the end of the pen in her
mouth, try to direct its movements in her own way. That plan not answering her
expectations, she would pat the fresh writing with her paw, and make sad havoc of the
correspondence.

Clever as Pret was, she sometimes displayed a most unexpected simplicity of
character. After the fashion of the Cat tribe, she delighted in covering up the remnants
of her food with any substances that seemed most convenient. She was accustomed,
after taking her meals, to fetch a piece of paper and lay it over the saucer, or to put her
paw into her mistress' pocket, and extract her handkerchief for the same purpose.
These little performances showed some depth of reasoning in the creature, but she
would sometimes act in a manner totally opposed to rational action. Paper and hand-
kerchiefs failing, she has been often seen, after partly finishing her meal, to fetch one
of her kittens, and to lay it over the plate, for the purpose of covering up the remain-
ing food. When kitten, paper, and handkerchief were all wanting, she did her best to
scratch up the carpet and to lay the torn fragments upon the plate. She has been known,
in her anxiety to find a covering for the superabundant food, to drag a table-cloth from
its proper locality, and to cause a sad demolition of the superincumbent fragile ware.

Some of her offspring have partaken considerably of their mother's soft fur and gentle
nature, but none of them are so handsome as their parent. One of her kittens, called
"Minnie," was removed, and conveyed to another household, where was a young canary
which I had bred. The Cat and the bird were formally introduced to each other, and
for a time all went well. One day, however, the kitten, then three parts grown, was
seen perched on the top of the wires, her paw being thrust into the cage. At first, the
Cat seemed to be engaged in an attack upon the bird, but on a closer inspection it appeared
that Minnie was simply playing with the little bird and was stroking its head with her
soft paw, the canary seeming to comprehend the matter, and to be rather pleased with
the caresses of the velvet paw than alarmed at the proximity of its natural enemy.

After a while, Minnie herself became a mother, and I conveyed herself and kitten
to her former home. Although she had not seen the house since her early kittenhood,
she recognized the locality at once, and, pulling her kitten out of its basket, established
it in her accustomed bed on the sofa. One of her offspring is now domiciled in my
own house, and there was rather a quaint incident in connection with its departure.

202 THE MANX AND ANGOLA CATS.

Minnie knew perfectly well that her kitten was going away from her, and, after it had
been placed in a little basket, she licked it affectionately, and seemed to take a formal
farewell of her child. When next I visited the house, Minnie would have nothing to
do with me, and when her mistress brought her to me, she hid her face in her mistress'
arms. So I remonstrated with her, telling her that her little one would be better off
with me than if it had gone to a stranger, but all to no purpose. At last I said : —

" Minnie, I apologize, and I will not so offend again."

Whereupon, Minnie lifted up her head, looked me straight in the face, and volun-
tarily came on my knee. Anything more humanly appreciative could not be imagined.
For many days after the abstraction of her offspring, Minnie would not approach the
various spots which had been sanctified by the presence of her lost child, and would
not even repose on a certain shawl, knitted from scarlet wool, which was the favorite
resting-place.

She is a compassionate pussy, and is mightily distressed at any illness that falls on
any of the household. When her mistress has been suffering from a severe cough, I
have seen Minnie jump on the sofa, and put her paw sympathetically on the lips of the
sufferer. Sneezing seems to excite Minnie's compassion even more than coughing,
and causes her to display even a greater amount of sympathy.

There are many varieties of the Domestic Cat, of which the most conspicuous are
the MANX CAT and the ANGOLA. In the accompanying engraving, the upper figure
represents the former animal, and the lower the latter. These two Cats present the
strongest contrast to each other that can be imagined, the Angola Cat being gorgeous
in its superb clothing of long silky hair and bushy tail, and the Manx Cat being covered
with close-set fur, and possessing hardly a vestige of a tail.

A fine Angola Cat is as handsome an animal as can be imagined, and seems quite
conscious of its own magnificence. It is a very dignified animal, and moves about
with a grave solemnity that bears a great resemblance to the stately march of a full-
plumed peacock conscious of admiring spectators. It is one of the largest of domestic
Cats, and in its own superb manner will consume a considerable amount of food. One
of these animals, nearly the finest that I ever saw, made friends with me in a cafe at
Paris, and used to sit on the table and eat my biscuits. In order.to test the creature's
appetite, I once ordered two successive plates of almond biscuits, every crumb of
which " Minette " consumed with a deliberate and refined air, and would probably
have eaten as much more if it had been offered to her. It must be considered, that she
had plenty of friends who visited the same cafe, and that she was quietly levying con-
tributions during the whole day and a considerable portion of the night, so that these
two plates of biscuits were only taken in the usual course of events.

The Manx Cat is a curious variety, on account of the entire absence of tail, the
place of which member is only indicated by a rather wide protuberance. This want
of the usual caudal appendage is most conspicuous when the animal, after the manner
of domestic Cats, clambers on the tops of houses, and walks along the parapets. How
this singular variation of form came to be perpetuated is extremely doubtful, and at
present is an enigma to which a correct answer has yet to be given. It is by no means
a pretty animal, for it has an unpleasant weird-like aspect about it, and by reason of
its tailless condition is wanting in that undulating grace of movement which is so fas-
cinating in the feline race. A black Manx Cat, with its glaring eyes and its stump of a
tail, is a most unearthly looking beast, which would find a more appropriate resting
place at Kirk Alloway or the Blocksberg, than at the fireside of a respectable house-
hold. Or it might fitly be the quadrupedal form in which the ancient sorcerers were
wont to clothe themselves on their nocturnal excursions.

The prescience with which all animals seem to be in some measure gifted, has often
excited the admiration of those who have witnessed its effects. The Cat appears to pos-
sess an extremely large share of this gift, as has been frequently shown. An instance
of this previsional capacity occurred just before the burning of Peebles mill, in 1853.
A long account of this occurrence has been kindly sent to me, authenticated by the
names of the various persons concerned in the matter, as well as by that of the writer.

THE ANGOLA CAT.

203

A family resided for some time on the southern side of Cuddie Bridge, and had in
their house a favorite Cat. Previous to the term of Michaelmas, 1852, the family
changed their residence, and took a house on the opposite side of Eddlestone Water,
leaving behind them the Cat, which refused to stir from her accustomed haunts. Pussy,
however, took a dislike to the new inhabitants of the house, and finding her way across
the bowling-green, entered into possession of the mill, where she doubtless found plenty
of game. Here she remained for some eighteen months in spite of several attempts made
by her former owner to recover his lost favorite. Several times she had been captured

MANX CAT.

ANGOLA CAT.

and brought to his house, and on one occasion a kitten was retained as a hostage. But
every endeavor was vain, and leaving her offspring in the hand of her detainers, and
resisting all temptations, she set off again for her quarters at the mill ; in her eagerness to
get back to the mill even fording the river, "taking Cuddie at the broad side," as
that action is popularly termed.

On the i8th of October, 1853, at ten o'clock in the evening, as the former owner c
the Cat was standing by the church porch, his attention was caught by the fugitive <
which was purring and rubbing herself against his legs as affectionately as in the olden

204 PRESCIENCE OF THE CAT.

times. He took the Cat in his arms, and when he attempted to put her down, she clung
tightly to his breast, and gave him to understand in her own feline language that she
was going home with him. Six hours after this return of the wanderer the mill was
discovered to be on fire, and in a short time was reduced to a heap of blackened and
smouldering ruins.

Since that time the Cat has remained complacently with her former companions at
Biggiesknowe, in spite of the ancient adage, which says that, " in Biggiesknowe, there is
neither a bannock (/. e., oatmeal cake) to borrow nor lend." Reference will be made
to this mill in a future portion of this work. a

An objection may be made to the term " prescience " in this case, on the grounds
that the fire might possibly have been smouldering when the Cat left the mill, and that
the creature might have taken the alarm from seeing the fire in existence, and not from a
prospective intimation of the future conflagration. But even supposing that this con-
jecture were true, it must be remembered that Cats are remarkable for their strong
attachment to a fire, and that this animal would rather be attracted than alarmed by the
grateful warmth of the burning wood. Moreover, from the time when the Cat found
her former master to that when the fire was discovered, six hours had passed, and we
may reasonably conclude that the animal had left the mill for some little time before
renewing her broken acquaintance. It would be hardly probable that if the fire had
been sufficiently powerful to make the Cat decamp from her residence, so many hours
would have elapsed before the flames manifested themselves.

Among other differences between the habits of wild and domesticated animals, the
effect which fire has upon them is very remarkable. We all know how the domestic
Cat is always found near the fire, perched on the hearth-rug, or sometimes sitting inside
the fender, to the imminent danger of her fur and whiskers. Yet there is nothing
which so utterly terrifies the wild felidae as the blaze of a glowing fire. Surrounded by
a fiery circle the traveller sleeps secure, the waving flames being a stronger barrier
between himself and the fierce hungry beasts than would be afforded by stone or wood
of ten times the height.

Another Cat, also an inhabitant of Scotland, exhibited a mysterious intuitive power,
which equalled, if not surpassed, that which has just been narrated.

She was the property of a newly-married couple, .who resided towards the north of
Scotland, where the country narrows considerably by reason of the deeply-cut inlets of
the surrounding sea. Their cottage was at no great distance from the sea, and there
they remained for some months. After a while the householders changed their locality,
and took up their residence in a house near the opposite coast. As the intervening
country was so hilly and rugged that there would have been much difficulty in trans-
porting the household goods, the aid of a ship was called in, and after giving their
Cat to a neighbor, the man and his wife proceeded by sea to their new home. After
they had been settled for some weeks, they were surprised by the sudden appearance
of their Cat, which presented itself at their door, weary, ragged, and half-starved. As
might be expected, she was joyfully received, and soon recovered her good looks.

It is hardly possible to conceive whence the animal could have obtained her informa-
tion. Even if the usual means of land transport had been taken, it would have been
most wonderful that the Cat should have been able to trace the line of journey. But
when, as in the present instance, the human travellers went by water, and the feline
traveller went by land, there seems to be no clue to the guiding power which directed
the animal in its course, and brought it safely to the desired goal.

A rather quaint use was lately made of the strange capacity which is possessed by
Cats of finding their way home under difficulties which would cause almost every other
animal to fail. Eighteen cats, belonging to different persons, were put in baskets, and
carried by night to a distance of three miles, when they were set at liberty at a given
moment. A wager was laid upon them, and the Cat that got home first was to be the
winner. One of the animals arrived at its residence within an hour, and carried off
the prize. Three only delayed their arrival until the next morning.

Although the natural disagreement of Cat and dog is so great that it has passed into a
proverb, these two animals will generally become very friendly if they are inhabitants

ELECTRICITY OF THE CAT. 205

of the same house. In such a case the Cat usually behaves in a tyrannous manner to-
wards her canine friend, and treats him in a most unceremonious manner. She will
sit on his back and make him carry her about the room. She will take liberties with
his tail or bite his ears, and if he resents this kind of treatment she deals him a pat on
the nose, and either sets up her back at him defiantly, or leaps upon some elevated
spot where he cannot reach her, and there waits until she supposes his ire to have
subsided.

The attachment of the dog and the Cat is sometimes curiously manifested.

In a large metropolitan household there had been a change of servants, and the new
cook begged as a favor to be permitted the company of her dog. Permission was
granted, and the dog took up his quarters in the kitchen, to the infinite disgust of the
Cat, who thought her dignity insulted by the introduction of a stranger into her own
special domain. In process of time, however, she got over her dislike, and the two ani-
mals became fast friends. At last the cook left the family, and took away her dog with her.

After an absence of some length she determined on paying a visit to her former
companions, her dog accompanying her as usual. Pussy was in the room when the dog
entered, and flew forwards to greet him. She then ran out of the room, and shortly
returned, bearing in her mouth her own dinner. This she laid before her old friend,
and actually stood beside him while he ate the food with which she so hospitably en-
tertained him. This anecdote was related to me by the owner of the Cat.

The extraordinary electrical character of the Cat is well known. On a cold, bright
day, if a Cat be stroked, the hairs of the fur bristle up, and electrical sparks issue there-
from, accompanied with a slight crackling.

It appears, too, that the animal may be so surcharged with electricity that it will give
a severe shock to the holder. In order to obtain this result, the Cat should be placed
on the knees, and one hand applied to its breast while the other is employed in strok-
ing its fur. Cracklings and sparkles soon make their appearance, and in a short time,
if the party continues to stroke the animal, he will receive a sharp electrical shock
that may be felt above the wrists. The Cat seems to suffer as much as the experi-
menter, for on giving forth the shock she springs to the ground in terror, and seldom
will permit a repetition of the same process.

This electrical endowment may probably account for the powerful effects which are
produced upon Cats by slight means. For example, if a hair from her mistress' head
were laid upon " Pret," the Cat would writhe about on the floor and twist her body into
violent contortions, and would endeavor with all her might to shake off the object of
her fears. Even the mere pointing of a finger at her side was sufficient to make her
fur bristle up and set her trembling, though the obnoxious finger were at six inches'
distance from her body. On account of the superabundance of electricity which is de-
veloped in the Cat, this animal is found very useful to paralyzed persons, who instinctively
encourage the approach of a Cat, and derive a gentle benefit from its touch. Those
who are afflicted with rheumatism often find their sufferings alleviated by the presence
of one of these electrically gifted animals.

It is worthy of notice that Cats do not invariably display the same amount of
electricity, but give out more or less of that marvellous power, according to the person
who handles them. This phenomenon is evidently caused by the different amount of
electricity which resides in different individuals.

There are some persons who are so highly electrical that whenever they take off an
article which they have worn next the skin, slight crackling is heard, accompanied with
little electrical sparks. This outpouring of electricity becomes more powerful if the
person drinks some exhilarating liquids, such as wine or spirits. Many delicate ex-
periments have been made on this interesting subject, but as yet with few and unsatis-
factory results. It has, however, been elucidated, that healthy men generally are
positive in their electricity, while women are negative ; in both cases there is an augmen-
tation of power, electric or otherwise towards and during the evening. Without warmth,
the electrical phenomena are not shown, so that in winter a warm atmosphere is
needed for conducting the experiments properly. Rheumatic affections seem to absorb
or destroy the electricity, for during their presence the phenomena cannot be obtained

206

AFFECTIONATE NATURE OF THE CAT.

Many instances are recorded of misplaced, or rather strangely placed, affection in
Cats. They have been known to have taken compassion on all kinds of animals, and
to have nourished them as their own. The well-known anecdote of the Cat and the
leveret, which she brought up, is too familiar to be repeated in this work, but I have
been lately favored with an account of similar conduct on the part of a Domestic Cat.

A lady possessed a young rabbit, which fell ill and was carried by its mistress to be
warmed before the fire. While it was lying on the hearth-rug the Cat entered the room,
and seeing the sick rabbit went up to it, and began to lick and fondle it as if it had
been one of her own kittens. After a while she took it by the neck, in the usual
manner which the Cat adopts for the transportation of her young, and carrying it up-
stairs laid it in her own bed, which was snugly made up in a bandbox. However, her
benevolent wishes were frustrated, for in spite of the attention which she lavished on
her protegee, the poor little rabbit continued to pine away, and at last died.

Pussy's grief was so distressing that another young rabbit was substituted, and for a
while the Cat bore it to her bed, and seemed as affectionate towards the little animal
as towards its predecessor. As, however, with all her benevolent intentions she could
not feed the rabbit, it was taken to its own mother for the purpose of receiving the
nutriment which its foster mother was unable to give. Being thus separated from each
other, the temporary link that bound the two creatures together appeared to be broken,
and the Cat soon forgot her dead and living foster children.

A Cat has been known to take a family of young squirrels, and to nurture them in
the place of her own little ones which had been destroyed. This circumstance took
place in the vicinity of the New Forest. The squirrels were three in number.

Cats are possessed of a large organ of love of approbation, and are never more delighted
than when receiving the praises and caresses of those whom they favor with their
friendship. To earn such praises puss will often perform many curious feats, that of
catching various animals and bringing them to her owner being among the most com-
mon. My own Cat would bring mice to me quite unhurt, and permit me to take the
terrified little creatures out of her mouth. She appeared not to care what happened
to her mice, only looking for her reward of caresses and laudatory words.

It would be well if our favorite Cats would restrict themselves to such game as rats
and mice, for they are rather indiscriminate in their zeal, and pay a tribute which may
appear very valuable to themselves, but is by no means acceptable to the receiver. For
example, when pussy jumps on one's knee, and deposits a cockroach, commonly called
a " black beetle," in the hands or on the shoulder, it is impossible to resist a wish that
she had tempered her zeal with discretion, and either left the long-legged nauseous insect
to wander where it chose, or destroyed it at once with a blow of her paw. Birds, stoats,
weasels, rats, rabbits, fish, and all kinds of animals, have been thus brought, as a tid-bit of
affection, and on more than one occasion the owner of a grateful Cat has been startled by
the sudden gift of a living snake, which has been laid writhing and hissing in his hands.

The birds and mice that have been thus captured are seldom injured, although they
often feign death as soon as they are within the resistless grip of their feline foe. So,
after a bird has been laid on the floor or placed in the hands, it has often been known
to awake as it were from a swoon, and to fly away. Perhaps the sudden grasp of the
Cat's paws and teeth may have the same effect as has been already related of the lion's
teeth and claws, and for a time produce insensibility to pain, and in some instances
utter unconsciousness.

When Cats have been several times deprived of their kittens they become very
cunning and conceal their little ones so closely that they rear several successive
families without detection. One of our own Cats was singularly ingenious in contriv-
ing a hiding-place for herself and family ; taking advantage- of some defective laths in
an outhouse roof, she squeezed herself through the aperture, and made her nest in a
spot between the ceiling and the slates, where she could not be reached unless the
slates were removed or the ceiling broken through. We could always hear the little
maternal conversations that were carried on between the mother and her children, but
could never get at one of the family until they chose to emerge on their own account.

One of them turned out a thorough vagabond, and after he had attained his full

THE HOSPITABLE CAT. 207

growth used to scratch and bite his mother shamefully, wresting from her by force the
food which was intended for herself. He was such a savage animal, and, so de-
termined a robber, that as a last resource a death-warrant was issued, and would
have been carried into execution but for one preventing cause — the animal would not
die. He was several times shot — I have seen him knocked off a wall by a charge of
shot, and laid apparently lifeless on the ground ; yet, when he was approached, he
jumped up, spat, snarled, and escaped. He had an arrow through him once, he was
poisoned two or three times, and was once fairly pinned to the ground in his place of
refuge among some hampers, by a long, sharp, steel spike, at the end of a pole. But
he would not die, and did not die ; but continued to haunt the place with such cool
pertinacity that we yielded the point.

A Cat of whom I lately heard chose a very curious spot in which to rear her little
family. She made a nest on the summit of a pollard oak, and there brought up her
kittens. Her spot of refuge was betrayed by the little animals in the tree, who were
desirous to crawl down the stem, and, not daring to adventure on so perilous an under-
taking, set up a loud and pitiful mewing.

Cats really seem to vary in their temperament as much as human beings. There are
refined Cats,who find their proper sphere in the drawing-room ; there are boorish Cats,
who are out of their element when removed from the kitchen or cellar ; there are robber
Cats — of which the vagabond animal was an example — carrying on an open system
of marauding ; and there are trickish Cats, who cheat their companions of their dinners.
In fine, there is hardly a trait of human character which does not find its representa-
tion in one of these animals.

Some Cats appear to have a strong sense of honor, and will resist almost every
temptation when they are placed in trust. Still, some temptations appear to be so
powerful that the honorable feelings cannot resist them. For example, " Minnie "
will resist every lure except a piece of fried sole ; and " Pret " could never withstand
the allurements of a little jug of milk or bottled stout. She would have boldly averted
her head from the very same liquids if they were placed in a basin or saucer ; but the
little jug, into which she could just dip her paw and lick it, possessed irresistible fas-
cinations for her.

That the -palate of a Cat should be pleased with milk is natural enough, be the milk
in jug or saucer ; but that bottled stout should delight the animal appears passing
strange. Yet I have known several Cats who possessed a strong taste for fermented
liquids, and I have seen one of these creatures eat a piece of bread soaked in pure
brandy, and beg earnestly for a further supply. I conclude these remarks upon the
Domestic Cat with an authorized account of some Normandy Cats.

In a chateau of Normandy lived a favorite Cat, which was plentifully supplied with
food, and had grown fat and sleek on her luxurious fare. Indeed, so bounteously was
her plate supplied, that she was unable to consume the entire amount of provision
that was set before her. This superabundance of food seemed to weigh upon her
mind ; and one day, before her dinner-time, she set off across the fields, and paid a
visit to a little cottage near the roadside, where lived a very lean Cat. The two animals
returned to the chateau in company, and after the feline hostess had eaten as much
dinner as she desired, she relinquished the remainder in favor of her friend.

The kind-hearted proprietor of the chateau, seeing this curious act of hospitality,
increased the daily allowance of meat, and afforded an ample meal for both Cats. The
improved diet soon exerted its beneficial effects on the lean stranger, who speedily
became nearly as comfortably sleek as her hostess.

In this improved state of matters, she could not eat as much as when she was half-
starved and ravenous with hunger, and so after the two Cats had dined there was still
an overplus. In order to avoid waste, and urged by the generosity of her feelings, the
hospitable Cat set off on another journey, and fetched another lean Cat from a village
at a league's distance. The owner of the chateau, being desirous to see how the mat-
ter would end, continued to increase the daily allowance, and had at last, as pensioners
of his bounty, nearly twenty Cats, which had been brought from various houses in the
surrounding country. Yet, however ravenous were these daily visitors, none of them

2O8

THE CHAUS.

touched a morsel until their hostess had finished her own dinner. My informant heard
this narrative from the owner of the chateau.

In the conduct of this hospitably-minded Cat there seems to be none of the com-
mercial spirit, which actuated the two Mincing Lane Cats, but an open-pawed liberality,
as beseems a Cat of aristocratic birth and breeding. The creature had evidently a
sense of economy as well as a spirit of generosity, and blending the two qualities
together, became the general almoner of the neighboring felines. There must have
also been great powers of conversation between these various animals, for it is evident
that they were able to communicate ideas to each other and to induce their companions
to act upon the imparted information.

THE CHAUS.— Chaus Lybicus.

RETURNING once more to the savage tribe of animals, we come to a small, but clearly-
marked group of Cats, which are distinguishable from their feline relations by the
sharply-pointed erect ears, decorated with a tuft of hair of varying dimensions. These
animals are popularly known by the title of Lynxes. In all the species the tail is
rather short, and in some, such as the Peeshoo, or Canada Lynx, it is extremely ab-
breviated.

The CHAUS, our first example of the Lyncine group, is not unlike the lion in the
general tawny hue of its fur, but is extremely variable both in the depth of tint and in
certain indistinct markings which prevail upon the body, limbs, and tail. The fur,
however, is always more grizzled than that of the lion, and there seem to be in almost
every individual certain faint stripes upon the legs and tail, together with a few obscure
stripes or dashes of a darker color upon the body.

Along the back, the hue is deeper than on the sides, and on the under parts of the body
the fur is of a very paletint. The extremity of the tail is black. The markings which are
found on this animal are caused by the black extremities of some of the hairs. When these
black-tipped hairs are scattered, they produce the grizzly aspect which has been men-
tioned as belonging to this animal, but when they occur in close proximity to each other,
they produce either spots, streaks, or dashes, according to their number and arrange-
ment. On the tail, however, they always seem to gather into rings, and on the legs into

THE CAFFRE CAT.

209

stripes. The cheeks are white, and below each eye is generally a white spot. There
is an under coating of soft woolly hair, which is set next to the skin, and through this
woolly coating the larger hairs protrude. It is this double set of hair which gives to
the fur of the Chaus its rough fulness.

The Chaus, although it has been distinguished by the specific title Lybicus, is an
Asiatic as well as an African animal, inhabiting the south of Africa, the shores of the
Caspian Sea, Persia, and many parts of India. Of the specimens which are placed
in our national collection, some have been taken at Madras, some in the Mahratta
territories, some in Nepal, and some in Egypt. The localities where this creature is
known to frequent are generally those spots where it finds marshy, boggy ground, and
plenty of thick brushwood. It does not appear to care for wooded districts, where trees
grow, for it is but a poor climber, and seeks its prey only on the ground. Its food
consists chiefly of the smaller quadrupeds and birds, and it is also fond of fish, which it
captures in the shallow water by watching quietly for their approach, and then adroitly
scooping them from their native element by a quick sweep of its paw. River banks,
especially those where the vegetation grows dense and low, are favorite resorts of the
Chaus, which can in those favored localities find its two chief requisites : — a place of
concealment, from whence to pounce upon any devoted bird or quadruped that may
chance to come within reach of the deadly spring, and a convenient fishing place where-
in to indulge its piscatorial propensities.

THE CAPFRE CAT.— Chaus Gaffer.

ANOTHER species, of the genus Chaus, is the animal which is generally known by the
name of the Caffre Cat, but which properly belongs to the Lyncine group. In color it
is rather variable, some individuals being much paler than others, the general tint of the
fur being a gray, here and there grizzled with black and diversified with dark brindlings.
On the legs the stripes become bolder and better defined. When young, the fur is paler
than when the animal has attained its full growth. In size it rather surpasses a large
domestic cat. As may be inferred from its name, it is an inhabitant of Southern Africa,
being found at the Cape, and in those lands which are inhabited by the various native
tribes which are popularly termed Caffres or Kaffirs.
14

210 THE CARACAL.

AMONG the Lynxes, few species are better known, at all events by name, than the
common CARACAL.

This animal is easily distinguishable from the other members of the Lyncine group
by its very black ears. The name Caracal is given to the animal on account of this
peculiarity, the word being a Turkish one, and literally signifying Black-eared. The
Greek word melanotis bears a similar signification. The Persians have seized upon the
same characteristic mark, and have termed the creature " Siagosh," which word bears
an exactly similar import to the term Caracal. The color of this creature is a pale brown,
warmed with a tinge of red, varying slightly in different individuals. The under parts
of the body are paler than the upper, and slightly besprinkled with spots. The color of
these spots is very variable, for in some individuals they are nearly black, while in others
they are reddish-chestnut. The lower lip, the tip of the upper lip, and the chin are
quite white. The tail is very short. It is not a very large animal, being about equal
to a rather large bull-terrier dog in size, and very much more active.

It is a peculiarly ferocious and surly animal, wearing a perpetual expression of
malevolence, and always appearing to be, as it truly is, ready for a snarl and a bite.

In captivity it appears to be less pervious to the gentle power of kindness than
almost any other feline animal, and very rarely can be induced to lay aside a suspicious
and distrustful demeanor, which characterizes its every movement. Even to its keeper
it displays a sullen distrust, and when a stranger approaches its cage it resents the
undesired visit as if an intentional insult had been offered, laying back its ears and
uttering a malignant hiss and snarl, its eyes glaring with impotent rage. Although
this repulsive demeanor has generally characterized the captive Caracal, there may be
individuals of a very different disposition, ready to meet the advances of their keepers,
if the keepers be endowed with a nature which is capable of drawing out the better
feelings of the animals under their charge. More rests with the attendants upon captive
animals than is supposed, and there is many a wild beast, such as the hyena, the wolf,
or the jaguar, which has been stigmatized as untameable, simply because its keeper
did not know how to tame it. Therefore it may be that the Caracal, among other
animals, is only waiting for the right man to appear, and that then it will become as
docile as a dog under his firm, but gentle treatment.

There is one most valuable rule, learned by long experience among wild beasts, which
ought to be engraven on the heart of any one who has to deal with these animals.
Never cross the creature's disposition if there be any mode of avoiding it, but if it be
necessary to do so, never yield on any pretext whatever. The animal ought to think
that the will of its master is absolute, and that opposition is impossible. If the man
should once yield to the beast he will have forfeited the entire prestige of his position,
and will have lost an amount of influence which it will be almost impossible to re-
cover.

The Caracal is essentially predaceous, feeding upon the various animals which fall
victims to its active and muscular limbs. It is said to be able to destroy the smaller
deer, and to display very great craft in the chase of the swifter quadrupeds and of birds.
It is not particularly fleet of foot, nor, as far as known, delicate of scent, so that it
cannot fairly run down its prey by open chase like the long-winded wolf, nor follow it
up by scent like the slow but sure stoat or weasel. But it is capable of making the
most surprising springs, and of leaping on its prey with a marvellous accuracy of aim.
It can also climb trees, and can chase its prey among the branches on which the
doomed creatures had taken up their abode.

Like the hyena, wolf, jackal, and many other flesh-eating animals, it does not
content itself with the creatures which fall by the stroke of its own talons, or the grip of
its own teeth, but will follow the lion or leopard in its nocturnal quest after prey, and
thankfully partake of the feast which remains after the monarch of the woods has eaten
as much as he can possibly contain. In truth, the lion seems oftentimes to carry out the
ludicrously arrogant pretension of certain human rulers, and to proclaim, " I, the King
of the Forest, have dined. Let the monarchs of earth take their dinner ! " As is usual
among quadrupedal and bipedal royalties, the lion-king has but little chance of making
a second repast of any prey which his lordly paw may have immolated, for a band of

THE CARACAL.

211

hungry courtiers assemble round the victim, and after the royal appetite has been
satiated, leave nothing but a few dry bones to tell of the animal that ranged freely
through the forest but an hour or two ago.

No blame attaches to the black-eared Caracal for this dependent line of conduct, for,
as has already been mentioned, the lion himself disdains not to avail himself of a ready
killed prey, and to gorge himself thereon with as much satisfaction as if his own paw
had dealt the lethal blow.

It is said that the Caracal will sometimes call in the aid of its fellows, and with their
assistance will secure even a large animal. Some authors assert that they will unite,
like hounds, in the chase of their prey, and will hunt it as regularly as a pack of wolves
or wild dogs. But the general opinion seems to be that the Caracal, even when assisted
by its companions, gives no open chase, but achieves its end by a few powerful bounds,
a stroke with the paw, and a fierce grip with the fangs on the throat of its victim. Some
authors assert that the Caracal is often tamed, and rendered useful in hunting ; being

THE CARACAL*— Caracal Melaaotls.

trained to creep upon its prey and to spring from its place of concealment upon its
unsuspecting quarry. When the trained Caracal seizes its prey it crouches to the earth,
and lies motionless until its owner comes up and removes the slaughtered victim.

The strength of this animal is very great in -comparison with its size. A captive
Caracal has been known to leap upon a large dog and to tear it in pieces, although the
dog defended itself to the best of its ability.

The Caracal is spread over a very wide range of country, being known to inhabit large
portions of the Asiatic and African continents. Arabia, the Cape and its vicinity,
Egypt, Nubia, and Barbary, are the habitations of this animal, which is also found
spread over the greater part of India and Persia. The Arabs call this animal Anak-
el-ard.

BY name, if not by sight, the common LvNxof Europe is familiar to us, and is known
as the type of a quick-sighted animal. The eyes of the Lynx, and the ears of the

212

THE EUROPEAN LYNX.

" Blind Mole," are generally placed on a par with each other, as examples of especial
acuteness of either sense.

The European Lynx is spread over a great portion of the Continent, being found in
a range of country which extends from the Pyrenees to Scandinavia. It is also found
in the more northern forests of Asia.

The color of this animal is as variable as that of the caracal, or even more so, for the
same individual will change the hue of its fur according to the season of the year.
During the colder months the fur becomes larger, fuller, and more grizzled, the latter
effect being produced by a change in the tips of the hairs, which assume a grayish-white.
The usual color of the Lynx is a rather dark gray, washed with red, on which are placed
sundry dark patches, large and few upon the body, and many and small on the limbs.
On the body the spots assume an oblong or oval shape, but upon the limbs they are
nearly circular. The tail of the Lynx is short, being at the most only seven or eight
inches in length, and sometimes extending only six inches. The length of the body
and head is about three feet.

EUROPEAN LYNX.— Lyncua virgatus.

This animal resembles the caracal in its habits and mode of obtaining prey. Sheep
often fall victims to the Lynx, but it finds its chief nourishment among hares, rabbits,
and other small animals. Like the caracal it is an excellent climber of trees, and chases
its prey among the branches with ease and success.

The fur of the Lynx is valuable for the purposes to which the feline skin is usually
destined, and commands a fair price in the market. Those who hunt the Lynx for the
purpose of obtaining its fur, choose the winter months for the time of their operations,
as during the cold season the Lynx possesses a richer and a warmer fur than is found
upon it during the warm summer months.

The SOUTHERN, OR PARDINE, LYNX is a peculiarly beautiful example of this group of
Felidae. It inhabits more southern districts than the last-mentioned animals, being found
in Spain, Sardinia, Portugal and other southern countries. From the leopard-like spots

THE SOUTHERN LYNX.

with which its ruddy chestnut fur is covered, it derives the name of Pardine Lynx.

Spanish title is Gato-clavo.

213
Its

THE New World possesses its examples of the Lyncine group as well as the Old
World, and even in the cold regions of Northern America a representative of these
animals may be found. This is the CANADA LYNX, commonly termed the " Peeshoo "
by the French colonists, or even dignified with the title of " Le Chat."

The hair of this animal is longer than that of its southern relatives, and is generally of
a dark gray, flecked or besprinkled with black. Large and indistinct patches of the fur
are of a sensibly darker tint than the generality of its coat. Most of the hairs are white
at their extremities, which will account for the apparent changes in color which will be
seen even in the same species at different times. Along the back and upon the elbow
joint these dark mottlings become more apparent. In some specimens the fur takes a
slight tinge of ruddy chestnut, the limbs are darker than the rest of the body, and the ears

i'V.

SOUTHERN LVNX.—Lyaous Pardlaus.

are slightly edged with white. It is probable that the same individual undergoes consid-
erable changes, both in the color and the length of its fur, according to the time of year.

The limbs of this Lynx are very powerful, and the thick heavily made feet are
furnished with strong white claws that are not seen unless the fur be put aside. It is
not a dangerous animal, and, as far as is known, feeds on the smaller quadrupeds, the
American hare being its favorite article of diet.

While running at speed it presents a singular appearance, owing to its peculiar mode
of leaping in successive bounds, with its back slightly arched, and all the feet coming
to the ground nearly at the same time. It is a good swimmer, being able to cross the water
for a distance of two miles or more. Powerful though it be, it is easily killed by a
blow on the back, a slight stick being sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the
animal. The flesh of the Peeshoo is eaten by the natives, and is said, though devoid of
flavor, to be agreeably tender. It is not so prolific as the generality of the feline tribe, as
the number of its young seldom exceeds two, and it only breeds once in the year. The

214

THE BOOTED LYNX.

CANADA LYNX, OR PEESHOO.-Lyncus Canadeasis.

range of this animal is rather extensive, and in the wide district where it takes up its resi
dence is found in sufficient plenty to render its fur an important article of commerce.
The length of this animal slightly exceeds three feet.

V-s

BOOTED LYNX.— Lyncus Qallg&tus

The BOOTED LYNX derives its somewhat peculiar name from the deep black coloring
with which its legs are partially stained. The side and the hinder portions of the legs
are partially covered with black hair, which gives the animal, when seen from behind, a
quaint aspect, as if it had been endued with a pair of short tight-fitting black buskins.

' , THE CHEETAH.

The fur of this animal is rather variable in its coloring, and it is found that the
coat of the female is rather more yellow than that of the male. The tail is marked
with several dark rings upon a whitish ground, the tip of the tail being black.

The general tint of the fur is a deep gray, sometimes varied by a reddish tawny hue,
and sometimes plentifully besprinkled with black hairs. On the upper part of the legs
there are some very faint stripes of a ruddy brown, and two similar bands may be ob-
served on the sides of the face. When young, the fur is marked with dark stripes and
blotches, which are found sparingly on almost every portion of the body, but are most
conspicuous on the sides. It is spread over the two vast continents of Asia and
Africa, being found in the southern parts of India and the greater part of Africa, from
Egypt and Barbary to the Cape.

CHEETAH.— Oueparda iubaia.

Its food consists of the smaller quadrupeds, and such birds as it can capture. It is
by no means a large animal, being barely two feet in length exclusive of the tail, which
measures rather more than a foot.

THE beautifully marked and elegantly formed creature which is represented in the
accompanying engraving is worthy the attention' of all who are interested in the
wondrous influence which can be exerted by the human mind upon the very being of
the lower animals. The CHEETAH, Youze, or Hunting Cat, as it is indifferently named,
is, like the last-mentioned animal, an inhabitant of Asia and Africa. It is rather a
large animal, exceeding an ordinary leopard in stature. This superiority in size appears

2l6

THE CHEETAH.

to be greater than it is, on account of the very long limbs of the Cheetah, which give it
the aspect of a very large animal. The head, however, is very small in proportion to
its height, and the limbs, although very long, are slender, and devoid of that marvellous
strength that lies latent in the true leopard's limb.

The title " jubata," or crested, is given to the Cheetah on account of a short, mane-
like crest of stiff long hairs which passes from the back of the head to the shoulders.
Although the Cheetah is popularly termed the "Hunting Leopard," it can lay but little
claim to the pardine title, and has probably been placed among the true leopards more
on account of its spotted hide than for its shape and structure. The claws of this
animal are but partially retractile, nor are they so sharply curved, nor so beautifully
pointed, as those of the leopard. The Cheetah is unable to climb trees like the leopard,

CHEETAH AND SPRINGBOKS.

and in the general contour of its body evidently forms one of the connecting links be-
tween the feline and the canine races.

The Cheetah is one of those animals which gain their living by mingled craft and
agility. Its chief food is obtained from the various deer and antelopes which inhabit
the same country, and in seizing and slaying its prey no little art is required. The
speed of this animal is not very great, and it has but little endurance ; so that an ante-
lope or a stag could set the spotted foe at defiance, and in a short half-hour place them-
selves beyond his reach. But it is the business of the Cheetah to hinder the active and
swift-footed deer from obtaining that invaluable half-hour, and to strike them down be-
fore they are aware of his presence.

HUNTING WITH THE CHEETAH. 217

In order to obtain this end, the Cheetah watches for a herd of deer or antelopes, or is
content to address himself to the pursuit of a solitary individual, or a little band of two
or three, should they be placed in a position favorable for his purpose. Crouching upon
the ground so as to conceal himself as much as possible from the watchful eyes of the in-
tended prey, the Cheetah steals rapidly and silently upon them, never venturing to show
himself until he is within reach of a single spring. Having singled out one individual
from the herd, the Cheetah leaps upon the devoted animal and dashes it to the ground.
Fastening his strong grip in the throat of the dying animal, the Cheetah laps the hot
blood, and for the time seems forgetful of time or place.

Of these curious habits, the restless and all-adapting mind of man has taken advantage,
and has diverted to his own service the wild destructive properties of the Cheetah. In
fact, man has established a kind of quadrupedal falconry, the Cheetah taking the place
of the hawk, and the chase being one of earth and not of air. The Asiatics have brought
this curious chase to great perfection, and are able to train Cheetahs for this purpose in
a wonderfully perfect manner.

When a Cheetah is taken out for the purpose of hunting game, he is hooded and placed
in a light native car, in company with his keepers. When they perceive a herd of deer,
or other desirable game, the keepers turn the Cheetah's head in the proper direction,
and remove the hood from his eyes. The sharp-sighted animal generally perceives the
prey at once, but if he fails so to do the keepers assist him by quiet gestures.

No sooner does the Cheetah fairly perceive the deer than his bands are loosened, and
he gently slips from the car. Employing all his innate artifices, the quadrupedal hunter
approaches the game, and with one powerful leap flings himself upon the animal which
he has selected. The keepers now hurry up, and take his attention from the slaughtered
animal by offering him a ladleful of its blood, or by placing before him some food of which
he is especially fond, such as the head and neck of a fowl. The hood is then slipped
over his head, and the blinded animal is conducted patient and unresisting to the car,
where he is secured, until another victim may be discovered.

It is a very curious fact, that although the Cheetah is found in Africa as well as in
Asia, it has not been subjected to the dominion of man by the African races, but is
suffered to roam at large, unfettered and unblinded.

The natural disposition of this pretty creature seems to be gentle and placid, and it
is peculiarly susceptible of domestication. It has been so completely trained as to be
permitted to wander where it chooses like a domestic dog or cat, and is quite as familiar
as that animal. Even in a state of semi-domestication it is sufficiently gentle. One
sleek and well-conditioned specimen with which I made acquaintance behaved in a
very friendly manner, permitting me to pat its soft sides, or stroke its face and uttering
short self-sufficient sounds, like the magnified purr of a gratified cat. Unfortunately,
the acquaintance was rudely broken up by an ill-conditioned Frenchman, who came to
the front of the cage, and with his stick dealt the poor animal a severe thrust in the
side. The Cheetah instantly lost its confident expression, and was so irritated by this
rough treatment that it would not permit a repetition of the former caresses.

Certainly these caged animals have a wondrous perception of the intentions of those
who visit them. I heard one curious instance of forbearance on the part of a caged
tiger.

A little girl, about five or six years of age, was taken to see the lions and tigers in a
travelling menagerie. They presented to her mind the idea that they were simply very
large cats, only differing in size from her favorite cat at home. So she crept close to
the cage, and getting on a stone, in order to lift her small person to a proper elevation,
fearlessly thrust her arm through the bars, and began to stroke the nose of the tiger.
The spectators, seeing the child thus engaged, very unwisely set up a general
scream, which had the effect of startling the tiger, and of making it so suspicious,
that a second attempt to stroke it now would have probably resulted in the loss of
the arm.

The fur of the Cheetah is rather rough, and is by no means so smooth as that of the
African or Asiatic leopard. Its color is very similar to that of the leopard, but the
ground color of the fur is of a deeper fawn. The spots which so profusely stud the

2l8

THE HYENA.

body and limbs are nearly round in their form, and black in their tint. Excepting
upon the face there seem to be no stripes like those of the tiger, but upon each side
of the face there is a bold black streak which runs from the eye to the corner of the
mouth. The hair about the throat, chest, and flanks is rather long, and gives a very
determinate look to the animal.

The Cheetah is known as an inhabitant of many parts of Asia, including India,
Sumatra, and Persia, while in Africa it is found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good
Hope.

HYENAS AND BUFFALO.

HYENAS.

THE group of animals which are so well known by the title of HYENAS, are, although
most repulsive to the view, and most disgusting in their habits, the very saviours of life
and health in the countries where they live, and where there is necessity for their ex-
istence. In this land, and at the present day, there is no need of such large animals
as the Hyenas to perform their necessary ?nd useful task of clearing the earth from the

THE STRIPED OR CRESTED HYENA. 219

decaying carcasses which cumber its surface and poison its air, for in our utilitarian age
even the very hairs from a cow's hide are turned to account, and the driest bones are
made to subserve many uses. We need not the Hyenas, with their strong teeth, their
powerful jaws, their rapid digestion, and their insatiable appetite. For the animal sub-
stances which are cast out unburied on our land are generally either eaten or buried by
certain of the insect tribes, who are of a verity visible providences to us, assimilating into
their own being, or that of their progeny, the putrefying matter that, but for their pro-
vidential interference, would pour out clouds of poisoned gases, rife with pestilence
and disease.

In those countries, as well as in our own, there are carnivorous and flesh-burying
insects, which consume the smaller animal substances ; but the rough work is left to
those industrious scavengers the Hyenas, which content themselves with the remains
of large animals.

In the semi-civilized countries of Africa and Asia, the Hyena is a public benefactor,
swallowing with his accommodating appetite almost every species of animal substance
that can be found, and even crushing to splinters between his iron jaws the bones which
would resist the attacks of all other carnivorous animals.

There are several species of Hyenas, which are found in Asia and Africa, such as the
Striped Hyena, sometimes called the Crested Hyena, or Strand Wolf, the Brown Hyena,
and the Tiger Wolf, or Spotted Hyena. The habits of all these animals are very similar.
The animals comprising this group are remarkable for their slouching, shambling gait,
which is caused by the disproportion that exists between their legs. The fore-legs, which
are used for digging, are powerful and well developed, but the hinder pair are so short
that the line of the back slopes suddenly downwards from the hips, and gives to the
creature a most sneaking and cowardly look. There are only four toes on each foot.

Useful as is the Hyena when it remains within its proper boundaries, and restricts
itself to its proper food, it becomes a terrible pest when too numerous to find sufficient
nourishment in dead carrion. Incited by hunger, it hangs on the skirts of villages and
encampments, and loses few opportunities of making a meal at the expense of the
inhabitants. It does not openly oppose even a domestic ox, but endeavors to startle its
intended prey, and cause it to take to flight before it will venture upon an attack. In
order to alarm the cattle it has a curious habit of creeping as closely as possible to
them, and then springing up suddenly just under their eyes. Should the startled ani-
mals turn to flee, the Hyena will attack and destroy them ; but if they should turn to
bay, will stand still and venture no farther. It will not even attack a knee-haltered
horse. So it often happens that the Hyena destroys the healthy cattle which can run
away, and is afraid to touch the sickly and maimed beasts which cannot flee, and are
forced to stand at bay.

Among the warlike tribes that inhabit the greater part of Africa this cowardly dis-
position throws a sad discredit on the animal, and they lavish upon the Hyena their
copious vocabulary of abusive terms. Even a weapon which has been used for the
purpose of killing a Hyena is held by them as entirely defiled, and rendered unfit for
the use of a warrior. Jules Gerard relates an incident of Hyena hunting, which,
although it reflects a little upon himself, he narrates with much humor.

He had left the encampment, and was proceeding hurriedly along the path, when he
suddenly came upon a rough, hairy animal, which had been surprised by daybreak, and
was shambling along towards its home with a limping, hobbling gait, and an air of
blank astonishment. The animal, a Hyena, made off as fast as it could, and the hunter,
having left his gun with an attendant who was lingering behind, was fain to draw his
sabre, and charge the retreating beast as he best could. The Hyena was too quick
for him, and plunging among the bushes disappeared into a cavity at the foot of a
rock.

The hunter was determined to secure the animal if he could, so he tied his horse to a
bush, and crawled into the little cavern. When fairly inside he found that he was
within a deserted stone quarry, where he could stand erect and freely use his arms. The
cavern was so dark, however, that he could not see the Hyena, and the only indication
of its presence was afforded by its teeth grinding upon the sword-blade, and endeavoring

220

THE STRIPPED HYENA.

to drag the weapon from his hand. In a few moments his eyes became accustomed to
the obscurity, and he could perceive the Hyena still holding on to the point of the
sword. A sudden effort sufficed to free the weapon, and with a quick thrust, the blade was
buried to the hilt in the creature's breast, laying the Hyena dead on the floor of the cave.

Just as M. Gerard had withdrawn the dripping sword, and was about to drag the
slain animal from the cave, his attendant arrived, accompanied by some negroes whom
he had pressed into the service.

The hunter thought that he had deserved some credit for his hand-to-hand combat
with so powerful an animal, and was unpleasantly disappointed when the Arab recom-
mended him to return thanks that he had not used his gun, and advised him to dis-
card the ensanguined sabre, as it would betray him. Indeed he found that he had
committed a woeful blunder, and that it behooved him to achieve some specially daring
deed in order to stop the slanderous tongues of the Arab tribes.

STRIPED HYENA.
STRIPED OR CRESTED HYENA, OR STRAND OR WOLF.-Hyaaa striata.

He afterwards found that the Arabs scorned to use a weapon against the Hyena,
which they killed in a most unique manner.

Taking a handful of wet mud, or similar substance, and presenting themselves at the
mouth of the Hyena's den, they extend their hand to the animal, and say mockingly,
" See, how pretty I will make you with this henna ! " They then dash the wet com-
post into the creature's eyes, drag him out by a paw, and gag him before he recovers
from the sudden bewilderment. The poor beast is now handed over to the women
and children, who stone it to death.

These Hyenas are very fond of dog-flesh, and employ a very ingenious mode of catch-
ing their favorite prey. The female. Hyena creeps quietly, and ensconses herself

THE BROWN HYENA. 221

behind some bush or other concealment not far from a village or a temporary encamp-
ment. Her mate then plays his part by running boldly forwards, and making himself
as conspicuous as possible, so as to draw the attention of some of the multitudinous
dogs which prowl about human habitations. Out rush the dogs at the sight of the
intruder, and the Hyena runs off as fast as he can, taking care to pass near the spot
where his mate is lying concealed. The result may be imagined.

It is not often the case that the Hyena will commit itself to so bold an action, for it
is never known to be venturesome unless compelled by dire hunger.

The STRIPED HYENA is easily to be distinguished from its relations by the peculiar
streaks from which it derives its name. The general color of the fur is a grayish-brown
diversified with blackish stripes which run along the ribs, and upon the limbs. A large
singular black patch extends over the front of the throat, and single black hairs are pro-
fusely scattered among the fur. When young, the stripes are more apparent than in adult
age, and the little animal has something of atigrine aspect about its face. The reason
for this circumstance is twofold ; firstly, because the groundwork of the fur is lighter
than in the adult Hyena ; and secondly, because the stripes are proportionately much
broader than in the full-grown animal, and there occupy more space.

Athough the Hyena is so cowardly an animal, yet, like all cowards, it becomes
very bold when it finds that it can make its attack with impunity. Emboldened by
numbers, and incited by fierce hunger, the Hyenas become the very pests of the native
African towns ; roaming with impunity through the streets in search of the garbage
that is plentifully flung from the houses, and conducting themselves with the greatest
impudence. At nightfall the inhabitants are fain to close their doors firmly, for
these dangerous brutes have been known to seize a sleeping man, and kill him with the
terrible grip of their powerful jaws.

In proportion to its size, the Hyena possesses teeth and jaws of extraordinary strength,
and between their tremendous fangs the thigh-bones of an ox fly in splinters with a
savage crash that makes the spectator shudder. The skull of this animal is formed in
a manner that at once points it out as belonging to a creature of enormous power. The
" zygomatic " arches of bone that extend from the eyes to the ears are of exceeding
strength and thickness ; and along the top of the head there runs a deep bony crest
that projects beyond the brain-cavity, and serves for the attachment of the powerful
muscles to which the animal owes its singular strength. So forcibly are these muscles
exerted that the vertebrae of the neck are sometimes found to have united together —
" anchylosed " according to the professional term, on account of the violent tension to
which they were continually subjected.

The muzzle is but short, and the rough thorn-studded tongue is used, like that of the
feline groups, for rasping every vestige of flesh from the bones of the prey.

The BROWN HYENA is so named on account of the color of its fur, which is of a
blackish-brown tint, diversified with a lighter hue upon the neck and throat, and a few
indistinctly marked bands of a blackish-brown across the legs. The hair of this species
is extremely long, and has a decided " set " backwards.

Sometimes the brown hue of the fur is washed with a warmer tint of chestnut, from
which circumstance the animal has been termed " Crocuta rufa," the latter word
signifying a ruddy hue, and being applied especially to hair.

THE last of the three acknowledged species of Hyena is a large and heavier built
animal than either of the preceding species, from which it is easily distinguishable by
the numerous and well-defined spots that are scattered over its body and limbs. The
SPOTTED HYENA, or Tiger Wolf, as it is generally called, is, for a Hyena, a fierce and
dangerous animal, invading the sheep-folds and cattle-pens under the cover of darkness,
and doing in one night more mischief than can be remedied in the course of years.

The spots, or rather the blotches, with which its fur is marked, are rather scanty upon
the back and sides, but upon the legs are much more clearly marked, and are set closer

222

THE BROWN HYENA.

together. The paws are nearly black. In the collection of the British Museum is a very
young specimen, which, curiously enough, is devoid of the spots that mark its adult fur,
thereby presenting a remarkable contrast to the animals which we have already mentioned.
For example, the lion, which in mature age is of a uniform tawny hue, is covered when
young with spots and stripes, which seem to partake equally of the tigrine and pardine
character. The young puma, again, exhibits strongly marked spots of a deeper hue upon
its pale tawny fur, and retains them for a considerable time. Indeed, even in the fur of
an adult puma may be discerned the remnants of these maculations when the animal is
placed in certain lights. The striped Hyena, again, exhibits more decisive markings
while young than after it has attained its full growth, and there are many other similar
instances. These examples would seem to justify the idea, that the young of these and
similar animals were deeper in their coloring than their parents. Yet, in direct opposition

BROWN HYENA.— Crocuta Brunnea.

to this seeming rule, we find the young of the Spotted Hyena to possess a simple, ruddy,
brown fur, similar in color to that of the Brown Hyena. It is worthy of notice, that
whatever dark spots, stripes, or blotches exist upon an animal, whether in its young or its
adult state, they may always be found either upon the the back, following the line of the ver-
tebrae, or upon the legs. And even in those numerous cases where, as in the leopard, tiger,
ocelot, and other striped and spotted animals, the dark markings are persistent through the
entire life of the creature, these dark spots and stripes are always found to be more power-
fully developed upon the spine and on the legs. I would here offer a suggestion : that we
may find a key to this curious enigma in the fact, that the darker fur seems, in these animals,
to accompany the chief voluntary nerves, and therefore to become more conspicuous upon

THE TIGER WOLF, OR SPOTTED HYENA.

223

the line of the all-important nervous column that runs along the back, and of the great
branch nerves which supply power and energy to the limbs. It will be borne in mind
that the complicated ganglionic system of nerves that intertwines itself among the vital
organs, and is woven into such manifold reticulations on the " epigastrium," is of a
different character from the round cord-like nerves of motion, and is found mostly in
those parts of the body where the fur is palest.

The Tiger Wolf is celebrated for the strange unearthly sounds which it utters when
under the influence of strong excitement. The animal is often called the " Laughing
Hyena " on account of the maniacal, mirthless, hysterical laugh which it pours forth,
accompanying these horrid sounds with the most absurd gestures of body and limbs.
During the time that the creature is engaged in uttering these wild fearful peals of

TIGER WOLF, OR SPOTTED HYENA.— Crocuta maculvta.

laughter it dances about in a state of ludicrously frantic excitement, running backwards
and forwards, rising on its hind legs, and rapidly gyrating on those members, nodding
its head repeatedly to the ground ; and, in fine, performing the most singular antics
with wonderful rapidity.

The ancients, who had the vaguest possible ideas of the Hyena, and considered it
to be as fearful a foe to humanity as the lion, thought that the animal was accustomed
to decoy stray travellers to its den by imitating the laughter of human revellers, and
then to kill and devour those who had been deceived by the simulated revelry. Besides
the ordinary teeth and claws with which a Hyena was furnished, these ancient authors
supplied the Hyena with two additional rows of teeth in each jaw, and a supply of
sharp darts at the extremity of the tail. The triple row of teeth was evidently borrowed
from the shark, which is indeed a kind of marine Hyena, and the caudal darts were
clearly adopted from the skin of the porcupine.

224 MAN-EATING HYENAS.

The Hyena is too vexatious a neighbor not to be persecuted, and frequently falls a
victim to the treacherous spring-gun, in spite of the benefits which he confers on man-
kind by his unfailing energy in devouring every scrap of eatable food.

To set a gun for the purpose of Hyena shooting is an easy matter, and is managed as
follows. The loaded musket is fixed horizontally to a couple of posts, about the height
of a Hyena's head. A string is then fastened to the trigger, one end of which is passed
behind the trigger guard, or through a ring placed for the purpose, and the other is firmly
tied to a piece of meat, which is hung on the muzzle of the gun. When a passing Hyena,
prowling about in search of prey, is attracted by the meat, he seizes it between his teeth,
and thus draws the trigger of the gun, lodging the bullet in his head. Tenacious of
life as is the Hyena, he falls dead on the spot.

In order to attract the notice of the Hyenas, a piece of putrid flesh is dragged along
the ground so as to leave an odoriferous trail leading to the treacherous weapon.

Taught by experience, the Hyenas have become so suspicious of an object which
they do not understand, and to which they are not accustomed, that the very sight of a
piece of string alarms them, and guards them from self-immolation in many a trap. So the
farmers, who chiefly set these explosive traps, match the creature's cunning by their own
superior intellect, and substitute the stems of creeping plants for the hempen cord or
leathern strings. These objects are regarded without suspicion, and by their assistance
the outwitted Hyena is laid low.

In chasing living animals the Hyena employs the same caution that characterises
his ordinary proceedings. When they seize their prey the Hyenas carefully avoid those
spots where the affrighted animal might reach them with its hoofs, teeth, or horns.
They never seem to spring on the animal's neck, but hang on to its flanks, dragging
it to the ground by the mingled weight of their body and the pain of the wound. Many
veteran oxen and horses are deeply scarred in the flanks by the teeth of the Hyaena,
which has made its attack, but has been scared away or shaken off.

The eyes of the Hyenas are singularly repulsive in their expression, being round,
dull, and almost meaningless.

There are man-eaters among the Hyenas, and these hominivorous animals are greatly
dreaded, on account of the exceeding stealthiness and craft with which they achieve
their object.

They very seldom endeavor to destroy the adult men and women, but limit their at-
tacks to the young and defenceless children. On dark nights the Hyena is greatly to be
feared, for he can be guided to his prey by the light of the nocturnal fires which do not
daunt an animal that is possessed by this fearful spirit of destructiveness, and at the
same time can make his cautious approaches unseen. As the family are lying at night,
buried in sleep, the Hyena prowls round the inclosure, and on finding a weak spot the
animal pushes aside the wattle bands of which the fence is made, and quietly creeps
through the breach.

Between the human inhabitants and the fence, the cattle are picketed by night, and
would fall an easy prey to the Hyena if he chose to attack them. But he slips cau-
tiously amid the sleeping beasts, and makes his way to the spot where lies a young child,
wrapped in deep slumber. Employing the same silent caution, the Hyena quietly with-
draws the sleeping child from the protecting cloak of its mother, and makes its escape
with its prey before it can be intercepted.

With such marvellous caution does this animal act, that it has often been known to
remove an infant from the house without even giving the alarm.

It has already been mentioned that the Hyena is in no wise fastidious in its diet,
and that it will habitually consume the most indigestible of substances. Yet there seems
to be something capricious about the function of assimilating food, which, even in the
Hyena, is subject to remarkable fluctuations. To one of these animals, after a fast of
thirty-six hours, a dead rat was given, which, as might be expected, it immediately swal-
lowed. In fifteen minutes, the creature rejected the skin and bones of the rat, though
the same animal would have eaten with impunity the heavy bones or tough hide of a
veteran ox, or even would have made a satisfactory meal on a few yards of leathern strap.

The following anecdotes of the Cape Hyena and its habits are taken from the MS. of
Captain Drayson, R.A., to which reference has already been made.

THE CAPE HYENA.

225

HYENAS QUARRELLING OVER THEIR PREY.

"Tnis animal is very common in South Africa, and being cunning, and rarely
venturing out by day, is likely to be longer a denizen of the inhabited districts than
many other less formidable creatures. The height at the shoulder is about two feet six
inches, and falls towards the rump ; extreme length, about five feet ten inches. The
head is short and very broad ; muzzle and nose black ; general color, brown, irregularly
'5

226 THE CAPE HYENA.

blotched with circular black spots. The tail sixteen inches ; hairs on the back of the
neck and withers long, forming a reversed mane.

The proper duty of this creature appears to be that of scavenger, and is, with regard
to the beasts, what the vulture is to the birds ; but owing to its great appetite, and
naturally voracious disposition, it does not appear contented with merely the carrion
which it might procure, but employs its strength and speed in destroying the flocks and
herds of the colonists, or in killing such antelopes as it is enabled to capture.

If this animal possessed courage in proportion to its strength it would be a very
formidable opponent to man, and, as it hunts frequently in packs, might test the skill
and boldness of the hunter, but, fortunately, its principal characteristic is cowardice.

Owing to the custom prevalent amongst many of the South African tribes of expos-
ing their dead to be devoured by beasts of prey, the Hyena has acquired the taste for
human flesh, and therefore cases are on record of the huts of Kaffirs having been en-
tered by it, and the children carried off and devoured. Most ably does the Hyena
perform his functions in the economy of nature. Whilst the lion selects the choice parts
of a slain animal, and the vulture those which he cannot eat, the Hyena comes and
,finishes hide, bones, and other remnants which have been too tough for the digestion
of the others.

It appears to be a law of nature that those animals which take the shortest time to
fill their stomachs can go the longest time without eating. For example, the horse and
the ox will take from half an hour to one hour and a half to feed, and they will both
suffer if they are kept more than a day without food. The wolf and the dog can make
a very satisfactory meal in about two minutes, and either can remain two or three days
without suffering much for want of a meal. We may even remark that this instinctive
mode of eating food is prevalent among human beings.

The rough ploughboy, whose meals are limited in number to one or two daily, and
are composed of coarse bread and fat bacon, swallows in a few minutes these articles
of food in great morsels which he can hardly force into his mouth, and which he
scarcely takes the trouble to masticate. The food which is thus taken into the system
will repel the feeling of faintness consequent on an empty stomach much more than if
it were leisurely eaten and properly subjected to the action of the teeth. This result
is only natural, for the better food is masticated, the sooner is it digested.

The Hyena in the Zoological Gardens appears well acquainted with this fact, for on
one occasion, being anxious to see how easily he crushed a huge bone of beef, I took
my station in front of his cage, just before feeding time. After the usual laugh had
been extracted from crowd and Hyena, a leg of beef was forced under the bars, and
was seized by the hysterical scavenger. A few strips of flesh were torn off and swallowed,
and then there remained about nine inches of bone and sinew ; instead of crushing these
into little pieces, and then swallowing it, as I expected, the wise animal just turned the
bone ' head on,' took it in his jaws, made a face, contorted his body, and that solid
mass was deposited in the yawning sarcophagus. The crowd laughed and dispersed, but
did not remark what experience had probably taught this prisoner, viz., that when he
swallowed the bone whole he was not so famished by the next day's dinner-hour as when
he ground it up into small pieces. This Hyena, having but little variety of occupation
for its mind, had probably devoted much patient thought to the adjustment of this
fact.

The Hyena usually lives in holes, or amongst rocks in retired localities, and when
the sun has set he comes forth and searches for food. He then utters a long melan-
choly howl, which finishes with a sort of bark, and occasionally that fiend-like laugh
which, when heard in the desert, amid scenes of the wildest description, calls up in the
imagination of the solitary traveller the forms of some spectral ghouls searching for
their unnatural feast.

The smell of the Hyena is so rank and offensive that no animal, other than of its
own species, will come near the carcass. Dogs, when they come across the scent of
the Hyena, at once show signs of fear ; they will scarcely leave their master,
and, bristling manes and wild looks, examine every inch of ground over which
they pass.

THE CAPE HYENA. aa;

The spoor of the Hyena is somewhat similar to, but larger than that of the dog ; the
nails, not being retractile, usually leave an impression upon soft ground, which is not
the case with the leopard. The inside toe of each foot is smaller than the outside, and
the footmarks can be easily recognized and distinguished from those of dogs.

During one warm afternoon, whilst riding over the grassy slopes on the banks of the
Umganie River, near Pietermaritzberg, and attended by a cunning old pointer, I saw the
dog stand on the brink of an old watercourse, and bark fiercely at some object which
appeared to be stationed below. I knew that the bark and the expression which accom-
panied it was the dog-language for * there's something here,' so I dismounted, and walked
towards the dyke. As I approached, the dog, with an aspect of alarm, sprang back, and
then rushed forward again. From having had several unpleasant rencontres with
poisonous snakes I had become very cautious, and advanced so slowly that I was only
enabled to catch a glimpse of a Hyena, Which, upon seeing me, immediately retreated
into an opening.

I descended the steep bank and found a large hole, which appeared to be the
entrance to a subterraneous passage, by which the water obtained an exit. I collected a
few sticks and some long grass, which I placed over the entrance, and then endeavored
to trace the course of this passage, to see if there were another opening.

About fifty yards from the first I found a second hole, which evidently led to the
first ; neither of these were large enough to admit me, and the dog could not have done
much good even had he entered ; but he appeared to have a great objection to approach
too near to the den.

After some consideration I determined to cut a quantity of the dry grass, to fill one
opening with it, set it on fire, and then to watch near the other hole. This plan failed
to unearth the creature, so I reversed the arrangement, but with no better success.

At length I fired several bullets into the opening, trusting that a stray shot might
strike near the Hyena, and that it would drive him into open ground. The sinuosities
of the passage prevented the possibility pf a fair shot.

Whilst thus engaged, the dog suddenly barked and dashed off. Upon reaching the
top of the bank, I saw the Hyena scrambling over the hills, closely followed by my dog.
I mounted my pony, but the pace was too good for him. I however held the Hyena
in view for a considerable time as it passed over the successive ridges, but the pointer
soon gave up his pursuit.

I think that when the ordinary game is driven away by sporting men, or killed by
sportsmen, Hyena-hunting with a pack of hounds would be found very good sport, and
perhaps we should have Hyena-hunters sneering at fox-hunters as much as some fox-
hunters now do at ' thistle-whippers.'

The Hyena is frequently caught in a trap of simple construction. Stakes are driven
into the ground so as to form an inclosure, and a hanging door of stone, sustained by
a cord, closes the aperture when it falls. A bait is placed at the farther end of the
trap, and the whole contrivance is like a large mouse-trap. When caught, the Hyena
is despatched with spears and clubs, or is shot.

The traveller is frequently disturbed during the night by the daring Hyenas, who
will sneak about his wagons in search of leather straps, trektows, and other savory
provender ; and if a pair of shoes or some leather breeches happened to be left in an
exposed situation during the dark hours, they may be considered lost without re-
demption, for such a supper would be an unlooked-for luxury by the gaunt brute."

One of these animals was discovered in a state of sad laceration. The two fore-paws
were gone, and the legs themselves had been frightfully torn, evidently by some powerful
beast of prey. The natives said that the Hyena had been thus punished by the lion for
interfering with his arrangements, and stated, moreover, that the lion frequently cor-
rected the forward conduct of the Hyena by biting off every one of its paws.
This statement, curious as it may seem, was corroborated by several experienced
hunters.

Although in former days the Hyena was supposed to be a wholly untameable
animal, later experiments have shown that it is nearly as tractable and affectionate as a

228

AARD WOLF.

dog when it has the benefit of similar treatment. It has been known to accompany its
master as familiarly as any dog, and to recognize him with airs of joy after a lengthened
absence. The potency which some persons exert over animal natures is most remarkable,
It may be that such persons pour much love upon all things, and therefore upon the
animals with which they come in contact. So love, creating love, — which is the highest gift
of God, and the sum of his divine attributes, — calls forth in animals the highest attributes
of their nature, and through this higher quality, develops their intellectual capacities.

AARD WOLF.— Pfoteles cristatus.

CIVETS.

IT is generally the case with the greater divisions of animals that there exist certain
intermediate forms of animal life, which seem to be rather higher than the one division,
and lower than the other, being, in fact, transitional forms between the higher and the lower
groups. Thus, the Colugo, or Flying Lemur, is an intermediate form between the monkey
and bats, and the AARD WOLF is intermediate between the hyenas and the Civets,
belonging, however, more to the latter than the former group of animals. It is much
smaller than the hyenas, but larger than the Civets and genetts, and, indeed, has
indifferently been called a hyena, a jackal, or a Civet.

The form of the Aard Wolf much resembles that of the hyenas, the fore-quarters
being powerful and well developed, and the hinder quarters low and sloping.* The

THE CIVET. 229

general aspect of the creature is very similar to that of the hyena, for, in addition to the
hyenine sloping back and weak hind legs, the fur is rough, coarse, and colored in a
manner not unlike that of the striped hyena. The tail is very large in proportion to
the size of the animal, and is thickly covered with long bushy hair, black at the ex-
tremity, and blackish-gray on the other portions of that member. The back of the neck
and the shoulders are furnished with a thick bristling mane, which it can erect when
excited, and it then resembles a miniature striped hyena.

The claws of the fore-feet are sturdy, and firmly attached to the paws, so as to serve
their proper use of digging. The Aard Wolf is an admirable excavator, and digs for
itself a deep burrow, where it lies concealed during the day, buried in sleep at the
bottom of its mine. From this habit of burrowing in the earth, the creature has de-
rived its title of " Aard, or Earth Wolf."

A curious mode of domestic arrangement is carried out by these animals. Several
individuals seem to unite in forming a common habitation. Several deep burrows are
dug, having their common termination in a small chamber, where three or four Aard
Wolves take up their residence. Whether each animal digs and uses its own burrow,
or whether the tunnels, as well as the central chamber, are common to the inhabitants,
is not known. It seems, however, to be probable that such a mode of procedure
would be adopted, and that each member of the little community appropriated to itself
the tunnel which its own paws had dug.

The color of the Aard Wolf is gray, with a decided tinge of yellow. Several broad
bands of darker fur are seen on the sides, and the paws are quite black. The hair of
this animal is of two kinds, — a thick, short, woolly coating, which lies next to the skin,
and a longer and coarser set of hairs, which protrude through the woolly coating, and
hang downwards to some length. The adult Aard Wolf is about three feet six inches
in total length, the tail being about a foot long.

The food of this animal is similar to that of the hyena, and consists chiefly of carrion
and small animals. It does not disdain to make an occasional meal en insects, for a
number of ants were discovered in the stomach of an Aard Wolf that had been
killed.

The CIVET, sometimes, but wrongly, called the Civet Cat, is a native of Northern
Africa, and is found plentifully in Abyssinia, where it is eagerly sought on account of
the peculiarly scented substance which is secreted in certain glandular pouches. This
Civet perfume was formerly considered as a most valuable medicine, and could only
be obtained at a very high price ; but in the present day it has nearly gone out of
fashion as a drug, and holds its place in commerce more as a simple perfume than as
a costly panacea.

In this animal we may trace a decided resemblance to the Aard Wolf, both in the
shape of the body and in the markings.

But the Civet bears itself in a very different manner, having more of the weasel than
of the hyenine nature, and the coloring of the fur is of a much richer character than
that of the previously mentioned animal.

It is nearly as large as the Aard Wolf, its total length being about three feet six
inches, of which the tail occupies nearly one-third. Along the back, and even on part
of the tail, runs a boldly marked crest or mane, which can be erected by the animal
at pleasure, or can lie nearly, but not quite, evenly with the fur.

The substance which is so prized on account of its odoriferous qualities is secreted
in a double pouch, which exists under the abdomen, close to the insertion of the tail.
As this curious production is of some value in commerce, the animal which furnishes
the precious secretion is too valuable to be killed for the sake of its scent-pouch, and
is kept in a state of captivity, so as to afford a continual supply of the odoriferous
material.

The mode by which the Civet perfume is removed from the animal is very ingenious.
The animals which belong to this group are very quick and active in their movements,
and, being furnished with sharp teeth and strong jaws, are dangerous beasts to handle.
As may be imagined, the Civet resents the rough treatment that must be used in order to

230

THE CIVET.

effect the desired purpose, and snaps and twists about with such lithe and elastic
vigor that no one could venture to lay a hand on it without sufficient precaution. So,
when the time arrives for the removal of the perfume, the Civet is put into a long and
very narrow cage, so that it cannot turn itself round. A bone or horn spoon is then
introduced through an opening, and the odoriferous secretion is scraped from its pouch
with perfect impunity. This end achieved, the plundered animal is released from
its strait durance, and is permitted a respite until the supply of perfume shall be
re-formed.

As the Civet might be inconvenienced by the continual secretion of this substance,
Nature supplies a simple remedy, and the perfume falls from the pouch in pieces about
the size of an ordinary nut. The interior of each half of the pouch is sufficiently
capacious to hold a large almond. As the civet is formed, it is pressed through very
small orifices into the pouch, so that if it examined before it has merged itself into a
uniform mass, it is something like fine vermicelli in appearance. The interior of the
pouch is thickly coated with fine hairs, and entirely covered with the minute orifices
or pores through which the perfume exudes. The creature is able to compress the
pouch at will.

CIVET.— Viverra Clvcttm.

The Civet seems to be a very sleepy animal, especially during the daytime, and to
be with difficulty aroused from its somnolence.

While it remains in the pouch, the " civet " is rather thick and unctuous, something
like butter in texture.

The use which this curious secretion subserves in the economy of the creature is very
dubious. It is not sufficiently liquid to be ejected against its pursuers, and so to repel
them by its odor, as we know to be the case with the celebrated skunk of America, and
other animals. It may be, that this substance can be re-absorbed into the system,
and thus serve an important purpose ; but, whatever its use may be, it is clear that it
serves some worthy object, and that therefore the production of this secretion is deserv-
ing the attention of those who have the opportunity of making practical experiments.

The claws of the Civet are only partially retractile. The eyes are of a dull brown, very
protuberant, and with a curiously changeable pupils, which by day exhibits a rather broad
linear pupil, and glows at night with a brilliant emerald refulgence. The body is

': HE ZIBETH.

231

curiously shaped, being considerably flattened on the sides, as if the animal had been
pressed between two boards.

Altogether, the Civet is a very handsome animal, the bold dashing of black and white
upon its fur having a very rich effect. The face has a curious appearance, owing to
the white fur which fringes the lips, and the long pure white whisker hairs of the lips,
and eyes. When young, it is almost wholly black, with the exception of the white
whisker hairs and the white fur of the lips. It seems to be an irritable animal, and,
when angered, vents its indignation by fierce growls.

UPON the Asiatic continent, and its islands, the place of the civet is taken by several
of the Viverrine tribe, one of which, the ZIBETH, bears a close resemblance to its
African relative.

The Zibeth is a native of many parts of Asia, being found in China, India, the
Philippines, Nepal, and other localities. It may be distinguished from the civet by the
greater amount of white which is found in the fur, especially about the neck and throat,

ZIBETH.- Vlverr* Zlbetbm.

by the shorter hair, and by the greater number of dark rings upon the tail. The tail of
the Zibeth is not so largely marked with black at its extremity as that of the civet. The
mane or crest which runs along the back is comparatively small. The spots which mark
the body are rather indistinctly outlined, and the general tint of the fur seems to be
paler than that of the civet.

It is furnished with a musk-secreting pouch like that of the African civet. It is a
lethargic animal in captivity, and even in a wild state passes the day in sleep, and only
seeks its food after dark. Its usual diet is composed of birds and the smaller mam-
malia, but it will also eat various fruits, especially those of a sweet nature. In size it
nearly equals the civet In captivity it is a gentle creature, and is so completely tamed
by the natives of the countries where it is found that it inhabits the house like a domes-
tic cat and employs itself in similar useful pursuits.

THE animal which is known by the native name of TANGALUNG, bears some resem-
blance to the preceding animals. The black markings, however, are more distinct, and

232

THE RASSE.

along the direction of the spine the fur is most deeply black. On the lower part of the
throat and neck are three curiously shaped black bands, very wide in the middle and
very narrow at each end, the central band being several times wider than the others.

The length of this animal is two feet six inches, the head measuring nearly seven
inches in length, and the tail about eleven inches. The head is rather wide and rounded,
and is suddenly contracted towards the nose, so as to form a rather short muzzle. The
tail is nearly cylindrical, and does not taper so much as that of the zibeth, and the
body is furnished with a close downy covering of soft hairs near the skin. It is partly
to this woolly hair that the cylindrical outline of the tail is owing. The Tangalung is a
native of Sumatra.

The RASSE is spread over a large extent of country, being found in Java, various
parts of India, Singapore, Nepal, and other localities. The color of its fur is a warm
greyish-brown, upon which are placed eight parallel lines of elongated dark spots. The
dark rings which mark the tail pass entirely round that member, while those which are

TANGALUNQ.-Wv rra Tangluaga.

found on the tail of the zibeth reach little more than half the circumference of the tail.
The texture of the fur is rather coarse and stiff, and it is not very thickly set. The
ears of this animal approach each other very closely at their base, being only separated
by the space of an inch, whereas there is an interval of two inches between the ears
of the zibeth.

In the Javanese language, the word " Rasa," from which the name Rasse is taken,
signifies a sensation of the palate or the nostrils, so that it may be applied to the senses
of smelling or tasting. It generally refers to odoriferous substances.

The perfume which is furnished by the Rasse is secreted in a double pouch, like that
of the civet, and is removed from the animal in precisely the same manner. It is
highly valued by the Javanese, who imbue their persons, their rooms, and their gar-
ments so strongly with this substance that a European nostril is grievously affected at
the all-pervading odor. The substance itself is termed Dedes.

As far as is known of the disposition of this animal, it appears to be savage and
irritable, bearing captivity very impatiently, and never losing its wild ferocious nature

THE DELUNDUNG.

233

It is a very destructive creature among the animals on which it feeds, and on account
of its long sharp teeth can inflict a severe bite when it is angry. In captivity it gener-

RASSE.— Vlverre /fa/accens/s.

ally feeds on eggs, various birds, and meat and fish, and a little rice. The natives say
that salt is a poison to it.

^

DELUNDUNQ.-

Orac/./s.

THE pretty animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving is remark-
ably rich in coloring, as well as graceful in form. The DELUNDUNG is a native of Java

-34

THE GENETTS.

and Malacca, and is destitute of the scent-pouches which are so curious a characteristic
of the preceding Viverrine animals. It is not at all a common animal, and its habits
are not very clearly known.

The general color of the fur is a moderately deep gray, and upon the back are
drawn four very large, saddle-shaped stripes of an exceedingly dark and rich brown,
extremely broad on the spine, and becoming very narrow on the ribs. Along the sides
run twor.ovvsor chains of similarly colored markings, the upper band being occasionally
merged in the broad stripes that cross the back. The lower band extends from the
cheeks to the flanks. The legs are finely spotted, and the tail is covered with alternate
rings of .-'ray and dark brown, the rings becoming more distinct towards the point of
the tail.

The creature has been termed Pridnodon, or " Saw-tooth," on,, account of the curi-
ously shaped teeth, which present a jagged, or saw-like appearance. Its limbs are
very slender and delicately formed. Although a scarce animal in every part of Java,
it is especially so in any part of the island except the eastern end, where it is found
among the thick forests with which that locality is densely clothed.

BLOTCHED GENETT.-Oenefta Tlgriaa.

GENETTS.

A SMALL, but rather important, group of the Viverrine animals, is that the members
f which are known by the name of the GENETTS. These creatures are all nocturnal in
their habits, as are the civets, and, like those animals, can live on a mixture of animal
and vegetable food, or even on vegetable food alone. The Genetts possess the musk-
secreting apparatus, which much resembles the pouch of the civet, although in size it is
not so large, nor does it secrete so powerfully smelling a substance as that of the civets.
The secreting organ, although it resembles a pouch, is not so in reality, being simply
composed of two glands, united to each other by a strip of skin.

The best known of these animals is the COMMON, or BLOTCHED GENETT, an inhabitant

Southern Africa and of various other parts of the world, being found even in the

south of France. It is a very beautiful and graceful animal, and never fails to attract

THE AMER GENETT.

235

attention from an observer. The general color of the fur is gray, with a slight admix-
ture of yellow. Upon this groundwork dark patches are lavishly scattered, and the full
furry tail is covered with alternate bands of black and white. The muzzle would be
entirely black but for a bold patch of white fur on the upper lip, and a less decidedly
white mark by the nose. The feet are supplied with retractile claws, so that the animal
can deal a severe blow with its outstretched talons, or climb trees with the same ease
and rapidity which is found in the cat tribe.

Another pretty species of this genus is the PALE, or SENEGAL GENETT.

The fur of this animal is whiter than that of the Blotched Genett, and the markings
are rather differently arranged. Along the spine a nearly unbroken dark stripe is
drawn, and upon the neck and shoulders the spots have a tendency to merge into each

PALE GENETT.— Genetta Seoegaleosls.

other and to form stripes, extending from the head along the neck and over the shoul-
ders. On each side of the face is a bold black patch. The hinder legs are quite
black at the ankle joint.

These animals are very susceptible of domestication, and in various Eastern districts,
are as familiar inhabitants of the house as the domestic cat. Like the house cat, the
Genett signalizes itself in the destructive wars which it wages against rats and mice,
being especially fitted for such a pursuit by its active limbs and lithe form. The
Genetts seem, when wild, to prefer the low grounds in the vicinity of rivers to the
higher forest lands, and are there captured.

They are not nearly so large as the civet, being only five inches in height at the
shoulder, and about twenty inches in total length. The eye is of a light brown color,
and rather protuberant. The young of the Pale Genett has the spots of a light chest-
nut instead of the deep blackish-brown of the adult animal.

The AMER GENETT, an inhabitant of Abyssinia, is a boldly and handsomely marked
creature. The general color of its fur is a darkish* yellow gray, on which are placed a
number of well-defined dark spots. These markings run in fine regular lines, being

236

THE CACOMIXLE.

«*'

AMER.— Genetta Amer.

large nearing the spine, and becoming smaller as they recede therefrom. The tail is
boldly and equally covered with rings of the same dark fur as that of the spots on the
body.

CACOMIXLE.— Bassaris Astuta.

VERY different from the Genetts in its appearance is the CACOMIXLE, although it is
closely allied to them.

It is remarkable as being a Mexican representative of the Genett group of animals
although it can hardly be considered as a true Genett or a true Mungous. The color of

THE ICHNEUMONS.

237

this animal is a light uniform dun, a dark bar being placed like a collar over the back
of the neck. In some specimens this bar is double, and in all it is so narrow that when
the animal throws its head backwards the dark line is lost in the lighter fur. Along
the back runs a broad, singular, darkish stripe. The tail is ringed something like that
of the Ringed Lemur, and is very full. The term Cacomixle is a Mexican word, and
the animal is sometimes called by a still stranger name, " Tepemaxthalon." The
scientific title " Bassaris" is from the Greek, and signifies a fox.

BANDED MUNGOUS.-/Wi/fl#os fasclatus.

GARANQAN.— Herpestes Javaalcus.

ICHNEUMONS.

THE two animals which are seen in this engraving are closely allied to each other, but
are placed in different genera. The left-hand figure represents the creature which is
known by the name of the BANDED MUNGOUS, and which is an inhabitant of Africa. It
is a small animal, being about the size of a very large water-rat, and is peculiarly quick
and energetic in its movements.

The color of the Banded Mungous is a blackish grizzle, with a chestnut tinge per-
vading the hind quarters and the tail. Under the chin the fur is of a very light fawn
color. Across the back are drawn a row of darker lines, boldly marked towards the
spine, but fading imperceptibly into the lighter tinted fur of the sides.

In habits it is singularly brisk and lively, ever restlessly in motion, and accompanying
its movements with a curious and most unique sound, something like the croak of a
raven. When excited it pours out a succession of quick chattering sounds, and when its
feelings are extremely touched it utters sharp screams of rage. If its companions should
cross its path in its temper it snaps and spits at them like an angry cat, and makes,
such very good use of its teeth that it leaves the marks of its passion for the remainder
of the victim's life. Some of these animals, which have lived for a considerable time

238

THE URVA, OR CRAB-EATING ICHNEUMON.

in the same cage, have lost a large portion of their tails by the teeth of their comrades.
Still it is very playful, and sports with its companions in a curiously kitten-like man-
ner.

It is extremely active with its fore-paws, armed as they are with their long claws, and
scratches in a very absurd and amusing manner at anything that may take its atten-
tion. It is a very agile climber, running over the bars of its cage and up the tree-
branches with great ease and rapidity, and can spring upon an object from some distance,
and with admirable accuracy of aim. The eye of this animal is of a light brown, and
very brilliant.

THE RIGHT-HAND figure upon the same engraving represents the GARANGAN, or Jav-
anese Ichneumon. As is evident by the name, it is an inhabitant of Java. In size
it equals the last mentioned animal. Its color is nearly uniform, and consists of a
bright rich chestnut on the body, and a lighter fawn color on the head, throat, and
under parts of the body.

This little animal is found in great numbers inhabiting the teak forests, where it

finds ample subsistence in the snakes, birds, and small quadrupeds. The natives assert

—whether truly or not — that when it attacks a snake it employs a ruse similar to that

which is often used by a horse when it objects to being saddled. It is said to puff up its

URVA, OR CRAB-EATING ICHNEUMON.— Urva caacrlvora.

\

body, and to induce the snake to twine itself round its inflated person. It then suddenly
contracts itself, slips from the reptile's coils, and darts upon its neck. There is some
foundation for this assertion in the fact that the Garangan, in common with others of the
same genus, does possess the power of inflating and contracting its body with great
rapidity ; so much so, indeed, that during life it is not easy to measure the creature.

Although it is tolerably susceptible of education, it is rarely kept tame by the natives,
because it is liable to occasional fits of rage, and when thus excited can inflict very
painful wounds with its sharp teeth. Moreover, it is too fond of poultry to be trusted
near the henroosts.

The URVA is easily distinguished from the preceding and the following animals by
the narrow stripe of long white hairs that runs from the angle of the mouth to the
shoulders, contrasting very decidedly with the grayish-brown tint of the rest of the fur.
Some very faintly marked darker bars are drawn on the body, and the tail is marked
with three or four faint transverse bars. This member is more bushy at the base than
towards the extremity. The feet and legs are of a uniform dark tint.

THE ICHNEUMONS appear to be the very reptiles of the mammalian animals, in form,
habits, and action, irresistibly reminding the spectator of the serpent. Their sharp and

THE MOONGUS.

239

pointed snout, narrow body, short legs, and flexible form, permit them to insinuate them-
selves into marvellously small crevices, and to seek and destroy their prey in localities
where it might well deem itself secure. There are many species of the genus Herpestes,
or " creeper," one of which, the Garangan, has already been mentioned.

The common Ichneumon, or Pharaoh's Rat, as it is popularly but most improperly
termed, is plentifully found in Egypt, where it plays a most useful part in keeping down
the numbers of the destructive quadrupeds and the dangerous reptiles. Small and insig-
nificant as this animal appears, it is a most dangerous foe to the huge crocodile, feed-
ing largely upon its eggs, and thus preventing the too rapid increase of these fierce and
fertile reptiles. Snakes, rats, lizards, mice, and various birds, fall a prey to this Ich-
neumon, which will painfully track its prey to its hiding-place, and wait patiently for
hours until it makes its appearance, or will quietly creep up to the unsuspecting animal,
and flinging itself boldly upon it, destroy it by rapid bites with its long sharp teeth.

Taking advantage of these admirable qualities, the ancient Egyptians were wont to
tame the Ichneumon, and permit it the free range of their houses, and on account of its
habits paid it divine honors as an outward emblem of the Deity considered with regard

ICHNEUMON.— Herpestes Ichneumon.

to His sin-destroying mercy. There is much more in the symbolization of those old
Egyptians than we deem, and they looked deeper into the character and the causes of
outward forms than we generally suppose. Although the diminutive size of this creature
renders it an impotent enemy to so large and well mailed a reptile as the crocodile, yet
it causes the destruction of innumerable crocodiles annually by breaking and devouring
their eggs. The egg of the crocodile is extremely small, when the size of the adult
reptile is taken into consideration, so that the Ichneumon can devour several of them
at a meal.

The color of this animal is a brown, plentifully grizzled with gray, each hair being
ringed alternately with gray and brown. The total length of the animal is about three
feet three inches, the tail measuring about eighteen inches. The scent-gland of the
Ichneumon is very large in proportion to the size of its bearer, but the substance which
it secretes has not as yet been held of any commercial value. The claws are partially
retractile.

The MOONGUS, sometimes called the INDIAN ICHNEUMON, is, in its Asiatic home, as
useful an animal as the Egyptian Ichneumon in Africa. In that country it is an

240

THE MOONGUS.

indefatigable destroyer of rats, mice, and the various reptiles, and is on that account
highly valued and protected. Being, as are Ichneumons in general, extremely cleanly
in manners, and very susceptible of domestication, it is kept tame in many families,
and does good service in keeping the houses clear of the various animated pests that
render an Indian town a disagreeable and sometimes a dangerous residence.

In its customs it very much resembles the cat, and is gifted with all the inquisitive
nature of that animal. When first introduced into a new locality it runs about the place,
insinuating itself into every hole and corner, and sniffing curiously at every object with
which it comes in contact. Even in its wild state it exhibits the same qualities, and
by a careful observer may be seen questing about in search of its food, exploring every
little tuft of vegetation that comes in its way, running over every rocky projection, and
thrusting its sharp snout into every hollow. Sometimes it buries itself entirely in some
little hole, and when it returns to light drags with it a mole, a rat, or some such creature,
which had vainly sought security in its narrow domicile.

MOONQUS.-//erpestes Grlseus.

While eating, the Ichneumon is very tetchy in its temper, and will very seldom endure
an interruption of any kind. In order to secure perfect quiet while taking its meals,
it generally carries the food into the most secluded hiding-place that it can find, and
then commences its meal in solitude and darkness. The color of the Moongus is a
gray liberally frecked with darker hairs, so as to produce a very pleasing mixture of
tints. It is not so large an animal as its Egyptian relative.

The grizzled markings upon the fur of the NYULA are of a singularly beautiful
character, and form a closely set zigzag pattern over the entire surface of the head,
body, and limbs.

The pattern is very like that which is seen in some woven fabrics, or fine basket-work.
Upon the back and body this pattern is tolerably large, but upon the head it becomes
gradually smaller, and upon the upper portion of the nose is almost microscopically
small, though as perfect and uniform as that upon the body, so that it is among the
most elegantly colored examples of the Ichneumons. The paws are dark, and devoid
of that pretty variegation which extends over the upper surface of the animal.

THE MEERKAT.

241

NYULA.— Herpestes Nyula.

The word Ichneumon is Greek, and literally signifies a " tracker."

VERY CLOSELY allied to the Ichneumon, but differing from it in several points, the
MEERKAT has been placed in the same genus with that animal by Cuvier and others,
but has been separated by later naturalists, because there are only four toes on the
hinder feet, and the number of the teeth is not the same. On account of the color of
its fur, it has been termed the Ruddy Ichneumon ; and, from the brindlings in the tail,

MEERKAT.-Cynlctis Levalllantll.

the Pencilled Ichneumon. It is rather a pretty animal, the tint of its coat being alight
tawny brown, and the paws dark. The tail is rather bushy, and brindled with black
hairs. It is a native of Southern Africa, and has received its specific title in compli-
ment to the well-known African traveller, Le Vaillant.
16

242

THE ZENICK.

LUSIMANSE.— Crossarchus Obscurus.

THE CURIOUS animal which is known by the name of KUSIMANSE, or MANGUE, is
native of Sierra Leone and Western Africa.

It is plantigrade in its walk, and has five toes on each foot. The teeth are of the
same description as those of the succeeding animal. Its nose has something of the
proboscis in its character, and its ears are small. The food of the Kusimanse consists
of the smaller mammalia, of various insects, and some kinds of fruits. The general
color of the animal is a deep ruddy brown, but in certain lights, and when its coat is at
all ruffled, the chocolate brown of its fur becomes plentifully grizzled with yellowish
white. The reason for this change of tint is, that each hair is marked alternately with
white and brown.

.— Surlcata Zenlck.

THE ZENICK, sometimes termed the SURICATE, is a native of Southern Africa, but
not very commonly found. It is not so exclusively carnivorous as the preceding animal,
being fond of sweet fruits as well as of an animal diet. It is rather a small animal,
measuring about eighteen inches in total length, its tail being six inches long. The feet

THE MAMPALON.

243

are armed with long and stout claws, by means of which the creature can burrow with
some rapidity. The color is grayish brown, with a tinge of yellow, and the upper sur-
face of the body is covered by several obscurely marked bars of a deeper brown hue.
A silvery tint is washed over the limbs. The tail is brown, tinged with red, and black
at the extremity. A^few indistinct spots are sparsley scattered over the breast. The
height of the animal is rather more than six inches.

The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be expected,
the creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is very sensitive to kindness, and
equally so to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards those who behave well
towards it, and bitting savagely at any one who treats it unkindly. When domesti-
cated it ranges the house at will, and cannot be induced to leave its home for a life
of freedom. Like the Ichneumon, it is an useful inmate of a house, extirpating rats
mice, and other living nuisances. It is offended by a brilliant light, and is best pleased
when it can abide in comparative darkness. This nocturnal habit of eye renders it
especially useful as a vermin exterminator, as it remains quiet during the hour while the
rats, mice, and snakes lie still in their holes, and only issues from its hiding-place when the
shades of night give the signal for the mammalian and reptilian vermin to sally forth

MAMPALON.— Cyuogale Benettii.

on their own food-seeking quest. As its eyes are fitted for nocturnal sight, it becomes
a terrible enemy to these creatures, creeping quietly upon them, and seizing them before
they are aware of its proximity.

As far as is known, the sense of hearing is rather dull, and seems to assist the animal
but little. The Zenick appears to bear some resemblance to our common polecat and
ferret ; but it is altogether a curious animal, and stands nearly alone in the animal
kingdom. Its walk is less gliding than that of the Ichneumons, and it is able to sit
upon its hinder legs, and remain in the erect position for some time.

IN BORNEO an allied animal is found, which is known in its native country by the
title of MAMPALON.

The so called " whisker hairs " which grow from the lips and behind the eyes are
extremely long, and the feet are short, and furnished with five toes. When walking
the animal sets the entire sole of its foot on the ground, after the manner called " planti-
grade," It is generally found in the neighborhood of rivers. In total length it is about
eighteen inches, the tail measuring nearly seven inches. The snout of this animal is
rather long, but at its extremity is blunt and slightly depressed.

244

THE BINTURONG.

NANDINE.- Naadlaia biaotata.

PASSING by several curious animals, we arrive at the pretty little creature which is
known by the name of NANDINE.

On account of the double row of spots which run along the body, the Nan dine has
been dignified with the title of "binotata," or "double-spotted," by almost every
naturalist who has woven it into his system, even though the animal itself has been
placed by some authors among the Civets, by some among the Ichneumons, and by others
among the Paradoxures.

The general color of the fur is a darkish and very rich brown, darker along the back,
and lighter on the sides. The tail is covered with blackish rings which are but ob-
scurely defined.

^ >'

/_

$ "A\l

BINTURONG. -Art/ctfs Blnturong.

ONE of the largest examples of this group, is the dark, sullen, and sluggish BINTU-
RONG.

This animal is a native of Malacca, from whence several living specimens and many
skins have been brought to this country. The color of the Binturong is a dead black,
the hairs being long, coarse, and devoid of that gloss which is so often found upon
black animals. The head is gray, and each ear is furnished with a long tuft of black
hair. Round the edge of the ear runs a band of whitish gray.

THE MASKED PAGUMA.

245

The tail of the Binturong is thickly and heavily formed, longer than the body, and
covered with exceedingly bushy hair. In some individuals, the black fur is mixed with
white or gray hairs.

It seems to be a very indolent animal, passing the day in sleep, and being with
difficulty aroused from its slumbers. When irritated, it utters a sharp fierce growl,
shows its teeth, and curls itself up again to sleep. While sleeping it lies partly on
its side, curled round with its head snugly sheltered under its bushy tail. The
muzzle of the Binturong is short and sharp, rather turned up at its extremity, and
covered with long brown hairs which radiate around the face, and impart a very curious
expression to the animal. The eyes are of a dull chestnut, unless the creature is excited,
when they flash out with a momentary fire which dies away as soon as the cause is
removed.

It is a good climber of trees, being assisted in this task by its tail, which is pre-
hensile at the tip, and capable of grasping an object with some force. When in cap-
tivity it seems to prefer a vegetable to an animal diet, and feeds on rice, fruit, and
other vegetable productions. But it is fond of eggs, birds, the heads, of fowls, and
other animal substances, and perhaps is best kept in health by a mixed diet. It en-
joys a very excellent appetite, and whether its food be animal or vegetable, consumes
an exceedingly large amount in comparison with the size of the consumer.

The length of the Binturong is about two feet six inches, exclusive of the tail, which
always equals, and generally exceeds, the body in length. Its height varies from a foot
to fifteen inches.

MASKED

.— Paguma Larvata.

THE CURIOUS animal which is represented in the engraving has, until lately, been
placed among the weasels, under the title of Masked Glutton, and has only of late
years been referred to its proper place in the scale of creation. The title of Larvatus,
or Masked, is given to it on account of the white streak down the forehead and nose,
and the white circle round the eyes, which gives the creature an aspect as if it was
endued with an artificial mask. There is a pale olive-gray band extending from the
back of each ear and meeting under the throat, and the general color of the fur is an
olive-brown, besprinkled and washed with gray. It has been found in China, from
which country several specimens have been imported into England. There are many
other species belonging to the same genus, such as the Nepal Paguma, the White
Whiskered Paguma of Sumatra and Singapore, the Woolly Paguma from Nepal, and
the Three-streaked Paguma of Malacca.

246

THE LUWACK, OR PARADOXURE.

THE ANIMALS which compose the little group of Paradoxures are very closely
allied to the Pagumas and the Ichneumons, and appear to be confined to the Asiatic
continent and its islands. The little group of animals to which the Luwack belongs
was arranged by Cuvier under the generic title of Paradoxurus, literally, Puzzle-tail,
because they have a curious habit of twisting their tails into a tight coil, and in their
cat-like claws, and their civet-like teeth, present a strange mixture of characteris-
tics.

The LUWACK, or common Paradoxure, is found plentifully in India, from whence
many specimens have been brought to this country. As it has something of the viver-
rine look about it, Buffon and other naturalists placed it with the Genetts. It is a
curious little creature, rather quick in its movements, and very inquisitive in its aspect,
holding its head aside with an air of curiosity that is quite amusing. The eyes of this
creature are very small and nearly black.

LUWACK, OR PARADOXURE. -Paradoxurus Typus.

As the Luwack is tolerably widely spread, it is known by various names, according
to the locality in which it lives. Its Malabar appellation is Pounougar-Poune, a term
which signifies " Civet Cat." The general tint of the fur is a yellowish black, but it
assumes various hues according to the light in which it is viewed. On each side of
the spine run three rows of elongated spots, and upon the thighs and shoulders other
spots are scattered. But if the animal is viewed in certain lights, the spots on the
body seem to be merged into lines, while those on the breast disappear, altogether.
This change of appearance is caused by the mode in which the hairs are colored, each
hair being tipped with a darker hue, and some hairs being totally black. These latter
hairs are very silken in texture, and much longer than the yellowish hairs of which the
fur is mostly composed.

The Luwack, as are all the Paradoxures, is entirely plantigrade. Its feet are fur-
nished with sharp claws, which are sufficiently retractile to be kept from the ground
when the animal walks, and are preserved so sharp, that they can be used for tree-
climbing with the greatest ease. Its tail is very remarkable on account of the tight
spiral into which it is frequently rolled, and seems to be unlike the tail of any other
animals. Although it can be so firmly curled, it is not prehensile, as might be sup
posed from its aspect when half unrolled.

THE MUSANG.

247

One of these animals, which was kept in the Paris Museum, was accustomed to sleep
during the day, coiled round upon its bed, and even by night appeared to feel a distaste
for exertion. When evening came on, it would rouse itself from its slumbers, take food
and drink, and again resign itself to sleep.

MUSANG.— Parsdoxurus Musaaga.

The MUSANG of Java is, although a destroyer of rats and mice, rather a pest to
the coffee-plantations, which it ravages in such a mawner as to have earned the title
of the Coffee Rat. It feeds largely upon the berries of the coffee shrub, choosing
only the ripest fruit, stripping them of their membranous covering, and so eating them.
It is a remarkable fact that the berries thus eaten appear to undergo no change by
the process of digestion, so that the natives, who are free from over scrupulous prejudices,
collect the rejected berries, and are thus saved the trouble of picking and clearing them
from the husk.

However, the injury which this creature does to the coffee berries is more than com-
pensated by its very great usefulness as a coffee planter. For, as these berries are
uninjured in their passage through the body of the animal, and are in their ripest state,
they take root where they lie, and in due course of time spring up and form new coffee
plantations, sometimes in localities where they are not expected. It may be that although
the coffee seeds undergo no visible change in the interior of the Musang, they imbibe the
animal principle, and thus become more fitted for the soil than if they had been planted
without the intermediate agency of the creature.

The Musang is not content with coffee-berries and other vegetable food, although it
seems to prefer a vegateble to an animal diet. When pressed by hunger, it seeks eagerly
after various small quadrupeds and birds, and is often a pertinacious robber of the hen-
roosts.

The habits of the Musang are well described by G. Bennett, in his " Wanderings in
New South Wales ;"—

"On the i4th ofMay 1833, I purchased one of these animal from a native canoe,
which came off to the ship on the coast of Java. It is commonly known among
Europeans by the name of the * Java Cat,' and is a native of Java, Sumatra, and
perhaps other of the eastern Islands. This specimen was young and appeared very
tame. The native from whom I procured it, had it enclosed in a bamboo cage, in which
I also kept it for a short time. This color of the back is blackish, intermingled with
black neck and abdomen of a yellowish color ; the eyes are full and large, of a
yellowish brown color : pupil perpendicular, becoming dilated at night. It resembles
the cat is being more of a night than a day animal.

248 THE MUSANG.

It feeds on plantains and other fruit, and also on fowls' bones. When busily engaged
in picking the wing-bone of a fowl, it growls most savagely if disturbed in its repast,
which well shows the nature of the beast. * He eats only plantains,' said the Javanese
from whom I purchased it, but could the animal have spoken for itself, it would prob-
ably have hinted that portions of the animals composing the feathered kingdom would
also be acceptable by way of variety. It is tame and playful like a kitten, throwing
itself on the back, playing with a bit of string, making at the same time a low whining
noise.

It utters a sharp, quick, squeaking noise, as well as a low moaning, more particularly
at night, or when in want of food, or of some water to quench its thirst. The specimen
is a male ; it is very playful, and climbed up my arm by aid of its claws, like a cat.
When it drinks, it laps, like the dog or cat.

May iyth. — rThis morning, the animal had broken through and escaped from its
cage during the night, and was about some part of the ship.

May i8th. — The whole of yesterday the creature was reported absent without leave ;
but early this morning it was found in the cabin of the second officer, asleep upon a
jacket. It appears sufficiently tame to be left at liberty, so I did not immure it in a cage
again, but kept a long piece of string attached to one of the hind legs, so as to limit its
extent of range, when I find it necessary. Whilst writing in my cabin, the animal was
either lying down quietly asleep, or else came to see what I was about, thrusting its little
sharp snout among my papers, and amusing itself by playing with my pens and pencil.

This animal is called Mussong in Java, and I found it was also known by the same
name among the natives on the north-east coast of Sumatra. It licks and cleans its furry
coat with the tongue, like a cat, especially after it has been much handled ; and seems
almost to possess the caution and secretiveness of that tribe. It growls savagely when
disturbed or teased. It lapped some coffee one morning, but became sick soon
after.

It seems to be a fretful, impatient creature ; and when it does not get its wants
gratified, becomes terribly out of temper, or, rather, gets into a temper which is of a bad
description. It then snaps ferociously at the fingers placed near it, but its young teeth
can make but little impression : it is in downright earnest, however, for it bristles up,
and advances its long whiskers, uttering a sort of peevish cries and growls.

It was lying on the pillow of my bed one morning, when I took the creature off, and
placed it on as soft a place, which had been made up in the cabin on purpose for it.
But this would not do ; it did not like the removal, and there was no termination to its
peevish, fretful cries, until it was removed back to the old place ; where, being deposited,
after licking itself about those parts of its furred coat that had been ruffled by hand-
ling, it stretched itself, and laid down quite contented.

The squeaking discontented noise of the creature during the night, when it is tied up,
is very annoying. I suppose the desire of making nocturnal rambles, as is the nature
of the tribe, was the cause to which the cries were to be attributed. At last I used to
give it fowl-bones during the night to amuse itself, and, being occupied in crunching
them, I was no more annoyed by its nocturnal cries.

When fighting, it uses the fore-paws, with extended claws, biting at the same time,
retreating and advancing quickly, snapping, bristling up its large whiskers, and appearing
a fierce object for one of the small animals of the creation. It does not spring at the
object of attack like a cat, but jumps forward ; it uses the claws of the fore-feet more than
those of the hind, which, being longer and sharper, are more calculated for the purposes
of defence, as well as in climbing. It well regards the object previous to attack, and
then, with its little angular mouth expanded, it pounces upon and firmly grasps its prey.

The little beast has a very morose looking countenance, which some people skilled
in physiognomy would call a sour, forbidding countenance ; and, judging from what I
have seen of this tamed and young specimen, it must be in the wild state a very savage
animal.

Unlike the cat, when drinking, it does not care about wetting its feet, for it often
places the fore-paws in the water at the time. It often plays with its long tail, as well
as with anything that may be in the way, similar to what we observe in kittens : and

THE HEMIGALE. 249

often scratches against objects, growling at the same time, as if practicing for future
defence. It eats fowl readily, but not other kinds of meat so well ; it ate some pine-
apple with much avidity. It will carry away a bone given to it to a dark corner,
growling and snapping at any one that may attempt to take it away.

Sometimes, when left to itself, it utters such loud, squeaking cries as to be heard all
over the ship. One day, at dinner-time, when the animal was first on board, a noise
was heard, but from whence it proceeded, or what it was, we could not tell, until the
mystery was explained by the steward, who said that it was the foreign cat.

Like all animals, whether of the genus Homo, or lower in the creation, the Java Cat
does not like to be disturbed at meals. This little, ill-humored quadruped is particu-
larly savage at that time, but, like the human race in all its numerous varieties, when
feeding time is over, and it has had a sufficiency of provender, it will remain quiet,
and be usually in a tolerably good humor ; but when it is hungry, there is nothing but
screeching, grumbling, and crying, until the appetite is satisfied.

I gave the animal one morning a dead cockroach, but after turning and twisting it
about and licking it for some time, it would not eat it — perhaps it was not hungry.
When the creature is excessively annoyed, it retires into some dark hole or corner,
making a spitting noise, and is very furious against any one that may attempt to dislodge
it from that place thus formed into a refuge for the ill-tempered.

When first set at liberty, it was missing for one or two days, having gone on a tour,
by way of change of scene ; he soon, however, returned to his old quarters, ran about
the cabins, and, when sleeping during the day, would take the warmest and most com-
fortable situations which the cabins afforded ; it was as fully domesticated as a cat.

The Musang runs about quite domesticated, and climbs well, occasionally aiding itself
by the tail having a prehensile power. He also runs about, particularly at night, and in
the morning is usually found quietly asleep upon the softest bundle of clothes he can
meet with in the cabin into which he has introduced himself. • He dislikes much to be
handled, or petted, or crammed, unless he crams himself, which he very often does.

At last I let the creature ramble about where it pleased in the after part of the ship ;
it reposed in the cabins or in other places it liked. It used to wander about and come
at meal-times for food, until the i4th of June, when it was missing, and search being
made about its usual haunts, the animal was discovered dead among some oakum in
one of the cabins.

When at Pedir, on the south-east coast of Sumatra, I procured another young, but
larger, specimen than the preceding; it was purchased for half-a-rupee. Although
wild with strangers, with the native from whom the animal was purchased it was ex-
ceedingly domesticated. I have seen it follow him like a cat along the pathway for
some distance, when he placed it out of his arms upon the ground. The natives gave
it the same name here as at Java.

When I placed this animal in my cabin, it remained very quiet, not making so much
noise as the last, but a few days afterwards it became so yery vicious, not suffering
any one to approach or touch it, without spitting, growling, and fighting so furiously,
that I at last was obliged to destroy it."

The Musang, when in its native woods, constructs a nest not unlike that of the
squirrel's, composed of leaves, dry grass, slender twigs, and other analogous substances.
This habitation is usually fixed in the fork of a branch, and sometimes is placed in the
hollow of a tree. Making this " nest " its head-quarters, and sleeping there by day, it
issues forth at night in search of food, making sad havoc with the hen-roosts when it
can gain admission, and devouring every kind of ripe fruit which it can find. Pine-
apples seem to be favorite articles of diet with this epicurean creature.

THE ANIMAL which is shown in the following engraving is remarkable for the
singularity of its coloring, and the mode in which the fur is diversified with lighter and
darker tints.

The color of this animal's fur is a grayish-brown, on which are placed six or seven
large and bold stripes, arranged saddle-wise upon the back, being very broad above, nnd

250

THE HEMIGALE.

HEMIGALE —Hemigale Hardwlckil.

narrowing to a point towards the ribs. These bands are unconnected with each other.
On the top of the head there is a narrow black line, and on each side of the face, a
black line runs from the ear to the nose, surrounding the eye in its progress. The nose
itself is black. Down the sides of the neck there are some obscure streaks, which are
more conspicuous in a side light. The tail is marked with dark patches upon its up-
per surface, and latter half is black.

CRYPTOPROCTA.— Cryptoprocta ferox.

The name Hemigale is Greek, and signifies, " Semi-weasel " —and the specific title
is given in honor of General Hardwick, who has done such good service to zoology.

THE CRYPTOPROCTA. 251

THE last of the great Viverrine group of animals is the CRYPTOPROCTA, a creature
whose rabbit-like mildness of aspect entirely belies its nature.

It is a native of Madagascar, and has been brought from the southern portions of
that wonderful island. It is much to be wished that the zoology of so prolific a country
should be thoroughly explored, and that competent naturalists should devote much time
and severe labor to the collection of specimens, and the careful investigation of animals
while in their wild state.

Gentle and quiet as the animal appears, it is one of the fiercest little creatures known.
Its limbs, though small, are very powerful, their muscles being extremely full and well
knit together. Its appetite for blood seems to be insatiable as that of the tiger, and its
activity is very great, so that it may well be imagined to be a terrible foe to any animals
on whom it may choose to make an attack. For this savage nature it has received the
name of " Ferox," or fierce. Its generic name of Cryptoprocta is given to it on account
of the manner in which the hinder quarters suddenly taper down and merge themselves in
the tail. The word itself is from the Greek, the former half of it signifying " hidden,"
and the latter half, " hind quarters."

The color of the Cryptoprocta is a light brown, tinged with red. The ears are very
large and rounded, and the feet are furnished with strong claws. The toes are five in
number on each foot.

In the foregoing description of the Viverrine animals, examples and figures are given
of every remarkable genus which forms a portion of this curious group. Whether or
not the Hyena should be considered as belonging to the Viverrines is a question which
is still mooted by many naturalists, who think that the Hyenines ought to be ranked
as a divergent group of the Civet Cats.

With the exception of one or two species, these creatures are so little known that
their habits in a wild state have yet to be fully described. This is the more to be
regretted, because the native customs of an animal are more illustrative of its character,
and give deeper insight into the part which it plays in the economy of nature, than
can be gained by inspecting the same creature when shut up in the contracted space
which its cage affords, or when a change in its nature has been wrought by the com-
panionship of human beings. The habits of these agile and graceful animals are so
interesting when watched even in the limited degree which is afforded by our present
means of observation, that they give promise of much curious information when noted
in the wild freedom of their normal condition.

We lose much valuable knowledge of the habits of a new or scarce animal by the
over-readiness of the discoverer to secure his prize. If one is fortunate enough to hit
upon an animal which is new to science, or to meet with one which is rarely seen, he
would do better service to Zoology by waiting awhile, and quietly watching the manner in
which the animal conducted itself, than by hastily levelling his gun, and so giving to
science nothing but a lifeless mass of dead matter, instead of a spirited history of a
breathing and living being. For my own part, I would rather read in a library a good
description of some strange animal, than see in a museum a stuffed skin about which
nothing is known. There is always a greater probability of obtaining a dead specimen
than its living history.

As is seen in the case of the Zenick, the Musang, and the Ichneumon, these creatures
are quite as susceptible of human instruction as the feline or canine animals, and might
be advantageously trained to human uses.

DOGS.

GROUP OP BRITISH DOQ5.

DOGS.

THE large and important group of animals which is known by the general name of the
Dog-Tribe, embraces the wild and domesticated Dogs, the Wolfs, Foxes, Jackals, and that
curious South-African animal, the Hunting-Dog. Of those creatures, several have been
brought under the authority of man, and by continual intermixtures have assumed that
exceeding variety of form which is found in the different " breeds " of the domestic Dog.

KHOLSUN OR DHOLE.

253

The original parent of the Dog is very doubtful, some authors considering that it
owes its parentage to the Dhole, or the Buansuah ; others thinking it to be an offspring
of the Wolf ; and others attributing to the Fox the honor of being the progenitor of
our canine friend and ally. With the exception of a very few spots, the Dog is to be
found spread over almost every portion of the habitable globe, and in all countries is
the friend of man, aiding him either by the guardianship of his home and property,
by its skill and endurance in the chase, or by affording him a means of transit over
localities which no other animal could successfully encounter.

Before proceeding to the domesticated Dogs, we will examine the two species of
Wild Dog which nearest approach them.

KHOLSUN, OR DHOLE.-Cuoa Dukhuensls.

THE DHOLE, or KHOLSUN, as it is sometimes called, inhabits the western frontiers of
British India, its range extending from Midnapore to Chamar, but does not appear to
take up its residence in other parts of the same great country. Even in the localities
which are favored by its presence, the Dhole seldom makes its appearance, and by many
residents in India has been counted but as a myth of the natives. It is a very shy animal,
keeping aloof from man and his habitations, and abiding in the dense dark jungles, which
extend for hundreds of miles, and afford little temptation for human beings to enter.

Among the peculiarities of the Dhole's character, its fondness for the chase is perhaps
the most remarkable. There is nothing peculiar in the fact that the Dhole unites in
large packs and hunts down game, both large and small, because many of the canine
race, such as the wolves and others, are known by many and tragical experiences to run

254 THE BUANSUAH.

down and destroy their prey in like manner. But the Dhole is apparently the only
animal that, although individually so far the inferior of its fierce prey, in size, strength,
and activity, has sufficient confidence in its united powers, to chase and kill the terrible
tiger, maugre his fangs and claws.

From the observations which have been made, it seems that hardly any native Indian
animal, with the exception of the elephant and the rhinoceros, can cope with the Dhole ;
that the fierce boar falls a victim, in spite of his sharp tusks, and that the swift-footed
deer fails to escape these persevering animals. The leopard is tolerably safe, because
the dogs cannot follow their spotted quarry among the tree branches, in which he for-
tifies himself from their attacks ; but if he were deprived of his arboreal refuge, he
would run but a poor chance of escaping with life from the foe. It is true that, in their
attack upon so powerfully armed animals as the tiger and the boar, the pack is rapidly
thinned by the swift blows of the tiger's paw, or the repeated stabs of the boar's tusks ;
but the courage of the survivors is so great, and they leap on their prey with such
audacity, that it surely yields at last from sheer weariness and loss of blood.

It is probable that the sanguinary contests which often take place between the
Dholes and their prey have a great effect in checking the increase of the former animals,
and that, if such salutary influence were not at work, these bold and persevering hunters
might increase to such an extent as to become a serious pest to the country.

In the chase, the Dhole is nearly silent, thus affording a strong contrast to the cheerful
tongue of the foxhound in "full cry," or the appalling howl of the wolf when in pursuit
of a flying prey. Only at intervals is the voice of the Dhole heard, and even then the
animal only utters a low anxious whimper, like that of a Dog which has lost its master,
or feels uneasy about its task. It is a swift animal in the chase, and Captain William-
son, who has seen it engaged in pursuit of its prey, thinks that no animal could lead the
Dhole a long chase. The average number of individuals in the pack is about fifty or
sixty.

The color of the Dhole is a rich bay, darkening upon the feet, ears, muzzle, and tip of
the tail. In height it equals a rather small greyhound. It does not assault human beings
unless it be attacked, neither does it seem td fly from them, but, in case of a sudden
meeting, pursues its avocations as if unconscious of the presence of an intruder. The
countenance of this animal is very bright and intelligent, chiefly owing to the keen
and brilliant eye with which it is favored. The Greek word " Cuon " signifies a
hound.

IN the Wild Dog, which ranges Nepal and the whole of Northern India, the primi-
tive type of the Dog was thought to be found. This animal, the BUANSUAH, presents
many points of similarity to the Dhole, and is said to rival the latter creature in its
tiger-killing propensities.

Like the Dhole, it is a shy animal, and never willingly permits itself to be seen,
preferring to take up its residence in the thickest coverts which are afforded by the
luxuriant vegetation of its native land. It hunts in packs, but, unlike the preceding
animal, gives tongue continually as it runs, uttering a curious kind of bark, which is
quite distinct from the voice of the domestic Dog, and yet has nothing in common
with the prolonged howl of the wolf, the jackal, or the foxes.

The number of individuals in each pack is not very great, from eight to twelve being
the usual average. They are possessed of exquisite powers of scent, and follow their
game more by the nose than by the eye.

When captured young, the Buansuah readily attaches itself to its keeper, and under
his tuition, becomes a valuable assistant.in the chase. Unfortunately, the Dog will too
often refuse its confidence to any one except its keeper, and therefore is not so useful
as it might otherwise be rendered. It is probable that the keeper himself has some
hand in this conduct, and wilfully teaches his charge to repel the advances of any per-
son save himself.

In the chase of the wild boar, the peculiar character of the Buansuah exhibits itself to
great advantage, as its wolf-like attack of sudden snap is more destructive to its prey than
the bite of an ordinary hound. For other game this creature is but an uncertain assistant.

THE BUANSUAH.

25S

as it will often give up a chase just at the critical moment, and is too apt to turn aside
from its legitimate quarry for the purpose of immolating a tame sheep or goat.

ALL the various Dogs which have been brought under the subjection of men are
evidently members of one single species, canis famtliaris, being capable of mixture to
an almost unlimited extent. By means of crossing one variety with another, and tak-
ing advantage of collateral circumstances such as locality, climate, or diet, those who
have interested themselves in the culture of this useful animal have obtained the varied
forms which are so familiar to us. In general character, the groups into which domesti-
cated Dogs naturally fall are tolerably similar, but the individual characters of Dogs are
so varied, and so full of interest, that they would meet with scanty justice in ten times

'—V *

BUANSUAH.— Cuoa Primasvus.

the space that can be afforded to them in these pages. It has been thought better,
therefore, to occupy the space by figures and descriptions of the chief varieties of the
domesticated Dog, rather than to fill the pages with anecdotes of individuals. Up-
wards of forty varieties of the Dog will be described in the following pages, and ill-
ustrated with figures which, in almost every instance, are portraits of well-known
animals.

One of the most magnificent examples of the domesticated Dog is the THIBET DOG,
an animal which, to his native owners is as useful as he is handsome, but seems to
entertain an invincible antipathy to strangers of all kinds, and especially towards the
face of a white man. These enormous Dogs are employed by the inhabitants of Thibet
for the purpose of guarding their houses and their flocks, for which avocation their
great size and strength render them peculiarly fit. It often happens that the male in-

THE THIBET DOG.

habitants of a Thibetian village leave their homes for a time, and journey as far as Cal-
cutta, for the purpose of selling their merchandise of borax, musk, and other articles
of commerce. While thus engaged, they leave their Dogs at home, as guardians to the
women and children, trusting to the watchfulness of their four-footed allies for the
safety of their wives and families.

The courage of these huge Dogs is not so great as their size and strength would
seem to indicate, for, excepting on their own special territories, they are little to be
feared, and even then can be held at bay by a quiet, determined demeanor. Several
of these handsome animals have been brought to England. Their color is generally
a deep black, with a slight clouding on the side, and a patch of tawny over each eye.

THIBET DOG.

The hanging lips of the Thibet Dog give it a very curious aspect, which is heightened
by the generally loose mode in which the skin seems to hang on the body.

The GREAT DANISH DOG is best known in England as the follower of horses and
carriages upon roads ; and, probably on account of being restricted to this monotonous
mode of existence, is supposed to be rather a stupid animal. As, however, in its own
country the Danish Dog is employed as a pointer, and does its work very creditably,
we may suppose that the animal is possessed of abilities which might be developed by
any one who would take pains to do so.

On account of its carriage-following habits, it is popularly called the Coach Cog, and

THE GREYHOUND.

257

on account of its spotted hide, receives the rather ignoble title of Plum-Pudding Dog.
The height of the animal is rather more than two feet.

IT is hardly possible to conceive an animal which is more entirely formed for speed
and endurance than a well-bred GREYHOUND. Its long slender legs, with their whip-
cord-like muscles, denote extreme length of stride and rapidity of movement ; its deep,
broad chest, affording plenty of space for the play of large lungs, shows that it is
capable of long continued exertion ; while its sharply pointed nose, snake-like neck
and slender, tapering tail, are so formed as to afford the least possible resistance to
the air, through which the creature passes with such exceeding speed.

The chief use — if use it can be termed — of the Greyhound, is in coursing the hare,
and exhibiting in this chase its marvellous swiftness, and its endurance of fatigue.

DANISH DOG.— Can/s familiarls.

In actual speed, the Greyhound far surpasses the hare, so that, if the frightened chase
were to run in a straight line, she would be soon snapped up by the swifter hounds.
But the hare is a much smaller and lighter animal than her pursuer, and, being furnished
with very short forelegs, is enabled to turn at an angle to her course without a check,
while the heavier and longer limbed Greyhounds are carried far beyond their prey by
their own impetus before they can alter their course, and again make after the hare.

On this principle, the whole of coursing depends, the hare making short quick turns,
and the Greyhounds making a large circuit every time that the hare changes her line.
Two Greyhounds are sent after each hare, and matched against each other, for the pur-
pose of trying their comparative strength and speed. Some hares are so crafty and

THE IRISH

ro.

so agile, that they baffle the best hounds, and get away fairly into cover, from whence
the Greyhound, working only by sight, is unable to drive them.

Naturally, the Greyhound of pure blood is not possessed of a very determined char-
acter, and it is therefore found necessary to give these creatures the proper amount of
endurance by crossing them with the bull-dog, one of the most determined and cour-
ageous animals in existence. As may be supposed, the immediate offspring of a bull-
dog and a Greyhound is a most ungainly animal, but by continually crossing with the
pure Greyhound, the outward shape or the thick and sturdy bull-dog is entirely merged
in the more graceful animal, while his stubborn pertinacity remains implanted in its
nature.

The skeleton of the Greyhound is a curious one, and when viewed from behind,
bears a marvelous resemblance to that of the ostrich.

GREYHOUND.-Cafl/s famlliarls.

The narrow head and sharp nose of the Greyhound, useful as they are for aiding the
progress of the animal by removing every impediment to its passage through the atmo-
sphere, yet deprive it of a most valuable faculty, that of chasing by scent. The muz-
zle is so narrow in proportion to its length, that the nasal nerves have no room for
proper development, and hence the animal is very deficient in its powers of scent.
The same circumstance may be noted in many other animals.

THE IRISH GREYHOUND is a remarkable fine animal being four feet in length, and
very firmly built. Its hair is of a pale fawn color, and much rougher than that of the
smooth English Greyhound.

THE SCOTCH GREYHOUND.

2S9

Unless excited by the sight of its game, or by anger, it is a very peaceable animal ;
but when roused, exhibits a most determined spirit. In former days, when wolves and
wild boars infested the Irish forests, this Dog was used for the purpose of extirpating
those animals ; but in these days their numbers are comparatively few. When fighting,
it takes its antagonist by the back, and shakes the life out of its foe by main strength.
One of these Dogs measured sixty-one inches in total length ; twenty-eight and a half
inches from the toe to the top of the shoulder, and thirty-five inches in girth.

THE SCOTCH GREYHOUND is still rougher in its coat than its Irish relative, but
hardly so large in its make : a very fine example of these Dogs, of the pure Glengarry
breed, measure twenty-eight inches in height, and thirty-four inches in girth, being a
little smaller than the Irish Dog which was mentioned above.

IRISH GREYHOUND.-Canysfe/n/7/ar/s.

There seems to be but one breed of the Scotch Greyhound, although some families
are termed Deerhounds, and others are only called Greyhounds. Each, however, from
being constantly employed in the chase of either deer or hare, becomes gradually
fitted for the pursuit of its special quarry, and contracts certain habits which render
it comparatively useless when set to chase the wrong animal. The Scotch Deerhound
is possessed of better powers of scent than the Greyhound, and in chasing its game
depends as much on its nose as on its eyes. And it is curious too, that although it
makes use of its olfactory powers when running, it holds its head higher from the
ground than the Greyhound, who only uses its eyes.

260

THE PERSIAN GREYHOUND.

THE RUSSIAN GREYHOUND is also gifted with the power of running by scent, and is
employed at the present day for the same purposes which Irish Greyhounds subserved
in former times.

Many Russian forests are infested with wild boars, wolves, and bears, and this power-
ful and swift Dog is found of great use in the destruction of these quadrupedal pests.
In size it is about equal to the Scotch Greyhound. It is not exclusively used for the
chase of the large and savage beasts, but is also employed in catching deer, hares, and
other animals which come under the ordinary category of "game."

The fur of this Dog is thick, but does not run to any length.

SCOTCH GREYHOUND.-Qm/a famlllarls.

THE NOBLE and graceful animal which is the representative of the Greyhound family
in Persia, derives its origin from a source which is hidden in the mists of antiquity,
and has been employed in the chase of swift-footed animals from time immemorial.
Powerful of jaw, quick and supple of limb, the PERSIAN GREYHOUND is chosen to
cope with that swift and daring animal the wild ass, as well as with the no less rapid
antelope, and the slower, but more dangerous, wild boar.

Of all these creatures, the wild ass gives the most trouble, for it instinctively keeps
to rocky and mountainous neighborhoods, which afford a refuge unassailable by
the sure-footed Persian horse, and from which it can only be driven by such agile
creatures as the native Greyhounds. So untiring is the wild ass, and so boldly does it
traverse the rocky mountain spurs among which it loves to dwell, that a single ass will

THE RUSSIAN GREYHOUND.

261

frequently escape, even though several relays of Greyhounds have been provided to
take up the running at different parts of the course, as soon as their predecessors are
fatigued.

For the antelope the Greyhound would be no match, and is therefore assisted by the
falcon, which is trained to settle on the head of the flying animal, and by flapping its
wings in the poor creature's eyes, to prevent it from following a direct course, and thus to
make it an easier prey to the Greyhound which is following in the track. Of this curious
mixture of falconry and hunting the Persian nobles are passionately fond, and peril their
lives in ravines, and among rocks that would quail the spirit of our boldest fox-hunters.

It is said that the Persian Greyhound is not the safest of allies, for if it should fail
in its chase, it is reputed to turn its wasting energies upon its master, and to force him,

RUSSIAN GREYHOUND.-Can/s Camtlaris.

Action like, to seek his safety in flight ; or, more fortunate than his cornuted prototype
to rid himself of his dependents by a blow from his ready scimitar. The Persian
Greyhound is said to be especially addicted to this vice when it is imported into India.
This animal is rather slender in make, and its ears are " feathered " after the fashion
of the Blenheim spaniel's ears. Nevertheless, it is a powerful and bold creature, and
can hold its own among any assemblage of Dogs of its own weight.

A MORE UTTER contrast to the above-mentioned animal can hardly be imagined than
that which is afforded by the ITALIAN GREYHOUND, a little creature whose merit consists
in its diminutive proportions and its slender limbs. Hotspur, leaning all breathless on

262

THE PERSIAN GREYHOUND.

his sword, and stiff with his wounds, was not more entirely the opposite of the carpet
knight, with pouncet box to nose, and full of " parmaceti " babblings, than is the
rough, fierce Greyhound of Persia, of the delicate, shivering, faint-hearted Italian
Greyhound ; sad type of the people from which it takes its name.

In truth, the Italian Greyhound is but a dwarfed example of the true smooth Grey-
hound, dwarfed after the same manner that delights our Celestial friends, when tried
on vegetable instead of animal life. The weight of a really good Italian Greyhound
ought not to exceed eight or ten pounds ; and there are animals of good shape which
only weigh six or seven pounds. One of the most perfect Dogs of the present day weighs
eight and three-quarter pounds, and is fourteen and a quarter inches in height. His color
is uniformly black.

PERSIAN GREYHOUND.-Cafl/s familiarls.

Attempts have been made to employ the Italian Greyhound in the chase of rabbits,
but its power of jaw and endurance of character are so disproportioned to its speed,
that all such endeavors have failed. A mixed breed, between the Italian Greyhound
and the terrier, is useful enough, combining endurance with speed, and perfectly capable
of chasing and holding a rabbit.

In this country, it is only used as a petted companion, and takes rank among the
" toy dogs," being subject to certain arbitrary rules of color and form, which may render
a Dog worthless for one year through the very same qualities which would make it a
paragon of perfection in another. The Dutch tulip-mania afforded no more capricious
versatility of criterion than is found in the " points " of toy Dogs of the present day. If

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

263

the creature be of a uniform color, it must be free from the least spot of white ; and
even a white stain on the breast is held to deteriorate from its perfection. The color
which is most in vogue is a golden fawn ; and the white and red Dog takes the last place
in the valuation of color.

It is a pretty little creature, active and graceful to a degree, and affectionate to those
who know how to win its affections. Even in the breed of our British smooth Grey-

ITALIAN GREYHOUND.— Caa/s famlllarls.

hounds, this little animal has been successfully employed, and by a careful admixture
with the larger Dog, takes away the heavy, clumsy aspect of the head which is caused by
the bull-dog alliance, and restores to the offspring the elastic grace of the original Grey-
hound. It is generally bred in Spain and Italy, and from thence imported into this
country, where the change of climate is so apt to affect its lungs, that its owners are forced
to keep it closely swathed in warm clothing during the changeable months of the year.

THE LARGE and handsome animal which is called from its native country the NEW-
FOUNDLAND DOG, belongs to the group of spaniels, all of which appear to be possessed
of considerable mental powers, and to be capable of instruction to a degree that is rarely
seen in animals.

In its native land the Newfoundland Dog is shamefully treated, being converted into
a beast of burden, and forced to suffer even greater hardships than those which generally
fall to the lot of animals which are used for the carriage of goods or the traction of
vehicles. The life of a hewer of wood is proverbially one of privation, but the exist-
ence of the native Newfoundland Dog is still less to be envied, being that of a servant
of the wood-hewer. In the winter, the chief employment of the inhabitants is to cut fuel,
and the occupation of the Dogs is to draw it in carts. The poor animals are not only
urged beyond their strength, but are meagrely fed with putrid salt fish, the produce of
some preceding summer. Many of these noble Dogs sink under the effects of fatigue
and starvation, and many of the survivors commit sad depredations on the neighbor-
ing flocks as soon as the summer commences, and they are freed from their daily toils.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

In this country, however, the Newfoundland Dog is raised to its proper position, and
made the friend and companion of man. Many a time has it more than repaid its
master for his friendship, by rescuing him from mortal peril.

Astrologically speaking, the Newfoundland Dog must have been originated under
the influence of Aquarius, for it is never so happy as when dabbling in water, whether
salt or fresh, and is marvellously endurant of long immersion. There are innumerable
instances on record of human beings rescued from drowning by the timely succor
brought by a Newfoundland Dog, which seems fully to comprehend the dire necessity of
the sufferer, and the best mode of affording help. A Dog has been known to support
a drowning man in a manner so admirably perfect, that if it had thoroughly studied the
subject, it could not have applied its aiding powers in a more correct manner. The
Dog seemed to be perfectly aware that the head of the drowning man ought to be kept
above the water, and possibly for that purpose shifted its grasp from the shoulder to
the back of the neck. It must be remembered, however, that ail Dogs and cats carry
their young by the nape of the neck, and that the Dog might have followed the usual
instinct of these animals.

Not only have solitary lives been saved by this Dog, but a whole ship's crew have
been delivered from certain destruction by the mingled sagacity and courage of a New-
foundland Dog, that took in its mouth a rope, and carried it from the ship to the shore.

Even for their own amusement, these Dogs may be seen disporting themselves in the
sea, swimming boldly from the land in pursuit of some real or imaginary object, in spite
of " rollers " and " breakers " that would baffle the attempts of any but an accomplished
swimmer. Should a Newfoundland Dog be blessed with a master as amphibious
as itself, its happiness is very great, and it may be seen splashing and snapping in
luxuriant sport, ever keeping close to its beloved master, and challenging him to fresh
efforts. It is very seldom that a good Newfoundland Dog permits its master to outdo
it in aquatic gambols. The Dog owes much of its watery prowess to its broad feet
and strong legs, which enable the creature to propel itself with great rapidity through
the water.

As is the case with most of the large Dogs, the Newfoundland permits the lesser
Dogs to take all kinds of liberties without showing the least resentment ; and if it is
worried or pestered by some forward puppy, looks down with calm contempt, and
passes on its way. Sometimes the little conceited animal presumes upon the dignified
composure of the Newfoundland Dog, and, in that case, is sure to receive some quaint
punishment for its insolence. The story of the big Dog, that dropped the little Dog
into the water and then rescued it from drowning, is so well known that it needs but
a passing reference. But I know of a Dog, belonging to one of my friends, which
behaved in a very similar manner. Being provoked beyond all endurance by the con-
tinued annoyance, it took the little tormentor in its mouth, swam well out to sea, drop-
ped it in the water and swam back again.

Another qf these animals, belonging to a workman, was attacked by a small and
pugnacious bull-dog, which sprang upon the unoffending canine giant, and, after the
manner of bull-dogs, " pinned " him by the nose, and there hung, in spite of all en-
deavors to shake it off. However, the big Dog happened to be a clever one, and spy-
ing a pailful of boiling tar, he bolted towards it, and deliberately lowered his foe into the
hot and viscous material. The bull-dog had never calculated on such a reception, and
made its escape as fast as it could run, bearing with it a scalding memento of the occasion.

The attachment which these magnificent Dogs feel towards mankind is almost un-
accountable, for they have been often known to undergo the greatest hardships in
order to bring succor to a person whom they had never seen before. A Newfound-
land Dog has been known to discover a poor man perishing in the snow from cold and
inanition, to dash off, procure assistance, telling by certain doggish language of its
own of the need for help, and then to gallop back again to the sufferer, lying upon him
as if to afford vital heat from his own body, and there to wait until the desired assist-
ance arrived.

I might multiply anecdote upon anecdote of the wondrous powers of this spirited
animal, but must pass on to make room for others.

There are two kinds of Newfoundland Dog ; one, a very large animal, standing

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

265

some thirty-two inches in height ; and the other, a smaller Dog, measuring twenty-four
or twenty-five inches high. The latter animal is sometimes called the Labrador Dog,
and sometimes is termed the St. John's Dog. When crossed with the setter, the Lab-
rador Dog gives birth to the Retriever. The large Newfoundland is generally crossed
with the mastiff.

There are few Dogs which are more adapted for fetching and carrying than the New-
foundland. This Dog always likes to have something in its mouth, and seems to derive
a kind of dignity from the conveyance of its master's property. It can be trained to
seek for any object that has been left at a distance, and being gifted with a most per-
severing nature, will seldom yield the point until it has succeeded in its search.

NEWFOUNDLAND DOQ.-Caals famlllarls.

A rather amusing example of this faculty in the Newfoundland Dog has lately come
before my notice.

A gentleman was on a visit to one of his friends, taking with him a fine Newfound-
land Dog. Being fond of reading, he was accustomed to take his book upon the downs,
and to enjoy at the same time the pleasures of literature and the invigorating breezes
that blew freshly over the hills. On one occasion, he was so deeply buried in his book,
that he overstayed his time, and being recalled to a sense of his delinquency by a glance
at his watch, hastily pocketed his book, and made for home with his best speed.

Just as he arrived at the house, he found that he had inadvertently left his gold-
headed cane on the spot where he had been sitting, and as it was a piece of property
which he valued extremely, he was much annoyed at his mischance,

266 THE ESQUIMAUX DOG.

He would have sent his Dog to look for it, had not the animal chosen to accompany
a friend in a short walk. However, as soon as the Dog arrived, his master explained
his loss to the animal, and begged him to find the lost cane. Just as he completed his
explanations, dinner was announced, and he was obliged to take his seat at table.
Soon after the second course was upon the table, a great uproar was heard in the hall ;
sounds of pushing and scuffling were very audible, and angry voices forced themselves
on the ear. Presently, the phalanx of servants gave way, and in rushed the Newfound-
land Dog, bearing in his mouth the missing cane. He would not permit any hand but
his master's to take the cane from his mouth, and it was his resistance to the attempts
of the servants to dispossess him of his master's property that had led to the skirmish.

IT HAS BEEN mentioned that the Newfoundland Dog is employed during the winter
months in dragging carts of hewn wood to their destination, and that it is unkindly
treated by the very men who derive the most benefit from its exertions.

The ESQUIMAUX DOG, however, spends almost its entire life in drawing sledges, or
in carrying heavy loads, being, in fact, the only beast of burden or traction in the
northern parts of America and the neighboring islands. Some, indeed, are turned
loose at the beginning of the summer, and many get their living as they can, until winter
summons them back again to scanty meals and perpetual toil. But many of the Esqui-
maux Dogs are retained in servitude for the entire year, and during the summer months
are called upon to give their aid in draught and in carriage. Indeed, those Dogs which
are thus kept to their work during the entire year are comparatively happy, for their
work is not nearly so heavy as in the winter, and their food is much better.

The Esquimaux Dog is rather smaller than the Labrador, being only twenty-two or
twenty-three inches in height. There is something very wolfish about the Dog, owing to
its oblique eyes, bushy tail, and elongated muzzle. In its full face the Esquimaux Dog
presents a ludicrously exact likeness of its master's countenance. The color is almost
invariably a deep dun, marked obscurely with dark bars and patches ; the muzzle is
black.

When harnessed to the sledge, the Dogs obey the movements of their leader, who is
always a faithful and experienced old Dog. There are no means of guiding the animals
in their way, for each Dog is simply tied to the sledge by a leathern strap, and directed
by the voice and whip of the driver. The whip is of very great importance to the char-
ioteer, for by the sounds which he elicits from the lash, and by the ably-directed strokes
which he aims at refractory Dogs, he guides the canine team without the aid of bit or
bridle.

The old and experienced animal which leads the team knows the master's voice and
will dash forward, slacken speed, halt, or turn to right and left at command.

The actual stroke of the whip is used as little as possible, for when a Dog feels the
sting of the biting lash, he turns round and attacks the Dog nearest to him. The others
immediately join in the fight, and the whole team is thrown into admirable confusion,
the traces being entangled with each other, and the sledge in all likelihood upset.
When such a rupture occurs, the driver is generally forced to dismount, and to harness
the Dogs afresh. Usually, the leading Dog is permitted to run his own course, for he
is able to follow the right path with marvellous accuracy, and to scent it out, even when
the thickly-falling snowflakes have covered the surface of the ground with an uni-
form white carpet, on whose glittering surface no impress is left of the subjacent
earth.

These Dogs are able to travel for very great distances over the snow-clad regions of
the north, and have been known to make daily journeys of sixty miles for several days
in succession.

Captain Parry, in his well known " Journal," remarks very happily, that " neither the
Dog nor his master is half civilized or subdued," the former indeed being the necessary
consequence of the latter. The Esquimaux bears no love towards his Dogs, and only looks
upon them as animated machines, formed for the purpose of conveying him and his prop-
erty from one place to another. He is a most exacting and cruel master, feeding scantily
his Dogs on the merest offal, and then inflicting severest torture upon them if they

THE ESQUIMAUX DOG.

267

break down in their work from want of nourishment, or if, incited by the pangs of
hunger, they obey their natural instincts, and make a meal on the provisions which had
been laid aside for his own use. The savage is ever ingenious in the art of torture, and
the Esquimaux forms no exception to the rule.

The poor beasts have been known, when suffering from long-continued hunger, to
devour their tough leather harness, and, as if excited by the imperfect meal, to fly upon
the weaker members of the team and to tear them to pieces. During this paroxysm of
unrestrained fury, they would have made their masters their first victims, had they not
been driven back by the sword and the bludgeon.

ESQUIMAUX DOG.-Ga/i/s familiar is.

In consequence of the evil treatment to which they are subjected, the poor animals
can have no affection for their cruel tormentors, and are afforded no opportunity for
developing the mental qualities which they possess in very large degree. When placed
under the care of a kind master, the Esquimaux Dog is a most affectionate animal, and
displays considerable reasoning powers.

The Esquimaux Dog is rather larger than an English pointer Dog, although its true
size appears to be less than it really is on account of the comparative shortness of limb.
Its fur is composed of a long outer covering of coarse hair, there or four inches in
length, and an inner coating of short, woolly hair, that seems to defend the animal from
the colds of winter. When the weather begins to wax warm, the wool falls off, and grows
again as the winter draws near.

268

THE SPANIEL.

OF LATE years, a Dog which much resembles the last-mentioned animal, has come
into fashion as a house-dog or as a companion. This is the POMERANIAN Fox DOG,
commonly known as the " Loup-loup."

It is a great favorite with those who like a Dog for a companion, and not for mere
use, as it is very intelligent in its character, and very handsome in aspect. Its long
white fur, and bushy tail, give it quite a distinguished appearance, of which the animal
seems to be thoroughly aware. Sometimes the coat of this animal is a cream color, and
very rarely is deep black. The pure white, however, seems to be the favorite. It is a
lively little creature, and makes an excellent companion in a country walk.

OF THE Spaniel Dogs, there are several varieties, which maybe classed under two gen-
eral heads, namely, Sporting and Toy Spaniels ; the former being used by the sportsman
in finding game for him ; and the latter being simply employed as companions.

POMERANIAN DOG.-Caa/s familiaris.

1

The FIELD SPANIEL is remarkable for the intense love which it bears for hunting game,
and the energetic manner in which it carries out the wishes of its master. There are
two breeds of Field Spaniel, the one termed the " Springer," being used for heavy work
among thick and thorny coverts, and the other being principally enployed in woodcock
shooting, and called in consequence the " Cocker." The Blenheim and King Charles
Spaniels derive their origin from the Cocker. The three Dogs which are represented
in the engraving are examples of the three most celebrated breeds of Springer Spaniels.
The black Dog is a Sussex Spaniel ; that which stands in the foreground is a Clumber :
and the seated Dog is a Norfolk Spaniel. Some of these Dogs continually give tongue
while engaged in the pursuit of game, and utter different sounds according to the
description of game which they have reached ; while others are perfectly mute in their
quest. Each of these qualities is useful in its way and the Dog is valued accordingly ;

THE SPRINGER SPANIELS.

269

SPANIEL.— Caals famillaris.

only it is needful that if the Dog be one that gives tongue, it should not be too noisj
in its quest, and should be musical in its note.

SPRINGER SPANIELS.

While hunting, the Spaniel sweeps its feathery tail rapidly from side to side, and $8
verv nrettv object to any one who has an eye for beauty of movement.

a very pretty object to any

270

THE COCKER SPANIEL.

that however spirited a Spaniel may be, it must not raise its tail above the level of its
back. For the purpose of sport, a Spaniel must be possessed of a thick coat, as it is sub-
ject to continual wetting from the dripping coverts through which it has to force its way.
It should be also a tolerably large Dog, not weighing less than fourteen pounds if pos-
sible, and may with advantage weigh some thirty or forty pounds, as do the breed known
by the name of the " Clumber " Spaniels. These last-mentioned animals work silently.
Examples are given in the accompanying illustration of three kinds of Cocker
Spaniels. The dark Dog, that occupies the foreground, is a Welsh Cocker ; and the
other two Dogs are ordinary Cockers.

ps^,

COCKER SPANIELS.

V

THE COCKER is altogether a smaller animal, seldom weighing above twenty pounds,
and very often being only ten or twelve pounds in weight. It is an active and lively
animal, dashing about its work with an air of gay enjoyment that assists materially in
enlivening the spirits of its master. There are many breeds of this Dog, among which
the English, Welsh, and Devonshire Cockers maybe mentioned as well-known examples.

It is a courageous little creature, retaining its dashing boldness even when imported
into the enervating Indian climate, which destroys the spirit of most Dogs, and even
reduces the stubborn bull-dog to a mere poltroon. Captain Williamson, in his book of
" Oriental Field Sports," records an instance of rash courage on the part of one of
these little Dogs.

" I was shooting near some underwood, rather thinly scattered among reedy grass,
growing on the edges of a large water-course, which took its rise near the foot of the
large hill at Muckun Gunge, when suddenly one of a brace of fine cocking Spaniels I
had with me ran round a large bush greatly agitated, and apparently on some game
which I expected to put up.

THE WATER SPANIEL. 271

I followed as fast as I could ; but Paris, which was the Dog's name, was too quick for
me, and before I could well get round the bush, which was about ten yards from the
brink of the ravine, had come to a stand, his ears pricked, his tail wagging like lightning,
and his whole frame in a seeming state of ecstasy. I expected that he had got a hare
under the bank, and, as the situation was in favor of a shot, I ran towards him with more
speed than I should have done had I known that instead of a hare I should find, as I did,
a tiger sitting on its rump, and staring Paris in the face. They were not above two
yards asunder.

As soon as the Dog found me at his side, he barked, and giving a spring down,
dashed at the tiger. What happened for some moments I really cannot say ; the sur-
prise and danger which suddenly affected me banished at once that presence of mind
which many boast to possess on all emergencies. I frankly confess that my senses
were clouded, and that the tiger might have devoured me without my knowing a word
of the matter. However, as soon as my fright had subsided, I began, like a person
waking from a dream, to look about, and saw the tiger cantering away at about a hun-
dred and fifty yards' distance, with his tail erect, and followed by Paris, who kept
barking ; but when the tiger arrived at a thick cover, he disappeared.

I had begun in my mind to compose a requiem for my poor Dog, as I saw him
chasing the tiger, which I expected every moment would turn about and let Paris know
that he had caught a Tartar. Though Paris had certainly brought me to the gate of
destruction, yet he as certainly saved me. I felt myself indebted to him for preserva-
tion, and consequently was not a little pleased to see him return safe."

This is not a solitary example of the achievement of so daring a feat. Another
officer, belonging to the Bengal Artillery, was shooting near a jungle, and was attended
by five or six Spaniels, for the purpose of putting up the bustards, floricans, peafowl,
and other birds, when a tiger suddenly showed itself from a spot where it had lain
concealed. Instead of retreating from the terrible animal, the Spaniels dashed boldly
at the brindled foe, and although several of them were laid prostrate by the tiger's
paw, the survivors remained staunch, and attracted the creature's attention so com-
pletely that their master was enabled to kill it without difficulty.

The report that the Dhole will attack the tiger is thus corroborated.

FROM its singular affection for the water, this Dog is termed the WATER SPANIEL,
as a distinction from the Field Spaniel. In all weathers, and in all seasons, the Water
Spaniel is ever ready to plunge into the loved element, and to luxuriate therein in
sheer wantonness of enjoyment. It is an admirable diver, and a swift swimmer, in
which arts it is assisted by the great comparative breadth of its paws. It is therefore
largely used by sportsmen for the purpose of fetching out of the water the game which
they have shot, or of swimming to the opposite bank of the river, or to an occasional
island, and starting therefrom the various birds that love such moist localities.

Much of its endurance in the water is owing to the abundance of natural oil with
which its coat is supplied, and which prevents it from becoming really wet. A real
Water Spaniel gives himself a good shake as soon as he leaves the river, and is dry in
a very short time. This oil, although useful to the Dog, gives forth an odor very
unpleasant to human nostrils, and therefore debars the Water Spaniel from enjoying
the fireside society of its human friends.

Some people fancy that the Water Spaniel possesses webbed feet, and that its
aquatic prowess is due to this formation. Such, however, is not the case. All dogs
have their toes connected with each other by a strong membrane, and when the foot
is wide and the membrane rather loosely hung, as is the case with the Water Spaniel,
a large surface is presented to the water.

The Water Spaniel is of moderate size, measuring about twenty-two inches in height
at the shoulders, and proportionately stout in make. The ears are long, measuring
from point to point rather more than the animal's height.

The KING CHARLES SPANIEL derives its name from the " airy monarch," Charles
II., who took great delight in these little creatures, and petted them in a manner that
verged on absurdity.

THE WATER SPANIEL.

It is a very small animal, as a really fine specimen ought not to exceed six or seven
pounds in weight. Some of the most valuable King Charles Spaniels weigh as little
as five pounds, or even less. These little creatures have been trained to search for and
put up game after the manner of their larger relatives, the springers and cockers, but
they cannot endure severe exercise, or long-continued exertion, and ought only to be
employed on very limited territory.

When rightly managed, it is a most amusing companion, and picks up accomplish-
ments with great readiness. It can be trained to perform many pretty tricks, and
sometimes is so appreciative of its human playfellows that it will join their games.

I knew one of these animals which would play at that popular boy's game, called
" touch," as correctly as any of the boys who used to join in the game, and on account
of its small size and great agility was a more formidable opponent than any of the human
players. The same Dog carried on a perpetual playful feud with the cat, each seeking

WATER SPANIEL.— Caals famlllaris

for an opportunity of dealing a blow and of getting away as fast as possible. It was
most absurd to see the way in which the Dog would hide itself behind a door-step, a
scraper, a large stone, or under a thick shrub, and panting with eager expectation, watch
the cat walking unsuspiciously towards its ambush. As the cat passed, out shot the
Dog, tumbled pussy over, and made off at the top of its speed, pursued by the cat in
hot haste, all anxious to avenge herself of the defeat. In these chases, the cat always
used to run on three legs, holding one paw from the ground as if to preserve its strength
in readiness for a severe application to the Dog's ears.

" Prince," for that was the name of this clever little animal, was an accomplished
bird's-nester, seldom permitting a too-confiding blackbird or thrush to build its hymeneal
home in the neighborhood without robbing it of its variegated contents. When the Dog
first discovered how palatable an article of diet was a blackbird's egg, he used to push his
nose into the nest and crush the eggs^with his teeth, or would try to scrape them out with
his paw. In both these methods, he wasted a considerable portion of the liquid contents
of the eggs and after a while invented a much better mode of action. Whenever he

THE KING CHARLES SPANIEL;

273

discovered the newly-built nest of a thrush or blackbird, he would wait until there were
some four or five eggs in the nest, and then would bite out the bottom of the nest, so
as to let the eggs roll unbroken into his mouth.

One of these little animals, which belonged to a Gloucestershire family, was very
clever and docile.

Every morning, he would voluntarily fetch his towel and brush, and stand patiently
to be washed, combed, and brushed by the hands of his mistress. Generally, he was
accustomed to take his meals with the family, but if his mistress were going to dine
from home she used to say to him, " Prince, you must go and dine at the rectory to-
day." The Dog would therefore set off for the rectory, rather a long and complicated
walk, and after passing several bridges, and taking several turnings, would reach the
rectory in time for dinner. There he would wait until he had taken his supper, and if
no one came to fetch him, would return as he came.

KINO CHARLES SPANIEL. -Caaia famlllaris.

The BLENHEIM SPANIEL is even smaller than the King Charles, and resembles it
closely in its general characteristics. Both these animals ought to have very short
muzzles, long silky hair without any curl, extremely long and silky ears, falling close
to the head, and sweeping the ground. The legs should be covered with long silky
hair to the very toes, and the tail should be well " feathered." The eyes of these little
Dogs are extremely moist, having always a slight lachrymal rivulet trickling from the
corner of each eye.

Although, from their diminutive size, these little Dogs are anything but formidable,
they are terrible foes to the midnight thief, who cares little for the brute strength of a
big yard-dog. Safely fortified behind a door, or under a sofa, the King Charles sets
up such a clamorous yelling at the advent of a strange step, that it will disconcert the
carefully arranged plans of professional burglars with much more effect than the deep
bay and the fierce struggles of the mastiff or the bloodhound. It is easy enough to
quiet a large Dog in the yard, but to silence a watchful and petulant King Charles Dog
18

274

THE MALTESE DOG.

within doors, is quite a different matter. Many " toy " Dogs are equally useful in this
respect, and the miniature terrier, which has lately become so fashionable, or the Skye
terrier, are most admirable assistants in giving timely warning of a foe's approach,
although they may not be able to repel him if he has once made good his entrance.

A VERY celebrated, but extremely rare, " toy " Dog, is the MALTESE DOG, the prettiest
and most lovable of all the little pet Dogs.

The hair of this tiny creature is very long, extremely silky, and almost unique in its
glossy sheen, so beautifully fine as to resemble spun glass. In proportion to the size
of the animal, the fur is so long that when it is in rapid movement, the real shape is
altogether lost in the streaming mass of flossy hair. One of these animals, which
barely exceeds three pounds in weight, measure no less than fifteen inches in length
of hair across the shoulders. The tail of the Maltese Dog curls strongly over the
back, and adds its wealth of silken fur to the already superfluous torrent of glistening
tresses.

It is a lively and very good-tempered little creature, endearing itself by sundry
curious little ways to those with whom it is brought in contact. The " toy " spaniels

MALTESE DOQ.—Caais famlliaris.

are subject to several unpleasant habits, such as snoring and offensive breath, but the
Maltese Dog is free from these defects, and is therefore a more agreeable companion
than the King Charles or the Blenheim Spaniels.

As the name implies, it was originally brought from Malta. It is a very scarce
animal, and at one time was thought to be extinct ; but there are still specimens to be
obtained by those who have no objection to pay the price which is demanded for these
pretty little creatures.

The LION DOG, so called on account of its fancied resemblance to the king of beasts,
when it is shaven after the fashion of poodles, is a cross between the poodle and the
Maltese Dog, possessing the tightly curled hair of the poodle without its elongated
ears and determinate aspect.

A VERY decided contrast to the last-mentioned Dog is afforded by the ALPINE SPANIEL,
more generally known by the title of the St. Bernard's Dog, on account of the celebrated

THE ST. BERNARD'S DOG.

275

monastery where these magnificent animals are taught to exercise their wondrous
powers, which have gained for them and their teachers a world-wide fame.

These splendid Dogs are among the largest of the canine race, being equal in size
to a large mastiff. The good work which is done by these Dogs is so well known that
it is only necessary to give a passing reference. Bred among the coldest regions of
the Alps, and accustomed from its birth to the deep snows which everlastingly cover
the mountain-top, the St. Bernard's Dog is a most useful animal in discovering any
unfortunate traveller who has been overtaken by a sudden storm and lost the path, or
who has fallen upon the cold ground, worn out by fatigue and hardship, and fallen into
the death-sleep which is the result of severe cold.

ST. BERNARD'S DOQ.-Canis famlliaris.

Whenever a snow-storm occurs, the monks belonging to the monastery of St. Bernard
send forth their Dogs on their errand of mercy. Taught by the wonderful instinct with
which they are endowed, they traverse the dangerous paths, and seldom fail to discover
the frozen sufferer, even though he be buried under a deep snow-drift. When the Dog
has made such a discovery, it gives notice by its deep and powerful bay of the perilous
state of the sufferer, and endeavors to clear away the snow that covers the lifeless form.

The monks, hearing the voice of the Dog, immediately set off to the aid of the perish-
ing traveller, and in many cases have thus preserved lives that must have perished
without their timely assistance. In order to afford every possible help to the sufferer,
a small flask of spirits is generally tied to the Dog's neck.

The illustration which accompanies this notice of the Alpine Spaniel, is a portrait
of the well-known Dog belonging to Mr. Albert Smith.

276

THE POODLE.

OF all the domesticated Dogs, the POODLE seems to be, take him all in all, the most
obedient and the most intellectual. Accomplishments the most difficult are mastered
by this clever animal, which displays an ease and intelligence in its performances that
appear to be far beyond the ordinary canine capabilities.

A barbarous custom is prevalent of removing the greater portion of the Poodle's coat,
leaving him but a ruff round the neck and legs, and a puff on the tip of the tail as the
sole relic of his abundant fur.

Such a deprivation is directly in opposition to the natural state of the Dog, which is
furnished with a peculiarly luxuriant fur, hanging in long ringlets from every portion of
the head, body, and limbs. The Poodle is not the only Dog that suffers a like tonsorial
abridgment of coat ; for under the dry arches of the many bridges that cross the Seine,
in Paris, may be daily seen a mournful spectacle. Numerous Dogs of every imaginable
and unimaginable breed, lie helpless in the shade of the arch, their legs tied together, and
their eyes contemplating with woeful looks the struggles of their fellows, who are being
shorn of their natural covering, and protesting with mournful cries against the operation.

POODLE. Cania famillarls.

There is a diminutive variety of the Poodle, which is termed the BARBET. This little
Dog is possessed of all the intellectual powers of its larger relative, and on account of
its comparatively small size, was formerly in great request as a lady's Dog. For this
enviable post it is well fitted, as it is a cleanly little creature, very affectionate, and full
of the oddest tricks and vagaries.

Some years since, I made acquaintance with a comical little Dog, named " Quiz,'*
which I believe to have been a Barbet, though no one had ventured definitely to refer
the strange little creature to any known variety.

He was very small, not larger than an ordinary rabbit, and was overwhelmed with
such a torrent of corkscrew curls that his entire shape was concealed under their
luxuriance.; and, when he was lying asleep on the sofa, he reminded the spectator of a
loose armful of mop thrums. While reposing, his head was quite undistinguishable from

THE MEXICAN LAPDOG.

277

his tail ; and when walking, his trailing curls collected such an ever-increasing mass of
leaves, dry sticks, straws, and other impediments, that he was frequently obliged to halt,
in order to be released from his encumbrances.

Casual passengers were constantly arrested in their walk by the singular animated
mop that rolled along without any visible means of progression ; and I have more than
once been witness to a warm dispute respecting the position in nature which the strange
animal might occupy. Some thought it might be a Dog, while others suggested that it
was a young lion ; but the prevailing idea referred little Quiz to a position among the
bears.

He was a most amusing and clever little animal, readily picking up acquirements,
and inventing new accomplishments of his own. He would sit at the piano, and sing
a song to his own accompaniment, the manual, or rather the pedal, part of the perform-
ance being achieved by a dexterous patting of the keys, and the vocal efforts by a
prolonged and modulated howl. He could also " talk," by uttering little yelps in rapid
succession.

Like all pet Dogs, he was jealous of disposition, and could not bear that any one,
not excepting his mistress, should be more noticed than himself.

MEXICAN LAPDOG.— Cauls fain ii Juris.

When his mistress was ill, he was much aggrieved at the exclusive attention which
was given to the invalid, and cast about in his doggish brain for some method of
attracting the notice which he coveted. It is supposed that he must have watched the
interview between medical man and patient, and have settled in his mind the attraction
which exercised so powerful an influence upon the physician ; for just as the well-known
carriage drew up to the door, Quiz got on a chair, sat up on his hind legs, and began to
put out his tongue, and hold forth his paw, as he had seen his mistress do, and evidently
expected to be treated in a similar manner. His purpose was certainly gained, for he
attracted universal attention by his ruse. He had not patience to keep his tongue out
of his mouth, but rapidly thrust it out, and as rapidly withdrew it again.

Poor Quiz died very shortly after I made acquaintance with him, a victim to the
cholera, which at that time was rife in Oxford.

THE VERY tiniest of the Dog family is the MEXICAN LAPDOG, a creature so very
minute in its dimensions as to appear almost fabulous to those who have not seen the
animal itself.

THE BLOODHOUND.

One of these little canine pets is to be seen in the British Museum, and always
attracts much attention from the visitors. Indeed, if it were not in so dignified a
locality, it would be generally classed with the mermaid, the flying serpent, and the
Tartar lamb, as an admirable example of clever workmanship. It is precisely like
those white woollen toy Dogs which sit upon a pair of bellows, and when pressed
give forth a nondescript sound, intended to do duty for the legitimate canine bark.
To say that it is no larger than these toys would be hardly true, for I have seen in
the shop windows many a toy Dog which exceeded in size the veritable Mexican
Lapdog.

BLOODHOUND. -Caais familiar is.

THE MAGNIFICENT animal which is termed the BLOODHOUND, on account of its pecul-
iar facility for tracking a wounded animal through all the mazes of its devious course,
is very scarce in England, as there is but little need for these Dogs for its chief
employment.

In the "good old times " this animal was largely used by thief-takers, for the purpose
of tracking and securing" the robbers who in those days made the country unsafe, and
laid the roads under a black mail. Sheep-stealers, who were much more common when
the offence was visited with capital punishment, were frequently detected by the delicate
nose of the BLOODHOUND, which would, when once laid on the scent, follow it up with
unerring precision, unravelling the single trail from among a hundred crossing footsteps,
and only to be baffled by water or blood. Water holds no scent, and if the hunted man
is able to take a long leap into the water, and to get out again in some similar fashion, he
may set at defiance the Bloodhound's nose. ^.If blood be spilt upon the track, the delicate

THE STAGHOUND.

279

olfactories of the animal are blunted, and it is no longer able to follow the comparatively
weak scent which is left by the retreating footsteps.

Both these methods have been successfully employed, but in either case great caution
is needed. When the hound suspects that the quarry has taken to the water, it swims
backward and forward, testing every inch of the bank on both sides, and applying its
nose to every leaf, stick, or frothy scum that comes floating by.

In this country the Bloodhound is chiefly employed in deer-shooting, aiding the sports-
man by singling out some animal, and keeping it ever before him, and by driving it in
certain directions, giving to its master an opportunity for a shot from his rifle. Should
the deer not fall to the shot, but be only wounded, it dashes off at a greatly increased
pace, followed by the Bloodhound, which here displays his qualities. Being guided by
the blood-drops that stud the path of the wounded animal, the hound has an easy task
in keeping the trail, and by dint of persevering exertions is sure to come up with his
prey at last.

The Bloodhound is generally irascible in temper, and therefore a rather dangerous
animal to be meddled with by any one excepting its owner. So fierce is its desire for
blood, and so utterly is it excited when it reaches its prey, that it will often keep its
master at bay when he approaches, and receive his overtures with such unmistakable
indications of anger that he will not venture to approach until his Dog has satisfied its
appetite on the carcass of the animal which it has brought to the ground. When fairly
on the track of the deer, the Bloodhound utters a peculiar, long, loud, and deep bay,
which, if once heard, will never be forgotten.

The modern Bloodhound is not the same animal as that which was known by the
same title in the days of early English history, the breed of which is supposed to be
extinct. The ancient Bloodhound was, from all accounts, an animal of extremely irritable
temper, and therefore more dangerous as a companion than the modern hound.

The color of a good Bloodhound ought to be nearly uniform, no white being
permitted, except on the tip of the stern. The prevailing tints are a blackish-tan,
or a deep fawn. The tail of this Dog is long and sweeping, and by certain ex-
pressive wavings and flourishings of that member, the animal indicates its success
or failure.

CLOSELY allied with the bloodhound is the now rare STAGHOUND, a Dog which is
supposed to drive its origin from the bloodhound and the greyhound, the latter animal
being employed in order to add lightness and speed to the exquisite scent and powerful
limbs of the former. Sometimes the foxhound is used to cross with this animal.

It is a large and powerful Dog, possessed of very great capabilities of scent, and able,
like the bloodhound, to hold to the trail on which it is laid, and to distinguish it among
the footprints of a crowd. Despite of the infusion of greyhound blood, the Staghound
is hardly so swift an animal as might be conjectured from its proportions, and probably
on account of its slow pace has fallen into comparative disrepute at the present day.
Until the death of George III. the stag-chase was greatly in vogue ; but since that
time it has failed to attract the attention of the sporting world, and has gradually yielded
to the greater charms of the foxhunt.

The real old English Staghound is now extremely rare, and is in danger of becoming
entirely extinct. The Dog which is now used for the purpose of chasing the stag is
simply a very large breed of the foxhound, which, on account of its superior length of
limb, is more capable of matching itself against the swift-footed deer than the ordinary
hound. These Dogs are very powerful when in a good state of health, and have been
known to achieve very wonderful feats of speed and endurance. They have been known
to run for a distance of fifty miles in pursuit of a stag ; and one memorable run is
recorded, where the stag, and the only two hounds which kept to its trail, were found
dead close to each other. The stag had made one powerful effort, had leaped over a
park wall, which the Dogs in their wearied state were unable to surmount, and had
fallen dead just as it had gained a place of safety.

It is needful that the Staghound should be a courageous as well as a powerful
animal ; for when the stag is brought to bay it becomes a formidable antagonist, dashing

280

THE FOXHOUND.

boldly at the nearest foe, whether man or Dog, and often inflicting by the stroke of its
sharp antlers a mortal wound upon any Dog that may be within its reach. Some
degree of cunning is also requisite, so that the Dog may not rush blindly upon its fate,
but may craftily watch its opportunity, and seize its quarry without suffering for its
boldness.

When the country was more open, and less broken up into fields and enclosures than
is the case at the present, stag-hunting was a comparatively easy task, but in the
present day, when a free Englishman can hardly walk half-a-mile without being checked
by a wall or fence, or a warning notice, the stag has so much the advantage of the
hounds and horses that the chase has gradually sunk into comparative disuse. With
one or two exceptions, the royal Staghounds are now almost the only representatives of
this once popular and exciting sport.

STAGHOUND.-Cau/s familiarly.

OF ALL the Dogs which are known by the common title of " hound," the FOXHOUND
is the best known. There are few animals which have received more attention than
the Foxhound, and none perhaps which have so entirely fulfilled the wishes of its
teachers. A well-known sporting author, who writes under the nom de plume of " Stone-
henge," remarks, with pardonable enthusiasm, that " the modern Foxhound is one of
the most wonderful animals in creation." The efforts which have been made, and the
sums which have been spent, in the endeavor to make this animal as perfect as
possible, are scarcely credible.

Without in the least disparaging any efforts to improve the nature and the character
of any animal, we cannot but draw a sad comparison between the unwearying pains that
are bestowed upon the condition of the Foxhound, and the neglected state of many a
human being in the vicinity of the palatial dog-kennel and the magnificent stables. At
one establishment, eight or ten thousand pounds per annum have been expended upon
the Dogs and horses, and this for a series of many years. As might be expected, the
command of such enormous sums of money, backed by great judgment on the parts of the
owners and trainers of hounds, has produced a race of Dogs that f©r speed, endurance,

THE FOXHOUND.

281

delicate scent, and high courage, approach as near to absolute perfection as can well
be imagined.

By thus improving the condition of the domesticated Dog, the country has been
benefited, for it is impossible to improve any inhabitant of a country without conferring
a benefit on the land in which it is reared. Still, supposing that half the sums which
are annually expended on training Dogs for the amusement of the upper classes had
been employed in improving the condition of the uneducated and neglected poor, and
had been backed by equal judgment, I cannot but fancy that the country would have re-
ceived a greater benefit than is conferred upon it by the most admirable pack of hounds
that can be conceived.

It is supposed that the modern Foxhound derives its origin from the old English
hound, and its various points of perfection from judicious crosses with other breeds.
For example, in order to increase its speed, the greyhound is made to take part in its
pedigree, and the greyhound having already some admixture of the bull-dog blood there
is an infusion of stubbornness as well as of mere speed.

FOXHOUND. -Can/s famillarls.

There are various breeds of Dogs which are remarkable for the very great development
of some peculiar faculty, such as speed in the greyhound, courage in the bull-dog, delicacy
of scent in the bloodhound, sagacity in the poodle, and so on. So that, when a breed
of Dogs begins to fail in any of these characteristics, the fault is amended by the intro-
duction of a Dog belonging to the breed which exhibits the needful quality in great per-
fection. It is remarkable that the mental character is transmitted through a longer
series of descendants than the outward form. Even in the case of such widely differ-
ent Dogs as the bull-dog and the greyhound, all vestige of the bull-dog form is lost in
the fourth cross, while the determinate courage of the animal is persistent, and serves
to invigorate the character of unnumbered successive progeny.

By using these means with the greatest care and judgment, the modern sportsmen
have succeeded in obtaining an animal which is so accurate of scent, that it might
almost challenge the bloodhound himself in its power of discovering it, and of adhering

282 THE FOXHOUND.

to it when found ; so determined in character, that it has many a time been known to
persevere in its chase until it has fallen dead on the track ; and so swift of foot that few
horses can keep pace with it in the hunting-field, if the scent be good, and ground easy.
It is averred by competent authority, that no man can undertake to remain in the same
field with the hounds while they are running.

The speed which can be attained by Foxhounds may be estimated from the well-
known match which took place upon the Beacon course at Newmarket. The length
of the course is 4 miles i furlong and 132 yards, and this distance was run by the
winning Dog, " Bue-cap," in eight minutes and a few seconds. The famous racehorse,
" Flying Childers," in running over the same ground, was little more than half a minute
ahead of the hound. Now, if we compare the dimensions of the horse and the hound,
we shall form a tolerably accurate conception of the extraordinary swiftness to which the
latter animal can attain. In that match, no less than sixty horses started together
with the competitors, but of the sixty only twelve were with the Dogs at the end of this
short run.

It must be remembered that, in addition to the severe and unceasing labor of the
chase, in which the Dogs are always busily at work, either in searching for a lost scent,
or following it up when found, the hounds are forced to undergo no small exertion in
walking from their kennel to the " meet," which is frequently at some distance from their
home ; and then in walking back again when the chase is over.

That the animal should be enabled to perform these severe tasks, which often occur
several times weekly, it is necessary that it should not be too large, lest it should
fatigue itself with its own bulk, and go through considerable needless exertion in forcing
its way through thickets where a lesser Dog would pass without difficulty ; and it is
equally necessary that it should not be too small, lest it should be unequal to the various
impediments which cross its path, and by reason of its shorter limbs be unable to keep
up properly with the rest of the pack.

According to the latest authorities, the best average height for Foxhounds is from
twenty-one to twenty-five inches, the female being generally smaller than the male.
However, the size of the Dog does not matter so much ; but it is expected to match the
rest of the pack in height as well as in general appearance.

It has been well remarked, by a writer to whom allusion has already been made, that
a hound ought not to be looked upon as an individual, but as a component part of a pack,
and, therefore, that a Dog which will be almost invaluable in one pack will be quite inad-
missible into another. It is a great fault in a Dog to be slower than its companions,
but it is a fault of hardly less magnitude to be too fast for them, and to run away at such
a pace that it seems to be getting all the hunting to itself. To use an expressive, but
conventional term, " suitiness " is one of the principal points in a pack of hounds, which
ought to appear as if they all belonged to one family.

In its natural state, the head of the Foxhound has a different aspect from that which is
presented by the trained Dog. This change of appearance is caused by the custom of
cropping, or rather of trimming, the ears, so as to dock them of their full proportions,
and to leave no more of the external organ than is necessary to protect the orifice. It
is said that this process is necessary, in order to guard the animal's ears from being torn
by the brambles and other thorny impediments which constantly come in its path, and
through which the Dog is continually forced to thrust itself. But the custom does not
seem to confer a corresponding benefit on the poor creature whose ears are subjected
to the operator's steel, and it may be that the custom of cropping Dogs' ears will go out
of fashion, as is happily the case with the equally cruel practice of cropping the ears
of horses, and docking their tails.

This Dog is a sufficiently sagacious animal, and if it were subjected to the in-
fluence of man as frequently as the Terrier and other companions of the human
race, would not lose by comparison with them. Even in the state of semi-civilization
into which these Dogs are brought, their obedience to the voice and gestures of
the huntsman is quite marvellous ; and even when in their kennel they will come
individually to be fed, no Dog venturing to leave its place until its name has been
called.

THE HARRIER. 283

As to the various sporting details .connected with this animal, such as breeding,
training, feeding, etc., they may be found in many sporting works, where they are elabo-
rately discussed, but are not suitable for a work of the present character.

THE HARRIER, so called because it is chiefly employed in hunting the hare, is in the
present day nothing more or less than a small foxhound, the description of the latter
animal serving equally for that of the former, with the one exception of size. As has
been mentioned in the account of the foxhound, the average height is about twenty-three
inches, but the height of the Harrier ought not to exceed eighteen or nineteen inches.

Partly on account of its smaller size, and partly on account of the character of its
work, the Harrier is not so swift an animal as the foxhound, and does not test so fully
the speed and strength of the horses that follow in its track. It is a swifter animal in
these days than was the case some few years back, because in the modern system of
hare-hunting, poor " puss " is so rapidly followed by the hounds that she has no time
to waste in those subtle contrivances for throwing the hounds off her track for which
she is so justly famous, and which have often baffled the efforts of the best and strong-
est Harriers.

The points of a good Harrier are similar to those of the foxhound, and may be
described as follows :

" There are necessary points in the shape of a hound which ought always to be
attended to by a sportsman, for if he be not of a perfect symmetry he will neither run
fast nor bear much work. He has much to undergo, and should have strength propor-
tioned to it. Let his legs be straight as arrows, his feet round and not too large ; his
shoulders back ; his breast rather wide than narrow ; his chest deep ; his back broad ;
his head small ; his neck thin ; his tail thick and bushy ; if he carry it well, so much
the better. Such hounds as are out at the elbows, and such as are weak from the
knees to the foot, should never be taken into the pack.

" I find that I have mentioned a small head as one of the necessary requisities of a
hound ; but you will observe that it is relative to beauty only, for as to goodness, I
believe that large-headed hounds are in no wise inferior. The color I think of little
moment, and am of opinion with our friend Foote, respecting his negro friend, that a
good Dog, like a good candidate, cannot be of bad color."

These remarks were written by Beckford, in the year 1779, and are of such sterling
value that they are accepted even in the present day as the criteria of a good hound.
He proceeds to observe in the same letter from which the above description has been
transcribed, that the shape of the Dog's head is as variable as the color of his hide,
and that some sportsmen prefer a sharp-nosed hound, while others care nothing for a
Dog unless he have a large and roomy head. Each, however, in his opinion, is equally
useful in its own way ; for " speed and beauty are the chief excellences of the one,
while stoutness and tenderness of nose in hunting are characteristic of the other." To
these qualifications the modern huntsmen have added another, consisting of depth of
the back ribs, in order to secure a stout build, and the capability of enduring daily
work for a lengthened period.

Uniformity of size and color is even more requisite in a pack of Harriers than of
foxhounds. Such packs indeed are often composed of the latter variety of Dog, which
are too small to be admitted into the regular foxhound pack. However, if a pack is
composed of these dwarf foxhounds, the two best characters of the true Harrier are
lost, namely, the musical tongue and the sensitive nose, and the only compensating
quality that these animals possess is extreme speed. A pack of true Harriers is dis-
tinguished for the melodious tongues of its members, which can be heard at a distance
of several miles, while the delicacy of their scent is so great that they can work out all
the complicated doubles of the hare.

There are several breeds of the BEAGLE, which are distinguishable from each other
by their size and general aspect.

The Medium-sized Beagle is not unlike, the harrier, but is heavier about the throat

284

THE BEAGLE.

than that animal, and has stouter limbs, and a comparatively larger body. The
height of his Dog is from a foot to fourteen or fifteen inches.

The Rough Beagle is thought to be produced by crossing the original stock with the
rough terrier, and possesses the squeaking bark of the terrier rather than the prolonged
musical intonation of the Beagle. Some authorities, however, take the animal to be a
distinct variety. The nose of this creature is furnished with the stiff whisker-hair which
are found on the muzzle of the rough terrier, and the fur is nearly as stiff and wiry as
the terrier's.

The Dwarf Beagle, or Rabbit Beagle, as it is sometimes called, is the smallest of the
three animals, delicate in form and aspect, but good of nose and swift of foot. So very
small are some of these little creatures that a whole pack has been conveyed to and from
the field in hampers slung over the back of a horse, or simply in the shooting pockets of
the men. Their strength was thus preserved for the labors of the field, and they were

BEAGLE.— CaoAs familiarls.

saved from the fatiguing walk to the field and back again. Ten inches is the average
height of a Rabbit Beagle.

These little Dogs are chiefly employed by those who hunt on foot, as they are not
sufficiently swift to drive the hare from her doubles, and by patiently tracking her
through all her wiles, " win like Fabius, by delay." Beagles used to be much in favor
with the junior members of the universities, for the purpose of affording a pleasant
afternoon's amusement. It is true that the legitimate object of chase, namely, the hare,
is seldom forthcoming, but her place is readily supplied by a long-winded lad, who
traverses the country at speed, trailing after him a rabbit-skin well rubbed with turpen-
tine or aniseed. If the scent be good, and the course lie tolerably straight, the endur-
ance of the hunter is severely tested, but if the miniature hounds come often to a check,
any one of average powers can be in at the finish.

THE POINTERS.

285

This little group of Dogs is representative of two breeds of the POINTER, the two
foremost Dogs being examples of the modern English Pointer, and the third, of the
Spanish Pointer. The latter of these Dogs is now seldom used in the field, as it is
too slow and heavily built an animal for the present fast style of sporting, which makes
the Dogs do all the ranging, and leaves to their master but a comparatively small
amount of distance to pass over. The nose of this Dog is peculiarly delicate, as may
be inferred from its exceedingly wide muzzle, and for those sportsmen who cannot walk
fast or far, it is an useful assistant.

As may be seen from the engraving, the modern English Pointer is a very different
animal, built on a much lighter model, and altogether with a more bold and dashing

POINTERS,- Caais tamlltari*.

air about it. While it possesses a sufficiently wide muzzle to permit the development
of the olfactory nerves, its limbs are so light and wiry that it can match almost any
Dog in speed. Indeed, some of these animals are known to equal a slow greyhound
in point of swiftness.

This quality is specially useful, because it permits the sportsman to walk forward, at
a moderate pace, while his Dogs are beating over the field to his right and left. The
sagacious animals are so obedient to the voice and gesture of their master, and are so
well trained to act with each other, that at a wave of the hand they will separate, one
going to the right and the other to the left, and so traverse the entire field in a series
of " tacks," to speak nautically, crossing each other regularly in front of the sportsman
as he walks forward.

286 THE POINTER.

When either of them scents a bird, he stops suddenly, arresting even his foot as it is
raised in the air, his head thrust forward, his body and limbs fixed, and his tail stretched
straight out behind him. This attitude is termed a " point," and on account of this
peculiar mode of indicating game, the animal is termed the " Pointer." The Dogs are so
trained that when one of them comes to a point he is backed by his companion, so as to
avoid the disturbance of more game than is necessary for the purpose of the sportsman.

It is a matter of some difficulty to teach their lesson rightly, for the Dogs are quite
as liable to error through their over-anxiety to please their master as through sluggish-
ness or carelessness. Such Dogs are very provoking in the field, for they will come
to a point at almost every strange odor that crosses their nostrils, and so will stand at
pigs, sparrows, cats, or any other creature that may come in their way, and will hold
so firmly to their " point " that they cannot be induced to move, except by compulsory
means. This extreme excitability seems to be caused by too close adherence to
the same stock in breeding, and is set right by a judicious admixture with another
family.

According to " Stonehenge," the marks of a good Pointer are as follows : " A moder-
ately large head, wide rather than long, with a high forehead and an intelligent eye, of
medium size. Muzzle broad, with its outline square in front, not receding as in the
hound. Flews (*. e. the overhanging lips) manifestly present, but not pendent. The
head should be well set on the neck, with a peculiar form at the junction only seen in
the Pointer. The neck itself should be long, convex in its upper outline, without any
tendency to a dewlap or a ruff, as the loose skin covered with long hair round the neck is
called. The body is of good length, with a strong loin, wide hips, and rather arched
ribs, the chest being well let down, but not in a hatchet shape as in the greyhound, and
the depth in the back ribs being proportionably greater than in that Dog. The
tail, or ' stern/ as it is technically called, is strong at the root, but, suddenly diminish-
ing, it becomes very fine, and then continues nearly of the same size to within two
inches of the tip, where it goes off to a point, looking as sharp as the sting of a wasp,
and giving the whole very much the appearance of that part of the insect, but magnified
as a matter of course. This peculiar shape of the stern characterizes the breed, and
its absence shows a cross with the hound or some other Dog."

The author then proceeds to recommend long, slanting, but muscular shoulder-blades,
a long upper arm, a very low elbow, and a short fore-arm. The feet must be round
and strong, and padded with a thick sole, the knee strong, and the ankle of full size.
The color is of comparatively small importance, but ought, if possible, to be white, so
that the animal may be visible while beating among heather, clover, or turnips. Black
or liver-colored dogs are very handsome to the eye, but often cause much trouble to
the sportsman, on account of the difficulty of distinguishing them among the herbage.
White Dogs, with lemon-colored heads, are the favorites of this author.

As the Pointer is seldom in contact with its master, except when in the field, its
domestic qualities are rarely prized as they deserve to be. No Dog can be properly
appreciated until it is a constant companion of man, and it is probable that many Dogs
which are set down as stupid and intractable, are only so called because they have
been deprived of the society of human beings, through whom alone their higher quali-
ties can be developed, and have been confined to the kennel, the yard, or the field.
The Pointer is but little known as a companion Dog, but when it is in the habit of
living constantly with its owner speedily puts forth its intellectual powers, and becomes
an amusing and interesting companion. One of my friends has kindly sent me the
following account of a Pointer that belonged to him, and had been constantly with his
master for a lengthened period of time. The animal was not an example of the thorough-
bred Pointer, but was, nevertheless, a very respectable creature.

" I ONCE possessed a Dog whose nose, sight, and instinct were well developed ; and
as he was my companion for many a day, and my only friend for many months, some
of his peculiarities may not be uninteresting.

The Dog could point a partridge, but he would eat it, too, if he had a chance ; and
often when I could not take a day's shooting I have observed my Dog doing a little

THE MODERN ENGLISH POINTER.

287

amateur work on his own account. Very successful, also, was he in this occupation ;
and he frequently dined on a partridge or quail which he had gained by means of his own
skill. There was no concealing the fact that he was, however, an arrant coward ; and he
himself was perfectly conscious of this defect. As is usual amongst men, he endeavored
to conceal his weakness by the aid of a formidable exterior ; and few who knew him not
would ever venture even to insinuate that he was not as brave as a lion. If he happened
to encounter any other Dog with which he was unacquainted he would immediately stand
perfectly still, raise his tail, and keep it very firmly in one position ; he would then elevate
the hair on his back, and dragging up his jowls, would exhibit a formidable array of
grinders. Thus exhibiting by no means a prepossessing appearance, he would merely

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•J> z

•^ ^" ..

MODERN ENGLISH POINTER.— Canis famlllarls.

growl whilst the other Dog walked round him, and he thus frequently prevented any
liberties from being taken with him. No sooner had his visitor left him than his attitude
would change ; and with a glance, as much as to say, * I did" that very well,' he would
jog along before me. In spite of his warlike positions, he was once terribly punished by
a little terrier which resided in a butcher's shambles. Passing this locality, my Dog was
set upon before even he had time to study attitudes or to assume impose, so he made good
use of his legs, and escaped with a few scratches. Now it happened that amongst his
friends he had one which was a well-bred bull terrier, and after the mauling that he had
received from the butcher's Dog I noticed that he was very much of tener with this friend
than he had been before. The next time that I attempted to take him past the shambles
he refused to come, and retreated home. I followed him, and, by dint of whistling, at

288 THE DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG.

length brought him out from his retreat, from which he was followed by his friend the
bull terrier.

The two jogged along very pleasantly and cheerfully, my Dog. evidently paying
marked attention to his friend. When we approached the locality of the shambles my
Dog ran along in front, whilst the bull terrier followed behind, and both looked as
though * up ' to something. Opposite the shambles the terrier rushed out upon my Dog,
which retreated with wonderful precipitancy behind his friend, who at once collared the
assailant, and tumbled him over and over to the tune of the joyful barks of my old cur,
which had evidently made the preliminary arrangements with his friend for this scene."

The same Dog was once taught a useful lesson in a singular manner. His master
is an officer, and during the time when he possessed the Dog was annoyed by its con-
stant intrusion into the mess-room when breakfast was on the table. Nothing could
keep the Dog away from the tempting tables with their savory viands, and as each
member of the mess was liable to a fine every time that his Dog entered the room it was
clear that these pertinacious intrusions must be stopped.

One morning the Dog crept into the room, after its custom, and fortunately there was
no one at breakfast except its master. Attracted by the ham and fowls that lay so
temptingly on the table, the Dog stealthily approached them, and stood pointing at the
longed-for food, with watering mouth and eager eye. Seeing the Dog's attention thus
occupied, his master slily tilted the teapot, so as to let a slender stream of the hot
liquid trickle on the Dog's back. At first, its faculties were so absorbed in contemplation
of the forbidden dainties, that it only acknowledged the hot liquid by a nervous
twitching of the skin. As soon, however, as the fur was saturated, and the full effects
of the boiling tea made themselves felt, the Dog sprang up with a yell of astonishment,
and dashed howling through the door. Ever after its adventure with the teapot, no
inducement could tempt the animal to enter that room, or come fairly within the thresh-
old, and even if a chicken bone were held out as a bait the poor Dog would only
lick its lips, and put on a plaintive and beseeching look as an appeal to the humanity
of its tempter.

THE DALMATIAN DOG is even better known as a carriage or coach Dog than the
Danish Dog, which has already been described and figured. Its shape is very like that
of the pointer, but the artificially shortened ears give it a different aspect.

The ground color of this animal's fur is nearly white, and is richly crossed with
black spots, earning for it, in common with the Danish Dog, the title of " Plum-pud-
ding." The height of this animal is about twenty-four or twenty-five inches. Some
years ago, the Dalmatian Dog was very frequently seen in attendance upon the carriage
of its owner, scampering along in high glee by the side of the vehicle, or running just
in front of the horses, apparently in imminent danger of being knocked over every
moment. Now, however, the creature has lost its hold on the fashionable world, and
is but seldom seen.

This animal is seldom if ever permitted to be the constant companion of its master,
and has therefore but little of that humanly intelligent look which marks the counte-
nance of the companionable poodle or spaniel, and gives to the animal a certain sem-
blance of its master.

We may see in every country a singular similitude between the human inhabitants ot"
the land and the various animals which tread the same earth and breathe the same air.
So we find that the countries which are the most productive of ferocious animals are
most productive of ferocious men : — the Lion of Africa, the Tiger of India, the Grizzly
Bear of America, the Polar Bear of the northern regions, being but lower types of the
destructive humanity that prevails in those portions of the globe.

As this subtle bond of similar affections is found to pervade the wild animals and
the human inhabitants of the same country, it is but natural that when the man and
the brute are drawn closer together by domestication, and the higher Being enabled to
pour its influence upon the lower, the similarity in their character should be still more
apparent.

THE DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG.

289

So we find that, whether in cats, Dogs, or horses, the animals which are most fre-
quently made the companions of men, the disposition of the owner is reflected in the
character of the beast. The large-hearted, kind-souled man will be surrounded with
loving and gentle animals. His cat will sit and purr upon his shoulder fearless of
repulse, his Dog will love and reverence his master with faithful worship, and his horse
will follow him about the field in which it is freely grazing, and solicit the kind notice
to which it is accustomed. On the other hand, the cross and snappish cat, the snarling
Dog, and the crabbed-tempered horse are sure signs of corresponding qualities in the
man that owns them, and will deter an observer of animal natures from placing his
confidence in the man who could infuse such evil qualities into the creatures that
surround him, and from whom they take their tone.

As the Dog is possessed of a disposition which is more easily assimilated with that
of man than is the case with most animals, the affinity between itself and its master is
constantly brought before our notice.

One man loves nothing so well as the largest Newfoundland or deerhound, while
another is not satisfied unless his Dog be of the minutest proportions compatible with

DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG.— Can/s famlllarls.

canine nature. One man places his faith in the terrier, another in the poodle ; one
prefers the retriever, and another the spaniel. The man who pursues his sport at
morning, in the face of the sun, is accompanied by the loud-tongued foxhound or
beagle ; while the skulking nocturnal poacher is aided in his midnight thefts by the
silent and crafty lurcher.

But of all the Dogs that are associated with man, and of all the men that make com-
panionship with Dogs, the most repulsive, and most to be avoided by honest Dogs
and men, are the bull-dog and his owner.

I may be accused of delivering too severe a judgment on Dog and man. Those
who have been led by duty, curiosity, or chance through the unsavory localities which
are haunted by the members of the " Fancy," and have instinctively stepped aside
from the fur-capped, beetle-browed, sleek-haired, suspicious ruffian, leading his sullen,
scowling bull-dog at his heels, will hardly find terms too severe for the depraved human
character that could encourage or cherish such an epitome of the most brutal features
of the canine nature. Dog and man suit each other admirably ; and, had there been no
human ruffian, there would have been no canine representation of its own ruffianism.

19 -

SETTER DOGS.

That such a similarity should exist is an absolute necessity, in as much as the more
powerful nature will inevitably expel the weaker, unless there is something in common
between their characters, which will enable the higher being to convey its meaning to
the lower, and the lower to receive obediently the mandates of the higher. As the
two natures become more assimilated, they produce a corresponding effect in the outer
form, and the resemblance extends to form and feature as well as to character. We
notice the same effect to be produced among human beings when they are much thrown
together, and a similar though not so evident a phenomenon takes place between the
man and the brute.

The very form of the Dog tells its character as clearly as the human countenance
betrays the disposition of the spirit which moulds its lines. It is most truly said by
Bailey, in that mine of golden poetry, " Festus " : —

" All animals are living hieroglyphs, —
The dashing Dog and stealthy-stepping cat,
Hawk, bull, and all that breathe, mean something more
To the true eye than their shapes show ; for all
Were made in love, and made to be beloved."

SETTER DOQS.-Caais famlllarls.

As the pointers derive their name from their habits of standing still and pointing at
any game which they may discover, so the SETTERS have earned their title from their
custom of " setting " or crouching when they perceive their game. In the olden days
of sporting, the Setter used always to drop as soon as it found the game, but at the
present day the animal is in so far the imitator of the pointer, that it remains erect
while marking down its game.

THE ENGLISH SETTER.

291

There are several breeds of these animals, three of which are represented in the
engraving. The Dog which occupies the foreground is an ordinary English Setter,
the seated Dog towards the back is a Russian Setter, and the reclining Dog is an Irish
Setter.

Each of these breeds possesses its particular excellences, which are combined in
experienced and skilful hands by careful admixtures of one breed with another.

The Russian Setter is a curious animal in appearance, the fur being so long and
woolly in texture, and so thoroughly matted together, that the form of the Dog is ren-
dered quite indistinct. It is by no means a common animal, and is but seldom seen.
It is an admirable worker, quartering its ground very closely, seldom starting game
without first marking them ; and possessed of a singularly delicate nose. In spite of
its heavy coat, it bears heat as well as the lighter-clad pointer, and better than the
ordinary English Setters, with their curly locks. When crossed with the English

ENGLISH SETTER.— Caais familiaris.

Setter it produces a mixed breed, which seems to be as near perfection as can be ex-
pected in a Dog, and which unites the good properties of both parents. A well-known
sportsman, when trying these Dogs against his own animal, which he fondly thought
to be unrivalled, found that the Russian animals obtained three points where his own
Dog only made one, and that from their quiet way of getting over the ground they did
not put up the birds out of gun-range, as was too often the case with his own swifter-
footed Dogs.

The muzzle of this animal is bearded almost as much as that of the deerhound and
the Scotch terrier, and the overhanging hair about the eyes gives it a look of self-
relying intelligence that is very suggestive of the expression of a Skye terrier's coun-
tenance. The soles of the feet are well covered with hair, so that the Dog is able to
bear plenty of hard work among heather or other rough substances.

292

THE RETRIEVER.

The Irish Setter is very similar to the English animal, but has larger legs in pro-
portion to the size of the body, and is distinguished from its English relative by a cer-
tain Hibernian air that characterises it, and which, although conspicuous enough to a
practised eye, is not easy of description.

Taking as our authority the author above quoted, in the history of the pointer, the
points of the Setter are shortly as follows : — " A moderately heavy head, but not so
much so as in the pointer ; the muzzle not so broad nor so square in profile, the lower
angle being rounded off, but the upper being still nearly a right angle. The eye is
similar to that of the pointer, but not so soft, being more sparkling and full of spirit.
The ear long, but thin, and covered with soft, silky hair, slightly waved. The neck is
long, but straighter than that of the pointer, being also lighter and very flexible. The
back and loins are hardly so strong as those of the pointer, the latter also being rather
longer ; the hips also are more ragged, and the ribs not so round and barrel-like. The
tail or ' flag ' is usually set on a little lower, is furnished with a fan-like brush of long
hair, and is slightly curled upwards towards the tip, but it should never be carried
over the back or raised above the level of its root, excepting while standing, and then
a slight elevation is admired, every hair standing down with a stiff and regular appear-
ance. The elbow, when in perfection, is placed so low as to be fully an inch below the
brisket, making the fore-arm appear very short. The hind-feet and legs are clothed
with hair, or ' feathered,' as it is called, in the same way as the fore-legs, and the
amount of this beautiful provision is taken into consideration in selecting the Dog for
his points."

This description applies equally to the English and the Irish Setters.

While at work, the Setter has a strange predilection for water, and this fancy is
carried so far in some Dogs that they will not go on with their work unless they can
wet the whole of their coats once at least in every half-hour. If deprived of this lux-
ury they pant and puff with heat and exertion, and are quite useless for the time.

It seems that the Setter is a less tractable pupil than the pointer, and even when
taught is apt to forget its instructions and requires a second course of lessons before
it will behave properly in the field. Owing to the rough coat "and hair-defended feet
of the Setter, it is able to go through more rough work than the pointer, and is there-
fore used in preference to that animal in the north of England and in Scotland, —
where the heat is not so great as in the more southern countries, — where the rough stem
of the heather would work much woe to a tender- footed Dog, and where the vicissitudes
of the climate are so rapid and so fierce that they would injure the constitution of any
but a most powerfully built animal.

This Dog, as well as the foxhound and harrier, is guided to its game by the odor
that proceeds from the bird or beast which it is following ; but the scent reaches its
nostrils in a different manner.

The foxhound, together with the harrier and beagle, follows up the odorous track
which is left on the earth by the imprint of the hunted animal's feet, or the accidental
contact of the under-side of its body with the ground. But the pointer, Setter, spaniel,
and other Dogs that are employed in finding victims for the gun, are attracted at some
distance by the scent that exhales from the body of its game, and are therefore said to
hunt by " body-scent," in contradistinction to the hounds who hunt by " foot-scent."
The direction in which the wind blows is, therefore, a matter of some consequence,
and is duly taken advantage of by every good sportsman.

RETRIEVER Dogs, which are so called on account of their value in recovering or
" retrieving " game that has fallen out of the reach of the sportsman, or on which he
does not choose to expend the labor of fetching for himself, are of various kinds, and
in every case are obtained by a crossing of two breeds. There are two principal breeds
of Retrievers, the one being obtained by the mixture of a Newfoundland Dog and a
setter, and the other by a cross between the water-spaniel and the terrier.

The former of these breeds is the most generally known, and is the animal which is
represented in the engraving. On inspection of this Dog, the characteristics of both
parents are plainly perceptible in its form. For the larger kinds of game, such as

THE RETRIEVER.

hares or pheasants, this Dog is preferable to the Terrier Retriever, as it is a more
powerful animal, and therefore better able to carry its burden ; but, for the lesser de-
scription of game, the smaller Dog is preferable for many reasons.

The height of the large Retriever is from twenty-two to twenty-four inches ; its
frame is powerfully built, and its limbs strong. A good nose is necessary, for the purpose
of enabling the Dog to trace the devious and manifold windings of the wounded birds,
which would baffle any animal not endowed with so exquisite a sense of smell. The
fur of this Dog is curly and of moderate length, and is almost invariably black
in color. Indeed, many Dog-owners will repudiate a Retriever of any other color
but black.

RETRIEVER.— Caais familiarls.

To train a Retriever properly is rather a difficult task, demanding the greatest
patience and perseverance on the part of the instructor. It is comparatively easy to
teach a Dog to fetch and carry a load, but to teach him to retrieve in water is quite a
different matter. On land the Dog can see the object from some little distance, but
in the water his nose is so nearly on a level with the object for which he is searching,
that he can only see a very little distance ahead, and must learn to guide his way by
the voice and gesture of his master.

It is said that the greatest difficulty in the course of instruction is to keep the Dog
from the water-rats, which are found so abundantly on the banks of rivers and ponds,
and which afford such powerful temptations to a young and inexperienced animal.

Another obstacle in the tuition is the natural propensity of the Dog to bark when he
is excited ; and as a young Dog is excited by almost everything that crosses his path,

294

THE RETRIEVER.

he generally tries his teacher's patience sorely before he learns to be silent and not tt>
disturb the game by even a low whine. Again : the natural instinct of the Dog tells
him to eat the animal which he has found, and it is 'not until he has been duly in-
structed that he learns to bring the game to his master without injuring it. July and
August are the best months for teaching the Retriever, because the water is then com-
paratively warm, and there is no risk of disgusting the animals by forcing them into
an icy bath, or of bringing on disease by overmuch exposure to a cold wind while their
coats are wet and themselves wearied.

In order to keep the Dog from closing his teeth too firmly upon the game, he should
always be made to lay down his spoil at his master's feet, or to loosen his hold as soon
as his master touches the object which he is carrying. If the prey be snatched from
his mouth, he instinctively bites sharply in order to retain it ; and when he gets into
so bad a habit often damages the dead game so much that it is quite useless. When-
ever a Dog is sent to fetch any object he must on no account be permitted to return
without it, as, if he should once do so, he will ever afterwards be liable to give up the
search as soon as he feels tired.

There are many other little difficulties in the training of the Retriever, some of them
incidental to the Dog, simply because it is a Dog, and others belonging to the character
of the individual animal. One great point to gain is, to make the Dog understand that
the birds which he delights in fetching are killed by the gun and not by himself.
Until he fully understands this lesson he is apt to dart off in chase of a bird as soon
as he sees it, or perceives its scent, and to chase it until it is out of sight, just as we
may see puppies chasing sparrows half over a field, barking at them as if they were to
be caught as easily as if they were so many mice.

The smaller Retriever is produced by a cross of the terrier with the beagle, and in
many points is superior to the large black Retriever. Should a large animal be re-
quired, the pointer is employed in the cross instead of the beagle.

They are very quiet Dogs, and when on their quest do not make so much noise as
the larger Retrievers, so that they are especially useful when the game is wild. The
kind of terrier which is employed in the crossing depends on the caprice of the breeder,
some persons preferring the smooth English Dog, and others the rough Scotch terrier.
Being small Dogs they can be kept in the house, and become very companionable, so
that when they go to their regular work they feel more love and respect for their master
than would have been the case if they had been kept in a kennel, or sent to a cottage
on board-wages.

Spaniels can be taught to retrieve, and will perform their task nearly as well as a
Retriever itself. A thoroughly well-taught Dog is almost invaluable to the sportsman,
and will command a large price. According to " Stonehenge," a well-instructed
Clumber spaniel is worth thirty or forty guineas. If possible, the animal should in
every case be taught by the peTson who intends to use him in the field, as neither the
Dog nor its master can learn each other's ways without some experience, and without
this knowledge neither can work well, or feel sure of the co-operation of the other.

These animals are also valuable for retrieving, because, like the smaller Retrievers,
they are capable of sharing the house with their master, and are therefore more
amenable to his authority, and more likely to follow out his wishes, than if their
intercourse were restricted to the hunting-field. The peculiar and very unpleasant
odor of the skin, which is found to exist in almost every kind of Dog, can be removed by
careful and periodical washing — a practice which the animal soon learns to appreciate.
There is, however, a drawback to the companionship of the Dog, in the parasitic in-
sects with which it is generally infested, and which are too tenacious of life to be destroyed
by immersion in water, or too strong to be dislodged by ordinary mechanical means.

The only methed by which these disagreeable pests can be destroyed is by a rapidly
acting poison, which kills them before they can retreat from its action. Such poisonous
substances are too often dangerous to the Dog as well as to its parasites, and may
seriously injure the animal instead of conferring any benefit upon it. Preparations of
mercury are frequently used for this purpose, but are dangerous remedies for the reason
above given, and are, moreover, rather tedious of application, requiring a careful rubbing

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. 295

in of the poison, and as careful a rubbing out again, together with the drawback of a
muzzle on the poor Dog's mouth for three or four days, to prevent him from licking
his irritated skin.

One very safe and very quick remedy is the " Persian Insect-destroying Powder,"
which has almost a magical effect, and is perfectly harmless to the Dog.

The best mode of applying this remedy is, first to dust the Dog well with the sub-
stance until every portion of him has received a few particles of the powder, and then
to put him into a strong canvas bag, in which a small handful of the powder has been
placed and shaken about well, so as to distribute it equally over the interior of the bag.
Leave his head protruding from the bag, and put on his head and neck a linen cap, in
which are holes for his nose and eyes, and let the interior of the cap be well treated
with the powder. Lay him on the ground, and let him tumble about as much as he
chooses, the more the better. In an hour or two let him out of the bag, and scrub his
coat well the wrong way with a stiff brush.

If, during this operation, the Dog be placed on a sheet, or any white substance, it will
be covered with dead and dying insects, and if the contents of the bag be emptied upon
the white cloth, the number of moribund parasites will be rather astonishing. In a week
or so the operation should be repeated, in order to destroy the creatures that have
been produced from the unhatched eggs that always resist the powers of the de-
structive powder. I have personally tried the experiment, and have found the results
to be invariably successful. The same substance is equally useful in freeing birds from
their chief pest, the red mite, and is of deadly efficacy in the immolation of certain
insects that are too often found in human houses.

THE MOST useful variety of the canine species is that sagacious creature on whose
talent and energy depends the chief safety of the flock.

This animal seems to be, as far as can be judged from appearances, the original
ancestor of the true British Dogs, and preserves its peculiar aspect in almost every
country in Europe. It is a rather large Dog, as is necessary, in order to enable the
animal to undergo the incessant labor which it is called on to perform, and is possessed
of limbs sufficiently large and powerful to enable it to outrun the truant members of the
flock, who, if bred on the mountain-side, are so swift and agile that they would readily
baffle the efforts of any Dog less admirably fitted by nature for the task of keeping
them together.

As the sheep-dog is constantly exposed to the weather, it needs the protection of
very thick and closely-set fur, which, in this Dog, is rather woolly in its character, and
is especially heavy about the neck and breast. The tail of the Sheep-dog is naturally
long and bushy, but is generally removed in early youth, on account of the now obsolete
laws, which refused to acknowledge any Dog as a Sheep-dog, or to exempt it from the
payment of a tax, unless it were deprived of its tail. This law, however, often defeated
its own object, for many persons who liked the sport of coursing, and cared little for
appearances, used to cut off the tails of their greyhounds, and evade the tax by de-
scribing them as Sheep-dogs.

The muzzle of this Dog is sharp, its head is of moderate size, its eyes are very bright
and intelligent, as might be expected in an animal of so much sagacity and ready
resource in time of need. Its feet are strongly made, and sufficiently well protected
to endure severe work among the harsh steins of the heather on the hills, or the sharply-
cutting stones of the high-road. Probably on account of its constant exercise in the open
air, and the hardy manner in which it is brought up, the Sheep-dog is perhaps the most
untiring of our domesticated animals.

There are many breeds of this animal, differing from each other in color and aspect,
and deriving their varied forms from the Dog with which the family has been crossed.
Nearly all the sporting Dogs are used for this purpose, so that some Sheep-dogs have
something of the pointer nature in them, others of the foxhound, and others of the
setter. This last cross is the most common. Together with the outward form the
creature inherits much of the sporting predilections of its ancestry, and is capable of
being trained into a capital sporting Dog.

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.

Many of these animals are sad double-dealers in their characters, being by day most
respectable Sheep-dogs, and by night most disreputable poachers. The mixed offspring
of a Sheep-dog and a setter is as silently successful in discovering and marking game
by night as he is openly useful in managing the flocks by day. As he spends the whole
of his time in the society of his master, and learns from long companionship to compre-
hend the least gesture of hand or tone of voice, he is far better adapted for nocturnal
poaching than the more legitimate setter or retriever, and causes far more deadly havoc
among the furred and feathered game. Moreover, he often escapes the suspicion of the
gamekeeper by his quiet and honorable demeanor during the daytime, and his devotion
to his arduous task of guarding the fold, and reclaiming its wandering members. It

SHEPHERD'S DOG.—Caais familiaris.

seems hardly possible that an animal which works so hard during the day should be
able to pass the night in beating for game.

Sometimes there is an infusion of the bull-dog blood into the Sheep-dog, but this
mixture is thought to be unadvisable, as such Dogs are too apt to bite their charge, and
so to alienate from themselves the confidence of the helpless creatures whom they are
intended to protect, and not to injure. Unless the sheep can feel that the Dog is, next
to the shepherd, their best friend, the chief value of the animal is lost.

It is well observed by Mr. Youatt, in his valuable work on these Dogs, that if the
sheep do not crowd round the Dog when they are alarmed, and place themselves under
his protection, there is something radically wrong in the management of the flock.
He remarks that the Dog will seldom, if ever, bite a sheep, unless incited to do so by

THE SCOTCH SHEEP-DOG.

297

its master, and suggests that the shepherd should be liable to a certain fine for every
tooth-mark upon his flock. Very great injury is done to the weakly sheep and tender
lambs by the crowding and racing that takes place when a cruel Dog begins to run among
the flock. However, the fault also lies more with the shepherd than with his Dog, for as
the man is. so will his Dog be. The reader must bear in mind that the barbarous treat-
ment to which travelling flocks are so often subjected is caused by drovers and not shep-
herds, who, in almost every instance, know each sheep by its name, and are as careful of
its well-being as if it were a member of their own family. The Dogs which so persecute
the poor sheep in their bewilderments among cross-roads and the perplexity of crowded
streets, are in their turn treated by their masters quite as cruelly as they treat the sheep.
In this, as in other instances, it is " like man and like Dog."

As a general rule, the Sheep-dog cares little for any one but his master, and so far
from courting the notice or caresses of a stranger will coldly withdraw from them, and
keep his distance. Even with other Dogs he rarely makes companionship, contenting
himself with the society of his master alone.

The SCOTCH SHEEP-DOG, more familiarly called the COLLEY, is not unlike the Eng-
lish Sheep-dog in character, though it rather differs from that animal in form. It is
sharp of nose, bright and mild of eye, and most sagacious of aspect. Its body is heavily
covered with long and woolly hair, which stands boldly out from its body, and forms a
most effectual screen against the heat of the blazing sun, or the cold, sleety blasts of the
winter winds. The tail is exceedingly bushy, and curves upwards towards the end,
so as to carry the long hairs free from the ground. The color of the fur is always dark,
and is sometimes variegated with a very little white. The most approved tint is black
and tan ; but it sometimes happens that the entire coat is of one of these colors, and
in that case the Dog is not so highly valued.

The " dew-claws " of the English and Scotch Sheep-dogs are generally double, and
are not attached to the bone, as is the case with the other claws. At the present day
it is the custom to remove these appendages, on the grounds that they are of no use
to the Dog, and that they are apt to be rudely torn off by the various obstacles through
which the animal is obliged to force its way, or by the many accidents to which it is liable
in its laborious vocation. In the entire aspect of this creature there is a curious re-
semblance to the Dingo, as may be seen on reference to the account of that animal in
a subsequent page.

It is hardly possible to overrate the marvellous intelligence of a well-taught Sheep-
dog ; for if the shepherd were deprived of the help of his Dog his office would be
almost impracticable. It has been forcibly said by a competent authority that, if the
work of the Dog were to be performed by men, their maintenance would more than swal-
low up the entire profits of the flock. They, indeed, could never direct the sheep
so successfully as the Dog directs them ; for the sheep understand the Dog better than
they comprehend the shepherd. The Dog serves as a medium through which the
instructions of the man are communicated to the flock ; and being in intelligence the
superior of his charge, and the inferior of his master, he is equally capable of com-
municating with either extreme.

One of these Dogs performed a feat which would have been, excusably, thought im-
possible, had it not been proved to be true. A large flock of lambs took a sudden
alarm one night, as sheep are wont, unaccountably and most skittishly, to do, and
dashed off among the hills in three different directions. The shepherd tried in vain to
recall the fugitives ; but finding all his endeavors useless, told his Dog that the lambs
had all run away, and then set off himself in search of the lost flock. The remainder
of the night was passed in fruitless search, and the shepherd was returning to his master
to report his loss. However, as he was on the way, he saw a number of lambs stand-
ing at the bottom of a deep ravine, and his faithful Dog keeping watch over them. He
immediately concluded that his Dog had discovered one of the three bands which had
started off so inopportunely in the darkness ; but on visiting the recovered truants he
discovered, to his equal joy and wonder, that the entire flock was collected in the
ravine, without the loss of a single lamb.

298 THE CUR DOG.

How that wonderful Dog had performed this task, not even his master could con-
ceive. It may be that the sheep had been accustomed to place themselves under the
guidance of the Dog, though they might have fled from the presence of the shepherd ;
and that when they felt themselves bewildered in the darkness they were quite willing
to entrust themselves to their well-known friend and guardian.

The memory of the Shepherd's Dog is singularly tenacious, as may appear from the
fact that one of these Dogs, when assisting his master, for the first time, in conduct-
ing some sheep from Westmoreland to London, experienced very great difficulty in
guiding his charge among the many cross-roads and bye-ways that intersected their
route. But on the next journey he found but little hindrance, as he was able to re-
member the points which had caused him so much trouble on his former expedition,
and to profit by the experience which he had then gained.

The DROVER'S DOG is generally produced from the sheep-dog and the mastiff or fox-
hound, and sometimes from the sheep-dog and the greyhound or pointer ; the peculiar
mixtures being employed to suit the different localities in which the Dog is intended
to exercise its powers. In some places the Drover's Dog is comparatively small, be-
cause the sheep are small, docile, and not very active. But when the sheep are large,
agile, and vigorous, and can run over a large extent of ground, a much larger and more
powerful animal is needed, in order to cope with the extended powers of the sheep
which are committed to its guardianship.

Although the Drover's Dog may be entrusted with the entire charge of the flock,
its rightful vocation is the conveyance of the sheep from place to place. It.will often
learn its business so thoroughly, that it will conduct a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle
to the destined point, and then deliver up its charge to the person who is appointed to
receive them. Not the least extraordinary part of its performance is, that it will con-
duct its own flock through the midst of other sheep without permitting a single sheep
under its charge to escape, or allowing a single stranger to mix with its own flock.

Such abilities as these can be applied to wrong purposes as well as to good ones,
and there is a well-known story of a drover who was accustomed to steal sheep through
the help of his Dog. His plan was to indicate, by some expressive gesture which the
Dog well understood, the particular sheep which he wished to be added to his own
flock, and then to send his flock forward under the guardianship of the Dog, while he
remained with his companions at the public-house bar. The clever animal would then
so craftily intermingle the two flocks that it contrived to entice the coveted sheep into
its own flock, and then would drive them forwards, carrying off the stolen sheep among
the number. If the stratagem were not discovered, the owner of the Dog speedily
changed the marks on the sheep, and thus merged them with his own legitimate prop-
erty. If the fraud were detected, it was set down as an excusable mistake of the Dog,
the stolen animals were restored, and the real thief escaped punishment. However,
detection came at last, as it always does, sooner or later.

The true CUR DOG is produced from the sheep-dog and the terrier, and is a most use-
ful animal to the class of persons among whom it is generally found. It is rather apt
to be petulant in its temper, and is singularly suspicious of strangers ; so that although
it is rather an unpleasant neighbor by reason of its perpetually noisy tongue, it is of the
greatest service to the person to whom it belongs. It is an admirable house-dog, and
specially honest, being capable of restraining its natural instincts, and of guarding its
owner's provisions, even though it may be almost perishing with hunger.

The Cur is the acknowledged pest of the passing traveller, especially if he be mounted,
or is driving, as it rushes out of its house at the sound of the strange footstep, and
follows the supposed intruder with yelps and snaps until it flatters itself that it has com-
pletely put the enemy to flight. About the house the Cur is as useful as is the colley
among the hills, for it is as ready to comprehend and execute the wishes of its master at
home as is the sheep-dog on the hills. Indeed, if the two Dogs were to change places
for a day or two, the Cur would manage better with the sheep than the sheep-dog
would manage the household tasks.

THE LURCHER. 299

One principal reason of this distinction is, that a thorough-going sheep dog is
accustomed only to one line of action, and fails to comprehend anything that has no
connection with sheep, while the Cur has been constantly employed in all kinds of vari-
ous tasks, and is, therefore, very quick at learning a new accomplishment. When the
laborers are at their daily work they are often accustomed to take their dinners with
them, in order to save themselves the trouble of returning home in the middle of the
day. As, however, there are often lawless characters among the laborers, especially
if many of them come from a distance, and are only hired for the work in hand, the
services of the Cur Dog are brought into requisition. Mounting guard on his master's
coat, and defending with the utmost honesty his master's little stock of provisions, he
snarls defiance at every one who approaches the spot where he acts as sentinel, and
refuses to deliver his charge into the hands of any but its owner. He then sits
down, happy and proud of the caresses that await him, and perfectly contented to eat
the fragments of that very meal which he might have consumed entirely had he not
been restrained by his sense of honor.

Mr. Hogg, the " Ettrick Shepherd," says that he has known one of these Dogs to
mount guard night and day over a dairy full of milk and cream, and never so much
as break the cream with the tip of its tongue, nor permit a cat, or rat, or any other
creature, to touch the milk pans.

The Cur Dog has — as all animals have — its little defects. It is sadly given to
poaching on its own account, and is very destructive to the young game. It is too
fond of provoking a combat with any strange Dog, and if its antagonist should move
away, as is generally the case with high-bred Dogs, when they feel themselves intrud-
ing upon territories not their own, takes advantage of the supposed pusillanimity of the
stranger, and annoys him to the best of its power ; but if the stranger should not feel
inclined to brook such treatment, and should turn upon its persecutor, the Cur is
rather apt to invoke discretion instead of valor, and to seek the shelter of its own
home, from whence it launches its angry yelpings, as if it would tear its throat in
pieces.

POSSESSING many of the elements of the sheep-dog, but employed for different pur-
poses, the LURCHER has fallen into great disrepute, being seldom seen as the com-
panion of respectable persons. It is bred from the greyhound and sheep-dog, and is
supposed to be most valuable when its parents are the rough Scotch greyhound and
the Scotch colley.

It is a matter of some regret that the Dog should bear so bad a character, as it is a
remarkably handsome animal, combining the best attributes of both parents, and being
equally eminent in speed, scent, and intelligence. As, however, it is usually the com-
panion of poachers and other disreputable characters, the gamekeeper bears a
deadly hatred towards the Lurcher, and is sure to shoot the poor animal at the earliest
opportunity. For this conduct there is some pretext, as the creature is so admirably
adapted for the pursuit and capture of game that a single poacher is enabled, by the
aid of his four-legged assistant, to secure at least twice as much game as could be
taken by any two men without the help of the Dog.

That punishment generally falls on the wrong shoulders is proverbially true, and
holds good in the present instance. For the poor Dog is only doing his duty when he
is engaged in marking or capturing game, and ought not to be subjected to the penalty
of wounds or death for obeying the order which he has received. If any one is to be
punished, the penalty ought to fall on the master, and not on his Dog, which is only
acting under his orders, and carrying out his intentions.

The sagacity of this Dog is really wonderful. It learns to comprehend the unspoken
commands of its master, and appreciates quite as fully as himself the necessity for ly-
ing concealed when foes are near, and, in every case, of moving as stealthily as possi-
ble. It is even trained to pioneer the way for its owner, and to give him timely warn-
ing of hidden enemies. Destructive to all game, whether winged or furred, the Lurcher
is especially so in the rabbit warren, or in any locality where hares abound. Its deli-
cate sense of smell permits it to perceive its prey at a distance, and its very great

300

LURCHER.

speed enables it to pounce upon the hare or rabbit before it can shelter itself in the
accustomed place of refuge. As soon as the Lurcher has caught its prey it brings it to
its master, deposits it in his hands, and silently renews its search after another victim.
Even pheasants and partridges are often caught by this crafty and agile animal.

Sometimes the game-destroying instincts of the Lurcher take a wrong turn, and lead
the animal to hunt sheep, instead of confining itself to ordinary game. When it be-
comes thus perverted it is a most dangerous foe to the flocks, and commits sad havoc
among them. One farmer, living in Cornwall, lost no less than fifteen sheep in one
month, all of which were killed by Lurchers.

There are many breeds of the Lurcher, on account of the various Dogs of which the
parentage is formed. The greyhound and sheep-dog are the original progenitors, but
their offspring is crossed with various other Dogs, in order to obtain the desired quali-
fications. Thus, the greyhound is used on account of its speedy foot and silent tongue,
and the sheep-dog on account of its hardiness, its sagacity, and its readiness in obeying

LURCHER. —Caais famillaris.

its master. The spaniel is often made to take part in the pedigree, in order to give its
well-known, predilection for questing game, and the hound is employed for a similar
purpose. But in all these crossings the grey-hound must morally predominate, although
its form is barely to be traced under the rough lineaments of the Lurcher.

As the Lurcher causes such suspicion in the minds of the gamekeeper or the land-
lord, the owners of these Dogs were accustomed to cut off their tails, in order to make
them look like honorable sheep-dogs, and so to escape the tax which presses upon
sporting Dogs, and to elude the suspicious glance of the game-preserving landlord and
his emissaries. So swift is this animal that it has been frequently used for the purpose
of coursing the hare, and is said to perform this task to the satisfaction of its owner.
It can also be entrusted with the guardianship of the house, and watches over the prop-
erty committed to its charge with vigilance and fidelity. Or it can take upon itself
that character in reality which its cropped tail too often falsely indicates, and can watch
a fold, keep the sheep in order, or conduct them from one place to another, nearly if
not quite as well as the true sheep-dog from which it sprang.

THE OTTERHOUND.

301

The OTTERHOUND is now almost exclusively employed for the chase of the animal
from which it derives its name. Formerly it was largely used in Wales for the purpose
of hunting the hare, and from that pursuit has derived the name of " Welsh Harrier."

It is a bold, hardy, and active animal, as is needful for any dog which engages in
the chase of so fierce and hard-biting a creature as the otter. As it is forced to take
to the water in search or in chase of its prey, it is necessarily endowed with great
powers of swimming, or it could never match that most amphibious of quadrupeds.
Those who have seen an otter when disporting itself in its congenial element must have
been struck with the exceeding rapidity and consummate ease of its movements, and
can appreciate the great aquatic powers that must be possessed by any Dog which en-
deavors to compete with so lithe an agile an antagonist.

Great courage is needful on the part of the Dog, because the otter is, when irritated,
a peculiarly fierce animal, and can inflict most painful wounds by the bite of its long
sharp teeth. It is, moreover, so pliant of body that it can twist itself about almost like

OTTERHOUND. -Can is famlUarls.

a snake, and, if grasped heedlessly, can writhe itself about as actively and slipperily as
an eel, and unexpectedly plant its teeth in its antagonist's nose. Now, the nose is a
very sensitive portion of all animal economy, and a wound or a bite in that region causes
such exceeding pain that none but a well-bred Dog can endure the torture without
flinching.

Such needful courage is found in the Otter Dog, but is sometimes rather prone to
degenerate into needless ferocity. There are few animals, with the exception of the
bull dog, which fight so savagely as the Otterhound, or bite so fiercely and with such
terrible results. The attack of the Otterhound is even more dangerous than that of the
bull-dog, and its bite more to be dreaded. As is well known, where the bull-dog has once
fixed his teeth there he hangs, and cannot be forced to loosen his hold without the
greatest difficulty ; but when the Otterhound bites, it instantly tears its teeth away
without relaxing its jaws, and immediately seizes its prey with a second gripe. The
wounds which it inflicts by this ferocious mode of action are of the most terrible
description, lacerating all the tissues, and tearing asunder the largest and most important
vessels. The reason for this very savage mode of attack is evident enough. The otter is

302

THE BOARHOUND.

so quick and agile, that, if the Dog were to retain his hold, the otter would twist round
and inflict a severe bite, so the Dog bites as fast and as often as he can, in order to give
his antagonist the fewest possible chances of retaliation.

When a number of these Dogs are placed in the same kennel they are sadly apt to
fight, and to inflict fatal injuries on each other from the sheer love of combat. If two of
the Dogs begin to quarrel and to fight, the others are sure to join them ; so that, from the
bad temper of a single Dog, half the pack may lose their lives.

As these Dogs are obliged to endure the most turbulent weather and the coldest
streams, they are furnished with a very strong, rough, and wiry coat, which is capable of
resisting the effects of cold and storm, and is also of much service in blunting the
severity of the otter's bite. The face and muzzle are guarded with a profusion of longish
and very rough " whisker " hairs.

Whether this animal is the production of a cross-breed between two families of Dogs,
or whether it forms a distinct family in itself, is a mooted point. According to the best
authorities, the latter opinion seems to be the best founded. It is thought by those who
consider the Dog to be of mixed breed, that it was originally the offspring of the deer-
hound and terrier ; but as it retains the full melodious note of the hound, which is
always injured or destroyed by an admixture with the sharp-voiced terrier, it appears to
owe more of its parentage to that animal. Be this as it may, it is now treated as a
separate breed, and may claim the honors of a pure lineage. In all probability it is a
variety of the old southern hound, which was selected carefully for the work which it is
intended to perform, and which in course of time has so settled down to its vocation as
to have undergone that curious variation in form and aspect that is always found in
animals or men which have long been employed in the same kind of work.

Any one of moderate experience among Dogs and their habits can, on seeing the
animal, determine its avocation, just as any one who is conversant with men and their
manners can, on seeing a man, at once announce his calling. There is something in
the little peculiarities of the formation which tells its tale to the observing eye. There
is a kind of moral and intellectual, as well as physical, atmosphere, that seems to sur-
round every creature, and to tell of its essential nature, its education, and its habits.
Animals appear to be peculiarly sensitive to this surrounding emanation, and to be at-
tracted or repelled by an influence as powerful, though as invisible, as that which
attracts or repels the different poles of a magnet. We feel it ourselves in the instinct-
ive cordiality or repugnance which we perceive when brought in contact with a fresh
acquaintance, and which very seldom misleads those who are content to follow their
instincts. The nature of each being seems to pervade its every particle as it were — to
overflow and shed its influence, consciously or otherwise, on every object with which
it enters into communion. There are some men whose very presence warms and en-
livens all whom they approach, and that not from any suavity of manner, for such men
are often most abrupt and truth-telling in their demeanor ; and there are others who,
however urbane may be their deportment, seem to cast from them a cold and freezing
atmosphere that congeals all those around them, like the icebergs of the northern seas.

Although, on examining the form of the Otterhound, we should not be able to point
out the description of game which it is accustomed to pursue, we should at once pro-
nounce it to be a strong and hardy animal, a good swimmer, possessed of a delicate
nose, and of stout courage. In each of these accomplishments the Otterhound excels,
and needs them all when it ventures to cope with the fierce prey which it is taught to
pursue.

The Otterhound is a tolerably large Dog, measuring nearly two feet in height at the
shoulder. This is the height of the male, that of the female is an inch or two less.

THE FINE animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving can hardly be
considered as belonging to a separate breed, but rather as a mixture between several
families of domesticated Dogs.

According to competent judges, the BOARHOUND is derived from a mingling of the
mastiff with the greyhound, crossed afterwards with the terrier. The reader will see why
these three animals are employed for the purpose of obtaining a Dog which is capable of

THE BOARHOUND.

303.

successful attack on so dangerous and powerful a brute as the boar. The greyhound
element required in order to give the Dog sufficient speed for overtaking the boar,
which is a much swifter animal than would be supposed from his apparently unwieldy
and heavy frame. The admixture of the mastiff is needed to give it the requisite
muscular power and dimensions of body, and the terrier element is introduced for the
sake of obtaining a sensitive nose, and a quick, spirited action.

As might be imagined would be the case with an animal which derives its origin from
these sources, the Boarhound varies very considerably in form and habits, according
to the element which may preponderate in the individual. A Dog in which the grey-
hound nature is dominant will be remarkably long of limb and swift of foot ; one in
whose parentage the mastiff takes the greatest share will be proportionately large and

BOARHOUND.— Caais famiHaris.

powerful ; while the Dog in whose blood is the strongest infusion of the terrier will
not be so swift or so large as the other two, but will excel them in its power of scent
and its brisk activity of movement.

To train the Dog rightly to his work is a matter of some difficulty, because a mistake
is generally fatal, and puts an end to further instruction by the death of the pupil. It is
comparatively easy to train a pointer or a retriever, because, if he fails in his task
through over-eagerness or over-tardiness, the worst consequence is that the sportsman
loses his next shot or two, and the Dog is corrected for his behavior. But if a Boarhound
rushes too eagerly at the bristly quarry, he will in all probability be laid bleeding on
the ground by a rapid stroke from the boar's tusks, and if he should hang back and de-
cline the combat, he is just as likely to be struck by an infuriated boar as if he. were boldly

3°4

THE BULL-DOG.

attacking it in front. A boar has been known to turn with such terrible effect upon a
pack containing fifty Dogs, that only ten escaped scathless, and six or seven were killed
on the spot.

Great tact is required on the part of the hound in getting into a proper position, so as
to make his onset without exposing himself to the retaliating sweeps of the foam-flecked
tusks, and at the same time to act in concert with his companions, so as to keep the
animal busily engaged with their reiterated attacks, while their master delivers the death-
blow with a spear or rifle-bullet.

As we have no longer any wild boars ranging at will through the few forests which
the advance of agriculture has suffered to remain as relics of a past age, the Boarhound is
never seen in this country except as an object for the curious to gaze upon, or imported
into this island through the caprice of some Dog-loving individual. But in many parts of
Germany it is still employed in its legitimate avocation of chasing the wild boar, and is
used in Denmark and Norway for the pursuit of that noble animal the elk. The latter
creature is so large, so fleet, and so vigorous, that it would easily outrun or outfight any
Dog less swift or less powerful than the Boarhound.

In the fur of the Boarhound the color of the mastiff generally predominates, the
coat being usually brown or brindled uniformly over the body and limbs, but in some
animals the color is rather more varied, with large brown patches upon a slate-colored
ground. The limbs are long and exceedingly powerful, and the head possesses the square
muzzle of the mastiff, together with the sharp and somewhat pert air of the terrier. It
is a very large animal, measuring from thirty to thirty-two inches in height at the
shoulder.

The BULL-DOG is said, by all those who have had an opportunity of judging its
capabilities, to be, with the exception of the game-cock, the most courageous animal in
the world.

Its extraordinary courage is so well known as to have passed into a proverb, and to
have so excited the admiration of the British nation that we have been pleased to sym-
bolize our peculiar tenacity of purpose under the emblem of this small but most deter-
mined animal. In height the Bull-dog is but insignificant, but in strength and courage
there is no Dog that can match him. Indeed, there is hardly any breed of sporting Dog
which does not owe its high courage to an infusion of the Bull-dog blood ; and it is
chiefly for this purpose that the pure breed is continued.

We have long ago abolished those cruel and cowardly combats between the bull and
the Dog which were a disgrace to our country even in the earlier part of the present
century, and of which a few " bull-rings " still-remaining in the ground are the sole relics.
In these contests the Dog was trained to fly at the head of the bull, and to seize him by
the muzzle as he stooped his head for the purpose of tossing his antagonists into the air.
When he had once made good his hold it was almost impossible for the bull to shake
off his pertinacious foe, who clung firmly to his antagonist, and suffered himself to be
swung about as the bull might choose.

There seems, indeed, to be no animal which the Bull-dog will not attack without the
least hesitation. The instinct of fight is strong within him, and manifests itself actively
in the countenance and the entire formation of this creature.

It is generally assumed that the Bull-dog must be a very dull and brutish animal,
because almost every specimen which has come before the notice of the public has held
such a character. For this unpleasant disposition a celebrated writer and zoologist at-
tempts to account by observing that the brain of the Bull-dog is smaller in proportion to
its body than that of any other Dog, and that therefore the animal must needs be of small
sagacity. But " Stonehenge " well remarks, that although the Bull-dog's brain appears
to the eye to be very small when compared with the body, the alleged discrepancy is
only caused by the deceptive appearance of the skull. It is true that the brain ap-
pears to be small when compared with the heavy bony processes and ridges that serve
to support the muscles of the head and neck, but if the brain be weighed against the
remainder of the body, it will be found rather to exceed the average than to be
below it.

THE BULL-DOG.

305

The same writer is disposed to think the bull-dog to be a sadly maligned animal, and
that his sagacity and affection have been greatly underrated. He states that the pure
Bull-dog is not naturally a quarrelsome creature, and that it would not bear so evil a
character .if it were better taught.

According to him, the Bull-dog is really a sufficiently intelligent animal, and its
mental qualities capable of high cultivation. It is true that the animal is an unsafe
companion even for its master, and that it is just as likely to attack its owner as a
stranger, if it feels aggrieved. An accidental kick, or a tread on the toes, affords ample
pretext for the animal to fasten on its supposed enemy ; and when once it does fix its
teeth, it is not to be removed except by the barbarous method which is considered to be
legitimate for such a purpose, but which will not be mentioned in these pages. However,
most of these shortcomings in temper are said to be produced by the life which the poor
Dog leads, being tied up to his kennel for the greater part of his time ; and, when re-
leased from his bondage, only enjoying a limited freedom for the purpose of fighting a

BULL-DOG.— Can/5 fam Marts.

maddened bull, or engaging in deadly warfare with one of his own kind. Any animal
would become morose under such treatment ; and when the sufferer is a Bull-dog, the
results of his training are often disastrous enough.

The shape of this remarkable animal is worthy of notice. The fore-quarters are
particularly strong, massive, and muscular ; the chest wide and roomy ; and the neck
singularly powerful. The hind-quarters, on the contrary, are very thin, and compara-
tively feeble ; all the vigor of the animal seeming to settle in its fore-legs, chest, and
head. Indeed, it gives the spectator an impression as if it were composed of two
different Dogs ; the one a large and powerful animal, and the other a weak and puny
quadruped, which had been put together by mistake. The little fierce eyes that gleam
savagely from the round, combative head, have a latent fire in them that gives cause
for much suspicion on the part of a stranger who comes unwarily within reach of one
of these Dogs. The underhung jaw, with its row of white glittering teeth, seems to be
watering with desire to take a good bite at the stranger's leg ; and the matter is not
inproved by the well-known custom of the Bull-dog to bite without giving the least
vocal indication of his purpose.
20

THE MASTIFF.

In all tasks where persevering courage is required, the Bull-dog is quietly eminent
and can conquer many a Dog in its own peculiar accomplishment. The idea of yield-
ing does not seem to enter his imagination, and he steadily perseveres until he succeeds
or falls. One of these animals was lately matched by his owner to swim a race against
a large white Newfoundland Dog, and won the race by nearly a hundred yards. The
owners of the competing quadrupeds threw them out of a boat at a given signal, and then
rowed away as fast as they could pull. The two Dogs followed the boat at the best of
their speed, and the race was finally won by the Bull-dog. It is rather remarkable that
the Bull-dog swam with the whole of his head and the greater part of his neck out of
the water, while the Newfoundland only showed the upper part of his head above the
surface.

According to the authority which has already been quoted, a well-bred Bull-dog
ought to present the following characteristics of form. " The head should be round, the
skull high, the eye of moderate size, and the forehead well sunk between the eyes ; the
ears semi-erect and small, well placed on the top of the head, and rather close together
than otherwise ; the muzzle short, truncate, and well furnished with chop ; the back
should be short, well arched towards the stern, which should be fine, and of moderate
length. Many Bull-dogs have what is called a crooked stern, as though the vertebrae of
the tail were dislocated or broken ; I am disposed to attribute this to in-breeding.
The coat should be fine, though many superior strains are very woolly coated ; the
chest should be deep and broad, the legs strong and muscular, and the foot narrow,
and well split up like a hare's."

The MASTIFF, which is the largest and most powerful of the indigenous English Dogs,
is of a singularly mild and placid temper, seeming to delight in employing its great
powers in affording protection to the weak, whether they be men or Dogs. It is averse
to inflicting an injury upon a smaller animal, even when it has been sorely provoked,
and either looks down upon its puny tormentor with sovereign disdain, or inflicts just
sufficient punishment to indicate the vast strength which it could employ, but which it
would not condescend to waste upon so insignificant a foe.

Yet with all this nobility of its gentle nature, it is a most determined and courageous
animal in fight, and, when defending its master or his property, becomes a foe which
few opponents would like to face. These qualifications of mingled courage and gentle-
ness adapt it especially for the service of watch-dog, a task in which the animal is as
likely to fail by overweening zeal as by neglect of its duty. It sometimes happens
that a watch-dog is too hasty in its judgment, and attacks a harmless stranger, on the sup-
position that it is resisting the approach of an enemy. Sometimes the bull-dog strain
is mixed with the Mastiff, in order to add a more stubborn courage to the animal ;
but in the eyes of good judges this admixture is quite unnecessary.

It has already been mentioned that the Mastiff is fond of affording the benefit of its
protection to those who need it. As, however, the Dog is but a Dog after all, it some-
times brings evil instead of good upon those who accept its guardianship.

During my school-boy days, a large Mastiff, called Nelson, struck up a great friend-
ship with myself and some of my schoolfellows, and was accustomed to partake of our
hebdomadal banquets at the pastrycook's shop, and to accompany us in our walks.
One summer, as we were bathing in the Dove, a man pounced upon our clothes, and
would have carried them off, had it not been for the opportune assistance of some older
lads of the same school, who captured the offender after a smart chase, and tossed him
into the river until he was fain to cry for mercy.

In order to prevent a repetition of a similar mischance, we determined to take Nelson
with us, and put him in charge of our clothes. The old Dog was delighted at the walk,
and mounted sentry over the pile of garments, while we recreated ourselves in the stream,
and caught crayfish or tickled trout at our leisure. Unfortunately, a number of cows had
lately been placed in the field, and, after the usually inquisitive custom of cows, they
approached the spot where Nelson was lying, in order to ascertain the nature of the
strange object on the river bank. Nelson permitted them to come quite close, merely
uttering a few warning growls, but when one of the cows began to toss a jacket with her

THE MASTIFF.

horns, his patience gave way and he flew at the offender. Off scampered all the cows,
but soon returned to the charge. Nelson stood firm to his post only retreating a few
steps as the cows approached the garments which he was guarding, and then dashing
at them again. However, the cows' hoofs and the Dog's feet began to wreak such dire
mischief among the clothes that we found ourselves compelled to drive away the
assailants and carry our clothes to the opposite bank of the river, where no cows could
interfere with us.

The head of the Mastiff bears a certain similitude to that of the bloodhound and
the bull-dog, possessing the pendent lips and squared muzzle of the bloodhound, with
the heavy muscular development of the bull-dog. The under-jaw sometimes protrudes
a little, but the teeth are not left uncovered by the upper lip, as is the case with the
latter animal. The fur of the Mastiff is always smooth, and its color varies between a

MASTIFF.— Caals familiaris.

uniform reddish-fawn and different brindlings and patches of dark and white. The
voice is peculiarly deep and mellow. The height of this animal is generally from
twenty-five to twenty-eight inches, but sometimes exceeds these dimensions. One of
these Dogs was no less than thirty-three inches in height at the shoulder, measured
fifty inches round his body, and weighed a hundred and seventy-five pounds.

The CUBAN MASTIFF is supposed to be produced by a mixture of the true Mastiff
with the bloodhound, and was used for the same purpose as the latter animal. It was
not a native of the country where its services were brought into requisition, and from
which it has consequently derived its name, but was imported there for the purposes
of its owners, being taught to chase men instead of deer.

THE ENGLISH TERRIER.

This Dog was employed with terrible success in the invasion of America by the
Spaniards, and was, in the eyes of the simple natives, a veritably incarnated spirit of
evil, of which they had never seen the like, and which was a fit companion to those
fearful apparitions which could separate themselves into two distinct beings at fiery
one with four legs and the other with two, and destroy them at a distance with will,
missiles, against which they were as defenceless as against the lightning from above.

Even in more recent times, the services of these Dogs have been rendered available
against the rebel forces of Jamaica, when they rose against the Government, and but
for the able assistance of these fierce and sagacious animals, would apparently have
swept off the European inhabitants of the island.

TERRIER.-Can/s familteris.

The TERRIER, with all its numerous variations of crossed and mongrel breeds, is
more generally known in England than any other kind of Dog. Of the recognized
breeds, four are generally acknowledged ; namely, the English and Scotch Terriers,
the Skye, and the little Toy Terrier, which will be described in their order.

The ENGLISH TEERIER possesses a smooth coat, a tapering muzzle, a high forehead,
a bright intelligent eye, and a strong muscular jaw. As its instinct leads it to dig in
the ground, its shoulders and fore-legs are well developed, and it is able to make quite
a deep burrow in a marvellously short time, throwing out the loose earth with its feet,
and dragging away the stones and other large substances in its mouth. It is not a
large Dog, seldom weighing more then ten pounds, and often hardly exceeding the
moiety of that weight.

Although a light, quick, and lively creature, and fuming with anxiety at the sight or
smell of the animals which are popularly termed " vermin," the pure English Terrier
will seldom venture to attack a rat openly, although it will be of the greatest service in
discovering and unharboring that mischievous rodent. The sport which this Dog
prefers is, that itself should startle the rats, while its master destroys them. If a rat
should fasten upon this Dog, he will yelp and cry piteously, and. when relieved from his.

THE BULL-TERRIER. 309

antagonist, will make the best of his way from the spot ; or if the rat should turn to
bay, the Dog will usually scamper off and decline the combat. The celebrated rat-
killing Terriers, of whose feats so much has been said, were all indebted for their
valor to an infusion of the bull-dog blood, which gives the requisite courage without
detracting from the shape of the Dog, or adding too much to its size. Of these bull-
terrier Dogs, more will be said in their place.

The color of the pure English Terrier is generally black and tan, the richness of the
two tints determining much of the animal's value. The nose and the palate of the Dog
ought to be always black, and over each eye is a small patch of tan color. The tail
ought to be rather long and very fine, and the legs as light as is consistent with
strength.

The SCOTCH TERRIER is a rough-haired, quaint-looking animal, always -ready for
work or play, and always pleased to be at the service of its master. It is a capital
Dog for those whose perverted taste leads them to hunt rats, or any kind of " vermin,"
and is equally good at chasing a fox to earth, and digging him out again when he
fancies himself in safety. It was in former days largely employed in that most cruel
and dastardly pursuit of badger-drawing, in which " sport " both the badger and the
Dogs were so unmercifully wounded by the teeth of their antagonist, that even the
winning Dog was often crippled, and the poor badger reduced to a state of suffering
that would touch the heart of any but a hardened follower of these pursuits.

The color of the Scotch Terrier is generally the same as that of the English Dog,
saving that the black and tan tints are often besprinkled with gray, so as to give that
peculiar modification of coloring which is popularly known by the name of pepper-
and-salt.

There is a peculiar breed of the Scotch Terrier which is called the Dandie Dinmont,
in honor of the character of that name in Scott's " Guy Mannering." These Dogs
are of two colors ; one a light brown with a reddish tinge, termed " mustard," and the
other a bluish-gray on the body and tan on the legs, denominated " pepper." These
little animals are very courageous ; although they often exhibit no proofs of their bold
nature until they have passed the age of two years, appearing until that time to be rather
cowardly than otherwise. This conduct is supposed to be occasioned by their gentle and
affectionate disposition. The legs of this variety of Terrier are short in proportion to
the length of the body, the hair is wiry and abundant, and the ears are large, hanging
closely over the sides of the head.

The BULL-TERRIER unites in itself the best qualifications of the sporting Dogs,
being very intelligent, apt at learning, delicate of nose, quick of eye, and of indomitable
courage. In size it is extremely variable, some specimens being among the smallest
of the canine tribes, while others measure as much as twenty inches in height. In this
Dog it is quite unnecessary to have equal parts of the bull-dog and the Terrier ; for in
that case the progeny is sure to be too heavily made about the head and jaws, and not
sufficiently docile to pay instant and implicit obedience to the commands of its master.
Until these points are removed, the Terrier cross should be continued, so as to restore
the light, active form of the Terrier, together with its habit of ready obedience, while
the courageous disposition remains. Indeed, the most ferocious Dogs, and the
hardest fighters, are generally the immediate offspring of the bull-dog and Terrier,
and are often erroneously described under the name of the former animal.

How entirely the external form of the bull-dog can be eradicated, while its dauntless
courage remains intact, is shown in the graceful little Terriers which are used for rat-
killing, and which are formed on the most delicate model.

The endurance and gallantry of these little creatures are so great that they will per-
mit several rats, each nearly as large as themselves, to fix upon their lips without
flinching in the least, or giving any indications of suffering. Yet the badly-bred Dog
will yell with pain if even a mouse should inflict a bite upon this sensitive portion of its
frame, and will refuse to face its little enemy a second time. One of these highly-bred
animals, which was celebrated in the sporting world under the title of " Tiny," weighed

THE BULL-TERRIER.

only five pounds and a half, and yet was known to destroy fifty rats in twenty-eight
minutes and five seconds. It is estimated that this Dog must have killed more than
five thousand rats, the aggregate weight of which nearly equals a ton and a half. He
could not be daunted by size or numbers, and was repeatedly matched against the largest
rats that could be procured.

He used to go about his work in the most systematic and business-like style, pick-
ing out all the largest and most powerful rats first, so as to take the most difficult part
of the task while he was fresh. When fatigued with his exertions, he would lie down
and permit his master to wash his mouth and refresh him by fanning him, and then
would set to work with renewed vigor. He was a most excitable little creature during
his younger days, running about the room with such preternatural activity that a gen-
tleman to whom he was exhibited declared that he could not distinguish the Dog's head
from his tail, or pronounce judgment on the color of his fur.

As he grew older, however, he became more sedate in his demeanor, and used to sit
in state every evening on a crimson velvet cushion edged with gold fringe, and flanked
with a candle on each side, so that he might be inspected at leisure.

However quiet he might be in external demeanor, he was hardly less excitable in
disposition, and actually died from the effects of over-excitement. He happened to
hear or to smell a rat which was in a cage in another room ; and being chained in an
adjoining apartment, and unable even to see the rat, he chafed and fretted himself into
such feverish agitation that he died in a short time afterwards, although he was per-
mitted to kill the rat. There are Dogs which have destroyed more rats in less time
than this little creature ; but none which was nearly so successful in proportion to its size
and weight.

A larger variety of the bull-terrier was formerly in great request for dislodging foxes
from their holes, or "earths," as their burrows are technically termed ; and one or two of
these animals were invariably borne on the strength of each pack of foxhounds. There
used to be a special train of these Dogs, named Fox-terriers, which were bred and trained
for this purpose alone.

The mental powers of this Dog are very considerable, and the animal is capable of
performing self-taught feats which argue no small amount of intellect. There are several
examples of Dogs which could in some degree appreciate the object of money, and which
would take a coin to the proper shop and exchange it for food. A well-known black-and
tan Terrier, which lately resided at Margate, and was named Prince, was accustomed to
make his own purchases of biscuit as often as he could obtain the gift of a halfpenny
for that purpose. On several occasions the baker whom he honored with his custom
thought to put him off by giving him a burnt biscuit in exchange for his halfpenny.
The Dog was very much aggrieved at this inequitable treatment, but at the time could
find no opportunity of showing his resentment. However, when he next received an
eleemosynary halfpenny, he wended his way to the baker's as usual, with the coin between
his teeth, and waited to be served. As soon as the baker proffered him a biscuit, Prince
drew up his lips, so as to exhibit the halfpenny, and then walked coolly out of the shop,
transferring his custom to another member of the same trade who lived on the opposite
side of the road.

Several instances of a similar nature have been recorded, but in no case does the
animal appear to have comprehended the difference of value between the various coins
of the realm. The elephant, for example, readily learns to take a coin from a visitor,
and to exchange it for apples, cakes, or similar dainties, at a neighboring stall. But he
seems to be ignorant of the fact that he ought to receive twice as many cakes for a penny
as for a halfpenny, and is quite contented so long as he gives a coin and receives cakes.

One of these Dogs, named Peter, an inhabitant of Dover, displays great ingenuity in
adapting himself to the pressure of circumstances.

Several years since, he had the mishap to fall under the wheels of a carriage, and to be
lamed in both his fore-legs. In consequence of this accident his limbs are so enfeebled
that he cannot trust their powers in leaping, and therefore has taught himself to jump
with his hind-legs alone, after the manner of a kangaroo. He can spring upon a chair
or on a low wall without any difficulty, and does so after the usual manner of Dogs.

HYDROPHOBIA. 311

But when he is forced to return again to earth he mistrusts his fore-limbs, and alights
upon his hinder feet, making one or two small leaps upon those members before he ven-
tures to place his fore-feet on the ground. When he is accompanying his master
in the fields, and comes to a gate or a gap in a wall, he dares not leap through the
aperture, as most Dogs would do, but hops up, and then down again, upon his hind-feet
alone.

The real Bull-terrier of the first cross is a marvellously brave animal, falling but lit-
tle short in courage from his bull-dog ancestor, and very far exceeding that animal in
agility and intellectual quickness. Fear seems to make no part of a good Bull-terrier's
character ; and he dashes with brilliant audacity at any foe which his master may in-
dicate to him, or which he thinks he ought to attack without orders. Mr. Andersson,
in his valuable work entitled " Lake Ngami," gives an account of the courage and
sagacity of one of these animals which accompanied him in his travels through South-
western Africa. He had wounded a rhinoceros, which ran a few hundred yards, and
then came to a stand.

" At break of day my men went on his trail. He had still strength enough to make
a dash at them ; and would probably have laid hold of some of them, had not a small
bitch (half Terrier and half bull-dog, called Venus, in derision of her ugliness) caught
the enraged animal by the lower lip, where she stuck with such tenacity that the
rhinoceros, with all his fury, was unable to shake her off. She only relinquished her
hold when her huge antagonist was fairly laid prostrate by a ball.

" But the sagacity of this favorite Dog was as great as her courage. Being now in a
game country, all sorts of beasts of prey abounded, more especially jackals, which might
be seen running about by dozens. In order not to frighten the elephants, and other
large animals, we were in the habit of encamping some little way from the water, to
which Miss Venus regularly resorted to bathe and drink. On perceiving a jackal she
instantly crouched, looking very timid. Reynard, mistaking her posture for an indica-
tion of fear, and probably thinking that from her diminutive size she would prove an
easy conquest, boldly approached his supposed victim. But he had reckoned without
his host, for the instant that the cunning Dog found her antagonist sufficiently near,
she leaped like a cat at his throat, and, once there, the beast had no chance.

" She then returned to camp, where her contented looks and bleeding jaws soon
attracted the attention of the men, who immediately went on her track and brought
the jackal, who was valued on account of his fur."

The quaint-looking SKYE TERRIER has of late years been much affected by all classes
of Dog-owners, and for many reasons deserves the popularity which it has obtained.

When of pure breed the legs are very short, and the body extremely long in propor-
tion to the length of limb ; the neck is powerfully made, but of considerable length,
and the head is also rather elongated, so that the total length of the animal is three
times as great as its height. The " dew-claws " are wanting in this variety of domestic
Dog. The hair is long and straight, falling heavily over the body and limbs, and hang-
ing so thickly upon the face that the eyes and nose are hardly perceptible under their
luxuriant covering. The quality of the hair is rather harsh and wiry in the pure-bred
Skye Terrier ; for the silky texture of the generality of " toy " Skyes is obtained by a
cross with the spaniel. It is easy to detect the presence of this cross by the scanty
appearance of the hair on the face.

The size of this animal is rather small, but it ought not to imitate the minute
proportions of many " toy " Dogs. Its weight ought to range from ten to seventeen or
eighteen pounds. Even amongst these animals there are at least two distinct breeds,
while some Dog-fanciers establish a third.

It is an amusing and clever Dog, and admirably adapted for the companionship of
mankind, being faithful and affectionate in disposition, and as brave as any of its
congeners, except that epitome of courage, the bull-dog. Sometimes, though not
frequently, it is employed for sporting purposes, and is said to pursue that avocation
with great credit.

A HISTORY, however short, of the Dogs would be incomplete without some reference

312

THE SKYE TERRIER.

to that terrible disease called " Hydrophobia," which at times arises among the canine
race, and converts the trusted companion into an involuntary foe. From some cause,
which at present is quite unexplained, the bite of a Dog which is affected with this
terrible malady, or even the mere contact of his saliva with a broken skin, becomes
endued with such deadly virulence, that the unfortunate person upon whom such an
injury is inflicted is as certain to die as if he had been struck by the poison-fangs of
the rattlesnake or cobra.

As far as is known, this dread malady appears to originate only in the canine tribe,
being communicable to almost every other description of animal, man not excepted,
and dooming them to a most painful illness and death. It is worthy of consideration,
that the Dog does not perspire through the skin, and that the tongue and throat offer
the only means by which the animal can avail itself of that needful exhalation. The
symptoms of this malady are rather various in different individuals, but yet are of the
same type in all,

SKYE TERRIER. -Caa/s famlliarls.

There is an entire change of manner in the animal. The affectionate, caressing Dog
becomes suddenly cross, shy, and snappish ; retreating from the touch of the friendly
hand as if it were the hand of a stranger. His appetite becomes depraved, and, for-
saking his ordinary food, he eagerly swallows pieces of stick, straws, or any other in-
nutritious substances that may lie in his way. He is strangely restless, seeming unable
to remain in the same position for two seconds together, and continually snaps at
inaginary objects which his disordered senses image in rapid succession before his eyes.
Strange voices seem to fall upon his ears, and he ever and anon starts up and listens
eagerly to the sounds which so powerfully affect him. Generally, he utters at intervals
a wild howl, which tells its fearful tale even to unpractised ears, but in some cases the
Dog remains perfectly silent during the whole of his illness, and is then said to be
afflicted with the dumb madness. In most instances, the Dog is silent during the latter
stages of the illness.

Before the disease has developed itself to any extent, the poor creature becomes
thoughtful and anxious, and looks with wistful eyes upon his friends, as if beseeching
them to aid him in the unknown evil that hangs so heavily upon him. He then retires to

HYDROPHOBIA. 313

his usual resting-place, and sluggishly lies upon his bed, paying scarcely any attention
to the voice of his master, but strangely uneasy, and ever and anon shifting his posture,
as if endeavoring to discover some attitude that may bring ease and repose to his
fevered limbs. Fortunately, the disposition to bite does not make its appearance until
the disease has made considerable progress.

In these stages of the malady the Dog is often seen to fight with his paws at the
corner of his mouth, as if endeavoring to rid himself of a bone that had become fixed
among his teeth, and assumes much of the anxious aspect that is always seen in ani-
mals when their respiration is impeded. This symptom may, however, be readily dis-
tinguished by the fact that the Dog is able to close his mouth between the paroxysms
of his ailment, which he is unable to do when he is affected by the presence of a bone
or other extraneous substance in his throat.

There is, indeed, a mechanical hindrance to respiration, which, although not so out-
wardly apparent as the obstruction which is caused by a bone or similar substance,
yet harasses the poor creature quite as painfully. As the poison which has been in-
fused into and taints the blood of the poor victim, works its dread mission through the
frame, it infects some of the fluids that are secreted from the blood, and changes their
external aspect as well as their inward essence. The saliva becomes thick and viscid
in character, and is secreted in quantities so great that it obstructs the channels of
respiration, and gives rise to those convulsive efforts on the part of the Dog which have
already been mentioned.

Strangely enough, the infected Dog seems to partake of the serpent nature, and, like
the cobra or viper, to elaborate a deadly poison from harmless food. The snake feels
but little inconvenience from the accumulation of venomous matter, as it is furnished
with receptacles in which the lethal secretion may be lodged until it is needed. But
the Dog has no such storehouse, and the poison is therefore diffused through the
moisture of the throat and mouth, instead of being concentrated into one locality. There
is another curious resemblance between the poison of serpents and that of rabid Dogs ;
namely, that while the venom of either creature produces such terrible effects when
mixed with the blood, it may be swallowed with perfect safety, provided that the lips
and mouth are free from sores.

I would offer a suggestion, that the instinct which induces the Dog to bite everything
which may come within its reach, is intended to aid the creature in its cure, and that
if it could only be induced to bite a succession of lifeless objects, it might rid itself of
the venomous influence, and be restored to its normal state of health. So powerfully
is this instinct developed, that the poor Dog will bite itself, and inflict the most fearful
lacerations on its own flesh, rather than resist the furious impulse which fills its being.
Horses and other animals which have been infected with this terrible disease have
been known to feel the same necessity, and' in default of other victims have torn the
flesh from their own limbs.

An unquenchable thirst soon fastens upon the afflicted Dog, and drives him to the
nearest spot where he can obtain any liquid that may cool his burning throat.

In the earlier stages of the complaint he laps without ceasing, but when the disease
has destroyed the powers of his tongue and throat, he plunges his head into the water
as far as the depth of the vessel will permit, in hope of bringing his throat in contact
with the cooling fluid. It is generally supposed that a mad Dog will not touch water,
and for this reason the malady was termed Hydrophobia, or " dread of water," but it
is now ascertained that the animal is so anxious to drink, that he often spills the fluid
in his eagerness, and so defeats his own object.

In the last stage of this terrible disease the Dog is seized with an uncontrollable
propensity to run. He seems not to care where he goes, but runs for the most part in
a straight line, seldom turning out of his way, and rarely attempting to bite unless
he be obstructed in his course ; and then he turns savagely upon his real or fancied
assailant, and furiously snaps and bites without fear or reason. Not the least curious
fact of this disease is, that it causes a singular insensibility to pain. A rabid Dog will
endure terrible injuries without appearing to be conscious of them, and, in many cases
these poor creatures have been known to tear away portions of their own bodies as

314 HYDROPHOBIA.

calmly as if they were lacerating the- dead body of another Dog. A similar insensi-
bility to pain is' noticeable in human lunatics, who will often inflict the most terrible
injuries on their own persons, with the most deliberate and unconcerned air imagina-
ble. The nerves seem to be deprived of their powers, and to be insensible even to
the contact of burning coals or red-hot metals. In anger, too, which is in truth a short-
lived madness, pain is unfelt, and the severest wounds may be received unheeded.

It is possible that this locomotive instinct of the Dog may give a clue to the cure of
this fearful malady, and that if a rabid Dog could be permitted to follow its instinct with-
out molestation it might rid itself of its ailment by means of this unwonted exercise.

By this terrible malady the nerves are excited to the highest degree of tension, and
it is not improbable that by violent and continual exercise the system might be en-
abled to throw of the " peccant humors " that infect every particle of the blood as it
circulates through the veins, and envenom the natural moisture of the Dog's tongue.

There exists a curious parallel to this propensity for exertion in the celebrated Taran-
tula-dancing which was so famous in Naples during the sixteenth century. Those
persons who were effected with this curious disease, which was for many years thought
to be the effect of the bite of the Tarantula spider, were impelled to leap and dance
continually in a kind of frenzy, until they sank from sheer fatigue. In many cases the
dancing would continue for three or four days, and seemed to be cured best by the
profuse perspirations which poured from the wearied frames of the dancers. In a similar
manner the effects of a serpent's tooth may be driven from the system. When a per-
son has suffered from the bite of a cobra, or other venomous snake, the most effectual
treatment is to prevent him from falling into the lethargy which is produced by the
poisonous infusion, and to keep him in constant and violent motion.

It is a remarkable fact that the Tarantismus, as this disease is termed, used in many
cases to recur at regular annual intervals, as has already been related of the wounds
caused by the lion's bite, and is the case with the healed wound which has been in-
flicted by the teeth of a rabid Dog. So subtle is this influence, and so thoroughly does it
pervade the system, that where anger has risen in the mind of a person who has been
bitten by a mad Dog, and by taking precaution has felt no evil results, the old sores
have become flushed and swollen, and throbbed in unison with the angry feelings that
occupied their mind.

How the nature of the Dog can be so utterly changed as to charge its bite with
deadly venom, or how it is that the moist saliva of the rabid animal should communi-
cate the disease to other beings, is at present but a mystery. There seems to be an
actual infusion of the Dog nature into the animal which is bitten by a rabid Dog, or
by one of the creatures which has been inoculated by the bite of one of these ter-
rible beings. It is evident that the virus is resident in the saliva, because the malady
has been communicated by the mere touch of the Dog's tongue upon a wound without
the infliction of a bite from its teeth. Yet it is equally evident that the poisonous prop-
erty belongs not to the saliva, but to the influence which is conducted by its means.
In some strange fashion the spirit of the angry Dog seems to be infused into the victim
of its bite, and it is well known that even where an angry Dog has in the heat of its
passion inflicted a wound the result has been very similar to Hydrophobia, though the
animal was not affected with that disease. Ordinarily, the bite of a Dog, such as the
playful bite of a puppy, though sufficiently painful, carries no danger with it, but if the
animal has only been touched with this malady its bite is but too frequently fatal. This
death-dealing influence has been proved to remain in the saliva for four-and-twenty
hours after the animal's death. Perhaps there may be something of electricity in the
fatal influence, which requires a fluid conductor, for if the teeth of the animal have
been wiped dry by passing through the clothing of its intended victim no evil results
follow.

Not every one that is bitten by a rabid Dog is a sufferer from Hydrophobia, for it is
needful that the constitution should be in a fit state to receive the poison, for its in-
fluence to produce any effect. We may notice a similar phenomenon among those who
are vaccinated. Some persons appear to be almost proof against the vaccine virus, while
others feel its effects so powerfully that they are thrown into a temporary fever, and

HYDROPHOBIA. 315

the limb on which the vaccination is performed, swells to such a degree as to be ex-
tremely painful to the patient, and sometimes even alarming to the operator. In others,
again, no visible effect is produced until they have undergone the operation two or
three times, and then the disease develops itself fully and with great rapidity.

A rather remarkable circumstance connected with this subject took place within the
last few years. A rabid Dog contrived to bite a large number of victims, including
other Dogs, sheep, oxen, and human beings ; a surgeon attended the human sufferers,
and treated the wounds by the severe application of nitrate of silver. All were treated
in the same manner, but although the greater number escaped without further injury,
several died from Hydrophobia ; and all those in whom the disease made itself mani-
fest were light-haired persons, while those who escaped had dark hair.

The mode of treatment in such dire necessity is fortunately very simple, and can be
applied by any one who is possessed of sufficient nerve and presence of mind. A
piece of nitrate of silver, or lunar caustic, as it is popularly called, should be cut to a
point like a common cedar-pencil, and applied to every part of the wound that can be
reached. In default of the caustic, a hot iron, such as a steel fork, a knitting-needle,
a skewer, or any similar household article, may be heated to a glowing redness, and
applied in the same manner. The iron should be as hot as possible, for it is effica-
cious in proportion to its temperature, and is not nearly so painful in application if the
heat is sufficiently powerful to destroy the nerves at once. A white-hot iron will not
cause nearly so much suffering as if it were applied at a dull red heat.

Washing the injured part, applying cupping-glasses to the wound, and cutting away
the surrounding portions, have been recommended by some writers, but are strongly
condemned by men of large practical experience. They say that the water which is
used for the purpose of washing away the poisonous substance will only dilute it, and
render it more fluid for the blood to take up ; that the application of a cupping-glass
will only draw blood into the wound, and so cause the mixture of the poison with the
system ; and that in using the knife the blood which runs from the newly-made inci-
sion is apt to overflow into the poisoned locality, and so to convey the venom into the
circulation by mixing with the fast-flowing blood as it bathes the enlarged wound.

There are few localities in England in which does not linger some old tradition of
healing springs, or holy wells, whose waters are gifted with the blessed power of re-
moving diseases, or of endowing the faithful applicant with mental or bodily accomplish-
ments7 A little below Gloucester is a ferry across the Severn, known by the name of
the " Hock Crib," which is famous for its powers of healing men or animals which
have been bitten by a rabid Dog. If one of these fearful animals has been detected
among a flock of sheep, the whole flock is taken to be dipped in the " Hock Crib,"
even though none of them have been proved to have suffered from the bite of the Dog.
Should man, ox, or sheep be bitten by a mad Dog, the sufferer has immediate recourse
to the healing waters of this place as soon as possible after the infliction of the injury.
After the ninth day, the charmed stream is said to lose its efficacy, and all sufferers
from this evil are recommended to make trial of this aqueous remedy before the third
day has elapsed.

When cattle of any kind are brought to be dipped, they are forced into the water
until they are quite out of their depth, and then are pushed under water by means of
a prong passed over their necks, until they are nearly drowned. This curious treat-
ment is repeated until the poor animal is quite exhausted, and is said to be of unfail-
ing efficacy.

The ferrymen take upon themselves the task of dipping the patients, and it is prob-
ably on account of their unfailing presence, and the accommodation that is afforded
for the object, that the Hock Crib is chosen for the purpose of dipping the afflicted
animals.

There are one or two curious circumstances connected with this subject. It is said
that the disease of Hydrophobia never originates with the female Dog ; and, moreover,
that it is most commonly found in the fighting Dogs, and those animals which are kept
for the illicit destruction of game. In Africa, and several other hot countries, the
malady is unknown, although the animals swarm in very great numbers, and are ex-

:E TURNSPIT.

posed to the burning sun and the heated atmosphere, without the least assistance from
human aid.

The time during which this disease may remain latent in the system is extremely
variable. Sometimes it becomes manifest in a few days, while in other cases the virus
has produced no tangible effects until the expiration of several months. In one case,
however, the disease made its appearance after the seventh month. Mr. Youatt sug-
gests that if every Dog could be kept in separate quarantine for the space of eight
months, "the disease might be annihilated in this country, and could only appear in
consequence of the importation of some infected animal." This opinion, however,
will hardly hold its ground, for although all Dogs that are actually infected might be
removed by this course of probation, there is no possibility of warranting that the dis-
ease might not again originate in some previously healthy individual, as it must have
done in the first instance. .

TURNSPIT. -Cro/s familiaris.

JUST as the invention of the spinning-jenny abolished the use of distaff and wheel,
which were formerly the occupants of every well-ordained English cottage, so the in-
vention of automaton roasting-jacks has destroyed the occupation of the TURNSPIT
DOG, and by degrees has almost annihilated its very existence. Here and there a
solitary Turnspit may be seen, just as a spinning-wheel or a distaff may be seen in a
few isolated cottages ; but both the Dog and the implement are exceptions to the
general rule, and are only worthy of notice as being curious relics of a bygone time.

In former days, and even within the remembrance of the present generation, the
task of roasting a joint of meat or a fowl was a comparatively serious one, and required
the constant attendance of the cook, in order to prevent the meat from being spoiled by
the unequal action of the fire. The smoke-jack, as it was rather improperly termed—
inasmuch as it was turned, not by the smoke, but by the heated air that rushed up the
chimney — was a great improvement, because the spit revolved at a rate that corre-
sponded with the heat of the fire.

So complicated an apparatus, however, could not be applied to all chimneys, or in

THE PUG-DOG. 317

all localities, and therefore the services of the Turnspit Dog were brought into requisi-
tion. At one extremity of the spit was fastened a large circular box, or hollow wheel,
something like the wire wheels which are so often appended to squirrel-cages ; and in
this wheel the Dog was accustomed to perform its daily task, by keeping it continually
working. As the labor would be too great for a single Dog, it was usual to keep at
least two animals for the purpose, and to make them relieve each other at regular in-
tervals. The Dogs were quite able to appreciate the lapse of time, and, if not relieved
from their toils at the proper hour, would leap out of the wheel without orders, and
force their companions to take their place, and complete their portion of the daily toil.
There are one or two varieties of this Dog, but the true Turnspit breed is now
nearly extinct in this country. On the Continent, the spits are still turned by canine
labor in some localities ; but the owners of spit and Dog are not particular about
the genealogy of the animal, and press into their service any kind of Dog, provided that
it is adequately small, and sufficiently amenable to authority.

The PUG-DOG is an example of the fluctuating state of fashion and its votaries.

Many years ago the Pug was in very great request as a lapdog, or " toy " Dog, as
these little animals are more correctly termed. The satirical publications of the
last century are full of sarcastic remarks upon Pug-dogs and their owners, and delighted
in the easy task of drawing a parallel between the black-visaged, dumpy-muzzled Dog,
and the presumed personal attractions of its owner.

By degrees, however, this fashion passed away, as is the wont of fashions to do, and,
as is equally their wont, has again returned in due course of time, and with renewed
impetus. Although, in the interregnum that elapsed between the two periods of the
Pug-dog's ascendancy, it was in very little request, yet in its recent popularity it has
acquired so great a conventional value, that a thoroughly well-bred Dog will fetch as
much as twenty or thirty pounds, or even more if it be a peculiarly fine specimen.
The purity of the breed has been scrupulously preserved by one or two British Dog-
fanciers, and to them the Pug-dog is indebted for its present position in the popular
esteem.

It is a cheerful and amusing companion, and very affectionate in disposition. Some-
times it is apt to be rather snappish to strangers, but this is a fault which is common
to all lap-dogs which are not kept in proper order by their possessors. For those who
cannot spend much time in the open air it is a more suitable companion than any
other Dog, because it can bear the confinement of the house better than any other of
the canine species ; and, indeed, seems to be as much at home on a carpet as is a
canary on the perch of its cage. Moreover, it is almost wholly free from the unpleasant
odor with which the canine race is affected.

The head of the Pug-dog ought to be round, and its forehead high, with a short, but
not a turned up-nose. The whole of the fore-front of the face, extending to the eyes,
and technically termed the " mask," ought to be of a jetty black, marked clearly on
the lighter ground of the face. The line which separates the two tints should be as
sharply cut as possible. The tail should curl sharply and tightly round, lying on one
side of the hinder quarters, and never standing on the back. The height of the Pug-
dog ought not to exceed fifteen inches, or its weight to be more than ten pounds.

The number of puppies which the Dog produces at a single litter is very large,
varying from three or four to fifteen, or even a still greater number. They are born,
as is the case with kittens and several other young animals, with closed eyes, and do
not open their eyelids for the space of several days. As it is manifestly impossible
for the mother to rear the whole of a very large family, their number must be reduced,
either by destroying several of the little ones, which of course ought to be the weakest
and smallest specimens, or by removing the supernumerary offspring and placing
them under the care of another Dog which has lately taken upon herself the maternal
duties. In this case it needs not that the wet nurse should be of the same kind with
her charge, as it is found that health of constitution and a liberal supply of milk are
the only necessary qualifications for that responsible office.

3i8 MATERNAL SAGACITY.

Sometimes the health of the mother will not permit her to rear her progeny ; and
in that case, if no worthy substitute can be found, the most humane mode of action is
to remove the young puppies in succession, and so to avoid too severe a shock to the
maternal feelings of their progenetrix. If they are all removed at the same time, the
sudden deprivation is very likely to bring on a severe fever, and to endanger the
already weakened life of the mother. If the process of removing and destroying the
young ones has been repeated more than once, the mother becomes so watchful over
her progeny that it is by no means easy to withdraw them without her cognizance.
As an example of this maternal vigilance, I am enabled to give an anecdote which
has been forwarded to me by Mrs. S. C. Hall, which exhibits not only the good mem-
ory of an of ten- bereaved mother, but a most touching instance of maternal affection.

" In our large, rambling, country home, we had Dogs of high and low degree, from
the silky and sleepy King Charles down (query, up ?) to the stately Newfoundland,
who disputed possession of the top step — or rather platform to which the steps led —
of the lumbering hall-door with a magnificent Angora ram, who was as tame and almost
as intelligent as Master Neptune himself. After sundry growls and butts the Dog
and the ram generally compromised matters by dividing the step between them, much
to the inconvenience of every other quadruped or biped who might desire to pass in
or out of the hall.

The King Charles, named Chloe, was my dear grandmother's favorite ; she was a
meek, soft, fawning little creature, blind of one eye, and so gentle and faithful, refusing
food except from the one dear hand that was liberal of kindness to her. Chloe's
puppies were in great demand ; and it must be confessed that her supply was very
bountiful, too bountiful indeed, for out of the four which she considered the proper
number at a birth, two were generally drowned. My grandmother thought that Chloe
ought not to raise more than two ; Chloe believed that she could educate four, and it
was always difficult to abstract the doomed ones from the watchful little mother.

It so chanced that once, after the two pups had been drowned by one of the stable-
men, poor Chloe discovered their little wet bodies in the stable-yard, and brought
them to the live ones that remained in her basket. She licked them, cherished them,
howled over them, but still they continued damp and cold. Gentle at all other times,
she would not now permit even her dear mistress, to remove them, and no stratagem
could draw her from her basket. At last, we supposed, Chloe felt it was not good for
the dead and the living to be together, so she took one of the poor things in her mouth,
walked with it across the lawn to the spot where a lovely red thorn-tree made a shady
place, dug a hole, laid the puppy in it, came back for the other, placed it with its little
relative, scraped the earth over them, and returned sadly and slowly to her duties.

The story of the Dog burying her puppies was discredited by some of our neighbors ;
and the next time that Chloe became a mother the dead puppies were left in her way,
for my grandmother was resolved that her friends should witness her Dog's sagacity.
This time Chloe did not bring the dead to the living, but carried them at once to the
same spot, dug their graves, and placed them quietly in it. It almost seemed as if
she had ascertained what death was."

I am also indebted to the same lady for a short history of canine life, which
corroborates the account of assistance requested by one Dog and given by another
which may be found on p. 287.

1 Neptune, the ram's antagonist, had a warm friendship for a very pretty retriever,
Charger by name, who, in addition to very warm affections, possessed a very hot
temper. In short, he was a decidedly quarrelsome Dog ; but Neptune overlooked his
friend's faults, and bore his ill-temper with the most dignified gravity, turning away
his head, and not seeming to hear his snarls, or even to feel his snaps.

But all Dogs were not equally charitable, and Charger had a long-standing quarrel
with a huge bull-dog, I believe it was, for it was ugly and ferocious enough to have
been a bull-dog, belonging to a butcher,— the only butcher within a circle of five
miles, — who lived at Carrick, and was called the Lad of Carrick. He was very
nearly as authoritative as his bull-dog. It so chanced that Charger and the bull-dog
met somewhere, and the result was that our beautiful retriever was brought home so

THE DINGO. 319

fearfully mangled that it was a question whether it should not be shot at once, every-
thing like recovery seeming impossible.

But I really think Neptune saved his life. The trusty friend applied himself so
carefully to licking his wounds, hanging over him with such tenderness, and gazing at
his master with such mute entreaty, that it was decided to leave the Dogs together
for that night. The devotion of the great Dog knew no change ; he suffered any of
the people to dress his friend's wounds, or feed him, but he growled if they attempted
to remove him. Although after the lapse of ten or twelve days he could limp to the
sunny spots of the lawn — always attended by Neptune — it was quite three months
before Charger was himself again, and his recovery was entirely attributed to Neptune,
who ever after was called Doctor Neptune, — a distinction which he received with his
usual gravity.

Now here I must say that Neptune was never quarrelsome. He was a very large
liver-colored Dog, with huge, firm jaws, and those small cunning eyes which I always
think detract from the nobility of the head of the Newfoundland ; his paws were pillows,
and his chest broad and firm. He was a dignified, gentlemanly Dog, who looked
down upon the general run of quarrels as quite beneath him. If grievously insulted,
he would lift up the aggressor in his jaws, shake him, and let him, go — if he could go — that
was all. But in his heart of hearts he resented the treatment his friend had received.

So when Charger was fully recovered, the two Dogs set off together to the Hill of
Carrick, a distance of more than a mile from their home, and then and there set upon
the bull-dog. While we were at breakfast, the butler came in with the information that
something had gone wrong, for both Neptune and Charger had come home covered
with blood and wounds, and were licking each other in the little stable. This was
quickly followed by a visit from the bristly Lad of Carrick, crying like a child— the
great rough-looking bear of a man — because our Dogs had gone up the Hill and killed
his pup ' Bluenose.' * The two fell on him,' he said, * together, and now you could
hardly tell his head from his tail.' It was a fearful retribution ; but even his master
confessed that * Bluenose ' deserved his fate, and every cur in the country rejoiced
that he was dead."

The DINGO, or Warragal, as it is called by the natives, is an inhabitant of Australia,
where it is found in the greatest profusion, being, indeed, a pest of no ordinary character
to those colonists who are employed in raising and maintaining large flocks of sheep.

The color of this animal is a reddish-brown, sometimes plentifully sprinkled with
black hairs over the back and ribs, the legs retaining the ordinary ruddy hue. Its
muzzle is very sharp, as is generally the case with wild Dogs ; its ears are sharp, short,
and erect ; its tail is pendent and rather bushy ; and its eyes small, cunning, and
obliquely placed in the head. It was formerly thought to be an aboriginal inhabitant
of Australia, but is now allowed to be an importation from some source which is at
present uncertain.

Large packs of these wild Dogs ravage the localities in which they have taken up
their residence, and have attained to so high a degree of organization that each pack
will only hunt over its own district, and will neither intrude upon the territory which
has been allotted to a neighboring pack of Dingos, nor permit any intrusion upon its
own soil. For this reason, their raids upon the flocks and herds are so dangerous
that the colonists were obliged to call a meeting, in order to arrange proceedings
against the common foe. Before the sheep-owners had learned to take effectual
measures to check the inroads of these marauders, they lost their flocks in such num-
bers that they counted their missing sheep by the hundred. From one colony no less
than twelve hundred sheep and lambs were stolen in three months.

The tenacity of life which is exhibited by the Dingo is almost incredible, and it
appears to cling as firmly to existence as the opossum. Like the last-mentioned animal,
the Dingo appears to feign death when it finds that escape is impracticable, and often
manages to elude its opponents by the exercise of mingled craft and endurance. Mr.
Bennett, in his well-known " Wanderings," mentions several instances of the wonderful
tenacity of life exhibited by the Dingo, and the almost incredible fortitude with which

320

THE DINGO.

it will submit to wounds of the most fearful description. One of these animals had
been overtaken by its exasperated foes, and had been " beaten so severely that it was
supposed that all the bones had been broken, and it was left for dead." After its
supposed slayer had walked away from the apparently lifeless carcass, he was surprised
to see the slain animal arise, shake itself, and slink away into the bush. Another
apparently dead Dingo had been brought into the hut for the purpose of being skinned,
and had actually suffered the operator to remove the skin from, one side of its face
before it permitted any symptoms of life or sensation to escape it.

Mr. Bennett further remarks, that this marvellous vitality of the Dingo accounts for
the fact that the skeletons of these animals are not found in the places where they
have been reported to lie dead. For, although the carrion-devouring beasts and birds
will soon carry away every particle of the flesh of a dead animal, they always leave

DINGO.— Qm/s Dingo.

its larger bones as memorials of their ghoul-like repast. There are many similar
accounts of the Dingo, and its fast hold of life.

As a general fact, the Dingo is not of a pugnacious character, and would at any time
rather run away than fight. But when it is hard pressed by its foes, and finds that its
legs are of no use, it turns to bay with savage ferocity, and dashes at its opponents
with the furious energy of despair. It carries these uncivilized customs into domesti-
cated life, and even when its restless limbs are subjected to the torpefying thraldom
of chain and collar, and its wild, wolfish nature allayed by regular meals and restricted
exercise, it is ever ready to make a sudden and unprovoked attack upon man or
beast, provided always that its treacherous onset can be made unseen. After the
attack, it always retreats into the farthest recesses of its habitation, and there crouches
in fear and silence, whether it has failed or succeeded in its cowardly malice.

THE JACKAL.

321

A Dingo which was kept for some years at the Zoological Gardens was accustomed to
sit on its tail and bay the moon after the manner of dogs, making night hideous with its
mournful monotone. Moreover, its voice was not silenced by the general light of day,
but rose continually in dolesome ululation, as if in perpetual lament for its captive lot.

In its native land it is a very crafty animal, rivalling the cunning fox in its ready wit
when it feels itself endangered, and oftentimes outwitting even the intellectual power of
its human foes. A litter of Dingo cubs was once discovered in a rocky crevice near the
Yas Plains, but as the mother was not with them the discoverer marked the locality,
intending to return in a short time and to destroy the whole family at one fell swoop.
After leaving the spot for such a length of time as he judged sufficient for the return of
the mother, he came back to the den, and to his great disconfiture found it to be deserted.
The maternal Dingo had probably seen the intruder, and had carried off her young family
into a place of safety as soon as she found the coast clear. It is possible that she might
not actually have witnessed the hasty visit which the unwelcome guest had paid to her
family mansion, but on her return to her little ones had perceived by her sense of smell
th* late advent of a strange footstep.

JACKAL.— Caais aureus.

IT is generally found that any large group of animals in one country will be represented
in another land by creatures of similar character, and not very dissimilar form. In
accordance with this general rule, we find that the part which the dingo plays in Australia
is taken up in Asia and Africa by several animals belonging to the same race, of which
the most remarkable are the Jackals and certain wolves. From the former animals the
continent of Europe is free ; and in these comparatively civilized times the wolves which
still haunt several portions of Europe are simply looked upon as pests of which the country
ought to be rid, and not as holding undisputed possession of the territory, and scouring
at will over the land in nightly search after prey.

There are several species of the Jackal, fwo of which will be noticed and figured in
this work.

21

322 THE JACKAL.

The common JACKAL, or KHOLAH, as it is termed by the natives, is an inhabitant of
India, Ceylon, and neighboring countries, where it is found in very great numbers,
forcing itself upon the notice of the traveller not only by its bodily presence, but by
its noisy howling wherewith it vexes the ears of the wearied and sleepy wayfarer, as he
endeavors in vain to find repose. Nocturnal in their habits, the Jackals are ac-
customed to conceal themselves as much as possible during the daytime, and to issue
out on their hunting expeditions together with the advent of night. Sometimes, a
Jackal will prefer a solitary life, and is then a most provoking neighbor to the habita-
tions of civilized humanity ; for it is so voracious in its appetite that it becomes a
terribly destructive foe to domesticated animals, and so wily in its nature that it car-
ries on its malpractices with impunity until it has worked dire mischief in home or fold.
In these depredations, the audacity of the Jackal is as notable as his cunning. He
will wait at the very door, biding his time patiently until it be opened and he may slink
through the aperture. Pigs, lambs, kids, and poultry fall victims to his insatiate ap-
petite, and he has been known to steal the sleeping puppies from the side of their
mother without detection. The larder suffers as severely from his attacks as the hen-
roost, for his accommodating palate is equally satisfied with cooked meat as with living
prey.

Always ready to take advantage of every favorable opportunity, the Jackal is a sad
parasite, and hangs on the skirts of the larger carnivora as they roam the country for
prey, in the hope of securing some share of the creatures which they destroy or
wound. On account of this companionship between the large and the small marauders,
the Jackal has popularly gained the name of the Lion's Provider. But, in due justice,
the title ought to be reversed, for the lion is in truth the Jackal's provider, and is often
thereby deprived of the chance of making a second meal on an animal which he has
slain. Sometimes, it is said, the Jackal does provide the lion with a meal, by becom-
ing a victim to the hungry animal in default of better and more savory prey.

There is a very unpleasant odor which arises from this creature, nearly as powerful
and quite as offensive as that of the fox. In spite, however, of this drawback, the
Jackal is often used as an article of food among the natives, and is said, by those who
have tried it, to be pleasant to the palate, and very much superior to tough venison.
A hungry lion, therefore, may be expected to find but little impediment in the rank
odor of a slaughtered Jackal.

In India, the tiger is often followed during his nightly quests by a company of these
animals, and in most cases by a single old Jackal, called in the native tongue, the
Khole, or Kholah-balloo, whose expressive cries are well understood by the hunters,
whether bipedal or quadrupedal. Many a tiger has been discovered and brought to
his death by the yell of a Jackal, which led the pursuers on his track. When the tiger
has killed some large animal, such as a buffalo, which he cannot consume at one time,
the Jackals collect around the carcass at a respectful distance, and wait patiently until
the tiger moves off and they can venture to approach.

As soon as the tiger moves away, the Jackals rush from all directions, carousing
upon the slaughtered buffalo, and each anxious to eat as much as it can contain in the
shortest time. So eager are they after their prey that they are jealous not only of
their companions, but of the vultures that gather round every dead animal, and snap
fiercely at them as they wheel round on their broad pinions, or try to push their
beaks among the noses of the fighting and struggling Jackals. But although they may
snap and snarl, they never seem to inflict any real injury. They are so audacious in
their hunger that they will follow human hunters, and take possession of the dead game
in a marvellously shameless manner.

They always keep a sharp watch for wounded animals, and pursue them with such
relentless vigor that they are said never to permit their weakened prey to escape their
fangs. One of these wild dogs, as they really seem to be, has been known to leap at the
throat of a wounded Axis deer, and then to hang with such indomitable pertinacity
that it resisted all the efforts of its wretched victim to free itself from so terrible a foe.
When hanging by its teeth, it contracted its body into as small a compass as was
compatible with its size.

THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. 323

Although not a brave animal individually, yet it will, when hard pressed, fight with
great ferocity, and inflict extremely painful and dangerous wounds with its long and
sharp teeth. It has a great dread of the civilized dog, but has more than once been
known to turn the tables on its pursuers, and to call the help of its comrades to its aid.
On one of these occasions two greyhounds had been sent in pursuit of a Jackal,
which immediately made for a rising ground covered with grass and small bushes.
Dogs and Jackal arrived at the spot almost simultaneously, when the Jackal gave a cry
of distress, which was immediately answered by the appearance of a small pack of
Jackals, which issued in every direction from the cover, and attacked the hounds.
The owner of the dogs was at the time impounded in thick mud, and could not reach
the spot in time to rescue his hounds from their furious enemies until they had been
most severely mangled. One was quite unable to walk, and was carried home by
bearers, and the other was so dreadfully bitten over his whole person that he appeared
to have been fired at with buck-shot. Both dogs ultimately recovered, but not until
the lapse of a long time.

On another occasion, when a pack of hounds was hunting a Jackal, a very much
larger pack of Jackals came to the rescue, and in their turn attacked the hounds with
such vehemence that they were unable to take the field for many weeks afterwards.
So fierce were the assailants in their attack, that even when the hunters came to the
aid of their hounds the Jackals flew upon the horses, and were so persevering in their
onset that a rescue was not effected without considerable difficulty. If unmolested, the
Jackal is harmless enough, and will permit a human being to pass quite closely with-
out attempting to bite.

The Jackal is tolerably susceptible of human influence, and if taken when very
young, or if born into captivity, can be brought to follow its master about like a dog,
and to obey his orders. If it should be made captive when it has once tasted a free
life, it behaves after the manner of the dingo, being shy, suspicious, and treacherous to-
wards those who may come unexpectedly within reach of its teeth. It is rather remark-
able that the animal loses its unpleasant odor in proportion to the length of its captivity.
The name of " aureus," or golden, is derived from the yellowish tinge of the Jackal's fur.
In size it rather exceeds a large fox, but its tail is not proportionately so long 'or so
bushy as the well-known " brush " of the fox.

The BLACK-BACKED JACKAL is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, being especially
abundant about the Cape of Good Hope, from which circumstance it is sometimes
termed the Cape Jackal. In size it equals the common Jackal, but is easily distin-
guished from that animal by the black and white mottlings which are thickly spread
over its back, and give a peculiar richness to the coloring of its fur. Its habits are pre-
cisely the same as those of the common Jackal, and need not be separately described.

It is a very cunning as well as audacious animal, and is extremely apt at extricating
itself from any dangerous situation into which it has ventured in search of prey.

One of these animals had for several successive nights insinuated itself into a hen-
roost, in Pietermaritzberg, and borne away its inmates without being detected or
checked. The proprietor of the poultry finding that his fowls vanished nightly, and
not knowing the mode of their departure, vowed vengeance against the robber, who-
ever he might be, and fixed a spring-gun across the only opening that gave access to
the henhouse. In the course of the succeeding night the report of the gun gave notice
that the thief had been at his usual work, and the bereaved owner ran out towards the dis-
charged gun, hoping to find its charge lodged in the dead body of the marauder. How-
ever, the thief had made his escape, but had left behind him sure tokens of his punish-
ment in the shape of several heavy spots of blood that lay along the ground for some
little distance. Some hairs that were discovered in the cleft of a splintered bar, by
which the animal had passed, announced that a Jackal was the delinquent.

In the morning the trail was followed up, but with little success, as it led across
some roads where so many footsteps were constantly passing that the blood-spots were
hopelessly destroyed, and the scent of the animal broken up by the trails of men and
cattle. The road that led to the plains was carefully examined, but no traces of the

324

THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL.

wounded animal could be discovered. Two days afterwards it was found, with a
hind-leg broken, in a bundle of Tambookie grass, in the very middle of the village,
and close to a butcher's shambles. The cunning animal evidently knew that if it went
to the plains it must die of starvation, and might, moreover, be easily overtaken by its
pursuers, so it concealed itself in the very spot where they would least think of look-
ing for it, and where it was within easy reach of food.

The nightly shrieks with which the Black-backed Jackal fills the airfare loud and
piercing ; but when heard at a distance are thought by some sportsmen to possess a
certain melody to initiated ears.

The peculiar dark mottlings of the back form a band that extends from its neck and
shoulders to the tail, is very brjoad in front, passing over the withers as far as the
shoulders, and narrowing gradually towards the tail, where it becomes only two inches
wide. The tail is of a fawn color, and does not partake of this variable coloring, with
the exception of the tip, which is black.

BLACK-BACKED JACKAL.— Caais mesomelas.

Lieutenant Burton remarks, that among the Somali the morning cry of the Jackal is
used as an omen of good or evil, according to its direction and its tone. He also
mentions that it is in the habit of attacking the peculiar fat-tailed sheep which inhabit
that country, and carrying off their lambs. The fat-burdened tail forms an article of
diet which seems to be greatly to the Jackal's taste, and which he procures by leaping
suddenly upon the poor sheep, and then making a fierce bite at its tail. The terrified
sheep starts off at best speed, and leaves a large mouthful of its tail between the
Jackal's teeth. Kids and other small animals fall victims to this insatiate devourer.

In that country the Jackal, called by the natives " Duwas," dances nightly atten-
dance upon the spotted hyena.

WOLVES.

325

GROUP OP WOLVES.

WOLVES.

FEW animals have earned so widely popular, or so little enviable, a fame as the
WOLVES. Whether in the animals of history, in fiction, in poetry, or even in the less
honored, but hardly less important, literature of nursery fables, the Wolf holds a prom-
inent position! among animals.

326

WOLF.

There are several species of Wolf, each of which species is divided into three or four
varieties, which seem to be tolerably permanent, and by many observers are thought
to be sufficiently marked to be considered as separate species. However, as even the
members of the same litter partake of several minor varieties in form and color, it is very
possible that the so-called species may be nothing more than very distinctly marked
varieties. These voracious and dangerous animals are found in almost every quarter of
the globe ; whether the country which they infest is heated by the beams of the tropical
sun or frozen by the lengthened winter of the northern regions. Mountain and plain,
forest and field, jungle and prairie, are equally infested with Wolves, which possess
the power of finding nourishment for their united bands in localities where even a
single predaceous animal might be perplexed to gain a livelihood.

The color of the common WOLF is gray, mingled with a slight tinting of fawn, and
diversified with many black hairs that are interspersed among the lighter colored fur.
In the older animals the gray appears to 'predominate over the fawn, while the fur of
the younger Wolves is of a warmer fawn tint. The under parts of the animal, the lower
jaw, and the edge of the upper lip, are nearly white, while the interior face of the limbs
is of a gray tint. From this latter circumstance the Norwegians, with their usual super-
stitious dislike to calling an animal by its right name, dignify the Wolf by the title of
" Graabeen," or Gray-legs. The equally superstitious Finns prefer the name of
"Loajalg," or Broad-foot. Between the ears the head is almost entirely gray, and
without the mixture of black hairs, which is found in greatest profusion along the line
of the spine.

When hungry — and the Wolf is almost always hungry — it is a bold and dangerous
animal, daring almost all things to reach its prey, and venturing to attack large and
powerful animals, — such as the buffalo, the elk, or the wild horse. Sometimes it has
been known to oppose itself to other carnivora, and to attack so unpromising a foe as
the bear. Mr. Lloyd records an instance of this presumption on the part of the Wolves.

During a bear-hunt, when the hunting party was led by a dog that was following the
footsteps of a bear, a small herd of Wolves, few in number, suddenly made their ap-
pearance, pounced on the dog, and devoured it. They then took up the trail, and
when they came up with the bear entered into battle with him. The fight terminated
in favor of the bear ; but not without much exertion and great danger to both parties,
as was proved by the quantity of bear and Wolf fur that lay scattered about the scene
of combat. So severely had the bear been treated that his fur was found to be quite
useless when he was killed by the hunters a few days after the conflict.

This is not a solitary example of a fight between bears and Wolves, as the same
author mentions a similar combat, which would apparently have had a different result.
The bear had retreated to a large tree ; and, standing with his back against the trunk,
boldly face his antagonists, and for some time kept them at bay. At last, however,
some of the Wolves crept round the tree, and seizing him unexpectedly in the flank,
inflicted such severe wounds that he would soon have fallen a victim to their ferocity
had not they been put to flight by the approach of some men.

It is by no means nice in its palate, and will eat almost any living animal — from
human beings down to frogs, lizards, and insects. Moreover, it is a sad cannibal, and
is thought by several travellers who have noted its habits to be especially partial to the
flesh of its own kind. A weak, sickly, or wounded Wolf is sure to fall under the cruel
teeth of its companions ; who are said to be so fearfully ravenous that if one of their
companions should chance to besmear himself with the blood of the prey which has just
been hunted down, he is instantly attacked and devoured by the remainder of the pack.

In their hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, larger or smaller
in number, according to circumstances, and acting simultaneously for a settled purpose.
If they are on the trail of a flying animal, as is represented in the large engraving on p.
325, the footsteps of their prey are followed up by one or two of the Wolves, while the
remainder of the band take up their positions to the right and left of the leaders, so as to
intercept the quarry if it should attempt to turn from its course. Woe be to any animal

THE WOLF.

327

that is unlucky enough to be chased by a pack of Wolves. No matter how swift it
may be, it will most surely be overtaken at last by the long, slouching, tireless gallop
of the Wolves ; and no matter what may be its strength, it must at last fail under the
repeated and constant attacks of the sharp teeth.

There is something remarkable about the bite of a Wolf. Instead of making its
teeth meet in the flesh of its antagonist, and then maintaining its hold, as is done by
most of the carnivora, the Wolf snaps sharply, fiercely, and repeatedly at its opponent
or its quarry ; delivering these attacks with such furious energy that when it misses
its mark its jaws clash together with a sound that has been likened to the sudden
closing of a steel-trap. These sharply snapping bites, so rapidly delivered, are of
terrible efficacy in destroying an enemy, or bringing down the prey.

WOLF.-Caais lupus.

The skeleton of the Wolf which is here presented to the reader affords an instructive
contrast with that of the lion on page 131, as exhibiting the bony framework around
which is built the bodily organization of two distinct carnivorous types of animals.

Putting aside the differences that exist between the feline and the canine dentition,
the general character of the whole form is worthy of notice, and points out the creat-
ure as belonging to the group of carnivorous animals which obtains its prey by running
it down in a lengthy chase, rather than to those predaceous animals which destroy
their prey by a single powerful spring. The limbs are larger in proportion than those
of the lion, and the bones are more slenderly made. The head and neck are very
differently formed. Those of the lion are intended to serve the purpose of an animal
which leaps upon its prey, fixes its teeth in the flesh of its quarry, and there hangs

328

SKELETON OF WOLF.

until it has destroyed its prey ; but the corresponding portions of the Wolf's anatomy
belong evidently to an animal which is not intended by nature to exert the clinging
hold of the cat tribe, but to overtake its prey by fair chase, to run, and to bite.

The sharp teeth with which the Wolf is furnished are strong enough to cut their
way through substances which might be thought impervious to teeth. A hungry Wolf
will devour a raw hide with enviable ease, and, when hard pressed by its unsatisfied
appetite, has often been known to make a meal on thick leather traces that had been
left unguarded for a few minutes.

Bold as is the Wolf in ordinary circumstances, it is one of the most suspicious
animals in existence, and is infected with the most abject terror at the sight of any
object to which its eyes, nose, or ears are unaccustomed.

Very fortunately for the hunters, this excess of caution on the part of the Wolf is
the means of preserving their slaughtered game from the hungry maws of the Wolves
that ever accompany a hunter, and hang on his steps in hope of obtaining the offal of
such animals as he may slaughter, or of securing such creatures as he may wound and
fail to kill on the spot. In order to preserve the carcass of a slain buffalo or deer,

SKELETON OP WOLF.

the hunter merely plants a stick by the side of the animal, and ties to the top of the
stick a fluttering piece of linen, or any similar substance, and then goes his way, secure
that the Wolves will not dare to approach such an object. In default of a strip of
calico or linen, the inflated bladder of the dead animal is an approved " scare-wolf ; "
and, as a last resource, a strip of its hide is used for that purpose.

To this peculiarity have been owing, not only the preservation of game, but the
lives of defenceless travellers. It has several times happened that a band of Wolves
have been pressing closely upon the footsteps of their human quarry, and have been
checked in their onward course by the judicious exhibition of certain articles of which
the Wolves were suspicious, and from which they kept aloof until they had satisfied
themselves of its harmlessness. As one article began to lose its efficacy, another was
exhibited, so that the persecuted travellers were enabled to gain the refuge of some
friendly village, and to baffle the furious animals by means which in themselves were
utterly inadequate to their effects. A piece of rope trailed from a horse or carriage
is always an object of much fear to the Wolves.

THE BLACK WOLF.

329

When the Wolf is once within a trap it becomes the most cowardly of animals, and
will permit itself to be handled or wounded without displaying the least sign of ani-
mation, or attempting to resist the hand of its destroyer. The sensation of imprison-
ment appears to deprive it of all energy, and it sometimes happens that a trapped Wolf
is so entirely destitute of self-control, that it has permitted the hunter to drag it from
the trap, and to make it lie passively by his side while he reset the trap for the oc-
cupancy of another victim. On one occasion, a pitfall-trap contained two occupants,
one a Wolf, and the other a poor old woman, who had unfortunately fallen into the
pit when returning from her work. The Wolf was so cowed by rinding itself en-
trapped, that it made no attempt to injure its fellow-prisoner, but lay quietly at the
bottom of the pit, and was shot in the morning by a peasant.

^>%

BLACK WOLF.-Can/s occidentals.

The BLACK WOLF of America was thought by some naturalists to be only a variety
of the common Wolf, but it is now considered to be a distinct species. Not only does
the color of its fur vary from that of the common Wolf, but there are various differences
of structure, in the position of the eye, the peculiar bushiness of the hair, and other
peculiarities, which have entitled it to rank as a separate species.

The American Wolves partake of the general lupine character, being fierce, danger-
ous, and cowardly, like their European brethren. They are marvellously pusillani-
mous when they find themselves fairly inclosed ; and even if their prison-house be a
large yard they crouch timidly in the corners, and do not venture to attack a human
being if he enters the same inclosure. Audubon mentions a curious instance of this
strange timidity in so fierce an animal and of which he was an eye-witness.

33°

THE PRAIRIE WOLF.

A farmer had suffered greatly from the Wolves, and had determined to take his
revenge by means of pitfalls, of which he had dug several within easy reach of his
residence. They were eight feet in depth, and wider at the bottom than at the top.
Into one of these traps three fine Wolves had fallen ; two of them being black, and
the other a brindled animal. To the very great astonishment of M. Audubon, the
farmer got into "the pit, pulled out the hind-legs of the Wolves, as they lay trembling
at the bottom, and with his knife severed the chief tendon of the hind-limbs, so as to
prevent their escape. The farmer was thus repaying himself for the damage which hi
had suffered, for the skins of the captured Wolves were sufficiently valuable to reim-
burse him for his labor and previous losses.

Among the Esquimaux the Wolves are caught in traps made of large blocks of icer
and constructed in precisely the same manner as an ordinary mousetrap with a drop-
doc r. The trap is made so narrow that the Wolf cannot turn himself, and when he is
fairly inclosed by the treacherous door, he is put to death by spears, which are thrust
through interstices left for that purpose.

PRAIRIE WOLF.-Cs/i/s lasrans.

There is a rather smaller species of Wolf, which is found in great numbers upon the
American prairies, and named for that reason the PRAIRIE WOLF. These animals
are always found hanging on the outskirts of the numerous herds of bisons that roam
the prairies, and pick up a subsistence by assailing the weakly and wounded members
of the herd. Small as is each individual Wolf, it becomes a terrible assailant when
backed by numbers, and seldom fails to bring to the ground any animal which may be
unfortunate enough to attract its attention.

When they have once brought their prey to the ground, they make marvellously
short work. There is a scuffle of some two minutes in length, during which the Wolves
are so eagerly plying their feet and jaws that nothing is visible except a cloud of dust
and hair, in the midst of which is a mass of whisking tails. The dusty cloud then sub-
sides, and the Wolves are seen moving slowly away from the scene of their late repast.
They also are in the habit of accompanying the hunters through their long peregrina-

THE COYOTE.

33 1

V

tions over the prairies, always hanging behind at respectful distances, and at night
encamping within easy range of the fire. They seem never to injure the hunter or his
horse, preferring to make use of his superior powers in procuring them a daily supply
of food. They are wise in so doing, as the hunter seldom requires more than the
" hump," tongue, marrow-bones, and skin of the slaughtered bison, and leaves the re-
mainder of the huge carcass for the Wolves.

ANOTHER well-known American Wolf is the COYOTE, or CAJOTE, in which there is
something of the vulpine aspect. In habits it resembles the other Wolves. According
to European ideas, the flesh of the Wolf would be thought a very strange, and decidedly
repulsive, article of diet. But it is found by those who have had practical experience
on this subject, that the Wolf, when properly dressed, affords a really excellent dinner,
the tables being thus turned on him. The ribs are the portion which are most
esteemed.

COYOTE.— Caala ochropus.

Like many other wild animals, the Wolf will feign death when it has fallen into the
hands of its pursuers, and finds that escape is impossible. So admirably will it achieve
this feat that it has often deceived the experienced eyes of the hunter, and, taking
advantage of an unguarded moment on his part, has made good its escape. How per-
severingly the animal will enact his part may be imagined from the description of a
captive Wolf given by Captain Lyon, in his private journal.

The Wolf had been brought on board apparently dead, but as the eyes were observed
to wink when an object was passed rapidly before them, a rope was fastened to his
hindlegs, and he was suspended from the rigging, with his head downwards. Suddemly
he threw off all disguise, and began to snap viciously in all directions ; at one time
aiming his attacks at the persons who surrounded him, and at another moment curling
himself upwards and trying to bite the rope asunder. He was so very full of life that
it required several heavy blows on his head, and the employment of a bayonet, to
reduce him in reality to the state which he had previously been feigning.

It was formerly supposed that the Wolf was an untameable animal, but it is now
known that there are few creatures which are more susceptible of affection than the
Wolf, if it be captured when young, and treated rightly. It will follow its master like
a dog, will obey his orders readily, will recognize him after a long term of absence, and
in all things conduct itself with a propriety that is not always found in the domesticated
dogs. Several instances of this tameable disposition of the Wolf are well known. One
such example is afforded by the tame Wolf which belonged to Mr. F. Cuvier, and
which recognized him after an absence of three years.

332 THE FOX.

A Norwegian gentleman, named Grieff, " reared up two young Wolves until they
were full-grown. They were male and female. The latter became so tame that she
played with me, and licked my hands, and I had her often with me in the sledge in
winter. Once when- 1 was absent she got loose from the chain she was bound with,
and was away for three days. When I returned home I went out on a hill, and called
* Where is my Tussa ? ' as she was named, when she immediately came home, and
fondled with me like the most friendly dog. She could not bear other people, but the
male, on the contrary, was friendly with others but not with me, from the moment when
he once seized a hen, and I whipped him with a carrier whip. As they were well
treated, they got very large and had fine skins."

When Wolves and dogs are domesticated in the same residence, a mutual attachment
will often spring up between them, although they naturally bear the bitterest hatred to
each other. A mixed offspring is sometimes the result of this curious friendship, and
it is said that these half-bred animals are more powerful and courageous than the
ordinary dog. Mr. Palliser possessed a remarkably fine animal of this kind, the
father of which was a white Wolf, and the mother an ordinary Indian dog. Its fur
was white, like that of its Wolf-parent.

When " Ishmah," as the dog was named, was first purchased from its Indian owners,
he wa*s so terrified at the white face of his new master, that he always ran away when-
ever he saw him, and could not be persuaded to come within two hundred yards. Ishmah
was then tied up with a cord, but the moment that he was left to himself he held the
cord to the ground with his paw, severed it in an instant with his sharp teeth, leaped out
of the window, and dashed off to his former owners. After a while, however, he became
reconciled to his white master, and proved to be a most faithful and useful ally ; drag-
ging a small sledge that contained the heavier necessaries of a hunter's life, and partak-
ing with his master all the pleasures and privations of a nomad existence. On account of
his wolfish ancestry, he was rather apt to run off and play with the young Wolves instead
of attending to his duty, but was never induced to throw off his allegiance. On one
occasion the dog saved the life of his master by lying close to him on a bitterly freez-
ing night, and with his long warm fur preserving him from the terrible death by frost.

In former days the British islands were infested with these savage brutes, and
suffered greatly from their depredations, until the issuing of the famous edict which
ordained that Wolves' heads should be accepted in the lieu of taxes, and which speedily
caused their extinction. In Scotland and Ireland, however, they lingered for a much
longer time, the last British Wolf being, as it is supposed, killed in Scotland in the
seventeenth century.

The Wolf is rather a prolific animal, producing from three to nine young at a litter.
In January the mother Wolf begins to prepare her habitation for the expected inmates,
a task in which she is protected, and perhaps assisted, by her mate, who has won her
in fair fight from his many rivals. He attaches himself solely to one single mate, and
never leaves her until the young Wolves are able to shift for themselves. The nest in
which the little family is nurtured is softly and warmly lined with dry moss and with
the fur of the mother, which she pulls from her own body. March is the usual month
for the appearance of the little family, and they remain under the maternal protection
for seven or eight months. They begin to eat meat at four or five weeks of age, and
are taught by their parents to join in the chase.

According to some systematic naturalists the FOXES are placed in the genus Canis,
together with the dogs and the wolves. Those eminent zoologists, however, who have
arranged the magnificent collections in the British Museum, have decided upon sepa-
rating the Foxes from the dogs and wolves, and placing them in the genus Vulpes. To
this decision they have come for several reasons, among which may be noted the shape
of the pupil of the eye, which in the Foxes is elongated, but in the animals which com-
pose the genus Canis is circular. The ears of the Foxes are triangular in shape, and
pointed, and the tail is always exceedingly bushy.

A very powerful scent is poured forth from the Fox in consequence of some glands
which are placed near the root of the tail, and furnish the odorous secretion. Glands

THE FOX.

333

of a similar nature, but not so well developed, are found in the wolves. The tenacity
with which this scent clings to any object which it has touched is quite extraordinary.
I remember an instance when a Fox was captured by an old laborer, in revenge for
killing his fowls, and which he exhibited in an outhouse for a short time. The animal
could not have been in the shed for more than twenty minutes, and yet the odor which
it evolved was so pertinaciously adherent to everything which had been touched by the
animal that the shed was not free from the tell-tale scent for many weeks.

At night, while walking over the Wiltshire Downs, and the various roads that in-
tersect them, I have frequently been aware that a Fox had crossed the path, and could
have followed up the scent for some distance.

It is by this scent that the hounds are able to follow the footsteps of a flying Fox,
and to run it down by their superior speed and endurance. The Fox, indeed, seems to
be aware that its pursuers are guided in their chase by this odor, and puts in practice
every expedient that its fertile brain can produce in order to break the continuity of the
scent or to overpower it by the presence of other odors, which are more powerful,
though not more agreeable. A hunted Fox will make the most extraordinary leaps in
order to break the line of scent, and throw the hounds on a false track. It will run
for a considerable distance in a straight line, return upon its own track, and then make

FO\.-VuJpes vulgarls.

a powerful spring to one side, so as to induce the dogs to run forward while it quietly
steals away. It will take every opportunity of perfuming, or rather of scenting, itself
with any odorous substance with which it can meet, in the hope of making the hounds
believe that they have mistaken their quarry. In fine, there are a thousand wiles which
this crafty animal employs and which are related by every one who has watched a Fox
or hunted it.

Even when tamed it preserves its singular cunning. A tame Fox, that was kept in a
stable-yard, had managed to strike up a friendship with several of the dogs, and would
play with them, but could never induce the cats to approach him. Cats are very sensi-
tive in their nostrils, and could not endure the vulpine odor. They would not even
walk upon any spot where the Fox had been standing ; and kept as far aloof as possible
from him.

The crafty animal soon perceived that the cats would not come near him, and made
use of his knowledge to cheat them of their breakfast. As soon as the servant poured
out the cats' allowance of milk, the Fox would run to the spot and walk about the
saucer, well knowing that none of the rightful owners would approach the defiled locality.

334

'HE AMERICAN FOX.

Day after day the cats lost their milk until the vulpine stratagem was discovered, and the
milk was placed in a spot where it could not be reached by the Fox. There were three
cats attached to the stables, and they all partook of the same detestation ; so that their
abhorrence of the vulpine odor seems to belong to the general character of cats, and
not to be the fastidious individuality of a single animal. He was also very successful in
cheating the dogs of their food ; achieving his thefts by the force of superior intellect.

The same animal was cunning enough to procure a supply of milk, even after he had
been prevented from robbing the cats. On one occasion, as the dairymaid was passing
along with her pails, the Fox went up to her, and brushed himself against one of the
milk-pails. In consequence of this contact, the milk became so tainted with the smell
of the Fox that the dairymaid did not venture to bring it to the house, and rather
thoughtlessly poured it out into a vessel, and gave it to the Fox. The crafty animal took
advantage of the circumstance, and watched for the coming of the maid with her pails,
in order to repeat the process. Several times he succeeded in his project, but when he
found that the spoiled milk was given to the pigs, instead of being appropriated to his
own use, he ceased his nefarious attempts.

He detested all ragged beggars, and was so energetic in his hostile demonstrations,
that he realized the truth of the proverb, " Set a thief to catch a thief." The horses
hated him with as thorough a detestation as that in which the cats held him. His
presence in the stable would set the horses in confusion, and make them plunge about
in a restless and uneasy manner.

The Fox resides in burrows, which it scoops out of the earth by the aid of its strong
digging paws, taking advantage of every peculiarity ofvthe ground, and contriving, when-
ever it is possible, to wind its subterranean way among the roots of large trees, or be-
tween heavy stones. In these " earths," as the burrows are called in the sportsman's
phraseology, the female Fox produces and nurtures her young, which are odd little snub-
nosed creatures, resembling almost any animal rather than a Fox. She watches over
her offspring with great care, and teaches them by degrees to subsist on animal food,
which she and her mate capture for that purpose.

The color of the common Fox is a reddish-fawn, intermixed with black and white
hairs. The hair is long and thick, being doubly thick during the colder months of the
year, so that the fur of a Fox which is killed in the winter is more valuable than if the
animal had been slain in the hot months. The tail, which is technically termed the
" brush," is remarkably bushy, and partakes of the tints which predominate over the
body, except at the tip, which is white. The height of this animal is about a foot, and
its length about two feet and a half, exclusive of the tail.

There are several species of Foxes, which are found in various parts of the globe, some
of which, such as the AMERICAN Fox, or MAKKEESHAW, sometimes called the Cross Fox,
the Kit Fox, and the Arctic Fox, are tolerably familiar animals. The American Fox is
very variable in the color and markings of its fur, some specimens being of a pale yel-
low, some being blackish in their general tinting, and some of a reddish-fawn, while some
specimens are remarkable for the manner in which the black, the white, the yellow, and
the fawn are dispersed over the body and limbs. In almost every specimen there is a
darkish transverse stripe over the shoulders, giving to the animal the title of Cross Fox.

This animal has its full share of the crafty spirit which is so notable in the nature of
all Foxes. One of them, on whose track the hounds had been often laid, used always
to baffle them at one particular point, the crest of a rather steep hill. Up to this spot
the scent was perfectly good ; but at that particular spot the scent vanished, and so the
Fox was lost. One of the disappointed hunters was so indignant at his repeated failures
that he determined to lay aside the chase for a day, and to devote himself to the
discovery of the means by which the creature could so invariably escape from the
hounds and men. He therefore concealed himself near the charmed spot, and watched
with much interest the proceedings of the hunted animal.

The Fox, after being driven from his cover, led the hounds a long chase through
woods, ponds, and thickets, and at last came at full speed towards the crest of the hill.
As soon as he had reached the spot, he laid himself down and pressed himself as closely

THE AMERICAN FOX.

335

as possible to the ground. Presently the hounds came along in full cry, and with a
blazing scent, darting over the hill in hot pursuit, and never stopping until they reached
the bottom of the hill. As soon as the last hound had passed, the Fox resumed his
legs, crept quietly over the brow of the hill, and returned to his covert at leisure.

Another of these creatures made use of a very cunning device for the same purpose.
In this instance, he always led his pursuers to the edge of a cliff that rose perpendicu-
larly for several hundred feet, and then disappeared. The hunters had often examined
the spot, and unsuccessfully, for it seemed that no wingless animal could venture to take
such a fearful leap. The secret was, however, at last discovered by a concealed spy.
The crafty Fox was seen coming quite at his leisure to the edge of the cliff, and then
to look down. Some ten feet below the edge there was a kind of break in the strata
of stone, forming a kind of step, about a foot in width. By means of his claws the Fox
let himself down upon his step and then disappeared in a hollow which was invisible
from above.

A man was lowered by ropes to the spot, and found that there was a wide fissure in
the rock, to which the stony step formed an entrance. On searching the cavern it was
found to have another and an easy outlet upon the level ground above. The Fox,
however, never used this entrance when the hounds were on his trail, but cut off the

AMERICAN FOX.-Vulpes fulvus.

scent by scrambling over the cliff, and then emerged at the other outlet without danger
of discovery.

Mr. C. W. Webber narrates an equally curious instance of the cunning of a Fox in
escaping from his pursuers.

" There was a certain briary old field of great extent, near the middle of which we
could, on any morning of the year, start a gray Fox. After a chase of an hour or so,
just enough to blow the dogs and horses well, we invariably lost the Fox at the same
spot, the fence-corner of a large plantation, which opened into a heavy forest on one
side of this old field. The frequency and certainty of this event became the standing
joke of the country. Fox-hunters from other neighborhoods would bring their pack
for miles, to have a run out of this mysterious Fox, in the hope of clearing up the mys-
tery. But no. They were all baffled alike. We often examined the ground critically,
to find out, if possible, the mode of escape, but could discover nothing that in any way
acounted for it, or suggested any theory in regard to it. That it did not fly was very
sure ; that it must escape along the fence in some way was equally so. My first idea
was, that the animal, as is very common, had climbed upon the top rail of the fence,
and walked along it to such a distance, before leaping off, that the dogs were entirely

336 THE ARTIC FOX.

thrown out. I accordingly followed the fence with the whole pack about me, clear
round the plantation, but without striking the trail again, or making any discovery. .

The affair now became quite serious. The reputation of our hounds was suffering ;
and, besides, I found they were really losing confidence in themselves, and would
not run with half the staunch eagerness which had before characterized them. The
joke of being regularly baffled had been so often repeated that they now came to con-
sider it a settled thing that they were never to take another Fox again, and were dis-
posed to give up in despair. Some 'of the neighbors had grown superstitious about it,
and vowed that this must be a weir Fox, who could make himself invisible when he
pleased.

At last I determined to watch at the fence-corner, and see what became of the Fox.
Within about the usual time I heard him heading towards the mysterious corner, as
the voices of the pack clearly indicated. I almost held my breath in my concealment,
while I watched for the appearance of this extraordinary creature. In a little while the
Fox made his appearance, coming on at quite a leisurely pace, a little in advance of
the pack. When he reached the corner, he climbed in a most unhurried and deliber-
ate way to the top rail of the fence, and then walked along it, balancing himself as
carefully as a rope-dancer. He proceeded down the side of the fence next to the forest
in which I was concealed.

I followed cautiously, so as to keep him in view. Before he had thus proceeded
more than two hundred yards, the hounds came up to the corner, and he very deliberately
paused and looked back for a moment, then he hurried along the fence some paces
farther, and when he came opposite a dead but leaning tree which stood inside the
fence, some twelve or sixteen feet distant, he stooped, made a high and long bound to a
knot upon the side of its trunk, up which he ran, and entered a hollow in the top
where it had been broken off, nearly thirty feet from the ground, in some storm. I
respected the astuteness of the trick too much to betray its author, since I was now
personally satisfied ; and he continued for a long time, while I kept his secret, to be
the wonder and the topic of neighboring Fox-hunters, until at last one of them hap-
pened to take the same idea into his head, and found out the mystery. He avenged
himself by cutting down the tree, and capturing the smart Fox.

The tree stood at such a distance from the fence that no one of us who had examined
the ground ever dreamed of the possibility that the Fox would leap to it ; it seemed
a physical impossibility, but practice and the convenient knot had enabled cunning
Reynard to overcome it with assured ease."

ONE of the most celebrated species of the Foxes is the ARCTIC Fox, called by the
Russians PESZI and by the Greenlanders TERRIENNIAK. This animal is in very great
repute in the mercantile world on account of its beautifully silky fur, which in the
cold winter months becomes perfectly white. During the summer the fur is generally
of a gray, or dirty brown, but is frequently found of a leaden gray, or of a brown tint
with a wash of blue. Towards the change of the seasons the fur becomes mottled ;
and by reason of this extreme variableness has caused the animal to be known by
several different titles. Sometimes it is called the White Fox, sometimes the Blue Fox,
sometimes the Sooty Fox, sometimes the Pied Fox, and sometimes the Stone Fox.

This animal is found in Lapland, Iceland, Siberia, Kamschatka, and North America,
in all of which places it is eagerly sought by the hunters for the sake of its fur. The
pure white coat of the winter season is the most valuable, and the bluish-gray fur of the
summer months is next to the white the color that is most in request. The soles of the
feet are thickly coated with hair, from which circumstance it has derived its name of
Lagopus, or hairy foot.

It is found that this animal possesses the power of imitating the cries of the birds on
which it loves to feed, and it is probable that it employs this gift for the purpose of
decoying its prey to their destruction. Although it is sufficiently cunning in obtaining
its food, it seems to be remarkably destitute of the astute craft which aids the generality
of the Foxes to avoid hidden dangers or to baffle their foes. It is easily induced to enter
a trap, and will generally permit a hunter to approach within range of an easy shot. It

THE ASSE, OR CAAMA.

337

is true that, when a human being approaches their burrows, the inmates retire into
their homes ; but as they continually protrude their heads and yelp at their foe, the
precaution is to very little purpose.

In size, the Arctic Fox is not the equal of the English species, weighing only eight
pounds on an average, and its total length being about three feet. The eye is of a
hazel tint, and very bright and intelligent. It lives in burrows, which it excavates in
the earth during the summer months, and prefers to construct its simple dwellings in
small groups of twenty or thirty.

THE LITTLE animal which is known by the name of the ASSE or the CAAMA, is an in-
habitant of Southern Africa, and is in great request for the sake of the skin, which
furnishes a very valuable fur.

It is a terrible enemy to ostriches and other birds which lay their eggs in the ground,
and is in consequence detested by the birds whose nes^ are devastated. The ingenuity
of the Caama in procuring the contents of an ostrich's egg is rather remarkable. The

ARTIC FOX.-Vulpes Lagopus.

shell of the egg is extremely thick and strong ; and as the Caama is but a small ani-
mal, its teeth are unable to make any impression on so large, smooth, hard, and round-
ed an object. In order, therefore, to obviate this difficulty, the cunning animal rolls
the egg along by means of its fore-paws, and pushes it so violently against any hard
substance that may lie conveniently in its path, or against another egg, that the shell
is broken and the contents attainable.

The fur of this animal is highly esteemed by the natives for the purpose of making
" karosses," or mantles. As the Asse is one of the smallest of the Foxes, a great
number of skins are needed to form a single mantle, and the manufactured article is
therefore held in high value by its possessor. Indeed, so valuable is its fur, that it
tempts many of the Bechuana tribes to make its chase the business of their lives, and
to expend their whole energies in capturing the animal from whose body the much-
prized fur is taken.

The continual persecution to which the Caama is subjected, has almost extermi-
nated it in the immediate vicinity of Cape Town, where it was formerly seen in tolerable
22

338

THE FENNEC

plenty. Gradually, however, it retreats more and more northward before the tread of
civilized man, and at the present day is but very rarely seen within the limbs of the
colony.

THE two animals which now claim our attention bear a considerable external resem-
blance to each other, albeit that similarity extends not to their formation. So dif-
ferent are they from each other, that they have been placed in a distinct genera by the
almost unanimous voice of systematic naturalists.

The former of these animals, the OTOCYON, or Eared-dog, derives its name from the
very great proportionate length of its ears. It is much smaller than the English
Fox, and is of a tolerably uniform gray color, except on the tail, which is covered with
long black hair, and on the limbs, which are of a darker hue than the body. The ears
are erect, well covered with fur, and nearly equal to the head in length. It is an inhabit-
ant of Southern Africa. In several anatomical points, and especially in the arrange-
ment and shape of its teeth, it is easily to be distinguished from the following animal.

AS5E, OR CAAMA.—Vulpes Caama.

The FENNEC, or ZERDA, is an inhabitant of Africa, being found in Nubia and Egypt.
It is a very pretty and lively little creature, running about with much activity, and
anon sitting upright and regarding the prospect with marvellous gravity. The color of
the Fennec is a very pale fawn, or " isabel " color, sometimes being almost of a creamy
whiteness. The tail is bushy, and partakes of the general color of the fur, except at
the upper part of the base and the extreme tip, which are boldly marked with black.
The size of the adult animal is very inconsiderable, as it measures scarcely more than
a foot in length, exclusive of the bushy tail, which is about eight inches long.

It is said that the Fennec, although it is evidently a carnivorous animal, delights to
feed upon various fruits, especially preferring the date. Such a predilection is according
to vulpine and canine analogies, for the common English Fox is remarkably fond of ripe
fruits, such as grapes or strawberries, and the domestic dog is too often a depredator of
those very gardens which he was enjoined to keep clear from those robbers. But that the

THE FENNECK.

339

OTOCYON.-Otoc^on Lalandii.

animal should enjoy the power of procuring that food in which it so delights is a very
extraordinary circumstance, and one which would hardly be expected from a creature

FENNECK.- Vulpes Zaarensls.

which partakes so largely of the vulpine form of characteristics. The date-palm is a
tree of a very lofty growth, and the rich clusters of the fruit are placed at the very summit

34<>

THE FENNEC.

of the bare, branchless stem. Yet the Fennec is said to possess the capability of
climbing the trunk of the date-palm, and of procuring for itself the coveted luxury.

This creature presents so strange a medley of characteristics that it has proved a
sad stumbling-block to systematic zoologists, and has been so frequently transferred by
them from one portion of the animal kingdom to another, that its position in their
catalogues seems to vary as often as the different lists are published. One celebrated
naturalist considers the Fennec to belong to the civets and genetts ; another ranks it
with the hyenas; while a third believes that its true position is among the Galagos.
Now, however, it finds a resting-place in the genus Vulpes, being a congener with the
various foxes of the Old and New Wprlds.

It must here be remembered that the generic distinction of dogs and foxes can
hardly be regarded as a settled matter, and that many practical naturalists favor the
opinion that the foxes ought to be included in the genus " Canis." That the dog and
the fox will produce a mixed offspring is now generally allowed. There are many
authenticated accounts of such mixed breeds, dating from the earlier part of the present
century up to the present time. Moreover, it has been found that the offspring of the
dog and the fox is capable of reproduction when it is again crossed with the dog.
Should this experiment be successfully conducted to a still farther extent, and the
vulpo-canine offspring of both sexes be found capable of mutual reproduction, the
difficult question to which we have referred will be finally solved.

Like the veritable foxes, the Fennec is accustomed to dwell in subterranean abodes,
which it scoops in the light sandy soil of its native land. Bruce, who claims the honor
of introducing this curious little animal to zoological science, avers that it builds its
nest in trees. Riippell, however, who may lay claim to more scientific knowledge than
was possessed by Bruce, distinctly contradicts this statement, and asserts that it lives
in " burrows" like other foxes.

This curious little animal is not entirely without its use to man ; for its fur is of con-
siderable value among the native tribes of the locality wherein it is found. The skin
of the Fennec, called " motlose" in the native dialect, is said to furnish the warmest
fur in Africa, and is highly prized for that quality. And as, on account of the dim-
inutive size of the animal, a single skin forms but a very small portion of a garment, a
mantle which is composed of " motlose " fur is valued very highly, and can with
difficulty be purchased from its dark owner.

As is the case with the greater number of predaceous animals, the Fennec is but
seldom seen during the daytime, preferring to issue forth upon its marauding expeditions
under the friendly cover of night. Even when it has spent some time in captivity, it
retains its restless nocturnal demeanor, and during the hours of daylight passes the
greater portion of its time in semi-somnolence or in actual sleep. On a comparison
with the Otocyon, the Fennec appears at first sight to bear so close a resemblance to
that animal that either of the two creatures might easily be mistaken for the other.
The slender body, the bushy tail, the sharply-pointed snout, and the extraordinarily long
ears, are so conspicuously notable that the two animals have frequently been confounded
together, and actually figured under the same title. Yet, as has been already mentioned,
when treating of the Otocyon, the distinguishing characteristics are so strongly marked
as to justify their separation, not only into different species, but into different
genera.

It is a quaint little creature in its aspect, and wears an air of precocious self-reliance
that has quite a ludicrous effect in so small an animal. The color of its eyes is a
beautiful blue, and the " whisker" hairs which decorate its face are long and thick in
their texture, and white in their color. The honor of introducing the Fennec into
Europe is claimed by two persons ; the one being Bruce, the celebrated traveller, and
the other being a Swedish gentleman of the name of Skioldebrand. The latter writer was
certainly the first person who publicly brought the Fennec before the zoologists of Europe,
but is supposed to have succeeded in his ambition by means which were hardly just or
honorable.

The Fennec is identical with the fox-like animal that is named " Zerda " by Riippell,
and " Cerdo " by Illiger.

THE HUNTING-DOG.

JUST as the Aard wolf appears to form the link between the civets and the hyenas,
being with some difficulty referred to either group of animals, so the Hunting-Dog
seems to be the connecting link between the dogs and the hyenas. Its positions, how-
ever, in the scale of animated nature is so very obscure that it has been placed by some
zoologists among the dogs and by others among the hyenas. As, however, the leading
characteristic of its formation appears to tend rather towards the canine than the
hyenine type, the Hunting-Dog has been provisionally placed at the end of the dogs
rather than at the end of the hyenas.

In its general aspect there is much of the hyenine character, and the creature has
often been mistaken for a hyena, and described under that name. There is, however,
less of the hyenine type than is seen in the Aard wolf, for the peculiar ridge of hair that
decorates the neck of the hyena is absent in the Hunting-Dog, and the hindei
quarters are not marked by that strange sloping form which is so characteristic of the

^l/1

Sb

-.'•M

&*

HUNTING-DOa.— Lyedoa veaatlcus.

hyena and the Aard wolf itself. The teeth are almost precisely like those of the dogs,
with the exception of a slight difference in the false molars, and therefore are quite dis-
tinct from those of the hyenas. But the feet are only furnished with four toes instead
of five, which is a characteristic of the hyenas, and not of the dogs. Several other
remarkable points of structure are found in this curious animal, some of them tending to
give it a position among the dogs, and others appearing to refer it to the hyenas.

The general color of the Hunting-Dog is a reddish or yellowish brown, marked at
wide intervals with large patches of black and white. The nose and muzzle are black,
and the central line of the head is marked with a well-defined black stripe, which reaches
to the back of the head. The ears are extremely large, and are covered on both their
faces with rather short black hairs. From their inside edge rises a large tuft of long
white hair, which spreads over and nearly fills the cavity of the ear. The tail is covered

342 THE HUNTING-DOG.

with long bushy hair, which is for the greater part of a grayish-white hue, but is strongly
tinged with black near its insertion. In nearly all specimens there is a whitish patch
below each eye. These tints are somewhat variable in different individuals, but preserve
the same general aspect in all.

There are many names by which this animal has been called ; in the writings of some
authors it is mentioned under the title of the Painted Hyena, while by others it is
termed the Hyena-Dog. The Dutch colonists of the Cape of Good Hope, where this
creature is generally found, speak of it by the name of Wilde Hund, or Wild Dog ;
and it is also known under the names of Simir and Melbia.

Its title of Hunting-Dog is earned by its habit of pursuing game by fair chase, and
uniting in packs of considerable numbers for that purpose. As is the case with the
generality of predaceous animals, it prefers the night for its season of attack, but will
frequently undertake a chase in broad daylight. For the purpose of the chase it
is well fitted, as it is gifted with long and agile limbs and with great endurance of
fatigue.

The excellent nose and admirable hunting powers of the Hunting-Dog are really
worthy of notice, when the performance of a pack of " Wilde-honden " is compared with
those of a pack of foxhounds. How frequently the fox escapes from its pursuers is
familiar to all who have paid the very least attention to the subject of field sports ; yet
we find that a pack of Hunting-Dogs will very seldom permit their prey to escape them,
even though they are unassisted by the efforts of human allies.

A successful and practical sportsman, who has witnessed the performances of fox-
hounds and Hunting-Dogs, is inclined to give the palm to the latter animals, for their
almost invariable success in the chase. He suggests that to the ample nostrils and
the wide forehead of the Hunting-Dog must be attributed much of the keen scent and
the apt intelligence that renders these animals so successful in their united efforts. He
also offers a further suggestion, that it appears as though freedom were a necessary
adjunct to the hunting spirit, for we cannot train any animal to hunt with half the
real zest which the same creature exhibits in its native or wild state.

This animal is not unfrequently found to prefer the easy task of attacking a sheepfold
or a cattle-pen to the more laborious though more legitimate pursuit of prey in the
open country. In such a case, it does terrible damage in a single night, and the owner
of flocks and herds will sometimes find when he visits his cattle in the morning that
many of them have grievously suffered from the inroads of these hungry animals.

The Hunting-Dogs are always very cautious in their approach when they are dealing
with oxen, horses, or other powerful animals ; but when they choose to make an
onslaught upon a flock of sheep they use no precaution, and rush boldly to the
hazardless enterprise. They are peculiarly addicted to biting off the tails of oxen,
and causing thereby no small present suffering, and very great future inconvenience,
for the climate of Southern Africa is so admirably adapted to the production and
nourishment of certain predaceous flies, that a poor ox which has been deprived of his
tail is in very bad case indeed, and suffers greatly from the gnats and other winged foes
which congregate in clouds around any animal which is at all pervious to their attacks.
As the Hunting-Dog is not very careful in using his teeth, and always takes as much as
possible of his victim's tail, he sometimes makes such rude onslaughts that he inflicts
mortal damage on his prey, especially on the colts and the calves.

When brought under human control, it is rather apt to retain its native ferocity, and
to reject the companionship of mankind. Yet it has been known to enter into friendship
with other animals, such as the hyena and the lion, and was not more quarrelsome than
is ordinarily the case among predaceous animals of different species. The experiment
of its domestication has not as yet been fairly tried ; and in all probability the creature
will yield to the influence of man without any difficulty, whenever it may be subjected
to the authority of a competent teacher. The innate treachery of its disposition may
be traced to the suspicious wariness which is always found in those predaceous animals
which are strong enough to obtain their food by the destruction of animal life, and
which are not sufficiently powerful to feel themselves secure from the attacks of other
animals which are larger or stronger than themselves.

WEASELS.

343

GROUP OF BRITISH WEASELS.

WEASELS.

NEXT in order to the dogs, is placed the large and important family of the WEASELS,

.tatives of which are found in almost every portion of the earth. There is

mg marvellously serpentine in the aspect and structure of the members of

family,-the Mustdlida, as they called, from the Latin would musftta,

344 WEASELS.

which signifies a Weasel. Their extremely long bodies and very short legs, together
with the astonishing perfection of the muscular powers, give them the capability of
winding their little bodies into the smallest possible crevices, and of waging successful
battle with animals of twenty times their size and strength.

There are many species which are known to be ranged under the banners of this
family, all of which are remarkable for their boldness and their ferocity, and many of
which have gained much fame from their agility. Some of them, such as the badger
and the ratels, are plantigrade in their manner of walking ; /. e., they place the whole
of the foot flat on the ground when they walk. Others, such as the stoats, polecats,
and otters, are digitigrade, /. e., they only place the tips of the toes on the ground in
walking. Nearly all the Weasels are excellent climbers, being able to run up the per-
pendicular trunks of trees with perfect ease, and to pervade the branches in search of
their prey. They can also leap to a considerable distance ; a circumstance which is
worthy of notice, because their short legs would seem to be very little adapted for such
an accomplishment.

In the engraving on page 343, the various British members of the Weasel tribe are
depicted.

In the foreground is seen a group of common Weasels, one of them emerging from a
cleft in the earth. Just above them a stoat is represented as having killed a hare, and
engaged in drinking the blood as it flows from the fatal wound. Another stoat is as-
cending the tree. On the branches of the tree several martens are crouching. In the
river a pair of otters are engaged in the capture of their finny prey, and a badger is
standing on the river-bank.

The teeth of the Mustelidae are eminently predaceous in their character : the canines
being long, sharp, and slightly curved backwards, while the molars are studded with
points and edges in a manner somewhat similar to those of the cat.

Still, the teeth are not so exclusively carnivorous as those of the cats, as in the molar
teeth there is a slight approach to the structure which permits vegetable-feeding animals
to masticate their food. Although their outer sides are furnished with the sharp-cut-
ting edges that distinguish the carnivorous from the herbivorous teeth, their inner side
are supplied with more or less rounded ridges, resembling in some degree the correspond-
ing portions in the teeth of the vegetable-feeding animals. This modification of the
grinding teeth is most conspicuous in the last molar tooth of the upper jaw, which pre-
sents a tolerably wide and smooth surface to the action of the teeth that meet it in the
lower jaw, and causes the substances that are subjected to their action to be crushed,
as by the molar teeth of vegetable-feeding animals, and not only to be cut or lacerated,
as would be the case if the teeth were wholly of the carnivorous nature.

The skull of every member of the Weasel tribe presents a peculiarity by which it
may be distinguished, without much difficulty, from that of a feline orviverrine animal.
The space between the orbit of the eye to the " occipital foramen," as the large aperture
at the base of the skull is termed, is extremely large in proportion to the size of the
skull itself, and gives to that portion of the structure a peculiar and characteristic
aspect. The hinder portion of a Weasel's skull appears to be so elongated, when com-
pared with the similar portion of a cat or a genett, that there is but little difficulty in
distinguishing them.

In absolute size, they are not very formidable ; but their nature is so fierce, their
habits so sanguinary, and their muscular powers so highly developed, that they are
most dangerous neighbors to a farm or a poultry-yard ; and their courage is so deter-
mined, that when attacked they are no insignificant enemies even to man himself.
They are nocturnal in their habits, passing the greater portion of the day in their dark-
ened abodes, where they sleep away the unwelcome hours of light, and sally out in the
evening for the purpose of procuring their nightly food. They are not, however,
exclusively nocturnal, for it is a very common event to see a stoat or a Weasel engaged
in the pursuit of its prey even during the brightest hours of the daylight ; but
as a general fact, they do not leave their homes until the shades of evening begin
to fall.

The feet of the Weasels are furnished with five toes, and are armed with sharp and

THE PINE MARTEN.

345

powerful claws. These claws, or talons, as they may be called, are in most of the
species permanently protruded; but in some examples are very slightly retractile.
The tongue of these animals is smooth to the touch, and partakes but very slightly of
that dry roughness which is so conspicuous a characteristic of the feline tongue.

Injurious as are the generality of the Weasel tribe, and unpleasant neighbors as
they may be to the poultry or rabbit fancier, they are of great consequence in the mer-
cantile world, on account of the peculiarly beautiful fur with which their bodies are
covered, and which is put to so many uses by mankind. Artists are indebted to the
Weasels for the delicate elasticity of their best brushes, and the skins of many of the
Weasel tribe are held in the highest esteem for the purpose of being formed into warm
and costly clothing. The snowy ermine, that forms the mantles of kings, and lines
their crowns, is a product of a very familiar member of the Mustelidae ; and the scarce-
ly less coveted sable is taken from the spoils of another species of Mustelidae.

PINE MARTEN.— Cartes Abletum.

FIRST on the list of Weasels are placed the agile and lively MARTENS or MARTEN
CATS, as they are sometimes termed. Two species of British Martens are generally
admitted into our catalogues, although the distinction of the species is even as yet a
mooted point. The chief distinction between the Pine and the Beech Martens is the
different tint of the throat, which in the former animal is yellow, and in the latter is
white. But it is said by many observers that this variation of tint is not of sufficient
importance to warrant a separation of the species, and that the different sexes of the
same species are marked by varying depth of color in the throat, the male possessing
a darker tinge of yellow than the female. There is also a slight difference of size
between the two sexes. Taking, however, the arguments which have been adduced on
both sides of the question the balance of probabilities lies strongly on the side of those
who consider the yellow-throated and the white-throated Martens to belong to different
species.

The PINE MARTEN is so called because it is generally found in those localities where
the pine-trees abound, and is in the habit of climbing the pines in search of prey.
It is a shy and wary animal, withdrawing itself as far as possible from the sight of man ;
and although a fierce and dangerous antagonist when brought to bay, is naturally of a
timid disposition, and shuns collision with an enemy.

It is a tree-loving animal, being accustomed to traverse the trunks and branches with
wonderful address and activity, and being enable by its rapid and silent movements to
steal unnoticed on many an unfortunate bird, and to seize it in its deadly gripe before the

346 THE PINE MARTIN.

startled victim can address itself to flight. It is a sad robber of nests, rifling them of
eggs and young, and ij^ot unfrequently adding the parent birds to its list of victims.

Even the active and wary squirrel sometimes yields up its life to this agile and stealthy
foe ; for in a hole which had been made the headquarters of a Marten were found
several of the bushy tails which are such familiar decorations of the squirrel's person.
That the squirrels had been captured and eaten by a Marten is placed beyond doubt
by the fact that the dead body of the destroyer was discovered within the hole, itself
having fallen a victim to the venomous bite of a viper. Poetical justice was visible in
this instance ; for there had evidently been a combat between the reptile and the Marten,
both having succumbed to the deadly weapons of their adversary. It is probable that
the snake was an intruder upon the Marten, and that the latter animal had, after re-
ceiving the fatal wound, retained sufficient strength to inflict such injuries upon its an-
tagonist as to deprive it of the power to escape, and ultimately to cause its death.

The damage which a pair of Martens and their young will inflict upon a poultry-yard
is almost incredible. If they can only gain an entrance into the fowl-house, they will
spare but very few of the inhabitants. They will carry off an entire brood of young
chickens, eat the eggs, and destroy the parents. Mr. William Thompson, in his admir-
able work on the Zoology of Ireland, relates an anecdote of the destructiveness of the
Martens which exhibits in a very strong light the exceeding ferocity of these little
animals.

A farmer, who had possessed twenty-one lambs, found one morning that fourteen of
them had been killed by some destructive animal, and that the murderers had not eaten
any of the flesh of their victims, but had contented themselves with sucking the blood.
On the following night the remaining seven were treated in a similar manner, and the
destroyers — a pair of Martens — were seen in the morning taking their departure from
the scene of their sanguinary exploits. They were traced to their residences, and were
found to have taken up their abode in a deserted magpie's nest in Tollymore Park.

It is found that the Martens of both species are very fond of usurping the nests of
rooks, hawks, crows, magpies, and other birds, although they sometimes prefer the
habitation of a squirrel, or the hole in a decaying tree. After a Marten has taken up its
residence in the open nest of a crow, a hawk, or other similar locality, and is quietly
sleeping in the daytime, its whereabouts is often manifested by the noisy crowd of small
birds which surround the tree, and join in a unanimous outcry against their slumbering
foe. In winter, it prefers the more genial retreats which are afforded by hollow trees,
or the clefts of rocks, where it makes a warm bed with dry leaves or grass, and is securely
sheltered from the cold atmosphere. But in the summer time it migrates to the cooler
and more airy domicile which is afforded by a deserted nest, and there takes up its abode.

A magpie's nest is a very favorite resort of the Marten, because its arched covering
and small entrance afford additional security. A boy who was engaged in bird-nesting,
and had climbed to the top of a lofty tree in order to plunder a magpie's nest, was
made painfully sensible of an intruder's presence by a severe bite which was inflicted
upon his fingers as soon as he inserted his hand into the narrow entrance. This ad-
venture occured in Belvoir Park, County Down, in Ireland.

The fur of the Pine Marten is rather valuable, especially if the animal be killed in
the winter. A really fine skin is but little inferior to the celebrated sable, and can
hardly be distinguished from it by inexperienced eyes. An ordinary skin, in good
preservation, is worth about two shillings and sixpence, before it is dressed by the furrier,
but its value is much enchanced by its quality. It is thought not to be so prolific an
animal as the Beech Marten, seldom producing above three or four at a birth, while the
latter animal has been known to nurture six or seven young at the same time. If this
circumstance be generally true, it goes far towards proving that the Beech and the Pine
Marten are really distinct animals. The head of this creature is smaller than that of
the Beech Marten, and the legs are proportionately larger.

The length of the Pine Marten is about eighteen inches, exclusive of the tail, which
measures about ten inches. The tail is covered with long and rather bushy hair, and
is slightly darker than the rest of the body, which is covered with brown hair. The tint,
however, is variable in different specimens, and even in the same individual undergoes

THE BEECH MARTIN. 347

considerable modifications, according to the time of year and the part of the world in
which it is found. It has rather a wide range of locality, being a native of the northern
parts of Europe and of a very large portion of Northern America.

THE BEECH MARTEN seems to be of rather more frequent occurrence than the Pine
Marten, from which animal it may be distinguished by the white tint of the fur on its
throat and the upper portion of its breast. On account of this circumstance, it is
sometimes called the White-throated Marten. A slight yellow tinge is sometimes
observed on its throat. There are several names by which this animal is known, such
as the Marteron, the Martern, and the Stone Marten.

In its destructive habits and its thirst for blood, it resembles the animal which has
already been described, and has earned for itself the title of " domestic," which was
applied to it by Gesner, because it is in the habit of prowling about human habitations

BEECH MARTEN.— Maries Folna.

and of concealing itself in the barns and outhouses, for the purpose of gaining access
to the poultry.

The Marten seems to be easily tamed to a certain degree, but beyond that point its
wild instincts are too firmly rooted for speedy eradication. One of these creatures was
procured when young by a shoemaker, and remained with him until it had reached
maturity. It then escaped from its adopted home, and commenced a series of depreda-
tions among the fowls which were kept by the neighbors, returning every night, and
concealing itself in the house. Its destructive energies became so troublesome that
it was at last sentenced to death by the united voices of those who had suffered from
its depredations, and paid the penalty of its many robberies.

Another Marten was captured in a rather curious manner. It had been driven from
its home, and, in order to escape the dogs that were chasing it in hot pursuit, leaped over
a precipice, and fell from a height of forty or fifty feet, without meeting with anything to
break its fall. It lay on the ground as if dead, and one of the spectators descended the
cliff, and captured the Marten. However, it soon gave indications of returning animation
by scratching and biting so fiercely that the captor was glad to put it into a bag. It soon

became tame under kind treatment, and was led about a garden by a string which was
tied round its waist.

After a while, as it was kept in a stable, it contracted a strong friendship for a horse,
and was always to be found sitting upon the horse's back. If a visitor entered, it would
growl and run about the horse in a very excited manner, sometimes sitting between his
ears, and then running along his neck and lying on his back, and playing all kinds of
similar antics. The horse seemed quite pleased with his curious little friend, and per-
mitted the Marten to run over him as much as it pleased.

Unfortunately, this strange friendship was of very short standing, for the poor Mar-
ten contrived to get into a trap, and was found in the morning quite dead. When in
captivity, it was fed on meat, birds, or even on bread and milk. It always preferred to
receive the birds before they were killed, and could not endure any disturbance while
engaged in its meal.

The Marten is a good swimmer, as well as an excellent leaper and climber, and has
been often seen to swim across a tolerably wide river when it has been hard pressed in
the chase.

Both the Pine and the Beech Martens are said to be very lively in a state of domes-
tication, if they are rightly managed and carefully tended. They are among the most
graceful of animals ; and whether they are running, climbing, leaping, or moving in
any way, all their actions are full of quick and easy grace. They are the more fitted for
a state of domestication by being free from the very offensive scent which is given forth
by many of the Mustelidae, and which makes several of those otherwise pleasing
creatures objects of utter dislike and abhorrence. There is, indeed, a very perceptible
odor in these creatures, which is caused by the substance that is secreted in a kind of
pouch which is placed near the insertion of the tail, but it is not offensive in its charac-
ter, and to many persons is even agreeable. On this account, the Pine and Beech Mar-
tens are distinguished by the title of Sweet Martens, in contradistinction to the Pole-
cat, which is termed the Foul-Marten, or Foumart, on account of the peculiarly unpleas-
ant odor which is exhaled from its person.

Even in captivity, its agility is so great that, while it is engaged in its graceful antics,
its shape can hardly be discerned. It is more watchful at night than in the daytime,
but will often awake from its slumbers during the hours of light, and recreate itself
with a little exercise. Although it is an essentially carnivorous animal, it will often eat
various vegetable substances, when it is deprived of freedom, and very probably does
so when it is at large in its native woods ; a supposition which is strengthened by the
partially herbivorous character of its molar teeth. It is said to be fond of nuts, which
it strips of their shells while they are still hanging on the tree, leaving the shattered
fragments adherent to the branches. So sharp are its teeth, and so powerful its
jaws, that one of these animals has been known to gnaw its way through the wooden
door of the room in which it was confined, and to make its escape through the
orifice.

The Martens are nearly banished from the more cultivated English counties, but still
linger in some numbers among the more rocky and wooded portions of Great Britain.
In Carnarvon and Merionethshire they are still tolerably numerous, and are frequently
hunted by hounds, as if they were foxes or other lawful game.

ONE of the most highly valued of the Weasels is the celebrated SABLE, which pro-
duces the richly tinted fur that is in such great request. Several species of this animal
are sought for the sake of their fur. They are very closely allied to the Martens that
have already been described, and are supposed by some zoologists to belong to the
same species. Besides the well-known Martes Zibellina, a North American species is
known, together with another which is an inhabitant of Japan. These two creatures,
although they are very similar to each other in general aspect, can be distinguished
from each other by the different hue of their legs and feet : the American Sable being
tinged with white upon those portions of its person, and the corresponding members
of the Japanese Sable being marked with black.

The Sable is spread over a large extent of country, being found in Siberia.

THE SABLE.

349

Kamtschatka, and in Asiatic Russia. Its fur is in the greatest perfection during the
coldest months of the year, and offers an inducement to the hunter to brave the fear-
ful inclemency of a northern winter in order to obtain a higher price for his small but
valuable commodities. A really perfect Sable skin is but seldom obtained, and will
command an exceedingly high price. An ordinary skin is considered to be worth from
one to six or seven pounds, but if it should be of the very best quality, is valued at
twelve or fifteen pounds.

In order to obtain these much-prized skins, the Sable-hunters are forced to undergo
the most terrible privations, and often lose their lives in the snow-covered wastes in
which the Sable loves to dwell. A sudden and heavy snow-storm will obliterate in a
single half-hour every trace by which the hunter had marked out his path, and, if it
should be of long continuance, may overwhelm him in the mountain " drifts " which are
heaped so strangely by the fierce tempests that sweep over those fearful regions. Should
he not be an exceedingly experienced hunter, possessed of a spirit which is undaunted
in the midst of dangers, and of a mind which is stored with the multitudinous precepts
of hunters' lore, he is certain to sink under the accumulated terrors of his situation, and

SABLE.- Maries Zlbelllaa.

to perish by cold and hunger in the midst of the snow-sea that rolls in huge white bil-
lows over the face of the country.

At the best, and when he meets with the greatest success, the privations which he is
called upon to undergo are of the most fearful character, and he rarely escapes without
bearing on his person the marks of the terrible labor which he has performed.

The Sables take up their abode chiefly near the banks of rivers and in the thickest
parts of the forests that cover so vast an extent of territory in those uncultivated regions.
Their homes are usually made in holes which the creatures burrow in the earth, and
are generally made more secure by being dug among the roots of trees. Sometimes
however, they prefer to make their nests in the hollows of trees, and there they rear
their young. Some authors, however, deny that the Sable inhabits subterranean bur-
rows, and assert that its nest is always made in a hollow tree. Their nests are soft and
warm, being composed chiefly of moss, dried leaves, and grass.

Their food is said to partake partially of a vegetable and partially of an animal
character, according to the season of the year. In the summer time, when the hares
and other animals are rambling about the plains and forests, the Sable takes advantage
of their presence, and kills and eats them. But when the severity of the winter frost
has compelled these creatures to remain within their domiciles, the Sable is said to feed

350 THE SABLE.

upon the wild berries that it finds on the branches. The hunters assert that the Sable
is not content to feed only on the hares and such like animals, which constitute the
usual prey of the larger Weasels, but that it is in the habit of killing and devouring
the ermine and the smaller members of the Weasel tribe. Even birds fall victims to
these agile and voracious animals, being often overtaken in their flight among the
branches of trees by a well-aimed leap and a sharp stroke of the fore-paws.

Sometimes the ordinary supplies of food fail, and then the Sable enacts the part of
parasite to some larger animal, such as a bear or a wolf, and, following on its track,
endeavors to gain a subsistence by feeding on the remnants of the prey which may
be taken by the superior powers of its unwitting ally.

The Sables are taken in various modes. Sometimes they are captured in traps, which
are formed in order to secure the animal without damaging its fur. Sometimes they are
fairly hunted down by means of the tracks which their little feet leave in the white
snow, and are traced to their domicile. A net is then placed over the orifice, and by
means of a certain pungent smoke which is thrown into the cavity, the inhabitant is
forced to rush into the open air, and is captured in the net. The hunters are forced
to support themselves on the soft yielding surface of the snow by wearing " snow-
shoes," or they would be lost in the deep drifts which are perfectly capable of support-
ing so light and active an animal as the Sable, but would engulf a human being before
he had made a second step.

It now and then happens that the Sable is forced to take refuge in the branches of
a tree, and in that case it is made captive by means of a noose which is dexterously
flung over its head.

On examining the fur of the Sable, it will be seen to be fixed to the skin in such a
manner that it will turn with equal freedom in all directions, and lies smoothly in what-
ever direction it may be pressed. The fur is rather long in proportion to the size of the
animal, and extends down the limbs to the claws. The color is a rich brown, slightly
mottled with white about the head, and taking a gray tinge on the neck.

Even in the localities where it is most usually found it is by no means a common
animal, and is so cautious that it is not easily induced to enter a trap or to permit itself
to be outwitted by its pursuers. Should the hunter prefer to catch the Sable in traps,
he thinks himself fortunate if he secures a Sable in every eight or ten traps. Some-
times, on going the round of his traps, which is a task of great labor and difficulty, and
involves a journey of many miles, he finds them all empty, and the baits gone, having
been devoured by some crafty animal that has followed the hunter in his course for
the sole purpose of robbing the traps of their baits.

When domesticated, the Sable exhibits no small amount of intelligence, and can be
tamed with considerable success. One of these animals was an inhabitant of the palace
belonging to the Archbishop of Tobolsk, and was so thoroughly domesticated, that it was
accustomed to wander at will about the city and pay visits to the inhabitants. Two
other specimens of the same creature were tamed, but not to so complete a degree. They
used to sleep during the greater part of the day, but were peculiarly vigilant and restless
during the night. After partaking of food, they always became exceedingly drowsy, and
would sleep so soundly that they might be shaken, pinched, or even pricked with a sharp
instrument without giving any signs of awakening. This curious somnolence would
generally last from thirty minutes to one hour. They exhibited a great dislike
to cats, and if they saw one of those animals, would rise on their hind-legs as if to
fight it.

The mode of attack is the same in all the members of the Weasel tribe. They always
endeavor, as far as possible, to steal unperceived upon their intended prey, and then to
fasten suddenly upon the doomed animal by means of their sharp teeth, and tightly
clinging paws. They always endeavor to seize their victim by the back of the head,
and with a single bite drive their long canine teeth into the brain. They seem to be
singularly and literally bloodthirsty in character, delighting to suck the blood of the
animals which they have destroyed.

Unfortunately for the possessors of rabbits, poultry, or similar creatures, the
whole of the Weasel tribe are sad epicures in their taste, and will wreak far more

THE WOOD-SHOCK, OR PEKAN.

35'

JAPANESE SABLE.— Martes Melanopus.

destruction in a farmyard than if they were possessed of greater powers and smaller
discrimination.

Oftentimes they are most wantonly destructive, killing great numbers of victims and
contenting themselves with drinking the blood, without attempting even to tear the
flesh in any other manner. This method of attack is well exemplified in the case of
the stoat, and will be alluded to when that animal is described in its place among the
Mustelidae.

The size of the Sable is about equal to that of the marten, being about eighteen
inches in length exclusive of the tail. It is not a very prolific animal, as it seldom
produces more than five young at a birth, and is generally content with three. March
and April are the months in which the young Sables are born, so that they are not
likely to suffer from the want of proper nourishment until they have gained sufficient
strength to search for food on their own account.

WOOD-SHOCK, OR PEKAN.-yMartes Canadensls.

The PEKAN, more popularly termed the WOOD-SHOCK, is a native of Canada and
other parts of America, and is of some value on account of its fur, which is nearly
as useful, although not so valuable, as that of the sable, with which animal it is very

352 THE POLECAT.

closely allied. The color of its fur is generally of a grayish-brown, the gray tint
being found chiefly on its back, head, neck, and shoulders, and the legs, tail, and
back of the neck marked with a much darker brown.

Its habitation is usually made in burrows, which it excavates on the banks of
rivers, choosing that aqueous locality on account of the nature of its food, which
consists of fish and various quadrupeds which live near the water. Hunting the
Wood-shock is a diversion which is greatly in vogue, and is especially followed by
the younger portions of the community, who find in this water-living, earth-burrowing,
sharp-toothed animal, a creature which affords plenty of sport to themselves and their
dogs, while it is not a sufficiently powerful antagonist to cause any great danger to its
foes, if it should be driven to despair and assume the offensive, instead of yielding in
sullen silence.

The POLECAT has earned for itself a most unenviable fame, having been long cele-
brated as one of the most noxious pests to which the farmyard is liable. Slightly
smaller than the marten, and not quite so powerful, it is found to be a more deadly
enemy to rabbits, game, and poultry, than any other animal of its size.

It is wonderfully bold when engaged upon its marauding expeditions, and maintains
an impertinently audacious air even when it is intercepted in the act of destruction.
Not only does it make victims of the smaller poultry, such as ducks and chickens, but
attacks geese, turkeys, and other larger birds with perfect readiness. This ferocious
little creature has a terrible habit of destroying the life of every animal that may be in
the same chamber with itself, and if it should gain admission into a henhouse will kill
every one of the inhabitants, although it may not be able to eat the twentieth part of its
victims. It seems to be very fond of sucking the blood of the animals which it destroys,
and appears to commence its repast by eating the brains. If several victims should come
in its way, it will kill them all, suck their blood, and eat the brains, leaving the re-
mainder of the body untouched.

There is a beautifully merciful provision in this apparently cruel habit of the Pole-
cat, by which the creatures that are doomed to fall under its teeth and claws are spared
from much suffering. The first bite which a Polecat delivers is generally sufficiently
powerful to drive the long canine teeth into the brain, and to cause instantaneous in-
sensibility, if not instantaneous death. Its habit of drawing the blood from the veins is
another preservative against suffering, for the wounded animal is thus deprived of life
while its senses are deadened by the injury to the brain, and the possibility of a linger-
ing death prohibited. Nearly all the members of the Weasel tribe are remarkable for
this development of a sanguinary nature, but in none of them is it more conspicuous
than in the Polecat.

This animal is not only famous for its bloodthirsty disposition, but for the horrid
odor which exhales from its body, and which seems to be partially under the control
of the owner. When the Polecat is wounded or annoyed in any way, this disgusting
odor becomes almost unbearable, and has the property of adhering for a long time to
any substance with which it may come in contact. This odor is produced by a secre-
tion which is found in a small pouch near the tail. The stoat and the weasel are more
than sufficiently tainted with this powerfully rank odor, but in the Polecat it is insuffera-
bly fetid. From this circumstance the Polecat is termed the Foul-marten, or
Foumart. Sometimes it is called the Fulimart, which is evidently a mere varia-
tion of the same word. It is also called the Fitchet a name which is well known
to artists as being the title of the animal from whose fur their best brushes are
produced.

The hairs from which the brushes are manufactured are those long, sharp, and
glistening hairs which protrude through the soft coating of woolly fur that lies next the
skin and serves to preserve the animal from the effects of cold and moisture. The color
of these longer hairs is a rich shining brown, of a very dark hue, and that of the inner fur
is a pale yellow. It follows, therefore, that the color of the fur differs according to the
comparative length of the two kinds of hair ; that on the back being of a dark brown,
because the long brown hairs are more numerously and closely set together ; while the

THE POLECAT.

353

fur of the under portions are on a much lighter tint, because the brown hairs are shorter
and fewer in number, and permit the soft yellow fur to appear. The outer skin, with
its covering of fur, is of some value, and is used for the purpose of clothing as well as of
the manufacture of brushes. Indeed, it is sometimes fraudulently employed in imita-
tion of the true sable, and is sold under that title.

The Polecat does not restrict itself to terrestrial game, but also wages war against the
inhabitants of rivers and ponds. Frogs, toads, newts, and fish are among the number
of the creatures that fall victims to its rapacity. It has been known to take great
numbers of frogs and toads, and to lay them up as a living store of food in a corner of
its habitation, and to guard against their escape by a bite upon the brain of each victim,
which produced a kind of perpetual drowsiness, and prohibited them from any active
exertion. Large stores of eels have also been found in the larder of a Polecat, — a
remarkable circumstance, when we consider the slippery agility of the eel, and its powers
of swimming when immersed in
its native element. Even the
formidably defended nests of the
wild bees are said to yield up
their honeyed stores to the fear-
less attack of this rapacious
creature.

As to rabbits, hares, and other
small animals, the Polecat seems
to catch and devour them almost
at will. The hares it can capture
either by stealing upon them as
they lie asleep in their " forms,"
or by patiently tracking them
through their meanderings, and
hunting them down fairly by
scent. The rabbits flee in vain
for safety into their subterranean
strongholds, for the Polecat is
quite at home in such localities,
and can traverse a burrow with
greater agility than the rabbits
themselves. Even the rats that are found so plentifully about the water-side are oc-
casionally pursued into their holes and there captured. Pheasants, partridges, and all
kinds of game are a favorite prey with the Polecat, which secures them by a happy
admixture of agility and craft. So very destructive are these animals, that a single
family is quite sufficient to depreciate the value of a warren or a covert to no small ex-
tent.

Although so injurious to the property of the farmer, the Polecat is not without its use.
It certainly commits sad havoc among game, and if it can obtain admittance into a
poultry-house, is sure to scatter destruction around it. But it is quite as deadly an
enemy to the rats as to the poultry, although its rat-killing performances do not attract
so much attention as its evil conduct towards game and poultry. In some parts of the
world, the Polecat is taken under the protection of the farmers, who have an idea
that the animal is penetrated with a sense of hospitality, and will do no damage to the
property of the man whose farm-buildings afford it a shelter. It is true that the hen-
roosts are frequently depopulated, but this mischance is laid on the shoulders of a Pole-
cat which is the guest of some distant farmer, and which is not bound by any ties of
gratitude.

The Polecat is a tolerably prolific animal producing four or five young at a litter.
The locality which the mother selects for the nursery of her future family is generally
at the bottom of a burrow, which is scooped in light and dry soil, defended if possible by
the roots of trees. In this subterranean abode a warm nest is constructed, composed
of various dried leaves and of moss, laid with singular smoothness. The young Polecats
23

POLECAT. -Prtorfa* faetidus.

354 THE FERRET.

make their appearance towards the end of May or the beginning of June. Sometimes
the nest is made in a deserted rabbit-burrow, sometimes in the deep and dark crannies
which are often found in rocky localities, and sometimes in the interstices which exist
between large and rough stones when they are thrown loosely into a heap. If a stone-
heap should be covered with grass or brushwood, the Polecat seems to be better pleased
than if the component parts were bleak and bare, and is more likely to take up its
residence within its recesses. On one occasion, when a Polecat had entered a rabbit's
burrow for the purpose of destroying the inmates, it was followed by a ferret, which
had been sent into the burrow by its master for the same object. As the ferret re-
mained in the burrow for a very long time, its master became impatient, and think-
ing that it might have settled itself to sleep, began to stamp on the ground and to
shout into the hole, in order to awaken the slumbering animal.

After a while, to use the language of the narrator, " I heard a faint noise, which
resembled the squeak of a ferret. I was all astonishment, and could not account
for it ; I listened again, and the noise grew louder, as if proceeding from more than one
animal. Presently I observed the ferret's tail, and soon afterwards saw that it was
struggling hard to bring something out of the burrow, which I thought must be a rab-
bit. The ferret continued to drag its prey to the mouth of the hole, when, to my as-
tonishment, I found it closely interlocked with a male Polecat ; they had fastened like
bull-dogs on each other's necks. The Polecat, when it saw me, did not quit its hold,
but redoubled its efforts, and dragged the ferret back into the earth, when the squeak-
ing was resumed.

I now feared for the ferret's life, but soon observed it again bringing its opponent to
the mouth of the hole, so I drew back, hoping that it might be brought out for me to
take a shot. This never however happened, for the Polecat again rallied, kept its hold
fast, and the belligerent parties once more disappeared.

I neither saw nor heard anything of them for some time, and again feared for my
little champion's life. But a third time I saw it dragging out its antagonist with renewed
vigor. The ferret brought its opponent to the mouth of the hole, when a desperate
struggle ensued, and just as I expected to see the Polecat defeated, the ferret, quite
exhausted, relinquished the combat and came hopping towards me, considerably man-
gled about the throat. Its enemy did not dare to follow, but stood deliberately snuff-
ing up the air at the mouth of its burrow. I took aim at the Polecat, and, strange to
say, my gun missed fire at least four or five times, when the little hero, turning quickly
round, escaped into the earth, thus failing with my auxiliaries, my ferret and my
gun.

I attribute the defeat of the ferret to the inevitable loss of vigor which every
animal must suffer when confined under the dominion of man, and restrained from
those habits of invariable instinct which in their natural state produces in them the
great height of perfection."

IN no manner is the dominion of mankind over the inferior animals more powerfully
asserted than in his power of subjecting them to his influence, and bending their natural
instincts to his service. There really appears to be hardly any group of animals, and,
indeed, but very few families, which do not furnish their quota to the number of the serv-
ants of the human race.

We have already seen that several species of the monkey race are employed in the
service of the human inhabitants of their native land. The bats appear to have escaped
at present from the service of mankind, although it has been proved that they are
possessed of a considerable amount of intellect, and can be tamed without difficulty.
Among the cats, the cheetah and the caracal are examples of wild animals whose de-
structive instinct has been employed in the service of mankind. Several species of the
civet tribe have been taught to chase and destroy rats, mice, or other domestic pests,
while the services which are rendered to mankind by the dog are too well known to need
more than a passing reference.

Even those unpromising animals, the weasels, can be subjected to the wondrous
super-eminence of the human intellect. The FERRET is well known as the constant

THE FERRET.

355

v

ffl *',&•&.

ik *. Jft<

companion of the rat-catcher and the rabbit-hunter, being employed for the purpose of
following its prey into their deepest recesses, and of driving them from their strong-
holds into the open air, when the pursuit is taken up by its master. The mode in which
the Ferret is employed will be presently related.

Some writers have thought the Ferret to be identical in species with the polecat, and
have strengthened this opinion by the well-known fact that a mixed breed between
these two animals is often employed by those who study the development and the
powers of the Ferret.

However, the most generally received opinion of the present day considers the Ferret
to be a distinct species. Mr. Bell, in his work on the British Quadrupeds, remarks
that the different geographical range which is inhabited by these creatures is one of
the most striking arguments in favor of the distinction of the species. The polecat is
found in the northern parts of Europe, bearing the severest cold with impunity, and
able to track its prey for many miles over the snow. But the Ferret is originally a
native of Africa, and is most sensitive to cold, needing artificial means whereby it can
be preserved from the cold air of our English climate, and perishing if it be exposed
to the frosts of winter. When the Ferret is kept in a state of domestication, the box
or hutch in which it resides must
be amply supplied with hay, wool,
or other warm substances, or the
creature will soon pine away and
die.

It sometimes happens that a
Ferret escapes from its owners,
and making its way into the near-
est wood or warren, remains in
its new quarters until the end of
autumn, living quite at its ease,
and killing rabbits and game at
its leisure. But when the cold
weather draws near, and the frosty
nights of autumn begin to herald
the frosty days of winter, the
Ferret will do its best to return
to its captivity and its warmer
bed, or, failing in its attempt, will
die. That a Ferret should es-
cape is by no means an unlikely
circumstance, for the creature is
so active of limb and so serpentine of body that it can avail itself of the very smallest
opening, and, when once at liberty, can conceal itself with such address that it is very
rarely recovered.

Some years ago, an escaped Ferret was discovered in its usurped burrow, and most
gallantly captured by a young lad who was at the time among the number of my pupils.
He was prowling round a small, thickly-wooded copse, in search of birds' nests, when
he saw a sharply-pointed snout protruding from a rabbit-hole in the bank which edged
the copse, and a pair of fiery little eyes gleaming like two living gems in the semi-dark-
ness of the burrow. Being a remarkably silent and reticent lad, he told no one of his
discovery, but went into the village, and presently returned, bearing a little dead kitten
which had just been drowned. He then crept to the foot of the bank which overhung the
burrow, and holding the dead kitten by its tail, lowered it into the hole. The Ferret
made an immediate spring at the prey which had made so opportune an arrival, and
was jerked out of the burrow before it could loosen its hold.

The lad grasped the Ferret across the body, but as he was lying in such a manner that
he could only use his left arm, the enraged animal began to bite his hand in the most
furious manner. However, the young captor could not be induced to let the Ferret es-
cape, and with great presence of mind whirled the creature round with such rapidity that it

FERRET.— Mustela Furo.

356 THE FERRET.

was soon rendered almost senseless by giddiness, and gave him an opportunity of grasp-
ing it with his right hand. The Ferret could not bite while thus held, and was borne
triumphantly home, in spite of the wounds which had been inflicted on the hand. The
bite of an enraged Ferret is of a very severe character, and, probably in consequence
of the nature of its food, is difficult to heal and extremely painful.

It is a fierce little animal, and is too apt to turn upon its owner, and wound him
severely before he suspects that the creature is actuated by any ill intentions. I once
witnessed a rather curious example of the uncertainty of the Ferret's temper. A lad
who possessed a beautiful white Ferret had partially tamed the creature, and thought
that it was quite harmless. The Ferret was accustomed to crawl about his person,
and would permit itself to be caressed almost as freely as a cat. But on one unfortunate
morning, when its owner was vaunting the performances of his prot'egte — for it was a
female — the creature made a quiet but rapid snap at his mouth, and drove its teeth
through both his lips, making four cuts as sharply defined as if they had been made
with a razor.

Still the Ferret is really susceptible of kind feeling, and has been often known to be
truly tamed. One of these animals was accustomed to accompany its master when he
took a walk in the country, and was permitted to range at will. Round its neck a little
bell was hung, so as to give indications of its presence, but it was so extremely tame
that this precaution was hardly needed. It would follow its master like a dog and if
he ran away would hunt his footsteps, anxiously and eagerly seeking for his presence.
This was a Polecat-ferret.

When Ferrets are used for the purpose of hunting rabbits, their mouths are securely
muzzled before they are permitted to enter the burrows ; as, if their teeth were at
liberty they would in all probability kill the first rabbit which they met, and remain in
the burrows for the purpose of sucking its blood. They are purposely kept without
their ordinary meals before they are taken into the field, and are therefore especially anx-
ious to secure their prey. Several modes of muzzling the Ferret are in vogue : some of
them being as humane as is consistent with the act of fastening together the jaws
of any animal, and others being most shamefully cruel. Not many years agp, it was
the general custom to sew up the lips of the poor creature every time that it was used
for hunting, and elaborate descriptions of this process are given in the sporting books
of the period. Leathern muzzles are made especially for the purpose, and are the
best that can be adopted ; but in their absence, the Ferret's mouth can be effectually
closed by means of two pieces of string, one of which is placed round the neck
and the other under the jaws, and the four ends tied together at the back of the
neck.

Almost any Ferret will enter a rabbit-burrow and drive out the inmates, for the rabbits
do not even think of resisting their pursuer, and flee before him with all their might.
But there are comparatively few Ferrets that will venture to enter a rat-Jiole, especially
after they have suffered once or twice from the sharp teeth of those voracious rodents.
If the Ferret is accustomed to chase rabbits, it becomes totally useless for the pur-
poses of the rat-catcher, for it will not venture even to face a well-grown and vicious
old rat, and much less will it dare to enter the burrow. After suffering from the bite
of a rat, the Ferret is seized with a very great respect for a rat's teeth, and will not
willingly place itself within reach of those sharp-edged weapons. As has been graphic-
ally said by a practical rat-catcher, to force such a Ferret into a rat-hole is " like
cramming a cat into a boot, and as for hunting, it is out of the question."

When a Ferret is possessed of sufficient skill and courage to face its long-tailed foes,
and has been perfectly trained to the service, it can achieve wonders in open fight, and
is a most valuable animal. As a general fact, a large gray old rat will beat off a Ferret,
if it can only back itself into a corner so as to prevent an attack from behind ; but
when the Ferret is well trained to the business, it becomes a most destructive rat-slayer.
There is a very graphic narrative in Mr. J. Rodwell's work on rats, which not only shows
the wonderful powers of the Ferret, but gives a good description of the modes of attack
and defence which are practised by both animals.

THE POLECAT-FERRET.

357

"One evening I called upon an acquaintance of mine, and found him just going to
decide a wager respecting a large male Ferret of the polecat breed, which was to de-
stroy fifty rats within the hour. It must be borne in mind that this Ferret was trained
for the purpose.

The rats were placed in a large square measuring eight or ten feet from corner to
corner. The Ferret was put in, and it was astonishing to see the systematic way in
which he set about his work. Some of the larger rats were very great cowards, and
surrendered with scarcely a struggle ; while some of the smaller, or three-parts-grown
ones, fought most desperately. One of these drew my particular attention. The Ferret,
in making his attacks, was beaten off several times, to his great discomfiture ; for the
rat bit him most severely. At last the Ferret bustled the fight, and succeeded in
getting the rat upon its back, with one of his feet upon the lower part of its belly. In
this position they remained for some minutes, with their heads close to each other and
their mouths wide open. The Ferret was rather exhausted with his former conflicts,
and every move he made the rat bit him. At last he lost his temper, and making one
desperate effort, he succeeded in getting the rat within his deadly grasp. He threw
himself upon his side, and drawing the rat close to him, he fixed his teeth in its
neck.

While thus engaged, a rat was running carelessly about. All at once, when near the
Ferret, it threw up its head as if a new idea had struck it : it retreated till it met with
another, and it was astonishing to see the instantaneous effect produced in the second.
Off they ran together to the corner where the Ferret lay. The fact was, they scented the
blood of either the rat or the Ferret, which in both was running in profusion. Without any
further ceremony they seized the
Ferret fast by the crown of the
head, and drew themselves up
for a comfortable suck of warm
blood. The Ferret, feeling the
smart, thought it was his old op-
ponent that was struggling in his
grasp, and bit his lifeless victim
most furiously. Presently he let
go the dead rat and seemed as-
tounded at the audacity of the
others. He began to struggle,
and they seemed quite offended
at being disturbed at their repast.
He very soon, however, suc-
ceeded in catching hold of one
of them, and the other ran away ;
but only for a few seconds. The
Ferret demolished the whole fifty
considerably under the hour."

Two kinds of Ferrets are em-
ployed for the purpose of hunting

game ; the one, a creamy-white creature, with bright pink eyes, and the other a much dark-
er and fiercer-looking animal, which is the mixed offspring of the polecat and the Ferret.
This is the animal which is called the Polecat-ferret in the above mentioned anecdote.

The same author mentions several curious instances of single combat between rats
and Ferrets, in which the latter animals were successfully resisted. On one occasion,
when he was walking in the fields, accompanied by the tame Ferret which has already
been described, a sharp conflict took place between the Ferret and a female water-rat
which was defending her young. Not seeing the first attack, the owner of the Ferret
thought that his favorite had wounded its nose against a spike, for it was bleeding
profusely, and seemed to be in great distress. Presently, however, the cause of its wounds
became apparent, in the person of a large rat, which darted fiercely at him from the cover
of a bunch of grass, and with the force of her spring fairly knocked him off his legs.

POLECAT-FERRET.

358 THE POLECAT-FERRET.

When the grass-tuft was removed, a litter of young rats was seen, over whom
the mother was keeping such undaunted watch. She did not attempt to escape, but
ever and anon, as the Ferret drew within a certain distance, she flew at him, and knocked
him over, inflicting a fresh bite on every attack, so that the assailant was being worsted.
At last, being encumbered with the weight of two little rats, which clung too firmly to
their parent, she made a false leap, and was seized in the fatal embrace of the Ferret,
who would soon have put an end to the valiant defender of her young had not the
owner of the Ferret come to the rescue and disengaged the cruel teeth from their hold.
But so furious was the mother rat, that when she was released from her foe she again
flew at it, and inflicted several severe bites. Its owner then held the Ferret by its tail,
and was carrying it away, when the rat, after making several ineffectual springs, actually
leapt upon him, ran up his legs and body, and along his outstretched arm, so as to get at
her hated enemy, on whom she inflicted another bite and fell to the ground. A second
time she attempted this manoeuvre, and when frustrated in her wishes, set up her back
and bade defiance to man and beast.

To the honor of the human spectator, he took a great interest in the valiant little
animal, and regularly supplied her with food until her offspring were able to shift for
themselves.

The practice of muzzling the Ferret when it is wanted for the purpose of hunting
seems not to be invariably necessary, for one practical sportsman asserts that, except in
the case of very young Ferrets, the best plan is to leave the creature's mouth free, and
to feed it moderately before it is permitted to enter the burrows. It sometimes happens
that a rabbit is so stricken by fear that it cannot be induced to leave its home, and in
that case the Ferret will waste its time in trying to urge the refractory animal to move.
But if the mouth of the Ferret should remain free, it will then speedily kill the rabbit,
and, not being hungry, will leave the dead body in the burrow, and proceed in search
of other victims.

In spite of all precautions, it does sometimes happen that the Ferret will not leave
the burrow, and in that case it must either be laboriously dug out or relinquished to
the certain fate which befalls all Ferrets when they are exposed to the frosty atmosphere
of an English winter. To drive a Ferret out of a rabbit-burrow by means of fire and smoke
is almost! an impossibility, as the animal is capable of withstanding a considerable
amount of asphyxiation with impunity, and the burrows are furnished with so many
openings to the fresh air that the stifling vapor escapes before it can be sufficiently
concentrated to have its proper effect on the delinquent.

It is evident from these few remarks that the nurture, training and management
of the Ferret is a work of some difficulty, and that a really good animal may be spoiled
by the ignorance or carelessness of its owner. An excellent Ferret was once so cowed
by the ill-result of a defeat in single combat with a rat, that it would never afterwards
even face one of these animals. The rat had been caught in a box-trap by one of its
hind legs, and the Ferret was put into the trap for the purpose of killing the rat. In a
short time, however, when the trap was opened, the Ferret rushed out, bleeding greatly,
and completely subdued. The fact was, that on account of the shape of the trap, the
Ferret was unable to have recourse to its usual mode of attack, while the rat was placed
in precisely the position which was best suited for defence.

I conclude this notice of the Ferret with a short anecdote which has been related
by Mr. Jesse, in his " Gleanings in Natural History," and quoted by Mr. Bell in the
British Quadrupeds, for the purpose of cautioning the owners of Ferrets from placing
too strict a reliance on the tameness of so bloodthirsty an animal.

A poor woman ran into the house of a surgeon, screaming with terror, and bearing
in her arms a poor child, which was terribly mangled, and had been attacked by a
Ferret. It seemed that the mother had left her infant, a child of some few months
of age, in its cradle, while she left her home on some household business. When
she returned, she found the child in a fearfully wounded state, its face, neck,
and arms being torn, some of the chief blood-vessels opened, and the eyes greatly
injured.

After attending to the wounded child, the surgeon accompanied the mother to

THE WEASEL.

359

her house, when he was surprised by the savage conduct of the Ferret, which boldly
advanced from a spot where it had hidden itself, and, as if roused to fury by the in-
fant's cries, attempted to renew its sanguinary repast. It was met by a sharp kick,
but undauntedly attacked the foot that dealt the blow, and attempted to run up the
leg. Not until its back was broken by repeated kicks did the Ferret cease from its
furious efforts ; and even when struggling in death, it seemed to be powerfully excited
by the child's cries. As the poor child had been heard by the neighbors to scream
for more than half an hour before the return of its mother, it is probable that the
savage creature had been employed for that time upon its sanguinary feast, The ex-
traordinary boldness and ferocity of the Ferret are the more remarkable because it had
been cited as a peculiarly shy animal.

ON account of its water-loving porpensities, the MINK is called by various names
that bear relation to water. By some persons it is called the Smaller Otter, or sometimes
the Musk Otter, while it is known to others under the title of the Water-Polecat. It
also goes by the name of the NUREK VISON.

The Mink is spread over a very large extent of country, being found in the most
northern parts of Europe, and also in North America. Its fur is usually brown, with
some white about the jaws, but
seems to be subject to consider-
able variations of tinting. Some
specimens are of a much paler
brown than others ; in some in-
dividuals the fur is nearly black
about the head, while the white
patch that is found on the chin
is extremely variable in dimen-
sions. The size, too, is rather
variable.

It frequents the banks of
ponds, rivers, and marshes,
seeming to prefer the stillest
waters in the autumn, and the
rapidly flowing currents in
spring. As may be supposed
from the nature of its haunts,
its food consists almost wholly
of fish, frogs, crawfish, aquatic
insects, and other creatures that
are to be found either in the
waters or in their close vicinitv.

^

The general shape of its body is not quite the same as that of the marten or ferret ;
and assumes something of the otter aspect. The teeth, however, are nearer those of the
polecat than of the otter ; and its tail, although not so fully charged with hair as the cor-
responding member in the polecat, is devoid of that muscular power and tapering form
which is so strongly characteristic of the otter. The feet are well adapted for swim-
ming, on account of a slight webbing between the toes.

The fur of this animal is excellent in quality, and is by many persons valued very
highly. By the furriers it passes under the name of " Mcenk," and it is known by two
other names, " Tutucuri " and " Ncers." As it bears a great resemblance to the fur of
the sable, it is often fraudulently substituted, for that article, — a deception which is the
more to be regretted, as the fur of the Mink is a really excellent one, handsome in its ap-
pearance, and extremely warm in character. By some authors, the identity of the Mink
with the water-polecat has been doubted, but, as it appears, without sufficient reason.

THERE is hardly any animal which, for its size, is so much to be dreaded by
the creatures on which it preys as the common WEASEL. Although its diminutive
proportions render a single Weasel an insignificant opponent to manor dog, yet it

MINK.— VISON. -Lutreola.

36°

THE WEASEL.

can wage a sharp battle even with such powerful foes, and refuses to yield except at
the last necessity.

The proportions of the Weasel are extremely small, the male being rather larger than
the opposite sex. In total length, a full-grown male does not much exceed ten inches,
of which the tail occupies more than a fifth, while the female is rather more than an
inch shorter than her mate. The color of its fur is a bright reddish-brown on the
upper parts of the body, and the under portions are of a pure white, the line of demar-
cation being tolerably well defined, but not very sharply cut. This contrast of red
and white renders it an exceedingly pretty little animal. The tail is of a uniform tint
with the body, and is not furnished with the tuft of jetty hairs that forms so con-
spicuous a decoration of the stoat.

The audacity of this little creature is really remarkable. It seems to hold every being
except itself in the most sovereign contempt, and, to all appearance, is as ready to match
itself against a man as against a mouse. Indeed, it carries its arrogant little pretensions
so far, that, if elephants were inhabitants of this country, the Weasel would be quite
willing to dispute the path with them. I remember being entirely baffled by the imper-
tinence of one of these animals, although I was provided with a gun. While I was walk-
ing along a path that skirted a corn-field, a stir took place among some dried leaves by
the hedge-side, and out ran something small and red along the bottom of the hedge.
I instantly fired, but without success, at the moving object, which turned out to be a
Weasel. The little creature, instead of running away, or appearing alarmed at the re-
port and the shot, which tore up the ground around it, coolly ran into the middle
of the path, and sitting up on . its hind legs, with its paws crossed over its nose,
leisurely contemplated me for a moment or two, and then quietly retired into the
hedge.

It is a terrible foe to many of the smaller rodents, such as rats and mice, and per-
forms a really good service to the farmer by destroying many of these farmyard pests.
It follows them wherever they may be, and mercilessly destroys them, whether they have
taken up their summer abode in the hedgerows and river-banks, or whether they have
retired to winter-quarters among the barns and ricks. Many farmers are in the habit
of destroying the Weasels, which they look upon as " vermin," but it is now generally
thought that although the Weasel must plead guilty to the crime of destroying a chicken
or duckling now and then, it may yet plead its great services in the destruction of mice
as a cause of acquittal. The Weasel is specially dreaded by rats and mice, because
there is no hole through which either of these animals can pass which will not quite
as readily suffer the passage of the Weasel ; and as the Weasel is most determined and
pertinacious in pursuit, it seldom happens that rats or mice escape when their little
foe has set itself fairly on their track.

Not only does the Weasel pursue its prey through the ramifications of the burrows,
but it possesses in a very large degree the faculty of hunting by scent, and is capable
of following its prey through all its windings, even though it should not come within
sight until the termination of the chase. It will even cross water in the chase of its
prey. When it has at last reached its victim, it leaps upon the devoted creature, and
endeavors to fix its teeth in the back of the neck, where it retains its deadly hold in
spite of every struggle on the part of the wounded animal. If the attack be rightly
made, and the animal be a small one, it can drive its teeth into the brain, and cause
instantaneous insensibility. The gamekeeper has some reason for his dislike to the
Weasel, as it is very fond of eggs and young birds of all kinds, and is too prone to rob
the nests of eggs or young. It is said that an egg which has been broken by a Wea-
sel can always be recognized by the peculiar mode which the little creature employs
for the purpose. Instead of breaking the egg to pieces, or biting a large hole in the
shell, the Weasel contents itself with making quite a small aperture at one end,
through which it abstracts the liquid contents.

So determined a poacher is the Weasel that it has been seen to capture even full-grown
birds. A Weasel has been seen to leap from the ground into the midst of a covey of
partridges, just as they were rising on the wing, and to bring one of them to the earth.
When the spectator of this curious occurrence reached the spot, he found the Weasel in

THE WEASEL.

361

the act of devouring the bird, which it had already killed. This adventure took place
at Mansfield, at the end of the month of October. The birds were more than two feet
from the ground when the attack was made upon them.

Another Weasel was seen to capture and kill a rook in a somewhat similar manner.
The rooks had discovered the Weasel in a field, and, after their custom on such occasions,
had gathered round it, and commenced mobbing it. Suddenly, just as one of the rooks
made a lower stoop than usual, the Weasel leaped at its tormentor and dashed it to the
ground. The dissonant cries of the rooks as they scolded the Weasel attracted the atten-
tion of a horseman who was passing by, who arrived at the spot just as the bird had
been killed. It lay on the ground dead, from a wound in its neck ; its murderer having
taken shelter in a neighboring hedge. As soon, however, as the horseman withdrew,
the Weasel emerged from its hiding-place, and dragged the dead rook under the shelter
of the bushes.

Although the Weasel proved the victor in this instance, it does not always meet with
equal success, especially when it matches its mental powers against those of a superior
kind. The predilection of this ani-
mal for eggs has already been
mentioned, and the Weasel will
take great pains in order to
secure the coveted luxury. A
gentleman, who had discovered
a furtive nest made by one of his
hens in a hedgerow, was witness
to a curious scene. Just as the
hen had laid an egg, she issued
from her nest, cackling triumph-
antly, as is the manner of hens
upon such occasions. A Weasel,
which had been observed at a
great distance stretching its neck
as if watching for its prey, darted
towards the spot, but just before
it reached the nest it was an-
ticipated by a crow, which seized
the egg and bore it off in triumph
Desirous of investigating the
matter further, the proprietor of
the plundered fowl would not
remove her nest, but took up his station on the succeeding day, in order to see whether
crow or Weasel would return to the attack. No sooner had he arrived at his post than
he saw the crow already perched on a neighboring tree, and in a very short time the
Weasel made its appearance also. By degrees the two animals drew nearer to the hen's
nest, and as soon as her voice gave the signal, they simultaneously started for the spoil.
As before, the wings were more than a match for the legs, and the croW again bore off
the prize.

The Weasel has been seen to catch and to kill a bunting by creeping quietly towards a
thistle on which the bird was perching and then to leap suddenly upon it before it could
use its wings. When it seizes an animal that is likely to make its escape, the Weasel
flings its body over that of its victim, as if to prevent it from struggling. In single
combat with a large and powerful rat, the Weasel has but little hope of success unless it
should be able to attack from behind, as the long chisel-edged teeth of the rat are terrible
weapons against so small an animal as the Weasel. The modes of attack employed by
the two animals are of a different character, the rat making a succession of single bites,
while the Weasel is accustomed to fasten its teeth on the head or neck of its opponent,
and there to retain its hold until it has drained the blood of its victim. The fore-legs of
the Weasel are of very great service in such a contest, for when it has fixed its teeth, it
embraces its opponent firmly in its fore-limbs, and rolling over on its side, holds its

WEASEL.— Mustela vulgarls.

362

THE WEASEL.

antagonist in its unyielding grasp, which is never relaxed as long as a spark of life is
left.

In these mortal contests, the Weasel has a considerable advantage in its long and
powerful neck, which can be twisted with a most snake-like ease, and which gives the
possessor a very serpentine aspect on occasions.

Like the polecat, and others of the same group of animals, the Weasel is most
destructive in its nature, killing many more animals than it can devour, simply for the
mere pleasure of killing. It is curious to notice how the savage mind, whether it
belong to man or beast, actually revels in destruction, is maddened to absolute frenzy
by the sight of blood, and is urged by a kind of fiery delirium to kill and to pour out the
vital fluid. Soldiers in the heat of action have often declared that everything which
they saw was charged with a blood-red hue, but that the details of the conflict had
entirely passed from their minds. A single Weasel, urged by some such destructive
spirit, has been known to make its way into a cage full of freshly-caught song-birds,
and to destroy every single bird. The little assassin was discovered lying quite at its
ease in a corner of the cage, surrounded with the dead bodies of its victims. The
angry bird-catchers sought at once for a stone wherewith to avenge themselves of the
destroyer, but before they could procure a weapon, the Weasel glided through one of
the little holes through which the birds obtain access to the water, and was speedily
concealed in a hedge beyond hope of discovery.

Even such large animals as hares have been said to fall victims to the Weasel. But
it must be borne in mind that in many parts of Great Britain the stoat goes by the
title of Weasel, and under that name obtains the credit for many of the achievements
which ought to have been attributed to the rightful perpetrator. It is said to kill and
eat moles, and this idea is strengthened by the fact that Weasels have more than once
been captured in mole-traps. These unfortunate animals were evidently snared in the
act of traversing the same passages as the mole, but whether their object was the
slaughter of the original excavators is not clearly ascertained.

The exceeding audacity of the Weasel has been already mentioned, and for proofs of
this disposition the following anecdotes are cited.

Two gentlemen were riding in the vicinity of Cheltenham, one of whom dismounted
in order to inspect some cattle in a field, leaving his horse in the charge of his com-
panion. Presently, a Weasel came out of the neighboring hedge, and fastened on the
fetlock of one of the horses, grasping so firmly that it would not loosen its hold until
it had been crushed under foot by the owner of the horse. Some little while ago, a
party of Weasels were seized with an idea that they must prevent any one from passing
near their habitation. A boy, who was obliged in his way homewards to pass very
close to the prohibited spot, was actually chased away several times by the " futterits,"
as he called them, and dared not oppose the fierce little creatures. A carrier happen-
ing to come in the direction, accompanied the boy to the spot, and was immediately
attacked by the Weasels. A few sharp blows from his whip laid the principal assail-
ants dead at his feet, and the others, seeing the fate of their comrades, left the field to
their conquerors.

There are many similar anecdotes extant, which are easily believed by those who
have seen the consummate assurance with which a party of Weasels will run from
their habitations and inspect a passing traveller. In a certain hedge, near Ashborn, in
Derbyshire, was a well-known spot whence Weasels were accustomed to emerge in,
some numbers, and to run across the path with entire indifference to the passengers.

At all times the Weasels are sufficiently precarious in their temper, and extremely apt
to take offence ; but when a mother Weasel imagines that her little ones are likely to be
endangered by man or beast, she becomes a really dangerous opponent. Even so small an
animal is capable of inflicting a very severe bite, and when she is urged by the desperate
courage which is implanted in the breast of every mother, is not unlikely to succeed in
her object before she is repelled. Moreover, she does not trust to her sole efforts, but
summons to her assistance the inhabitants of the same little community, and with their
aid will drive away an unarmed man from the neighborhood of their habitations. Several
such instances are on record, in one of which a powerful man was so fatigued with his

THE WEASEL. 363

exertions in keeping off his assailants, that he would soon have sunk under their united
attacks had he not been rescued by the timely assistance of a horseman who happened
to pass near the spot, and who came to the rescue with his whip. Urged by their blood-
thirsty instinct, the Weasels all directed their efforts to the throat, and made their
attacks in such rapid succession that their opponent was solely occupied in tearing
away the active little creatures and flinging them on the ground, without being per-
mitted the necessary leisure for killing or maiming his pertinacious antagonists.

It seems that the Weasels will unite their forces for the purposes of sport as well as
for those of attack, and will hunt down their game in regular form. Not long ago,
as a gentleman was walking in the fields, he saw a number of small objects moving in
a line, which he at first took for partridges, but which turned out to be Weasels, which
were evidently following the track of some animal by its scent. Having his gun with
him, he fired, and found that he had shot no less than six Weasels which had brought
themselves into a line with the gun.

A most curious example of mingled courage and presence of mind displayed by this
animal is related by Mr. Bell in his History of British Quadrupeds.

As a gentleman was riding over his grounds, he saw a kite pounce upon some object
and carry it from the ground. In a short time the kite showed symptoms of uneasiness,
trying to free itself from some annoying object by means of its talons, and flapping about
in a very bewildered manner. In a few minutes the kite fell dead to the earth, and when
the spectator of the aerial combat approached, a Weasel ran away from the dead body of
the bird, itself being apparently uninjured. On examination of the kite's body, it was
found that the Weasel, which had been marked out for the kite's repast, had in its turn
become the assailant, and had attacked the unprotected parts which lie beneath the wings.
A considerable wound had been made in that spot, and the large blood-vessels torn
through.

The same writer relates a curious anecdote of the conduct of a Weasel towards a
snake which was placed in the same box. The snake did not attempt to attack the
Weasel, nor the Weasel the snake, both animals appearing equally unwilling to become
the assailant. After a while, the Weasel bit the snake once or twice near the nose, but
not with any degree of violence, and as the two creatures appeared to be indifferent to
each other, the snake was removed. That this peaceable demeanor on the part of the
Weasel was not owing to any sluggishness on its own part, was made sufficiently evident
by the fact that when a mouse was introduced into the same box, the Weasel imme-
diately issued from its corner, and with a single bite laid the mouse dead. The experi-
ment was made for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Weasel would kill and eat a
snake, which had been asserted to be the case.

The fondness of the Weasel for frogs has already been recorded. A curious instance
of the nonchalant manner in which the Weasel will sometimes gratify this predilection,
occurred at a church near Oxford where I for some time officiated. One morning, during
service, a Weasel was seen to creep into the chancel through a small door which led into
the churchyard, and to walk gently into the middle of the floor. It sat up and recon-
noitred the locality for a few moments, and then retired. But in a very short time
it returned with a frog in its mouth, carried its prey into the middle of the floor, and
there ate it, undisturbed by the presence of the congregation or the sound of many voices.

That the Weasel, when its numbers are not very great, is a valuable ally to the farmer
and the poultry-fancier, is now generally acknowledged. But there are instances where it
has played the part which is generally attributed to a powerful ally, and has, after
successfully extirpating the foes against whom it was summoned, taken possession of
the country which it came to save. There was a certain fish-pond which was suddenly
invaded by a large body of rats, which bored the banks in every direction, caught and
ate the fish and were so insolent in the confidence of their numbers and strength that they
would sit openly at the mouth of their burrows, and boldly challenge any one who ap-
proached too near them. The nuisance increased with great rapidity, when it was un-
expectedly checked by the advent of a party of Weasels, which in their turn took posses-
sion of the burrows, and in a short time had driven away or killed every one of the rats.
The fish were thus saved, and their owner felt a very warm gratitude towards the

364

THE WEASEL.

Weasels for their timely interference on his behalf. However, the Weasels, having
eaten all the rats, began to extend their operations farther afield, and invaded the
neighboring premises in search of more game. Chickens, eggs, and young rabbits were
continually carried off, and the owner of the pond was soon as anxious to rid himself
of the Weasels as he had been desirous of destroying the rats. The Weasels, however,
were not so easily driven from their usurped burrows, and continued to hold their ground.
The Weasel affords another example of the hasty manner in which so many animals
are calumniated. It is said by Buffon to be wholly untameable, sullen, and savage, and
to be insensible to every kindness that could be lavished upon it. Yet we find that the
true disposition of the Weasel is of a very different character, and that there is hardly
any of our British animals which is more keenly susceptible of kindness, or which will
more thoroughly repay the kind treatment of a loving hand. A lady who had taken a
fancy to a Weasel, and had succeeded in gaining its affections, wrote a most charming
account of the habits of the little creature which she had taken under her protection.
She writes as follows : —

" If I pour some milk into my hand," says this lady, " it will drink a good deal, but if
I do not pay it this compliment it will scarcely take a drop. When satisfied, it generally
goes to sleep. My chamber is the place of its residence ; and I have found a method of
dispelling its strong smell by perfumes. By day, it sleeps in a quilt, into which it gets
by an unsewn place which it has discovered on the edge ; during the night, it is kept in
a wired box or cage, which it always enters with reluctance, and leaves with pleasure.
If it be set at liberty before my time of rising, after a thousand little playful tricks, it gets
into my bed, and goes to sleep in my hand or on my bosom. If I am up first, it
spends a full half-hour in caressing me ; playing with my fingers like a little dog, jump-
ing on my head and on my neck, and running round on my arms and body with a
lightness and elegance which I have never found in any other animal. If I present
my hands at the distance of three feet, it jumps into them without ever missing. It
exhibits great address and cunning to compass its ends, and seems to disobey certain
prohibitions merely through caprice.

During all its actions it seems solicitous to divert and to be noticed ; looking at
every jump and at every turn to see whether it be observed or not. If no notice be
taken of its gambols, it ceases them immediately, and betakes itself to sleep, and even
when awakened from the soundest sleep it instantly resumes its gaiety, and frolics
about in as sprightly a manner as before. It never shows any ill-humor, unless when
confined, or teased too much ; in which case it expresses its displeasure by a sort of
murmur, very different from that which it utters when pleased.

In the midst of twenty people this little animal distinguishes my voice, seeks me
out, and springs over everybody to come at me. His play with me is the most lively
and caressing imaginable. With his two little paws he pats me on the chin, with an air
and manner expressive of delight. This, and a thousand other preferences, show that
his attachment to me is real. When he sees me dressed for going out, he will not leave
me, and it is not without some trouble that I can disengage myself from him ; he then
hides himself behind a cabinet near the door, and jumps upon me as I pass, with so
much celerity that I often can scarcely perceive him.

He seems to resemble a squirrel in vivacity, agility, voice, and his manner of mur-
muring. During the summer he squeaks and runs about the house all the night long ;
but since the commencement of the cold weather I have not observed this. Sometimes
when the sun shines while he is playing on the bed, he turns and tumbles about and
murmurs for a while.

From his delight in drinking milk out of my hand, into which I pour a very little at
a time, and his custom of sipping the little drops and edges of the fluid, it seems prob-
able that he drinks dew in the same manner. He seldom drinks water, and then only
for want of milk, and with great caution, seeming only to refresh his tongue once or
twice, and even to be afraid of that fluid. During the hot weather it rained a good deal ;
I presented to him some rain-water in a dish, and endeavored to make him go into it,
but could not succeed. I then wetted a piece of linen cloth in it, and put it near him,
and he rolled upon it with extreme delight.

THE STOAT. 365

presented to him some rain-water in a dish, and endeavored to make him go into it,
but could not suceed. I then wetted a piece of linen cloth in it, and put it near him,
and he rolled upon it with extreme delight.

One singularity in this charming animal is his curiosity. It is impossible to open
a drawer or a box, or even to look at a paper, but he will examine it also. If he get
into any place where I am afraid of permitting him to stay, I take a paper or a book,
and look attentively at it, on which he immediately runs upon my hand, and surveys
with an inquisitive air whatever I happen to hold. I must further observe, that he
plays with a young cat and dog, both of considerable size, getting about their necks,
backs, and paws, without their doing him the slightest injury."

This amusing little creature was fed chiefly with small pieces of fresh meat, which it
preferred to receive from the hand of its mistress.

This is not a solitary instance of a Weasel being effectually tamed, for M. Giely has
recorded his success in taming a Weasel, which he had trained so perfectly that it
would follow him wherever he went. Indeed, it seems but reasonable to suppose, that
as the ferret has been rendered subservient to man, and has been domesticated to a
considerable extent, the Weasel might be equally susceptible of the same influence,
and be employed for the same purposes.

Indeed, it is very unlikely that a totally untameable animal should exist, for, as far
as has yet been known, the very creatures which gave the most unpromising indications
of ferocity or obstinacy have been the most remarkable for their docility under the
treatment of certain individuals. We should not be overpassing the bounds of credi-
bility were we to assert, that no creature in which is the breath of life is capable of
withstanding the potent influence which is given to mankind for that very purpose,
always provided that it be used with gentleness, firmness, and much patient love.

The number of young which the Weasel generally produces at each birth is four or
five, and there are said to be usually two or even three litters in each year. The nest
is generally placed in the warm cover which is afforded by a hollow tree, in the crevices
that exist in rocky ground, or in burrows which are made in dry sandy soil. The nest
is composed of dry moss and leaves.

The fur of the Weasel is sometimes powerfully influenced by the effects of the
severe cold, and has been known to become nearly white during a sharp and protracted
frost. It is worthy of notice that, in such cases, the tip of the tail does not partake
of the general change of tint, but retains its bright red hue, precisely as the tail of the
ermine retains its jetty blackness while the remainder of the fur is either white or
cream-colored. Mr. Bell remarks that he has seen a Weasel which had retained its
wintry whiteness in two spots on each side of the nose, although the remainder of the
fur had returned to its usual reddish hue during the summer months. This specimen
was captured in the extreme north of Scotland. While clad in the white garments of
winter, in which state it is frequently found in Siberia and Northern Europe, it is the
animal which was called Mustela nivalis, or snowy Weasel, by Linnaeus. Even in
England it is rather variable in tint, independently of the influence of climate ; some
individuals being less brightly tinged with red than others, while occasional specimens
are found in which the fur is of an exceedingly dark brown.

To persons who have had but little experience in the habits of wild animals, it is
generally a matter of some surprise that the celebrated Ermine fur, which is in such
general favor, should be produced by one of those very animals which we are popularly
accustomed to rank among " vermin," and to exterminate in every possible way. Yet
so it is. The highly-prized ERMINE and the much-detested STOAT are, in fact, one and
the same animal, the difference in the color of their coats being solely caused by the
larger or smaller proportion of heat to which they have been subjected.

In the summer time, the fur of the Stoat— by which name the animal will be des-
ignated, whether it be wearing its winter or summer dress, — is not unlike that of the
weasel, although the dark parts of the fur are not so ruddy, nor the light portions of
so pure a white, as in that animal. The toes and the edges of the ears are also white.

366 THE STOAT.

The change of color which takes place during the colder months of the year is now
ascertained, with tolerable accuracy, to be caused by an actual whitening of the fur,
and not by the gradual substitution of white for dark hairs, as was for some time
supposed to be the case.

The hairs are not entirely white, even in their most completely blanched state, but
partake of a very delicate cream-yellow, especially upon the under portions, while the
slightly bushy tip of the tail remains in its original black tinting, and presents a singular
contrast to the remainder of the fur. In these comparatively temperate latitudes, the
Stoat is never sufficiently blanched to render its fur of any commercial value, and the
hair appears to be longer, thicker, and whiter in proportion to the degree of latitude
in which the animal has been taken. As may be supposed, from the extreme delicacy
of the skin in its wintry whiteness, the capture of the Stoat for the purpose of obtaining
its fur is a matter of no small difficulty. The traps which are used for the purpose
of destroying the Stoat are formed so as to kill the animal by a sudden blow, without
wounding the skin ; and many of the beautiful little creatures are taken in ordinary
snares.

The object of the whitened fur of the Stoat is popularly supposed to be for the
purpose of enabling the animal to elude its enemies by its similarity to the snow-
covered ground on which it walks, or to permit it to creep unseen upon its prey. It
seems, however, that many animals partake of the same tinting, some of which, such
as the polar bear, are so powerful, that they need no such defence against enemies,
and so active in the pursuit of the animals on which they feed, that their success in
obtaining food seems to depend but little upon color. The arctic fox, which has
already been mentioned on page 336, and the lemming, which will be recorded in a
future page, are examples of this curious mutation of color.

Putting aside for the present the mode in which the fur changes its color, the real
object of the change appears to be for the purpose of defending the wearer against
the intense colds which reign in those northern regions, and which, by a beautiful
provision, are obliged to work the very change of color which is the best defence
against their powers. It is well known that black substances radiate heat more
effectually than objects which are bright and polished. This fact is popularly shown
in the bright teapots with which we are so familiar, and which are known, by practical
experience, to retain the heat for a much longer period than if their surface had been
roughened or blackened.

The reader will not fail to remark a certain coincidence between the snowy hairs
that deck the frosty brows of old age with a reverend crown and the white fur that
adds such beauty to the frost-beset Stoat. It may be that the energies of the animal
are forced, by the necessity which exists for resisting the extremely low temperature of
those icy regions, to concentrate themselves upon the vital organs, and are unable to
spare a sufficiency of blood to form the coloring matter that tinges the hair. There is
evidently an analogy between the chilly feeling that always accompanies old age and
the frosty climate that causes the Stoat's fur to whiten.

It is well known that examples of albinos occur in almost every kind of quadruped
and bird, and it seems probable that the deprivation of color is in very many cases
owing to the weak constitution of the individual. One of these albinos was a bird,
which was caught and tamed, and although it was of a cream color when it was
captured, yet assumed the usual dark plumage of the species at the first moulting
season that occurred after its capture. As the bird also appeared to be much more
healthy and lively than when it was clad in white feathers, it seems likely that the
albino state may have been caused by weakness of constitution.

It is clear that, whatever may be the immediate cause of the whitening of the hair,
the change of tint is caused by the loss of the coloring matter which tinges the hair,
and that there must be some connection between the frost-whitened Stoat, the age-
whitened human hair, and the abnormal whiteness of various albinos. I would also
mention, in connection with this subject, the curious instances where the hair of human
beings has been suddenly blanched by powerful emotion. This fact has been disputed
by several physiologists, but is now acknowledged to be true. Besides the various

THE STOAT.

367

well-attested examples which are on record, I am enabled to give my own personal
testimony to the truth of this singular phenomenon, as I have frequently seen a person
whose hair was changed in a single night from dark to gray by sudden grief and terror,
and the whole system fatally deranged at the same time.

In this country, where the lowest temperature is considerably above that of the
ordinary wintry degrees, the Stoat is very uncertain in its change of fur, and seems to
yield to or to resist the effects of the cold weather according to the individuality of the
particular animal.

In the autumn when the Stoat is beginning to assume its wintry dress, and in the
spring, when it is beginning to lose the snowy mantle of the wintry months, the fur is
generally found to be marked with irregular patches of dark and white spots, the sides of
the face appearing to be especially variable in this respect. Sometimes the animal
resists the coldest winters, and retains its dark fur throughout the severest weather, and
it sometimes happens that a Stoat will change its fur even though the winter should be
particularly mild. Mr. Thompson records, in his work on the Natural History of
Ireland, that he saw a Stoat which was captured on the 2jth of January, 1846, which
was wholly white, with the exception of a brown patch on each side of its face. Yet

STOAT, OR ERMINE (Summer Coat).— Mustela Erminea,

the winter had been remarkably mild, without any frost or snow, although there had
been abundance of rain and storms. Two white Stoats were killed in Ayrshire, in
1839, which were almost entirely white, though the frosts had been extremely mild,
and the snow had altogether been absent.

As, in the former of these examples, the weather is said to have been extremely wet,
it may be presumed that the moisture of the atmosphere and ground may have some
connection with the whitening of the hair. On account of the better radiating powers
of -dark substances, the dew and general moisture is always found to be deposited in
greater quantity on dark or dull, than on white or polished substances. Any one may
easily prove this fact, by watching the effects of the dew on a white and a red rose
growing in close proximity to each other.

The Stoat is considerably larger than the weasel, measuring rather more than four-
teen inches in total length, of which the tail occupies rather more than four inches.
There is, however, considerable difference in the size of various individuals.

It is a most determined hunter, pursuing its game with such pertinacious skill that
it very seldom permits its intended prey to escape.

Although tolerably swift of foot, it is entirely unable to cope with the great speed of

368

THE STOAT.

the hare, an animal which frequently falls a victim to the Stoat. Yet it is enabled, by
its great delicacy of scent and the singular endurance of its frame, to run down any
hare on whose track it may have set itself, in spite of the long legs and wonderful
speed of its prey. When pursued by a Stoat, the hare does not seem to put forward
its strength as it does when it is followed by dogs, but as soon as it discovers the nature
of its pursuer, seems to lose all energy, and hops lazily along as if its faculties were
benumbed by some powerful agency. This strange lassitude, in whatever manner it
may be produced, is of great service to the Stoat, in enabling it to secure an animal
which might in a very few minutes place itself beyond the reach of danger, by running
in a straight line.

In this curious phenomenon, there are one or two points worthy of notice.

Although the Stoat is physically less powerful than the hare, it yet is endowed with,
and is conscious of, a moral superiority, which will at length attain its aim. The hare,
on the other hand, is sensible of its weakness, and its instincts of conservation are
much weaker than the destructive instinct of its pursuer. It must be conscious of its
inferiority, or it would not run, but boldly face its enemy, for the hare is a fierce and
determined fighter when it is matched against animals that are possessed of twenty
times the muscular powers of the Stoat. But as soon as it has caught a glimpse of the
fiery eyes of its persecutor, its faculties fail, and its senses become oppressed with that
strange lethargy which is felt by many creatures when they meet the fixed gaze of the
serpent's eye. A gentleman who once met with a dangerous adventure with a cobra,
told me that the creature moved its head gently from side to side in front of his face,
and that a strange and soothing influence began to creep over his senses, depriving
him of the power of motion, but at the same time removing all sense of fear. So the
hare seems to be influenced by a similar feeling, and to be enticed as it were to its
fate, the senses of fear and pain benumbed, and the mere animal faculties surviving
to be destroyed by trje single bite.

I have no doubt but that this phenomenon is nearly connected with the curious
benumbing of the nerves, and the deprivation of fear which is recorded by Livingstone
in his well-known account of his adventure with a lion, which is mentioned on page
149 of this work. The preservative faculties of the hare are excited by the loud noisy
dogs that make so violent an attack upon the hare, and which consequently makes use
of all her muscular and intellectual powers to escape from them. But the silent, soft-
footed, gliding Stoat steals quietly on its victim without alarming it by violent demon-
strations, soothes it to its death and kills it daintily.

Be it noticed that there are human types of the Stoat, or rather that the visible animal
is but an outward emblem of the inward nature.

If, in the course of the chase, the hunted animal should cross a stream, the Stoat
will do the same, although, when it is engaged in the pursuit of water-voles, it seldom
ventures to follow them into an element where they are more at their ease than their
pursuer. Still, although it may not choose to match itself against so accomplished a
swimmer and diver as the water-vole, it is no mean proficient in the natatory art.

Mr. Thompson relates a curious instance of the prowess which is displayed by the
Stoat in crossing a tolerably wide expanse of water. " A respectable farmer, when
crossing in his boat over an arm of the sea, about one mile in breadth, which separates
a portion of Islandmagee (a peninsula near Larne, county Antrim) from the mainland,
observed a ripple proceeding from some animal in the water, and on rowing up, found
that it was a ' weasel ' — Stoats are called weasels in Ireland — which he had no doubt
was swimming for Islandmagee, as he had seen it going in a direct line from the shore,
and it had reached the distance by a quarter of a mile when taken. The poor animal
was cruelly killed, although its gallant swimming might have pleaded in favor of
its life."

As to the food of the Stoat, the animal seems to be very easily contented in this
respect, killing and eating almost any description of wild quadrupeds, birds and reptiles.
Of rabbits it is very fond, and kills great numbers of them, especially when they are
young.

A curious scene between a Stoat and rabbit was once witnessed in Epping Forest. A

THE STOAT.

369

piercing cry was heard among some underwood, from which issued a poor rabbit, bearing
with it a Stoat, clinging to its neck. The Stoat, on finding that its actions were observed,
quitted its prey and ran up a tree. One of the keepers, who witnessed the scene, had not
his gun with him, and sent his companion to fetch it. Just as he arrived, bearing the
weapon, the Stoat descended the tree, and running to the rabbit, which had lain as if
paralyzed on the ground, tried to drag it away, but was stopped by the contents of the
gun, which involved the Stoat and its victim in a common fate.

Birds' nests of all kinds are plundered by this incorrigible poacher, for its quick eye
and keen nose enable it to discover a nest, be it ever so carefully hidden ; its agile limbs
and sharp claws give it the power of climbing any tree-trunk, and of clinging to any branch
which will bear the weight of a nest and eggs ; while its lithe and serpent-like body enables
it to insinuate itself into any crevice that is sufficiently large to afford ingress and egress
to the parent birds. The pheasant and partridge are said to be sad sufferers from the
Stoat which is mercilessly slain by the keeper with the aid of traps or gun, the former
being the preferable mode of destroying " vermin." The traps in which Stoats are to be
caught are most ingeniously placed in certain tempting " runs" to which the Stoat, being
a dark-loving animal, is sure to be
attracted. For several days the
baits are laid on the traps, which
are left unset, so that the Stoats
find out the locality, and think
that they have fallen upon a most
hospitable ground. When they
have accustomed themselves to
eat the baits with impunity, the
keeper sets the traps, and immo-
lates the hapless visitants.

When the female Stoat is pro-
viding for the wants of a young
family, she forages far and wide
for her offspring, and lays up the
produce of her chase in certain
cunningly contrived larders. In
a wood belonging to Lord Bagot,
a Stoat nursery was discovered,
having within it no less than six
inhabitants, a mother and her
five young. Their larder was

supplied with five hares and four rabbits, neither of which had been in the least mangled?
with the exception of the little wound that had caused their death. In another nest of
Stoats were found a number of small animals, such as field-mice, birds, and frogs, all
packed away in a very methodical manner. In two nests which were found in Tolly-
more Park, the Stoat had laid up an abundance of provision. In one of them, there
were six or seven mice, besides other small animals, all laid with their heads in the same
direction. In the other nest was a more extensive assortment of dead animals. A
dozen mice, a young rabbit, and a young hare were laid in the storehouse, together
with the feathers and tail of a woodcock, showing that even that wary bird had fallen
a victim to the Stoat.

Although the Stoat is so formidable an enemyto rats and mice,and destroys annually such
numbers of these destructive animals, it sometimes happens that the predaceous animal
finds its intended prey to be more than its match, and is forced ignominiously to yield
the contest. One of these animals was seen in chase of a rat, which it was following
by scent, and at a great pace. After a while, the Stoat overtook the rat, and would have
sprung upon her, had not its purpose been anticipated by a sudden attack from the rat,
which turned to bay, and fiercely flung herself with open jaws on her pursuer. The Stoat
was so startled at so unexpected a proceeding, that it fairly turned tail and ran away.
24

STOAT (Winter Dress).

370 THE TAYRA.

The rat now took up the pursuit, and chased the Stoat with such furious energy that she
drove her enemy far from the place. It is probable that the rat had a young family at
hand, and was urged to this curious display of courage by the force of her maternal
feelings.

On account of its agile limbs, sharp teeth, and ferocious disposition, even a single
Stoat would be an unchancy opponent for an unarmed man. But if several Stoats
should unite to attack a single man, he would find himself in bad case, armed or not.
Such a circumstance has been lately communicated to me, my informant having heard it
from the lips of the principal actor in the scene.

A gentleman was walking along a road near Cricklade, when he saw two Stoats sitting
in the path. He idly picked up a stone, and flung it at the animals, one of which was
struck, and was knocked over by the force of the blow. The other Stoat immediately
uttered a loud and peculiar cry, which was answered by a number of its companions, who
issued from a neighboring hedge, and sprang upon their assailant, running up his body
with surprising rapidity, and striving to reach his neck. As soon as he saw the Stoats
coming to the attack, he picked up a handful of stones, thinking that he should be able to
repel his little enemies, but they came boldly on, in spite of the stones and of his
stick Most providentially a sharp wind happened to be blowing on that day, and
he had wound a thick woollen comforter round his neck, so that he was partially
protected.

Finding that he had no chance of beating off the pertinacious animals, he flung his
stick down, fixed his hat firmly over his temples, and pressing his hands to his neck, so
as to guard that perilous spot as much as possible from the sharp teeth of the Stoats, set,
off homewards as fast as he could run. By degrees, several of the animals dropped off
but others clung so determinately to their opponent, that when he arrived at his stables;
no less than five Stoats were killed by his servants as they hung on his person. . His
hands, face, and part of his neck were covered with wounds ; but owing to the presence of
mind with which he had defended his neck, the large blood-vessels had escaped without
injury. The distance from the spot where he had been attacked to his own house was
nearly four miles.

He always declared that when he struck the Stoat with the stone, its companion called
out " Murder ! "

The Stoat, is, like the weasel, possessed of a powerful and exceedingly unpleasant odor ;
yet even this disagreeable accompaniment does not always suffice to preserve it from
being killed and eaten by predaceous animals more powerful than itself. Even so fastid-
ious an animal as the domestic cat has been known to capture a Stoat, to eat part of it
herself, and to distribute the remainder to her kittens, who partook of the powerfully-
scented food without manifesting any reluctance.

Although so wild an animal, it has been tamed with as great success as the weasel and
the ferret, displaying the same gentle and active playfulness as has been already men-
tioned as belonging to the weasel when in a state of domestication. The animal was suf-
fered to roam at will about the house, and never gave any intimation that it wished to
make its escape. It was an amusingly playful little creature, delighting to leap upon the
members of the family, and run up their backs. But its greatest pleasure seemed to be in
attacking a couple of old stuffed magpies that stood upon a shelf. It used to jump upon
them, twist its serpentine body round their necks, drag out their feathers between its
teeth, and would not unfrequently, in the exuberance of its spirits, knock the bird off the
shelf, when magpie and Stoat would come to the ground together.

THE lively little animal which is known by the name of the TAYRA is an inhabitant
of tropical America, where it is found in moderate numbers, though not in very great
profusion.

The color of the Tayra is a uniform black, slightly tinged with brown, with the
exception of a large white patch which covers the throat and upper portion of the chest.
It is said to take up its residence in burrows, which it scoops for itself in the ground. In
captivity it is extremely lively and amusing, performing every movement in a sharp,
quick manner, and accompanying its actions with an odd little chuckle, something like

THE GRISON, OR HURON.

that of a hen calling to her chicks. The eye of the Tayra is small, bright, and brown in
color. It is sometimes known by the title of the Great Weasel, under which name it
has been described by Azara, who has, unfortunately, not left any account of its habits
in a wild state. Its nature, manners, and customs, are, however, said to resemble
those of the following animal.

The size of the Tayra is nearly equal to that of the common Marten.

The GRISON, or HURON, is a native of the Brazils, and is very common about the
vicinity of Paraguay.

In its natural disposition it is exceedingly fierce, and is a terrible foe to almost every
animal that it chooses to attack. Even in a state of domestication the savage instinct
cannot be eradicated, for even when the Grison is rendered sufficiently tame to suffer
the touch of the human hand, and to return the caresses of those to whose presence it
was accustomed, it has been known to break loose from its confinement, and to slaugh-
ter some unfortunate animal that happened to be within its reach.

A Grison that belonged to Mr. Bell contrived to get out of a cage in which it had
been placed, and to attack a young alligator that had been brought into the same cham-
ber. The alligators were, as the above-mentioned author quaintly remarks, " stupidly

TAYRA.— Os/era barbara.

tame, and had, on a certain evening, been laid before a fire in order to rejoice in the
welcome heat. In the morning, when their owner entered the room, he found that the
Grison had made its escape, and had attacked one of the alligators with such savage
fury that it had torn a considerable hole under one the fore-legs, just where the large
nerves and blood-vessels run, and had inflicted so terrible an injury that the poor crea-
ture died from the effects of its wound. The other alligator, although unhurt, was in a
strongly excited state, snapping angrily at every one who approached it."

Another Grison, that was domesticated by M. F. Cuvier, committed a similarly fatal
assault on a rather valuable animal. Although it was always well supplied with food,
it became so excited at the presence of a lemur, that it broke the bars of its cage, and
inflicted a mortal injury on the poor animal which had so unexpectedly called forth
the innate ferocity of its character.

Yet this animal was remarkable for its docility and gentle playfulness, and was
always ready for a game with any one who would spend a few minutes in the mock
combats in which it delighted. The play of all wild-natured animals is a mock fight,
and is often rather prone to become a real battle, if their combative nature be too
much excited. The Grison would, when challenged to play, turn on its back, seize the
fingers of its human playfellow between its jaws, hold them to its mouth, and press,

37*

THE RATEL.

never

with sufficient force to cause pain, so that its
ferocious onslaught on the lemur would not have been expected from an animal of so
gentle a nature. It was possessed of a very retentive memory, and could recognize
its friends by the touch of their fingers, without needing to see their owners.

It is a peculiarly impertinent creature in its demeanor, and has a curious habit of
rearing its long neck, and bearing its head in a very snake-like fashion. When it as-
sumes this attitude, its bright little black eyes have a curiously pert air, as they look
out from under the white, wood-like, hairy covering with which the head is furnished.
All its movements are brisk and cheerful, and while running about its cage it continu-
ally utters a faint, grasshopper-like chirp.

The color of of the Grison is very peculiar, and is remarkable as being of lighter
color on the back than on the under portions of the body. This divergence from
the usual rule is very uncommon, and is only seen in one or two animals. The muzzle,
the under part of the neck, the abdomen, and legs, are of a dullish black color ; while
the entire upper surface of the body, from the space between the eyes to the tail, is

ORISON.— Orisoaa vitiate.

covered with a pale gray fur, each hair being diversified with black and white. The
tinting of this lighter fur is rather variable ; in some individuals it is nearly white,
while in others it has a decided tinge of yellow.

The ears of this species are very small, and the tongue is rough. The hairs which
give the distinctive coloring to the upper parts of the body are longer than those which
cover the remaining portions of the body and the limbs. In total length it measures
about two feet, the tail being rather more than six inches in length.

The odor which proceeds from the scent-glands of the Grison is peculiarly disgust-
ing and offends human nostrils even more than that of the stoat and polecat.

IN the clumsy-looking animal which is called the RATEL, a beautiful adaptation of
nature is manifested. Covered from the tip of the nose to the insertion of the claws
with thick, coarse, and rough fur, and provided moreover, with a skin that lies very
loosely on the body, the Ratel is marvellously adapted to the peculiar life which it
leads.

Although the Ratel is in all probability indebted for its food to various sources, the
diet which it best loves is composed of the combs and young of the honey-bee. So
celebrated is the animal for its predilection for this sweet dainty, that it has earned for
itself the title of Honey Ratel, or Honey Weasel. The reason for its extremely thick

THE RAT EL.

373

coating of fur is now evident. The animal is necessarily exposed to the attacks of the
infuriated bees when it lays siege to their fastnesses, and if it were not defended by a
coating which is impenetrable to their stings, it would soon fall a victim to the poisoned
weapons of its myriad foes.

In every way, the Ratel is well adapted to the circumstances in which it is placed.
Not being a swift animal, it cannot escape from foes by its speed ; but if it can gain but
a few minutes' respite, it can sink itself into the ground by the vigorous action of its
powerful paws, and thus can avoid the attacks of almost any antagonist. Should it be
overtaken before it can reach its accustomed home, or dig a new one, it throws itself on
its back, and uses its teeth and claws with such force that it will beat off any ordinary
antagonist. The extreme looseness of its skin renders it a very formidable combatant,
for when it is seized by any part of its body, it can turn round, as it were, in its skin,
and fix its teeth most unexpectedly in the body of its foe.

Partly for this reason, and partly from the singular endurance of its nature, the

RATEL. -yWe///vor« Ratel,

Ratel is most tenacious of life, and will be comparatively unhurt by attacks that would
suffice to kill many an animal of ten times its size.

During the daytime, the Ratel remains in its burrow ; but as evening begins to draw
near, it emerges from its place of repose, and sets off on its bee-hunting expeditions.
As the animal is unable to climb trees, a bee's nest that is made in a hollow tree-limb
is safe from its attacks. But the greater number of wild bees make their nests in the
deserted mansions of the termite, or the forsaken burrows of various animals. It is said
that the Ratal finds its way towards the bee's nests by watching the direction in which
the bees return towards their homes.

The movements of the Ratel are not at all graceful, but the animal is lively enough
in captivity, and always affords much amusement to the spectator by the grotesque
character of its recreation. One of these creatures, which is familiar to every visitor
of the Zoological Gardens, and is in possession of a tolerably large house, is in the
habit of constantly going through the most extraordinary performances, and thereby
attracting the attention of a numerous body of spectators.

In the enclosure that has been allotted to this animal, the Ratel has, by dint of con-
stantly running in the same direction, made for itself an oval path among the straw that
is laid upon the ground. It proceeds over the course which it has worked out, in a
quick active trot, and every time that it reaches either end of the course, it puts its head
on the ground, turns a complete summersault, and resumes its course. At intervals,

374

THE WOLVERENE.

it walks into its bath, rolls about in the water for a second or two, and then addresses
itself with renewed vigor to its curious antics.

The color of the Ratel is black upon the muzzle, the limbs, and the whole of the
under portions of the body ; but upon the upper part of the head, neck, back, ribs, and
tail, the animal is furnished with a thick covering of long hairs, which are of an ashy-
gray color. A bright gray stripe, about an inch in width, runs along each side and
serves as a line of demarcation between the light and the dark portions of the fur. The
ears of the Ratel are extremely short. The lighter fur of the back is variously tinted in
different individuals, some being of the whitish-gray which has been already mentioned,
and others remarkable for a decided tinge of red. The length of the Cape Ratel is
rather more than three feet, inclusive of the tail, which measures eight or nine inches in
length. In its walk it is plantigrade, and has so much of the ursine character in its
movements that it has been called the Indian or Honey Bear. It is sometimes known
under the title of " Bharsiah."

The animal which has just been described is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, being
found in great profusion at the Cape of Good Hope. There is, however, an Indian
species of Ratel, which very closely resembles the African animal, and in the opinion
of some writers is identical with it.

The Indian Ratel is said to be an extremely voracious animal, prowling about the
vicinity of human habitations, and not unfrequently paying a visit to the burial-grounds
in search of newly-interred corpses. It is necessary for the friends of the deceased
person to barricade the grave with thorny bushes, in order to defend it from the
sharp and powerful claws of the Ratel, which can work their way through the
earth with singular rapidity. It is very commonly found along the course of the
Ganges and Jumna, especially frequenting the lofty banks for which those rivers
are noted.

It is so expert a burrower that it is said to be able to bury itself beneath the surface
in ten minutes, even though working in hard and stiff soil ; while digging, it plies
its limbs with such exceeding good-will that it flings the loosened soil to a distance of
some yards. When taken young, it is easily tamed, and becomes a very amusing
animal, diverting the spectators by the singular antics which it plays. But if an adult
specimen should be captured, it cannot reconcile itself to the loss of its liberty, and
struggles vainly to make its escape, until it dies from the mingled effects of hunger and
excitement.

Flesh of all kind is acceptable to the Indian Ratel, and it seems to have a great
predilection for rats, mice, and birds in a living state. It is generally drowsy by day,
and only rouses itself from its slumbers at the approach of evening. The natives speak
of it under the name of " Beejoo."

The WOLVERENE, more popularly known by the name of the GLUTTON, has earned for
itself a world-wide reputation for ferocity, and has given occasion to some of the
older writers on natural history to indulge in the most unshackled liberty of de-
scription.

Voracious it certainly is, having been known to consume thirteen pounds of meat in a
single day, and it is probable that if the animal had been living in a wild state it could
have eaten even a larger amount of food. It was said by the older naturalists to prey upon
deer, which it killed by cunningly dropping on the ground a heap of the moss on which
the deer feeds, and then climbing upon a branch which overhung the spot. As soon as
the deer passed beneath the tree, the Glutton was said to leap upon its shoulders, and to
cling there until it had brought the deer to the ground. This and similar tales, however,
rest on no good foundation.

It is known that the Glutton feeds largely on the smaller quadrupeds, and that it is
a most determined foe to the beaver in the summer months. During the winter it has
little chance of catching a beaver, for the animals are quietly ensconced in their home,
and their houses are rendered so strong by the intense cold that the Glutton is unable
to break through their ice-hardened walls.

The Wolverene is an inhabitant of Northern America, Siberia, and of a great part of

THE WOLVERENE.

375

Northern Europe. It was once thought that the Glutton and the Wolverene were distinct
animals, but it is now ascertained that they both belong to the same species.

The general aspect of this animal is not unlike that of a young bear, and probably
on that account it was placed by Linnaeus among the bears under the title of Ursus
Luscus. The general color of the Wolverene is a brownish-black ; the muzzle is black
as far as the eyebrows, and the space between the eyes of a browner hue. In some
specimens, a few white spots are scattered upon the under jaw. The sides of the body
are washed with a tint of a warmer hue. The paws are quite black, and the contrast
between the jetty fur of the feet and the almost ivory whiteness of the claws is
extremely curious. These white claws are much esteemed among the natives for the
purpose of being manufactured into certain feminine adornments.

WOLVERENE.-

The paws are very large in proportion to the size of the animal, and it is supposed
that the modification of structure is intended to enable the Wolverene to pass in safety
over the surface of the snow. Indeed, the feet are so large, that the marks which they
leave on the snow are often mistaken for the footprints of a bear. As the tracks of the
Wolverene are often mixed with those of the bear, it is evident that the latter animal
must often fall a prey to the former during the winter months. When the animal which
it kills is too large to form a single meal, the Wolverene is in the habit of carrying
away the remains, and of concealing them in some secure hiding-place, in readiness
for a second repast.

376

THE SKUNK.

The eyes of the Wolverene are small, and of a dark brown, and are not remarkable
for their brilliancy.

A fine specimen of this animal is at present in the Zoological Gardens, where its
form and habits may be well studied. Except when it opens its mouth, and displays
the double row of glittering teeth, it does not give the spectator the idea of being a
particularly savage or voracious animal, but has rather a good-humored aspect. Although
not very quick in its movements, it is rather restless, and is seldom still except when
sleeping. It climbs about the branches of a tree with great ease, and seems to lux-
uriate in its own curious way among the boughs, rolling itself upon them, and patting
the branches with its paws in quite a playful manner. Its perfect command over itself
while thus recreating itself appears very curious, because it has but little of the look of
a climbing animal.

It can leap from a tolerable height without seeming to take any precaution, or to
consider that it had achieved any great feat. When it descends from its tree, it will
not long remain on the ground, but climbs about the bars of its cage with great ease
and activity, always, however, seeming to ascend with greater readiness than it descends.
Sometimes it runs several times in succession round the enclosure, keeping up a kind
of canter or short gallop, and ever and anon pausing to see if a piece of cake or other
delicacy has been pushed through the bars.

In its native country, the animal is detested by the hunters, whether they belong
to Europe or America. For the Wolverene is in the habit of following the sable-
hunters on their rounds, and of detaching the baits from the traps, thereby rendering
the whole circuit useless. If a sable or marten should happen to be entrapped, the
Wolverene does not eat the dead animal, but tears it out of the trap and carries it
away. In America, it is specially obnoxious to the hunters, because its fine sense of
smell enables it to discover the storehouses of provisions — " caches " as they are tech-
nically termed — which the provident hunters lay by in order to fall back upon in case
of bad success. If it should unfortunately discover one of these repositories, it sets
itself determinately to work, tears away all obstacles, and does extreme damage to the
provisions, by eating all the meat, and scattering on every side all the vegetable food.

In captivity, its greatest dainty is said to be the body of a cat, for which strange
diet it will leave every other kind of food.

The Wolverene is not a very prolific animal, as it seldom produces more than two
at a birth. The maternal residence is generally placed in the crevice of a rock, or in
some secluded situation, and the young Wolverenes make their appearance about May.

The SKUNK has obtained the unenviable reputation of being literally in worse odor
than any other known animal. All the weasels are notable for a certain odor which
emanates from their persons, but the Skunk is pre-eminent in the utter noisomeness
of the stench which it exhales when annoyed or alarmed. To the animal itself, the
possession of this horrid effluvium is a most valuable means of defence, for there is
no enemy that will dare to attack a creature that has the power of overwhelming its
foes with so offensive an odor that they are unable to shake off the pollution for many
hours.

There seems to be no animal that can withstand the influence of this abominable
odor. Dogs are trained to hunt this creature, but until they have learned the right
mode of attacking the fetid game, they are liable to be driven off in consternation.
Dogs that have learned the proper mode of attacking the Skunk, do so by leaping sud-
denly upon the creature, and despatching it before it can emit the fetid secretion.
The scent proceeds from a liquid secretion which is formed in some glands near the
insertion of the tail, and which can be retained or ejected at will. When the Skunk
is alarmed, it raises its bushy tail into a perpendicular attitude, turns its back on its
enemy, and ejects the nauseous liquid with some force.

Should a single drop of this horrid secretion fall on the dress or the skin, it is hardly
possible to relieve the tainted object of its disgusting influence. A dog, whose coat had
suffered from a discharge of a Skunk's battery, retained the stench for so long a time that
even after a week had elapsed it rendered a table useless by rubbing itself against one of

THE SKUNK.

377

the legs, although its fur had been repeatedly washed. The odor of this substance is so
penetrating that it taints everything that may be near the spot on which it has fallen, and
renders them quite useless. Provisions rapidly become uneatable, and clothes are so
saturated with the vapor that they will retain the smell for several weeks, even though
they are repeatedly washed and dried. It is said that if a drop of the odorous fluid
should fall upon the eyes, it will deprive them of sight. Several Indians were seen by
Mr. Gresham who had lost the use of their eyes from this cause.

On one occasion, a coach full of passengers was passing along the road, when a Skunk
ran across the path and tried to push its way through a fence. Not succeeding in so
doing, it evidently seemed to think that the coach was the cause of its failure, and ceas-
ing its attempt to escape, deliberately sent a shower of its vile effluence among the pas-
sengers. Secure in its means of defence, the Skunk is remarkably quiet and gentle of
demeanor, and has more than once enticed an unwary passenger to approach it, and
to attempt to seize so playful and attractive an animal.

Mr. Audubon has recorded a curious adventure which befell him in his younger
days. In one of his accustomed rambles, he suddenly came upon a curious little animal,

SKUNK.— Mephttla variant.

decorated with a parti-colored coat and bushy tail, and so apparently gentle in
demeanor that he was irresistibly impelled to seek a nearer acquaintance. As he
approached, the creature did not attempt to run away, but awaited his coming with
perfect equanimity. Deceived by its gentle aspect, he eagerly ran towards the tempting
prize, and grasped it by its bushy tail, which it had raised perpendicularly as if for the
purpose of tempting him to make the assault. He soon repented of his temerity, for he
had hardly seized the animal when he was overwhelmed with so horrible a substance,
that his eyes, mouth, and nostrils were equally offended, and he was fain to fling away
the treacherous foe. After this adventure he became very cautious with respect to
pretty little playful animals with white backs and bushy tails.

There is nothing in nature that is wholly evil, and even this terrible fluid is proved
to be possessed of medicinal virtues, being sometimes used for the purpose of giving relief
to asmathtic patients. There is rather a curious story respecting a clergyman who had
been accustomed to use the scent-glands of the Skunk for this purpose, and to keep them
in a closely-stopped bottle. It unfortunately happened, one Sunday, that, having been
attacked with a fit of asthma, he took his bottle into the pulpit, and when his breathing
became troublesome, he opened the bottle, and applied it to his nostrils. Whether he
obtained the required relief or not is not recorded, but he was entirely spared the trouble

THE TELEDU.

of going on with his sermon, as the congregation made a hasty retreat, and left him
nearly alone in the church.

The chief drawback to the medicinal use of this mephitic substance is, that after it
has been in use for some time, the whole frame of the patient becomes so saturated with
the vile odor that he is not only unpleasant to his neighbors, but almost unbearable to
himself. It would be a curious experiment if any one could force one Skunk to cast its
ill-smelling secretion upon another, in order to discover whether the scent is as nauseous
to the animal that secretes it as it is to all other animals.

There is a curious analogy between the mode of defence which is employed by the
Skunk and that which is used by the cuttle-fish, and in both cases it seems to be the
result of various emotions, of which fear and combativeness are the chief.

In its fur, the Skunk is extremely variable, but the general markings of its coat-are as
follows. The fur is of a brown tint, washed with black, and variegated by white streaks
along its back. The tail is long and extremely bushy, being covered with long hairs of a
creamy-white hue. Its habitation is commonly in burrows, which it scratches in the
ground by means of its powerful claws. The creature is about the size of a cat, being
about eighteen inches in length from the nose to the root of the tail, which measures
fourteen or fifteen inches. The legs are short, and the animal is not endowed with any
great activity by nature. It is an American animal, and is found towards the northern
parts of that continent.

SCARCELY less remarkable for its ill-odor than the skunk, the TELEDU is not
brought so prominently before the public eye as the animal which has just been
described.

It is a native of Java, and seems to be confined to those portions of the country that
are not less than seven thousand feet above the level of the sea. On certain portions
of these elevated spots, the Teledu, or Stinkard, as it is popularly called, can always
be found. The earth is lighter on these spots than in the valleys, and is better suited
to the habits of the Teledu, which roots in the earth after the manner of hogs,
in search of the worms and insects which constitute its chief food. This habit of turning
up the soil renders it very obnoxious to the native agriculturists, as it pursues the
worms in their subterraneous meanderings, and makes sad havoc among the freshly-
planted seeds. It is also in the habit of doing much damage to the sprouting plants
by eating off their roots.

We are indebted to Mr. Horsfield for an elaborate and interesting account of the
Teledu, an animal which he contrived to tame and to watch with singular success.
The following passages are selected from his memoir.

"The Mydaus forms its dwelling at a slight depth beneath the surface, in the black
mould, with considerable ingenuity. Having selected a spot defended above by the roots
of a large tree, it constructs a cell or chamber of a globular form, having a diameter of
several feet, the sides of which it makes perfectly smooth and regular ; this it provides with
a subterraneous conduit or avenue, about six feet in length, the external entrance to which
it conceals with twigs and dry leaves. During the day it remains concealed, like a badger
in its hole ; at night it proceeds in search of its food, which consists of insects and other
larvae, and of worms of every kind. It is particularly fond of the common lumbrici, or
earth-worms, which abound in the fertile mould. These animals, agreeably to the infor-
mation of the natives, live in pairs, and the female produces two or three young at a
birth.

The motions of the Mydaus are slow, and it is easily taken by the natives, who by no
means fear it. During my abode on the Mountain Prahu, I engaged them to procure me
individuals for preparation ; and as they received a desirable reward, they brought them
to me daily in greater numbers than I could employ. Whenever the natives surprise
them suddenly, they prepare them for food ; the flesh is then scarcely impregnated with
the offensive odor, and is described as very delicious. The animals are generally in
excellent condition, as their food abounds in fertile mould.

On the Mountain Prahu, the natives, who were most active in supplying me with

THE SAND-BEAR.

379

specimens of the Mydaus, assured me that it could only propel the fluid to the distance
of about two feet. The fetid matter itself is of a viscid nature : its effects depend on
its great volatility, and the spread through a great extent. The entire neighborhood
of a village is infected by the odor of an irritated Teledu, and in the immediate vicin-
ity of the discharge it so violent as in some persons to produce syncope. The various
species of Mephitis in America differ from the Mydaus in the capacity of projecting
the fetid matter to a greater distance.

The Mydaus is not ferocious in its manners, and, taken young, like the badger, it
might be easily tamed. An individual which I kept some time in confinement afforded
me an opportunity of observing its disposition. It soon became gentle and reconciled to
its situation, and did not at any time emit the offensive fluid. I carried it with me from
Mountain Prahu to Bladeran, a
village on the declivity of that
mountain, where the temperature
was more moderate. While a
drawing was made, the animal
was tied to a small stake. It
moved about quietly, burrowing
the ground with its snout and feet,
as if in search of food, without
taking notice of the bystanders,
or making violent efforts to dis-
engage itself ; on earth worms
(lumbrici) being brought, it ate
voraciously; holding one ex-
tremity of a worm with its claws,
its teeth were employed in tear-
ing the other. Having con-
sumed about ten or twelve, it
became drowsy, and making a

small groove in the earth, in
which it placed its snout, it com-
posed itself deliberately, and was
soon sound asleep."

TELEDU.— Mydaus me//ceps.

The color of the Teledu is a blackish brown, with the exception of the fur upon the
top of the head, a stripe along the back, and the tip of the short tail, which is a yel-
lowish white. The under surface of the body is of a lighter hue. The fur is long and
of a silken texture at the base, and closely set together, so as to afford to the animal
the warm covering which is needed in the elevated spots where it dwells. The hair is
especially long on the sides of the neck, and curls slightly upwards and backwards,
and on the top of the head there is a small transverse crest. The feet are large, and
the claws of the fore limbs are nearly twice as long as those of the hinder paws.

In the whole aspect of the Teledu there is a great resemblance to the badger, and
indeed, the animal looks very like a miniature badger, of rather eccentric colors.

THE curious animal whose portrait is presented to the reader is known under
several titles, among which the SAND-BEAR is that by which it will be designated in
these pages. It is also called the Indian Badger, and sometimes the Balisaur, a name
which is corrupted from the Hindostanee word Balloo-soor, signifying Sand-Hog.
There is a very great resemblance between this animal and the well-known English
badger, from which creature, however, it may easily be distinguished by the greater
comparative length of its legs, and the more hog-like snout.

The general color of the fur of the Sand-Bear is of a yellowish-white, diversified by
two black bands that run on each side of the head, and unite by the muzzle. The upper
of these bands includes the ear and eye in its course, and curves downwards at the
shoulder, where it is nearly met by the dark hue of the fore-limbs. The claws are

380 THE BADGER.

slightly curved, extremely powerful, and well suited for digging in the ground, as the
toes are united for the entire length. The tail is extremely short.

In its wild state the Sand-Bear is said to be fierce in disposition, and sufficiently
powerful to beat off a dog that would not hesitate to attack a wolf or a hyena. When
attacked or irritated, the Sand-Bear raises itself on its hind legs, after the manner of the
bears, and threatens its antagonist with its fore-limbs, in which it seems fully to trust.
Its food is of a mixed character, but appears to be more of a vegetable than an animal
nature. It is not a very common animal, and is generally found in the hill country.

SAND-BEAR, OR BALlSAUR.-Arctoayx Collaris.

ALTHOUGH one of the most quiet and inoffensive of our indigenous animals, the
BADGER has been subjected to such cruel persecutions as could not be justified even
if the creature was as destructive and noisome as it is harmless or innocuous. For
the purposes of so-called " sport," the Badger was captured and kept in a cage ready
to be tormented at the cruel will of every ruffian who might choose to risk his dog
against the sharp teeth of the captive animal.

Although the Badger is naturally as harmless an animal as can be imagined, it is a
terrible antagonist when provoked to use the means of defence with which it is so well
provided. Not only are the teeth long and sharp, but the jaws are so formed, that
when the animal closes its mouth the jaws " lock " together by a peculiar structure of
their junction with the skull, and retain their hold without the need of any special
effort on the part of the animal. The subject is by no means a pleasant one, and will
not be further noticed.

Unlike the generality of the weasel tribe, the Badger is slow and clumsy in its act-
ions, and rolls along so awkwardly in its gait that it may easily be mistaken for a
young pig in the dark of the evening, at which time it first issues from its burrow.
The digging capacities of the Badger are very great, the animal being able to sink
itself into the ground with marvellous rapidity. For this power the Badger is indebted
to the long curved claws with which the fore feet are armed, and to the great develop-
ment of the muscles that work the fore-limbs.

THE BADGER.

38'

When the Badger is employed in digging a burrow, it makes use of its nose in order
to push aside the earth, which is then scraped away by the fore-paws and flung as far
back as possible. In a very short time, the accumulation of earth becomes so con-
siderable that it impedes the animal's movements, and if permitted to remain would soon
choke up the tunnel which the miner is so industriously excavating. The hinder paws
are now brought into play, and the earth is flung farther back by their action. As the
excavation proceeds, the accumulated earth becomes so inconvenient that the Badger is
forced to remove it entirely out of the burrow, by retrograding from its position and
pushing the loose earth away in its progress. Having thus cleared the tunnel from the
impediment, the Badger proceeds to fling the earth as far away as possible, and until
it has done so will not resume its labors.

In this burrow the female Badger makes her nest and rears her young, which are
generally three or four in number. The nest is made of well-dried grass, and stored with
provisions in the shape of grass-balls, which are firmly rolled together, and laid up in a
kind of supplementary chamber that acts the part of a larder. There are also several
ingeniously contrived sinks, wherein are deposited the remnants of the food and other
offensive substances.

BADGER.— Meles Taxus.

The food of the Badger is of a mixed character, being partially vegetable and partly
animal. Snails and worms are greedily devoured by this creature, and the wild bees,
wasps, and other fossorial hymenoptera find a most destructive foe in the Badger, which
scrapes away the protecting earth and devours honey, cells, and grubs together, without
being deterred from its meal by the stings of the angry bees. The skin of the Badger
is so tough, and lies so loosely on the body, that even if a bee or a wasp could find a
bare spot wherein to plant its sting, the Badger would in all probability care little for
the wound ; and as the covering of hair is so dense that no bee-sting can force its way
through the furry mantle, the Badger is able to feast at its ease, undisturbed by the
attacks of its winged antagonists.

As is the case with the generality of weasels, the Badger is furnished with an apparatus
which secretes a substance of an exceedingly offensive odor, to which circumstance is
probably owing much of the popular prejudice against the " stinking brock."

382 THE OTTER.

The Badger is very susceptible of human influence, and can be effectually tamed
with but little trouble. It is generally set down as a stupid animal, but in reality is
possessed of -considerable powers of reasoning. One of these animals has been known
to set at defiance all the traps that were intended for its capture, and to devour the
baits without suffering for its temerity. On one occasion, the animal was watched out
of its burrow, and a number of traps set round the orifice, so that its capture appeared
to be tolerably certain. But when the Badger returned to its domicile, it set at nought
all the devices of the enemy, and by dint of jumping over some of the traps and roll-
ing over others, gained its home in safety.

The colors of the Badger are gray, black, and white, which are rather curiously dis-
tributed. The head is white, with the exception of a rather broad and very definitely
marked black line on each side, commencing near the snout and ending at the neck,
including the eye and the ear in its course. The. body is of a reddish-gray, changing
to a white-gray on the ribs and tail. The throat, chest, abdomen, legs and feet are of
deep blackish-brown. The average length of the Badger is two feet six inches, and
its height at the shoulder eleven inches.

ALTHOUGH by no means a large animal, the OTTER has attained a universal reputa-
tion as a terrible and persevering foe to fish. Being possessed of a very discriminating
palate, and invariably choosing the finest fish that can be found in the locality, the
Otter is the object of the profoundest hate to the proprietors of streams and by all
human fishermen. It is so dainty an animal that it will frequently kill several fish,
devouring only those portions which best please its palate, and leaving the remainder
on the banks to become the prey of rats, birds, or other fish-loving creatures.

When the Otter is engaged in eating the fish which it has captured, it holds the
slippery prey between its forepaws, and, beginning with the back of the neck, eats away
the flesh from the neck towards the tail, rejecting the head, tail, and other portions.
In well-stocked rivers, the Otter is so extremely fastidious that it will catch and kill
four or five good fish in a single day, and eat nothing but the fine flaky meat which is
found on the shoulders. The neighboring rustics take advantage of this epicurean
propensity, and make many a meal upon the fish which have been discarded by the
dainty Otter. Sometimes, as in the very dry or the very cold seasons, the Otter is
forced to lay aside its fastidious notions, and is glad to find an opportunity of appeas-
ing its hunger with any kind of animal food. Driven by hunger, the Otter has been
known to travel overland for five or six miles, and is sometimes so hardly pressed that
it will have recourse to vegetable substances in default of its usual animal food. In
such trying seasons, the Otter is too apt to turn its attention to the farmyard, and to
become very destructive to poultry of all kinds, to young pigs, and lambs. One of
these animals was captured in a rabbit-warren, whither it had evidently wandered
with the intention of feeding on the rabbits.

For the pursuit of its finny prey the Otter is admirably adapted by nature. The
body is lithe and serpentine ; the feet are furnished with a broad web that connects
the toes, and is of infinite service in propelling the animal through the water ; the tail is
long, broad, and flat, proving a powerful and effectual rudder by which its movements
are directed ; and the short, powerful legs are so loosely jointed that the animal can turn
them in almost any direction. The hair which covers the body and limbs is of two kinds,
the one a close, fine, and soft fur, which lies next the skin and serves to protect the
animal from the extremes of heat and cold, and the other composed of long, shining, and
coarser hairs, which permit the animal to glide easily through the water. The teeth
are sharp and strong, and of great service in preventing the slippery prey from escaping.

The color of the Otter varies slightly according to the light in which it is viewed,
but is generally of a rich brown tint, intermixed with whitish-gray. This color is lighter
along the back and the outside of the legs than on the other parts of the body, which are
of a paler grayish hue. Its habitation is made in the bank of the river which it frequents,
and is rather inartificial in its character, as the creature is fonder of occupying some
natural crevice or deserted excavation than of digging a burrow for itself. The nest of the
Otter is composed of dry rushes, flags, or other aquatic plants, and is purposely placed as

THE OTTER.

383

near the water as possible, so that in case of a sudden alarm the mother Otter may
plunge into the stream together with her young family, and find a refuge among the
vegetation that skirts the river banks. The number of the young is from three to five,
and they make their appearance about March or April.

Although at the present day the custom of Otter-hunting has necessarily fallen into
disuse, it sometimes occurs that a stray Otter is discovered in some stream, and is in
consequence the subject of continual annoyances until it finally falls under the han^s
of its persecutors. When attacked, the Otter is a fierce and desperate fighter, biting
and snapping with the most deadly energy, and never yielding as long as life remains
within the body. The bite of an angry Otter is extremely severe ; for the creature has
a habit of biting most savagely, and then shaking its head violently, as if it were trying
to kill a rat. There are few dogs which can conquer an Otter in fair fight, and the
combat is genarally ended by the spear of one of the hunters. Even when transfixed
with the deadly weapon, the Otter gives no sign of yielding, but furiously bites the
staff, sullen and silent to the last.

OTTER.— Lutra vulgaris.

The track which the Otter makes upon the bank is easily distinguishable from that of
any other animal, on account of the " seal," or impression, which is made by a certain
round ball on the sole of the foot. On account of the powerfully-scented secretion with
which the Otter is furnished by nature, it is readily followed by dogs, who are always
eager after the sport, although they may not be very willing to engage in single fight with
so redoubtable an opponent. An Otter has been known to turn savagely upon a dog that
was urged to attack it, to drag it into the water, and to drown it. The best dogs for the
purpose are said to be the Otterhounds, which have already been mentioned on page 301.
Even human foes are resisted with equal violence. On one occasion, an Otter was hard
pressed in the water, and endeavored to escape into an open drain, when it was prevented
from carrying out its purpose by one of the hunters, who grasped it by the tail, and tried
to force it into the water. The aggrieved animal twisted itself sharply round, and made
so savage a snap at its antagonist's hand that it severed the end of his thumb at a single

384 CHINESE OTTER.

bite. When the Otter has once fairly fixed its teeth, it cannot be forced to relinquish its
grasp without the greatest difficulty ; and even when it is dead its jaws are said to retain
their hold with unremitting firmness. When the animal is hunted, it swims and dives
with such singular agility that the only mode of effecting its capture is by watching its
progress below the surface by means of the train of air-bubbles which mark its course,
and by forcing it to dive again before it has recovered its breath. By a repetition of
this manoeuvre the poor creature is wearied, and at last fails an unwilling prey.

The fur of the Otter is so warm and handsome that it is in some request for commer-
cial purposes. The entire length of the animal is rather under three feet and a half, of
which the tail occupies about fourteen or fifteen inches. On the average, it weighs about
twenty-three pounds ; but there are examples which have far surpassed that weight.
Mr. Bell records an instance of a gigantic Otter that was captured in the river Lea,
between Hertford and Ware, which weighed forty pounds.

ALTHOUGH so fierce and savage an animal when attacked, the Otter is singularly
susceptible of human influence, and can be taught to catch fish for the service of its
masters rather than for the gratification of its own palate. The CHINESE or INDIAN
OTTER affords an excellent instance of this capability ; for in every part of India the
trained Otters are almost as common as trained dogs in England. It seems odd that
the proprietors of streams should not press the Otter into their service instead of de-
stroying it, and should not convert into a faithful friend the animal which at present is
considered but as a ruthless enemy.

Even in England, the Otter has frequently been tamed and trained for the purposes
of sport. A well-known sporting gentleman, an inhabitant of Carstairs, was possessed
of one of these animals, which had been trained with singular success. " When called,
the Otter immediately answered to the appropriate name of Neptune. The animal, it
appeared, was caught two years ago, being then only a few weeks old. It was actually
suckled by a pointer, and, showing early signs of docility, was made over to the game-
keeper. In process of time, the animal increased in aptitude and sagacity, and was soon
enabled to undertake the duty of an economical fisherman, frequently procuring a dish
of excellent burn trout at such seasons when the angler's art, from adverse winds or foul
streams, was in vain.

In the morning after these fishing exploits, which sometimes occupied the greater
part of the night, Neptune was always found at his post, and the stranger might be
astonished to see him among several brace of pointers and greyhounds. No one
understood better how to keep at his own side of the house. In fact, according to the
gamekeeper, he was * the best cur that ever ran.'

Neptune was an amiable creature. He would allow himself to be gently lifted by his
tail, but invariably objected to any interference with his snout. As an angler, his

reputation is advancing rapidly, and one or two of Mr. M 's neighbors intend to

borrow him for a day or two in the spring, for the purpose of ascertaining the quality
and size of the larger trout in the pools on their estates."

Another of these animals was accustomed to go to work in a very systematic manner.
It always plunged into the water very quietly, and, keeping close by the bank, took its
course up the stream, disturbing the fish by smart blows with its tail. If a fish remained
by the bank, the Otter passed by and did not seem to notice it, but if the fish should
dart in front of its pursuer, it was instantly seized and brought near the surface of the
water — probably in order to lessen the force of its struggles. When the Otter
had brought its prey to shore, it always discovered some reluctance in parting
with the fish which it had caught, and signified its disapprobation by a plaintive
whine.

Mr. Richardson gives a very interesting account of an Otter which he tamed, and
which was accustomed to follow him in his walks like a dog, sporting by his side with
graceful playfulness, and swimming at perfect liberty in the stream. This animal, however,
could never be induced to yield her prey to her master, but when she saw him approaching
would quickly swim to the opposite bank of the river, lay down her fish, and eat it in
peace. The animal was accustomed to wander at her own will in the house and garden,

CHINESE OTTER.

and would eat all kinds of garden pests, such as snails, worms, and grubs, detaching the
snails from their shells with great dexterity. She would also leap upon the chair as they
stood by the windows and catch and eat flies as they fluttered on the window-panes. She
struck up a warm friendship with an Angora cat, and on one occasion when her friend was
attacked by a dog, she flew at the assailant, seized him by the jaw, and was so excited that
her master was obliged to separate the combatants and to send the dog out of the room.
The mode of instruction which is followed in the education of the Otter is sufficiently
simple. The creature is by degrees weaned from its usual fish diet, and taught to live
almost wholly on bread and milk ; the only fish-like article which it is permitted to see
being a leathern caricature of the finny race, with which the young Otter is habituated
to play, as a kitten plays with a crumpled paper or a cork, which does temporary duty
for a mouse. When the animal has accustomed itself to chase and catch the artificial
fish, and to give it into the hand of its master, the teacher extends his instructions by
drawing the leathern image smartly into the water by means of a string, and encouraging
his pupil to plunge into the stream after the lure and bring it ashore. As soon as the
young Otter yields the leathern prey, it is re warded by some dainty morsel which its teacher
is careful to keep at hand, and soon learns to connect the two circumstances together.

CHINESE OTTER.-Lutra Chinensis.

Having become proficient in the preliminary instructions, the pupil is further tested
by the substitution of a veritable, but a dead fish, in lieu of the manufactured article,
and is taught to chase, capture, and yield the fish at the command of its master. A living
fish is then affixed to a line in order to be brought by the Otter from the water in which
it is premitted to swim ; and lastly, the pupil is taught to pursue and capture living fish
which are thrown into the water before its eyes. The remaining point of instruction is to
taked the so-far trained animal to the water-side, and induce it to chase and bring to shore
the inhabitants of the stream, as they rove free and unconstrained in their native element.

In many parts of the world the Otter is admirably trained for this purpose, and is
taught to aid its master, not only by capturing single fish, but by driving whole shoals
of fishes into the ready nets.

When in pursuit of its finny prey, the Otter displays a grace and power which can-
not be appreciated with ocular investigation. The animal glides through the watery
element with such consummate ease and swiftness, and bends its pliant body with such
flexible undulations, that the quick and wary fish are worsted in their own art, and fall
easy victims to the Otter's superior aquatic powers. So easily does it glide into the
water, that no sound is heard, and scarcely a ripple seen to mark the time or place of its
entrance, and when it emerges upon the shore, it withdraws its body from the stream
with the same noiseless ease that characterizes its entrance. The Otter is a playful

25

386

THE SEA OTTER, OR KALAN.

creature, and is very fond of engaging in mock aquatic combats, which display tne
extraordinary powers of the creature to the very best advantage. When on shore, the
Otter can proceed at a considerable pace, and when in haste, employs a curious " lop-
ing " gallop as its means of progression.

UPON the northern shores of the Pacific Ocean, and especially in those parts where
the Asiatic and American continents approach nearest to each other, an extremely large
species of Otter is found, which has the peculiarity of preferring the sea-coast to the
fresh-water lakes and rivers for the greater part of the year.

SEA. OTTER, OR KALAN.—

The KALAN or SEA OTTER, is very much larger than its fresh-water relations,
being rather more than twice the size of the common Otter, and weighing as much as
seventy or eighty pounds. During the colder months of the year, the Kalan dwells by
the sea-shores, and can be found upon the icy coasts of the Northern Pacific, where
it is extremely active in the capture of marine fish. When the warmer months begin to
loosen the icy bond of winter, the Sea Otter leaves the coasts, and in company with its
mate proceeds up the rivers until it reaches the fresh-water lakes of the interior. There
it remains until the lessing warmth gives warning for it to make its retreat seawards be-
fore the fierce frosts of those northern regions seal up the lakes and deprive it of its
means of subsistence.

It is rather a scarce animal, and is not so prolific as many of its relatives. The fur
of the Kalan is extremely beautiful, shining with a glossy velvet-like sheen, and very
warm in character. It is in consequence valued at a very high price. The color of
the fur is rather variable, but its general hue is a rich black, slightly tinged with brown
on the upper portions of the body, while the under portions of the body and the limbs
are of a lighter hue. In some specimens the head is nearly white, and in one or two
instances the white tinge extends as far as the neck. Indeed, the proportions of dark
and white fur differ in almost every individual.

All the Otters are long of body and short of limb, but in the Kalan this peculiarity is

THE DESTRUCTIVE PRINCIPLE. 387

more apparent than in the ordinary Otters, on account of the curious setting on of the
hinder limbs and the comparative shortness of the tail, which is barely more than seven
inches long, while the head and body measure three feet in length. The food of the
Sea Otter is not restricted to fish, but is composed of various animal productions, such
as Crustacea and molluscs. Some writers assert that, in default of its more legitimate
food, it varies its diet by sea-weeds and other vegetable substances.

DURING the progress of this work, several allusions have been made to the destructive
principle, as illustrated in the character of certain animals, and a few suggestions have
been offered as to its origin, its manifestation, and its object. The subject is too deep
in its purport and too wide in its bearings to be comprehended within the limits of a
single article, and it must therefore be resumed from time to time, as its various
phases are exemplified by the nature of the various creatures which draw the breath
of life.

As in the animals which have already been mentioned the principle of terrestrial
destruction has been manifested, so we find a further development of the same idea in
the Otter, the destroyer of the waters. In order that we may rightly appreciate the
part which the Otter plays in the great and ever-changing drama of Nature, it needs
that we should as far as possible place ourselves in the position of the creatures among
whom its destructive mission is fulfilled.

A shoal of fish is swimming quietly through the clear stream, thinking of nothing but
themselves, their food, and their physical enjoyment of existence. Suddenly, from some
unknown sphere, of which they can form no true conception, comes flashing among
them a strange and wondrous being, from whose presence they flee in instinctive terror.
Flight is in vain from the dread pursuer, which seizes one of their companions in its
deadly grasp, and in spite of the resistance of the struggling prey, bears it away into an
unknown realm, whose wonders their dim sight cannot penetrate, and whose atmosphere
is too ethereal for their imperfect frames to breathe and live. Ever and anon the terrible
pursuer is mysteriously among them, like the destroying angel among the Egyptians,
and, as often as it is seen, snatches away one of their number in its fatal grasp, and
vanishes together with its victim into the unseen realms above.

To the fish, the Otter must appear as a supernatural being, for it comes from a world
which is above their comprehension, and returns thereto at will, a visible and incarnate
Death. All animals, creations, and existences have some idea of a being that is superior
to themselves, and that being, which to their minds conveys the highest idea, is to them
the Divinity. So that to the fish, the Otter may stand in the light of deity — a remark-
able type of the heathen ideas of the Divine nature.

As various races and individuals of mankind are endowed with greater or smaller
capacities, they must form an idea of a deity which is consonant with their own natures,
and it therefore follows that the loftiest natures will worship the highest God. There-
fore, we find in the history of the Israelitish nation, that the narrow-minded Jews copied
the surrounding heathens in paying their fearful worship to the fiery Moloch, the cruel
and murderous deity of wrath ; while the poets and' prophets prostrated their spirits in
loving adoration before Jehovah, the great Source of all, from whom, through whom,
and by whom all things, beings, and essences came into existence.

At the present day, and even in this country, the same contracted ideas are too
evident, for there are many narrow-minded persons who are incapable of receiving a deity
that is more loving than themselves, and can only appreciate one that is more powerful.
Their form of praise is expressed by fear and trembling, and the amount of their rever-
ence is measured by the amount of punishment which they think he can inflict upon
them. So with the savage natives of the Southern seas, who consistently honor the
representations of their deity by piteous deprecations of his anger, and lie trembling
before him in slavish fear. Servile terror is the form of respect which they pay towards
those whom they honor, and which they unscrupulously exact from those by whom
they desire to be honored.

Still, there is a great truth in this power-worship of the savage and undeveloped
nature, for it is a step in the improvement of the human race when they learn to acknowl-

388 DEATH AND PROGRESS.

edge any being as superior to themselves, even though the ground on which they base
that superiority may not be of the most elevated description. For all power, of what-
ever kind, is in its essence spiritual, however material and even revolting its outer
manifestations may appear, and is therefore an attribute of the Supreme, although
misunderstood and misapplied.

In reality, the attribute which we call Destruction ought to be termed Conservation
and Progression, for without its beneficent influence all things would be limited in their
number and manifestation as soon as they first came into existence, and there would
be no improvement in physical, moral, or spiritual natures. In such sad case, it would
be possible to find a centre and circumference to creation, whereas it is truly as unlim-
ited as the very being of its Creator.

Suppose, for example, that the huge Saurians of the geological eras had been permitted
to retain their place upon the earth, and that the land and water were overrun with
megatheria, iguanodons, and other creatures of like nature. Suppose, to take our own
island as a limited example, that the land was peopled with the naked and painted
savages of its ancient times, unchanged in numbers, in habits, and in customs. It is
evident that in either case the country would be unable to retain the higher animals
and the loftier humanity of the present day, and that in order to escape absolute stagna-
tion it is a necessity that old things should pass away and that the new should take
their place. How limited would not the human race be were it not subject to physical
death ! But a very few years and the earth would be over-peopled, setting aside the
question of bodily nourishment, which requires the destruction of other beings, either
animal or vegetable. The same rule holds good with regard to moral as well as physical
improvement, for it is necessary that all mental progress should be caused by a continual
destruction, a death of erroneous ideas, before the corresponding truths can obtain
entrance into the mind.

Apply the same principle to the entire creation, and it will become evident that the
destructive attribute is essentially the preserver and the improver. Death, so-called,
is the best guardian of the human race, and its preserver from the most terrible selfish-
ness, and the direst immorality. If men were unable to form any conception of a future
state, and were forced to continue in the present phase of existence to all eternity, they
would naturally turn their endeavors to collecting as much as possible of the things
which afford sensual pleasure, and each would lead an individual and selfish life, with
no future for which to hope, and no aim to which to aspire.

The popular error respecting the destructive principle is, that it is supposed to be
identical with annihilation, than which notion nothing can be more false in itself,
or more libellous to the Supreme Creator of all things. Death is to every man a terror,
an abasement, or an exaltation, as the case may be ; but, in truth,, to those who are
capable of grasping this most beautiful subject, destruction is shown as transmutation,
and death becomes birth. Nothing that is once brought into existence can ever be
annihilated, for the simple reason that it is an emanation of the Deity, who is life it-
self, essential, eternal, and universal. The form is constantly liable to mutation, but
the substance always remains.

In every pebble that lies unheeded on the ground are pent sundry gaseous sub-
stances, which only await the delivering hand of the analyzer to be liberated and ex-
panded ; possessing in their free and etherealized existence many powers and proper-
ties which they were debarred from exercising while imprisoned in their condensed
and materialized form. To the ordinary observer, the stone thus transmuted in its
form appears to be destroyed, but its apparent death is in reality the beginning of a
new life, with extended powers and more ethereal substance. Thus it is that physical
diith acts upon mankind, and in that light is it regarded by the true and brave spirit,
with whom to live is toil, and death is a new birth into life, of which he is conscious
even here. Death is to such minds the greatest boon that could be conferred
upon them, for just as the destruction or death of the pebble etherealizes and
expands the elements of its being, so by the death or destruction of the body, the
spirit is liberated from its material prison, and humanity is divinized through
death.

BEARS.

GROUP OF BEARS (ISABELLA.)

BEARS.

THE BEARS and their allies form a family which is small in point of numbers, but is
a very conspicuous one on account of the large size of the greater number of its members,
and the curious habits of the entire family of the Ursidae, as these creatures are learn-
edly named, from the Latin word ursus, which signifies a Bear.

390 CHARACTER OF THE BEAR.

These animals are found in almost every portion of the earth's surface, and are fitted
by nature to inhabit the hottest and the coldest parts of the world. India, Borneo, and
other burning lands are the homes of sundry members of this family, such as the Bruang
and the Aswail, while the snowy regions of Northern Europe and the icebound coasts
of the Arctic Ocean are inhabited by the Brown Bear and the Nennook or Polar Bear.
The diet of the Ursidae is of a mixed character, and the creatures appear to be capable
of sustaining existence upon a purely animal or purely vegetable diet, or to be carniv-
orous or vegetarian at will. Indeed, it is found that when Bears are kept in captivity,
they may be restricted to vegetable food with the best result, both to themselves and
their owners. With a few rare exceptions, the Bears are singularly harmless animals
when undisturbed, contenting themselves with fruit, honey, nuts, snails, roots, and other
similar articles of diet, and rarely attacking the higher animals, except when driven by
necessity.

In their gait the Bears are all plantigrade, and on account of the large surface which
is placed on the ground when they walk, they are capable of erecting themselves on their
hinder limbs, and of supporting themselves in an erect position with the greatest ease.
\Yhen attacked in close combat, they have a habit of rearing themselves upon their
hinder feet, and of striking terrific blows with their fore-paws, which, if they take effect
upon their object, cause the most dreadful injuries.

The paws of the Bears are armed with long and sharp talons, which are not capable
of retraction, but which are most efficient weapons of offence when urged by the power-
ful muscles which give force to the Bear's limbs. Should the adversary contrive to
elude the quick and heavy blows of the paw, the Bear endeavors to seize the foe round
the body, and by dint of sheer pressure to overcome its enemy. In guarding itself
from the blows which are aimed at it by its adversary the Bear is singularly adroit,
warding off the fiercest strokes with a dexterity that might be envied by many a pre-
tender to the pugilistic art.

Few antagonists are so formidable to the experienced hunter as the Bear, whether
it be the Brown Bear of Northern Europe, the Black or Grizzly Bear of America, the
Aswail of India, or the Polar Bear of the Arctic regions ; and although there are a few
instances where a man has conquered a Bear in fair hand-to-hand combat, there are few
animals whom a hunter would not rather oppose than the Bear, provided that he were
deprived of fire-arms, and furnished only with a knife or hatchet. On one or two
occasions, a foolhardy and ignorant person has ventured to attack and to kill a Bear in
single combat, but in such instances the victory has almost always been attributable to
some accident which never could have been foreseen, and on which no real hunter would
have calculated. In fact, the more experienced the hunter, the less will he venture
himself against the beast, which, according to Scandinavian aphorism, " has the strength
of ten men and the sense of twelve."

With fearful ingenuity, the Bear, when engaged with a human foe, directs its attacks
upon the head of its antagonist, and if one of its powerful strokes should take effect, has
been known to strike the entire scalp from off the head at a single blow. Mr. Lloyd, who
had the great misfortune to be struck down by a Bear, and the singular good fortune to
escape from its fangs, says that when he was lying on the ground at the mercy of the
angry beast, the animal, after biting him upon the arms and legs, deliberately settled
itself upon his head, and began to scarify it in the most business-like manner, leaving
wounds of eight and nine inches in length. The experience of this practised Bear-
hunter goes to show that the Bear does not make use of its claws when its opponent
has been once struck down, but inflicts the subsequent injuries wholly with its teeth.
It does not appear from Mr. Lloyd's account that the senses of a person who is seized
by a Bear are blunted in the manner which takes place when a lion or tiger is the
assailant.

All the Bears are the more terrible antagonists from their extreme tenacity of life,
and the fearful energy which they compress into the last moment of existence when they
are suffering from a mortal wound. Unless struck in the heart or brain, the mortally
wounded Bear is more to be feared than if it had received no injury whatever, and
contrives to wreak more harm in the few minutes that immediately precede its decease

THE BROWN BEAR.

than it had achieved while still uninjured. Many a hunter has received mortal wounds
by incautiously approaching a Bear which lay quiescent in apparent death, but was
really only stunned for the moment by the shock of the injury which it had received,
and which in a very few minutes would have deprived it of life.

SEVERAL species of Bears are now recognized by systematic naturalists, the principal
examples of which will be noticed in the following pages.

The Bear which is most popularly known in this country is the BROWN BEAR ; a
creature which is found rather plentifully in forests and the mountainous districts of many
portions of Europe and Asia. As may be supposed from its title, the color of its fur is
brown, slightly variable in tint in different individuals, and often in the same individual

BROWN BEAR,— UrsusArctos.

at various ages. In many specimens it is found that the neck is encircled with a white
band when the animal is young, but that this curious mark is soon merged into the
general brown tint of the fur as the animal increases in years and dimensions. This
white neck-band was once supposed to be the mark of a male cub, but it is now
ascertained that it belongs equally to the male and female sex. In general it is merged
into the brown fur after the second or third year, but in some instances it remains
throughout the entire life of the animal, which is on that account termed a " Ring Bear."
The size to which a well-fed and undisturbed Brown Bear will grow is really
surprising, for although it loses its growing properties after its twentieth year, it seems
permanently to retain the capability of enlargement, and when in a favorable situation
will live to a very great age. The weight of an adult Brown Bear in good condition is

392

A GENTLEMANLY BEAR.

very great, being sometimes from seven to eight hundred pounds when the creature is
remarkably fine, and from five to six hundred pounds in ordinary cases. Mr. Falk
remarks, that a Bear which he killed was so enormously heavy, that when slung on a
pole it was a weighty burden for ten bearers.

The Brown Bear is not so formidable a foe to cattle and flocks as might be supposed
from the strength, courage, and voracity of the animal, as it has been often known to
live for years in the near vicinity of farms without making any inroads upon the live
stock. Fortunately for the farmers and cattle owners of Northern Europe, the Brown
Bear is chiefly indebted for its food to roots and vegetable substances, or the sheds
and folds would soon be depopulated. As a general fact, the Bear does not trouble
itself to pursue the cattle, and in many cases owes its taste for blood to the absurd con-
duct of the cattle, which are apt to bellow arid charge at the Bear as soon as it makes
its appearance. The Bear is then provoked to retaliation, and in so doing, learns a taste
for blood which never afterwards deserts it. When a Bear has once taken up the bus-
iness of cattle-stealing, there is no peace in the neighborhood until the country is freed
from the presence of the marauder. It is said that the Bear is more virulent in the
destruction of cattle when the weather is wet and cloudy than when it is dry and
clear.

Ants form a favorite article of diet with the Bear, which scrapes their nests out of
the earth with its powerful talons, and laps up the ants and their so-called " eggs " with
its ready tongue. Bees and their sweet produce are greatly to the taste of the Bear,
which is said to make occasional raids upon the bee-hives, and to plunder their contents.

Vegetables of various kinds are favorite articles of diet with the Bear, and in the
selection of these dainties the animal evinces considerable taste. According to Mr.
Lloyd, " the Bear feeds on roots, and the leaves and small limbs of the aspen, mount-
ain-ash, and other trees : he is also fond of succulent plants, such as angelica, mount-
ain-thistle, etc. To berries he is likewise very partial, and during the autumnal
months, when they are ripe, he devours vast quantities of cranberries, blueberries, rasp-
berries, strawberries, cloudberries, and other berries common to the Scandinavian
forests. Ripe corn he also eats, and sometimes commits no small havoc amongst it ;
for seating himself, as it is said, on his haunches in a field of it, he collects with his
outstretched arms nearly a sheaf at a time, the ears of which he then devours."

Even in captivity the Bear retains this fruit-loving propensity. One of these animals,
which was being maltreated by a cruel owner, was benevolently purchased by one of
my friends, an officer in the Guards, who had no sooner concluded the bargain than he
repented of his kindness, for the Bear was so demonstrative in its expressions of
gratitude that he began to be rather uneasy, and having no possible locality wherein
to lodge his new acquisition, he felt himself in some perplexity as to its lodging. How-
ever, he got the Bear into a post-chaise, and having taken the precaution to purchase
a great many pottles of strawberries, he urged the post-boy to drive at his best speed,
and set himself to propitiate his new acquaintance. The Bear took the strawberries in
a very polished manner, and ate them deliberately, rejecting the green calices as fas-
tidiously as if it had been accustomed to good society all its life. However, the fruit
vanished so fast, that the unfortunate proprietor became alarmed for his own safety, and
was not fairly relieved from his fears until he was deposited at the door of the barracks
in which the headquarters of his regiment were at that time established. The Bear, on
seeing so many red-coated strangers, became alarmed in its turn, and fled for protection
to the only person with whom it was acquainted.

It so happened that the mess-dinner was just served, and that the proprietor of the
Bear had but time to make a hasty toilet, and gain the mess-room. On this occasion
the commanding officer was delayed for a few minutes, and while the assembled guests
were awaiting his arrival, the Bear walked into the room, having sniffed its way after its
master. The unexpected intruder advanced to the table, and, mounting upon the colonel's
chair, began to inspect the festive arrangements. Just as the Bear had lifted a dish-cover
off the joint at the head of the table — a feat which it performed as dexterously as if it had
been accustomed to wait at table all its life — the colonel entered the room, and when
he saw the strange intruder who had taken such unceremonious possession of his seat

HIBERNATION OF THE BEAR. 393

he demanded, with some irritation, " who brought the animal there ? " and was told he
was only a friend of H 's, whom he had forgotten to introduce.

The Bear speedily became a favorite in the regiment, and was promoted to the office
of sentinel over the property contained in a baggage-wagon. Unfortunately, the poor
animal's sense of justice was so acute that it executed its responsible office with too much
zeal. On one occasion, a soldier had gone to the wagon with the intention of robbing it
of some of the property contained therein, and quietly inserted his arm under the cover-
ings. His intended depredation was, however, soon checked by the teeth of the watchful
Bear, which bit his arm with such severity that the limb was rendered useless for the
rest of the man's life. Some little time after this occurrence, a child belonging to the
regiment made a similar attempt upon the wagon, and was killed by the Bear in its
anxiety to fulfil the trust that had been committed to its charge. As the animal was
manifestly an unsafe one, and it was feared that the creature might gain a thirst for
blood, it was condemned to be shot, although not without much regret on the part of
judge and executioners.

The various military adventures of this Bear are very curious, but would occupy too
large a space for the present work.

During the autumn, the Bear becomes extremely fat, in consequence of the ample
feasts which it is able to enjoy, and makes its preparations for passing the cold and
inhospitable months of winter. About the end of October the Bear has completed its
winter house, and ceases feeding for the' year. The saccharine-loving instinct of the
Bear which leads it to discover a bee's nest, however carefully it may be concealed,
and to undergo much toil and trouble for the sake of the sweet banquet, seems to be
given to the animal for the purpose of enabling it to lay up within its own body a
supply of fat which shall serve the double purpose of sustaining the creature in proper
condition during its long fast, and of loading the body with carbon for the purpose of
producing the state of lethargy in which the animal passes the winter. It is well known
that sugar has the property of producing fat to a very great extent, and as it possesses
more of the saccharine property than any other natural substance, the Bear is led by
its instinct to search for and to devour this valuable food with untiring assiduity.

Again, the excess of carbon, whether it be diffused in the atmosphere or concen-
trated in the body, is always productive of sleep, or rather of lethargy, as is seen by
the constant drowsiness of human beings when overloaded with this condensed carbon,
or when they are placed in a room which is charged with the carbonic acid gas that
has been exhaled from the lungs of its inhabitants.

A curious phenomena now takes place in the animal's digestive organs, which gives
it the capability of remaining through the entire winter in a state of lethargy, without
food, and yet without losing condition. As the stomach is no longer supplied with
nourishment, it soon becomes quite empty, and, together with the intestines, is con-
tracted into a very small space. No food can now pass through the system, for a
mechanical obstruction — technically called the " tappen " —blocks up the passage, and
remains in its position until the spring. The " tappen " is almost entirely composed
of pine-leaves, and the various substances which the Bear scratches out of the ants'
nests.

From the end of October to the Middle of April the Bear remains in his den, in a dull,
lethargic state of existence ; and it is a curious fact that if a hibernating Bear be dis-
covered and killed in its den it is quite as fat as if it had been slain before it retired to
its resting-place. Experienced hunters say, that even at the end of its five months' sleep,
the Bear is as fat as at its beginning. Sometimes it is said that the Bear loses the
"tappen" too soon, and in that case it immediately loses its sleek condition, and becomes
extremely thin. During the winter, the Bear gains a new skin on the balls of the feet,
and Mr. Lloyd suggests that the curious habit of sucking the paws, to which Bears are so
prone, is in order to facilitate the growth of the new integument. The den in which the
Bear passes a long period of its life is mostly found under the sheltering defence of rocks
or tree-roots, but is sometimes composed of moss which the Bear gathers into a hillock,
and into which it creeps. These moss-houses are not so easily discovered as might be
supposed, for the habitation bears a very close resemblance to an ordinary hillock, and

394 ADVENTURES WITH THE BROWN BEAR.

when the ground is covered with a uniform carpet of snow, might easily be passed with-
out detection. Bears are nearly as careful of their comfort as cats, and take the greatest
pains to prepare a soft and warm bed, in which they lie at ease during their long sleep.
The flooring of their winter-house is thickly covered with dried leaves and all kinds of
similar substances, the smaller branches of the pine-tree being in great request for this
purpose. In the Swedish language this moss-house is known by the name of
" Korg."

Heavy and unwieldy as the Bear may seem to be, it is possessed of marvellous
activity, and when disturbed in its den rushes out with such astonishing rapidity that
it will baffle the aim of any but a cool and experienced hunter. One writer, who
witnessed the sudden issuing of a Bear from its den and its escape from its pursuers,
compares the animal to those children's toys that are popularly called " skip-jacks,"
and which execute somersaults by means of a twisted string, a wooden lever, and a
little shoemakers' wax.

If captured when young, the Brown Bear is readily tamed, and is capable of mastering
many accomplishments. It is a very playful animal, and seems to have a keen sense of
the ludicrous, which sometimes causes it to overpass the bounds of good breeding. To
its owner it displays a great affection, and can be trained to follow him about like a dog.
Two of these animals belonging to Mr. Lloyd, and which he had tamed, were very game-
some in their disposition, although, as they increased in size and strength, their frolic-
some disposition became rather annoying. They were extremely fond of their master,
and would seek him on every occasion. If he fastened the door of his room against
his troublesome pets, they would clamber up the side of the house, and gain access by
the window. It is said that if domesticated Bears be permitted to remain in a secluded
place they will pass the winter in a torpid state.

The affectionate nature of the Brown Bear is not only exercised towards human
friends, but towards each other. Two of these animals which were born in England were
exceedingly attached to each other. One of the two was sold and removed from its
companion, which immediately became uneasy at the protracted absence of its play-
fellow. So deeply was its affectionate heart wounded by the separation, that it became
nearly mad, and at last contrived to make its escape from its place of confinement,
evidently with the intention of searching after its lost friend. It was captured and
replaced in its cage, but its health became so seriously affected that its owners were
obliged to repurchase its companion and restore it to its disconsolate relation.

Savage as is the Bear when attacked, it is naturally of a kind and playful disposition,
seldom inflicting injury except when urged by fear or hunger. Mr. Atkinson, in his
valuable work on Siberia, relates a curious and interesting anecdote of the gentleness
which naturally actuates the Brown Bear.

Two children, of four and six years of age, had wandered away from their home, and
were after a little time missed by their parents, who set out in search of their offspring.
To their horror and astonishment they found their children engaged in play with a large
Bear, which responded to their infantine advances in a most affectionate manner. One
of the children was feeding its shaggy playfellow with fruit, while the other had mounted
on its back and was seated on its strange steed strong in the fearlessness of childish
ignorance. The parents gave a terrified scream on seeing the danger to which their
children were exposed, and the Bear, on seeing their approach, quietly turned away from
the children and went into the forest.

The same writer records a curious adventure with a Bear, which partakes largely of
the ludicrous. A woman had lost her donkey, and after a long and fatiguing search she
at last came on the missing animal. Being very much irritated with the truant for his
misconduct, she fell to scolding and beating him with the handle of a broom which she
happened to be carrying. Her vituperation and castigation were however suddenly
checked by the discovery that the animal which she was beating so unceremoniously
was not her donkey, but a great Brown Bear. The astonishment of the two seems to
have been mutual, for the bear was evidently as much confused by the unwarranted
assault as was the woman by the sight of her antagonist ; so that after looking at each
other for a few moments, the bear turned tail and ran away as fast as his legs would

THE SYRIAN BEAR, OR DUBB. 395

and when he does so, it is generally because he is rendered desperate by the pangs of
hunger. In such a case, the Bear is greatly to be dreaded by the benighted traveller,
especially if he happen to be journeying alone and has no companion who may share
his watch.

That wild beasts of all kinds are scared away by fire is a well-known fact, but the
hungry Bear is of so cunning a nature that it even sets at defiance the flaming circle
which would at other times afford a secure protection to the sleeping traveller. It is true
that the Bear does not venture to cross the fiery barrier, but it contrives to avoid the
difficulty in a most ingenious manner. Going to the nearest stream, it immerses itself
into the water so as to saturate its fur with moisture, and then, returning to the spot
where the intended prey lies asleep, the animal rolls over the flaming embers, quenching
the glowing brands, and then makes its attack upon the sleeper. This curious fact is
well known among the natives of Siberia, so that they have good grounds for the
respect in which they hold the Bear's intellectual powers.

The Bear is possessed of several valuable accomplishments, being a wonderful climber
of trees and rocks, an excellent swimmer, and a good digger.

During the time when it is engaged in feeding, the Bear is constantly in the habit of
climbing up all kinds of elevated spots, for the purpose of obtaining food, either
vegetable or animal. Leaves of various trees are a favorite article of diet with the

•

animal, as are also the nests of the wild bees and ants. Trusting to its powers of
swimming, the Bear does not hesitate to cross considerable rivers in search of food or
in order to escape from its enemies, and it is in the habit of taking frequent baths during
the hotter months of the year for the sake of cooling its heated frame. Its digging
capabilities are brought into use on many occasions, such as the demolition of an ant's
nest previous to swallowing the inhabitants, or in scraping for itself a comfortable
habitation for the winter.

The number of cubs which the female Bear produces is from one to four, and they
are very small during the first few days of their existence. They make their appear-
ance at the end of January or the beginning of February, and it is a curious fact that,
although the mother has at the time been deprived of food for nearly three months, and
does not take any more food until the spring, she is able to afford ample nourishment
to her young without suffering any apparent diminution in her condition. It is said by
those who have had personal experience of the habits of the Bear, that the mother takes
the greatest care of her offspring during the summer, but that when winter approaches,
she does not suffer them to partake of her residence, but prepares winter quarters for
them in her immediate neighborhood. During the winter, another little family is born,
and when they issue forth from their home, they are joined by the elder cubs, and the
two families pass the next winter in the mother's den.

The SYRIAN BEAR, which is otherwise known by the names of DUBB, or RITCK, is
doubly interesting to us, not only on account of its peculiarly gentle character, but from
the fact that it is the animal which is so often mentioned in the Scriptural writings under
the title of the Bear. The animals which are represented as issuing from the wood and
avenging the insults offered to Elisha, and the Bear which David attacked and killed
in defence of his flock, belonged to the species which is now known by the name of the
Syrian Bear.

Even at the present day, the precise number of species into which the members of
the Bear tribe are resolvable, is not very satisfactorily ascertained. It seems evident,
however, that the Ritck, Isabella Bear, or Syrian Bear, may fairly be considered as a
separate species.

The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and varies extremely during the different
periods of its life. While it is in its earliest years, the color of its fur is a grayish-
brown, but as the animal increases in years, the fur becomes gradually lighter in tint, and
when the Bear has attained maturity, is nearly white. The hair is long and slightly
curled, and beneath the longer hair is a thick and warm covering of closely-set woolly
fur, which seems to defend the animal from the extremes of heat or cold. Along the

SYRIAN BEAR, OR DUBB.

shoulders and front of the neck, the hair is so perpendicularly set, and projects so firmly,
that it gives ^the appearance of a mane, somewhat resembling that of the hyena.

At the present day, the Syrian Bear may be found in the mountainous parts of
Palestine, and has been frequently seen upon the higher Lebanon mountains. The
summit of the mountain itself is composed of two snow-clad peaks, and it is remarkable
that the Bear has only been found on one of these peaks, " Makmel " as it is called,
while the other — Gebel Sanin — is apparently free from these animals. The Bear
appears to remain upon the upper portions of the mountains during the hours of day-
light, but as soon as the evening draws near it descends from its rocky fastness in
search of food, and often causes considerable alarm to the traveller.

SYRIAN BEAR, OR DUBB.-t/rsus Isabelllaus.

The food of the Syrian Bear is mostly of a vegetable nature, although the creature
is perfectly capable of feeding on animal substances, and frequently does so. In con-
sequence of its vegetarian tastes, it often inflicts considerable damage on the cultivated
lands that may happen to lie within the boundary of its range. It is especially fond of
a species of chick-pea which is largely cultivated in those regions, and in its endeavors
to appease its enormous appetite does incalculable damage to the ripening crops.

To this species belonged an animal which enjoyed a high reputation at Oxford and
elsewhere on account of his singularly gentle and amusing manners. The Bear, which
was generally known by the name of " Tig," being an abbreviation of the somewhat
lengthy name of Tiglath Pileser, was for some time a noted celebrity in Oxford, whither
he was brought in his early boyhood. High-spirited and rather tetchy in temper, he
was very affectionate to those who treated him with consideration, and was perfectly
amenable to proper discipline.

THE MUSQUAW, OR AMERICAN BLACK BEAR. 397

Like my dog Rory, he was accustomed to indue a regulation cap and gown, and
under this learned shade to perambulate the college, and partake of the hospitality of
its members. He would sometimes repel with some asperity the familiarity with which
he was greeted by a strange dog, but was in general so quiet in his demeanor that he
caused no alarm among those who knew him, even when indulging in some strange
freak of humor.

On one occasion he had been treated to sweetmeats at the house of a village dealer in
such commodities, and entertained so affectionate a reminiscence of the spot, that he
contrived to escape from bondage, and made at once for the coveted dainties. The
owner of the shop took to flight at his entrance, and when his pursuers entered the
shop they found Mr. Tig seated upon the counter, helping himself to brown sugar with
a liberal paw, and displaying such an appreciation of his good fortune that it was not
without much trouble that he was removed from the scene of his repast. He was
rather peculiar in his tastes, and had attained to a highly civilized state of, epicureanism,
for his chief delicacies were not, as might be supposed, the produce of the garden or
the field, but the more sophisticated dainties of hot muffins and cold ices. He was a
most social animal, and if left alone, even for a short time, would cry and lament in
the most pitiful of tones.

This gregarious disposition was so excessively developed that when the poor animal
was abruptly deprived of his accustomed intercourse with human friends his health
speedily gave way under the horrors of solitude ; he refused to eat, ran continually
about his den, in the hope of making his escape and rejoining his collegiate acquaint-
ances, and was one day found lying dead in his cage.

The fur of this Bear is rather valuable on account of its warmth and beauty, and the
fat and the gall are also held in much esteem for various purposes, chiefly medicinal.

AMERICA furnishes several species of the Bear tribe, two of which, the Grizzly Bear
and the MUSQUAW, or BLACK BEAR, are the most conspicuous.

The Black Bear is found in many parts of Northern America, and was formerly seen
in great plenty. But as the fur and the fat are articles of great commercial and social
value, the hunters have exercised their craft with such determination that the Black
Bears are sensibly diminishing in number. The fur of the Black Bear is not so roughly
shaggy as that of the European or the Syrian Bear, but is smooth and glossy in its
appearance, so that it presents a very handsome aspect to the eye, while its texture is
as thick and warm as that of its rougher-furred relations.

This creature is but little given to animal food, and will restrict itself to a vegetable
diet unless pressed by hunger. It is, however, very fond of the little snails which come
up to feed on the sweet prairie-grass as soon as it is sufficiently moistened by showers or
dew to suit the locomotive capabilities of those wet-loving molluscs, and is ex-
tremely fond of honey, in search of which dainty it displays great acuteness and
perseverance.

Few trees afford so unstable a footing that the Black Bear will not surmount them
in order to reach a nest of wild bees, and there are few obstacles which his ready claws and
teeth will not remove in order to enable him to reach the subjacent dainty. Even if
the honey and comb be deeply concealed in the hollow of a tree, and the entrance by
which the bees find ingress and egress to and from their habitation be too small for
the insertion of a paw, the Bear will set steadily to work with his teeth, and deliber-
ately gnaw his way through the solid wood until he has made a breach sufficiently
wide to answer his purpose. When once he has succeeded in bringing the combs to
light, he scrapes them together with his fore-paws, and devours comb, honey, and
young, without troubling himself about the stings of the surviving bees.

The hunters, who are equally fond of honey, find that if it is eaten in too great
plenty it produces very unpleasant symptoms, which may be counteracted by mixing
it with the oil which they extract from the fat of the Bear. This custom of eating
mingled oil and honey affords a partial explanation of the prophecy, " Butter and
honey shall he eat," which was necessarily put forth in language which was in accord-
ance with the popular ideas of the period.

398 "BEARS'-GREASE."

The flesh of the Bear is held in high esteem among the colonists and native hunters,
and when properly prepared is considered a great delicacy by the denizens of civilized,
localities. The hams, when cured after the approved recipe, are greatly esteemed by
epicures. The Brown Bear of Europe is also famed for the excellent quality of the
meat which it furnishes.

The fat of the Bear is, as is well known, considered as an infallible specific for in-
creasing the growth of the hair and promoting its gloss, and is therefore a valuable
article of commerce. The only portion of the fat that is legitimately employed for
this purpose is the hard white. fat which is found in the interior of the body. As might
be expected from the enormous amount of titular " Bear's-grease " which is annually
consumed, even in England, but a very small proportion of the substance which is
called by that name has ever formed part of a Bear's person. The pig steps in to
make good the deficiency, and the greater portion of the material which is sold under
the name of Bear's-grease is in reality nothing more or less than hog's-lard, colored
and scented* in order to charm the eye and nostrils of the purchaser. There
is yet another use to which the fat of the Bear is put, which will be presently
mentioned.

The chase of this Bear is an extremely dangerous one, and there are but very few
Bear-hunters, however dexterous they may be, who do not in the end succumb to the
claws and teeth of one of these- powerful animals. Although it is naturally a very
quiet and retiring creature, keeping itself aloof from mankind, and never venturing
near his haunts except when incited by the pangs of fierce hunger, it is a truly furious
beast when hemmed in by its antagonists, and all hope of escape cut off. Seated
erect, with its eyeballs darting fury, its ears laid closely upon its head, its tongue loll-
ing out of its mouth, and every gesture glowing with fierce energy, it presents a sight
that is sufficient to unnerve any but an experienced hunter, who has learned by long
practice to preserve a cool demeanor under the most exciting circumstances. Horses
are almost useless at such a juncture, for unless they have been most carefully trained
to the task, they are seized with such mental terror at the sight and scent of the in-
furiate animal that they give way to their frantic fears, and become wholly unmanage-
able by their rider. As the Bear stands, or rather sits at bay, it deals such terrible and
rapid blows with its ready paws that it strikes down the attacking dogs as if they were
so many rabbits, and ever and anon makes a furious charge at its enemies. Nothing
but a rifle-ball seems to check the creature when it is wrought up to this pitch of fury,
for even the severest wounds from a knife seem, unless they reach the heart, to have
only the effect of exciting the animal to more furious rage.

The Musquaw has a curious habit of treading frequently in the same path, so that
after a little time it makes out for itself certain roads, which are easily detected by the
practised eye of the hunter, and often lead to the destruction of the animal which trod
them.

During the month of June the Bears are very thin, and their flesh is considered to
be of no value whatever ; so that they enjoy a short period of unmolested ease. As
they are especially fierce at this time of the year, the hunters have a double reason for
keeping aloof from the animals which they persecute with a deadly pertinacity through-
out the other portions of the year. Their peculiar ferocity at this time is attributable
to the fact that the male Bears are engaged in seeking their mates, and when it happens,
as is often the case among wild animals, that two or more males take a fancy to the
same female, they fight for the desired prize with unrelenting fury.

Although the white hunters chase and kill the Bear without any remorse of con-
science, the copper-colored races are so impressed with the intellectual powers of this
cunning and dangerous animal, that they endeavor to appease the manes of a slaught-
ered Bear with various singular and time-honored ceremonies. The head of the slain
animal is decorated with every procurable trinket, and is then laid ceremoniously upon
a new blanket. Tobacco-smoke is then solemnly blown into the nostrils of the severed
head by the successful hunter, and a deprecatory speech is made, in which the orator
extols the courage of the defeated animal, pays a few supplementary compliments
to its still living relations, regrets the necessity for its destruction, and expresses his

THE MUSQUAW, OR AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.

399

hopes that his conduct has been, on the whole, satisfactory to the dead Musquaw and
its relations.

This curious custom is the more remarkable, as it bears a close analogy to the belief
of the Scandinavians, who are little less fastidious in their conduct towards the Bear.
No true Norwegian will ever speak of a Bear, as a Bear, but prefers to mention it as
" the old man with the fur cloak ; " or, more tersely and poetically, the " Disturber."

As is the case with the Bears which have already been mentioned, the Black Bear is
in the habit of passing the cold months of winter in some comfortable residence which
it has prepared in the course of the summer. Practical hunters, however, remark that
unless the Bear is exceedingly fat at the commencement of the cold season, it does not
venture to betake itself to its winter home, but gets through the winter without hiber-

MUSQUAW OR AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.— Ursus Amerlcaaus,

nation. When they can be detected in their dens, the hibernating Bears are often so
oppressed with irresistible sleep, that they can hardly be induced to move sufficiently
to enable their discoverer to plant a fatal wound. One old Nimrod told a companion
who had newly entered on the sport of Bear-hunting, that he had often been forced
to push the sleeping Bear with the muzzle of his rifle, in order to make the "somnolent
animal raise its head.

This species of Bear is remarkably prolific, the number of cubs which are produced at
a birth being from one to four. When newly born they are very small, being only six or
eight inches in length, and covered with gray hair. The month in which they make their
entry into the world is either January or February, and they remain under strict maternal

400

THE GRIZZLY BEAR.

control until they are six months of age. For the first year of their existence the fur
continues to retain the gray hue, but when they reach their second year the light-hued
hair gives place to the glossy black coat which distinguishes the Musquaw. They shed
their coat twice in the year ; namely, in spring and autumn ; so that when the winter
arrives, they are defended from its rigors by a new and warm covering of thickly
planted hair. On account of this change in the color of the fur, the juvenile Musquaw
has been considered as a separate species, and admitted into systematic catalogues under
the name of Yellow, or Cinnamon Bear.

THERE are few animals which are so widely and deservedly dreaded as the GRIZZLY
BEAR. This terrible animal is an inhabitant of many portions of Northern America,
and is the acknowledged superior of every animal that ranges over the same country.

The other members of the ursine family are not given to attacking human beings, un-
less they are alarmed or wounded, but the Grizzly, or " Ephraim," as the creature is
familiarly termed by the hunters, displays a most unpleasant readiness to assume the
offensive as soon as it perceives a man, be he mounted or on foot, armed or otherwise.

Yet the Bear is not entirely without the innate dread of humanity which is in-
stinctively implanted in every known animal, for, although it will attack a man without
hesitation, it will not venture to follow up his track, and even if it should come across
the air which is tainted by his presence, the Grizzly Bear will escape as fast as
he can run. To this curious instinct the hunters have more than once owed their
lives.

One man, who was engaged in duck-shooting, and whose gun was only loaded with
shot, was suddenly alarmed at seeing a Grizzly Bear cantering towards him, having
clearly already made up his mind to attack him. For the moment the old man was in
despair, but his presence of mind soon returned, and he made his escape in a very in-
genious manner. Plucking some of the light fibres from his rough coat, he threw them
in the air, in order to ascertain the direction of the wind, and then moved to one side, so
as to cause the wind to blow from himself towards the advancing foe. As soon as the
Bear perceived the strange scent, it stopped, sat upon its hind legs, wavered, and finally
made off, leaving its intended prey master of the field.

If, however, the anger of this terrible animal should be aroused by the pain of a
wound, it cares little for men or their scent, but rushes furiously upon them, dealing the
most fearful blows with its huge paws, armed with their array of trenchant talons, and
holding its powerful teeth in readiness for a close combat. So tenacious of life is the
Grizzly Bear, that unless it receives a wound in the head or heart it will continue its
furious struggles, even though it be riddled with bullets and its body pierced with many
a gaping wound. These warlike capacities render the creature respected by the natives
and colonists, and the slaughter of a Grizzly Bear in fair fight is considered an extremely
high honor. Among the native tribes that dwell in the northern portions of America,
the possession of a necklace formed from the claws of the Grizzly Bear is considered
as enviable a mark of distinction as a blue ribbon among ourselves. No one is permitted
to wear such an ornament unless the Bear had fallen under his hand ; consequently, the
value of the decoration is almost incalculable. So largely is this mark of distinction
prized, that the Indian who has achieved such dignity can hardly be induced to part
with his valued ornament by any remuneration that can be offered.

Mr. Palliser, who was fortunate enough to kill five of these terrible creatures, without
suffering from their teeth or claws, bears ample testimony to the fury with which they
make their assaults, and the need of a cool determination in the hunter who matches
himself against such a foe. Just as the Bear approaches within a few yards of its ad-
versary, it sits up on its hind legs for a moment, and then rushes forward with almost
inconceivable velocity. But the moment when the Bear remains quiescent affords suffi-
cient time for a determined hunter to take a steady aim, and to lodge a bullet in the
heart or brain of the savage foe.

When the hunter is sufficiently confident in his powers of nerve to match himself
against the Bear, he can generally come upon his game by searching among the lower
lying grounds, which are filled with rugged timber and scrub fruit-trees.

THE GRIZZLY BEAR.

401

It is generally supposed that the Grizzly Bear is unable to ascend trees, but it is now
ascertained that the animal is quite an adept in tree-climbing, and makes use of the
scandent art for the purpose of supplying itself with a bountiful and leisurely repast.
As the Bear is very fond of acorns, and does not choose to gather them separately
from the branches on which they grow, it ascends the trees, and with its powerful
fore-limbs administers such severe blows and shakings to the boughs that the ripe
acorns shower down like hail to the earth, whither the ingenious animal speedily de-
scends in order to reap the benefit of its exertions. Yet it is frequently found that a
man who has been chased by a Grizzly Bear has succeeded in saving his life by as-
cending a tree which the Bear has made repeated but ineffectual efforts to climb. The

-^- xSi

GRIZZLY BEAR.-l/rsuserojr.

two accounts may be reconciled by the supposition that while the Bear is young, and
comparatively agile in proportion to its weight, it is capable of ascending a per-
pendicular tree-trunk ; but that when it becomes large and unwieldy, its limbs are not
sufficiently powerful to raise so great a weight from the earth by so slight a hold as
that which is afforded by the claws as they affix themselves to the rough bark.

The color of the Grizzly Bear is extremely variable, so much so, indeed, that some
zoologists have suggested the existence of two distinct species. Sometimes the color
of the fur is a dullish brown, plentifully flecked with grizzled hairs, and in other speci-
mens the entire fur is of a beautiful steely gray. In every case, however, these grizzled
hairs are very conspicuous, so that there appears to a be certain tendency to whiteness in
the surface of the fur. From this peculiarity, the specific title of " candescens," or whitish,
26

402 THE GRIZZLY BEAR.

has been affixed to the Grizzly Bear by Major Smith, and the creature has, in one or
two hunters' narratives, been erroneously described as the White Bear.

In its earlier years, the young Grizzly Bear may boast of a really beautiful fur, which,
although very long, thick, and shaggy, is not of that coarse, wiry texture which is notable
as belonging to the coat of the adult animal. The fur of the juvenile Bear is of a brown
color, with a dark stripe along the spine, and is so enormously thick and long, that as
the animal shuffles along, it shakes up and down with every step. The gait of this
creature is rather peculiar, as it swings its body in a curious and exceedingly awkward
manner, and rolls its head from side to side in unison with the movement of its body.

The fore-limbs of this animal are enormously powerful, and the feet of a full-grown
adult are eighteen inches in length, and armed with claws of five inches long. These
claws are extremely sharp, and when the animal delivers a blow with its paw, the sharp-
edged talons cut the adversary's frame as if they were so many chisels. A singular pecul-
iarity is found in these claws. The animal possesses the power of using them sepa-
rately, and has been repeatedly seen to grasp a dry clod of earth in its foot, and to
crumble it to pieces by the mere movement of the claws upon each, other. The head
is extremely large in proportion to the body, and the tail is so short that it is entirely
hidden beneath the heavy fur that covers the hinder quarters. The native Indians
are in the habit of amusing themselves with the perplexity of persons who are not aware
of this circumstance, and whom they persuade that the carcass of a dead Grizzly Bear
is easily lifted if seized by the tail, — a proceeding which bears a strong analogy to the
method of capturing a bird by covering its tail with salt.

All animals stand in great fear of this formidable beast, and display the greatest
terror even at the sight or the scent of a Bear-skin that has been stripped from the body.
Even the powerful bison falls a victim to the Grizzly Bear, which has been seen to
spring upon the foremost bull of a herd, dash it to the ground, and destroy it by a
succession of tremendous blows with its armed paws. Another of these animals
contrived to carry off a bison that had been shot by a hunter, and, after dragging it to
some distance from the spot where it fell, to bury it in a pit which it had dug for the
reception of its prey. It is said that the other predaceous animals hold the Grizzly
Bear in such respect that they will not venture to touch a deer which has been killed
by this powerful creature, and that the very imprint of the Bear's feet upon the soil is
a warning which not even a hungry wolf will disregard.

As might be expected, this disinclination to meddle with the Grizzly Bear extends to
the dead animal itself, and to its skin and carcass. One of these creatures had been
shot, and its skin taken from the body, but as the hunter was not strong enough to
carry the weighty hide, he was forced to leave it unguarded for fifteen hours, exposed
to the attacks of the myriad nocturnal prowlers that swarm in those regions. Yet,
when he came at daybreak next morning to secure his prize, he found that neither the
skin nor the carcass had sustained the least damage from the teeth of the wolves,
although any other animal would have been totally devoured in a very short time.
Horses evince such terror at the sight and smell of the Grizzly Bear that they will not
permit the skin to be laid on their backs until they have been carefully trained to the
unwelcome task.

They are not very easily tamed, except when captured at an extremely early age ;
but even in that case, they are rather rough in their manners, and are but dangerous
playfellows. They are extremely playful creatures when young, and are very amusing
in their habits. One of these animals, which was captured by Mr. Palliser, behaved
in a very amusing manner during the voyage homewards, and caused much mirth by
its absurd pranks. " Indeed," as the writer observed, " the Bear proved to be the
most entertaining member of the whole ship's company. He ate, drank, and played
with the sailors, and proved such a source of amusement to them, that the captain,
whom I have since had the pleasure of meeting, told me that he would gladly engage
always to take a Bear with him when he went to sea in future."

On board of a passage-boat, a sudden shower of rain drove all the passengers, including
the Bear, below deck, and Mr. Palliser's attention was roused by peals of laughter over
the dining cabin. " On going above, to discover the cause of the merriment, I saw that

A LUXURIOUS BEAR. 403

the Bear was gone with his chain broken. The pilot, who had been relieved a few
minutes before, now led me forward to inspect his caboose, which was surrounded by
the passengers and deck hands, all in fits of laughter.

I could not make out the reason of it at first, until one of the bystanders pulled a
corner of the blanket off the pilot's bed, when, to my surprise, the jerk was answered
by an indolent growl. My friend Bruin having got drenched by the shower, had broken
his chain in Disgust, and actually found his way to the pilot's bed, clambered into it, and
rolled himself carefully between the blankets. The good-humored pilot was not in the
least angry, but, on the contrary, highly amused, replying to my apologies as I kicked
out his strange bed-fellow, ' Oh ! never mind, mister ; why, what's the hindrance to the
blankets being dried again ? '

The same animal had contracted a strong friendship with a little antelope which was
a fellow-voyager with himself ; and on one occasion performed a most chivalrous service
in behalf of its defenceless little friend.

As the antelope was being led through the streets, towards the vessel, a large mastiff
flew at it, and was with difficulty kept at bay by the voice and stick of the person who
was leading the terrified little creature. Mr. Palliser, who was following with the
Bear, rushed to the rescue, but was outrun by the Bear, who dashed boldly fowardand
closed with the assailant in a moment. A fierce combat ensued, in which the Bear
refrained at first from using his teeth or claws, and contented himself with seizing the
mastiff in his powerful arms, and flinging him on his back with such violence that it
rolled over and over on the ground. The dog, cheered by the voice of its master,
succeeded at last in giving the Bear a tolerably sharp grip between its teeth. Incensed
by the pain, Bruin lost his temper, and seizing the dog in his arms, squeezed the breath
nearly out of its body, and was preparing to use its teeth, when the dog, which was
rapidly choking under the terrible pressure of the Bear's arms, contrived to extricate
itself by a sudden struggle, and ran away with piteous howls, leaving the Bear master
of the field.

The length of a well-grown adult male is rather more than eight feet six inches, and
the girth round the body is equal to the length. The weight of such an animal is rather
more than eight hundred pounds. Specimens still larger are sometimes killed, but the
average weight and dimensions are as given above.

The powerful claws of this animal are employed not only for combat, but in digging
up the earth for various purposes, such as the search after various roots and bulbs, and
the interment of some large animal which they have killed. The instinct for burying
their prey is so largely developed in these creatures that they have more than once been
deceived by the craft of a hunter, who, when resistance or escape was impracticable, has
simulated death in order to disarm the wrath of the terrible animal. Thinking the man
to be dead, and not being irritated by wounds, the Bear proceeds to scratch a pit in the
earth, and to drag the unresisting prey into the hollow, and to cover him carefully with
grass and leaves, pressing them well down, so as to conceal him effectually. Satisfied
with its precaution, the Bear betakes itself to rest, and the buried hunter seizes the
opportunity of slipping quietly away while the animal is engaged in repose.

Several Grizzly Bears have been brought to this country, and have attracted great
attention by their amusing and playful habits. A further interest attaches to them from
the fact that two of them underwent a surgical operation while under the influence of
chloroform. Bears are subject to ophthalmia, especially when in confinement, and are
often totally deprived of sight by this disease. Until the discovery of the anaesthetic
powers of chloroform, the poor animals were doomed to hopeless blindness, but at the
present day, the Bear is rendered as quiet and harmless as a guinea-pig under the
influence of this potent vapor.

In order to place the sponge that contained the chloroform fairly under the animal's
nostrils, it was necessary to bring its head close to the bars of the cage, an operation which
was with difficulty effected by the united efforts of four strong men. The sponge was
then affixed to its snout, and in a very short time the animal was lying on the floor of its
cage, without sense or motion. The door was then opened, and the Bear's head being laid
on a plank outside the cage, the operator speedily removed the obstacle. The animal was

404

THIBETIAN SUN-BEAR.

then replaced in the cage, where it lay for five or six minutes without motion, and at
last, contrived to get on its legs, and walk very unsteadily into its den. The next
morning saw the Bear sitting at its ease, restored to the blessings of sight, and feeling
no apparent inconvenience from- the contrast between the brilliant morning's light and
the thick dulness that had for so long a time oppressed its vision.

THE animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving is an example of a
group of Bears which have received the title of Sun-Bears, from their habit of basking
in the rays of the burning sun, instead of withdrawing to their dens, as is the custom
with the generality of Bears, as long as the sun pours its meridian beams on the earth.
The name Helarctos, by which the genus is designated, is composed of two Greek
words, the former signifying the sun, and the latter a Bear.

The country in which the Thibetian Bear resides, is manifest by its name. It has
also been discovered in the Nepal range of mountains. The fur of this creature is

THIBETIAN SUN-BEAR.— Helarctos Tibetanus.

tolerably thick and smooth, and is generally of a black color, with the exception of
the lower lip and a large patch of white hairs on the breast, which is narrow at the lower
part, and, widening as it approaches the chin, separates into two short horns, which
partially extend towards the shoulders. The entire spot bears, therefore, some re-
semblance to the letter Y rather imperfectly delineated, and with its upright stem rather
shortened.

The body of the Thibetian Bear is heavily, but strongly made, and the limbs seem
to be rather less agile than those of the American or Scandinavian Bears. The claws
are not so powerful as those of the generality of Bears, the ears are comparatively large,
and the neck is peculiarly thick. It seems chiefly to rely for its subsistence on fruit,
roots, and various vegetable productions. It is not quite so large as the Bears which
have already been mentioned.

A VERY curious example of the Sun-Bears is found in the species which is known by
the name of the BRUANG, or MALAYAN SUN-BEAR, and has been rendered famous by
the spirited description of its appearance and habits which has been given by Sir
Stamford Raffles.

THE MALAYAN SUN-BEAR.

405

The fur of this animal is particularly fine and glossy, and the hair is shorter than in
the generality of the Bear tribe. The color of its fur is a very deep black, with the
exception of a large semi-lunar shaped patch of white on the breast, and a yellowish-
white patch on the snout and upper jaw, which afford a striking and curious contrast
to the uniformly black color of the fur. The lips and tongue of this Bear are extremely
flexible, and are capable of being prolonged to an almost incredible extent. It is
supposed that the great length of its tongue, and the -exceedingly flexible power of
that organ, are intended for the purpose of enabling the animal to obtain the honey
from the nest of the wild bee, by insinuating its lithe tongue into the apertures of the
hive, and licking the sweet food from the waxen treasuries.

The head of the Bruang is rather thick, and the neck is singularly powerful in com-
parison to the size of the head. The eyes are very small, and the iris is of a rather pale
lilac color, and tolerably lively in its appearance. It is not a large animal, measuring
when adult only four feet six inches in length, but it it is extremely powerful in propor-
tion to its size, being able to grasp and tear from the ground the strongly-rooted
plantains of Borneo, which are so large that the Bear is hardly able to embrace them in
its grasp. The claws of the Bruang are extremely long.

MALAYAN SUN-BEAR.— Helarctos Malayan us.

When in its wild state, it is almost entirely a vegetable eater, preferring fruit before
most articles of diet, and making great havoc among the tender shoots of the cocoa-nut
tree. In some parts of Sumatra, where the villages have been deserted, the cocoa-nut
groves have been entirely destroyed by the insatiate appetite of the Bruang.

As it is easily tamed, it is frequently seen in a state of domestication, and is a very
amusing and gentle creature, associating freely with children, and earning by its uni-
formly quiet conduct the privilege of unrestricted liberty. Sir Stanford Raffles, who
possessed one of these Bears, permitted it to live in the nursery, and never was obliged
to chain, chastise, or otherwise punish the good-tempered animal. Being something
of an epicure, and often admitted to his master's table, the Bruang would refuse to eat any
fruit except mangosteens, or to drink any wine except champagne. It may seem remark-
able that a Bear should display any predilection for fermented liquids, and more so that
it should be so fastidious as to select champagne as the wine which it honored with its

406

THE BORNEAN SUN-BEAR.

preference. Such, however, was the case, and the animal was so fondly attached to the
champagne-bottle, that -the absence of his favorite liquid was the only circumstance
that would make him lose his temper. His affectionate disposition led him to extend
his friendship to various of his acquaintances, and he was on such excellent terms with
the entire household, that he would meet on equal footing the cat, the dog, and a small
Lory, or Blue-mountain bird, and amicably feed with them from the same dish.

One of these Bears that was successfully domesticated was able to eat animal as
well as vegetable food, but was fed exclusively on bread and milk, of which it con-
sumed rather more than ten pounds per diem. It is possessed of much flexibility of
body, and is very fond of sitting on its hind legs, thrusting out its long tongue to an ex-
traordinary distance, and ever and anon withdrawing it into the mouth with a peculiar
snapping sound. While thus engaged, it makes the most grotesque and singular gest-
ures with the fore-limbs, and rolls its body from side to side with unceasing assiduity.
It seldom remains in one position for any length of time, and, although its movements

BORNEAN SUN-BEAR. —Helarctos Burystftus.

are not characterized by much energy or rapidity, it is evidently possessed of much
power over its limbs, and if it were disposed to enter into strife would probably use its
long talons to good purpose.

RESEMBLING the Malayan Bruang in general habits and disposition, the BORNEAN
BRUANG, or SUN-BEAR, is acknowledged to belong to a different species from the an-
imal which has just been described. The color of its fur is nearly as black as that of
the Bruang ; but the patch upon its breast is of an orange hue, instead of the grayish
white which is so conspicuous in the Malayan Bruang.

Like that animal, it can sit or stand on its hinder limbs with the greatest ease, and
possesses nearly as much flexile power of the lip and tongue as the Bruang. It has a
curious habit of placing superabundant food upon its hinder paws, as if to guard it from
the defilement of sand or dust, and feeds itself by slow degrees with dainty carefulness.

It is extremly fond of fruits and various vegetables, and is, in its native country, a
dreaded foe to the cocoa-nut trees and their fruit. The animal is so excellent a climber

THE ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR.

407

that it cannot be baffled by loftiness of trunk or smoothness of bark ; and when the
creature has attained the summit of the tree it frequently destroys the life of the tree by
devouring the topmost shoot for the sake of its delicate succulence. The cocoa-nuts
themselves are objects of interest to the Bornean Bruang, who is extremely fond of the
peculiarly-flavored liquid that is found in the interior of the nut ; and when he has
reached a cluster of ripe nuts will tear them from the tree and fling them on the ground.
In captivity it is gentle, playful, and amusing, and possesses very curious and almost
ludicrous habits, which render it an object of interest to its visitors. Profoundly sen-
sible of human sympathies, and almost as fond of notice as a cat, the Bornean Bruang
will accept with evident delight the caresses of its visitors, and is pleased to be patted,
or stroked by kindly hands, provided that it does not happen to be in a bad humor at
the time. Should the animal consider itself to be insulted — a matter of rather frequent
occurrence — it will contumeliously reject all advances, and will not consent to receive
any mark of attention until the offender is fairly out of sight.

ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR.-Afe/wrsas Lfblus.

UNWIELDY in its movements, and grotesque in its form, the ASWAIL or SLOTH BEAR is
one of the most curious members of this group of animals. It is found in the mount-
ainous parts of India, and is equally dreaded and admired by the natives of the same
country.

Athough a sufficiently harmless creature if permitted to roam unmolested among its
congenial scenery of mountain and precipice, it is at the same time an extremely
dangerous foe if its slumbering passions are aroused by wounds or bodily pain of any
kind. It needs, however, that the wound be tolerably severe to induce the animal to turn
upon the person that inflicted the injury ; for should it only be slightly wounded, it
runs forward in a straight line, as if it were actuated by the one idea of getting as far as

4o8 THE ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR.

possible away from the object which had caused it so much bodily suffering, and can,
but seldom be finally captured.

As a general rule, the Aswail remains within its sheltered den during the hot hours
of the day, as its feet seem to be extremely sensitive to heat, and suffer greatly from
the bare rocks and stones which have been subjected to the burning rays of that glow-
ing Indian sun. On one or two occasions, however, where the wounded Bear had been
successfully tracked and killed, the soles of the poor animal's feet were found to be
horribly scorched and blistered by the effects of the heated rocks over which the creat-
ure had recklessly passed in its haste to escape from its enemies. On account of this
extreme sensitiveness of the Aswail's foot, it is very seldom seen by daylight, and is
generally captured or killed by hunters, who track it to its sleeping place, and then
attack their drowsy prey.

The Aswail is said never to eat vertebrate animals except on very rare occasions,
when it is severely pressed by hunger. Its usual diet consists of various roots, bees'-
nests, together with their honey and young bees, grubs, snails, slugs, and ants, of which
insects it is extremely fond, and which it eats in very great numbers. Probably on
account of its mode of feeding, its flesh is in much favor as an article of diet, and
though rather coarse in texture, is said by those who have had practical experience of
its qualities to be extremely good.

The fat of this Bear is very highly valued among the natives and the European resi-
dents, being used chiefly for the lubrication of the delicate steel work that is employed
in the interior of gun-locks. For this purpose the fat is prepared in a similar manner
to that of the tiger, being cut into long strips, forced into closely stoppered bottles, and
placed during the entire day in the blazing rays of the sun. The powerful sunbeams
soon melt the fat into a homogeneous mass, and when the evening begins to draw on,
the contents of the bottle are found to settle into a firm and white substance, which has
the property of remaining untainted even in that heated climate, where, if no such pre-
caution were taken, it would in a very few hours become a mass of putrescent abomina-
tion. The prepared fat is especially valuable for gun-locks, as it preserves the bright
steel from rust, and does not clog by constant service, as is the case with almost every
other animal oil.

In connection with this subject it may be as well to mention that the ordinary " trotter
oil," or " neats'-foot oil," may be prepared for the most delicate work in a similar man-
ner. If a bottle of this oil be placed in the sun's rays, and a few strips of lead dropped
into the vessel, an extraordinary heavy deposit begins to take place, and fills the lower
part of the bottle. The upper part, however, remains bright and limpid as crystal,
and by a repetition of the same process may be so effectually purified that it will never
be liable to that annoying viscidity which detracts so much from the value of animal
oils that have been for some time in use. It is in this manner that watchmakers
purify the oil for the lubrication of the delicate machinery of their trade.

Very little is known of the habits of this Bear while in its wild state, but it would ap-
pear from the conduct of two young animals that inhabited the same cage in the Zoo-
logical Gardens, that it must be a gentle and affectionate creature.

It is, at all events, known that the maternal Aswail is in the habit of carrying on her
back those of her offspring that are not able to make full use of their own means of
progression. The two animals that were kept in the Zoological Gardens were accus-
tomed to lie close to each other, and while in that easy position used to suck their paws
after the usual ursine fashion, uttering at the same time a kind of bearish purr, as an
expression of contentment. This sound, although it partakes of the nature of a whine,
admixed with the purr, is not without a musical intonation, and may be heard at some
little distance. Indeed, it has not unfrequently happened that the Bear has been be-
trayed to its pursuers by the continuous sound which it utters while lying half asleep
within its den.

The hair which covers the body and limbs is of singular length, especially upon the
back of the neck and the head, imparting a strange and grotesque appearance to the
animal. The color of the fur is of a deep black, interspersed here and there with hairs of
a brownish hue. Upon the breast, a forked patch of whitish hairs is distinctly visible.

THE POLAR BEAR. 409

When it walks, its fore-feet cross over each other, like those of an accomplished skater
when accomplishing the " cross-roll," but when it remains in a standing attitude its
feet are planted at some distance from each other.

These Bears seem to be very liable to the loss of their incisor teeth, and even in the
skulls of very young animals the teeth have been so long missing that their sockets
have been filled up by nature as if no teeth had ever grown there. On account of this
curious deficiency, the first specimen which was brought to England was thought to be a
gigantic sloth, and was classed among those animals under the name of Bradypus Ursinus
or Ursine Sloth. In one work it was candidly described as the Anonymous Animal.
Other names by which it is known are the Jungle Bear, and the Labiatedor Lipped Bear.

This last mentioned title has been given to the animal in consequence of the ex-
treme mobility of its long and flexible lips, which it can protrude or retract in a very
singular manner, and with which it contorts its countenance into the strangest imagina-
ble grimaces ; especially when excited by the exhibition of a piece of bun, an apple,
or other similar dainty. It is fond of sitting in a semi-erect position, and of twisting
its nose and lips about in a peculiarly rapid manner in order to attract the attention of
the bystanders, and ever and anon, when it fails to attract the eyes of its visitors, it
slaps the lips smartly together, in hopes to strike their sense of hearing.

When captured young, it is easily tamed, and can be taught to perform many curious
antics at the bid of its master. For.this purpose it is often caught by the native mounte-
banks, who earn an easy subsistence by leading their shaggy pupil through the country,
and demanding small sums of money for the exhibition of its qualities. On account of
its association with these wandering exhibitors, it has been called by the French
naturalist " Ours Jongleur." Whether owing to the natural docility of the animal, or
to the superior powers of its instructor, it performs feats which are more curious and
remarkable than the ordinary run of performances that are achieved by the Learned
Bears of our streets.

In either case it is always a saddening sight, for, however ingenious may be the
instructor, or however docile the pupil, the unnatural performances of the poor animal
always seem to be out of place. We have no right to attempt to humanize a Bear or
any other animal ; for in so doing we are preventing it from working the task which it
was placed in the world to fulfil. The Bear — as may be said of every animal — is the
result of a divine idea in the mind of the Creator, and it ought to be our business to
aid the creature in developing that idea as far as possible, and not to check its de-
velopment by substituting some other idea of our own, which, with all we can do, must
necessarily be a false one. Even the imprisoned Bears which mount a tall pole for
the purpose of obtaining cakes and fruit from their visitors, are performing their mis-
sion much more truly than the most accomplished Bear that ever traversed the country,
and are, in consequence, much more agreeable to the eye of any one who values the
animal creation on account of the moral qualities which are implanted in them from
their birth, for us to develop to their highest extent, and in which we may read an ever
living word proceeding from the ever-creating hand of God.

Moreover, all those who in studying natural history desire to look deeper than the
surface, and to direct their attention rather to the inward being of the various ani-
mals than to their outward forms, will find that every creature in which is the breath
of life has a physical, a moral, and sometimes a spiritual analogy with the more ex-
panded organisms of humanity, and owes its position among created beings to that
very analogy. In every human being are comprised all the mental characteristics that
are outwardly embodied in the various members of the animal kingdom, and it is im-
possible to mark any attribute of the lower animals which does not find a further and
a higher development in the human existence in one or other of its manifestations.

This subject is too wide to receive even a cursory notice in the present article, but
will be again taken up on a future page.

There is generally an aquatic member of each group of animals throughout the
vertebrato kingdom, and among the Bears this part is filled by the NENNOOK, or POLAR
BEAR, sometimes called, on account of its beautifully silvery fur, the WHITE BEAR. As

4io THE POLAR BEAR.

has already been mentioned, the Bears are good swimmers, and are able to cross chan-
nels of considerable width, but we have, in the person of the Nennook, an animal that is
especially formed for traversing the waters and for passing its existence among the
ice-mountains of the northern regions.

Probably in consequence of the extreme cold which prevails in the high latitudes
where this creature is found, its food is almost entirely of an animal nature, and consists
of seals and fish of various kinds. In order to capture the fish in their own element, or
to make prey of the active and wary seals, it is necessary that the Nennook should be
endowed with no ordinary powers of body and sense. Its capabilities of scent are ex-
traordinarily fine, for it will perceive, by the exercise of that sense alone, the little breath-
ing-holes which the seals have made through the ice, even though the icy plain and
the breathing-holes are covered with a uniform coating of snow. Even the Esquimaux
dog, which is specially trained for this very purpose, is sometimes baffled by the ex-
treme difficulty of discovering so small an aperture under such difficult circumstances.

So active is this Bear, and so admirable are its powers of aquatic locomotion, that
it has been seen to plunge into the water in chase of a salmon, and to return to the sur-
face with the captured fish in its mouth. And when it is engaged in the pursuit of
seals, as they are lying sleeping on a rock or on an ice-raft, it is said to employ a very
ingenious mode of approach. Marking the position in which its intended prey lies, it
quietly slips into the water, and diving below the surface, swims in the intended direc-
tion, until it is forced to return to the surface in order to breathe. As soon as it has
filled its lungs with fresh air, it again submerges itself, and resumes its course, timing
its submarine journeys so well, that when it ascends to the surface for the last time it is
in close proximity to the slumbering seal. The fate of the unfortunate victim is now
settled, for it cannot take refuge in the water without falling into the clutches of its
pursuer, and if it endeavors to escape by land it is speedily overtaken and destroyed
by the swifter-footed Bear.

The endurance of the Bear while engaged in swimming is very great, for it has been
seen swimming steadily across a strait of some forty miles in width. Even the large
and powerful walrus is said to fall a victim to the superior prowess of the Polar Bear.
Although its appetite is of so decidedly carnivorous a nature in the northern regions,
it assumes a milder character in southern climes and contents itself with vegetable
aliment. In England, it has been fed for a considerable time on bread alone, of which
it consumes about six pounds per diem, and its fondness for cakes and buns is well
known to every frequenter of the Zoological Gardens. Even in its wild state, it is in
the habit of varying its food by sundry roots and berries, and is often found engaged
in searching for these dainties at some distance from the sea-shore.

So powerful an animal as the Polar Bear must necessarily be very dangerous when
considered in the light of a foe, and as it is rather tetchy and very uncertain in its
temper, it often affords ample scope by which its pursuers may test their prowess.
Sometimes it runs away as soon as it sees or smells a human being, but at others
it is extremely malicious, and will attack a man without any apparent reason. As
is the case with nearly all the Bears, it is very tenacious of life, and even when
pierced with many wounds will fight in the most desperate manner, employing both
teeth and claws in the combat, and only yielding the struggle with its life.

The color of the Nennook's fur is a silvery white, tinged with a slight yellow hue,
rather variable in different individuals. Even in the specimens that were confined in
the Zoological Gardens there was a perceptible difference in the tint of their fur, the
coat of one of them being of a purer white than that of the other. The yellowish tinge
which has been just mentioned is very similar to the creamy-yellow hue which edges
the Ermine's fur. The feet are armed with strong claws of no very great length, and
but slightly curved. Their color is black, so that they form a very bold contrast with
the white fur that falls over the feet. Even at a considerable distance, and by means
of its mere outline, the Polar Bear may be distinguished from every other member of
the Bear tribe by its peculiar shape. The neck is, although extremely powerful, very
long in proportion to the remainder of the body, and the head is so small and sharp
that there is a very snake-like aspect about that portion of the animal's person.

THE POLAR BEAR.

411

The shape of the head is rather remarkable, for whereas in the Brown and other
Bears the muzzle is separated from the forehead by a well-marked depression, in the
Polar Bear the line from the forehead to the nose is almost continuous. The foot of
the Nennook is of surprising comparative length, for it is equivalent in length to one-
sixth of the entire length of the body, whereas in the Brown Bear it is but one-tenth of
that measurement. The sole of the foot is covered with a thick coating of warm fur,
which is in all probability intended for the double purpose of protecting the extremities
from the intense cold of the substance which it is formed to traverse, and of enabling
the creature to tread firmly on the hard and slippery ice.

From these and other peculiarities of form it is now acknowledged as a separate
species of Bear, and even removed into a different genus by many naturalists, although

POLAR BEAR. Thalarctos marltimas.

the earlier writers on this subject supposed that it was merely a permament variety of
the Brown Bear, which had obtained a white coat by constant exposure to the terrible
cold of these wintry regions, and whose form had been slightly modified by the ever-
repeated habits of its strange life.

The skeleton which is here presented to the reader is that of the Polar Bear, and has
been selected because it affords an excellent example of the peculiar bony formation
around which the body of the Bear is built, and at the same time exhibits some of the
characteristics which distinguish the Polar from the other Bears. The reader will
especially notice the length of the neck, the peculiar flatness of the skull, and the very
great comparative length of the feet.

Although so powerful an animal, and furnished by nature with such dreadful arms of

412

SKELETON OF POLAR BEAR

offence, it is considered by the experienced Bear-hunters of Norway to be inferior in
combat to the common Brown Bear, and is less dreaded by them as an antagonist.

Its powers of endurance are necessarily great, for its means of subsistence are always
precarious, and in many cases are extremely small indeed. As the Bear is in the habit
of passing so much time upon the ice, and generally devours upon its frozen surface the
prey which has been captured, it is liable to be affected by the sudden and extraordinary
changes that are constantly taking place in the vast ice-fields of these cold regions.
Pieces of ice on which the Bears are quietly sleeping after their repast, become noise-
lessly dissevered from the main body, and are carried off to sea fora very great distance
before the Bear is aware of its enforced voyage. Scoresby records such an instance,
where he met with a Polar Bear upon a piece of drift ice that was floating at sea some
two hundred miles distant from the land. As the ice nourishes no animals that could
afford nutriment to the white-coated resident, the Bear is forced to depend for its entire
subsistence upon the fish that it may be able to capture. Out at sea, however, the fishy
tribe are not so easily procured as near the shore, and the hunger-endurent powers of the
Bear are thoroughly tested before it can again place its shaggy foot on the welcome soil.

Owing to these marine excursions the Polar Bear is forced to pay unwilling visits to

SKELETON OP POLAR BEAR

civilized shores which its loves not, and where it is obliged to fall upon the sheep and
cattle of the residents in order to appease its hunger. The ire of the owners is greatly
excited by the loss of their cattle, and the unfortunate Bear — a thief in spite of itself —
is soon destroyed by the bereaved proprietors. Sometimes a whole party of Polar
Bears is thus carried off, and for a while they inflict infinite damage on the country where
they land.

As the Nennook passes its life among the wintry regions of the north, its hyberna-
tion has been often discredited, and it has been said to make a partial migration south-
wards, as soon as the terrible frosts of the Arctic winter close up the pools whereto
the seals and other animals which constitute its prey are in the habit of resorting.
Other writers, again, assert that the Polar Bear ceases feeding in the winter, as do the
other members of the same group, and that the young Nennooks are produced while the
mother is safely housed in her den. There is a truth in both these opinions, for it is
now ascertained that the female Polar Bear is in the habit of hybernating, but the male
Nennook passes his winter in the active exercise of his faculties.

The winter home of the Polar Bear is always made in some sheltered situation, such
as the cleft of a rock, or the foot of a precipitous bank. In a very short time after the

THE RACOON. 413

animal has taken up her residence in her new abode, she is effectually concealed from
observation by the heavy snow-drifts, which cover the whole country with such strangely-
shaped hills and valleys that the Bear's den is entirely undiscoverable by the eye.
Sometimes the Bear will wait until a heavy fall of snow has taken place, and then will
dig away the snow so as to form a cavern of the requisite size. In all cases, the snow
appears to be a necessary element in the wellbeing of the animal during its long
winter's repose. If the female Bear should not be about to take upon herself the cares
of maternity, she does not think herself bound to lie hidden during the winter, but
traverses the ice-fields together with the male, and becomes very fat during the cold
months of the year. These nomad individuals do not confine their peregrinations to
the sea-shore, but extend their journeys inland to a considerable distance, being some-
times found as far as thirty miles from the sea-coast.

The young of the Nennook are generally two in number ; and when they make their
first appearance outside the snow-built nursery in which their few months of existence
have been passed, are about the size of shepherds' dogs, and in excellent condition.
Their mother, however, is sadly reduced by her long fast and the calls which have been
made upon her by her offspring ; so that she re-enters the world in a very poor condi-
tion of aspect and temper, as might be expected of so ravenous and hungry an animal.
Watchful over the safety of her cubs, and unburdened by any superfluous flesh she is
a very dangerous personage to be casually met with ; for she is so savage with hunger
that her temper is in a constant state of irritation ; and she is so jealous of the safety
of her offspring that she suspects every moving object to be an enemy.

The flesh of the Polar Bear is eatable, and is highly esteemed by the Arctic voyagers,
who eagerly welcome a supply of fresh and wholesome meat such as is furnished by
the animal in question. It is said, however, that the liver ought to be avoided as an
article of diet, as it is apt to cause painful and even dangerous symptoms to those who
have partaken of it. Yet the liver of the American Black Bear is said to be a peculiar
luxury when dressed on skewers, kabob fashion,with alternate slices of fat.

IT will be observed, after the perusal of the foregoing pages, that the Bears are found
in almost every part of the world, with two notable exceptions, viz., Africa and
Australia. With regard to the latter of these countries, it may be remembered that the
entire creation, whether animal or vegetable, is of so strange a nature that it cannot be
subjected to the rules which govern the rest of the world. There is, it is true, a tree-
climbing creature in Australia, of a somewhat clumsy and ursine aspect, which is
popularly called the Australian Bear, but which is in reality no Bear at all, but a
member of the curious family of the Macropidae, which contains the kangaroos, bandi-
coots, and opossums, and will be shortly described in its proper place under the title
of the Koala. With regard to the African continent, the existence or non-existence of
Bears is by no means decided.

Many of the ancient historians make constant mention of African Bears. Juvenal,
for instance, speaks of Numidian Bears, Virgil and Martial of Libyan Bears, while it is
recorded in the annals of the Roman empire, that in the year B. c. 61, a hundred
Numidian Bears were exhibited in the circus, each Bear led by a negro-hunter. None,
however, of the later African travellers have clearly seen Bears in that country, and it
is certain that from the days of Pliny up to the present time no true Bears have been
found in Africa. Still it is very possible that these animals may be yet discovered in
that vast continent ; for there seems to be no reason why Bears should be unable to
exist in some parts of so large a country, although they might not be able to find sub-
sistence in those portions which have already been investigated.

PRESERVING somewhat of the ursine aspect and much of the ursine habits, the
RACOON, or MAPACH, as it is sometimes named, is an active, spirited, and amusing ani-
mal. As it is readily tamed, although rather subject to occasional infirmity of temper,
and is inquisitive, quaint, and lively withal, it is a great favorite with such persons as
have kept it in captivity.

414

'HE RACOON.

The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and not very easy to describe.

The general tint of the body and limbs is an undecided blackish gray, the gray and
black predominating according to the position of the observer and the arrangement of
the fur. The hairs that form the coat of the Racoon are of two kinds, the one of a soft
and woolly character, lying next to the skin, and the other composed of long and rather
stiff hairs that project through the wool for some distance. The woolly fur is of a uni-
form gray, while the longer hairs are alternately marked with black and grayish white.
Upon the top of the head and across the eyes the fur is of a very dark blackish brown ;
and upon the knee-joint of each, leg the fur is of a darker tint than on the rest of the
body. The tail is rather short and bushy in character, and is marked with five, or
sometimes six, blackish rings upon a ground of dark gray. In the British Museum is
preserved a specimen of the Racoon, which is entirely white, its fur being of as pure a
whiteness as that of the ermine itself.

In its gait and general carriage is visible an admixture of the plantigrade with the
digitigrade ; for when it stands or sits it plants the entire sole of its foot upon the
ground, but when it runs in haste it only touches the earth with the tips of its toes.
Generally, it is nocturnal in its habits, passing the whole of the daytime in sleep, snugly
curled up in the warm blanket of its own rich fur, and slumbering heavily with its head
sunk between its hinder limbs.

As is indicated by the peculiar nature of its teeth, the Racoon is capable of feeding
on animal or vegetable food, but seems to prefer the latter. Indeed, there seem to be
few things which the Racoon will not eat. One of these animals ate a piece of cedar
pencil which it snatched out of my hand, and tried very hard to eat the envelope of a
letter on which I was making notes. Not succeeding in the attempt, it consoled itself
by tearing the paper into minute morsels, employing teeth and paws in the attempt.
It did its best to get a ring off my finger, by hitching one of its crooked claws into
the ring and pulling with all its strength, which was very considerable in proportion
to the size of the animal. Its brown eyes lighted up with animation when engaged in
play, and it was very fond of pushing its paw through the bars of its cage, in order to
attract attention.

A Racoon that was kept in a barrack-yard in Canada, in company with a bear, an
owl, and various finned and feathered creatures, was considered to be the most interest-
ing of all the little menagerie. It was extremely tame, but could not be trusted near
poultry, as it had a bad habit of pouncing suddenly upon them, grasping them in its
hand-like paws, and biting off their heads in a moment. It would then devour the
head and afterwards the body in a leisurely manner. There were many bats in the
neighborhood, and the soldiers were in the habit of capturing those nocturnal depre-
dators, and throwing them on the ground within reach of the Racoon's chain. Before
the bat could flap its wings, the Racoon would leap upon it, roll it rapidly in its paws
for a while, and then despatch it with a single bite.

It was rather a vengeful animal, and possessed of a tenacious memory for an insult.
The great owl that was partaker of the same residence had one day been irritated with
the Racoon and had pecked it on the back. The Racoon treasured the insult in its heart,
and waited a favorable time for revenge. The opportunity was not long delayed, for
on the first occasion that the owl ventured within reach of the Racoon's chain, the ag-
grieved animal crept slily towards its foe, and adroitly snatched out all the feathers of
the owl's tail.

In its native state it is a great devourer of oysters, crabs, and other similar animals,
displaying singular ingenuity in opening the stubborn shells of the oysters, or in
despatching the crabs without suffering from their ready claws. Sometimes it is said
to fall a victim to the oyster, and to be held so firmly by the closing shells that it can-
not extricate itself, and perishes miserably by the rising tide. Its oyster-eating pro-
pensities have been questioned, but are now clearly proven. The sand and soil that
fringe the oyster-beds are frequently seen to be covered with the footmarks of this
animal.

It is always fond of water, drinking largely, and immersing its food, so as to moisten
it as much as possible. When engaged in this curious custom it grasps the food in both

THE RACOON/ ' 415

its forepaws, and shakes it violently backward and forward in the water. On account of
this remarkable habit it has been dignified with the title of Lotor, a washer. The
German naturalists term it Wasch-Bar, or Washing Bear. In captivity it is anything but
abstemious, and rejects plain water, provided that it can be furnished with fermented
liquids, strong and sweet. Referring to this propensity, Lawson, who was Surveyor-
General of Carolina in the year 1714, says of the Racoon that, "if taken young, it is
easily made tame, but is the drunkenest creature living if he can get any liquor that is
sweet and strong." He furthermore relates that this animal is in the habit of catching
crabs by putting its foot into their holes, and dragging out the crab as soon as it seizes
the intruding limb.

Roving at night through the woods, and being gifted with singular subtlety as well
as agility, it is frequently chased by the residents, who think a 'Coon hunt to be one of
the most exciting of sports. Certainly, to judge from the animated descriptions of such
scenes, the whole affair must be marvellously picturesque to the eye as well as exciting
to the mind. The usual plan of hunting the 'Coon, is to set an experienced dog on

RACOON.— Procyoa Lotor,

its trail, and to chase it until it takes refuge in a tree. A blazing fire of pine-chips is
then built under the tree, which illuminates its branches and renders the smallest leaf
perceptible. A good climber then ascends the tree, and speedily dislodges the con-
cealed animal. Audubon gives a very lively account of a Racoon hunt, ending as
follows : —

" Off we start again. The boys had got up with the dogs, which were baying at a
Racoon in a small puddle. We soon joined them with a light. ' Now, stranger ! watch
and see ! ' The Racoon was all but swimming, and yet had hold of the bottom of the
pool with his feet. The glare of the lighted torch was doubtless distressing to him ; his
coat was ruffled, and his rounded tail seemed thrice its ordinary size, his eyes shone like
emeralds ; with foaming jaws he watched the dogs, ready to seize each by the snout if it
came within reach. They kept him busy for several minutes ; the water became thick
with mud ; his coat now hung dripping and his draggled tail lay floating on the surface.
His guttural growlings, in place of intimidating his assailants, excited them the more ; and

THE AGOUARA, OR CRAB-EATER.

they very unceremoniously closed upon him, curs as they were, and without the breed-
ing of gentle dogs. One seized him by the rump, and tugged, but was soon forced to
let go ; another stuck to his side, but soon taking a better directed bite of his muzzk
than another dog had just of his tail,' Coon made him yelp; and pitiful were the cries'
of luckless tyke.

The Racoon would not let go, but in the meantime the other dogs seized him fast,
and worried him to death, yet to the last he held by his antagonist's snout. Knocked
on the head by an axe, he lay gasping his last breath, and the heaving of his chest was
painful to see. The hunters stood gazing at him in the pool, while all around was by
the flare of the torch rendered trebly dark and dismal. It was a good scene for a skil-
ful painter."

In size, the Racoon equals a small fox, to which animal it bears a slight external
resemblance. The number of its young is usually two or three, and they make their
appearance in the month of May.

THE AGOURA, OR CRAB-EATER.-Prcc^o/i Caaorlvorus.

THE AGOUARA, or CRAB-EATING RACOON, is a native of a warmer portion of America
than the common Racoon, and has derived its name of Crab-eater from its habit of
feeding on all kinds of crustaceas and molluscs, whether marine or terrestrial, although
perhaps it is not more addicted to cancricide than the animal which has just been
described. In size it is larger than the common Racoon, and its color is not quite the
same.

The tail is short in proportion to the body and is marked with six black rings upon a
grayish or blackish-yellow ground. The fur of the body is rather variable in different
individuals, but is generally composed of a blackish-gray washed with a tinge of yellow,
the darker and the lighter tints predominating on different parts of the body and limbs.
On the head, neck, and along the spine, the black tinge prevails, while the rest of the
body and the sides of the neck are almost wholly of the yellowish-gray hue. A very
dark brown patch incloses each eye, and, passing backwards almost to the ears, is
merged into a dark spot on the crown of the head. The Racoon has been mentioned
by several travellers under different names, such as Raton, Mapach, Agouarapope',
Yllanraton, Maxile, Wash-Bar, and Cioutlamacasque.

THE animal which compose the curious genus that is known by the name of Narica,
are easily recognized on account of the singular length of the nose, which is prolonged so

THE COAITI, OR COAITI-MONDI.

as to form a miniature and mobile proboscis. In their general habits and diet, they
very strongly resemble the racoons, and are as admirable climbers of trees as can be
found in the animal kingdom.

The extraordinary snout with which the Coaitis are gifted is very useful to the pos-
sessor, being employed for the purpose of rooting in the ground in search of worms
and insects, together with other important uses. When they drink, the Coaitis lap the
water after the manner of dogs, and when so engaged, turn up their flexible snouts, so
as to keep that useful member from being wetted more than is necessary. They are
inhabitants of Southern America, and are found in small companies upon the trees
among which they reside, and on the thin branches of which they find the greater part
of their food. Two examples of the Coaitis will be briefly described.

The COAITI-MONDI, or RED COAITI, derives its name from the reddish chestnut hue
which prevails over the greater portion of the fur, and is only broken by the black
ears and legs, the maroon-colored bands upon the tail, and the white hairs which edge
the upper jaw, and entirely over the lower. The texture of the fur is rather harsh and
wiry, and of no very great importance in commerce. Upon the paws are certain cur-
ious tubercles, which alone would serve to identify the animal were it entirely destroyed

COAITI, OR COAITI-MONDI.— Nasua Kufa.

with the exception of a single foot. It is extremely active in the ascent and descent
of trees, and pursues its prey among the limbs with great certainty. Its food con-
sists of sundry vegetable and animal substances, but the creature seems to prefer the
latter to the former.

When the Coaiti descends a tree, it does so with its head downward, securing itself
from falling by hitching the claws of the hinder feet into the inequalities of the bark,
and displaying by the act no small amount of flexibility in the jointing of the hinder
limbs. It is a nocturnal animal, and does not display its true liveliness until the shades
of evening begin to draw on, but lies curled up in a curious but comfortable attitude,
its long and bushy tail serving for blanket and pillow. Towards evening, however,
the Coaiti arouses itself from its lethargy, and becomes full of life and vigor, careering
about the branches with extraordinary rapidity of movement and certainty of hold, and
agitating its mobile nose with unceasing energy, as if for the purpose of discovering by
the snout the presence of some welcome food. It is a merciless robber of birds' nests,
and will eat parent, eggs, or young, with equal appetite.

Although possessed of a very irritable temper, the Coaiti is tamed without difficulty
to a certain extent, but is always capricious in its affections, and cannot be trusted
27

4i8

THE NARICA, OR QUASJE.

without danger. When attacked by men or dogs, the Coaiti fights desperately, and can
inflict such dangerous wounds with its double-edged canine teeth, that it is although
so small an animal, no despicable antagonist.

ANOTHER species of Coaiti inhabits the same regions as the last-mentioned animal.
This is the NARICA, or QUASJE, which is sometimes called the BROWN COAITI, in order
to distinguish it from the red species: Sometimes the name is spelled as Quaschi.

It is a very lively and amusing animal, and possessed of singular powers of nose
and limb. Distrustful by nature, it will very seldom venture to approach a strange ob-
ject until it has endeavored to ascertain the nature of the unknown by means of its
sense of smell, which is marvellously acute. It seems to be as inquisitive as it is dis-
trustful, and will not be satisfied until it has by gradual degrees approached and ex-
amined anything which it does not quite understand.

One of these animals, which was kept in confinement for some time, was extremely
tame to those who understood the peculiarity of its temper, but was irresistibly morose
and sulky with those who would not respect its customs. Any stranger who ventured

NARICA, OR QUASJE, -Afcsua Narlca.

to approach the animal was repelled with open mouth and threatening cries, unless ne
propitiated the creature by offering it some delicacy of which it was fond. It would then
lay aside its suspicious demeanor, and become suddenly confidential, returning the
caresses of its newly-found friend, and searching eagerly for a further supply of food.

It proved to be quite a useful inhabitant of the house when it was domesticated, for
it was accustomed to roam over the premises in chase of mice and rats, which it
pursued unrelentingly through house, hay-loft, and stables. It was also accustomed to
pay visits into the garden, where it spent much of its time in catching snails and slugs
and in digging after worms, — a task for which its powerful claws are eminently calcu-
lated to adapt it. When it was supplied with meat, it was accustomed to tear its food
to pieces with its claws before carrying it to the mouth ; and in the act of feeding, it
always supplied itself by hitching one of its claws in the morsel which it was about to
carry to its mouth. It struck up a friendship with a little dog, and would permit its
four-footed friend to occupy the same bed, but would never endure the society of any
other animal.

The color of this creature is extremely variable, as it seldom or never happens that
two specimens are marked in precisely the same manner. In some individuals the dark
portion of the fur is brown, mottled with black ; but the general hue of the fur is a brown

THE KINKAJOU, OR POTTO. 419

tinted more or less with chestnut, and occasionally being so pale as to be of a warm
fawn color. The under surface of the body and the internal face of the limbs are of a
gray hue, tinged with yellow or orange, according to the individual, and extending, in
some cases, to the sides of the neck and the lower jaw. The coat of the Narica is
rather thick, and the texture of the fur is harsh ; it does not lie closely to the body,
but presents a rather shaggy and rough aspect.

THE singular creature which is known under the title of KINKAJOU, or POTTO, has
been the means of perplexing systematic naturalists in their laudable attempts to place
each animal in its proper position.

On account of its external aspect and its general habits, it has been considered as
one of the Lemurine family, and was termed in consequence the Yellow Macauco, or the
Yellow Lemur (Lemur flavus). As, however, the structure of its teeth and limbs is
entirely different from that of the lemurs, and very closely approaches the carnivorous
type, it has been placed among the flesh-eating animals, under the name of Mexican Weasel
( Viverra caudivolvuld). But the flat surfaces of its under teeth, and its curiously prehen-

KINKAJOU, OR POTTO.— Cerocoleptercaudlvolvulus.

sile tail, are characteristics of sufficient importance to remove it from the pure carnivora,
and place it among the animals which are capable of eating both animal and vegetable
food, so that it has at present found a resting-place at the end of the ursine animals.

It is an inhabitant of Southern America, and is spread over a very large extent of
country, so that it is known in different places under different appellations, such as
Honey Bear, Manaviri, or Guchumbi. When full grown, the Kinkajou is equal to a
large cat in size, but is very much stronger in proportion to the dimensions of its body.
The color of the animal is a very light dun, obscurely traversed by narrow darker bands,
that run over the back towards the ribs, and partly follow their course. Another darker
band is observable round the neck, but all these marks are so very indistinct, that they
can only be seen in a favorable light.

The most remarkable point in this animal is the extreme length and flexibility of the
tongue, which the creature is able to protrude to a marvellous extent, and which it can
insinuate into the smallest crevices in search of the insects which have taken shelter
therein. It is said that the animal employs its long tongue for the purpose of thrusting
that organ into the bee-cells, and licking out the sweet contents of the waxen treasury.
With its tongue it can perform many of the offices of an elephant's trunk, and will

420

THE PANDA, OR WAH.

frequently seize and draw towards its mouth the articles of food which may be beyond
the reach of its lips. It has also been seen to use its tail for the same purpose.

Assisted by its prehensile tail, the Kinkajou is an admirable and fearless climber,
possessing the capability of suspending its body by the hinder feet and the tail, and
remaining in this inverted attitude for a considerable space of time.

It is eminently nocturnal in its habits, being sadly distressed by the effect of daylight
upon its eyes. The pupils of the eyes are capable of great dilatation, and when the
unwelcome light of day falls upon them, they contract to a singularly small size, and their
owner testifies by its uneasy movements the inconvenience which it feels. Not even
the owl appears, to be more disconcerted by the glare of the noontide light than does
the Kinkajou. During the day, the animal lies buried in profound repose, from which it
can with difficulty be aroused ; but when the unwelcome light has passed away, the
Kinkajou becomes extremely lively, and exhibits considerable activity of limb and
playfulness of character, and runs up and down the branches with great skill, uttering
at intervals a low, bleating kind of sound, and descending every now and then to drink.

PANDA, OR WAH.-/t//uriis Fulgens.

In descending, it makes use of its hinder claws in the same manner as has been related
of the coaitis. In its native state, its food is of a mixed nature, consisting of fruits,
insects, honey, small birds, eggs, and other similar substances.

It is easily tamed, and when domesticated is of a sportful nature, delighting to play
with those persons whom it knows and trusts, and making pretense to bite, after the
manner of puppies and kittens. It is very susceptible to kindness, and is fond of the
caresses which are offered by its friends. In its wild state, however, it is a rather fierce
animal, and when assaulted, offers such a spirited resistance even to human foes, that it
will beat off any but a determined man, supposing him to be unarmed and unassisted.

THERE are few of the Mammalia which are decorated with such refulgently beauti-
ful fur as that which decks the body of the WAH, or PANDA, as it is also called.

This beautiful creature is a native of Nepal, where it is known under the different
names of Panda, Chitwa, and Wah, — the last-mentioned name being given to it on ac-
count of its peculiar cry. The fur of the Panda is of a bright rich chestnut-brown, which

THE PANDA, OR WAH. 421

rapidly darkens into a peculiarly rich black upon the ribs and the outside of the legs.
The head is of a whitish-fawn color, with a ruddy chestnut spot under each eye. The
tail is of the same chestnut hue as the body, and is marked with a series of dark rings.
The head is very short, and thick muzzled, presenting a curious contrast to the coaitis
and racoons.

It is generally found among the trees that grow near rivers and mountainrtorrents,
but does not seem to occur in sufficient numbers to render its beautiful fur an object
of commercial value. This is more to be regretted, as the coat of the Panda is not
only handsome in appearance, but is very thick, fine, and warm in texture, being com-
posed of a double set of hairs, the one forming a thick woolly covering to the skin, and
the other composed of long glistening hairs that pierce through the wool and give the
exquisitely rich coloring to the surface of the fur. The soles of the feet are not merely
defended by nailed and thickened cuticles, but are furnished with a heavy covering of
woolly hair, which in some species is of a light-gray color, and in others of a snowy
white, that contrasts strangely with the deep rich black of the legs and paws.

The food of the Panda is usually of an animal character, and consists chiefly of
birds, their eggs, and the smaller Mammalia and insects, many of which it discovers
on the trees whereon it is generally found.

422

INSECTIVORA.

GROUP OP BRITISH SHREWS.

INSECTIVORA.

THE animals which are comprised in the Insect-eating group are well represented in
England, in which country we find the Mole, the various Shrews, and the Hedgehog,
as examples of the TALPID^E, or the family of the Moles.

As the food of these creatures is almost exclusively composed of insects, snails,
worms, and similar animals, it is necessary that their teeth should be formed in a manner

THE MOLE.

423

suitable to seizing and retaining their prey. Accordingly, on opening the mouth of a
mole, a shrew, or a hedgehog, we find that none of the teeth are provided with flattened
surfaces for the purpose of grinding the food, but that even the molar teeth are covered
with sharp points, which are admirably suited for piercing and retaining their active
prey, or for tearing it to pieces when it has been killed. All the insectivorous animals
are plantigrade in their walk.

Some of these creatures, such as the shrew, present so close an external resemblance
to the common mice, that they are popularly supposed to belong to the same class, and
are called by the same general name. Many species live beneath the surface of the
earth, and seek in that dark hunting-ground the prey which cannot be enticed to the
surface in sufficient numbers to supply adequate nourishment for the ever-hungry
worm-devourers.

MOLE. — Ta/pa Europcea.

OF all the insect-eating animals there is none which is better known by name than
the common MOLE, and very few which are less known by their true character.

On inspecting a living Mole that has been captured on the surface of the earth, and
comparing it with the multitudinous creatures that find their subsistence on the earth's
surface, rejoicing in the full light of day, and free to wander as they please, we cannot
but feel some emotions of surprise at the sight of a creature which is naturally debarred
from all these sources of gratification, and which passes its life in darkness below the
surface of the ground.

Yet this pity, natural though it be, will be entirely thrown away, for there is scarcely
any creature that lives which is better fitted for enjoyment, or which is urged by more
fiery passions. Dull and harmless as it may appear to be, it is in reality one of the
most ferocious animals in existence, and will engage in the fiercest combats upon very
slight provocation. While thus employed, its whole faculties are so entirely absorbed
in its thirst for revenge, that it will leave the subterraneous shafts which it has been so
busily excavating, and join battle with its foe in the full light of day. Should one of
the combatants overpower and kill the other, the victorious Mole springs upon the
vanquished enemy, tears its body open, and eagerly plunging its nose into the wound,
drinks the blood of its slaughtered enemy, and feasts richly on the sanguine banquet.

Such a combat was lately witnessed by one of my friends, who kindly wrote the
account of the proceeding, and of the fate of one of the combatants.

424

THE CAPTIVE MOLE.

" During a fine autumn afternoon, I was taking a walk in some woods near Shooter's
Hill, and had reached a very retired part of the path, when I suddenly heard a con-
siderable scrambling amongst the dried leaves and underwood. Upon stooping to obtain
a view of whatever might be causing the disturbance, I caught sight of two little black
creatures engaged in fierce combat. They tumbled over one another, and were so much
concealed by the leaves that they could not be easily distinguished. Scarcely had I
obtained this view of the combatants than one of them began to retreat, and was quickly
followed by his opponent. Seeing the direction in which they were running, I made
my way through the briars as quickly as possible, and placed myself directly in the path
of the creatures. They came on quite unconscious of my presence, and dodged about
within a few feet of me. I could now perceive that the creatures were either Moles or
rats, and determined, whichever they might be, to capture one or both.

Disregarding the thorns and thistles, I jumped through the underwood, and was then
close to the animals, which immediately ceased their personal quarrel, and began sink-
ing in a most ghostlike manner into the soil. This proceeding showed me that they
were Moles. Not being particularly acquainted with the arrangement of the Mole's
teeth, or with its disposition, I did not venture to take hold of either creature with my
hand, but being anxious to effect a capture, I caught hold of the tail of one of the little
fellows, and with the help of a sharp tug I pulled him out of the ground, and gave
him an aerial voyage.

He came to the ground without any apparent injury, and again began busily sinking
a shaft. This time the back looked so very inviting that I seized him by the short fur
upon that portion of his body, and then found that I had him quite secure. He
appeared very philosophical under the circumstances, and did not perform any
unnecessary contortions, having very soon discovered that he was a safe prisoner. The
next proceeding was to place him in my handkerchief, and to discover whether he could,
either by his teeth or claws, make his way through the silk. No sooner was he
suspended in this impromptu prison than he tried his utmost to work his way through the
walls, but the silk yielded to him and would not open. A minute's exertion appeared to
satisfy him, after which he laid himself calmly down. Having been occupied for
some little time with this creature, I then sought after his companion, which had,
however, effected his subterranean retreat, and was probably two feet beneath the
surface.

My prisoner was conveyed in safety to my domicile, and was placed in a large tub,
over which for security a board was placed, and in which was some earth. The little
gentleman was quite at home in his tub, and enjoyed himself amazingly with a * Diet of
Worms.' To supply him, however, with this luxury was not an easy task ; half an
hour's digging in a yielding soil brought to light scarcely a sufficient quantity of food for
one day's consumption. Small worms of about two inches in length were quickly
disposed of ; whilst fine long ones were put out of sight in two meals. After feasting
upon half a dozen or so, the Mole would look very much like a boy full of pudding, and
appeared to take a little doze. No sooner, however, did a worm give him a flap on the
nose with its tail than he awoke, and with renewed vigor and appetite, demolished half
a dozen more victims, when he would again subside into a quiet slumber.

He lived in great ease and luxury during three days, at the end of which time he met
an untimely end. The board upon his tub was accidentally knocked off by an awkward
man, who forgot or neglected to replace it. A sly old tom-cat saw the Mole, and
impelled by his own organ of destructiveness, killed, but would not eat our hero."

The cause of this curious combat was probably at no great distance, in the shape of
a female Mole, for whose favor the two animals were so fiercely fighting. The Mole
pursues its intended mate with extraordinary zeal and perseverance ; and as the number
of males is considerably greater than that of females, it seldom happens that a Mole
succeeds in winning his bride until he has gained her in battle. So furious are all the
passions of the Mole, that we may think ourselves fortunate that the creature is so
small ; for it it were as large as a tiger it would be by far the more formidable animal.

Even with its limited capability, it has more than once proved itself a dangerous

SENSES OF THE MOLE. 425

creature ; for on one occasion, a Mole that had been made prisoner turned fiercely on its
captor, and fixed its teeth into his hand with such pertinacious courage that it would
not loosen its hold until it had been squeezed nearly to death between the teeth of its
antagonist, who was obliged to have resort to that unpleasant mode of defence in order
to free himself from the infuriated little animal. Another of these creatures flung itself
upon a young lady's neck, and inflicted a severe wound before its purpose could be
comprehended or its movements arrested.

With the exception of sight, the senses of the Mole seem to be remarkably de-
veloped.

The sense of scent is singularly acute, and enables the animal to discover the
presence of the earthworms on which it feeds, and to chase them successfully through
their subterranean meanderings, — a kind of terrestrial otter. So acute is the sense of
smell, that the experienced Mole-catchers are in the habit of keeping a dead Mole at
hand when they are engaged in their destructive avocation ; and after setting their traps,
draw the dead Mole over every part of the trap or adjoining soil which their hands have
touched, so as to overpower the taint of human contact. This is an effectual precaution,
as the Mole is endowed with a powerful, very peculiar, and very unpleasant scent, that
adheres pertinaciously to the hand, 'and cannot be entirely removed without repeated
lavation.

The hearing of the Mole is proverbially excellent ; and it is probable that the animal
is aided in its pursuit of worms by the sense of hearing as well as that of smell.
Much of the Mole's safety is probably owing to its exquisite hearing, which gives it
timely notice of the approach of any living being, and enables it to secure itself by
rapidly sinking below the surface of the earth. To tread so softly that the blind Mole
may not hear a footfall, is an expression which has become a household word.

The sense of touch is peculiarly delicate, and seems to be chiefly resident in the long
and flexible nose, which is employed by the Mole for other purposes than those of scent.
When the creature is placed upon the surface of the ground, and is about to sink one of
its far-famed tunnels, it employs its nose for that purpose almost as effectually as its
armed fore-paws. I have often seen the animal engaged in the process of sinking a pit,
and have observed that it always begins by running about very rapidly, wriggling its
snout backwards and forwards upon the ground, as if to discover a soft spot. When it
has fixed upon a suitable locality, it begins its excavation by rooting in the ground with
its nose, and making a shallow groove in the earth by way of a commencement. Not
until it has formed this preliminary trench does it bring its digging claws into action ;
and even while employing its natural spades in the actual digging and casting up of
loose earth, it still makes use of its nose as a pioneer, so to speak, and seems to learn,
by means of the delicate sense of touch with which that organ is gifted, the nature of
the soil through which the animal intends to make its way.

It seldom happens that all the senses of an animal are developed to an equal extent,
so that where one or two are singularly acute it is generally at the expense of the others.
Such is the case with the Mole ; for although the scent, touch, and hearing are re-
markable for their excellence, the sight is so extremely defective that it may almost be
considered as a nullity. It is true that the Mole possesses eyes ; but those organs of
vision are so small, and so deeply hidden in the fur, that they can be but of little use to
their owner, except to mark the distinctions between light and darkness. The eyes are
so exceedingly small that their very existence has been denied, and it is only by a
careful search that they can be seen at all.

The simplest mode of observing the Mole's eyes in perfection is to immerse the
living animal in water. It fancies that it is in danger of drowning, and therefore exerts
its power of protruding the eyes from the furry coat, in order to employ every means for
escaping from the deadly peril. Its eyes are then perceptible, as little, black, beady
objects that glitter through the fur, but do not appear to enjoy any great powers of
vision. This power of protruding and withdrawing the eyes is rendered necessary by
the subterranean habits of the animal, which require that it should be able to protect
its eyes from the loose mould through which the creature is constantly passing.

In order to adapt the Mole to the peculiar life which it leads, the entire framework of

426 THE MOLE'S FUR.

its body is very wonderfully constructed. As its chief employment consists in digging,
the entire strength of the animal seems to be concentrated in the fore-quarters, where the
bones and muscles are developed to a marvellous extent. If the Mole be stripped of its
skin, the muscles of the fore-limbs will be found to be so powerful that they roll between the
fingers, hard, slippery, and almost incompressible. These enormous muscles give power
and motion to the very efficient digging apparatus with which the Mole is endowed.

The fore-paws are extremely large, and furnished with strong and flattened nails. They
are turned rather obliquely, as seen in the figure on p. 423, in order to give free scope
to their exertions. The bones of the fore-arm are of very great thickness, and bowed
in that peculiar manner which always indicates enormous strength in the possessor.
But the most striking and curious peculiarity in the structure of the Mole is the singularly
long shoulder-blade, which, by its great length and strength, affords attachment to the
powerful muscles which alone could give the requisite force to the broad, spade-like
paws. The paws are devoid of the soft fur that shields the rest of the body, and are
covered with a thick but naked skin. It is chiefly to these paws that any mould is
found adherent when the Mole is captured, for the soft and velvet-like fur permits no
earthy stain to defile its glossy smoothness.

The Mole's fur is remarkably fine in its texture, and is affixed to the skin in such a
manner that it has no particular " grain," and lies smoothly in every direction. Were
it not for this peculiarity, the Mole would find great difficulty in proceeding along its
galleries with the necessary celerity. The skin of the Mole is remarkably tough and
thick, and is often used by the peasantry for the purpose of making purses. The pro-
cess of manufacture is simple enough, consisting merely in cutting the animal across,
just behind the shoulders, stripping the skin from the hinder portions, drying it carefully,
and closing it by means of a string run round the edge.

The Mole is said to be an excellent swimmer, and to be able to cross rivers, when
led to such an act by any adequately powerful motive. How far true this assertion may
be, I cannot prove by personal experience ; but I think that it is likely to be possible, for
I have seen a Mole swim across the bend of a brook — a distance of some few yards —
and perform its natatory achievement with great ease. I was not near enough to
ascertain the mode of its progression, but it seemed to use its fore-paws as the principal
instruments of locomotion. This circumstance took place in Wiltshire.

From all accounts, the Mole seems to be a thirsty animal, and to stand in constant
need of water, drinking every few hours in the course of the day. In order to supply
this want it is in the habit of sinking well-like pits in different parts of its " runs," so
that it may never be without the means of quenching its thirst. Everything that the
Mole does is marked with that air of desperate energy which is so characteristic of the
animal. The laborers in different parts of England all unite in the same story, that
the Mole works for three hours " like a horse," and then rests for three hours, laboring
and resting alternately through the day, and with admirable perception of time.

The well-known " mole-hills " which stud certain lands, and which disfigure them so
sadly, however much their unsightliness may be compensated by their real usefulness,
are of various kinds, according to the sex and age of the miner. The small hillocks which
follow each other in rapid succession are generally made by the female Mole before she
has produced her little family, and when she is not able to undergo the great labor of
digging in the harder soil. Sometimes the " run " is so shallow as to permit the superin-
cumbent earth to fall in, so that the course which the Mole has followed is little more than
a trench. This is said to be produced by the little coquetries that take place between the
Mole and its future mate, when the one flies in simulated terror, and the other follows
with undisguised determination. Deeper in the soil is often found a very large burrow,
sufficiently wide to permit two moles to pass each other. This is one of the high-roads
which lead from one feeding-ground to another, and from which the different shafts
radiate.

But the finest efforts of talpine architecture are to be found in the central fortress,
from which the various roads diverge, and the nest which the maternal Mole forms for
the security of her young.

The fortress is of a very peculiar construction, and is calculated to permit the ingress

THE SCALOPS, OR SHREW-MOLE. 427

or egress of the Mole from almost any direction, so that when its acute senses give
notice of the approach of an enemy, it can make its retreat without difficulty.

The first operation is to build a tolerably large hill of compact and well-trodden
earth. Near the summit of this mound the excavator runs a circular gallery, and another
near the bottom, connecting the two galleries with five short passages. It then burrows
into the centre of the mound, and digs a moderately large spherical hole, which it
connects with the lower gallery by three passages. A very large passage, which
is a continuation of the high-road, is then driven into the spherical chamber by
dipping under the lower gallery, and is connected with the circular chamber from
below. Lastly, the Mole drives a great number of runs, which radiate from the rest
in all directions, and which all open into the lower circular gallery. It will be seen
from this short description, that if a Mole should be surprised in its nest it can withdraw
through its central chamber and so reach the high-road at once, or can slip through
either of the short connecting galleries and escape into any of the numerous radiatory runs.

In the central or middle chamber of the edifice the Mole places a quantity of dried
grass or leaves, upon which it sleeps during its hours of repose. This complicated
room is seldom used during the summer months, as at that time the Mole prefers to
live in one of the ordinary hillocks.

The nest which the female contrives is not so complicated as the fortress, but is well
adapted for its purpose. The hillock in which the nest is made is always a very large
one, and is generally placed at some distance from the fortress. Its interior is very
large, and is generally filled with dried grass, moss, or other similar substances, and it
is said that in some of these nests have been found certain roots on which the young
Moles can feed during the first weeks of their existence. The young are usually born
about April, but their appearance in the world is not so determinately settled as that of
many animals, as young Moles are found continually from March until August. The
average of their number is four or five, although as many as seven young have been
found in one nest. There is but one brood in a year.

The color of the Mole is usually of a blackish-gray, but it is extremely variable in
the tinting of its fur, and it is not uncommon to find in a single locality specimens of
every hue from brown to white. There are specimens in the British Museum of almost
every tint, and I have long had in my possession a cream-colored Mole-skin, which was
obtained I believe in Wiltshire, as it was furnished by a Mole-catcher that resided in
that country. The fur is so beautifully smooth and soft that it has sometimes, though
rarely, been employed as an article of wearing apparel, or used as a light and delicate
coverlet. The fur, or " felt," is best and most glossy if the animal is taken in the
winter.

Whether the Mole is more useful or hurtful to the agricultural interest is at present a
mooted point, and seems likely to continue so. It cannot be denied, however, that the
subterraneous passages of the Mole, added to those of the earthworms, form a very
complete system of subsoil drainage, and that the creature is continually enriching the
surface of the ground by bringing fresh earth from a considerable depth, and thus
involuntarily performing the office of a plough or a spade.

ONE of the animals which forms a link between the Moles and the Shrews, and seems
to possess some of the peculiar habits of each, is the curiously formed SCALOPS, or
SHREW-MOLE.

This creature seems to be peculiar to Northern America, and is generally found near
the banks of rivers, being very water-loving in its habits. Like the ordinary mole, the
Scalops passes the greater portion of its existence below the surface of the ground, and
finds a subsistence among the worms and other creatures which it captures during its
subterraneous meanderings. The muzzle of the Scalops is even more remarkable than
that of the common mole, being much longer in proportion to the size of the animal,
and is cartilaginous at its extremity. The claws of the fore-feet are very long and
flattened, and are arranged in such a manner as to present a sharp point to the earth when
the creature exercises them in the act for which they were intended. The hinder feet and
legs are extremely small, and the tail is but short. There is no apparent outward vestige

428 THE CAPE CHRYSOCHLORE, OR CHANGEABLE MOLE.

SCALOPS, OR SHREW.MOLE.-5cs/ops aquaticus.

of an ear, and the eyes are almost invisible. In size it equals the common European
Mole, being about seven inches in total length.

Another similar animal, the Desman of Russia, has been frequently mistaken for the
Shrew-Mole, and can be easily distinguished at a casual glance by the greater length of
its tail, and its superior size ; its total length being sixteen or seventeen inches.

CAPE CHRYSOCHLORE, OR CHANGEABLE MOLE.— Chrysochlorls holoserlcea.

The CHRYSOCHLORE or SHINING MOLE, or CHANGEABLE MOLE, has derived its various
names from the very peculiar character of its fur.

The color of the Chrysochlore's coat is of a character that resembles " shot " silk, or the
peculiar changeable metallic radiance which is thrown from the feathers of many birds.
According to the light in which the animal is viewed, the fur is in some parts of a golden or
bronzed green, and in others of a bronzed red, these brilliant hues interchanging among
themselves as the animal moves, or as the light falls at different angles upon the fur. The
name Chrysochlore is derived from two Greek words, signifying gold-green, and is happily

THE RADIATED MOLE, OR STAR-NOSED MOLE.

429

applicable to the very singular coloring of the animal. The term holosericea is also
Greek, and signifying "wholly silken," in reference to the lustrous surface of the hairs.

Even putting aside the strange chromatism of the fur, the creature is a very remark-
able one in many respects, and especially deserving of notice on account of its teeth
and its feet.

The teeth of the Changeable Mole are arranged in a very peculiar mode, being sep-
arated from each other by an interval that is equal to their thickness, so that when the
jaws are closed, the teeth of either jaw fit exactly into the interstices that are left between
those of the opposite jaw, like the iron serrations of a steel-trap. It has been well re-
marked that "the Chrysochlore affords,it is believed, the only example in the animal world
of teeth being opposed by their anterior and posterior faces." The skeleton is altogether
a singular one, for there are no less than nineteen pairs of ribs, and in one species twenty
pairs have been made out. The first rib is thick and broad in proportion to the others.

The fore-feet are furnished with four toes, the fourth toe being very small, and tipped
with a nail of ordinary size. The other three toes are armed with most formidable claws,
by means of which the animal is enabled to dig into the earth. The middle toe carries a
claw of surprising dimensions, as may be seen on reference to the engraving. The
hinder feet are five-toed, and of no very great proportional size. The eye is externally
invisible, being covered with skin, so that the animal appears to be practically blind.
There are no ears, and no tail. The size of the creature is rather less than that of the
common European Mole.

As may be perceived from its title, it is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, although
it was formerly thought to inhabit Siberia. It is also known by the name of the Hot-
tentot Chrysochlore ; and the French name is Taupe doree, or Gilded Mole. Its food
consists, like that of the other moles, of worms and various insects.

RADIATED MOLE, OR STAR-NOSED MOLE.—Astromyetes cristatus.

EVEN in a stuffed specimen, or in an uncolored engraving, the aspect of the RADIATED
MOLE is a most grotesque and singular one ; but its quaint uniqueness is much more
striking when the animal is alive and in full health.

The most remarkable point in this animal is the muzzle, which is produced into a long,
slender proboscis, round the extremity of which are arranged a number of soft, fleshy rays,
of a bright rose-color, radiating like the petals of a daisy, or the tentacles of a sea anem-
one. These curious rays, or caruncles, as they are more scientifically termed, can be
spread or closed at pleasure, and present a strange spectacle when in movement. Their
probable object is that they may serve as a delicate organ of touch, to aid the animal in

THE TUPAIA-TANA.

procuring the worms and insects on which it feeds. The openings of the nostrils are
situated in the centre of the radiated disk. The number of the caruncles is about twenty.
On account of the proportionately lengthened tail, the animal is sometimes called
the Long-tailed Mole ; for the tail is two inches and a half in length, while the head
and body only measure four inches and a half. Another name by which it is known
is the Condylure, or " knotty tail," an epithet which has been applied to it because,
when a specimen is dried, the skin of the tail contracts so firmly over the vertebrae that
the separate bones exhibit their form through the skin, and give to the tail a knotted
aspect. The color of the fur is much like that of the common Mole, being a velvety
blackish -gray on the upper portions of the body, and paler on the under parts. The
eyes are extremaly small, and there is no external indication of ears. It is an inhabit-
ant of Canada and the United States.

TUPAIA-TANA.-Tupa/a Tana.

THE insect-eating animals which have already been described are in the habit of
searching for their prey under the surface of the earth, and are filrnished with extremely
imperfect means of sight. But the curious examples of Insectivora which are collected
into the single genus Tupaia are of a very different nature, living in the full light of day
and seeking their insect prey among the branches of the trees on which they dwell. It
needs, therefore, that animals which obtain their food in such a manner should be endowed
with excellent powers of vision ; and we find accordingly that the Tupaias — which
animals will be represented by two examples — are furnished with good eyes and quick
sight. Indeed, the entire aspect of these creatures reminds the observer more of the
squirrels than of the moles. The Tupaias are inhabitants of Sumatra and parts of India.

The head of this animal is very singular in its shape, which is well represented in
the engraving. The upper jaw is slightly longer than the lower, and the muzzle con-
siderably produced, so that the head has a strangely dragon-like aspect, which is
heightened by the position of the ears, which are set very far back, and by the long
sharp rows of teeth which arm each jaw. The long bushy tail of the Tupaia gives it a
kind of resemblance to the squirrel, a resemblance which is appreciated by the native

THE PRESS.

Sumatrans, who call the squirrels and theTupaias by the same name. The feet are planti-
grade, and terminated by five toes, on each foot, armed with small, but sharp nails, which
assist the animal in climbing, and are sufficiently elevated to be spared from friction
against the ground. In the hinder feet the fourth toe is the longest. The hair is of a
silky texture, and tinged with brown and yellow by reason of the alternate colored
rings with which each hair is marked. On the tail the hair is long and bushy, and
hangs equally on each side, after the manner that is learnedly termed " distichous."

These animals are variously named by different zoological writers, and the genus
in which they are placed is by some termed Tupaia, after the native name, by some
Hylogale, and by others Cladobates. The last
mentioned term seems to be in greatest fa-
vor, and is a very appropriate one, signifying
" branch-traverser."

ANOTHER example of this curious genus is
the PRESS, or FERRUGINEOUS TUPAIA. This
pretty creature is so exceedingly like a squirrel,
as it runs about the branches of the trees, that
it can hardly be distinguished from that animal
except by the elongated outline of its head, as
it is defined sharply against the sky. It is a
small animal, measuring only some thirteen or
fourteen inches in total length, of which the tail
occupies rather more than five inches. The
length of the head is two inches, and the height
of the animat as it stands, is rather more than
three inches.

The coloring of its fur is very elegant. The
prevailing tint is a brownish-maroon, which
in some parts, such as along the spine, is deep-
ened into a rich brownish-black, and in others,
such as on the ribs and flanks, is warmed into
a reddish tint. On account of this peculiar hue,
which resembles the red rust of iron, the epithet
of " ferruginea ' has been applied to the
animal. This change of color is caused by the
mode in which the hairs are marked in alternate
rings of black and maroon. Those which run
along the back are black, with a fawn-colored
ring in the middle, but those which grow
upon the ribs are fawn, with a black ring in the
middle. The ears are black. Upon the under
surface of the body the fur is of a whitish
yellow, which on the abdomen and the internal
face of the limbs fades into gray. The long
and busy hairs which decorate the tail are so
dotted with white that their aggregation upon
the tail gives to that member a grayish-brown
effect.

Although the teeth of all the Tupaias are evidently of an insectivorous description,
the Press, as well as its congeners, is said to feed chiefly on coleopterous insects, but
to vary its diet with certain fruits. It is said that the Press partakes so far of the
carnivorous propensities of the mole, that it will sometimes pounce upon small birds
as they are hopping among the branches, and make a meal upon their bodies. One
of these animals that was tamed, and accustomed to roam about the house at will, was
very ftnd of milk and fruits, and used to attend at every meal for the purpose of
obtaining these coveted luxuries.

PRESS.— Tupaia Ferruginea.

THE ELEPHANT SHREW.

THE elongation of the nose, which has already been noticed in the Tupaias of Sumatra,
seems to have reached its utmost limit in those curious inhabitants of the Cape that are
called, from their elephantine elongation of nose, the ELEPHANT SHREWS. Several species
of Elephant Shrews are known to exist, all of which, with one exception, are inhabitants
of Southern Africa. The solitary exception, Macroscelides Roretti, is found in Algeria.

The peculiarly long nose of the Elephant Shrew is perforated at its extremity by the
the nostrils, which are rather obliquely placed, and is supposed to aid the animals in
its search after the insects and other creatures on which it feeds. The eyes are rather
large in proportion to the size of the animal.

The tail is long and slender, much resembling the same organ in the common mouse,
and in some specimens, probably males, is furnished at the base with glandular follicles,
or little sacs. The legs are nearly of equal size, but the hinder limbs are much longer
than the fore-legs, on account of the very great length of the feet, which are capable of
affording support to the creature as it sits in an upright position. As might be pre-

ELEPHANT SHREW. -Macroscelides Proboscldeus.

sumed from the great length of the hinder limbs, the Elephant Shrew is possessed of
great locomotive powers, and when alarmed, can skim over the ground with such celerity
that its form becomes quite obscured by the rapidity of its movement through the
air. Its food consists of insects, which it captures in open day.

Although the Elephant Shrew is a diurnal animal, seeking its prey in broad daylight,
its habitation is made below the surface of the ground, and consists of a deep and
tortuous burrow, the entrance to which is a perpendicularly-sunk shaft of some little
depth. To this place of refuge the creature always flies when alarmed, and as it is so
exceedingly swift in its movements, it is not readily captured or intercepted.

The color of the fur is a dark and rather cloudy brown, which is warmed with a
reddish tinge upon the sides and flanks, and fades on the abdomen and inner portions
of the limbs into a grayish-white. The generic name Macroscelides, is of Greek origin,
in allusion to the great length of its hinder limbs, and signifies " long-legged." It is
but a small animal, as the length of the head and body is not quite four inches in
measurement, and the tale is about three inches and a quarter.

THE ERD SHREW, OR SHREW MOUSE.

433

PASSING in a regular gradation from the moles to the shrews and hedgehogs, we
pause for a while at the powerfully scented animal that is called, by virtue of its per-
fumed person, the MUSK-RAT of India, and is also known by the titles of MONDJOUROU,
and SONDELI.

This animal is a native of various parts of India, and is very well known on account
of the extremely powerful scent which exudes from certain glands that are situated in
the under parts of the body and on the flanks.

The odoriferous substance which is secreted by the above-mentioned glands, is of a
musky nature, and possesses the property of penetrating and adhering to every substance
over which the Musk-Rat has passed. The musky odor clings so pertinaciously to the
objects which are impregnated with its tainting contact, that in many cases they become
entirely useless. Provisions of all kinds are frequently spoiled by the evil odor with
which they are saturated ; and
of so penetrating a nature is
the musky scent, that the com-
bined powers of glass and cork
are unable to preserve the con-
tents of bottles from its un-
pleasant influence. Let but a
Sondeli run over a bottle of
wine, and the contained liquid
will be so powerfully scented
with a musky savor that it will
be rendered unfit for civilized
palates, and must be removed
from the neighborhood of other
wines, lest the contaminating
influence should extend to
them also.

In color it is not unlike the
common shrew of England ;
having a slight chestnut, or
reddish tinge, upon a mouse-
colored ground, fading into
gray on the under parts of the

body. In size, however, it is much the superior of that animal ; being nearly as large as
the common brown or " Hanoverian '' rat. The hair is very short, and the peculiar red-
dish-brown hue of the fur is caused by the different timings of the upper and under fur.

DURING the autumnal months of the year, the country roads and by-paths are fre-
quently rendered remarkable by the presence of little mouse-like animals, with long
snouts and peculiarly squared tails, that lie dead upon the ground, without mark of
external injury to account for the manner of their decease.

There are probably many other such corpses upon the wide and grassy meadow
lands, but, owing to the nature of the ground, they are not so conspicuous as those upon
the smoothly trodden paths. The presence of these deceased creatures is the more
remarkable, because there are so many predatory animals and birds, such as cats, weasels,
stoats, owls, and hawks, which would be very likely to kill such small prey, but, having
slain them would be almost sure to eat them. These unsepultured remains are the bodies
of the SHREW-MOUSE of England, otherwise known by the name of ERD SHREW. Another
title by which this little animal is known, in some parts of England, is the Fetid
Shrew ; a name which has been given to it on account of the powerful scent which it
exudes ; and the creature is called in Scotland, the Ranny, a name which is evidently
modified from the Latin term, araneus, or spider-like, which has been applied to
this animal by several writers, because it was said to bite poisonously like a
spider.

The teeth of the true Shrew are very peculiar, so much so, indeed, that they cannot
2$

SONDELI.— Sore* murlaus.

434

THE ERD SHREW, OR SHREW-MOUSE.

be mistaken for those of any other animal. Their peculiarities are mostly remarkable
in the incisor teeth, which are extremely long ; those of the upper jaw being curved
and notched at their base, while those of the lower jaw project almost horizontally.
There are no canines, and the molars differ slightly in arrangement, according to the
species. In the Erd Shrew the tips of the teeth are tinged with a blood-colored
brown.

The head of the Shrew is rather long, and its apparent length is increased by the long
and flexible nose which gives so peculiar an aspect to the animal, and serves to distinguish
it at a glance from the common mouse which it so nearly resembles in general shape and
color. The object of this elongated nose is supposed to be for the purpose of enabling
the animal to root in the ground after the various creatures on which it feeds, or to
thrust its head among the densest and closest herbage. Many insects and their larvae are
found in such localities, and it is upon such food that the Shrew chiefly subsists. Worms

are also captured and eaten by
the Shrew, which in many of its
habits is not unlike the mole.

The habitation of the Shrew
is in certain little subterraneous
tunnels, which it excavates in
the soil, and which serve as a
hunting-ground as well as a
home. Like the mole, the Shrew
is very impatient of hunger, and
cannot endure a protracted fast,
although it may not be so inor-
dinately voracious as that velvet-
coated animal, which it is said
will die of hunger if it be kept
without food for six hours. It
has been suggested, that the
many dead Shrews which are
found in the autumn owe their
deaths to starvation, the worms
having descended too deeply into
the ground for them to follow, and
the insects, being pinched with
the cold, having concealed themselves in their wintry hiding-places.

If this be the case, the curious phenomenon of dead Shrews lying uninjured on the
ground will be readily cleared up, although it will not account for the singular fact that
the dead animals are not carried off by cat, weasel, or owl. For this portion of the
phenomenon another reason must be found ; which probably exists in the rank and
powerful scent which saturates the body of the Shrew, and which is sufficiently un-
pleasant to deter cats and other animals from eating its flesh. Owls, however, will
eat the Shrew, as has been found by examination of the pellets which are ejected by
owls and other birds of prey, and which contain the skin, feathers, bones, and other
indigestible portions of the creatures on which they prey. Twenty such pellets, or
casts, as they are technically termed, were examined for the purpose of ascertaining
their component parts, and no less than seven Shrew skeletons were discovered in the
debris ! Moles are said to be among the number of the Shrew's enemies, and to make
occasional havoc among the pretty little creatures.

Sometimes the Shrews mutually kill each other, for they are most pugnacious little
beings, and on small ground of quarrel enter into persevering and deadly combats ;
which, if they took place between larger animals, would be terrifically grand, but in such
little creatures appear almost ludicrous. They hold with their rows of bristling teeth
with the pertinacity of bull-dogs, and, heedless of everything but the paroxysm of their
blind fury, roll over each other on the ground, locked in spiteful embrace, and uttering a
rapid succession of shrill cries, which pierce the ears like needles of sound. It is a most

ERD SHREW, OR SHREW-MOUSE.-Cbrs/ra vulgaris.

THE ERD SHREW, OR SHREW-MOUSE. 435

fortunate circumstance that the larger animals are not so vindictively pugnacious as
the moles and the Shrews ; for it would be a very hard case if we were unable to put
two horses or two cows in the same field without the certajnty of immediate fight, and
the probability that one of the combatants would lose its life in fhe struggle. Such,
however, is the case with the Shrews ; for if two of these little quadrupeds be confined
in the same box, they are sure to fight to the death, and the consummation of the com-
bat is, generally, that the vanquished foe is eaten by the victor.

However great may be the damage which the bite of such tiny teeth may inflict upon
each other, yet the bite of a Shrew is so insignificant as to make hardly any impress even
on the delicate skin of the human hand. Popular prejudice, however, here steps in,
and attributes to the bite of the Shrew such venomous properties that in many districts
of England the viper is less feared than the little harmless Shrew. The very touch of
the Shrew's foot is considered as a certain herald of evil, and animals or men which
had been " Shrew-struck " were supposed to labor under a malady which was incurable
except by a rather singular remedy, which partakes somewhat of the homoeopathic prin-
ciple, that " similia similibus curantur."

The curative power which alone could heal the Shrew-stroke lay in the branches of
a Shrew-ash, or an ash-tree which had been imbued with the shrewish nature by a very
simple process. A living Shrew was captured and carried to the ash-tree which was
intended to receive the healing virtues. An auger-hole was made into the trunk, the
poor Shrew was introduced into the cavity, and the auger-hole closed by a wooden plug.
Fortunately for the wretched little prisoner, the entire want of air would almost imme-
diately cause its death. But were its little life to linger for ever so long a time in the
ash-trunk, its incarceration would still have taken place, for where superstition raises
its cruel head, humanity is banished.

The popular ideas respecting the Shrew's bite, which once reigned even over the
scientific world, and are still in full force throughout many portions of the rural districts,
may be gathered from the following extract from a curious old zoological author named
Topsel, in his " History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents," published in London in
the year A. D. 1658, p. 406 : —

" It is a ravening beast, feigning itself gentle and tame, but, being touched, it biteth
deep, and poysoneth deadly. It beareth a cruel minde, desiring to hurt anything, neither
is there any creature that it loveth, or it loveth him, because it is feared of all. The
cats, as we have said, do hunt it, and kill it, but they eat not them, for if they do, they
consume away and die. They annoy vines, and are seldom taken, except in cold ; they
frequent ox-dung, and in the winter time repair to bouses, gardens, and stables, where
they are taken and killed.

If they fall into a cart-road they die, and cannot get forth again, as Marcellus, Nican-
der, and Pliny affirm. And the reason is given by Philes, for being in the same, it is
so amazed, and trembleth, as if it were in bands. And for this cause some of the an-
cients have prescribed the earth of a cart-road to be laid to the biting of this mouse as
a remedy thereof. They go very slowly ; they are fraudulent, and take their prey by
deceit. Many times they gnaw the oxes hoofs in the stable.

They love the rotten flesh of ravens ; and therefore in France, when they have killed
a raven, they keep it till it stinketh, and then cast it in the places where the Shrew-mice
haunt, whereunto they gather in so great a number, that you may kill them with shovels.
The Egyptians, upon the former opinion of holiness, do bury them when they die. And
thus much for the description of this beast. The succeeding discourse toucheth the
medecines arising out of this beast ; also the cure of her venomous bitings.

The Shrew, which by falling by chance into a cart-rode or track, doth die upon the
same, being burned, and afterwards beaten, or dissolved into dust, and mingled with
goose-grease, being rubbed or anointed upon those which are troubled with the swelling
coming by the cause of some inflammation, doth bring into them a wonderful and most
admirable cure and remedy. The Shrew being slain or killed, hanging so that neither
then nor afterwards she may touch the ground, doth help those which are grieved and
pained in their bodies, with sores called fellons or biles, which doth pain them with a

436 THE WATER SHREW.

great inflammation, so that it be three times environed or compassed about the party
so troubled. The Shrew which dyeth in the furrow of a cart-wheel, being found and
rowled in potter's clay or a linnen cloth, or in crimson, or in scarlet woollen cloth, and
three times marked about the impostrumes, which will suddenly swell in any man's
body, will very speedily and effectually help and cure the same.

The tail of a Shrew being cut off and burned, and afterwards beaten into dust, and
applyed or anointed upon the sore of any man, which came by the bite of a greedy and
ravenous dog, will in very short space make them both whole and sound, so that the
tail be cut from the Shrew when she is alive, not when she is dead, for then it hath
neither good operation, nor efficacy in it."

It is probable that this virulent hatred of the Shrew, and this groundless terror of its
bite, was caused by the rank scent which exudes from the creature, and the acknowl-
edged fact that the Shrew is frequently seen in the close vicinity of reposing cattle.
But as the Shrew is an insectivorous animal, it has been well suggested that its habit
of frequenting the neighborhood of cattle may be in consequence of the flies and other
insects which are always found in such localities, and on which the Shrew hopes to
make a meal.

It has already been mentioned that the Shrew will eat one of its own species if slain
in battle, and it is therefore evident that its food does not wholly consist of insects and
worms, but is occasionally varied by other and more generous diet. One of these little
creatures has been discovered and killed while grasping a frog by the hind-leg ; and so
firmly did it maintain its grasp, that even after its death the sharp teeth still clung to
the limb of the frog. Whether the creature intended to eat the frog, or whether it was
urged to this act by revenge or other motive, is uncertain.

The nest of the Shrew is not made in the burrow, as might be supposed, but is built
in a suitable depression in the ground, or in a hole in a 'bank. It is made of leaves and
other similar substances, and is entered through a hole at the side. In this nest are
produced the young Shrews, from five to seven in number, and, as may be imagined,
extremely diminutive in size. They are generally born in the spring.

The total length of the adult Shrew is not quite four inches, of which the tail occupies
very nearly the moiety. The tail is remarkable for being square in form, instead of
cylindrical, and on account of that circumstance it has received from some authors the
specific name of tetragoniirus, or Square-tail.

SIMILAR to the erd Shrew in general aspect, but easily to be distinguished from that
animal by its color and other peculiarities, the WATER SHREW stands next on our list.

This little creature was for many years supposed to be identical with the erd Shrew,
and its aquatic propensities thought to be the ebullition of joyous existence, which was
not content with disporting itself upon the earth, but must needs seek a further vent for
its happiness among the waters. However, the Water Shrew is now acknowledged to
be a separate species, and may be distinguished from the erd Shrew by the following
characteristics.

The fur of the Water Shrew is nearly black upon the upper portions of the body,
instead of the reddish-brown color which tints the fur of the erd Shrew. The under
parts of the body are beautifully white, and the line of demarcation between the two
colors is very distinctly drawn. The fur is very soft and silken in texture, and, when
the animal is submerged under the surface of the water, possesses the useful property
of repelling moisture, and preserving the body of the animal from the injurious effects
of the water. When the Water Shrew is engaged in swimming, those parts of the fur
which are submerged below the surface appear to be studded with an infinite number
of tiny silvern beadlets, that give to the whole animal a very singular aspect. This
phenomenon is produced by the minute air bubbles that cling to the fur, and which
exude from the space that is left between the hairs. This curious appearance is well
shown in the large engraving of British Shrews on page 422.

A further distinction, and one which is more valuable than that which is furnished by

THE WATER SHREW.

437

the color of the fur, is the fringe of stiff white hairs which edges the tail and the toes,
and which is evidently of great use in the natatory movements of the animal.

The Water Shrew finds its food in various ways. Sometimes it burrows in the muddy
river banks, rooting in the soft earth with its elongated nose, and dislodging the larvae of
certain insects that pass that stage of their existence in the mud. It also chases and
captures various aquatic insects as they move through the water, and will not disdain
to feed upon moths and other similar creatures which have fallen or have been blown
into the water and then drowned.

In all its movements, the Water Shrew is extremely graceful and active, displaying
equal agility, whether its movements be terrestrial or aquatic. As the sphere of its
vision does not appear to be very extended, it can easily be approached while it is
engaged in its little gambols, and can be watched without much difficulty.

I have repeatedly observed the proceedings of a little colony of these creatures, and
was able to sit within a yard or two of their haunts without their cognizance of my
person. They are most sportive little creatures, and seem to enjoy a game of play with
thorough appreciation, chasing each other over the ground and through the water,
running up the stems of aquatic plants, and tumbling off the leaves into the water,

WATER SHREW.— Crossopus Fodleas.

scrambling hastily over the stones around which the stream ripples, and playing a thou-
sand little pranks with the most evident enjoyment. Then they will suddenly cease their
play, and begin to search after insects with the utmost gravity, rooting in the banks,
and picking up stray flies, as if they never had any other business in view.

As it is in the habit of repeatedly passing over the same ground in these mutual
chases, it soon treads a kind of path or road upon the land, which, although very
obscurely marked, is yet sufficiently well defined to attract the attention of any one
who is conversant with the habits of these little creatures.

Being an excellent diver, and fond of submerging itself wholly beneath the surface,
the Water Shrew would suffer great inconvenience were its ears to be constantly filled
with the liquid element in which it moves; and in order to avert such an inconvenience,
a special provision of nature is needed. For this purpose the ears are peculiarly formed,
so that as soon as the animal is wholly submerged, the pressure of the water acts upon
three small valves, which fold together and effectually prevent the entrance of a single
drop of water into the cavity of the ear. As soon as the animal rises to the surface,
the pressure is removed, and the ears unfold like the petals of a flower, when the sun
shines warmly on them.

THE OARED SHREW, OR BLACK WATER SHREW.

From repeated observations, it seems that the Water Shrew is not entirely confined
to the neighborhood of water, neither is it totally dependent for its subsistence on aquatic
insects, for it has been frequently seen at some distance from any stream or pond. It
must be remarked, however, that a very small rivulet is amply sufficient for the purposes
of the Water Shrew, which will take up its residence for several years in succession on
the banks of a little artificial channel that is only used for the purpose of carrying
water for the irrigation of low-lying fields.

It is believed that the Water Shrew is a more prolific animal than the erd Shrew, for
whereas the latter creature produces from five to seven young at a litter, the former is
blessed with a family of sevenj eight, or nine in number, six or seven being the ordinary
average. The total length of the Water Shrew is not quite four inches and a half, the
length of the head and body being a little more than three inches, and that of the tail
being about two inches. Its snout, although long, is not quite so narrow and pointed
as that of the erd Shrew, and its ears are remarkably small. When it swims, it has a
curious habit of spreading out its sides, so as to flatten the body as it floats upon the
water.

THE largest of the British Shrews is that species which is called the OARED SHREW,
on account of the oar-like formation of the feet and tail ; which are edged with even
longer and stiffer hairs than those which decorate the same parts in the water Shrew.

As may be imagined from this
structure, the habits of the animal
are aquatic in their nature, and
its manners are so closely similar
to those of the preceding species,
that it may easily be mistaken for
that animal, when seen at a little
distance, so as to render the dif-
ference in size less conspicuous
and the color of the under por-
tions of the body less apparent.

It has already been stated
that the back of the water Shrew
is of a velvety black, and the
abdomen and under portions of
the body of a beautiful and clearly
defined white. In the Oared
Shrew, however, the back is pro-
fusely sprinkled with white hairs,
_ and the fur of the abdomen and

OARED SHREW, OR BLACK WATER SHREW. flankS fc??"^?^^81^^1

cnssopns aiiatus. Pure whlte- The middle of the

abdomen, however, together with

that of the throat, is strongly tinged with yellow ; the throat being more of an ashy
yellow than the abdomen.

Although not so common as the erd and the Water Shrew, it is of more frequent
occurrence than is generally supposed, and has been found in many parts of England
where it was formerly supposed to be wanting. The total length of the Oared Shrew is
about five inches and a quarter, the head and body measuring rather more than three
inches, and the tail being about two inches in length. Its nose is not quite so sharp
or narrow as that of the Water Shrew, and the ears are decorated with a slight fringe of
white hair. The latter third of the tail is flattened, as if for swimming, while the
remaining two-thirds are nearly cylindrical, but are slightly squared, as has been already
mtntioned of the common Shrew.

On account of the general darkness of its fur, it is sometimes called the Black Water
Shrew, and is catalogued in the British Museum under that title. The generic name,
Crossopus is of Greek origin, and signifies " f ringed-feet."

THE AGOUTA, OR SOLENDON.

439

There is another British Shrew, called the Rustic Shrew (Corsira Rustica), which is
very common throughout I reland, and is also found in many parts of England. Among the
Shrews is found the smallest known mammalian animal of the present day ; being even
smaller than the tiny harvest-mouse of England, which has been made so famous by Mr.
White's elegant description of itself and its habits in his " Natural History of Selborne."
This most minute quadruped is only one inch and a half in length, exclusive of the tail,
which measures about an inch. The name of this minikin among mammals is the
Etruscan Shrew, and its habitation is in Italy. Specimens are said to have been
discovered in Algeria.

THE specific title of Paradoxus or puzzling has very appropriately been given to the
AGOUTA ; a little animal which is peculiar to Hayti, and which combines in its own
person several characteristics that properly belong to different families of animals.

Were the observer to pay regard only to the external peculiarity of fur, ears, and tail,
he would be inclined to place it among the opossums ; but if he were to lay the greatest
stress upon the teeth, he would probably assign it a place among the shrews.

AQOUTA, OR SOLENODON.-So/OKX/ofl Paradoxus.

It seems, however, that it is really allied to the latter group of animals, and it is
therefore placed in the position which it at present holds in zoological catalogues. The
fur of the Agouta is long, harsh, and coarse in texture, and its color is an undecided red,
tinged with yellow. The nose is extremely elongated, like that of the shrews, and
strengthened at its base by a slender bone, so that it appears to be intended for the
purpose of digging in the earth like those animals. The nostrils are placed at the
extremity of the snout, and are divided from each other by a distinct furrow. The cheeks
and lips are decorated with whisker-hairs of very great length ; the eyes are very small ;
the ears are moderate in size, and rounded, and almost devoid of hairy covering. All the
feet are terminated with five toes, and the long claws are curved, rather compressed, and
evidently fitted for the purpose of scraping at the soil.

The tail is moderately long, measuring about nine inches in length, and is rounded
throughout its length, remainder of the head and body being rather more than a foot
long. It is not covered with hair, but is rather naked, and for the greater part of its
length is scaly. The lower jaw is rather shorter than the upper.

44o THE DAESMAN, OR DESMAN.

The teeth of the Agouta are very remarkable, both for their arrangement and their
form, but are very difficult to describe. The two middle incisors of the upper jaw are
extremely large, almost triangular in form, and are separated from the small lateral
incisors by a considerable interval. The most singular part of the dentition is, however,
found in the incisors of the lower jaw, of which Van der Hoeven speaks as follows :—
The two middle incisors of the lower jaw are small, narrow, placed between two long
conical, hollowed on the inside by a deep groove ; the second grooved incisor of the lower
jaw distinguishes this genus from all the others of which the dental system is known
hitherto." — Handbook of Zoology ^ vol. ii. p. 727.

The dentition of the Agouta would seem to indicate that the creature was insectivorous
in its diet, but Mr. Hearne, who possessed one of these animals in a living state, re-
marks that its food is chiefly grain, although it is also capable of eating animal food.
In general appearance the Agouta somewhat resembles the barn-rat of England, and
might easily be mistaken for that animal if seen while in motion, and for a short time
only. There is supposed to be but one species of this curious genus. The generic
name, Solenodon, is of Greek origin, and signifies channel-toothed.

ALTHOUGH the water shrew has earned for itself its aquatic title, it is not nearly
so constant an inhabitant of the water as the DAESMAN or DESMAN, an animal whose
very form is sufficient to stamp it as a creature that lives almost exclusively in the
water. A casual glance at the external formation of the Daesman will at once pronounce
the animal to be made for swimming and diving, and its admirable adaptation for
aquatic evolutions is more evident as the structure of the creature is more closely
examined.

The legs and feet, which in the aquatic shrews are provided with rows of stiff bristles,
in order to assist the animal in its progress through the water, are in the Daesman
entirely modified into oars ; the powers of terrestrial movements being subservient to
those of aquatic locomotion. The toes are connected with each other by well defined
webs, and the greater portion of the legs are concealed under the skin. The tail is
modified for the same purpose, and is evidently used as a rudder by which the creature
may direct its course.

The most remarkable point in the appearance of the Daesman is its extraordinarily
elongated nose, which bears no slight resemblance to the proboscis of an elephant,
and, indeed, is quite as valuable to its possessor. This prolonged nose is extremely
mobile, and can be applied to various purposes : one object of the elongated nose is
extremely singular, and deserves special notice.

The habitation in which the Daesman lives is a most complicated house, the entrance
to which is under the surface of the water, so that the creature may escape into its
stronghold whenever it has cause to fear danger. The subterraneous tunnel in which
the creature lives extends for a considerable distance around the starting-point, and
often embraces an extent of more than twenty feet in its various windings. As the
animal does not become torpid during the winter, it needs a plentiful supply of food
and air. The former necessary can be obtained easily enough, but as the inclement
frost of its native country covers the surface of the water with a thick coat of ice, and
at the same time binds the earth in an icy chain, the poor Daesman is often sadly
harassed for want of air, as it cannot find exit from its burrow, and there is no other
mode of getting into the fresh atmosphere.

In this strait the long and flexible nose of the Daesman stands it in good stead ; for
it runs about its burrow in search of any little fissures which may communicate with
the open air, and by thrusting the mobile organ into any such fortunate crevice, is
enabled to obtain sufficient air to sustain the vital powers. Should the winter be a
particularly severe one, many Daesmans are killed by the insufficiency of ventilation
in their houses, and are found in the spring lying dead in their burrows.

It is very seldom that a Daesman is seen upon dry ground, and even at the hymeneal
season, which makes all animals courageous, it is never seen at any distance from the
water, and contents itself with running along the extreme edge of the water, or making
temporary resting-places in the heavy leafage of aquatic plants. Even these trifling

THE DAESMAN, OR DESMAN.

aberrations from the usual tenor of its way are only caused by its eagerness in seeking
its intended mate, and are limited to the short season of matrimonial enterprise. Dur-
ing the remainder of the year the Daesman never voluntarily quits the water ; and even
if it makes little journeys from one pond or stream to another, it is generally found to
make use of ditches or wet channels as the roads by which it proceeds ; or, in default
of such aqueous paths, to traverse the distance by means of a subterraneous tunnel.

The scent which exudes from the Daesman is of a musky character, and so extremely
powerful that it is locally known by the name of the Musk-Rat. It is of a most
penetrating character, and so thoroughly saturates every substance that may have come
in contact with it, that the odor is with the greatest difficulty removed. The pike and
other predaceous fish which inhabit the same waters are accustomed to eat the Daes-
man, whenever they can succeed in capturing it, and, by the odor of their prey, their
flesh becomes so tainted that it is unfit for human consumption. The glands which
produce this powerful scent are placed near the tail, and arranged in a double row.

DAESMAN, OR DESMAN.— Galemys Pyrendlca.

The food of the Daesman is chiefly of an animal character, as might be imagined
from the arrangement and shape of the teeth, and the general habits of the animal. In
the stomachs of several of these creatures that have been dissected, were found the
remains of larvae of various kinds, and of earthworms but nothing of a vegetable nature.
Yet it has been asserted by several writers that the animal diet is sometimes mixed
with vegetable food ; and that the Daesman will on occasions make a meal of aquatic
roots and of acorns, of which latter articles it lays up a store in the recesses of its
burrow. Small fish and frogs are known to form part of its food.

The habits which have just been mentioned are common to the entire genus Galemys ;
two species of which are known to exist, the one being the Russian Daesman, and the
other the animal which is depicted in the engraving.

The Russian Daesman is about seventeen inches in total length, the head and body
being ten inches long, and the tail seven inches. On account of its aquatic propensities,
and the peculiar aspect of its incisor teeth, the Daesman was formerly thought to be a
rodent animal, and allied to the beavers, among which creatures it was classed, under
the name of Castor moschatus, or Musky Beaver. Its fur is much esteemed on account
of its rich color, long silky texture, and warm character. The color of the Russian
Daesman is brown on the upper portions of the body, becoming darker on the flanks,
and fading suddenly into silvery white on the abdomen. The peculiar warmth of the

442

THE BULAU, OR TIKUS.

fur is owing to a thick and woolly felt of fine hairs, which lies beneath the long silken
hairs that form the apparent fur of the animal, and which affords an effectual defence
against the liquid element in which the creature passes so much of its time.

The tail of this animal is shorter than the body, and very remarkable in its shape,
for at its base it is compressed, but rapidly becomes rounded, and swells with such
abruptness, that it may almost deserve the term of bulbous. It then decreases in size
as rapidly as it had increased, and, in proportion as it becomes smaller, it becomes verti-
cally compressed. The entire member is, like that of the beaver, thickly set with scales,
through the intervals of which protrude a number of short and bristly isolated hairs.

Both by dimensions and color, the French Daesman is easily to be distinguished
from its Russian congener, for it is barely more than half the size of the Russian animal ;
the tail is differently formed, and the color is of a distinct character. The tail of the
French Daesman is devoid of the peculiar swelling that characterizes that member in*
the Russian Daesman, and tapers gradually to a point. For three-fourths of its length

BULAU, OR TlLUS.—Gynmura Baffiesii.

the tail is nearly cylindrical, but becomes vertically compressed for the remaining fourth.
It is, moreover, as long as the body. The color of the fur is a very warm brown, almost
amounting to maroon, the flanks are a grayish-brown, and the abdomen is a grayish-
white. There is also a slight difference in the webbing of the feet, for the toes of the
fore-feet are only half enveloped in the skin, and the external toe of the hinder feet is
unconnected with the others.

A VERY remarkable animal now comes before us, the BULAU, TIKUS, or GYMNURA,
as it is indifferently termed.

This creature, which is an inhabitant of Malacca and Sumatra, bears no slight ex-
ternal resemblance to the opossum of America, the similarity being increased by its
long and harsh hair, and the long scaly tail, sparely furnished with very short hairs. The
generic name, Gymniira, is derived from two Greek words signifying naked tail, and is,
therefore very appropriately applied to this animal. All the feet are terminated by five

THE PEN-TAIL.

443

was 1=

toes, the three middle toes being longer than the others. The muzzle is much lengthened,
but is cut off rather abruptly at its termination. The eyes are small in proportion to the
dimensions of their owner, and the ears are small, rounded, and devoid of hairy covering

One distinguishing peculiarity of the animal is, that the fur which covers the body
and head is pierced by a number of very long bristling hairs, that project for a consider-
able distance from the body, and are much longer on the neck and shoulders than on
any other portion of the body. The color of the creature is a rather peculiar mixture
of black and white, which are arranged as follows : — the greater part of the body, the
upper portion of the legs, and the beginning of the tail, are black ; while the head, the
neck, and flanks and the remainder of the tail, are white. There is also a black stripe
over each eye, which forms a bold contrast with the white fur of the head.

Like the preceding animals, the Bulau is pos-
sessed of glands which secrete a substance of a
powerful musky smell. For the introduction of
this animal to science we are indebted to Sir
Stamford Raffles, who brought it from Sumatra,
and, taking it for one of the viverrine animals,
described it under the name of Viverra Gymnura.

THE extraordinary animal which has been re-
recently brought before the notice of zoologists,
under the characteristic name of PEN-TAIL, is a
native of Borneo, from which country it
brought by Mr. Hugh Low.

It is about the size of a small rat, but appears
to be of greater dimensions on account of its
extremely long tail with the remarkable appen-
dage at its extremity. As may be seen from the
engraving, the tail is of extraordinary length
when compared with the size of the body, and is
devoid of hair except at its extremity, where it
is furnished with a double row of stiff hairs on
each side, which stand boldly out, like the barbs
of a quill pen, or the feathers of an arrow. The
remainder of the tail is covered with scales, which
are square in their form, like those of the long-
tailed rats, and of considerable size. The color
of the tail is black, and the bristly barbs are
white, so that this member presents a peculiarly
quaint aspect.

The fur which covers the body of the Pen-tail
is extremely soft in texture, and is of a blackish-
brown tint above, fading into a yellowish-gray
beneath. As the tips of the hairs are tinged with
a yellow hue, the precise tint of the fur is rather
indeterminate, and is changeable, according to
the position of the hairs which are exposed to
view. The specimen which is preserved in the
British Museum was captured by Mr. Low in the
house of Sir James Brooke, the celebrated Rajah
of Sarawak.

It is presumed that the long tail of the Pen-tail is used for the purpose of balancing
itself in its progress among the branches of trees ; but this conjecture is only problem-
atical, as the habits of the animal are not yet known. By the arrangement and form of
the teeth, it is supposed to be allied to the Tupaias, which are described on page
430, and with which animals it would have been placed but for an unavoidable
omission.

PEN-TAIL.— Ptllocercus Lowll.

444

LONG-EARED HEDGEHOG.

The generic name, Ptilocercus, is compounded of two Greek words, signifying
" feather-tailed," and is therefore very appropriately given to this singular creature.

The HEDGEHOG finds representatives in many parts of the world, which seem to be
possessed of the same propensities whether they are found in England, in India, or in
Africa. There are several species of this curious animal, which are remarkable for two
or three peculiarities of form and habit.

The external characteristic which immediately strikes the attention of the beholder is
the formidable array of bristling spines with which the back is more or less covered,
and which offers a chevaux-de-frise of sharp spikes towards any animal that may present
itself as an enemy. Another peculiarity, is the power possessed by these creatures of
rolling themselves into a round ball, by placing the head on the breast, drawing up the
legs, and curling the body firmly round these members. By this posture, the Hedge-
hogs render themselves invulnerable to almost every animal that may attack them, and
defend the legs, abdomen, and other portions of the body that are left unprotected by
nature. When in this curious attitude, the Hedgehog cannot be unrolled by main force,
as long as any life remains in the body, for there is an enormously developed muscle,

LONG-EARED HEDGEHOG.— Erfoaceus aurttus.

with a very thick margin, which spreads over the back and round the sides, and which
when contracted, holds the creature in so firm an embrace that it will be torn in pieces
rather than yield its point.

The technical name of this muscle is panniculus carnbsus, and it is by means of this
muscle that bears and other animals are able to shake their skins when they are irritated
by any substance that clings to the hair, and which they cannot reach with their teeth.

The Hedgehogs are plantigrade in their gait, and, like the generality of plantigrade
animals, are not particularly active or rapid in their movements. Although they gener-
ally prefer a deliberate pace when they are not alarmed or hurried, they can get over
the ground with no small speed when they feel themselves called upon to make such
an exertion.

The feet of the Hedgehog are furnished with five toes, those of the fore-feet terminated
with tolerably strong claws, which, although not so evidently fossorial as those of the
moles and other insectivorous animals, are yet very capable of digging, and are used
effectually for that purpose. The soles of the feet are naked. The limbs and the entire
under surface of the body are undefended by the stiff prickles which are so thickly set

THE HEDGEHOG. 445

upon the back, and are clotlied with hair of a more or less dense character, according to
the particular species. In every species, however, the hair is of a peculiar character,
and is intermixed with a goodly number of tolerably stiff hairs of a bristly character.

The food of the Hedgehog consists chiefly of insects, worms, snails, and similar
creatures, but it is of essentially carnivorous taste, and is in no wise particular what
the kind of food which it eats, provided that it be of an animal character.

These details of form and habit are common to all the Hedgehogs ; and the other
peculiarities of the Erinacea, as these animals are learnedly named, will be mentioned
in connection with the two species that will be figured and described in these pages.

The LONG-EARED HEDGEHOG derives its name from the exceeding dimensions of its
ears, which project from its head in such a manner as to give to the animal a very porcine
aspect. This species is found in Siberia and in all the eastern regions of Asiatic Russia,
and has also been captured in Egypt. It is a smaller animal than the common Hedgehog
of Europe, but is very variable in its dimensions, according to the locality in which it is
found. The limbs are comparatively long and slender, and the long hair that clothes the
lower portions of the body is extremely fine in its texture. The array of prickly spines
that guard its back does not extend so far as in the European species, and are of a rather
peculiar coloring. At the base, each spine is marked with a whitish ring, the centre is
brown, and the tip is tinted with yellow. The color of the eye is bluish-gray.

The common HEDGEHOG, HEDGE-PIG, or URCHIN, is_one of the most familiar of our
indigenous mammalia, being found in every part of Great Britain which is capable of
affording food and shelter.

The hard round spines which cover the upper part of its body are about an inch in
length, and of a rather peculiar shape, which is well represented in the accompanying
sketch. The form is wonderfully adapted to meet the peculiar objects which the spine
is intended to fulfil, as will be seen in the following account :

The spine, which is here given, is supposed to be lying nearly horizontally upon the
back of the animal, a position which it assumes whenever the Hedgehog
chooses to relax the peculiar muscle which governs the spines, and
which seems to retain the creature in its coiled attitude. The point of 4 ' *x
the quill or spine is directed towards the tail. It will be seen that the 8pine of hedgehog,
quill is not unlike a large pin, being sharply pointed at one extremity,
and furnished at the other with a round, bead-like head, and rather
abruptly bent near the head. If the skin be removed from the Hedgehog, the quills are
seen to be pinned, as it were, through the skin, being retained by their rounded heads,
which are acted upon by the peculiar muscle which has already been mentioned.

It is evident, therefore, that whenever the head of the quill is drawn backward by the
contraction of the muscle, the point of the quill is erected in proportion to the force
which is exerted upon the head, so that when the animal is rolled up, and the greatest
tension is employed, the quills stand boldly out from the body, and present the bay-
onet-like array of points in every direction.

These curiously-formed spines are useful to the Hedgehog for other purposes than the
very obvious use of protecting the creature from the attacks of its foe. They are
extremely elastic, as is found to be the case with hairs and quills of all descriptions, and
the natural elasticity is increased by the sharp curve into which they are bent at their
insertion into the skin. Protected by this defence, the Hedgehog is enabled to throw
itself from considerable heights, to curl itself into a ball as it descends, and to reach the
ground without suffering any harm from its fall. A Hedgehog has been seen repeatedly
to throw itself from a wall some twelve or fourteen feet in height, and to fall upon the
hard ground without appearing even to be inconvenienced by its tumble. On reaching
the ground, it would unroll itself, and trot off with perfect unconcern.

The thorn-studded skin of this animal is not without its use even to mankind, and is
still employed for various useful purposes.

In some parts of the country it is used in weaning calves, and is an infalliable mode
of effecting that object. When the farmer desires to wean the young calf, he fixes a

446 THE HEDGEHOG.

Hedgehog's skin upon the calf's muzzle, so that when it goes to suckle its mother it
causes such irritation that she will not permit her offspring to approach, and drives it
away as often as it attempts to effect its purpose. It is also used in order to cure car-
riage-horses of the troublesome habit of " boring " to one side while being driven, for
when fixed on the pole or the traces it gives the animal such effectual reminders when-
ever it begins to " bore," that it soon learns to pull straight, and thus to avoid the un-
pleasant aids to memory that bristle at its side. Even to scientific pursuits the Hedge-
hog's quills are made to render its services, being used as pins whereby certain anatom-
ical preparations displayed in spirits of wine, and which are not liable to that provok-
ing rust which is so apt to attack metallic pins when immersed in spirits, and which
often render the most elaborate dissections perfectly useless.

Another purpose to which the Hedgehog's skin was formerly applied was the hack-
ling of hemp before it was made up into coarse cloth. This custom was followed by the
ancient Romans, but is now obsolete, being superseded by artificial instead of natural
combs.

The under surface of the body, together with the limbs, is covered with long bristles
and undulating soft hair, which passes rather abruptly into the stiff quills that
defend the back, and is so long that it almost conceals the limbs when the animal is
walking on level ground. In the adult animal the quills are hard and shining, they
thickly cover the entire back and top of the head, and are of grayish-white color, diver-
sified with a blackish-brown ring near the middle. In the young animal, however, the
spines are comparatively few in number, very soft in texture, and nearly white in color,
so that for the first few days of their life the little creatures look like balls of white hair.

The tail of the adult Hedgehog is scarcely visible, being hidden by the bristling quills
which exceed its length by nearly one-fourth. In the young animal, however, the tail is
apparent enough, as there are, yet, no quills to conceal it, and it is carried nearly in a
line with the length of the body. The total length of a full-grown Hedgebog is rather
more than ten inches, the length of the tail being only three quarters of an inch, and
that of the head three inches. The ears are moderately long in their dimensions, being
about an inch in length.

The young of the Hedgehog are born about May, and are so unlike the parents that
they have been mistaken for young birds by inexperienced observers. It is a very
singular fact, and one which is almost if not entirely, unique, that not only are they
born with their eyes closed, as is the case with kittens, puppies, and many other animals
but with their ears closed also. The soft white quills which present so curious an
appearance as they lie upon the transparent pink skin, very soon begin to deepen in
their color, and to increase in number, so that about the end of August the little animals
resemble their parents in everything but size. The number of young which are pro-
duced at a birth is from three to four.

The nest in which the little Hedgehogs are produced and nurtured is most ingenious
in its structure, being so admirably woven of moss and similar substances, and so
well thatched with leaves that it will resist the effects of the violent showers that
generally fall during the spring, remaining perfectly dry in the midst of the sharpest
rain.

Marching securely under the guardianship of its thorn-spiked armor, the Hedgehog
recks little of any foe save man. For, with this single exception, there are, in our land at
least, no enemies that need be dreaded by so well-protected an animal. Dogs, foxes,
and cats are the only creatures which possess the capability of killing and eating the
Hedgehog, and of these foes it is very little afraid. For dogs are but seldom abroad
at night while the Hedgehog is engaged in its nocturnal quest after food ; and the fox
would not be foolish enough to waste its time and prick its nose in weary endeavors to
force its intended prey out of its defences. Cats, too, are even less adapted to such a
proceeding than dogs and foxes.

It is indeed said that the native cunning of the fox enables it to overreach the
Hedgehog, and to induce it to unroll itself by an ingenious, but I fear apocryphal process.
Reynard is said, whenever he finds a coiled-up Hedgehog, to roll it over and over with
his paw towards some runnel, pond, or puddle, and then to souse it unexpectedly into the

THE HEDGEHOG.

447

water. The Hedgehog, fearing that it is going to be drowned, straightway unrolls itself,
and is immediately pounced on by the cunning fox, which crushes its head with a single
bite, and eats it afterwards at leisure. In America, the puma is said to eat the Hedgehog
in a very curious manner. Seizing the animal by the head, it gradually draws the ani-
mal through its teeth, swallowing the body and stripping off the skin.

Man, however, troubles himself very little about the Hedgehog's prickles, and when
disposed to such a diet, kills, cooks, and eats it without hesitation.

The legitimate mode of proceeding is to kill the animal by a blow on the head, and
then to envelop it, without removing the skin, in a thick layer of a well-kneaded clay.
The enwrapped Hedgehog is then placed on the fire, being carefully turned by the cook
at proper intervals, and there remains until the clay is perfectly dry and begins to crack.
When this event has taken place, the cooking is considered to be complete, and the
animal is removed from the fire. The clay covering is then broken off, and carries

HEDGEHOG.— Erlaaceus Europceus.

away with it the whole of the skin, which is adherent by means of the prickles. By
this mode of cookery the juices are preserved, and the result is pronounced to be
supremely excellent.

This primitive but admirable form of cookery is almost entirely confined to gipsies
and other wanderers, as in these days there are few civilized persons who would
condescend to partake of such a diet. Utilitarians, however, can render the creature
subservient to their purposes by using it as a guardian to their kitchens. Its insect-
devouring powers are of such a nature that it can be made a most useful inhabitant of
the house, and set in charge of the " black beetles."

It is domesticated without the least difficulty, and speedily makes itself at home, if it
be only supplied with a warm bed of rags or hay in some dark crevice. The rapidity
with which it extirpates the cockroaches is most marvellous, for their speed and wariness
are so great that the Hedgehog must possess no small amount of both qualities in order
to destroy them so easily. A Hedgehog which resided for some years in our house
was accustomed to pass a somewhat nomad existence, for as soon as it had eaten all the

448

THE HEDGEHOG.

cockroaches in our kitchen it used to be lent to a friend, to whom it performed the
same valuable service. In a few months those tiresome insects had again multiplied,
and the Hedgehog was restored to its former habitation.

The creature was marvellously tame, and would come at any time to a saucer of milk
in broad daylight. Sometimes it took a fancy to promenading the garden, when it
would trot along in its own quaint style, poking its sharp nose into every crevice, and
turning over every fallen leaf that lay in its path. If it heard a strange step, it would
immediately curl itself into a ball, and lie in that posture for a few minutes until its
alarm had passed away, when it would cautiously unroll itself, peer about with its little
bead-like eyes for a moment or two, and then resume its progress.

From all appearances, it might have lived for many years had it not come by its
death in a rather singular manner. There was a wood-shed in the kitchen-garden, where
the bean and pea-sticks were laid up in ordinary during the greater part of the yea*r,
and it seemed, for some unknown reason, to afford a marvellous attraction to the
Hedgehog. So partial to this locality was the creature that whenever it was missing
we were nearly sure to find it among the bean-sticks in the wood-shed. One morning,
however, on searching for the animal, in consequence of having missed its presence
for some days, we found it hanging by its neck in the fork of a stick, and quite dead.
The poor creature had probably slipped while climbing among the sticks, and had
been caught by the neck in the bifurcation.

It has just been mentioned that the Hedgehog was in the habit of drinking milk from
a saucer, and this fact leads" to the prevalent idea that the Hedgehogs are accustomed
to suck cows while they are lying on the ground. Naturalists have generally denied
this statement, saying, as is true enough, that the little mouth of the Hedgehog is so
small that it would not be capable of sucking the cow, and that, even if it could do so,
its needle-pointed teeth would be so painful to the cow that she would drive away the
robber as soon as she felt its teeth. So far they are quite correct, for both their prop-
ositions are undoubtedly true. But, nathless, there is great truth in the assertion
that the Hedgehog drinks the milk of cows. I have received several communications
on this subject, where my correspondents assert that they have seen the creature en-
gaged in that pursuit, and I have been told by several credible witnesses that they
have been spectators of the same circumstance. But in neither case was it asserted
that the animal was really sucking the cow, but that it was lying on the ground, lap-
ping up the milk as it oozed from the over-filled udder of the animal before the hour
of milking had arrived. Granting this to be a fact, the creature can yet do no real
injury to the farmer or the dairyman, as the amount of milk which it thus consumes is
very small, and would have been wasted had it not been lapped up by the Hedgehog's
greedy tongue.

The Hedgehog is also accused of stealing and breaking eggs, to which indictment it
can but plead guilty.

It is very ingenious in its method of opening and eating eggs ; a feat which it
performs without losing any of the golden contents. Instead of breaking the shell, and
running the chance of permitting the contents to roll out, the clever animal lays the
egg on the ground, holds it firmly between its fore-feet, bites a hole in the upper por-
tion of the shell, and, inserting its tongue into the orifice, licks out the contents daintily.

Not contenting itself with such comparatively meagre diet as eggs, the Hedgehog is
a great destroyer of snakes, frogs, and other animals, crunching them together with
their bones as easily as a horse will eat a carrot. Even the thick bone of a mutton-
chop, or the big bone of a fish, is splintered by the Hedgehog's teeth with marvellous
ease. On one account it is rather a valuable animal, for it will attack a viper as readily
as a grass-snake, being apparently proof against the venom of the serpent's fangs.
Experiments have been tried in order to prove the poison-resisting power of this strange
animal, which seems to be invulnerable to every kind of poison, whether taken inter-
nally or mixed with the blood by insertion into a wound.

On one occasion, a Hedgehog was placed in a box together with a viper, and, after
a while, began to attack it. The snake, being irritated, rose up, and bit its assailant
smartly on the lip. The Hedgehog took but little notice of the incident, but, after

POISON-RESISTING POWER OF THE HEDGEHOG. 449

licking the wounded spot once or twice, returned to the charge. At last it succeeded in
killing the viper, and, after having done so, ate its vanquished enemy, beginning at the
tail, and so working upwards. The animal always seems to eat a snake in this fashion,
and on one occasion was known to proceed with its banquet while the poor snake was
still living.

Poisons of all kinds have been tried upon the Hedgehog without the least effect.
Prussic acid, arsenic, and other deadly substances have been unsuccessfully administered,
and the animal has been known to make a very satisfactory meal on cantharides without
experiencing any ill effects from these cauterizing insects.- How it is that the constitution
of the creature can resist the effects of such powerful substances is not, as yet, known.
It is, however, a subject of much interest, and, if it could be elucidated, would probably
be of incalculable service to mankind.

On one occasion, when a Hedgehog was employed in the demolition of a snake, it
proceeded in a remarkably cautious manner, as if it had been a practised combatant, and
had learned how to inflict injury on its foe without suffering in return. On being roused
by the touch of the snake, the Hedgehog — which had been coiled up — unrolled itself, bit
the snake sharply, and immediately resumed its coiled attitude. Three times it repeated
this proceeding, and when after the third bite the snake's back was bitten through, the
Hedgehog stood by the side of its victim, and deliberately crushed the snake's
body throughout its entire length by biting it at intervals of about half an inch. Having
thus placed itself beyond the reach of retaliation, it took the tip of the snake's
tail in its mouth, began to eat it, and finished the reptile in the course of twenty-four
hours.

The exploits of the Hedgehog in serpent-killing are useful enough in their way, but
it too often happens that the carnivorous propensities of the animal are exercised upon
less harmful creatures than vipers or other " vermin." Indeed, the poultry-fancier and
the game-preserver have too much reason for ranking the Hedgehog itself under that
expressive and somewhat comprehensive epithet. Many are the instances on record
where the creature has been detected in the act of destroying rabbits, poultry, and
various kinds of game, and has been unexpectedly discovered to have been the per-
petrator of sundry acts of robbery which had been laid upon the shoulders of the fox,
the weasel, or the polecat.

On one occasion, the proprietor of a fine bantam cock was roused by a great
disturbance in the place where the fowl was kept, and on going down to see what might
be the matter, found his feathered favorite struggling in the jaws of a Hedgehog, which
had caught it by the leg and would speedily have devoured it had not its owner come,
happily, to the rescue. Again, no less than fifteen turkey poults had been destroyed in
the course of a single night, three having been abstracted and the others killed. A
number of steel-traps were laid around the scene of devastation, and on the following
morning three male Hedgehogs were found in the traps, having evidently returned for
the purpose of bringing away the victims of their previous raid.

All kinds of game fall occasional victims to the Hedgehog's appetite, and the
partridge, the hare, and the pheasant seem to suffer equally from the voracity of this
strange animal. A Hedgehog has been seen in the act of destroying a hare, and had
inflicted such injuries that the poor creature died in a very short time after it had been
rescued from the jaws of its assailant. This circumstance occurred in Cumberland.
Rabbits, too, are frequently eaten by this animal, and Hedgehogs have several times
been taken in traps that have been set for other " vermin," and baited with portions of
dead rabbits.

That hares, rabbits, and other terrestrial animals should be captured by so apparently
clumsy an animal as the Hedgehog is sufficiently remarkable, but that the wary pheasant
and the well-winged partridge should fall victims to the creature is more than singular.
Yet there are many accredited instances where the Hedgehog has been captured in the
very act of killing and eating partridges, and has even been killed while the head of a
young partridge still protruded from its mouth. One of these creatures has been de<
tected in the act of eating a hen-pheasant which had been placed in a cage to which it
had gained access by squeezing itself through a marvellously small aperture. Another
29

45o CHARACTER OF THE HEDGEHOG.

pheasant had been killed on the previous day, but its death had been laid at the door
of the stoat. Earth and air thus seem to furnish their quota of nourishment for the
Hedgehog, which extends its depredations to the aqueous element, and displays a cul-
tivated taste for fish. So fond is this carnivorous creature of the finny tribe, that it
has been frequently caught in traps which have been baited with fish for the express
purpose of decoying the Hedgehog into their treacherous jaws.

Whether in its wild state it is able to capture the little birds, is not accurately known,
but in captivity it eats finches and other little birds with great voracity. One of these
animals, that was kept in a state of domestication, ate no less than seven sparrows in the
course of a single night, and another of these creatures crushed and ate in the course of
twenty-four hours more than as many sparrow-heads, eating bones, bill, and neck with
equal ease.

Its legitimate prey is found among the insect tribe, of which it consumes vast
numbers, being able, not only to chase and capture those which run upon the ground,
but even to dig in the earth and feed upon the grubs, worms, and various larvae which
pass their lives beneath the surface of the ground. A Hedgehog has been seen to
exhume the nest of the humblebee, which had been placed in a sloping bank, as is often
the case with the habitation of these insects, and to eat bees, grubs, and honey, unmind-
ful of the anger of the survivors, who, however, appeared to be but little affected by the
inroads which the Hedgehog was making upon their offspring and their stores.

According to the generality of writers, among whom we may reckon Mr. White,
the immortalizer of Selborne, the food of the Hedgehog is not entirely animal, but
is varied with sundry vegetable substances, such as roots, haws, crabs, and other wild
fruits. Others, however, deny the vegetable diet of the Hedgehog. In the " Natural
History of Selborne," however, we find a very interesting account of the manner in
which the Hedgehog devours the roots of the plantain without injuring the leaves, by
grubbing with its snout, and biting off the stems so delicately that the leaves
fall untouched. The roots of grasses are also said to form part of the Hedgehog's
food.

As might be supposed from the destructive tendency which is, on certain occasions,
so strongly developed in the Hedgehog, the animal is a determined fighter whenever it
engages in battle, and is capable of inflicting severe wounds with its sharp teeth and
powerful jaws. Should several Hedgehogs be confined in one spot, and a stranger be
admitted among them, the new-comer will assuredly be forced to fight for his position,
and, in all probability, will either kill one of his opponents, or will fall by the teeth of his
adversary. In either case the victor becomes a quadrupedal cannibal, and, not satisfied
with having destroyed his foe, proceeds to eat him. In such a case, the slain combat-
'ant is totally devoured, with the exception of the skin and its prickles, which remain as
a token of battle and a trophy of victory.

All Hedgehogs are, however, not endowed with an equal amount of combativeness,
but are extremely different in their dispositions. Some are most gentle and retiring in
their habits, while others are savage and ferocious to a degree, and seem to be totally
devoid of fear, so that they will attack boldly any object which annoys them, perfectly
regardless of its character or its size.

The Hedgehog has generally been considered as a dull and stupid animal, incapable of
being tamed, and mindful only of its own comfort. Such, however, is really not the case,
for when the animal meets with a kind and thoughtful owner, who will try to develop
the best feelings of the creature, it proves to be quite affectionate in its character, and
will display no small amount of fearless attachment to its master. It would, in all
probability, have been better appreciated had it not been, unfortunately, the object of
terror or detestation to those who are unacquainted with its habits, and who are
either alarmed at its prickly array of quills, or have imbibed certain prejudicial notions
concerning its harmful qualities.

It has already been mentioned that the Hedgehog is fond of milk, but it would
hardly be imagined that the animal would condescend to partake of strong drink, and
that to such a degree that it would be reduced to a state of helpless intoxication. Such
however, is the case, as has been recorded by Dr. Ball of a Hedgehog which he possessed,

HIBERNATION OF THE HEDGEHOG. 451

and to which he administered a strong potation of sweetened whisky. The experiment
was not made with any intention of injuring the animal, but for the purpose of testing
the popular assertion that the creature would thereby be rendered tame. After saying
that the intoxicating draught soon showed its power on the animal, Dr. Ball proceeds
as follows : —

" Like the beasts that so indulge, he was anything but himself, and his lack-lustre,
leaden eye, was rendered still less pleasing by its inane, drunken expression. He stag-
gered towards us in a ridiculous, get-out of-my- way sort of manner; however, he had not
gone far before his potation produced all its effects — he tottered, then fell on his side ;
he was drunk in the full sense of the word, for he could not even hold by the ground.
We could then pull him about, open his mouth, twitch his whiskers, etc. — he was unre-
sisting. There was a strange expression in his face of that self-confidence which we
see in cowards when inspired by drinking.

We put him away, and in some twelve hours afterwards found him running about,
and, as was predicted, quite tame, his spines lying so smoothly and regularly that he
could be stroked down the back and handled freely. We turned him into the kitchen
to kill cockroaches, and know nothing further of him."

The home of the Hedgehog is made in some retired and well-protected spot, such as a
crevice in rocky ground, or under the stones of some old ruin. It greatly affects hollow
trees, wherever the decayed wood permits it to find an easy entrance, and not unfre-
quently is found coiled up in a warm nest which it has made under the large gnarled
roots of some old tree, where the rains have washed away the earth and left the roots
projecting occasionally from the ground. Beside these legitimate habitations, the
Hedgehog is frequently found to intrude itself upon the homes of other animals, and
has been often captured within rabbit burrows. Perhaps it may be led to these local-
ities by the double motive of obtaining shelter from weather and enemies and of mak-
ing prey of an occasional young rabbit.

In its retreat the Hedgehog usually passes the winter in that semi-animate condition
which is known by the name of hibernation.

The hibernation of the Hedgehog is more complete than that of the dormouse or
any other of our indigenous hibernating quadrupeds, for they always have a stock of
food on which they can rely, and of which they sparingly partake during the cold
months of the year. The Hedgehog, however, lays up no such stores, nor, indeed, could
it do so, for, as has already been mentioned, its food is almost entirely of an animal
nature.

The hibernation of the Hedgehog has lately been denied, because Hedgehogs are
occasionally found at large during the winter months. Yet this is no proof to the
contrary, for it has already been noticed that the bears are occasionally in the habit of
roaming about during the winter, instead of lying motionless in their dens, as is the
general custom, yet no one denies the hibernation of the bear in consequence of that
well-known circumstance. The subject of hibernation has been rflost elaborately worked
out by Dr. Marshall Hall, who has published the result of his experiments in "Todd's
Cyclopaedia of Anatomy," and has made many curious observations on the hibernating
qualities of the animal which is now under consideration.

In this able dissertation, Dr. Hall warns observers against confounding together the
torpor which is produced by excessive cold and that peculiar torpid state which is
called hibernation. Indeed, it is always found that although a Hedgehog, or other
hibernating animal, will pass into its semi-animate condition at a moderately low tem-
perature, it will be roused at once by severe cold, and will not again resume its lethargy
until the temperature be somewhat moderated. " All hibernating animals," he observes,
" avoid exposure to extreme cold. They seek some secure retreat, make themselves
nests or houses, or congregate in clusters, and if the season prove unusually severe, or
if their retreat be not well chosen, and they be exposed in consequence to excessive
cold, many become benumbed, stiff, and die."

Those who experiment upon so delicate a subject as hibernation must bear this in
mind, and remember also that the least disquieting of the animal will injure the condition
under which it sustains its torpidity, even though it should be of so slight a nature as

452

THE TANREC.

touching the table on which it is placed, or walking with a heavy step across the room.
One experimenter, who thought that intense cold was the cause of the torpidity, sur-
rounded a hibernating Hedgehog with a freezing mixture, in the hope of plunging the
animal into a more profound sleep. The result, however, was entirely different from
his expectation, for the excess of cold first awoke the sleeping animal and afterwards
froze it to death.

If the sleeping Hedgehog -be touched, or otherwise disturbed, it rouses itself from its
lethargy, walks about a little, takes some food, if there should be any at hand, and soon
returns to its somnolent condition.

It is a very curious fact that if a hibernating animal be suddenly decapitated, before
it has time to awake from its sleep, the action of the heart continues to last for a con-
siderable time, as if it were endowed with a kind of independent life. In one experi-
ment, not only was the brain removed, but the entire spinal cord removed ; yet the
heart continued to pulsate for two hours, and for more than twelve hours would contract
if touched with the point of a penknife. The animal on which this experiment was
made had been continually torpid for rather more than six days.

As might be gathered from the result of this wonderful experiment, the respiration of
hibernating animals is extremely slight, so slight, indeed, as to be almost imperceptible.
Long and delicate rods have been so fixed to the slumbering animal that the smallest
movement was apparent, and yet they never moved perceptibly unless the animal were
roused by a touch or the sudden shock of an incautious footstep. It is a curious fact
that whenever the hibernating Hedgehog is thus roused it utters a deep sonorous res-
piration, which is a test of its being truly hibernating. Should it be only in the ordinary
sleep, the creature only stirs uneasily, and silently coils itself more firmly than before.

The sight of the Hedgehog does not appear to be so excellent as its powers of scent,
which are admirably developed, as may be seen by opening the side of a Hedgehog's face.

One of these animals has been seen to chase a partridge across a road, following her
through the hedge with perfect precision ; and another was observed to discover the
presence of mankind by means of its powers of scent, as it was in a position from
whence it could not see its fancied enemies. The Hedgehog had already passed the
observers, who remained perfectly quiet in order to watch its proceedings, but after it
had run fora few paces, it suddenly stopped, seemed suspicious of some danger, stretcbed
its nose in the air, and stood on its guard. In a few moments it seemed to have set
itself at ease, and resumed its course. The spectators then slightly shifted their posi-
tion, so as to bring the animal again within the range of their " wind," when the creature
repeated the same process, and did not appear entirely at its ease for some little time.

ALTHOUGH unable to contract itself into a ball, after the manner of the true Hedgehogs,
the TANREC, or MADAGASCAR HEDGEHOG, as it is sometimes called, is closely allied to
these animals, and in many respects bears some resemblance to them.

In size, this animal is about the equal of the European Hedgehog, but is rather more
elongated in its form, and furnished with longer legs, so that when it walks it does not
carry its abdomen so close to the ground, as is the case with the preceding animal.
The muzzle of the Tanrec, or Tenrec, as the name is sometimes written, is extremely
elongated, rather sharply pointed, and brown in color ; the ears are small and rounded,
and the tail is absent, a peculiarity which has earned for the animal its specific title of
ecaudatus, or tail-less. The generic name, Centetes, or more correctly, Kentetes, is of
Greek origin, and signifies " thorny," in allusion to the short and thorn-like spines with
which the body is covered.

The color of the Tanrec is rather variable at different times, on account of the
variegated tints which bedeck the array of quills that adorn and defend its back. These
quills are black towards their tips, and yellowish towards their bases, so that either tint
predominates, according to the arrangement of the quills. In length they are inferior to
those of the Hedgehog, the largest not exceeding an inch. The throat, abdomen, and
inside faces of the limbs are covered with rather coarse yellowish hairs, and the sides and
flanks are decorated with long silken hairs of the same color as the spines.

Like the Hedgehog, the Tanrec is a hibernating animal, sleeping for at least three

THE TANREC.

453

months of the year, secure in the burrow which it has excavated by means of the
powerful and crooked claws which are attached to its feet.

Some writers assert that its period of torpidity is during the heat of summer, while
others, who have had practical knowledge of the animal and its habits, say that its
periodic somnolence takes place during the cold and wintry months. These contra-
dictory accounts can be reconciled by the fact, that the Mauritian winter is from June to
November, and that the months which in that island are reckoned as summer months,
are winter months with ourselves.

It is not very commonly seen, even in the localities which it most frequents, as it is
a nocturnal animal, and, except when under the protection of the shades of night, very
seldom leaves the burrow in which it has taken up its residence. The locality which it
chooses for its subterranean residence is generally well chosen for the purpose of
security, being usually among the old roots of clumps of bamboos, which defend and
conceal the entrance, and offer an almost insurmountable obstacle to any foe that might
desire to dig the animal out of its den.

The natural food r-f the Tanrec consists of worms, insects, snails, reptiles, and various
similar substances, but the creature will condescend to feed for a time on more sophis-

TANREC.— Ceatetes ecaudatus.

ticated dainties, such as boiled rice. It is supposed that an unmixed vegetable diet
would be very hurtful to the animal's well-being.

Possessed of a most overpowering and unpleasant smell of musk, the Tanrec is not
an animal which would be supposed to furnish an agreeable article of diet to any one,
except to a starving man in the last extremity of hunger. Yet the natives of Mada-
gascar esteem it among their rarest luxuries, and are so tenacious of this very powerful
food, that they can hardly be induced to part with a specimen which they have captured,
and which they have already dedicated in anticipation, to the composition of some
wonderful specimen of the cook's art.

The Tanrec is an inhabitant of Madagascar, as may be deduced from its popular title
of Madagascar Hedgehog, but has been taken to the Mauritius and there naturalized.

THERE are other species of the Madagascar Hedgehog, besides the tanrec, among
which are recognized the TENDRAC,- or SPINY TENREC (Centres spinosus\ and the
BANDED TENREC (Centetes Madagascarensis}.

The former of these animals is inferior in size to the tanrec, being only five or six

454

THE BANDED TENREC, OR VARIED TENREC.

inches in length. The color of this animal is rather rich and varied, owning to the deep
tinting of the quills and the soft hues of the long and flexible hairs which stud the body
intermixed with the quills. The hair is of a pale yellow, and the quills are of a deep red
or mahogany tint towards their points and white towards their bases. The long coarse
hairs which cover the abdomen and the legs are annulated. This animal is said to be
generally found in the neighborhood of water, whether fresh or salt, and to make deep
burrows near the bank. The natives esteem it highly as an article of food.

THE BANDED TENREC, or VARIED TENREC, as the name is sometimes given, is also a
native of Madagascar, and has derived its title of Banded, or Varied, from the bold color-
ing of the quills and hair.

The general color of the back is a blackish-brown, diversified with three bold stripes
of yellowish-white, that afford a strong contrast with the dark ground-hues of the back.
The centre one of these stripes extends along the entire length of the animal, and the two
others commence by the ear and terminate by the flank. The hair that covers the under
portions of the body is of a yellowish-white color.

MACROPID^l.

455

GROUP OP MACROPID/C.

MACROPIOE.

THE EXTRAORDINARY animals which are grouped together under the title of Macro-
pidae are, with the exception of the well-known opossum of Virginia, inhabitants of
Australasia and the islands of the Indian Archipelago.

Many of these creatures, such as the kangaroo, some of the opossums, and the

MARSUPIALS.

petauristes, are of such singular formation, and so remarkable in their habits of life, that
if they had not been made familiar to us through the mediumship of menageries,
museums, and the writings of accredited travellers, we should feel rather inclined to
consider them and their habits to be but emanations from the fertile brain of some
imaginative voyager, who was taking full advantage of the proverbial traveller's licence.
Even at the present day, our familiarity with these animals in no way derogates from
our wonder at their strange conformation ; and the structure of many of them is so
complicated, and involves so many considerations, that the study of the Macropidae
and their habits is as yet but little advanced. Anatomists such as Owen, Meckel, John
Hunter, and scientific travellers such as Gould, have done much towards clearing up
many dubious points in the history of these animals, but the subject is yet comparatively
in obscurity, and much remains to be achieved by future zoologists.

Many acknowledged species are known but as " specimens," no accounts of their
mode of life, the localities which they most frequent, their food, or their habits having as
yet been given to the world ; while it is more than suspected that in many of the vast
unexplored portions of Australasia may yet be found numerous species of these animals
which are as yet unknown to science, and which will supply many of the links which
are needed to complete the system of nature.

There is hardly any practical writer on zoology who does not lament the very
incomplete state of our knowledge on this subject ; and those who have thrown them-
selves most zealously into the work, and have achieved the greatest success, have been
the most ready to acknowledge the enormous gap that has yet to be filled, and to urge
others to prosecute their researches in regions which have as yet been untraversed
by the foot of civilized man, and which are the most likely to be the dwelling-places of
creatures on which, as yet, an educated white man has never set his eye. Several genera
are known to be extinct, and there are interesting accounts of fossil discoveries in Aus-
tralia, which bring to light the remains of gigantic animals of the same kind as those
which now inhabit that country.

So distinct are many of the animals of Australia from those of the Old World, that
more than one zoologist has confessed that they seem to be the result of another and
a later creation than that by which the animals of the northern hemisphere received
their being.

The peculiarity which gives the greatest interest to this group of animals, is that
wonderful modification of the nutritient organs, which has gained for them the title of
MARSUPIALIA, or pouched animals — a name which is derived from the Latin word
marsupium, which signifies a purse or pouch. This singular structure is only found in
the female Marsupials, and in them is variously developed according to the character of
the animal and the mode of life for which it is intended.

The more minute details concerning the marsupium, or pouch, will be found in the
course of the work in connection with the particular species to which it belongs, but the
general idea of that structure is much as follows : —

The lower part of the abdomen is furnished with a tolerably large pouch, in the interior
of which the mammae, or teats, are placed. When the young, even of so large an animal
as the kangaroo, make their appearance in the world, they are exceedingly minute — the
young kangaroo being only an inch in length — and entirely unable to endure the rough
treatment which they would meet with were they to be nurtured according to the manner
in which the young of all other animals are nourished. Accordingly, as soon as they are
born, they are transferred by the mother into the pouch, when they instinctively attach
themselves to the teats, and there hang until they have attained considerable dimensions.
By degrees, as they grow older and stronger, they loosen their hold, and put their little
heads out of the living cradle, in order to survey the world at leisure. In a few
weeks more they gain sufficient strength to leave the pouch entirely, and to frisk about
under the guardianship of their mother, who, however, is always ready to receive
them again into their cradle if there is any rumor of danger ; and if any necessity
for flight should present itself, flies from the dangerous locality, carrying her young
with her.

In some of the Marsupials the pouch is hardly deserving of the name, being modified

THE OPOSSUM MOUSE.

457

into two folds of skin, so that the mother is obliged to find other means of carrying
her young from place to place. In the structure of the animal there is an admirable
provision for sustaining the pouch and its contents, and preventing it from exerting too
painful a " drag " upon the skin and walls of the abdomen. Two supplementary bones,
called, from their position in the pouch, the marsupial bones, issue from the pelvis, and
are directed forward almost parallel to the spine. On account, however, of the method
in which certain muscles wind round the marsupial bones, and taking into consideration
the fact that these structures are found in both sexes, Mr. Owen considers that their
chief aim is not so much in affording support to the pouch as in compressing the nu-
merous glands, so as to aid the feeble young in gaining nourishment.

We will now leave their general consideration, and proceed to examine some of the
principal species which are contained in this wonderful group of animals.

AT the head of the Macropidae are placed a small but interesting hand of marsupial
animals, which are called Phalangistines, on account of the curious manner in which
two of the toes belonging to the hinder feet are joined together as far as the " pha-
langes." The feet are all formed with great powers of grasp, and their structure is in-
tended to fit them for procuring
their food among the branches
of the trees, on which they pass
the greater portion of their ex-
istence.

These creatures fall natu-
rally into three subdivisions —
namely, the Petaurists, or those
which are furnished with a para-
chute-like expansion of the skin
along the flanks, much re-
sembling a similar structure in
the colugo, or flying lemur,
which has been already de-
scribed in page 88 ; the Pha-
langists, or those which are de-
void of the parachute, and are
furnished with a long prehensile
tail ; and the Koalas, or those

which are devoid of both para- OPOSSUM MOUSE.-

chute and tail. According to
many excellent authorities, these three subdivisions are, in fact, three genera, which
comprise the whole of the Phalangistines, and which render any further separation into
genera entirely unnecessary.

FIRST, and least of the Phalangistines, is the beautiful little animal which is called
the OPOSSUM MOUSE in some parts of the country, and the FLYING MOUSE in others.

This pretty little creature is about the size of our common mouse, and when it is
resting upon a branch, with its parachute, or umbrella of skin, drawn close to the body
by its own elasticity, it looks very like the common mouse of Europe, and at a little
distance might easily be taken for that animal. In total length it rather exceeds six
inches, the length of its head and body being about three inches and a half, and that of
the tail not quite three inches. On account of its minute size, this animal is also called
the PIGMY PETAURIST.

In the color of the upper portions of the body the Opossum Mouse is of the well-
known mouse tint, slightly sprinkled with a reddish hue ; but on the abdomen, and
under portions of the skin-parachute, the fur is beautifully white. The line of demar-
cation between the hair is very well defined, and there is a narrow stripe of darker
brown that marks out the line of juncture. When the animal is at rest, the parachute

THE HEPOONA ROO.

closes by its own elasticity, and gathers itself into folds, which have a very pretty effect,
account of the delicate white fur which becomes exposed by the action, and which ui
dulates in rich and graceful folds, alternating with the dark fur of the back and the
still darker stripe that forms the line of demarcation.

The tail of the Opossum Mouse is nearly as long as the body, very slender, and
remarkable for the manner in which the hairs are affixed to it. The hairs that fringe
the greater part of the tail are about one-sixth of an inch in length, reddish-gray in
color, rather stiff, and are set on the tail in a double row, like the barbs of a feather.
A similar formation has already been described in the history of the pen-tail of Sara-
wak, on page 443. This mode of arrangement is called " distichous."

The food of the Petaurists is generally of a vegetable character, consisting of leaves,
fruits, and buds, but the sharply pointed molars of the Opossum Mouse approach so
closely to the insectivorous type that the creature is probably able to vary a vegetable
diet by occasional admixture with animal food.

The parachute-like expansion of the skin is of very great service to the animal when
it wishes to pass from one branch, or from one tree, to another without the trouble of
descending and the laborious climbing up again. Trusting to the powers of its para-
chute, the little creature will boldly launch itself into the air, stretching out all its limbs,
and expanding the skin to the utmost. Upborne by this membrane, the Opossum
Mouse can sweep through very great intervals of space, and possesses no small power
of altering its course at will. It cannot, however, support itself in the air by moving
its limbs, like the bats, nor can it make any aerial progress when the original impetus of
its leap has expired.

This little creature is very common at Port Jackson.

HEPOONA ROO,— Petaurus Australia.

The HEPOONA Roo or GREAT FLYING PHALANGER, is rather a remarkable animal in
appearance. It is an inhabitant of New Holland, and is found in tolerable plenty
about Port Jackson and Botany Bay.

The color of the Hepoona Roo is rather variable, but is generally as follows. The
upper part of the body is brown tinged with gray, and a much darker brown stripe runs
along the course of the spine. The head is darker than the general hue of the body, and
on the top of the head the brown tint is warmed by the admixture of hairs of a fawn
color. The under portions of the abdomen and the parachute are white, very percepti-
bly washed with yellow, a peculiarity which has earned for the animal the title of flavi-
venter, which has been applied to it by some naturalists. The feet are blackish-brown,
and the toes of the hinder limbs thickly supplied with hair. The skin is brown.

THE SUGAR SQUIRREL, OR SQUIRREL PETAURUS.

459

The tail of the Hepoona Roo is almost as long as the body, and is heavily covered
with long and soft fur of a general brown tint, warming to a reddish-rust near its inser-
tion, and darkening into a blackish-brown near its tip.

Sometimes the fur of this animal varies so widely from the color which has just been
described, that it can hardly be recognized as the same animal, except by a very care-
ful inspection. In some specimens the back is ashy-gray, and the under portions of a
dirty grayish-yellow, while in others the coat is variegated with brown, gray, and white,
the only dark spot being the tip of the tail, which still retains its deep brown hue. A
similar phenomenon takes place with the weasels, when their hair becomes white dur-
ing a very sharp winter.

In one or two instances, the fur is totally white, and in such cases it is evident that
the animal can only be considered as an albino.

The head of the Hepoona Roo is small, and its large and expressive ears are covered
with hair. It is not a very small animal, as the total length is rather more than three
feet, the head and body occupying one foot eight inches, and the tail rather exceeding
eighteen inches in length.

SUGAR SQIRREL, OR SQUIRREL PETAURUS.-Peteuri/s Sclureus.

ON account of the wonderful resemblance which exists between the members of the
genus Petaurus and the flying squirrels that belong to the family of rodents, the Pe-
taurists have, ever since their discovery, been popularly known by the same title.
There seems to be little doubt but that the Petaurists are the representatives of these
flying rodents, and that the strange animal creation of Australasia is a kind of repe-
tition of the ideas which formed the animal creation of the older world, but carried
out in a different manner and for different purposes.

The animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving is known by several
popular names, the most common of which is the SUGAR SQUIRREL. It is also called
the NORFOLK ISLAND FLYING SQUIRREL, and the SQUIRREL PETAURUS.

It is not nearly so large an animal as the hepoona roo, being only sixteen inches in
total length, of which measurement the tail occupies one moiety.

The fur of the Sugar Squirrel is very beautiful, being of a nearly uniform brownish-
gray, of a peculiarly delicate hue, and remarkably soft in its texture. The parachute
membrane is gray above, but is edged with a rich brown band, and a bold stripe of
blackish-brown is drawn along the curve of the spine, reaching from the point of the nose

460

THE ARIEL PETAURUS.

to the root of the tail. The head is somewhat darker than the rest of the body. The
under parts of the body are nearly white.

Its long and bushy tail is covered with a profusion of very long, full, soft hair, grayish-
brown above, and of a beautiful white underneath. The extremely long tail with which
these animals are furnished appears to be of exceeding service to them in balancing
their bodies as they make their desperate leap through space, and may also be useful
in aiding them to modify the original direction of their sweep through the air.

This supposition is strengthened by the fact, that many long-tailed animals employ
that member for the same purpose when they are perched in any critical position where
an accurate balance is needful. I have seen a large spider-monkey — the same animal
whose exploits have already been recorded on page 112 — employ her long prehensile
tail for the same purpose. She was seated upon a loose horizontal cord, holding as
usual by her hands and tail. But when I gave her an apple, she removed both her
hands from the cord, grasping it firmly with her hinder feet, and then permitted her
tail to hang its full length, so that she could balance herself by swinging it from side to
side, according to the necessity of the moment.

This was the more remarkable, as the animal is noted for the pertinacity with which
it grasps any neighboring object with its tail, and never likes to move without securing
itself by its tail to the various objects as it goes along, or even to the string by which
it is led.

The Sugar Squirrel, like the other Petaurists, is a nocturnal animal, and is seldom
seen in the daytime. During the hours of daylight it remains concealed in one -of the
hollow branches of the enormous trees that grow in its native country, and can only be
detected in its retreat by the marvellous organs of vision with which the native
Australians are gifted. As soon as evening comes on, the Sugar Squirrels issue from
their darksome caverns, and immediately become very frolicsome, darting from tree to
tree, and going through the most extraordinary and daring evolutions with admirable
ease.

It seems to be a gamesome little animal, and fond of the society of its own species,
although it does not appear to respond very readily to the caresses or advances of
human playfellows. Being fond of society, the Sugar Squirrels associate in small
companies as soon as they emerge from their retreats, and thus are enabled to enjoy
their graceful pastime to their hearts' content- Any cage, however, must be most
annoying to these active little creatures, who are accustomed to sweep through very
considerable spaces in their leap. Mr. Bennet remarks, that the Sugar Squirrel has
been known to leap fairly across a river forty yards in width, starting from an elevation
of only thirty feet.

Even in captivity they retain their playfulness, and as soon as night brings their
expected day, they awake from the heavy lethargy which oppresses them during the
hours of light, and uncoiling themselves from the very comfortable attitude in which
they sleep, they begin to be very lively, and to traverse their cage with great agility,
chasing one another about their residence, and leaping as far as the confined space
will permit them.

In climbing and leaping, as well as in grasping the branches towards which they aim
their flight, the creatures are greatly aided by the manner in which the thumb of the
hinder feet is set on the foot, so as to be opposable to the others, thus enabling the
creature to clasp the branches in the same manner as the quadrumana.

THE beautiful little animal which has been called by the expressive name of ARIEL, is
about the size of a small rat, and in the hue of the upper portions of the body is not
unlike that animal.

The color of the fur upon the upper portions of the body is a light brown, which
darkens considerably upon the parachute membrane. On the under surface it is white,
the white fur just turning over the edge of the parachute, and presenting a pretty contrast
with the dark brown color of its upper surface. The tail is nearly of the same color as
the body, with the exception of the tip, which is dark. On account of its graceful
movements, and the easy undulating sweep of its passage through the air, it has earned

THE ARIEL PETAURUS.

461

for itself the appropriate name of Ariel, in remembrance of the exquisite and tricksy
sprite that animates the world-celebrated drama of the " Tempest."

It is not an uncommon animal, and is frequently seen at Port Essington.

The TAGUAN, or PETAURIST, is the largest of the Petaurists, and is supposed to be
the only species that belongs to the genus Petaurista. The peculiarity of its teeth and
other portions of its structure will be found in the table of generic differences at the
end of the volume.

This animal is a native of New Holland, where it breeds in great abundance, although
it is but seldom seen in a living state by any but the natives. It is, like the rest of its
tribe, a nocturnal animal taking up its residence in the hollows of large decaying trees,
and remaining buried in sleep until the evening has set in, and the shades of night ex-
tend their welcome veil over its actions. While it is lying buried in sleep in the depths
of its arboreal retreat, it is safe from almost any foe except the ever hungry and ever
watchful native of New South Wales, whose keen eye is capable of detecting almost
anything eatable, however deeply it may be hidden from sight.

ARIEL PETARUS.-Peteurus Ariel.

A slight scratch on the bark of a tree, or a chance hair that has adhered to the side
of the aperture into which the animal has entered, tells its tale as clearly to the black
man as if he had seen the creature ascend the tree and enter its domicile. He is even
able to gather from the appearance of the scratch and the aspect of the hairs how many
hours have elapsed since the animal left the traces behind it, and can conjecture very
accurately whether the intended prey is still within its residence, or whether it be away
from home. Should the indications prove favorable, the native proceeds to cut little
holes in the tree, in which he thrusts his toes and fingers, and ascends the huge trunk
as easily as a brick-layer walks up a ladder. Having reached the aperture, he strikes
the tree sharply once or twice with the back of the hatchet, so as to learn, by the echo
which is returned to the blow, the position of the animal within the hollow. He then
rapidly cuts a hole through the tree into the cavity, seizes the concealed animal by its
tail, jerks it out before it has time to use its claws or teeth, dashes it against the tree,
and drops it on the ground dead.

It is rather remarkable, that the creature will not emerge from its concealment when
awakened by the sound of the axe so near its presence, and is not even induced by the
quick jarring of the wooden walls of its habitation to attempt escape from imminent
danger. The precaution of jerking the creature quickly from its domicile is most
necessary, for the strong, sharp, and curved claws of the animal are formidable weapons
when the creature is disposed to use them for combat, and, together with its sharp

THE PETAURIST, OR TAGUAN.

teeth, can inflict terrible laceration upon its foe. It is of a sufficiently pugnacious dis-
position, and when it is enraged is a desperate fighter with teeth and claws.

The flesh of the Taguan is said to be very good, and as the animal is a tolerably
large one, it is a favorite article of diet among the white and black inhabitants of the
country. It is, however, so extremely difficult of capture, that, without the assistance of
native aid, the white men would seldom be able to make a dinner on this creature. But
as travellers or hunters are generally accompanied by one or more " black fellows," they
are well supplied with Taguans by the quick eye and ready hand of their sable allies.

PETAURIST, OR TAQUAN.— Petaurlsta Taquanoides.

In color the Taguan is extremely variable, but the general arrangement of its coloi
is as follows :

The back is of a rather deep blackish-brown, darker or lighter in different individuals,
the feet and muzzle are nearly black, and the under surface of the body and membrane
is white. The upper surface of the parachute membrane is rather grizzled, on account of
the variegated tints of black and gray with which the hairs are annulated. Many varieties,
however, of color exist in the animal, and there are hardly any two specimens in which

THE SPOTTED CUSCUS. 463

the tints are precisely alike. The brown hue of the fur is in some examples deepened
into a rich black-brown ; others are almost entirely gray on the upper surface of the
body and parachute membrane ; while specimens of a beautiful white are not of very
unfrequent occurrence. In all cases, however, the fur of the under portions, and inner
faces of the limbs, preserves its white hue.

The whole of the fur is extremely long, being no less than two inches in length on
the back. It is very soft and silken in texture, and is remarkably loose and glossy, so
that it waves in the air at every movement of the animal, or at the touch of every breath
of wind that may stir the atmosphere. On the tail the hair is remarkably long and
bushy, and gradually deepens in color from a pale brown at the base to a dark, blackish-
brown at the tip.

The animal is found inhabiting the vast forest ranges that run from Port Phillip to
Moreton Bay, and is seldom, if ever, found in any part of the country except in the
eastern or south-eastern districts of New South Wales.

The food of the Taguan consists of leaves, buds, and the young shoots of trees,
chiefly of the eucalypti, which it eats only during the hours of night. It seldom troubles
itself to descend to the ground, for it can easily pass from one tree to another by means
of the wonderful apparatus with which it is gifted, but when it does come to earth,
prowls about in search of some vegetation that may afford an agreeable variety to the
too uniform diet of leaves and buds.

The animals which form the genus Cuscus, and of which the SPOTTED Cuscus is a
good example, have been separated from their neighbors on account of the structure of
the tail, which, instead of being covered with hair, is naked except at its base, and is
thickly studded with minute tubercles. They are inhabitants of the Molucca Islands,
Amboyna and New Guinea, and have never been found in New South Wales nor in Van
Diemen's Land. The name Cuscus is Latinized from the native term couscous, or
coescoes ; and the specific term, maculatus, or spotted, refers to the peculiar markings
which decorate the fur of the species which is represented in the engraving.

In size the Cuscus is equal to a tolerably large cat, as a specimen of average size
will measure about three feet in total length, the tail being fifteen or sixteen inches
long, and the head and body about eighteen or nineteen inches. There are, however,
several examples where the animal has attained to a considerably greater dimension.
It is a tree-loving animal, and is very seldom seen away from the congenial haunts
among which it loves to dwell, and for traversing which it is so admirably adapted by
nature.

The tail of this creature is remarkably prehensile, and the animal never seems to be
content unless this member be twisted round some supporting object. Whenever the
Cuscus thinks that it is in danger, or that it may be seen by an enemy, it immediately
suspends itself by its tail from a branch, and there hangs, swaying about in the wind
among the leaves as if it were some lifeless fruit.

It is said that this curious propensity is turned to good account by any one who
wishes to capture a Cuscus without any trouble on his own part except a large amount
of patient waiting. When the Cuscus is conscious of the human gaze, and has suspended
itself by its tail from a branch, it hangs in counterfeited death until it fancies that the
peril is overpast. Nothing will induce the animal to give the least signs of life as long
as the eye is not taken from it. According to popular report, for the absolute truth of
which I do not vouch, it is said that if the man will steadily keep his eye on the sus-
pended animal, it will hang until its wearied muscles refuse to support the weight of its
body, and it drops helplessly to the ground.

The movements of the Cuscus among the branches are not characterized by the dashing
elegance which characterizes the arboreal feats of the petaurists, but are slow and cautious,
the creature never venturing to put itself in a perilous position without having secured
itself firmly by its tail. On this account it is thought, with some reason, to bear analogy
to the slow-moving lemurs, to which it bears some sort of external resemblance. The
food of this animal generally is of a vegetable nature, and consists of fruits, leaves, buds,
young twigs, and other similar substances ; but the creature is capable of eating animal

464

THE SPOTTED CUSCUS.

food also, and seems to be in the habit of eating various insects and the eggs of birds.
In some of its relations the carnivorous power is developed to a still greater degree.

The fur of the Cuscus is beautifully soft and silken in its texture, and is of some
value for conversion into articles of human attire or luxury, such as cloaks and mantles.
The color of the fur is singularly variable, even if the Spotted Cuscus be really a sep-
arate species, and still more so if, according to many skilful zoologists, it can only be
considered as a single variety.

The ground tint of the Spotted Cuscus is a whitish-gray. Upon this pale tint are
scattered very large and bold spots of deep brown, covered with a reddish-chestnut.
Sometimes it is almost wholly white, with only one or two small spots scattered
sparingly over the body. The tail is yellowish-white. Another specimen will be al-
most entirely of the darker color, and marked as follows : — The shoulders and head of
a curious gray grizzle, and the remainder of the body to the tail grayish-white. A
number of large angular black spots or patches are so placed upon this pale field, tha;
they communicate with each other, and form a kind of indistinct black pattern on the

SPOTTED CUSCUS.— Cuscus maculatus.

creature's back. The color of these dark patches is nearly black, and would be so
entirely but for a number of white hairs which are seen among the black. These
descriptions are taken from actual specimens. Another species, called the Ursine
Cuscus, is of a uniform deep brown.

These animals are in some request among the white and the native population of
the country which they inhabit, for they not only furnish valuable fur or " peltry," as
the skin of these and similar creatures is popularly termed, but also afford nourish-
ment to their captors. The flesh of the Cuscus is thought to be remarkably good by
those who have partaken of it, and is said to be quite equal to that of the kangaroo.
There is a certain rather powerful and not very agreeable scent that issues from the
Cuscus and most of its relations, which does not, however, disqualify the creature from
forming a most valued portion of the hunter's dietary. This scent proceeds from some
small glands which are situated near the insertion of the tail.

In captivity it is not a particularly interesting animal, being dull and slow in its
movements, and seldom exhibiting any energy, except perhaps, when it ought rather to
keep itself quiet. One of these creatures, which had been for some time partially
domesticated, was very sluggish and unimpressible in its manner until a companion was
placed in the same cage. The two animals immediately became violently excited,

THE SOOTY PHALANGIST.

465

attacked each other fiercely, and growled, and scratched, and bit, with infinitely more
energy than would have been expected from creatures of such apparently apathetic
natures.

These specimens were great water-drinkers, and would eat bread, although they
evidently gave the preference to meat, thus confirming the opinion that their diet is
naturally of a mixed character.

SOOTY PHALANGIST.— Phalaaglsta fullglaosa.

PASSING by the curious little dormouse-like animals which are classed under the
genus Dromicia, we arrive at the true Phalangists, the first of which is the TAPOA, or
SOOTY PHALANGIST, an animal which has been gifted with its rather dismal title in
consequence of the uniform smoky-black color of its fur.

The Sooty Phalangist is tolerably common in Van Diemen's Land, where it is much
sought after on account of its skin, which is highly valued by white and black men for
the purpose of being manufactured into a soft, warm, and beautiful fur. As with the
preceding animal, there is considerable variation in the tint of the coat, some specimens
being entirely clothed with a uniform dark, dull, blackish-brown, while the fur of others

3°

466 THE VULPINE PHALANGIST.

is warmly tinged with a chestnut hue. The tail of this animal is extremely full, the
hair being thick, long, and very bushy, more so than that of the body and limbs. One
of the most remarkable points in the coloring of this animal is the fact that the abdo-
men and the under portions of its body retain the brown hue of the upper portions
instead of being covered with the beautiful white or yellowish fur which is found in
nearly all the preceding animals. The ears of the Tapoa are rather elongated, and trian-
gular in form, thickly covered with hair on the outside, but naked on their inner faces.
In the structure of this creature a rather peculiar formation is well defined, and as
it is one of the distinctive marks by which the genus Phalangista is separated from its
neighbors, it is well worthy of notice. The tail is, to all appearance, entirely covered
with a heavy coating of thick, long, and loose hair, but if that member be lifted up, so
as to expose the under surface, and carefully examined, it will be seen that at the
extremity the tail is bare of fur, and that a naked stripe runs for some little distance
from the tip towards the base. During the lifetime of the animal, this naked stripe,
together with the nose and the soles of the feet, are of a light flesh color.

FOX-LIKE in nature as well as in form, the VULPINE PHALANGIST has well earned the
name which has been given to it by common consent. It has also been entitled
the Vulpine Opossum, and in its native country is popularly called by the latter of these
names.

It is an extremely common animal, and is the widest diffused of all the Australian
opossum-like animals. Like the preceding animals, it is a nocturnal being, residing
during the day in the hollows of decaying trees, and only venturing from its retreat as
evening draws on. The nature of its food is of a mixed character, for the creature is
capable of feeding on vegetable food, like the Petaurists, and also displays a consider-
able taste for animal food of all kinds. If a small bird be given to a Vulpine Phalangist,
the creature seizes it in his paws, manipulates it adroitly for a while, and then tears it
to pieces and eats it. It is rather a remarkable fact, that the animal is peculiarly fond
of the brain, and always commences its feast by crushing the head between its teeth
and devouring the brain.

In all probability, therefore, the creature makes no small portion of its meals on
various animal substances, such as insects, reptiles, and eggs. As to the birds on which
it so loves to feed, it may very probably, although so slow an animal, capture them in the
same manner as has been related of the lemurs, viz., by creeping slowly and cautiously
upon them as they sleep, and swiftly seizing them before they can awaken to a sense
of their danger. It is a tolerably large animal, equalling a large cat in dimensions, and
is, therefore, able to make dire havoc among such prey whenever it chooses to issue
forth with the intention of making a meal upon some small bird that may chance to be
sleeping in fancied security.

The fore-paws of the Vulpine Phalangist are well adapted for such proceedings, as
they are possessed of great strength and mobility, so that the animal is able to take up
any small object in its paws, and to hold it after the manner of the common squirrel.
When feeding, it generally takes its food in its fore-paws, and so conveys it to its mouth.
In captivity it does not seem to be a very intelligent animal, even when night brings
forth its time of energy, and it but little responds to the advances of its owner, however
kind he may be. It will feed on bread and milk, or fruits, or leaves, or buds, or any
substance of a similar nature, but always seems best pleased when it is supplied with
some small birds or animals, and devours them with evident glee.

The flesh of the Vulpine Phalangist is considered to be very good, and the natives
are so fond of it that, notwithstanding the laziness that is engrained in their very beings,
except when they are under the influence of some potent excitement, they can seldom
refrain from chasing an " opossum," even though they have been well fed by the white
settlers. When the fresh body of a Vulpine Phalangist is opened, a kind of cam-
phorated odor is diffused from it, which is probably occasioned by the foliage of the
camphor-perfumed trees in which it dwells, and the leaves of which it eats.

The fur of this animal is not valued so highly as that of the Tapoa, probably because
it is of more common occurrence, for the color of the hair is much more elegant, and its

THE KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR.

467

quality seems to be really excellent. Some few experiments have been made upon the
capabilities of this fur, and, as far as has yet been accomplished, with very great success.
Good judges have declared that articles which had been made from this fur presented a
great resemblance to those which had been made from Angola wool, but appearedto
be of superior quality. The hat-makers have already discovered the value of the fur,
and are in the habit of employing it in their trade.

The natives employ the skin of the " opossum " in the manufacture of their scanty
mantles, as well as for sundry other purposes, and prepare the skins in a rather ingenious
manner. As soon as the skin is stripped from the animal's body, it is laid on the ground,
with the hairy side downwards, and secured from shrinking by a number of little pegs
which are fixed around its edges. The inner side is then continually scraped with a shell,
and by degrees the skin becomes perfectly clean and pliable. When a sufficient number
of skins are prepared, they are ingeniously sewn together with thread that is made from
the tendons of the kangaroo, which, when dried, can be separated into innumerable

VULPINE

vulpina.

filaments. A sharpened piece of bone stands the sable tailor in place of a needle. From
the skin of the same animal is also formed the " kumeel," or badge of manhood, a slight
belt, which no one is permitted to wear until he has been solemnly admitted among the
assembly of men.

In its color, the Vulpine Phalangist is rather variable, but the general hue of its fur
is a grayish-brown, sometimes tinted with a ruddy hue. The tail is long, thick, and
woolly in its character, and in color it resembles that of the body, with the exception of
the tip, which is nearly black. The dimensions of an old male are given by Mr. Bennett
as follows : Total length, two feet seven inches ; the head being four inches in length, and
the tail nearly a foot.

THE QUAINT-LOOKING animal which is popularly known by the native name of KOALA,
or the AUSTRALIAN BEAR, is of some importance in the zoological world, as it serves to
fill up the gulf that exists between the phalangistines and the kangaroos.

It has been well remarked that this creature, arboreal in its habits, and really ursine
in its general aspect, is the representative of the sun-bears of the Indian Archipelago,
or of the sloths of America. The Koala is nocturnal in its habits, and is not very
frequently found, even in the localities which it most affects. It is not nearly so widely

468

THE KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR.

spread as most of the preceding animals, as it is never known to exist in a wild state
except in the south-eastern regions of Australia.

Although well adapted by nature for climbing among the branches of trees, the Koala
is by no means an active animal, proceeding on its way with very great deliberation, and
making sure of its hold as it goes along. Its feet are peculiarly adapted for the slow but
sure mode in which the animal progresses among the branches by the structure of the
toes of the fore-feet or paws, which are divided into two sets, the one composed of the
two inner toes and the other of the three outer, in a manner which reminds the observer
of the feet of the scansorial birds and the chameleon. This formation, although well
calculated to serve the animal when it is moving among the branches, is but of little use
when it is upon the ground, so that the terrestrial progress of the Koala is especially slow,
and the creature seems to crawl rather than walk.

As far as is yet known, its food is of a vegetable nature, and consists chiefly of the
young leaves, buds, and twigs of the eucalypti, or gum-trees, as they are more popularly
called. When it drinks, it laps like a dog.

It seems to be a very gentle creature, and will often suffer itself to be captured
without offering much resistance, or seeming to trouble itself about its captivity. But it

KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR.— Phascolarctoa clnerus,

is liable, as are many gentle animals, to sudden and unexpected gusts of passion, and when
it is excited by rage it puts on a very fierce look, and utters sharp and shrill yells in a
very threatening manner. Its usual voice is a peculiar soft bark.

The head of this animal has a very unique aspect, on account of the tufts of long
hairs which decorate the ears. The muzzle is devoid of hair, but has the curious property
of feeling like cotton velvet when gently stroked with the fingers. There is a naked patch
of skin that begins at the muzzle and extends for a small space towards the head, and
over the whole of this bare patch the peculiar velvety feeling is exhibited. The upper
jaw projects slightly over the lower. The generic name, Phascolarctos, is of Greek origin,
signifying " pouched bear," and is very appropriate to the animal. As soon as the young
Koala is able to leave the pouch, the mother transposes it to her back, where it clings
with its hand-like paws, and remains there for some considerable time.

It is said by those who have seen the animal in its wild state, that it is truly deserving
of the name of Australian Sloth, which has been applied to it because it is able to cling
with its feet to the branches after the manner of the sloths, and to suspend itself from the
boughs much after the same fashion.

THE KANGAROO.

469

This animal is rather prettily colored, the body being furnished with fur of a fine
gray color, warmed with a slight reddish tinge in the adult animal, and fading to a
whitish-gray in the young. The claws are considerably curved, and black ; and the ears
are tufted with long white hairs. In size it equals a small bull-terrier dog, being, when
adult, rather more than two feet in length, and about ten inches in height, when stand-
ing. The circumference of the body is about eighteen inches, including the fur.

On account of the tree-climbing habits of the Koala, it is sometimes called the
Australian Monkey as well as the Australian Bear.

THE animals which come next under consideration are truly worthy of the title of
Macropidae, or long-footed, as their hinder feet are most remarkable for their comparative
length, and in almost every instance are many times longer than the fore-feet. This
structure adapts them admirably for leaping, an exercise in which the Kangaroos, as
these creatures are familiarly termed, are pre-eminently excellent.

TREE KANGAROO.— Deadrologos ursinus.

FIRST on the list appears the singular animal which is well represented in the engrav-
ing, and which, on account of its peculiar habit, is known 'by the name of the TREE
KANGAROO. In general form, this animal is sufficiently Kangaroo-like to be enrolled at
once among the members of that group of Macropods, but the comparative shortness of the
hinder feet and the length of the fore-feet, together with some peculiarity in the dentition,
have induced the later zoologists to place it in a separate genus from the true Kangaroo.

The fur of the Tree Kangaroo is so remarkably dark that its deep tinting serves as
an infallible mark of distinction, by means of which it may be recognized even at some
distance. It is on account of the dark, glossy blackness of the.fur, that the creature is
called ursinus, or bear-like, as the hairs of its fur are thought to bear some resemblance
to those which form the coat of the American black bear.

The coloring of its fur is generally as follows : the whole of the back and the upper
parts of the body are a deep, glossy black, the hairs being rather coarser, and running to
some length. These hairs are only of one kind, for in the fur of the Tree Kangaroo there
is none of that inner coat of fine, close, woolly hair which is found in the other Kangaroos
and which lies next to the skin. The whole of the fur is, therefore, composed solely of
long and stiff hairs that are usually found to penetrate through the interior covering of

470 THE KANGAROO.

woolly fur, and to lie upon its surface. The under parts of the body are of a yellowish
hue, and the breast is washed with a richer and deeper tint of chestnut. The tail is of
the same color as the body, and is of very great length, probably to aid the animal in
balancing itself as it climbs among the branches of the trees on which it loves to dis-
port itself.

To see a Kangaroo on a tree is really a most remarkable sight, and one which might
well have been deemed a mere invention had it not often been attested by credible
witnesses. I have repeatedly seen one of these creatures clambering about a tree-
trunk with perfect ease, and ascending or descending with the security of a squirrel.
The animal looks so entirely in its wrong place, that, when the black-haired, long-legged
creature hops unexpectedly upon a tree and hooks itself among the branches, with its
long black tail dangling below it, the entire aspect of the animal is absolutely startling,
and suggestive of the super — or, perhaps, the infer — natural to the mind of the spec-
tator. This species is not, however, the only one that can ascend trees, an art which is
practised with some success by the Rock Kangaroo.

The food of this species consists of vegetable substances, such as the young bark,
twigs, berries, and leaves of the trees upon which it lives, but very little is known of its
habits in a wild state. It is an inhabitant of New Guinea.

AMONG the largest of the Macropidae is the celebrated KANGAROO, an animal which
is found spread tolerably widely over its native land.

This species has also been called by the name of giganteus, on account of its very
great size, which, however, is sometimes exceeded by the woolly Kangaroo. The
average dimensions of an adult male are generally as follows : the total length of the
animal is about seven feet six inches, counting from the nose to the tip of the tail ;
the head and body exceed four feet, and the tail is rather more than three feet in length ;
the circumference of the tail at its base is about a foot. When it sits erect after its
curious tripedal fashion, supported by its hind-quarters and tail, its height is rather
more than fifty inches ; but when it wishes to survey the country, and stands erect
upon its toes, it surpasses in height many a well-grown man. The female is very much
smaller than her mate, being under six feet in total length, and the difference in size is
so great that the two sexes might well be taken for different species.

The weight of a full-grown male, or " boomer," as it is more familiarly called, is very
considerable, one hundred and sixty pounds having often been attained, and even
greater weight being on record. The color of the animal is brown, mingled with gray,
the gray predominating on the under portions of the body and the under-faces of the
limbs. The fore-feet are black, as is also the tip of the tail.

Without being truly gregarious, the Kangaroo is seldom seen entirely alone, but in
scattered groups of seven or eight in number, and even the members of these little
bands are not closely united, but are seen singly disposed at some distance from
each other. There are certainly instances on record where very large numbers of
Kangaroos have been seen in true flocks, herding closely together, and being under
the superintendence of one leader. These animals, however, belong to another,
species.

As the Kangaroo is a valuable animal, not only for the sake of its skin, but on account
of its flesh, which is in some estimation among the human inhabitants of the same land,
it is eagerly sought after by hunters, both white and black, and affords good sport to
both, on account of its speed, its vigor, and its wariness. The native hunter, who trusts
chiefly to his own cunning and address for stealing unobserved upon the animal and
lodging a spear in its body before it is able to elude its subtle enemy, finds the Kangaroo
an animal which will test all his powers before he can attain his object, and lay the
Kangaroo dead upon the ground.

There is also another but not so sportsmanlike a method of killing the Kangaroo,
which is often in use among the aborigines, and which partakes of the nature of a battue
in England, or a bear " skal " in Norway.

A number of armed men associate themselves together, and, having laid deep counsel
about the plan of the hunt, proceed cautiously forward until they come upon a number

THE KANGAROO.

47

of Kangaroos. They then silently arrange themselves so as to surround the uncon-
scious animals which are feeding carelessly in the plain. At a preconcerted signal a por-
tion of the hunters issue from their concealment and shower their deadly missiles upon
the Kangaroos. The poor alarmed creatures flee from the danger, and are met by
another party of the same band, who also ply their spears and clubs with deadly effect.
Backwards and forwards run the bewildered animals, assailed on all sides by sharp and
heavy missiles hurled by the strong arm and directed by the keen eye of the native
hunters ; and so well are the plans laid, and with such accurate aim are the deadly
weapons thrown, that it seldom happens that a single Kangaroo escapes from the scene
of massacre.

A time of feasting then follows, for these wild children of nature have no conception
of thrift, and would think themselves very hardly used were they not allowed to eat

KANGAROO.— Macropus major.

every particle of food which they could obtain, even though they would be forced to
endure the pangs of hunger for many a day afterwards. The quantity of meat that a
native Australian will eat at a single meal, and the gallons of water that he will drink,
are so astounding as almost to surpass belief.

Besides these modes of hunting, the native makes use of pitfalls, snares, nets, and
other devices, by means of which he contrives to entrap the animal without putting him-
self to the trouble of hunting it.

The white hunters, however, go to work in a very different manner, looking more to
the sport than to the number of Kangaroos killed. They are in the habit of breeding
and training a certain valuable and peculiar strain of hounds, called, from their quarry,
" Kangaroo dogs," and which hunt by sight like the greyhound. These animals are long,
large, and powerful ; but even with all these advantages, are no match for a full-grown

472

HUNTING THE KANGAROO.

Boomer or Forester, as the animal is indifferently called, whenever he chooses to turn to
bay and bid defiance to his pursuers.

A very graphic account of-a Kangaroo hunt was sent to Mr. Gould, and is published
by him in his very valuable monograph on the Macropidae of Australia. A portion of
the letter is extracted, and runs as follows : —

" The * TBoomer ' is the only Kangaroo which shows good sport, for the strongest
Brush Kangaroo cannot live above twenty minutes before the hounds. But as the two
kinds are always found in perfectly different situations, we were never at a loss to find
a ' Boomer/ and I must say that they seldom failed to show us good sport.

We generally * found ' in a high cover of young wattles, but sometimes in the open
forests, and then it was really pretty to seethe style in which a good Kangaroo would go
away. I recollect one day in particular, when a very fine Boomer jumped up in
the very midst of the hounds in the ' open ; ' he at first took a few jumps with his head
up, in order to look about him, to see on which side the coast was clearest, and then,
without a moment's hesitation, he started forward and shot away from the hounds,
apparently without an effort, and gave us the longest run I ever saw after a Kangaroo.

He ran fourteen miles by the map, from point to point, and if he had had fair play,
I have very little doubt but that he would then have beaten us ; but he had taken along
a tongue of land which ran into the sea, so that, being pressed, he was forced to try to
swim across the arm of the sea, which, at the place where he took the water, cannot
have been less than two miles broad. In spite of a fresh breeze and a hard sea against
him, he got fully half-way over, but he could not make head against the waves any
farther, and was obliged to turn back, when, being faint and exhausted, he was soon
killed.

The distance he ran, taking the different bends in the line, cannot have been less
than eighteen miles, and he certainly swam two. I can give no idea of the length of
time it took him to run this distance, but it took us something more than two hours, and
it was evident by the way the hounds were running that he was a long way before us ;
it is also plain that he was still fresh, as quite at the end of the run he went on the top
of a long, high hill, which a tired Kangaroo will never attempt to do, as dogs gain
so much on them in going up-hill. His hind-quarters weighed within a pound or two
of seventy pounds, which is large for the Van Diemen's Land Kangaroo, though I have
seen larger.

We did not measure the length of the hop of this Kangaroo, but on another occasion,
when the Boomer had taken along the beach and left its prints in the sand, the length
of each jump was found to be just fifteen feet, and as regular as if they had been stepped
by a sergeant."

The Boomer is a dangerous antagonist to man and dog, and unless destroyed by
missile weapons will often prove more than a match for the combined efforts of man
and beast.

When the animal finds that it is overpowered in endeavor by the swift and powerful
Kangaroo dogs, which are bred for the express purpose of chasing this one kind of
prey, it turns suddenly to bay, and placing its back against a tree-trunk, so that it
cannot be attacked from behind, patiently awaits the onset of its adversaries. Should
an unwary dog approach within too close a distance of the Kangaroo, the animal
launches so terrible a blow with its hinder feet, that the long and pointed claw with
which the hinder foot is armed cuts like a knife, and has often laid open the entire
body of the dog with a single blow. Experienced dogs, therefore, never attempt to
close with so terrible an antagonist until they are reinforced by the presence of their
master, who generally ends the struggle with a bullet. Sometimes, however, the
Kangaroo is so startled by the apparition of the hunter that it permits its attention to
wander from the dogs, and is immediately pulled down by them.

If the hunter should be on foot, he needs beware of the Kangaroo at bay, for the
creature is rather apt to dash through the dogs and attack its human opponent, who is
likely to fare badly in the struggle unless he succeeds in launching a fatal missile at the
advancing animal.

THE POUCH OF THE KANGAROO.

473

Sometimes the Kangaroo comes to bay near water, and then takes a singular
advantage of the situation. If any dog should be bold enough to come within reach,
the Kangaroo picks up its foe in its fore-paws, and leaping to the water, holds the dog
under the surface until it is dead. On one occasion, a Boomer had come to bay in
some shallow water, and was already engaged in drowning a dog, when it was assailed
by the remainder of the hounds, which had just arrived. Nothing daunted by their
onset, the Kangaroo kept its dying foe under water by holding it down with one of its
hind-feet, and held itself prepared to repeat the process upon the next dog that should
attack.

But the Kangaroo is wise enough to postpone an actual combat until it is absolutely
forced to fight, and uses every stratagem in its endeavors to escape. When pressed
very hardly by the hounds, the Boomer has often been known to make a sudden leap
to right angles to its former course, and to make good its escape before the dogs could
recover themselves. This mode of proceeding is, however, rather a dangerous one, as
the animal has more than once broken one of its legs by the sudden strain that is thrown
upon the right or left leg, as the case may be.

When running, the creature has a curious habit of looking back every now and then,
and has sometimes unconsciously committed suicide by leaping against one of the tree-
stumps which are so plentifully found in the districts inhabited by the Kangaroo.

The doe Kangaroo displays very little of these running or fighting capabilities, and has
been known, when chased for a very short distance,
to lie down and die of fear. Sometimes when pursued,
it contrives to elude the dogs by rushing into some
brushwood, and then making a very powerful leap to
one side, so as to throw the dogs off the scent. She
lies perfectly still as the dogs rush past her place of
concealment, and when they have fairly passed her,
she quietly makes good her escape in another direction.
When young, and before she has borne young, the
female Kangaroo affords good sport, and is called,
from her extraordinary speed, the " flying Doe."

The extraordinary pouch in which the young of
the Kangaroo and other marsupiated animals are
nourished has already been casually mentioned, and
as it is highly developed in the Kangaroo, it will be
described in connection with this animal.

The young animal when first born is of extremely
minute dimensions, hardly exceeding an inch in total
length, soft, helpless, and semi-transparent as an earth-
worm. After birth it is instantly conveyed into the
pouch, and instinctively attaches itself to one of the
nipples, which are very curiously formed, being re-
tractile, like the finger of a glove when not in use,
and capable of being drawn out to a considerable
degree when they are needed by the young animal.
In the accompanying engraving this structure is very
well delineated.

In this internal cradle the young Kangaroo passes
the whole of its earlier stages of development, and YOUNG KANGAROO IN ITS MOTHER'S POUCH.
when it has attained some little bodily powers occa-
sionally loosens its hold, and pokes its head out of the

pouch, as if to see how large the world really is. By degrees it gains sufficient strength
to crop the more delicate herbage, and in course of time, it leaves the pouch alto-
gether, and skips about the plains under the ever watchful protection of its mother.
No sooner, however, is the little animal tired, or does the mother see cause of danger,
than its crambles back again into the pouch, and does not emerge until it is refreshed by
repose, or until all danger has passed away.

474

THE WOOLLY KANGAROO.

Nearly eight months elapse between the time when the young Kangaroo is first
placed in the pouch and the period of its life when it is able to leave the pouch and
seek subsistence for itself. Even after it has become too large to continue its resi-
dence in its former cradle, it is in the habit of pushing its head into the pouch and re-
freshing itself with a draught of warm milk, even though a younger brother or sister
should be occupant of the living cradle. The little animal weighs about ten pounds
when it becomes too heavy for its mother to carry.

This Kangaroo is a very hardy animal, and thrives well in England, where it might
probably be domesticated to a large extent if necessary, and where it would enjoy a
more genial climate than it finds in many districts of its native land. One of the
favored localities of this species is the bleak, wet, and snow-capped summit of Mount
Wellington.

WOOLLY KANGAROO.— Macropus Laniger.

At different times of the year the coat of the Kangaroo varies somewhat in its color-
ing and density. During the summer the fur is light and comparatively scanty, but
when the colder months of the year render a warmer covering needful, the animal is
clothed with very thick and woolly fur, that is admirably calculated to resist the effects
of the damp, cold climate. It is a very singular fact that those specimens which in-
habit the forests are much darker in their color than those which live in the plains.
The young Kangaroos are lighter in their coloring than their parents, but up to the age
of two years their fur deepens so rapidly that they are darker than the old animals.
After that age, however, the fur fades gradually, until it finally settles into the grayish-
brown of the adult animal.

The eye of the Kangaroo is very beautiful, large, round, and soft, and gives to the
animal a gentle, gazelle-like expression that compensates for the savage aspect of the
teeth, as they gleam whitely between the cleft lips.

THE largest of the Macropidae, of which there are already known upwards of eighty
species, is the WOOLLY KANGAROO, or RED KANGAROO, as it is more popularly called,
on account of its peculiarly tinted fur.

THE WOOLLY KANGAROO.

475

The character of the fur is rather singular, for it does not lie so closely to the body
as that of the common Kangaroo, and is of a peculiar texture, which somewhat resem-
bles cotton wool. The hairs are not very long, and their woolly, matted appearance,
makes them seem shorter than they really are. The size of this animal is very great,
for an adult male measures rather more than eight feet in total length, the head and body
being five feet long, and the tail a little short of thirty-eight inches.

By the color of the fur alone the Woolly Kangaroo can be distinguished from its
long-legged relatives, independently of other minute differences. The general tint of
the fur is of a rusty yellow, changing to gray upon the head and shoulders, the head
being washed with a slight brown tint. The sides of the mouth are white, through which
protrude a few long, stiff, black hairs, and which are planted in greater numbers over the
angle of the mouth, forming an indistinct black patch. The female is distinguished by
a broad white mark which runs from the angle of the mouth to the eye. The toes are
covered with black hairs.

WHALLABEE.— Halmaturus Ualabalus.

An ashy-gray tint is seen upon the under portions of the body in the male sex, but
in the female these parts are beautifully white. The limbs are grayish-white, washed
with rust, and the tail is of the same color as the limbs.

The tail is uncommonly large and powerful, and of vast service to the animal in sup-
porting the heavy frame while the creature is standing erect upon the tripod formed by
its hinder feet and its tail. The hairs of the tail are comparatively short and scanty, so
that they do not give to the tail that peculiar woolliness which is so distinguishing a
characteristic of the creature's fur. It may as well be mentioned in this place that the
Kangaroo does not employ the tail in leaping from the ground, but seems to use it
partly as a kind of third leg, by which it supports itself when at rest, and partly as a kind
of balance, by which it maintains its equilibrium as it leaps through the air.

The muzzle of the Woolly Kangaroo is not so thickly covered with hair as that of
the preceding animal. The species is an inhabitant of Southern Australia.

476 THE ROCK KANGAROO.

Passing by the Nail-tailed Kangaroos, so called from the strange nail-like appendage
that is found at the extremity of their tails, and which is concealed by the tuft of long
black hair which terminates that member, we arrive at the WHALLABEE, or WALLABY,
as the word is sometimes spelled.

The genus to which this animal belongs is easily distinguished from the genus
Macropus, by reason of the muzzle being devoid of hair. This creature is not nearly
so large as the common or the woolly Kangaroo, being only four feet six inches in
total length, of which measurement the tail occupies two feet.

The fur of the Whallabee is rather long and coarse in texture, being decidedly harsh
to the touch. The color is rather curious, being a darkish-brown washed with a
warm rusty hue, and obscurely penciled with whitish-gray. The whole of the under
portions of the body are of a yellowish tint, and the feet and the wrists are quite black.
The tail is also rather singular in its coloring, by which it is divided into three nearly
equal portions. The dorsal third of the tail is of the same color as the back, but the
remaining two-thirds change abruptly from brown to black.

The animal is an inhabitant of New South Wales, and is of tolerably frequent occur-
rence in the neighborhood of Port Jackson. It is sometimes known by the name of
the Aroe Kangaroo. The singular word Ualabatus has no particular meaning, being
only the harsh Latinized form of the native name Whallabee. The genus embraces a
considerable number of species, some twelve or thirteen being acknowledged to belong
to it.

ONE of the most singular of this singular group of animals is the ROCK KANGAROO
which has derived its popular name from its rock-loving habits.

In the tree Kangaroo we have already seen a remarkable instance of unexpected
powers, and the Rock Kangaroo will shortly be seen to be possessed of equal, if not of
superior bodily prowess. The agility with which this animal traverses the dangerous
precipices among which it lives is so very great, that when the creature is engaged in
skipping about the craggy rocks that shroud its dwelling-place from too vigilant eyes,
it bears so close a resemblance to a monkey in its movements, that it has, on many
occasions, been mistaken for that active animal. Not only does it resemble the
quadrumana in its marvellously easy manner of ascending rocks, but it also emulates
those creatures in the art of tree-climbing, being able to ascend a tree-trunk with ease,
provided that it be a little divergent from the perpendicular.

By means of its great scansorial capabilities, the Rock Kangaroo is enabled to baffle
the efforts of its worst foes, the dingo and the native black man. In vain does the vora-
cious and hungry dingo set off in chase of the Rock Kangaroo, for as soon as the creature
has gained the shelter of its congenial rocks, it bounds from point to point with an agility
which the dingo can by no means emulate, and very soon places itself in safety, leaving
its baffled pursuer to vent its disappointment in cries of rage.

The only method in which the dingo is likely to catch one of these animals, is by
creeping unsuspectedly into its den, and seizing it before it can make its escape. Both
the dingo and the Rock Kangaroo are in the habit of making their resting-place in
some rocky crevice, and it might happen that the Kangaroo might choose too low a
domicile, and perchance make choice of the very same crevice that a dingo was about to
appropriate to himself. In order, however, to escape such dangers, the habitation of the
Rock Kangaroo is generally furnished with two or more outlets, so that its chances of
escape are proportionably multiplied.

It is by means of this precaution that the creature baffles the best efforts of the natives.
Should a native be fortunate enough to spear a Rock Kangaroo, but not fortunate
enough to kill it on the spot, the animal dives at once into its rocky abode, and there
awaits its death ; for the rocks are too hard to be destroyed by the tools of the aborigines,
and if the sable hunter has recourse to fire, and tries to smoke out his intended prey, the
smoke rolls harmlessly through the rocky burrow and makes its exit through the various
entries, without causing very much inconvenience to the concealed inmate.

It is found that when the Rock Kangaroo comes from its cavernous home, it is in the
habit of taking the same route along the rocks, so that by continually passing over the

THE ROCK KANGAROO.

477

same ground, its sharp and powerful claws make a very visible track over the stones, and
afford an infallible guide to the acute sense of the black hunter, who is enabled to follow
up the trail and to ascertain the precise crevice in which the animal has taken up its
abode.

Generally nocturnal in its habits, the Rock Kangaroo is not seen so often as might be
expected, considering the frequency of its occurrence. Now and then, however, it ventures
from its dark home and braves the light of day, skipping daintily over the rocky promin-
ences, or lying in the full blaze of the sunlight, and enjoying the genial warmth of the noon-
tide beams. The native and colonial hunters watch eagerly for a basking Kangaroo,
for when thus engaged, it is so fully taken up with appreciation of the warm sunbeams, that
it can be approached and shot without difficulty. As its flesh is thought to be remark-
ably excellent, the animal is eagerly sought after by the hunters. It is rather gregarious in
its habits, being generally found in little parties of two or three in number.

ROCK KANGAROO.— Petrogale peaiclltata.

The color of this animal is rather varied, but is generally of a purplish or vinous
gray, which warms into a rich rusty red upon the hind-quarters and the base of the tail.
The chest is purplish-gray, pencilled with white, the chin is white, and a very conspicuous
white band runs along the throat to the chest. The fur is not in very great repute, as,
although long, it is rough and harsh to the touch. The total length of an adult male is
about four feet, the tail being about twenty-three inches in length. The tail is furnished
with a moderately sized tuft of dark hairs, each hair, being about three inches in length,
a peculiarity which has earned for the animal the name of Brush-tailed Kangaroo. The
body is strong and robust in its form, and the claws of the hinder feet are powerful in
their make, as might be expected in an animal of such habits. The feet are so densely
covered with fur that the claws are nearly hidden in the thick hairy coat. It is a tolerably
hardy animal, and thrives well in England.

The habitation of the Rock Kangaroo is in the south-eastern portions of Australia, and
on account of its peculiar habits it is a very local animal, being restricted to those districts
which are furnished with rocks or mountain ranges.

473

THE BRUSH-TAILED BETTONG.

The BRUSH-TAILED BETTONG, or JERBOA KANGAROO, as it is sometimes called, affords an
excellent example of the genus Bettongia, in which are collected a small group of Kan-
garoos that are easily distinguished by their peculiarly short and broad heads. In size it
equals a common hare, the head and body being about fourteen inches in length, and the
tail about eleven inches, without including the tuft which decorates its extremity. The
general color of the animal is a palish brown liberally pencilled with white, and the
under parts are of a pale grayish-white. The " brush" is black, and the under side of the
tail is brownish-white.

It is a nocturnal animal, and lies curled up during the entire day, issuing forth from its
nest as the shades of evening begin to draw on. The nest of the Brush-tailed Bettong
is a very ingenious specimen of architecture, and is so admirably constructed, that it can
hardly be detected by a European eye, even when it is pointed out to him. The native,
however, whose watchful eye notes even the bending of a leaf in the wrong place, or the
touch of a claw upon the tree trunk, seldom passes in the vicinity of one of these nests
without discovering it and killing its inmates, by dashing his tomahawk at random into
the mass of leaves and grass.

BRUSH-TAILED BETTONG.— Bettoagia Penicillata.

As this animal resides chiefly on grassy hills and dry ridges, it is no easy matter to
make a nest that shall be sufficiently large to contain the female and her young, and yet
so inconspicuous as not to attract attention. The manner in which the nest is made is
briefly as follows :

The animal searches for some suitable depression in the earth, enlarging it till it is
sufficiently capacious, and builds a curious edifice of leaves and grass over the cavity, so
that when she has completed her task, the roof of the nest is on a level with the growing
grass. For additional safety, the nest is usually placed under the shelter of a large grass
tuft or a convenient bush.

The manner in which the animal conveys the materials of its nest to the spot where
they are required is most remarkable. After selecting a proper supply of dried grass, the
creature makes it up into a sheaf, and twisting her prehensile tail round the bundle, hops
away merrily with her burden. It is almost impossible to comprehend the extreme
quaintness of the aspect which is presented by a Jerboa Kangaroo engaged in this manner
without actual experience, or the aid of a very admirable and spirited drawing. When
the animal has completed its nest, and the young are lying snugly in its warm recesses,
the young family is effectually concealed from sight by the address of the mother, who
invariably drags a tuft of grass over the entrance whenever she leavesor enters her grassy
home.

THE KANGAROO RAT.

479

It is an active little creature, and not easily caught even by fair speed, and has a habit
of leaping aside when it is hard pressed and jumping into some crevice where it effectually
conceals itself. It is extremely common over the whole of New South Wales. The
color of the fur is a gray-brown above, and the under parts of the body are of a grayish-
white.

The KANGAROO RAT, called by the natives the POTOROO, is a native of New South
Wales, where it is found in very great numbers.

It is but a diminutive animal, the head and body being only fifteen inches long, and
the tail between ten and eleven inches. The color of the fur is brownish-black, pencilled
along the back with a gray-white. The under parts of the body are white, and the fore-
feet are brown. The tail is equal to the body in length, and is covered with scales, through
the intervals of which sundry short, stiff, and black hairs protrude.

This little animal frequents the less open districts, and is very quick and lively in its
movements, whether it be indulging in its native gamesomeness or engaged in the search
for food. Roots of various kinds are the favorite diet of the Kangaroo Rat, and in order

KANGAROO RAT. —Hypsiprymnus minor.

to obtain these dainties the animal scratches them from the ground with the powerful
claws of the fore-feet. It is specially fond of potatoes, and often commits considerable
havoc in a kitchen-garden by exhuming and carrying away the seed-potatoes. In retalia-
tion for these injuries the owner of the garden sets traps about his potato-grounds, and by
means of baiting them with the coveted roots entices numbers of Potoroos into the
treacherous snare.

The movements of the Kangaroo Rats do not in the least resemble those of the
Kangaroos themselves, for although they can sit erect upon their hind-legs, they cannot
make those vigorous leaps which are so characteristic of the Kangaroos, nor can they
manipulate their food with their fore-paws and carry it to their mouth by means of those
limbs. Their gait, especially when chased, is a curious kind of gallop, very unequal, but
tolerably swift. They are very timid and harmless animals, and when captured or
attacked do not kick or make any violent resistance, contenting themselves with ex-
pressing their indignation by an angry hiss.

They are not so exclusively nocturnal as many of the preceding animals, and seem to
be equally lively by day as by night. When the animal is sitting upon its hinder portions
the tail receives part of the weight of the body, but is not used in the same manner as

480

THE KANGAROO HARE.

tin? tail of the true Kangaroos, which, when they are moving slowly and leisurely along,
are accustomed to support the body on the tail, and to swing the hinder legs forward like
a man swinging himself upon crutches.

CONSIDERABLY larger than the preceding animal, the KANGAROO HARE may at once be
distinguished from it by the hair-covered muzzle which is a distinguishing mark of the
genus Lagorchestes.

The color of the coat is very like that of the common hare, but the fur is short,
rather hard, and slightly curled. The upper parts of the body are a mixture of black and
cream, the sides are tinged with a yellow hue, and the under parts are a grayish-white.
The skin is white. There is much variety in the tinting of different specimens of this
animal, some being of a much redder hue than others. The fore-legs are black, and the
fore-feet are variegated with black and white, the hinder feet being of a brownish-white.
A buff-colored ring surrounds the eye, and the back of the neck is washed with yellow.
It sometimes happens that a light rust-color takes the place of the buff. The tail is of
a very pale brownish-gray.

KANGAROO HARE.— Lagorchestes Leporoides.

The Kangaroo Hare inhabits the Liverpool Plains and the greater part of the interior
of Australia, to which region it seems to be limited, seldom, if ever, being seen nearer the
sea. It has many hare-like traits of character, such as squatting closely to the ground in
a "form," and then sitting, in hopes of eluding notice, until it is roused to active exertion
by actual contact. When it once takes to flight, it runs with amazing celerity, and
doubles before the hounds in admirable style, not unfrequently making good its escape in
the opposite directions by a well-executed " double."

Mr. Gould relates a curious incident that occurred to him while he was engaged in the
pursuit of a Kangaroo Hare, attended by two dogs. The hounds had pressed the animal
closely, when it doubled before them, retraced its course at full speed, making directly for
Mr. Gould, who was following up his dogs. The animal came within twenty yards
without seeing him, and then, instead of turning aside, leaped clear over his head.

The total length of this animal is about two feet, the tail occupying about thirteen
inches. The Kangaroo Hare is not able to dig after the manner of many of the
preceding animals.

THE WOMBAT.

481

THE WOMBAT, or AUSTRALIAN BADGER, as it is popularly called by the colonists, is
so singularly unlike the preceding and succeeding animals in its aspect and habits,
that it might well be supposed to belong to quite a different order; indeed, in all its
exterior character with the exception of its pouch, it is a rodent animal, and in its in-
ternal anatomy it approaches very closely to the beaver.

As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wombat is by no
means an active animal, but trudges along at its own pace, with a heavy rolling waddle
or hobble, like the gait of a very fat bear. It is found in almost all parts of Australia,
and is rather sought after for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be tolerably good,
although rather tough, and flavored with more than a slight taint of musk. The fur
of the Wombat is warm, long, and very harsh to the touch, and its color is gray,
mottled with black and white. The under parts of the body are grayish-white, and the
feet are black. The muzzle is very broad and thick. The length "of the animal is
about three feet, the head measuring seven inches.

WOMBAT.— Phascolomys ursiaus.

In its temper the Wombat is tolerably placid, and will permit itself to be captured
without venting any display of indignation. Sometimes, however, it is liable to violent
gusts of rage, and then becomes rather a dangerous antagonist, as it can scratch most
fiercely with its heavy claws, and can inflict tolerably severe wounds with its chisel-
like teeth. Easily tamed, it displays some amount of affection for those who treat it
kindly, and will come voluntarily to its friends in hopes of receiving the accustomed
caress. It will even stand on its hind legs, in token of its desire to be taken on the
knee, and when placed in the coveted spot will settle itself comfortably to sleep.

Generally, however, the Wombat is not a very intelligent animal, and exhibits but
little emotion of any kind, seeming to be one of the most apathetic animals in exist-
ence. When in captivity it is easily reconciled to its fate, and will feed on almost
any vegetable substance, evincing considerable partiality for lettuce-leaves and cab-
bage-stalks ; milk also is a favorite article of diet, and one of these animals was said
by Mr. Bennett to be in the habit of searching after the milk vessels when set out to
cool in the night air, to push off the covers, and to bathe in the milk as well as drink it.
31

482

THE BANDED BANDICOOT.

In its wild state it is nocturnal in its habits, living during the day in the depths of
a capacious burrow, which it excavates in the earth to such a depth that even the
persevering natives will seldom attempt to dig a Wombat out of its tunnel. Owing to
this habit of burrowing, it is very destructive if left in an unpaved yard, for it soon
excavates several subterraneous passages, and puts the stability of houses and walls
into jeopardy.

The creature seems to be remarkably sensitive to cold, considering the severe
weather which often reigns in its native country. It is fond of hay, which it chops in-
to' short pieces with its knife-edged teeth. The natives say that if a Wombat is mak-
ing a journey, and happens to come across a river, it is not in the least discomfited, but
walks deliberately into the river, across the bed of the stream, and, emerging on the op-
posite bank, continues its course as calmly as if no impediment had been placed in its way.

The teeth of the Wombat present a curious resemblance to those of the rodent
animals, and are endowed with the same powers of reproduction as those of the beaver
and other animals of the same order. The feet of the Wombat are broad, and the fore-
feet are provided with very strong claws, that are formed for digging in the earth.
There are five toes to each foot, but the thumb of the hinder feet is extremely small,
and devoid of a claw. This animal is remarkable for possessing fifteen pairs of ribs—
in one case sixteen pairs of ribs were found — only six pairs of which reach the breast-
bone. Remains of a fossil species of Wombat have been discovered in New Holland,
together with the relics of an allied and gigantic species, which, when living, must
nearly have equalled the hippopotamus in dimensions.

BANDED BANDICOOT.— Perametes fasciata.

The BANDICOOT, two examples of which will be described in the following pages,
form a little group of animals that are easily recognizable by means of their rat-like
aspect, and a certain peculiar, but indescribable mode of carrying themselves. The
gait of the Bandicoot is very singular, being a kind of mixture between jumping and
running, which is the result of the formation of the legs and feet. During progression,
the back of the creature is considerably arched. The snout is much lengthened and
rather sharply pointed, and the second and third toes of the hinder feet are conjoined
as far as the claws. The pouch opens backwards.

The BANDED BANDICOOT, or STRIPED-BACKED BANDICOOT, derives its name from the
peculiar marking of its fur.

The general color of its coat is a blackish-yellow, as if produced by alternate hairs,
the black tint predominating on the back and the yellow on the sides. Over the hinder

THE LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT.

483

quarters are drawn some boldly marked black lines, which, when viewed from behind,
form a singular and rather pleasing pattern, the dark stripes being made more conspic-
uous by bands of whitish-yellow. These marks continue as far as the root of the tail,
and a single, narrow dark line runs along the whole upper side of the tail, which is of
the same color as the body. The fur is rather light upon the head and the under parts
of the body, together with the feet, are white, slightly tinged with gray.

This animal is very widely spread over the eastern and south-eastern parts of Australia,
but is mostly found in the interior. It specially loves the stony ridges that are so com-
mon in its native land, and although not very often seen by casual travellers, is of very
frequent occurrence. Its pace is very swift, and its gait is said to bear some resemblance
to that of the pig. Its food is of both kinds, and consists of insects and their larva?, and
of various roots and seeds. Its flesh is held in some repute by natives and colonists.

It is but a small animal, measuring only eighteen inches in total length. When the
animal is killed, it is not easily flayed, as the skin adheres so tightly to the flesh that
its removal is a matter of some difficulty, when there is need for preserving the skin in
its integrity.

LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT.-Perame/es aasuta.

The LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT is not unlike the preceding animal in form, but differs
from it in the coloring of its fur, and the greater length of its snout.

The face, head, and body, are of a brown tint, pencilled with black on the upper
portions, and the sides are of a pale brown, sometimes warmed with a rich purplish hue.
The edge of the upper lip is white, as are also the under portions of the body, and the
fore-legs and feet. This fur is very harsh to the touch. The total length of this ani-
mal is about twenty-one inches, the tail being five inches in length.

The food of the Long-nosed Bandicoot is said to be of a purely vegetable nature,
and the animal is reported to occasion some havoc among the gardens and granaries
of the colonists. Its long and powerful claws aid it in obtaining roots, and it is not at
all unlikely that it may, at the same time that it unearths and eats a root, seize and
devour the terrestrial larvae which are found in almost every square inch of the ground.
The lengthened nose and sharp teeth which present so great a resemblance to the same
organs in insectivorous shrews, afford good reasons for conjecturing that they may be
employed in much the same manner.

The dentition of the Bandicoot is rather interesting, and will be found detailed at
some length in the table of generic distinctions at the end of the volume.

484

THE TASMANIAN WOLF.

THE large-eared, woolly-furred little animal which is here represented, is closely
allied to the bandicoots, but at once distinguishable from them by peculiarity of struct-
ure which has earned for it the generic title of Chaeropus, or swine-footed."

Upon the fore-feet there are only two toes, which are of equal length, and armed
with sharp and powerful hoof-like claws, that bear no small resemblance to the foot of
a pig, and are not only porcine in their external aspects, but in the track which they
leave upon the ground when the creature walks on soft soil. Slenderly and gracefully
swinish, it is true, but still piggish in appearance though not in character.

The CHJEROPUS was formerly desig-
nated by the specific title of ecaudatus,
or tailless, because the first specimen
that had been captured was devoid of
caudal appendage, and therefore its dis-
coverers naturally concluded that all its
kindred were equally curtailed of their
fair proportions. But as new specimens
came before the notice of the zoological
world, it was found that the Chaeropus
was rightly possessed of a moderately
long and somewhat rat-like tail, and that
the taillessness of the original specimen
was only the result of accident to the in-
dividual, and not the normal condition
of the species. The size of the Chaeropus
is about equal to that of a small rabbit,
and the soft woolly fur is much of the
same color as that of the common wild
rabbit.

It is an inhabitant of New South
Wales, and was first discovered by Sir
Thomas Mitchell on the banks of the
Murray River, equally to the astonish-
ment of white men and natives, the latter
declaring that they had never before
seen such a creature. The speed of the
Chaeropus is considerable, and its usual

haunts are among the massses of dense scrub foliage that cover so vast an extent of
ground in its native country. Its nest is similar to that of that bandicoot, being made
of dried grass and leaves rather artistically put together, the grass, however, predom-
inating over the leaves. The locality of the nest is generally at the foot of a dense
bush, or of a heavy tuft of grass, and it is so carefully veiled from view by the mode of
its construction that it can scarcely be discovered by the eyes of any but an experienced
hunter.

The head of the Chaeropus is rather peculiar, being considerably lenthened, cylindri-
cally tapering towards the nose, so that its form has been rather happily compared to
the neck and shoulders of a champagne bottle. The hinder feet are like those of the
bandicoots, and there is a small swelling at the base of the toes of the fore-feet, which
is probably the representative of the missing joints, more especially as the outermost
toes are always extremely small in the bandicoots, to which the Chaeropus is nearly
allied. The ears are very large in proportion to the size of the animal. The pouch
opens backwards. The food of the Chaeropus is said to be of a mixed character, and
to consist of various vegetable substances and of insects.

THE teeth of the Dasyurines, sharp-edged and pointed, indicated the carnivorous
character of those animals to which they belong. At the head of these creatures is
placed the TASMANIAN WOLF, or DOG-HEADED THYLACINUS, as it has often been named
on account of the curious aspect of its thick head, and powerful, truncated muzzle,

CH/EROPUS.— Chseropus castaaotls.

THE TASMANIAN WOLF.

485

Although not perhaps the fiercest of the Dasyurines, it is the largest and the most
powerful, well deserving the lupine title with which it has been by common consent
designated, and representing in Tasmania the true wolves of other countries. It is
not a very large animal, as needs must be from the nature of the country in which it
lives, for there would be but small subsistence in its native land for herds of veritable
wolves, and the natural consequence would be that the famished animals would soon
take to eating each other in default of more legitimate food, and by mutual extirpation
thin down the race or destroy it altogether.

The natural subsistence of the Tasmanian, or Zebra Wolf, as it is sometimes called
by virtue of the zebra-like stripes which decorate its back, consists of the smaller
animals, molluscs, insects, and similar substances. The animal is also in the habit of

TASMANIAN WOLF.— Paragon Cyaocephalus.

prowling along the seashore in restless seach of food among the heterogeneous mass
of animal and vegetable substances that the waves constantly fling upon the beach, and
which are renewed with every succeeding tide. The mussels and other molluscs which
are found so profusely attached to the sea-edged rocks form a favorite article of diet
with the Tasmanian Wolf, who is sometimes fortunate enough to discover upon the beach
the remains of dead seals and fish, and can easily make a meal on the shore crabs
which are found so plentifully studding the beach as the tide goes out.

Though hardly to be considered a swift, or even a quick animal, the Tasmanian Wolf
contrives to kill such agile prey as the bush kangaroo, and secures, the duck mole, or duck
bill, in spite of its natatory powers and its subterranean burrow. When the animal is
hungry, it seems to become a very camel in its capability of devouring hard and thorny
substances, for it has been known to kill — no easy matter — and to swallow — an apparent

486 THE TASMANIAN WOLF.

impossibility — the echidna itself, undismayed by its panoply of bayonet-like prickles.
The deed seems so incredible that it would hardly have been believed, had it not been
proved beyond doubt by the slaughter and subsequent dissection of a Tasmanian Wolf,
in whose stomach were found the remains of a half-digested echidna.

As soon as civilized inhabitants took up their abode in Tasmania, this animal made
great capital out of the sheep flocks and henroosts, and for some time committed sad
ravages among them, greatly to the detriment of the colonists. By degrees, however, the
weapons of the white man prevailed, and the Tasmanian Wolf was driven back from
its former haunts where it once reigned supreme. Still continuing to prowl round the
habitation of mankind, many individuals of this species were fain to pick up what
loose and uncertain subsistence they could contrive to appropriate, and, being forced to
live in copses and jungles, became the representatives of the hyena as well as of the
Wolf.

In the earlier days of the colony, the Tasmanian Wolf was of very frequent
occurrence, but is now seldom seen except in the cold and dreary localities where it
takes up its residence. These animals are found in considerable numbers on the sum-
mits of the western mountains, at an elevation of nearly four thousand feet above the
level of the sea, and there thrive, even though their lofty domains are plentifully covered
with snow.

The home of the Tasmanian Wolf is always made in some deep recess of the rocks,
away from the reach of ordinary foes, and so deeply buried in the rocky crevices that it
is impenetrable to the light of day. In this murky recess the female produces her young,
which are generally three or four in number, and in its dark cavern the animal spends
the whole of its day, only venturing from home at night, except under the pressure of
some extraordinary circumstances.

As may be seen from the engraving, the feet of the Tasmanian Wolf are so dog-like
in their nature, that they cannot enable the animals to ascend trees, and as the tail is
not in the least degree prehensile, it is evident that the creature is not capable of chas-
ing its prey among the branches, as is the case with many of the allied animals.

In size it is about equal to the jackal, being generally about four feet in total length,
of which measurement the tail occupies some sixteen inches. Some few specimens,
however, are said to attain a very great size, and to measure nearly six feet in total
length. Its height at the shoulders is about eighteen or nineteen inches. It is a fierce
and most determined animal, and if attacked will fight in the most desperate manner.
One of these animals has been seen standing at bay, surrounded by a number of dogs,
and bidding them all defiance. Not a single dog dared venture within reach of the
teeth of so redoubtable a foe.

As it is a nocturnal animal, it seems little at its ease when in the uncongenial glare
of daylight, and, probably on account of its eyes being formed for the purpose of noc-
turnal light, is very slow in its movements by day. It always seems to be greatly
annoyed by too strong a light, and constantly endeavors to relieve itself from the
unwelcome glare by drawing the nictitating membrane over its eyeballs, after the
manner of owls when they venture forth by daylight.

The animal is a very conspicuous one, on account of the peculiar coloring of its fur,
and the brightly defined stripes which decorate its back.

The general tint of the fur is a grayish-brown, washed with yellow, each hair being
brown at its base and yellow towards the point. Along the back runs a series of boldly
defined stripes, nearly black in their color, beginning just behind the shoulders and
ending upon the base of the tail. The number of these stripes is various, being from
fourteen to seventeen on an average. At the spot where they commence they are very
short, but lengthen rapidly as they approach the tail, reaching their greatest length over
the haunches, over which they are drawn to some extent. In many specimens the
stripes are forked upon the haunches. Towards the tail the stripes again become short,
and upon the base of the tail are so abbreviated that they only cover its upper surface.
The under parts of the body are gray. The tail is slightly compressed, and gradually
tapers to its extremity. The eyes are large and full, and their color is black. The
edge of the upper lip is white.

THE TASMANIAN DEVIL.

487

In this animal the marsupial bones are absent, their places being indicated by some
fibrous cartilages that are found in the locality which these bones might be expected to
fill. The character of the fur is not very fine, but it is short, rather woolly, and closely
set upon the animal's skin. In front of the eye there is a small black patch, which runs
round the eye, and surrounds it with a dark line.

As may be imagined, from the very expressive name which has been appropriated to
the animal which is represented in the engraving, its character is not of the most ami-
able, nor its appearance the most inviting.

Few animals have deserved their popular titles better than the creature to whom the
first colonists of Van Diemen's Land unanimously gave the name of NATIVE DEVIL. The
innate and apparently ineradicable ferocity of the creature can hardly be conceived ex-
cept by those who have had personal experience of its demeanor. Even in captivity
its sullen and purposeless anger is continually excited, and the animal appears to be more
obtuse to kindness than any other creature of whom we have practical knowledge.
Generally, a caged animal soon learns to recognize its keeper and to welcome the hand

TASMANIAN DEVlL.-Diabolus urstaus.

that supplies it with food ; but the Tasmanian Devil seems to be diabolically devoid of
gratitude, and attacks indiscriminately every being that approaches it.

I have frequently had opportunities of testing the character of this curious animal, and
have always found it to be equally savage and intractable. Without the least cause it
would fly at the bars of its cage, and endeavor by dint of teeth and claws to wreak its
vengeance on me, while it gave vent to its passionate feelings in short, hoarse screams
of rage. There was no reason for these outbursts of anger, for the animal behaved in
precisely the same manner whenever any visitor happened to pause in front of its domicile.

It is a very conspicuous animal, and not easily to be mistaken for any other species.
The coat of the Tasmanian Devil is very appropriately black, dashed here and there with
spots, patches, or stripes of a pure white, which afford a bold and singular contrast to
each other. In different individuals there is considerable variety in the distribution of
these two colors, but the character of the markings is similar in all.

The general hue of the fur is a deep dead black, the fur being devoid of that rich
silky glossiness which gives to the coats of many black animals so pleasing an effect.
Across the breast there is nearly always a very conspicuous white mark, which in some

THE TASMANIAN DEVIL.

individuals takes the form of a semilunar band, and in others is contracted to a mere
spot. Generally, another white mark is found to extend saddlewise across the end of the
spine, just before the insertion of the tail. This mark is also susceptible of great varia-
tion, being of considerable dimensions in some specimens, and extremely small in others.
Now and then a white streak or patch is seen upon the shoulders, but in many
individuals the shoulders are of equal blackness with the remainder of the body. Be-
hind the eyes is a tuft of very long hairs, and another similar tuft is placed immediately
above them.

As might be presumed from the heavy make of its body, and the thickset shortness
of its limbs, the animal is not at all brisk or lively in its movements, and seldom displays
much energy except when under the influence of the easily-excited irascibility for which
it is so widely renowned. The head is short and thickly made, the muzzle very blunt,
and the mouth wide. The gait of the animal is plantigrade, and its movements are in
general dull and sluggish.

The length of this animal is about twenty-one inches, exclusive of the tail, which
measures about seven inches in length, and is moderately well covered with fur.

Despite of its comparatively small size, this creature is hardly less destructive than
the Tasmanian wolf, and in the earlier days of the colonists wrought sad havoc among
the sheep and poultry, especially among the latter. In those days it swarmed in great
numbers, but it is now nearely extirpated out of some districts, and is so persecuted by
the righteous vengeance of the farmers, that a solitary specimen can scarcely now be
seen in the locality where its nightly visits used to be of continual occurrence. Many
of these depredators were shot, caught in traps, or otherwise destroyed, and suffered a
poetical justice in furnishing a meal for those at whose expense they had often feasted.
The flesh of this rather ungainly animal is said to be far from unpleasant, and to have
some resemblance to veal.

The traps in which these nocturnal robbers are caught are baited with flesh of some
kind, generally with butchers' offal, for the animal is a very voracious one, and is
always sensitive to such attractions. Like the Tasmanian wolf — to which animal it is
closely allied — it is in the habit of prowling along the sea-shore in search of the ordinary
coast-loving molluscs and crustaceans, or in hopes of making a more generous feast
on the dead carcasses which the tides will sometimes leave upon the beach. In
captivity it will eat almost any kind of food, and is found to thrive well upon bread
and milk, with an occasional addition of flesh. When it is indulged in the latter
delicacy it speedily tears in pieces the meat with which it is furnished, and is in
nowise baffled by the presence of moderately sized bones, which it can crack with
wonderful ease by means of its strong teeth and powerful jaws.

The great power of its jaws, backed by its unreasoning ferocity, which seems to be
literally incapable of comprehending the feeling of fear, renders it extremely for-
midable when attacked. Indeed, there are hardly any dogs, however strong and well-
trained they may be, which can boast of a victory gained over a Tasmanian Devil in
single fight.

It is rather a productive animal, the number of its family being from four to five at a
birth. The habitations of this species is ascertained to be made in the depths of the
forests, concealed as far as possible from the light of day, which grievously affects the
eyes of this, as of all other strictly nocturnal animals.

The pain which is caused to the creature by the unwelcome brilliancy of ordinary
daylight is constantly indicated by the ceaseless movements of the nictitating membrane
over the eyeball, even when the animal is shrouded in the comparative dimness of a
straw-filled den, and shades itself from the glare by crouching in the darkest corner
of its cage.

Aided by the strong fossorial claws of the fore-feet, the Tasmanian Devil digs for itself
a deep burrow in the ground, or, taking advantage of some natural hollow or crevice,
shapes the interior to suit its own purposes. The hinder feet are made in a manner
similar to those of the bear, and, like that animal, the Tasmanian Devil is able to sit
erect upon its hinder quarters, and to convey food to its mouth by means of its fore-
paws, which it uses in a very adroit manner.

THE DASYURE.

489

This animal is also known under the names of Ursine Dasyure and Ursine
possum.

OF the animals which have been congregated into the genus Dasyures, four or five
species are now admitted to be clearly separated from each other. In color the Dasy-
ures are extremely variable, so much so indeed, that it is hardly possible to find two
individuals of the same species that are marked in precisely the same manner.

In the Common DASYURE the general color of the fur is brown, of a very dark
hue, sometimes deepening into positive black, diversified with many spots of white,
scattered apparently at random over the whole of the body, and varying both in their
position and dimensions in almost every individual. In some specimens the tail is
washed with white spots similar to those
of the body, but in many examples the
tail is uniformly dark. In all the Dasy-
ures this member is moderately long,
but not prehensile, and is thickly covered
with hair ; a peculiarity which has caused
zoolgists to-give the title of Dasyure,
or hairy-tail, to these animals.

They are all inhabitants of Australasia,
the common Dasyure being found nu-
merously enough in New Holland, Van
Diemen's Land, and some parts of Aus-
tralia. The habits of all the Dasyures
are so very similar that there is no need
of describing them separately. They
are all rather voracious animals, feeding
upon the smaller quadrupeds, birds,
insects, and other living beings which
inhabit the same country. The Dasy-
ure is said to follow the example of the
two preceding animals, and to be fond of
roaming along the sea-coasts by night
in search of food.

The Dasyures are all nocturnal an-
imals, and very seldom make voluntary
excursions from their hiding-places so
long as the sun is above the horizon.
They do not, like the Tasmanian wolf and the ursine Dasyure, lie hidden in burrows
under the earth, or in the depths of rocky ground, but follow the example of the
Petaurists, and make their habitations in the hollows of decayed trees.

The young of the Dasyures are, like those of all the animals of this order, extremely
small. Their number is rather variable, but is usually from four to six. In this species
the thumb of the hind-feet is entirely absent.

DASYURE.— Dasyurus vlverrlaus.

The PHASCOGALE, or TAPOA TAFA, as it is termed by the natives of the country which
it inhabits, affords an excellent example of the little dependence that is to be placed
on mere external appearance in judging the character of any living being.

In size, the Phascogale is small, hardly exceeding the house-rat of Europe in dimen-
sions. The total length of this creature is about seventeen inches, the long, widely-
formed tail occupying nine inches if measured to the point of the hairy tuft that
decorates its extremity, and seven inches if denuded of its hairy covering.

The fur of this animal is long, soft, and woolly, and lies very loosely upon the skin,
so that it is disturbed by every slight breath of air that may happen to pass over its
surface. In color it is soft gray on the upper parts of the body, the head, and the outer
faces of the limbs, the under portions of the body being white, and slightly washed with

49°

THE PHASCOGALE.

gray. A few black hairs are scattered sparingly over the body. In almost every
specimen that has been captured, a dark line is seen to run from the nose towards the
base of the skull.

The tail is clothed with fur of the same color as that of the body for one-fifth of its
length, but the remaining four-fifths are furnished with a bushy mess of long hair, each
hair being about two inches in length. The color of this graceful appendage is a jet
black, which affords a very marked contrast to the light hues with which the body and
limbs are tinged, and which gives to the animal a notably handsome aspect. The ears
are rather large, and the head tapers rapidly towards the nose.

The general appearance of the Tapoa Tafa is that of a gentle, peaceable little
animal, unlikely to do any harm, and well calculated to serve as a domesticated pet.

Never did animal or man hide under a specious mask of innocence a character more
at variance with its mendacious exterior.

For the Tapoa Tafta is one of the pests of the colonists, a fierce, bloodthirsty, audacious
creature, revelling in the warm flesh or newly-slaughtered prey, and penetrating, in search
of food, into the very houses of civilized men. Its small size and sharply-pointed head
enable it to insinuate itself through the crevices which are almost necessarily left open

in fences and walls, and its insatiate
appetite induces it to roam through
the store-rooms in search of any animal
substances that may have been laid
up by the owners. Unless placed under
lock and key, behind tightly-closed
doors, provisions of various kinds are
invaded by the Tapoa Tafa, for its
powers of climbing are so great that
it can ascend even a perpendicular
wall, unless its surface be smooth and
hard, so that its sharp curved claws
can take no hold.

Fortunately for the farmers, the
Tapoa Tafa is not possessed of the
chisel-shaped incisor teeth which enable
the European rat to gnaw its way
though opposing obstacles, so that a
wooden door will afford a sufficient
barrier against its depredations, provid-
ing it be closely fitting, and of solid
material. It is said to be very de-
structive to poultry, and to penetrate
by night into the fowl-houses, creep-
ing towards its prey so silently that its
presence is not detected, and slaying the
inmates as they are slumbering quietly

on their perches. Were its size equal to that of the Tasmanian wolf, the Phascogale
would be an effectual bar to civilization in any district which it might frequent. In its
wild state its food is of a mixed vegetable and animal nature, and in the stomach of
one of these creatures was found a heterogeneous mass of insect remains, mixed with
portions of certain fungi.

Not only is the Tapoa Tafa an object of destruction of the repeated acts of depreda-
tion which it commits in civilized dwellings, but it has also earned a renowned name
among white and black men for the extraordinary energy with which it will defend it-
self when attacked. Small though it may be, and harmless though it may appear, it
deals such fierce and rapid strokes with its sharp claws that it can inflict extraordinarily
severe lacerations upon the person of its adversary. So celebrated is the animal for
its powers of reistance, that not even the quick eyed and agile-limbed native will ven-
ture to trust his hand within reach of the claws of an irritated Tapoa Tafa.

PHA5COQALE.— Phascogale pe nidi late.

THE MYRMECOBIUS.

491

Night is the usual time for the Tapoa Tafa to leave its home and prowl about in
search of food, but it is often seen by daylight, and appears to be equally vivacious at
either time. It is always a most active animal, and chiefly arboreal in its habits, climb-
ing trees and skipping among their branches with the agility of a squirrel. Its long tail
may serve to act as a balance during these excursions, but as it is not in the least prehen-
sile, is cannot afford assistance in the actual labor of passing from one branch to another.

Its home is generally made in the hollow trunks of the eucalypti, and in those dark
recesses it produces and nourishes its young. It is very widely distributed over Aus-
tralasia, being found in equal plenty upon plain or mountain, contrary to the usual
habits of Australian animals, which are generally confined within certain local limits,
according to the elevation of the ground or the character of the soil.

On account of the large tuft of black hair that decorates the tail, the Tapoa Tafa is
in some works mentioned under the title of the " Brush-tailed Phascogale."

THE little animals which are
grouped together under the title
of Pouched Mice are tolerably
numerous, the genus Antechinus
comprising about twelve or thir-
teen species. They are spread
rather widely over New South
Wales and Southern Australia,
and as they are prolific creatures,
they are among the most common
of the Australian quadrupeds.
They are all of inconsiderable
size, the greater number hardly
exceeding the ordinary mouse in
dimensions, though one or two
species nearly equal a small rat
in size.

Arboreal in their habits, they
are among the most active of tree-
loving quadrupeds, running up
and down a perpendicular trunk with perfect ease and leaping from one branch to an-
other with singular activity of limb and certainty of aim. They can even cling to the
under side of a horizontal branch, and are constantly seen running round the branches
and peering into any little crevice, precisely after the manner of the ordinary titmice
among the birds. They can descend a branch with their heads downward, instead of
lowering themselves tail foremost, as is generally the custom among tree climbing
quadrupeds, and traverse the branches with admirable rapidity and liveliness.

The FELLOW-MOOTED MOUSE is a very pretty little creature, its fur being richly tinted
with various pleasing hues.

The face, the upper part of the head, and the shoulders are dark gray, diversified with
yellow hairs, and the sides of the body are warmed with a wash of bright chestnut.
The under parts of the body, the chin, and the throat are uniform white, and the tail
is black. There is often a slight tufting of hair on the extremity of the tail. The
total length of the animal is about eight inches, the head and body being rather more
than four inches and a half in length, and the tail a little more than three inches.

The MYRMECOBIUS is remarkable for several parts of its structure, and more espe-
cially so for the extraordinary number of its teeth, and the manner in which they are
placed in the jaw. Altogether, there are no less than fifty-two teeth in the jaws of an
adult and perfect specimen of the Myrmecobius, outnumbering the teeth of every
other animal, with the exception of one or two cetacea and the armadillo. There is no
pouch in this animal, but the tender young are defended from danger by the long hairs
which clothe the under portions of the body.

YELLOW-FOOTED POUCHED MOUSE,— Antechinus tlavlpes.

49 2

THE MYRMECOBIUS.

It is a beautiful little animal, the fur being of agreeable tints and diversified by
several bold stripes across the back. The general color of the fur is a bright fawn on
the shoulders, which deepens into blackish-brown from the shoulders to the tail, the
fur of the hinder portions being nearly black. Across the back are drawn six or seven
white bands, broad on the back and tapering off towards their extremities. The under
parts of the body are of a yellowish white. The tail is thickly covered with long, bushy

hair, and has a grizzled aspect, owing to
the manner in which the back and white
hairs of which it is composed are mingled
together. Some hairs are annulated with
white, red-rust, and black, so that the tints
are rather variable, and never precisely
the same in two individuals.

The length of the body is about ten
inches, and the tail measures about seven
inches, so that the dimensions of the
animal are similar to those of the common
water vole of Europe.

It is an active animal, and when running,
its movements are very similar to those of
the common squirel. When hurried, it
proceeds by a series of small jumps, the
tail being elevated over its back after the
usual custom of squirrels, and at short in-
tervals it pauses, sits upright, and casts an
anxious look in all directions before it
again takes to flight. Although not a par-
ticularly swift animal, it is not an easy one
to capture, as it immediately makes for
some place of refuge, under a hollow tree
or a cleft in rocky ground, and when it has
fairly placed itself beyond the reach of its
pursuers, it bids defiance to their efforts
to drive it from its haven of safety. Not
even smoke — the usual resort of a hunter
when his prey has gone to " earth " and
refuses to come out again — has the least
effect on the Myrmecobius, which is either
possessed of sufficient smoke-resisting
powers to endure the stifling vapor with
impunity, or of sufficient courage to yield
its life in the recesses of its haven, rather
than deliver itself into the hands of its

M YRMECOBI US. —Myrmecobius tasciatus.

enemies.

The food of the Myrmecobius is supposed chiefly to consist of ants and similar diet,
as it is generally found inhabiting localities where ants most abound. For this kind of
food it is well fitted by its long tongue, which is nearly as thick as a common black-
lead pencil, and is capable of protrusion to some distance. In confinement of the Myr-
mecobius was accustomed to feed on bran among other substances. It is known that
in the wild state it will eat hay, as well as the " manna " that exudes from the
branches of the eucalypti.

It is a very gentle animal in its disposition, as, when captured, it does not bite or
scratch, but only vents its displeasure in a series of little grunts when it finds that it is
unable to make its escape. The number of its young is rather various, but averages
from five to eight. The usual habitation of the Myrmecobius is placed in the decayed
trunk of a fallen tree, or, in default of such lodging, is made in a hollow in the ground,
It is a native of the borders of the Swan River,

THE OPOSSUM.

493

THERE are very few of the marsupiated animals which are more remarkable for
their form, their habits, or their character, than the Opossums of America. They are
nearly all admirable climbers, and are assisted in their scansorial efforts by their long,
prehensile tails, which are covered with scales, through the interstices of which a few
short black hairs protrude. The hinder feet are also well adapted for climbing, as the
thumb is opposable to the other toes, so that the animal is able to grasp the branch
of a tree with considerable force, and to suspend
its whole body together with the additional
weight of its prey or its young.

The VIRGINIAN, or COMMON OPOSSUM, is, as
its name implies, a native of Virginia as well as
of many other portions of the United States of
America. In size it equals a tolerably large cat,
being rather more than three feet in total length,
the head and body measuring twenty-two inches,
and the tail fifteen. The color of this animal is
a grayish-white, slightly tinged with yellow, and
diversified by occasional long hairs that are
white towards their base, but of a brownish hue
towards their points. These brown-tipped hairs
are extremely prevalent upon the limbs, which
are almost wholly of the brown hue, which also
surrounds the eye to some extent. The under
fur is comparatively soft and woolly, but the
general character of the fur is harsh and coarse.
The scaly portion of the tail is white.

It is a voracious and destructive animal,
prowling about during the hours of darkness,
and prying into every nook and corner in hope
of finding something that may satisfy the crav-
ings of imperious hunger. Young birds, eggs,
the smaller quadrupeds, such as young rabbits,
which it eats by the brood at a time, cotton rats,
and mice, reptiles of various kinds, and insects,
fall victims to the appetite of the Virginia Opos-
sum, which is often not content with the food
which it finds in the open forests, but must
needs insinuate itself into the poultry-yard and
make a meal on the fowls and their eggs. When
it has once determined on making such a raid,
it can hardly be baffled in its endeavors by any
defences except those which consist of stout
walls and closely fitting doors ; for it can climb
over any ordinary wall, or thrust itself through
any fence, so that there is little chance of pre-
venting it from making good its entrance into
the precincts of the farmyard.

Its proceedings are so admirably related by Audubon, that I can do no better than
present the account in his own words, the words of one who has frequently been an
eye-witness of the scene which he so graphically depicts : —

" Methinks I see one at this moment slowly and cautiously trudging over the melting
snows by the side of an unfrequented pond, nosing as it goes for the fare its ravenous
appetite prefers. Now it has come upon the fresh track of a grouse or hare, and it raises
its snout and sniffs the pure air. At length it has decided on its course, and it speeds
onwards at the rate of a man's ordinary walk. It stops and seems at a loss in what

OPOSSUM. -Dldelphys Virginians.

494

TOSSUMING."

direction to go, for the object of its pursuit has either taken a considerable leap, or has
cut backwards before the Opossum entered its track. It raises itself up, stands for a
while on its hind-feet, looks around, snuffs the air again, and then proceeds ; but now,
at the foot of a noble tree, it comes to a full stand. It walks round the base of the
large trunk, over the snow-covered roots, and among them finds an aperture, which it
at once enters.

Several minutes elapse, when it reappears, dragging along a squirrel already deprived
of life, with which in its mouth it begins to ascend the tree. Slowly it climbs. The
first fork does not seem to suit it, for perhaps it thinks it might there be too openly
exposed to the view of some wily foe, and so it proceeds, until it gains a cluster of
branches, intertwined with grape-vines, and there composing itself, it twists its tail
round one of the twigs, and with its sharp teeth demolishes the unlucky squirrel, which
it holds all the while with its fore-paws.

The pleasant days of spring have arrived, and the trees vigorously shoot forth their
leaves ; but the Opossum is almost bare, and seems nearly exhausted by hunger. It
visits the margin of creeks, and is pleased to see the young frogs, which afford it a
tolerable repast. Gradually the poke-berry and the nettle shoot up, and on their tender
and juicy stems it gladly feeds. The matin calls of the wild turkey-cock delight the
ear of the cunning creature, for it well knows that it will soon hear the female, and
trace her to her nest, when it will suck the eggs with delight.

Travelling through the woods, perhaps on the ground, perhaps aloft, from tree to
tree, it hears a cock crow, and its heart swells as it remembers the savory food on
which it regaled itself last summer in the neighboring farmyard. With great care,
however, it advances, and at last conceals itself in the very henhouse.

Honest farmer ! why did you kill so many crows last winter ? aye, and ravens too ?
Well, you have had your own way of it ; but now, hie to the village and procure a store
of ammunition, clean your rusty gun, set your traps, and teach your lazy curs to
watch the Opossum. There it comes ! The sun is scarcely down, but the appetite
of the prowler is here ; hear the screams of one of your best chickens that has been
seized by him ! The cunning beast is off with it, and nothing now can be done, unless
you stand there to watch the fox or the owl, now exulting on the thought that you have
killed their enemy and your own friend, the poor crow. That precious hen under
which you last week placed a dozen eggs or so, is now deprived of them. The Opos-
sum, notwithstanding her angry outcries and ruffled feathers, has consumed them one
by one ; and now, look at the poor bird as she moves across your yard ; if not mad, she
is at least stupid, for she scratches here and there, calling to her chickens all the while,

All this comes from your shooting crows. Had you been more merciful or more
prudent, the Opossum might have been kept within the woods, where it would have
been satisfied with a squirrel, a young hare, the egg of a turkey, or the grapes that so
profusely adorn the boughs of our forest trees. But I talk to you in vain.

But suppose the farmer has surprised an Opossum in the act of killing one of his best
fowls. His angry feelings urge him to kick the poor beast, which, conscious of its in-
ability to resist, rolls off like a ball. The more the farmer rages, the more reluctant is
the animal to manifest resentment ; at last there it lies, not dead but exhausted, its jaws
open, its tongue extended, its eyes dimmed ; and there it would lie until the bottle-fly
should come to deposit its eggs, did not its tormentor walk off. * Surely/ says he to him-
self, * the beast must be dead.' But no, reader, it is only ' 'possuming,' and no sooner has
his enemy withdrawn than it gradually gets on its legs, and once more makes for
the woods."

Besides the varied animal diet in which the Opossum indulges, it also eats vegetable
substances, committing as much havoc among plantations and fruit-trees as among rab-
bits and poultry. It is very fond of maize, procuring the coveted food by climbing the
tall stems, or by biting them across and breaking them down. It also eats acorns, beech-
nuts, chestnuts, and wild berries, while its fondness for the fruit of the " persimmon " tree,
is almost proverbial. While feeding on those fruits it has been seen hanging by its tail,
or its hinder paws, gathering the " persimmons " with its fore-paws, and eating them while

HABITS OF THE OPOSSUM. 495

thus suspended. It also feeds on various roots, which it digs out of the ground with
ease.

Its gait is usually slow and awkward, but when pursued it runs with considerable
speed, though in a sufficiently clumsy fashion, caused by its habit of using the limbs of
the right and left side simultaneously in a kind of amble. As, moreover, the creature is
plantigrade in its walk, it may be imagined to be anything but elegant in its mode of
progress upon the ground. Although it is such an adept at " 'possuming," or feigning
death, it does not put this ruse in practice until it has used every endeavor to elude its
pursuers, and finds that it has no possibility of escape. It runs sulkily and sneakingly
forward, looking on every side for some convenient shelter, and seizing the first oppor-
tunity of slipping under cover.

If chased by a dog, it takes at once to a tree, and unless the dog be accompanied by
its master, only climbs to a convenient resting-place, above the limit of the dog's leaping
powers, and there sits quietly, permitting the dog to bark itself hoarse, without troubling
itself any further about so insignificant an enemy. If, however, as is generally the case,
the dog be accompanied by human hunters, the unfortunate Opossum has but little
chance of safety. For as soon as the creature is " treed," the quick, sharp bark of the
dog conveys to its master the welcome tidings, and he immediately runs towards the
point from whence proceeds the well-known voice of his dog.

Having reached the position of the enemy, he ascends the tree in chase of the Opos-
sum, which begins to climb towards the highest branches, followed by its pursuing foe.
At last it gains the very extremity of some branch, and holds on with tail and claws,
while the man endeavors to dislodge it by shaking violently the bough to which it
clings. For a time it retains its hold, but is soon wearied by the constant exertion,
and falls heavily to the ground, where it is seized and despatched by the expectant
dogs.

The negroes are especially fond of this sport, and look eagerly forward to the close of
day when they have been promised a " 'possum-hunt," as a reward for good conduct.
Not only do they very thoroughly enjoy the moonlight sport, with its exciting con-
comitants, but promise themselves a further gratification, after their return home, in
eating the Opossums which have fallen victims to their skill. The flesh of the Opossum
is white when cooked, and is considered to be remarkably good, especially when the
animal is killed in autumn, for at that time of year it is extremely fat.

Although, from the great accession of fat in the autumn months, it might be thought
a hibernating animal, it is found roaming the woods in search of food even in the
coldest night of winter. Still, the large amount of fat with which the body is loaded is
calculated to give the animal greater powers of resisting hunger and the severity of the
weather than would otherwise have been the case, and enables it to thrive upon the
comparatively small amount of food which it can obtain during the season of intense cold.

It is not a gregarious animal, and even the members of the same family spread
themselves widely apart when they are in the open air.

The Opossum, although so cunning in many respects, is singularly simple in others.
There is hardly any animal which is so easily captured, for it will walk in the rudest of
traps, and permit itself to be ensnared by a device at which an English rat would look
with contempt. Strange mixture of craft and dulness ; and yet one which is commonly
found in all creatures, whether men or animals, that only possess cunning, and no ob-
servance at all. For there are none so prone to entangle themselves in difficulties as
the over-artful. They must needs travel through crooked by-ways, instead of following
the open road, and so blunder themselves stupidly and sinuously into needless peril,
from which their craftiness sometimes extricates them, it is true, but not without much
anxiety and apprehension.

When captured it is easily tamed, and falls into the habit of domestication with great
ease. It is, however, not very agreeable as a domestic companion, as it is gifted with
a powerful and very unpleasant odor, which emanates from its person with great force,
whenever the animal is irritated or excited.

The nest of the Opossum is always made in some protected situation, such as the
hoik "v of a fallen or a standing tree, or under the shelter of some old projecting roots,

496

THE CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM.

In forming an appropriate receptacle for her young, the Opossum is assisted by her
fore-feet, which are well adapted for digging. The nest itself is composed of long moss
and various dried leaves. Sometimes the creature has been known to usurp the domi-
cile of some other animal, not without suspicion of having previously devoured the
rightful owner. On one occasion a hunter sent a rifle-ball through a squirrel's nest,
which was placed at some forty feet from the ground, and was surprised to see an
Opossum fall dead on the ground. This creature has also been known to possess
itself of the warm nest of the Florida rat.

When the young of the Opossum are born, they are transferred by the mother to her
cradle-pouch, where they remain for some weeks. From repeated experiments that
have been made on this animal, it is found that the transfer is made on the fifteenth
day after the young have been called into existence, and that at that period they only
weigh four grains, their total length being under an inch, the tail included. Their
number is from thirteen to fifteen. After they are placed in the pouch, their growth is
wonderfully rapid, for in seven days they have gained so much substance as to weigh
thirty grains ; and even at this early period of their existence their tails exhibit the
prehensile capacity, and are often found coiled round each other's bodies. In four
weeks the little Opossums have gained sufficient strength to put their heads out of the
pouch, and at the end of the fifth week they are able to leave it entirely for a short
time.

Very great trouble was required in order to ascertain these particulars, as it was found
that the Opossum was in the habit of hiding herself in her den until she had placed
her young in the pouch, so that it was needful to search the cavity for these concealed
females, and to watch their proceedings by night and day without intermission.

There are one or two circumstances in connection with this subject that are well
worthy of attention.

The young Opossums are not, as has been often asserted, mere helpless lumps of
animated substances, without sense or power of determinate action, but are wonderfully
active in proportion to their minute size and their undeveloped state. If placed upon
a table, they can crawl about its surface, and are sufficiently hardy to retain life for
several hours after their removal from the warm cradle in which their tender bodies
were shielded from harm, and the maternal fount which poured a constant stream of
nourishment into their tiny systems.

Another singular circumstance is, that when they are first placed in the pouch, they
are blind and deaf, the eyes and ears being closed, and not opened until many days
have elapsed. With partial blindness at the time of birth we are all familiar in the
persons of kittens, puppies, and other little animals, but that the tender young of the
Opossum should be deaf as well as blind, is truly singular. It appears that in the case
of the kitten or puppy, the presence of light and the action of the atmosphere are
needed in order to withdraw the obstacles that obstruct the sense of vision. In the
young Opossum, however, it seems that the action of the atmosphere is needed in order
to render the ears sensitive to the sounds that are transmitted through its mediumship,
but that in most cases the little creature requires the absence of light until the time
comes for it to open its eyes as well as its ears.

What length of time elapses between the period of transmission into the pouch and
the several opening of eyes and ears is not, I believe, as yet clearly ascertained, and
would furnish an interesting subject for investigation. I would also suggest that the
blood of the young animal be carefully examined in three of its stages, viz. just before
it is born, immediately after being placed in the pouch, and after the period when the
eyes and ears are opened, in order to ascertain whether any important change, chemical
or otherwise, has been made in that liquid by the double action of air and light.

The CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM is not so large an animal as the Virginian Opossum, being
only thirty or thirty-one inches in total length, the head and body measuring sixteen
inches, and the tail fifteen. It can also be distinguished from the preceding animal by
the darker hue of its fur, the attenuated head, and the uniformly colored ears, which
are generally black, but are sometimes of a yellowish tint.

THE CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM.

497

The fur of the Crab-eating Opossum is long, and though rather woolly in texture, is
harsh to the touch. From the peculiar coloring of the long hairs that protrude through
the thick, close, woolly fur that lies next to the skin, the general tinting of its coat ap-
pears rather uncertain, and varies according to the portion which happens to be ex-
posed to view at the time. These hairs are nearly white towards their base, but darken
into sooty-black towards their extremities. The limbs and feet are black, and the
head is a brownish-white. There is generally an indistinct dark line drawn over the
forehead. The tail is covered with scales, interspersed with short hairs, and its basal

CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM.— Philander canorlvorus.

half is black, the remainder being of a grayish-white. For the first three inches of its
length it is densely clothed with sooty-black fur of the same tint as that upon the back,
and the remainder of its length is covered with scales and short hair.

The Crab-eating Opossum is peculiarly fitted for a residence on trees, and is never
seen to proper advantage except when traversing the boughs, or swinging among the
branches by means of its peculiarly prehensile tail. While it is engaged in its arboreal
wanderings, it always takes care to twine its tail firmly round the nearest object that is

32

49s

MERIAN'S OPOSSUM.

capable of affording a firm hold, and thus secures itself against any unfortunate slip
of its paws.

On the level ground its pace is slow, and its gait awkward. It is, however, seldom
seen upon the ground, as it is unwilling to forego the advantages of its arboreal resi-
dence, except for the purpose of obtaining food. Like the Virginian Opossum, it feeds
chiefly on animal food, such as the smaller mammalia, birds, reptiles, and insects, and
is so fond of Crustacea, that it has been called the Crab-eater from that predilection.
As the crabs and other crustaceans on which it feeds are usually found upon low and
marshy soils, the Crab-eating Opossum is in the habit of frequenting such localities,
and may generally be found in their neighborhood.

This animal is held in some estimation, as furnishing an agreeable meal to those who
care for such diet, and its flesh is said by the initiated to resemble that of the hare.
The young of the Crab-eating Opossum are, during their days of infancy, colored very
differently from the adult animal. When first they are born, they are entirely naked,
but when they are large enough to leave the pouch, they are clothed with short silken
hairs of a bright chestnut brown, which, after awhile, fades into the dark brownish-black
of the full-grown animal. In all cases the tinting of the fur is rather variable.

The Crab-eating Opossum is found very numerously in the Brazils, and is spread
over the whole of tropical America.

V

MERIAN'S OPOSSUM.— Philander Dorsigerus.

THE beautiful little animal which is so well depicted in the engraving affords another
instance of a marsupiated animal being devoid of a true pouch,

In MERIAN'S OPOSSUM there is no true pouch, and the place of that curious struct-
ure is only indicated by a fold of skin, so that during the infancy of its young, the
mother is obliged to have recourse to that singular oastom which has gained for it the title
of " dorsigerus," or back-bearing. -At a very early age, the young Opossums are shifted
to the back of their mother, where they cling tightly to their mother's fur with their little
hand-like feet, and further secure themselves by twining their own tails round that of the
parent. The little group which is here given, was sketched from a stuffed specimen in

THE YAPOCK OPOSSUM.

499

the British Museum, where the peculiar attitude of mother and young is wonderfully
preserved, when the very minute dimensions of the young Opossums are taken into
consideration.

Many other species of Opossums are in the habit of carrying their young upon their
backs, even though they may be furnished with a well developed pouch, but in the
pouchless Opossums the young are placed on the back at a very early age, and are
retained there for a considerable period.

It is a very small animal, measuring when adult only six inches from the nose to the
root of the tail, the tail itself being more than seven inches in length, thus exceeding
the united measurement of the head and body. Its general appearance is much like
that of a very large mouse, or a very small rat.

The fur of Merian's Opossum is very short, and lies closely upon the skin. On the
upper portions of the body its color is a pale grayish-brown, fading below into a yellowish
white. Round the eyes is a deep brown mark, which extends forwards in front of each
eye, and forms a small dark patch. The forehead, the upper part of the head, the
cheeks together with the limbs and feet, are of a yellowish-white, tending to gray.

Towards the base, the tail is clothed with hair of the same texture and color as that
of the upper part of the body, but towards its extremity it becomes white. The habits of
Merian's Opossum are similar to those of the Virginian and Crab-eating Opossums.
Its native country is Surinam.

\

YAPOCK OPOSSUM.— Cheiroaectes Yapock.

LAST, and most singular of this group of animals, is the YAPOCK OPOSSUM, a creature
which, abandoning the arboreal life in which its relations so much delight, shifts its
residence to the river banks, and passes an existence almost wholly aquatic.

It is a curious looking animal, and even by the bold markings with which its fur is
diversified is easily distinguishable from any other Opossum. Upon the coat of this
animal the two contrasting hues of gray and sooty-black are so nearly balanced that it
is almost impossible to choose either of them as the ground tint and the other as the
accessory. We will, however, consider the lighter hue to form the ground tinting of
the fur, and describe the animal accordingly.

500

THE YAPOCK OPOSSUM.

The general hue of the body is a pale fawn-gray, with a very watery look about it,
and set closely upon the skin. Four dark bands of sooty-black are drawn across the
body in a peculiar, but extremely variable manner. The first band extends over the
shoulders as far as the first joint of the fore limbs ; the second passes saddlewise across
the back, extending only half-way down the sides of the body ; the third passes over
the hinder quarters and traverses the greater portion of the thigh ; while the fourth is
reduced to a broad patch upon and above the insertion of the tail. Along the spine
runs a broad black band, which consists of three dark patches, and spreads into a wide
black patch upon the top of the head. The tail is dark for two-thirds of its length, and
white for the remaining third.

In the young animal these peculiar markings are very strongly defined, for the pale
grayish-fawn becomes almost white, and contrasts powerfully with the dead, sooty-black
of the dark portions of the fur.

On a closer examination of the structure of the Yapock, we come upon certain pecul-
iarities which distinguish the animal from any other of its relations, and give ample
cause for placing it in a separate genus, if not in a separate family. Intended for an
aquatic existence, and to gain its food in and about the waters, the Yapock is well
fitted for its course of life by the structure of its feet. The hind-feet are furnished with
a membranous web that connects the toes together as far as the base of the claws, and
serves as a paddle by which the creature may drive itself rapidly through the water,
or as a rudder by which it may direct its course.

The fore-paws are endowed with great powers of grasping, and have a very hand-like
aspect. They are webbed only as far as the first joint. One peculiarity in their form
deserves notice. To a casual observer, the fore-feet of the Yapock appear to be furnished
with six toes, the superabundant member being devoid of a nail. So close a resem-
blance does this structure bear to a real toe that it has been described as such by a very
eminent naturalist. It is, however, nothing more than an unusual development of the
pisiform bone, which supports a fold of the skin.

The under side of the feet is furnished with a large, rough, fleshy pad, and there are
also large, rough pads upon the toes. The claws are small and weak, and the thumb-
joint is not opposable to the others. The ears are moderate in size, sharp, and pointed,
and the head tapers rapidly towards the nose. The entire aspect of the creature is
aquatic, its elongated body and peculiarly shaped limbs being sufficient to proclaim it
a skilled swimmer even if its webbed feet were not taken into consideration.

It is not a very large animal, its total length being only two feet, the head and body
measuring rather more than ten inches. In some specimens the tail is more developed
than in others, and measures as much as fifteen inches in length.

Another peculiarity of structure in the Yapock is the presence of large cheek-pouches,
apparently similar in their use to those of certain monkeys. It is supposed that the object
of these receptacles is to enable the animal to engage in a lengthened chase of the various
aquatic animals on which it feeds, and to lay them up in store until it returns to shore
laden with the produce of its watery toils. These cheek-pouches extend far backwards
along the sides of the mouth, and seem to be capable of containing a large supply of food.

As may be supposed from its structure, the Yapock feeds principally on fish, aquatic
insects, crustaceans, and other water-loving creatures. Powers of climbing would be
useless for such an animal, and it is accordingly found that the Yapock is unable to
ascend trees, but, as if in compensation for this deficiency, is a most admirable swimmer
and diver. One of these animals was once taken in a fish " crawl," or conical basket,
which affords ingress to the fish but does not permit them to get out again. The Yapock
had evidently dived after a fish, followed it into the basket, and not being able to make
good its retreat, had been ignominiously captured.

The residence of this animal is always near water, and is generally made in a hole that
is tunneled close to the water side. It is a very rare animal, and comparatively few
specimens have as yet been taken. On account of its aquatic propensities and the nature
of its prey, it has been taken for an otter, and has been described under the title of the
Demerara Otter. Buffon notices it under the name of Petite Loture de la Guyenne. It is
a native of Brazil, and is generally found by the banks of the smaller streams and rivers.

THE YAPOCK OPOSSUM. 501

IN VERY many respects, the marsupiated animals seem to take in Australia the places
that are occupied in other countries by creatures of very different orders. For example,
the Tasmanian wolf is clearly the representative of the true wolves that inhabit other
parts of the earth the kangaroos take the place of the jerboas, and so on. There is,
however, one singular deficiency in 'the Australian fauna, which seems to be partially
supplied by different members of this curious order.

Australia appears to be a country that would be well adapted for the monkey race,
and we might reasonably expect to find many curious species of quadrumana inhabit-
ing its deserts and vast forests. Yet, as far as is yet known, there is no member of
the quadrumana to be found in that land. Many of the monkey's habits, however,
are possessed by the indigenous marsupials, which seem to serve as the representatives
of the quadrumana in Australia. Very many species among which we must look for
these representative animals are arboreal in their habits, and, although they do not
possess the true quadrumanous structure, are yet endowed with such hand-like
extremities that they may fairly be considered as the analogues of these animals.

Perhaps the strangely brutalized form of humanity which exists in that wondrous
land may have some connection with the remarkable forms of animal life which are co-
inhabitants of the same country ; for in truth, the aboriginal Australian is of so low a
type that there seems to be little necessity for the existence of the quadrumana race to
prevent too abrupt a transition from the bipedal to the quadrupedal form.

It is a strange race of humanity, and which, by its own showing, is on the point of
vanishing from the face of the earth. The traditions of the Australian aborigines are
most singular and prophetic. They say that their deity has been vanquished by that of
the white man, that he is dethroned, and though still living is buried under the earth, ex-
isting only by permission. They even consider him to be inferior to the white man, and
have consequently lost all feeling of reverence for so degraded a being. They have not
even the paltry veneration that is inspired by fear, and seem to have reached the lowest
depths of degradation to which religious feeling can fall. Some deference they still pay
to the malevolent phantoms which are supposed to haunt the sepulchres of the dead, but
when a race of mankind has fallen so low in spiritual knowledge as to think the white
man superior to the black god, we can look for nothing less than total and speedy
extinction.

Few religious creeds are there which have not so much of life in them that even when
cast off by the more developed minds, they cannot be taken up by others and made
vital and useful to them. But in the present instance it is impossible to conceive that any
being possessed of human form and human intellect could avail himself of a creed so
pitifully contemptible as to degrade its supreme deity below the level of created man.

Sol

PHOCID^E, OR SEALS.

GROUP OF SEALS.

PHOCID/E, OR SEALS.

WE now arrive at a very wonderful series of animals, which, although they breathe
atmospheric air like other mammalia, are yet almost entirely aquatic in their habits,
and are never seen except in the water or its immediate vicinity. The first family of
these aquatic mammalia is that which is formed of the animals which are popularly
known by the name of SEALS.

SEALS. 503

The structure of their bodies shows that the Seals are intended to pass the greater
portion of their existence in the water, for the body is elongated, and formed very much
like that of a fish, while the limbs and feet are so modified that they greatly resemble
fins, and are put to the same use.

In order to protect their bodies from the debilitating action of the element in which
they live, they are thickly covered with a double fur, which, when immersed in water,
is pressed tightly to the skin, and effectually throws off the moisture. In some Seals
this fur is extremely valuable, and is largely employed as an article of commerce.
The fur itself is kept constantly lubricated with a fatty matter secreted by the skin,
and is thus rendered waterproof. The more effectually to defend the animal from the
icy cold water in which it is often immersed, and from the ice-fields on which it loves
to climb, a thick layer of fat is placed immediately below the skin, and being an ex-
cellent non-conductor of heat, serves to retain the internal heat through the severest
cold. All the fat of the body seems to be pressed into this service, as there is com-
paratively little of the internal fat that is usually found plentifully in the mammalia.

Aided by the imperfectly developed limbs, the Seals are able to leave the water and
to ascend the shore, where they are capable of proceeding with no small rapidity,
though in a sufficiently awkward manner, their gait partaking equally of the character
of a shuffle and a crawl. When moving in a direct line, without being hurried, they
bend their spine in such a manner as to give them the appearance of huge caterpil-
lars crawling leisurely along the ground ; the spine is extremely flexible, so that the
animal can urge itself through the water in a manner very similar to that which is
employed by the fish.

Their clumsy, scuttling movements when on land form a curious contrast with the
easy grace of their progress through the water. When the Seals swim, they drive
themselves forward by means of their hinder feet, which are turned inward, and pressed
against each other so as to form a powerful leverage against the water, as well as
a rudder, by means of which they can direct their progress. They are also assisted in
some measure by the fore-limbs, but these latter members are more employed upon land
than in water, except perhaps for the purpose of grasping their young. On reference
to the skeleton of the Seal on page 511, the peculiar formation of the Seal's limbs will
be better understood than by the expenditure of a page of actual description alone.

When they desire to leave the water, they rush violently towards the shore, and by
the force of their impulse shoot themselves out of the water, and scramble up the
bank as fast as they can. On taking again to the water, they shuffle to the edge of
the bank, and tumble themselves into the sea or river in a very unceremonious manner,
gliding away as if rejoicing that they were once more in their proper element.

The food of the Seals consist chiefly of fish, but they also feed largely upon various
Crustacea, and upon molluscs. Their powers of swimming are so great that they are able
to urge successful chase of the fish even in their native element, and it has several times
happened that captive Seals have been trained to catch fish for the service of their
owners.

The " whisker " hairs are extremely thick and long, and in many species are marked
with a raised sinuous margin, which gives them the appearance of being covered with
knobs. Their basal extremities are connected with a series of large nerves, similar to
those of the lion's lip, which has already been figured on page 137, and it is very prob-
able that this structure may aid them in the capture of their finny prey. The sense
of smell is largely developed, and the tongue is rough, and slightly cleft at its ex-
tremity ; the reason for this structure is not known.

The brain of the Seal is very large in propotion to the body, and, as might be
expected from this circumstance, the creature is extremely intelligent, and is capable
of becoming very docile when placed under the tuition of a careful instructor. The
eyes are large, full, and intelligent, and the nostrils are so formed that they can be
effectually closed while the creature is submerged beneath the surface of the water,
and opened as soon as it rises for the purpose of respiration. At every breath the
nostrils open widely, and seem to close again by means of the elasticity of the sub-
stance of which they are composed. The ears are also furnished with a peculiar
structure for the purpose of resisting the entrance of water.

THE SEA LEOPARD.

The true Seals are found only in the sea, and at the mouths of various large rivers,
and are wonderfully abundant in the polar regions. None of them are known to inhabit
the tropical parts of the earth. Several species have been known to occur upon our own
shores, more especially on the more northern coasts, and the common Seal, Phoca vitulina
is found in great numbers around the northern British shores.

The teeth of the Seals are very remarkable, and admirably adapted for seizing and
retaining the slippery prey. The canine teeth are long, sharp and powerful, and the molar
teeth are covered with long and sharp points of various sizes, so that when once caught
in the gripe of these formidable weapons, there is but scant hope of escape for the fish.

The Seals are not very prolific animals : the number of their young family being
seldom more than two, and often restricted to a single offspring. As the young Seals
would be unable, during the earlier portion of their existence, to battle with the sea
waves, and to cling firmly to their parent while she afforded them their needful nourish-
ment, the mother Seal retires to the shores when she is called upon to take upon herself
the pleasing cares of maternity, and cherishes her young for a season on land, before
she ventures to commit them to the waves.

Owing to the excessive shyness of disposition which characterize the Seals, and the
wary caution with which they retire from the sight of mankind, their domestic habits are
very little known. Indeed, were it not that many specimens of the common Seal had
been captured and tamed, we should have but little information on the manners or the
habits of those curious animals. There are many species of Seals, which have been
separated into various genera by different authors upon different grounds. Some, for
example, found the generic distinction upon the absence or presence of external ears,
others from the incisor teeth, and others from the molars and the general character of
the skull.

SEA LEOPARD.-Leptonyx Weddellll,

The SEA LEOPARD, or LEOPARD SEAL, is distinguishable from the other Seals by
means of its comparatively slender neck, and the wider gape of its mouth, which opens
further backward than is generally the case among these animals. The body is rather
curiously formed, being slender at the neck and largest towards the middle, from whence
it tapers rapidly to the short and inconspicuous tail.

The fore-paws are without any projecting membrane, and are largest at the thumb-
joint, diminishing gradually to the last joint. The claws are sharp and curved, and rather
deeply grooved ; their color is black. The hind-feet are devoid of claws and projecting
membrane, and bear some resemblance to the tail-fin of a fish. The color of this Seal is
generally a pale gray on the upper portions of the body, relieved with a number of pale

THE CRESTED SEAL. 505

grayish-white spots, which have earned for the animal the name of Leopard Seal.
The external ears are wanting.

It may be observed in this place, that the situation of these organs is rather remark-
able. The external orifice is not placed exactly over the passage that leads to the
internal ear, but is situated below and a little behind the eyes, so that there is a tubu-
lar passage below the skin that seems to conduct the waves of sound towards the
hidden organs of hearing. Partly on account of this structure, and partly because the
Seals pass so much of their time below the surface of the water, it has been supposed
that the sense of hearing will be little needed by them, and that it is not at all acute.

Yet, any one who has been accustomed to diving must have discovered that when
the body is entirely submerged in the water, the auditory organs are very sensitive to
sounds which are conveyed through the water, although not to those which are pro-
duced on land and are only transmitted through the upper atmosphere. For example,
although when a man is entirely submerged he is unable to hear the loudest shouts
that can be raised by persons on shore, his ears are almost painfully sensitive to any
sound that is produced in the water and is transmitted through its mediumship. A
stone thrown into the water, or a blow struck upon its surface, is heard with perfect
distinctness, while the measured stroke of oars and their peculiar grinding roll in the
rowlocks become perceptible to his ears long before the sound is audible to those who
are on land.

We must be extremely cautious in offering any conjectures on the supposed efficiency
or dulness of certain organs because we fancy that if we were placed under the same
conditions our own organs would serve or fail us. In many cases these conjectural
assertions, among which we may reckon many of Buffon's brilliant disquisitions, are
found to be in direct contradiction to the real facts, and in all instances it is necessary to
be exceedingly cautious lest we should overlook some circumstance which may entirely
alter the whole aspect of affairs.

Very little is known of the habits of the Sea Leopard, which are probably much the
same as those of the common Seal, as Captain Weddell, who first noticed this species,
speaks of it casually as a well-known animal, merely mentioning that his men caught
so many Leopard Seals, or that they secured so many Seal skins and so many Leopard
Seal skins in the course of their hunt.

It does not appear to be a very large animal, as the average length of the largest
specimens is scarcely ten feet. Around the largest part of the body, the circumference
measures nearly six feet and a half, round the root of the tail about two feet three
inches, and round the neck barely two feet. It was recorded by Captain Weddell to
have been seen off the South Orkneys. Some specimens in the British Museum were
taken off the eastern coast of Polynesia. As far as is yet known, these animals are
only found in the Southern hemisphere.

The CRESTED SEAL is a very curious animal, being chiefly remarkable for the sin-
gular structure to which it is indebted for its title.

The head of the Crested Seal is broad, especially across the cranial region, and the
muzzle is very short in comparison with that of the preceding animal. The teeth are
also remarkable. The wonderful protuberance which decorates the head of this
species with a projecting crest is confined to the adult males, and even in them is not
always so conspicuously elevated as is represented in the figure. In the females and
the young of both sexes it is hardly perceptible.

From the muzzle arises a cartilaginous crest, which rises abruptly over the head to
the height of six or seven inches, and is keel-shaped in the middle. This crest seems
to support the hood-like sac or cowl which covers the head, and is nothing but an ex-
traordinary development of the septum of the nose, the true nostril opening at each
side of it by oblong fissures. The sac is covered with short brown hair, and as it can
be inflated or allowed to collapse at the pleasure of the owner, it presents a very gro-
tesque sight.

The real object of this appendage is not known. Some writers lean to the opinion that
it is intended to aid in some manner the sense of smell. This conjecture, however, seems

THE SEAL.

the man is obliged to cast away all human habits and movements, and while lying
prostrate on the ice to imitate the actions of a Seal.

Taking care to remain motionless whenever he sees the Seal looking in his direction,
he creeps gradually towards his intended prey, in hopes of getting between the ice-hole
and the Seal, in which case the death of the latter is almost inevitable. If, however,
the relative position of man, Seal, and ice-hole be such that this manoeuvre becomes
impossible, the hunter contrives to crawl up to the sleeping Seal, and with a single
blow lays it lifeless upon the ice.

The COMMON SEAL is spread very widely over many portions of the globe, and is of
very frequent occurrence upon our own coasts, where it is found in considerable num-
bers, much to the annoyance of the fishermen, who look upon it with intense hatred,
on account of the havoc which it makes among the fish.

It is rather a handsome animal, with its beautifully mottled skin and large intelligent
eyes, and although not so large as other species which are also found upon the British
coasts, yields to none of them in point of beauty. The color of its fur is generally of
a grayish-yellow, sprinkled with spots of brown, or brownish-black, which are larger and
more conspicuous along the back than upon the sides. The under portions of the body
are of a much lighter hue. The feet are short, and the claws of the hinder feet are
larger than those of the anterior limbs. The total length of the adult Seal is seldom
more than five feet, the head being about eight or nine inches long.

This creature is wonderfully active, both in water and on land, although its bodily
powers are but awkwardly manifested when it is removed from the watery element in
which it loves to roam. It is a persevering hunter of fish, chasing and securing them
in a manner that greatly excites the wrath of the fishermen, who see their best captives
taken away from them without the possibility of resistance. So cunning as well as
active is the Common Seal, that one of these animals will coolly hang about the fishing
grounds throughout the season, make itself familiar with all the turns and angles of
the nets, and avail itself of their help in capturing the fish on which it is desirous to
make a meal.

A crafty old Seal will sometimes continue this predatory mode of existence for a
series of years, until his person becomes familiar to the fishermen, and will carry out
his depredations with such consummate skill that the fishermen can find no opportunity
for stopping his career with a rifle-bullet or a fish-spear. Seals have been known in
this manner to haunt the salmon fisheries as long as the nets were down, and when
the fishing season was over, and the nets had been removed, have been seen to ascend
the rivers for some miles, in order to devour the spawning fish.

There is a curious tradition among the inhabitants of the Irish coast respecting the
Seal, which constantly haunts the same spot through a series of many years.

They think that the animal is supernaturally protected from harm of any kind ; — that
bullets will not strike him, however well the gun be aimed ; that steel will not enter
his body, however keen the blade, or however strong the arm that urges it; and that
the long array of nets are powerless to retain so puissant a being in their manifold
meshes. So after a while a Seal, if he be only bold and wary, may lead a luxurious
life at the fishermen's cost, for no one will venture to attack an animal that bears a
charmed life.

Fortunately for the Seals in general, they are not often visited by the wrath of those
whom they rob, for there is a feeling prevalent among many fishermen that to kill a
Seal is unlucky, and that such a deed would prevent the murderer from obtaining any
more success at sea. This humane idea seems however to extend no further than the
regular fishing grounds, for the chase of the Seal has long taken its place among the
most valuable of commercial speculations, and is of extreme importance.

The general mode of securing these creatures is to land quietly, and to cut off the
return of the terrified animals, which are quickly despatched by smart blows from a
bludgeon across their nose. When driven to desperation, they fight savagely, and a single
Seal is no mean antagonist for a man, provided that he is not a practical Seal-hunter.
The creature has an awkward way of lying on its side, shuffling rapidly along, and

ACTIVITY OF THE SEAL.

S°9

scratching furiously with its fore-paws. And if its antagonist should endeavor to cut
off its retreat, it will boldly fling itself upon him, and endeavor by the violence of its
onset to bear him to the ground.

Should the beach be composed of pebbles or shingles, it is the hunter's best policy
to face the animal, and trust to his cudgel for stunning the Seal as it comes along.
For when the Seal is galloping along the beach after its own rapid but awkward
fashion, it flings the stones behind it with such violence that the pursuer can hardly
escape from receiving severe blows from these strangely-launched missiles. Some
writers suppose that the Seal uses this mode of defence wittingly, but the general
opinion on the subject is, that the peculiar gait of the animal is the cause of this
Parthian assault, without any voluntary intention on the part of the Seal itself.

On the British coasts the chase of the Seal is but of local importance, but on the
shore of Newfoundland it assumes a different aspect, and becomes an important branch
of commercial enterprise, employing many vessels annually. In a successful season
the number of Seals which are taken amount to many hundred thousand. A large
quantity of oil is obtained from the bodies of the Seals, and is used for varjous
purposes, while their skins are of considerable value either when tanned into leather or
when prepared with the fur, and used for making various articles of dress and luxury.

SEAL.— Phoca vituliaa.

On the British coasts Seal-shooting is much followed, and is thought to be a very
exciting pursuit, requiring much steadiness of nerve as well as strength of body and
quickness of eye.

So quick is the animal in ks movements, that with the old flint-lock guns the sports-
man could seldom succeed in killing a Seal ; for at the flash of the powder in the pan
the Seal would instantly dive below the surface, leaving the bullet to speed harmlessly
over its head. With the present weapons the Seal may be readily killed, provided
that the hunter be able to take a rapid and certain aim in spite of the rocking of his
boat or the movements of the Seal. It is no easy matter to hit a Seal, even at the
short range of a hundred yards, for the creature exposes but little of its person above
the surface of the water, and if alarmed, does not remain exposed for more than a few
seconds.

It is very tenacious of life, and requires a heavy missile to kill it upon the spot, the
ordinary " pea rifles " being of little use for such a purpose. Should the Seal not be
killed immediately, the sportsman will never obtain possession of his prey, and even
when a well directed shot has instantaneously deprived the animal of life, it will often

THE SEAL.

the man is obliged to cast away all human habits and movements, and while lying
prostrate on the ice to imitate the actions of a Seal.

Taking care to remain motionless whenever he sees the Seal looking in his direction,
he creeps gradually towards his intended prey, in hopes of getting between the ice-hole
and the Seal, in which case the death of the latter is almost inevitable. If, however,
the relative position of man, Seal, and ice-hole be such that this manoeuvre becomes
impossible, the hunter contrives to crawl up to the sleeping Seal, and with a single
blow lays it lifeless upon the ice.

The COMMON SEAL is spread very widely over many portions of the globe, and is of
very frequent occurrence upon our own coasts, where it is found in considerable num-
bers, much to the annoyance of the fishermen, who look upon it with intense hatred,
on account of the havoc which it makes among the fish.

It is rather a handsome animal, with its beautifully mottled skin and large intelligent
eyes, and although not so large as other species which are also found upon the British
coasts, yields to none of them in point of beauty. The color of its fur is generally of
a grayish-yellow, sprinkled with spots of brown, or brownish-black, which are larger and
more conspicuous along the back than upon the sides. The under portions of the body
are of a much lighter hue. The feet are short, and the claws of the hinder feet are
larger than those of the anterior limbs. The total length of the adult Seal is seldom
more than five feet, the head being about eight or nine inches long.

This creature is wonderfully active, both in water and on land, although its bodily
powers are but awkwardly manifested when it is removed from the watery element in
which it loves to roam. It is a persevering hunter of fish, chasing and securing them
in a manner that greatly excites the wrath of the fishermen, who see their best captives
taken away from them without the possibility of resistance. So cunning as well as
active is the Common Seal, that one of these animals will coolly hang about the fishing
grounds throughout the season, make itself familiar with all the turns and angles of
the nets, and avail itself of their help in capturing the fish on which it is desirous to
make a meal.

A crafty old Seal will sometimes continue this predatory mode of existence for a
series of years, until his person becomes familiar to the fishermen, and will carry out
his depredations with such consummate skill that the fishermen can find no opportunity
for stopping his career with a rifle-bullet or a fish-spear. Seals have been known in
this manner to haunt the salmon fisheries as long as the nets were down, and when
the fishing season was over, and the nets had been removed, have been seen to ascend
the rivers for some miles, in order to devour the spawning fish.

There is a curious tradition among the inhabitants of the Irish coast respecting the
Seal, which constantly haunts the same spot through a series of many years.

They think that the animal is supernaturally protected from harm of any kind ; — that
bullets will not strike him, however well the gun be aimed ; that steel will not enter
his body, however keen the blade, or however strong the arm that urges it; and that
the long array of nets are powerless to retain so puissant a being in their manifold
meshes. So after a while a Seal, if he be only bold and wary, may lead a luxurious
life at the fishermen's cost, for no one will venture to attack an animal that bears a
charmed life.

Fortunately for the Seals in general, they are not often visited by the wrath of those
whom they rob, for there is a feeling prevalent among many fishermen that to kill a
Seal is unlucky, and that such a deed would prevent the murderer from obtaining any
more success at sea. This humane idea seems however to extend no further than the
regular fishing grounds, for the chase of the Seal has long taken its place among the
most valuable of commercial speculations, and is of extreme importance.

The general mode of securing these creatures is to land quietly, and to cut off the
return of the terrified animals, which are quickly despatched by smart blows from a
bludgeon across their nose. When driven to desperation, they fight savagely, and a single
Seal is no mean antagonist for a man, provided that he is not a practical Seal-hunter.
The creature has an awkward way of lying on its side, shuffling rapidly along, and

ACTIVITY OF THE SEAL. 509

scratching furiously with its fore-paws. And if its antagonist should endeavor to cut
off its retreat, it will boldly fling itself upon him, and endeavor by the violence of its
onset to bear him to the ground.

Should the beach be composed of pebbles or shingles, it is the hunter's best policy
to face the animal, and trust to his cudgel for stunning the Seal as it comes along.
For when the Seal is galloping along the beach after its own rapid but awkward
fashion, it flings the stones behind it with such violence that the pursuer can hardly
escape from receiving severe blows from these strangely-launched missiles. Some
writers suppose that the Seal uses this mode of defence wittingly, but the general
opinion on the subject is, that the peculiar gait of the animal is the cause of this
Parthian assault, without any voluntary intention on the part of the Seal itself.

On the British coasts the chase of the Seal is but of local importance, but on the
shore of Newfoundland it assumes a different aspect, and becomes an important branch
of commercial enterprise, employing many vessels annually. In a successful season
the number of Seals which are taken amount to many hundred thousand. A large
quantity of oil is obtained from the bodies of the Seals, and is used for varjous
purposes, while their skins are of considerable value either when tanned into leather or
when prepared with the fur, and used for making various articles of dress and luxury.

SEAL.— Phoca vttullna.

On the British coasts Seal-shooting is much followed, and is thought to be a very
exciting pursuit, requiring much steadiness of nerve as well as strength of body and
quickness of eye.

So quick is the animal in its movements, that with the old flint-lock guns the sports-
man could seldom succeed in killing a Seal ; for at the flash of the powder in the pan
the Seal would instantly dive below the surface, leaving the bullet to speed harmlessly
over its head. With the present weapons the Seal may be readily killed, provided
that the hunter be able to take a rapid and certain aim in spite of the rocking of his
boat or the movements of the Seal. It is no easy matter to hit a Seal, even at the
short range of a hundred yards, for the creature exposes but little of its person above
the surface of the water, and if alarmed, does not remain exposed for more than a few
seconds.

It is very tenacious of life, and requires a heavy missile to kill it upon the spot, the
ordinary " pea rifles " being of little use for such a purpose. Should the Seal not be
killed immediately, the sportsman will never obtain possession of his prey, and even
when a well directed shot has instantaneously deprived the animal of life, it will often

5 io AFFECTIONATE NATURE OF THE SEAL.

sink out of reach unless struck by a barbed fish-spear, which should always be kept
in readines for that purpose.

Much sea-craft is required for the chase of the Seal, as well as considerable knowledge
of the animal and its habits. It is a remarkable fact that if the Seal be disturbed while
the tide is ebbing, it will always make its way seawards ; but that if it be alarmed while
the tide is flowing, it will direct its course towards the land.

The Seal is also a good natural barometer, and by its movements indicates to a
practised eye the forthcoming changes in the weather. Whenever an old Seal is seen
rolling and tumbling along a bank, a storm of wind and rain is sure to ensue before
many hours have passed.

This species of Seal in common with several others, is mightily fond of musical sounds,
and has often been known to follow a boat while some one was playing on a musical
instrument. Some persons say that the Seal-shooters ought always to be accompanied
by a piper in order to induce the Seals to approach, and assert that the animals pre-
fer the sound of the bagipes to that of any other instrument, an assertion which, if true,
only shows that the Seal must be in the very earliest stage of musical feeling.

The Common Seal is very easily tamed, and speedily becomes one of the most docile
of animals, attaching itself with strong affection to its human friends, and developing
a beautiful gentle and loving nature, hardly to be expected in such an animal. Many
of these creatures have been taken when young, and have been strongly domesticated
with their captors, considering themselves to belong of right to the household, and tak-
ing their share of the fireside with the other members of the family. An interest-
ing account of a tame Seal was lately sent to the Field newspaper, and runs as
follows : —

" If taken young and treated kindly, the Seal will rival the dog in sagacity and
affection for its master.

When a boy, I was presented by some fishermen with one apparently not more than
a fortnight old, which in a few weeks became perfectly tame and domesticated, would
follow me about, eat from my hand, and showed unmistakable signs of recognition
and attachment whenever I approached. It was fond of heat, and would lie for hours
at the kitchen fire, raising its head to look at every new-comer, but never attempting
to bite, and would nestle close to the dogs, who soon became quite reconciled to their
new friend.

Unfortunately the winter after I obtained it was unusually rough and stormy. Upon
that wild coast boats could seldom put to sea, and the supply of fish became scanty
and precarious. We were obliged to substitute milk in its place, of which the Seal
consumed large quantities, and as the scarcity of other food still continued, it was de-
termined, in a family council, that it should be consigned to its own element, to shift
for itself.

Accompanied by a clergyman who took a great interest in my pet, I rowed out for
a couple of miles, to sea, and dropped it quietly overboard. Very much to our astonish-
ment, however, we found that it was not so easy to shake it off. Fast as we pulled
away it swam still faster after the boat, crying all the time so loudly that it might easily
have been heard a mile away, and so pitifully that we were obliged to take it in again
and bring it home, where, after this new proof of attachment, it lived in clover for several
months, and I believe might still be in existence, but for the untimely fate which most
pets are doomed sooner or later to experience and to which this one was no exception."

A somewhat similar story is told in Maxwell's " Wild Sports of the West," where
may be found a very interesting and touching narrative of a tamed Seal, which lived
for several years with a family, and which, although it was repeatedly taken out to sea
in a boat and thrown, overboard, always found its way back again to the house which
it loved, even contriving to creep through an open window and to gain access to the
warm fireside. The end of this poor creature was a sadly tragic one, and need not
be narrated here.

In the same work is a very spirited account of another Seal adventure, in which
the ludicrous element prevails, although it might have furnished material for
tragedy.

DOCILITY OF THE SEAL.

A number of men had gone in a boat to the Sound of Achil, and having seen a Seal
and her young one reposing on the sand, had borrowed an old musket, and set off to
attack them. They succeeded in securing the cub before it could reach the sea, and
tossed it into their boat. The mother Seal, however, inspired by maternal love, swam
after the boat which contained her offspring, and could not be deterred from following the
captors in the hope of rescuing her child. The men attempted several times to shoot
the poor creature, but their ricketty weapon would not explode until it had been several
times futilely snapped. At last, however, it performed its duty, and lodged the ball
in the Seal's head.

The body was immediately lifted into the boat, when to the horror of the captors, the
animal, which was only stunned, recovered its senses, and began a most furious attack
upon its enemies, floundering about the boat with such energy that she nearly overset it,
and snapping fiercely at the legs of her antagonists. The contest soon- assumed a seri-
ous aspect, for the teeth of the angry animal were urged with such fury that they cut
deeply into the oars with which her attacks were warded off, and if assistance had not

SKELETON AND TEETH OP COMMON SEAL.

speedily arrived, the result might have been of a very tragic nature. A gentleman, how-
ever, that happened to be sailing near the scene of combat, was attracted by the curious
spectacle of a boat's crew engaged in such strange evolutions, and directing his course
towards them, ended the combat by a rifle bullet.

Of late days, performing Seals have come into vogue under various titles, among
which the " Talking Fish " is well known. These clever animals have been taught to
perform sundry ingenious feats, requiring not only an intelligent mind to comprehend,
but an activity of body to execute, apparently incompatible with the conformation of
the animal.

They will bark at the word of command, their phocine tongue being very freely
translated into the language of any country in which they may happen to be ; they
will rotate in their water tub with singular velocity ; they will offer to kiss any one
who is not afraid of their large wet hairy mouth, and in fine will go through many
similar performances with great skill and seeming enjoyment of the attention paid to
them by their visitors. For they are wonderfully fond of admiration, these Seals, and
although very shy to those with whom they are unacquainted, and before they have
become accustomed to the sight of strangers, are highly appreciative of the kind words
and caresses which fall to their lot while they are going through their tricks.

Even the Seals at the Zoological Gardens, who are not put through any particular
training, are not without their little coquetries with regard to the ever-changing circle
of visitors who stand around the railings which inclose their habitations, while their

Si2 THE HARP SEAL, OR ATAK. I

demonstrations of affection towards the keeper who attends to their wants are quite
lively. They recognize him at a considerable distance, and shooting rapidly through
the water, fling themselves upon the bank, scuttle to the iron fence and rear themselves
against the rails in impatient greetings, long before he reaches the limits of their home.
Perhaps these ebullitions of regard are not totally personal to the keeper, but are partly
caused by certain pieces of fish which he carries with him. As soon as they receive
the expected gift, they seize it between their teeth, and unless they happen to be hungry,
become very playful, and execute all manner of aquatic gambols before they eat it,
much after the manner of a cat with a mouse.

The specific name of Vitulina, or calf-like, has been given to the Common Seal, not
because it presents a calf-like aspect, but because its voice is thought to bear some
resemblance to the plaintive cry of a calf when separated from its mother.

The HARP SEAL derives its name from the very conspicuous manner in which its fur
is colored.

The general hue of the Harp Seal's coat is a whitish-gray, and upon that delicate
tint are drawn two broad, semicircular bands of a deep black, their points nearly touch-
ing each other, and extending from the shoulders nearly to the root of the tail. These
dark markings are thought to bear some resemblance to an ancient harp, and have given
rise to the popular name by which this species is designated. The muzzle and fore
part of the head is also black. This peculiar coloring, which seems to distinguish
this animal from any other species of Seal, is however never seen except in the adult
animal, and is not considered to be perfect until the creature has attained its fifth year.
Very many animals are variously marked according to their ages, sex, and time of year,
but there are few which undergo more decided changes than the Harp Seal ; changes
so unexpected that they have caused the animal to be described under several different
titles according to the particular coat which it happened at that time to wear.

In the first few months of its existence, the fur of the Harp Seal is white in color
and woolly in texture. At the expiration of a year the white changes to a grayish-cream.
In the second year, the fur is entirely gray. In the third year, the gray is diversified
with stripes of darker hues, and varying in number, dimensions and position. The
fourth year changes the stripes into spots, and in the fifth year, the semi-lunar black
stripes make their appearance.

The Greenlanders designate the Harp Seal by different titles according to its years ;
giving it the name of Atak, or Attarak, in its first year, Atteisiak in the second, Agletok
in the third, Milektok, in the fourth, and Attarsoak, in the fifth.

The Harp Seal is found in great numbers upon the coasts of Greenland, Iceland, and
other localities, and is rather peculiar in its mode of life. It does not much affect the
shore after the fashion of many Seals, but prefers to take up its residence upon floating
ice-islands, disregarding even the more solid fields of ice that are so much frequented
by other animals belonging to the same family. It is found in considerable numbers,
congregating together in herds under the leadership of a single chief, and constantly
subject to his authority.

There is always a sentinel planted by every herd, whose duty lies in looking out for
danger, and giving timely warning to the remainder of the herd. The Harp Seal seems
withal to be rather a reckless being, in spite of this precaution, for it is easily approached
by a cautious hunter, and can be destroyed with little difficulty. Sometimes it prefers to
take its repose without trusting itself upon ice or land, and sleeps while floating on the
surface of the sea. In this situation its slumbers are so profound that it has often been
surprised and slain before it has awoke from its treacherous somnolence. The Harp
Seal is moderate in size, being generally about seven or eight feet in length and proportion-
ably stout. Some very large specimens, however, are said to reach the length of nine
feet.

It is an extremely valuable animal both to Europe in general, and to the uncivilized
inhabitants of Greenland. In this country we value the Harp Seal principally on account
of the excellent oil which it furnishes, and which is allowed to be of a purer and better
character than that which is obtained from other oil-producing animals. The creature is

THE WALRUS, OR MORSE. 513

remarkably well furnished with the fatty substance from which the oil is obtained, and is
therefore eagerly pursued, irrespective of the value which is set upon the fur.

The food of this animal is almost wholly of an animal nature, and consists chiefly of
salmon and other fish, together with various molluscs and crustaceans. It however stands
in great dread of other species of Seal, such as the Sea Lion and Sea Bear, and according
to many accounts holds the spermaceti whale in awe, being chased by that formidable
creature into the shallow waters of the shore. Twice in the year the Harp Seal indulges
in a migration similar to that which has already been described when treating of the Sea
Leopard. The young of this species are sometimes two in number, although the mater-
nal Seal is often forced to content herself with a single child.

Like the Common Seal, the Atak is possessed of much intelligence, and is very ca-
pable of domestication.

Two of these animals which were placed in the zoological collection at the Jardin des
Plantes, were at their first arrival extremely shy, and would avoid the person of man with
every mark of terror. Yet in a very short time they became quite tame, and would
voluntarily seek the caresses of those who had behaved kindly towards them. They also
struck up a great friendship with two little dogs, and would permit their little playfellows

HARP SEAL, OR ATAK.— Phoca Grasnlaadica.

to take all kinds of liberties with them, permitting the dogs to sit on their backs and
bark, and not even resenting an occasional bite. They would even permit the dogs to take
their food from their mouths, but if their relation attempted to act in like manner, a sharp
combat immediately took place, the weaker being forced ultimately to succumb to
superior might.

In cold weather, dogs and Seals were, accustomed to huddle closely together for the
sake of warmth, and when the dogs made their way out of the entrance, the Seals did
their best to follow their little playfellows, caring nothing for the rough ground over
which they were forced to pass.

This Seal has been several times seen upon the coasts of England, although generally
in its immature state. Two young Harp Seals were taken in the mouth of the Severn,
and others seem to have made their appearance off the Orkney Isles.

AMONG all the strange forms which are found among the members of the phocine
family, there is none which presents a more terribly grotesque appearance than that of
the WALRUS, MORSE, or SEA HORSE, as this extraordinary animal is indifferently termed.

The most conspicuous part of this animal is the head, with its protuberant muzzle bris-
tling with long, wiry hairs, and the enormous canine teeth that project from the upper jaw.

33

5'4

THE WALRUS, OR MORSE

These huge teeth measure, in large specimens, from fourteen inches to two feet in length,
the girth at the base being nearly seven inches, and their weight upwards of ten pounds
each. In ordinary specimens, however, the length is about one foot. In some examples
they approach each other towards their points, and in others they diverge considerably,
forming in the opinion of some writers two distinct species. As, however, the relative
position of these teeth varies slightly in every specimen that has yet been examined, the
structure seems to be of hardly sufficient importance for the establishment of a separate
species. The ivory which is furnished by these extraordinary weapons is of very fine
quality, and commands a high price in the market.

WALRUS, OR MORSE.— Trlchecus Rosmarus.

By means of the great development of these teeth, which are necessarily buried deeply
in the upper jaw, the muzzle is much enlarged in order to afford room for their sockets,
and assumes the remarkable prominence that gives to the animal so ferocious an aspect.
As there would be insufficient space for the nostrils if placed in their usual position,
they are removed to a much higher locality than that which they occupy in other Seals,
and open nearly vertically above the muzzle.

The other teeth of the Walrus are very small in comparison with the two canines of
the upper jaw, and in number are exceedingly variable, according to the age of the animal.
During the earlier years of its life, it is furnished with six incisors in each jaw, two
canines, ten molars in the upper jaw and eight in the lower. But when the animal ap-
proaches maturity, the incisors all fall out, and even in a prepared skull, they come
away together with the soft substances. The tooth which is sometimes considered to be
the first molar of the lower jaw, is in reality the lower canine.

THE WALRUS, OR MORSE.

In order to accommodate itself to the position of the huge tusks, the lower jaw nar-
rows rapidly towards its point, so as to pass easily between the canines. The food of
the Walrus consists of small Seals, fish, shrimps, and various other animal substances,
with such vegetable diet as the sea can afford. It has been suggested that one object
diversified of the large tusks may be to drag the algae from their hold upon the rocks.

A Walrus is a valuable animal, for even in this country its skin, teeth, and oil are in
much request, while among the Esquimaux its body furnishes them with almost every
article in common use. Among civilized men, the skin of the Walrus is employed for
harness and other similar purposes where a thick and tough hide is required. The
tooth furnishes very good ivory, of a beautiful texture, and possessing the advantage
of retaining the white hue longer than ivory which is made from the elephant tusk.
The oil is delicate, but there is very little to be obtained from each Walrus, the layer
of fatty matter being scarcely more than a hand's-breadth in thickness. Among the
Exquimaux the Walrus is put to a variety of uses. Fish-hooks are made from its tusks,
its intestines are twisted into nets, its oil and flesh is eaten, and its bones and skin are
also turned to account by these rude but ingenious workmen.

In former days, the chase of the Walrus was an easy matter, for the powerful brutes
seemed to be so satisfied of their strength
that they would permit their assailants to
approach them closely, and to inflict fatal
wounds without any opposition. Now,
however, they have learned caution by
many a bitter experience, and are ex-
tremely wary animals. They are tena-
cious of life, and dangerous antagonists,
for although they seldom, if ever, com-
mence an attack, they are most furious
when opposed or wounded, and fight with
marvellous energy. In the conflict the
enormous tusks prove themselves to be
truly formidable weapons, and have been
known to pierce through the plankings of
a boat. Even the polar bear stands in awe
of these weapons, and has often been
beaten off by an old Walrus on whom it
had hoped to make a meal.

The Walrus is found in vast herds,
which frequent the coasts of the arctic
and antarctic regions, and which congre-
gate in such numbers that their united
roarings have often given timely warning
to fog-bewildered sailors, and acquainted
them with the near proximity of shore. These herds present a curious sight, as the
huge clumsy animals are ever in movement, rolling and tumbling'over each other in a
strange fashion, and constantly uttering their hoarse bellowings.

As soon as a Walrus gets out of the water, it lies down on the shore and would not
of its own free will stir from the spot on which it had first laid itself to repose. But
another Walrus soon emerges from the sea, and as it cannot very well climb over its
comrade, begins to butt him until he moves farther on, a«nd makes room for the new
comer. Others land in rapid succession, and the whole strand is soon full of life, for
these unreflective creatures never think of taking a short walk inland, so as to secure a
quiet berth at ease, but must needs lie down where they land, although they are sure
to be disturbed by their comrades as they rise out of the sea. As many as seven thou-
sand have been seen in a single herd, so that to attack one of these assemblies is no
slight matter, for as soon as they take alarm, they all come scuttling towards the sea,
tumbling over each other in their haste, and presenting a formidable front simply by
the weight of their huge bodies.

SKULL OF WALRUS.

THE SEA ELEPHANT.

In order to prevent the whole herd from making a simultaneous charge at their
invaders, the hunters endeavor to disperse them by means of dogs trained to the
business, and so to secure the animals as they fly affrighted in various directions. One
such chase is technically termed a " cut," and if rightly conducted is so successful that
at a single " cut " no less than fifteen hundred of these huge Seals have been taken.
These chases take place at night.

The movements of the Walrus when on land are of a very clumsy character, as
might be supposed from the huge, unwieldy body of the animal, and the evident insuffi-
ciency of the limbs to urge the weighty body forward with any speed. When this
creature is hurried or alarmed, it contrives to get over the ground at a pace that,
although not very rapid, is yet wonderfully so when the size of the animal is taken into
account. The movement is a mixture of jerks and leaps, and the Walrus is further
aided in its progress by the tusks. Should it be attacked, and its retreat cut off, the
Walrus advances fiercely upon its enemy, striking from side to side with its long^tusks,
and endeavoring to force a passage into the sea. If it should be successful in its
attempt, it hurries to the water's edge, lowers its head, and rolls unceremoniously into
the sea, where it is in comparative safety.

The Walrus is possessed of the same docile and affectionate disposition as the other
Seals, and has been more than once effectually tamed. One of these animals which
was captured while young at Nova Zembla, and brought to England, was remarkably
gentle in its demeanor, and learned many accomplishments from its owner. It had
been so well instructed, that if taken in a boat, it would leap overboard at the word of
command, chase and catch fish, and return to the boat bearing the fish in its mouth.

The number of young which the Walrus produces at a litter is seldom if ever more
than one, and when newly born, the little animal is about the size of a yearling pig.
Winter is the usual time of year for the appearance of the young, and the mother always
repairs to the shore or to the ice-fields for the purpose of nourishing her family. The
maternal Walrus is very attentive to her charge, and while in the water is very solicitous
about its welfare, carrying it about under her fore-limbs, and defending it from any
danger that may arise, regardless of her own safety in watching over that of her off-
spring. When a mother Walrus is surprised upon the shore, she places her young one
upon her back, and hurries away to the sea, bearing her precious burden.

This animal attains to a very greater size, so great, indeed, that its dimensions can
hardly be appreciated except by ocular demonstration. A full-grown male Walrus
is generally from twelve to fifteen feet in length, while there are many specimens
that have been known to attain a still greater size. The skin is black and smooth, and
is sparingly covered with brown hairs, which become more numerous on the feet.
The eye is very small in proportion to the size of the animal, and after death sinks so
completely into its socket that it cannot be seen except by an experienced observer.
By pressure upon each side of the orbit, the eye suddenly starts forward, and becomes
visible.

The Walrus has once or twice been seen off the British coasts, but is so very rare a
visitant that any such occurrences can only be considered as exceptioual to the general
rule. The term Walrus literally signifies " whale horse," and the specific name, Ros-
marus, is a Latinized form of the Norwegian word Rosmar, or "sea horse." The word
Morse is slightly altered from the Russian Morss, or the Lapponic Morsk.

ANOTHER powerful and grotesque Seal now engages our attention. This is the
ELEPHANT SEAL, or SEA ELEPHANT, so called not only on account of the strange
prolongation of the nose, which bears some analogy to the proboscis of the elephant,
but also on account of its elephantine size. Large specimens of this monstrous Seal
measure as much as thirty feet in length, and fifteen or eighteen feet in circumference
at the largest part of their bodies.

The color of the Sea Elephant is rather variable even in individuals of the same sex
and age, but is generally as follows. The fur of the male is usually of a bluish-gray,
which sometimes deepens into dark brown, while that of the female is darker, and
variegated with sundry dapplings of a yellow hue. This animal is an inhabitant of the

THE SEA ELEPHANT.

5J7

southern hemisphere, and is spread through a considerable range of country. It is
extensively hunted for the sake of its skin and its oil, both of which are of very excellent
quality, and, from the enormous size of the animal, can be procured in large quantities.
It is not exclusively confined to the sea, but is also fond of haunting fresh-water lakes, or
swampy ground, as is depicted in the engraving.

It is an emigrating animal, moving southwards as the summer comes on, and
northwards when the cold weather of the winter months would make its more southern
retreats unendurable. Their first emigration is generally made in the middle of June,
when the females become mothers, and remain in charge of their nurseries for nearly two
months. During this time the males are said to form a cordon between their mates and
the sea, in order to prevent them from deserting their young charges. At the expira-
tion of this time, the males relax their supervision, and the whole family luxuriates together
in the sea, where the mothers soon regain their lost condition. They then seek the shore
afresh,and occupy themselves in settling their matrimonial alliances,which are understood
on the principle that the strongest shall make his choice among the opposite sex, and that
the weakest may take those that are rejected by his conquerors, or none at all, as the
case may be.

SEA ELEPHANT.-jWori//J#a proboscldsa.

During the season of courtship the males fight desperately with each other, inflicting
fearful wounds with their tusk-like teeth, while the females remain aloof, as quiet
spectators of the combat. They are polygamous animals, each male being lord over
a considerable number of females, whom he rules with despotic sway. When the
victorious combatants have chosen their mates they are very careful about their safety,
and refuse to quit them if they should be in any danger. Knowing this fact, the Seal-
hunters always direct their attacks upon the females, being sure to capture the male
afterwards. If they were to kill the male at first, his harem would immediately disperse
and fly in terror, but as long as he lives they will continue to crowd around him.

Although these animals are of so great dimensions and bodily strength, and are
furnished with a very formidable set of teeth, they are not nearly such dangerous
antagonists as the walrus, and are most apathetic in their habits. When roused" from

THE SEA LION;

sleep they open their mouths in a threatening manner, but do not seem to think of using
their teeth, and if they find that their disturbers do not run away, they take that office
upon themselves, and move off deliberately for the water. As they proceed their huge
bodies tremble like masses of jelly, in consequence of the fat with which they are so
heavily laden. So plentiful is this fat, that a single adult male will furnish about seventy
gallons of clear and scentless oil.

The extraordinary development of the nose, which gives so weird-like a character to the
aspect of the Elephant Seal, is only found in the adult males, and even in them is not
very perceptible unless the animal is alarmed or excited. While the creature is undis-
turbed, the nose only looks peculiarly large and heavy, as may be seen in the figures that
occupy the background of the illustration on page 517. As soon, however, as the animal
becomes excited, it protrudes this proboscis-like nose, blows through it with great violence
and assumes a very formidable appearance. The female is entirely destitute of this
structure, and except for its enormous dimensions, might be mistaken for an ordinary
Seal. In the male it does not make its appearance until the third year.

SEA LION.— Otarla Jubata.

The Elephant Seal is easily tamed when taken young and displays great affection
towards a kind master. One of these animals was tamed by an English seaman, and would
permit its master to mount upon its back, or to put his hand into its mouth without doing
him any injury.

The teeth of this animal are very curious in their formation, especially the molar teeth,
which are small, and pointed with a kind of mushroom-like apex. The canines are very
large. The whisker hairs are very coarse and long, and are furnished with a raised margin,
which gives them the appearance of being twisted like a screw. The food of the Elephant
Seal is supposed to consist chiefly of cuttle-fish and sea-weed, as the remains of both these
substances are generally found in the stomachs of those that are killed.

HARDLY less ferocious in aspect than the preceding animal is the SEA LION, of
Kamtschatka and the Kurile islands.

It is of a very large size, although not of such gigantic proportions as the sea elephant
measuring about fifteen feet in length, and weighing about sixteen hundred pounds. The

THE SEA BEAR, OR URSINE SEAL. 519

color of the male Sea Lion is a reddish-brown, which becomes paler after the animal
is advanced in years. Upon the neck and shoulders is a heavy mass of stiff, curly,
crisp hair, which bears some resemblance to the mane of the lion, and has earned for
the creature the name of Sea Lion. The female is destitute of this mane, and her fur
is sometimes chestnut and sometimes ochry-brown.

It is not exclusively confined to the localities above mentioned, but is sometimes seen
off the coast of Northern America, in the month of July. During the autumn the
Sea Lions are found in very great numbers upon the shores of Behring's Island,
where they assemble for the purpose of rearing their young through the first few
weeks of their life. They are polygamous, but restrict themselves to three or four
females.

They are naturally quiet and peaceable animals, permitting the approach of man-
kind with great indifference, and suffering themselves to be roughly treated before they
will condescend to move from the spot on which they may happen to be lying. The
hunters make easy prey of these slothful animals, which are not so active as the ele-
phant Seal, nor so fierce as the walrus. The females seem to be more apathetic respect-
ing their cubs than is generally the case among Seals, and will frequently relinquish
their offspring in their haste to escape from their human foes. The natives are in the
habit of killing the Sea Lions by poisoned arrows, or by harpoons. As the wounded
animal would be sufficiently strong to escape in spite of the harpoons, the native hunters
attach the harpoon-line to a post firmly planted in the ground, and are thus enabled to
delay the Sea Lion until they can inflict a fatal wound.

They are marvellously blatant animals, keeping up a continual chorus of vociferations
as long as they are on land. The old males are the most noisy of thfe party, snorting
discordantly, and roaring like magnified lions. The females answer by loud bleatings,
and the young of both sexes add their voices in a less degree. The united cries of a
large herd of Sea Lions are so deafening, that human senses are almost stunned by the
clangorous uproar.

This species is said to feed upon fish and smaller Seals, being extremely dreaded by
the latter animals, and ruling supreme in its own domains. The teeth of the Sea Lion
are very singular in their shape and arrangement, the molars being furnished with sharp
trenchant points, some of the incisors double-headed, and others long and pointed like
canine teeth.

As the mane-clad neck and shoulders of the preceding animal have earned for it
the title of Sea Lion, so the generally ursine aspect of the present species has gained
the name of SEA BEAR.

It is not a very large animal, being hardly eight feet in length. As its limbs are larger
and better developed than in the generality of the Seals, it can stand and walk in more
active manner than any of the preceding members of the phocine family. The color of
its fur is very pleasing, the long hairs being of a grayish-brown, while the thick soft wool
that lies next to the skin is reddish-brown. The fur is extremely soft and warm, and of
high value as an article of commerce. When it is dressed by the furriers, the entire
coating of long hairs is removed, the wool only being left adherent to the skin. Upon the
neck and shoulders of the male animal there is a kind of mane, composed of rather stiff
hairs about two inches in length, and of a grizzled aspect, the hairs themselves being
jetty black, and their tips white. The whole of the fur is thick and long, and does
not lie closely to the body.

It is not so easily caught as the sea lion, for it is not only very active in the water, but
can proceed upon land with such rapidity that a man who wishes to overtake an
affrighted Sea Bear will be forced to exert his utmost speed before he can attain his
object.

The Sea Bears are found in great numbers about Kamtschatka and the Kuril islands,
and at the beginning of summer are so numerous as to blacken the banks on which they
repose. Being polygamous, the males are extremely jealous, and will not suffer any
strangers to approach the limits of his own family. The entire sea-beach is therefore map-
ped out, so to speak, in little domains, each belonging to a separate family, and guarded
with the most jealous care. As the number of females over which a single male bears sway

THE SEA BEAR, OR URSINE SEAL.

is about forty to fifty on an average, it will be seen that the family must be very extensive
when the young are added to their number. From one hundred to a hundred and
twenty is not at all an uncommon number for a single family of Sea Bears.

No family will allow the members of another household to crouch upon their territo-
ries, and it is very seldom that such an attempt is made. Sometimes, however, trespass-
ers are detected, and then there is a general fight upon the beach, in which the animals
of both sexes and all ages fight with great fury. They will not even permit a human being
to encroach upon their domains, but advance upon him with such threatening cries and
such menacing display of gleaming teeth that he is forced to make his escape as he best
can. One traveller was so hard beset by these animals that he was fain to climb a rock
which they could not surmount, and was watched by them for nearly six hours before
he could make good his escape.

SEA BEAR, OR URSINE SE\L.—ArctocephaIus ursious.

Sometimes an old Sea Bear is seen lying alone in solitary state, not permitting any
living being to approach him, and continually uttering low, savage growls.

The males are very tyrannous in their behavior to their wives, and treat the poor
submissive creatures very cruelly. If a mother should happen to drop her cub as she is
carrying it off, the male immediately turns upon her and bites her as a punishment for her
offence. These animals seem to be very intelligent, and have a great variety of into-
nations, by which they can express their meaning so clearly that their language can even
be understood by human ears. Their general voice is something like the lowing of a
cow, but when they are wounded, they utter long plaintive cries like that of a suffering
dog.

The food of this species consists of sea-otters, small Seals, and other animals, which
hold it in great terror. The Sea Bear, however, stands in considerable awe of the sea
lion, and does not exercise the same indisputable sway as that animal. The name
Arctocephalus is of Greek origin, and signifies " bear-headed."

WHALES.

•ft

GREENLAND WHALE.— Balaeaa mystlcetus.

WHALES.

THE CETACEA, or WHALES, are more thoroughly aquatic than any other animals which
have already been described, and are consequently framed in such a very fish-like man-
ner that they have generally been considered as fishes by those who were but little ac-
quainted with the animal kingdom. The entire livelihood of the Whale is obtained in
the waters, and their entire structure is only fitted for traversing the waves, so that if
they should happen to be cast upon the shore they have no means of regaining their
native element and are sure to perish miserably from hunger.

With the seals, the young are produced upon the land, and there nurtured until they
have attained sufficient strength to enable them to cope successfully with the sea waves
and are, moreover, attended in their marine excursions by their mothers, who exercise
a watchful guard over their offspring. But the young Whale knows no such terrestrial
nurture, but is at once received into the bosom of the ocean, being capable from its very
birth of accompanying its parent in her paths through the waves.

Although the Whales bear so close a resemblance to the fish, and are able to pass a
considerable time below the water, they possess no gills through which they may respire
and renew their blood through the agency of water, but breathe atmospheric air in the
same manner as the other mammalia. If a Whale were to be detained below the surface
of the water for too long a period it would be inevitably drowned, a fact which was once
curiously exemplified by the death of a Whale which had entangled itself in a rope
fastened to a dead and sunken Whale, and which was found drowned when the rope was
drawn to the surface. No injury had been inflicted upon the animal, but it had not been

522

RESPIRATION OF THE WHALE.

able to disengage itself from the detaining cord in time to breathe, and was consequently
suffocated.

When the Whales breathe, they are forced to rise to the surface of the sea, and there
make a number of huge respirations, which are technically called " spoutings," because
a column of mixed vapor and water is ejected from the nostrils, or " blow-holes," and
spouts upwards to a great height, sometimes as much as twenty feet. In order to enable
the animal to respire without exposing itself unnecessarily, the " blow-holes" are placed
on the upper part of the head, so that when a Whale is reposing itself on the surface of
the sea, there is very little of its huge carcass visible, except the upper portion of the
head and a part of the back. The " spoutings " are made with exceeding violence, and
can be heard to some distance.

The mode of respiration is, however, rather different from that of the generality of
mammalia, being modified in order to meet the peculiar circumstances in which the
animal is placed.

In nearly all the mammalia the movements of respiration take place in rather
rapid succession, and are continuous in their action, and if they are checked for
only a few minutes, the result is inevitably fatal. It is evident, however, that as
the Whales are forced to seek their food in the depths of the ocean, and to remain
for a considerable space of time below the surface, their respiration must be con-
ducted on a different system. The mode which is adopted is truly one of the most
marvellous contrivances that can be imagined, and which is so beautifully simple as well
as profound that it raises our highest adoration of the unspeakable wisdom which
planned it.

It is clear that the creature would not be able to take a supply of air into the depths
of the ocean, and that another means must be found for oxygenizing the blood.

As, therefore, the animal is unable to breathe below the surface of the water, the
difficulty is surmounted by furnishing it with a large reservoir of arterial blood, which
is oxygenized during the short time that is occupied in the " spoutings," and which sup-
plies the circulation until the Whale returns again to the upper regions for a fresh sup-
ply. The reserved blood is contained in a large mass of vessels which line the interior
of the chest and the adjoining regions, and are capable of containing a sufficient amount
of fresh blood to sustain life for a wonderfully long period.

As the Whales are in the habit of descending to very great depths — depths so
profound, that if a piece of dry wood be equally deeply sunk it will be saturated
with water, and will not float — their ears and nostrils must be guarded against the
dangers that would arise from the penetration of the water into their cavities. There is
consequently a beautifully simple and ingenious valvular structure, which perfectly
answers this purpose, and firmly closes the external orifices in proportion to the depth to
which the animal dives. The ear is remarkably small, and in some specimens is almost
undiscernible. Some anatomists are of opinion that the Whales can hear by means
of the communication of the ear with the mouth. As the spermaceti Whale is
capable of communicating with its companions at a distance of several miles, it is
evident that the sense of hearing must be better developed than would be the case
if the creature were totally dependent for hearing on the external orifice : which must
always be closed while under water, and which in many species is covered with the
external integument.

The limbs of the Whales are so modified in their form that they can hardly be
recognized by their external appearance alone as the limbs of a veritable mammal. In
shape they closely resemble the fins of fish, and it is not until they are stripped of the
thick skin which envelops them that the true limb is developed. The reader may see
the bony structure of the Whale's fin by referring to the skeleton of the rorqual on page 529.
The chief use of these organs seems to be that they assist the animal in preserving its
position in the water, for the huge carcass rolls over on its back as soon as it is deprived
of the balancing power of the fins. They are also employed for the purpose of grasp-
ing the young whenever the mother Whale is anxious for the safety of her offspring, but
they are of little use in urging the animal through the water, that duty being almost
entirely performed by the tail.

THE GREENLAND WHALE.

523

This member is very curious in its structure, for, as may be seen by reference to the
rorqual skeleton, the Whales have no hinder limbs that may be modified into fins, as
is the case with the seals, and are forced to depend solely on the soft structures for
its powers of locomotion. The traces of hinder limbs are to be found in some little
bones that lie loosely in the flesh, but they are of no real use, and are only representa-
tives of the true limbs.

The tail of these animals is an enormously powerful organ, set transversely upon the
body, and driving the creature forward by its powerful vertical sweeps. With such
wonderful strength is the tail endowed, that the largest Whales, measuring some eighty
feet in length, are able by its aid to leap clear out of the water, as if they were little
fish leaping after flies. This movement is technically termed " breaching," and the
sound which is produced by the huge carcase as it falls upon the water is so powerful
as to be heard for a distance of several miles. The length of the tail is, in the larger
Whales, about five or six feet, but it is often more than twenty feet in breadth. The
substance of the tail is remarkably strong, being composed of three layers of tendinous
fibres. When taken from the animal it is largely used in the manufacture of glue.

The skin of the Whales is devoid of hair, and is of a rather peculiar structure, as is
needful to enable it to resist the enormous pressure to which it is constantly subjected
at the vast depths to which the animal descends. The skin is threefold, consisting
first of the scarf-skin, or epidermis ; secondly, of the rete-mucosum, which gives color
to the animal ; and thirdly, of the true skin, which is modified in order to meet the
needs of the creature which it defends. The blubber, indeed, is nothing more than
the true skin, which is composed of a number of interlacing fibres, capable of contain-
ing a very great amount of oily matter. This blubber is never less than several inches
in thickness, and in many places is nearly two feet deep, and as elastic as caoutchouc,
offering an admirable resistance to the force of the waves and the pressure of the
water. In a large Whale the blubber will weigh thirty tons.

None of the Whales are able to turn their heads, for the vertebrae of the neck are
fused together into one mass, and compressed into a very small space.

The GREENLAND WHALE, NORTHERN WHALE, or RIGHT WHALE, as it is indifferently
termed, is an inhabitant of the Northern Seas, where it is still found in great abundance,
although the constant persecutions
to which it has been subjected have
considerably thinned its numbers.

This animal is, when full-grown,
about sixty or seventy feet in
length, and its girth about thirty
or forty feet. Its color is velvety
black upon the upper part of the
body, the fins and the tail ; gray
upon the function of the tail with
the body and the base of the fins,
and white upon the abdomen and
the fore-part of the lower jaw.
The velvety aspect of the body is
caused by the oil which exudes
from the epidermis, and aids in
destroying the friction of the water.
Its head is remarkably large, be-
ing about one-third of the length
of the entire bulk. The jaw opens
very far back, and in a large Whale is about sixteen feet in length, seven feet wide,
and ten or twelve feet in height, affording space, as has quaintly been remarked, for
a jolly-boat and her crew to float in.

The most curious part of the jaw and its structure is the remarkable substance which is
popularly known by the name of Whale bone. This substance is represented in its natural

SKULL OF GREENLAND WHALE.

(To show the Whalebone.)

524 FOOD OF THE GREENLAND WHALE.

position in the accompanying illustration, which is taken from a photographic portrait
of the skeleton in the great Museum of Comparative Anatomy at the Jardin des Plantes.

The Whalebone, or baleen, is found in a series of plates, thick and solid at the in-
sertion into the jaw, and splitting at the extremity into a multitude of hair-like fringes.
On each side of the jaw there are more than three hundred of these plates, which in a
fine specimen are about ten or twelve feet long, and eleven inches wide at their base.
The weight of baleen which is furnished by a large Whale is about one ton. This sub-
stance does not take its origin directly from the gum, but from a peculiar vascular forma-
tion which rests upon it. These masses of baleen are placed along the sides of the mouth
for the purpose of aiding the Whale in procuring its food and separating it from the water.

The mode of feeding which is adopted by the Whale is as follows. The animal
frequents those parts of the ocean which are the best supplied with the various creatures
on which it feeds, and which are all of very small size, as is needful from the size of
its gullet, which is not quite two inches in diameter. Small shrimps, crabs and lobsters,
together with various molluscs and medusae, form the diet on which the vast bulk of
the Greenland Whale is sustained. Driving with open mouth through the congregated
shoals of these little creatures, the Whale engulphs them by millions in its enormous
jaws, and continues its destructive course until it has sufficiently charged its mouth with
prey. Closing its jaws and driving out through the interstices of the Whalebone the
water which it has taken together with its prey, it retains the captured animals which
are entangled in the Whalebone, and swallows them at its ease. The multitude of these
little creatures that must hourly perish is so enormous, that the prolific powers of nature
would seem inadequate to keep up a supply of food for the herds of Whales that inhabit:
the Northern Seas. Yet the supply is more than equal to the demand, for the sea is
absolutely reddened for miles by the countless millions of living beings that swarm in
its waters.

The Whale is an animal of very great value to civilized and to savage men. The oil
which is procured in great quantities from its blubber and other portions of its structure
is almost invaluable to us, while the bones and baleen find their use in every civilized
land. To the natives of the polar regions, however, the Whale is of still greater value, as
they procure many necessaries of life from various parts of its body, eat the flesh, and
drink the oil. Repulsive as such a diet may appear to us who live in a comparatively
warm region, it is an absolute necessity in these ice-bound lands, such oleaginous diet
being needful in order to keep up the heat of the body by a bountiful supply of carbon.

Civilized beings, even though they may be living for the time in these northern regions,
find themselves almost unable to join in the greasy banquet which so entirely delights
the native palate. There are, however, some portions of the Whale which can be eaten
without difficulty, and are rather palatable than otherwise. The skin of the Whale,
when properly dressed, is of ebony blackness, and not at all attractive to the eye. But
its flavor is quite agreeable, and is said to bear some resemblance to that of the cocoa-
nut. When prepared for the table it is cut into little cubes like black dice. But the
best part of the Whale is one that would hardly be expected to form an article of diet,
namely, the portion of the gums in which the roots of the baleen are still imbedded.
The Tuskis call this substance their sugar, though its flavor is very like that of cream-
cheese. One traveller who had been obliged, through motives of politeness, to take
part in a native banquet, and who had been more than disgusted by the very remark-
able dishes which were brought to table, became quite enthusiastic on the merits of
Whale's skin and gum, acknowledging himself to be agreeably surprised by the former,
and calling the latter article of diet "perfectly delicious."

The chase of the Whale, its dangers and its excitement, are too well known to need
description in these pages, and only as far as they form part of the animal's history
will they be noticed.

In its character the Greenland Whale is inoffensive and timorous, and except when
roused by the pain of a wound or by the sight of its offspring in danger, will always flee
the presence of man. Sometimes, however, it turns fiercely upon the boat from which the
fatal weapon has been launched, and with a single blow of its enormous tail — its only
weapon — has been known to shatter a stout boat to fragments, driving men, ropes, and

THE HUMP-BACKED WHALE. 525

oars high into the air. It is a very affectionate animal, holding firmly to its mate, and
protecting its young with a fearlessness that is quite touching to any one except a
whaler, who takes advantage of the poor creature's natural affection to decoy the
mother within reach of his harpoon.

As far as is yet known, the Greenland Whale produces only a single cub at a birth.
When first born, the young Whale is without the baleen, depending upon its mother for
its subsistence like any other young mammal. The maternal Whale keeps close to her
offspring until the baleen is grown, and does not forsake it until it is capable of support-
ing itself. The young Whales, before the baleen has developed itself, are technically
termed " suckers," and when the baleen is six feet in length, they are called by the
name of " size."

The tongue of this Whale cannot be prt>truded from the mouth, as it is fixed throughout
its entire length. It is very large, soft, and full of oil, so soft, indeed, that a man can
make a depression deep enough to contain his closed fist by a tolerably strong pressure ;
as I can testify by personal experience. The bones are porous and are very full of oil, the
jawbones being so heavily charged with this valuable substance that they are removed
from the animal, and so fastened in the rigging as to permit the oil to drain from them.

When the Greenland Whale is undisturbed, it generally remains at the surface of
the water for ten minutes, and " spouts " eight or nine times. It then descends for a
short time, from five to twenty minutes, and returns again to the surface for the pur-
pose of respiration. But when harpooned, it dives to a very great depth, and does not
return to the surface until half an hour has elapsed. By noticing the direction of the
line which is attached to the harpoon, the whalers judge of the spot in which the
creature will rise, and generally contrive to be so near their victim when it emerges
that they can fix another harpoon, or strike it with a lance before it can again descend
into the depths of the ocean.

Several species of the genus Balaena are found inhabiting the different oceans of our
globe, such as the Western Australian Whale, the Cape Whale, the Japan Whale, the
New Zealand Whale, the Scrag Whale, and others, of which the best known is the Cape
Whale, or Southern Whale, as it is sometimes called.

This animal attains a considerable size, reaching the length of seventy feet when
full grown, the length of its head being sixteen feet. It inhabits the Southern Ocean,
and is often seen in the bays that adjoin the Cape of Good Hope in the months of
June, July, and August, as the female is in the habit of frequenting these localities
during the infancy of her young. The males are very seldom seen near their mates,
so that out of sixty Cape Whales that were killed in False Bay only one was a male.
The color of this animal is a uniform black.

SEVERAL species of the HUMP-BACKED, or BUNCHED, WHALES are now known,
although there is very great difficulty in deciding upon the distinctions that are need-
ful for the founding of a species, in animals which are necessarily so far beyond our
reach except on rare anjd limited occasions.

In all these animals the head is rather broad and flattened, and the throat and chest
are marked with deep longitudinal folds or " reeves," as they are termed by Dudley in
his account of the Bunch Whale. These folds are perceptible even on the sides, and
extend as far as the fins. The hump or bunch is of no very great size, being only a
foot or so in height, and hardly larger than a man's head. These animals may easily
be distinguished from those of the succeeding genus by their shorter and more stout
forms, the warty lip, and the large and rounded nose. The skull is about one-fourth
of the entire length of the animal.

The species which is figured in the accompanying illustration is that of JOHNSTON'S
HUMP-BACKED WHALE, a species which frequently attains very considerable dimen-
sions, measuring from sixty to seventy feet in length. In spite however, of its great
size, it is not sought after by the whalers, and even if it should accidentally come
across the course is seldom disturbed by them. Its oil, however, is said to be superior
to that which is furnished by the Greenland Whale, and not much inferior to the oil
of the Sperm Whale.

526

THE PIKE WHALE.

It is an inhabitant of the Greenland seas, and is said to be found in greater pro-
fusion than any other species. It is furnished with baleen, but this substance is of
no very great value, being short, and not splitting " kindly," like that of the Greenland
Whale. When dry it takes a slight twist. When first born, the young of the Hump
Whales are devoid of baleen, but a considerable number of rudimentary teeth are
found in both jaws. The spout or blow-holes are situated on the top of the head and
not on the snout like those of the Sperm Whale.

The name Megaptera signifies " great-fin ned," and is given to this genus on account
of the large size to which the pectoral fin extends. This member sometimes measures
as much as seventeen feet in length, being equal to the head, or about one-fifth the
entire length of the body. When the integument is removed it is seen to be provided
with only four fingers. The Latin specific name, longimana, signifies " long-handed."
In color it is white. The dorsal fins are placed rather low, and behind the middle of
the body. This Whale is always infested with sundry parasitic animals belonging to
the genera Diadema and Otion.

HUMP-BACKED WHALE.- Megaptera longimana.

ALL the true carnivorous Whales are remarkable for the great proportionate size oi
the head. The PIKE WHALE, as may be seen from the illustration, belongs to this
group of animals, and in some respects in not dissimilar to the Greenland Whale.

This animal is, however, not nearly so large as the preceding, being only about
twenty-five feet in length when adult. It is furnished with baleen, but the plates are
comparatively short, and of a slight pinkish hue. The volume of the mouth is made
up by a development of the lower part of the mouth into a kind of huge pouch, which
is capable of containing a very large volume of water and marine animals. The tongue
is not tied down as in the Greenland Whale, but is free towards the apex, and almost
as capable of movement as that of man.

It is a native of the seas that wash the coasts of Greenland, and is sometimes seen
near Iceland and Norway, descending but rarely into warmer latitudes. The flesh of
this animal is in some repute for its delicacy, and is therefore much coveted by the natives
of these northern regions. They do not, however, attempt to harpoon the creature, on
account of its great activity, but content themselves with inflicting severe wounds with
their darts and spears, in the hopes that the wounded animal may die, and may in time be
stranded on their coasts. The oil which it furnishes is said to be particularly delicate.

The Pike Whale feeds not only on the little creatures that form the food of the Green-
land Whale, but chases and kills the active salmon and other fish. In the stomach of
one of these animals have been found the remains of various fish, those of the dog-fish

THE RORQUAL.

S27

being the most prevalent. The head of this species is elongated and rather flattened,
and the throat and chest are furnished with very longitudinal folds, which are capable
of dilatation to a great extent.

At the extremity of the snout there are eight distinct bristles, arranged in perpendic-
ular rows on the top of each jaw. It has been called by a great number of names by
different writers, and is mentioned by various authors under no less than seventeen
distinct titles. The color of this animal is black upon the upper parts of the body, and
white on the abdomen, tinged with a reddish hue. The pectoral fin is almost entirely
dark, but changes into white on its upper surface, near its base.

The name Balaenoptera signifies " Finned- Whale," and is given to the animal on
account of the size of the pectoral fins.

PIKE WHALE.—

rostrata.

A GIANT among giant forms, the huge Rorqual roams the Arctic seas at will, seldom
molested by the hunter, and scarcely ever captured.

The bulk of this animal is greater than that of any other Whale, as many specimens
have been known to attain a length of more than one hundred feet, and one or two have
reached the extraordinary length of one hundred and twenty feet. By inexperienced
whalers it is sometimes mistaken for the Greenland Whale and harpooned, but is very
seldom killed ; for the creature is so remarkably active and fearless that in many cases
the aggressors have paid dearly for their error by a crushed boat and the loss of several
lives. On one such occasion the Rorqual started off in a direct line, and at such a
speed that the men lost their presence of mind and forgot to cut the rope that con-

5*8

THE RORQUAL.

nected the Whale with the boat. Making directly for a neighboring ice-field, the Ror-
qual shot under it, and drew the boat with all its crew beneath the ice, where they dis-
appeared forever from the gaze of mankind.

Mr. Scoresby, desiring to secure one of these powerful animals, made preparations for
the chase by employing very short lines, only two hundred fathoms in length, and attach-
ing a buoy to their extremities in order to tire out the creature by the resistance which
the buoy would offer to the water through which they would be dragged by the Whale.

Two Rorquals were struck, and in both cases the intended victims escaped. In the
first instance, the Whale dived with such impetuous speed that the line snapped by the
resistance of the buoy against the surface of the water, and in the second case the line
only held together for a single minute, and was severed apparently by friction against
the dorsal fin. A third Rorqual was afterwards harpooned through the error of the
seamen, who mistook it for a Greenland Whale. As soon as it felt the sting of the
harpoon, the animal dived with such rapidity that it carried nearly three thousand
feet of line out of the boat in about a minute of time, and escaped by snapping the
rope.

RORQUAL.— Physalus Bolps.

Not contenting itself with such mode of escape, the Rorqual will often turn fiercely
upon the boats, and avenge itself by dashing them to pieces by repeated strokes of its
fearful tail.

These belligerent qualities would make the whalers very cautious in dealing with such
formidable foes, even if their capture were attended with profit equal to the bulk of
their prey. But as it is found that the Rorqual is almost valueless when killed, the
whalers permit it to pass unmolested, and turn their attention to more valuable quarry.
The layer of blubber which encompasses the Rorqual is only about six or eight inches
in thickness, and is very chary in yielding oil, a large Whale only furnishing at the best
ten or fifteen tons, and sometimes scarcely a single ton of this valuable substance.

As the head of the Rorqual is not nearly so much arched as that of the Mysticetus, and
the capacity of the mouth is more owing to the huge pouch of the lower jaws than to the
form of the upper jaw, the baleen, or whalebone, is very short, scarcely reaching four
feet in length. Even if its quality had been good, it would be of comparatively little

THE RORQUAL. 529

value. Yet it is so coarse and " unkindly " that it is almost valueless for manufactur-
ing purposes. Whalers would rejoice if this substance were of more value, as it is
extremely plentiful in the Rorqual, the jaws being lined with five thousand distinct
plates t>r " slabs " of baleen.

As the food of the Rorqual is not limited to the small animals which constitute the
diet of the Greenland Whales, but consists also of various fish, it needs that the gullet
should be larger than in that creature. In the stomach of a single Rorqual, six hundred
large cod-fish have been found, together with a considerable number of pilchards. In
order to procure a sufficiency of food for its vast bulk, the Rorqual often follows the
shoals of migrating fish until it approaches the shores of Great Britain, where in many
cases it prefers to take up its abode, hovering round the fishing-grounds, and swallow-
ing whole boat-loads of herrings, pilchards, and other fish. One of these creatures
haunted the Frith of Forth for a period of twenty years, and was popularly recognized
under the title of the " hollie-pike," on account of a hole through its dorsal fin which
had been perforated with a musket-ball.

Although the Rorqual may for a time support itself at the cost of our fishing-trade, it
is nearly sure to fall a victim to its own temerity, and to be left by the returning tide,
helplessly and ignominiously stranded on the shores. This is a season of great rejoic-
ing among the fishermen, who flock to the fatal spot with their most deadly weapons,
and avenge themselves of their losses by the slaughter of the giant robber. Even the
** hollie-pike " himself fell a victim to his want of caution, and was at length stranded on

SKELETON OF RORQUAL.

the shores of the very bay which he had haunted for so many consecutive years. The
length of this animal was seventy-five feet.

Owing to the persevering manner in which the Rorqual follows its prey to our coasts,
it is more frequently stranded upon the British shores than any other true W'hale. One
of these animals that was thus captured was ninety-five feet in length, and weighed two
hundred and forty-nine tons. Its breadth was eighteen feet, the length of the head
twenty-two feet. Each fin measured twelve feet six inches in length. The skeleton of
this magnificent animal was preserved and mounted, and after the bones were dry, their
united weight amounted to thirty-five tons. To procure the skeleton of so large an
animal is no easy matter, for the preparation of a Rorqual that was only eighty-three
feet in length occupied a space of three years.

The Laplanders, who find the bones and other portions of this animal to be of great
service to them, unite in its chase, and employ a very simple mode of action. To
harpoon such a being would be useless, so they content themselves with inflicting as
many wounds as possible and leaving it to die. After the lapse of a few days the huge
carcass is generally found dead upon the strand, and becomes the property of all those
who have wounded it and can prove their claims by the weapons which are found in
its body. The person who finds the stranded carcass is by law entitled to one-third
of the value.

34

530 THE SPERMACETI WHALE.

The whalers appear to regard this animal with as much detestation as do the
European fishermen, for the Greenland Whale has no love for the Rorqual, and seems
to avoid the localities where this marine giant takes up its residence. It does not
frequent the more icy seas, but prefers the clear waters. The spoutings of the Rorqual
are very impetuous, as indeed are all its actions, and while engaged in respiration it
shoots along the surface of the water at a velocity of four or five miles an hour, instead
of lying still during that process as is the custom with the Greenland Whale. The
color of this species is a dark-gray, tinged with blue.

The name Rorqual is derived from the Norwegian word, which signifies a " Whale
with folds," in allusion to the deep longitudinal folds which lie along the under jaw
and a considerable portion of the lower parts of the animal. The term Boops is from
the Greek, and signifies " ox-eyed," in allusion to the small rounded ox-like eyes of the
Rorqual.

The Rorqual can be distinguished while in the water from the Mysticetus by the
comparatively longer and more slender body and more cylindrical form, and by the
fact of its possessing a dorsal fin. Its actions too are so peculiar as to mark it out to
an experienced eye.

THE animals which form the next little group of Cetacea are remarkable for their
immensely large head with its abruptly terminated snout, and the position of the
blowhole, which is situated upon the fore part of the head, nearly at the tip of the
snout.

They do not possess any baleen, but are armed with a most formidable set of teeth
in the lower jaw, which fit into a series of conical depressions in the upper jaw. To
a casual observer the upper jaw appears to be devoid of teeth, but on a closer examina-
tion it is found to possess a short row of them on each side, which are mostly placed
nearer the interior of the jaw than the conical depressions already mentioned, but in
some instances are found at the bottom of these cavities. The number of the teeth
of the lower jaw is very variable, but the average in adult specimens is about fifty-two.
The teeth are heavy, strong, and when the animal is young are rather sharply pointed,
but become extremely blunt when worn by the attrition of a long course of service.
In Europe the teeth of the CACHALOT, or SPERMACETI WHALE, are of no great value,
being considered merely as marine curiosities, and often carved with rude engravings
representing the chase of the animal from which they were taken, together with a very
precise account of the latitude and longitude, and a tolerably accurate view of the
vessel. In the South Sea Islands, however, these teeth are articles of the highest value,
being thought worthy of dedication to the idol deities, or at least placed as rare orna-
ments in the king's house. So great is the conventional value of these teeth, that
several wars have arisen from the possession of a Whale's tooth by an inferior and
unfortunate chief who had discovered the rarity and meant to keep it.

The partly-hidden teeth of the upper jaw are about three inches in length, but they
hardly project more than half an inch through the soft parts in which they are imbedded.
In preparing the skull of the Spermaceti Whale these teeth are apt to fall out together
with the softer parts, as their attachment to the jawbone is very slight. Eight of these
teeth have been found on each side of the jaw.

The CACHALOT is one of the largest of the Whales, an adult male, or " old bull," as
it is called by the whalers, measuring from seventy to eighty feet in length, and thirty
feet in circumference. The head is enormously long, being almost equal to one-third
of the total length. The term Macrocephalus is derived from two Greek words, signi-
fying " long-headed," and has been given to the animal in reference to this peculiarity
of structure. Upon the back there is a rather large hump, which rises abruptly in front
and tapers gradually towards the tail. The color of the Cachalot is a blackish-gray,
somewhat tinged with green upon the upper portions of the body. Round the eyes
and on the abdomen it is of a grayish-white.

This species is chiefly notable on account of the valuable substances which are
obtained from its body, including oil and spermaceti. The oil is obtained from the
blubber, which is not very thick in this animal, being only fourteen inches in depth on

THE SPERMACTI WHALE. 531

the breast and eleven inches on the other parts of the body, and is therefore not so
abundant in proportion to the size of the animal as that which is extracted from the
Greenland Whale. Its superior quality, however, compensates fully for its deficiency in
quantity. The layer of blubber is by the whalers technically called the " blanket,"
probably in allusion to its office in preserving the animal heat.

The spermaceti is almost peculiar to a few species of the genus Catodon, and is ob-
tained as follows :

The enormous and curiously formed head is the great receptacle of the spermaceti,
which lies in a liquid, oily state, in two great cavities that exist in the huge mass of
tendinous substance of which the head is chiefly composed. On reference to the skull
of the Cachalot, the reader will observe that it dips suddenly over the eyes, and then is

SPERMACETI WHALE.— Cafodoa Macrocephalus.

greatly prolonged. This portion of the skull is termed Neptune's chair by the sailors,
and it is in Neptune's chair that the spermaceti is placed. When the Whale is killed
and towed to the ship's side, the head is cut off and affixed to tackles for the purpose
of supporting it in a convenient position for the extraction of this valuable substance.
A large hole is cut in the top of the head, and a number of sailors lower their buckets
into the cavity and bale out the liquid matter.

When first exposed to the air it has a clear, oily appearence, but after it has been
subjected to the action of the atmosphere for a few hours, the spermaceti begins to
separate itself from the oil, and ifi a short time is sufficiently firm to be removed and
put into a different vessel.

There is yet a considerable amount of oil mixed with the pure spermaceti, giving it

532

THE SPERMACTI WHALE.

a yellow, greasy aspect, which must be thoroughly removed before the spermaceti can
assume its silky, crystalline appearance. The process of purifying it is rather a long
and complicated one, consisting of various meltings and re-meltings, of squeezing
through hair bags, and of treatment with a solution of potass. It is then sufficiently
refined for commercial purposes, but if it should be required to be perfectly pure with-
out any admixture of oil or extraneous substances, it is boiled in alcohol and is de-
posited in pearl-white laminated crystals glistening with a silver sheen and separating
easily into small scales.

The amount of spermaceti which is produced from the head of a single Whale is
very large indeed. From a Cachalot that only measured sixty-four feet in length, and
was therefore by no means a large one, twenty-four barrels of spermaceti and nearly
one hundred barrels of oil were obtained.

Ambergris, that curious substance whose origin so long baffled the keenest inquirers,
and which was formerly only found at rare intervals floating on the waves or cast upon
the shore, is now often discovered within the intestines of the Cachalot, and is sup-
posed to be a morbid secretion peculiar to the animal, and analogous to biliary cal-
culi. Fifty pounds weight of this substance have been found in a single Whale, and
on one occasion a single piece of ambergris of the same weight was discovered on the
coast of the Bermudas by some sailors, who immediately deserted their ship and escaped

to England with their valuable
prize. The value of ambergris
is rather variable, but it is always
a costly article.

It is seldom, if ever, found in
young and healthy Cachalots, so
that a ship may make a very suc-
cessful whaling voyage, and yet
return home without finding a
single ounce of ambergris in all
the Whales killed. Ambergris
is generally employed as a per-
fume, and is prepared for the use
of the purchaser by being dis-
solved in alcohol.

It sometimes happens that a
stray Cachalot blunders into the
shallow waters of the Bermudas,
and being unable to discover the

passage through which it passed, is caught like a mouse in a trap, and falls a ready
victim to the intrepid and almost amphibious natives.

As soon as a Whale is discovered in this helpless situation, the populace is all astir
and full of excitement at the welcome news. Boats are immediately launched, filled
with men bearing guns, lances, and other destructive weapons, which would be of little
use in the open sea, but are very effectual in the shoal waters of these strange islands.
No sooner does the Whale feel the sharp lance in its body, than it dives with its ordinary
velocity, forgetting that it is no longer in deep water, and strikes its head against the
rocky bed of the sea with such unexpected force as to bring it to the surface half stun-
ned. The hunters take advantage of its bewildered state to approach closely and to
ply their deadly weapons with fatal effect. Some of these men are so cool and deter-
mined, that they will actually leap from their boats upon the Whale's back, and, set-
ting their shoulders to the butt of the spear, urge the sharp blade by the weight of
their bodies. ^ The Whale soon yields up its life under such circumstances, and the
huge carcass is brought to shore amid the shouts and congratulations of the spectators.
The fat and ivory of the slain animal are divided among the hunters who were act-
ually engaged in the chase, but the flesh is distributed gratuitously to every one who
chooses to apply for it. Every one who can own a barrow or basket, bears it to the
scene of slaughter, and is at liberty to take as much Whale's flesh as he chooses. The

SKULL OF SPERMACETI WHALE.

ACTIVITY OF THE SPERMACETI WHALE. 533

connoisseurs in Whale's flesh assert that there are three qualities of meat in every Whale,
the best resembling mutton, the second quality imitating pork, and the third resembling
beef. Captain Scott, R. N., an eye-witness of this animated scene, and to whom I am
indebted for the information, avers that there is really some semblance of these various
meats, and that the " pork," when salted and barrelled, might be readily taken for the
flesh of the veritable hog.

The same gentleman tells me that the leaping powers of the Cachalot are not in the
least exaggerated, for that he has seen one of these animals spring to such a height out
of the water, that the horizon could be seen under it, although the spectators were
standing on the deck of a man-of-war. The Cachalot was about three miles from the
ship at the time when it made its spring.

The Spermaceti Whale, when it is in the open seas, lives chiefly on the " squids," or
cuttle-fish, which swarm in that ocean, and when it approaches land, feeds on various
fish. It seems, however, to dislike the propinquity of the shore, and is very seldom
taken in " soundings." It is a gregarious animal, being seldom seen alone, but in
large herds, technically called "schools," and consisting of several hundred in number.
The " schools " are generally divided into two bands, the one consisting of young
males and the other of females. Each band of females is under the command of sev-
eral large males, who exercise the strictest discipline over their harems, and will not
permit any intruder to join their society. From their office, these leaders are called
the schoolmasters.

At distant intervals a large overgrown Cachalot is seen roaming the ocean, ap-
parently unconnected with any school. These solitary animals are, however, the
" schoolmasters," which have laid down their authority for a short space of time, and
are engaged in search of food. These animals generally fall easy victims to the har-
pooner, as they are very reckless in their conduct, and will permit a boat to approach
them without much difficulty. Sometimes when struck they lie still and supine as if
they did not feel the keen edge of the harpoon, and so afford time to the whalers to use
their deadly lances at once instead of dragging them for miles over the waves.

Sometimes, however, a " large Whale " will become belligerent, and is then a most
fearful antagonist, using its tail and its huge jaws with equal effect. One of these
animals has been known to drive its lower jaw entirely through the plankings of a
stout whaling boat, and another well-known individual destroyed nine boats in rapid
succession. This formidable animal was at last killed, and in its carcass were found a
whole armory of harpoons and spears belonging to different ships. Not only boats,
but even ships have been sunk by the attacks of an infuriated " old bull " Cachalot.

An American ship, the Essex, was thus destroyed by the vengeful fury of a Cachalot,
which accidentally struck itself against the keel. The irritated animal, evidently
thinking that the ship was a rival Whale, retired to a short distance and then charged
full at the vessel, striking it on one side of the bows, and crushing beams and planks
like straws. There were at the time only a few men on board, the remainder of the
crew being in the boats engaged in chasing the Whales ; and when the poor men re-
turned to their ship, they found her fast sinking, and only reached her in time to
secure a scanty stock of provision and water. Husbanding these precious supplies
to the utmost, they made for the coast of Peru, but all perished excepting three, who
were almost miraculously rescued as they lay senseless in their neglected boat, which
was drifting at large in the ocean, unguided by human hands.

Like the Greenland Whale, the Cachalot is an affectionate animal, and though con-
stitutionally timid to a degree, is yet possessed of sufficient moral courage to come to
the rescue of its wounded friends. If the harpooner strikes one female of the " school,"
her companions will not attempt to make their escape, but will swim anxiously round
their suffering companion and remain in her vicinity until she is killed. Taking ad-
vantage of this trait of character, the whalers have often contrived, by sending a num-
ber of boats simultaneously, to secure almost every member of the " school." The
young males, however, are far more selfish, and when one of them is struck, the others
make off as fast as they can swim, leaving their wounded companion to shift for him-
self as he best can.

534 THE BLACK-FISH.

The natural timidity of the Cachalot is very remarkable, considering the gigantic
size of the animal and the formidable array of teeth with which it is armed. Any
strange object perceived by this creature throws it into a state of excited trepidation,
during which time it performs several curious antics, and is said by the sailors to be
" gallied." When uneasy, it has a strange habit of slowly sweeping its tail from side
to side upon the surface of the water, as if feeling for the object that excited its terror.

When thoroughly frightened, and especially when roused to energetic action by the
painful sting of the harpoon, the Cachalot darts along the surface of the water at an
astonishing rate, its speed being often from ten to twelve miles per hour. As it pro-
ceeds in its rapid course, the alternate upward and downward strokes of the tail cause
its head to sink and emerge alternately, producing that mode of swimming which is
technically termed " head-out." As the lower part of the head is compressed into a
kind of cut-water shape, there is less resistance offered to the water than if the creature
swam entirely below the surface, as is its wont when undisturbed. It is conjectured
that the enormous amount of oil and spermaceti which exists in the head of the
Cachalot may be intended for the purpose of lightening the head, and enabling it to
lie more easily upon the surface.

The " spoutings " of the Spermaceti Whale are very peculiar, and can be recognized
at a distance of several miles. It generally lies still while spouting, but sometimes
proceeds gently along the surface. Firstly the " hump " becomes perceptible as the
animal rises, and at some forty or fifty feet distance the snout begins to emerge. From
the extremity of the snout is ejected a continuous stream of water and vapor, which
lasts for about three seconds, and is thrown forward at an angle of forty-five degrees.

The intervals of time between the " spoutings " are as regular as clockwork, and
their number is always the same in the same individual. The snout sinks under water
as each spouting is finished, and emerges for the next respiration. Sometimes a
Cachalot is alarmed before " the spoutings are out," and dives below the surface.
In such a case, the animal soon re-appears in another spot, and completes the number
of the respirations. The interval of time between the spoutings is ten seconds in the
" old bulls," and as the animal makes between sixty and seventy of these curious res-
pirations, the time which is consumed in oxygenizing the blood is ten or eleven
minutes.

Having completed this business, the creature then lowers its head into the water,
flings its tail in the air, and disappears into the far depths of the ocean, where it re-
mains about an hour and ten minutes. The number and force of these " spoutings,"
together with the time which is consumed by respiration, and the period of the stay
beneath the surface of the water, are extremely varied, according to the age, sex, and
size of the individual.

The Spermaceti Whale does not seem to choose any particular portion of the year
for the production of its young, but is found at all seasons in charge of its offspring.
Moreover, young Whales, or "cubs," are found of all sizes and ages, simultaneously
roaming the seas, either in company with their parents or turned loose upon the world
to shift for themselves. There is but a single cub at a birth. The milk of the animal
is exceedingly rich and thick, as, indeed, is the case with the milk of all Whales.

This animal is very widely spread over the world, as it is found in almost every por-
tion of the aqueous portions of the globe with the exception of the Polar Seas. Sev-
eral of these creatures have been discovered off our own coasts, and a few have been
stranded on the beach. A Cachalot measuring fifty-four feet in length was driven
ashore in the Frith of Forth in 1769, and its appearance off the Orkneys is said to be
no very uncommon occurrence.

The BLACK-FISH has been separated from the genus Catodon, and placed in the genus
Physeter, together with one or two other Whales, because, although they possess the huge
truncated head and heavily-armed lower jaw of the Cachalot, the spout-holes are removed
from the extremity of the snout and placed upon the middle of the top of the head.
These spout-holes are separate, but are covered with a common flap. The pectoral fin
is moderate in size, being about four feet long, and rather triangular in its form, and the

THE BLACK-FISH.

535

dorsal fin is long, and slightly sickle-shaped. The head is remarkably large, and prob-
ably exceeds in length the fourth of the entire bulk.

This species is of considerable dimensions when adult, as it is known to measure
from fifty to sixty feet in length. In the lower jaw is a bountiful supply of teeth, white,
powerful, and conical. These teeth are very variable in number, in different species,
varying altogether from twenty-two to forty-four. An equal number of cartilaginous
sockets are placed in the upper jaw, into which the conical teeth are received when
the mouth is closed. In the accompanying illustration of this species, the sockets of
the upper jaw are engraved as if they were projecting teeth, instead of hollow cavities.
The teeth that are placed in the middle of the jaw are larger and heavier than those of
the front or base. Some of these teeth will exceed nine inches in length, and weigh
more than eighteen ounces when perfectly dried.

The root of each tooth is hollow in the centre to the depth of several inches, and is
so deeply buried in the jaw, that the projecting portion of the largest tooth rarely ex-
ceeds three inches. The teeth range from seven to nine inches in length. These

BLACK-FISH.— Pbyseter Turslo.

teeth are very white and polished, are conical in their shape, tolerably sharp while the
animal is young, but become blunt as the creature increases in years and dimensions.

The dimensions of one of these animals have been very accurately given by Sibbald.

In total length it measured between fifty-two and fifty-three feet, its girth at the
largest part of the body was rather more than thirty-two feet, and as it lay on the
ground the height of its back was twelve feet. The lower jaw was ten feet in length,
and was furnished with forty-two teeth, twenty-one on each side. Each tooth was
slightly sickle-shaped, and curved towards the throat. From the tip of the snout to
the eyes was a distance of twelve feet, and the upper part of the snout projected nearly
five feet beyond the tip of the lower jaw. The eyes were remarkably small, about the
size of those of the common haddock. As may be supposed from the popular name
of this animal, the color of its skin is almost uniformly black. The throat is larger,
in proportion, than that of other Whales. One of these animals was thrown ashore at
Nice, in the month of November, 1736.

536

THE ZIPHIUS.

When the upper part of the head was opened, it was found to contain spermaceti,
which lay in a mass of two feet in thickness in the usual locality. The blow-hole is
graphically termed the " lum " or chimney.

In concluding this brief history of the Whales, it must be once more remarked, that,
in spite of the earnest labors or many excellent observers, our knowledge of these won-
drous creatures is as yet exceedingly rudimentary, and even the genera are not clearly
ascertained. The native Greenlanders seem to possess a very large amount of informa-
tion on this subject, and are extremely accurate in their knowledge of the various Whales
and their habits. It has therefore been happily suggested, that succeeding voyagers
should take advantage of this circumstance, and should use their best endeavors to ex-
tract from those illiterate, but very practical savages, the knowledge which they really
possess.

ZIPHIUS.— Z/p/r/us Sowerhlensis.

DOLPHINS.

THE MEMBERS of this family do not possess the enormous head which characterizes
the true whales, and have teeth in both jaws, although they are liable to fall out at an
early age. The blow-holes are united together, so as to form a single lunate opening,
which is set transversely on the crown of the head. When first born, the young
Dolphins are remarkable for their very great proportional dimensions, being little less
than one-fourth the size of the parent, and affording a wonderful contrast to the mar-
supials, whose young are of such minute proportions when first born.

From the circumstance that the lower jaws are only furnished with two teeth, the
rare and curious animal which is represented in the accompanying illustration is some-
times scientifically termed the Diodon, or two-toothed animal. But as this generic title
has already been appropriated to the urchin-fishes, the name has been more recently
changed into Ziphius.

In the animals which belong to this genus, the spout-holes are placed upon the top of
the head, the throat is furnished with two diverging furrows, and the teeth are only two
in number, rather large in proportion to the skull, slightly curved and compressed, and
are^situated in the middle of the lower jaw. The pectoral fins are placed rather low, and
their shape is oval, tapering towards their extremities. Sowerby's Ziphius is so called,

THE NARWHAL. 537

because that well-known naturalist figured and described the animal in the British
Miscellany. His description was founded upon a specimen that was cast ashore upon
the estate of Mr. J. Brodie, in Elginshire. The skull of this individual was preserved
by Mr. Sowerby in his museum, and after his death it was placed by Dr. Buckland in
the Anatomical Museum at Oxford. As it is so valuable a specimen, it has been industri-
ously multiplied by means of plaster casts, which have been distributed to various
scientific institutions.

The length of the creature was sixteen feet, and its girth at the largest part of the
body was eleven feet. The head is small, narrow, and pointed, and the lower jaw is
longer, blunter, and wider than the upper jaw, so that when the mouth is closed, the
lower jaw receives the upper. In the upper jaw there are two depressions corresponding
with the teeth, and permitting the perfect closing of the mouth. The color of the
animal is black on the upper surface and gray below, and is remarkable for the pellucid
and satin-like character of the skin, which reflects the rays of the sun to a considerable
distance. On reference to the illustration, the reader will notice that the body is
marked like watered silk. This effect is produced by a vast number of white
streaks immediately below the skin, which are drawn irregularly over the whole
body, and at a little distance appear as if they were made by means of some sharp
instrument.

Nothing is known of the habits of this curious animal, which is unknown to science,
except by means of the specimen above mentioned.

The word NARWHAL is derived from the Gothic, signifying " Beaked-whale," and is a
very appropriate term for the SEA UNICORN, as the animal is popularly entitled. The
head of the Narwhal is round, and convex in front, the lower jaw being without teeth,
and not so wide as the upper jaw. From the upper jaw of the Narwhal springs the
curious weapon which has gained for the animal a world-wide reputation.

In the upper jaw of the young or the female Narwhal are found two small hollow
tusks, imbed4ed in the bone, which, in the female, are generally undeveloped through-
out the whole of the animal's existence, but in the male Narwhal are strangely
modified. The right tusk remains in its infantine state, excepting that the hollow
becomes filled with bony substance ; but the left tusk rapidly increases in length, and
is developed into a long, spiral, tapering rod of ivory, sometimes attaining to the length
of eight or ten feet. The tusks are supposed to be formed by an excessive growth of
the canine teeth, and not of the incisors, as might be supposed from the position which
they occupy in the jaw.

The use of this singular tusk is very obscure, for if it were intended to serve some
very important object, such as the procuring of food, it is evident that the females
would need its aid as much as their companions of the opposite sex, for both sexes feed
on the same food, and inhabit the same localities, at the same time. A very plausible
conjecture has been offered, to the effect, that the " horn" is useful in the light of an
auger, with which the animal is enabled to bore breathing-holes through, the ice-fields,
whenever it finds itself in want of air beneath those vast frozen plains. But this
theory is equally liable to the objection, that the females want to breathe as much as the
males, and would stand in equal need of so indispensable an apparatus.

That the " horn" is employed in some definite task, is evident from the fact, that its
tip is always smooth and polished, however rough and encrusted the remainder of its
length may be.

The male Narwhal may perhaps use the tusk as a weapon of war, wherewith to charge
his adversaries as a mediaeval knight was wont to charge with shield on breast and lance
in rest ; and if that be the case, the weapon is truly a terrible one. This conjecture
derives some force from the fact, that a herd of these aquatic spearmen have been seen
engaged in sportive pastime, crossing their ivory lances, and seeming to fence with them,
as the white weapons clashed against each other. The play of animals, not to mention
mankind, is almost invariably founded on the spirit of combativeness, and generally
consists in a sham fight ; so that the Narwhal " horn" may probably be analogous to the
tusks of boars and the horns of deer, and be given to the animal as an offensive weapon.

538

THE NARWHAL.

wherewith he may wage war with those of his own species and sex who arouse his feel-
ings of jealousy, or would interfere with his supremacy.

The food of the Narwhal consists chiefly of marine molluscs and of occasional fish,
but is found to be generally composed of the same kind of squid, or cuttle-fish, which
supplies the gigantic spermaceti whale with subsistence. As the remains of several flat
fish have been discovered in the stomach of the Narwhal, it was supposed by some
authors that the animal made use of its tusk as a fish-spear, transfixing them as they
lay " sluddering " on the mud or sand, after their usual fashion, thus preventing their
escape from the toothless mouth into which the wounded fish are then received.
However this may be, the force of the tusk is terrific when urged with the impetus of
the creature driving through the water at full speed, for the whole combined power of
the weight and velocity of the animal is directed along the line of the tusk. A Nar-
whal has been known to encounter a ship, and to drive its tusk through the sheathing,
and deeply into the timbers. The shock was probably fatal to the assailant, for the
tooth was snapped by the sudden blow, remaining in the hole which it had made, and
acting as a plug that effectually prevented the water from gaining admission into the
vessel.

NARWHAL,— Moaodon Monoceros.

In some rare instances the right tusk has been developed instead of the left, and it is
supposed that if the developed tooth should be broken, the right tusk becomes vivified,
and supplies the place of the damaged weapon. One remarkable case is known where
both tusks were almost equally developed, being rather more than ten inches in length ;
and another example is recorded of a Narwhal which possesses two long tusks, the one
being seven feet five inches in length, and the other seven feet. These tusks diverge
slightly from each other, as their tips are thirteen inches asunder, though there is only
an interval of two inches between their bases. Both these specimens were females.
Sometimes the female Narwhal possesses a spear like her mate, but this circumstance
is probably the effect of age, which in so many creatures, such as the domestic fowl,
gives to the aged female the characteristics and armature of the male.

As both these double-tusked Narwhals were females, it may be probable that they owed
their unusual weapons to some peculiarity in their structure, which prevented them from

TUSK OF THE NARWHAL. 539

becoming mothers, and forced the innate energies to expend themselves in the develop-
ment of tusks instead of the formation of offspring. The tusks of male swine and
other animals, the horns of male deer, the mane of male lions, and other similar
structures, appear to be safety valves to the vital energies, which in the one sex are
occupied in the continual formation of successive offspring, and in the other find an
outlet in the development of tooth, horn, and hair, according to the character of the
animal. In all probability, the health of the animal would greatly suffer if the cal-
careous and other particles which are deposited in the tusk were forced to remain in
the system instead of being harmlessly removed from it and placed upon its exterior.

The ivory of the Narwhal's tusk is remarkably good in quality, being hard and solid,
capable of receiving a high polish, and possessing the property of retaining its beauti-
ful whiteness for a very long period, so that a large Narwhal horn is of no inconsider-
able commercial value.

But in former days, an entire tusk of a Narwhal was considered to possess an ines-
timable value, for it was looked upon as the weapon of the veritable unicorn, reft from
his forehead in despite of his supernatural strength and superhuman intellect. Setting
aside the rarity of the thing, it derived a practical value from its presumed capability
of disarming all poisons of their terrors, and of changing the deadliest draught into a
wholesome beverage.

This antidotal potency was thought to be of vital service to the unicorn, whose resi-
dence was in the desert, among all kinds of loathsome beasts and poisonous reptiles,
whose touch was death and whose look was contamination. The springs and pools at
which such monsters quenched their thirst were saturated with poison by their contact,
and would pour a fiery death through the veins of any animal that partook of the same
water. But the unicorn, by dipping the tip of his horn into the pool, neutralized the
venom, and rendered the deadly waters harmless. This admirable quality of the uni-
corn-horn was a great recommendation in days when the poisoned chalice crept too
frequently upon the festive board ; and a king could receive no worthier present than
a goblet formed from such valuable material.

Even a few shavings of unicorn-horn were purchased at high prices, and the ready
sale for such antidotes led to considerable adulteration — a fact which is piteously re-
corded by an old writer, who tells us that " some wicked persons do make a mingle-
mangle thereof, as I saw among the Venetians, being as I here say compounded with
lime and sope, or peradventure with earth or some stone (which things are apt to make
bubbles arise), and afterwards sell it for the unicorn's horn." The same writer, how-
ever, supplies an easy test, whereby the genuine substance may be distinguished from
the imposition. " For experience of the unicorn's horn to know whether it be right or
not ; put silk upon a burning coal, and upon the silk the aforesaid horn, and if so be
that it be true, the silk will not be a whit consumed."

The native Greenlanders hold the Narwhal in high estimation ; for, independently
of its value, it is welcomed on each succeeding year as the harbinger of the Greenland
whale.

The Narwhal is, however, of the greatest service to the Greenlanders, for its long
ivory tusk is admirably adapted for the manufacture of various household implements
and of spear-heads, so that it is the sad fate of many a Narwhal to perish by means of
the tooth that has been extracted from its near kinsman. It is easily killed, as it pos-
sesses no very great power of diving, and is soon tired out by means of the inflated
buoys which are attached to the harpoon, and offer so great a resistance to the water.
It seldom descends above two hundred fathoms below the surface, and when it again
rises is so fatigued that it is readily killed by a sharp spear.

The oil which is extracted from the blubber is very delicate, but is not present in
very great amount, as the coating of fatty substance is seldom more than three inches
in depth. About half a ton of oil is obtained from a large specimen. The flesh is
much prized by the natives, and is not only eaten in its fresh state, but is carefully
dried and prepared over the fire.

The color of this animal is almost entirely black upon the upper surface of the body,
but is slightly varied by streaks and patches of a deeper tint. The sides fade into

540

THE BELUGA.

grayish-white, diversified with sundry gray marks, and the under portions of the body
are white. The tints of the Narwhal are rather variable even in the same individual,
which assumes different hues at different stages of its existence. There is no fin upon
the back of the Narwhal, but its place is indicated by a fold or ridge of skin, which
runs down the centre of the back, and in old specimens appears to have been subjected
to hard usage. The pectoral fins are very small in proportion to the size of the animal,
and appear to be of little service to the owner, except for the purpose of preserving
the balance of the body. In the upper jaw there are two other teeth beside the tusks,
which are concealed in the gum and are supposed to be false molars.

The Narwhal is a gregarious animal, being seldom seen alone, and generally asso-
ciating in little companies of fifteen or twenty in number. It seems to be gifted with
a considerable amount of curiosity, as Sowerby mentions that several of these animals
pursued the ship from some distance, diving below the strange monster and playing
near the rudder. It is seldom found in southern latitudes, although it has two or three
times been driven upon our coasts, but is seen in great numbers between the seven-
teenth and eighteenth degree of north latitude. The length of an adult Narwhal is
about thirteen feet.

THE BELUGA, which is sometimes called the WHITE WHALE on account of the color
of its skin, is an inhabitant of the higher latitudes, being found in great numbers in
Hudson's Bay and Davis' Straits, and is also known to frequent the northern coasts of
Asia and America, being especially fond of the mouths of large rivers.

Although it has no love for the warmer seas, it has been found upon our own coasts,
where it has fallen a victim to the wrath of the fishermen. A Beluga was seen almost
daily in the Frith of Forth for nearly three months, taking advantage of the tide to pass
up the Frith, and always securing its retreat before the water had sunk sufficiently to
prevent it from escaping seawards. It was at last killed by means of spears and guns,
and its body was very carefully examined by competent anatomists.

The head of the Beluga is short and rounded, the forehead being convex, and the
lower jaw not so wide as the upper. Both jaws of this animal are well supplied with
teeth, some of which have a tendency to fall out as the animal increases in years, and
are generally wanting in the jaws of those specimens which are captured. The dorsal
fin is absent, and the pectorals are tolerably large, thick, powerful, and rounded. The
thick and powerful tail is bent under the body while the animal is swimming, and is
used with such singular strength that the creature shoots forward with arrowy speed,
whenever it is alarmed or excited.

The color of this animal is generally a cream-white, but in some specimens the cream
tint is dashed with red, and becomes a pale orange. When young, the Beluga is marked
with brown spots, the general hue of the body being a slaty gray. The average length
of an adult male is about eighteen or twenty feet. The eye of this animal is hardly
larger than that of man, and the iris is blue. The food of the Beluga consists chiefly
of marine fish, such as cod, haddocks, and flounders, which are easily caught by these
active and voracious animals.

On account of their speed and agility, the whalers seldom attempt their capture, al-
though their boldness is so great as to induce them to follow the boats in considerable
numbers, and to play all kinds of antics within easy reach of a harpoon. As, however,
they are so swift and agile as to elude the barbed steel, or to shake it from its hold if
it should happen to strike them, the harpooner seldom runs the risk of losing time and
patience in the chase of such a creature. Moreover, even were the animal fairly struck
and secured, the blubber is not of sufficient value to repay the crew for their expendi-
ture of time, labor, and personal risk.

The oil that is furnished by the Beluga is of very good quality, although small in
quantity, and is sufficiently valuable to lead to the establishment of regular Beluga
hunts in the great rivers of northern America, which they ascend for some distance in
search of prey.

These hunts are often very successful, and furnish a large supply of oil and skin, as
soon as a Beluga is seen in the river or inlet, its retreat is cut off by strong nets

THE PORPOISE, OR PORPESSE. 541

laid from bank to bank. A number of boats then start in chase of the animal, while
others are stationed along the line of nets, and manned with well-armed crews. When
alarmed by the boats, the Beluga makes for the sea, but is interrupted by the nets, which
bar its farther progress seawards, and soon falls a victim to the bullets, spears, and other
missiles which are rained upon it by its assailants. Sometimes the harpoon and rope
are employed in this chase, and small specimens are occasionally taken by means of
hooks baited with fish. Those Belugas which are taken in the St. Lawrence are seldom
more than fifteen feet in length.

The skin of the Beluga is subjected to the process of tanning, and can be made into a
peculiarly strong though soft leather, which is said to be able to resist an ordinary
musket-ball. The flesh is held in some estimation, and is said to bear some resem-
blance to beef. Its oily flavor, however, which cannot easily be destroyed, would render
it unpalatable to European palates. When prepared with vinegar and salt, it is thought
to be equal to the best pork. The fins and tail are considered as the best portions,

BELUGA.— Beluga Catodon.

It is a migrating animal, visiting the western coasts of Greenland at regular intervals,
reaching that locality about the end of November. It swims in large herds, and is of
exceeding value to the natives, who not only eat its flesh, and burn and drink its oil,
but employ the sinews for thread, which may be made of any degree of fineness by
splitting the tendons, and use the delicate internal membranes for windows to their
huts. The coming of the Beluga is anxiously expected by the Greenlanders, as their
provisions generally run short about the end of November, and are replenished by the
flesh of their welcome visitor.

MOST familiar of all the Dolphin fraternity is the well-known PORPOISE, or SEA HOG.
an animal which may be seen on any of our coasts, tumbling about on the waves, and
executing various gambols in the exuberance of its sportive feelings.

Before steamboats came into general use, the Porpoises were constant attendants on
the packet and passenger boats, sometimes pursuing the vessels from sheer curiosity,
and at other times following in their wake in hopes of picking up the garbage that

THE PORPOISE, OR PORPESSE.

might be thrown overbroad. In the present day, however, the Porpoises are so fright-
ened at the paddles and screws, that they remain at a respectful distance from the boat
content themselves with keeping pace with the vessels for a course of some miles, and
then drop astern to rejoin their companions.

The Porpoise is a very gregarious animal, herding together in large shoals, and
sometimes swimming in " Indian file " as they shoot over the surface of the sea ; just
showing their black and glossy backs above the water, and keeping such excellent line
that they seem to be animated by one spirit and one will.

As might be presumed from the formidable array of sharp teeth with which the jaws
are studded, and which are so arranged that the upper and lower sets interlock when the
animal closes its mouth, the food of the Porpoise consists entirely of animal substances
and almost wholly of fish, which it consumes in large quantities, much to the disgust of
human fishmen. Herrings, pilchards, sprats, and other saleable fish, are in great
favor with the Porpoise, which pursues its finny prey to the very shores, and, driv-
ing among the vast shoals in which these fish congregate, destroys enormous quantities

PORPOISE, OR PORPESSE.— Phocasaa commuais.

of them. The fish are conscious of the presence of their destroyer, and flee before it
in terror, often flinging themselves into the certain death of nets or shallow water in
their hope to escape from the devouring jaws of the Porpoise. Even salmon and such
large fish fall frequent victims to their pursuer, which twists, turns, and leaps with such
continuous agility that it is more than a match for its swift and nimble prey. Not even
the marvellous leaping powers of the salmon are sufficient to save them from the vora-
cious Porpoise, which is not to be baffled by any such impotent devices.

The Porpoises seems to keep closely to the coasts, and is seldom seen in mid-ocean.
It appears to be a migratory animal, as the season of its disappearance from one locality
generally coincides with its arrival on some other coast. It is very widely spread,
appearing to inhabit with equal security the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the
cool seas of our own coasts, or the icy regions of the high latitudes.

Many of these animals have been found in our rivers, which they have evidently
ascended with the idea of varying their diet by a few meals on fresh-water fish or in hope
of chasing the salmon into their spawning grounds. The Thames was in former days
noted for the number of Porpoises which have been seen in its waters, one animal having
ascended the river until it passed London Bridge. It is now, however, a longtime since a

THE GRAMPUS.

543

Porpoise made its appearance in the "silver Thames ; " for the combined influences of
steamboats and sewerage afford a most effectual barrier to the presence in our beautiful
river of any animal which could in any way remain in the sweet waters of the open sea.
Other less maltreated rivers are often honored with the visits of Porpoises ; and it is
seldom that a year passes away without several notices in local newspapers of Porpoises
which have been seen or captured in fresh water.

The length of a full-grown Porpoise is extremely variable, the average being from six
to eight feet. In this animal the very great size of the new-born young is very remarkable.
A mother-Porpoise and her new-born offspring were taken in the Frith of Forth in 1838.
The length of the mother was four feet eight inches, and her girth two feet ten inches ;
while the length of her offspring was two feet ten inches, and its girth sixteen inches.
On the nose of the young Porpoise there are always two thick bristles, which fall out
as the creature advances in age, and cause two depressions, which have erroneously
been taken for nostrils. The color of the Porpoise is a blue-black on the upper surface
of the body, and a bright silvery white below ; so that when the animal executes one of
its favorite gyrations the contrasting tints produce a strange effect as they rapidly suc-
ceed each other. The iris of the eye is yellowish.

The word Porpoise is corrupted from the French term " Porc-poisson," /. e.t Hog-fish^
and bears the same signification as its German name, " Meerschwein."

When the skin of a Porpoise is removed from the body, a layer of white fat is seen
lying upon the flesh, about an inch in depth. This fatty layer melts into oil when
subjected to the action of heat, and is very fine and delicate in its quality. In common
with the oil of other of the Porpoises, it contains a peculiar volatile acid, which can be
separated from the fat by chemical agency, and is termed phocenine. The odor of
this substance is very powerful, and its taste is acrid and aromatic. It does not con-
geal even when its temperature is lowered to fourteen degrees above zero, and its boil-
ing point is higher than that of water.

The skin of the Porpoise is well suited for tanning, and can be manufactured into
valuable leather. As it is naturally too thick and heavy for this process, it is planed
down until it becomes partially transparent, and is then employed for covering carriages,
as well as for some articles of apparel.

In former times the flesh of the Porpoise was valued very highly, and was looked
upon as a regal dish, being cooked with bread-crumbs and vinegar. Before it is dressed
it is very unpleasing to the eye, being dark-colored, coarse-looking, and evidently too
full of blood ; and its flavor when cooked is said to be coarse and unpleasant. As the
Porpoise was conventionally considered as a fish, in common with the otter, seal, and
certain sea-fowl, by the ecclesiastical rulers of the land, its flesh was a great boon to
those who cared not for a fish diet on the multiplied meagre days which studded the
calendar, and at the same time were too reverential towards their ecclesiastical superiors
to eat that which was openly considered as butchers' meat.

On examining the jaws of a Porpoise, we find them to be closely set with rather
long, sharp, compressed, and formidable teeth, variable in number, but always
multitudinous. There are seldom less than eighty teeth in a Porpoise's mouth, and
in the jaws of the female specimen which has already been mentioned there were no
less than one hundred and two teeth, twenty-six on each side of the upper jaw, and
twenty-five on each side of the lower. In these animals there is no perceptible dis-
tinction between the teeth, incisors, canines, and molars being all alike.

THE head of the GRAMPUS is more rounded than that of the porpoise, and its fore-
head is more convex. There are several species of Delphinidae which are called
by the name of Grampus, the best known of which is the ordinary or common
Grampus.

It is a decidedly large animal, an adult specimen measuring from twenty to thirty
feet in length, and from ten to twelve in girth. The teeth are not nearly so numerous as
in the porpoise, being only forty-four in total number, eleven at each side of each jaw,
In shape they are somewhat conical, strongly made, and slightly curved. The color of
the Grampus is black on the upper part of the body, suddenly changing into white on

544

THE GRAMPUS.

the abdomen and part of the sides. There is generally a white patch of considerable
size immediately above and rather behind the eyelid.

The name Grampus appears to be a corruption of the French word " Grand-poisson,"
just as porpoise is a transmuted form of " porc-poisson."

Although it sometimes wanders into more southern regions, its favored home is in
the northern seas that wash the coasts of Greenland and Spitzbergen, where it con-
gregates in small herds. It is a very wolf in its constant hunger, and commits great
havoc among the larger fish, such as the cod, the skate, and the halibut, caring little
for the smaller fry. At times it is said to make systematic attacks on seals, by start-
ling them from their slumber as they lie sunning themselves on the rocks or ice, and
seizing them as the half-sleeping animals plunge instinctively into the sea. Even the
smaller porpoises and dolphins fall victims to the insatiable appetite of the Grampus,
as has been proved by the discovery of their remains in the dissected stomach of one
of these animals.

It has been frequently seen on the British coasts, and on more than one occasion
has been killed in the rivers which it had ascended in chase of its prey.

GRAMPUS.— Delphlnus Grampus.

A Grampus was captured nearly opposite Greenwich Hospital in 1772, and was so
swift and powerful, that after it had been struck with three harpoons, and covered with
lance wounds, it twice dragged the boat from Blackwall to Greenwich, and once ran as
far as Deptford, going at a rate of eight miles per hour against the tide. The struggles
of the wounded animal were so formidable, that none of the boats could approach it.
Several other specimens of this animal have been caught in the same river at different
times, one being twenty-four feet in length, and another measuring more than thirty feet.

The Frith of Forth seems to be a favorite spot for these errant cetacea, which are
evidently attracted by the salmon and other fresh-water fish which may be found in
those waters.

It is said that the Grampuses are fond of amusing themselves by mobbing the Green-
land whale, just as the little birds mob owls when they venture forth in the daytime,
and that they persecute it by leaping out of the water and striking it sharply with their tails
as they descend. The Americans, in consequence, have called it by the name of Thresher,
or Killer. The sword-fish is reported to join the Thresher in this amusement, and
to prevent the whale from diving by attacking it from below. Whatever credence may
be given to the latter part of the story, the former is certainly true, and is corroborated
by Captain Scott, who tells me that he has often seen the Thresher engaged in this strange

THE DOLPHIN.

545

amusement, springing high out of the water and delivering the most terrific blows with
its tail on the object of its pursuit. For the co-operation of the sword-fish he does not
vouch, but has remarked that the whale does not seek refuge in the ocean depths when
thus persecuted, but makes short and hurried attempts to dive, seeming to be prevented
from making its escape by some allied force beneath.

APART from the marvellous tales which were once rife concerning the beauty and
accomplishments of the DOLPHIN, the animal is well worthy of notice, and needs no aid
of fictitious narrative to embrace its value in the eyes of the naturalist or the observer.

The Dolphin is remarkable for the enormous number of teeth which stud its mouth,
no less than forty-seven being found on each side of both jaws, the full complement being
one hundred and ninety. In the head of one specimen were found fifty teeth on each
side of each jaw, making a complement of two hundred in all. Between each tooth there
is a space equal to the width of a single tooth, so that when the animal closes its mouth
the teeth of both jaws interlock perfectly. All the teeth are sharply pointed and
flattened, and slightly curved backward, so that the entire apparatus is wonderfully
adapted for the retention of the slippery marine creatures on which the Dolphin feeds.

DOLPHIN.— De/pAtous Dc/pA/s.

Fish of various kinds form the usual diet of the Dolphin, which especially delights
in the fiat fishes of our coasts, and often prowls about the shoals of herrings and pil-
chards that periodically reach our shores.

The Dolphin is not a very large animal, measuring when full grown, from six to ten
feet in length, seven feet being the usual average. Its color is black upon the back,
and silvery-white upon the abdomen, while the flanks are grayish-white. There is a
peculiar satin-like sheen upon the skin when the animal is submerged beneath the water
or freshly removed from the sea, but which rapidly disappears as the skin becomes dry.
The beautiful colors which have been said to play about the body of a dying Dolphin
are not entirely mythical, but belong rightly to one of the fishes, the coryphene, or
dorado, which is popularly called the Dolphin by sailors.

The eyes of the Dolphin are small, and are supplied with eyelids ; the pupil of the
eye is heart-shaped. The ears have but a very minute external aperture, barely
admitting an ordinary pin, so that its sense of hearing appears to be very limited.

In former days the flesh of the Dolphin was thought to be a very great luxury, so
great, indeed, that a Dolphin was considered as a noble present to be made to the
Duke of Norfork by Dr. Caius, the well-known founder of the college bearing his name.

35

546

BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN.

As the Dolphin, in common with the porpoise and all the cetaceans, was considered as
belonging to the fishes, the flesh was a permitted diet upon maigre days, when all flesh
meat was rigidly forbidden by ecclesiastic prohibition, and was served to table with a
sauce composed of bread-crumbs, vinegar, and sugar. Nowadays, however, the flesh of
the Dolphin has fallen entirely into disrepute as an article of diet, and is not to be re-
stored to its former station even by the force of prelatical discipline.

It is a lively and playful animal, and being remarkably active in its native element,
is fond of gambolling among the waves, and engaging in various sports with its com-
panions. Being of a very gregarious nature, it is seldom seen alone, but prefers to
associate in little flocks or herds, and is in the habit of accompanying ships for con-
siderable distances, hovering about the vessel and executing various strange manoeuvres.
Sometimes it falls a victim to its curiosity, and when paying too close a visit to the vessel
is struck with the " grains," or barbed trident, which is kept on board in readiness for
such an occasion, and is hauled struggling on deck, where it is soon deprived of life.

The formation of the Dolphin's brain is of such a nature that it indicates great
intelligence on the part of its possessor, and goes far towards confirming some of the
current reports on this subject. It is said that Dolphins have beem tamed and taught
to feed from the hand of their instructor, besides performing sundry feats at his bidding.
That the seals are eminently capable of instruction is a well-known fact, and it is probable
that the Dolphins may not be less endowed with intellectual powers.

From the peculiar shape of the snout and jaws, which are rather flattened and
considerably elongated, the animal has derived its French titles of " Bee d'Oie " and " Oie
de Mer," /. e. Goose-beak, or Sea-goose. The forehead is rather rounded, and descends
suddenly towards the base of the " beak." The " beak " itself is about six inches in
length in a moderately sized specimen, and is separated from the forehead by a small
but distinct ridge. The Dolphin only produces a single young one at a time, and
nurses her offspring with exceeding tenderness and assiduity.

The common Dolphin is found in the European seas, and in the Atlantic and the
Mediterranean, and may possibly have a still wider range. There are Dolphins to be
found near the coasts of Africa and America, but whether they belong to the same species
as the common Dolphin is at present a mooted point.

BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN. -Delphlaus Tursto.

IN the BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN there is not such an extraordinary array of teeth as in
the preceding animal, their maximum number being one hundred, and their average about
eighty-five. The average length of this animal is between seven and eight feet, although
specimens have been taken which measured between ten and eleven feet in length.

SIRENIA.

547

The color of the Bottle-nosed Dolphin is rather different from that of the common
Dolphin. Its back is not of the same jetty hue, but is deeply tinged with purple, its
flanks are dusky, and the under portions are grayish-white, and do not glisten with the
pure silvery-white of the ordinary Dolphin of our coasts.

Although it is a rare animal, it has more than once been captured upon our coasts,
one specimen having been taken in the river Dart in Devonshire, and another in the
river at Portsea. Two more Bottle-nosed Dolphins, a mother and "her young one, were
caught upon the sea-coast near Berkley, where they had been seen for several days
haunting the neighborhood. The first of these specimens was captured when it had
ascended the river about five miles, and was so powerful and active that it did not
resign its life until it had fought for a space of four hours against eight men armed
with -spears and guns, and assisted by dogs. While struggling with its foes it bellowed
loudly, making a sound like that of an enraged bull. This individual was more than
eleven feet in length.

In many instances the teeth of the Bottle-nosed Dolphin are extremely blunt, a
circumstance which was once thought to be peculiar to the species. Mr. Bell, however,
proves to the contrary by the fact of possessing two skulls of Bottle-nosed Dolphins,
in which the teeth are of the usual length, and as sharp as in the ordinary Dolphin,
When the teeth are thus worn down, the creature is unable to interlock them rightly, as
the narrow portion of the teeth has been ground down, and the interstices are too narrow
to receive the wide stumps. The name of Blunt-toothed Dolphin has been given to this
animal on account of the supposed normal shape of the teeth. The lower jaw of this
species projects rather beyond the upper.

THERE is a curious animal belonging to this family, which inhabits the Ganges, and
is known by the name of the Soosoo.

It is remarkable for the curious shape of its " beak," which is long, slender, com-
pressed at the sides, and is larger at the extremity than in the middle. The number of
its teeth is about one hundred and twenty. It is a swift and powerful, but at the same
time a sluggish animal, appearing to partake largely of the curious mixture of sloth and
energy which is found in the huge lizards that frequent the same river, and never car-
ing to exert itself except in chase of its prey. Its color is grayish-black upon the
back, and white on the abdomen. The eye is wonderfully small, being only one-eighth
of an inch in diameter in a Soosoo which measures four or five feet in length. There
is no dorsal fin, its place being indicated by a small projection.

SIRENIA.

THE small but singular group of animals that are classed together under the title of
the SIRENIA, are so formed that anatomists have had much difficulty in deciding upon
their proper position in the animal kingdom. Many parts of their structure exhibit so
strong an affinity to the pachydermate, or thick-skinned mammalia, that they have been
placed next to the elephants by some zoologists, while their fish-like form and aquatic
habits have induced other writers to place them in the position which they now occupy
in the British Museum. They feed chiefly on vegetable substances, and find the greater
part of their subsistence in the thick herbage that edges the waters where they reside.
Their nostrils are placed at the extremity of the muzzle, as is the case with most mam-
malia, and they are never employed as blow-holes, after the manner of the cetaceans.

THE MANATEE, or LAMANTINE, is a very strange-looking creature, appearing like a
curious mixture of several dissimilar animals, the seal and the hippopotamus being
predominant.

There are several species of Manatee, two of which are found in America and one in
Africa, but always on those shores which are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

548

THE MANATEE.

The common Manatee is generally about nine or ten feet in length, and is remarkable
for the thick fleshy disk which terminates the muzzle, and in which the nostrils are
placed. It is found in some plenty at the mouths of sundry large rivers, such as the
Orinoco or the Amazon, and feeds upon the algae and other herbage which grows so
plentifully in those regions. By some writers the animal, is said to leave the water
entirely, and to search for its food upon the land, but this assertion is now ascertained
to be incorrect. It is, however, in the habit of crawling partly out of the water, and
has a strange custom of elevating its head and shoulders above the surface in such a
manner that it bears some resemblance to a human being.

The flesh of this animal is said to be well flavored, and as the Manatee is ecclesias-
tically reckoned as a fish, together with the whales, seals, and other water-loving
creatures, it is permitted as a lawful article of diet on fasting days. When properly
salted and preserved by drying in the sun, the flesh of this animal will remain sweet for
a whole year. The skin of the Manatee is in great request for the formation of sundry

MANA-TEE.-Manatus.Australls.

leathern articles in which great strength is required, and the oil which is extracted
from its fat is of excellent quality, and is free from the unpleasant rancid odor which
characterizes so many animal oils.

So valuable an animal is subject to great persecution on the part of the natives, who
display great activity, skill, and courage in the pursuit of their amphibious quarry.
The skin of the Manatee is so thick and strong that the wretched steel of which their
weapons are composed, — the " machetes," or sword-knives, with which they are almost
universally armed, being sold in England for three shillings and sixpence per dozen, —
is quite unable to penetrate the tough hide. Nothing is so effectual a weapon for
this service as a common English three-cornered file, which is fastened to a spear-shaft,
and pierces through the tough hide with the greatest ease. The skin of the Manatee
is so thick that it can be cut into strips like the too-celebrated " cow-hide " of America,
which is manufactured from the skin of the hippopotamus. Before being dressed, the
hide of the Manatee is thinly covered with rather stiff bristles.

THE DUGONG.

549

The DUGONG may easily be distinguished from the manatee by the formation of the
tail, which in the latter animal is rounded, but in the former is forked. These animals
'are found on the eastern coast of Africa and on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

In Ceylon the Dugong is exceedingly plentiful, and it also inhabits the northern
coasts of Australia, where it is assiduously chased by the natives. The name of Sirenia,
which is given to this group of animals, is chiefly owing to the peculiar form and habits
of the Dugong, which has a curious custom of swimming with its head and neck above
the surface of the water, so that it bears some grotesque resemblance to the human form,
and might have given rise to the poetical tales of mermaids and sirens which have
prevailed in the literature of all ages and countries. When the female Dugong is nurs-
ing her child, she carries it in one arm, and takes care to keep the head of her offspring,
as well as her own, above the surface of the water, and thus presents a strangely human
aspect. If alarmed, she immediately dives below the waves, and flinging her fish-like

•KM

v* ^

DUGONG.— Hallcore Dugong.

tail into the air, corresponds in no inadequate degree with the popular notions of
mermaid form.

The usual haunts of the Dugong are at the mouth of rivers or similar spots, where the
subaqueous algae grow in greatest profusion, and it never seems to be found where
water is more than three or four fathoms in depth. It is not so good a diver as the seals,
not being furnished with the peculiar blood-reservoirs which enable those animals to
survive beneath the water for so great a length of time ; and it is therefore unable to
seek its food except in shallow waters. Whole herds of these animals may be seen
sporting near the shores, diving at intervals to procure food, and rising again in order
to breathe. They are most affectionate creatures, and if one of a pair be captured, the
other falls an easy prey to the pursuers, as it refuses to leave the fatal spot, and will
rather suffer itself to be killed than forsake even the dead body of its late partner.

There are several species of Dugong, which are all very similar in habits, although
they vary in size. One species has been known to attain to the length of twenty-six feet.

55°

THE RYTINA.

The skull of these animals is very singularly formed, the upper jaw being bent down-
ward over the lower jaw, and terminated by two large incisor teeth. It is supposed
that the object of this structure is to assist the animal in gathering together and
dragging up by the roots the algae and other subaqueous vegetation on which it
feeds.

The skin of the Dugong is capable of being manufactured into various useful articles,
and the flesh is in some repute, being said to bear close resemblance to veal.

A THIRD genus of these herbivorous cetaceans is the RYTINA, which is supposed to be
now extinct, the last known specimen having been killed in 1768, only twenty-sever*
years after the creatures were discovered.

The Rytina possessed no true teeth, and masticated its food by means of two bony
plates, one of which was attached to the front of the palate, and the other to the lower
jaw. It was a large animal, measuring about twenty-five feet in length, and nearly
twenty feet in circumference. The Rytina was discovered in the year 1741 on an island
in Behring's Straits ; and as the animals were large, heavy, and unarmed, they were
most valuable in affording food to the unfortunate sailors who were shipwrecked upon
that island, and were forced to abide there for the space of ten months. When the
islands were visited by ships in search of sea-otters, which abounded in that locality,
the crews found the Rytinas to be so valuable and so easy a prey that the entire race
was extirpated in a few years.

The only account of the Rytina is that which was furnished by Steller, one of the
shipwrecked party, who, undaunted by the terrible privations which he was forced to
undergo, wrote an admirable description of the animal, which was afterwards published
in St. Petersburg.

RODENTS.

55'

GROUP OP RODENT ANIMALS.

RODENTS.

THE RODENTS, or gnawing animals, derive their name irom the peculiar structure of
their teeth, which are specially fitted for gnawing their way through hard substances.
The jaws of the Rodents are heavily made, and very large in proportion to the head,
their size being not only needful for the support of the gnawing teeth, but for their

552

'HE BROWN RAT.

continual development. There are no canines, but a wide gap exists between the incisors
and the molars, which are nearly flat on their surfaces, and are well suited for grinding
the soft substances on which these animals feed.

The structure of the chisel-edged incisor teeth is very wonderful, and may be easily
understood by inspecting the teeth of a rat, mouse, hare, or rabbit.

As their teeth are continually worn out by the severe friction which they undergo
continually, there must needs be some provision for renewing their substance, or the
creature would soon die of starvation. In order to obviate this calamity, the base of
the incisor teeth pass deeply into the jaw-bone, where they are continually nourished by
a kind of pulpy substance from which the tooth is formed, and which adds fresh
material in proportion to the daily waste. Sometimes it happens that one of the incisor
teeth is broken or injured by some accident, so that it offers no resistance to its corre-
sponding tooth in the opposite jaw. The result of such an accident is very sad to the
sufferer, and is not unfrequently fatal in its termination. For the unopposed tooth,
being continually increased by fresh substance from behind, is gradually pushed forward
until it attains an enormous length, having sometimes been known to form a complete
circle. Examples of these malformed teeth are of tolerably frequent occurrence, and
specimens may be seen in almost every museum of comparative anatomy.

Something more is needed for the well-being of the animal than the mere growth of
its teeth ; for unless their chisel-like edges were continually kept sharp, they would be
of little use for cutting their way through the hard substances which the Rodents are
in the habit of gnawing. This result is attained as follows : —

The enamel which covers the front face of the incisor teeth is much harder than
that which is laid upon the remaining surfaces, while the dentine which makes up the
solid mass of each tooth is also harder in front than behind. It is evident that when
these teeth are employed in their usual task, the softer enamel and dentine are worn
away very much more rapidly than the remainder of the teeth, so that the peculiar
chisel-edge of the teeth is continually preserved. Following — perhaps unconsciously
— the structure of these teeth, our cutlers have long been accustomed to make their
axes on the same principle, a thin plate of steel being inclosed within two thick plates
of iron, so that when the axe is used upon timber, the iron is continually worn away,
leaving the plate of steel to project, and form a sharp cutting edge. These teeth are
well represented in the engraving of the beaver's skull, to which the reader is referred.

In many species of Rodents, the front faces of the incisor teeth are tinted with a
light orange red, or a reddish-brown, by means of a very thin layer of colored enamel.
In order to enable these teeth to perform their office rightly, the lower jaw is jointed
so as to slide backwards and forwards.

The Rodent animals are widely spread over the entire globe, and are very numerous,
comprising nearly one-third of the mammalia.

FEW animals are so well known or so thoroughly detested as the common BROWN
RAT, or NORWAY RAT, as it is sometimes erroneously called.

It has spread itself over almost every portion of the globe, taking passages in
almost every ship that traverses the ocean, and landing on almost every shore which
the vessel may touch. Wherever they set their feet, the Brown Rats take up their
abode ; and, being singularly prolific animals, soon establish themselves in perpetuity.
They are marvellous exterminators of other " vermin," and permit none but themselves
to be in possession of the domain which they have chosen. It is a well-known fact
that they have driven away the black English Rat, and established themselves in its
place with wonderful rapidity, having been accidentally brought to our coast by
some vessel in which they had embarked, and found the English climate to suit
them as a permanent residence. Some of these animals were purposely introduced
into Jamaica, in order to extirpate the plantation Rats, which did such damage to the
growing crops. They soon drove away the original " vermin ; " but like the Saxons
when invited to help the Britons, or like the man who was requested to aid the horse
against the stag, were found to be more dangerous foes than the enemy whom they had
overcome.

VORACITY OF THE BROWN RAT. 553

The Brown Rat is well fitted for its exterminating mission, as it is a fierce and
dangerous animal, and can inflict very painful wounds with its long incisor teeth. Ai
unarmed man would be quite impotent against the attacks of even a small party of old
sewer Rats, while a large body of these animals would make but short work of any man,
however well he might be armed. There is a wonderful power of combination in the
Brown Rat, which enables it to act in concert with its companions, and renders it a truly
formidable animal when it chooses to make a combined attack upon man or beast. A
number of these animals have been known to attack a cat, and inflict such grievous
injuries that the poor creature had to be killed as soon as its evil plight was discovered
by its owner. Even a single Rat is no despicable antagonist, and, according to the
observations of practical men, could beat off a ferret in fair fight, and would foil any
but a properly trained dog.

It is an exceedingly voracious animal, eating all kinds of strange food, and not sparing
its own species in times of scarcity. Like the wolves, the Rats will always fall upon and
devour one of their companions if it should chance to be wounded, and excite their

BROWN RAT.-yWus Decuman us.

carnivorous passions by the sight and smell of flowing blood. If a Rat should be caught
by a foot or a leg in a steel trap, its former companions will often fly upon the poor
captive and tear it to pieces, instead of endeavoring to effect its release. As in such
instances the imprisoned limb is left in the teeth oi the trap, it has been erroneously
supposed that the Rat had severed its own limb in order to set itself free.

From some strange cause, the male Rats far outnumber the females, the proportion
being about eight of the former to three or four of the latter. This disproportion of the
sexes may possibly be caused by the cannibalistic habits of the Rat, the flesh of the
female being more tender than that of the opposite sex. Whatever may be the cause,
it is clear that the wider increase of these creatures is greatly checked by the compara-
tive paucity of females.

There is scarcely a greater plague to the farmer, butcher, sailor, provision merchant, or
poultry keeper than the Rat, whose mingled craft, daring, and perpetual hunger require
the greatest watchfulness and the most elaborate precaution. The havoc which an army
of Rats will make among the corn-ricks is almost incredible, while they carry on their
depredation with so much secrecy that an unpracticed eye would think the stacks to be
sound and unharmed. Fortunately they can easily be dislodged from any rick by taking
in down, and replacing it on proper " staddles," taking great care that no stray weeds
or branches afford a foothold to these persevering marauders. While the risk is being

554

USE OF THE BROWN RAT.

rebuilt, no particular care need be taken to shake the Rats out of the sheaves, for, as
they are thirsty animals, they will be forced to leap from the stack in search of water,
and then will not be able to return.

Mice can subsist in a stack by means of the rain and dew which moisten the thatch,
and may be often seen licking the straws in order to quench their thirst. But the Rats
are less tolerant of thirst, and are forced to evacuate their premises. When mice
and Rats are found inhabiting the same stack, the former animals reside in the upper
parts, and the Rats in the lower.

Poultry of all kinds suffer sadly from these carnivorous creatures, which have a
custom of invading, the henroosts by night, and making prey of the fowls as they sit
quietly sleeping on their perches. Birds are always indisposed to move during the
hours of darkness, so that the cunning rodent finds no difficulty in carrying out its
destructive intentions. Rabbit-fanciers have great cause to be indignant with the Rat,
for when it once gains access to the hutches, the^safety of the entire stock is in imminent
danger. The only way to secure the survivors is to remove them at once to some spot
which is made Rat-proof. Much of the damage which is done by Rats is laid upon
innocent shoulders, the fox and the weasel being the ordinary scape-goats.

The audacity of these animals is really wonderful, especially when they have enjoyed
an unmolested life. They have been known to enter a stable and nibble the horn
away from the horses' hoofs, or to creep among dogs as they lay sleeping, and gnaw
the callous soles of their feet. They have even been known to attack sleeping infants,
and to inflict fearful damage before they were detected in their crime. The metropolitan
butchers execrate the Rats very sincerely, as they are forced to remove every joint of
meat as soon as their business is over for the day, and hang it up. in some place which
is so well protected that not even a Rat can gain access. Indeed, the black list of
their misdemeanors is so extremely long that even a rapid enumeration of their crimes
would more than occupy the entire space devoted to one animal.

Rats are not without their use, especially in large towns, which but for their never-
failing appetites would often be in very sad case. Taking, for example, the metropolis
itself, we find that the sewers which underlie its whole extent are inhabited by vast
hordes of Rats, which perform the office of scavengers by devouring the mass of vege-
table and animal offal which is daily cast into those subterranean passages, and which
would speedily breed a pestilence were it not removed by the ready teeth of the Rats.
So that, when kept within proper bounds, the Rat is a most useful animal, and will
continue to be so until the drainage of towns is conducted in a different manner.

How to keep them to their own proper dominions is no easy task, as their sharp
teeth can cut through almost any obstacle, and have been known even to grate away
the corner of a particularly hard brick. It is found, however, that if these tunnels be
stopped up with mortar or cement well studded with pieces of broken glass, they will
not venture their teeth against such a barrier. Moreover, if a few tablespoonfuls of
quick-lime be placed in the hole before it is stopped up, it will deter the Rats from
coming in that direction, as the lime burns their feet.

Catching them in traps is by no means so easy a process as it appears to be, as the
Rat is a very crafty animal, and is moreover gifted with so acute a nose that it can
perceive the touch of a human hand upon a trap, and will keep aloof from so dangerous
an article. In order to set a trap properly, it is needful to avoid touching it with the
bare hand, and to wear thick gloves powerfully scented with aniseed, caraway, or
other powerfully-smelling substance. Even in that case, the successful chase of the
Rat requires such an accurate knowledge of the animal's habits, and needs so many
precautions, that it is almost impossible for an amateur to be permanently successful
in that line.

Although the Sewer and the Barn Rats belong to the same species, they are very
different in aspect as well as in habits, the former being very much larger than the latter,
and much fiercer in disposition. The Sewer Rats remain in their strange habitations
during their whole lives, while the Barn Rats are in the habit of making annual migra-
tions as soon as the spring season commences, some betaking themselves to the fields
and hedgerows, while others take up their abode on the river-banks, where they com-
mit sad havoc among the fish.

INSTINCT OF THE BROWN RAT. 555

During this temporary migration, the female Rats make their snug and comfortable
nest in any sheltered spot ; and before the autumnal season has fairly commenced add
a considerable number of new members to the Rat family. It is a wonderfully prolific
animal, beginning to breed at four months of age, and having three broods in the
year, each brood being from eight to twelve or fourteen in number. When the autumn
has set in, the emigrants return to their old quarters, marvellously increased in number.

The female Rat is a most affectionate mother, braving all dangers in defence of her
young, and dashing boldly at any real or fancied foe who may happen to alarm her
maternal sympathies. Unfortunately for her peace of mind, the paternal Rat is far
from partaking of these tender affections, and if he condescends to pay a visit to his
young family, only does so with the intention of eating them. Should the mother be
at home, she shows such a defiant front, that he is fain to decamp from the cradle of
his offspring, but if she should perchance happen to be absent from her charge, the
result is tragical indeed.

Rats are very cleanly animals, always washing themselves after every meal, and dis-
playing the greatest assiduity in making their toilet. They also exhibit considerable
delicacy of palate wherever they find a sufficiency of provisions, although they are in
no way nice in their diet when pressed by hunger. If, for example, a party of Rats
discover an entrance into a butcher's storehouse, they are sure to attack the best
meat, utterly disdaining the neck, the shin, or other coarse pieces.

There is one peculiarity in the structure of the Rat which is worthy of notice.
These animals are able not only to ascend a perpendicular tree or wall by the aid of
their sharp, hooked claws, but also to descend head foremost with perfect ease. In
order to enable them to perform this feat, their hind legs are so made that the feet can
be turned outwards, and the claws hitched upon any convenient projections.

However unpromising a subject the Rat may appear, it has often been tamed, and
is a very much more educatable animal than could be supposed. It will obey its
master's commands with promptitude, and has been known to learn very curious tricks.

For further information on this subject the reader is referred to a work published
by Messrs. Routledge and Co., entitled " The Rat," by James Rodwell, in which may
be found an elaborate account of the animal and its habits, together with much curious
and original information.

There is a well-known proverb that Rats always desert a falling house ; in which
aphorism there is really much truth. One curious example thereof I here offer to the
reader.

On page 204 may be seen an account of a cat which had, by some mysterious in-
tuition, migrated from a mill in which she had long lived, and to which she was greatly
attached, and which was burned to the ground in a few hours after she had taken her
departure. Pussy, it seems, was not the only animal which had been thus forewarned of
impending danger, for the Rats also took alarm, and were actually seen upon their journey
from their late habitation. They were about one hundred in number, and, starting from
the mill some two hours before the fire broke out, proceeded in a compact body towards
four stacks belonging to the landlord of the Commercial Inn, and there took up their abode.

A similar account of Rat prescience has been narrated to me by a spectator of the
scene.

When H. M. S. Leander was brought into harbor after her voyage, in the year 1803,
she was so infested with Rats that a wholesale destruction of these four-footed pests
was rendered absolutely necessary, not only for the comfort of the crew, but for the
very safety of the vessel. The entire contents of the ship were therefore landed on the
wharf, a number of chafing-pans filled with lighted brimstone were placed between decks,
and the hatches being battened down, the animals were soon stifled by the suffocating
vapors. As soon as the preparation for this wholesale destruction commenced, the Rats
took alarm, and endeavored to make their way on shore by traversing the " warps," or
ropes by which the vessel was made fast to the shore. Sentinels were accordingly
placed by the warps, and furnished with sticks, so that as soon as a Rat came running
along the ropes, it was speedily checked by a sharp blow, which struck it from its foot-
hold, and knocked it dead or dying into the water, where it soon perished.

556

THE MOUSE.

It is a curious fact that the Rats were all found lying dead in circles round the braziers,
heaped thickly upon each other's bodies. They had instinctively run toward the spots
which were comparatively free from vapor, as the heat of the burning coals forced the
suffocating smoke to rise from the spot where it was generated.

The BLACK- RAT derives its name from the color of its fur, which is of a grayish-black,
instead of the reddish-brown hue which tinges the coat of the brown Rat. The upper jaw
projects considerably beyond the lower, and a number of long stiff hairs project through
the ordinary fur. In size it is rather less than the above-mentioned animal, and the
ears and tail are rather longer in proportion.

The Black Rat is found in all warm and temperate regions, and in England was in
former days extremely numerous, although it has now been gradually driven away from
its domains by the larger and more powerful intruder. It is not, however, so rare as is
sometimes imagined, and may still be found by those who know where to look for it.
According to Mr. Rodwell's theory, the manner in which the brown Rat has supplanted
its black relation is not by war, but by love, the stronger males of the brown hue

BLACK RAT.— Mas Rattius.

carrying off the black females by force of superior strength, and thus by degrees merging
the weaker black race into the powerful brown Rats. In France the two varieties — for the
distinction of species really seems to be but doubtful — live together in perfect harmony,
mixing freely with each other, and producing a curious kind of parti-colored offspring.

The skins of these brown-black Rats are considered to be of some value, and they
are accordingly pursued by the rat-catchers for the purpose of sale to the furriers. Even
the brown Rat is not without its value in commerce, as the prepared skin is said to
furnish the most delicate leather for the manufacture of the thumbs of the best kid
gloves ; and the fur is used as a substitute for beaver in the composition of hats.

Albino, or White Rats, are of no very uncommon occurrence ; and when crossed with
the black or brown species their offspring is curiously pied with a darker or lighter hue,
according to the color of the parent.

" YE little vulgar MOUSE," as it is quaintly termed by old Topsel, is a truly pretty
little creature, with its brown-gray back, gray throat and abdomen, soft velvety fur, its
little bright black bead-like eyes, and squirrel-like paws. A detailed description of so
familiar an animal would be quite unnecessary, and we will therefore proceed to its habits
and manners.

THE MOUSE.

557

Like the rat, it frequents both town and country, doing an infinity of damage in the
former, but comparatively little harm in the latter. In the country it attaches itself
mostly to farmyards, where it gains access to the ricks, and when once firmly established,
is not so easily dislodged as its larger relative the rat. However, if the rick be kept
under cover, the Mice cannot make any lengthened stay, for the cover keeps off the
rain, on which they chiefly depend for drink, and they are then obliged to leave the
stack in search of water. If the rick be placed on staddles, it will be then safe from
these little pests.

In the town they are not so objectionable as in the country, for they can only annoy
the human inhabitants, and cannot inflict real damage upon them. They are bold little
creatures in their way, although easily startled ; and, if permitted to carry out their noisy
sports undisturbed, run about an inhabited room with perfect nonchalance. The walls
of many of the college rooms at Oxford are papered over canvas, and the Mice run
scuffling and squeaking between the canvas and the plaster as if they were the legitimate

COMMON MOUSE.— Mas Musculus. (Brown, White, and Pied) varieties.

owners of the place, and the tenants were only located there in order to cater for their
benefit. Many a wall is riddled with holes that have been made by the irritated ocur-
pants making furious lunges with a toasting-fork — always unsuccessful, by the way — at
the noisy little creatures as they scurry about behind the paper.

They are odd little animals, and full of the quaintest gamesomeness, as may be seen
by any one who will only sit quite still and watch them as they run about the room which
they specially affect. They are to the full as inquisitive as cats, and will examine any
new piece of furniture with great curiosity.

Mice are very easily tamed, and, as far as my own experience goes, the common brown
Mouse is more readily brought under subjection, and more docile, than the white or albino
variety. I have kept many a set of Mice, brown, white, and mottled, and have always
found them to be very susceptible of kindness. To tame a young brown Mouse is
an easy task ; but it must be remembered that, as all Mice are very cleanly animals,
the strictest care is needful to rid their cage of all impurity. Their bedding should
be constantly changed, and the false floor of their cage should be double, so that while

" SINGING " MOUSE.

one is in use, the other is getting dry after being thoroughly washed. Any soft sub-
stance, such as hay, cotton wool, or rags, will suffice for their bedding ; but I have
found that black cotton wool, or black " wadding," as it is sometimes termed, is fatal
to Mice in the course of a single night. Why it should be so I cannot venture to guess,
but that such is the case I have had practical experience.

Mice are cunning creatures, and when they once have taken alarm at a trap, cannot
be induced to put themselves within such peril, no matter how strong the inducement
may be. For a while it is possible to entrap them by changing the kind of bait as soon
as they have begun to learn the result of eating that particular substance ; but in a few
weeks the trap must be entirely removed until the animals have forgotten it.

It is a marvellously prolific animal, producing its young several times in the course of
the year, and at a very early age. The nests are made in any sheltered spot, and formed
from any soft substance, such as rags, paper, or wool, that the mother can procure.
On taking up some boards in my own room, I once found a Mouse-nest nearly as large
as a man's head, composed wholly of scraps of paper, and containing six or seven tiny
red, semi-transparent mouselets, through whose little bodies one could almost see the
substance of the nest on which they were lying. Another Mouse-nest which I dis-
covered was made in an old disused harmonicon, which had been put away in a cup-
board, and was filled by the Mice with empty nutshells, the refuse of a bag of hazel-
nuts which had been placed in the same cupboard ; no very enviable bed, as one would
fancy, and the reason for its construction not at all obvious.

Before closing this account of the common Mouse, a few words are due to the " Singing
Mice," concerning whose musical accomplishments the scientific world is rather at issue,
some persons thinking the song to be nothing more than a symptom of bronchitis,
and others believing it to be voluntarily produced by the imitative powers of the
performers.

In a letter to the Field newspaper, one of the correspondents gives a curious instance
of " singing " which favors the former of these suppositions. A Mouse had been caught
in a trap with weak springs, and being half choked by the wire pressing on its neck,
gave vent to a twittering or chirruping not unlike that of a small bird. Other corre-
spondents, however, who have met with examples of Singing Mice, seem rather to incline
to the opinion that the musical sound is produced by healthy animals, and is not owing
to disease. A very interesting letter on this subject has been sent to me by the Rev.
R. L. Bampfield, of Little Barfield, in Essex, and seems also to favor the latter supposi-
tion. By the kind permission of the writer, I am enabled to present the account to
the reader, and will leave him to come to his own conclusions on the subject.

" In a former residence of mine, some Mice took up their abode behind the wainscot
in the kitchen. From motives which few housekeepers would appreciate, we allowed
them to remain undisturbed ; and most merry, cheerful little creatures they were.

It seemed to us that a young brood was being carefully educated ; but they did not
learn all their accomplishments from their parents. In the kitchen hung a good singing
canary, and we observed that by degrees the chirp of the Mice changed into an exact
imitation of the canary's song ; at least it was so with one, for though several attempted
it, one considerably excelled the rest. I am not sure that admiration of the music
influenced them, for from the funny facetious way in which it was done,. I should rather
say it was out of mockery, or at least from a love of imitation. Yet the result was very
pleasing ; far inferior to the canary's note in volume, strength, and sweetness, it was,
perhaps, superior to it in softness and delicacy.

Often have I listened to it with pleasure in the evening, when the canary was asleep
with its head beneath its wing ; and more than once have I observed a kitchen-guest
glance at the canary, then look round in some astonishment and say, * Is that a bird,
sir, singing ? ' One trustworthy person assured me that he too had had in his house
a similar * Singing Mouse.' I have, therefore, little doubt that if a young family of
Mice were brought up from the first close to a canary or some other songster, some of
them would learn to sing."

I have also been favored with an account of a young singing rat, which
endeavored to imitate the sounds produced by a piping-bullfinch and an ordinary

THE HARVEST MOUSE.

559

goldfinch. In the first, the creature entirely failed, but was tolerably successful in its
imitation of the mild notes of the goldfinch. The same animal would begin to sing if
a melody were played in the minor key, but would give no response to the major. The
fondness of Mice for music is already well known, and may afford some clue to their
sensitiveness of ear. I believe, by the way, that the untaught cries of all the lower
animals, whether they be quadrupeds or birds, are in the minor key.

SMALLEST, and perhaps the prettiest, of the British mammalias, the elegant little
HARVEST MOUSE next claims our attention. The total length of this tiny creature is
not quite five inches, its tail being nearly two inches, and a half in length. The color
of its fur is a delicate reddish-brown, the
base of each hair taking the darker tint, and
the point warming into red, while the under
parts of the abdomen are white. The line
of demarcation between the brown and white
is well defined.

The description which is given of the
Harvest Mouse and its wonderful nest, by
the Rev. Gilbert White, is so well known
that it need only be casually mentioned. I
have fortunately had opportunities of verify-
ing his observations by means of a nest
which was found in a field in Wiltshire bv

^

some mowers.

It was built upon a scaffolding of four of the
rank grass-stems that are generally found on
the sides of ditches, and was situated at some
ten or eleven inches from the ground. In
it was globular, rather larger than a cricket-
ball, and was quite empty, having prob-
ably been hardly completed when the remorse-
less scythe struck down the scaffolding and
wasted all the elaborate labor of the poor
little architect. The material of which it
was composed was thin dry grass of nearly
uniform substance, and its texture was re-
markably loose, so that any object contained
in it could be seen through the interstices as
easily as if it had been placed in a lady's
open-worked knitting basket. There was no
vestige of aperture in any part of it, so that
the method by which it was constructed
seems quite enigmatical.

I am inclined to suppose that the little
builder remained in its centre while engaged
in its construction, and after weaving it
around her, pushed her way out through the loosely woven wall, and re-arranged the
gap from the outside. It may be that the nest is the joint work of both sexes, the one
remaining inside and plaiting the grass, while her mate brings fresh material, and con-
solidates the work from the exterior.

Perhaps the young Mice, when snugly packed into their airy cradle, may be fed by
the mother from the exterior, by making a temporary opening opposite each little one,
and replacing the material when she proceeds to the next in succession. This is Mr.
White's suggestion, and seems to be a very probable one. He also wonders how the
little nest, which was entirely filled by the bodies of the eight young Harvest Mice that
lay cradled in its embrace, could expand so as to accommodate itself to their increas-
ing dimensions. This problem may be answered by the fact that the loose structure

HARVEST MOUSE.— Mlcromys mlautus.

S6°

THE HAMSTER.

of the nest is precisely calculated for such extension, for the materials are so inter-
woven that the entire structure can be greatly expanded from the interior without los-
ing its spherical shape. Such, at all events, was the case in my own specimen, and is
probably so in all.

Very little is known of the habits of the Harvest Mouse in a wild state, except that
it is destructive to corn whether stored in ricks or barns. It is also carnivorous, of
rather insectivorous to no small degree, as was proved by Mr. Bingley, who kept one of
these little creatures, and accustomed to feed it with various insects. This propensity
was discovered by mere accident, the Mouse springing with wonderful activity at a
blue-bottle fly that happened to buzz against the wires of her cage. Taking the hint,
Mr. Bingley caught the fly, and holding it against the wires, was pleased to see the
little quadruped dart nimbly out of her hiding-place and take it from his fingers. She
always preferred insects to vegetable food. The same observer noticed that the tail of
this animal is prehensile.

Independently of its small size, the Harvest Mouse may be distinguished from a young
ordinary Mouse by its short ears, narrow head, slender body, and less projecting eyes.

THE bold and elegant markings with which the fur of the BARBARY MOUSE is dec-
orated, render it a very conspicuous animal, and when the creature is in captivity,
always attract the attention of visitors who happen to pass before its cage.

The dimensions of this an-
imal are greater than those of
the common Mouse, while they
are smaller than those of the
ordinary rat. Its color is very
pleasing, the ground tint of the
fur being a rich brown, and the
stripes of a whitish yellow, verg-
ing by degrees into the white
fur of the under portions of
the body. These pretty creat-
ures are tolerably hardy, and
can endure an English climate
as well as most animals which
have been brought from a hot
and arid to a cold and moist
country. They run about their
cage with considerable liveli-
ness, sometimes diving among
their bedding, and ever and
anon poking their intelligent-
looking little heads from among
the hay, and tripping about as if pleased to exhibit their beautiful fur. As may be
supposed from its title, the animal is a native of Barbary.

It is not devoid of the carnivorous habits of its race, and even when bountifully
supplied with food, has been known to develop its carnivorous nature into cannibalism,
eating the body of one of its companions that had died while in the cage.

THE short, sturdy, stupid rodent which is so famous under the name of the HAM-
STER is widely spread over many parts of Northern Europe, where it is an absolute pest
to the agriculturists, who wage unceasing war against so destructive an animal. Be-
fore proceeding to the habits and character of the Hamster, a short description of its
external appearance will be necessary.

The color of its fur is a grayish fawn on the back, deepening into black on the under
portions of the body and softening into a yellow hue upon the head and face. The
otherwise uniform tinting of the fur is relieved by some patches of whitish-yellow upon
the cheeks, shoulders, and sides. The creature is furnished with two large cheek-pouches,
which are capable of containing a considerable amount of food, and which can be inflated

BARBARY MOUSE.— Oofunda Barbara.

THE HAMSTER. 561

with air at the pleasure of the animal. The length of the adult Hamster is about fif-
teen inches, the tail being only three inches long.

The Hamster is most destructive to the crops, whether of corn, peas, or beans, and
when the autumn approaches, begins to plunder the fields in a most systematic manner,
for the purpose of laying up a winter store of provisions. By dint of dexterous manage-
ment, the animal fills its cheek-pouches with grain, pressing it firmly with its paws, so
as to lose no space, and then carries off its plunder to its subterranean treasury, where
it disgorges the contents of the pouches, and returns for another supply. The husband-
men are so well aware of this propensity that they search after the habitation of the
Hamster after the harvest is over, and often recover considerable quantities of the
stolen grain. The destructive capability of the animal may be gathered from the fact
that a single Hamster has been known to hoard no less than sixty pounds of corn in
its home, while a hundredweight of beans have been recovered from the storehouses of
another specimen.

The skin of the Hamster is of some value in commerce, so that the hunters make a
double use of a successful chase, for they not only recover the stolen property of the
agriculturist, but gain some profit by selling the skins.

HAMSTER.— Cricetus frumeatarius.

The burrow of the Hamster is a most complicated affair, and not very easy to de-
scribe. Each individual has a separate burrow, and not even in the breeding season do
the male and female inhabit the same domicile. At some depth below the surface of
the earth are several rather large chambers, communicating with each other by hori-
zontal passages. In one of these chambers the creature lives, and in the others it
places its store of provision. There are at least two entrances to each burrow, one
being almost perpendicular, and the other sloping. Sometimes there are more than
two entrances to the chambers, but there are never less than that number. The depth
of the chambers is from three to five feet. Each burrow is only intended to serve for
one season, and is abandoned at the end of winter.

As the Hamster is in the habit of throwing the excavated earth from the oblique
burrow, technically called the " creeping-hole," its locality is discovered by means of
the mound of loose earth which is heaped at its entrance. Eighty thousand of these
animals have been killed in one year within a single district.

The Hamster is a very prolific animal, as appears from the fact that it still holds its
own in spite of the constant persecution to which it is subjected by the agriculturists and
the regular hunters. There are several broods in each year, the average number of each
family being from seven to ten or twelve. As soon as the young Hamsters are able to

562 THE WATER RAT, OR WATER VOLE.

shift for themselves, an event which occurs in a wonderfully short time, they leave the
maternal home, and dig separate burrows.

The strangest part of the Hamster's character is its dull, unreasoning ferocity which
is utterly incapable of comprehending danger, and causes the animal to attack any kind
of opponent, whether animate or not. An irritated Hamster will fly upon a dog, a
man, or a horse, without the least hesitation. If a cart were to crush it, it would try
to bite the wheel ; if a stone were to roll over it, it would turn upon the lifeless stone ;
threaten it with a stick, and it fastens upon the senseless weapon with malign fury ;
and when opposed by a bar of iron nearly red hot, it has been known to grasp the
burning metal in its teeth, and to retain its hold in spite of the pain which it must
have suffered. This combative disposition leads it to fight desperately with its own
species, caring nothing for sex or age ; and it has actually happened that when a pair
of these animals have been placed together in a cage, the male has been killed and
partly eaten by his disconsolate widow.

The food of this animal is chiefly vegetable, but is varied by animal diet, such as
worms, insects, mice, small birds, lizards, frogs, and other such vermin. It is a noc-
turnal animal, and achieves its robberies under cover of the darkness of night. It can
hardly be termed a true hibernating animal, as it is quite lively for a considerable
portion of the winter, feeding on its ample stores for nearly two months, and becoming
very fat by the combined influence of inactivity and good feeding. Through a portion
of the winter it becomes torpid, but awakes early in the spring, ready to renew its
depredations in the fields. During the spring and summer months its food consists
chiefly of leaves and various herbage.

WATER RAT, OR WATER VOLE.—Arvlcola amphlbius.

THERE are many animals which have been saddled with a bad reputation merely on
account of an unfortunate resemblance to another animal of really evil character.
Among these misused innocents the WATER VOLE is very conspicuous, as the poor
creature has been commonly supposed to be guilty of various poaching exploits which
were really achieved by the ordinary brown Rat.

It is quite true that Rats are often seen on the river-bank in the act of eating cap-
tured fish, but these culprits are only the brown Rats which have migrated from the
.farmyards for the summer months, and intend to return as soon as autumn sets in.
The food of the true Water Rat, or Water Vole, as it is more correctly named, is chiefly of
a vegetable nature, and consists almost entirely of various aquatic plants and roots. The
common " mare's-tail," or equisetum, is a favorite article of diet with the Water Vole,
and I have often seen it feeding on the bark of the common rush. Many years ago

THE CAMPAGNOL.

563

I shot a Water Vole as it was sitting upon a water-lily leaf and engaged in eating the
green seeds; and on noticing the kind of diet on which the animal was feeding, I deter-
mined to watch the little creatures with more care. My own testimony coincides pre
cisely with those of other observers, for I never yet saw the true snub-nosed, short-
eared, yellow-toothed Vole engaged in eating animal food, although the brown Rat may
be often detected in such an act.

Many communications have been made to me on the subject, written for the most
part by persons who have seen water-side Rats engaged in catching and eating fish,
and have thought that the delinquents were the true Water Vole. Indeed, the Vole is
allied very closely to the beaver, and partakes of the vegetarian character of that
Animal.

However guiltless the Water Vole maybe of piscicapture, it is not altogether a harm-
less animal, for independently of weakening the banks by its tunnels, it will sometimes
leave the water-side and travel some little distance across the country in search of
cultivated vegetables. One of these animals has been seen to cross a large field and
enter a garden in which some French beans were growing. The Vole crept up the
bean-stalks, and after cutting off several of the pods with its sharp and scissor-like
teeth, picked them up and retraced its steps to its home.

The color of the Water Vole is a chestnut-brown, dashed with gray on the upper parts
and fading to gray below. The ears are so short that they are hardly perceptible above the
fur. The incisor teeth are of a light yellow, and are very thick and strong. The tail is
shorter than that of the common Rat, hardly exceeding half the length of the head and
body. The average length of a full-grown Water Vole is thirteen inches, the tail being
about four inches and three-quarters long. It is not so prolific an animal as the brown
Rat, breeding only twice in the year, and producing from five to six young at a birth.

THE CAMPAGNOL, or SHORT-TAILD FIELD MOUSE, is even more destructive in the
open meadows than the common gray mouse in the barns or ricks ; for not contenting
itself with plundering the ripened
crops of autumn, it burrows be-
neath the ground at sowing time,
and devours the seed-wheat which
has just been laid in the earth.
Besides these open-air depreda-
tions, it makes inroads into ricks
and barns, and by dint of multi-
tudinous numbers does very great
harm. As its food is entirely of
a vegerable nature, it does not
enter human habitations, where
it would find but a poor chance
of a livelihood.

The color of the Campagnol
is ruddy brown on the upper sur-
face of the body, and gray on the
abdomen and chest. The ears are
rounded and very small, closely
resembling those of the water
vole. The tail is only one-third
the length of the body, and the
total length of the animal is rather

more than five inches. As it belongs to the same genus as the water vole, and is
very closely related to that animal, it sometimes goes by the name of Field Vole.

It is a very prolific animal, and its numbers are almost incredibly great in districts
where no means have been taken for its destruction. Even in well-cultivated fields,
whether of grass or corn, the Campagnol may be found in vast quantities by any one
whose eyes are sufficiently accustomed to the task to distinguish the little creature from

CAMPAGNOL.-Arv/co/a arvalis.

THE LEMMING.

the earth on which it moves. At one time, when my eyes were in proper order, I
have frequently gone into any grass-field at random, and amused myself by detecting the
Field Mice as they crept through the grass-blades, and endeavoring to watch them in their
silent and almost imperceptible progress. They move so easily through the green
herbage that they scarcely stir the blades ; and are so similar in their color to the earth
as it shows between the leaves, that none but a practised eye can detect them. There is
hardly any sign to tell of its presence, except an undefined sense of something red
among the grass, which, unless it be immediately pounced upon, fades again into brown,
and the thing is gone.

The Campagnol is a water-loving creature, and is oftener found in marshy ground
than in meadows which are elevated above the level of the neighboring lands and
ditches. A dry summer is very trying for these animals, and a long-Qontinued drought
is fatal to hundreds of them.

The Field Vole carries its destructive powers even into woods and plantations, and
is often the unknown cause by which some cherished young tree has drooped, withered,
and died. These little animals are good burrowers, and are in the habit of digging
into the ground, and nibbling the living roots of trees and shrubs. Sometimes the
mice attack the bark, and, by completely stripping it from the circumference of the
tree, destroy it as effectually as if it had been cut down with an axe.

THERE is another species of Field Mouse, in which the tail is much longer in propor-
tion, and the dimensions are altogether smaller. This is the BANK VOLE or BANK
CAMPAGNOL, and must not be confounded with the Long-tailed Field Mouse, which is
not a vole at all, but a veritable mouse.

AT uncertain and distant intervals of time, many of the northern parts of Europe,
such as Lapland, Norway, and Sweden subjected to a strange invasion. Hundreds of

little, dark, mouse-like animals
sweep over the land, like clouds
of locusts suddenly changed into
quadrupeds, coming from some
unknown home, and going no one
knows whither. These creatures
are the LEMMINGS, and their sud-
den appearances are so entirely
mysterious, that the Norwegians
look upon them as having been
rained from the clouds upon the
earth.

Driven onwards by some over-
powering instinct, these vast
hordes travel in a straight line,
permitting nothing but a smooth
perpendicular wall or rock to turn
them from their course. If they
should happen to meet with any
living being, they immediately
attack, knowing no fear, but only
urged by undiscriminating rage.
Any river or lake they swim with-

!>ut hesitation, and rather seem to enjoy the water than to fear it. If a stack or a
torn-rick should stand in their way, they settle the matter by eating their way through
\t, and will not be turned from their direct course even by fire. The country over which
they pass is utterly devastated by them, and it is said that cattle will not touch the
grass on which a Lemming has trodden.

These migrating hosts are accompanied by clouds of predaceous birds, and by many
predaceous quadrupeds, who find a continual feast spread for them as long as the

«~4

LEMMING.— Myodes Lemmas.

THE BEAVER. 565

Lemmings are on their pilgrimage. While they are crossing the rivers or lakes, the fish
come in for their share of the banquet, and make great havoc among their columns.
It is a very remarkable fact that the reindeer is often seen in chase of the Lemmings ;
and the Norwegians say that the deer is in the habit of eating them. This statement,
however, seems to be rather of doubtful character. The termination of these extraor-
dinary migrations is generally in the sea, where the survivors of the much-reduced ranks
finally perish. Mr. Lloyd mentions that just before his visit to Wermeland, the Lem-
ming had overrun the whole country. The primary cause of these strange migrations
is generally thought to be hunger. It is fortunate for the country that these razzias
only occur at rare intervals, a space of some ten or fifteen years generally elapsing be-
tween them, as if to fill up the places of those which were drowned or otherwise killed
in the preceding migration.

The Lemming feeds upon various vegetable substances, such as grass, reeds, and
lichens, being often forced to seek the last-named plant beneath the snow, and to make
occasional air-shafts to the surface. Even when engaged in their ordinary pursuits,
and not excited by the migratorial instinct, they are obstinately savage creatures. Mr.
Metcalfe describes them as swarming in the forest, sitting two or three on every stump,
and biting the dogs' noses as they came to investigate the character of the irritable
little animals. If they happened to.be in a pathway, they would not turn aside to
permit a passenger to move by them, but boldly disputed the right of way, and uttered
defiance in little sharp, squeaking barks.

The color of the Lemming is dark brownish-black, mixed irregularly with a tawny
hue upon the back, and fading into yellowish-white upon the abdomen. Its length is
not quite six inches, the tail being only half an inch long.

THE common BEAVER has earned a world-wide reputation by the wonderful instinct
which it displays, independently of its very great value in producing costly fur and
perfume.

This animal is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, but is found in the
greatest profusion in North America. In days long gone by, the Beaver was an in-
habitant of our own island. It is generally supposed that there is but one species of
true Beaver, and that the Beaver of Europe and Asia is specifically identical with that
of America, even though certain small differences of fur and coloring may be Discerned
between them. The social Beaver of Northern America is a truly wonderfu. anima\,
displaying a singular mixture of reason and instinct, together with a curious absence
of both on occasions. The best account of this animal is to be found in Audubon and
Bachman's valuable work on the quadrupeds of North America, to which work I am
indebted for the following particulars.

The Beaver lives in societies, varying considerably in number, and united together in
the formation of works which may fairly be considered as belonging to the profession of
the engineer. They prefer to make their habitations by small clear rivers and creeks, or
close to large springs, although they sometimes take up their abode on the banks of lakes.

Lest they should not have a sufficient depth of water in all weathers and at all
seasons, the Beavers are in the habit of building veritable dams, for the purpose of
raising the water to the required level. These dams are composed of tree-branches, mud,
and stones, and in order effectually to resist the action of the water, are about ten or
twelve feet in thickness at the bottom, although they are only two feet or so wide at the
summit. When the different parts of the stream run with varying velocity, the forma-
tion of the dam is really a triumph of engineering skill, for wherever the stream is gentle,
the dam is built straight across it ; but wherever the current runs smartly, the dam is
curved so as to present a convex surface to its force. It often happens that when a
dam has been made for some years, its dimensions become very large, in consequence
of the trees and branches that are intercepted by it, and in process of time it sprouts
thickly with vegetation, and even nurtures trees of some dimensions.

In forming the dam, the Beaver does not thrust the ends of the stakes into the bed of
the river, as is often supposed, but lays them down horizontally, and keeps them in their
place by heaping stones and mud upon them. The logs of which the dam is composed

566

THE BEAVER.

are about three feet in length, and vary extremely in thickness. Generally they are about
six or seven inches in diameter, but they have been known to measure no less than
eighteen inches In diameter. An almost incredible number of these logs are required for
the completion of one dam, as may be supposed from the fact that a single dam will
sometimes be three hundred yards in length, ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom, and
of a height varying according to the depths of water.

Before employing the logs in this structure, the Beavers take care to separate the bark,
which they carry away, and lay up for a winter store of food.

Near the dams are built the Beaver-houses, or " lodges," as they are termed ; edifices
as remarkable in their way as that which has just been mentioned. They are chiefly
composed of branches, moss, and mud, and will accommodate five or six Beavers together,
The form of an ordinary sized Beaver's lodge is circular, and its cavity is about seven
feet in diameter by three feet in height. The walls of this structure are extremely thick,

BEAVER.-Castor Fiber.

so that the external measurement of the same lodges will be fifteen or twenty feet in
diameter, and seven or eight feet' in height. The roofs are all finished off with a thick
layer of mud, laid on with marvellous smoothness, and carefully renewed every year. As
this compost of mud, moss, and branches is congealed into a solid mass by the severe
frosts of a North American winter, it forms a very sufficient defence against the attacks
of the Beaver's great enemy the wolverene, and cannot readily be broken through, even
with the help of iron tools. The precise manner in which the Beavers perform their
various tasks is not easy to discern, as the animals work only in the dark.

Around the lodges the Beavers excavate a rather large ditch, too deep to be entirely
frozen, and into this ditch the various lodges open, so that the inhabitants can pass in
or out without hindrance. This precaution is the more necessary, as they are poor
pedestrians, and never travel by land as long as they can swim by water. Each lodge is
inhabited by a small number of Beavers, whose beds are arranged against the wall, each
bed being separate, and the centre of the chamber being left unoccupied.

In order to secure a store of winter food, the Beavers take a vast number of small
logs, and carefully fastens them under water in the close vicinity of their lodges. When
a Beaver feels hungry, he dives to the store heap, drags out a suitable log, carries it to a
sheltered and dry spot, nibbles the bark away, and then either permits the stripped log
to float down the stream, or applies it to the dam.

THE BEAVER.

SKULL OF BEAVER.

Their teeth are wonderfully powerful and sharp, and their jaws are possessed of singular
strength, as may be seen by the accompanying engraving of a Beaver's skull.

So sharp are their teeth, and with such address does the animal use them, that a tame
Beaver has repeatedly been seen to take a potato or an apple in his fore-paws to sit up
on his hind feet, and by merely pressing the apple against his lower incisors, and
manipulating it dexterously, to
peel it as really as if the opeartion
had been performed by human
hands with the aid of a knife.

Not all the Beavers employ
themselves in these united labors,
for there are some which, like
drones, refuse to take any part in
the proceedings, and are technic-
ally called " Les paresseux," or
the Idlers, by the Beaver-hunters.
These animals make no dam and
build no house, but content them-
selves with excavating long tunnels
and taking up their abode therein.
Several of these idlers inhabit the
same burrow, and as they are
always males, it is supposed that
they must have been conquered

in the contests which take place between most male animals while they are seeking
their mates, and that they must have retired into comparative solitude until they have
gained sufficient strength and courage to renew the fight. These idlers are gladly
welcomed by the hunters, for they are easily caught, and a skilful trapper thinks
himself ill-used if he does not capture every idler that he may meet.

We now must bestow a little time on the curious odoriferous substance which is called
" castoreum" by the learned, and " dark-stones" by the trappers. This substance is se-
creted in two glandular sacs which are placed near the root of the tail, and gives out
an extremely powerful odor.

To the castoreum the trapper is mostly indebted for his success, for the Beavers are
strangely attracted by this substance, and if their nostrils perceive its distant scent, the
animals will sit upright, sniff about in every direction, and absolutely squeal with excite-
ment. Taking advantage of this curious propensity, the hunter always carries a supply
of castoreum, in a closed vessel, and when he comes to a convenient spot for placing his
trap, he sets the trap and then proceeds to manufacture his bait. This process is simple
enough, consisting merely of taking a little twig of wood about nine inches long, chewing
one end of it and dipping it in the castoreum. The trap is now laid so as to be covered
by about six inches of water, and the stick arranged so that its perfumed tip projects from
the water. Any Beaver which scents this bait will most certainly come to it, and will
probably be captured in the trap.

Connected with this strange mode of baiting a trap, is a habit which has only
recently been brought before the public by the researches of Messrs. Audubon and
Bachman.

If two Beaver lodges are tolerably near each other, the inhabitants of the one lodge,
which we will call lodge A, go to a little distance for the purpose of ridding themselves
of the superabundant castoreum. The Beavers of lodge B, smelling the castoreum, go to
the same spot, and cover the odoriferous substance with a thick layer of earth and leaves.
They then place their own castoreum upon the heap, and return home. The inhabitants
of lodge A then go through precisely the same process, until they have raised a mound
some four or five feet in height.

O

To return to the baited trap spoken of in the last paragaph but one. If the Beaver
which smells the bait is a young one, it will almost certainly be captured ; but if it should
chance to be an old and experienced animal, it will not only avoid capture, but render

568 COYPU RAT, OR RACOONDA.

the trap useless until it has been re-set. For instead of trying to get at the bait, it fetches
quantities of mud and stones, heaps its load upon the trap until it has raised a small
mound, and after placing its own superabundant castoreum upon the little hillock, goes
away in safety.

In spite of their stores of provisions, the Beavers become very thin during the winter
months, so that they are in bad case when spring comes in. However, the succulent diet
which they then find has a rapid and beneficial effect upon them, and by the beginning
of autumn they are quiet fat. By study of the Beaver's habits, the trappers are enabled to
prognosticate the kind of weather which is likely to happen. For example, as it is well
known that the Beavers always cut their winter's store of wood in good season, the fact
of their early commencement of this labor shows that winter will be earlier than usual.

The color of the long shining hairs which cover the back of the Beaver is a light
chestnut, and the fine wool that lies next to the skin is a soft grayish-brown. The total
length of the animal is about three feet and a half ; the flat, paddle-shaped, scale-covered
tail being about one foot in length. The flesh of the Beaver is eaten by the trappers, who
compare it to flabby pork. The tail is something like beef marrow, when properly cooked,
but it is too rich and oily to suit the taste of most persons. The female Beaver produces
about three or four young at a litter, and the little creatures are born with open eyes.

COYPU RAT, OR RACOONDA.— Myopotamus Coypns.

THE COYPU RAT, or RACOONDA, as it is sometimes termed, is a native of Central
America, where it is found in such great numbers that its beautiful fur is imported into
Europe in very large quantities.

The color of this animal is a light reddish-brown, the hairs being variegated with
both tints, not unlike that of the beaver in character and general appearance. Indeed,
the creature bears a great resemblance to a miniature beaver, with the exception of its
tail, which is long and rounded, instead of being flattened like that of the true beaver.
The incisor teeth are a light reddish-orange, and are very conspicuous even at some
distance. The length of a full-grown Coypu is about two feet six inches, its tail being
about fifteen inches long.

It is a quick and lively animal, and very amusing in its habits. It swims nearly, if
not quite, as well as the beaver, using its webbed hind feet in much the same manner.
It is wonderfully dexterous in the use of its fore-paws, which it uses as if they were hands,
while it sits upright on its hinder paws and tail. I have often watched the funny antics
of tht Coypus in the zoological gardens, and have been much amused by the manner in

MUSQUASH, OR MUSK RAT OR ONDATRA.

569

ivhich they traverse their domains, and examine everything that seems to be novel. If
a tuft of grass is thrown to them, they pick it up in their fore-paws, shake it violently,
in order to get rid of the earth that clings to the roots, and then, carrying it to the
water-side, wash it with a rapid dexterity that might be envied by a professional
laundress.

While swimming it looks very like a magnified water vole, and is remarkably quick
and agile in its movements ; but its gait on land is clumsy and awkward. It seems to be
equally at home in salt and fresh water, inhabiting the banks of rivers or the shores of
the sea creeks, according to the locality in which it is found, and living in burrows which
it excavates along the banks. It is said to be a tolerably powerful animal, and to make
no despicable resistance to the dogs which are employed in its chase. It is, however,
naturally of a gentle disposition, and can be rendered very tame by those who bestow
proper attention upon it.

MUSQUASH, OR MUSK RAT, OR ONDATRA. -Fiber Ztbethlcus.

The ONDATRA, MUSQUASH, or MUSK RAT, is a native of Northern America, where it is
found in various places above the twentieth degree of north latitude.

The color of this animal is a dark brown on the upper portions of its body, tinged
with a reddish hue upon its neck, ribs, and legs, the abdomen being ashy gray ; the tail is
of the same dark hue as the body. In total length it rather exceeds two feet, of which
measurement the tail occupies about ten inches. The incisor teeth are bright yellow, and
the nails are white. The whole coloring of the animal is so wonderfully like the hue of
the muddy banks on which it resides, that a practised naturalist has often mistaken the
Ondatras for mere lumps of mud until they began to move, and so dispelled the illusion.
The hinder feet of the Ondatra are well webbed, and their imprint on the soft mud is
very like that of a common duck.

The food of the Ondatra in a wild state appears to be almost wholly of a vegetable
nature ; although, when confined in a cage, one of these animals has been seen to eat
mussels and oysters, cutting open the softest shells, and extracting the inmates, and
waiting for the hard-shelled specimens until they either opened of their own accord or
died. Although the Ondatra is a clumsy walker, it will sometimes travel to some
distance from the water-side, and has been noticed on a spot nearly three-quarters of a
mile from any water. These animals have also been detected in ravaging a garden, which
they had plundered of turnips, parsnips, carrots, maize, and other vegetables. The
mischievous creatures had burrowed beneath them, bitten through their roots, and carried

57°

HABITS OF THE MUSQUASH.

them away to their subterranean storehouses. The maize they had procured by cutting
the stalks near the level of the ground.

The Ondatra lives mostly in burrows, which it digs in the banks of the river in which
it finds its food, but sometimes takes up its abode in a different kind of habitation,
according to the locality and the soil. In the stiff clay banks of rivers the Ondatra
digs a rather complicated series of tunnels, some of them extending to a distance of
fifteen or twenty yards, and sloping upwards. There are generally three or four en-
trances, all of which open under water, and unite in a single chamber, where the Ondatra
makes its bed. The couch of the luxurious animal is composed of sedges, water-lily
leaves, and similar plants, and is so large as to fill a bushel basket. On marshy ground,
and especially if it be supplied by springs, the Ondatra builds little houses that
rise about three or four feet above the water, and look something like small
haycocks.

As the fur of the Ondatra is rather valuable and the flesh is considered to be nearly
as good as that of the wild duck, it is rather persecuted by the human inhabitants of
the same land, as well as by the regular fur hunters. If these creatures have taken up
their abode in burrows, the hunters capture them by stopping up all the holes which they
can reach, and intercepting the animals as they try to escape ; but if the ground be
marshy, and they live in houses or " lodges," a different plan is adopted. Being armed
with a four-pronged barbed spear, the hunter creeps quietly towards one of the houses,
and with the full strength of his arm drives the barbed prongs completely through the
frail walls, transfixing one or more of the inhabitants. His companion, who is furnished
with an axe, immediately hurls down the remainder of the wall, and secures the un-
fortunate victims who are held down by the merciless steel.

The habits of the Ondatra are very curious, and are admirably related by Messrs.
Audubon and Bachman, in the work to which allusion has already been made :—

" Musk Rats are very lively, playful animals when in their proper element, the water ;
and many of them may be occasionally seen disporting themselves on a calm night in
some mill-pond or deep sequestered pool, crossing and recrossing in every direction,
leaving long ripples in the water behind them, while others stand for a few moments on
little hurdles or tufts of grass, or on stones or logs, on which they can get a footing
above the water, or on the banks of the pond, and then plunge one after the other into
the water. At times one is seen lying perfectly still on the surface of the pond or stream,
with its body widely spread out, and as flat as can be. Suddenly it gives the water a
smart slap with its tail, somewhat in the manner of the beaver, and disappears beneath
the surface instantaneously, going down head foremost, and reminding one of the quick-
ness and ease with which some species of ducks and grebes dive when shot at.

At the distance of ten or twenty yards, the Musk Rat comes to the surface again,
and perhaps joins its companions in their sports ; at the same time others are feeding
on the grassy banks, dragging off the roots of various kinds of plants, or digging un-
derneath the edge of the bank. These animals seem to form a little community of social,
playful creatures, who only require to be unmolested in order to be happy.

Should you fire off a fowling-piece while the Musk Rats are thus occupied, a terrible
fright and dispersion ensues ; dozens dive at the flash of the gun, or disappear in their
holes ; and although in the daytime, when they see imperfectly, one may be shot while
swimming, it is exceedingly difficult to kill one at night. In order to ensure success,
the gunner must be concealed, so that the animal cannot see the flash, even when he
fires with a percussion lock."

Traps are also largely employed for the destruction of this gentle but, unfortunately
for itself, valuable animal. The traps are so arranged, that when the creature is taken,
and struggles to get free, it jerks the trap into the water, and is thus drowned. If its
companions discover it while still entrapped, they behave in the manner of the brown
Rats, and tear their imprisoned companion to pieces. If one of these animals is shot,
and not immediately retrieved, the survivors surround the dead body of their companion,
and carry it off to their homes from the reach of its murderer. In character it is quiet
and gentle, and although armed with such powerful teeth, makes no offensive use of
them, even when handled by man for the first time,,

THE GROUND PIG.

BEAVER RAT, OR HYDROMYS.— Hfdromys chrysogaster.

THE shy and retiring HYDROMYS, or BEAVER RAT, is not a very rare animal in its
native country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it
is but seldom seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen's Land, and is
found inhabiting the banks of both salt and fresh water. It is an admirable swimmer
and diver, reminding the spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it
has a habit of sitting upright, supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the
fore-feet for the conveyance of food to its mouth.

The color of the Beaver Rat's fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the
body are of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides
of the face, shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the
body is golden yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of " chrysogaster," which
signifies "golden-bellied." The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety
is white. In the engraving, the contrast of the colors is not sufficiently marked. The
total length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the
body. The hinder feet are webbed.

GROUND PlQ.-Aulacodus Swlnderianus.

The GROUND PIG is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and
has a considerable affinity with the latter animals.

It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea,
where it is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and

57*

THE PORCUPINE.

approximates closely to the quill-hairs of the true porcupines, being either flat and
grooved above, or developed into flexile spines. The tail is but sparely covered with
hair, and is rather short in proportion to the size of its owner. The hinder feet are only
furnished with four toes, armed with large, rounded, and rather blunt claws. The ears
are short and rounded.

The PORCUPINE has long been rendered famous among men by the extraordinary
armory of pointed spears which it bears upon its back, and which it was formerly
fabled to launch at its foes with fatal precision.

This animal inhabits many parts of the world, being found in Africa, Southern
Europe, and India. The spines, or quills, with which it is furnished, vary considera-
bly in length, the longest quills being flexible, and not capable of doing much harm
to an opponent. Beneath these is a plentiful supply of shorter spines, from five to ten
inches in length, which are the really effective weapons of this imposing array. Their
hold on the skin is very slight, so that when they have been struck into a foe, they
remain fixed in the wound, and, unless immediately removed, work sad woe to the
sufferer. For the quill is so constructed, that it gradually bores its way into the flesh,
burrowing deeper at every movement, and sometimes even causing the death of the
wounded creature. In Africa and India, leopards and tigers have frequently been
killed in whose flesh were pieces of Porcupine quills that had penetrated deeply into
the body, and had even caused suppuration to take place. In one instance, a tiger
was found to have his paws, ears, and head filled with the spines of a Porcupine,
which he had vainly been endeavoring to kill.

Conscious of its powers, the Porcupine is not at all an aggressive animal, and sel-
dom, if ever, makes an unprovoked attack. But if irritated or wounded, it becomes at
once a very unpleasant antagonist, as it spreads out its bristles widely, and rapidly
backs upon its opponent. There are few horses which will face an irritated Porcu-
pine ; and even the preliminary rustle of the quills with which a Porcupine generally
prepares every attack, is sufficient to make an ordinary horse flee in terror. The rustling
sound is produced by a number of hollow quills which grow upon the Porcupine's tail,
and which, when that member is agitated, clash against each other with a sound very
like the peculiar ruffling of a peacock's train.

The Porcupine is a nocturnal animal, seldom venturing out of its retreat as long as
the sun is above the horizon, and is therefore not often seen even in the localities
which it most prefers. It is said not to require the presence of water, but to quench
its thirst by eating the succulent roots and plants which it digs out of the ground.
Its food is entirely of a vegetable nature, and consists of various kinds of herbage, as
well as of bark, fruit, and roots. This animal takes up its abode in deep burrows
which it excavates, and in which it is supposed to undergo a partial hibernation.

As the spines of the Porcupines are of some commercial value, and are used
for many purposes, the chase of the animal is rather popular in the countries
which it inhabits, and derives a further interest from the fact that the Porcupine,
although a timid creature, can make a very powerful resistance when it is driven to
despair. In fighting, it depends wholly on its quills, and does not attempt to make the
least use of its strong and sharp incisor teeth, which are able to cut their way through
the hardest wood as if it were butter, and would inflict most dangerous wounds. So
far, indeed, is it from making any use of these formidable weapons, that its first care
is to protect its head, being probably led to that course of action by its fear for its
nose, which is so sensitive that the animal is stunned by a comparatively slight blow
on that organ.

It does not appear to be very susceptible of domestication, probably because it cannot
find teachers who are sufficiently fearless of its quills to pay very close attention to it.
With the exception of the hollow quills in the tail, the spines are encircled with alternate
rings of black and white, producing a very rich contrast of coloring. The upper parts
of the body are covered with hair instead of quills, and upon the head and neck there
is a kind of crest, composed of very long stiff hairs, which can be erected or depressed
at pleasure. Like the hedgehog it can coil itself into a ball when it is surprised at a

THE TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE.

573

PORCUPINE.— HysMx Cristate.

distance from its haven of refuge, and can present such an array of threatening spikes
that it is quite safe from any enemy excepting man. When, however, the animal is at
peace it is capable of depressing the bristling spears, and can squeeze itself through an
opening which would appear at first sight to be hardly large enough to permit the
passage of an animal of only half its size.

The total length of the common Porcupine is about three feet jsix inches, the tail
being about six inches long. Its gait is plantigrade, slow, and clumsy, and as it walks,
its long quills shake and rattle in a very curious manner. Its muzzle is thick and
heavy, and its eyes small and pig-like.

TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE.- Atherura Africans.

The TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE in even a more singular animal than that which has
just been described.

THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON.

The quills which cover the body are very short in proportion to the size of the
animal, and instead of preserving the rounded, bamboo-like aspect of the ordinary
Porcupine-quills, are flattened like so many blades of grass. The tail is scaly through-
out a considerable part of its length, but at the tip is garnished with a tuft of most
extraordinary-looking objects, which can hardly be called hairs or quills, but, as Buffon
remarks, look very like narrow, irregular strips of parchment. The coloring of the
quills is rather various, but as a general rule, they are black towards the extremity and
white towards the base. They are very sharply pointed, and are remarkable for a deep
groove that runs along their entire length. Upon the head the quills are not more
than one inch long, but on the middle of the body they reach four or even five inches.
Among these quills there are a few long and very slender spines or bristles, which
project beyond the others.

The Tufted-tailed Porcupine has been found at Fernando Po, and is an inhabitant
of India and the Peninsula of Malacca.

The URSON, CAWQUAW, or CANADIAN PORCUPINE, is a native of North America,
where it is most destructive to the trees among which it lives.

Its chief food consists of living bark,
which it strips from the branches as cleanly
as if it had been furnished with a sharp knife.
When it begins to feed, it ascends the tree,
commences at the highest branches, and eats
its way regularly downward. Having finished
one tree, takes to another, and then to a
third, always choosing those that run in the
same line ; so that its path through the
woods may easily be traced by the line of
barked and dying trees which it leaves in its
track. A single Urson has been known to
destroy a hundred trees in a single winter,
and another is recorded as having killed
some two or three acres of timber.

It is a tolerably quiet animal, and easily
tamed; although subject to sudden fits of
alarm at any strange object. One of these
animals was so entirely domesticated, as to
come voluntarily, and take vegetables or
fruit from the hand of its master, and would
rub itself against him after the manner of
an affectionate cat. When irritated or
alarmed, it has a curious habit of striking
sharply with its tail, which is thickly set with
short quills, and causing no small damage
to the object of attack. In the work of
Messrs. Audubon and Bachman is a very
amusing little story of the manner in which
the tame Urson above mentioned repelled
an attack made upon it by a fierce
dog.

" A large, ferocious, and exceedingly
troublesome mastiff, belonging to the neigh-
borhood, had been in the habit of digging
a hole under the fence, and entering our
garden. Early one morning we saw him
making a dash at some object in the corner

of the fence, which proved to be our Porcupine, which had, during the night, made its
escape from the cage.

The dog seemed regardless of all its threats, and probably supposing it to be an

CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON.
Erethizon dorsatum.

THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON.

575

animal not more formidable than a cat, sprang upon it with open mouth. The Porcupine
seemed to swell up in an instant to nearly double its size, and as the dog pounced upon
it, it dealt him such a sidewise blow with its tail, as to cause the mastiff to relinquish
his hold instantly, and set up a loud howl in an agony of pain. His mouth, tongue, and
nose were full of Porcupine quills. He could not close his jaws, but hurried, open-
mouthed, off the premises. It proved to him a lesson for life, as nothing could ever
afterwards induce him to revisit a place where he had met with such an unneighborly
reception. Although the servants immediately extracted the spines from the mouth of

COENDOO, OR BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE.— Cferco/A&es prehensllis.

the dog, we observed that his head was terribly swelled for several weeks afterwards,
and it was months before he finally recovered."

The victorious Urson did not long survive the affray, for as the summer weather ap-
proached, it betrayed unmistakable signs of distress, and finally died of heat. A
similar anecdote is recorded of an Urson, which took a sudden umbrage at the atten-
tions of a person who was attempting to caress it, and unexpectedly dealt him such a
blow with its tail that his offending right hand was instantly covered with wounds.

The Urson is not so fully defended with spines as the two preceding animals, but is

576

THE AGOUTI.

covered with long, coarse, blackish-brown hair, among which the short pointed quills
are so deeply set, that, except in the head, tail, and hinder quarters, they are scarcely
perceptible. These spines are largely used by the American Indians in the decoration
of their hunting-pouches, moccasins, and other articles, and after the quills are ex-
tracted, the remainder of the fur is sufficiently soft to be used for clothing. The flesh of
the Urson is considered eatable, and is said to bear some resemblance to flabby pork.
The length of -the Urson is not quite four feet, the head and body measuring rather
more than three feet, and the tail about nine inches. The teeth are of a bright
orange.

IN Southern America, the Porcupines find a representative in the COENDOO, an
animal which is not only remarkable for its array of quills, but also for the prehensile
power of its long tail.

As might be presumed, from the prehensile tail and the peculiarly armed claws, the
Coendoo is of arboreal habits, finding its food among the lofty branches of trees. On
the level ground it is slow and awkward, but among the more congenial boughs it
climbs with great ease, drawing itself from branch to branch by means of its hooked
claws ; but seldom using its tail, except as an aid in descent. The food of this animal
consists of leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, and the soft woolly substance of young and
tender branches, which it slices easily with its chisel-edged incisor teeth. During the
summer months the Coendoo becomes extremely fat, and its flesh is then in great
request, being both delicate in flavor and tender in character. The young of this
animal are born in the month of September or October, and are very few in number.

The total length of the Coendoo is about three feet six inches, of which the tail oc-
cupies one foot six inches. Its nose is thick and blunt, like that of the common Por-
cupine, and the face is furnished with very long whisker-hairs of a deep black. The
numerous spines which cover the body are parti-colored, being black in the centre and
white at each extremity. Their length is rather more than two inches on the back, an
inch and a half on the fore-legs, and not quite an inch on the hinder limbs. A number
of short quills are also set upon the basal half of the tail, the remainder of that organ
being furnished with scales, and tapering to its extremity. The color of the scales is
black. The entire under surface of the tail is covered with similar scales, among which
are interspersed a number of bright chestnut hairs. The abdomen, breast, and inner
face of the limbs are clothed with dense, brown, coarse hairs.

It is a nocturnal animal ; sleeping by day, and feeding by night.

THE two succeeding animals bear some resemblance to each other, but may be dis-
tinguished by the different shape of the head, and the structure of the feet and toes.
These technical distinctions maybe found in the list of generic differences which closes
the first volume of this work. There are several species of Agoutis, the COMMON
AGOUTI being considered as the type of the genus, and their habits being very similar.

The Agouti is a native of Brazil, Paraguay, Guiana, and other neighboring countries,
but its numbers have been considerably thinned in many spots where cultivation has
been industriously carried on. In some of the Antilles, where it formerly swarmed, it
is now nearly extirpated, and in St. Domingo is but rarely seen. It is a voracious
animal, eating almost every kind of vegetable food, having, however, an unfortunate
preference for those plants which have been reared under human superintendence. It
is especially fond of roots, such as potatoes and yams, and is so destructive among
sugar-canes that the planters are forced to wage a war of extermination against the
Agouti before they can hope for a good crop. Very few of these animals are to be
found in any spot where the sugar-cane has been cultivated to any extent. Besides
plants and nuts, the Agouti eats various fruits, displaying a strong predilection for
nuts. Like many of the rodent animals, it is capable of varying its diet with animal
substances, and will seldom refuse a piece of meat if offered.

It is a tolerably swift animal, as might be supposed from the great comparative length
of its hinder limbs, but does not appear to be capable of sustaining a long chase. Open
country is on that account rather distasteful to the Agouti, who prefers wooded districts,

THE AGOUTI.

577

where it can find shelter without being forced to run for any considerable distance.
When running, it bears some resemblance to the common hare, and, like that animal,
is rather apt to overbalance itself when running down hill, and to roll for some yards
before it can recover itself.

All its movements are sharp, quick, and active, and even while sitting upright and
engaged in feeding itself by the assistance of its fore-paws, its head is continually be-
ing turned from side to side, and its bright eyes glance in every direction, in order to
guard against a surprise. As it is a nocturnal animal, and spends the whole of the
day in its dark hiding-place, its ravages take place under cover of night, and are the
more difficult to be repelled. Its usual resting-place is in the cleft of a rock, or in the
hollow of some decaying tree, where twenty or thirty of these animals may be found
living amicably together.

In these dark* recesses the young Agoutis are born, and are laid upon a soft bed of
leaves, where they remain for a few weeks, and then sally out with their parents on
their nocturnal expeditions. There are generally two broods in each year, and the
number of young at a birth is from three to six.

AGOUTI.— Dasyprocta Agouti.

The Agouti can be readily domesticated, but is in no great favor as a pet, because it
is so fond of exercising its sharp teeth upon any article of furniture which may fall in
its way, and will in a very few minutes cut its way through an ordinary wooden door.
Moreover, it ill repays the trouble which has been taken in taming it, for it seems to
lose all its amusing qualities when it is once placed in an inclosure and furnished with
regular food. It appears hardly to be capable of distinguishing kindness from cruelty,
and displays but little emotion at the presence of the person who brings its daily food.
It is naturally a gentle creature, and when captured will not attempt to bite the hand that
seizes it, but only gives vent to a piteous squeak as it feels itself made a prisoner.
The flesh of the Agouti is white, and good-flavored, and is thought to resemble a mix-
ture of the hare and rabbit. In some countries which it inhabits it is commonly eaten,
while in others a prejudice prevails against its use as an article of diet.

The name, Dasyprocta, which has been given to the genus, refers to the thick hair
which falls over the hind quarters, and nearly conceals the little pointed stump of a

578

THE SOOTY PACA.

tail. The hair of this part of the body is a bright golden-brown, but on the back and
sides the fur has a curious speckled aspect, on account of the black, brown, and yellow
tints with which each hair is marked. On the greater part of the body the fur is only
about one inch in length, but the golden-brown hair of the hinder parts is more than
four inches long. In character it is coarse, though glossy.

Though all the species are furnished with powerful claws, the Agouti is incapable of
climbing trees or digging burrows. It is said to have some idea of laying up provisions,
and to hide any superabundance of food in some place of concealment. In size it
exceeds the common rabbit, but does not equal the hare.

BETWEEN the agoutis and the pacas is placed the MARA, or Patagonian Cavy, as it is
sometimes called, an animal which is remarkably swift for a short distance, but is so
easily fatigued that it can be run down by a man on horseback. It is more tameable
than the agouti, and is often kept in a state of domestication, being permitted to range
the house and premises at will. It is generally found in couples, a male and his mate
occupying the same "form." It does not seem to burrow, nor to keep so close to its
retreat as the agouti, but is fond of crouching in a form like our common hare. It is
about thirty inches in length, and about nineteen inches high at the crupper, which is
the most elevated part of the animal. At the shoulder it hardly exceeds sixteen inches.
The fur of this animal is soft and warm, and from the contrasting colors of black,
white, and golden-brown, presents a very handsome appearance. Its scientific title is
Dolichbtis Fatachbnicus

SOOTY P\CA.-CceIogeays Paca.

The PACAS are remarkable for the extraordinary development of a portion of the
skull, which gives to the entire head a very singular aspect. The cheekbone is enor-
mously developed into a large, expanded mass of bone, concave and very rough on the
exterior, and smooth and concave interiorly. This enlarged bone is so enormous that
its lower edge descends below the lower jawbone, and hides a considerable portion of
it. Closely connected with this curious structure is a cheek-pouch, for which no use
has hitherto been discovered. There are also two large cheek-pouches which open
into the mouth, and extend past the jaws into the neck. In consequence of this for-
mation, the name of CceUSgenys, or " Hollow-cheek," has been given to this genus.

The Pacas inhabit Southern America, being mostly if not entirely, restricted to the
eastern portions of that country, and have also been found in some of the West Indian
islands.

THE CAPYBARA. 579

The DUSKY PACA is really a pretty animal, the rows of white spots which decorate
its sides standing out in pleasing contrast to the rich black-brown hue with which the
remainder of the fur is tinged. The throat and abdomen are white, and the lowermost
of the four rows of white spots is often nearly merged into the white fur of the under
portions of the body. The coloring is rather variable in different individuals. The
paws are light flesh-color, and the large full eyes are dark brown. The total length
of this animal is about two feet.

In its native land it is quite as destructive as the agouti, and, like that animal, is a
terrible foe to the sugar-canes, which are too frequently destroyed in great quantities
by the nocturnal visits of the Paca. The aggrieved planters retaliate by making diur-
nal attacks on the Paca burrows when they know the animal will be at home ; and by
stopping up two of the three entrances which lead to the secret chamber of the mid-
night robber, are enabled to dislodge the hidden animal from its retreat. When hard
pressed, the Paca turns fiercely on its assailant, and fights desperately in defence of
itself and its home.

It is an active animal, in spite of its clumsy looks, and not only runs with consider-
able speed, but is a good swimmer, and can jump well.

The favorite localities of the Pacas are in wooded districts, in marshy grounds, or
near the banks of rivers. Their domiciles are excavated in the ground, but are at no
great depth, and are remarkable for the admirable state of cleanliness in which they
are preserved by the inhabitants. The burrows are often so shallow that their roofs
cannot support any superincumbent weight, and will give way under the tread of man
or horse.

When properly dressed by being scalded and roasted, the flesh of the Paca is much
esteemed, although it is too rich and fat to please the palates of some persons. The
fur is of little value, being short and harsh, so that the skin of the Paca is useless un-
til it has been deprived of hair and tanned. The Paca is only moderately intelligent;
and when in captivity appears, like the agouti, to lose a great portion of the bright in-
telligence which characterizes its wild nature. It appears to take great care of its fur,
and i's as fastidious in its toilet as the domestic cat, washing itself in the same man-
ner, and combing itself carefully with the claws of its hind and fore feet.

FEW persons, on seeing a CAPYBARA for the first time, would be inclined to class it
with the animals to which it is so nearly related. The great size, the harsh coarse
hair, more like the bristles of a hog than the soft, delicate fur, which clothes the gener-
ality of rodent animals, the hoof-like toes, and the heavy, clumsy bearing of the animal,
are so swinish in appearance that any ordinary spectator might well imagine that he saw
before him a very curious example of the wild-hogs. In allusion to the external re-
semblance which this animal bears to the swine, it has received the name of Hydro-
chcerus, or Water Hog. It is a native of Southern America, and has a rather wide range.

The Capybara is the largest of all the living rodent animals, rather exceeding three
feet in total length, and being so bulkily made that when it walks its abdomen nearly
touches the ground. The muzzle of this animal is heavy and blunt, the eyes are set
high in the head, and are moderate in size, the tail is wanting, and the toes are par-
tially connected together by a development of the skin. The color of the Capybara is
rather indeterminate, owing to the manner in which the hairs are marked with black
and yellow, so that the general idea which its coat presents is a dingy, blackish-gray,
with a tinge of yellow. The hairs are rather long, and fall heavily over the body.
The incisor teeth are of enormous dimensions, and the molars are very curiously formed,
presenting some analogy to those of the elephant.

It is a water-loving animal, using its webbed feet with great power, and fleeing in-
stinctively to the stream when terrified by real or imaginary danger. It not only swims
well, but is a good diver ; and when endeavoring to escape from a foe, always tries to
evade its pursuer by diving as long as its breath will hold out, and only permitting the top
of its head to appear above the surface when it rises for the purpose of respiration. As,
however, it can remain under water for a space of eight or ten minutes, it finds no diffi-
culty in escaping from any ordinary foe, if it can only gain the shelter of the welcome

580

THE GUINEA PIG.

stream. The food of this animal is exclusively vegetable, and its curious teeth are
needed in order to bruise the herbage on which it feeds into a mass sufficiently
pulpy to enable it to pass through the very narrow throat.

The Capybara is a gregarious creature, being generally found in small herds upon
the banks of the streams which they frequent. These animals are subject to consider-
able persecution at the hand of man and beast, as the flesh is remarkably good, and
when properly treated can be preserved like ham or bacon. The jaguar preys largely
on the Capybara, which is so large and fat that it affords a plentiful and succulent
meal ; and is so easily overcome that the jaguar finds no difficulty in supplying himself
with a dinner. There is a kind of musky flavor about the flesh of the Capybara which
is very attractive to some persons, but is equally repulsive to others. When startled,
it utters a peculiar sound, something between a bark and grunt, in which an indefinite
noise is produced, and a large amount of breath expended.

CAPYBARA.— ffydrochcerus Capybara.

THE Cavies are well represented by the common GUINEA PIG.

Few animals have received less appropriate names than the Guinea Pig ; for it is not
a pig, but a rodent, and does not come from Guinea, but from Southern America. It is
very easily tamed ; for its disposition is so unimpressible and dull that it accommodates
itself to change of locality without betraying any emotion, and seems hardly to be
susceptible even of fear. Being a very pretty little creature, it is in some favor as a
domestic pet ; and as it is remarkably prolific, it very rapidly increases in numbers, if it is
well defended from cold and preserved from damp, as without warmth and a dry hab-
itation it soon dies. The food of the Guinea Pig is exclusively of a vegetable nature,
and while feeding it generally sits on its hinder feet, and carries the food to its mouth
with its fore-paws.

An idea of the extreme fecundity of this animal may be formed from the fact that it
begins to breed at ten months of age, that each brood consists on an average of six or
eight, and that in less than three weeks after the birth of the young family they are driven
to shift for themselves, and the mother is then ready for another brood. The young
Guinea Pigs are born with their eyes open, and covered with hair, and do not attain
their full dimensions until they have reached the age of eight or nine months.

THE HARE.

38'

The color of the Guinea Pig is very variable ; but is generally composed of white,
red, and black, in patches of different size and shape in each individual. The bare por-
tions of the skin are flesh-colored, and the eye is brown. The animal is of little direct
use to mankind, as its flesh is held in very low estimation, and its hair is so slightly
attached to the skin that its coat is useless to the furrier. There was formerly a prev-
alent idea that rats had an especial antipathy to the Guinea Pig, and would not haunt
any place where one of these animals was kept. Rabbit owners were therefore in the
habit of placing a Guinea Pig in the same apartment with the hutches, in hopes of
scaring away the rats, which are the chief enemies of tame rabbits. As, however, in
several instances the Guinea Pigs were eaten by the rats instead of driving them from
the premises, the custom has gradually fallen into deserved disrepute.

THE group of animals which is known by the name of Leporidae, from the Latin word,
lepusy a hare, is easily distinguishable from the other rodents by the peculiar dentition

GUINEA PIQ.-Cav/a Aperea.

of the upper jaw. Usually there are only two incisor teeth in that jaw ; but in the
Leporidae there are four incisors, a pair of smaller teeth being placed immediately be-
hind the usual upper incisors.

The common HARE is known from the rabbit by the redder hue of its fur, the great
proportionate length of its black-tipped ears, which are nearly an inch longer than the
head ; by its very long hind legs, and its large and prominent eyes. When full-grown it
is of considerable size, weighing on the average about eight or nine pounds, and some-
times attaining the weight of twelve or even thirteen pounds. In total length it rather ex-
ceeds two feet, the tail being about three inches long. The color of the common Hare
is grayish-brown on the upper portions of the body, mixed with a dash of yellow ; the
abdomen is white, and the neck and breast are yellowish-white. The tail is black on
the upper surface and white underneath, so that when the creature runs it exhibits the
white tail at every leap. Sometimes the color of the Hare deepens into black, and
there are many examples of albino specimens of this animal.

It is popularly supposed to be a timid animal, and has therefore received the specific
title of " timidus ; " but it is really possessed of no small share of courage. According
to a well-known English writer — not a sportsman — we malign the poor creature by

582

THE HARE.

stigmatizing it as cowardly or timid, because it runs away when it is hunted. Half a
hundred horsemen, together with a pack of dogs, band together in pursuit of one
defenceless Hare, which is likely to run away under such circumstances. There is
hardly any animal, from an elephant or lion downwards, that would not run away in
like manner ; and it is very unfair to brand the poor Hare with an offensive epithet
because it does not attempt to fight a field of horsemen and a pack of hounds.

However disposed the Hare maybe to flight, when matched against such overwhelm-
ing odds, she is really a courageous animal when more fairly dealt with.

A countryman had captured a young leveret in a furrow, and was proceeding to
mark it by notching its ears, when he was interrupted in his work by the mother Hare,
which flew at him with singular courage, and struck so fiercely with her feet that she
tore his hands rather severely. Finding that she could not release her child, she stood
within a few feet of the captor, and waited patiently until he liberated the little Hare,
with which she went off. The Hare is a very pugnacious animal, and is in the habit
of waging the most savage fights with those of its own species.

The very long and powerful hind legs of the Hare enable it to make prodigious
bounds, and to cover a considerable space of ground at every leap. The hinder limbs
are, indeed, of such great proportionate length that the animal does not walk, but pro-
ceeds by a series of hops or leaps. The Hare is so constituted that it never becomes
fat, however rich and fertile may be the pasture in which it feeds, and is therefore en-
abled to run for a very great distance without being fatigued, as would be the case if
its muscles were loaded with fat. It can also leap to a considerable height, and has
been known to jump over a perpendicular wall of eight feet in height in order to escape
from its pursuers.

It is a wonderfully cunning animal, and is said by many who have closely studied its
habits to surpass the fox in ready ingenuity. Appearing to understand the method by
which the hounds are enabled to track its footsteps, it employs the most crafty man-
oeuvres for the purpose of throwing them off the scent. Sometimes it will run for-
wards for a considerable distance, and then, after returning for a few hundred yards
on the same track, will make a great leap at right angles to its former course, and lie
quietly hidden while the hounds run past its spot of concealment. It then jumps back
again to its track, and steals quietly out of sight in one direction, while the hounds are
going in the other.

The Hare also displays great ingenuity in running over the kind of soil that will best
suit the formation of her feet, and be most disadvantageous to her pursuers, and has
been known, on more than one occasion, to break the line of scent most effectual by
leaping into some stream or lake, and swimming for a considerable distance before she
takes to the land again. A Hare has been seen to brave the salt waters and tossing
waves of the sea when closely pressed by the hounds, and to evade them by its bold in-
genuity. Sometimes an old crafty Hare will baffle the hounds for a succession of seasons,
until it is as familiar to the hunters as any of the dogs or horses, and makes the hounds
so ashamed of their failures that they cannot be induced to chase it with any good will.

As may be supposed from the fact of its taking the water, the Hare is a good swim-
mer, and can sustain itself upon the surface for no inconsiderable time. One of these
animals was seen to swim to an island which was at least a mile distant from the main-
land, and to perform its task right bravely. The clever animal actually waited upon the
shore until slack water, when the tide is not running, and having ascertained this fact by
frequently examining the rippling waves as they came curling over the beach, launched
itself boldly upon the water, and swam rapidly to the nearest point of land.

Although possessed of a remarkably delicate sense of hearing, and furnished with very
quick eyesight, the Hare seems to employ those senses upon objects which are behind
her rather than on those in her front. On more than one occasion a Hare has been
known to swerve in her course, and to run into the very midst of the hounds without
having either seen or heard them.

The Hare does not live in burrows, like the rabbit, but only makes a slight depression
in the ground, in which she lies so flatly pressed to the earth that she can hardly be
distinguished from the soil and dried herbage among which she has taken up her

THE HARE. 583

temporary abode. Although she has no definite home, the hare is strongly attached to
her " form," wherever it may be placed, and even if driven to a great distance by the
hounds, contrives to regain her little domicile at the earliest opportunity. As the vary-
ing seasons of the year bring on their varied accompaniments of heat and cold, rain
and drought, or clouds and sunshine, the Hare changes the locality of her " form," so
as to be equally defended against the bitter frost and snows of winter, or the blazing
rays of the noontide summer sun.

In countries where the snow lies deep in winter, the Hare lies very comfortably un-
der the white mantle which envelops the earth, in a little cave of her own construction.
She does not attempt to leave her form as the snow falls heavily around her, but only
presses it backward and forward by the movement of her body, so as to leave a small

HARE.— Lepus tlmlaus.

space between herself and the snow. By degrees the feathery flakes are formed into
a kind of domed chamber, which entirely incloses the inhabitant, with the exception of
a little round hole which is preserved by her warm breath, and serves as a ventilating
aperture. This air-hole is often the means of her destruction as well as of her safety,
for the scent which issues from the aperture betrays her presence to the keen nostrils
of the dogs which accompany the solitary hare-hunter, and which are trained to search
for these air-holes and stand sentinels over them until their master arrives and cap-
tures the hidden victim.

When " preserved " in great numbers, the Hare is a most troublesome neighbor to
the farmer, as it does great damage to the crops of all kinds, eating the tender blades of
wheat almost as soon as they peep through the earth, invading the garden, and even
destroying great quantities of young trees, by nibbling the green bark from the whole of

584 THE RABBIT.

their circumference. These depredations can hardly be checked, as the animal lies
quietly in its " form " during the daytime, and makes long nocturnal journeys in order
to procure its food, so that the owner of the garden or field can have no clue to the
home of the thief which has injured him.

It is a tolerably prolific animal, beginning to breed when only a year old, and pro-
ducing four or five young at a litter. The young Hares, or " leverets," as they are
technically termed, are born with their eyes open, and covered with hair. For the
space of four or five weeks they remain under the care of their mother, but after that
time they separate, and depend upon themselves for subsistence.

THE common Hare is not found in Ireland, but the Irish Hare, Lepus Hibernicus, is
extremely common in that country, and takes the place of the common Lepus timidus.
It may be distinguished from its English relation by its shorter limbs, its round head,
and short ears, which are not so long as the head. According to some writers, the
Irish Hare is identical with the Alpine Hare, and ought to be ranked with that animal,
under the title of Lepus variabilis, or Variable Hare, in reference to the annual blanch-
ing of its coat during the winter months.

RESEMBLING the hare in general appearance and in many of its habits, the RABBIT
is readily distinguished from that animal by its smaller dimensions, its different color,
its shorter and uniformly brown ears, and its shorter limbs.

The Rabbit is one of the most familiar of British quadrupeds, having taken firm
possession of the soil into which it has been imported, and multiplied to so great an
extent that its numbers can hardly be kept within proper bounds without annual
and wholesale massacres. As it is more tameable than the hare, it has long been ranked
among the chief of domestic pets, and has been so modified by careful management
that it has developed itself into many permanent varieties, which would be considered
as different species by one who saw them for the first time. The little brown short-
furred wild Rabbit of the warren bears hardly less resemblance to the long-haired,
silken-furred Angola variety, than the Angola to the pure lop-eared variety with its
enormously lengthened ears and its heavy dewlap.

In its wild state, the Rabbit is an intelligent and amusing creature, full of odd little
tricks, and given to playing the most ludicrous antics as it gambols about the warren
in all the unrestrained joyousness of habitual freedom. To see Rabbits at their best
it is necessary to be closely concealed in their immediate vicinity, and to watch them
in the early morning or at the fall of evening. No one can form any true conception
of the Rabbit nature until he has observed the little creatures in their native home ;
and when he has once done so, he will seize the earliest opportunity of resuming his
acquaintance with the droll little creatures.

To describe the manifold antics of a Rabbit warren would occupy the space which
ought to be devoted to some twenty or thirty animals, and even then would be quite
inadequate to the proposed task. They are such odd, quaint, ludicrous beings, and are
full of such comical little coquetries and such absurd airs of assumed dignity, that they
sorely try the gravity of the concealed observer, and sometimes cause him to burst into
irrepressible laughter, to their profound dismay.

At one time they are gravely pattering about the doors of their subterranean homes,
occasionally sitting upright and gazing in every direction, as if fearful of a surprise, and
all behaving with the supremest gravity. Next moment, some one gets angry, and
stamps his feet fiercely on the ground as a preliminary observation before engaging in a
regular fight. Suddenly a whole party rush off at full speed, scampering over the ground
as if they meant to run for a mile at least, but unexpectedly stop short at an inviting tuft
of herbage, and nibble it composedly as if they had not run a yard. Then a sudden panic
will flash through the whole party, and with a rush and a scurry every rabbit leaps into
its burrow and vanishes from sight like magic. The spot that was so full of life but a
moment since is now deserted and silent as if it had been uninhabited for ages ; but in
a few minutes one little nose is seen cautiously poked out of a burrow, the head and ears

THE RABBIT.

585

follow, and in a very few minutes the frightened Rabbits have come again into the
light of day, and have recommenced their interrupted pastimes.

Few animals are so easily startled as the Rabbit, and with perfect good reason. For
their enemies are found in so many directions and under such insidious guises, that
they are well justified in taking every possible precaution for their safety. Sundry ra-
pacious birds are very fond of young Rabbits, and swoop down unexpectedly from
some unknown aerial region before the doomed creature can even comprehend its danger.
Stoats and weasels make dreadful havoc in a warren, and even the domestic cat is sadly
apt to turn poacher if a well-stocked warren should happen to be within -easy distance
of her home. Foxes are very crafty in the pursuit of young Rabbits, and dig them
out of the ground in a very ingenious and expeditious manner ; while the common
hedgehog is but too apt to indulge its carnivorous appetite with an occasional Rabbit.

The burrows in which the Rabbit lives are extremely irregular in their construction,
and often communicate with each other to a remarkable extent.

From many of its foes, the Rabbit escapes by diving suddenly into its burrow ; but
there are some animals, such as the stoat, weasel, and ferret, which follow it into its
subterranean abode, and slay it within the precincts of its own home. Dogs, especially

RABBIT.— Lepus cualculus.

those of the small terrier breeds, will often force their way into the Rabbit burrows, and
have sometimes paid the penalty of their life for their boldness. The Rabbit has been
seen to watch a terrier dog safely into one of the burrows, and then to fill up the
entrance so effectually that the invader has not been able to retrace his steps, and has
perished miserably beneath the surface of the ground.

When the female Rabbit is about to become a mother, she quits the ordinary bur-
rows, and digs a special tunnel for the purpose of sheltering her young family during
their first few weeks of life. At the extremity of the burrow she places a large quantity
of dried herbage, intermixed with down which she plucks from her own body, so as to
make a soft and warm bed for the expected occupants. The young Rabbits are about
seven or eight in number, and are born without hair and with their eyes closed. Not
until they have attained the age of ten or twelve days are they able to open their eye-
lids and to see the world into which they have been brought.

When domesticated, the female Rabbit is sometimes apt to eat her own young, a
practice which has been considered as incurable. It seems, however, that the Rabbit
acts in this apparently unnatural manner from very natural causes. It has long been the
custom to deprive domestic Rabbits of water, on the plea that in a wild state they never

586 THE CHINCHILLA.

drink, but obtain the needful moisture from the green herbage on which they feed. But
in the open country, they always feed while the dew lies heavily upon every blade,
which is never the case with the green food with which our domestic Rabbits are supplied.
Moreover, we feed our Rabbits very largely on bran, pollard, oats, and other dry
nourishment which they do not obtain in their normal state of freedom. The mother
Rabbit instinctively licks her young when they are born, and is evidently liable to an
exceeding desire for liquid nourishment which prompts her to eat anything that may
assuage her burning thirst. A Rabbit, which had already killed and begun to eat one
of her offspring, has been seen to leave the half-eaten body and to run eagerly to a pan
of water which was placed in her hutch. It may easily be supposed that when an
animal is obliged to afford a constant supply of liquid nourishment to her young, she is
forced to imbibe a sufficiency of fluid to enable her to comply with the ever recurring
demands of her offspring.

Rabbits are terribly destructive animals, as is too well known to all residents near a
warren, and are sad depredators in field, garden, and plantation, destroying in very
wantonness hundreds of plants which they do not care to eat. They do very great
damage to young trees, delighting in stripping them of the tender bark as far as they
can reach while standing on their hind feet. Sometimes they eat the bark, but in many
cases they leave it in heaps upon the ground, having chiselled it from the tree on which
it grew, and to which it afforded nourishment, merely for the sake of exercising their
teeth and keeping them in proper order, just as a cat delights in clawing the legs of
chairs and tables.

When the Rabbits have begun to devastate a plantation, they will continue their
destructive amusement until they have killed every tree in the place, unless they are
effectually checked. There are only two methods of saving the trees — one by killing all
the Rabbits, and the other by making them disgusted with their employment. The latter
plan is generally the most feasible, and can be attained by painting each tree with a strong
infusion of tobacco, mixed with a sufficiency of clay and other substances to make it
adhere to the bark. This mixture should be copiously applied to the first three feet of
every tree, so that the Rabbit cannot find any portion of the bark that is not impregnated
with the nauseous compound, and is an effectual preservative against their attacks.

In their normal state of freedom, Rabbits feed exclusively on vegetable food, but in
domestication they will eat a very great variety of substances. Many of my own Rabbits
were very fond of sweetmeats, and would nibble a piece of hardbake with great enjoyment,
though they were always much discomposed by the adhesive nature of their strange diet,
and used to shake their heads violently from side to side when they found themselves
unable to disengage their teeth. They would also eat tallow candles, a fact which I
discovered accidentally, by seeing them devour a candle-end that had fallen out of an old
lantern. These curious predilections were the more unaccountable, because the animals
were most liberally supplied with food, and were also permitted to run in the kitchen
garden for a limited time daily, and to feed upon the growing lettuces, parsley, carrots,
and other vegetables, as they pleased.

As a general fact, the Rabbit has a great antipathy to the hare, so that the two animals
are seldom, if ever, seen in close proximity. The possibility of a hybrid progeny be-
tween the two species was, until late years, entirely denied. There are, however, several
accidental instances of such a phenomenon, and in every case the father has been a
Rabbit and the mother a hare. There are many examples of young Rabbits which
possess much of the coloring and general aspect of the hare, but these are almost in-
variably the offspring of domesticated Rabbits which have been turned into a warren.

In its native state, the fur of the Rabbit is of nearly uniform brown, but when the
animal is domesticated, its coat assumes a variety of hues, such as pure white, jetty black,
pied, dun, slaty-gray, and many other tints.

The CHINCHILLA, so well known for its exquisitely soft and delicate fur, belongs to the
group of animals which are known to zoologists under the title of Jerboidae, and which
are remarkable for the great comparative length of their hinder limbs, and their long
hair-clothed tails.

THE LAGOTIS.

The Chinchilla is an inhabitant of Southern America, living chiefly among the higher
mountainous districts, where its thick silken fur is of infinite service in protecting it from
the cold. It is a burrowing animal, digging its subterranean homes in the valleys which
intersect the hilly country in which it lives, and banding together in great numbers in
certain favored localities. The food of the Chinchilla is exclusively of a vegetable nature,
and consists chiefly of various bulbous roots, which it disinters by means of its powerful
fossorial paws. While feeding, it sits upon its hinder feet, and conveys the food to its
mouth with its fore-feet, which it uses with singular adroitness. It is a most exquisitely
cleanly animal, as might be supposed from the beautiful delicacy of its fur, for we may
always remark, that whenever an animal is remarkable for the coloring or the texture
of its natural robes, it is always most assiduous in preserving them from any substance
that might stain their purity or
clog their fibers.

The fur of the Chinchilla is
of a delicate clear gray upon the
back, softening into a grayish-
white on the under portions, and
its texture is marvellously soft
and fine. As the fur seems to be
of two different qualities in ani-
mals that are brought from differ-
ent parts of South America, it is-
supposed that there may be either
two distinct species of this ani-
mal, or at least two permanent
varieties, the hair of one being
very much more delicate than
that of the other. Besides being
dressed and employed as a fur,
the hair of the Chinchilla is so
long and soft that it is well
adapted for the loom, and has
been manufactured into various CHINCHILLA.— Chinchilla laniger.

fabrics where warmth and light-
ness are equally required.

As the animal is very small, only measuring fourteen or fifteen inches in total length,
the tail occupying nearly one-third of the measurement, many skins are employed in
the manufacture of one article of ordinary dress, and the destruction of the Chinchilla
is necessarily very considerable in order to supply the constant demand for this
deservedly popular fur.

As far as is known, the Chinchilla is not a very intelligent animal, seeming to be
hardly superior to the guinea-pig in intellect, and appearing scarcely to recognize even
the hand that supplies it with food.

The LAGOTIS is distinguishable from the preceding animal by the structure of the
fore-feet, which are only furnished with four toes, while those of the Chinchilla possess
five. The ears are very long in proportion to the head, and being somewhat similar
to those of the hare, have gained for the animal the generic name of Lagotis, or Hare-
eared.

The hinder limbs are long, and very much resemble those of the hare or rabbit ; and
the whole aspect of the creature partakes greatly of the leporine character. The coat
is very like that of the hare in color and texture, and is soft, long, and rather woolly, but
as it is only slightly attached to the skin is valueless as a fur. The long ears are
rounded at their extremities, and their margins are rolled inwards. The tail is so long
that it forms a ready means of separating the Lagotis from the hares or rabbits, being
quite as long as the body, and thickly covered with stiff hairs.

It is an inhabitant of Peru, and takes up its residence in the crevices of the rocky

588

THE LAGOTIS.

localities among which it dwells. Although tolerably active, it appears to be possessed
of little endurance, never attempting to escape by speed if it should chance to be alarmed,
but diving at once into the welcome shelter of the nearest cranny. When wounded, they
always seek the same retreat, so that unless they are killed by some instantly mortal
injury, their bodies cannot be recovered by the hunter. The fur of this animal is
so slightly attached to the skin that it comes away when handled. The flesh, however,
is delicate and tender, and it is chiefly for the sake of its value as an article of food
that the Lagotis is hunted.

The GERBOAS bear a curious resemblance to the kangaroos, not only in their general
appearance, but in many of their habits. Like those animals, they leap over distances
•which are absolutely enormous when the size of their bodies is taken into consideration,
they constantly sit upright in order to observe surrounding objects, their food is of the
same nature, and they carry it to their mouths in a similar manner. Their fore-limbs

( ^~<>> ^^*<JK1

* «^^5^^^9i

^**<SZ<>s* ^s£

LAGOTIS.— Lagotis Cuvlerl.

are extremely short, while the hinder legs and feet are developed to a very great extent,
and they are all furnished with a long, hair-clad tail, which serves to aid them in pre-
serving their balance while shooting through the air.

One of the most familiar of these leaping rodents is the SPRING HAAS, or CAPE
GERBOA, sometimes called, from its hare-like aspect, the CAPE LEAPING HARE.
^ It is a native of Southern Africa, and is found in considerable numbers upon the
sides of mountains, where it inhabits certain burrows which it tunnels for itself in the
ground. ^ It prefers sandy ground for the locality of its habitation, and associates
together in great profusion in favorable spots, so that the earth is completely honey-
combed with its burrows. Being a nocturnal animal, it is rarely seen by daylight, seldom
leaving its stronghold as long as the sun is above the horizon. The natives, who set
some value on its flesh, take advantage of this habit, and being sure of finding the
Spring Haas at home during the daytime, take their measures accordingly. Placing a
sentinel at the mouth of the burrow, they force the inmate to evacuate the premises by
pouring a deluge of water into the hole, and as it rushes into the open air, it is seized
or struck down by the ready hand of the sentinel,

THE GERBOA.

589

Like the kangaroos, the Spring Haas prefers rough and rocky ground to a smooth
soil, and displays such wonderful agility as it leaps from spot to spot, that it can baffle
almost any foe by its mere power of jumping. At a single leap this creature will com-
pass a space of twenty or thirty feet, and is able to continue these extraordinary bounds
for a great distance. It is rather a mischievous animal, as, like the common hare, it
is in the habit of making nocturnal raids upon the corn-field, and escaping safely to its
subterranean burrow before the sunrise.

With the exception of shorter ears, and the elongated hinder limbs, the Spring Haas
is not unlike our common hare. The fur is of a dark fawn, or reddish-brown, percept-
ibly tinged with yellow on the upper parts, and fading into grayish-white beneath. In
texture it is very similar to that of the hare. The tail is about as long as the body, and
is heavily covered with rather stiff hairs, which at the extremity are of a deep black hue.
Upon the fore-legs there are five toes, which are armed with powerful claws, by means
of -which the animal digs its burrows, while the hinder feet are only furnished with four
toes, each of which is tipped with a long and rather sharply pointed claw.

SPRING HAAS.—Heiamys Capensls.

THE Jerboidae find their best type in the common GERBOA of Northern Africa.

This beautiful and active little animal is hardly larger than an ordinary English rat,
although its peculiar attitudes and its extremely long tail give it an appearance of
greater dimensions than it really possesses. The general color of its fur is a light dun,
washed with yellow, the abdomen being nearly white. The tail is of very great
proportionate length, as cylindrical in shape, and tufted at its extremity with stiff black
hairs, the extreme tip being white. From various experiments that have been made
upon this member and its use to the animal, it appears that the tail is of infinite service
in preserving the proper balance of the body while the creature is flying through mid-
air in its extraordinary leaps ; for in proportion as the tail was shortened, the power of
leaping diminished, and when it was entirely removed, the animal was afraid to leap at
all. Such truncated specimens were almost deprived of all power of locomotion, for
they could never preserve their balance as they rose upon their hinder feet, but rolled
over on their backs. As the Gerboa rises from one of its huge bounds for the purpose

59°

THE GERBOA.

of commencing a second leap, it curves its tail into the peculiar form which is repre-
sented in the engraving, but straightens it in its aerial course.

The Gerboa is a burrowing animal, and lives in society, so that it forms large natural
" warrens " in those parts of the country where it takes up its residence. It is much
hunted by the natives, who set some store by its rather unpalatable flesh, and is captured
by stopping up as many burrows as can conveniently be reached, and killing the Gerboas
as they rush affrighted from the open entrances. This is, indeed, almost the only suc-
cessful mode of capturing these fleet and agile creatures ; for if they can once leap away
from the immediate vicinity of their pursuers, they scour over the ground with such
wonderful speed that they can hardly be overtaken even by a trained greyhound.

Dry and sandy spots are in greatest favor with the Gerboa, which is better able to dig
in such soils than in moist situations. Against the injurious effects of the hard and
burning ground upon its feet it is guarded by a thick covering of stiff, bristly hairs,
which defend the soles of the feet from injury, and, moreover, are useful in giving a

BOA.— Dipus sEgyptlus.

firm hold upon the ground when the animal is in the act of making one of its extraor-
dinary bounds. It is a lively and playful animal, delighting to bask itself in the sun
near the entrance of its burrows, and to divert itself by occasional gambols with its com-
panions. Although it makes these visits to the open air for the sake of enjoying the
warm beams of the sun, the Gerboa is a nocturnal animal, and feeds only by night.

By the united powers of its teeth and claws it can drive its tunnel through impediments
which would baffle any ordinary animal ; for it cannot only cut its way through the
hardest sand, but is even able to gnaw a passage through the thin layer of stone which
lies beneath the sand. The food of these animals consists chiefly of roots and similar
substances which it digs out of the earth, but it also feeds on various kinds of grain.

The generic term " Dipus," or two-footed, has been given to the true Gerboas because
they press their fore-feet so closely to their breasts while they leap that they appear to be
entirely destitute of those limbs, and only to possess the two long hind legs. All the
animals that belong to this genus have five toes on their fore-feet and only three en the
hinder feet. The hair of the tail is arranged in a double row, after the manner which
\s scientifically called " distichous."

THE LEROT.

S91

- THERE are many species of Jerboidae inhabiting different countries, all of which are
very similar in shape and habits. Among these may be noticed the ALACTAGA, or
Jumping Rabbit of Siberia, and the GERBILLES of Africa and India.

NEXT in order to the Gerboas is placed the small group of animals which are suffi-
ciently familiar by the name of Dormice. This term signifies " Sleepy Mouse," and is
most appropriate to the lethargic little creatures, which spend the greater part of their
time in somnolency. One of these animals, the LOIRE, or FAT DORMOUSE, is cele-
brated in classical literature as being in great request among the luxurious Romans as
an article of diet. For this purpose the Loire was carefully fattened, being placed in
certain receptacles, which were called Glirara, from the Latin word glis, which signifies
a dormouse. The Loire is found in almost all the warmer portions of Europe, but is
seldom seen at any great elevation above the level of the sea.

The LEROT, or GARDEN DORMOUSE, inhabits the same localities as the Loire, but its
flesh is not eatable like that of the Fat Dormouse, although it resembles it very nearly
in every point but size.

The total length of this animal is rather more than eight inches, of which measurement
the tail occupies three inches. The general color of its fur is gray, deeply tinged with
red upon the back, arid becoming white
upon the abdomen. Below the eye is a
patch of black fur, which extends nearly
to the ears. The tail of the Lerot is
covered with short black hair, changing
rather abruptly into white at its extremity.
It has derived its title of Garden Dormouse
from its annoying habit of entering gardens
and making sad havoc of the choicest
fruit ; for it is an animal of great taste,
and makes its selection among the ripest
and best fruits with an accuracy of judg-
ment that may be highly agreeable to it-
self, but is sincerely execrated by the
owner of the garden. It is particularly
fond of espalier-trained fruit-trees, and is
much given to devouring the peaches when
they are just in their bloom of rosy per-
fection.

The Lerot is not content with making
these autumnal raids upon the gardens,
but is sufficiently provident to lay up a
store of food for the winter, and for that
purpose to carry off corn, peas, and beans
in no small quantity. Its winter nest is
made in some convenient recess, where six or eight Lerots congregate, and pass the
cold wintry months in a slumber which is almost unbroken, except by the needful
occasional wakings for the purpose of taking food. In summer time it makes a tem-
porary nest in hollow trees, holes in old walls, or in similar localities, and reposes during
the daytime upon a bed of dried grass and leaves. Sometimes it is so bold that it will
make its way into human habitations, and establish itself in the very home of the
justly incensed owner of the garden.

The young Lerots enter upon their existence in the middle of summer, and grow with
wonderful rapidity. They do not, however, become parents in their turn until the fol-
lowing year. The average number of young Lerots which are produced at a single
birth is from four to six.

LEROT.— Myoxus querclnus.

S92

THE DORMOUSE.

THE common DORMOUSE is abundantly found in many districts of England, as well
as on the Continent, and is in great favor as a domestic pet.

The total length of this pretty little animal is rather more than five inches, the tail
being two inches and a half long. The color of its fur is a light reddish-brown upon
the back, yellowish-white upon the abdomen, and white on the throat. These tints
belong to the adult animal only, as in the juvenile Dormouse the fur is nearly of the
same color as that of the common mouse, the ruddy tinge only appearing on the head and
sides. It is not until the little creatures have nearly completed a year of existence that
they assume the beautiful hues of adult age. The tail is thickly covered with hair, which
is arranged in a double row throughout its length, and forms a slight tuft at the ex-
tremity. The head is rather large in propor-
tion to the body, the ears are large and broad,
and the eye full, black, and slightly prominent.
The Dormouse is a nocturnal animal, pass-
ing the whole of the day in its warm and
neatly constructed nest, which is generally
built in the most retired spot of some thick
bush or small tree. It is a very active little
creature, leaping from branch to branch, and
traversing the intricate mazes of the brush-
wood with such ready featness, that it can
scarcely be taken by a human hand. Gen-
erally, when a Dormouse is captured, it is
secured while sleeping in its nest, for during
its slumbers it is so deeply buried in repose
that it can be handled without offering resist-
ance or attempting escape. The food of the
Dormouse consists of various fruits and
seeds, such as acorns, nuts, haws, and
corn.

As the animal is one of the hibernaters, it
is in the habit of gathering together a supply
of dried food, to afford occasional nourish-
ment during the long wintry months when it
lies in its bed, imprisoned in the bands of ir-
resistible sleep. Like many other hibernat-
ing animals, the Dormouse becomes exceed-
ingly fat towards the end of autumn, and is
therefore enabled to withstand the severity of
the winter season better than if it retired
into its home in only its ordinary condition.
As soon as the weather becomes cold, the
Dormouse retires into its nest, and there
slumbers throughout the entire winter, wak-
ing up for a short period whenever a milder
temperature breaks the severity of the frost,
and after taking a little nourishment, sink-
ing again into its former lethargy. Several

interesting experiments have been made on this animal in connection with the phenom-
enon which is termed hibernation, and with the same results as have already been
mentioned when treating of the hedgehog and the bat.

This hoard of provisions is not gathered into the nest, which is solely employed for
the purpose of warmth and concealment, but is hidden away in sundry convenient nooks
and crannies, close to the spot where the nest is placed. Comparatively little of the
store is eaten during the winter, unless, indeed, the weather should happen to be pecu-
liarly mild, but it is of very great service in the earlier part of the spring, when the
Dormouse is awake and lively, and there are as yet no fresh fruits on which it could feed.

DORMOUSE.— Muscardlnusavellanarlus.

THE TAGUAN FLYING SQUIRREL.

593

The Dormouse is rather gregarious in its habits, so that whenever one nest is dis-
covered, several others may generally be found at no very great distance. These nests
are of considerable dimensions, being about six inches in diameter, and are composed
of grass, leaves, and similar substances. The entrance to the nest is from above.

The young animals are generally three or four in number at a birth, and make their
appearance about the end of spring or the beginning of summer. It is probable that
there may be a second brood towards the end of autumn, as Mr. Bell received from
one locality in the month of September one half-grown Dormouse, which had evidently
been born in the spring, and three very little specimens, which were apparently not
more than a week or two old. They are born blind, but are able to see in a very few
days, and in a remarkably short space of time become independent of their parents.

Like many other rodent animals, the Dormouse carries the food to its mouth with
its forepaws, while it sits upright on its hinder legs. It is also able to suspend itself
by the hind-feet from any convenient branch, and may often be seen hanging in this
manner, and eating as comfortably as if it were seated on firm ground. The Dormouse
is not confined to England, but is spread over the whole of Southern Europe, and is
common even in Sweden.

TAGUAN FLYING SQUIRREL. -Pleromys Petaurlsta.

THE beautiful and active group of animals of which our English Squirrel is so
familiar an example, are found in almost every portion of the globe, and, with one or
two exceptions, live almost exclusively among the branches of trees. In order to enable
them to maintain a firm clasp upon the branches and bark, they are furnished with long,
finger-like toes upon the fore-feet, which are armed with sharp curved claws.

In the Flying Squirrels, of which the TAGUAN is a good example, the skin of the flanks is
modified in a method similar to that which has already been noticed in the Petau-
rists of Australia and the Colugo of Java. This skin is so largely developed, that when
the animal is sitting at its ease, its paws but just appear from under the soft folds of
the delicate and fur-clad membrane. When the creature intends to make one of its
marvellous leaps, it stretches all its four limbs to their fullest extent, and is upborne

38

THE ASSAPAN.

through the air on the parachute-like expansion which extends along its sides. This
animal is a native of India, where it is tolerably common.

It is rather a large species, as its total length is nearly three feet, the tail occupying about
one foot eight inches, measured to the extremity of the long hairs with which it is
so thickly clothed. The general color of this animal is a clear chestnut, deepening into
brown on the back, and becoming more ruddy on the sides. The little pointed ears
are covered with short and soft fur of a delicate brown, and the tail is heavily clad with
bushy hairs, grayish-black on the basal portions of that member, and sooty-black to-
wards the extremity. The parachute membrance is delicately thin, scarcely thicker
than ordinary writing-paper, when it is stretched to its utmost, and is covered with hair
on both its surfaces, the fur of the upper side being chestnut, and that of the lower
surface nearly white. A stripe of grayish-black hairs marks the edge of the membrane,
and the entire abdomen of the animal, together with the throat and the breast, is
covered with beautiful silvery grayish-white fur.

THERE are many other Flying Squirrels be-
longing to different countries, but presenting very
similar characteristics of form and character.
They are all playful and lively animals, and en-
gage in the most gamesome sports as they chase
each other about the branches of the trees on
which they have taken up their residence.
Among these creatures we may record the names
of the ASSAPAN, or Flying Squirrel of America, the
POLATOUCHE of Siberia, and the RASOO of India.

THE true Squirrels possess no parachute flying
membrane, as do the flying Squirrels, nor are
they furnished with cheek-pouches, as is the case
with the Ground Squirrels of America.

One of the handsomest of the Squirrels is the
JELERANG, or JAVAN SQUIRREL, a native of Java,
part of India, and Cochin China. Its total length
is about two feet, the tail and body being equal
to each other in measurement. In color it is one
of the most variable of animals, so that it has been
more than once described under different names.
In the British Museum are several specimens of
this animal, and all of them present many varieties
in point of color, while some are so very unlike
each other that most persons would consider them
to be separate species. Some specimens of this
animal are pale yellpw, while others are deep
brown ; in some the color is tolerably uniform,
while in others it is variously pied ; but in all
there seems to be a tolerably decided contrast
between a darker and a lighter tint. From this
circumstance it has sometimes been termed
Seiurus bicolor, or the two-colored Squirrel.

In general, the darker hue prevails on the back
and upper portions of the body, and the lighter
tint is abruptly separated from it by a decided line
ASSAPAN.— Sciuropterus Volucella. of demarcation. The usual color of the Jelerang

is a dark brownish-black on the back, the top of

the head yellowish, and the sides and abdomen golden yellow.

The Jelerang is rather common in the countries which it inhabits, and as it is very

retiring in its habits, and dreads the proximity of mankind, it is not so mischievous a

THE SQUIRREL.

595

neighbor as is the case with the greater number of the Squirrels. It lives chiefly in the
depths of the forests, and feeds upon the wild fruits that grow without any aid from the
hand of mankind. It is easily tamed, and being an active, amusing animal, as well as
possessed of a beautifully marked coat, is often domesticated among the inhabitants
of the same country. The flesh of the Jelerang is thought to be very good, and is eaten
by the natives.

The generic term Sciurus, which is applied to all the animals that belong to this
genus, is of Greek derivation, and signifies "shadow tail," in allusion to the manner in
which the Squirrels curl their bushy tails over their bodies, as if to shade them from
the rays of the sun. The name Ptkromys,
which is applied to the Taguan, is also taken
from the Greek language, and signifies
" winged-mouse."

EVERY one is familiar with the lively little
English SQUIRREL, which makes the woods
joyous with its active gambols, and is too
often repaid for its gaiety by being captured
and compelled to make sport for its owner
within the narrow precincts of a wire cage.

This little animal is plentiful in many
parts of England, and, indeed, is generally
found wherever there is a tolerably large
copse or a wood of moderate dimensions.
In private grounds and parks it luxuriates,
knowing instinctively that it may wander at
its own will, unchecked and unharmed.
Among the tree branches its powers of ac-
tivity are absolutely surprising, for it will
fling itself through such distances, and at such
a height, that it seems likely to be dashed
to pieces every instant. Yet it seldom or
never makes a false step, and even if it
should lose its foothold, it is not at all dis-
concerted, but spreads out its legs and
bushy tail to their utmost expansion, so that
it presents a large surface to the air, and
comes quite lightly to the earth, even though
it may have leaped from a considerable
height.

On the ground it is not so much at its
ease as when it is careering amid the
branches of some large tree, and, as soon as
it feels alarmed, always makes the best of its
way towards the nearest tree trunk. Its gait is a kind of semi-gallop, and even when
ascending a perpendicular tree stem, it maintains the same galloping movements, and
ascends to a considerable height in a very small space of time.

To watch a little party of Squirrels in a tree is a most amusing occupation, but not
very easily managed, as the little creatures are blessed with quick eyesight, and if they
happen to spy any object which they fancy may be dangerous, they always keep them-
selves on the opposite side of the trunk or branches of the tree which they are traversing.
So jealously do they guard themselves by the interposition of the branches, that it is
most difficult to shoot one of these animals after it has once caught sight of the gunner.
By dint of patience, however, it is possible to witness the whole proceedings of the
merry little creatures, and to obtain a great fund of amusement by so doing.

Squirrel-hunting is always a great sport among boys, and is the more fascinating
because the Squirrel is hardly ever captured in fair chase.

JELERANG, OR JAVAN SQUIRREL.

Sciurus Javeasis.

;96

SQUIRREL.

The only plan is to watch the animal until it has ascended an isolated tree, or by a
well-directed shower of missiles, to drive it into such a place of refuge, and then to form
a ring round the tree, so as to intercept the Squirrel if it should try to escape by leap-
ing to the ground and running to another tree. The best climber is then sent in chase
of the Squirrel, and endeavors, by violently shaking the branches, to force the little
animal to loosen its hold and come to the earth. But it is by no means an easy matter
to shake a Squirrel from a branch, especially as the little creature takes refuge on the
topmost and most slender boughs which even bend under the weight of its own small

body, and can in no way be
trusted with the weight of a
human being. By dint, how-
ever, of perseverance, the
Squirrel is at last dislodged,
and comes to the ground as
lightly as a snowflake. Hats,
caps, sticks, and all available
missiles are immediately flung
at the luckless animal as soon
as it touches the ground, and it
is very probably struck and over-
whelmed by a cap. The suc-
cessful hurler flings himselfupon
the cap, and tries to seize the
Squirrel as it lies under his prop-
erty. All his companions gather
round him, and great is the dis-
appointment to find the cap
empty, and to see the Squirrel
triumphantly scampering up the
trunk of some tree, where it
would be useless to follow it.

During the hotter hours of the day the Squirrel is never seen, being quietly asleep
in its lofty nest ; but in the early morning, or in the cooler hours of the afternoon, it
comes from its retreat, and may be seen leaping about the branches in search of the
various fruits on which it feeds.

The nest of the Squirrel is an admirable specimen of natural architecture, and is
almost invariably placed in the fork of some lofty branch, where it is concealed from
the view of any one passing under the tree, and is out of the reach of any ordinary foe,
even if its situation were discovered. Sometimes it is built in the hollow of a decayed
bough, but is always admirably concealed from sight. In form it is nearly spherical,
and is made of leaves, moss, grass, and other substances, woven together in so artistic
a manner that it is impermeable to rain, and cannot be dislodged from its resting-place
by the most violent wind. A single pair of Squirrels inhabit the same nest, and seem
to consider some particular tree as their home, remaining in it year after year.

The female Squirrel produces about three or four young at a litter, the little ones
being born in the middle of the summer, and remaining under the care of their parents
until the spring of the succeeding year, when they separate, and shift for themselves.

The food of the Squirrel is usually of a vegetable nature, and consists of nuts, "acorns,
wheat, and other fruits and seeds. Being a hibernating animal, the Squirrel is in the
habit of laying up a winter store of provisions, and towards the end of autumn, while
acorns and nuts are in their prime, becomes very busy in gathering certain little treas-
ures, which it hides in all kinds of nooks, crevices, and holes, near the tree in which it
lodges. The creature must be endowed with a very accurate memory, for it always re-
members the spots where it has deposited its store of food, and even when the snow lies
thickly upon the earth, and has covered the ground with a uniform white mantle, the
Squirrel betrays no perplexity, but whenever it requires nourishment, goes straight to
the hidden storehouse, scratches away the snow, and disinters its hidden treasures.

SQUIRREL.— Sclurus Europaeus.

LONG-EARED SQUIRREL. 597

During the few last weeks of autumn, the Squirrel is quite in its element, paying
daily visits to the nut-trees, and examining their fruit with a critical eye. Detecting
intuitively every worm-eaten or defective nut, the Squirrel makes deliberate choice of
the soundest fruit, and conveys it to the secret storehouse. Feeding abundantly on the
rich products of a fruitful autumn, the Squirrel becomes very fat before the commence-
ment of winter, and is then in its highest beauty, the new fur having settled upon the
body, and the new hair having covered the tail with its plumy fringe.

The manner in which a Squirrel eats a nut is very curious. The little animal takes
it daintily in his fore-paws, seats himself deliberately, and then carrying the nut to his
mouth, cuts off the tip with his chisel-edged incisor teeth. He then rapidly breaks
away the shell, and after carefully peeling the dry brown husk away from the kernel,
eats it complacently as if he had earned his little feast. Sometimes the food of the
Squirrel is not limited to vegetable substances, as the animal possesses something of
the carnivorous nature, and has been often found guilty of killing and eating sundry
animated beings. Young birds, eggs, and various insects are eaten by the Squirrel,
who has been detected in the very act of plundering a nest, and carrying off one of the
young birds.

Although it is a most pretty and interesting animal, it is sometimes a very unpleasant
neighbor, especially where there are plantations of young trees near the spot on which
it has taken up its residence. It has a habit of nibbling the green and tender shoots
as they sprout upon the topmost boughs, and often succeeds in stunting many a prom-
ising tree by its inveterate habit of exercising its teeth upon young wood.

The usual color of the Squirrel's fur is a ruddy brown upon the back, and a grayish-
white on the under portions of the body. It is, however, a most variable animal in
point of color, the tint of its fur changing according to the country which it inhabits.
Even in England the ruddy fur is sometimes changed to gray during a severe winter,
and in Siberia, it is generally of a bluish-gray. The feathery tufts of hair which fringe
the ears are liable to great modifications, being very long and full in winter and in cold
climates, and almost entirely lost during the hotter summer months of our own
country.

It is easily tamed, and is in great request as a domestic pet. Let me here, however,
warn the reader against purchasing the so-called tame Squirrels which are offered for
sale in the streets. They appear at first sight to be very gentle, for they will permit
themselves to be handled freely without displaying any signs of anger, and possess
much of the quiet demeanor of a truly tame animal. But this quietude is almost
invariably produced by a gentle dose of strychnine, which has the effect of reducing
the poor creature to a state of non-resistance, and which, although it is always fatal in
the end, is often sufficiently tardy in its operation to aid the vendor in completing his
iniquitous sale. Those who desire to purchase a really tame Squirrel should also be
careful to examine its mouth, for in some instances the incisor teeth are drawn, so that
the poor animal is physically incapable of biting; and in other cases, an old, yellow-
toothed Squirrel is palmed off upon an incautious purchaser for a young animal.

THERE are so many species of the Squirrel tribe, that even a cursory notice of each
animal would be wholly impracticable in a work of the present dimensions, and we must
content ourselves with a brief description of those species which stand out more boldly
from the rest, by reason of form, color, or peculiar habits.

One of the most striking forms among the members of the genus Sciurus is seen in
the LONG-EARED SQUIRREL. This remarkable species is found in Borneo, and there is
a tolerably good specimen in the collection of the British Museum. Although it is
called the Long-eared Squirrel, its title is not due to the length of the ears, which are in
reality hardly longer than those of an ordinary Squirrel, but to the very longhair-tufts
with which those organs are decorated. The fringe of hair which adorns the ears is
about two inches in length, of a glossy blackish-brown color, and stiff in texture. The
color of the back and exterior of the limbs is a rich chestnut-brown, which fades into
paler fawn along the flanks, and is marked by a single dark longitudinal stripe, extend-
ing from the fore to the hinder limbs. This dark band is narrow at each end, but of some

598

THE BLACK SQUIRREL.

width in the centre. The inside of the limbs is a pale chestnut, and the paws are
jetty black. The tail is remarkably bushy, reminding the spectator of a fox's " brush,"
and is generally of the same color as the back, but grisled with yellowish-white hairs,
which are thickly sown among those of the darker hue.

In length it is about two feet, of which the tail occupies one moiety. The word
Macrdtis is of Greek origin, and signifies Long-eared.

The BLACK SQUIRREL has most appropriately been named, for the whole of its fur
with very slight and variable exceptions, is dyed with the deepest jet.

Even the abdomen and under parts of the body, which in almost all quadrupeds are
of a lighter hue than the back, are in the Black Squirrel of the same sable tinge, with
the exception of a few small tufts of white hairs which are scattered at wide and irreg-
ular intervals. A few single white hairs are also sown sparingly upon the back, but
are so few in number as to escape a mere casual glance. The tail is also slightly

LONG-EARED SQUIRREL,— Sclurus Macrotls

flecked with these white hairs. The total length of this animal is about two feet ten
inches, the tail being about thirteen inches in length, measured to extremity of the fur.
When the creature spreads its tail to its full width, it measures nearly five inches in
diameter in the largest part.

The Black Squirrel is a native of many parts of Northern America, and is tolerably
common in some localities, though very scarce in others. It is a curious fact, that it
vanishes before the advent of the common northern Grey Squirrel, and in many in-
stances has been driven from some of its private haunts and supplanted by the more
powerful intruder. It seems to be rather a timid animal, as it has been observed to fly
in terror when threatened with the anger of the Red Squirrel (Stiurus Hudsbnius^)
Despite its cowardice, it is rather a fierce creature when captured, biting savagely at
its opponent, and is not very easily tamed. One of these animals which was partially
domesticated, was always noted for its evil temper, and justified the opinion that had
been formed of its disposition by biting a piece from a servant's hand as cleanly as if
it had been cut with a chisel. The injury was of so severe a nature that the man was
obliged to go into a hospital for some weeks.

THE GROUND SQUIRREL, OR HACKEE.

599

When undisturbed in its native domains, it appears to be an active and lively ani-
mal, and is remarkable for a curious habit of suddenly ceasing its play and running to
the water side to refresh itself before it recommences its sport. In drinking it does not
lap after the manner of dogs and cats, but bends over the water, and thrusting its nose
fairly beneath the surface, drinks a steady draught. After it has satisfied its thirst, it
sits on its hind legs, and with its fore-feet carefully washes its face, occasionally dip-
ping its paws into the water, as if to perform its ablutions in the most effectual manner.

BLACK SQUIRREL.-Sc/urus niger.

The skin of the Black Squirrel is rather valuable, as it not only possesses the uni-
form jetty hue which is so universally admired in ornamental furs, but is also pecu-
liarly smooth and glossy. As is generally the case with dark-coated animals, the hairs
are lighter towards the base, and partake of a slaty-blue tint.

ALL the preceding examples of the Squirrel tribe are remarkable for their extreme
agility in climbing trees, traversing the branches, and making extraordinary leaps from
one bough to another or from some elevated spot to the earth. The Ground Squirrels,
however, are intended to abide on the earth, and are seldom known to ascend trees of
any great height. As they possess cheek-pouches, they are placed in a separate genus,
under the name of Tamais, which is a Greek word, signifying a storekeeper, and are
separate from the true Squirrels, which are not furnished with those appendages.

The HACKEE, or CHIPPING SQUIRREL, as it is sometimes termed, is one of the most
familiar of North American quadrupeds, and is found in great numbers in almost every
locality. It is a truly beautiful little creature, and deserving of notice both on account
of the dainty elegance of its form, and the pleasing tints with which its coat is decked.
The general color of the Hackee is a brownish-gray on the back, warming into orange-
brown on the forehead and the hinder quarters. Upon the back and sides are drawn
five longitudinal black stripes and two streaks of yellowish-white, so that it is a most
conspicuous little creature, and by those peculiar stripes may easily be distinguished
from any other animal. The abdomen and throat are white. It is slightly variable in
color according to the locality in which it exists, and has been known to be so capri-
cious of hue as to furnish specimens of pure white and jet black. As a fur it is ex-
tremely elegant, and if it were not quite so common would long since have taken
nearly as high a rank as the sable or ermine.

The length of the Hackee is about eleven inches, the tail being about four inches

HABITS OF THE HACKEE.

and a half in length. It is, however, slightly variable in dimensions as well as in
color.

The Hackee is one of the liveliest and briskest of quadrupeds, and by reason of its
quick and rapid movements, has not inaptly been compared to the wren. It is chiefly
seen among brushwood and small timber ; and as it whisks about the branches, or
shoots through their interstices with its peculiar, quick, jerking movements, and its
odd, quaint, little clucking cry, like the chip-chipping of newly-hatched chickens, the an-
alogy between itself and the bird is very apparent. As it is found in such plenty, and is a
bold little creature, it is much persecuted by small boys, who, although they are not
big or wise enough to be entrusted with guns, wherewith to work the destruction of larger
game, arm themselves with long sticks, and by dexterous management knock down
many a Hackee as it tries to escape from its pursuers by running along the rail fences.
Among boys the popular name of the Hackee is the " Chipmuck."

It is a burrowing animal, making its little tunnels in various retired spots, but
generally preferring an old tree, or the earth which is sheltered by a wall, a fence, or a
bank. The burrows are rather complicated, and as they run to some length, the task
of digging the animal out of its retreat is no easy one. In the work of Messrs. Audubon
and Bachman is given the following spirited narrative of an attack upon the home of
some unfortunate Hackees. " This species is to a certain extent gregarious in its
habits. We had in autumn marked one of its burrows which we conceived well
adapted to our purpose, which was to dig it out. It was in the woods, in a sandy piece of
ground, and the earth was strewed with leaves to the depth of eight inches, which we
believed would prevent the frost from penetrating to any considerable depth. We had
the place opened in January, when the ground was covered with snow about five inches
deep. The entrance of the burrow had been closed from within. We followed the
course of the small winding gallery with considerable difficulty. The hole descended at
first almost perpendicularly for about three feet. It then continued, with one or two
windings, rising a little nearer the surface until it had advanced about eight feet, when
we came to a large nest, made of oak leaves and dried grasses. Here lay snugly
covered three Chipping Squirrels.

" Another was subsequently dug from one of the small lateral galleries, to which it
had evidently retreated to avoid us. They were not dormant, and seemed ready to
bite when taken in the hand ; but they were not very active, and appeared somewhat
sluggish and benumbed, which we conjectured was owing to their being exposed to
sudden cold from our having opened their burrow. There was about a gill of wheat
and buckwheat in the nest ; but in the galleries, which we afterwards dug out, we ob-
tained about a quart of the beaked hazel nuts (Cbrylus Rostrdta), nearly a peck of
acorns, some grains of Indian corn, about two quarts of buckwheat, and a very small
quantity of grass seeds."

Whenever menaced by one of the numerous foes by which so defenceless and con-
spicuous an animal is sure to be surrounded, the Hackee makes at once for its burrow,
and is there secured from the attacks of nearly every enemy. One foe, however, cares
nothing for the burrow, but follows the poor Hackee through its windings, and never
fails to attain its sanguinary object. This remorseless foe is the stoat, or ermine, one
of which animals has been detected in entering a Hackee's burrow, where it remained
for a few minutes,, and then returned, licking its lips, and appearing highly satisfied
with its proceedings. When the burrow was examined in order to ascertain the amount
of slaughter which the stoat had performed, one female Hackee and five young were
found lying dead in their home, the stoat having contented itself with sucking their
blood without deigning to eat their flesh.

From the principal burrow the Hackee drives several supplementary tunnels, in which
it lays up its stock of provisions. The general nature of this store, and the amount of
treasure which is garnered within the burrows, may be gathered from the account which
has just been quoted. When the Hackee carries off the beaked nuts into its cave, it
goes through its work in a very business-like manner. Fearing lest the sharp " beak " of
the nut may hurt its cheeks when it puts the fruit into its pouch, it bites off the sharp
point, and then deliberately pushes it into one of the pouches with the assistance of its

THE PRAIRIE DOG, OR WISH-TON-WISH.

601

fore-paws. Another and another are similarly treated, and taking a fourth nut be-
tween its teeth, the Hackee dives into its burrow, packs away its treasures methodi-
cally, and then returns for another cargo. It is rather curious that it always carries
four nuts at each journey. As the little creature goes along with its cheek-pouches
distended to their utmost limits it has the most ludicrous aspect imaginable, its cheeks
prodigiously swelled, and laboring most truly under an embarrassment of riches.

The Hackee moves into its winter quarters early in November, and, excepting oc-
casional reappearance whenever the sun happens to shine with peculiar warmth, is not
seen again until the beginning of spring. The young are produced in May, and there
is generally a second brood in August. Their number is about four or five. The
male Hackee is rather a pugnacious animal, and it is said that during their combats
their tails are apt to snap asunder from the violence of their movements. It is un-

GROUND-SQUIRREL, OR HACKEE.— Tamlas Lystert.

doubtedly true that those members are wonderfully brittle, but whether they undergo
such spontaneous amputation is not so certain.

Pretty as it is, and graceful as are its movements, it hardly repays the trouble of
keeping it in a domesticated state ; for its temper is very uncertain, and it is generally
sullen towards its keeper. Although the food of the Hackee is mostly of a vegetable
character, it is occasionally diversified with other substances ; for the Chipping Squirrel,
like his English relative, is occasionally carnivorous in his appetite. One of these animals
was detected in the very act of robbing a bird's nest and devouring the callow young.

BETWEEN the squirrels and the marmots there are one or two intermediate links, one
of which has already been noticed in Tamias, and another is found in the genus
Spermophilus, to which the PRAIRIE DOG belongs.

The Prairie Dog, as it is popularly called, is found in very great plenty along the course
of the Missouri and its tributaries, and also near the River Platte. It congregates to-
gether in vast numbers in certain spots where the soil is favorable to its subterranean
habits of life and the vegetation is. sufficiently luxuriant to afford it nourishment. The
color of this animal is a reddish-brown upon the back, mixed with gray and black in a
rather vague manner. The abdomen and throat are grayish-white, and the short tail is
clothed for the first half of its length with hair of the same tint as that of the body, and
for the remaining half is covered with deep blackish-brown hair forming a kind of brush.

602

THE PRAIRIE DOG, OR WISH-TON-WISH.

The cheek-pouches are rather small, and the incisor teeth are large and protruding from
*he mouth. The length of the animal rather exceeds sixteen inches, the tail being a
little more than three inches long. The cheek-pouches are about three-quarters of an
inch in depth, and are half that measurement in diameter.

The Prairie Dog is a burrowing animal, and as it is very gregarious in its habits, the
spot on which it congregates is literally honeycombed with its tunnels. There is, how-
ever, a kind of order observed in the " Dog-towns," as these warrens are popularly called,
for the animals always leave certain roads or streets in which no burrows is made. The
affairs of the community seem to be regulated by a single leader, called the Big Dog, who
sits before the entrance of his burrow, and issues his orders from thence to the com-
munity. In front of every burrow a small heap of earth is raised, which is made from the
excavated soil, and which is generally employed as a seat for the occupant of the burrow.

PRAIRIE DOG, OR WISH-TON-WISH.— Spermophilus Ludovlciaaus.

As long as no danger is apprehended, the little animals are all in lively motion, sit-
ting upon their mounds, or hurrying from one tunnel to another as eagerly as if they
were transacting the most important business. Suddenly a sharp yelp is heard, and
the peaceful scene is in a moment transformed into a whirl of indistinguishable con-
fusion. Quick barks resound on every side, the air is filled with a dust-cloud, in the
midst of which is indistinctly seen an intermingled mass of flourishing legs and whisk-
ing tails, and in a moment the populous "town " is deserted. Not a "dog" is visible,
and the whole spot is apparently untenanted. But in a few minutes a pair of dark
eyes are seen gleaming at the entrance of some burrow, a set of glistening teeth next
shine through .the dusky recess, and in a few minutes first one and another Prairie Dog
issues from his retreat, until the whole community is again in lively action.

The title of Prairie Dog has been given to this animal on account of the sharp yelp-
ing sound which it is in the habit of uttering, and which has some resemblance to the
barking of a very small and very peevish lapdog. Every time that it yelps it gives its
tail a smart jerk. This peculiar sound is evidently employed as a cry of alarm ; for
as soon as it is uttered all the Prairie Dogs dive into their burrows, and do not emerge
again until they hear the shrill whistle which tells them that the danger is past.

HOOD'S MARMOT. 603

As it is so wary an animal it is with difficulty approached or shot, and even when
severely wounded it is not readily secured, owing to its wonderful tenacity of life. A
bullet that would instantly drop a deer has, comparatively, no immediate effect upon
the Prairie Dog, which is capable of reaching its burrow, even though mortally wounded
in such a manner as would cause the instantaneous death of many a larger animal.
A tolerably large bullet through the brain seems to be the only certain method of
preventing a Prairie Dog from regaining his stronghold. The mode by which this
animal enters the burrow is very comical. It does not creep or run into the entrance,
but makes a jump in the air, turning a partial somersault, flourishing its hind legs and
whisking its tail in the most ludicrous manner, and disappearing as if by magic. Scarcely
has the spectator recovered from the ludicrous effect of the manoeuvre when the animal
begins to poke out his head again, and if not disturbed soon recommences his
gambols.

The burrows of the Prairie Dog are generally made at an angle of forty degrees, and
after being sunk for some little distance run horizontally, or even rise towards the surface
of the earth. It is well known that these burrows are not only inhabited by the legitimate
owners and excavators, but are shared by the burrowing owl and the rattlesnake. Accord-
ing to popular belief, the three creatures live very harmoniously together ; but careful
observations have shown that the snake and the owl are interlopers, living in the burrows
because the poor owners cannot turn them out, and finding an easy subsistence on the
young Prairie Dogs. A rattlesnake has been killed near a burrow, and when the reptile
was dissected, a Prairie Dog was found in its stomach.

Although it does not endure a domesticated life as well as many of the rodents, it
is possessed of very great affection and courage, as is seen from the following anecdote.
A hunter was engaged in shooting Prairie Dogs, and had succeeded in killing one
animal, which was seated upon the little hillock in front of its burrow. A companion,
which had not hitherto dared to expose itself to the hunter's fire, immediately issued from
the same burrow, and seizing the body of its friend, dragged it into the hole. The
hunter was so touched with this exhibition of true, loving feeling on the part of the little
creature, that he never could be induced to shoot another Prairie Dog.

From the most recent accounts, it appears that the Prairie Dog does not hibernate,
but that it is as fresh and lively during winter as in the heat of summer.

ANOTHER example of the genus Spermophilus may be found in the beautiful little
creature which is scientifically known as Hood's Marmot, but more popularly as the
Leopard Marmot.

This pretty little animal is about the same size as the hackee, and is remarkable for
the brilliant and conspicuous manner in which its fur is diversified with contrasting hues.
Along the back are drawn eight pale yellowish-brown bands, and nine dark brown bands
of greater width. The five upper bands are marked with pale spots. The coloring is
slightly variable, both in distribution and depth of tint, for in some specimens the dark
bands are paler than in others, while in several specimens the pale spots have a tendency
to merge altogether and form bands. The average length of this creature is nearly
eleven inches, the tail slightly exceeding four inches in length. The cheek-pouches are
moderate in dimensions. It is an inhabitant of Northern America.

This animal is said to be more lively and active than any of its relations, and to
be remarkably fearless as it whisks about the neighborhood of its home, uttering its
sharp little cry of " Seek-seek-seek" continually. This cry is common to many of the
Spermophilus, and has given the name of Seek-seek to another species belonging to the
same genus. It generally leaves its winter quarters at the beginning of spring, and
roams about in search of a mate. At this time the males are very pugnacious, and
engage in fierce contests for the possession of some favored individual of the opposite
sex. They are very heedless at this time of year, and can be easily caught in ordinary
traps.

The burrow of the Leopard Marmot is generally driven perpendicularly into the
ground, to the depth of four or nearly five feet ; but on the plains of the Upper Missouri,
where the soil is sandy, and mixed with gravel, the burrow is almost horizontal, and lies

604

THE BOBAC.

HOOD'S MARMOT.— SpermophUua Hood II.

barely one foot below the surface. The Leopard Marmot is rather a prolific animal,
producing about eight or ten young at a litter. It is said to be destructive to gardens
which may happen to be in the vicinity of its home, and is as capable of exercising its
teeth upon an antagonist as on its food. Its bite is remarkably severe for so small an
animal, and it is of such a sour disposition, that it is always ready to snap at those who
attempt to capture or handle it.

BOBAC.—A'rctomys Bobac.

The BOBAC, or POLAND MARMOT, is one of the true Marmots, and is a native of parts
of Northern Europe and Asia.

It is larger than the preceding animals, and appears to be of still greater dimensions,
owing to the full coat of thick hair with which it is profusely covered. The color of this
animal is a tolerably uniform gray-brown, slightly tinged with yellow, and having a
" watered " appearance along the back. The length of the Bobac is rather more than
twenty inches, the tail being about six inches long. The Bobac is a gregarious animal,
living in small bands of thirty or forty in number, and being always found to prefer dry

THE MARMOT.

605

to moist soil. It does not seem to be fond of elevated situations, but generally takes
up its residence on the sides of valleys, where the temperature is not so bleak as on
the mountain-top.

Like many other burrowing animals, it lays up a store of provisions for the winter,
and generally chooses well-dried hay for that purpose. So hard does the animal
labor at amassing this treasure, that in a single burrow there is generally found as
much hay as will suffice a horse for a night. It is slightly variable in color, some spec-
imens being more brown than others.

THE common MARMOT is about the size of an ordinary rabbit, and not very unlike
that animal in color. The general tint of the fur is grayish-yellow upon the back and
flanks, deepening into black-gray on the top of the head, and into black on the ex-
tremity of the tail.

It is very common in all the mountainous districts of Northen Europe, where it associ-
ates in small societies. The Marmot is an expert excavator, and digs very large and
rather complicated burrows, always appearing to reserve one chamber as a storehouse

MARMOT.— A 'rctomys Marmotta.

for the heap of dried grasses and other similar substances which it amasses for the
purpose of sustaining life during the winter. The chamber in which the animal lives and
sleeps is considerably larger than the storehouse, measuring, in some cases, as much
as seven feet in diameter. The tunnel which leads to these chambers is only just
large enough to admit the body of the animal, and is about six feet in length.

To these burrows the Marmot retires about the middle of September, and after
closing the entrance with grass and earth, enters into the lethargic hibernating state,
and does not emerge until the beginning of April. Like other hibernating animals,
they are very fat just before they take up their winter-quarters, and as their fur is then in
the best condition, they are eagerly sought after by the human inhabitants of the same
country. The burrow of the Marmot is always dug in dry soil, and is seldom known to
be at all above, or very much below, the line of perpetual snow. In these burrows
the young Marmots are born, about three or four in average number. The burrow
forms also a stronghold into which the Marmot can retire on the least alarm. It 's so
wary an animal that it always plants one of its number to act as a sentinel, and on
the first symptom of danger, he gives the alarm cry, which is a signal for every Marmot
to seek the recesses of its subterranean home.

6o6

THE SLEPEX MOLE RAT.

The Marmot is a clumsy looking animal, and is not very active. Its movements are
rather slow, and devoid of that brilliant activity which distinguishes the Leopard
Marmot. Although it is easily tamed when taken young, it hardly repays the trouble
of its owner, as it is a very unintellectual creature, and is ever too ready to use its
powerful teeth upon the hand of any one who may attempt to handle or caress it. Nat-
urally it is a timid animal, but when it finds itself unable to escape, it turns to bay and
fights most desperately by means of the weapons with which its jaws are furnished.

AT the end of the rodents are placed the singular animals which are grouped together
under the title of Aspalacidae, or Mole Rats, the word Aspalax, or Spalax, being the
Greek term for a mole. The incisor teeth of these animals are extremely large, and
project beyond the lips. The external ears are either wholly wanting or are of very small
dimensions. The eyes are small, and in some species are concealed by the skin. The
body is heavily and clumsily made, the tail is either very short or entirely absent, and
fhe head is large and rounded.

^^£$22?
SLEPEZ MOLE RAT.— Spa/ax Typhlus.

The common MOLE RAT, which is also known by its Russian name of SLEPEZ, is a
native of Southern Russia, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia and Syria. Like the ordinary
mole, to which it bears no little external resemblance, it passes its existence in the
subterranean tunnels which it excavates by means of its powerful claws. As it but
seldom ventures into the light of day, it stands in no need of visual organs, but is com-
pensated for their absence by the very large development of the organs of hearing.
The place of the eyes is taken by two little round black specks, which lie under the
fur-covered skin, so that even if they were sensitive to light, they would be unable to
perceive the brightest rays of the noontide sun. The ears, however, are extremely
large, and the hearing is exceedingly sensitive, so that the animal receives earlier in-
formation of danger through its sense of hearing than through that of sight, which
latter faculty would indeed be useless in its dark abode. Sometimes the Slepez leaves
the burrow and lies basking in the warm sunshine, but upon the least alarm, or un-
expected sound, it plunges into its' tunnel, and will not again make its appearance until
it feels perfectly assured of safety.

THE COAST RAT OR SAND MOLE.

607

Should it be unexpectedly attacked, it assumes an offensive attitude, and trusting to
its delicate sense of hearing to inform it of the direction in which the foe is approach-
ing, bites most savagely with its long chisel-like incisors. While engaged in combat,
or while threatening its adversary, it utters a sharp crying snort at short intervals.

The food of the Mole Rat is believed to be entirely of a vegetable nature, and it is
in search of the various plants on which it feeds that it drives its long and complicated
tunnels through the soil. It is especially fond of roots, more particularly preferring
those of a bulbous character, but will also feed on grain and different fruits, and is
said to lay up a store of provisions in a subterranean chamber connected with its burrow.
The usual form of the Mole Rat's habitation and hunting-ground may be easily im-
agined. A series of horizontal tunnels, or main roads, are driven through the ground
at no great depth from the surface of the earth, and are connected with a number
of chambers excavated at some depth, and with an endless variety of shallow passages
which are made in the course of the animal's daily peregrinations in search of food.

The Russian peasants have an idea, that if any one will have the courage to seize a
Slepez in his bare hands, permit the animal to bite him, and then squeeze it to death
between his fingers, he will ever afterwards possess the power of curing goitre by the
touch of his hands. The general color of the Slepez is a very light brown, slightly
tinged with red in some parts, and fading into an ashen-gray in others. Its total length
is about ten or eleven inches, and the tail is wanting. The head is broad, flat on the
crown, and terminates abruptly at the muzzle. The feet are short, and the claws small.

This animal is presumed to be the Blind Mole of the ancient Greek authors, and if
so, affords another of the many instances where the so-called errors of the old writers
on natural history have proved, on further acquaintance, to be perfectly correct. The
specific name Typhlus is a Greek word, signifying blind, and has been given to the
Slepez on account of its absolute deprivation of external eyes.

COAST RAT, OR SAND MOLE.— Bathyergus Maritlmus.

THE incisor teeth of the COAST RAT, or SAND MOLE are even larger in proportion
than those of the preceding animal, and those of the upper jaw are marked by a groove
running throughout their length. The fore-feet are furnished with long and powerful
claws, that of the second toe being the largest. The eyes are exceedingly small, the
external ears are wanting, and the tail is extremely short.

The Coast Rat is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope and the coasts of South-
ern Africa, where it is found in tolerable profusion, and drives such multitudes of
shallow tunnels that the ground which it frequents is rather dangerous for horsemen,
and not at all pleasant even to a man on foot. The burrows are made at so short a

6oS

THE FUR COUNTRY POUCHED RAT.

distance from the surface that the earth gives way under the tread of any moderately
heavy animal. Mr. Burchell, the well-known African traveller, narrates that in travers-
ing the great sand flats of Southern Africa he was often endangered by his feet
sinking into the burrows of the Coast Rat, which had undermined the light soil in
every direction. The animal is rather slow of foot upon the surface of the ground, but
drives its subterranean tunnels with marvellous rapidity, throwing up little sandy hill-
ocks at intervals, like those of the common mole. On account of this propensity it has re-
ceived the name viZand Moll, or Sand Mole, from the Dutch Boers who inhabit the Cape.
The color of the Sand Mole is a uniformly light grayish-brown, rather variable in
tinting. As it is very soft and full in texture, and can be obtained in great quantities,
it might be profitably made a regular article of trade. The Sand Mole is as large as
our ordinary wild rabbit, being about fifteen inches in total length, the tail measuring
about three inches.

FUR COUNTRY POUCHED RAT.-SaccopAorus borealis.

THERE has been much confusion between the two following animals, which have
been by several authors considered to be identical with each other. They are,
however, to be easily distinguished from each other by the deep longitudinal grooves
which run along the upper incisors of the present animal, and the smooth or slightly
grooved incisors of the succeeding species.

The FUR COUNTRY POUCHED RAT is a native of Canada, and is remarkable for the
enormous size of the cheek-pouches. The color of this animal's fur is generally of a
pale gray washed with yellow, fading into a slaty-blue towards the base of each hair.
The interior of the pouches, the abdomen, and the tail, are covered with white hair,
that which lines the pouches being very short and fine. A dusky spot is observable
behind each ear, the teeth are yellow and the claws white. The central claw of the
fore-feet is almost deserving of the title of talon, as it is powerfully made and nearly
half an inch in length. The total length of this animal is nearly ten inches, the tail
measuring about two inches.in length.

It is rather gregarious in its habits, associating together in moderately large bands,
and undermining the ground in all directions. It is a vegetable feeder, preferring the
bulbous roots of the quamash, or camas (Scilla esculenta], to any other diet, and is
therefore called by some writers, the Camas Rat. This title is, however, given to
several allied animals. It also feeds on nuts, roots, grain, and seeds of various kinds.
The burrow of this animal is not very deep, but runs for a considerable distance in a
horizontal direction, and along its course occasional hillocks are thrown up, by means
of which it may be traced from the surface.

THE CANADA POUCHED RAT, OR MULO. 609

The CANADA POUCHED RAT is sometimes known by the name of " Mulo," and
occasionally by that of " Gopher."

The incisor teeth of this animal are extremely long, and project beyond the lip, so
as to be visible even at a profile view. The cheek-pouches are of great dimensions,
measuring nearly three inches in depth, and reaching from the sides of the mouth to
the insertion of the shoulder. They are lined with a soft covering of short fine hairs.
The total length of the Canada Pouched Rat is about one foot, the tail being two
inches long. The weight of an ordinary sized adult specimen is about fourteen ounces.
In shape, it is heavily made and very clumsy, bearing no slight resemblance to the ordi-
nary mole of our own country. Its fur is about half an inch in length upon the back,
and much shorter upon the abdomen. Its color is a reddish-brown on the upper parts
of the body, fading into ashy-brown upon the abdomen, and the feet are white. The
first third of the tail is clothed with short hair of the same color as that of the back,
but the remaining two-thirds are devoid of hairy covering.

This animal is a burrower, and is most destructive among plantations, as it is in the
habit of eating the roots which happen to intercept the course of its tunnel, and has been
known thus to destroy upwards of two hundred young trees in a few days and nights.
Its ravages are not solely restricted to young plants, but are often extended to old and
fullgrown fruit-trees. It continues its labor by day as well as by night, but is not
readily discovered at its work, as it always ceases its labor at the least sound from
above. The burrows of the Mulo are rather complicated, and are well described in the
following extract from Audubon and Bachman.

" Having observed some freshly thrown up mounds in M. Chouteau's garden, several
servants were called and set to work to dig out the animals if practicable alive ; and we
soon dug up several galleries worked by the Muloes, in different directions.

One of the main galleries was about a foot beneath the surface of the ground, except
when it passed under the walks, in which places it was sunk rather lower. We turned
up this entire gallery, which led across a large garden-bed and two walks into another
bed, where we discovered that several fine plants had been killed by these animals
eating off their roots just beneath the surface of the ground. The burrow ended near
these plants under a large rose-bush. We then dug out another principal burrow, but
its terminus was among the roots of a large peach-tree, some of the bark of which had
been eaten off by these animals. WTe could not capture any of them at this time,
owing to the ramification of their galleries having escaped our notice whilst following
the main burrows. On carefully examining the ground, we discovered that several
galleries existed that appeared to run entirely out of the garden into the open fields
and woods beyond, so that we were obliged to give up the chase. This species throws
up the earth in little mounds about twelve or fifteen inches in height, at irregular dis-
tances, sometimes near each other, and occasionally ten, twenty, or even thirty paces
asunder, generally opening near a surface well covered with grass or vegetables of
various kinds."

The burrow was probably sunk lower wherever it crossed a path, because the sense
of hearing in this animal is so extremely acute, that it would be much annoyed by the
continual sound of human footsteps immediately over its head.

Although it spends the greater part of its existence beneath the earth, it is frequently
seen above the surface of the ground, as it resorts to the open air for the purpose of
basking in the sun, or procuring leaves which have been brightened and vivified by the
rays of th*e sun, as a change from the roots on which it chiefly depends for subsistence.
When it revisits the regions of upper day, it emerges from the earth in some hitherto
unbroken spot, pushing the soil upwards and causing a kind of miniature earthquake
before it makes its appearance. Presently the head and shoulders of the animal emerge
from the lump of earth, and shaking the loose mould from its fur, it draws itself entirely
out of its burrow. It then runs forward for a yard or two, searching for food, nibbling
off the green blades with its teeth, and stowing them into its cheek-pouches with the
aid of its fore-paws. When it has filled the pouches, it runs back to the hole through
which it had issued, and vanishes immediately from sight.

Should it be alarmed while out of its tunnel, it plunges precipitately into its strong-

39

6io THE BAY BAMBEE RAT.

hold, and drives an entirely new burrow in another direction, not venturing to entrust
itself to that through which it had passed before it was alarmed.

The long and sharp incisor teeth are formidable weapons, and can be used with great
effect upon an adversary. It is a sufficiently savage creature, and when captured or
annoyed, bites fiercely in every direction, and squeals with rage. In captivity it is
always employing these teeth upon every object that it can reach, and has even been
detected in the act of endeavoring to cut its way through the wooden planks of the
room in which it was placed. Two of these animals once contrived to get into a pair
of boots belonging to their owner, and not choosing to take the trouble of returning by
the same aperture through which they had entered, they cut a large hole in the toes,
and so made their exit. They seemed to have a special liking for leather, as they
afterwards gnawed to pieces the leathern straps which were dangling from a portman-
teau that lay in the same room.

On the surface of the ground the Canada Pouched Rat is rather slow and clumsy
in its movements, as its legs are short and ill fitted for such locomotion. So short in-
deed are its limbs, that if it be laid on its back, it has great difficulty in regaining its
feet, but flounders about in almost total helplessness until it can seize a blade of grass, a
twig, or similar object, by means of which it can draw itself into its normal attitude. In
its tunnel, however, it proceeds with considerable activity, going faster than a man can
walk, and being capable of running backwards or forwards with equal speed and ease.

The nest of the Mulo is not placed in one of the ordinary tunnels, but in a burrow
dug especially for the purpose. It is about eight inches in diameter, globular in shape,
and is made of dried herbage externally, and softly lined with hair plucked from the
body of the female, and other appropriate substances. From the nest radiate a number
of small galleries, which are again connected with smaller branch passages, and seem
to conduct the animal to its feeding-grounds. It was formerly imagined that the Mulo
was in the habit of filling its pouches with the excavated earth, and of emptying them
at the mouth of burrows. This assertion is now disputed, for it is clearly ascertained
that the creature only uses its cheek-pouches for the conveyance of its food. A little
earth may perchance be imbedded together with the nuts and leaves, but the mistake
has evidently arisen from the conduct of the natives, who, when they procure a skin of
the Mulo, are accustomed to stuff the pouches with dry earth for the purpose of preserv-
ing them in their distended form.

The animal is found in many parts of Northern America, and has a very wide
range.

The BAY BAMBOO RAT is one representative of the genus Rhfzomys, of which there
are several species.

This animal is a native of Nepal, Malacca, and China, and is very injurious to the
bamboos, on the roots of which it feeds. In size it equals a rather small rabbit, and in
color it is of a uniform ruddy brown, slightly paler on the throat and abdomen. The
long incisor teeth are faced with bright red enamel, which gives them a rather con-
spicuous appearance ; the tail is short and marked, and the claws are rather small.
The head is of a peculiar form, which will be better understood from the engraving than
by description alone.

THERE are several other genera belonging to this curious family, among which may
be noticed the genus Ctenomys, containing the TUCUTUCO, a native of Magellan Straits.
This is also a burrowing animal, and the peculiar name by which it is known has been
given to it on account of the curious cry which it utters as it is engaged in its subter-
ranean labors, and which is said to resemble the word " Tucutiico."

ON taking a retrospective view of the rodent animals, the reader will not fail to
observe the frequency with which they reproduce some idea which is more fully mani-
fested in other orders of the animal kingdom. The destructive idea is not more strongly
developed in the lion than in the rat, which will attack and kill animals of much greater
strength and bulk than itself. It is a truly bloodthirsty being, and will kill many a

THE BAY BAMOO RAT.

611

rabbit or fowl for the mere sake of sucking the hot blood as it pours from the fatal
wound.

The tree-loving and agile squirrel plays the same part among the rodents as the
monkey among the quadrumana : the flying squirrels have a close analogy to thecolugo
and the petaurists, and they again to the bats, which in their turn partake largely of the
bird character and formation. The beaver and ondatra are evident reproductions of
the aquatic idea, which is more thoroughly developed in the seals and whales, and is
carried out to its greatest perfection in the fishes. The rodent capybara again, with its
thick, coarse, bristly hair, heavy form, hoof-like claws and water-loving propensities is no
indifferent representation of the pachydermatous water hog, which also may be looked
upon as corresponding to the dugong and manatee. Lastly, the aspalacidae, or rodent
mole rats, are wonderfully similar to the true insectivorous moles, both in habit and
formation of body.

In many instances this phenomenon is exhibited in the reverse order, the members
of other groups exhibiting a tendency towards the rodent type. The aye-aye, for

BAY BAMBOO RAT.-Rhlzomys baalus.

example, a quadrumanous animal, displays so strong a resemblance to the squirrels,
that it was long ranked together with those animals by systematic naturalists. The
hyrax again, or klip-daas, a pachydermatous animal, and allied closely to the hippopo-
tamus, is externally and even in the arrangement of its teeth, so rabbit-like in form, that
it was as a matter of course placed among the rodents, until Cuvier's accurate eye dis-
covered its true character. The insect-eating tupaias of Java, with their arboreal habits
and long bushy tails are so like the squirrels that the popular name of a squirrel and a
tupaia is identical in the countries where they reside.

Thus, in this single order, we find external representatives of every idea which is
embodied in the whole series of vertebrated animals, and cannot but notice the curious
tendency which is found throughout the entire animal kingdom of each province to
intersect several others, and to receive some of their privileges without detriment to
their perfection. In no instance is the boundary of any single province defined with a
clear line of demarcation, and in every case the outline is extremely irregular, sending
out peninsulas into the neighboring districts and receiving into its own territory some
portion of another district. Sometimes these embodied ideas seem to bear some analogy

6l2

'HE BAY BAMBOO RAT.

to geological strata, and, after disappearing in one order of animals, to " crop out," so to
speak, in another distant order, or even in another class or division.

All external objects are, in their truest sense, visible embodiments or incarnations of
Divine ideas which are roughly sculptured in the hard granite that underlies the living
and breathing surface of the world above ; penciled in delicate tracery upon each bark
flake that encompasses the tree trunk, each leaf that trembles in the breeze, each petal
that fills the air with fragrant effluence ; assuming a living and breathing existence in
the rhythmic throbbings of the heart-pulse that urges the life-stream through the body
of every animated being ; and attaining their greatest perfection in Man, who is thereby
bound, by the very fact of his existence, to outspeak and outact the Divine ideas, which
are the true instincts of humanity, before they are crushed or paralyzed by outward cir-
cumstances. Only thus can man be truly the image and likeness of God, only thus can
the Divine ideas be truly manifested in him to the world. For just in proportion as he
shrinks from speaking the truth that is in him, or from acting the good that is in him, so far
he stifles the commencing outbirth of Divine power, and becomes less and less Godlike.

Hence the necessity for the infinitely varied forms of animal life. Until man has
learned to realize his own micr-ocosmal being, and will himself develop and manifest the
god-thoughts that are continually inbreathed into his very essential nature, it needs
that the creative ideas should be incarnated and embodied in every possible form, so
that they may retain a living existence upon earth.

This principle lies at the very root of all material formations. It is but obscurely
shadowed in those portions of the creation which we term inanimate, but becomes more
and more- perceptible in every being in proportion as it assumes a more perfect form and
a higher organization. In Man we see its very highest development, and recognize the
absolute necessity of that great truth which has animated almost every form of theology
upon the face of the earth, namely, the visible incarnation of Divinity in human form.

OXEN.

SCOTCH CATTLE.

OXEN.

^ IN the large and important group of animals which now occupy our attention, the

incisor teeth are entirely absent in the upper jaw, and are eight in number in the lower.

There are six molars on each side of each jaw. The two middle toes of each foot are

separate, and are furnished with hoofs instead of claws. From the frontal bones proceed

614

CHARACTERISTICS OR THE OXEN.

two excrescences, which are generally armed with horns, particularly in the male animal.
The structure of the stomach and gullet is very remarkable, and is employed in producing
that peculiar action which is called " ruminating," or chewing the cud. Although the
horns have in many varieties of domesticated Oxen been eradicated by a long course of
careful management, they are always present in the wild species, and are permanently
retained through life, instead of being annually shed like those of the deer. The peculiar

characteristics of the bovine skull are
so well shown in the engraving, that
further description is needless.

The Oxen, or Bdvidae, as they are
called, from the Latin word Bos, or
Ox, are extremely difficult of system-
atic arrangement, as it is not easy
to select any particular characteristic
on which to base the distinctions of
genus and species. Some writers have
founded their arrangement upon the
hoofs, others upon the muzzle, others
upon the direction of the horns, and
others upon the structure of their bony
nucleus. Mr. Gray, in his elaborate
elucidation of the Bdvidae, considers
that " the form of the horns affords
the most natural character for sub--
dividing them into groups," and em-
ploys other characteristics, such as the
position of the knee, the beard of the
male, and the formation of the muzzle,
as means for further subdivision.

SKULL OF OX.

The DOMESTIC Ox of Europe has
been so modified in form, habits, and
dimensions, by its long intercourse
with mankind, that it has developed
into as many permanent varieties as the dog, the pigeon, or the rabbit, and would in
many cases be thought to belong to different species. Among the principal varieties
of this animal may be noticed the Long Horned, the Short Horned, and the Polled or
hornless breeds, and the Alderney cow, so celebrated for the quantity and quality of
the milk which it daily furnishes. In almost every part of the world are found exam-
ples of the Ox, variously modified in order to the suit peculiar circumstances amid which
they are placed, but in all instances they are susceptible of domestication, and are
employed in the service of mankind.

There are few animals which are more thoroughly useful to man than the Ox, or
whose loss we should feel more deeply in the privation of so many comforts. Putting
aside the two obvious benefits of its flesh and its milk — both of which are so needful
for our comfort that we almost forget to think about them at all — we derive very great
benefit from its powers while living, and from many portions of its body when
dead.

In many parts of England, Oxen are still employed in agricultural labor, drawing
the plough or the wagon with a slow but steady plodding gait. The carpenter would find
himself sadly at a loss were his supply of glue to be suddenly checked by the disappearance
of the animal, from whose hoofs, ears, and hide-parings the greater part of that useful
material is manufactured. The harness-maker, carriage-builder, and shoemaker would in
that case be deprived of a most valuable article in their trade ; the cutler and ivory turner
would lose a considerable portion of the rough material upon which they work ; the builder
would find his best mortar sadly impaired without a proper admixture of cow's hair ; and

THE LANCASHIRE BULL. 615

the practical chemist would be greatly at a loss for some of his most valuable produc-
tions if the entire Ox tribe were swept from the earth. Not even the very intestines
are allowed to be wasted, but are employed for a variety of purposes, and in a variety
of trades. Sometimes the bones are subjected to a process which extracts every nu-
tritious particle out of them, and even in that case, the remaining innutritious portions
of the bones are made useful by being calcined, and manufactured into the animal
charcoal which has lately been so largely employed in many of the arts and sciences.

The best living example of the original British Ox is to be found in the celebrated
white cattle of Chillingham.

LANCASHIRE BULL.

The color of these beautiful animals is a cream-white, with the exception of the ears and
muzzle, the former of which are red, and the latter is black. Mr. Bell observes, that
in every case of white cattle which have passed under his personal notice, the ears are
marked with red or black, according to the breed. The white tint extends even to the
horns, which are, however, tipped with black. They are rather slender in their make,
and curve boldly upwards. As these Chillingham cattle are permitted to range at will
through spacious parks in which they are kept, they retain many of the wild habits of
their tribe, and are so impatient of observation that a stranger will generally find him-
self in a very unsafe position if he attempts to approach closely to the herd.

When they are alarmed or provoked at the intrusion of a strange human being within
the limit of their territories, they toss their heads wildly in the air, paw the ground, and
steadfastly regard the object of their dislike. If he should make a sudden movement,
they scamper away precipitately, gallop round him in a circle, and come to another
halt at a shorter distance. This process is continually repeated, the diameter of the

THE SHORT-HORN BULL.

circle being shortened at every fresh start, until the angry, yet half-frightened, animals,
come so alarmingly close to the spectator, that he finds himself obliged to escape as he
best can.

In performing these curious evolutions, they seem to be inspired by a mixture of
curiosity, timidity, and irritation, which may be observed even in ordinary domestic
cattle under similar circumstances.

On one occasion, when a herd of cattle were pressing upon me in a most uncom-
fortable manner, I owed my escape to early instruction in the art of the " acrobat."
The herd, wholly composed of cows, was surrounding me with a very threatening as-
pect, and was advancing in such a manner that there was no mode of escape from their
ranks. Seeing that a bold stratagem was the only resource, I ran sharply forward, and
commenced rotating towards them in that peculiar method which is technically termed

" turning a wheel," i. e. executing a series of somersaults on the hands and feet alter-
nately. The cows were so terrified at the unknown foe who was attacking them in so
extraordinary a manner, that they were panic-stricken, and galloped off at full speed,
leaving me an easy escape before they had recovered from their surprise.

The domestic cow is too well known to need any detailed description of form and
color. Few persons, however, except those who have been personally conversant with
these animals, have any idea of their intelligent and affectionate natures.

They are possessed of very susceptible feelings, and are remarkably sensitive to
insulting or disrespectful conduct on the part of their inferiors. In a herd of cows, the
senior animal is the leader in all things, and maintains a strict authority over her younger
companions. Not a single member of the herd dares to leave or to enter the pasture until
the leader has led the way, or even to take its food until she has decided whether she will

THE SUFFOLK BULL.

617

take possession of the banquet, or permit her inferiors to eat at peace. Should a
younger animal commit a breach of etiquette by infringing any of the tacit rules which
have been in force throughout Cowdom from time immemorial, the delinquent is butted
at and punished until it returns to its allegiance.

To watch a calf through its various phases of existence is a most amusing employ-
ment. When the young animal is introduced for the first time into the farm-yard, she
is treated in the most supercilious manner by the previous occupants, who look with an
air of supreme contempt upon the new-comer. She is pushed aside by all her predeces-
sors, and soon learns to follow humbly in the wake of her companions. She cannot
even venture to take possession of a food-rack until all the others have begun their meal.
So matters go on for a time, until she has attained a larger growth, and a younger calf is

SUFFOLK BULU

turned into the yard. She now in her turn plays the tyrant over the new-comer, and
receives no small accession of dignity from the fact of having a follower, instead of
bringing up the rear in her own person. In process of time she makes her way to the head
of the yard by virtue of seniority, and is then happy in the supreme rule which she enjoys.

Sometimes a three-parts grown heifer is introduced into a farmyard, and in that case,
the new-comer refuses to take her place below all the others, unless she is absolutely
compelled to do so by main force. There is generally a considerable amount of fighting
before such an animal finds her level, but when she has discovered her superiors and her
subordinates, she quietly settles down in her place, and does not attempt to rise other-
wise than by legitimate seniority.

As the Oxen, in common with the sheep, camels, giraffe, and deer, require a large
amount of vegetable food, and are, while in their native regions, subject to innumerable

6i8 RUMINATION.

disturbing causes that would effectually prevent them from satisfying their hunger in an
ordinary manner, they are furnished with a peculiar arrangement of the stomach and
digestive organs, by means of which they are enabled to gather hastily a large amount
of food in any spot where the vegetation is luxuriant, and to postpone the business of
mastication and digestion to a time when they may be less likely to be disturbed. The
peculiarity of structure lies chiefly in the stomach and gullet, which are formed so as to
act as an internal food-pouch, analogous in its use to the cheek-pouches of certain
monkeys and rodents, together with an arrangement for regurgitating the food into the
mouth at the will of the animal, previous to its mastication and digestion.

Owing to the absence of teeth in the upper jaw, the Ox is unable to cut or chew the
grass as he feeds, and can only seize it between the lower incisor teeth and the upper
jaw, so as to tear it by a movement of the head. The sound which is produced by
this ripping or tearing process is familiar to all who have watched cows while grazing.
As soon as the grass is taken into the mouth, it undergoes a slight rolling between the
molar teeth, and is then swallowed, although it is not as yet in a fit state to be placed
in the stomach, and there to be digested. The mode in which it undergoes that process
is as follows.

The stomach and gullet are modified into four distinct compartments, one of which,
called the paunch, is very much larger than the others, and is the receptacle into which
the food is passed immediately after being swallowed. Here it remains comparatively
unchanged until the animal is at rest, and ready to commence the process which is
technically called "ruminating" and more popularly termed "chewing the cud." A
small portion of the food then passes into the second compartment, which is lined with a
series of hexagonal cells, not unlike the comb of the honey-bee, and is formed into little
balls by being worked into the cells. From these cells the food is thrown into the
mouth by a voluntary effort of the muscles, and is then subjected to a thorough masti-
cation. Being again swallowed, it slips over the opening by which it had formerly
passed into the paunch, and is received into the third compartment, technically called
the " psalterium," or psalm-book, because it is lined with a number of thin longitudinal
plates of membrane, which are thought to bear some resemblance to the leaves of a
book. From thence it passes into the fourth compartment, which is the place where
the business of digestion is carried on.

These different compartments of the stomach are familiar under the general name of
tripe, and are popularly distinguished from each other as follows. The first compart-
ment is called the paunch, and is lined with avast number of little flattened projections
of the membrane. In the paunch are found those curious concretions of hair and
other substances which are known as hair-balls or bezoar stones.

The hair-balls are .of various dimensions, a collection of them in my own possession
varying from the size of a very large cricket-ball to a moderately sized marble. The
hair is arranged most regularly in these balls, and all lies in the same direction, so that
the axis on which the ball has revolved is plainly marked by the arrangement of the
hair. In some of the balls the surface is covered with hair of different colors, some
specimens being of a dark tint, while others are pure white. If the hair-ball be divided,
its substance will be found to be of a spongy texture, affording considerable resistance
to the knife, and requiring a strong and sharp blade to cut it neatly. Together with
the hair is found a slight admixture of vegetable fibre. When first removed from the
animal, these balls are wet and soft, receiving the impressions of the fingers unless
handled with some care, but when they are quite dry, they are extremely light, hard,
and strong, and tolerably elastic. Sometimes they are smooth on the exterior, which
is then of a deep brown hue, and rather highly polished.

The second compartment is popularly called the " honeycomb," the " bag," or the
" bonnet," and the third is termed the " monyplies," or " manyplus," on account of the
membranous folds with which its interior is lined. The last stomach is generally termed
the " red." In scientific language, the first compartment is called the " rumen," from
which word is derived the term "ruminating; " the second is known under the name of
" reticulum," or net ; the third is called " omasus," or "psalterium," and the fourth is
called the " abomasus," because it leads from the third compartment, or omasus.

AFRICAN SADDLE OXEN. 619

Although the process of ruminating is mostly confined to the Ox and the other
animals whose names have been already mentioned, it has, in more than one instance,
been discovered in human beings.

In many parts of the world, such as the Pampas of America and the Australian
colonies, vast herds of cattle roam the country as freely as if they were the original
inhabitants. Although they are all sprung from domesticated cattle which have been
permitted to run wild, or have escaped from their owners, they have returned to the
habits as well as the conditions of savage life, and can only be brought temporarily
within the subjection of man by actual force. However free and uncurbed they may be,
they are all private property, and, except when of very tender age, are all branded with
the name of their owner, burnt deeply into the skin. In detaching the unmarked cattle
from the remainder of the herd, and bringing them safely to the inclosure where they are
to receive the distinguishing brand of their proprietor, the cattle-drivers exhibit an
extraordinary mixture of excellent horsemanship, great dexterity, cool patience, and
fearless daring. Yet the man is sure to triumph over the beast at last, however cunning
or powerful it maybe, and before the poor animal has quite recovered from his surprise
at finding himself mastered for the first time in his life, he has been captured, tied,
branded, and set free again.

In Africa, the cattle are not only employed for the yoke, but are also educated for the
saddle, and are taught to obey the bit as well as many horses. The bit is of very
primitive form, being nothing more than a stick which is passed through the nostrils, and
to which the reins are tied. One end of the stick is generally forked to prevent it from
falling out of its place, and in guiding the animal, the rider is obliged to draw both reins
to the right or left side, lest he should pull out the wooden bit. The saddle Oxen are
not very swift steeds, their pace being about four or five miles an hour ; and as their
skin is so loosely placed on their bodies that the saddle sways at every step, their rider
has no very agreeable seat. In training the Ox for the saddle, the teachers avail
themselves of the aid of two trained Oxen, between whom the novice is tied, and who
soon teach it the proper lesson of obedience.

The horns of this variety of the Ox are of marvellous length, having been known to
exceed thirteen feet in total length, and nearly nine feet from tip to tip. The circum-
ference of these enormous horns was more than eighteen inches, measured at their
bases. One such horn is capable of containing upwards of twenty imperial pints.
These weapons are not only long, but are sharply pointed, and are of so formidable a
nature that a lion has been kept at bay during a whole night, not daring to leap upon
an animal so well defended. As these horns might prove dangerous to the rider in case
of the animal suddenly jerking its head, or flinging him forward by a stumble, the
natives are in the habit of training them in various fashionable modes, by which the
danger is avoided. Sometimes the horns are split into numerous ribbons, and curled
fantastically in various directions ; sometimes they are merely bent forwards and down-
wards ; but the method most in vogue, is to cause them to swing loosely at each side
of the head, their points towards the earth, and out of the way of the rider.

It is a remarkable fact that this Ox is in the habit of chewing dry bones whenever
it finds them lying on the ground. The caribou, or American reindeer, is known to
gnaw the fallen antlers of its companions, and probably with the same object.

Should the Ox turn out to be of a peculiarly savage disposition, he is soon con-
quered by having a heavy iron chain fastened round his neck. The continual weight
which he is forced carry whenever he moves, together with the jingling of the iron
links, has such an effect upon his spirits, that he is forced to yield after a few days'
trial. It is said that if the Ox is forced into the long grass which grows so
luxuriantly in Southern Africa, it becomes alarmed, because it feels itself unable
to see an approaching enemy, and is even terrified at the proximity of its own com-
panions.

It is worthy of remark in the present place, that the skin of a white Ox is considered
by the native tribes as an emblem of peace, and is analogous to the white bison hide
which is displayed by the American Indians for similar purposes.

The Ox is also employed for draught in Southern Africa, and is used chiefly for

620

THE ZEBU.

the purpose of drawing the wagons over the tracks which are by courtesy called roads.
Although the wagons are remarkably light, and are built in such a manner as to take
no harm by an occasional upset, the ground is so heavy, and the wheels sink so
deeply, that a very large team of these cattle is required to draw the vehicle safely on
its journey. Eight or ten yoke of oxen are frequently employed in drawing a single
wagon. The conduct of the native drivers towards these poor beasts is cruel in the
extreme, and deserving of the greatest reprobation. The " jambok," or whip, which
these men employ is of very great length and can be used with an effect that is per-
fectly terrible. Besides this more legitimate instrument, the Hottentot driver is in the
habit of using various other methods of tormenting the poor beasts, and is absolutely
ingenious in the refinements of his cruelty.

THE domestic cattle of India is commonly known by the name of Zebu, and is
conspicuous for the curious fatty hump which projects from the withers. These ani-
mals are further remarkable for the heavy dewlap which falls in thick folds from the

ZEBU.— Eos I' adieus.

throat, and which gives to the fore part of the animal a very characteristic aspect. The
limbs are slender, and the back, after rising towards the haunches, falls suddenly at
the tail.

The Zebu is a quiet and intelligent animal, and is capable of being trained in vari-
ous modes for the service of mankind. It is a good draught animal, and is harnessed
either to carriages or ploughs, which it can draw with great steadiness, though with
but little speed. Sometimes it is used for riding, and is possessed of considerable en-
durance, being capable of carrying a rider for fifteen hours in a day, at an average rate of
five or six miles per hour. The Nagore breed is specially celebrated for its capabilities
as a steed, and is remarkable for its peculiarly excellent action. These animals are
very active, and have been known to leap over a fence which was higher than our five-
barred gates, merely for the purpose of drinking at a certain well, and, having slaked their
thirst, to leap back again into their own pasture. As a beast of burden, the Zebu is in great
request, for it can carry a heavy load for a very great distance, though at no great speed,

THE BRAHMIN BULL.

621

The Zebu race has a very wide range of locality, being found in India, China, Mada-
gascar, and the eastern coast of Africa. It is believed, however, that its native land is
India, and that it must have been imported from thence into the other countries.

There are various breeds of Zebu, some being about the size of our ordinary cattle,
and others varying in dimensions from a large Ox to a small Newfoundland dog. One
of the most familiar of these varieties is the well-known Brahmin Bull, so called because
it is considered to be sacred to Bramah.

The more religious among the Hindoos, scrupulously observant of the letter of a law
which was intended to be universal in its application, but to which they give only a
partial interpretation, indulge this animal in the most absurd manner. They place the
sacred mark of Siva on its body, and permit it to wander about at its own sweet will,
pampered by every luxury, and never opposed in any wish or caprice which it may form.

BRAHMIN BULL.

A Brahmin Bull will walk along the street with a quaintly dignified air, inspect anything
and anybody that may excite his curiosity, force every one to make way for himself, and
if he should happen to take a fancy to the contents of a fruiterer's or greengrocer's shop,
will deliberately make his choice, and satisfy his wishes, none daring to cross him. The
indulgence which is extended to this animal is carried to so great a height, that if a
Brahmin Bull chooses to lie down in a narrow lane, no one can pass until he gets up of
his own accord.

Bishop Heber, in his well-known journal, mentions the Brahmin Bulls and the
unceremonious manner in which they conduct themselves, and remarks that they are
sometimes rather mischievous as well as annoying, being apt to use their horns if their
caprices be not immediately gratified.

622

THE BUFFALO.

The BUFFALO is spread over a very wide range of country, being found in Southern
Europe, North Africa, India, and a few other localities.

This animal is subject to considerable modifications in external aspect, according to
the climate or the particular locality in which it resides, and has in consequence been
mentioned under very different names. In all cases the wild animals are larger and
more powerful than their domesticated relations, and in many instances the slightly
different shape, and greater or lesser length of the horns, or the skin denuded of hairs,
have been considered as sufficient evidences of separate species.

In India, the long smooth-horned variety chiefly prevails, and is found in tolerable
profusion. This animal frequents wet and marshy localities, being sometimes called the
Water Buffalo on account of its aquatic predilections. It is a most fierce and dangerous
animal, savage to a marvellous degree, and not hesitating to charge any animal that may
arouse its ready ire. An angry Buffalo has been known to attack a tolerably-sized ele-
phant, and by a vigorous charge in the ribs to prostrate its huge foe. Even the tiger is
found to quail before the Buffalo, and displays the greatest uneasiness in its presence.

The Buffalo, indeed, seems to be animated by a rancorous hatred towards the tiger,
and if it should come inadvertently on one of the brindled objects of its hate, will at
once rush forward to the attack. Taking advantage of this peculiarity, the native
princes are in the habit of amusing themselves with combats between tigers and trained
Buffaloes. The arena is always prepared by the erection of a lofty and strongly-built
palisade, composed of bamboos set perpendicularly, and bound together upon the out-
side. The object of this contrivance is, that the surface of the bamboo is so hard and
slippery, that the tiger's claws can find no hold in case of an attempted escape.

The tiger is first turned into the arena, and generally slinks round its circumference,
seeking for a mode of escape, and ever and anon looking up to the spectators, who
are placed in galleries that overlook the scene of combat. When the tiger has crept
to a safe distance from the doo.r, the Buffalo is admitted, and on perceiving the scent
of the tiger, it immediately becomes excited, its hairs bristle up, its eyes begin to flash,
and it seeks on every side for the foe. As soon as it catches a glance of its enemy it
lowers its head towards the ground, so that the tips of its horns are only a few inches
above the earth, and its nose lies between its fore-legs, and plunges forward at the
shrinking tiger. Were the latter animal to dare the brunt of the Buffalo's charge, the
first attack would probably be the last ; but as the tiger is continually shifting its posi-
tion, the force of the onset is greatly diminished by the curve in the Buffalo's course.

As a general rule the Buffalo comes off the victor, for even when the tiger has gained
an advantage, he does not follow it up with sufficient celerity, but permits his an-
tagonist to regain his lost breath. The Buffalo, on the contrary, allows the tiger no
breathing time, but continues his rapid charges without cessation, until he forces the
tiger off his guard, and then with a rapid spring impales the foe on his horns. " Jungla,"
however, the celebrated fighting tiger, whose portrait may be seen on page 161, was
invariably the conqueror in these combats, as he never tried to escape from the
Buffalo, or to struggle with it, but quietly awaited its onset, and then leaping nimbly
aside from the deadly horns, dealt such a tremendous blow on the Buffalo's head with
his herculean paw that he laid his antagonist dead on the ground.

It is generally supposed that the wild Buffaloes will destroy any tigers that may
happen to approach their herds too closely. A wild adult male Buffalo, or Arnee as
it is also called, is one of the largest of the Ox tribe, measuring no less than ten feet
six inches from the tip of the nose to the root of the tail, and from six feet to six feet
six inches in height at the shoulders. So confident are even the tiger-dreading
herd-keepers of the prowess of their tamed animals, that they will ride them in search
of pasture even when they know tigers to be in the near vicinity. One of these herds
chanced to come across the spot where a tiger had been recently shot, and on perceiv-
ing the scent of the blood, they became powerfully excited, bellowed furiously, and at
last charged in a body directly into a neighboring covert, crushing everything that im-
peded their progress.

The Arnee lives in large herds, arranged after the manner of all bovine animals, the
females and young being always placed in the safest spots, while the males post themselves

THE BUFFALO.

623

in all positions of danger. These herds are never seen on elevated ground, preferring
the low marshy districts where water and mud are abundant. In this mud they love to
wallow, and when suddenly roused from their strange pastime, present a most terrible
appearance, their eyes glaring fiercely from amid the mud-covered dripping masses of
hair. Sometimes the Buffalo is said to fall a victim to its propensity for wallowing in
the mud, and to be stuck so firmly in the oozy slime, as it dries under the scorching
sunbeams of that burning climate, that it can be killed without danger. They generally
chew the cud while they are lying immersed in mud or water.

Captain Williamson, in his work on " Oriental Field Sports," speaks thus of the
Buffalo, and its mud-loving propensities : —

BUFFALO.— Bubalus buffelus.

" This animal not only delights in the water, but will not thrive unless it have a swamp
to wallow in. Then rolling themselves, they speedily work deep hollows, wherein they
lie immersed. No place seems to delight the Buffalo more than the deep verdure on the
confines of jeels and marshes, especially if surrounded by tall grass, so as to afford
concealment and shade, while the body is covered by the water. In such situations they
seem to enjoy a perfect ecstasy, having in general nothing above the surface but their
eyes and nostrils, their horns being kept low down, and consequently hidden from
view.

" Frequently nothing is perceptible but a few black lumps in the water, appearing like
small clods, for the Buffaloes being often fast asleep, all is quiet ; and a passenger would
hardly expect to see, as often happens, twenty or thirty great beasts suddenly rise. I have
a thousand times been unexpectedly surprised in this manner by tame Buffaloes, and
once or twice by wild ones. The latter are very dangerous, and the former are by no

624 THE CAPE BUFFALO.

means to be considered as innocent. The banks of the Ganges abound with Buffaloes
in their wild state, as does all the country where long grass and capacious jeels are to
be found. Buffaloes swim very well, or, I may say, float. It is very common to see
droves crossing the Ganges and other great rivers at all seasons, but especially when
the waters are low. At a distance one would take them to be large pieces of rock or
dark-colored wood, nothing appearing but their faces. It is no unusual thing for a
boat to get into the thick of them, especially among reedy waters, or at the edges of
jungles, before it is perceived. In this no danger exists; the Buffaloes are perfectly
passive, and easily avoid being run down, so the vessel runs no danger."

The CAPE BUFFALO is quite as formidable an animal as its Indian relation, and much
more terrible in outward aspect. The heavy bases of the horns, that nearly unite over
the forehead, and under which the little fierce eyes twinkle with sullen rays, give to
the creature's countenance an appearance of morose, lowering ill-temper, which is in
perfect accordance with its real character.

Owing to the enormous heavy mass which is situated on the forehead, the Cape
Buffalo does not see very well in a straight line, so that a man may sometimes cross
the track of a Buffalo within a hundred yards, and not be seen by the animal, provided
that he walks quietly, and does not attract attention by the sound of his footsteps.
This animal is ever a dangerous neighbor, but when it leads a solitary life among the
thickets and marshy places, it is a worse antagonist to a casual passenger than even
the lion himself. In such a case, it has an unpleasant habit of remaining quietly in
its lair until the unsuspecting traveller passes close to its place of concealment, and
then leaping suddenly upon him like some terrible monster of the waters, dripping
with mud, and filled with rage. When it has succeeded in its attack, it first tosses
the unhappy victim in the air, then kneels upon his body, in order to crush the life
out of him, then butts at the dead corpse until it has given vent to its insane fury,
and ends by licking the mangled limbs until it strips off the flesh with its rough
tongue.

Many such tragical incidents have occurred, chiefly, it must be acknowledged, owing
to the imprudence of the sufferer ; and there are few coverts in Southern Africa which
are not celebrated for some such terrible incident. Sometimes the animal is so reck-
lessly furious in its unreasoning anger, that it absolutely blinds itself by its heedless
rush through the formidable thorn-bushes which are so common in Southern Africa.
Even when in company with others of their own species, they are liable to sudden
bursts of emotion, and will rush blindly forward, heedless of everything but the impulse
that drives them forward. In one instance, the leader of the herd, being wounded,
dropped on his knees, and was instantly crushed by the trampling hoofs of his com-
rades, as they rushed over the prostrate body of their chief.

The flesh of the Cape Buffalo is not in great request even among the Kaffirs, who
are in no wise particular in their diet. The hide, however, is exceedingly valuable,
being used for the manufacture of sundry leathern implements where great strength
is required without much flexibility. " Trek-tows," or the central leathern traces by
means of which the draught oxen are harnessed to the wagons, are almost exclusively
made of the Buffalo hide, as are also the numerous " rheims," or straps, which are in
constant use about these curious wagons.

In South Africa, the Cape Buffalo, called by the Kaffirs " Inyati," or " Inthumba,"
plays much the same part as the arnee in India. Like that animal, it does much as it
pleases, and fears no enemy but armed men. Even the lion dare not approach too
closely to a herd of Cape Buffaloes, for with the cunning old bulls in front, and the
cows and calves bringing up the rear, the lion would have but a poor chance against a
general charge of such foes. Indeed, even in single combat, the lion would scarcely
come off the conqueror.

The Cape Buffalo, although so terrible an animal, is not so large as the arnee, being
little larger than an ordinary ox, but possessed of much greater strength. The strangely
shaped horns are black in color, and so large that the distance between their points is
not unfrequently from four to five feet. On account of their great width at their bases,

THE CAPE BUFFALO.

625

they form a kind of bony helmet, which is impenetrable to an ordinary musket-ball, and
effectually defend their owner against the severe shocks which are frequently suffered
by these testy animals.

I conclude this history of the Cape Buffalo with some personal reminiscences of the
animal, which have been kindly placed at my disposal by Captain Drayson, R. A.

" The hide of this animal is a bluish-black in color, and is so very tough that bullets
will scarcely penetrate it if they are fired from a distance, or are not hardened by an
addition of tin in the proportion of one to eight. It is of a fierce, vindictive disposition,
and from its cunning habits is esteemed one of the most dangerous animals in Southern
Africa. The Cape Buffalo is naturally a gregarious animal, but at certain seasons of the

CAPE BUFFALO.— Bubalus Caffer.

year the males fight for the mastery ; a clique of young bulls frequently turn out an old
gentleman, who then seeks the most gloomy and retired localities in which to brood
over his disappointments.

These solitary skulkers are the most dangerous of their species ; and although it is the
nature of all animals to fly from man, unless they are badly wounded, or are intruded
upon at unseasonable hours, these old hermits will scarcely wait for such excuses, but
will willingly meet the hunter half-way and try conclusions with him.

Although frequently found in large herds on the plains, the Buffalo is principally a
resident in the bush ; here he follows the paths of the elephant or rhinoceros, or makes
a road for himself. During the evening, night, and early morning, he roams about the
open country and gorges, but when the sun has risen high, or if he has cause for alarm,
the glens and coverts are sought ; and amidst their shady branches he enjoys repose and
40

626

THE BANTENG, OR JAVAN OX.

obtains concealment. The ' spoor ' of the Buffalo is like that of the common ox, the toes
of the old bulls being very wide apart, whilst those of the young ones are close together ;
the cow Buffalo's footprints are longer and thinner than the bull's, and smaller.

As these animals wander in the open ground during the night, and retreat to their
glens during the day, their spoor may be taken up from the outside of the bush, and
followed until the scent leads to the view. When the hunter comes near to his game,
of which he should be able to judge by the freshness of the footprints,, he should wait
and listen for some noise by which to discover their position. Buffaloes frequently
twist and turn about in the bush, and do so more especially just before they rest for
the day.

I knew a Kaffir who carried about him the marks of a Buffalo's power and cunning.
He was hunting Buffaloes one day in the bush, and came upon a solitary bull, which he
wounded; the bull bounded off, but the Kaffir, thinking him badly hurt, followed after
at a run, without taking sufficient precautions in his advance. Now, dangerous as is
a Buffalo when untouched, he is still more to be dreaded when hard hit, and should
therefore be followed with the utmost caution.

The Kaffir had hurried on through the bush for a hundred yards or so, and was
looking for the spoor, when he heard a crash close to him, and before he could move
himself, he was sent flying into the air by the charge of the Buffalo. He fell into some
branches and was thus safe, for the Buffalo was not satisfied with this performance, but
wished to finish the work which he had so ably begun. After examining the safe position
of his victim, he retreated.

The Kaffir, who had two or three ribs broken, reached his home with difficulty, and
gave up Buffalo-shooting from that day.

It appeared that this cunning animal had retraced its steps after retreating, and had
then backed into a bush, and waited for the Kaffir to pass.

A great sportsman at Natal, named Kirkman, told me that he was shooting Buffaloes
when he was across the Sugela river on one occasion, and having wounded a bull, he
was giving him his quietus, when the creature sent forth a sort of moan. Now the
Buffalo always dies game, and rarely makes any other noise when hard hit. This moan
was probably a signal ; and as such it was translated by the herd to which this animal
belonged, as they suddenly stopped in their retreat, and came to the rescue. Kirkman
dropped his gun and took to some trees, where he was in safety. Fortunate it was for
him that timber happened to be near, as the savage herd really meant mischief, and
came round his tree in numbers. When they found that he was safe from their rage,
they retreated.

The vulnerable parts in a Buffalo are behind the shoulder, near the kidneys, or high
up on the back. His head is so protected by his horny helmet, that a bullet does not
easily find a vulnerable point in the forehead. I once met a Buffalo face to face in the
bush, we were about three yards apart ; I fired at his forehead, aiming between the
eyes. I know that my bullet struck true ; the Buffalo fell, but soon jumped up again,
and scampered off. This was certainly a fair trial of lead versus horn, and horn had
the best of it."

ANOTHER species of Buffalo is the ANOA, an inhabitant of the island of Celebes. This
animal was formerly thought to belong rather more to the antelopes than to the oxen,
but is now satisfactorily ascertained to be a member of the genus Bubalus. It is a small,
but very fierce animal, and is with difficulty made prisoner. Some of these creatures,
which were kept in confinement, killed in one night fourteen stags which were placed in
the same inclosure. The horns of this animal are quite straight, and are set nearly in
a line with the forehead. In length they equal the head, are boldly flattened in front,
and are covered throughout their length with successive wrinklings. The Anoa is
generally found among the more rocky localities of its native island.

The BANTENG, or JAVAN Ox, possesses something of the homely aspect which belongs
to the common domestic cattle. It is, however, a very strong, fleet, and active animal,
inhabiting the wooded valleys of its native land, and living in small herds under the
watchful guardianship of vigilant sentries.

THE GAUR, OR GOUR.

627

This animal is rather variable in color, according to its age and sex, the old bulls
being of a blackish-brown color, and the females a reddish-bay. Upon the hinder
quarters is always a bold patch of white, the inside of the ears and the lips are of the same
hue, and the lower half of the legs is white. It is a tolerably large animal, the height
of an adult bull being about five feet six inches at the shoulder. In spite of its con-
stitutional shyness and its dread of man, it is domesticated by the inhabitants of Borneo,
and is employed for many useful purposes.

LARGEST of all the existing members of the Ox trible, is the GAUR, or GOUR, an animal
which may be easily recognized by the extraordinary elevation of the spinal ridge and
the peculiarly white " stockings." The general color of the. Gaur is a deep brown,

BANTENG, OR JAVAN OX.-Bibos Banting.

verging here and there upon black, the females being usually paler than their mates.
The dimensions of the Gaur are very considerable, a full-grown bull having been known
to measure six feet ten inches in height at the shoulders. The great height of the
shoulder is partly owing to the structure of the vertebrae, some of which give out pro-
jections of sixteen inches in length.

The Gaur associates in little herds of ten, twenty, or thirty in number, each herd
generally consisting of a few males and a great comparative number of the opposite sex.
These herds frequent the deepest recesses of the forest, and in their own domains bear
supreme rule, neither tiger, rhinoceros, or elephant daring to attack them. During the
heat of noonday, the Gaurs are buried in the thickest coverts, but in the early morning,
and after the setting of the sun, they issue from their place of concealment, and go forth
to pasture on the little patches of open verdure that are generally found even in the

628

THE GAUR, OR GOUR.

deepest forests. The watchfulness of this animal is extremely remarkable, as, independ*
ently of placing the usual sentries, the Gaurs are said to arrange themselves in a circle
while at rest, their heads all diverging outwards, so as to preserve equal vigilance on
every side. They may, however, be readily approached if the spectator be mounted on
an elephant, as they seem to regard these huge animals without any suspicion or fear.
In all probability, the imperturbable indifference with which they look upon the elephant
is caused by the fact that the elephant is never used in Gaur-hunting, and, unless
accompanied by human beings, never attempts to attack these animals.

The temper of the Gaur is naturally mild and equable, and, as a general fact, the
herds are quite harmless. Solitary hermit Gaurs, however, are occasionally found and
are extremely irascible and vicious, concealing themselves in the deepest thickets, and

GAUR, OR (JOUR.— Bibos Gaums.

suddenly springing at any unfortunate traveller. One of these animals has been known
to drive his intended victim up a tree and watch at its foot for a space of twenty-four
hours, only vacating its post when killed by the companions of the imprisoned hunter.
The voice of the Gaur is rather peculiar, being totally different from the bellow
of an ordinary bull or the lowing of a cow, and partaking greatly of the nature of a
grunt, or hoarse cough. The breath of the Gaur is even sweeter than that of the
domestic cow, and is. plainly perceptible at a distance of several yards. The skin of
this animal is extremely thick, especially on the shoulders and hinder quarters. The
hide of these parts of the animal will sometimes measure nearly two inches in thick-
ness when it has been removed from the Gaur and permitted to contract during the
process of drying. On account of its great strength, this portion of the skin is much
esteemed for the purpose of being manufactured into shields. The flesh of the Gaur is
said to be remarkably tender, and of good flavor.

THE AUROCHS.

629

ALTHOUGH some of the preceding animals have been popularly called by the name of
Bison, they have no more right to that title than have the Bisons to the name of buffalo,
which is so frequently bestowed upon them. All the true Bisons may be known by the
short, crisp, woolly hair with which the body is covered, and which hangs in heavy
masses over the head and shoulders of the male animal.

To the Bison belongs the AUROCHS, or BONASSUS, the former name being a corruption
of the word Auer-Ochs. It is also commonly known by the name of Zubr. This animal
is now almost, if not exclusively, confined to the forest of Bialowikza, in Lithuania, a
locality which is peculiarly suitable to its habits on account of the large marshy districts
in which it abounds. In order that this magnificent animal may be preserved in
perfection, it is protected by the most stringent forest laws. The Aurochs gives forth a

AUROCHS.— Bison Bonassus.

powerful and curious odor, which is far from unpleasant, and partakes equally of the
characters of musk and violet. «This perfume is found to penetrate the whole of the body
to a certain extent, but is exhaled most powerfully from the skin and hair which covers
the upper part of the forehead. It is found in both sexes, but is much weaker in the
cow than in her mate.

Although not so large as some of the preceding animals, standing only about six
feet in height at the summit of the elevated shoulder, it is strongly and muscularly
built, and is a terrible foe to any antagonist that may happen to arouse its ire. Like the
buffalo, it has no fear of predaceous animals, a single Aurochs being supposed to be an
overmatch for several hungry wolves. In general, it is shy, and fearful of the presence
of man, slipping quietly away as soon as its acute senses perceive the symptoms of human
neighborhood ; but if wounded or irritated, it fights most desperately, using its short,

630 THE BISON.

sharply-pointed horns, with terrible effect. In disposition it is said to be rather morose
and untameable, never having been really domesticated and brought under the domin-
ion of man, even when taken at a very early age.

It is a good swimmer, and is fond of dabbling in water, as well as of rolling itself in
certain favored mud-holes which it frequents. For this reason, it is generally found in
thickets which border upon marshy land, ponds, or streams, and in consequence causes
all experienced travellers to be very cautious how they approach such localities. Its
food is various vegetable substances, and it is especially fond of lichens. In spite of its
heavy and awkward look, it is sufficiently active and swift, running with considerable
speed for a short time, but being unable to prolong the course for many miles. While run-
ning, it carries its head very low, placing the nose almost between the fore-feet.

THE American BISON looks at first sight like an exaggeration of the aurochs, the
hair of the body being thicker, more woolly, and more closely curled ; the mane which
hangs over the head and shoulders, actually reaching the ground, and the entire aspect
of the animal more lowering.

This creature is only found in Northern America, never appearing north of lat. 33°.
It gathers together in enormous herds, consisting of many thousand in number, but
on account of the continual persecution to which it is subjected by man and beast, its
multitudes are rapidly diminishing. The Bison is one of the most valuable of animals
to the white hunter as well as to the aboriginal Red Indian, as its body supplies him with
almost every necessary of life.

The flesh of the fat cow Bison is in great repute, being juicy, tender, and well-savored,
and possesses the invaluable quality of not cloying the appetite, even though it be eaten
with the fierce hunger that is generated by a day's hunting. The fat is peculiarly excel-
lent, and is said to bear some resemblance to the celebrated green fat of the turtle. The
most delicate portion of the Bison is the flesh that composes the " hump," which gives to
the animal's back so strange an aspect ; and the hunters are so fond of this delicacy that
they will often slay a magnificent Bison merely for the sake of the hump, the tongue,
and the marrow-bones, leaving the remainder of the body to the wolves and birds. The
pieces of hump-flesh that are stripped from the shoulders are technically called " fleeces,"
and sometimes weigh as much as a hundred pounds. The flesh of the Bison is also
made of exceeding value to voyagers and travellers by being converted into " pemmican,"
a curious kind of preparation, which to the eye closely resembles tarred oakum, but which
is composed of the dried fibres of Bison beef. " Jerked " beef is also made from
this animal, the meat being cut into long thin strips, and hung in the sunshine until
black, dry, and almost as hard as leather.

The hide is greatly valued both by Indians and civilized men, for the many purposes
which it fulfils. From this hide the Indian makes his tents, many parts of his dress,
his bed, and his shield. For nearly the whole of these uses the skin is deprived of hair,
and is so dressed as to be impervious to water, and yet soft and pliable. The shield
is very ingeniously made by pegging out the hide upon the ground with a multitude of
little wooden skewers round its edge, imbuing it with a kind of glue, and gradually
removing the pegs in proportion to the consequent shrinking and thickening of the skin.
One of these shields, although still pliable, is sufficiently strong to resist an arrow, and
will often turn a bullet that does not strike it fairly.

Sometimes the Bison is the means of saving the hunter from the terrible death of
thirst, for it oftentimes happens that the prairie-men find themselves parched with
thirst in the midst of vast plains, without a drop of water in their vessels, and no
stream within a long day's journey. Under these circumstances, they would inevitably
die, were it not that they know how to have recourse to certain natural fountains
which are never entirely empty. The Bison has the power of taking a large amount
of water into its body, and depositing it in the " reticulum," or cells of the honey-comb
department of the stomach, until it shall be needed for use. The hunters, therefore
are not long at a loss for materials wherewith to quench their thirst as long as a Bison
is in sight, but slay the animal at once for the sake of the water which they know will
be found in the usual situation.

THE BISON.

631

Vast quantities of Bisons are killed annually, whole herds being sometimes destroyed
by the cunning of their human foes. The hunters, having discovered a herd of Bisons
at no very great distance from one of the precipices which abound in the prairie-
lands, quietly surround the doomed animals, and drive them ever nearer and nearer
to the precipice. When they have come within half a mile or so of the edge, they sud-
denly dash towards the Bisons, shouting firing, waving hats in the air, and using every
means to terrify the intended victims. The Bisons are timid creatures, and easily take
alarm, so that on being startled by the unexpected sights and sounds, they dash off, panic-
struck, in the only direction left open to them, and which leads directly to the precipice.
When the leaders arrive at the edge, they attempt to recoil, but they are so closely
pressed upon by those behind them that they are carried forward and forced into
the gulf below. Many hundred of Bisons are thus destroyed in the space of a few
minutes.

BISON.— Bison American us.

A much fairer and more sportsmanlike method of hunting these animals is practised
by red and white men, and consists in chasing the herds of Bisons and shooting them
while at full speed. This sport requires good horsemanship, a trained steed, and a
knowledge of the habits of the Bisons, as well as a true eye and steady hand. The hunter
marks a single individual in the herd, and by skilful riding contrives to separate
it from its companions. He then rides boldly alongside the flying animal, and shoots it
from the saddle. In this method of shooting, the hunter requires no ramrod, as he
contents himself with pouring some loose powder into the barrel, dropping a bullet from
his mouth upon the powder, and firing across the saddle without even lifting the weapon
to his shoulder. The Indians are very expert in this sport, and, furnished only with their

632 THE YAK.

little bows, will often give a better account of their day's sport than many a white
hunter armed with the best firelock.

At certain seasons of the year, the whole Bison population becomes greatly excited
about settling their matrimonial matters for the next twelvemonth, and dire are the
quarrels among the bulls for favor in the eyes of their intended mates. Whole herds
of these animals will run in a straight line for many miles, urged forward by some
strange impulse, and being easily tracked, not only by the marks of their feet, which
tear up the ground as if it had been ploughed, but by a succession of bull Bisons
engaged in single combat, they having fallen out on the journey and halted to fight
out their quarrel. A cloud of wolves always hangs about the skirts of these herds,
as the cunning animals are well aware of the dangers that beset the infuriated wars of
Bisons, and accompany them in hopes of pouncing upon some feeble or wounded
straggler.

The Bison is remarkably fond of wallowing in the mud, and when he cannot find a
mud-hole ready excavated, sets busily to work to make one for himself. Choosing some
wet and marshy spot, he flings himself down on his side, and whirls round and round
until he wears away the soil, and forms a circular and rather shallow pit, into which
the water rapidly drains from the surrounding earth. He now redoubles his efforts,
and in a very short time succeeds in covering himself with a thick coating of mud, which
is probably of very great service in defending him from the stings of the gnats and
other noxious insects which swarm in such localities.

In the summer, the Bison fares luxuriously, living on the sweet green herbage that
always springs up after the prairie has been swept by the fires that are continually
blazing in one part or another. In winter, however, it is often pinched with hunger as
well as with cold, and would fare very badly, did it not instinctively employ its broad
nose in shovelling away the snow and laying bare the grass that lies unhurt beneath
the white covering. The nose of the Bison is admirably adapted for this purpose, being
broad, strong, and tough, so that it can execute work with ease which is most painful to
ordinary cattle, and causes their noses to bleed sadly, from the unaccustomed friction.
So severe, however, is the labor, that even old Bisons are often seen with their noses
excoriated and bleeding from the effects of their toil. Mr. Palliser mentions that the
common domesticated calves have been observed to hang about a Bison bull when he
was engaged in shovelling away the snow, and to eat the herbage which he disclosed,
without showing the least fear.

The Bison is a marvellously active animal, and displays powers of running and
activity which would hardly be anticipated by one who had merely seen a stuffed speci-
men. The body is so loaded with hair that it appears to be of greater dimensions than
is really the case, and seems out of all proportion to the slender legs that appear from
under it and seem to bend beneath its weight. Yet the Bison is an enduring as well
as a swift animal, and is also remarkably sure of foot, going at full speed over localities
where a horse would be soon brought to a halt.

i

The YAK, or GRUNTING Ox, derives its name from its very peculiar voice, which
sounds much like the grunt of a pig. It is a native of the mountains of Thibet, and
according to Hodson, it inhabits all the loftiest plateaus of High Asia, between the
Altai and the Himalayas.

It is capable of domestication, and is liable to extensive permanent varieties, which
have probably been occasioned by the climate in which it lives and the work to which
it has been put. The Noble Yak, for example, is a large, handsome animal, holding its
head proudly erect, having a large hump, extremely long hair, and a very bushy tail. It
is a shy and withal capricious animal, too much disposed to kick with the hind feet and
to make threatening demonstrations with the horns, as if it intended to impale the
rider. The heavy fringes of hair that decorate the sides of the Yak do not make their
appearance until the animal has attained three months of age, the calves being covered
with rough curling hair, not unlike that of a black Newfoundland dog. The beautiful
white bushy tail of the Yak is in great request for various ornamental purposes, and
forms quite an important article of commerce. Dyed red, it is formed into those curious

THE YAK.

633

tufts that decorate the caps of the Chinese, and when properly mounted in a silver handle,
it is used as a fly-flapper in India under the name of a chowrie. These tails are carried
before certain officers of state, their number indicating his rank.

The Plough Yak is altogether a more plebeian-looking animal, humble of deportment,
carrying its head low, and almost devoid of the magnificent tufts of long silken hairs that
fringe the sides of its more aristocratic relation. Their legs are very short in proportion
to their bodies, and they are generally tailless, that member having been cut off and sold
by their avaricious owner. There is also another variety which is termed the Ghainorik.
The color of this animal is black, the back and tail being often white. The natives of
the country where the Yak lives are in the habit of crossing it with the common
domestic cattle and obtaining a mixed breed. When overloaded, the Yak is accustomed

YAK.— Poephagus gruaniens.

to vent its displeasure by its loud, monotonic, melancholy grunting, which has been
known to affect the nerves of unpractised riders to such an extent that they dismounted,
after suffering half an hour's infliction of this most lugubrious chant, and performed the
remainder of their journey on foot.

THE curiously shaped horns of the MUSK Ox, its long woolly hair falling nearly to
the ground in every direction, so as nearly to conceal its legs, together with the peculiar
form of the head and snout, are unfailing characteristics whereby it can be discriminated
form any other animal. The horns of the Musk Ox are extremely large at their base,
and form a kind of helmet upon the summit of the forehead. They then sweep boldly
downwards, and are again hooked upwards toward the tips. This curious form of the
horns is only noticed in the male, as the horns of the female are set very widely apart on

634

THE MUSK OX.

the sides of the forehead, and are simply curved. The muzzle is covered with hair, with
the exception of a very slight line round the nostrils.

This animal is an inhabitant of the extreme north of America, being seldom seen
south of the sixty-first degree of latitude, and ascending as high as the seventy-fifth. It
lives, in fact, in the same country which is inhabited by the Esquimaux, and is known to
them under the name of Oomingnoak. It is a fleet and active animal, and traverses with
such ease the rocky and precipitous ground on which it loves to dwell, that it cannot be
overtaken by any pursuer less swift than an arrow or a bullet. It is rather an irritable
animal, and becomes a dangerous foe to the hunters, by its habit of charging upon them
while they are perplexed amid the cliffs and crevices of its rocky home, thus often

MUSK OX.— Ov/bos moschatus.

escaping unharmed by the aid of its quick eye and agile limbs. The hunters say that
it is rather a stupid animal in some matters, and that it will not run away at the report
of a gun, provided that it does not see the man who fired it, or perceive the smell of the
powder. They believe that the Musk Ox takes the flash and the report to be only a
species of thunder and lightning, and therefore does not think itself obliged to escape.
The flesh of this animal is very strongly perfumed with a musky odor, very variable in
its amount and strength. Excepting, however, a few weeks in the year, it is perfectly fit
for food, and is fat and well flavored.

The Musk Ox is a little animal, but owing to the huge mass of woolly hair with which
it is thickly covered, appears to be of considerable dimensions. The color of this
animal is a yellowish-brown, deepening upon the sides.

ANTELOPES.

635

GROUP OF SOUTH AFRICAN ANTELOPES.

ANTELOPES.

THE ANTELOPES form a large and important group of animals, finding representatives
in many portions of the globe. Resembling the deer in many respects, they are easily to
be distinguished from those animals by the character of the horns, which are hollow at
the base, set upon a solid core like those of the oxen, and are permanently retained

THE GAZELLE.

throughout the life of the animal. Indeed, the Antelopes are allied very closely to the
sheep and goats, and, in some instances, are very goat-like in external form. In all cases
the Antelopes are light and elegant of body, their limbs are gracefully slender, and are
furnished with small cloven hoofs. The tail is never of any great length, and in many
species is very short. The horns, set above the eyebrows, are either simply conical
or are bent so as to resemble the two horns of the ancient lyre, and are therefore termed
" lyrate " in technical language.

THE well-known GAZELLE is found in great numbers in Northern Africa, where it lives
in herds of considerable size, and is largely hunted by man and beast.

Trusting to its swift limbs for its safety, the Gazelle will seldom, if ever, attempt to
resist a foe, unless it be actually driven to bay in some spot from whence it cannot
escape ; but prefers to flee across the sandy plains, in which it loves to dwell, with the
marvellous speed for which it has long been proverbial. The herd seems to be actuated
by a strong spirit of mutual attachment, which preserves its members from being isolated

GAZELLE.— Gaze I la Dorcas.

from their companions, and which, in many instances, is their only safeguard against the
attacks of the smaller predaceous animals. The lion and leopard can always find a meal
whenever they can steal upon a band of Gazelles without being discovered by the sentries
which watch the neighborhood with jealous precaution, for the Gazelles are too weak to
withstand the attack of such terrible assailants, and do not even attempt resistance.

If, however, the insidious foe is detected by the eye or scent of the sentinel, his chance
of a dinner is hopeless for a while. The alarm is instantly given by the animal whose
acute senses have discovered the near presence of the dreaded enemy, and the whole herd
immediately take to flight, skimming over the ground with such wondrous rapidity that
neither lion nor leopard would be able to overtake their flying steps.

When opposed by less formidable enemies, the Gazelles can bid defiance to their
assailants by gathering themselves into a compact circular mass, the females and the
young being placed in the centre, and the outer circle being composed of the males,
all presenting their horns towards the intruder. They then form a dense phalanx of
sharply pointed weapons, arranged on strictly military principles, and being the prototype
of the spear-phalanx of ancient warfare, and the " square " of more modern tactics.

THE ARIEL GAZELLE, OR CORA.

637

In this attitude the Gazelles will maintain their ground with considerable spirit and
pertinacity, seeming to be entirely aware of the advantages which they derive from act-
ing in concert, and oftentimes assuming the offensive as well as the defensive mode of
action.

The eye of the Gazelle is large, soft, and lustrous, and has been long celebrated by
the poets of its own land as the most flattering simile of a woman's eye. The color of this
pretty little animal is a light fawn upon the back, deepening into dark brown in a wide
band which edges the flanks, and forms a line of demarcation between the yellow-
brown of the upper portions of the body and the pure white of the abdomen. The
face is rather curiously marked with two stripes of contrasting colors, one a dark black-
brown line that passes from the eye to the curves of the mouth, and the other a white
streak that begins at the horns and extends as far as the muzzle. The hinder quarters,
too, are marked with white, is very perceptible when the animal is walking directly from
the spectator.

ARIEL GAZELLE, OR CORA.

THERE is considerable difficulty in assigning the Antelopes to their proper position
in the animal kingdom, and in many instances zoologists are sadly bewildered in their
endeavors to ascertain to whether a certain animal is entitled to the rank of a separate
species, or whether it can only be considered as a variety of some species already
acknowledged. , Such is the case with the ARIEL GAZELLE, an animal which is now
determined to be merely a variety of the preceding animal, and not entitled to take
rank as an independent species.

This beautiful little creature is very similar to the Dorcas Gazelle in general ap-
pearance, but is much darker in all its tintings, the back and upper portions of the
body being a dark fawn, and the stripe along the flanks almost black.

The Ariel is found in Syria and Arabia, and as it is not only a most graceful and
elegant animal in appearance, but is also docile and gentle in temper, it is held in great
estimation as a domestic pet, and may be frequently seen running about the houses at its
own will. So exquisitely graceful are the movements of the Ariel Gazelle, and with such
light activity does it traverse the ground, that it seems almost to set at defiance the laws
of gravitation, and, like the fabled Camilla, to be able to tread the grass without bending

638 THE SPRING-BOK.

a single green blade. When it is alarmed, and runs with its fullest speed, it lays its head
back so that the nose projects forward, while the horns lie almost as far back as the
shoulders, and then skims over the ground with such marvellous celerity that it seems
rather to fly than to run, and cannot be overtaken even by the powerful, long-legged,
and long-bodied greyhounds which are employed in the chase by the native hunters.

When the Gazelle is hunted for the sake of the sport, and not merely for the object
of securing as many skins as possible, the falcon is called to the aid of the greyhound,
for without such assistance no one could catch an Ariel in fair chase. As soon as the
falcon is loosed from its jesses, it marks out its intended prey, and overpassing even
the swift limbs by its swifter wings, speedily overtakes it, and swoops upon its head.
Rising from the attack, it soars into the air for another swoop, and by repeated
assaults bewilders the poor animal so completely that it falls an easy prey to the grey-
hound, which is trained to wait upon the falcon, and watch its flight.

When, however, the Gazelle is hunted merely for the sake of its flesh and skin, a
very different mode is pursued.

Like all wild animals, the Gazelle is in the habit of marking out some especial stream
or fountain, whither it resorts daily for the purpose of quenching its thirst. Near one
of these watering-spots the hunters build a very large inclosure, sometimes nearly a
mile and a half square, the walls of which are made of loose stones, and are too high
even for the active Gazelle to surmount by means of its wonderful leaping powers. In
several parts of the edifice the wall is only a few feet in height, and each of these gaps
opens upon a deep trench or pit. The manner in which this enormous trap is employed
is sufficiently obvious. A herd of Gazelles is quietly driven towards the inclosure, one
side of which is left open, and being hemmed in by the line of hunters, the animals are
forced to enter its fatal precincts. As the pursuers continue to press forward with
shouts and all kinds of alarming noises, the Gazelles endeavor to escape by leaping
over the walls, but can only do so at the gaps, and fall in consequence into the trenches
that yawn to receive them. One after another falls into the pit, and in this manner
they perish by hundreds at a time.

A very similar kind of trap, called the Hopo, is employed in Southern Africa, the
walls of the inclosure being formed of trees and branches, and terminating in the pit
of death. At the widest part the walls are about a mile asunder, and their length
is about one mile. The pit at the extremity is guarded at its edges with tree-trunks,
so as to prevent the sides from being broken down by the struggling animals in their
endeavors to escape, and the plan is so successful, that sixty or seventy herd of large
game are often captured in a single week.

The flesh of the Ariel Gazelle is highly valued, and is made an article of commerce
as well as of immediate consumption by the captors. The hide is manufactured into
a variety of useful articles. The Ariel is a small animal, measuring only about twenty-
one inches in height at the shoulder. The JAIROU, or common Gazelle of Asia, which
is so celebrated by the Persian and other Oriental poets, is ascertained to be a different
species from the Dorcas, and may be distinguished from that animal by the general
dimness of the marking, and the dark brown streak on the haunches. It is also
known by the name of AHU, and DSHEREN. Several other species are now known to
belong to the genus Gazella, among which we may mention the MOHR of Western
Africa, the ANDRA of Northern Africa, and the KORIN, or KEVEL, of Senegal. The
latter animal possesses no tufts of hair upon the knees. There is one animal, the
CHIKARA, or RAVINE DEER of India, which is worthy of a passing notice, because it is
by some authors supposed to belong to the Gazelles, and by others to form a separate
genus, as is the case with the arrangement of the British Museum. This animal is
also known under the titles of CHOUKA, GOAT ANTELOPE, and KALSIEPIE, or BLACK-
TAIL.

The SPRING-BOK derives its very appropriate title from the extraordinary leaps which
it is in the constant habit of making whenever it is alarmed.

As soon as it is frightened at any real or fancied danger, or whenever it desires to
accelerate its pace suddenly, it leaps high into the air with a curiously easy movement,

THE SPRING-BOK.

639

rising to a height of seven or eight feet without any difficulty, and being capable on
occasions of reaching to a height of twelve or thirteen feet. When leaping, the back
is greatly curved, and the creature presents a very curious aspect, owing to the sud-
den exhibition of the long white hairs that cover the croup, and are nearly hidden by
a fold of skin when the creature is at rest, but which come boldly into view as soon as
the protecting skin-fold is obliterated by the tension of the muscles that serve to pro-
pel the animal in its aerial course.

The Spring-bok is a marvellously timid animal, and will never cross a road if it can
avoid the necessity. When it is forced to do so, it often compromises the difficulty by
leaping over the spot which has been tainted by the foot of man. The color of the
Spring-bok is very pleasing, the ground tinting being a warm cinnamon-brown upon the
upper surface of the body, and pure white upon the abdomen, the two colors being
separated from each other by a broad band of reddish-brown. The flesh of the
Spring-bok is held in some estimation, and the hide is in great request for many use-
ful purposes.

SPRMG-BOK.-Antidorcas Euchore.

Inhabiting the vast plains of Southern Africa, the Spring-bok is accustomed to make
pilgrimages from one spot to another, vast herds being led by their chiefs, and ravaging
the country over which they pass as if they were quadrupedal and mammalian locusts.
Thousands upon thousands unite in these strange pilgrimages, or " trek-bokken," as
they .are called by the Boers, and some faint idea of the moving multitudes that traverse
the country may be obtained from the following description, written by Captain Gum-
ming immediately after witnessing one of these migrations.

11 For about two hours before the day dawned, I had been lying awake in my wagon,
listening to the grunting of the bucks within two hundred yards of me, imagining that
some large herd of Spring-boks was feeding beside my camp. But on my rising when it
was clear, and looking about me, I beheld the ground to the northward of my camp
actually covered with a dense living mass of Spring-boks, inarching slowly and steadily
along, extending from an opening in a long range of hills on the west, through which
they continued pouring like the flood of some great river, to a ridge about a mile to the
east, over which they disappeared. The breadth of the ground they covered might have
been somewhere about half a mile.

>4o THE SPRING-BOK.

I stood upon the fore-chest of my wagon for nearly two hours, lost in wonder at the
novel and beautiful scene which was passing before me, and had some difficulty in
convincing myself that it was reality which I beheld, and not the wild and exaggerated
picture of a hunter's dream. During this time, their vast legions continued streaming
through the neck in the hills, in one unbroken compact phalanx."

The wonderful density of these moving herds may be imagined from the fact, that a
flock of sheep have been inextricably entangled among a herd of migrating Spring-
boks, and carried along with them without the possibility of resistance or even of
escape. Even the lion himself has been thus taken prisoner in the midst of a mass of
these animals, and has been forced to move in their midst as if he belonged to their
own order. Want of water is said to be the principal cause of these migrations, for
they have been always observed to depart as soon as the district in which they live has
been deprived of water, and to return as soon as the genial rains have returned
moisture to the earth, and caused the green herbage to make its appearance. Dr.
Livingstone, however, doubts whether the Spring-bok is a sufficiently thirsty animal to
be driven into these migrations only by want of water, and thinks that there must be
other causes.

They are extremely fond of the short tender grass as it springs from the earth, and
the Bakalahari Kaffirs, taking advantage of this predilection, are in the habit of burning
large patches of dry stubbly herbage for the sake of attracting the Spring-boks, who
are sure to find out the locality, and to come and feed upon the short sweet grass that
always makes its appearance on the site of burnt vegetation. Spring-boks are very
seldom seen in the deep, rank grass, that is so plentiful in their native country, for
they would not be able to raise their head above the tall blades, and to perceive the
lion, leopard, or other enemy that might be crawling towards them under its shelter.

While engaged in these pilgrimages, the Spring-bok suffers sadly from many foes,
man included, who thin their numbers along the whole of their march. Various beasts
of prey, such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and jackals, hang around the skirts of the
herd, and are always ready either to dash boldly among the moving mass, and to drag
out some unfortunate animal which may happen to take their fancy ; or to prowl in a
crafty manner about the rear of the troop, in hopes of snapping up the weakly or
wounded animals as they fall out of the ranks. The black and white inhabitants of
Southern Africa also take advantage of the pilgrimages, and with guns andjspears,
which may be used almost indiscriminately among such multitudes of animals, without
any particular necessity for a careful aim, destroy myriads of the Spring-boks, and load
themselves with an ample supply of hides and meat.

There is a curious provision of nature for preserving the herds in proper condition.
It is evident that as the animals move in a compact mass, the leaders will eat all the
pasture, and those in the rear will find nothing but the bare ground, cut to pieces by
the hoofs of their predecessors. The rearward animals would therefore soon perish by
starvation, did not matters arrange themselves in a rather remarkable manner. The
leading Spring-boks, having the choice of the best pasture, soon become so satiated
and overloaded with food, that they are unable to keep pace with their eager and hun-
grily active followers, and so are forced to drop into the rear. The hindermost animals in '
the mean time are anxiously pushing forward in search of food, so that there is a continual
interchange going on as the herd moves onwards, those in front dropping back to the
rear, while those in the rear are constantly pressing forwards to take their place in front.

In size the Spring-bok is rather superior to the Dorcas gazelle, but may be immediately
distinguished from that animal by means of the curious white patch of long hairs on the
croup, which has already been described. Although the animal is so marvellously agile,
the body is rather clumsily formed, and seems to be disproportionately large when
contrasted with the slight and delicate limbs on which it is supported. While standing
at rest, the Spring-bok may be recognized by the peculiar line of the back, which is more
elevated at the croup than at the shoulders. The horns of this animal are much larger in
the adult male than in the young' or the female, and when full-grown are marked with
eighteen or twenty narrow complete rings. The lyrate form of the horns is not so
perceptible in the young Spring-bok as in the older animal, for until the creature has

THE PALLAH.

641

attained its full growth, the tips of the horns point forward, and only begin to turn
inward as the animal increases in age. When the animal leaps into the air it curves its
back, and exhibits the characteristic white patch upon the croup, and has, from this hab-
it, received the name of Pronk-bok, or Showy Buck, from the Dutch colonists. The na-
tive name of the Spring-bok is Tsebe, a word that bears a remarkable resemblance to
the Hebrew word Tsebi, which is supposed to signify the Dorcas gazelle.

The PALLAH, or ROOYE-BOK, is also an inhabitant of Southern Africa, where it is seen
in large herds, almost rivalling in numbers those of the spring-bok.

It is a remarkably fine animal, measuring three feet in height at the shoulder, and
being gifted with elegantly shaped horns and a beautifully tinted coat. The general
color of the Pallah is bay, fading into white on the abdomen, the lower part of the tail
and the peculiar disk of lighter colored hairs which surrounds the root of the tail in so

PALL\H.—/Epyceros Melampus.

many Antelopes. There is a black semilunar mark on the croup, which serves as an
easy method of distinguishing the Pallah from the other Antelopes. Its specific name,
Melampus, is of Greek origin, signifying black-footed, in allusion to the jetty hue of the
back of its feet.

The horns of this animal are of considerable length, often attaining to twenty inches,
and are rather irregular in their growth. They are very distinctly marked with rings,
and are lyrate in form, though not so decidedly as is the case with many other Antelopes.

The food of the Pallah is very similar to that of the spring-bok, and consists chiefly

of tender herbage and the young twigs of the underwood among which it generally takes

up its abode. It is hardly so timid an animal as the spring-bok, and will often allow

strange creatures to approach the herd without much difficulty. It has a curious habit

4*

642

THE SASIN AND FOUR-HORNED ANTELOPE.

of walking away when alarmed, in the quietest and most silent manner imaginable,
lifting up its feet high from the ground, lest it should haply strike its foot against a dry
twig and give an alarm to its hidden foe. Pallahs have also a custom of walking in
single file, each following the steps of its leader with a blind confidence ; and when they
have settled the direction in which they intend to march, they adhere to their plan, and
will not be turned aside even by the presence of human beings. It is not so plain-
loving an animal as the spring-bok, but is generally found in or near the district
where low brushwood prevails.

THE wide and comprehensive group of animals which includes the Antelopes is so
extremely large that it is impossible in a work of the present dimensions to give
illustrations even of the more important species, and we must content ourselves with
but brief notices in any case.

The SASIN, or INDIAN ANTELOPE (Antilope bezodrtica ) , is generally found in herds
of fifty or sixty together, each herd consisting of one buck and a large harem of does.

It is a wonderfully swift animal, and quite despises such impotent foes as dogs and
men, fearing only the falcon, which is trained for the purpose of overtaking and attack-
ing them, as has already been related of the gazelle. At each bound the Sasin will
cover twenty-five or thirty feet of ground, and will rise even ten or eleven feet from the
earth, so that it can well afford to despise the dogs. As its flesh is hard, dry, and taste-
less, the animal is only hunted by the native chiefs for the sake of the sport, and is
always chased with the assistance of the hawk or the chetah, the former of which
creatures overtakes and delays it by continual attacks, and the other overcomes by
stealthily creeping within a short distance, and knocking over his prey in a few rapid
bounds. It is a most wary animal, not only setting sentinels to keep a vigilant watch,
as is the case with so many animals, but actually detaching pickets in every direction
to a distance of several hundred yards from the main body of the herd.

The young Sasins are very helpless at the time of their entrance into {he world, and
are not able to stand upon their feet for several days, during which time the mother
remains in the covert where her little one was born. As soon as it has attained
sufficient strength, she leads it to the herd, where it remains during its life, if it should
happen to be a doe, but if it should belong to the male sex, it is driven away from its
companions by the leading buck, whose jealousy will permit no rivals in his dominions.
Forced thus to live by themselves, these exiles become vigilant and audacious, and
endeavor to attract mates for themselves from the families of other bucks.

The horns of this animal are large in proportion to the size of their owner ; their
form is spiral, and they diverge considerably at their tips. From the base to the last
few inches of the points, the horns are covered with strongly marked rings. In color,
the Indian Antelope is grayish-brown or black on the upper parts of the body, and
white on the abdomen, the lips, breast, and a circle round the eyes. The outer sides
of the limbs, together with the front of the feet and the end of the tail, are nearly black.
Some of the oldest and most powerful males are so deeply colored that their coats
are tinted with the two contrasting hues of black and white, the fawn tint being al-
together wanting. The height of this animal is about two feet six inches at the shoulder.

A VERY curious species of Antelopes is that which is scientifically known by the
name of Tetrdcerus quadricornis, both words bearing the same signification, viz., "four-
horned." These singular animals are natives of India, where they are known under
the titles of CHOUSINGHA, or CHOUKA, the last word being derived from the native term
chouk, a leap, which has been given to the animal in allusion to its habit of making
lofty bounds.

The front pair of horns are very short, and are placed just above the eyes, the hinder
pair being much longer, and occupying the usual position on the head. The females
are hornless. The color of the Chousingha is a bright bay above and gray- white
below, a few sandy hairs being intermixed with the white. The length of the hinder
pair of horns is rather more than three inches, while the front, or spurious horns as
they are sometimes termed, are only three-quarters of an inch long. The height of the
adult animal is about twenty inches.

THE GRYS-BOK AND OUREBI.

643

The GRYS-BOK, two females of which animal are represented in the accompanying
illustration, is a native of Southern Africa, and is about the same size as the preceding
animal, its height at the shoulder being between nineteen and twenty inches.

It is not very often found on the plains, but prefers to inhabit the wooded portions
of the mountainous districts, and is an especially wary and vigilant creature, and en-
dowed with great powers of speed. The color of the Grys-bok is ruddy chestnut, large-
ly intermixed with white hairs, which give it a stippled appearance, and have caused
the Dutch Boers to term it the Grys-bok, or Gray-buck. The under portions of the body

QRVS-BOK.—Calotragus melanotis.

are not white, as is so often the case among the Antelopes, but are of a reddish-fawn.
The ears are more than four inches in length, and from their conspicuously black tips
have earned for the Grys-bok the scientific title of Melanotis, or black-eared. The
hoofs are peculiarly small, sharp, and black, and the tail is so short that it barely pro-
trudes beyond the hair of the hinder quarters.

The OUREBI is another of the many Antelopes which inhabit Southern Africa. For
the following graphic description of its appearance and habits I am indebted to the
kindness of Captain Drayson.

" Whilst many animals of the Antelope kind fly from the presence of man, and do
not approach within a distance of many hundred miles of his residence, there are some
few which do not appear to have this great dread of him, but which adhere to partic-
ular localities as long as their position is tenable, or until they fall, victims to their
temerity. It also appears as if some spots were so inviting, that immediately they be-
come vacant by the death of one occupant, another individual of the same species will
come from some unknown locality, and re-occupy the ground. Thus it is with the
Ourebi, which will stop in the immediate vicinity of villages, and on hills and in val-
leys, where it is daily making hair-breadth escapes from its persevering enemy — man.

When day after day :a sportsman has scoureci the country, and apparently slain every
Ourebi within a radius of ten miles, he has but to wait for a few days, and upon again

644

THE OUREBI.

taking the field he will find fresh specimens of this graceful little Antelope bounding
over the hills around him. It is generally found in pairs, inhabiting the plains, and
when pursued, trusts to its speed, seeking no shelter either in the bush or the forest.
Its general habitation is among the long grass which remains after a plain has been
burned, or on the sheltered side of a hill, among rocks and stones.

Its mode of progression, when alarmed or disturbed, is very beautiful. It gallops
away with great rapidity for a few yards, and then bounds several feet in the air, gallops
on, and bounds again. These leaps are made for the purpose of examining the sur-
rounding country, which it is enabled to do from its elevated position in the air.
Sometimes, and especially when any suspicious object is only indistinctly observed in the
first bound, the Ourebi will make several successive leaps, and it then looks almost like
a creature possessed of wings, and having the power of sustaining itself in the air. If,
for instance, a dog pursues one of these Antelopes, and follows it through long grass,
the Ourebi will make repeated leaps, and by observing the direction in which its pur-
suer is advancing, will suddenly change its own course, and thus escape from view.
In descending from these leaps the Ourebi comes to the ground on its hind feet.

OUREBI.— Scopophorus Ourebi

When first started, the Ourebi pursues over the ground a course somewhat similar tc
that which a snipe follows in the air. It dodges from side to side, leaps and rushes
through the grass or over the plain with a lightning-like speed, and almost before the
sportman can get his gun ready, the Ourebi is scudding away at a distance of a hun-
dred yards or so. Some sportsmen shoot this animal with buck-shot, and by walking
through the long grass, and coming suddenly upon the creature in its lair, they pepper
it with shot before it has time to get out of range. I tried this system for several
days, but at length found that better and neater sport might be had by using a bullet
instead of shot. As, moreover, the grass was in many places five feet in height, it
would have prevented me from seeing the animals as they rushed off, whereas, from the
back of my horse, I could look down upon the Ourebis as they moved out of their
lairs. These animals are found in some parts of the colony of the Cape, and are
very numerous in the plains about Natal.

THE MADOQUA. 645

They produce one fawn at a time, which can be easily caught with a good dog, and
is particularly recommended as a table delicacy, when cooked with a proper mixture
of fat.

The Ourebi does not carry off so heavy a charge of shot as the duyker or the reit-
bok, and if wounded by a bullet, the sportsman is certain to secure his prize, provided
that he watches the animal with care. When badly hit, they will frequently retire into
long grass, and crouching low, will hide themselves from the casual observer. They
will then creep away for several yards, and lie down behind a stone, ant-hill, or some
similar cover. When the hunter passes and overlooks them, they will jump up and
retreat as soon as his back is turned. Taking advantage of this practice, I always
avoid looking directly at an Ourebi if I see it lying on the plain, and after taking
' bearings ' of its position, I ride round the prostrate animal in circles, gradually draw-
ing nearer and nearer, until it can be easily shot."

The Ourebi stand about two feet in height at the shoulder, and is about four feet in
length. The horns of the full-grown male are about five inches long, straight, and
pointed, and covered with bold rings at the base. The color of the Ourebi is pale
tawny above, and white below. The female is hornless.

ONE of the prettiest and most graceful of the Antelopes is the KLIPPSPRINGER, or
KAINSI (Oreotragus saltdtrioc].

This " darling little Antelope," as Gordon Cumming terms it, almost equals the
chamois in its agile traversing of the precipitous localities in which it takes up its
residence. It is peculiarly formed for rocky ground, its hoofs being small, hard, sharply-
pointed, and so formed that when the animal stands, its weight rests only on the tips of
the feet. It may often be seen perched on some narrow point of vantage, standing
like the chamois, with all its feet drawn closely together, and calmly surveying the
prospect from a height which would prove instantly fatal were one of its feet to miss
its hold. When startled, it dashes at once at the most precipitous rocks that are within
reach, and bounds up their apparently inaccessible faces as if it were an India-rubber
ball endowed with sudden vitality. The least projection serves it for a foothold, and
its movements are so rapid, that a very few seconds serve to place it in safety from
any other foe than a rifle-ball.

The Bechuanas have a curious idea that the cry of the Klippspringer is a kind of
invocation to the pluvial powers of air, and are therefore in the habit of catching
a number of these poor little creatures whenever they suffer from drought, and of
making them cry continually by blows and pinches until rain falls. They rightly
boast that it is a most infallible method of making rain, which is truly the case, as
they never cease until the desired moisture is seen. In a similar manner the Ameri-
can Indians vaunt the potency of their sacred bison-dance for attracting the " buffalo,"
for if the bison herds do not make their appearance at the proper time, they commence
the efficacious saltation, and never leave off until their scouts bring news of the desired
herds.

The color of the Klippspringer is dark brown, sprinkled largely with yellow, which
gives to the coat a grizzled aspect. Each hair is yellow at the extremity, brown
towards the end, and gray for the remaining part of its length. The tint of this animal
is rather variable, according to the season of year and the age and sex of the individual.
It is a very little creature, being scarcely twenty-one inches in height when full-grown.
In general form it is not unlike the ibex kid of six or seven months old. The female
is hornless.

THE graceful and slender-limbed MADOQUA (Nebtragus Saltidnd] is one of the tiniest
of Antelopes, being hardly fourteen inches in height at the shoulder, and of most deli-
cate proportions.

The little -creature is so slightly made that it appears to be too fragile to resist the
slightest breeze, or to brave the inclemency of the open air. Its legs are very long in
proportion to the dimensions of the body, and hardly exceed a lady's finger in thickness.
The color of the Madoqua is remarkably beautiful, being a silvery-gray on the upper

646

DUYKER-BOK.

parts of the body and outside of the limbs, deepening into warm chestnut-brown along
the back, and becoming pure white on the abdomen, chest, inner surface of the limbs, and
around the root of the tail. It is a native of Abyssinia, where it was discovered by
Bruce, and is said to inhabit mountainous districts, where it lives in pairs.

The DUYKER-BOK, or IMPOON, has derived its name of Duyker, or Diver, from its
habit of diving suddenly, when alarmed, into the heavy brushwood among which it lives,
and of disappearing from the sight of the hunter. For the following valuable account of
the animal I am again indebted to Captain Drayson's MS. notes on the fauna of Southern
Africa, which he has kindly placed at my disposal.

" On the borders of the bush, the Antelope which is most commonly met is the
Duyker, a solitary and very cunning animal.

If the sportsmen should happen to overtake this buck, it will lie still, watching him
attentively, and will not move until it is aware that it is observed. It will then jump
up and start off, making a series of sharp turns and dives, spmetimes over bushes, and

DUYKER-BOK.— Cephalopus mergens.

at others through them. When it conceives that it is observed, it will crouch in the
long grass or behind a bush, as though it were going to lie down. This conduct is, however,
nothing but a ruse for the purpose of concealing its retreat, as it will then crawl along
under the foliage for several yards, and when it has gone to some distance in this sly
manner, will again bound away. It is therefore very difficult to follow the course of a
Duyker, as it makes so many sharp turns and leaps, that both ' spoorer ' and dogs are
frequently baffled.

If the course of the buck can be watched, and the place discovered where it lies
down after its erratic manceuvrings, it can be easily stalked by approaching it from the
leeward side. One must, however, be a good shot to secure a Duyker with certainty, for
the little creature is so tenacious of life that it will carry off a large charge of buck-shot
without any difficulty, and the irregular course which it then pursues requires great
perfection and quickness in shooting with a single ball.

The Duyker is not a very swift animal, and almost any ordinary dog can pull one
down. An old pointer, which served me as a dog of all work, frequently caught and held
a Duyker until I came to the death.

THE BLUE-BUCK. 647

The flesh of this buck is celebrated for making good soup, and the skin for the
thongs of the long wagon whips. As a general fact, the venison of South Africa is
very inferior, being dry and tasteless, but to the epicure sportsman I can recommend
the liver of all the small Antelopes as a great delicacy. The Dutch have an ingenious
plan of improving the flavor of the native venison, by scooping a number of little holes
in the meat before it is cooked, and pushing into the cavities bits of fat taken from the
eland or the hippopotamus. This process is, indeed, a simple kind of ' larding,' and is
very effectual in rendering the meat less dry.

As a general rule, a buck, or any animal, should be watched for some time after it
has been fired at. It may be badly wounded and yet go away very freely at first, but
after proceeding for a hundred yards or so, it usually comes to a halt, and gives
evident tokens of distress. Many bucks which I thought had escaped my bullets I
afterwards found to have been mortally wounded, and amongst them the Duyker was one
which would frequently go off as if unharmed, though it had received a deadly hurt.
Whenever the sportsman passes through long grass, or near low stunted bushes, he
should be on the lookout for a Duyker."

The height of the Duyker-bok is about twenty-one inches at the shoulder, but the
animal is somewhat higher at the croup, where it measures nearly twenty-three inches.
It may be distinguished from the other species belonging to the large genus in which
it is placed, by a ridge upon the front surface of the horns, which runs through the
four or five central rings with which the horns are marked, but does not reach either
to the tip or to the base. The general color of this animal is brown-yellow, fading into
white on the abdomen and all the under parts, including the tail. The upper part of
the tail is black, and there is a black streak running up the legs, and another on the
nose.

The RHOODE-BOK, or NATAL BUSH BUCK (Cephdlopus Natalensis], is, according to
Captain Drayson's MS., "very common in the Natal forests, and although the advance
of civilization and the spread of fire-arms among the Kaffirs must greatly reduce the
numbers of these animals, still, from their watchful habits and selection of the most
retired parts of large dense forests as their residence, they will remain much longer in
their old quarters than those animals which inhabit plains and are destitute of any
secure retreat. This buck is solitary, and rarely leaves the dense forests except in the
evening or during rainy weather, when it seems to prefer feeling the rain-drops au
nature! to receiving them second-hand from the bushes.

It is very amusing to watch the habits of this wary buck when it scents danger in
the bush. Its movements become most cautious ; lifting its legs with high, but very slow
action, it appears to be walking on tip-toe among the briars and underwood, its ears
moving in all directions, and its nose pointing up wind or towards the suspected locality.
If it hears a sudden snapping of a branch or any other suspicious sound, it stands still
like a statue, the foot which is elevated remains so, and the animal scarce shows a
sign of life for near a minute. It then moves slowly onwards with the same cautious
step, hoping thus to escape detection. If, however, it obtains a sight of danger, or
clearly scents some foe, it gives a sharp sneeze, and bounds away through the forest,
alarming all other animals in its progress.

The Kaffirs lay snares for this animal by making a noose which is held to the ground
by a small peg, while the other end of the cord is fastened to the bent-down limb of a
living tree. As soon as the head of the buck passes into the noose the peg is released,
and the victim is jerked into the air by the recoil of the liberated branch, and so strangled.
The Red Buck is about two feet high, its horns are about three inches long, straight
and pointed, and its ears are rather large. The color is a deep reddish-brown, which
is difficult to distinguish in a dull day, but can be more easily seen on a bright sunny
morning, especially if a gleam of light shines through the thick branches and alights on
the ruddy coat of the animal."

"The BLUE-BUCK (Cephdlopus pygmtzd) is scarcely more than a foot in height, and
about two feet long; it possesses small straight horns about two inches in length,
closely annulated, its color a dark blue or mouse tint.

648

THE RIET-BOK, OR INGHALLA.

The most practised eyes are required to discover this buck in the bush, as its color
is so similar to the gloom of the underwood that if it did not shake the branches in its
progress it would be scarcely possible to see it.

Long after the sportsman has become sufficiently acquainted with bush-craft to secure
with certainty one or two red bucks during a day's stalking, he would still be unable
to bag the little Blue Buck.

Several times when I was with a Kaffir, who possessed eyes like those of an eagle,
he would point, and with great excitement say, * There goes a Blue-buck ! there he is !
there, there !' but it was of no use to me, I would strain my eyes and look to the spots
pointed out, but could see no buck ; and it was a considerable time before my sight
became sufficiently quick to enable me to drop this little Antelope with any certainty." —
From Captain Dray sorts MS.

This animal must not be mistaken for theblau-bok (sEgocerus leucopfazus), which will
be mentioned and figured on a succeeding page. Although the two Antelopes are en-
tirely distinct, even in external aspect, they have often been confused together in con-
sequence of the Dutch name, Blau-bokje, having been given to both of them on account
of the color of their coat.

RIET-BOK, OR INQHALLA.—

arundlnadeus.

Passing by several interesting animals, for whose biography there is no space, we
arrive at another of the South African Antelopes, the Riet-bok, or Reed-buck.

" This fine and handsome Antelope," writes Captain Drayson, " is found, as his name
implies, principally among reeds or long grass. Few animals give the sportsman such a
chance as the Riet-bok, for he usually lies concealed in the reeds or long grass until he is
nearly trodden on, and when he does break away, he moves at a steady gallop for a short
distance, and then stops to turn and look at his pursuers. As though to compensate for
this incautious proceeding, the Riet-bok is gifted with a marvellous tenacity of life and
will frequently gallop very freely after a bullet has passed through his body. In very
many cases his escape is but temporary, as he seeks some retired kloof in which he dies
by inches, or his career is terminated during the night by a pack of hungry hyenas, who

THE BLAU-BOK, OR BLUE BUCK. 649

have tracked him for miles over his blood-stained spoor. But still he does sometimes
retreat and recover after receiving very severe hurts.

When the Riet-bok is disturbed, he gives as he gallops off a kind of whistling sneeze,
which is usually intended as a call for the doe. This whistle sometimes leads to his
destruction, as the hunter may pass close to a hidden buck and not have seen it.
Then, however, he usually jumps up and gallops away, giving this whistle, which at
once attracts attention. The Riet-bok is very fond of young corn, and therefore the
Kaffirs are most anxious to drive away or to 'kill any of these Antelopes which had
chosen a retreat near their cornfields. On several occasions I won the eternal friend-
ship of a whole village by shooting some trespassing bucks which had annoyed them
for several weeks.

The height of this animal is about three feet, and its length nearly five feet. The
horns are a foot in length, and covered with bold rings at the base ; the ears are six
inches long. Its color is ashy-gray above, and white beneath ; the female is rather
smaller than her mate, and is destitute of horns. In the Kaffir language its name is
Umseke."

The ^EQUITOON, KOB, or SING-SING, is a native of Western Africa, and is frequently
found on the banks of the Gambia.

It is a large animal, equalling the common stag in dimensions, and bearing some re-
semblance to that animal in general aspect. The horns of the adult male are lyre-
shaped, and covered with rings. The general color of this animal is a pale brown, the
entire under surface and inner faces of the limbs being white. There is no mane, and
the tail is rather long, and covered with hair.

The WATER BUCK, or PHOTOMOK, is one of the handsome examples of the South
African Antelopes.

It is a peculiarly timid animal, and when alarmed rushes at once towards the nearest
river, into which it plunges without hesitation, and which it will cross successfully even
when the stream is deep, strong, and rapid. The animals are probably induced to take
to the water by their instinctive dread of the lion and leopard, which will never volun-
tarily enter the water, except under peculiar circumstances. The Water Bucks are
generally found in small herds, which never wander far from the banks of some large
river. The horns of this species are remarkable for their formation, being somewhat
lyrate, bent back, and thrown forwards at their extremities. The tail is rather long, and
is covered with long hairs towards its termination. The flesh of this animal is very
powerfully scented, and is of so bad a flavor that none but a hungry Kaffir will eat it,
and even he will not do so until forced by dire hunger. This peculiar scent is probably
variable in potency according to the season of the year, as is the case with all perfumed
animals. Captain Harris says that those which he has killed have been totally
uneatable, not even the native palate being proof against the rank flavor. The scent
extends to the skin, which exhales so powerful an odor that when Captain Harris was
engaged in cutting off the head of a Water Buck which he had killed, the scent was
so strong as to drive him repeatedly from his task.

The color is brown, with the exception of a grayish-white oval patch round the base
of the tail. The specific term, ellipsyprymnus, is given to the animal in reference to this
elliptical mark. The female is without horns. The height of the adult male is about
four feet six inches, and his horns are rather more than thirty inches in length.

THE two species which are placed in the genus ^Egocerus bear a considerable re-
semblance to the ibex in the formation of the horns, which are of very great dimensions,
large at the base, strongly ringed, and curved backwards towards the shoulders. The
name ./Egocerus is of Greek origin, and signifies Goat-haired, in allusion to the peculiar
structure of these appendages.

The BLAU-BOK, or Blue Buck, as it is called, on account of the slaty-blue color of its
coat, is now a rather rare animal, although it was formerly common in many parts of
Southern Africa.

650

THE SABLE ANTELOPE.

It is a gregariolis animal, living in little herds not exceeding ten or twelve in number^
and preferring hills and slopes to level ground. Like the preceding animal, it exhales a
powerful odor, which penetrates throughout its entire body, and which renders its flesh
so unpalatable that it is never eaten as long as other food can be obtained. It is a swift
and active creature, being remarkable for its speed even among the swift-footed Antelopes.
There is a variety of this animal, called the Docoi, which is found by the Gambia, and
which is not quite of ths same color. The natives assert that the female never produce

WATER BUCK.-Kobusellipsyprymnus.

more than a single young one during her lifetime, for that the mother's horns grow so
rapidly after the birth of the offspring, that they penetrate into her back and kill her.
The Blau-bok is about four feet in height, and the horns are nearly thirty inches in length.

ALTHOUGH the blau-bok is a truly handsome example of the Antelopes, it is sur-
passed in beauty by its congener, the SABLE ANTELOPE.

This truly magnificent creature is found in Southern Africa, but is never seen near the
colony, as it is a very shy and crafty animal, and being possessed of great speed, is sure

THE SABLE ANTELOPE.

651

to keep itself far aloof from civilization. Gordon Cumming's description of this animal
is as follows.

" Cantering along through the forest, I came suddenly in full view of one of the
loveliest animals which graces this fair creation. This was an old buck of the Sable
Antelope, the rarest and most beautiful animal in Africa. It is large and powerful,
partaking considerably of the nature of the ibex. Its back and sides are of glossy
black, beautifully contrasting with the belly, which is white as driven snow. The horns
are upwards of three feet in length, and bend strongly back with a bold sweep, reaching
nearly to the haunches."

BLAU-BOK, OR ETAAC.— sEgocerus leucophasus.

It lives in herds of no very great size, consisting mostly of ten or twelve does led by
a single buck. As a general fact, the buck takes matters very easily, and trusts to the
does for keeping a good watch and warning him of the approach of an enemy. Owing
to the jealous caution of these female sentinels, the hunter finds himself sadly em-
barrassed when he wishes to enrich his museum with the horns of their leader, and if
any of them should happen to take alarm, the whole herd will bound over the roughest
ground with such matchless speed that all pursuit is hopeless. In Captain Cumming's
well-known work, there is a most animated description of the proceedings of a herd of
Sable Antelopes, and of the hunter's manoeuvres in order to gain his point.

In the native dialect, the Sable Antelope is know under the name of Potaquaine. It
is very tenacious of life, and will often make good its escape even though pierced entirely
through the body with several bullets. It therefore fully tests all the powers of the

652

THE GEMS-BOK.

hunter, and he who secures a specimen of an old male Sable Antelope may congratu-
late himself on possessing one' of the noblest trophies of which a sportsman can boast.

\Ve now arrive at some remarkably handsome animals, which are notable, not only
for their dimensions, but for the size and beauty of their horns. The GEMS-BOK, or
KOOKAAM, is a large and powerful member of the Antelope tribe, equalling the domestic
ass in size, and measuring about three feet ten inches at the shoulder. The peculiar

&*#V/a
SABLB ANTELOPE.— JBgocerus alger.

manner in which the hide is decorated with boldly contrasted tints, gives it a very
peculiar aspect. The general hue is gray, but along the back, upon the hinder quarters,
and along the flanks, the color is deep black. A black streak also crosses the face, and
passing under the chjn, gives it the appearance of wearing harness. It has a short,
erect mane, and long, sweeping, black tail, and its heavy horns are nearly straight from
base to tip.

The long and sharply-pointed horns with which its head is armed, are terrible
weapons of offence, and can be wielded with marvellous skill. Striking right and left

THE GEMS-BOK.

653

with these natural bayonets, the adultGcms-bokis a match for most of the smaller car-
nivora, and has even been known — to wage a successful duel with the lordly lion, and
fairly to beat off its antagonist. Even when the lion has overcome the Gems-bok, the
battle may sometimes be equally claimed by both sides, for in one instance, the dead
bodies of a lion and a Gems-bok were found lying on the plain, the horns of the An-
telope being driven so firmly into the lion's body, that they could not be extracted by
the efforts of a single man. The lion had evidently sprung upon the Gems-bok, which
had received its foe upon the points of its horns, and had sacrificed its own life in
destroying that of its adversary.

In Captain Cumming's deservedly popular work on Southern Africa, may be found
the following notes concerning this animal.

" The Gems-bok was intended by nature to adorn the parched karroos and arid de-
serts of South Africa for which description of country it is admirably adapted. It
thrives and attains high condition in barren regions where it might be imagined that a
locust could not find subsistence ; and burning as is the climate, it is perfectly inde-

GEMS-BOK.— Oryx Oazella.

pendent of water, which, from my own observation and the repeated reports both of
Boers and aborigines, — I am convinced it never by any chance tastes. Its flesh is de-
servedly esteemed, and ranks next to that of the eland. At certain seasons of the
year they carry a great quantity of fat, at which time they can more easily be ridden
into.

Owing to the even nature of the ground which the Gems-bok frequents, its shy and
suspicious disposition, and the extreme distances from water to which it must be
followed, it is never stalked or driven to an ambush like the Antelopes, but is hunted
on horseback and ridden down by a long severe, tail-on-end chase. Of several animals
in South Africa which are hunted in this manner, the Gems-bok is by far the swiftest
and the most enduring."

Although the Gems-bok is nearly independent of water, it stands as much in need of
moisture as any other animal, and would speedily perish in the arid deserts were it not
directed by its instincts towards certain succulent plants which are placed in those re-
gions, and which possess the useful power of attracting and retaining every particle of
moisture which may happen to settle in their vicinity. The most common and most
valuable of these plants is a bulbous root belonging to the Liliacea, called, from its

654

THE ORYX.

peculiar property of retaining the moisture, the Water-Root. Only a very small portion
of the valuable plant appears above the ground, and the water-bearing bulb is so en-
crusted with hardened soil that it must be dug out with a knife. Several other succu-
lent plants also possess similar qualities, among which may be noticed a kind of little
melon which is spread over the whole of the great Kalahari desert.

RESEMBLING the Gems-bok in many particulars, the Oryx can be easily distinguished
from its predecessor by the shape of the horns, which, instead of being nearly straight,
are considerably bent, and sweep towards the back in a noble curve.

It uses these horns with as much address as its near relative the Gems-bok, and if it
should be lying wounded on the ground, the hunter must beware of approaching the

ORYX.— Oryx Leucoryx.

seemingly quiescent animal, lest it should suddenly strike at him with its long and
keenly-pointed horns, while its body lies prostrate on the earth. Should it be standing
at bay, it is a very dangerous opponent, having a habit of suddenly lowering its head
and charging forward with a quick, lightning-like speed, from which its antagonist
cannot escape without difficulty.

The color of this animal is grayish-white upon the greater part of its person, and is
diversified by sundry bold markings of black and ruddy brown, which are spread over
the head and body in a manner that can be readily comprehended from the illustration.
The height of the Oryx is rather more than three feet six inches, and the long curved
horns are upwards of three feet in length. These horns are set closely together upon
the head, from whence they diverge gradually to their extremities. These weapons are
covered with rings at their bases, but at their tips they are smooth and exceedingly
sharp. Their color is black.

THE ADDAX.

655

The Oryx is a native of Northern Africa, where it is known under several names ;
such as Abou-Harb, El-Walrugh, El-Bukras, Ghau-Bahrein, or Jachmur. It lives in herds
cf considerable size, and feeds mostly on the branches and leaves of a species of acacia.

The ADDAX is found in many parts of Northern Africa, and is formed by nature for
a residence among the vast plains of arid sand which are spread over that portion of the
globe.

These animals are not found living together in herds, but in pairs, and their range of
locality seems to be rather wide. As they are intended for traversing large sandy
regions, the feet are furnished with broad, spreading hoofs, which enable them to obtain
a firm foothold upon the dry and yielding sand. The horns of this animal are long,
and twisted after a manner that reminds the spectator of the Koodoo, an Antelope

ADDAX.— Addax nasomaculatus.

which will shortly be described and figured. Measured from the tip to the head in a
straight line, the horns are about two feet three inches in length ; but if the measure-
ment is made to follow the line of the spiral, the length is obviously much greater.
The distance between the tips is about the same as that from the tip to the base.
From their roots to within a few inches of their extremities, the horns are covered with
strong rings, arranged in an oblique manner, and some of them partially double. The
spiral of the horns is as nearly as possible two turns and a half.

Upon the forehead there is a bunch or tuft of long hair, and the throat is also covered
with a rather heavy mane of long hair, but there is no mane on the back of the neck.
The muzzle and nose are rather peculiar, and bear some resemblance to the same parts
of a sheep or goat. The general color of the Addax is a milk-white, with the exception of

656

THE CHAMOIS.

the black patch of hair on the forehead, the brown-black mane, and a wash of reddish-
brown, tempered with gray, which begins upon the head and envelops the shoulders
and part of the back. The Addax is rather higher at the croup than at the shoulder,
being about three feet seven inches high at the shoulder, and three feet eight inches at
the croup. The horns are equally large and prominent in either sex, and at a little
distance it is no easy matter to discriminate between the male and his mate.

GOAT-LIKE in aspect, and very hircine in many of its habits, the CHAMOIS is often
supposed to belong to the goats rather than to the Antelopes.

It is, however, a true Antelope, and may be readily distinguished from any of its
relations by the peculiar form of the horns, which rise straight from the top of the
head for some inches, and then suddenly curve backwards, so as to form a pair of
sharp hooks. Formerly, this animal was reported to employ these ornaments in aiding
itself to ascender descend the frightful precipices on which it dwells. This opinion is,
however, entirely erroneous, the horns being intended for the same mysterious purpose
which they serve when placed upon the head of the duyker, koodoo, or any other Antelope.
In descending a precipitous rock, the Chamois is greatly aided by the false hoofs of the
hinder feet, which it hitches upon every little irregularity in the stony surface, and
which seem to retard its progress as it slides downwards, guided by the sharp hoofs of
the fore-feet, which are placed closely together, and pushed well in advance of the
body. Thus flattened against the rock, the Chamois slides downwards until it comes
to a ledge broad enough to permit it to repose for a while before descending farther.
In this manner the active creature will not hesitate to descend some twenty or thirty
yards along the face of an almost perpendicular cliff, being sure to make good its footing
on the first broad ledge that may present itself.

Although it is a very swift animal when upon level ground, and is unsurpassed in
traversing the precipitous Alpine passes of its native home, it makes but a poor progress
upon smooth ice, and in spite of its sharply-pointed hoofs, slips and slides about upon
the glassy surface as awkwardly as any ordinary animal.

The Chamois is one of the most wary of Antelopes, and possesses the power of
scenting mankind at an almost incredible distance. Even the old and half-obliterated
footmarks which a man has made in the snow are sufficient to startle the sensitive
senses of this animal, which has been observed to stop in mid career down a mountain
side, and to bound away at right angles to its former course, merely because it had come
across the track which had been left by the steps of some mountain traveller. Like
all animals which live in herds, however small, they always depute one of their number
to act as sentinel. They are not, however, entirely dependent on the vigilance of their
picket, but are always on the alert to take alarm at the least suspicious scent, sight, or
sound, and to communicate their fears to their comrades by a peculiar warning whistle. As
soon as this sound is heard, the entire herd take to flight. It is worthy of notice, that the
sentinel must possess the power not only of announcing danger to its friends, but also of
indicating the direction from which it comes. Facts of this nature, of which there are
abundance on record, prove that although the sounds of animal voices appear to us to
be without definite signification, they yet possess the capability of communicating ideas
to others of the same species.

When their attention is aroused by anything suspicious, they have a habit of gazing
fixedly in the direction of the object which has excited their alarm, and will remain
still, as if carved out of the very rock on which they stand, halting in one fixed attitude
for an almost incredible length of time.

Their ears are as acute as their nostrils, so that there are few animals which are more
difficult of approach than the Chamois. Only those who have been trained to climb the
giddy heights of the Alpine mountains, to traverse the most fearful precipices with a
quiet pulse and steady head, to exist for days amid the terrible solitudes of ice, rock, and
snow, and to sustain almost every imaginable hardship in the pursuit of their game, —
only these, or in very rare instances those who have a natural aptitude for the sport,
and are, in consequence, soon initiated into its requisite accomplishments, can hope even
to come within long rifle range of a Chamois when the animal is at large upon its native

THE CHAMOIS.

657

cliffs. There are many familiar tales of the Alpine hunts, and of the terrible privations
and hair-breadth escapes of the hunters, but as these histories relate rather to the man
than to the beast, we can only give them a passing reference.

The Chamois is, when captured young, capable of domestication, and is gifted with
very amusing habits, and possessed of infinite curiosity, as is generally the case with all
animals whose nervous system is peculiarly sensitive. The following account is taken
from the pages of the " Annals of Sporting," and alludes to four of these Antelopes, a
buck, a doe, and two kids, which were imported into England.

" Originally, they were the property of Mr. Lowther, of Wolvesey, who, during his
sejour among the Alps, was determined to try the experiment of domesticating some of
these creatures, hitherto considered, by the natives, the most difficult to tame of all
animals in that mountainous region. He may be said to have succeeded ; for they were
gradually familiarized to his chateau of Bldnay, and to his domestics and people ; to
whom, from their novel nature and peculiarities, they afforded much interest and amuse-
ment.

CHAMOIS.— Ruplcapra Tragus.

A femme de chambre, belonging to the establishment, they were most particularly
attached to, and she to them ; on a certain day, one of them strayed away for some
time, and much regret arose in consequence, but the maid was indefatigable in search-
ing for her truant favorite, and was, at length, fortunate in reclaiming the wanderer ;
who, on descrying her, trotted after her footsteps, obeying the enticing cry of ' Lalotte,
Lalottej the name which had been given him.

They are stated, by Mr. Lowther, to have been particularly inquisitive and curious in
their habits, prying into everything that was brought into the chateau; the cook's basket
the tradesman's wares, and the charcoal-man's bags. Of this last personage they were
always indignant, and would pretend to make fight against him ; but on his approach,
would leap, with surprising agility and to a great height, upon any wall, ledge, or
projectment, that offered itself, and would sustain them, returning invariably to the
charge when the man of fuel turned his back, or retrograded : indeed, they would never
suffer themselves to be touched ; a finger not having yet reached them. They would
admit of the hand being softly brought near their persons, but, immediately as it arrived
within an inch of their head or body, they would vault, suddenly and lightly, from the
proffered contamination. To the gardener and coachman they were amazingly gracious,
and would, apparently, take great delight in seeing the one sow his seeds and delve his
42

658

THE GNOO.

soil, and the other clean his carriages and groom his horses : in fact, they became
quite pets with all parties, and seemed to forget their wild haunts and mountain dwell-
ings, in the warmer and less terrific asylums of civilized man."

As the hind legs exceed the fore limbs in length, the Chamois is better fitted for the
ascent of steep ground than for descending, and never exhibits its wonderful powers
with such success as when it is leaping lightly and rapidly up the face of an apparently
inaccessible rock, and taking advantage of every little projection to add impetus to its
progress. Even when standing still, it is able to mount to a higher spot without leap-
ing. It stands erect on its hind legs, places its fore-feet on some narrow shelf of rock,
and, by a sudden exertion, draws its whole body upon the ledge, where it stands secure.

The food of the Chamois consists of the various herbs which grow upon the mount-
ains, and in the winter season it finds its nourishment on the buds of sundry trees,
mostly of an aromatic nature, such as the fir, pine, and juniper. In consequence of this
diet, the flesh assumes a rather powerful odor, which is decidedly repulsive to the pal-
ates of some persons, while others seem to appreciate the peculiar flavor, and to value
it as highly as the modern gourmand appreciates the " gamey " flavor of long-kept
venison. The skin is largely employed in the manufacture of a certain leather, which
is widely famous for its soft though tough character. The color of the Chamois is
yellowish-brown upon the greater portion of the body, the spinal line being marked
with a black streak. In the winter months, the fur darkens and becomes blackish-
brown. The face, cheeks, and throat are of a yellowish-white hue, diversified by a
dark brownish-black band which passes from the corner of the mouth to the eyes, when
it suddenly dilates and forms a nearly perfect ring round the eyes. The horns are
jetty black and highly polished, especially towards the tips, which are extremely sharp.
There are several obscure rings on the basal portions, and their entire surface is marked
with longitudinal lines.

Several varieties of the Chamois are recorded, but the distinctions between them lie
only in the comparative length of the horns and the hue of the coat. The full-grown
Chamois is rather more than two feet in height, and the horns are from six to eight
inches long.

The PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE, or CABRIT, bears some resemblance to the Chamois,
from which animal it may be known by a peculiar structure of the horns, which throw
out a projecting point, or prong, just at the spot where the horns begin their backward
curve. It is a native of North America, where it is sometimes called the Spring-Buck,
to the great confusion of zoological neophytes. It is an active and vigorous animal,
and cannot be easily overtaken by a horse unless its footsteps are hindered by a fall
of snow. It is a gregarious animal, migrating at different times of the year. It in-
habits the vast prairies of the Far West, and is there, under the popular name of the
Antelope, an object of pursuit by bipedal and quadrupedal hunters. Its scientific title
is Antilocapra Americana.

OF all the Antelopes, the GNOO presents the most extraordinary conformation. At
the first sight of this curious animal, the spectator seems to doubt whether it is a horse,
a bull, or an Antelope, as it appears to partake nearly equally of the nature of these
three animals.

The Gnoos, of which there are several species, may be easily recognized by their
fierce-looking head, their peculiarly shaped horns, which are bent downwards and then
upwards again with a sharp curve, by their broad nose, and long hair-clad tail. They
live together in considerable herds, often mixing with zebras, ostriches, and giraffes, in
one huge army of living beings. In their habits they are not unlike the wild cattle which
have already been described. Suspicious, timid, curious of disposition, and irritable of
temper, they display these mingled qualities in a very ludicrous manner whenever they
are alarmed by a strange object.

"They commence whisking their long white tails," says Cumming, "in a most
eccentric manner ; then, springing suddenly into the air, they begin pawing and capering,
and pursue each other in circles at their utmost speed. Suddenly they all pull up to-
gether to overhaul the intruder, when some of the bulls will often commence fighting in

THE BRINDLED GNOO.

659

the most violent manner, dropping on their knees at every shock ; then, quickly wheel-
ing about, they kick up their heels, whirl their tails with a fantastic flourish, and scour
across the plain, enveloped in a cloud of dust." On account of these extraordinary
manoeuvres, the Gnoo is called Wildebeest by the Dutch settlers.

The faculty of curiosity is largely developed in the Gnoo, which can never resist the
temptation of inspecting any strange object, although at the risk of its life. \Yhen a
Gnoo first catches sight of any unknown being, he sets off at full speed, as if desirous
of getting to the farthest possible distance from the terrifying object. Soon, however,
the feeling of curiosity vanquishes the passion of fear, and the animal halts to recon-
noitre. He then gallops in a circle round the cause of his dread, halting occasionally,
and ever drawing nearer. By taking advantage of this disposition, a hunter has been
enabled to attract towards himself a herd of Gnoos which were feeding out of gunshot,
merely by tying a red handkerchief to the muzzle of his gun. The inquisitive animals
were so fascinated with the fluttering lure, that they actually approached so near as to

BRINDLED GNOO.—Coaaochetes Gorgon.

charge at the handkerchief, and forced the hunter to consult his own safety by lowering
his flag. The same ruse is frequently employed on the prairies of America, when
the hunters desire to get a shot at a herd of prong-buck Antelopes.

Several experiments have been made in order to ascertain whether the Gnoo is
capable of domestication. As far as the practicability of such a scheme was concerned,
the experiments were perfectly successful, but there is a great drawback in the shape
of a dangerous and infectious disease to which the Gnoo is very liable, and which
would render it a very undesirable member of the cattle-yard. The animal is frequently
infected with one of the (Estridae, or Bot-flies, and suffers from them to such an extent
that it ejects them from its nose whenever it snorts, an act which it is very fond of
performing. Ordinary cattle have no love for the Gnoo, and on one occasion, when a
young Gnoo of only four months old was placed in the yard, the cattle surrounded it
and nearly killed it with their horns and hoofs.

66o

THE HARTEBEEST.

The color of the ordinary Gnoo (Connochetes Gmi] is brownish-black, sometimes
with a blue-gray wash. The mane is black, with the exception of the lower part, which
is often grayish-white, as is the lower part of the tail. The nose is covered with a tuft
of reversed hair, and there is a mane upon the chest. The BRINDLED GNOO may be
distinguished from the common Gnoo; or Kokoon, by its convex and smooth face, the
hair lying towards the nose, instead of being reversed. There is no mane upon the
chest, and the brown hide is varied and striped with gray. It is higher at the withers
than the Kokoon, and its action is rather clumsy. It is very local in its distribution,
being found northwards of the Black River, and never being known to cross that simple
boundary. It lives in large herds, and when observed, the whole herd forms in single
file, and so flies from the object of its terror.

One of these animals, called in the interior the Blue Wildebeest, was captured by
Gumming in a very curious manner. The animal had contrived to hitch one of his
forelegs over his horns, and being thus incapacitated from running, was easily inter-
cepted and killed. It had probably got into this unpleasant position while fighting.
The Gnoo is about three feet nine inches high at the shoulders, and measures about
six feet six inches from the nose to the root of the tail.

HARTEBEEST.— Alcephalus Caama.

OF the genus Alcephalus, or Elk-headed, the HARTEBEEST, or LECAMA, is a good
example.

This handsome animal may be easily known by the peculiar shape of the horns, which
are lyrate at their commencement, thick and heavily knotted at the base, and then curve
off suddenly nearly at a right angle. Its general color is a grayish-brown, diversified by

THE SASSABY.

661

a large nearly triangular white spot on the haunches, a black streak on the face, another
along the back, and a black-brown patch on the outer side of the limbs. It is a large
animal, being about five feet high at the shoulder. Being of gregarious habits, it is found
in little herds of ten to twelve in number, each herd being headed by an old male who
has expelled all adult members of his own sex.

Not being very swift or agile, its movements are more clumsy than is generally the
case with Antelopes. It is, however, very capable of running for considerable distances,
and if brought to bay, becomes a very redoubtable foe, dropping on its knees, and charg-
ing forward with lightning rapidity. The Hartebeest is spread over a very large range
of country, being found in the whole of the flat and wooded district between the Cape
and the tropic of Capricorn.

The BUBALE, or BEKKER-EL-WASH, of Northern Africa (Alcephalus Bubalis), belongs
to the same genus as the Hartebeest. It may be mentioned here, that the word " beest "
is employed by the colonists in the sense that it is used by British drovers ; so that
Wildebeest signifies " wild-ox " and Hartebeest " hart-ox."

*VI

SASSABY.— Damans lanatus.

The SASSABY, or BASTARD HARTEBEEST, as it is sometimes called, is by no means an
uncommon animal, although some few years ago it was only known through the means
of a mutilated skin.

The general color of this animal is reddish-brown, the outer sides of the limbs being
dark, and a blackish-brown stripe passing down the middle of the face. Sometimes the

662

THE BONTE-BOK.

body is washed with a bluish-gray. It lives in small herds of six or ten, in the flat
districts near the tropic of Capricorn, and is a most welcome sight to the wearied hunter
when perishing with thirst. There are many Antelopes which are almost independent
of water, and can quench their thirst by means of the moist roots and bulbs on which
they feed. But the Sassaby is a thirsty animal, and needs to drink daily, so that when-
ever the hunter sees one of these animals he knows that water is at no great distance.
It is rather persecuted by the hunters, as its flesh is in great esteem ; but as it soon
becomes shy and wary, is not easily to be killed,

BONTE -BOK.— Damalie pygarga.

Concerning one of these animals, Gumming gives the following curious anecdote.
" Having shot a Sassaby as I watched the water, he immediately commenced choking
from the blood, and his body became swelled in a most extraordinary manner : it con-
tinued swelling with the animal still alive, until it literally resembled a fisherman's float,
when the animal died of suffocation. It was not only his body that swelled in that ex-
traordinary manner, but even his head, and legs down to his knees." The poor animal
must have been shot through the lungs in such a manner that the air was forced by
its efforts at respiration between the skin and f(esh, until it assumed that puffy aspect.

THE regulary lyrate horns of the BONTE-BOK, or NUNNI, serve to distinguish it from
its congener and sassaby.

The color of the Bonte-bok is a purplish-red, the outside of the limbs deepening into a
rich blackish-brown, and contrasting strongly with the white hair which appears upon the
face, the haunches, and front of the legs. From the vividly contrasting tints of the coat

THE KOODOO.

663

it has derived the name of Pied Antelope, or White-faced Antelope. The female is
not so highly colored as the male, and the throat and under parts of the body are white.
This animal is found in the district that borders the colony at the Cape of Good Hope,
and lives in little herds of six or eight in number. Herds of much larger dimensions
are said to be found in the more northern district. The height of the Bonte-bok is
nearly four feet at the shoulder, and its length is about six feet, being thus superior to
the common stag in size. The horns are black in color, and are furnished with a series
of ten or twelve half-rings in their frontal surfaces. Their length is about fourteen or
fifteen inches.

KOODOO.— Strepslceros Kudu.

The BLESS-BOK (Damalis albifrons] has sometimes been confounded with the bonte-
bok ; there is, however, a marked distinction in the color of the coat. The name, Bless-
bok, or Blaze-buck, is given to this animal on account of the " blaze " of white upon
the face, and is equally applicable to the bonte-bok.

BY far the most striking and imposing of all South African Antelopes, the KOODOO,
now claims our attention.

This truly magnificent creature is about four feet in height at the shoulder, and its body
is rather heavily made, so that it is really a large animal. The curiously twisted horns
are nearly three feet in length, and are furnished with a strong ridge or keel, which
extends throughout their entire length. It is not so swift or enduring as the bless-bok,
and can be run down without difficulty, provided that the hunter be mounted on a good

664

THE ELAND.

horse, and the ground be tolerably fair and open. Its leaping powers are very great,
for one of these animals has been known to leap to a height of nearly ten feet without
the advantage of a run.

The Bushmen have a curious way of hunting the Koodoo, which is generally
successful in the end, although the chase of a single animal will sometimes occupy an
entire day. A large number of men start on the " spoor," or track, one taking the
lead and the others following leisurely. As the leading man becomes fatigued he
drops into the rear, yielding his place to another, who takes up the running until
he, too, is tired. A number of women bearing ostrich egg-shells filled with water
accompany the hunters, so that they are not forced to give up the chase through
thirst. As the chase continues, the Koodoo begins to be worn out with con-
tinual running, and lies down to rest, thereby affording a great advantage to its
pursuers, who soon come within sight, and force it to rise and continue the hope-
less race. At last it sinks wearied to the earth, and falls an unresisting prey to its
foes.

The flesh of the Koodoo is remarkably good, and the marrow of the principal bones,
is thought to be one of Africa's best luxuries. So fond are the natives of this dainty, that
they will break the bones and suck out the marrow without even cooking it in any way
whatever. The skin of this animal is extremely valuable, and for some purposes is
almost priceless. There is no skin that will make nearly so good a " fore-slock," or
whip-lash, as that of the Koodoo ; for its thin, tough substance is absolutely required
for such a purpose. Shoes, thongs, certain parts of harness, and other similar objects
are manufactured from the Koodoo's skin, which, when properly prepared, is worth a
sovereign or thirty shillings even in its own land.

The Koodoo is very retiring in disposition, and is seldom seen except by those who
come to look for it. It lives in little herds or families of five or six in number, but it
is not uncommon to find a solitary hermit here and there, probably an animal which has
been expelled from some family, and is awaiting the time for setting up a family of his
own. As it is in the habit of frequenting brushwood, the heavy spiral horns would
appear to be great hindrances to their owner's progress ; such is not, however, the case,
for when the Koodoo runs, it lays its horns upon its back, and is thus enabled to thread
the tangled bush without difficulty. Some writers say that the old males will sometimes
establish a bachelor's club, and live harmoniously together, without admitting any of
the opposite sex into their society.

It is a most wary animal, and is greatly indebted to its sensitive ears for giving it
notice of the approach of a foe. The large mobile ears are continually in movement,
and serve as admirable conductors and condensers of sound. From the conduct of a
young Koodoo that was captured by Mr. Anderson, and reared by him, the disposition
of the animal appears to be gentle, playful, and affectionate. The little quadruped,
which was taken at so tender an age that it was fed with milk from a bottle, became
strongly attached to its owner, and was a most active and amusing little creature.
Domestication to any extent, is, however, not very practicable, as the animal is, in
common with the gnoo and the zebra, liable to the terrible horse sickness, which de-
stroys so many of those useful animals.

The color of the Koodoo is a reddish-gray, marked with several white streaks
running boldly over the back and down the sides. The females are destitute of horns.

The ELAND, IMPOOFO, or CANNA, is the largest of the South African Antelopes, being
equal in dimensions to a very large ox.

A fine specimen of an adult bull Eland will measure nearly six feet in height at the
shoulders, and is more than proportionately ponderous in his build, being heavily bur-
dened with fat as well as with flesh. Owing to this great weight of body, the Eland
is not so enduring as the generality of the Antelopes, and can usually be ridden down
without much trouble. Indeed, the chase of this animal is so simple a matter, that
the hunters generally contrive to drive it towards their encampment, and will not kill
it until it has approached the wagon so closely that the hunters will have but little
trouble in conveying its flesh and hide to their wheeled treasure-house.

THE BOSCH-BOK.

665

The flesh of the Eland is peculiarly excellent ; and as it possesses the valuable quality
of being tender immediately after the animal is killed, it is highly appreciated in the
interior of South Africa, where usually all the meat is as tough as shoe-leather, and nearly
as dry. In some strange manner, the Eland contrives to live for months together without
drinking, and even when the herbage is so dry that it crumbles into powder in the hand
the Eland preserves its good condition, and is, moreover, found to contain water in its
stomach if opened. For its abstinence in liquids, the Eland compensates by its
ravenous appetite for solid food, and is so large a feeder that the expense of keeping the
animal would be almost too great for any one who endeavored to domesticate the animal
in England with any hope of profit.

The color of the Eland is a pale grayish-brown, and the horns are nearly straight,
spirally twisted, and of considerable size.

ELAND.— Oreas Canna,

A variety of this animal, termed the Striped Eland, is sometimes, but rarely, seen.
Some few years ago, when Colonel Faddy, R.A., was in Southern Africa, he shot several
of these animals, and brought their skins home as trophies of success. Neither at the
Cape nor in England was he believed when he described the animals which he had been
fortunate enough to kill, and it was not until he produced the skins that his account was
credited. The skins were presented to the institution attached to the Royal Artillery
barracks at Woolwich, and may be seen in the museum.

FOR the following account of the BOSCH-BOK, I am again indebted to Captain
Drayson's MS. :

" The Black Bosch-bok is upwards of three feet in height, and five feet in length,
very elegant, and stouter than the generality of antelopes. The horns are a foot in length,

666

THE NYLGHAU.

nearly straight, and wrinkled near the base. The general color is dark chestnut, black
above, and marked with a streak of white along the spine, together with some white
spots about the body. The ears are large and round. The female is without horns,
smaller and lighter colored. The animal is extremely watchful, and requires the per-
fection of bush-craft to be surprised.

These beasts are generally found in couples, male and female, although sometimes
an old ram leads a hermit life. The Kaffirs frequently cautioned me about these solitary
animals, but I never actually saw any signs of a ferocious disposition except when
brought to bay, and under such circumstances even a rat will fight. I have heard that
the tiger-bosch-katte (the serval) has been found dea<ji in the bush, pierced by the horns
of the Bosch-bok.

BOSCH-BOK. - Tragelaphus sylvatica.

The wooded districts from the colony even to Delagoa Bay and some distance inland
are the resorts of this Antelope. Although frequently passing from three to four days per
week in the bush, I never saw more than a dozen black Bosch-boks, even though their
spoor was imprinted on the ground in all directions, thus proving that they were numerous.
Frequently I have heard the sharp crack of some twig as it-snapped, in the distance, and
upon approaching the spot have found that a Bosch-bok had retired. Seldom by fair
stalking can this crafty and wary Antelope be slain. The Kaffirs frequently form large
hunting parties, and by ( spooring ' their tracks and surrounding the bush in which they
are concealed, drive them out and despatch them with assagais. This is, however, but a
butcherly proceeding, and one which no true sportsman would follow. The Bosch-bok is
so wary, so rare, and so beautiful an Antelope, that any one may feel delighted if he can
fairly procure one or two specimens during his sporting career."

PASSING from Africa to Asia, we find a curious and handsome Antelope, partaking of
many of the characteristics which are found in the Koodoo and the bosch-bok. This
is the NYLGHAU, an inhabitant of the thickly wooded districts of India.

This magnificent Antelope is rather more than four feet high at the shoulders, and its
general color is a slate-blue. The face is marked with brown or sepia ; the long neck is

THE NYLGHAU.

667

furnished with a bold dark mane, and a long tuft of coarse hair hangs from the throat.
The female is smaller than her mate, and hornless. Her coat is generally a reddish-
gray instead of partaking of the slate-blue tint which colors the form of the male. The
hind legs of this animal are rather shorter than the fore-legs. Its name, Nylghau, is
of Persian origin, and signifies " Blue Ox."

It does not seem to be of a social disposition, and is generally found in pairs inhab-
iting the borders of the jungle. There are, however, many examples of solitary males.
It is a shy and wary animal, and the hunter who desires to shoot one of these Antelopes
is obliged to exert his bush-craft to the utmost in order to attain his purpose. To secure
a Nylghau requires a good marksman as well as a good stalker, for the animal is very
tenacious of life, and if not struck in the proper spot will carry off a heavy bullet with-
out seeming to be much the worse at the time. The native chiefs are fond of hunting

NYLGHAU.— Portax tragocamelus.

the Nylghau, and employ in the chase a whole army of beaters and trackers, so that
the poor animal has no chance of fair play. These hunts are not without their excite-
ment, for the Nylghau's temper is of the shortest, and when it feels itself aggrieved, it
suddenly turns upon its opponent, drops on its knees, and leaps forward with such
astounding rapidity that the attack can hardly be avoided, even when the intended
victim is aware of the animal's intentions.

Even in domesticated life the Nylghau retains its hasty and capricious temper, and
though there may have been several successive generations born into captivity, the young
Nylghaus display the same irritable temper as their parents. Its disposition is very
uncertain, and not to be depended upon. One of these animals which had been reared
from a fawn by an officer, and was thought to be quite tame, turned suddenly upon its

668

THE IBEX.

owner and attacked him with such ferocity that it left him dead. The males are much
given to fighting, and in their duels they hurl themselves forward with such furious
velocity that the shock of their contending heads seems to be sufficient to crush the
skulls of both combatants. No one knows when a Nylghau will be offended, for it
takes offence at the veriest trifles, and instantly attacks the object of its dislike. A
captive Nylghau that once chose to feel insulted because a laborer happened to be
passing near its domicile, dashed at the man with such violence that it completely shat-
tered the wooden paling within which it was confined.

The Nylghau is not of very great value either to individual hunters or for commercial
purposes. The hide is employed in the manufacture of shields, but the flesh is coarse
and without flavor. There are, however, exceptions to be found in the " hump " of
the male, the tongue, and the marrow bones ; which are thought to be rather delicate
articles of diet. Its gait is rather clumsy, but very rapid, and generally consists of a
peculiar long swinging canter, which is not easily overtaken.

GOATS AND SHEEP.

CLOSELY allied to each other, the GOATS and the SHEEP can be easily separated by
a short examination. In the Goats, which will first come under consideration, the horns
are erect, decidedly compressed, curved backwards and outwards, and are supplied
with a ridge or heel of horny substance in front. The males generally possess a thickly
bearded chin, and are all notable for a powerful and very rank odor which is not
present in the male sheep.

The JHARAL or JEMLAH GOAT (Hemitragus Jemlaicus) is a remarkably handsome
animal, inhabiting the loftiest mountains of India, and traversing with ease the pre-
cipitous crags which are inaccessible to almost any wingless beings except themselves.
Their strongholds, where they pass the night, and to which they fly when alarmed, are
situated above the line of vegetation, and border upon the limits of perpetual snow.
By day they descend to feed in little flocks of twenty or thirty in number, each flock
being under the guidance of an old male, whose mandates they implicitly obey. They
are shy and cautious animals, and the slightest unaccustomed sound is sufficient to
send them towards their rocky fastnesses, ever and anon halting and looking back to
examine the cause of their terror.

The hair of this animal is extremely long and coarse, hanging mane-like on each side
of its head and neck. The general color of the Jharal is a very pale grayish-fawn,
diversified with a dark streak along the back, and a brown mark on the forehead and
front of the legs. The horns are very curiously formed. They are very much de-
pressed and are very .wide at the base, from whence they spread outwards, and then
suddenly narrow into a point, which is curled so strongly inwards that the two points
nearly meet above the neck. Upon their frontal edge are seven small distinct protu-
berances, becoming gradually obliterated as they are set higher upon the horns, and
each creating a wrinkle which passes nearly round the entire horn. Their color is
grayish-buff.

OF the genus Capra, which includes several species, the IBEX or STEINBOCK is a
familiar and excellent example.

This animal, an inhabitant of the Alps, is remarkable for the exceeding development
of the horns, which are sometimes more than three feet in length, and of such extra-
ordinary dimensions that they appear to a casual observer to be peculiarly unsuitable for
an animal which traverses the craggy regions of Alpine precipices. Some writers say
that these enormous horns are employed by their owner as " buffers," by which the force
of a fall may be broken, and that the animal, when leaping from a great height, will alight
on its horns, and by their elastic strength be guarded from the severity of a shock that

THE IBEX.

669

would instantly kill any animal not so defended. This statement is, however, but little
credited.

To hunt the Ibex successfully is as hard a matter as hunting the chamois, for the
Ibex is to the full as wary and active an animal, and is sometimes apt to turn the tables
on its pursuer, and assume an offensive deportment. Should the hunter approach too
near the Ibex, the animal will, as if suddenly urged by the reckless courage of despair,
dash boldly forward at its foe, and strike him from the precipitous rock over which
he is forced to pass. The difficulty of the chase is further increased by the fact, that
the Ibex is a remarkably enclurant animal, and is capable of abstaining from food or
water for a considerable time.

IBEX.— Capra Ibex.

It lives in little bands of five or ten in number, each troop being under the command
of an old male, and preserving admirable order among themselves. Their sentinel is
ever on the watch and at the slightest suspicious sound, scent, or object, the warning
whistle is blown, and the whole troop make instantly for the highest attainable point.
Their instinct always leads them upwards, an inborn " excelsior " being woven into
their very natures, and as soon as they perceive danger, they invariably begin to mount
towards the line of perpetual snow. The young of this animal are produced in April,
and in a few hours after their birth they are strong enough to follow their parent.

The color of the Ibex is a reddish-brown in summer, and gray-brown in winter ; a
dark stripe passes along the spine and over the face, and the abdomen and interior
faces of the limbs are washed with whitish gray. The horns are covered from base to
point with strongly-marked transverse ridges, the number of which is variable, and is
thought by some persons to denote the age of the animal. In the female the horns are
not nearly so large nor so heavily ridged as in the male. The Ibex is also known
under the name of BOUQUETIN.

6;o

THE GOAT.

The members of the genus Hircus maybe distinguished from the ibex and the sheep
by the peculiar formation of their horns, which are compressed, are rounded behind,
and furnished with a well-developed keel in front. In some instances the keel is ragged,
or appears like a series of knobs, but in all cases it is prominently conspicuous.

There are an enormous number of varieties of the common domestic GOAT, many of
them being so unlike the original stock from which they sprang as to appear like a
different species. For the present, we will turn to the common goat of Europe, with
which we are all so familiar. This animal is often seen domesticated, especially in
and about stables, as there is a prevalent idea that the rank smell of the Goat is bene-
ficial to horses. Be this as it may, the animal seems quite at home in a stable, and a
very firm friendship often arises between the Goat and one of the horses. Sometimes
it gets so petted by the frequenters of the stables, that it becomes presumptuous, and
assaults any one whom it may not happen to recognize as a friend. Happily, a Goat,
however belligerent he may be, is easily conquered if his beard can only be grasped,
and when he is thus captured, he yields at once to his conqueror, assumes a downcast
air, and bleats in a very pitiful tone, as if asking for mercy.

GOAT.—

At the Cape of Good Hope, large flocks of these animals are kept and are extremely
sagacious, needing no goat-herd to watch them, and are altogether more wise than
sheep. In the morning they sally out upon their foraging expeditions, and in the evening
they voluntarily return. It is said that Goats are the only animals that will boldly face
fire, and that their chief use in a stable is to lead the horses from the stalls in case of
the stables being burned. Horses are such nervous, excitable animals, that when their
dwelling has taken fire they cannot be induced to face the dreaded element, and must
see some other animal lead the way before they will dare to stir. It is also said, and
apparently with reason, that in case of fire, a horse may be easily removed from the
scene of danger by harnessing him as usual, instead of trying to lead him out at once.
The animal has learned to connect obedience and trustfulness with the harness, and
while he bears the bit in his mouth, and the saddle or traces on his back, he will go
wherever he may be led. Blindfolding the horse is another good method of inducing
the animal to follow its guide without hesitation.

THE CASHMIR GOAT.

671

The Goat is, like several other domesticated animals, able to foretell stormy weather,
and always contrives to place itself under shelter before the advent of a storm. The
flesh of the Goat is not held in great estimation, and even that of the kid, which is
comparatively tender and well-flavored, has fallen into disrepute. The milk is, how-
ever, in some demand, being of a rather peculiar flavor, which is grateful to certain
palates.

In its wild state, the Goat is a fleet and agile animal, delighting in rocks and precipi-
tous localities, and treading their giddy heights with a foot as sure and an eye as steady
as that of the chamois or ibex. Even in domesticated life, this love of clambering is
never eradicated, and wherever may be an accessible roof, or rock, or even a hill, there
the Goat may be generally found.

CASHMIER GOAT.

THE varieties of the Goat are almost numberless, and it will be impossible to engrave
or even to notice, more than one or two of the most prominent examples. One of the
most valuable of these varieties is the celebrated Cashmir Goat, whose soft silky hair
furnishes material for the soft and costly fabrics which are so highly valued in all
civilized lands.

This animal is a native of Thibet and the neighboring locality, but the Cashmir
shawls are not manufactured in the same land which supplies the material. The fur
of the Cashmir Goat is of two sorts ; a soft, woolly under coat of grayish hair, and a
covering of long silken hairs that seem to defend the interior coat from the effects of
winter. The woolly under coat is the substance from which the Cashmir shawls are
woven, and in order to make a single shawl, a yard-and-a-half square, at least ten Goats
are robbed of their natural covering. Beautiful as are these fabrics, they would be sold
at a very much lower price but for the heavy and numerous taxes which are laid upon
the material in all the stages of its manufacture, and after its completion upon the fin-
ished article. Indeed, the English buyer of a Cashmir shawl is forced to pay at least
a thousand per cent on his purchase.

672 THE SHEEP.

Attempts have been made to domesticate this valuable animal in Europe, but without
real success. It will unite with the Angora Goat and produce a mixed breed, from which
may be procured very soft and fine wool, that is even longer and more plentiful than
that of the pure Cashmir Goat. As a commercial speculation, however, the plan does
not seem to have met with much success.

There are at least forty acknowledged varieties of the Goat, among which may be
mentioned the BERBURA, or RAM SAGUL, of India, a Goat which is remarkable for being
destitute of beard and for the large dewlap which decorates the throat of the male. Its
ears are very short, and its smooth fur is white, mingled with reddish-brown. The
SYRIAN GOAT is notable for the extreme length of its ears, which hang downwards, and
when the animal raises its head nearly touch the shoulders. The SPANISH GOAT is
destitute of horns, and the MARKHUR, or SNAKE-EATING GOAT, of India and Thibet is
celebrated for its large and exquisitely twisted horns, which are not dissimilar to those
of the koodoo, only twisted in the opposite direction.

FROM time immemorial, the SHEEP has been subjected to the ways of mankind, and
has provided him with meat and clothing, as well as with many articles of domestic
use. The whole carcass of the Sheep is as useful as that of the ox, and there is not a
single portion of its body that is not converted to some beneficial purpose. The animal
as we now possess it, and which has diverged into such innumerable varieties, is never
found in a state of absolute wildness, and has evidently derived its origin from some
hitherto undomesticated species. In the opinion of many naturalists, the mouflon may
lay claim to the parentage of our domestic Sheep, but other writers have separated the
mouflons from the Sheep, and placed them in a different genus.

In many of its habits, especially in its rock-climbing propensities, it bears a strong
resemblance to the Goats, to which animals it is closely allied. Whenever the flock
can have access to elevated spots, they may always be seen perched upon the highest
and most precipitous spots, and seem to take a curious pleasure in exposing themselves
to the risk of being dashed to pieces. Mr. Bell mentions that he has seen a Sheep
and her lamb perched nearly half-way down one of the lofty rocks that border the
south-western side of the Isle of Wight. He was at first alarmed by the apparent danger
in which the frail little creature was placed, but was re-assured by the boatman, who
looked on the circumstance as nothing uncommon. Some of these Sheep will boldly
descend the cliff in search of herbage until they nearly reach the sea level, and are in no
way dismayed at the prospect of re-ascending the terrible cliffs down which they have
come.

Although the Sheep is generally considered to be a timid animal, and is really so when
forced into adverse circumstances and deprived of its wonted liberty, it is truly as bold
an animal as can well be seen, and even in this country gives many proofs of its courage.
If, for example, a traveller comes unexpectedly upon a flock of the little Sheep that
range the Welsh mountains, they will not flee from his presence, but draw together into
a compact body, and watch him with stern and unyielding gaze. Should he attempt
to advance, he would be instantly assailed by the rams, which from the first line in such
cases, and would fare but badly in the encounter. A dog, if it should happen to accom-
pany the intruder, would probably be at once charged and driven from the spot.

Even a single ram is no mean antagonist when he is thoroughly irritated, and his
charge is really formidable. Sheep differ from Goats in their manner of fighting ; the
latter animals rear themselves on their hind legs, and then plunge sideways upon their
adversary, while the former animals hurl themselves forward, and strike their opponent
with the whole weight as well as impetus of the body. So terrible is the shock of a ram's
charge, that it has been known to prostrate a bull at the first blow. Nor is the Sheep
only combative when irritated by opposition, or when danger threatens itself. A Sheep
that had been led into a slaughter-house, has been known to turn fiercely upon the
butcher as he was about to kill one of its companions, and to butt him severely in order
to make him relinquish his grasp of its friend.

The Sheep does not seem to be so intelligent as the Goat, and has a curious habit of
always following the individual who happens to be the leader, even though he should rush

THE SHEEP.

673

into danger. A herd of sheep has jumped successively over the top of a precipice,
merely because the leader happened to do the same thing. In the East, where the shep-
herds lead, not drive the sheep, they take advantage of this propensity, in managing
the vast flocks over which they are set in charge. They have a few pet sheep which
will follow at their heels, and come to the musical call of the shepherd's flute. These
privileged animals act as the leaders of the flock, and wherever they go, the rest
will follow.

In the British Isles the Sheep breeds freely, producing generally one or two lambs
every year, and sometimes presenting its owner with three lambs at a birth. One
instance is on record of a wonderfully prolific ewe. She had hardly passed her second
year when she produced four lambs. The next year she had five ; the year after that
she bore twins ; and the next year five again. On two successive years she bore twins.
Two out of the four and three out of the five were necessarily fed by hand.

We will now advert shortly to some of the principal breeds or varieties of the Sheep.

SHEEP.— Ovis Aries. (Southdown).

The SOUTHDOWN, which is figured at the commencement of this article, affords a
good example of the short-wooled breed of domestic Sheep, and is valuable not
only for the wool, but for the delicacy of the flesh. This breed derives its name from
the extensive Southern Downs ; a range of grass-clad chalk hills which pass through
Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. These downs are covered with a short sweet herbage,
which is of great service in giving to the flesh of the animal its peculiarly delicate
flavor. Multitudes of tiny snails are found upon almost every foot of the down-turf,
and are thought by many agriculturists to be very efficacious in fattening and nourishing
the animal. By careful crossing and good management, the horns of the Southdown
Sheep have been abolished, and the vital energies which would have been expended in
developing these appendages, are directed to the nourishment of the body and wool.

This valuable breed of Sheep is not confined to the southern downs of England, but
has penetrated to every part of our island where the soil and grass are suitable for its
welfare. The Wiltshire downs swarm with these Sheep, which have covered their entire
extent with an elaborate interlacing system of Sheep-paths, understood by themselves,
but very obscure to human senses. Hampshire, and other parts of England, are alsa

43

674

THE LEICESTER SHEEP.

in possession of the Southdown Sheep, which is often crossed successfully with some local
breed. Indeed, this polled or hornless variety has superseded every horn-bearing
breed throughout the kingdom, whenever it can find a habitable locality. In Scotland
and elsewhere, the Southdown would not be able to live, as it is of too delicate a nature
to withstand the severity of the terrible highland winter ; so that the original horned
breed still holds its place.

The Wiltshire Sheep have lost their horny armatures by continual crossing with the
Southdown, and the result is that a remarkably fine variety has been produced, possess-
ing greater dimensions, a lighter color, and a finer fleece.

OWING to the very great number of the domestic varieties of the Sheep, amounting
to nearly thirty distinct breeds, it will be impossible to give more than a mere outline
of the most important among them. An example of the long-wooled variety is found
in the LEICESTER SHEEP, under which general title are grouped six or eight sub-
varieties of the same breed. This animal favors the low-lying level pasturages of the
midland counties, and is not so fond of elevated spots as the Welsh and Southdown.

LEICESTER SHEEP.

The most celebrated breed of Leicester Sheep is that which is known as the Dishley
breed, and which was developed by the persevering energies of a single individual
against every possible discouragement. Mr. Bakewell, seeing that the whole practice
of Sheep-breeding was based on erroneous principles, struck out an entirely new plan,
and followed it with admirable perseverance. The usual plan in breeding the old
Liecester Sheep was to obtain a large body and a heavy fleece. Mr. Bakewell, how-
ever, thought that these overgrown animals could not be nearly so profitable to the
farmer as a smaller and better proportioned breed ; for the amount of wool and flesh
which was gained by the larger animals would not compensate for the greater amount
of food required to fatten them, and the additional year or eighteen months during
which they had to be maintained.

His idea was, that three extra pounds of wool are not so valuable, as ten or twelve
pounds of meat, and that when the expense of keeping and feeding a Sheep for eighteen
months is taken into consideration, the balance is certainly on the wrong side. He there-
fore set himself to improve the flesh, letting the wool take care of itself at first, and

THE MERINO, OR SPANISH SHEEP.

67S

succeeded so admirably, that on the ribs of one three-year-old Leicester wether were
found seven inches and one-eighth of solid fat, cut without any slope. Attention was
then turned to the fleece, and by judicious selection and arrangement the two excel-
lences of flesh and wool were combined in the same animal. It was found by experi-
ence, that Sheep which have an inordinately heavy fleece were slower in fattening than
those whose coat was moderately thick, and that in consequence of the cost in keep-
ing them for a longer period they do not pay the farmer so well as those which are
heavy in body and moderately thick in fleece.

OF all the domestic varieties of this useful animal, the SPANISH, or MERINO SHEEP,
has attracted the greatest attention.

Originally, .this animal is a native of Spain, a country which has been for many
centuries celebrated for the quantity and quality of its wool. The Merino Sheep, from
whom the long and fine Spanish wool was obtained, were greatly improved by an ad-

MERINO, OR SPANISH SHEEP.

mixture with the Cotswold Sheep of England, some of which were sent to Spain in 1464,
and the fleece was so improved by the crossing, that the famous English wool was sur-
passed by that which was supplied by Spain.

The Merino Sheep is but of little use except for its wool, as, although its mutton is
sufficiently good when fattened, it consumes so much food, and occupies so much time
in the process of ripening, that it is by no means a profitable animal. The Merino is
larger in the limbs than the ordinary English Sheep, and the male is furnished with
large spiral horns. The female is generally hornless, but sometimes possesses these
appendages on a very small scale. It is liable to bear a black fleece, the sable hue con-
tinually making its appearance, even after long and careful crossing. By good manage-
ment the black tint has been confined to the face and legs, but is ever liable to come out
in spots or dashes in the wool. There is always a peculiar hue about the face of a Me-
rino Sheep, not easy to describe, but readily to be recognized whenever seen.

In Spain^the Merinos are kept in vast flocks, and divided into two general heads, the
Stationary and the Migratory. The former animals remain in the same locality during

MERINO, OR SPANISH SHEEP.

the whole of their lives, but the latter are accustomed to undertake regular annual
migrations. The summer months they spend in the cool mountainous districts,
but as soon as the weather begins to grow cold, the flocks pass into the warmer
regions of Andalusia, where they remain until April. The flocks are sometimes
ten thousand in number, and the organization by which they are managed is very
complex and perfect. Over each great flock is set one experienced shepherd, who
is called the " mayoral," and who exercises despotic sway over his subordinates.
Fifty shepherds are placed under his orders, and are supplied with boys and intelli-
gent dogs.

Under the guardianship of their shepherds, the Merino Sheep, which have spent
the summer in the mountains, begin their downward journey about the month of Sep-
tember ; and after a long and leisurely march, they arrive at the pasture-grounds,
which are recognized instinctively by the Sheep. In these pasturages the winter folds
are prepared, and here are born the young Merinos, which generally enter the world
in March, or the beginning of April. Towards the end of that month the Sheep begin
to be restless, and unless they are at once removed, will often decamp of their own
accord. Sometimes a whole flock will thus escape, and, guided by some marvellous
instinct, will make their way to their old quarters unharmed, except perchance by
some prowling wolf who takes advantage of the shepherd's absence.

The very young lambs are not without their value, although they furnish no wool, for
their skins are prepared, and sent to France and England, where they are manufactured
into gloves, and called by the name of " kid."

Many attempts have been made to naturalize this most important animal, but with
little success. At one time the Merino Sheep was in the highest repute, but as it does
not combine the mutton-making with the wool-producing power, it has long ago been left
unnoticed. On the Continent, however, the Merino Sheep has been most valuable, and
by judicious crossings with the already existing varieties, has produced a number of very
useful breeds. It is found that if a Merino be left untouched by the shears for two
seasons, the wool will double its length, and be equally fine in texture. In one case a
half-bred Merino was clipped after having been put aside for a whole year, and it was
found that her fleece weighed twenty-one pounds, the length of the " pile " being eight
inches. The health of the Sheep appears to be uninjured by permitting the animal to
retain its coat for two years.

The Australian Sheep, which roams the plains in such vast multitudes, and which
furnishes so large a supply of wool to the world's commerce, owes much of its value
to a cross with the Merino, several of which animals were imported into Australia by
some far-seeing man of business.

A few words may fitly be spoken in this place upon the peculiar hair which deco-
rates the Sheep, and which is called by the name of wool.

Wool is a very curious kind of hair, and may be recognized at once by any one who
possesses a tolerable microscope. If a single hair of the Sheep's wool be subjected to a
powerful lens, a vast number of serrations are seen, which, when carefully examined,
resolve themselves into a series of notched ridges, which surround the hair closely. To use
a familiar illustration, the hair bears a strong resemblance to a number of thimbles thrust
into each other, and with their edges notched like so many saws. It is to this notched or
jagged surface of the hair that the peculiar value of Sheep's wool is owing, for it is by
means of these serrations that the hairs interlock with each other in that mode which is
popularly termed " felting." If a handful of loose wool be taken and well kneaded
the fibres become inextricably matted together, and form the substance which we
term " felt." In a similar manner, when woollen thread is made into cloth, and subjected
to the hard usage of its manufacture, the fibres of the different threads become so firmly
adherent to each other that they never become unravelled when the cloth is cut or torn.
The " felting " property is greatly increased by the propensity of woollen fibre to contract,
when touched by water. It is in consequence of this peculiarity that woollen fabrics will
always shrink when they are wetted for the first time after their manufacture. The reader
may naturally wonder why the wool does not become thus matted together when it is
upon the Sheep's back, and subject to the influence of nightly dew and daily rain. The

THE HIGHLAND SHEEP. 677

answer is, that the fleece is imbued with a peculiar secretion from the skin, which is
technically called the " yolk," and which repels the action of water. Upon the quantity
of this " yolk," the quality of the wool greatly depends.

The custom of annually depriving the Sheep of its wool by means of shears is of
very ancient origin, and still holds its ground. But within a comparatively n
period, the poor creatures were even in this country barbarously stripped of their
warm coats by main force, the operators grasping large handfuls of the wool and
dragging it from the body. This operation was called "rowing," and those who are
learned in old English ballad lore will remember many passages where refeivn
this cruel custom may be found. The Latin word for wool, " vellus," is derived from
the verb u vellere," to pluck out, and evidently refers to the same custom. 15v that
cruel mode of action, the Sheep owner was generally a bad economist, for the
injury to the more delicate animals was so severe that their sensitive skins were unable
to resist the effects of the weather, and the death of the poor creature was often the
result.

The milk of the Sheep is not held in very much estimation, and is in these d;iys
almost invariably yielded to the lambs. It is, however, of very good flavor, but
singularly rich, having, indeed, more of the consistency of true cream than the generality
of the white liquid which passes under that name in the metropolis.

THE hardy, active, and endurant variety of the domestic Sheep which inhabit the
Highlands of Scotland, partake in a great degree of the characters of the wild animal,
and demand a specially trained shepherd to watch over them.

Pasturing together in enormous herds, and living upon vast ranges of bleak, hilly
country, the light and active HIGHLAND SHEEP is a very intelligent and independent
creature, quite distinct in character from the large, woolly, unintellectual animal that
lives only in the fold, and is regularly supplied with its food by the careful hand of iis
guardian. It is very sensitive to atmospheric influences, and is so ready in obeying the
directions of its own instinct, that a good shepherd when he first rises in the morning
can generally tell where to find his Sheep, merely by noticing the temperature, the
direction of the wind, and the amount of moisture in the air and on the ground. As
the Highland Sheep is able to wander to considerable distances from its proper home,
the shepherd is aided in his laborious task by several of those wonderful dogs whose
virtues and powers have already been recorded in the course of this work.

Much of the disposition of the flock depends upon the temperament of the shepherd.
An irritable or impatient man will speedily render his flock almost as unmanageable as
his own temper, while he who is gentle and patient, though resolute and firm, will have
his charge so thoroughly under control, that his very presence will, in many instances,
cause them to do his bidding, even without calling in the aid of his dogs. One prolific
source of trouble to the Scotch shepherd is a locomotive propensity which is inherent in
Sheep, and which prompts them to quit their own ample boundaries and trespass upon,
those of their neighbors. Towards evening, when the flocks are inspected, this propen-
sity becomes very annoying, and cannot be restrained by bad managers. Others, who
understand the Sheep nature, and shape their conduct accordingly, will quietly move
towards the boundary without being followed by the dogs, and by a series of gentle
manoeuvres entice the Sheep in the proper direction. In a very short time the shep-
herd establishes the custom, and whenever he moves towards the boundary, the Sheep
instinctively recede.

The life of a Highland shepherd is necessarily one of great hardship, and is generally
borne with admirable fortitude. In order that the man may feel a personal interest
in the flock which is placed under his care, he is permitted to hold a property in a
certain number of Sheep, which he may feed on his master's ground without payment.
Sometimes he has the little flock of others to watch over as well as those of his own
especial charge, so that the neighbors, far and few between as they are, can all have a
fellow interest in the welfare of the Sheep. Each shepherd is generally in possession
of a little flock consisting of ten to fifty or sixty Sheep, together with pasturage for a
few cows,

678

THE HIGHLAND SHEEP.

WHEN its intellectual faculties are developed by external circumstances, the Sheep is
found to be a decidedly clever animal.

A lamb that belonged to one of my friends, was one of the oddest creatures that could
be imagined, full of quaint and even grotesque humor, and cunning to a degree that was
almost reprehensible. Excepting a monkey, the lamb was the greatest mimic which the
house possessed, and would imitate everything and everybody in the most ludicrous
manner. The great deficiency in its character was its utter want of self reliance — a trait
which may afford a clue to the extraordinary manner in which these animals will follow
their leader. The creature seemed so dependent on the approbation of its human play-
fellows, and its disposition was so sensitive to praise or blame, that its mistress could
hardly venture upon either course of conduct for fear of over-exciting the impetuous
feeling of the animal. If blamed or scolded, it would shrink away into a corner, push its
head out of sight, and appear quite overwhelmed with sorrow. But if, on the contrary,
it were praised or patted, it became almost mad with excitement, rolling over and over like
a ball, and even standing upon its head, an odd trick which it had contrived to acquire.

HIGHLAND SHEEP.

For music it possessed a discriminating ear, being delighted at brisk and lively airs
such as are set for polkas, quadrilles, and other dance-tunes; but abhorring all slow and
solemn compositions. It had the deepest detestation for the National Anthem, and
would set up such a continuous baa-baa as soon as its ears were struck with the unwel-
come sounds, that the musician was fain to close the performance, being silenced by mirth
if not by pity. Many of its pranks are fresh in the remembrance of its late owner,
but I can only find space for a single anecdote : —

It was particularly fond of parsley, and ravaged the beds to such an extent that the
gardener was forced to protect some of the coveted herb under a glass-shade. The
creature soon discovered the treasure ; and, nothing daunted by the supposed protection,
broke the glass and ate the parsley, without damaging itself by the sharp fragments of
the glass. " Bull's-eye " glass was then employed in the frames, and for a time seemed to
protect the parsley ; but after a while even the new frames were found broken, and the
parsley gone. No one could conceive how the " innocent " lamb could have achieved
such a feat, and a watch was consequently set upon it. Another frame was procured

BRETON SHEEP.

679

and set in the accustomed spot, so that it could be kept under surveillance. The lamb
was soon seen to approach it, and after a careful inspection, walked away, and soon
returned, bearing a tolerably large stone in its mouth. Rising on its hind legs, it
brought the stone upon the glass with such force that the thick pane was shivered to
fragments. It then laid down the stone, put its head through the opening, and quietly
began to browse on the green herb which it so much coveted.

THE very small dimensions of the Welsh Sheep are sufficiently familiar to every
frequenter of the metropolitan markets, on account of the small size of the delicately
flavored joints which are taken from the Welsh Sheep. There is, however, one variety
of domesticated Sheep which is of such pigmy stature that even the Welsh animal rises
into importance when compared with one of these curious little creatures. The variety
in question is that which is known by the name of the Breton Sheep, and is of such
wonderfully minute proportions that it irresistibly reminds the observer of the dwarfed
oak-trees which are so prevalent among the Chinese.

BRETON SHEEP.

A considerable number- of these little animals have been lately imported into
England, not for the sake of improving the British herds of Sheep, but merely as curious
examples of the singular diversity of size and shape which can be assumed by a single
species. If a Breton Sheep be placed by the side of a fair example of the Leicester
breed, the difference in size would be much greater than that which is exhibited by the
huge Flanders dray-horse and the diminutive Shetland pony.

IN several foreign breeds of the domestic Sheep there is a curious tendency to the
deposition of fat upon the hinder quarters. This propensity is not valued in our own
country, where the Sheep are almost invariably deprived of the greater portion of their
tails by the hand of the shepherd, and in consequence is never developed. In some
varieties, however, such as the steatopygous Sheep of Tartary, the fat accumulates
upon the hinder quarters in such enormous masses that the shape of the animal is
completely altered. The fat of this portion of the body will sometimes weigh between

68o

THE AFFGHAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP.

thirty and forty pounds, and when melted down, will yield from twenty to thirty pounds
of pure tallow. So inordinate is the growth of the fat that the tail becomes almost
obliterated, and is only perceptible externally as a little round fleshy button.

Some varieties present a different mode of producing fat, and deposit a large amount
of fatty matter in the tail. Fat-tailed Sheep are found in every part of the world, and
are much valued on account of the peculiarity from which they derive their name.
The Syrian variety is remarkable for the enormous dimensions of the tail, which in
highly fattened and carefully tended specimens will weigh from seventy to eighty
pounds. So large, indeed, are the tails, and so weighty are they, that the shepherds are
forced to protect them from the ground by tying flat pieces of board to their under
surface. Sometimes they add a pair of little wheels to the end which drags on the
ground, in order to save the animal the trouble of drawing the bare board over the rough
earth. The fat which is procured from the tail is highly valued, and is used in lieu of

AFFGHAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP.

butter, as well as to " lard " meat that would otherwise be unpleasantly dry and tasteless.
It is also melted down and poured into jars of preserved meat, for the purpose of
excluding the air. These Sheep are most carefully watched, and are generally fed by
hand.

At the Cape of Good Hope a fat-tailed race of Sheep has long been prevalent, and is
reared in flocks of considerable size, tended by Hottentot herdsmen. This is a very
valuable animal, for it not only furnishes good mutton, together with great quantities of
fat, but, when young, supplies its owner with beautifully soft and warm garments. The
skins of the Cape Sheep are prepared for use by being cleaned, dressed, and sewn
together; and are of such excellent quality that they form a warmer coverlet than could
be obtained from any other material. Their outward show is not at all inferior to their
quality ; for they are so smooth and soft that few persons would guess that they had
once formed part of the natural covering of a Sheep. The fat of these animals is mostly
collected in the tail and hinder quarters, and is peculiarly soft when removed from the
animal, being in an almost semi-iluid state. It is thought a great delicacy, and is also in
great request for the manufacture of soap.

THE WALLACHIAN, OR CRETAN SHEEP.

68 1

The AFFGHAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP is remarkable not only for the extremely large and
fatty tail, but for the delicate and silken texture of its wool. The coat of this animal
is largely used in local manufactures, and a very considerable amount is also exported
into neighboring countries. Pelisses, caps, and carpets of various kinds are the chief
articles into which this soft and valuable wool is manufactured. There are also several
herds of Fat-tailed Sheep in different parts of India.

ONE of the most important of the ovine group, is the CRETAN, or WALLACHIAN
SHEEP, remarkable for the enormous development and magnificent formation of its horns.

This splendid animal is a native of Western Asia and the adjacent portions of
Europe, and is very common in Crete, Wallachia, and Hungary. The horns of the
Wallachian Sheep are strikingly like those of the Koodoo, or the Addax, their dimen-

WALLACHIAN, OR CRETAN SHEEP.

sions being proportionately large, and their form very similar. The first spiral turn its
always the largest, and the horns are not precisely the same in every specimen. As a
general rule, they rise boldly upwards from the skull, being almost perpendicularly set
upon the head ; but in others, there is considerable variety in the formation of the
spirals and the direction of the tips. In one specimen which was preserved in the
gardens of the Zoological Society, the first spiral of the horns was curved downwards,
and their tips were directed towards the ground.

The fleece of this animal is composed of a soft woolly undercoat, covered with and
protected by long drooping hairs. The wool is extremely fine in quality, and is em-
ployed in the manufacture of warm cloaks, which are largely used by the peasantry, and
which are so thick and warm that they defend the wearer against the bitterest cold.

682

THE ARGALI.

/

Even in the depth of winter the shepherd can safely lie on the ground wrapped in his
sheep-skin mantle. For this purpose, the skin is dressed without removing ^he wool.
In a state of nature, all Sheep are furnished with a pair of horns, but in the cultivated
races these ornaments generally become obliterated. A curious exception to this principle
occurs in the many-horned varieties which are found in several parts of A^ia, and which
sometimes possess as many as three distinct pairs of horns. The additional or accessory
appendages are slighter in their make than the true horns, and are generally placed on the
upper parts of the head. Their tips almost invariably take an upward direction, while the
true horns generally curl downward, and retain a portion of the tendency to a spiral form.

ARGALI.— Capros/s Argalia.

GIANTS among the ovine race, the MOUFLONS tower far above every other variety
of the Sheep. These animals may be found in several portions of the world, several
species being inhabitants of Asia, one of Sardinia and Corsica, and one of Northern
America. Of these gigantic Sheep, the ARGALI of Siberia is the most conspicuous, as
well for general dimensions, as for the enormous size of the horns.

The Argali is nearly as large as a moderately sized ox, being four feet high at the
shoulders and proportionately stout in its build. The horns of a full-grown male Argali
are very nearly four feet in length if measured along the curve, and at their base are
about nineteen inches in circumference. They spring from the forehead, and after rising
perpendicularly for a short distance, curve boldly downwards until they reach below
the chin, when they recurve upwards and come to a point. The surface of the horns
is covered with a series of deep grooves set closely together, and extending almost to the
very extremities. Firmly as these weapons are fixed upon the animal's forehead, are they
sometimes fairly broken off in the fierce conflicts which these creatures wage with each
other when they fight for the possession of some desirable female. These broken horns

THE BIG HORN, OR ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHEEP.

683

are not suffered to lie unobserved on the ground, but are soon utilized by the foxes and
other small mammalia which inhabit the same country, and converted at once into dwell-
ing-houses, where they lie as comfortably as the hermit-crab in a whelk-shell. Man also
makes use of these horns, by converting them into various articles of domestic economy.

It is a mountain-loving animal, being found on the highest grounds of Southern
Siberia and the mountains of Central Asia, and not fond of descending to the level
ground.

Its power of limb and sureness of foot are truly marvellous when the great size of
the animal is taken into consideration. If disturbed while feeding in the valley, it make
at once for the rocks, and flies up their craggy surfaces with wonderful ease and rapidity.
Living in such localities, they are liable to suffer great changes of temperature, and
are sometimes wholly enveloped in the deep snowdrifts that are so common upon

AOVDAD.—Ammotragus Tragelaphus.

mountainous regions. In such cases they lie quietly under the snow in a manner
similar to that which has already been related of the hare under the same circumstances,
and are able to continue respiration by means of a small breathing-hole through the
snow. For these imprisoned Argalis the hunters eagerly search, as the animal is
deprived of its fleet and powerful limbs, and is forced ignominiously to succumb to the
foe.,, 'who impales him by driving his spear through the snow into the creature's body.
Like others of the same group, it is gregarious, and lives in small flocks.

ANOTHER example of the Mouflons may be found in the BIG-HORN, or ROCKY MOUN-
TAIN SHEEP, of California.

This animal is not at all uncommon in its native land, where it may be found in little
troops of twenty or thirty in number, inhabiting the craggiest and most inaccessible rocks.
From these posts of vantage they never wander, but are content to find their food upon

684 GIRAFFES.

the little knolls of green herbage that are found sprinkled among the precipices, with-
out being tempted by the verdant expanse of the plains below. Before they became
acquainted with the destructive powers of mankind, they were very fearless, and
would curiously survey those who approached their lofty abodes. Now, however, they
are peculiarly shy and suspicious, and at the sight of a man they blow their warning
whistle, and immediately take refuge in the recesses of the rocks. When wounded,
unless the injury is one that carries immediate death with it, the animal makes the
best of its way into one of its retreats, and dying there, is useless to its slayer.

The flesh of the Big-horn is remarkably excellent, and is said to be superior to that
of the native deer. When full-grown, a Big-horn measures about three feet six inches
in height at the shoulders, and the horns are about the same length, thus preserving
the same proportions of stature and length of horn as has already been noticed in the
Argali of Siberia. The color of the animal is extremely variable, changing according
to the season of the year.

CLOSELY allied to the two preceding animals, the AOUDAD, or BEARDED ARGALI,
may be easily distinguished from them by the heavy mane which commences at the
throat and falls as far as the knees.

The Aoudad is a native of Northern Africa, and is a mountain-dweller, inhabiting
only the loftiest and most inaccessible precipices. It is commonly found in the lofty
woods of the Atlas mountains, where it disports itself with as much ease and absence
of fear as if it were quietly standing on level ground. Like the argali and big-horn, it
is remarkably active, as needs for an animal whose life is cast among the terrible pre-
cipices of the loftiest mountain ranges. The height of the Aoudad is rather more than
three feet at the shoulder, so that it is a really large animal, although not of such gi-
gantic proportions as the argali. The horns are about two feet in length. Round the
fore-legs a quantity of long hair is placed, like ruffles, just above the knee, a peculiarity
which has earned for the creature the French name of Mouflon a manchettes. It seems to
be a lively but rather petulant animal, full of curiosity, and gentle in its disposition.

GIRAFFES.

TALLEST of all earthly dwellers, the GIRAFFE erects its stately head far above any
animal that walks the face of the globe. It is an inhabitant of various parts of Africa,
and is evidently a unique being, comprising in itself an entire tribe. The color of the
coat is slightly different in the specimens which inhabit the northern and the south-
ern portions of Africa, the southern animal being rather darker than its northern
relative.

The height of a full-grown male Giraffe is from eighteen to twenty feet, the female
being somewhat less in her dimensions. The greater part of this enormous stature is
obtained by the extraordinarily long neck, which is nevertheless possessed of only
seven vertebrae, as in ordinary animals. Those bones are, however, extremely elon-
gated, and their articulation is admirably adapted to the purpose which they are called
upon to fulfil. The back of the Giraffe slopes considerably from the shoulders to the
tail, and at first sight the forelegs of the animal appear to be longer than the hinder
limbs. The legs themselves are, however, of equal length, and the elevation of the
shoulder is due to the very great elongation of the shoulder-blades. Upon the head are
two excrescences which resemble horns, and are popularly called by that name. They
are merely growths or developments of certain bones of the skull, somewhat similar to
the bony cores on which the hollow horns of the oxen and antelopes are set. These
quasi horns are covered with skin, and have on their summits a tuft of dark hair. On
the forehead, and nearly between the eyes, a third bony projection is seen, occupying
the same position that was traditionally accredited to the horn of the unicorn.

GIRAFFES.

685

The singular height of this animal is entirely in accordance with its habits and its
mode of acquiring food. As the creature is accustomed to feed upon the leaves of trees,
it must necessarily be of very considerable stature to be able to reach the leaves on which
it browses, and must also be possessed of organs by means of which it can select and

GIRAFFE.— Giraffa Camelopardalis.

gather such portions of the foliage as may suit its palate. The former object is gained
by the great length of the neck and legs, and the latter by the wonderful development
of the tongue, which is so marvellously formed that it is capable of a considerable amount
of prehensile power, and can be elongated or contracted in a very wonderful manner.

686

GIRAFFES.

Large as is the animal, it can contract the tip of its tongue into so small a compass
that it can pass into the pipe of an ordinary pocket-key, while its prehensile powers
enable its owner to pluck any selected leaf with perfect ease. In captivity the Giraffe
is rather apt to make too free a use of its tongue, such as twitching the artificial flowers
and foliage from ladies' bonnets, or any similar freak.

For grazing upon level ground the Giraffe is peculiarly unfitted, and never attempts
that feat excepting when urged by hunger or some very pressing cause. It is, however,
perfectly capable of bringing its mouth to the ground, although with considerable effort
and much straddling of the fore-legs. By placing a lump of sugar on the ground, the
Giraffe may be induced to lower its head to the earth, and to exhibit some of that
curious mixture of grace and awkwardness which characterises this singular animal.

In its native country its usual food consists of the leaves of a kind of acacia, named
the Kameel-dorn, or Camel-thorn (Acacia giraffce). The animal is exceedingly fastidious
in its appetite, and carefully rejects every thorn, scrupulously plucking only the freshest
and greenest leaves. When supplied with cut grass, the Giraffe takes each blade
daintily between its lips, and nibbles gradually from the top to the stern, after the
manner in which we eat asparagus. As soon as it has eaten the tender and green
portion of the grass, it rejects the remainder as unfit for camelopardine consumption.
Hay, carrots, onions, and different vegetables form its principal diet while it is kept in
a state of captivity.

The Giraffe is a gentle and playful animal, readily attaching itself to its companions
or its keepers, and trying to attract attention by sundry little coquetries. It is full of
curiosity, and seems to be greatly gratified by the advent of many visitors, whose costume
and general appearance it investigates with an air of great interest. There is something
peculiarly mild and pleasant in the full, round, dark eye of the Giraffe, whose gaze is
really fascinating to those who feel attracted by a mild and gentle expression of soul
Even the ruthless hunter has felt himself overcome by the glances of the Giraffe's dark
expressive eye, as the poor animal lay unresistingly and silently on the ground, watching
its destroyer with reproachful but not vengeful gaze.

As far as is at present known, the Giraffe is a silent animal, like the eland and the
kangaroo, and has never been heard to utter a sound, even when struggling in the
agonies of death. When in its native land it is so strongly perfumed with the foliage
on which it chiefly feeds, that it exhales a powerful odor, which is compared by Cap-
tain Cumming to the scent of a hive of heather honey.

Although an inoffensive and most gentle creature, it is not destitute of aggressive
capabilities, and can defend itself against ordinary foes, such as the predaceous carniv-
ora which inhabit the same land. In defending itself it does not bring its head within
reach of its enemy, but delivers a shower of kicks with such lightness and celerity, that
it has been known even to daunt the lion from the attack. When, however, the lion
can steal unobserved upon the Giraffe, and especially when it unites with others of its
own race in the pursuit of the huge prey, it brings down the Giraffe by dint of sheer
bodily strength and sharpness of tooth and claw.

To man it falls an easy prey, especially if it can be kept upon level ground, where a
horse can run without danger. On rough soil, however, the Giraffe has by far the
advantage, as it leaps easily over the various obstacles that lie in its way, and gets over
the ground in a curiously agile manner. It is not a very swift animal, as it can easily be
overtaken by a horse of ordinary speed, and is frequently run down by native hunters on
foot. When running, it progresses in a very awkward and almost ludicrous manner, by
a series of frog-like leaps, its tail switching and twisting about at regular intervals, and
its long neck rocking stiffly up and down in a manner that irresistibly reminds the
observer of those toy birds whose heads and tails perform alternate obeisances by the
swinging of a weight below. As the tail is switched sharply hither and thither, the tuft
of bristly hairs at the extremity makes a hissing sound as it passes through the air.

The Giraffe is easily traced by its " spoor," or footmarks, which are eleven inches in
length, pointed at the toe and rounded at the heel. The pace at which the animal has
gone is ascertained by the depth of the impression, and by the scattering of disturbed
soil along the path.

DEER. 687

Besides the usual mode of hunting and stalking, the natives employ the pitfall for
the purpose of destroying this large and valuable animal. For this purpose a very
curiously constructed pit is dug, being about ten feet in depth, proportionably wide,
and having a wall or bank of earth extending from one side to the other, and about six
or seven feet in height. When the Giraffe is caught in one of these pits, its fore-limbs
fall on one side of the wall, and its hind-legs on the other, the edge of the wall passing
under its abdomen. The poor creature is thus balanced, as it were, upon its belly
across the wall, and in spite of all its plunging, is unable to obtain a foothold sufficiently
firm to enable it to leap out of the treacherous cavity into which it has fallen. The pit-
falls which are intended for the capture of the hippopotamus and the rhinoceros are
furnished with a sharp stake at the bottom, which impales the luckless animal as it
falls ; but it is found by experience, that, in the capture of the Giraffe, the transverse
wall is even more deadly than the sharpened pike.

In spite of the great size of the Giraffe, and its very peculiar formation, it is not
nearly so conspicuous an animal as might be imagined. The long neck and dark skin
of the creature are so formed that they bear a close resemblance to the dried and
blasted stems of the forest trees. So close is the resemblance, that even the keen-eyed
natives have been known to mistake trees for Giraffes, and vice versd.

The Giraffe is generally found in little herds, sometimes only five or six in number,
and sometimes containing thirty or forty members, the average being about sixteen.
These animals are found of all sizes and both sexes, each herd being under the guid-
ance of one old experienced male,' whose dark chestnut hide and lofty head render him
conspicuous above his fellows. These herds are always found either in or very close
to forests, where they can obtain their daily food, and where they can be concealed
from their enemies among the tree-trunks, to which they bear so close a resemblance.

As the hide of the Giraffe is enormously thick, the animal is not easily to be killed
by the imperfect weapons with which the native tribes are armed, and does not readily
yield its life even to the bullets of the white man. It is but seldom that a single shot
has laid low one of these animals, and in these rare cases the balls were of heavy
calibre and made of hardened metal. The flesh of the Giraffe is considered to be
good, when rightly prepared, and its marrow is thought to be so great a delicacy that
the natives eagerly suck it from the bones as they are taken from the animal. When
cooked, it is worthy of a place on a royal table. The flesh is well fitted for being made
into jerked meat. The thick, strong hide, is employed in the manufacture of shoe-
soles, shields and similar articles.

DEER.

THE characteristics by which the different groups of DEER are distinguished, as well
as those which mark out the genus and species, are not at all self-evident, but are
variously given by various zoologists. Most writers base their classification solely
upon the horns, but as these ornaments are not to be found in every specimen, nor at
every season, such a classification would evidently be impracticable in many cases.
Moreover, the same species, or even the same individual, bears horns of quite a differ-
ent aspect at different times of its life, while several species which are clearly distinct
are furnished with closely similar horns. Bearing these difficulties in mind, Mr. Gray
has judiciously employed several characteristics in his systematic arrangement of the
Deer, and for that purpose has made use of the form and extent of the muzzle, the
position and presence of glands on the hind legs, the general form of the horns, and
the kind of hair which forms the fur.

From the Antelopes the Deer are readily distinguished by the character of the
horns, which only belong to the male animals, are composed of solid bony substances,
and are shed and renewed annually during the life of the animal. The process by which

688

THE MOOSE, OR ELK.

the horns are developed, die, and are shed, is a very curious one, and deserves a short
notice before we proceed to consider the various species of Deer which will be noticed
in the present work. For a familiar instance, we will take the Common Stag, or Red
Deer of Europe.

In the beginning of the month of March he is lurking in the sequestered spots of his
forest home, harmless as his mate and as timorous. Soon a pair of prominences make
their appearance on his forehead, covered with a velvety skin. In a few days these
little prominences have attained some length, and give the first indication of their true
form. Grasp one of these in the hand and it will be found burning hot to the touch,
for the blood runs fiercely through the velvety skin, depositing at every touch a minute
portion of bony matter. More and more rapidly grow the horns, the carotid arteries
enlarging in order to supply a sufficiency of nourishment, and in the short period of ten
weeks the enormous mass of bony matter has been completed. Such a process is
almost, if not entirely, without parallel in the history of the animal kingdom.

When the horns have reached their due development, the bony rings at their bases,
through which the arteries pass, begin to thicken, and by gradually filling up the holes,
compress the blood-vessels, and ultimately obliterate them. The velvet now having no
more nourishment, loses its vitality, and is soon rubbed off in shreds against tree-trunks,
branches, or any inanimate object. The horns fall off in February, and in a very short
time begin to be renewed. These ornaments are very variable at the different periods
of the animal's life, the age of the Stag being well indicated by the number of "tines"
upon his horns.

THE first group of Deer is that which includes the Deer of the snowy regions, and
comprehends two genera, the Elk and the Reindeer.

The MOOSE or ELK is the largest of all the deer tribe, attaining the extraordinary
height of seven feet at the shoulders, thus equalling many an ordinary elephant in di-
mensions. The horns of this animal are very large, and widely palmated at their ex-
tremities, their united weight being so great as to excite a feeling of wonder at the
ability of the animal to carry so heavy a burden. It does not reach its full develop-
ment until its fourteenth year. The muzzle is very large and is much lengthened in
front, so as to impart a most unique expression to the Elk's countenance. The color
of the animal is a dark brown, the legs being washed with a yellow hue. It is a native
of Northern Europe and America, the Moose of the latter continent and the Elk of the
former being one and the same species.

As the flesh of the Elk is palatable, and the skin and the horns extremely useful,
the animal is much persecuted by hunters. It is a swift and enduring animal, although
its gait is clumsy and awkward in the extreme. The only pace of the Elk is a long,
swinging trot ; but its legs are so long and its paces so considerable, that its speed is
much greater than it appears to be. Obstacles that are almost impassable to a horse,
are passed over easily by the Elk, which has been known to trot uninterruptedly over
a number of fallen tree-trunks, some of them five feet in thickness. When the ground
is hard and will bear the weight of so large an animal, the hunters are led a very
long and severe chase before they come up with their prey ; but when the snow lies
soft and thick on the ground, the creature soon succumbs to its lighter antagonists,
who invest themselves in snow-shoes and scud over the soft snow with a speed that
speedily overcomes that of the poor Elk, whick sinks floundering into the deep snow-
drifts at every step, and is soon worn out by its useless efforts.

It is as wary as any of the Deer tribe, being alarmed by the slightest sound or the
faintest scent that gives warning of an enemy. As the Elk trots along, its course is
marked by a succession of sharp sounds, which are produced by the snapping of the
cloven hoofs, which separate at every step, and fall together as the animal raises its
foot from the ground.

Generally, the Elk avoids the presence of man, but in some seasons of the year he
becomes seized with a violent excitement, that finds vent in fighting with every living
creature that may cross his path. His weapons are his horns and fore-feet, the latter
being used with such terrible effect that a single blow is sufficient to slay a wolf on the

THE MOOSE, OR ELK.

689

spot. The enormous horns form no barrier to his progress through the . woods, for
when the Elk runs, he always throws his horns well back upon his shoulders, so that
they rather assist than impede him in traversing the forest glades. The Elk is a capital
swimmer, proceeding with great rapidity, and often taking to the water for its own
amusement in Africa. During the summer months of the year it spends a considerable
portion of its time under water, its nose and horns being the only parts of its form which
appear above the surface. Even the very young Moose is a strong and fearless swimmer.
The skin of the Elk is extremely thick, and has been manufactured into clothing that
would resist a sword blow and repel an ordinary pistol ball. The flesh is sometimes
dressed fresh, but is generally smoked like hams, and is much esteemed. The large

MOOSE, OR ELK.— Alcea Malchls.

muzzle or upper lip is, however, the principal object of admiration to the lovers of Elk
flesh, and is said to be rich and gelatinous when boiled, resembling the celebrated
green fat of the turtle.

When captured young, the Elk is very susceptible of domestication, and in a few
hours will learn to distinguish its keeper, and to follow him about with playful confi-
dence. If, however, the animal has attained to a moderate growth, it becomes fierce,
surly, and dangerous. " In the middle of the night," says Audubon, speaking of a
young captive Elk, " we were awakened by a great noise in the hovel, and found that
as it had in some measure recovered from its terror and state of exhaustion, it began
to think of getting home, and was much enraged at finding itself so securely imprisoned.
We were unable to do anything with it, for if we merely approached our hands to the
opening of the hut, it would spring at us with the greatest fury, roaring and erecting

44

690

THE REINDEER.

its mane in a manner that convinced us of the futility of all attempts to save it alive.
We threw to it the skin of a deer, which it tore to pieces in a moment. This individual
was a yearling, and about six feet high."

By careful attention, however, and good training, the Elk can be used as a beast of
carriage or burden, and from its great size and power is extremely valuable in that
capacity.

Two varieties of the REINDEER inhabit the earth ; the one, called the Reindeer, being
placed upon the northern portions of Europe and Asia, and the other, termed the Caribou,
being restricted to North America. We will first describe the European variety.

REINDEER.— Tarandus Ranglfer.

This animal is very variabk in dimensions, specimens of very different height being
in the British Museum. The color is also variable, according to the season of year.
In winter the fur is long, and of a grayish-brown tint, with the exception of the neck,
hinder quarters, abdomen, and end of nose, which are white. In the summer, the gray-
brown hair darkens into a sooty brown, and the white portions become gray.

In its wild state the Reindeer is a migratory animal, making annual journeys from the
woods to the hills, and back again, according to the season. Their chief object in leaving
the forests in the summer months appears to be their hope of escaping the continual
attacks of mosquitoes and other insect pests that are found in such profusion about forest
land. The principal plague of the Reindeer is one of the gad-flies, peculiar to the species,
which deposits its eggs in the animal's hide, and subjects it to great pain and continual
harassment. Even in the domesticated state the Reindeer is obliged to continue its
migrations, so that the owners of the tame herds are perforce obliged to become partakers
in the annual pilgrimages, and to accompany their charge to the appropriate localities.

THE CARIBOU. 691

The nature of the persecutions to which the Reindeer is continually subjected is
well told by a correspondent to the Field newspaper : — " The herd looked very inisi-r-
able, as I thought ; there is nothing of the antlered monarch about the Reindeer, Inn a
careworn, nervous expression, which I do not wonder at, considering how they are
bullied. There are creatures which sting them all over, and creatures which lay their
eggs in their ears and nostrils, and make themselves comfortable under their skin ;
and wolves, and gluttons, and dogs, and Laps — in short, I know of no animal so per-
secuted (barring a rat, and he has his revenge, and lives on the fat of the land), and
nothing in return except snow, and moss which tastes like dry sponge."

The Laplanders place their chief happiness in the possession of many Reindeer,
which are to them the only representatives of wealth. Those who possess a herd of a
thousand or more are reckoned among the wealthy of their country ; those who only
own a few hundreds are considered as persons of respectability ; while those who only
possess forty or fifty are content to act as servants to their richer countrymen, and to
merge their little herd in that of their employers. In the waste, dry parts of Lapland,
grows a kind of white lichen, which forms the principal food of the Reindeer during
winter, and is therefore highly prized by the natives. Although this lichen may be
deeply covered with snow, the Reindeer is taught by instinct to scrape away the su-
perincumbent snow with its head, hoofs, and snout, and to lay bare the welcome food
that lies beneath. Sometimes the surface of the snow is frozen so firmly that the animal
can make no impression ; and under these circumstances it is in very poor case, many
of the unfortunate creatures dying of starvation, and the others being much reduced
in condition.

The Reindeer is extensively employed as a beast of draught and carriage, being
taught to draw sledges and to carry men or packages upon its back. Each Reindeer
can draw a weight of two hundred and fifty or even three hundred pounds, its pace
being between nine and ten miles per hour. There is, however, a humane law which
prohibits a weight of more than one hundred and ninety pounds npon a sledge, or one
hundred and thirty upon the back. It is a very enduring animal, as it is able to keep
up this rate of progress for twelve or more hours together.

The eyes of the Reindeer are very quick, and his hearing also acute ; but his sense
of smell is more wonderfully developed than either of the other senses.

The CARIBOU, or American variety of the Reindeer, is a large animal, measuring
three feet six inches in height at the shoulder when adult. Although it is specifically
identical with the European Reindeer, it has never yet been brought under the sway
of man, and trained to carry his goods or draw his sledges. Should it be employed
for these purposes, it would be a most valuable servant, for it is a very strong as well as
an enduring animal, leading its pursuers a chase of four or five days, and often event-
ually making good its escape. A small herd of these animals was chased continually
for a week ; and after tiring out their original hunters, lost two of their number by
the bullets of some fresh hunters who took up the chase. Whenever practicable
the Caribou makes for the frozen surface of the lakes, and is then sure to escape,
although the manner of doing so is ludicrously clumsy. Rushing recklessly forward,
the Caribou will be suddenly startled by some object in its front; and on attempting
to check its onward career, falls on the ice in a sitting posture, and in that attitude
slides for a considerable distance before it can stop itself. Recovering its feet, it then
makes off in another direction, and gets over the ground with such celerity that the
hunters always yield the chase whenever the animal gets upon the ice.

During the greater part of the year, the flesh of the Caribou is dry and tasteless, and
when eaten seems to have no effect in satiating hunger. There is, however, a layer of fat,
sometimes two or three inches in thickness, that lies under the skin of the back and croup
in the male, and is technically termed the depouille. This fatty deposit is so highly
esteemed that it outweighs in value the remainder of the carcass, including skin and
horns. The marrow is also remarkably excellent, and is generally eaten raw. When
pounded together with the depouille and the dried flesh it makes the best pemmican, a
substance which is invaluable to the hunter. Even the horns are eaten raw while they

692

THE CARIBOU.

are young, soft, and in the velvet. The skin is very valuable, especially when taken
from the young animal : and when properly dressed is an admirable defence against cold
and moisture. With the addition of a blanket, a mantle of Caribou skins is an ample
protection for any one who is forced to bivouac in the snow.

C ARI BOU. — Taraadus Ranglfer.

The Caribou lives in herds, which vary from ten to three hundred in number. As it
is so valuable an animal, it is subject to great persecution at the hands of white and red
hunters, who have very ingenious modes of trapping or stalking this wary and swift Deer.
The most ingenious plan is that which is employed by the Esquimaux, who dig a large
hole in the ground, about five feet in depth, and capable of holding several Deer. They

THE WAPITI. 693

then cover the aperture with a slab of ice or frozen snow, which is balanced on two
pivots in such a way that when a Deer treads upon the treacherous floor it suddenly
gives way, tilts him into the pit, and resumes its position in readiness for another victim.
Another plan is to make a large inclosure, at least a mile in circumference, and to drive
the Deer into its fatal precincts. The space within the inclosure is formed into numerous
alleys, in each of which are long nooses, so that the Deer are caught and strangled as
they move to and fro within the pound.

WE now come to the Deer which inhabit the warm or temperate regions of the
world, and which include the greater portion of the family. The first on the list is the
WAPITI, or CAROLINA STAG.

This magnificent animal is one of the largest of the Deer tribe, the adult male
measuring nearly five feet in height at the shoulders, and about seven feet nine inches
from the nose to the root of the tail. It is a native of North America, where it is
popularly known under the name of the Elk.

The Wapiti lives in herds of variable numbers, some herds containing only ten or
twenty members, while others are found numbering three or four hundred. These
herds are always under the command of one old and experienced buck, who exercises
the strictest discipline over his subjects, and exacts implicit and instantaneous obedi-
ence. When he halts, the whole herd suddenly stop, and when he moves on, the herd
follow his example. There must be some method by which he communicates his
orders to his followers, as the entire herd will wheel right or left, advance or retreat,
with an almost military precision.

This position of dignity is not easily assumed, and is always won by dint of sheer
strength and courage, the post being held against all competitors at the point of the
horn. The combats that take place between the males are of a singularly fierce
character, and often end in the death of the weaker competitor. An instance is known
where a pair of these animals have perished in a manner similar to that which will be
related of the carjacou, their horns having been inextricably locked together, causing
the poor creatures to die a sad death of hunger and thirst. When attacked by the
hunter, and wounded with a hurt that is not immediately mortal, the Wapiti will turn
fiercely on his opponent, and fight with the reckless courage of despair.

Although the bucks display such courage in fighting for their spouses, they treat them
very harshly when they have secured them, and always keep the poor creatures in
constant fear. It is not until they have lost their horns that the does seem to lose the
feelings of terror with which they regard their hard-hearted mates.

Even in captivity the male Wapiti retains its combative nature, as may be seen
from the following anecdote, which is related in the work of Messrs. Audubon and
Bachinan.

" A gentleman in the interior of Pennsylvania, who kept a pair of Elks (Wapitis) in a
large woodland pasture, was in the habit of taking pieces of bread or a few handfuls of
corn with him when he walked in the inclosure, to feed these animals, calling them up
for the amusement of his friends. Having occasion to pass through his park one day,
and not having furnished himself with bread or corn for his pets, he was followed by
the buck, who expected his usual gratification. The gentleman, irritated by the per-
tinacity with which he was accompanied, turned round, and picking up a small stick,
hit the animal a smart blow ; upon which, to his astonishment and alarm, the buck,
lowering his head, rushed at him, and made a furious pass with his horns.

Luckily, he stumbled as he attempted to fly, and fell over the prostrate trunk of a
tree near which lay another log, and being able to throw his body between the two
trunks, the Elk was unable to injure him, although it butted at him repeatedly,
and kept him prisoner for more than an hour. Not relishing this proceeding,
the gentleman, as soon as he escaped, gave orders to have the unruly animal de-
stroyed."

The Wapiti is a good swimmer, and even when very young, will fearlessly breast the
current of a wide and rapid river. Like many of the larger animals, it is fond of
submerging itself under water in the warm weather, for the sake of cooling its heated

694

THE WAPITI.

body, and of keeping off the troublesome insects. It is also a good runner, and although
burdened with its large and widely branched horns, can charge through the forest haunts
with perfect ease. In performing this feat, it throws its head well back, so that the horns
rest on the shoulders, and shoots through the tangled boughs like magic. Sometimes a
Wapiti will make a slight miscalculation in its leap, for Mr. Palliser saw one strike a

WAPITI.— Cervus Canadensls.

small tree with its forehead so fiercely, that the recoil of the elastic trunk threw
Wapiti fairly on its back upon the ice of a frozen stream which it had just crossed.

The food of the Wapiti consists of grass, wild pea-vine, various branches, and lichens.
In winter it scrapes among the snow with its fore-feet, so as to lay bare the scanty
vegetation below. When alarmed or excited, it gives vent to its feelings in a peculiar

THE STAG, OR RED DEER. 695

loud whistling sound, which on a clear quiet day may be heard at the distance of a mile.
While uttering this sound, the animal raises its head in a very peculiar manner, and
seems to eject the cry by a kind of spasmodic jerk. The flesh of the Wapiti is in great
favor among hunters, while the marrow-bones 'are prized as great dainties. The skin is
also valuable, being employed in the manufacture of mocassins, belts, thongs, and other
articles where strength and flexibility are required. The teeth are employed by the
Indians in decorating their dresses ; and a robe thus adorned, which is in the possession
of Mr. Audubon, was valued by its manufacturers as equivalent to thirty horses. The
horns are also employed for various useful purposes. It is a remarkable fact, that in
no two individuals are the horns precisely alike.

The STAG, or RED DEER, is spread over many parts of Europe and Asia, and is indig-
enous to the British Islands, where it still lingers, though in vastly reduced numbers.

In the olden days of chivalry and Robin Hood, the Red Deer were plentiful in every
forest ; and especially in that sylvan chase which was made by the exercise of royal
tyranny at the expense of such sorrow and suffering. Even in the New Forest itself
the Red Deer is seldom seen, and those few survivors that still serve as relics of a
bygone age, are scarcely to be reckoned as living in a wild state, and approach nearly to
the semi-domesticated condition of the Fallow Deer. Many of these splendid animals
are preserved in parks or paddocks, but they no more roam the wide forests in unques-
tioned freedom. In Scotland, however, the Red Deer are still to be found, as can be
testified by many a keen hunter of the present day, who has had his strength, craft, and
coolness thoroughly tested before he could lay low in the dust the magnificent animal,
whose head with its forest of horns now 'graces his residence.

Formerly, the Stag was placed under the protection of the severest penalties, its
slaughter being visited with capital punishment on the offender if he could be known
and arrested. Indeed, a man who murdered his fellow might hope to escape retribution
except by the avenging hand of some relation of the slain man, but if he were unfortunate
or daring enough to dip his hands in the blood of a Stag he could hope for no mercy
if he were detected in the offence.

All the ancient works on hunting are filled with the praises of the Stag, which is
belauded with a fluency of language and a fertility of expression that throw the modern
sporting terminology completely into the shade. Every minute particular concerning
the Stag itself, or the details of hunting, killing, cooking, and serving the animal is
graced with its appropriate phrase, and if a gentleman should have perchance misplaced
or omitted one of these ceremonious appellations, he would have been held in very low
esteem by his compeers.

Although the Stag has been several times partially domesticated and trained to run in
harness, it is a very capricious animal, and not a very safe servant. About the month
of August the Stag always becomes very much excited, as that is the time when he seeks
his mate, and during a space of three or four weeks the animal is testy and irritable in
temper, and prone to attack with a kind of blind rage every other animal except a female
of his own species. Comparatively tame Stags become dangerous at such a season, and
have frequently assaulted those human beings to whom they were formerly attached.
The sad death of a lady by an infuriated Stag is of recent occurrence, and may serve as
a warning to persons who are ignorant of the strange fury that makes annual seizure
of the animal's nature.

In the attack the Stag uses his fore-feet with as much force as the horns, and often
with terrible effect, inasmuch as his opponent is seldom prepared for such a mode of
action. The hard, pointed, sharp-edged hoofs of the creature become most formidable
weapons in this mode of fighting, and are urged with such force and velocity that the
coming blow can hardly be avoided. I once narrowly escaped an unexpected blow
from a Stag's hoof. I had been feeding the animal with tufts of grass, and was strok-
ing his neck and shoulders, when he suddenly reared up, and struck two blows
with his fore-feet with such rapidity that although I was aware of his intention, and
sprang backwards, the second stroke just reached one finger, and disabled it for
some days.

696

THE STAG, OR RED DEER.

STAG, OR RED DEER.— Cervus B'laphus.

The great speed of the Stag is proverbial, and needs no mention. It is an admirable
swimmer, having been known to swim for a distance of six or seven miles, and in one
instance a Stag landed in the night upon a beach which he could not have reached
without having swum for a distance of ten miles. The gallant beast was discovered by
some dogs as he landed, and being chased by them immediately after his fatiguing
aquatic exploit, was overcome by exhaustion, and found dead on the following morning.

THE FALLOW DEER.

697

The color of the Stag varies slightly according to the time of year. In the summer
the coat is a warm, reddish-brown, but in winter the ruddy hue becomes gray. The hind
quarters are paler than the rest of the fur. The young Red Deer are born about April,
and are remarkable for the variegated appearance of their fur, which is mottled with white
upon the back and sides. As the little creatures increase in dimensions, the white marking
gradually fades, and the fur assumes the uniform reddish-brown of the adult animal. For
a short time after its birth the young Deer is helpless, and unable to escape even from a
human pursuer, but it seems, nevertheless, to be possessed of much curious instinct, and
to obey the mandates of its mother with instantaneous readiness. Mr. St. John mentions
that he once saw a very young Red Deer, not more than an hour of age, standing by its
mother and receiving her caresses. As soon as the watchful parent caught sight of the
stranger, she raised her fore-foot and administered a gentle tap to her offspring, which

FALLOW DEER.— Dama vulgaris.

immediately laid itself flat upon the ground, and crouched closely to the earth, as if endeav-
oring to delude the supposed enemy into an idea that it was nothing more than a
block of stone.

The FALLOW DEER may readily be distinguished from the stag, by the spotted coat,
the smaller size, and the spreading, palmated horns.

Whether it is indigenous to this country is an open point, but it is generally believed
to be an importation from Southern Europe or Western Asia. It is never found in a truly
wild state like the stag, but is largely kept in parks, and adds much to the beauty of the
scene. There is hardly a more interesting sight than a herd of these graceful and active
creatures, either lying calmly under the shadow of a broad clump of trees, or tripping
along the sward under the guidance of their leaders, the old and sober proceeding at their
peculiarly elastic trot, and the young fawn exerting all kinds of fantastic gambols by way

698

THE AXIS DEER.

of expressing the exuberance of youthful spirits. There is always one " master " Deer
among them, who often couches alone in solitary state, apart from the rest of the herd, and
only accompanied by a few chosen does whom he honors with his lordly preference.

In his absence, the herd is commanded and guided by the younger and less formid-
able bucks, but whenever he chooses to make his appearance among his subjects, his
advent is always heralded by a general movement among the herd, the young bucks
moving silently aside and making room for their monarch. Sometimes a more deter-
mined male will protest against such inglorious conduct, and will retain his post at the
head of the herd. A threatening movement of the head is, however, generally suffi-
cient to make him move slowly away from the place of honor, and in extreme cases,
the offender against royal dignity is disdainfully swept aside by a blow from the horns
of the master Deer. Not until he begins to fail in strength will the subordinate males
venture to cross horns with one who has fought his way to the post which he holds,
and whose prowess is too practically known to be questioned.

The color of the Fallow Deer is generally of a reddish-brown, spotted with white,
and with two or three white lines upon the body. There is, however, another variety
which scarcely exhibits any of the white spots, and is of a deep blackish-brown.

The food of the Fallow Deer consists chiefly of grass, but it is very fond of bread,
and will sometimes display a very curious appreciation of unexpected dainties. I have
often seen them eat ham sandwiches in spite of the mustard, and enjoy them so
thoroughly that they pushed and scrambled with each other for the fragments as they
fell on the ground. At Magdalen College, Oxford, where many Deer are kept, it used
to be a common amusement to tie a crust to a piece of string, and let it down to the
Deer out of a window. The animals would nibble the bread, and as it was gradually
drawn aloft by the string, would raise themselves on their hind legs in order to reach
it. But when the master Deer loomed in the distance, all retired, leaving him to eat
the bread in solitary state. It was curious to see how a single Deer would contrive to
take into her mouth the entire side of a " half-quartern " loaf, and though it projected
on each side of her jaws, would manage, by dint of patient nibbling, to swallow the
whole crust without ever letting it drop out of her mouth.

It is from the Fallow Deer that the best venison is procured, that of the stag being
comparatively hard and dry. The skin is well known as furnishing a valuable leather,
and the horns are manufactured into knife-handles and other articles of common use.
The shavings of the horns are employed for the purpose of making ammonia, which has
therefore been long popularly known under the name of hartshorn. The height of the
adult Fallow Deer is about three feet at the shoulders. It is a docile animal, and can
be readily tamed. Indeed, it often needs no taming, but becomes quite familiar with
strangers in a very short time, especially if they should happen to have any fruit, bread,
or biscuit, and be willing to impart some of their provisions to their dappled friends.

The SAMBUR, or SAMBOO {Rusa Aristotelis\ is an example of the Rusine Deer of Asia.
It is a large and powerful animal, exceeding the red Deer in dimensions, and equalling
that animal in activity and energy. The horns of the Samboo are set on a rather long
footstalk, a snag projecting forwards just above the crown, and the tip simply forked.
Its color is a sooty-brown, with a patch of tan over the eyes, the feet, and by the root
of the tail. The male possesses a rather full and dark mane. It is generally a savage
and morose creature, being especially vicious when it is decorated with its powerful
horns. In its native land it is a water-loving animal, and is generally found in low-
lying forest land.

ANOTHER member of the Rusine Deer is the well-known Axis, CHITTRA, or SPOTTED
HOG DEER, of India and Ceylon.

The horns are not at all unlike those of the samboo, being placed on long footstalks,
and simply forked at their tips. The color of this pretty animal is rather various, but
is generally a rich golden-brown, with a dark brown stripe along the back, accompanied
by two series of white spots. The sides are covered with white spots, which at first sight
appear to be scattered irregularly, but are seen on a careful inspection to be arranged in

TITE AXIS DEER. f -i

( Miquc curved lines. There is also a white streak across the haunches. There are1,
however, many varieties of the Axis Deer, which differ in size as well as in color. The
height of the adult Axis is almost equal to that of the fallow Deer.

It does not appear to possess so much restless activity as is seen in many other Deer,
and owing to its nocturnal habits, is but seldom seen by day. It frequents the thick
grass jungles, preferring the low-lying lands, where a stream is within easy reach, and
passing the greater part of the day asleep, in the deep shade of the heavy foliage. If
disturbed, it flies off with great speed for a short distance, but does not appear to be
capable of maintaining a long chase.

AXIS DEER.— Axis maculata.

OF the Capreoline Deer, the common ROEBUCK is a familiar example.

This animal is smaller than the fallow Deer, being only two feet and three or four
inches in height at the shoulder, but although so small, can be really a formidable
animal, on account of its rapid movements, and great comparative strength. Speaking
of this animal, Mr. St. John makes the following remarks. After stating that when
captured young it can readily be tamed, he proceeds to say : —

" A tame buck becomes a dangerous pet, for after attaining to his full strength, he is
very apt to make use of it in attacking people whose appearance he does not like.

700

THE ROEBUCK,

They particularly single out women and children as their victims, and inflict severe and
dangerous wounds with their sharp-pointed horns. One day, at a kind of public garden
near Brighton, I saw a beautiful but small Roebuck in an inclosure, fastened with a
chain, which seemed strong enough and heavy enough to hold down an elephant.
Pitying the poor animal, an exile from his native land, I asked what reason they
could have for ill-using him, by putting such a weight of iron about his neck. The
keeper of the place, however, informed me, that small as the Roebuck was, the chain
was quite necessary, as he had attacked and killed a boy of twelve years old a few
days before, stabbing the poor fellow in fifty places with his sharp-pointed horns. Of
course I had no more to urge in his behalf."

ROEBUCK.— Capreolus Caprcea.

Yet, according to some practical writers on the subject the Roebuck will not turn
upon its pursuer, even when wounded and brought to bay. It is not found in large
herds like the fallow Deer, but is strictly monogamous, the single pair living together,
contented with each other's society. The horns of this animal have no basal snag, and
rise straight from the forehead, throwing out one antler in front, and one or two behind,
according to the age of the individual. From the base of the horn to the first antler the
horn is thickly covered with wrinkles. It is a most active little Deer, always preferring
the highest grounds, thence forming a contrast to the fallow Deer, which loves the
plains. It is seldom seen in England in a wild state, but may still be met in many
parts of Scotland.

The color of the Roebuck is very variable, but is generally as follows : The body is
always of a brown tint as a ground hue, worked with either red or gray, or remaining
simply brown. Round the root of the tail is a patch of pure white hair and the ab-
domen and inside of the limbs are grayish white. The chin is also white, and there is
a white spot on each side of the lips.

THE VIRGINIAN DEER, OR CARJACOU.

701

THE elegant and graceful CARJACOU, or VIRGINIAN DEER, is found in great numbers
in North America, and is not only interesting to the naturalist on account of the beauty
of its form, and the peculiarity of its habits, but is most valuable to the white and red
hunters, as affording them an unfailing supply of food and clothing.

The Carjacou may be known by the peculiar shape of its horns, which, in the adult
male, are of moderate size, bent boldly backwards, and then suddenly hooked forwards,
the tips being nearly above the nose. There is a basal snag on the internal side, point-
ing backward, and several other snags on the posterior edge. The color of this animal
is extremely variable, being of a light reddish-brown in spring, slaty-blue in autumn, and
dull brown in winter. The abdomen, throat, chin, and inner faces of the limbs are white.
The fawn is a remarkably pretty little creature, the ruddy-brown fur being profusely
decked with white spots, arranged in irregular lines, and sometimes merging into
continuous stripes. The height of the adult animal is five feet four inches, measured
from nose to root of tail,

VIRGINIAN DEER, OR CARJACOU.— Carlacus Vlrginlanus.

It is a timid animal, and so easily scared that the sight of a child fills it with alarm,
and urges it to seek refuge by flight. Yet, with a singular inconsistency, it hangs about
the skirts of civilization, and refuses to be driven from its favorite spots by the presence
of man, or even by the sound of fire-arms. Like the ourebi, it has a strong attachment to
certain localities, and if driven from its resting-place on one day, it will surely be found
on the next day within a few yards of the same spot. Sometimes it chooses its lair in
close proximity to some plantation, and, after feasting on the inclosed vegetables, leaps
over the fence as soon as its hunger is satiated, and returns to the spot which it had
previously occupied. The animal, however, does not often lie in precisely the same
bed on successive nights, but always couches within the compass of a few yards.

702 THE VIRGINIAN DEER, OR CARJACOU.

That the Carjacou is a good leaper has been already seen, and the experience of
many eye-witnesses shows that it displays equal prowess in the water. It is a good
swimmer, and is in the habit of venturing to the water-side in the warm weather, and
immersing itself in the stream, in order to rid itself of the persecuting ticks and mos-
quitoes. In the work of Messrs. Audubon and Bachman is a rather amusing anecdote.

" We recollect an occasion, when on sitting down to rest on the margin of the Santel
river, we observed a pair of antlers on the surface of the water, near an old tree, not
ten steps from us. The half-closed eye of the buck was upon us ; we were without a
gun, and he was therefore safe from any injury we could inflict upon him. Anxious to
observe the cunning he would display, we turned our eyes another way and commenced
a careless whistle, as if for our own amusement, walking gradually towards him in a cir-
cuitous route, until we arrived within a few feet of him. He had now sunk so deep in
the water that an inch only of his nose and slight portions of his prongs were seen
above the surface. At length we suddenly directed our eyes towards him and raised
our hands, when he rushed to the shore, and dashed through the rattling canebrake in
rapid style."

The same author remarks, that the speed of the Carjacou, when swimming, is very-
considerable, the animal cleaving the water so rapidly that it can hardly be overtaken by
a boat. As it swims, its whole body is submerged, the head only appearing above the
surface. It is not only a swift but a very enduring swimmer, having been often seen
crossing broad rivers, and swimming a distance of -two miles. When hunted by hounds,
the Virginian Peer has been known to baffle its pursuers by making for the sea-shore,
taking boldly to the water, and swimming out to sea for a mile or more.

The male is a most pugnacious animal, and engages in deadly contests with those of
his own sex, the prize being generally a herd of does. In these conflicts one of the
combatants is not unfrequently killed on the spot, and there are many instances of the
death of both parties in consequence of the horns interlocking within each other, and
so binding the two opponents into a common fate. To find these locked horns is not
a very uncommon occurrence, and in one instance three pair of horns were found thus en-
tangled together, the skulls and skeletons lying as proofs of the deadly nature of the strife.

In those parts of the country where it is unable to visit the plantations, the Carjacou
feeds on the young grasses of the plains, being fastidiously select in choosing the tenderest
herbage. In winter it finds sustenance on various buds and berries, and in autumn it
finds abundant banquets under the oaks, chestnuts, and beeches, revelling upon the
fallen fruit in amicable fraternity with other quadrupeds and various birds. This variety
of food does not render the animal fat at all times of the year, for excepting in the
months of August, September, and October, the Carjacou is in very poor condition.
It is then, however, very fat, and the venison is of remarkably fine quality. It is in Oc-
tober and November that the buck becomes so combative, and in a very few weeks he has
lost all his sleek condition, shed his horns, and retired to the welcome shelter of the forest.

The sight of the Carjacou does not seem to be very keen, but its senses of scent and-
hearing are wonderfully acute. The slightest sound, even the snapping of a dry twig,
will startle this wary animal, and the sense of smell is so acute that it is able to track its
companions solely by means of the scent. It is a thirsty animal, requiring water
daily, and generally visiting some stream or spring at nightfall. It is remarkably fond
of salt, and resorts in great numbers to the saline springs, or salt-licks," as they are
popularly termed. The Deer do not drink the briny water, but prefer licking the stones
at the edge where the salt has crystallized from the evaporation of the water.

When observed, the Carjacou leaps into the air like the bush-buck under similar
circumstances, turning its head in every direction in order to detect the cause of its
alarm, and then rushing away at full speed. Before it is accustomed to molestation, it
starts from its lair long before the hunter can approach, but when it has frequently been
harassed, it lies down, crouching to the ground, and endeavoring to escape the sight of
its foe. Whenever it behaves in this manner it is easily outwitted, by riding or walking
round the prostrate animal, and gradually lessening the circle, until it is withir. e^sy range.

When captured while young, the Carjacou is easily domesticateds and becomes even
toublesome in its confident tameness. A pair of these animals that were kept by Mr.

THE MUSK DEER.

703

Audubon were most mischievous creatures. They would jump into his study window,
and when the sashes were shut would leap through glass and woodwork like harlequin in a
pantomime. They ate the covers of his books, nibbled his papers, and scattered them
in sad confusion, gnawed the carriage-harness, cropped all the choice garden plants,
and finally took to biting off the heads and feet of the ducklings and chickens.

The skin of the Carjacou is peculiarly valuable to the hunter, for when properly
dressed and smoked, it becomes as pliable as a kid glove, and does not shrivel or
harden when subjected to the action of water. Of this material are formed the greater
part of the native Indian's apparel, and it is also employed for various articles of
civilized raiment.

As the Carjacou feeds, it always shakes its tail before it lowers or raises its head.
So by watching the movement of the tail, the hunter knows when he may move towards
his intended prey, and when he must lie perfectly quiet. So truly indicative of the
animal is this habit, that when an Indian wishes to signal to another that he sees a Car-
jacou, he moves his fore-finger up and down. This sign is invariably understood
by all the tribes of North American Indians.

MUSK DEER.-Moschus Moschlferus.

THE Moschine Deer are readily known by the absence of horns in both sexes, the
extremely long canine teeth of the upper jaw in the males, and the powerfully odorous
secretion in one of the species, from which they derive their popular as well as their
scientific title. There are at least eight or nine species of these curious animals.

The most celebrated of these little Deer, is the common MUSK DEER, which is a
native of the northern parts of India, and is found spread throughout a very large
range of country, always preferring the cold and elevated mountainous regions. The
height of the adult Musk Deer is about two feet three inches at the shoulders ; the
color is light brown, marked with a shade of grayish-yellow. Inhabiting the rocky
and mountainous locations of its native home, it is remarkably active and surefooted,
rivalling even the chamois or the goat in the agility with which it can ascend or descend
the most fearful precipices. The great length of the false hoofs adds much to the
security of the Musk Deer's footing upon the crags.

It is only in the male that the long tusks are seen, and that the perfume called musk is se-
creted. The tusks are sometimes as much as three inches in length, and therefore project

7°4

THE KANCHIL, OR PIGMY MOUSE.

considerably beyond the jaw. In shape they are compressed, pointed, and rathet
sharp-edged. The natives say that their principal use is in digging up the kastooree
plant, a kind of subterranean bulb on which the Musk Deer feeds, and which imparts
the peculiar perfume to the odorous secretion. The musk is produced in a glandular
pouch placed in the abdomen, and when the animal is killed for the sake of this treas-
ure, the musk-bag is carefully removed, so as to defend its precious contents from ex-
posure to the air. When securely taken -from the animal, the musk is of so powerful
an odor -as to cause headache to those who inhale its overpowering fragrance. The
affluence of perfume that resides in the musk is almost incredible, for a small piece
of this wonderful secretion may remain in a room for many years, and at the end of
that time will give forth an odor which is apparently not the least diminished by time.
On account of the value of the musk, the animal which furnishes the precious
substance is subjected to great persecution on the part of the hunters, who annually
destroy great numbers of these active little animals. The native hunters await the
season of migration, while the Deer are forced to pass into more clement latitudes in

KANCHIL, OR PIGMY MUSK.— Tragualus pygmaeus.

search of subsistence, and beset their path with various traps, besides seizing every
opportunity of destroying them by missiles. Although so good a leaper, and so well
adapted for traversing the rocky crags of its native hills, the Musk Deer is not a very
good climber, and descends slopes with great difficulty.

ANOTHER member of the Moschine group is the KANCHIL, or PIGMY MUCK (Trdgulus
pygmceus), a Deer which is found in the Asiatic islands, and which is as celebrated for
its cunning as is the fox among ourselves.

This animal is not nearly so large as the Musk Deer, and although somewhat similar
in color, may be distinguished by a broad black stripe which runs along the back of
the neck, and forms a wide band across the chest. Instead of living in the cold and
lofty mountain ranges which are inhabited by the Musk Deer, the Kanchil prefers the
thickly wooded districts of the Javanese forests. Like many other animals, the Kanchil
is given to " 'possuming," or feigning death when it is taken in a noose or trap, and as
soon as the successful hunter releases the clever actor from the retaining cord, it leaps
upon its feet and darts away before he has recovered from his surprise.

THE CAMEL.

The NAPU, or JAVA MUSK, inhabits JAVA and Sumatra, and without possessing the
intellect of the Kanchil, is a very pleasing animal to the sight, and as it is readily
domesticated, is well adopted to European menageries.

FROM the earliest times that are recorded in history, the CAMEL is mentioned as one
of the animals which are totally subject to the sway of man, and which in eastern
countries contribute so much to the wealth and influence of their owners.

There are two species of Camel acknowledged by zoologists, namely, the common
Camel of Arabia, which has but one hump, and the Mecheri, or Bactrian Camel, which
possesses two of these curious appendages. Of these two animals, the former is by far
the more valuable, as it is superior to its two-humped relative in almost every respect.
Admirably fitted, as are all animals, for the task which they are intended to perform, the

CAMEL.— Came/us Arablcus.

Camel presents such wonderful adaptations of form to duty, that the most superficial
observer cannot but be struck with the* exquisite manner in which the creature has been
endowed with the various qualities of mind and body which are needful under the
peculiar circumstances amid which it dwells.

As the animal is intended to traverse the parched sand plains, and to pass several
consecutive days without the possibility of obtaining liquid nourishment, there is an
internal structure which permits the animal to store up a considerable amount of water
for future use. For this purpose, the honeycomb cells of the "reticulum" are largely
developed, and are enabled to receive and to retain the water which is received into the
stomach after the natural thirst of the animal has been supplied. After a Camel has
been accustomed to journeying across the hot and arid sand wastes, it learns wisdom
by experience, and contrives to lay by a much greater supply of water than would be

45

706 SPEED OF THE CAMEL.

accumulated by a young and untried animal. It is supposed that the Camel is, in some
way, able to dilate the honeycomb cells, and to force them to receive a large quantity
of the priceless liquid.

A large and experienced Camel will receive five or six quarts of water into its
stomach, and is enabled to exist for as many days without needing to drink. Aided
by this internal supply of water, the Camel can satiate its hunger by browsing on the
hard and withered thorns that are found scattered thinly through the deserts, and
suffers no injury to its palate from their iron-like spears, that would direfully wound the
mouth of any less sensitive creature. The Camel has even been known to eat pieces
of dry wood, and to derive apparent satisfaction from its strange meal.

The feet of the Camel 'are well adapted for walking upon the loose dry sand, than
which substance is no more uncertain footing. The toes are very broad, and are
furnished with soft, wide cushions, that present a considerable surface to the loose soil,
and enable the animal to maintain a firm hold upon the shifting sands. As the Camel
is constantly forced to kneel in order to be loaded or relieved of its burden, it is
furnished upon the knees and breast with thick callous pads, which support its weight
without injuring the skin. Thus fitted by nature for its strange life, the Camel faces
the desert sands with boldness, and traverses the arid regions with an ease and quiet
celerity that has gained for the creature the title of Ship of the Desert.

The Camel is invariably employed as an animal of carriage, when in its native land,
and is able to support a load of five or six hundred pounds' weight without being over-
loaded. The Arab will not willingly injure his Camel by placing too heavy a burden
upon its back, but in India, and some other countries where the Camel has been
naturalized and domesticated, its treatment is barbarous in the extreme. Hundreds
of valuable animals are annually sacrificed on account of the covetousness of their
owners, who know that they will receive payment for every Camel that falls upon the
journey, and are consequently indifferent to the suffering and condition of those
animals which they have nominally taken under their care.

The pace of the Camel is not nearly so rapid as is generally supposed, and even
the speed of the Heirie, or swift Camel, has been greatly exaggerated. " In crossing
the Nubian desert," says Captain Peel, " I paid constant attention to the march of the
Camels, hoping it might be of some service hereafter in determinating our position.
The number of strides in a minute with the same foot varied very little, only from
thirty-seven to thirty-nine, and thirty-eight was the average; but the length of the
stride was more uncertain, varying from six feet six inches to seven feet six inches.
As we were always urging the Camels, who seemed, like ourselves, to know the neces-
sity of pushing on across that fearful tract, I took seven feet as the average. These
figures give a speed of 2*62 geographical miles per hour, or exactly three English
miles, which may be considered as the highest speed that Camels, lightly loaded, can
keep up on a journey. In general, it will not be more than two and a half English
miles. My dromedary was one of the tallest, and the seat of the saddle was six feet
six inches above the ground."

The speed of the Heirie is seldom more than eight or ten miles per hour, but the
endurance of the animal is so wonderful, that it is able to keep up this pace for twenty
hours without stopping. To back a Heirie at full speed is a terrible task, as the pecul-
iar jolting trot at which the animal proceeds is so rough and irregular that it seems to
dislocate every bone, and to shake the digestive organs almost out of their places. It
is needful for any one who wishes to make a long journey on one of these animals to
swathe himself tightly in bandages, in order to save himself from the ill effects of long
continued jolting.

The gentle disposition and sweet temper of the Camel is quite as imaginary as its
speed, for the creature is truly an ill-conditioned and morose beast, ever apt to bite,
and so combative as to engage in terrible conflicts with its own species as soon as it is
relieved of its load. Taking advantage of this disposition, the native chiefs will often
amuse themselves by combats between fighting Camels, which are trained for the pur-
pose, like the fighting tigers and buffaloes of India.

The true disposition of the Camel is told in a very spirited manner by the author of
" Life among the Pandies."

CHARACTER OF THE CAMEL. 707

" Invaluable he is, I admit ; likewise hardy, capable of carrying enormous loads for
great distances under a frightful sun, and generally admirably suited for the purpose
to which he is put, namely, that of a baggage animal. But to say that a Camel is
patient, to affirm that this great, grumbling, groaning, brown brute is either docile, meek
or sweet tempered, is stating what is simply not the case ; and I have no hesitation in
saying, that never do I remember to have seen a Camel in a good humor, or otherwise
than in open or moody hostility with the world at large ; at least, if outward appear-
ances are to be credited.

Watch him when he is being loaded ; see his keeper struggling frantically with him,
only succeeding in making him kneel down for the purpose by sheer force, and when
down only keeping him there by tying neck and fore-legs together tightly with a piece of
string ; hear him grumbling in deep, bubbling tones, with mouth savagely opened, and
I think that then at least you will admit he is by no means in as amiable a frame of mind
as one could wish. Observe him now that the process of loading is completed, and
the string which held him in subjection loosened ; up he rises, a great brown mountain,
still groaning, still bubbling, and away he goes, madly dashing to and fro, and shaking
off tables, portmanteaus, beds, furniture, and baggage in a scattered shower around
him ; and I think that even his stanchest admirers will allow, that neither at this mo-
ment is he in what one would call a pleasant humor.

Mr. Camel having, after some battling, been overcame and compelled to carry the
load to which he so objected, but not until he has damaged it considerably, arrives
when the march is over at the camping ground. It is then necessary to make him
kneel down to have that load removed, grumbling as much as ever, in opposition as
usual, beaten physically, but with soul unsubdued, and internally in a state of rebellion
and mutiny, a sort of volcano ready at any moment to burst forth."

The " hump " of the Camel is a very curious part of its stucture, and is of great
importance in the eyes of the Arabs, who judge of the condition of their beasts by the
size, shape, and firmness of the hump. They say, and truly, that the Camel feeds upon
his hump, for in proportion as the animal traverses the sandy wastes of its desert lands,
and suffers from privation and fatigue, the hump diminishes. At the end of a long
and painful journey, the hump will often nearly vanish, and it cannot be restored to
its pristine form until the animal has undergone a long course of good feeding. When
an Arab is about to set forth on a desert journey, he pays great attention to the humps
of his Camels, and watches them with jealous care.

Independently of its value as a beast of burden, the Camel is most precious to its
owners, as it supplies them with food and clothing. The milk mixed with meal is a
favorite dish among the children of the desert, and is sometimes purposely kept until
it is sour, in which state it is very grateful to the Arab palate, but especially nauseous
to that of a European. The Arabs think that any man is sadly devoid of taste who
prefers the sweet new milk to that which has been mellowed by time. A kind of very
rancid butter is churned from the cream by a remarkably simple process, consisting of
pouring the cream into a goat-skin sack, and shaking it constantly until the butter is
formed. The flesh of the Camel is seldom eaten, probably because the animal is too
valuable to be killed merely for the sake of being eaten. Sometimes, however, in a
season of festivity, a rich Arab will slay one of his Camels, and calling all his friends
and relations to the banquet, they hold high festival upon the unaccustomed dainty.
The long hair of the Camel is spun into coarse thread, and is employed in the manufac-
ture of broad-cloths and similar articles. At certain times of the year, the Camel
sheds its hair, in order to replace its old coat by a new one, and the Arabs avail them-
selves of the looseness with which the hair is at these times adherent to the skin, to
pluck it away without injuring the animal.

In extreme cases, when the water has failed for many days, and the desert fountains
are dried up, the Camel dies for the purpose of prolonging the life of its master, and
yields up the store of water which is laid up in the cells of the stomach. The water
thus obtained is of a light green color, and very unpleasant to the palate ; but when a
man is dying of thirst he is not very particular as to the quality of the liquid which may
save his life. Unpleasant though it be, this water is hardly more unpalatable than that

708

'HE BACTRIAN CAMEL.

which is carried in leathern bags on the Camel's back, and which is not only heated by
the rays of the fierce sun, but is strongly impregnated with a leathery flavor, and smells
as if it were taken out of a tan-pit. The water which is taken from the Camel's stomach
is even cooler than that which has been carried on its back, as the natural heat of the
animal is not comparable to that which is produced by the continual rays of the burn-
ing desert sun.

The height of an ordinary Camel at the shoulder is about six or seven feet, and its
color is a light brown, of various depths in different individuals, some specimens being
nearly black, and others almost white. The dromedary is the lighter breed of Camel
and is chiefly used for riding, while the ordinary Camel is employed as a beast of
burden. Between the two animals there is about the same difference as between a
dray-horse and a hunter, the Heirie being analogous to the race horse.

/tr

BACTRIAN CAMEL. -Came/us Bactrianus.

The BACTRIAN CAMEL is readily to be distinguished from the ordinary Camel by the
double hump which it bears on its back, and which is precisely analogous in its struc-
ture and office to that of the Arabian Camel.

The general formation of this animal ; its lofty neck, raising its head high above the
solar radiations from the heated ground ; its valve-like nostrils, that close involuntarily if
a grain of drifting sand should invade their precincts ; its wide cushion-like feet, and its
powers of abstinence, prove that, like its Arabian relative, it is intended for the purpose
of travers.ing vast deserts without needing refreshment on the way. This species is spread
through central Asia, Thibet, and China, and is domesticated through a large portion of

THE VICUGNA.

709

the world. It is not so enduring an animal as the Arabian species, requiring a fresh
supply of liquid every three days ; while the Arabian Camel can exist without water
for five or even six days. It is employed by the Persians in a rather curious military
capacity ; its saddle being furnished with one or two swivel guns, which are managed
by the rider. The corps is called the Camel Artillery, and is of considerable value in
the peculiar mode of fighting which is prevalent in the East.

The height of the Bactrian Camel is rather more than that of the Arabian species,
and its color is generally brown, which sometimes deepens into sooty black, and some-
times fades into a dirty white.

THE true camels are exclusively confined to the Old World, but find representatives
in the New World in four acknowledged species of the genus Llama.

These animals are comparatively small in their dimensions, and possess no hump, so
that they may easily be distinguished from the camels. Their hair is very woolly, and
their countenance has a very sheep-like expression, so that a full-haired Llama instantly

ALPACA LLAMA.— Llama Pacos.

reminds the spectator of a long-legged, long-necked sheep. The feet of the Llamas are
very different from those of the camels, as their haunts are always found to be upon
rocky ground, and their feet must of necessity be accommodated to the ground on which
they are accustomed to tread. The toes of the Llama are completely divided, and are
each furnished with a rough cushion beneath, and a strong, claw-like hoof above, so that
the member may take a firm hold of rocky and uneven ground.

Four species of Llamas are now acknowledged ; namely, the Vicugna, the Guanaco,
the Yamma, and the Alpaca, each of which will be briefly described.

The VICUGNA is found in the most elevated localities of Batavia and Northern Chili,
and is a very wild and untamable animal, having resisted all the attempts of the patient
natives to reduce it to a state of domestication. It is extremely active and sure-footed in
its mountain home, and being equally timid and wary, is seldom captured in a living state.
It lives in herds near the region of perpetual snow, and in its habits bears some resemblance
to the chamois. The short, soft, silken fur of this animal is very valuable, and causes

'7io THE ALPACA.

the death of thousands of Vicugnas, which are slain by various methods merely for the
sake of their coats. The color of the Vicugna is a nearly uniform brown, tinged with
yellow on the back, and fading into gray on the abdomen. Its height at the shoulder
is about two feet six inches.

The GUANACO is spread over a very wide range of country ranging over the whole of
the temperate regions of Patagonia. The color of this species is a reddish-brown, the
ears and hind legs gray. The neck is long in comparison to the size of the body, and
the height at the shoulder is about three feet six inches.

The Guanaco lives in herds varying in number from ten to thirty or forty, but is
sometimes seen in flocks of much greater numbers, resembling sheep, not only in their
gregarious habits, but in the implicit obedience with which they rely upon their leader.
Should they be deprived of his guardianship they become so bewildered that they run
aimlessly from spot to spot, and can be easily destroyed by experienced hunters. It
is a very wary and timid animal ; but like many creatures of similar disposition is pos-
sessed with so strong a feeling of curiosity that it can be attracted towards the hunter
if he lies down on the ground and kicks his feet in the air. Even the reports of his
rifle do not frighten the animals, who, says Darwin, consider them as part of the per-
formance. Still, it is a quick-sighted and wary animal, and if it perceives a human being
approaching its domicile, it sets up a shrill neighing scream, which is often the first
intimation of its presence. The whole herd then set off into a rapid canter along the
hill-side, and gain some elevated spot where they can feel themselves safe.

The Guanaco, in common with the other species, is rather short-tempered, and has a
very unpleasant habit of displaying its anger by discharging a shower of half-digested
food and saliva over the offender. Formerly, this salival discharge was thought to be
acrid, and capable of raising blisters upon the human skin. This, however, is
fortunately not the case, although the assault is eminently disagreeable, on account of
the ill scent of the ejected liquid. In its. wild state the Guanaco seems to have little
or no idea of resistance, being easily held by a single dog until the hunter
can come up and make sure of his prize. But in domesticated life, it seems to
imbibe a spirit of combativeness, for it will kick with both hind legs and deliver
severe blows with the knees of those limbs. Among themselves, however, the males
fight desperately, the cause of combat being generally some favored and coveted
female.

The Guanaco is wonderfully sure-footed upon rocky ground, and is also a good
swimmer, taking voluntarily to the water, and swimming from one island to another.
When near the sea, it will drink the salt water, and has often been observed in the act
of drinking the briny waters of certain salt springs.

The YAMMA, or LLAMA is of a brown, or variegated color, and its legs are long and
slender. In former days, this animal was the only beast of burden which was pos-
sessed by the natives, and it was largely used by the Spaniards (who described it as a
sheep) for the same purpose. It is able to carry a weight of one hundred pounds, and
to traverse about fourteen or fifteen miles per diem. As a beast of burden, it is now
being rapidly supplanted by the ass, while the European sheep is gradually taking its
place as wool-bearer. The flesh of the Llama is dark and coarse, and is accordingly
held in bad repute.

The ALPACA, or PACO is, together with the last animal, supposed by several zoologists
to be only a domesticated variety of the Guanaco. Its color is generally black, but is
often variegated with brown and white. The wool of this species is long, soft, silky, and
extremely valuable in the commercial world. A herd.of Llamas has been imported into
Australia, and seems to have succeeded remarkably well, the yield of wool having been
quite as rich as was hoped by the enterprising importer. It is a handsome and 3
gentle animal, and is only found in a domesticated state.

HORSES.

TARPAN, OR WILD HORSE.-Eequus Caballus.

HORSES.

THE HORSE has, from time immemorial, been made the companion and servant of man,
and its original progenitors are unknown. It is supposed, however, that the Horse must
have derived its origin from central Asia, and from thence have spread to almost every
portion of the globe.

There are several countries, such as Tartary and Northern America, where the Horse
runs wild, and has almost entirely reverted to its primeval state, thus affording an idea
of the manners and customs of the Horse before it was subjected to the dominion of
man. In Tartary, the Wild Horses are found in herds, consisting of many thousands in
number, and are actuated by a wonderful spirit of discipline, each herd acting under the
commands of a single leader, and executing his orders with military precision. The
Tartars recruit their studs from these herds, capturing the best and strongest animals
with the aid of a falcon, which is trained to settle on the Horse's head, and flutter its
wings about his face so as to blind and detain him until the hunter comes up to secure
his prize. The horses thus taken are coupled with the tame animals, and in a very short
time learn to perform their share of the work, and to obey the orders of their master as
implicitly as they once obeyed those of their quadrupedal leader.

Each herd is headed by an old experienced Horse, who holds his position by right of
conquest, and loses his chieftainship if vanquished by any opponent. The young males
are always excluded from these herds, and are forced to live solitary lives until they
can attract some of the opposite sex, and set up an establishment on their own account.
The color of the Wild Horse of Tartary is red, with a black stripe along the back,

7i2 THE MUSTANG.

Not only do the Tartars ride their Horses, but they drink the milk and eat the flesh,
so that a Horse-hunt is often conducted merely as a food-procuring expedition. From
the milk the Tartars manufacture a peculiar sub-acid liquid, which they term " koumiss,"
and is made by permitting it to become sour, and then stirring the curd and milk vio-
lently with a large stick until it is forced into a homogeneous mass. From the same
substance the Tartars make a fermented liquid. These Horses are very strong and
hardy, and the breed is preserved in good condition by the custom which prevails
among the Tartars of killing and eating the defective or weak foals, and preserving the
strong and healthy for use. Being brought up with the family, the Tartar Horse is
very gentle and familiar with its owners. When they are only a few months of age they
are ridden by the children, but never backed by a man until they are five or six years
old. They are then, however, severely treated, being forced to travel for several con-
secutive days, and to endure great privations of hunger and thirst.

ANOTHER well-known example of the Wild Horse is the MUSTANG of the American
prairies.

This animal is congregated into vast herds, which are always under the guardianship
of a single leader, who is able, in some wonderful manner, to convey his orders to all his
subjects simultaneously. Although surrounded by various enemies, such as the puma,
the wolf, and the jaguar, they care little for these ravenous and powerful carnivora,
trusting in their united strength to save them from harm. There is no animal that will
dare to face a troop of Wild Horses, which often entice the domesticated animals into
their ranks, and carry them exultingly into the free plains.

The Mustang is always a strong and a useful animal, and is much sought after
as a saddle-horse. To capture these wild creatures is a very difficult matter, and
is generally managed by the help of the lasso, although the rifle is sometimes
called into requisition in difficult cases. This latter plan, technically called " creasing,"
is never employed but by very accurate marksmen, as the difference of half an inch
in the line of fire is sufficient either to miss the animal or to kill it on the spot.
In " creasing " a Horse, the hunter aims so as to graze the skull just behind the
ear, the sudden blow stunning the Horse for a few seconds, during which time the
hunter pounces on the bewildered animal, and secures it before it has fairly
recovered its senses.

The lasso is, however, generally employed for this purpose, and, as it can be thrown
with precision to a distance of thirty feet, is a terrible weapon in practised hands. This
formidable instrument is very simple in construction, being a carefully plaited rope of
green hide, one end being furnished with an iron ring, and the other extremity fastened
to the saddle. When not in use, it is hung in coils upon a projection of the saddle, but
when the hunter has his game in view, he throws the coils over his left arm, makes a
slip-noose by means of the iron ring, and then, grasping the ring and cord firmly in his
left hand, so as to prevent the noose from slipping, he grasps the centre of the noose and
the main cord in his right hand, and is then ready for action. Swinging the large noose,
four or five feet in diameter, around his head, the weight of the iron ring giving a
powerful impetus, the hunter is able to hurl the leathern cord to its full length, and
with deadly aim. As the noose flies circling through the air it gradually contracts in
diameter, so that the hunter is forced to accommodate the size of the loop to the distance
of the object aimed at.

When fully caught, the Mustang is savage and furious at his discomfiture, and would
speedily escape from his bondage but for the clever and simple method of subjection
which is employed. The lasso being flung round its neck, the Horse nearly strangles
itself by its plungings and struggles, and is soon reduced to stand still and gasp for
breath. The hunter now dismounts from his Horse, and keeping his hands on the
lasso, advances cautiously towards the captured animal, hauling the rope tight when-
ever it tries to escape. In a short time he works his way towards the creature's head,
and seizing its muzzle in his hand, blows strongly into its nostrils. Overcome by some
strange influence, the Horse immediately becomes quiet, and in a few hours can
scarcely be distinguished from a regularly trained animal.

THE ARAB HORSE.

This mode of reducing the Horse to subjection is employed by the Comanche and
neighboring Indians, but the Gauchos, or inhabitants of the Pampas, manage in a
different and far more cruel manner, the idea of humanity never entering the head of
either Indian or white man. As soon as a Wild Horse is captured, its legs are sud-
denly pulled aside, and the poor animal falls prostrate on the ground. A Gaucho
then seats himself on his head, while others gird a saddle tightly on his back, and
force a bit into his mouth. The rider next stands astride the prostrate quadruped,
which is then released from the weight upon its head. Up leaps the Horse, striving in
vain to escape, for the Gaucho seats himself in the saddle as the animal rises, and is
never to be shaken off as long as the Horse disobeys his will. However restive the

MUSTANG.

poor creature may be, it soon exhausts itself by unavailing efforts, and becomes passively
submissive. Sometimes a stubborn and determined animal refuses to move, and stands
rooted to the spot on which it had fallen. The cruel spurs of the Gaucho, however,
soon set it going, and in a very short time it is thoroughly subdued.

THE elegant, swift, and withal powerful Horses of which England is so proud, and
which are employed in the chase of the course, owe their best qualities to the judicious
admixture of the Arabian blood. The ARAB HORSE has long been celebrated for its
swift limbs, exquisite form, and affectionate disposition ; the latter quality resulting,
however, chiefly from the manner in which it is tamed.

There are several breeds of Arab Horses, only one of which is of very great value.
This variety, termed the Kochlani, is so highly prized, that a mare of the pure breed
can hardly be procured at any cost, and even the male animal is not easy of attain-

7*4

THE RACE HORSE.

ment. The pedigree of these Horses is carefully preserved, and written in most florid
terms upon parchment. In some cases, the genealogy is said to extend for nearly two
thousand years. The body of the Arab Horse is very light, its neck long and arched,
its eye full and soft, and its limbs delicate and slender. The temper of the animal is
remarkably sweet, for as it has been born and bred among the family of its owner, it
avoids injuring even the little children that roll about among its legs, as carefully as
if they were its own offspring. So attached to its owner is this beautiful Horse, that if
he should be thrown from its back, the animal will stand quietly by its prostrate mas-
ter, and wait until he gains strength to remount.

The training of the Kochlani is not so severe as is generally imagined, for the pres-
ence of water and abundant pasturage is absolutely necessary, in order to rear the
animal in a proper manner. Not until the strength and muscles of the animal are

ARAB HORSE.

developed, is a trial permitted, and then it is truly a terrible one. When the mare — for
the male animal is never ridden by the Arabs — has attained her full development,
she is mounted for the first time, and ridden at full speed for fifty or sixty miles with-
out respite. Hot and fainting, she is then forced into deep water, which compels her
to swim, and if she does not feed freely immediately after this terrific trial, she is re-
jected as unworthy of being reckoned among the true Kochlani.

For the animals which will stand this terrible test the Arab has almost an idolatrous
regard, and will oftentimes spare an enemy merely on account of his steed.

The RACE HORSE of England is, perhaps, with the exception of the foxhound, the
most admirable example of the perfection to which a domesticated animal can be
brought by careful breeding and training.

THE RACE HORSE.

Whatever may have been its original source, the Racer has been greatly improved by
the mixture of Arab blood, through the means of the Godolphin and Derby Arabians.
The celebrated Horse Eclipse was a descendant, on the mother's side, of the Godolphin
Arabian, that wonderful animal which was rescued from drawing a cart in Paris, and
which was afterwards destined to play so important a part in regenerating the breed of
English racers. He was also descended, on his father's side, from the Darley Arabian.
It is a remarkable fact, that both parents of this extraordinary animal were unappre-
ciated by their owners, Marsk, his father, having been purchased for a mere trifle, and
then permitted to run nearly wild in the New Forest. Spiletta, his mother, only ran one
race, in which she was beaten, and Squirt, the father of Marsk, was actually saved by
the intercession of a groom as he was being led to the slaughter-house.

RACE HORSE

Eclipse was never beaten, and his racing career extended only through seventeen
months, and in that short period of time he won more than twenty-five thousand pounds.
At his last race he was obliged to walk over the course, as no one dared enter a Horse
against him. Ten years after that event, his owner, Mr. O'Kelly, was requested to sell
him, and demanded the sum of twenty-five thousand pounds, an annuity of five hundred
pounds a year, together with six of his offspring yearly. When he died, in 1789, he was
twenty-five years old, and had realized for his owner a princely fortune. His skeleton is
now in the museum at Oxford. His shape was very remarkable, the hinder quarters
being .considerably higher than the shoulders, and his breathing was so thick that it
could be heard at a considerable distance. He was originally purchased for seventy-
five guineas, at the death of the Duke of Cumberland, by whom he was bred.

716 THE HUNTER.

MANY thorough-bred Horses which are not suitable for the purposes of the turf are
admirably adapted for the chase, and are trained for that purpose. The body of the
Hunter should not be so long as that of the racer, and requires greater compactness, in
order that he may not fatigue himself by taking too long a stride over ploughed land.
A comparatively large foot is required, in order to save it from being destroyed by the
rapid alternation of soft and hard ground which the animal is obliged to traverse, and
which would batter a small contracted foot to such an extent as to render the Horse
useless. The low shoulders of Eclipse would be very injurious in a Hunter, on account
of the numerous and trying leaps which it is often called upon to perform.

The best bred Horses are generally the most affectionate and docile, although their
spirit is very high, and their temper hot and quick. There are few animals which are
more affectionate than a Horse, which seems to feel a necessity for attachment, and if
his sympathies be not roused by human means, he will make friends with the nearest
living being. Cats are great favorites with Horses, and even the famous Chillaby, called,
from his ferocity, the Mad Arabian, had his little friend in the shape of a lamb, which
would take any liberties with him, and was accustomed to butt at the flies as they came
too near his strange ally. The Godolphin Arabian was also strongly attached to a cat,
which usually sat on his back, or nestled in the manger. When he died, the cat pined
away and soon followed her loved friend.

These examples are sufficient to show that the ferocity of these animals was caused
by the neglect or ignorance of their human associates, who either did not know how
to arouse the affectionate feelings of the animal, or brutally despised and crushed them.
The Horse is a much more intelligent animal than is generally supposed, as will be
acknowledged by any one who has possessed a favorite Horse, and treated it with
uniform kindness.

There is no need for whip or spur when the rider and steed understand each other,
and the bridle is reduced almost to a mere form, as the touch of a finger, or the tone of
a voice, is sufficient to direct the animal. We are all familiar with the elephantine
dray-horses that march so majestically along with their load of casks, and which
instantaneously obey the singular sounds which continually issue from the throats of
their conductors, and back, stop, advance, or turn to the right or left, without requiring
the touch of a rein or the blow of a whip. The infliction of pain is a clumsy and a
barbarous manner of guiding a Horse, and we shall never reap the full value of the
animal until we have learned to respect its feelings, and to shun the infliction of torture
as a brutal, a cowardly, and an unnecessary act. To maltreat a child is always held
to be a cowardly and unmanly act, and it is equally cowardly and unworthy of the
human character to maltreat a poor animal which has no possibility of revenge, no hope
of redress, and no words to make its wrongs known. Pain is pain, whether inflicted
on man or beast, and we are equally responsible in either case.

As an unprejudiced observer, with no purpose to serve, and without bias in either
direction, I cannot here refrain from observing, that Mr. Rarey's method of bringing the
Horse under subjection is a considerable step in the right direction, and a very great
improvement on the cruel and savage method which is so often employed by coarse and
ignorant men, and truly called " breaking." Having repeatedly witnessed the successful
operations of that gentleman, in subduing Horses that had previously defied all efforts,
I cannot be persuaded that it is a. cruel process. The method by which it is achieved is
now sufficiently familiar, and I will only observe, that the idea is a true and philosophical
one. The Horse is mostly fierce because it is nervous, and bites and kicks, not because
it is enraged, but because it is alarmed. Restore confidence, and the creature becomes
quiet, without any desire io use its hoofs and teeth in an aggressive manner. It is
clearly impossible to do so as long as the animal is at liberty to annihilate its teacher,
and the strap is only used until the Horse is convinced that the presence of a human
form, or the touch of a human hand, has nothing of the terrible in it. Confidence
soon takes the place of fear, and the animal seems to receive its teacher at once into
its good graces, following him like a dog, and rubbing its nose against his shoulder.

The ingenuity of the Horse is very considerable, and the creature will voluntarily
perform acts that display a considerable amount of intellect. From a number of

THE HUNTER.

anecdotes relating to the intellectual powers of the Horse, I select the following, some
of them entirely original, and others very little known :

An orchard had been repeatedly stripped of its best and ripest fruit, and the maraud-
ers had laid their plans so cunningly that the strictest vigilance could not detect them.
At last the depredators were discovered to be a mare and her colt which were turned out
to graze among the trees. The mare was seen to go up to one of the apple-trees and-to
throw herself against the trunk so violently that a shower of ripe apples came tumbling
down. She and her offspring then ate the fallen apples, and the same process was
repeated at another tree. Another mare had discovered the secret of the water-butt,
and whenever she was thirsty, was accustomed to go to the butt, turn the tap with her

HUNTER.

teeth, drink until her thirst was satisfied, and then to close the tap again. I have
heard of two animals which performed this feat, but one of them was not clever enough
to turn the tap back again, and used to let all the water run to waste.

A careless groom was ordered to prepare a mash for one of the Horses placed under
his care, and after making a thin, unsatisfactory mixture, he hastily threw a quantity
of chaff on the surface and gave it to the Horse. The animal tried to push away the
chaff and get his nose into the mash, but was unable to do so, and when he tried to
draw the liquid, into his mouth, the chaff flew into his throat and nearly choked him.
Being baffled, he paused awhile, and then pulled a lock of hay from the rack. Push-
ing the hay through the chaff, he contrived to suck the liquid mash through the inter-
stices until the hay was saturated with moisture. He then ate the piece of hay, pulled
another lock from the rack, and repeated the process until he had finished his mash.

THE HACKNEY, OR ROAD HORSE.

LIKE the race horse and the hunter, the HACKNEY or ROAD HORSE is obtained by
judicious breeding, and is said by Mr. Youatt to be " more difficult to find than even
the hunter or the courser. There are several faults that may be overlooked in the hunter,
but which the Road Horse must not have. The former may start, may be awkward
in his walk or even his trot, he may have thrushes or corns ; but if he can go a good
slapping pace, and has wind and bottom, we can' put up with him and prize him. But
the Hackney, if he is worth having, must have good fore legs and good hinder ones too ;
he must be sound on his feet, even-tempered, no starter, quiet in whatever situation he
may be placed, not heavy in hand, and never disposed to fall on his knees. A Hack-
ney is far more valuable for the pleasantness of his paces and his safety, good temper
and endurance, than for his speed. We rarely want to go more than eight or ten miles

HACKNEY, OR ROAD HORSE,

an hour, and on a journey not more than six or seven. The fast Horses, and especially
the fast trotters, are not even in their paces, and although they may perform very ex-
traordinary feats, are disabled and worthless when the slower Horse is in his prime."

The same author, to whose valuable work on the Horse the reader is referred as a
treasury of valuable information, proceeds to observe that pure blood is disadvan-
tageous to a Hackney, as it gives small hoofs, slender legs, and a long stride, each of
which qualities would be hurtful on the hard stony road. There should, however, be a
spice of high breeding in the animal, the amount to be regulated by the country in
which it lives and the work which it has to perform.

When properly managed and kindly treated, the Hackney is a most intelligent ani-
mal, displaying a singularly excellent memory. This extraordinary memory of the
Horse has often proved serviceable to its owner, and in many instances has been made

THE AMERICAN TROTTER.

719

the means of saving his life. An ordinary Hackney had been ridden to a spot far from
home, very difficult to find, and into which neither he nor his rider had previously been.
Two years afterwards, the same journey was repeated, but at a distance of three or four
miles from his destination the night closed in and the rain poured in torrents. Having
entirely lost his way, the rider in despair flung the reins on his Horse's neck, and left him
to his own desires. The intelligent animal proved himself equal to the trust which was
reposed in him, and in half an-hour drew up at the house which his master was visiting.

The power of the well-bred Hackney may be imagined from the following feat,
recorded in the above mentioned work, —

•" An English-bred mare was matched to trot one hundred miles in ten hours and a
half. She was one of those rare animals that could do almost anything as a hack, a

AMERICAN TROTTER.

hunter, or in harness. On one occasion, after having, in following the hounds and
travelling to and from course, gone through at least sixty miles of country, she fairly
ran away with her rider over several ploughed fields. She accomplished the match in
ten hours and fourteen minutes, or deducting thirteen minutes for stoppages, in ten
hours and a minute's actual work, and thus gained the victory. She was a little tired
and being turned into a horse-box, lost no time in taking her rest. On the following
day she was as full of life and spirit as ever. The owner had given positive orders to
the driver to stop at once on her showing decided symptoms of distress, as he valued
her more than anything he could gain by her enduring actual suffering."

OUR Transatlantic brethren have long been celebrated for the excellence of their
trotting Horses, and have succeeded in obtaining a breed of Horses that are intended

720

THE CLEVELAND, OR CARRIAGE HORSE.

exclusively for that pace. In America the trot is the only pa'ce that is valued, and tht
energies of the animal are all directed to that single point. A good trotter is possessed
of .endurance as well as speed, for one of these animals trotted one hundred miles in ten
hours and seven minutes, inclusive of thirty-seven minutes which were occupied in
refreshment and stoppages, so that the actual time occupied was only nine hours
and a half.

IN the present times, when railways have taken the place of the old mail coaches,
the regular Coach Horse is little needed, and has been metamorphosed into the hand-
some but less-enduring Carriage Horse.

CLEVELAND, OR CARRIAGE HORSE.

A valuable Carriage Horse has a large admixture of good blood in him, and as he
is required more for the sake of appearance than for steady, hard work, he is required
to possess a high, strong action and proud bearing, well arched neck, and a light springy
step. His speed is very considerable, and he can do a great amount of work, but he
is not fitted for dragging heavy loads like his predecessors, nor can he endure a con-
tinuance of work, for several days in succession. The splendid action of the Carriage
Horse, although it is very showy, and adds much to the magnificence of his appearance,
is injurious to the welfare of his feet and legs, which are sadly damaged by being battered
against the hard stones of the street pavements.

The name of Cleveland Horse is given to this animal because it derives its origin from
the Cleveland Bay, a variety of the Horse that is largely bred at Cleveland, in the North
Riding of Yorkshire, and which, when crossed with more or less thorough-bred animals,
produces the best Carriage Horses in the world. Very great care is bestowed on this

THE SUFFOLK PUNCH.

721

important subject, and in the finest animals there is so much of the pure blood that, in
the words of Mr. Youatt, " the Coach Horse is nothing more than a tall, strong, over-
sized hunter." According to the same experienced author, the principal points in the
Carnage Horse are substance well placed, a deep and well-proportioned body, bone
under the knee, and sound, open, tough feet.

THE true, pure-blooded SUFFOLK PUNCH is now nearly extinct, having been so
frequently crossed with other breeds that its individuality has been almost entirely
lost.

The old Suffolk Punch, so called from its round, punchy form, is a wonderful
animal for pulling, being built as if expressly for the purpose of dragging great weights
with unflinching perseverance. A team of these Horses needs no incitement by the

SUFFOLK PUNCH.

whip, but as soon as they hear the command of their driver, they fling their whole
weight into the collar, and almost throw themselves on their knees in their anxiety to
fulfil their task. They seem to be perfectly aware of their powers, and to be jealously
tenacious of their supremacy, for even if they find after one or two efforts that the load
resists their best endeavors, they do not refuse to exert themselves any further, as is
often the case with draught Horses, but will persevere in pulling until they drop with
fatigue. The low, heavy shoulder, and strong quarters of the Suffolk Punch are of
infinite service in drawing the plough or the cart, and its hardy frame and determined
disposition enable it to support a hard day's labor without being overcome.

These valuable characteristics have been employed in improving the breed of carriage
Horses, for it is a wonderful fact, and one which cannot be too carefully considered,
that mental traits are more enduring than bodily form, and that a crossed breed derives
46

722

THE FLEMISH HORSE.

its true value, not so much from the outward form which is obtained by the cross, but
from the mental characteristics that are transmitted through a series of generations.
The reader may remember that in the case of the greyhound, a bull-dog cross was
introduced in order to impart courage and determination to a breed that had sacrificed
everything to speed, and that although the bull-dog form was totally eradicated in a
few generations, the bull-dog spirit remained.

Thus with the Suffolk Punch. Some of the best carriage Horses have been obtained
by crossing the Suffolk Punch with a thorough-bred hunter, so as to unite the ex-
cellences of the two animals, giving speed and rapid force to the draught Horse, an<
the power of pulling to the hunter.

FLEMISH HORSE.

AN elephant among Horses, the mixed Flemish and Black Draught Horse is familiar
to all Londoners as drawing the heavy drays on which beer is conveyed from the brew-
eries to the purchaser.

This enormous animal is really needed for his peculiar work, although a natural
emulation that exists between the different firms leads them to rival each other in the
size and magnificence of their dray Horses, as well as in the excellence of their beer.
It is a general idea that the dray Horses derive their huge bulk from being fed on
grain and permitted to drink beer, and that the draymen owe their large proportions
and rubicund aspect to similar privileges. Such is, however, not the case, as the Horses
are bred especially for the purpose, and the men are chosen with an eye to their jovial
aspect. It would never ans.wer for a brewer to keep a poor, wizened, starveling
drayman, for the public would immediately lay the fault on the beer, and transfer their
custom elsewhere.

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE.

723

The dray Horse is a very slow animal, and cannot be permanently quickened in his
pace, even if the load be comparatively light. Its breast is very broad, and its shoulders
thick and upright, the body large and round, the legs short, and the feet extremely 1.
The ordinary pace of the heavy Draught Horse is under three miles per hour, but by
a judicious admixture of the Flemish breed, the pace is nearly doubled, the endurance
increased, and the dimensions very slightly diminished. The great size of the dray
Horse is required, not for the absolute amount of pulling which it performs, but for the
need of a large and heavy animal in the shafts to withstand the extreme jolting and
battering that takes place as the springless drays are dragged over the rough stones of
the metropolis. And as a team of two or three small leaders and one huge wheeler
would look absurd, it is needful to have all the Horses of uniform dimensions and
appearance.

CLYDESDALE CART HORSE.

The genuine dray Horse is a noble beast, and it is very pleasant to see the kindly
feelings which exist between them and their drivers. The long whip is carried upon
the drayman's shoulders more as a badge of office than as an instrument of torture, and
if used at all, it is gently laid upon the Horse's back, accompanied with some endear-
ing language, which is very intelligible to the Horse, but not to be comprehended by
ordinary human intellects.

ONE of the best Horses for ordinary heavy work is the CLYDESDALE CART HORSE, an
animal which has derived its name from the locality where it was first bred. It is larger
than the Suffolk Punch, and owes its origin to the Lanark Horse, crossed with the
large Flemish breed. In temper it is docile, and it is possessed of enormous strength

THE SHETLAND PONY.

and great endurance. The pure breed is large and heavy, and is notable for a very
long stride. When judiciously crossed with other breeds it produces offspring which
are extensively employed in the carriage and for the saddle. The figure of the Clydes-
dale Cart Horse which, accompanies this brief notice is a portrait of a remarkably
fine animal named Prince Albert.

SEVERAL breeds of partially wild Horses are still found in the British islands, the
best known of which is the SHETLAND PONY.

This odd, quaint, spirited little animal is an inhabitant of the islands at the northern
extremity of Scotland, where it runs wild, and may be owned by any one who can catch
and hold it. Considering its diminutive proportions, which only average seven or eight
hands in height, the Sheltie is wonderfully strong, and can trot away quite easily with
a tolerably heavy man on its back. One of these little creatures carried a man of
twelve stone weight for a distance of forty miles in a single day. The head of this

little animal is small, the neck short and well arched, and covered with an abundance*
of heavy mane, that falls over the face and irresistibly reminds the spectator of a
Skye-terrier. It is an admirable draught Horse when harnessed to a carriage of pro-
portionate size ; and a pair of these spirited little creatures, when attached to a low
lady's carriage, have a remarkably piquant and pretty appearance.

MAN has so long held the DOMESTIC Ass under his control, that its original progen-
itors have entirely disappeared from the face of the earth.

There are, as it is well known, abundant examples of wild Asses found in various
lands, but it seems that these animals are either the descendants of domesticated 'Asses
which have escaped from captivity, or mules between the wild and domestic animals.
In size and general appearance the Ass varies greatly, according to the country which
it inhabits, and the treatment to which it is subjected. The Spanish kind, for example,
is double the size of the ordinary English Ass, and even the latter animal is extremely
variable in stature and and general dimensions. As a rule, the Ass is large and sleek-
haired in warm countries, and small and woolly-haired in the colder parts of the globe.

THE ASS.

72S

Strong, surefooted, hardy, and easily maintained, the Ass is of infinite use to the
poorer classes of the community, who need the services of a beast of burden, and can-
not afford to purchase or keep so expensive an animal as a hbrse. In the hands of
unthinking and uneducated people, the poor creature generally leads a very hard life,
and is subjected to much and undeserved ill-treatment ; not so much from deliberate
cruelty as from want of thought. We often see the poor animal laden with a burden that
is evidently beyond its powers, and continually urged forward by blows. Not long ago, I
saw a poor donkey harnessed to a low cart in which were seated three full-grown women,
one of whom was continually belaboring the animal with a thick stick. Presently they
stopped, took up a fourth passenger, and again moved on in spite of all remonstrances
on behalf of the unfortunate creature that was forced to drag so heavy a weight.

ASS.—A'slaus vulgaris.

This cruel treatment is a impolitic as it is inhuman ; for there are few animals
which will better repay kindness than the Ass, or will develop better qualities.

Some years ago a very excellent movement was started by Captain Scott, R. N., for
the purpose of ameliorating the condition of certain unfortunate donkeys which were
employed in the conveyance of coal, and were in a most pitiable condition.

Several persons had attempted to remonstrate with the owners of the poor animals,
and had only been insulted, without achieving any successful result. Captain S. however,
struck out another line of conduct, and instead of abusing or persecuting those who
treated their animals badly, he offered prizes to those who could produce the best and
healthiest donkey. Several persons joined him in this most laudable undertaking, and
they held quarterly meetings, at which the prizes were bestowed. A medal was also
given to each successful competitor, and the association pledged themselves to employ no

726 INTELLIGENCE OF THE ASS.

donkey-driver who could not produce a medal. The natural consequences followed.
The public soon took up the idea, the medal-holders carried off all the trade, and the
cruel and neglectful drivers were either forced to conform to the regulations of the
society, or to betake themselves and their beasts elsewhere.

It is a very great mistake to employ the name of Ass or donkey as a metaphor for
stupidity, for the Ass is truly one of the cleverest of our domesticated animals, and will
lose no opportunity of displaying his capability whenever his intelligence is allowed to
expand by being freed from the crushing toil and constant pain that are too often the
concomitants of a donkey's life. Every one who has petted a favorite donkey will
remember many traits of its mental capacities ; for as in the case of the dom-
estic fool of the olden days, there is far more knavery than folly about the
creature.

One of these animals was lately detected in a most ingenious theft. A number of
rabbits were kept in a little outhouse, and inhabited a set of hutches fastened to the
wall. One day it was found that nearly all the store of oats had suddenly vanished
from the outhouse without any visible reason. Next morning, however, the donkey
who lived in an adjoining meadow was seen to open the gate which led into his field,
and cautiously shut it after him. This conduct afforded a clue to the disappearance of
the oats, and upon a careful search being made, his footmarks were traced along the
path to the rabbit-house, and even on the ground among the hutches. It was very
clear that the ingenious animal must have unlatched his own gate, unfastened the loop
of the rabbit-house, finished all the oats, and have returned as he went, re-fastening
all the doors behind him. In leaving the rabbit-house he must have backed out, as
the place was not wide enough to permit him to turn.

He was very familiar with the children, and would permit three of them to ride on
his back together. After a while the boys went to school, and some ponies were pro-
cured for the other members of the family, so that Sancho had a long holiday. When
the boys returned from school, they mounted Sancho as usual for the purpose of
having their ride. The cunning animal allowed them to seat themselves, and then
coolly shook them off again. This process he repeated until they gave up the hope-
less attempt, and Sancho gained his purpose.

That a donkey has more than once succeeded in beating off the attacks of a leopard
by vigorous and rapid kicks of his hind-feet is well known, and an incident occurred
some years ago which shows that the animal is as valiant in opposing dogs as in fighting
leopards. A surly, ill-intentioned man, who possessed an equally surly bull-dog, set
his animal at an unoffending donkey. The bull-dog, nothing loth, made at his
intended victim and sprang at him. The Ass, however, cleverly avoided the dog's
onset, seized him in its teeth, carried him to the river Derwent, near which the scene
occurred, plunged him under water, and there, lying down upon him, prevented him
from regaining the surface, and fairly drowned his opponent.

Another Ass displayed a singular discrimination of palate, being celebrated for his
love of good ale. At one road-side inn the landlady had been very kind in supplying
the donkey with a glass of his loved beverage, and the natural consequence was,
that the animal could never be induced to pass within a moderate .distance of
the spot without going for his beer. Neither entreaties nor force sufficed to turn
his head in another direction, and his master was in such cases obliged to make
the best of the matter, and permit the animal to partake of his desired refreshment.
He had a curious knack of taking a tumbler of beer between his lips, and drinking
the contents without spilling a drop of the liquid or breaking the glass. So curious
a sight as a donkey drinking beer was certain to attract many observers, who
testified their admiration by treating the animal to more beer. His head, however,
was fortunately a strong one, for only once in his life was he ever seen intoxicated,
and on that solitary occasion his demeanor was wonderfully decorous.

A petted donkey belonging to one of my friends was permitted to walk at large in
the garden, on condition that he restrained himself from leaving the regular paths. Once
or twice he had been seduced by the charms of some plant to walk upon the flower-beds,
and had been accordingly drubbed by the gardener, who detected the robber by the marks

COLOR OF THE ASS. 727

of his footsteps, which were deeply imprinted in the soft mould. After a while the animal
seemed to have reflected upon the circumstance which led to the discovery of his offence,
and the next time that he walked upon the flower-beds, he scraped the earth over his
foot-marks, and endeavored to obliterate the traces of his disobedience. As, however,
his hoofs were not very delicate tools, and his method of levelling anything but gentle,
the marks were more conspicuous than before.

In the East, the Ass is used even more extensively than in Europe, and is generally
employed for carrying burdens or for the saddle, the horse being used more for osten-
tation or for warfare than for the mere conveyance of human beings from one spot to
another. The following account of donkey-riding in Cairo, by Bayard Taylor, gives a
most vivid and animated description of the manner in which the Ass is employed in
the East.

" To see Cairo thoroughly, one must first accustom himself to the ways of those long-
eared cabs, without the use of which I would advise no one to trust himself in the bazaars.
Donkey-riding is universal, and no one thinks of going beyond the Frank quarters on
foot. If he does, he must submit to be followed by not less than six donkeys, with their
drivers. A friend of mine who was attended by such a cavalcade for two hours, was
obliged to yield at last, and made no second attempt. When we first appeared in the
gateway of an hotel, equipped for an excursion, the rush of men and animals was so
great, that we were forced to retreat until our servant and the porter whipped us a path
through the yelling and braying mob. After one or two trials, I found an intelligent
Arab boy named Kish, who for five piastres a day furnished strong and ambitious
Donkeys, which he kept ready at the door from morning till night. The other drivers
respected Kish's privilege, and thenceforth I had no trouble.

The donkeys are so small that my feet nearly touched the ground, but there is no end
to their strength and endurance. Their gait, whether in pace or in gallop, is so easy and
light that fatigue is impossible. The drivers take great pride in having high-cushioned,
red saddles, and in hanging bits of jingling brass to the bridles. They keep their don-
keys close shorn, and frequently beautify them by painting them various colors. The
first animal I rode had legs barred like a zebra's and my friend's rejoiced in purple
flanks and a yellow belly. The drivers run behind them with a short stick, punching
them from time to time, or giving them a sharp pinch on the rump. Very few of them
own their donkeys, and I understood their pertinacity when I learned that they fre-
quently received a beating on returning home empty-handed.

The passage of the bazaars seems at first quite as hazardous on donkey-back as on
foot ; but it is the difference between knocking somebody down and being knocked down
yourself, and one certainly prefers the former alternative. There is no use in attempting
to guide the donkey, for he won't be guided. The driver shouts behind, and you are
dashed at full speed into a confusion of other donkeys, camels, horses, carts, water-carriers
and footmen. In vain you cry out ' Bess ' (enough), Piacco, and other desperate ad-
jurations : the driver's only reply is, ' Let the bridle hang loose ! ' You dodge your head
under a camel load of planks ; your leg brushes the wheel of a dust-cart ; you strike a
fat Turk plump in the back ; you miraculously escape upsetting a fruit stand ; you
scatter a company of spectral, white-masked women, and at last reach some more quiet
street, with the sensations of a man who has stormed a battery.

At first this sort of riding made me very nervous, but presently I let the donkey go
his own way, and took a curious interest in seeing how near a chance I ran of striking or
being struck. Sometimes there seemed no hope of avoiding a violent collision, but by a
series of the most remarkable dodges, he generally carried you through in safety. The
cries of the driver running behind, gave me no little amusement. The howadji comes !
Take care on the right hand ! Take care on the left hand ! O man, take care ! O maiden,
take care ! O boy, get out of the way ! The howadji comes ! ' Kish had strong lungs
and his donkey would let nothing pass him, and so wherever we went we contributed
our full share to the universal noise and confusion."

The color of the Ass is a uniform gray, a dark streak passing along the spine, and
another stripe being drawn transversely across the shoulders. In the quagga and zebra
those stripes are much more extended.

728

THE DZIGGETAI, OR KOULAN.

The cross-breed between the horse and the ass, which is commonly known by the
name of the MULE, is a very valuable animal for certain purposes, possessing the
strength and power of the horse, with the hardiness and sure foot of the ass. The
largest and most useful Mules are those which are produced by a male ass and a mare,
the large Spanish Ass being the best for this purpose. In Spain and in many eastern
countries the Mule is an animal of some importance, the parents being selected as
carefully as those of the horse itself. The chief drawback in the rearing of this
animal is that it is unproductive, and is incapable of continuing its species, so that
there can be no definite breed of Mules, as of horses and asses.

o*»*

DZIQQETAI, OR KOULAN. -A 's/aws O'nagor,

THE WILD Asses are all celebrated for their extreme fleetness and sureness of foot,
and among them the DZIGGETAI, KHUR, or KOULAN deserves especial mention.

This animal is so wonderfully swift that it cannot be overtaken even by a fleet
Arabian horse, and if it can get upon hilly or rocky ground, it bids defiance to all
wingless enemies. Not even the greyhound can follow it with any hope of success when
it once leaves level ground. This great speed renders it a favorite object of chase with
the natives of the countries which it inhabits ; and whether in Persia or India, it is held to
be the noblest of game. Sometimes the falcon is trained to aid in the chase of the Wild
Ass, but the usual method of securing this animal is to drive it towards rocky ground,
and to kill it with a rifle bullet as it stands in fancied security upon some lofty crag.

It lives in troops, descending to the plains during the winter months, and returning
to the cooler hills as soon as the summer begins to be unpleasantly warm. It is very
common in Mesopotamia, and is always a most shy and wary, as well as swift animal,

THE KTANG,

729

Each troop is under the command of a leader, who sways his subjects with unlimited
authority, and takes upon himself to make all needful arrangements for their welfare.

The honor of success is not the only motive which urges the hunters to pursue the
Dziggetai, for its flesh is remarkably excellent, and is universally thought to be one of
the greatest dainties. The localities inhabited by this animal are Mesopotamia, Persia,
the shores of the Indus, and the Punjab. The color of this animal is pale reddish-
brown in the summer, fading into a gray-brown in the winter, and marked with a black
stripe along the spine, becoming wider upon the middle of the back.

QUAGQA.— A' sinus Quagga.

ANOTHER species of Wild Ass is the KIANG, or Wild Ass of Thibet, sometimes, but
erroneously, called the Wild Horse of Thibet, because its noise resembles the neighing
of that animal rather than the braying of the ass.

The Kiang inhabits the high table-lands of its native country, and is wonderfully
fleet and active in traversing level or uneven ground. It is a rather large animal ; a
full-sized adult from Chinese Tartary measuring fourteen hands in height at the shoulder.
It lives in little troops of eight or ten in number, and is found in districts where the cold
is most intense, the thermometer falling below zero in the localities which are most
frequented by them. As they pass their lives in such a climate, they are necessarily
furnished with warm, woolly coats, which are of different color and thickness according
to the time of year. In the summer the fur is short, smooth, and of a light reddish-
brown, but in winter the hair becomes long and rather woolly, and fades into a light gray
brown. The legs too change the tinting, being straw-colored in summer and whitish in
winter. A broad black line is drawn along the back, but there is no transverse band

730 THE ZEBRA.

across the shoulders, nor are their young marked with zebra-like stripes, as is the case
with the young Dziggetai.

It is a swift and wary animal, fleeing in terror before the hunter, and yet stopping
at intervals to gaze on the object of its alarm. Unless the hunter is very sure of his
aim, he will not risk a shot, for the animals are so terrified by the report and the flash
that they forget their curiosity in their fear, and gallop away at the best of their speed,
which soon carries them out of danger. It is capable of domestication, and can be
put in training like a horse or a domestic ass.

AFRICA produces some most beautiful examples of the Wild Asses, equalling the
Asiatic species in speed and beauty of form, and far surpassing them in richness of
color and boldness of marking.

The QUAGGA looks at first sight like a cross between the common wild ass and the
zebra, as it only partially possesses the characteristic zebra-stripes, and is decorated
merely upon the hind and fore-parts of the body. The streaks are not so deep as
they are in the zebra, and the remainder of the body is brown, with the exception of
the abdomen, legs, and part of the tail, which are whitish-gray. The Quagga lives in
large herds, and is much persecuted by the natives of Southern Africa, who pursue it
for the sake of its skin and its flesh, both of which are in high estimation.

A NEARER approach to the true zebra is seen in the animal which is indifferently
termed the DAUW, the PEECHI, or BURCHELL'S ZEBRA. This species is an inhabitant of
Southern Africa, where it is found in large herds south of the Orange River. Unlike
the wild ass of Asia, the Dauw keeps aloof from the rocky and hilly districts, and is
only found on the plains, where it wanders in company with ostriches, various ante-
lopes, and other strange comrades. The general appearance of this species bears a
considerable resemblance to that of the zebra, from which animal it may be immedi-
ately distinguished by the color, number, and extent of the dark stripes and bands. In
the Dauw, the stripes are not so black as in the zebra, and instead of covering the
entire body and limbs, they only extend over the head, neck, body, and the upper por-
tions of the legs. The general color of the fur is a pale-brown, becoming grayish-
white upon the abdomen and inner faces of the limbs.

Like many other gregarious animals of Southern Africa, the Dauw is found to make
periodical migrations, for the purpose of supporting itself with the food that has failed
in its original district. In times of scarcity the Dauw, together with several species of
antelope, visits the cultivated lands, and makes sad havoc among the growing crops.
When rain has fallen, and the forsaken districts have regained their fertility, the Dauw
leaves the scene of its plunder, and returns to its ancient pasturage.

The Dauw is capable of a partial domestication, and can be tamed to a considerable
extent. It is, however, considered as possessing a tetchy and uncertain temper, and is
of too obstinate a disposition to be of much use to man. By the Matabili and Bech-
uana Kaffirs it is called Peet-sey, and the Dutch colonists have given it the name of
Bontequagga.

AMONG all the species of the Ass tribe, the ZEBRA is by far the most conspicuous
and the most beautiful.

The general color of the Zebra is a creamy white, marked regularly with velvety
black stripes that cover the entire head, neck, body, and limbs, and extend down to
the very feet. It is worthy of note, that the stripes are drawn nearly at right angles to
the part of the body on which they occur, so that the stripes of the legs are horizontal,
while those of the body are vertical. The abdomen and inside faces of the thighs are
cream-white, and the end of the tail is nearly black. This arrangement of coloring is
strangely similar to that of the tiger, and has earned for the animal the name of " Hip-
potigris," or Horse-tiger, among some zoologists, ancient and modern. The skin of
the neck is developed into a kind of dewlap, and the tail is sparingly covered with
coarse black hair. By the Cape colonists it is called " Wild Paard," or Wild Horse.

At the best of times the flesh of the Zebra is not very inviting, being rather tough,

THE ZEBRA.

coarse, and of a very peculiar flavor. The Boers, who call themselves by the title of
"baptized men," think they would be derogating from their dignity to partake of the
flesh of the Zebra, and generously leave the animal to be consumed by their Hottentot
servants. When wounded, the Zebra gives a kind of groan, which is said to resemble
that of a dying man.

In disposition the Zebra is fierce, obstinate, and nearly untameable. The efforts used
by Mr. Rarey in reducing to obedience the Zebra of the Zoological Gardens are now
matter of history. The little brindled animal gave him more trouble than the liu^e
savages on whom he had so successfully operated, and it overset some of his calcula-
tions by the fact that it was able to kick as fiercely from three legs as a horse from
four.

ZEBRA.— Aslaus Zebra.

In its habits the Zebra resembles the dziggetai more than the dauw, as it is always
found in hilly districts, and inhabits the high craggy mountain ranges in preference to
the plains. It is a mild and very timid animal, fleeing instinctively to its mountain
home as soon as it is alarmed by the sight of a strange object.

BETWEEN the zebras and the domestic ass several curious Mules have been pro-
duced, and maybe seen in the collection of the British Museum. It is worthy of notice,
that wherever a cross breed has taken place, the influence of the male parent seems to
be permanently impressed on the mother, who in her subsequent offspring imprints
upon them some characteristic of the interloper.

PACHYDERMATA.

ELEPHANT.— E'lephas I'ndicus.

PACHYDERMATA;

OR, THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS.

THE important family of the Elephantidae includes, according to the catalogue of the
British Museum, the Elephants, Tapirs, Swine, Hyrax, Rhinoceros, and Hippopotamus.
All these animals, however different their aspect, are nearly related to each other by
means of certain members of the family, which, although now extinct, have been re-
covered through the assistance of geological researches.

Of Elephants, two distinct species are found in different continents, the one inhabiting
Asia, and the other taking up its residence in Africa. According to some zoologists,
these animals belong to different genera but the distinctions between the two creatures
are not sufficiently determined to warrant such a suggestion. Although the Asiatic and
African Elephants are very similar in external form, they may at once be distinguished
from each other by the dimensions of the head and the size of the ear. In the Asiatic ani-
mal, the head is elongated, the forehead concave,and the ears of ordinary size, while in the

STRUCTURE OF THE ELEPHANT. 733

African Elephant the head is much shorter, the forehead convex, and the ears of
enormous magnitude, nearly meeting on the back of the head, and hanging with their
tips below the neck.

The molar teeth also afford excellent indications of the country to which their
owner has belonged, for the enamel upon the surface of the teeth of the Asiatic
Elephant is moulded into a number of narrow bands, like folded ribbons, while that
of the African 'species is formed into five or six diamond or lozenge shaped folds.
Indeed, each molar tooth seems to be composed of a number of flat, broad teeth,
which are fastened closely together, stf as to form a single large mass. Only a portion
of each tooth is externally visible, the remainder being hidden in the jaw, and moving
forward as the exposed portion is worn away. When the whole tooth is thus worn
out, it falls from the jaw, and its place is taken by another which has been forming
behind it. In this manner the Elephant sheds its molar teeth six or seven times
in the course of its life. The tusks, however, are permanent, and are retained during
the whole of the animal's existence. There are a pair of small " milk-tusks " when
the Elephant is in its childhood, but these are soon shed and replaced by the true
tusks. In the Indian Elephant only the males are furnished with tusks, and not every
individual of that sex, whereas in the African species both sexes are supplied with
these valuable appendages, those of the male being much larger and heavier than
those of his mate.

The Elephant, whether Asiatic or African, always lives in herds, varying greatly in
numbers, and being always found in the deepest forests, or in their near vicinity. Both
species are fond of water, and are never found at any great distance from some stream
or fountain, although they can and do make tolerably long journeys for the purpose of
obtaining the needful supply of liquid. They have a curious capability of laying up a
store of water in their interior, somewhat after the fashion of the camel, but possess
the strange accomplishment of drawing the liquid supply from their stomachs by means
of their trunks, and scattering it in a shower over their backs in order to cool their
heated bodies. When drinking, the Elephant inserts the tip of his trunk into the
stream, fills its cavities with water, and then, turning his trunk so as to get the extremity
well into his throat, he discharges its contents fairly into his stomach, where it may be
heard to splash by any one who is in near proximity to the animal.

The strangest portion of the Elephant's form is the trunk, or proboscis. This
wonderful appendage is in fact a development of the upper lips and the nose, and is
perforated through its entire length by the nostrils, and is furnished at its extremity
with a kind of finger-like appendage, which enables the animal to pluck a single blade
of grass, or to pick a minute object from the ground. The value of the proboscis to
the Elephent in incredible ; without its aid the creature would soon starve. The short,
thick neck would prevent it from stooping to graze, while the projecting tusks would
effectually hinder it from reaching any vegetables which might grow at the level of its
mouth. And as it would be unable to draw water into its mouth without the use of
the trunk, thirst would in a very short time end its existence.

As the trunk is required for so many purposes, it must needs be capable of extension,
contraction, and of flexibility in every direction, as well as possessed of enormous
strength. In order to effect these conditions, the trunk is composed of no less than
fifty thousand distinct muscles, some of which run longitudinally along the axis of the
proboscis, and others radiate from the centre to the circumference. When the trunk
is at rest, its surface is covered with a series of thick, transverse wrinkles or corruga-
tions, which become less distinct as this appendage is gradually stretched, and vanish
entirely when it is extended to its full length. The little finger-like appendage at its
tip is slightly different in shape in the two sexes.

In order to support the enormous weight of the teeth, tusks, and proboscis, the head
is required to be of very large dimensions, so as to afford support for the powerful
muscles and tendons which are requisite for such a task. It is also needful that light-
ness should be combined with magnitude, and this double condition is very beauti-
fully fulfilled. The skull of the Elephant, instead of being a mere bony shell round
the brain, is enormously enlarged by the separation of its bony plates, the intervening

734

THE ASIATIC ELEPHANT.

space being filled with a vast number of honeycomb-like bony cells, their walls being
hardly thicker than strong paper, and their hollows filled during the life of the animal
with a kind of semi-liquid fat or oil. The brain lies in a comparatively small cavity
within this cellular structure, and is therefore defended from the severe concussions
which it would otherwise experience from the frequency with which the animal employs
its head as a battering-ram. It is easy to understand the difficulty of killing an
Elephant by aiming at the head, for unless the shot be directed towards one of the
apertures which lead to the brain, such as the eye, the ear, or the nostril, the bullet
only enters the mass of bony cells, and does comparatively little damage. It is
worthy of observation, that as the skull of the Asiatic and African Elephant is
different in shape, a bullet which will destroy one animal might have little effect on
the other.

In order to support the enormous weight which rests upon them, the legs are very
stout, and are set perpendicularly, without that bend in the hinder leg which is found
in most animals. There is no elongated cannon bone in the Elephant, so that the hind
legs are without the so-called knee-joint. This structure, however, is of infinite use to
the animal when it climbs or descends steep acclivities, a feat which it can perform with
marvellous ease. It may seem strange, but it is nevertheless true, that localities which
would be totally inaccessible to a horse are traversed by the Elephant with perfect ease.

In descending from a height, the animal performs a very curious series of manoeuvres.
Kneeling down, with its fore-feet stretched out in front, and its hinder legs bent back-
ward, as is their wont, the Elephant hitches one of its fore-feet upon some projection
or in some crevice, and bearing firmly upon this support, lowers itself for a short dis-
tance. It then advances the other foot, secures it in like manner, and slides still
farther, never losing its hold of one place of vantage until another is gained. Should
no suitable projection be found, the Elephant scrapes a hole in the ground with its
advanced foot, and makes use of this artificial depression in its descent. If the de-
clivity be very steep, the animal will not descend in a direct line, but makes an oblique
track along the face of hill. Although the description of this curious process occupies
some time, the actual feat is performed with extreme rapidity.

Though the foot of an Elephant is extremely large, it is most admirably formed for
the purpose which it is destined to fulfil, and does not, as might be supposed, fall
heavily upon the ground. The hoof that incloses the foot is composed of a vast
number of horny plates that are arranged on the principle of the common carriage-spring,
and seem to guard the animal from the jarring shock of the heavy limb upon the soil.
Those who for the first time witness the walk or the run of the Elephant, are always
surprised at the silent ease of the creature's free, sweeping step. As there is no short
ligament in the head of the thigh-bone, the hind foot is swung forward at each step,
clearing the ground easily, but being scarcely raised above the surface of the earth.

Having thus given a short sketch of the characteristics which are common to both
species of Elephants, I will proceed to a short account of the Asiatic animal.

The ASIATIC ELEPHANT bears a world-wide fame for its capabilities as a servant and
companion of man, and for the extraordinary development of its intellectual faculties.
Hundreds of these animals are annually captured, and in a very short period of time
become wholly subjected to their owners, and learn to obey their commands with im-
plicit submission. Indeed, the power of the human intellect is never so conspicuous as
in the supremacy which man maintains over so gigantic and clever an animal as the
Elephant. In all work which requires the application of great strength, combined with
singular judgment, the Elephant is supreme ; but as a mere puller and hauler it is of
no very great value. In piling logs, for example, the Elephant soon learns the proper
mode of arrangement, and will place them upon each other with a regularity that would
not be surpassed by human workmen. Sir Emerson Tennent mentions a pair of Ele-
phants that were accustomed to labor conjointly, and which had been taught to raise
their wood piles to a considerable height by constructing an inclined plane of sloping
beams, and rolling the logs up the beams. The same writer, in his most valuable work
on Ceylon, gives the following curious instance of intelligence in an Elephant : —

INTELLIGENCE OF THE ELEPHANT. j 735

" One evening, while riding in the vicinity of Kandy, towards the scene of the
massacre of Major Davie's party in 1803, my horse evinced some excitement at a noise
which approached us in the thick jungle, and which consisted of a repetition of the
ejaculation, Urmph ! urmph ! in a hoarse and dissatisfied tone. A turn in the forest
explained the mystery, by bringing me face to face with a tame Elephant, unaccom-
panied by any attendant. He was laboring painfully to carry a heavy beam of timber,
which he balanced across his tusks, but the pathway being narrow, he was forced to
bend his head to one side to permit it to pass endways ; and the exertion and incon-
venience combined, led him to utter the dissatisfied sounds which disturbed the com-
posure of my horse.

On seeing us halt, the Elephant raised his head, reconnoitred us for a moment, then
flung down the timber, and forced himself backwards among the brushwood, so as to
leave a passage, of which he expected us to avail ourselves. My horse still hesitated :
the Elephant observed, and impatiently thrust himself still deeper into the jungle,
repeating his cry of urmph ! but in a voice evidently meant to encourage us to come
on. Still the horse trembled ; and, anxious to observe the instinct of the two sagacious
creatures, I forbore any interference : again the Elephant wedged himself farther in
amongst the trees, and waited impatiently for us to pass him, and after the horse had
done so, tremblingly and timidly, I saw the wise creature stoop and take up his heavy
burthen, turn and balance it on his tusks, and resume his route, hoarsely snorting, as
before, his discontented remonstrance."

Another Elephant of Ceylon performed a feat of equal sagacity.

By profession he was a builder, and was employed in laying stones under the super-
vision of an overseer. Whenever he completed one course, he signalled to the overseer,
who came and inspected his work, and after ascertaining that the task was properly
performed, gave the signal to lay another course. On one occasion, the Elephant
placed himself against a portion of the wall, and refused to move from the spot, when
the overseer came to the part of the wall which his body concealed. The overseer,
however, insisted on the animal's moving aside, and the Elephant, seeing that his
ruse had failed, immediately set hard to work at pulling down the wall which he had
just built, and which was defective in the spot which he had been attempting to
conceal from the inspector's eye.

Although so valuable an animal for certain kinds of work, the Elephant is hardly so
effective an assistant as is generally supposed. " The working Elephant," says Sir E.
Tennent, " is always a delicate animal, and requires watchfulness and care ; as a beast
of burden he is unsatisfactory ; for although in point of mere strength there is hardly
any weight which could be conveniently placed on him that he could not carry, it is
difficult to pack it without causing abrasions that afterwards ulcerate. His skin is
easily chafed by harness, especially in wet weather. Either during long droughts, or
too much moisture, his feet are liable to sores, which render him non-effective for
months. Many attempts have been made to provide him with some protection for the
sole of the foot, but from his extreme weight and mode of planting the foot, they have
all been unsuccessful. His eyes are also liable to frequent inflammation. In Ceylon,
the murrain among cattle is of frequent occurrence, and carries off great numbers of
animals, wild as well as tame. In such visitations the Elephants suffer severely, not
only those at liberty in the forest, but those which are carefully tended in the Govern-
ment stables.

On being first subjected to work, the Elephant is liable to severe and often fatal
swellings of the jaws and abdomen. On the whole, there may be a question as to the
prudence or ecnomy of maintaining a stud of Elephants for the purposes to which they
are assigned in Ceylon. In the rude and unopened parts of the country — where rivers
are to be forded, and forests are only traversed by jungle paths — their labor is of value
in certain contingencies, in the carrying of stores and in the earlier operations for the
construction of fords and bridges of timber. But in more highly civilized districts, and
wherever macadamized roads admit of the employment of horses and oxen for draught,
I apprehend that the services of Elephants might, with advantage, be probably
reduced, if not altogether dispensed with." The able writer then proceeds to observe

736 MANNER OF CAPTURING THE ELEPHANT.

that if the peculiar constitution, irritability, and expensive maintenance of the Elephant
be taken into consideration, the value of its labor will be found to be less than that
of a good draught horse. The keep of an Elephant in Ceylon costs between six and
seven shillings per diem, and the animal can only work, on an average, four days in
each week ; while the keep of a powerful dray horse, which works five days in the
week, is only half-a-crown per diem.

The general disposition of the Asiatic Elephant is gentle, but there are always some
stray individuals that are not admitted into any herd, but live in solitary moodiness,
and are termed " rogues," from their irritable temper. So gentle, indeed, is their nature
that even when most irritated by wounds, they literally do not know how to kill their
foe, even if he is lying at their mercy ; and there are many instances where hunters
who have been chased and struck down by these animals have escaped without suffer-
ing any serious damage. The tusks are seldom employed as offensive weapons, and
the Elephant has but little idea of directing them towards an adversary. A momentary
pressure of the foot, or a blow with the tusk, would in any case be sufficient to cause
death, but the animal seems to be scarcely aware of its own power, and often contents
itself with kicking its prostrate foe from foot to foot, hustling him between the fore and
hinder limbs in a very unpleasant manner. A little Indian Elephant, that had been
much worried by wild boars, was accustomed to defeat them by receiving their charge,
and then knocking them about from foot to foot until they were effectually disabled.

There are two modes of capturing the Asiatic Elephant, the one by pursuing solitary
individuals and binding them with ropes as they wander at will through the forests,
and the other by driving a herd of Elephants into a previously prepared pound, arid
securing the entrance so as to prevent their escape.

In the former method, the hunters are aided by certain trained females, termed
" koomkies," which enter into the spirit of the chase with wonderful animation, arid
help their riders in every possible manner. When the koomkies see a fine male Elephant,
they advance carelessly towards him, plucking leaves and grass, as if they were perfectly
indifferent to his presence. He soon becomes attracted to them, when they overwhelm
him with endearing feminine blandishments, and occupy his attention so fully that he
does not observe the proceedings of the " mahouts," or riders. These men, seeing the
Elephant engaged with the " koomkies," slip quietly to the ground, and attach their
rope nooses to his legs, fastening the ends of the cords to some neighboring tree.
Should no suitable tree be at hand, the koomkies are sagacious enough to comprehend
the dilemma, and to urge their victim towards some large tree which is sufficiently
strong to withstand his struggles. As soon as the preparations are complete, the
mahouts give the word of command to the koomkies, who move away, leaving the
captive Elephant to his fate.

Finding himself deserted and bound, he becomes mad with rage, and struggles with
all his force to get free. In these furious efforts, the Elephant displays a flexibility
and activity of body that are quite surprising, and are by no means in accordance with
the clumsy, stiff aspect of its body and limbs. It rolls on the ground in despair, it
rends the air with furious cries of rage, it butts at the fatal tree with all its force, in
hope of bringing it to the ground, and has been known to stand with its hind legs
fairly off the ground, in its furious endeavors to break the rope. After a while, how-
ever, it finds its exertions to be totally useless, and yields to its conquerors. Formerly
it was allowed to remain in its captivity until reduced by hunger, but as the ropes are
apt to cut severely into the ankle, and to cause painful and dangerous wounds, the
time of bondage is now shortened as much as possible, and the animal removed to
another spot where ropes are needless. The koomkies afford invaluable assistance
both in tying the animal and in leading him away from the tree to which he had been
bound. One of these animals is reported to have gone on a solitary hunting expedition
on her own account, and to have captured a fine male Elephant, which she tied to a
tree with some iron chains.

The second mode of capturing Elephants is more complicated, and secures a greater
number of beasts at a time, but as it necessarily includes the young, the old, and the
vigorous of both sexes in the general seizure, its results are not so admirable as might
be anticipated.

CAPTURE OF THE ELEPHANT. 737

The inclosure into which the Elephants are driven is termed a " keddah," and is
ingeniously constructed of stout logs and posts, which are supported by strong buttresses,
and are so arranged that a man can pass through the interstices between the logs.
When the keddah is set in good order, a vast number of hunters form themselves into a
huge circle, inclosing one or more herds of Elephants, and moving gradually towards the
inclosure of the keddah, and arranging themselves in such a manner as to leave the
entrance towards the keddah always open. When they have thus brought the herd to
the proper spot, a business which will often consume several weeks, the Elephants are
excited by shouts, the waving of hands and spears, etc., to move towards the inclosure,
which is cunningly concealed by the trees among which it is built. If the operation
should take place at night, the surrounding hunters are supplied with burning torches,
while the keddah is carefully kept in darkness. Being alarmed by the noise and the
flames, the Elephants rush instinctively to the only open space, and are thus fairly
brought within the precints of the keddah, from which they never emerge again save
as captives.

The terrified animals run round and round the inclosure, and often attempt a des-
perate charge, but are always driven back by the torch-bearers, who wave their flaming
weapons, and discourage the captured animals from their meditated assault. At last
the poor creatures are so bewildered and fatigued, that they gather together in the centre
of the keddah, and are then considered to be ready for the professional Elephant-hunters.
These courageous men enter the keddah either on foot or upon the backs of their
koomkies, and contrive to tie every one of the captives to some spot from whence it
cannot move. Most ingenious stratagems are employed by the hunters in this perilous
task, the details of which may be found in many works on the subject.

When the natives hunt the Elephant merely for the sake of his ivory or his flesh, and
do not care to take him alive, they achieve their object by stealing cautiously upon him
as he dozes ,and by gently tickling one of his hind-feet with a slight twig they induce
him to lift the foot from the ground. As soon as he does so, the hunters, who are
furnished with a mallet and a sharp wooden spike about eight inches in length, drive
the spike into his foot, and effectually lame him with a single blow. He is then quite
at their disposal, and is easily despatched. The flesh of the Elephant is thought to
be very poor indeed ; but the heart, the tongue, the trunk, and the foot, are considered
to be good eating if properly dressed.

The " points " of a good Elephant are as important in India and Ceylon as those of a
horse in Europe. In a native work upon the Elephant quoted by Sir E. Tennent, the
points are given as follows: — " The softness of the skin, the red color of the mouth and
tongue, the forehead expanded and full, the ears large and rectangular, the trunk broad
at the root, and blotched with pink in front, the eyes light and kindly, the cheeks large,
the neck full, the back level, the chest square, the fore-legs short and convex in front,
the hind quarters plump, five nails in each foot, all smooth, elastic, and round.
An Elephant with all these perfections will impart glory and magnificence to the
king."

The herds in which these animals congregate are not of very great size, containing
only from ten to twenty or thirty individuals, and consisting, as is generally thought
by men of practical experience, of members of the same family. This opinion is
strengthened by the fact that certain physical peculiarities, such as the shape of the
trunk or the head, have been found in every number of the same herd. Sometimes these
herds will associate with each other for a time, but at the smallest alarm each little
flock assembles together independently of the others. It is rather remarkable that a
whole herd has never been known to charge a foe simultaneously. The leader generally
faces the enemy, while the remainder of the herd manoeuvre in his rear ; but that the
entire herd should unite in a charge, is a circumstance never yet known to occur. The
Asiatic Elephant will permit the temporary society of other animals, and may be seen
at a fountain or feeding on an open space in close proximity to deer and wild buffaloes,
neither animal displaying any aversion to or fear of the other.

In its general habits the Elephant is restless and irritable, or rather " fidgety," never
remaining quite still, but always in motion in some way or other. At one time it will

47

HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT.

sway backwards and forwards, at another it will stoop and rise continually, or it will be
getting sand or water and sprinkling it over its body, or it will pluck a leafy branch and
wave it slowly and gracefully over its back. It is very fond of bathing, and has a curious
predilection for drawing a mixture of mud and water into its trunk, and discharging it
over its body. It is an admirable swimmer, and will cross large rivers with perfect
ease. Sometimes it prefers walking on the bed of the river, merely protruding the tip
of its proboscis above the surface for the purpose of breathing.

The Indian Elephant is employed more for purposes of state or for sport than for
hard labor, and is especially trained for tiger-hunting. As there is a natural dread of
the tiger deeply implanted in the Elephant's being, it is no easy matter to teach the
animal to approach its brindled foe. A stuffed tiger-skin is employed for this purpose,
and is continually presented to the Elephant until he learns to lose all distrust of the
inanimate object, and to strike it, to crush it with his feet, or to pierce it with his tusks.
After a while, a boy is put inside the tiger-skin, in order to accustom the Elephant to
the sight of the tiger in motion. The last stage in the proceedings is to procure a dead
tiger, and to substitute it for the stuffed representative. Even with all this training, it
most frequently happens, that when the Elephant is brought to face a veritable
living tiger, the fierce bounds, savage yells, and furious eyes of the beast are so dis-
couraging, that he turns tail, and makes the best of his way from the spot. Hardly
one Elephant out of ten will face an angry tiger.

The Elephant is always guided by a mahout, who sits astride upon its neck and directs
the movements of the animal by means of his voice, aided by a kind of spiked hook, called
the haunkus, which is applied to the animal's head in such a manner as to convey the
driver's wishes to the Elephant. The persons who ride upon the Elephant are either
placed in the howdah, a kind of wheelless carriage strapped on the animal's back, or
sit upon a large pad, which is furnished with cross ropes in order to give a firm hold.
The latter plan is generally preferred, as the rider is able to change his position at will,
and even to recline upon the Elephant's back if he should be fatigued by the heavy
rolling gait of the animal. The Elephant generally kneels in order to permit the riders to
mount, and then rises from the ground with a peculiar swinging motion that is quite
indescribable, and is most discomposing to novices in the art. Very small Elephants
are furnished with a saddle like that which is used upon horses, and is fitted with stir-
rups. The saddle, however, cannot be conveniently used on animals that are more than
six feet in height.

The size of Elephants, has been greatly exaggerated, as sundry writers have given
fourteen or sixteen feet as an ordinary height, and have even mentioned instances where
Elephants have attained to the height of twenty feet. It is true that the enormous bulk
of the animal makes its height appear much greater than is really the case. Eight feet
is about the average height of a large Elephant, and nine or ten feet is the utmost
maximum to which the creature ever attains.

It is rather remarkable that the Elephants should be so fond of intoxicating liquids
as to be induced by the promise of porter, beer, wine, or spirits, to perform tricks which
it would otherwise refuse to attempt. The natural food of the Elephant consists of grass
and various leaves, which it plucks daintily with the tip of its trunk, and always beats
against its forelegs, in order to shake off the dust. While feeding the Elephant never
seems to be in a hurry, but eats deliberately, and often pauses in its meal, as if engaged
in contemplation. In this country, the average daily food of an adult Elephant is one
truss of hay, one truss. of straw, a bushel of barley-meal and bran made into a mash,
thirty pounds of potatoes, and six pints of water. In Ceylon, each Elephant employs
two men in cutting leaves for its sustenance, and a very large animal would probably
require the services of three leaf-cutters.

The general color of the Elephant is brown, of a lighter tint when the animal is at
liberty, and considerably deeper when its hide is subjected to rubbing with a cocoa-nut
brush, and plenty of oil. Sometimes an albino or white Elephant is seen in the forests,
the color of the animal being a pinky-white, and aptly compared to the nose of a white
horse. The King of Ava, one of whose titles is " Lord of the White Elephants," generally
contrives to monopolize every White Elephant, and employs them for purposes of state.

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT. 739

decorating them with strings of priceless gems, pearls, and gold coins, and lodg-
ing them in the most magnificent of houses, where their very eating-troughs are
of silver.

Although the tame Elephant is usually gentle in his disposition, there are certain
times in the year when he becomes greatly excited, and is sometimes so powerfully
agitated, that he will attack anything that comes in his way, and has often been known
even to assault his own keeper. Elephants in this condition are technically called
" must " Elephants, and are carefully guarded as long as the paroxysm lasts. On one
occasion, a mahout was forced to sit upon the animal's back for several days continu-
ously, not daring to alight lest the infuriated animal should destroy him. As he sat
upon the creature's back, it constantly endeavored to pull him from his seat, but was
held at bay by the sharp point of the " haunkus," which wounded his trunk whenever it
threatened the mahout, and caused such pain that the animal was fain to desist from its
deadly efforts. While in this state of excitement, the Elephant is largely employed as
a combatant, being set to fight another " must" animal for the gratification of its owner.
Very heavy wagers were often laid upon these combatants by their Eastern owners, and
the fight was of a most terrific character. Each Elephant was mounted by. his own
mahout, who was furnished with a rope netting, to which he clung as the animals met
in the deadly shock, in order to prevent himself from being flung off the creature's back.
It is a remarkable fact, that the animal never interferes with a human being, provided
he is mounted upon an Elephant's back, and even the wild "rogue" Elephants do no
harm to the men who come to ensnare them.

There are many breeds, or "castes," of the Asiatic Elephant, which are distinguished
by certain technical term's.

The AFRICAN ELEPHANT is spread over a very wide range of country, extending
from Senegal and Abyssinia to the borders of the Cape Colony. Several conditions
are required for its existence, such as water, dense forests, and the absence of human
habitations.

Although it is very abundant in the locality which it inhabits, it is not often seen by
casual travellers, owing to its great vigilance, and its wonderful power of moving
through the tangled forests without noise, and without causing any perceptible agitation
of the foliage. In spite of its enormous dimensions, it is one of the most invisible of
forest creatures, and a herd of Elephants, of eight or nine feet in height, may stand
within a few yards of a hunter without being detected by him, even though he is aware
of their presence. The only sure method of ascertaining the presence of Elephants is by
listening for one sound which they are continually giving forth, and which they are un-
able to control. This peculiar noise resembles the bubbling of wine when poured from
a bottle, and is caused by the large amount of water which is stored in their interior.
This curious sound is emitted at regular intervals, and forms a sure criterion whereby
to judge of the direction in which the creatures may be standing.

At the present day the African Elephant is never captured and domesticated, al-
though there seems to be but little reason for such an omission. In the ancient times,
this species was trained for the arts of war and peace as regularly as the Asiatic Ele-
phant, and its present immunity from a life of captivity seems to be the result of the
fears or laziness of the natives. The only object in possessing the African Elephant is
to procure its valuable tusks and teeth, and to afford nourishment to the native tribes.
Before the introduction of fire-arms among the Kaffir tribes, the Elephant was hunted
by men armed with assagais, or spears, and after being unrelentingly pursued for several
successive days, was at last forced to succumb under the multitudes of missiles which
penetrated its body. Now, however, the musket-ball, however rude may be the weapon,
does great service to the black hunter, and the Elephant is slain in far less time and in
greater numbers than under the old system.

When wounded, the African Elephant is a most formidable animal, charging im-
petuously in the direction of the foe, and crashing through the heavy forest as if the
trees were but stubble. In such a case, the best resource of the hunter is in his dogs,
which bay round the infuriated animal, and soon distract his attention. The bewilderment

740

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT.

which the Elephant feels at the attacks of so small an animal as a dog is quite extraor-
dinary. He does not seem to know what he is doing, and at one time will try to
kneel on his irritating foes, or will even push down a tree in hopes of crushing them
under its branches. This species is not so readily killed by a single ball as is its Asiatic
relative, but instances are not wanting where an African Elephant has been slain by a
single ball, which entered by the nostrils, and penetrated to the brain. In chasing this
animal, the white hunter always prefers a gun with a very wide bore, as the execution

AFRICAN ELEPHANT.— Loxodoata AMcana.

which is done depends more upon the weight of the missile than on the accuracy with
which it is sent. One great value of the heavy ball, of two or even three ounces in
weight, is, that it will break the leg of the animal, and so render him at once helpless.
The bone does not always give way at once when struck by so heavy a ball, but is sure
to snap after the animal has made a few paces.

The most deadly gun for Elephant shooting seems to be a breech-loader, either double
or single, and carrying a ball weighing not less than two ounces. The apparatus of ram-
rod and powder-flask is thus rendered needless, and each charge being separately made

HABITS OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT. 741

up into a cartridge, is inserted into the breech, and is ready for use without the least
delay. Very accurate shooting is of no great consequence in the pursuit of this giant
game, as the hunter can always approach within a few yards of the animal, and de-
liver his fire from his horse's back, sheering off if the creature endeavors to ch.;
The bullets employed in Elephant shooting are always hardened with a mixture of one-
eighth of tin or solder, and a steel-pointed bullet would probably be the most deadly
missile that ever was employed for the purpose. The shell-bullets might also be used
with terrible effect.

The Kaffirs are persevering Elephant-hunters, and are wonderfully expert in track-
ing any individual by the " spoor," or track, which is made by his footsteps. The
foot of a male is easily to be distinguished by the roundness of its form, while that of
the female is more oval, and the height of the animal is also ascertained by measure-
ment of the foot-marks, twice the circumference of the foot being equal to the height
at the shoulder. The mode by which the natives follow a single Elephant through all
the multiplied tracks of his companions is very curious. The sole of each Elephant's
foot is marked with certain wrinkles, which are never precisely alike in any two in-
dividuals, and may be compared to the minute depressions which are found on the
human thumb, and which in more primitive times were employed as an expeditious
mode of affixing a sign-manual by being rubbed with ink and impressed upon the docu-
ment. The black hunter, therefore, taking a piece of soft clay or earth, works it be-
tween his hands into a firm and smooth mass, resembling the footmark in shape, and
with the point of a thorn traces upon it a chart of the lines which are found on the
Elephant's foot. If he should become bewildered amid the multiplicity of footmarks,
he has only to refer to his clay chart, and is guided against the possibility of mistak-
ing one individual for another.

The death of a large Elephant is great matter of congratulation among the natives,
who rejoice at the abundant supply of food which will fall to their share. Almost every
portion of the animal is used by the Kaffirs, whose strong jaws are not to be daunted
by the toughest meat, and whose accommodating palates are satisfied with various por-
tions which would be rejected by any civilized being. Indeed, it seems to be a genera!
rule among savages, that every part of an animal which is most repulsive to civilized tastes,
is considered by the savage as a luxury, and in many cases thought too good to be spoiled
by cooking. The flesh of the Elephant is dried in order to be formed into " biltongue,"
or jerked meat, and the fat is jealously preserved, being used in the decoration of the
person and rubbed copiously over the head and body. Even the skin is of service to the
natives, for beneath the hard, leather-like hide, there lies a tough inner skin, which is
carefully removed in large sheets, and is made into vessels for the conveyance of water.

Some portions of the Elephant are, however, grateful even to European palates, and
the foot, when baked, is really delicious. This part of the animal is cooked by being
laid in a hole in the earth, over which a large fire has been suffered to burn itself out,
and then covered over with the hot earth. Another fire is then built on the spot, and
permitted to burn itself out as before, and when the place is thoroughly cool, the foot
is properly cooked. The flesh of the boiled foot is quite soft and gelatinous, some-
thing resembling calf's head, and is so tender that it can be scooped away with a spoon.
The trunk and the skin around the eye are also enumerated as delicacies, but have been
compared by one who has had practical experience, as bearing a close resemblance to
shoe-leather both in toughness and evil flavor.

The African Elephant is a most suspicious and wary animal, being very keen of scent
and acute of hearing. So sensitive are the animal's olfactory faculties, that it can track
a native by the scent of his footsteps, although perhaps it might find a difficulty in
following the spoor of a shod and cleanly European. However close the Elephant may
be, the pursued hunter is always safe if he can only climb a tree, for the animal
never thinks of looking elsewhere than on the ground for its foe, and neither by
scent nor vision directs its attention to the trees. While employed in thus trailing
their enemies, it writhes the trunk into the most singular contortions, fully justifying
the epithet of anguimawts, or snake-hand, which has so aptly been applied to that
member.

r42 TAPIRS.

The natives employ many methods of capturing Elephants, the pitfall being the most
deadly. Even this insidous snare is often rendered useless by the sagacity of the crafty
old leaders of the herds, who precede their little troops to the water, as they advance
by night to drink, and carefully beating the ground with their trunks as they proceed
unmask the pitfalls that have been dug in their course. They then tear away the
coverings of the pits, and render them harmless. These pitfalls are terrible affairs
when an animal gets into them, for a sharp stake is set perpendicularly at the bottom,
so that the poor Elephant is transfixed by its own weight, and dies miserably. Each
pit is about eight feet long by four in width.

Whenever the Elephants approach the water at night, their advent may be at once
known by the commotion that arises among the various animals which have also con-
gregated around the pool for the purpose of slaking their thirst. " If the spring or
pool," says Mr. Anderson, in his valuable work, " Lake Ngami," " be of small ex-
tent, all the animals present will immediately retire from the water as soon as they are
aware of the presence of the Elephants, of whom they appear to have an instinctive
dread, and will remain at a respectful distance until the giants have quenched their
thirst. Thus, long before I have seen or even heard the Elephants, I have been
warned of their approach by the symptoms of uneasiness displayed by such animals
as happened to be drinking at the time. The giraffe, for instance, begins to sway his
long neck to and fro ; the zebra utters sudden and plaintive cries ; the gnoo glides
away with a noiseless step ; and even the ponderous and quarrelsome black rhino-
ceros, when he has time for reflection, will pull up short in his walk to listen : then
turning round, he listens again, and if he feels satisfied that his suspicions are correct,
he invariably makes off, giving vent to his fear or ire by one of his vicious and peculiar
snorts. Once, it is true, I saw a rhinoceros drinking together with a herd of seven
male Elephants ; but then he was of the white species, and, besides, I do not believe
that either party knew of each other's proximity."

The ivory of the African Elephant is extremely valuable, and vast quantities are
imported annually into this country. The slaughter of an Elephant is therefore a
matter of congratulation to the white hunter, who knows that he can obtain a good
price for the tusks and teeth of the animal which he has slain. A pair of tusks
weighing about a hundred and fifty pounds will fetch nearly forty pounds when sold,
so that the produce of a successful chase is extremely valuable. One officer con-
trived to purchase every step in the army by the sale of the ivory which he had thus
obtained. On an average, each pair of tusks, taking the small with the great, will
weigh about one hundred and twenty pounds.

There is an ingenious but a very cruel method of procuring ivory, which is employed
by the Somali. The hunter contrives to crawl towards the Elephant as it is reposing, and
with a single stroke of a very sharp sword nearly severs the principal tendon of the hind
leg. At the time, the animal thinks little of the wound, evidently supposing it to be
caused by the prick of a thorn. In order to rid himself of the supposed thorn, he stamps
violently on the ground, and flings out the wounded limb, until the damaged sinew parts,
and the Elephant is rendered incapable of locomotion. The hunters do not trouble them-
selves about the poor beast, knowing that he must soon die of hunger and thirst, as he
cannot stir from the spot on which he was wounded. After a sufficient time has elapsed
for putrefaction to have done its work, the hunters return to the spot, and easily draw the
tusks from the skull. The tail is cut off, and evermore exhibited as a trophy of victory.

ONE of the links which unite the elephants to the swine and rhinoceros is to be
found in the genus Tapirus. The animals which belong to this genus are remarkable
for the prolonged upper lip, which is formed into a kind of small proboscis, and not
unlike that of the elephant, but upon a smaller scale, and devoid of the finger-like ap-
pendage at the extremity. Only two species are at present existing, but the fossil re-
mains of many other species have been discovered, which, by the peculiar length of
proboscis and general formation, seem to render the transition from the elephant to
the swine less abrupt. The body is heavy and powerful, the skin thick and almost
devoid of hair, and the tail is almost wanting.

THE TAPIR.

743

The common or American TAPIR, sometimes called the Mbdrebi, is a native of tropical
America, where it is found in great numbers, inhabiting the densely wooded regions that
fringe the banks of rivers. It is a great water-lover, and can swim or dive with perfect
ease. Although a large animal, being nearly four feet in height, and very strongly made
it falls a victim to many destroyers, the jaguar being the most terrible of its enemies.
It is said that when the jaguar leaps upon the Tapir's back, the affrighted animal rushes
through the brushwood in hopes of sweeping away its deadly foe, and if it be fortunate
enough to gain the river's bank, will plunge into the water, and force the jaguar, who is
no diver, to relinquish his hold. The tough, thick hide, with which the Tapir is covered,
is of great service in enabling the animal to pursue its headlong course through the
forest without suffering injury from the branches. When it runs, it carries its head
very low, as does the wild boar under similar circumstances.

TAPIR.— Taplrus terrestris.

In disposition the Tapir is very gentle, and does not attack human beings except
when wounded and driven to bay. It then becomes a fierce and determined opponent,
and is capable of inflicting severe wounds with its powerful teeth. The hunter's dogs
are often dangerously wounded by the teeth of the despairing Tapir. The voice of the
Tapir is a curious shrill kind of whistling sound, which is but seldom uttered. The
senses of the animal are very acute, and its sight, hearing, and scent appear to be equally
sensitive. During the daytime it is seldom seen, preferring to lie quietly hidden in
the deep underwood during the hotter hours of the day, and to emerge at night in order
to obtain food and meet its companions. The nocturnal journeys which the Tapir will
make are of considerable extent, and the animal proceeds straight onwards, heedless
of bank or river, surmounting the one and swimming the other with equal ease. The
food of the Tapir is generally of a vegetable nature, and consists of young branches
and various wild fruits, such as gourds and melons.

744

THE DUDA-AYER, OR MALAYAN TAPIR.

The color of the adult Tapir is a uniform brown, hut the young is beautifully varie-
gated with yellowish-fawn spots and stripes upon a rich brown-black ground, reminding
the observer of the peculiar tinting of the Hood's marmot. The neck is adorned with
a short and erect black mane. The Tapir can easily be brought under the subjection of
man, and is readily tamed, becoming unpleasantly familiar with those persons whom it
knows, and taking all kinds of liberties with them, which would be well enough in a
little dog or a kitten, but are quite out of place with an animal as large as a donkey.

THE second species of Tapir is found in Malacca and Sumatra, and is a most con-
spicuous animal, in consequence of the broad band of white that encircles it body, and
which at a little distance gives it the aspect of being muffled up in a white sheet.

\

KUDA-AYER, OR MALAYAN TAPIR.— Tap/rus Malayaaus.

The ground color of the adult Malayan Tapir is a deep sooty-black, contrasting most
strongly with the grayish-white of the back and flanks. The young animal is as
beautifully variegated as that of the preceding species, being striped and spotted with
yellow fawn upon the upper parts of the body, and with white below. There is no
mane upon the neck of the Malayan Tapir, and the proboscis is even longer in pro-
portion. In size it rather exceeds the preceding animal. In many of its habits the
Malayan animal is exactly similar to the species which inhabits America, but it is said
that although the Kuda-Ayer is very fond of the water, it does not attempt to swim,
but contents itself with walking on the bed of the stream. Although a sufficiently
common animal in its native country, it is but seldom seen, owing to its extremely shy
habits, and its custom of concealing itself in the thickest underwood.

The hide of the Tapir is employed by the natives for several useful purposes, but the
flesh is dry, tasteless, and not worth the trouble of cooking. The term Kuda-Ayer is
a Malayan word, signifying " river-horse," and it is also known by the name of Tennu,

SWINE. 745

IN the SWINE the snout is far less elephantine than in the preceding animals, and
although capable of considerable mobility, cannot be curled round any object so as to
raise it from the ground. Nor, indeed, is such a power needed, as the Swine employ
the snout for the purpose of rooting in the earth, and of distinguishing, by its tactile
powers, and the delicate sense of smell which is possessed by these animals, those
substances which are suitable for its food.

In order to enable this instrument to perform its functions more effectually, it is
furnished with a small bone, as is the case with the mole. Their form is heavy and
massive, their neck and fore-quarters are very strong, and their heads are wedge-shaped,
probably because in a wild state they inhabit dense bushes and thickets, and require
this form of head and snout to enable them to pierce the tangled vegetation with ease.
A wild boar will charge fearlessly at an apparently impenetrable thicket, and vanish
into its interior as if by magic. The tusks, especially in the male, are largely developed,
and are terrible weapons of offence, a boar being able to rip up a dog or a man's leg
with a single blow of his tusks. When striking with these weapons, the boar does
not seem to make any great exertion of strength, but gives a kind of wriggle with his
snout as he passes his victim. In India, it is not uncommon for an infuriate wild boar
to pursue some unfortunate native, to overtake him as he flies, and putting his snout
between the poor man's legs, to cut right and left with an almost imperceptible effort,
and to pass on his course, leaving the wounded man helpless on the ground.

There are many species as well as varieties of Swine, which are found in different
parts of the earth, the first and most familiar of which is the DOMESTIC HOG of
Europe.

This species is spread over the greater portion of the habitable globe, and was in
former days common in a wild state even in England, from whence it has only been
expelled within a comparatively late period. The chase of the wild boar was a favorite
amusement of the upper classes, and the animal was one of those which were protected
by the terribly severe forest laws which were then in vogue. The boar was usually
slain with the spear, although the net or the arrow were sometimes employed in his
destruction. In several continental countries the boar-hunt is still carried on, and by
some more legitimate sportsmen is attacked solely with the spear. The chase is then
a most exciting one, for the boar is a terrible antagonist, his charge is made with light-
ning swiftness, and together with his furious eyes and lips dripping with the foam, he
is a sufficiently formidable foe to disconcert any one who is not possessed of good
nerves and a steady hand. The animal has an awkward habit of swerving suddenly
from his course, snapping at the spear-head and breaking it from the shaft. He also,
when the hunter is on horseback, will charge at the horse instead of the rider, and rising
on his hind legs, in order to give the blow greater force, will lay open the horse's flank and
instantly disable it. There are, however, but few sportsmen of the present day who
will restrict themselves to the use of the spear in boar-hunting, but employ the rifle in
lieu of that weapon, so that the danger and excitement of the sport are almost entirely
destroyed.

At the present time the wild Swine have ceased from out of England, in spite of
several efforts that have been made to restore the breed by importing specimens from
the Continent and turning them into the forests. There are, however, traces of the
old wild boars still to be found in the forest pigs of Hampshire, with their high crests,
broad shoulders, and thick, bristling manes. These animals are very active, and are
much fiercer than the ordinary Swine.

Swine are very accommodating in their appetite, and will devour almost any vege-
table or animal substance. Although more of a vegetable than an animal feeder, the
Hog, whether wild or domesticated, will pick up any dead animal it may find, and will
sometimes kill meat for itself. As a specimen of the carnivorous powers of the Swine,
Buffon mentions that in the stomach of a wild boar opened by himself, he found part of
the skin of a roebuck, and some feet of birds. Certain pig-keepers take a base advan-
tage of the omnivorous qualities of the Hog, and instead of feeding their animals with such
a vegetable diet as will produce a firm and sound flesh, maintain them on the worst kind
of garbage, which they obtain at a cheap rate from slaughter-houses, and even force them

746

SWINE.

to eat the offal of their own species. The flesh of such ill-fed animals is always flabby
and of ill-savor, and is also injurious to those by whom it is consumed.

In this country, the Hog is used not only for food, but for the sake of the hide,
which, when prepared after a peculiar fashion, is found to make the best leather for
saddles. The bristles which are so largely used in the manufacture of brushes are
almost exclusively imported from the Continent.

Both to the Jews and the Mahometans the Hog is a forbidden article of diet, the
latter prohibition being evidently in imitation of the former. In the Mosaical law the
Hog is spoken of as an unclean animal that might not be eaten, although for what reason
is not easy to ascertain, and the Rabbinical mandates which exercised such a potent
sway over the people laid such a stress upon the interdict that they declared the animal
itself to be a vile and foul beast, and pronounced a sentence of uncleanness against
those who came in contact with a Hog or with anything which it had touched. It must
be remarked, that the Egyptians, among whom the Hebrews had so long resided, held

WILD BOAR.— Sus scrota.

similar views of the Hog, and that might be in deference to their prejudices which they
had contracted from their former masters. The Hebrews were taught in their law to
hold the animal in the same light in which it had been regarded by those to whom they
had been accustomed to look with reverence. By some persons it is thought that the
flesh of the Hog is harmful to those who reside in hot countries ; but even granting
this to be the case — a matter which is by no means certain — it affords no clue to the
cause why the Hog should have been held as a vile and unclean beast by the polished
and learned Egyptians, who depicted so accurately the various animals found in their
country, and employed them so largely in their symbolical literature.

In its wild and domesticated state, the Hog is a most prolific animal, producing from
eight to twelve pigs twice in each year, when it is in full vigor and in good health.
Gilbert White records a sow which, when she died, was the parent of no less than three
hundred pigs.

We are rather apt to speak libellously of the Hog, and to ascribe to it qualities which
are of our own creation. Although it is a large feeder, it really is not more gluttonous

INTELLIGENCE OF THE HOG. 747

than the cow, the dog, or the sheep, for each of these animals will eat to repletion if
furnished with a large amount of food, and will become inordinately fat in consequence
of such high feeding. In its wild state it is never found overloaded with fat, and, as
has already been seen, is so active an animal that it can surpass a horse in speed, and is
so little burdened with flesh that it can endure throughout a lengthened chase. Neither
is it naturally a dirty creature, for in its native woods it is as clean as any other wild
animal. But when it is confined in a narrow stye, without any possibility of leaving
its curtailed premises, it has no choice, but is perforce obliged to live in a constant
state of filth.

The Hog is also thought, and very wrongly, to be an especially stupid animal. It
appears stupid for the same reason that it appears to be gluttonous and dirty, merely
because no attention has been paid towards developing its intellectual qualities, which
have been left to exercise themselves in the narrow confines of the stye and on the
daily supply of food.

When, however, its owner chooses to look upon the Hog as a living being, and not
merely as a piece of animated pork or bacon, he finds that it is by no means the stupid
animal that it has been supposed to be. " Learned " pigs are familiar to us all, and
though the animal does not display any very great amount of literature, it exhibits a
capacity of observation and obedience which would hardly have been expected from so
maligned an animal.

The senses of the Hog are wonderfully acute, and are capable of being turned to
good purport. So delicate is its sense of smell, that it has been trained to act as a
pointer, and in this capacity acted its part so thoroughly, that it would often find birds
which the dogs had missed. " Slut," as this animal was called, was very fond of the
sport, and would frequently walk a distance of seven miles in hopes of finding some one
who was going out with a gun. She would point at every kind of game with the curious
exception of the hare, which she never seemed to notice. Although she would will-
ingly back the dogs, they were very jealous of her presence, and refused to do their
duty when she happened to be the discoverer of any game, so that she was seldom taken
out together with dogs, but was employed as a solitary pointer. So sensitive was her
nose, that she would frequently point a bird at a distance of forty yards, and if it rose
and flew away, she would walk to the place from which it had taken wing, and put her
nose on the very spot where it had been sitting. If, however, the bird only ran on,
she would slowly follow it up by the scent, and when it came to a stop, she would again
halt and point towards it. She was employed in the capacity of pointer for several
years, but was at last killed because she had become a dangerous neighbor to the sheep.

The Hog has also been trained to draw a carriage, a team of four Hogs having been
driven by a farmer into the market-place of St. Alban's. After driving once or twice
round the market-place, he unharnessed his team, fed them, and in two hours put them
again to his chaise, and drove them back to his house, a distance of two or three miles.
Absurd as the idea may seem, the Hog has been trained for the saddle as well as for
harness. Another farmer, of Norfolk, laid a heavy wager that he would in one hour ride
his boar pig from his own house to Wisbeach, a distance of four miles and a quarter.
He won his wager easily, accomplishing the distance in less than the given time. The
Hog seems to be a good leaper, for a livery-stable keeper, who petted a favorite pig, en-
gaged that he could make his pig leap over a door four feet and a half in height. In
order to induce the animal to make the effort, he placed the door across the entrance
to the stye, and laid a bounteous supply of favorite food within the inclosure. A wild
boar has been known to clear a paling nearly nine feet in height, and it is remarkably
active in leaping across ravines.

There is a prevalent idea, that whenever the Hog takes to the water he cuts his own
throat with the sharp hoofs of his fore-feet. This, however, is by no means the case,
for the animal is an admirable swimmer, and will often take to the water intuitively.
In one of the Moray Islands, three domestic pigs belonging to the same litter swam a
distance of five miles ; and it is said that if they had belonged to a wild family, they
would have swum to a much greater distance.

The flesh and fat of the Hog is especially valuable on account of its aptitude for

748 THE BABYROUSSA.

taking salt without being rendered hard and indigestible by the process ; and the
various breeds of domesticated Swine are noted for their adaptation to form pork or
bacon in the shortest time and of the best quality. A full account of the various
English varieties, together with the mode of breeding them and developing their pecul-
iar characteristics, may be found in many books which are devoted specially to the
subject.

The WILD BOAR of India is reckoned by some naturalists to be a separate species,
and deserves a few words on account of its superiority in size, strength, and swiftness,
to the ordinary European Swine.

This animal is a sad plague to the agricultural population of India, as it makes ter-
rible havoc among the crops, and is especially fond of frequenting the sugar-canes,
eating them and chopping them into short lengths, which it forms into hut-like recep-
tacles for its young. The Boar is a most fierce and savage animal, and if driven from
the cane-brake, will rush at any man or animal that may be within his reach, and cut
them terribly with his sharp tusks. Even the sow can do considerable damage with
her teeth, but instead of ripping like her mate, she bites sharply and rapidly. When
the animal is fairly roused, and takes to his heels, he puts the mettle of the swiftest and
stanchest horse fairly to the test, and even on ground where the horse has all the ad-
vantage, he will frequently distance his pursuers, and regain his domicile in the cane-
brake. Among the plantations are numbers of old disused wells, the sides of which
have fallen in and were never properly filled up. In these wells the wild hog loves to
lie, for the mouth of the well is so overgrown with thick verdure that the aperture is
scarcely visible even to a person that stands on its brink, while from those who are not
aware of its precise locality it is entirely hidden.

The spear is generally employed in Boar-hunting, or " pig-sticking," as the sport is
familiarly termed, and is either thrown from the horse's back, or is held like a lance
and directed so as to receive the animal's charge. When driven to bay, the Indian
Boar is as savage an animal as can be imagined, as with flashing eyes and foaming
mouth he dashes first at one and then another of the horsemen, sometimes fairly driving
them from the spot, and remaining master of the field.

ONE of the most formidable looking of Swine is the BABYROUSSA of Malacca.

This strange creature is notable for the curious manner in which the tusks are
arranged, four of these weapons being seen to project above the snout. The tusks of
the lower jaw project upward on each side of the upper, as is the case with the ordi-
nary boar of Europe, but those of the upper jaw are directed in a very strange manner.
Their sockets, instead of pointing downwards, are curved upwards, so that the tooth,
in filling the curvatures of the socket, passes through a hole in the upper lip, and curls
boldly over the face. The curve, as well as the comparative size of these weapons, is
extremely variable, and is seldom precisely the same in any two individuals. The upper
tusks do not seem to be employed as offensive weapons ; indeed, in many instances they
would be quite useless for such a purpose, as they are so strongly curved that their points
nearly reach the skin of the forehead. The female is devoid of these curious appendages.

From all accounts, the Babyroussa seems to be a very fierce and 'dangerous animal,
being possessed of great strength, and able to inflict terrible wounds with the tusks of
the lower jaw. A naval officer who had experienced several encounters with this crea-
ture, spoke of it with great respect, and seemed to hold its warlike abilities in some awe.
The adult male Babyroussa is considerably larger than the boar of England, and the
officer above mentioned told me that he had seen them as large as donkeys. It is a
very good swimmer, and will take to the water for its own gratification, swimming
considerable distances without any apparent effort.

The skin of the Babyroussa is rather smooth, being sparsely covered with short, bristly
hairs. The object of the upper tusks is at present unknown, although certain old writers
asserted that the animal was accustomed to suspend himself to branches by means of
the appendage. The Babyroussa lives in herds of considerable size, and is found in-
habiting the marshy parts of its native land,

THE BOSCH VARK.

749

The BOSCH VARK, or Bush Hog, of Southern Africa is a very formidable animal in
aspect as well as in character, the heavy, lowering look, the projecting tusks, and the
callous protuberance on the cheek, giving it a ferocious expression which is no way belied
by the savage and sullen temper of the animal. The Bosch Vark inhabits the forests, and
is generally found lying in excavations or hollows in the ground, from which it is apt to
rush if suddenly disturbed, and to work dire vengeance upon its foe. In color it is
extremely variable, some species being of a uniform dark brown, others of a brown
variegated with white, while others are tinged with bright chestnut. The young is richly
mottled with yellow and brown. For the following account of the habits of the Bosch
Vark I am indebted to Captain Drayson's MS :

" Where the locality is sufficiently retired and wooded to afford shelter to the bush
bucks which I have mentioned, we may generally expect to find traces of the Bush Pig.
His spoor is like the letter M without the horizontal marks, the extremities of the toes
forming two separate points, which is not the case with the antelopes, at least very rarely
so, the general impression of their feet being like the letter A with a division down the
centre, thus fa.

BABYROUSSA.— Bablrussa Alfurus.

The Bush Pig is about two feet six inches in height and five feet in length, his canin-3
teeth are very large and strong, those in the upper jaw projecting horizontally ; those in
the lower upwards. He is covered with long bristles, and taking him all in all he is about
as formidable looking an animal, for his size, as can be seen.

The Bosch Varks traverse the forests in herds, and subsist on roots and young shrubs.
A large hard-shelled sort of orange, with an interior filled with seeds, grows in great
quantities on the flats near the Natal forests ; this is a favorite fruit of the wild pigs,
and they will come out of the bush of an evening and roam over the plains in search of
windfalls from these fruit-trees.

The Kaffir tribes, although they refuse to eat the flesh of the domestic pig, will still
feast without compunction on that of its bush brother.

In the bush I always found the Kaffirs disinclined to encounter a herd of these wild
Swine, stating as their reason for doing so that the animals were very dangerous ; they
also said that the wounds given by the tusks of this wild pig would not readily heal.

THE BOSCH VARK.

The Berea bush of Natal was a favorite resort of these wild pigs, but although
their spoor could be seen in all directions, the animals themselves were not so frequently
encountered.

The Kaffirs are much annoyed by these wild pigs, which force a passage through the
imperfectly made fences, and root up the seeds, or destroy the pumpkins in the various
gardens. As a defence, the Kaffirs leave nice enticing little openings in different parts of
their fences, and the pigs, taking advantage of these ready-made doorways frequently
walk through them, and are then engulfed in a deep pit in which is a pointed stake, and

BOSCH VARK.— CAo/ropotanus AMcaaus.

they are assagaied with great delight by the expecting Kaffirs, who are on the alert, and
who hear the cries of distress from piggy himself.

The tusks are considered great ornaments, and are arranged on a piece of string and
worn round the neck."

The VLACKE VARK, or EMGALLA, is even a more formidable animal in its aspect than
the bosch vark. The general color of the Vlacke Vark is a blackish hue upon the crown
of the head, the neck, and upper part of the back, and dull brown upon the remainder
of the body, except upon the abdomen, where it fades into a grayer hue. The tusks of
an adult male are most terrible weapons, projecting eight or nine inches beyond the lips,
and with them it has been known to cut a dog nearly in two with a single stroke, or
to sever the fleshy parts of a man's thigh. It is a savage and determined opponent,
and its charge is greatly to be dreaded. When chased, it presents a most absurd appear-
ance, for it is naturally anxious to learn how much it has gained upon its pursuers, and
is yet unable to look round, on account of its short neck and the large excrescence on each
side of the face. The animal is therefore obliged to lift its snout perpendicularly in the
air so as to look over its own shoulder ; and as it always carries its tail stiff and upright
when running, it has a most ludicrous aspect.

THE PECCARY. 751

This animal is not devoid of sagacity, as was proved by Gordon Cumming : " I
selected the old boar for my prey, and immediately separated him from his comrades.
After ten miles of sharp galloping, we commenced ascending a considerable acclivity,
where I managed to close with him, and succeeding in turning his head towards my camp.
He now reduced his pace to a trot and regarded me with a most malicious eye, his mouth
a mass of foam. He was entirely in my power, as I had only to spring from my horse
and bowl him over. I felt certain of him, but resolved not to shoot as long as his course
lay in the direction of my wagon. At length, surprised at the resolute manner in which
he held for my camp, I headed him ; when, to my astonishment, he did not in the slightest
swerve from his course, but trotted along behind my horse like a dog following me.
This at once aroused my suspicions, and I felt certain that the cunning old fellow was
making for some retreat, so I resolved to dismount and finish him. Just, however, as
I had come to this resolution, I suddenly found myself in a labyrinth of enormous holes
the haunt of the ant-bear. In front of one of them the wild boar pulled up, and charg-
ing stern foremost into it, disappeared from my disappointed eyes and I saw him no
more. I rode home for my men ; and returning, we collected grass and bushes, and
tried to smoke him out but without success."

VLACKE VARK.— Phacochcerus /Bthiopicus.

The structure of the teeth in this animal is very curious, and will repay examination.
Another species, the HARLUF or HAROJA (Phacoch&rus sEliani), belongs to the same
genus. This animal is sometimes known as the ^Ethiopian Wild Boar, or the Abyssinian
Phacochcere.

AMERICA possesses a representative of the porcine group in the Peccaries, two species
of which animals inhabit the Brazils.

The common PECCARY, or TAJACU, although it is of no very great dimensions,
resembling a small pig in size, is yet as terrible an animal as the Wild Boar of India
or the Phacochcere of Africa. Ever fierce and irritable of temper, the Peccary is as
formidable an antagonist as can be seen in any land, for it knows no fear, and will
attack any foe without hesitation. Fear is a feeling of which the Peccary is ignorant,
probably because its intellect is not of a very high order, and it is unable to com-
prehend danger. Although the Peccary is a very harmless animal to outward view,

75*

THE PECCARY.

being only three feet long and weighing fifty or sixty pounds, and its armature consists
of some short tusks that are barely seen beyond the lips, yet these little tusks are as
fearful weapons as the eight-inch teeth of the vlacke vark, for they are shaped like a
lancet, being acutely pointed and doubled edged, so that they cut like knives and inflict
very terrible wounds.

No animal seems to be capable of withstanding the united attacks of the Peccary,
even the jaguar being forced to abandon the contest, and to shrink from encountering
the circular mass of Peccaries as they stand with angry eyes and gnashing teeth
ready to do their worst on the foe. In Webber's Romance of Natural History there
is a very amusing account, too long to be quoted in this place, of the sudden con-
sternation that was caused during a bear hunt by the charge of a herd of Peccaries,
which came rushing over the very spot where the deadly struggle was being waged,
scattering men, dogs, and bear in a common confusion. The singular courage of this
animal seems, however, to be based in ignorance, for after a herd of Peccaries have been
frequently assailed by the hunter, they appear to learn the power of their adversaries,
and instead of charging at their opponents, make the best of their way to some place
of concealment.

PECCARY.-Dicotyles Tajacu.

The usual resting-place of the Peccary is in the hollow of a fallen tree, or in some
burrow that has been dug by an armadillo and forsaken by the original inhabitant. The
hollow tree, however, is the favorite resort, and into one of these curious habitations a
party of Peccaries will retreat, each backing into the aperture as far as he can penetrate
the trunk, until the entire hollow is filled with the odd little creatures. The one who
last enters becomes the sentinel, and keeps a sharp watch on the neighborhood. The
native hunters take advantage of this curious habit to immolate great numbers of these
animals. There are two methods of Peccary killing, one by the gun and the other by
the sword and pitchfork.

In the former method the hunter takes up his temporary abode in some concealed
spot that commands the entrance of the tree or hole in which the Peccaries are
known to sleep. As soon as the sentinel has assumed its post, the hunter takes a
careful aim at the forehead, and kills it with a single ball. The wounded animal
cautiously leaps from the cover, and its place is immediately taken by its successor. The

THE RHINOCEROS. 753

hunter instantly reloads his rifle, and kills the second Peccary in like manner. In this
way he will kill the entire family without giving the alarm. If the slain animal should
not leap from the hollow, but fall dead at its post, the carcass is pushed out of the
hole by the next in succession, who then assumes the part of sentinel without display-
ing any alarm. The other method requires the co-operation of two hunters, and is
managed by one getting above the mouth of the hole and pinning the foremost Peccary
to the ground with a pitchfork, while the other despatches it with a sword.

The food of the common Peccary is of a very varied character, and consists of fruits,
seeds, grain, roots, reptiles, small birds and their eggs, and, indeed, of almost anything
vegetable or animal which can be swallowed. The flesh of the Peccary is not of much
value, as during many parts of the year it is wholly uneatable, on account of an odori-
ferous gland in the back, which taints the meat to such an extent that it cannot be
eaten. The flesh of the male is at all times very unpleasant, but that of the female is
in some months tolerably good, and has been compared to that of the hare. At the
best, however, it is dry and insipid, as there is no fat or lard to be found in the Peccary.
In all cases, the gland must be removed as soon as the animal is dead, for if it be per-
mitted to remain but for a single hour, its effects will be perceptible throughout the
entire body.

The common Peccary is not so harmful to the agriculturist as its large relation, and as
it destroys such large numbers of reptiles, is probably rather beneficial than otherwise.
The color of the Peccary is a grizzled brown, with the exception of a white stripe that is
drawn over the neck, and has earned for the animal the name of the Collared Peccary.

The TAGNICATE, or WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY, is larger than the preceding animal,
assembles in larger herds, is fiercer in its disposition, and works more woe to the farmer.

The White-lipped Peccary derives its name from a band of white hairs that crosses
the upper jaw, and covers nearly the whole of the low^r. The color of the adult ani-
mal is black-brown, flecked with a gray grizzle, but when young it is striped after the
manner of the bosch-vark. A slight mane runs along its neck, and its ears are fringed
with long and stiff hairs. It is a most mischievous animal, as it makes long marches
over the country, ravaging the crops in its progress, and always choosing, with a per-
versely excellent taste, the best maize and grass. The cry of the Peccary is a sharp
shrill grunt. When angry, the Peccary clashes its teeth smartly together, producing a
sound which is recognizable at some distance, and is very useful to the hunters, as it
serves to give timely notice of the animal's approach.

The generic name, Dicotyles, signifies " double-cupped," and is given to the animal
on account of the peculiar open gland upon the back. This species is a good swim-
mer, and often crosses rivers of its own accord. As, however, it loses all its offensive
powers while in the water, the Indians watch the opportunity, and by dashing among
the floating animals, kill as many as they .choose without any danger.

SEVERAL species of the RHINOCEROS are still inhabitants of the north, and several
others have long been extinct, and can only be recognized by means of their fossilized
remains. Of the existing species, two or three are found in various parts of Asia and
its islands, and the remainder inhabit several portions of Africa. Before examining
the separate species, we will glance at some of the characteristics which are common
to all the members of this very conspicuous group.

The so-called horn which projects from the nose of the Rhinocerous is a very re-
markable structure, and worthy of a brief notice. It is in no way connected with the
skull, but is simply a growth from the skin, and may take rank with hairs, spines, or
quills, being indeed formed after a similar manner. If a Rhinoceros horn be examined
—the species of its owner is quite immaterial — if will be seen to be polished and smooth
at the tip, but rough and split into numerous filaments at the base. These filaments,
which have a very close resemblance to those which terminate the plates of whale-bone,
can be stripped upwards for some length, and if the substance of the horn be cut across,
it will be seen to be composed of a vast number of hairy filaments lying side by side,
which, when submitted to the microscope, and illuminated by polarized light, glow
with all the colors of the rainbow, and bear a strong resemblance to transverse sections
48

r54

HABITS OF THE RHINOCEROS.

of actual hair. At the birth of the young animal, the horn is hardly visible, and its
full growth is the work of years.

As the horn is employed as a weapon of offence, and is subjected to violent concus-
sions, it is set upon the head in such a manner as to save the brain from the injurious
effects which might result from its use in attack or combat. In the first place, the
horn has no direct connection with the skull, as it is simply set upon the skin, and can
be removed by passing a sharp knife around its base, and separating it from the hide
on which it grows. In the second place, the bones of the face are curiously developed,
so as to form an arch with one end free, the horn being placed upon the crown of the
bony arch, so as to diminish the force of the concussion in the best imaginable manner.
The substance of the horn is very dense, and even when it is quite dry, it possesses
very great weight in proportion to its size. In former days, it was supposed to bear
an antipathy to poison, and to cause effervescence whenever liquid poison was poured
upon it. Goblets were therefore cut from this material, and when gorgeously mounted
in gold and precious stones, were employed by Eastern monarchs as a ready means
for detecting any attempt to administer a deadly drug.

The skin of the Rhinoceros is of very great thickness and strength, bidding defiance
to ordinary bullets, and forcing the hunter to provide himself with balls which have
been hardened with tin or solder. The extreme strength of the skin is well known both
to the Asiatic and African natives, who manufacture it into shields and set a high
value on these weapons of defence.

All the species of Rhinoceros are very tetchy in their temper, and liable to flash out
into anger without any provocation whatever. During these fits of rage they are dangerous
neighbors, and are apt to attack any moving object that may be within their reach. In
one well-known instance, where a Rhinoceros made a sudden dash upon a number of
picketed horses, and killed many of them by the strokes of his horn, the animal had
probably been irritated by some unknown cause, and wreaked his vengeance on the
nearest victims. During the season of love, the male Rhinoceros is always vicious,
and, like the elephant, the buffalo, and other animals in the like condition, will conceal
himself in some thicket, and from thence dash out upon any moving object that may
approach his retreat.

Some times the Rhinoceros will commence a series of most extraordinary antics, and
seeming to have a spite against some particular bush, will rip it with his horn, trample
it with his feet, roaring and grunting all the while, and will never cease until he has
cut it into shreds and levelled it with the ground. He will also push the point of his
horn into the earth, and career along, ploughing up the ground as if a furrow had been
cut by some agricultural implement. In such case it seems that the animal is not
laboring under a fit of rage, as might be supposed, but is merely exulting in his strength,
and giving vent to the exuberance of health and violent physical exertion.

The Rhinoceros is a good aquatic, and will voluntarily swim for considerable dis-
tances. It is very fond of haunting the river-banks and wallowing in the mud, so as
to case itself with a thick coat of that substance, in order to shield itself from the mos-
quitoes and other mordant insects which cluster about the tender places, and drive the
animal, thick-skinned though it may be, half mad with their constant and painful bites.
In Sumatra, a curious result sometimes follows from this habit of mud wallowing, as may
be seen from the following extract from the " Journal of the Indian Archipelago."
" This animal, which is of solitary habits, is found frequently in marshy places with its
whole body immersed in the mud, and part of the head only visible. The Malays call
the animal * Badak-Tapa,' or the recluse Rhinoceros. Towards the close of the rainy
season they are said to bury themselves in this manner in different places ; and upon
the dry weather setting in, and from the powerful effects of a vertical sun, the mud
becomes hard and crusted, and the Rhinoceros cannot effect its escape without con-
siderable difficulty and exertion. The Semangs prepare themselves with large quantities
of combustible materials with which they quietly approach the animal, who is aroused
from his reverie by an immense fire over him, which, being kept well supplied by the
Semangs with fresh fuel, soon completes his destruction, and renders him in a fit state
to make a meal of."

THE JAVANESE RHINOCEROS.

755

In every species of Rhinoceros the sight appears to be rather imperfect, the animal
being unable to see objects which are exactly in its front. The scent and hearing,
however, are very acute, and seem to warn the animal of tin: approach of dan

The Asiatic species of Rhinoceros are remarkable for the- heavy folds into which the
skin is gathered, and which hang massively over the shoulders, throat, Hanks, and hind
quarters. Upon the abdomen the skin is comparatively soft, and can be pierced by a .spear
which would be harmlessly repelled from the thick folds of hide upon the upper portions
of the body. In the INDIAN RHINOCEROS this weight of hide is especially conspicuous the
skin forming great flaps that can be easily lifted up by the hand. In a tamed state the
Rhinoceros is pleased to be caressed on the softer skin under the thick hide, and in the
wild state it suffers sadly from the parasitic insects that creep beneath the flaps, and lead
the poor animal a miserable life, until they are stifled in the muddy compost with which

INDIAN RHlNOCEROS.-/?/f//ioceros unicornis.

the Rhinoceros loves to envelop its body. The horn of the Indian species is large in
width, but inconsiderable in height, being often scarcely higher than its diameter. Yet
with this short, heavy weapon, the animal can do terrible execution, and is said, upon
the authority of Captain Williamson, to repel the attack of an adult male Elephant.

The height of this animal when full-grown is rather more than five feet, but the
average height seems scarcely to exceed four feet. In color it is a deep brown-black,
tinged with a purple hue, which is most perceptible when the animal has recently left its
bath. The color of the young animal is much paler than that of the mother, and
partakes of a pinky hue.

The JAVANESE RHINOCEROS is not so large as its Indian relation, the skin-folds are
much less conspicuous, and are arranged in a different manner. The hide, too, is covered
with certain angular markings, interspersed with short hairs, and its limbs are proportion-

756 THE RHINASTER, OR BORELE.

ately longer and more slender. It is a nocturnal animal, seldom being seen by day, and
issuing at night from its place of concealment for the purpose of feeding. Being a large
and powerful beast, and happening to be very fond of several cultivated plants, such
as the coffee and the pepper vine, it is apt to burst its way into the plantations, and to
$o considerable damage before it retires to its forest home. It seems to be more gentle
and tractable than the common Indian Rhinoceros, and has been trained to wear a
saddle, and to be guided by a rider.

The Sumatran species possesses two horns upon its nose, the first being tolerably long
and sharp, and the second very thick, short, and pyramidal. The skin-folds are very
slight in this animal ; the hide is black in color, rough in texture, and is covered
with a thin crop of short bristly hairs. The neck is short and heavy, and the limbs are
more clumsy than those of the Indian species. From all accounts it seems to be a very
quiet creature, and to be held in no kind of dread, as an adult male has been seen to
fly in terror before the attack of one of the native wild dogs. The head of this species
is peculiarly long, a characteristic which is observable in the skull as well as in the liv-
ing animal.

OF African Rhinoceroses four species are clearly ascertained, and it is very probable
that others may yet be in existence. Two of the known species are black, and the other
two white; the animals differing from each other not only in color, but in form,
dimensions, habits, and disposition. The commonest of the African species is the
BORELE, RHINASTER, or LITTLE BLACK RHINOCEROS, of Southern Africa ; an animal
which may be easily distinguished from its relations by the shape of the horns and the
upper lip. In the Borele the foremost horn is of considerable length, and bent rather
backward, while the second horn is short, conical, and much resembles the weapon of the
Indian animal. The head is rather rounded, and the pointed upper lip overlaps the
lower, and is capable of considerable extension.

The Borele is a very fierce and dangerous animal, and is more feared by the natives
than even the lion. Although so clumsy in shape and aspect, it is really a quick and
active creature, darting about with lightning speed, and testing the powers of a good
horse to escape from its charge. Like many other wild animals, it becomes furiously
savage when wounded, but it will sometimes attack a passenger without the least
provocation. On one occasion an angry Rhinoceros came charging down upon a wagon,
and struck his horn into the bottom plank with such force as to send the wagon forward
for several paces, although it was sticking in deep sand. He then left the wagon, and
directed his attack upon the fire, knocking the burning wood in every direction, and
upsetting the pot which had been placed on the fire. He then continued his wild
career in spite of the attempts of a native who flung his spear at him, but without the
least effect, as the iron point bent against the strong hide.

The skin of this animal does not fall in heavy folds, like that of the Asiatic species,
but is nevertheless extremely thick and hard, and will resist an ordinary leaden bullet,
unless it be fired from a small distance. The skin is employed largely in the manufact-
ure of whips, or jamboks, and is prepared in a rather curious manner. When the hide
is removed from the animal it is cut into strips of suitable breadth and laid on the
ground. These strips are then hammered for some time in order to condense the
substance of the skin, and when they are dry are carefully rounded with a knife
and polished with sandpaper. One of these whips will continue serviceable for
several years. The horn of the Borele, from its comparatively small dimen-
sions, is not so valuable as that of the other species, but is still employed in
the manufacture of drinking-cups and sword-handles. Its value is about half that
of ivory.

The food of the Black Rhinoceros, whether the Borele or the keitloa, is composed of
roots, which the animal ploughs out of the ground with its horn, and of the young
branches and shoots of the wait-a-bit thorn. It is rather remarkable that the black
species is poisoned by one of the Euphorbiaceae, which is eaten with impunity by the
two white animals.

When wounded, the Black Rhinoceros is a truly fearful opponent, and it is generally

THE RHINASTER, OR BORELE.

757

considered very unsafe to fire at the animal unless the hunter is mounted on a good horse
or provided with an accessible place of refuge. An old experienced hunter said that he
would rather face fifty lions than one wounded Borele ; but Mr. Oswell, the well-known
African sportsman, always preferred to shoot the Rhinoceros on foot. The best place
to aim is just behind the shoulder, as if the lungs are wounded the animal very soon
dies. There is but little blood externally, as the thick loose skin covers the bullet-hole,
and prevents any outward effusion. When mortally wounded the Rhinoceros generally
drops on its knees.

It is at all times a rather savage beast, and is apt to quarrel with its own kind.
Mr. Anderson mentions a curious battle of which he was an eye-witness, where four of
these animals engaged furiously with each other. Two of them he contrived to shoot,

RHINASTER, OR BORELE.- Rhinoceros bicornis.

and found that one was absolutely unfit for food, being covered with festering wounds
which had been received in former encounters. The flesh of this animal is tolerably
good, but that of the black species is rather tough, and possesses a bitter and unpleasant
flavor, in consequence of the food on which the animal lives. The white species feeds
almost exclusively on grass, and its flesh is remarkably good and tender. The Borele
is a nocturnal animal, rousing himself from sleep at dark, and proceeding straightway to
the nearest pool. Having refreshed himself, he takes long journeys in search of food,
and returns to his temporary home soon after sunrise. When sleeping, he lies so still,
that he may easily be mistaken for a fragment of dark rock.

As the eyes are set deeply in the head of the Rhinoceros, it is unable to see objects
directly in its front if they are at any distance ; its sight being hindered by the horns.
But the hearing and scent of the creature are marvellously acute, and so wary is the
animal, that even when feeding it will constantly halt, raise its ears, snuff the wind, and
will not return to its occupation until its fears have been allayed.

758

THE KEITLOA, OR SLOAN'S RHINOCEROS.

The KEITLOA can readily be recognized by the horns, which are of considerable length,
and nearly equal to each other in measurement. This is always a morose and ill-tempered
animal, and is even more to be dreaded than the borele, on account of its greater size,
strength, and length of horn. The upper lip of the Keitloa overlaps the lower even more
than that of the borele ; the neck is longer in proportion, and the head is not so thickly
covered with wrinkles. At its birth the horns of this animal are only indicated by a
prominence on the nose, and at the age of two years the horn is hardly more than an
inch in length. At six years of age it is nine or ten inches long, and does not reach
its full measurement until the lapse of considerable time.

The Keitloa is a terrible dangerous opponent, and its charge is so wonderfully swift,
that it can hardly be avoided. One of these animals that had been wounded by
Mr. Andersson, charged suddenly upon him, knocked him down, fortunately missing her
stroke with her horns, and went fairly over him, leaving him to struggle out from between

KEITLOA, OR SLOAN'S RHINOCEROS. -Rhinoceros Keitloa.

her hind legs. Scarcely had she passed than she turned, and made a second charge,
cutting his leg from the knee to the hip with her horn, and knocking him over with a
blow on the shoulder from her fore-feet. She might easily have completed her revenge
by killing him on the spot, but she then left him, and plunging into a neighboring thicket,
began to plunge about and snort, permitting her victim to make his escape. In the
course of the day the same beast attacked a half-caste boy who was in attendance on
Mr. Andersson, and would probably have killed him had she not been intercepted by the
hunter, who came to the rescue with his gun. After receiving several bullets, the Rhi-
noceros fell to the ground, and Mr. Andersson walked up to her, put the muzzle of
the rifle to her ear, and was just about to pull the trigger, when she again leaped to her
feet. He hastily fired and rushed away, pursued by the infuriated animal, which, how-
ever, fell dead just as he threw himself into a bush for safety. The race was such a
close one, that as he lay in the bush he could touch the dead Rhinoceros with his rifle,
so that another moment would probably have been fatal to him.

THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 759

THE common WHITE RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros Simuse) is considerably larger than
the two preceding animals, and together with the kobaoba, or long-horned white Rhi-
noceros, is remarkable for its square muzzle and elongated head. The foremost horn
of this animal is of very considerable length, attaining a measurement of more than
three feet when fully grown. The second horn is short and conical, like that of the
borele. Fortunately for the human inhabitants of the regions where the White Rhi-
noceros dwells, its temper is remarkably quiet, and devoid of that restless irritability
and sudden access of rage which is so distinguishing a quality of the two black species.
Even when wounded it seldom turns upon its antagonist, but contents itself with
endeavoring to make its escape. Sometimes, however, probably when it has its young
to protect, it will assume the offensive, and is then even more to be dreaded than its
black relatives. The following anecdote, which was related by Mr. Oswell, the hero of
the tale, to Mr. Andersson, affords an instance of this rare display of combativeness : —

" Once as I was returning from an elephant chase, I observed a huge White Rhi-
noceros a short distance ahead. I was riding a most excellent hunter — the best and
fleetest steed that I ever possessed during my shooting excursions in Africa — at the time ;
but it was a rule with me never to pursue a Rhinoceros on horseback, and simply because
this animal is so much more easily approached and killed on foot. On this occasion,
however, it seemed as if fate had interfered.

" Turning to my after-rider, I called out : * By heaven ! that fellow has got a fine
horn ! I will have a shot at him.' With that, I clapped spurs to my horse, who soon
brought me alongside the huge beast, and the next instant I lodged a ball in his body,
but, as it turned out, not with deadly effect. On receiving my shot, the Rhinoceros,
to my great surprise, instead of seeking safety in flight, as is the habit of this generally
inoffensive animal, suddenly stopped short, and turned sharply round, and, having eyed
me most curiously for a second or two, walked slowly towards me. I never dreamt of
danger. Nevertheless, I instantly turned my horse's head away : but, strange to say,
this creature, usually so docile and gentle — which the slightest touch of the reins would
be sufficient to guide — now absolutely refused to give me his head. When at last he
did so, it was too late ; for, notwithstanding the Rhinoceros had only been walking, the
distance between us was so inconsiderable, that by this time I clearly saw contact was
unavoidable. Indeed, in another moment I observed the brute bend low his head, and
with a thrust upwards, strike his horn into the ribs of the horse with such force as to
penetrate to the very saddle on the opposite side, where I felt its sharp point against
my leg.

" The violence of the blow was so tremendous as to cause the horse to make a complete
somersault in the air, coming heavily down on its back. With regard to myself, I was,
as a matter of course, violently precipitated to the ground. Whilst thus prostrated I
actually saw the horn of the infuriated beast alongside of me ; but, seemingly satisfied
with his revenge, without attempting to do further mischief, he started off at a canter
from the scene of action. My after-rider having by this time come up, I rushed upon
him, and almost pulling him off his horse, leapt into the saddle ; and without a hat,
and my face streaming with blood, was quickly in pursuit of the retreating beast, which
I soon had the satisfaction to see stretched lifeless at my feet."

THE flesh of the MUCHUCO, or MONOOHOO as the White Rinoceros is called by the
natives, is apt to be rather tough, but is of good flavor. The best portions are those which
are cut from the upper part of the shoulder and from the ribs, where the fat and the lean
parts are regularly striped to the depth of two inches. If a large portion of the meat is
to be cooked at one time, the flesh is generally baked in the cavity of a forsaken ant-hill,
which is covered into an extempore oven for the occasion ; but if a single hunter should
need only to assuage his own hunger, he cuts a series of slices from the ribs, and dresses
them at his fire. The hide of the Monoohoo is enormously thick, and gives a novice no
little trouble to get it from the body, as it is as hard as a board, and nearly as stiff.
An adept, however, will skin the animal as quickly and easily as if it were a sheep.

760 THE HYRAX.

The KOBAOBA, or Long-horned White Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Oswettit) is much rarer
than either of the preceding species, and is found far in the interior, mostly to the east
of the Limopo River. The peculiar manner in which this species carries its horns,
makes it a very conspicuous animal. In all the other species, the horns are curved, and
incline rather backward ; but in the Kobaoba, the foremost horn is nearly straight, and
projects forward, so that when the animal is running, the tip of the horn nearly touches
the ground. Indeed, the extremity of an adult Kobaoba's horn is generally rubbed
down on one side, owing to the frequency in which it has come in contact with the
earth. The head of this and the preceding species is always carried very low, forming
a singular contrast to the saucy and independent manner in which the borele carries
his headi

The long horn of the Kobaoba sometimes exceeds four feet in length, and as it is
almost straight, is almost valuable for many purposes. The best, toughest, and straightest
ramrods are manufactured from this horn, and I have seen one of these ramrods that was
almost four feet long, even after being shaped and trimmed, so that the horn from which
it was cut must have been still longer. The mother Kabaoba employs this horn for a
very curious purpose, as was seen by Gumming. , Whenever the mother and her young
are abroad, the calf always takes the lead, and in this instance she guided her little one
by pressing it against the calf's side. The horn is also used by the Kaffirs to make
" knob-herries," or knob-headed sticks, which they can employ as clubs in hand-to-hand
combat, or can throw with wonderful effect. A party of Kaffirs will often go out in
chase of birds, armed with nothing but these knob-herries, which they will hurl with
such force and precision that they generally return home loaded with game.

The four African species of Rhinoceros are not at all prolific animals, producing only
one young one at a time, and, as far as is known, a considerable interval occurs between
each birth. It is not a gregarious, neither does it appear to be a monogamous, animal.
It seems, however, to find some gratification in the presence of others of its own species,
and maybe seen in little assemblies of eight or ten in number. These assemblies, how-
ever, cannot be termed flocks or herds, as their members are not under the command of
a single leader, nor bound together by any common tie, and when alarmed, each indi-
vidual makes his escape as he best can. The skin is comparatively smooth, and devoid
of hair, so that the animal bears some resemblance to an overgrown pig.

ONE of the most curious little animals in existence is the HYRAX, interesting not so
much from its imposing external appearance, as for its importance in filling up a link
in the chain of creation.

About as large as a tolerably sized rabbit, covered with thick, soft fur, inhabiting holes
in the banks, possessing incisor-like teeth, and, in fine, being a very rabbit in habits,
manners, and appearances, it was long classed among the rodents, and placed among the
rabbits and hares. It has, however, been discovered in later years, that this little rabbit-
like animal is no rodent at all, but is of one the pachydermata, and that it forms a natural
transition from the rhinoceros to the hippopotamus. On a close examination of the teeth,
they are seen to be wonderfully like those of the hippopotamus, their edges being bevelled
off in a similar manner, and therefore bearing some resemblance to the chisel-edged
incisors of the rodents. There are several species of Hyrax, one of which inhabits
Northern Africa and Syria, while the other two are found in Abyssinia and South Africa.

The South African Hyrax is termed by the colonists KLIP DAS, or ROCK RABBIT, and
is found in considerable plenty among the mountainous districts of its native land, being
especially common on the sides of the Table mountain. It is largely eaten by the natives,
who succeed in killing it in spite of its extreme wariness and activity. Among the
crevices and fissures in the rock the Hyrax takes up its abode, and may often be seen
sitting in the warm rays of the sun, or feeding with apparent carelessness on the
aromatic herbage of the mountain side. It is however, perfectly secure, in spite of its
apparent negligences, for a sentinel is always on guard, ready to warn his companions
by a peculiar shrill cry of the approach of danger. Sometimes the Hyrax is seen at a
considerable height, but is often observed near the sea-shore, seated on rocks which
are barely above high-water mark.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE.

761

Besides mankind, the Hyrax has many foes, such as the birds of prey and carnivorous
quadrupeds, and is destroyed in considerable numbers. The fore-feet of this animal are
apparently furnished with claws like those of the rabbit, but on a closer inspection,
the supposed claws are seen to be veritable hoofs, black in color, and very similar to
those of the rhinoceros in form. The Hyrax is an agile little creature, and can climb a
rugged tree-trunk with great ease. It is rather hot in its temper, and if irritated, be-
comes highly excited, and moves its teeth and feet with remarkable activity and force.

The SYRIAN HYRAX is the animal which is mentioned under the name of "coney "in
the Old Testament, and is found inhabiting the clefts and caverns of rocks. In its habits
and general appearance it is very similar to the Cape Hyrax, and needs no farther de-
scription. Although it will bite fiercely when first captured, it is sufficiently docile in
disposition, and soon learns to obey its keeper, towards whom it displays an affectionate
disposition if it be rightly treated. The color of both species is dark brown, but the
Syrian animal can be distinguished from the Cape Hyrax by the presence of a great
number of very long black hairs, which are thickly scattered over its body, and penetrate
through the shorter fur. Its native name is Ashkoko.

HYRAX, OR KLIP DAS.— Hyrax Capeasls.

THE last on the list of the pachydermatous animals is the well-known HIPPOPOTAMUS,
or RIVER HORSE.

This enormous quadruped is a native of various parts of Africa, and is always found
either in water or in its near vicinity. In absolute height it is not very remarkable, as its
legs are extremely short, but the actual bulk of its body is very great indeed. The average
height of a full-grown Hippopotamus is about five feet. Its naked skin is dark brown,
curiously marked with innumerable lines like those on "crackle "china or old oil-paint-
ings, and is also dappled with a number of sooty black spots, which cannot be seen expect
on a close inspection. A vast number of pores penetrate the skin, and exude a thick, oily
liquid, which effectually seems to protect the animal from the injurious effects of the water
in which it is so constantly immersed. I once spoiled a pair of gloves entirely by patting
the male animal at present in the Zoological Gardens. The mouth is enormous and
its size is greatly increased by the odd manner in which the jaw is set in the head.

Within the mouth is an array of white, gleaming tusks, which have a terrific appearance,
but are solely intended for cutting grass and other vegetable substances, and are seldom

762 THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE.

employed as weapons of offence, except when the animal is wounded or otherwise
irritated. The incisor teeth of the lower jaw lie almost horizontally, with their points
directed forwards, and are said to be employed as crow-bars in tearing up the various
aquatic plants on which the animal feeds. The canines are very large and curved, and
are worn obliquely, in a manner very similar to the rodent type of teeth. Their shape
is a bold curve, forming nearly the half of a circle, and their surface is deeply channeled
and ridged on the outer line of the curve, and smoother on the face. The entire tooth,
when it has been removed from the animal and thoroughly dried, is covered with a
series of fine, superficial cracks, which intersect each other diagonally with much regu-
larity, being a veritable example of nature's " cross-hatching."

The tooth is very solid in its substance and close in its grain, and as it retains its
color under very trying circumstances, is admirably adapted for the manufacture of
artificial teeth. Throughout the greater part of its length it is quite solid, but bears a
conical hollow about three or four inches deep at the extremity which enters the
socket. The extreme whiteness of the ivory obtained from the Hippopotamus'
teeth renders it peculiarly valuable for the delicate scales of various philosophical
instruments, and its natural curve adapts it admirably for the verniers of ship sextants.
The weight of a large tooth is from five to eight pounds, and the value of the ivory is
from twenty to twenty-five shillings a pound.

With these apparently combined teeth the Hippopotamus can cut the grass as neatly
as if it were mown with a scythe, and is able to sever, as if with shears, a tolerably
stout and thick stem.

Possessed of an enormous appetite, having a stomach that is capable of containing
five or six bushels of nutriment, and furnished with such powerful instruments, the
Hippopotamus is a terrible nuisance to the owners of cultivated lands that happen to be
near the river in which the animal has taken up his abode. During the day it is
comfortably asleep in its chosen hiding-place, but as soon as the shades of night deepen,
the Hippopotamus issues from its den, and treading its way into the cultivated lands,
makes sad devastation among the growing crops. Were the mischief to be confined to
the amount which is eaten by the voracious brute, it would still be bad enough, but the
worst of the matter is, that the Hippopotamus damages more than it eats by the clumsy
manner of its progress. The body is so large and heavy, and the legs are so short,
that the animal is forced to make a double track as he walks, and in the grass-grown
plain can be readily traced by the peculiar character of the track. It may there-
fore be easily imagined that when a number of these hungry, awkward, wad-
dling, splay-footed beasts come blundering among the standing crops, trampling and
devouring indiscriminately, they will do no slight damage before they think fit to
retire.

The aggrieved cultivators endeavor to protect their grounds and at the same time to
make the depredators pay for the damage which they have done, by digging a number
of pitfalls across the Hippopotamus paths, and furnishing each pit with a sharp stake
in the centre.

When an animal falls into such a trap, the rejoicings are great, for not only is the
ivory of great commercial value, but the flesh is very good eating, and the hide is
useful for the manufacture of whips and other instruments. The fat of the Hippopot-
amus, called by the colonists " Zee-Koe speck," or Sea-cow bacon, is held in very
high estimation, as is the tongue and the jelly which is extracted from the feet. The
hide is so thick that it must be dragged from the creature's body in slips, like so many
planks, and is an inch and a half in thickness on the back, and three-quarters of an
inch on the other portions of the body. Yet, in spite of its enormous thickness and its
tough quality, it is quite pliable when seen on the living beast, and accommodates itself
easily to all his movements.

The Hippopotamus is, as the import of its name, River Horse, implies, most aquatic
in its habits. It generally prefers fresh water, but it is not at all averse to the sea, and will
sometimes prefer salt water to fresh. It is an admirable swimmer and diver, and is able
to remain below the surface for a very considerable length of time. In common with the
elephant, it possesses the power of sinking at will, which is the more extraordinary when

THE HIPPOPOTAMI AT HOME.

763

HIPPOPOTAMI AT HOME.

the huge size of the animal is taken into consideration. Perhaps it may be enabled to
contract itself by an exertion of the muscles whenever it desires to sink, and to return to
its former dimensions when it wishes to return to the surface. It mostly affects the
stillest reaches of the river, as it is less exposed to the current, and not so liable to be
swept down the stream while asleep. The young Hippopotamus is not able to bear
submersion so long as its parent, and is therefore carefully brought to the surface at short
intervals for the purpose of breathing. During the first few months of the little animal's

764

THE HIPPOTAMIUS, OR ZEEKOE.

life, it takes its stand on its mother's neck, and is borne by her above or through the
water as experience may dictate or necessity require.

There are various modes of hunting this mischievous but valuable animal, each of
which is in vogue in its own particular region. The pitfalls above mentioned are uni-
versal throughout the whole Hippopotamus country, and lure many an animal to its
destruction without needing any care or superintendence on the part of the men who
set the snare. There is also the " down-fall," a trap which consists of a log of wood,
weighted heavily at one end, to which extremity is loosely fixed a spear-head well
treated with poison. This terrible log is suspended over some Hippopotamus path,
and is kept in its place by a slight cord which crosses the path and is connected with
a catch or trigger. As soon as the animal presses the cord, the catch is liberated, and
down comes the armed log, striking the poisoned spear deep into the poor beast's back,
and speedily killing it by the poison, if not from the immediate effects of the wound.

HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE.— Hippopotamus amphiblus.

The white hunter of course employs his rifle and finds that the huge animal affords
no easy mark, as unless it is hit in a mortal spot it dives below the surface and makes
good its escape. Mortal spots, moreover, are not easy to find, or when found, to hit ;
for the animal soon gets cunning after it has been alarmed, and remains deeply im-
mersed in the water as long as it is able, and when it at last comes to the surface to
breathe, it only just pushes its nostrils above the surf ace, takes in the required amount
of air, and sinks back again to the river bed. Moreover, it will often be so extremely
wary, that it will not protrude even its mouth in the open water, and looks out for
some reeds or floating substances which may cover its movements while breathing.
As a general rule, it is found that the most deadly wound that can be given to a
Hippopotamus is on the nose, for the animal is then unable to remain below the sur-
face, and consquently presents an easy mark to the hunter. A heavy ball just below
the shoulder always gives a mortal wound, and in default of such a mark being
presented, the eye or the ear is a good place to aim.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE. 765

The most exciting manner of hunting the Hippopotamus is by fairly chasing and
harpooning it, as if it were a whale or a walrus. This mode of sport is described very
vividly by Mr. Andersson.

The harpoon is very ingenious instrument, being composed of two portions, a shaft
measuring three or four inches in thickness and ten or twelve feet in length, and a
barbed iron point, which fits loosly into a socket in the head of the shaft, and is connected
with it by means of a rope composed of a number of separate strands. This peculiar
rope is employed to prevent the animal from severing it, which he would soon manage
were it to be composed of a single strand. To the other end of the shaft a strong line
is fastened, and to the other end of the line a float or buoy is attached. As this com-
posite harpoon is very weighty it is not thrown at the animal, but is urged by the force
of the harpooner's arm. The manner of employing it shall be told in Mr. Andersson's
own words : —

" As soon as the position of the Hippopotami is ascertained, one or more of the
most skilful and intrepid of the hunters stand prepared with the harpoons ; whilst the
rest make ready to launch the canoes, should the attack prove successful. The bustle
and noise caused by these preparations gradually subside. Conversation is carried on
in a whisper, and every one is on the qui-vive. The snorting and plunging become
every moment more distinct ; but a bend in the stream still hides the animals from
view. The angle being passed, several dark objects are seen floating listlessly on the
water, looking more like the crests of sunken rocks than living creatures. Ever and
anon, one or other of the shapeless masses is submerged, but soon again makes its
appearance on the surface. On, on, glides the raft with its sable crew, who are now
worked up to the highest state of excitement. At last, the raft is in the midst of the
herd, who appear quite unconscious of danger. Presently one of the animals is in
immediate contact with the raft. Now is the critical moment. The foremost harpooner
raises himself to his full height, to give the greater force to the blow, and the next
instant the fatal iron descends with unerring accuracy in the body of the Hippo-
potamus.

The wounded animal plunges violently, and dives to the botton ; but all his efforts to
escape are unavailing. The line or the shaft of the harpoon may break ; but the cruel
barb once imbedded in the flesh, the weapon (owing to the toughness and thickness of
the beast's hide) cannot be withdrawn.

As soon as the Hippopotamus is struck, one or more of the men launch a canoe from
off the raft, and hasten to the shore with the harpoon-line, and take a round turn with
it about a tree, or bunch of reeds, so that the animal may either be ' brought up ' at once,
or, should there be too great a strain on the line, * played' (to liken small things to great)
in the same manner as the salmon by the fisherman. But if time should not admit of
the line being passed round a tree, or the like, both line and * buoy ' are thrown into
the water, and the animal goes wherever he chooses.

The rest of the canoes are now all launched from off the raft, and chase is given
to the poor brute, who, so soon as he comes to the surface to breathe, is saluted with a
shower of light javelins. Again he descends, his track deeply crimsoned with gore.
Presently — and perhaps at some little distance — he once more appears on the surface,
when, as before, missiles of all kinds are hurled at his devoted head.

When thus beset, the infuriated beast not unfrequently turns upon his assailants, and
either with his formidable tusks, or with a blow from his enormous head, staves in
or capsizes the canoes. At times, indeed, not satisfied with wreaking his vengeance
on the craft, he will attack one or other of the crew, and with a single grasp of his
horrid jaws either terribly mutilates the poor fellow, or, it may be, cuts his body fairly
in two.

The chase often lasts a considerable time. So long as the line and the harpoon hold,
the animal cannot escape, because the ' buoy ' always marks his whereabout. At length,
from loss of blood or exhaustion, Behemoth succumbs to his pursuers."

The Hippopotamus is a gregarious animal, collecting in herds of twenty or thirty in

766

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE.

number, and making the air resound with their resonant snorts. The snort of this
creature is a most extraordinary sound, and one that is well calculated to disturb the
nerves of sensitive persons, especially if heard unexpectedly. The animals at the
Zoological Gardens make the very roof ring with the strange unearthly sounds which
they emit. In their native state it is very difficult to ascertain even approximately the
number of a herd, as the animals are continually diving and rising, and never appear
simultaneously above the surface of the water.

The creature is generally a harmless one, and need not be much dreaded. Some-
times, however, it becomes angry if molested in its watery home, and will then make a
violent attack upon the object that has excited its anger. One of these animals, whose
calf had been speared on the previous day, made at the boat in which Dr. Livingstone
was sitting, and drove her head against it with such force that she lifted the forepart of
the boat completely out of the water, capsized one of the black oarsmen fairly into the
river, and forced the whole crew to jump ashore.

Although in its native river the female Hippopotamus is a most kind and affectionate
mother, the tame animal does not display such excellent qualities. The female Hippo-
potamus in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris has twice been a mother, and twice has
killed her offspring. On the last occasion she seemed to have been seized with a sudden fit
of anger, for the marks of her teeth were only too plain on the poor little beast when its
dead body was discovered, and her tusks had penetrated into its lungs. On the first
occasion she killed it from sheer awkwardness ; and after carrying it about on her neck
in the proper manner, she bruised it so severely in her clumsy efforts to teach her off-
spring the proper mode of getting out of the bath, that it never recovered from the hurts
which it received.

The Hippopotamus has for years been extinct in Europe, but the fossil remains of the
animal are found abundantly in the London clay, showing that in some remote age the
Hippopotamus must have traversed the plains of England and wallowed in its rivers.
There is another species of Hippopotamus, which is smaller than that which has just
been described, and is termed Hippopotamus Liberiensis. It is a native of Western
Africa, and is remarkable for only having two incisors in the lower jaw.

DASYPID,E.

THIS small but important family includes the Manis, the Armadillo, the Ant-eater,
and the Platypus, or Duck-bill.

The Phatagin is one of the numerous species that compose the strange genus of
Manis. All these animals are covered with a series of horny plates, sharp pointed and
keen-edged that lie with their points directed towards the tail, and overlap each other
like the tiles upon the roof of a house ; being the natural prototype of the metal scale-
armor that was prevalent in the days of chivalry, and of the horn-scale bucklers that
have been employed both in ancient and modern times. This defence of scales is not,
however, entirely of a negative character, like the shell of the tortoise, but can be con-
verted at will into a powerful weapon of offence towards all who come too hastily in
contact with it. When the Manis is pursued, and is unable to escape, it rolls itself
into a ball, after the manner of the hedgehog, so that the sharp-edged and acutely-
pointed scales stand boldly outward, and can inflict very unpleasant wounds on the hand
of man or the mouth of predaceous beast. The head is the most vulnerable part of
the Manis, but as it always takes care to hide its head within the curve of the body, it
has little fears on that score.

The fore-claws of the Phatagin are very large, and are employed for the purpose of
tearing down the nest of the termite, or white-ant, as it is more popularly called, so as to
enable it to feed upon the inmates, as they run about in confusion at the destruction of
their premises. Ants, termites, and various insects are the favorite food of the Phatagin,
which sweeps them up by means of its long and extensile tongue, caring nothing for their

THE ARMADILLOS.

767

formidable jaws, which are powerful enough to drive a human being almost distracted
with pain. The claws are not only employed in destroying the nest of the termite, but
in digging burrows for its own residence, a task for which they are well adapted by
reason of their great size and strength, and the vigor of the limbs to which they are
attached. As the limbs are short, and the claws very long, the pace of the 1'hatngin
is very slow, and its tardiness is increased by the fact that the claws of the fon
are folded upon a thick, fleshy pad, and are therefore not at all adapted for locomotion.

The Phatagin is a native of Western Africa, and is of considerable dimensions,
reaching five feet in average length, of which the tail occupies three feet. From the
great length of the tail, it is sometimes called the LONG-TAILED MANIS.

The BAJJERKEIT, or SHORT-TAILED MANIS, is a native of various parts of India, and
is also found in Ceylon. Of this species Sir Emerson Tennent gives the following short
account : " Of the Edentates, the only example in Ceylon is the scaly ant-eater, called
by the Singalese, Caballaya, but usually known by its Malay name of Pengolin, a
word indicative of its faculty of 'rolling itself up ' into a compact ball, by bending its
head towards its stomach, arching its back into a circle, and securing all by a powerful
hold of its mail-covered tail. When at liberty, they burrow in the dry ground to a depth of
seven or eight feet, where they reside in pairs, and produce annually two or three young.

PHATAQIN.— Mania tetradactyld,

Of two specimens which I kept alive at different times, one from the vicinity of
Kandy, about two feet in length, was a gentle and affectionate creature, which after
wandering over the houses in search of ants, would attract attention to its wants by
climbing up my knee, laying hold of my leg by its prehensile tail. The other, more
than double that length, was caught in the jungle near Chilaw, and brought to me in
Colombo. I had always understood that the Pengolin was unable to climb trees, but the
one last mentioned frequently ascended a tree in my garden in search of ants, and this
it effected by means of its hooked feet, aided by an oblique grasp of the tail. The ants
it seized by extending its round and glutinous tongue along their tracks. Generally speak-
ing, they were quiet during the day, and grew restless as evening and night approached."

THE manis affords a curious example of scale-armor formed by nature, and a still
more singular instance of natural plate-armor is found in the following little group of
animals :

The ARMADILLOS are inhabitants of Central and Southern America, and are tolerably
common throughout the whole of the land in which they live. The general structure of
the armor is similar in all the species, and consists of three large plates of horny
covering ; one being placed on the head, another on the shoulders, and the third on the
hind quarters. These plates are connected by a series of bony rings, variable in number,
overlapping each other, and permitting the animal to move freely. Each plate and band is

768

THE ARMADILLO.

composed of a number of small plates, joined together, and forming patterns whi<
differ in the various species. The whole of the animal, even to the long and tapering
tail, is covered with these horny scales, with the exception of the upper part of the
legs, which are concealed under the armor of the body, and need no other protection.
At and soon afterbirth, the infant Armadillo is quite soft, like parchment, but the skin
is marked in a similar manner to that of the adult animal, excepting that the hairs
that protrude between the shelly plates are more numerous.

The common ARMADILLO, or POYOU, is about twenty inches in total length, the tail
occupying some six or seven inches. It is very common in Paraguay, but is not easily
captured, owing to its remarkable agility, perseverance, and wariness. Encumbered as
it appears to be with its load of plate-armor, it runs with such speed that it can
hardly be overtaken by a quick-footed man, and if it should contrive to reach its
burrow, it can never be got out except by dint of hard work. Its hearing is exquisitely
acute, and as during the daytime the creature never ventures very far from its home,
it readily evades the attacks of every foe excepting man.

BAJJERKEIT.— Ma a is pentadactyla.

The natives, to whom time is of little value, employ a long but a sure process of
obtaining the Armadillo after it has taken refuge in its home. In order to ascertain
whether the animal is at home, they push a stick into the hole, and if a quantity of
mosquitoes come buzzing out, it is a sure sign that the tenant is within. It seems very
strange that the mosquitoes should attach themselves to an animal so well defended
again their attacks, but such is nevertheless the case. Having ascertained the
presence of the Armadillo, they push a stick into the hole, and sink a pit so as to catch
the end of the stick. The stick is then pushed still farther, and another pit sunk, and
so on, until the Armadillo is fairly captured.

The food of the Armadillo is nearly as varied as that of the swine, for there are few
eatable substances, whether vegetable or animal, which the Armadillo will not devour,
provided they are not too hard for its little teeth. Various roots, potatoes, and maize
are among its articles of vegetable diet, and it also will eat eggs, worms, insects, and
small reptiles of every description. Wherever wild cattle are slain, the Armadillo is
sure to make its appearance in a short time, for the purpose of devouring the offal which
the hunter leaves on the ground. It is not at all particular in taste, and devours the
half-putrid remains with great eagerness, becoming quite fat upon the revolting diet.

THE PEBA, OR TATOUHOU.

769

As the Armadillo is a nocturnal animal its eyes are more fitted for the dark than for
the bright glare of sunlight, which dazzles the creature, and sadly bewilders it. If it
should be detected on the surface of the ground, and its retreat intercepted before it
can regain its hole, the Armadillo rolls itself up as it best can, and tucking its head under
the chest, draws in its legs and awaits the result. Even when taken in hand it is not
without a last resource, for it kicks so violently with its powerful legs that it
inflict severe lacerations with the digging claws. The legs are wonderfully powerful in
comparison with the dimensions of the animal. I have seen an Armadillo run about
the ground with perfect ease, although it was carrying on its back three monkeys \\lio
had chosen to take their seats upon its mail-clad person. The Armadillo swims well,
but does not enter the water from choice.

In spite of the unpleasant diet on which the animal feeds, its flesh is eaten by the
natives, and is held by them in some estimation. It is, however, very rank and strong
in flavor, and to European palates is rather disagreeable. The young of this animal
are from six to eight in number.

ARMADILLO.— Dasypus sexcinctus.

ANOTHER curious species of Armadillo is the APARA, or MATACO (Tatusia tri-
cinctd), which is often found on the Pampas. It is remarkable for the solid manner in
which it is covered by its armor, there being only three bands in the centre of the
body, the remainder of the creature being sheltered under the horny plates. When
attacked, it can draw itself into a perfect ball, which is impervious to the teeth of pre-
daceous animals, for it is too large to be taken into the mouth and cracked, and is so
hard and smooth that the teeth glide harmlessly from its polished surface. The tail
is very short, and, with the head, can be completely enveloped in the shell. On ac-
count of its shape when rolled together the Spaniards call it the " Bolita," or little ball.

The claws of this animal are feeble, and its legs weak, so that it is unable to burrow
in the ground, and depends for defence totally on its coat of mail, which is the more
required as it is a diurnal animal.

The PEBA, or TATOUHOU (Tatusia septemcinctus], is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and
Paraguay, and is larger than either of the preceding species, being about thirty inches in
total length, the slender and tapering tail being fourteen or fifteen inches long. Its color
is a very dark brown-black, from which circumstance it is sometimes called the Black

49

770 THE PICHICIAGO.

Tatu. It is found in the open country, and is a good burrower. The natives seek it
on account of the flesh, which is tender and well flavored. In Messrs. Audubon and
Buchanan's well-known work, is the following account of the Peba : "The Armadillo
is not a fighting character, but, on the contrary, is more peaceable than even the
opossum, which will at times bite in a sly and treacherous manner quite severely.

A friend of ours, who formerly resided in South America, had a pet Armadillo in
his bed-chamber, where it generally remained quiet during the day, but in the dark
hours was active and playful. One night after he had gone to bed, the Armadillo
began dragging about the chairs and some Coxes that were placed round the room, and
continued so busily engaged at this occupation that our friend could not sleep. He at
length arose and struck a light, when, to his surprise, he found that boxes which he
had supposed too heavy for such an animal to stir, had been moved and placed to-
gether, so as to form a sort of den or hiding-place in a corner, into which the animal
retreated with great apparent satisfaction, and from whence it could only be drawn
out after a hard struggle, and the receipt of some severe strokes from its claws.

But, in general, the Armadillo does not evince any disposition lo resent an attack,
and, in fact one of them, when teased by a pet parrot, struck out with its claws only
till pressed by the bird, when it drew in its head and feet, and, secure in its tough shell,
yielded, without seeming to care much about it, to its noisy and mischievous tormentor,
until the parrot left it to seek some less apathetic and more vulnerable object."

THE little PICHEY ARMADILLO (Tattisia minuta) is only fourteen inches in length, the
tail being four inches long. Like many of the African antelopes, it appears to be
almost independent of water, and can live for months together without needing to
drink. The food consists of various insects, small reptiles, and several kinds of roots,
from the latter of which articles it hardly obtains the needful supply of moisture. It
is a very active and rapid burrower, sinking below the ground with such celerity, that
if a man on horseback sees a Pichey scrambling over the ground, and wishes to secure
it, he can hardly leap from his steed and stoop to take it up, before it has burrowed
out of his reach. It also endeavors to escape observation by crouching closely to
the ground, as if it were a stony pebble or lump of earth. Another example of the
Armadillos is the TATOUAY (Xenurus unicinctus). This animal is mostly remarkable
for the undefended state of its tail, which is devoid of the bony rings that encircle
the same member in the other Armadillos, and is only supplied with a coating of
brown hair. For about three inches of the extremity the under side of the tail is
not even furnished with hair but is quite naked, with the exception of a few rounded
scales.

The last and largest of these animals is the TATOU, or GIANT ARMADILLO (Priodonta
gigas.)

This creature measures more than four feet six inches in length, the head and body
being rather more than three feet long. It is as good a burrower as its relatives, and
is so keen in its scent after the food which it loves, that the inhabitants of the same
country are forced to line the graves of their departed friends with boards, in order to
prevent the Tatou from exhuming and devouring them. The teeth are very remarkable,
there being from sixteen to eighteen small molars on each side of the jaws. The tail
is about seventeen inches long, and tapers gradually to a point from the base, at which
spot it is nearly ten inches in circumference. This member is covered with regularly
graduating horny rings, and when dried and hollowed, is used as a trumpet by the
Botocudos. The Tatou is found in Brazil and Surinam.

NEARLY related to the armadillos is the remarkable little animal called the PICHICIAGO
(Chlamydbphorus truncatus), a native of Chili, which looks like a mixture of the mole
and the armadillo.

The top of the head, the back, and the hind quarters of the Pichiciago are covered with
a shelly plate, which runs unbroken to the haunches, over which it dips suddenly, looking
as if the creature had been chopped short by the blow of a hatchet, and a piece of shell

THE AARD VARK. 771

stuck on the cut extremity. The remainder of the body is covered with long silken
hair, very like that of the mole in its soft texture. It is a very little creature, sea:
surpassing the common English mole in dimensions, and living, like that animal, al-
most entirely below the surface of the earth. Its feet are formed for burrowing, and
are most powerful instruments for that purpose, though they are not well fitted for
rapid progress over the ground.

Its food consists, as far as is known, of worms, and other subterranean creatures, in
addition to those which it may catch in its nocturnal expeditions into the open air.
As is the case with the mole, and other subterranean animals, the eyes are of minute
dimensions, and are hidden under the soft and profuse fur of the face.

The ANT-EATERS, as their name imports, feed very largely on ants, as well as on
termites and various other insects, their long flexible tongue acting as a hand for the
purpose of conveying food into the mouth. The- tongue of the Ant-eater, when pro-
truded to its fullest extent, bears some resemblance to a great red earth-worm, and as
it is employed in its food-collecting task, it coils and twists about as if it possessed a
separate vitality of its own.

AARD VARK.— Orycteropus Capensis.

The AARD VARK, or Earth-hog, is a native of Southern Africa, and is a very curious
animal. The skin of the Aard Vark is not protected by scales or plates like those of
the manis and the armadillo, but rather thinly covered with coarse bristly hair. Its
length is about five feet, the tail being twenty inches long, and it is a very powerful
creature, especially in the fore-limbs, which are adapted for digging, and are furnished
with strong hoof-like claws at their extremities. These claws can be used with mar-
vellous rapidity and force, and are employed for the purpose of destroying the dwell-
ings of the ants on which the Aard Vark feeds, as well as for digging a burrow for its
own habitation.

The burrows are not very deep, but are of tolerably large dimensions, and are often
used, when deserted, as extempore tombs, to save the friends of the deceased from the
trouble of digging a grave for their departed comrade. The creature makes its bur-
rows with marvellous rapidity, and can generally dig faster with its daws than a man
with a spade.

The Aard Vark is a nocturnal animal, and can very seldom be seen during the day-
time. At night it issues from its burrow, and, making its way towards the ant-hills,

772

THE TAMANOIR, OR ANT-BEAR.

begins its work of destruction. Laying its fore-feet upon the stone-like walls of these
edifices, the Aard Vark speedily tears them down, and as the terrified insects run about
in the bewilderment caused by the sudden destruction of their tenements, it sweeps them
into its mouth with rapid movements of its long and extensile tongue. This member is
covered with a tenacious glutinous secretion, to which the ants adhere, and which pre-
vents them from making their escape during the short period of time that elapses be-
tween the moment when they are first touched and that in which they are drawn into
the mouth.

THE remaining Ant-eaters possess no teeth whatever, and the aperture of their
mouth is extremely small.

TAMANOIR, OR ANT-BEAR.— Myrmecophagajubata.

In its general habit and structure, the TAMANOIR, or GREAT ANT-EATER, or ANT-BEAR,
is very similar to the preceding animal. It is, however, entirely destitute of teeth,
possesses a wonderfully elongated and narrow head, and is thickly covered with long,
coarse hair, which on the tail forms a heavy plume. The color of this animal is brown,
washed with gray on the head and face, and interspersed with pure white hairs on the
head, body, and tail. The throat is black, and a long triangular black mark arises from
the throat, and passes obliquely over the shoulders. There are four toes on the fore-
feet, and five on the hinder. In total length it measures between six and seven feet,
the tail being about two feet six inches long.

The claws of the fore-feet are extremely long and curved, and are totally unfitted for
locomotion. When the animal is not employing these instruments in destroying, it folds
the long claws upon a thick, rough pad which is placed in the palm, and seems to render
the exertion of walking less difficult. As, however, the Ant-bear is forced to walk upon
the outer edge of its fore-feet, its progress is a peculiarly awkward one, and cannot be kept*
up for any long time. Its mode of feeding is similar to that of the aard vark, which has

THE LITTLE ANT-EATER.

773

just been detailed, and the creature seems to possess considerable grasping power in
the toes of the fore-limbs, being able to pick up a small object in its paws. Though
not a fighter, it can defend itself right well by means of these powerful instruments,
and cannot only strike with considerable violence, but when attacked by a dog or
similar enemy, it clasps him in such a terrific gripe, that the half-suffocated animal is
only too glad to be able to escape.

The Ant-bear is said to make no burrow, but to content itself with the shade of its
own plumy tail whenever it retires to rest. While sleeping, the creature looks very like
a rough bundle of hay, thrown loosely on the ground, for the hair of the mane an*
is so long and so harsh that it can hardly be recognized at the first glance for the
table coat of a living animal. The eye of this creature has a peculiar and indescriba-
bly cunning expression. The Tamanoir is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and Paraguay.

TAMANDUA.— Tamaadua tetradactyla.

TheTAMANDUA possesses an elongated head, like that of the tamanoir, but the skull
is not so extraordinarily long as in that animal, and the hair is short over the entire body.
Indeed, the Tamandua looks like a small specimen of the tamanoir, which has been
clipped from its neck to the tip of its tail. The color of this species is much lighter than
that of the tamanoir, and a black stripe passes over each shoulder. In size it is compara-
tively small, measuring when full-grown, barely three feet and a half in total length.

It is a more active animal than the preceding species, and is a good climber of
trees, which it ascends in search of the insects on which it feeds. The tail is long
and tapering, and possesses something of the prehensile quality, though not so strongly
as that of the little ant-eater, which will shortly be described. It is naked at the tip,
but at the base is thickly covered with hair of the same short, coarse kind that is spread
over the body. When young, its fur is a pale cinnamon.

The LITTLE ANT-EATER is a truly curious animal, possessing many of the habits of
the two preceding animals, together with several customs of its own. The head of this
creature is comparatively short ; its body is covered with fine silken fur, and its entire
length does not exceed twenty or twenty-one inches. The tail is well furred, except-
ing three inches of the under surface at the extremity, which is employed as the pre-
hensile portion of that member, and is capable of sustaining the weight of the body as

774

THE DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG.

it swings from a branch. On looking at the skeleton, a most curious structure pre-
sents itself. On a side view, the cavity of the chest is completely hidden by the ribs,
which are greatly flattened, and overlap each other so that on a hasty glance the ribs
appear to be formed of one solid piece of bone. There are only two claws on the fore-
feet and four on the hinder limbs.

The Little Ant-eater is a native of tropical America, and is always to be found on trees,
where it generally takes up its residence, and where it finds its sustenance. It possesses

many squirrel-like customs, using
its fore-claws with great dex-
terity, and hooking the smaller in-
sects out of the bark crevices in
which they have taken unavailing
refuge. While thus employed it
sits upon its hind limbs, support-
ing itself with its prehensile tail.
The claws are compressed, cur-
ved, and very sharp, and the little
animal can use these instruments
with some force as offensive wea-
pons, and can strike smart blows
with them. It is a bold little
creature, attacking the nests of
wasps, putting its little paw into
the combs, and dragging the
grubs from their cells.

Like its larger relations, it is
nocturnal in its habits, and sleeps
during the day with its tail safely
twisted round the branch on
which it sits. The generic name,
Cyclothurus, signifies " twisted-
tail," and is very appropriate to
the animal.

THERE are few animals which
have attracted such universal at-
tention, both from scientific men
and the reading world in general,
as the MULLINGONG, DUCK-BILL,
or PLATYPUS, of Australia. This
little creature, the largest being
but twenty-two inches in length,
has excited more interest than
animals of a thousand times its
dimensions, on account of its ex-
traordinary shape and singular
habits. It is most appropriately
called the Duck-bill, on account of the curious development of the intermaxillary bones,
which are very much flattened and elongated, and their ends turned inwards in a kind
of angular hook. The lower jaw is also lengthened and flattened, although not to such
an extent as the upper, and the bones are covered with a naked skin.

In the stuffed and dried specimens the " beak " appears as if it were composed of the
black leather taken from an old shoe, but in the living animal it presents a very different as-
pect, being soft, rounded, and of a pinky hue at its tip, mottled with a number of little spots.
Dr. Bennett, to whom the zoological world is so much indebted for his researches into the
habits of this curious animal, kindly showed me some excellent drawings, which gave a

LITTLE ANT-EATER.— Cyclothurus dldactylus.

THE DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG.

77S

very different idea of the animal from that which is obtained by the examination of
stuffed skins. The beak is well supplied with nerves, and appears to be a sensitive
organ of touch, by means of which the animal is enabled to feel as well as to smell the
insects and other creatures on which it feeds.

The Mullingong is an essentially aquatic and burrowing animal, and is formed
expressly for its residence in the water, or under the earth. The fur is thick, soft, and
is readily dried while the animal enjoys good health, although it becomes wet and
draggled when the creature is weakly. The opening of the ears is small and can be
closed at will, and the feet are furnished with large and complete webs, extending
beyond the claws in the fore limbs, and to their base in the hind-legs. The fore-feet
are employed for digging as well as for swimming, and are therefore armed with power-
ful claws rather more than half an inch in length, and rounded at their extremities.
With such force can these natural tools be used, that the Duck-bill has been seen to
make a burrow two feet in length through hard gravelly soil in a space of ten
minutes. While digging, the animal employs its beak as well as its feet, and the

DUCK-BILL, OR MVLUNQONG.— Platypus Anatinus.

webbed membrane contracts between the joints so as not to be seen. The hind-feet
of the male are furnished with a spur, about an inch in length, curved, perforated, and
connected with a gland situated near the ankle. It was once supposed that this spur
conveyed a poisonous liquid into the wound which it made, but this opinion has been
disproved by Dr. Bennett, who frequently permitted, and even forced the animal to
wound him with its spurs, and experienced no ill consequences beyond the actual wound.
The animal has the power of folding back the spur so as to conceal it entirely, and is
then sometimes mistaken for a female.

The color of the adult animal is a soft dark brown, interspersed with a number of
glistening points which are produced by the long and shining hairs which protrude
through the inner fur. Upon the abdomen the fur is a light fawn, and even softer
than on the back. The under surface of the tail is devoid of hair — denuded, as some
think, in forming its habitation — and the upper surface is covered with stiff, bristly hairs,
brown towards the base and quite black at the extremity. The first coat of the young
Duck-bill is always a bright, reddish-brown.

It can run on land and swim in water with equal ease, and is sufficiently active to be
able to climb well. Some of the animals that were kept by Dr. Bennett were in the habit
of ascending a perpendicular bookcase, performing this curious feat by placing their backs
against the wall and the feet upon the shelves, and so pushing themselves upwards as a

776 THE ECHIDNA.

iweep ascends the chimney. Its pace is not very swift, but it gets over the ground with
ease. The burrow in which the Mullingong lives is generally from twenty to forty feet
in length, and always bends upwards, towards a sort of chamber in which the nest is
made. This nest is of the rudest description, consisting of a bundle of dried weeds
thrown carelessly together. The burrow has a very evil odor, which is unpleasantly
adherent to the hand that has been placed within it.

Owing to the extremely loose skin of the Mullingong, it can push its way through a
very small aperture, and is not easily retained in the grasp, wriggling without much
difficulty from the grip of the fingers. The loose skin and thick fur are also preventives
against injury, as the discharge of a gun which would blow any other animal nearly to
pieces, seems to take but little external effect upon the Duck-bill. The animal is, more-
over, so tenacious of life, that one of these creatures which had received the two charges
of a double-barreled gun, was able, after it had recovered from the shock, to run about
for twenty minutes after it had been wounded.

The food of the Mullingong consists of worms, water insects, and little molluscs, which
it gathers in its cheek-pouches as long as it is engaged in its search for food, and then
eats quietly when it rests from its labors. The teeth, if teeth they may be called, of
this animal are very peculiar, consisting of four horny, channeled plates, two in each
jaw, which serve to crush the fragile shells and coverings of the animals on which it feeds.
It seems seldom to feed during the day, or in the depth of night, preferring for that
purpose the first dusk of evening or the dawn of morning. During the rest of the day
it is generally asleep. While sleeping, it curls itself into a round ball, the tail shutting
down over the head and serving to protect it.

The young Mullingongs are curious little creatures, with soft, short flexible beaks,
naked skins, and almost unrecognizable as the children of their long-nosed parents. When
they attain to the honor of their first coat, they are most playful little things, knocking
each other about like kittens, and rolling on the ground in the exuberance of their
mirth. Their little twinkling eyes are not well adapted for daylight, nor from their
position can they see spots directly in their front, so that a pair of these little creatures
that were kept by Dr. Bennett used to bump themselves against the chairs, tables, or
any other object that might be in their way. They bear a farther similitude to the
cat in their scrupulous cleanliness, and the continual washing and pecking of their
fur.

At the present time — May, 1860 — Dr. Bennett is endeavoring to accustom some
Duck-bills to a life of confinement, with a view to their transportation to England. A
very ingenious home has been constructed for them, precisely after the fashion of their
own burrow. The chief difficulty lies in feeding them, for the Mullingong requires its
food to be given at very frequent intervals, and soon perishes if not watched with the
utmost care. The precise range of the animal is not satisfactorily ascertained, but it
has never yet been seen in Southern Australia.

The ECHIDNA is found in several parts of Australia, where it is popularly called
the hedgehog, on account of the hedgehog-like spines with which the baby is so thickly
covered, and its custom of rolling itself up when alarmed. A number of coarse
hairs are intermingled with the spines, and the head is devoid of these weapons. The
head is. strangely lengthened, in a manner somewhat similar to that of the ant-eater,
and there are no teeth of any kind in the jaws.

The food of the Echidna consists of ants and other insects, which it gathers into its
mouth by means of the long extensile tongue. It is a burrowing animal, and is therefore
furnished with limbs and claws of proportionate strength. Indeed, Lieutenant Breton,
who kept one of these animals for some time, considers it as the strongest quadruped in
existence in proportion to its size. On moderately soft ground it can hardly be captured,
for it gathers all its legs under its body, and employs its digging claws with such
extraordinary vigor that it sinks into the ground as if by magic. The hind-feet are
employed by the animal for two purposes, i. e. locomotion and the offices of the toilet.
There is a spur on the hind part of the male similar to that of the duck-bill. The flesh
of the Echidna is very good, and it is said to resemble that of the sucking-pig. There is

THE TWO-TOED SLOTH.

777

PORCUPINE ANT-EATER, OR ECHIDNA.— Echidna Hustras.

another species of this curious animal, very similar in every respect except that of
color, which is of a darker brown, instead of the black and white which decorates the
spines of the common Echidna. Its scientific title is Echidna setosa. The Echidna is
tolerably widely spread over the sandy wastes of Australia, but has not been seen in
the more northern portions of that country.

SLOTH.— Cholsepus dldactylus.

IN the last group of the mammalia, we find a very remarkable structure, adapted to
serve a particular end, and long misunderstood by zoologists. The common SLOTH,
sometimes called the TWO-TOED SLOTH, is a native of the West Indies, where it is not
very often seen, although it is not a very uncommon animal.

The peculiarity to be noticed in all the Sloths, of which there are several species, is,
that they pass the whole of their lives suspended, with their backs downwards, from the
branches of trees. The Sloth never gets upon a bough, but simply hooks his curved

778

THE AI, OR THREE-TOED SLOTH.

talons over it, and hangs in perfect security. In order to enable the animal to suspend
itself without danger of falling, the limbs are enormously strong, the fore-legs are re-
markable for their length, and the toes of all four feet are furnished with strong curved
claws. Upon the ground the Sloth is entirely out of its element, as its limbs are wholly
unadapted for supporting the weight of the body, and its long claws cannot be employed
as adjuncts to the feet. The only manner in which a Sloth can advance, when he is
unfortunately placed in such a position, is by hitching his claws into any depression that
may afford him a hold, and so dragging himself slowly and painfully forward. On the
trees, however, he is quite a different creature, full of life and animation, and travers-
ing the branches at a speed which is anything but slothful. The Sloth travels best in
windy weather, because the branches of trees are blown against each other, and per-
mit the animal to pass from one tree to an-
other without descending to the ground.

The food of the Sloth consists of leaves,
buds, and young shoots. It appears to stand
in no need of water, being satisfied with the
moisture which clings to the herbage on which
it feeds. In gathering the leaves and drawing
the branches within reach, the Sloth makes
great use of its fore-paws, which, however
helpless upon the ground, can be managed
with great dexterity. It is very tenacious of
life, and is protected from any injury which it
might receive from falls by the peculiar struc-
ture of its skull. In length it is about two
feet.

The Ai, or THREE TOED SLOTH, is an inhab-
itant of South America, and is more common
than the preceding animal, from which it can
easily he distinguished by the third toe on its
feet. The color of this animal is rather varia-
ble, but is generally of a brownish-gray, slight-
ly variegated by differently tinted hairs, and
the head and face being darker than the body
and limbs. The hair has a curious hay-like
aspect, being coarse, flat, and harsh towards
the extremity, although it is very fine towards
the root. Owing to the color and structure of
the hair, the Ai can hardly be distinguished
from the bough under which it hangs, and
owes much of its safety to this happy resem-
blance ; for its flesh is very good, and, in con-
sequence, the poor creature is dreadfully per-
secuted by the natives, as well as by the white
hunters. The cry of this creature is low and
plaintive, and is thought to resemble the sound
Ai. The head is short and round, the eyes

deeply sunk in the head, and nose large and very moist.

The young of the Ai, as well as those of the other Sloths, cling to their mother as

soon as they are born, and are carried about by her until they are able to transfer their

weight from their parent to the branches. Several other species of Sloths are known

to exist, but all are similar in appearance and habits.

AI, OR THREE-TOED SLOTH.

Bradypus tridactylus.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

EXPLANATION OF SIGNS AND TERMS.

TEETH.

INCISORS. — These are the teeth which are placed
in the front of the jaw. They are inserted in the
premaxillary bones, and in the corresponding por-
tion of the lower jaw. They are termed "incisors,"
or cutting teeth, from the Latin word incidere, which
signifies " to cut," even though their edges should
not be formed for cutting.

CANINES. — These teeth are situated next to the
incisors, and are inserted at or close to the suture of
the premaxillary bones in the upper jaw. In the
lower jaw, the canines are set opposite to those of
the upper jaw, and when the mouth is closed pass
in front of the crown of the upper canines. They
are called " canines," from the Latin word canis, a
dog, because they are largely developed in the dogs.

PR^MOLARS. — These teeth are situated behind
the canines, and next to the true molars. The word
" molar " is derived from the Latin mo/a, a mill, be-
cause these teeth serve to grnd the food. Popu-
larly they are called "grinders." In human sub-
jects the praemolars are sometimes termed the
"bicuspids," on account of the double cusp on their
surfaces.

MOLARS. — These teeth are permanent, and are
situated behind all the others. They are often not
developed until comparatively late in life.

THE DENTAL FORMULA is a concise mode of
describing the number and positions of the various
teeth, and is easily comprehended. The accom-
panying formula is that of Man : —

2 — 2 i — i 2 — 2 3 — 3
I. , c. , P. , M. = 32.

2—2 I— I 2—2 3—3

In these formulas the upper figures refer to the
teeth of the upper jaw, and the lower line to those
of the lower jaw, while the short hyphen — serves
to separate the right from .the left side. In man,
therefore, there are two incisor teeth on each side
of the upper jaw, and the same in the under jaw;
one canine on each side of the upper jaw, and the
same in the lower jaw ; two praemolars on each side
of the upper jaw, and the same in the lower; three
molars on each side of the upper jaw, and the same
in the lower ; in all, thirty-two in number. The den-
tition is always presumed to be that of the adult
animal.

CLASS I.— MAMMALIA.

ANIMALS possessed of vertebrae ; breathing at-
mospheric air by lungs ; heart wth two auricles and
two ventricles ; blood warm and red ; producing
living young ; nurturing them by milk, which is se-
creted in the " mammary glands ; " skin covered
with hair, spines or scales.

.— BIMANA.

Hands and feet five-fingered, the nails all flat and
broad. All the teeth even and close to each other,
the molars equally enamelled. In this order there
is but one species, namely Man, — Homo sapiens.

2 — 2 i — i
Teeth.— I. , C. ,

2 — 2

P.

Ttr 3~3

M. . = 32.

2—2 I— I 2—2 3—3

Order,— QUADRtfMANA.
Hinder feet five-toed, the thumb opposable to the
others ; fore-feet sometimes four-fingered, the thumb
being absent. Molar-teeth equally enamelled ; with
one exception, the Cheiromys, they possess incisor,
canine, praemolar, and molar teeth. Skin covered

with hair, with the exception of the palms of the
hand, the face, and the callosities of the hinder
quarters. Mammae placed on the breast.

Family. — SlMlAD>E.

Teeth. — Molars, -, the false molars being tuber-
culato. 5

Nails rather flat or slightly rounded, and not point-
ed like claws. Fore-feet almost always five-toed.
Thumb opposable. Tail never prehensile.

Genus. — Troglodytes.

Teeth.— I.

2 — 2

I — I

2 — 2

C.

p.

M.

2— -2

I — I

2 — 2

3—3

3—3'

= 32.

Canines slightly elongated, and placed close to
the incisors.

Head. — Muzzle rather short — Cheek-pouches
none — Ears large and projecting.

Tail.— None.

Habitat. — Western Africa.

780

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus, — Sfmi. Genus. — Silenus.

Teeth. — Canines much exceeding the others in
length, and overlapping each other when the mouth
is closed. — Two central incisors extremely broad.

Head. — Muzzle projecting very considerably —
Ears small, and placed close to the head. — Cheek-
pouches none.

Limbs. — Arms extremely long, the fingers resting
on the ground when the animal stands erect.

Habitat. — Borneo and Sumatra.

Genus. — Siamanga.

Head small and muzzle short — Cheek pouches
none.

Throat furnished with a large air-pouch.

Limbs. — Arms extremely long — First and second
fingers of the hands united as far as the middle of
the second joint — Slight callosities on hinder
quarters.

Habitat. — Sumatra.

Genus — Hylobates.

Head, throat, and limbs, resembling Siamanga,
except that the fingers of the hand are all free.
Many systematic naturalists consider the two genera
to be really one, and that the Siamanga is only a
species of Hylobates.

Habitat. — Malacca.

Genus. — Presby"tes.

Teeth. — Last molar of lower jaw with five tuber-
cles.

Head. — Muzzle very slightly produced — rudiments
of cheek-pouches.

Feet. — Elongated — Thumb of fore-feet very short.

Tail. — Extremely long, often surpassing the body.

Habitat. — India, China, etc. Only known in
Asia.

Genus. — C 61obus.

Teeth )

Head > As in Presby"tes.

Tail )

Feet. — Thumb of fore-feet altogether wanting, or
only represented by a small tubercle.

Habitat. — Western Africa.

Genus. — Cercopithecus.

Teeth. — The last molar teeth of the lower jaw
furnished with four tubercles.

Head. — Cheek-pouches large — Face rather long
and rounded.

Tail. — Long, sometimes longer than the body.

Habitat. — Spread over the greater part of Africa.

Genus. — Cercocebus.

Teeth. — The last molar teeth of the lower jaw
furnished with five tubercles, the others with four
tubercles.

Head. — Muzzle more elongated than in Cerco-
pithecus— Cheek-pouches large.

Tail. — Long, and not tufted.

Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Macacus.

Similar to Cerocebus, excepting that the tail is
very varied in length, several species being almost
destitute of the member, and others possessing it
very slightly developed.

Habitat. — India, Sumatra, Japan, and the North
of Africa.

Similar to the genus Macacus, excepting the tail,
which is furnished with a conspicuous tuft of hair.
Habitat. — India.

Genus. — Cynocephalus.

Teeth. — Last molar of lower jaw furnished with
one or two accessory tubercles, the others with four
tubercles.

Head. — Face lengthened into a conspicuous snout,
and abruptly terminated, the nostrils being placed
at the extremity — Cheek pouches large.

Tail. — Moderately long, and inserted high. In
the Gelada it is furnished with a tuft, a peculiarity
which has induced some writers to place the animal
in a different genus.

Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Papio.

Similar to Cynocephalus, excepting that the tail
is extremely small, and set nearly perpendicularly to
the line of the back.

Habitat. — Africa.

Family. — C^BID^;.

Nostrils very wide, separated by a broad septum,
opening laterally. Tail long, and in most instances
prehensile. Thumb of fore-hands totally distinct
from the fingers. Cheek-pouches absent. Molar
teeth comparatively small.

Genus. — A teles.

Head. — Rounded and small.
Limbs. — Long and slender — Thumb of fore-hands
wanting.

Tail. — Prehensile, naked below towards the tip.
Fur. — Long, stiff and rather harsh.
Habitat. — Brazils.

Genus. — Brachyteles.

Head as in A teles.

Limbs. — Thumb of fore-hands extremely small.
Tail. — Prehensile, and naked below towards the
tip.

Fur.— Woolly.

Habitat. — Tropical America.

Genus. — Mycetes.

Head. — Rather pyramidal — A large beard on the
cheeks and chin — Throat furnished with large, re-
sonant pouch formed by expansion of the hyoid
bone.

Limbs. — Fore-feet five-fingered.

Tail.-^Naked below towards the tip.

Habitat. — Tropical America.

Genus. — Cebus.

Head. — Rounded.

Tail. — Long, and entirely covered with hair.

Habitat. — Tropical America.

Genus. — C allithrix.

Teeth.— Incisors straight, the two middle being
broad — Canines short, hardly exceeding incisors.
Tail. — Slender and rounded.
Habitat.— Brazils.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

781

Genus. — B rach y virus .

Teeth. — Incisors rather oblique, the lower being
long — Canines large and stout — Molars small.
Tail. — Very hairy, shorter than body.
Habitat. — Guiana.

Genus. — Pithe'cia.

Teeth. — Like preceding genus.
Tail. — Equalling body in length.
Habitat. — Brazils.

Genus. — Nyctipithe'cus.

Teeth. — Lower incisors rather obliquely pointing
forwards, two middle upper incisors broad — Canines
moderate.

Head. — Ears small, and partially buried in hair —
Eyes large, orbits very large.

Limbs. — Hind-feet longer than fore-feet.

Tail. — Longer than body.

Habitat. — Brazils.

Genus. — Jacchus.

Teeth. — Lower incisors long and rounded, rather
convex externally — Praemolars with one tubercle in
the outer margin — Molars with two tubercles.

Head. — Face short and blunt — nostrils wide.

Tail. — Long, and thickly furred.

Habitat. — Brazils.

Family.— LEMURID^E.

Teeth. — Upper incisors, 2 — 2, generally set in
pairs, and separated from the canines by a small
space ; lower incisors, either 2 — 2 or I — i, often
slightly projecting.

Limbs. — All the feet with five fingers, the fourth
being the largest — Hind-feet larger than fore-feet —
All the nails flat, excepting that of the second finger,
which is narrow and curved.

Teeth.-

Genus. — Lemur.

2—2 i— i 3—3 3—3

-I. , C. , P. , M.

2—2 i— i 3—3 3—3

36.

Head. — Eyes large, and set closely together — Ears
short and rounded.

Limbs. — First finger of fore-feet extremely short.
Tail.— Rather short.
Habitat. — Madagascar.

Genus. — Propithecus.

Teeth. — Upper incisors expanded toward the ca-
nines.

Habitat. — Madagascar.

Genus. — Loris.

Head. — Muzzle long and sharp, slightly directed
upwards.

Eyes extremely large.

Body and Limbs. — Slender and delicate.

Tail.— None.

Habitat. — Ceylon.

Genus. — Nycticebus.

Resembling Lemur, but having the tail extremely
short.

Habitat. — Sumatra, Borneo, and Bengal.

Genus. — Galago.

Teeth as Lemur.

Head. — Ears large and naked — Eyes large.

Limbs. — Tarsus elongated.

Tail. — Long, and thickly furred:

Habitat. — Madagascar, and various parts of Africa.

Teeth.— I.

2 — 2

Genus. — Indris.
i — i 2 — 2

\^* ,r . >

M.

I — I I — I 2 — 2

Head. — Ears small and rounded.
Limbs. — Tarsus not elongated.
Habitat. — Madagascar.

Genus. — Tarsius.

3-3
3—3

30-

Teeth.— I.

2 — 2

C.

I — I

p.

3—3

3—3
M. = 36.

2 — 2 i — i 3 — 3 2 — 3
Lower incisors oblique — False molars conic — Molars
furnished with several sharp tubercles.

Head. — Eyes large — Ears rather large, very thinly
supplied with hair.

Limbs. — Hinder feet extremely long, with elon-
gated tarsus.

Tail. — Very long, with tuft at the tip.

Habitat. — Borneo and Philippine Islands.

Family. — GALEOPITHECID^E.
There is only one genus in this family.

Genus. — Galeopithecus.

Teeth.— I.

2—2

C.

i — i

P.

2 — 2 1 — -

= 34.

3 — 3 * — * 2 — 2 3 — 3
Some authors give the formula in a slightly different
manner, as the teeth seem to be rather obscure : —

2 — 2 o — o 2 — 2 4 — 4
I. - , C. - , P. - , M. - = 34- The lower

2 — 2 I — I 2 — 2 4 — 4

incisors are set pointing forwards, and are deeply
notched on their crowns like the teeth of a comb.
Habitat. — Java, Borneo, Sumatra.

Family. — ( ? )

Genus. — Che*iromys.

Teeth.— I.

i — I

C.

o— o

M.

4— i

= 18. Incisors

i— i o—o 3—3
pointed, compressed, and very sharp and powerful.

Head. — Rounded, and muzzle short and pointed.

Limbs. — Feet with five fingers — Fore-feet with
toes long, the middle toe long and slender — Thumb
of hind-feet with flat and broad nail.

Tail. — Long, and heavily furred.

The family in which this animal (the Aye Aye)
ought to be placed is very doubtful, as is even the
order to which it really belongs.

Family.— CHEIR6PTERA.

The bones of the fore-limbs, and especially those
of the fingers, much elongated, and sustaining a
membrane of large dimensions, by means of which
the animals fly in the air. The thumb-joint is not
attached to the web, but is left free. It is furnished
with a nail. The hinder-feet are small, and the toes
furnished with sharp claws.

Genus. — Vampfrus.
2 — 2 i — i 6 — 6
Teeth.— I. , C. , M. = 34. Incisors

3—3 T— ' S—5

small, especially those of the lower jaw, and nearly
contiguous at their bases — Canines large.

782

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Mead. — Nose with a double leaf-like membrane,
one lying almost horizontally, and the other being
erect — The ears are moderate, and the tragus is
small and elongated.

Habitat. — South America.

Genus. — Rhinolophus.
I — i i — I 2 — 2 3 — 3

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 32.

2—2 i— i 3—3 3—3
o—o i— i 4—4 5—5

Or thus : — I. , C. , M. , or . Inci-

2—2 i— i 5—s 5—5
sors small, and distinct from each other.

Head. — A complicated leaf-like membrane upon
the nose, represented in the engraving on page 1 19
— Ears large, without tragus.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia,

Genus. — Barbastellus.
2 — 2 i — i 2 — 2 3 3

X CClIl«^^X» f \_/ • "-• ' r| A • 9 1*1. •~"4«

3—3 i— i 2—2 3—3
Head. — Ears narrow at their bases, moderate in
size — On the upper part of the muzzle is a depressed
naked spot, in which the nostrils are set.
Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — Plecotus.
2 — 2 i — i 2 — 2 3 — 3
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 36.

3—3 i— i 3—3 3—3
Head. — Ears very large, and united at their bases.
Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — Noctilmia.

2 — 2 I — I 2 — 2 3 — 3

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 34.

3 — 3 i — i 2 — 2 3 — 3

Habitat. — Europe and Asia.

In Bell's British Quadrupeds, and in Van der
Hoeven's Handbook of Zoology, Noctilinia is merged
into the genus Vespertilio, together with Plecotus.

Genus. — Pteropus.
2—2 i— i 2—2 3—3

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 34.

2—2 i— i 3—3 3—3
Molars with flattened crowns, and a longitudinal
groove.

Head. — Ears small, tragus none.
Limbs. — First ringer of fore-paws with only three
joints.

Tail. — None.

Habitat. — Indian Archipelago.
Order.— FER^).

3—3
Teeth. — I. Incisors always Canines large,

3—3
strong, and pointed — Molars uniformly enamelled,

with crowns more or less sharp, uneven, or tubercu-
lated.

Family. — FiLlD^E.

3 — 3 i — i 3 — 3 i — i
Teeth.— I. , C. — — , P. , M. = 30. &,

3—3 i— ! 2—2 i— i

Limbs. — Feet digitigrade, soles of feet furnished
with hairs.

Genus. — Felis.

Feet. — Fore-feet with five toes, hinder-feet with
four toes — Claws retractile.

Habitat. — Most parts of the world.

By some zoologists this genus is separated into
four, namely : — Leo, Tigris, Leopardus, and Felis,
but apparently on insufficient grounds.

Genus. — Lyncus.

Separated from Felis on account of the short tail,
and pencils of hairs which tuft the ears.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In this genus are included Chaus, Caracal, and
Lyncus.

Genus. — Gueparda.

Separated from Felis on account of the semi-
retractile claws, larger limbs, and the short mane
that runs along the neck and shoulders ; and from
Lyncus by the absence of the ear tufts and the long
tail.

Habitat. — Asia and Africa.

Family. — VIV£RRID;E.

Teeth. — Three praemolars on each side in the
upper jaw, and either three or four in the lower.

Limbs. — Feet generally digitigrade — Claws often
semi-retractile.

Glands. — Placed near junction of hinder limbs,
secreting a substance of offensive odor.

In this family the Hyenas are placed by the best
authorities.

3 — 3 r — !
Teeth.— I. , C.

Genus. — H y ena.
4—4

P.

M.

= 34-

3—3 i— i 3—3 i— i
On each side in the upper jaw is one tuberculate

tooth.

Limbs. — Feet all with four toes.

Body. — Sloping from shoulder to tail.

Tail— Short.

Habitat. — Asia and Africa.

In this genus Crocuta is included.

Genus. — Proteles.

4—4 5—5
Teeth. — Molars either or , small and

4—4 5—5
distant.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, the thumb being
rather raised ; hind-feet with four toes.

Body. — Sloping like that of Hyena.

Tail. — Rather short, and very bushy.

Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Viyerra.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

i — i

C.

P.

4—4

M.

= 40.

3—3 . 4—4 2—2

Limbs. — All the feet with five toes, the claws small
and curved, the thumb-joint small and rather raised.
Habitat. — Africa, Asia, etc.

Genus. — Linsang.

Separated from preceding by its very slender and
elongated body, its long legs, and very long whisker
hairs.

Habitat. — Java and Nepal.

Genus. — Genetta.

Separated from Viverra by its smaller size and
longer tail.

Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Bassaris.

Separated from Viverra by its small, pointed head,
long ears, and the different texture of its fur.

Habitat. — Mexico.

In the opinion of very many excellent zoologists
this genus, together with its two predecessors, ought
to be merged into the genus Viverra.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus. — Herpestes.

Teeth as in Viverra.

Head. — Ears small and rounded.

Feet. — All with five toes, furnished with large,
curved, compressed claws.

Hair. — Long and wiry, frequently annulated with
different tints.

Habitat. — Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This genus includes Mungos and Urva.

Genus, — Cynictis.

Separated from the preceding genus because the
hinder feet have only four toes. The limbs are
rather longer, and the ears larger than in Herpestes.

Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — C rossarch us .

2 — 2 3 — 3
Teeth.— P. , M. .

2—2 3—3

Head. — Muzzle elongated, the nose resembling a
proboscis — Ears small.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes, gait plantigrade.
Tail. — Rather shorter than body.
Habitat. — Western Africa.

Genus. — Suricata.

3 — 3 * — i 3 — 3 2 — 2
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 36.

3—3 i— i 3—3 2—2
Limbs. — Feet with four toes, furnished with long,

curved, compressed claws.

Tail. — Rather exceeding half the length of the

body.

Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Cyn6gale.

4—4 2—2

Teeth.— P. , M. , laniary teeth with tu-

4 — 4 2 — 2
bercles.

Head. — Ears small — Muzzle elongated, blunt, and
depressed — Whisker hairs remarkably long.

Limbs. — Feet with five short toes, gait plantigrade.
Tail.— Short.
Habitat. — Borneo.

Genus. — Paradoxurus.

Teeth. — Molars as in Viverra — Laniary teeth
thick and furnished with conical tubercles.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes conjoined by skin,
the thumb not raised, gait plantigrade.

Tail. — Long and cylindrical, mostly capable of
being spirally rolled, but not prehensile.

Habitat. — Africa and Asia.

This genus includes Nandinia and Paguma.

Genus. — Artiotis.

Teeth.— I. , C.

i — i

P.

4—4

2 — 2

M. = 40.

3—3 i— i 4—4 2—2

Canines conical and compressed — Laniary teeth
curiously tuberculated.

Head. — Ears furnished with pencil of long hairs;
whisker hairs long.

Tail. — Nearly as long as body, prehensile, and
heavily covered with hair at the base.

Habitat. — Sumatra, Borneo, and Java.

This genus is placed by V. dor Hoeven among the
Ursine animals.

Genus. — Cryptoprocta.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes and plantigrade, fur
nished with retractile claws.

Habitat. — Madagascar.

It is the opinion of many excellent zoologists that
the genera of the Viverrine animals might be still
further reduced.

Family. — CAN IDA

6—6 7—7 8-S

Teeth. — Molars either , , or , but

7—7 7—7 8-8

usually the former. Two or three on each side of
both jaws tuberculated.

Limbs. — Fore-feet mostly with five toes, thumbs
raised ; gait digitigrade, hinder-feet with four toes.

Genus. — Canis.

Teeth.— I.

3-3

C.

i — i

P.

4—4

M.

2 — 2

42.

3—3 i— > 4—4 2—2
Laniary tooth of upper jaw bi-lobed, with a small
tubercle inside and rather forwards ; the lower lan-
iary divided into three portions.

Head. — Pupil of eye round.

Tail. — Moderate, covered with short hair.

Habitat. — All parts of the world.

Includes Cuon.

Genus. — Vulpes.

Separated from Canis by the oblong pupil of the
eye, and the heavily brushed tail.
Habitat. — Most parts of the world.

Genus. — Ot6cyon.

8—8
Teeth. — Molars - . Laniary teeth less than the

8-^8

tuberculate ; lower tuberculate with four sharp tu-
bercles.

Head. — Ears very large, nearly as long as head,
standing erect.

Tail. — Moderate, and covered with thick hair.
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Lycaon.

Separated from Canis because the fore-feet are
furnished with only four toes.
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Family. —

Teeth. — Molars generally 4 — 4 or 5 — <; in upper
jaw, 5 — 5 or 6 — 6 in lower. On each sidle of both
jaws there is a single tuberculate tooth.

Head. — Rather long, muzzle moderate and
rounded, skull much elongated behind the eyes.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes.

Genus. — Put6rius.

3 — 3 '
Teeth.— I. - , C.

3 — 3
P. - , M.

= 34.

3—3 2—2 3—3

d.

Head. — Ears small and rounde

Limbs. — Toes separated from each other.

Tail. — Moderate, of various lengths.

Habitat. — Europe and Asia.

Includes the Stoats, Weasels, and Polecats.

Genus. — Muste'la.

Teeth.— P.

4—4
4—4

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and North America.
Includes Martes.

784

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Teeth.— M.

Genus. — Grisonia.
4—4

5-5

Limbs. — Feet with soles naked, gait partly planti-
grade.

Tail. — Hairy, partly " distichous."
Habitat. — Brazil and Guiana.
Includes Galera.

Genus. — Mellivora.

3—3 I—*

Teeth.— I. - , C. -

i— i

3—3
P. - , M.

32.

3—3 i— i 4—4
Teeth.— I. , C. . P. .

3—3 i—1 3—3 i— i
Only one tuberculate tooth on each side of upper
jaw.

Limbs. — Fore-feet armed with large and powerful
claws, all the feet short, and the gait plantigrade.

Head.— Short.

Habitat. — Africa and Asia.

Genus. — Gulo.

I — I
38-

3—3 !— 1 4—4 2—2

Head. — Ears short and rounded.
Limbs. — Gait nearly plantigrade.
Habitat. — Northern Europe, Asia, and America.
Genus. — Mephitis.

4—4
Teeth. — M. . An accessory tubercle in the

£ f

middle of upper laniary tooth.

Tail. — Moderate, and thickly covered with long
hair.

Habitat. — America.

Genus. — Mydaus.

3—3 i—1 3—3 i— I
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. «= 32.

3—3 i— i 3—3 2—2

Head. — Muzzle much elongated, ears very small,
and buried in fur.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with large, compressed, and
nearly straight claws, gait nearly plantigrade.

Habitat. — Asia and Java.

Includes Arctonyx.

Genus. — Meles.
3—3 i— i 4—4 i— i

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. — 36.

3—3 i— i 4—4 i— i
Lower tuberculate teeth often missing.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with large digging claws gait
plantigrade.
Tail.— Short.

Habitat. — Europe and Asia.
Genus. — Lutra.

3 — 3 i — i 4 — 4 I — I

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 36.

3—3 i— i 3—3 2—2
Upper laniary teeth very large.
Head. — Ears small, and set higher than the eyes.
Limbs. — Feet short and webbed, middle toe the
largest.

Tail. — Moderate, rounded, but flattened beneath
and towards the tip.

Habitat — Europe and Asia.

Genus. — Enh^dra.

3 — 3
Teeth.— I. .

2 — 2

Head. — Ears set at the side of the head, and be-
low the eyes.

Limbs. — Feet webbed, hair covering fore-feet, eve<
claws, external toe of hind-feet the largest.
Tail.— Short.
Habitat. — Kamschatka and Northern America.

Family. — tf RSID^E.

Teeth. — Upper jaw with two tuberculate teeth om
each side, lower jaw with either one or two tubercu-
late teeth. The laniary tooth resembling the tuber-
culates, the crown, however, being flattened.

Limbs.— Feet all with five toes, gait plantigrade.

Genus. — Ursus.

3—3 !— r 4—4 2—2
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 42.

3—3

3—3 *— i 4—4

2 — 2

Tuberculate teeth, , the last in the upper jaw

2 — 2
and last but one in the lower being very large.

Head. — Ears small and erect ; muzzle elongated,
but blunt at extremity, and very movable.

Tail. — Very short.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Includes all the Bears.

Genus. — Procyon.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

C.

3—3 I—'

2 — 2

4—4 2—2

P. , M.

4—4 2—2

40.

Tuberculate teeth, - . Laniary teeth of upper jaw

i — I
with conic tubercles.

Head. — Muzzle sharp.

Tail. — Moderate.

Habitat. — Northern America.

Genus. — Nasua.

Teeth. — Molars smaller than those of Pr6cyon,
but similar in arrangement. Canines compressed,
very sharp.

Muzzle. — Extremely elongated and movable.

Limbs. — Claws rather curved, long and corn*
pressed.

Tail. — Long.

Habitat. — Brazil and Surinam.

Genus. — Cercoleptes.

3 — 3 i — i 3 — 3 2 — 2

3—3 i— i 3—7 2—2
Head. — Short, and face rounded; tongue long

and very flexible.
Tail. — Long and capable of being rolled round any

object.
Habitat. — Guiana and Peru.

Genus. — Ailurus.

Teeth. — Arrangement as in Cercoleptes. On each
side of upper jaw a false molar with one tubercle ;
two tuberculate teeth on each side below.

Head. — Ears small and rounded.

Limbs. — Claws semi-retractile, curved, and com-
pressed.

Tail. — Moderate, and very hairy.

Habitat.— Nepal.

Family. —

Teeth. — Incisors variable in number; canines often
wanting, their place being taken by false molars;
molars with sharp conical tubercles.

Feet. — Mostly with five toes, gait plantigrade.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

785

Genus. — Talpa.

3—3 i— i 4—4 3—3
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 44-

4—4 i— i 3—3 3—3
o—o

According to some, C. , their place being occu-

o — o
pied by the first molars.

Head. — Muzzle elongated, and blunt at extremity
— Eyes hidden under fur, and very small.

Limbs.— Feet with five toes ; fore-feet with sole
turned backwards ; claws very strong.

Tail.— Very short.

Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — Scalops.

3—3 , i— i 4 4-4 3-3
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 44.

3—3 i— i 4—4 3—3
Two middle incisors of upper jaw large, and the
others small.

Head.— Muzzle elongated, with a proboscis-like
nose — Eyes minute.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes.

Tail. — Short, and thinly covered with hair.

Habitat. — Northern America.

Genus. — Chrysochl6ris.

3 3
Teeth. — I. on either side ; seven molars on

each side in each jaw, having a space between them.

Head. — Muzzle elongated and naked — Eyes cov-
ered with skin.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, the fourth being
small ; the claw of the third toe powerful, curved,
and broad ; hinder-feet with five toes.

Tail.— None.

Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Astromyctes.

3—3
Teeth. — I. , the lower projecting forward;

2 — 2

seven molars on each side of upper jaw, and eight in
the lower.

Head. — Muzzle elongated, with a curiously ra-
diated extremity — Ears very small.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes.

Tail. — Moderate, sparsely covered with hair.

Habitat. — Northern America.

Genus. — Tupaia.

2 — 2

Teeth. — I. , those of lower jaw projecting for-

3—3

wards, and the four central larger than the others ;
lower molars divided by a transverse groove ; true

4—4

molars, .

Head. — Muzzle slender and elongated — Ears
rather large.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes.

Tail. — Long, and thickly covered with hair, nearly
'* distichous."

Habitat. — India, Borneo, Sumatra.

Ptilocercus may be referred to this genus, from
which it has been separated on account of the ex-
traordinary tail.

Genus. — Macroscelides.

3 — 3
Teeth. — I. , all small ; seven molars on each

2 — 2
50

side of upper jaw, and either eight or nine on each
side of the lower. There are no true canines ; true

4—4 4—4
molars, , or .

3 — 3 4 — 4

Head. — Muzzle elongated into a slender proboscis,
the nostrils being at the extremity — Eyes moderately
large — Ears large, thickly covered with hair.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes ; hind-feet much
larger than fore, and furnished with short, sharp,
slight, and compressed claws.

Tail.— Long.

Habitat.— Africa.

Genus. — Sorex.

3 — 3
Teeth. — I. , the upper being long, curved, and

2 — 2

notched at their bases, the lower projecting almost
horizontally. No true canines. Five small teeth
in upper jaw between the incisors and true molars;

4—4
the lower incisors serrate. True molars, .

3—3-

Head. — Muzzle lengthened and sharp— Eye*
small, and ears broad.
Limbs. — Feet all with five toes.
Tail.— Moderate.
Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — Cr6ssopus.

Teeth. — Only four small intermediate teeth in
upper jaw, and the lower incisors not serrate.
Limbs. — Feet and toes edged with stiff hairs.
Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — Sole"nodon.

3—3 7—7
Teeth. — I. , M. . No true canines ; true

3—3 7—7

4 — 4

molars, . The middle incisors of upper jaw

4—4

large and triangular, separated from the others by a
narrow space. Two middle incisors of lower jaw
small and narrow, next two long, conical, and
grooved on the inside.

Head. — Upper jaw larger than the lower — Muzzle
elongated, with a proboscis — Eyes very small — Ears
round, and nearly naked.
Limbs. — Feet with five toes.
Tail. — Long and cylindrical, covered with scales
for the greater part of its length.
Habitat.— St. Domingo.

Genus. — Galemys.
I — i

Teeth. — I. , those of upper jaw large, broad,

2 — 2

4—4
and triangular ; no true canines ; true molars, .

3—3

Head. — Muzzle elongated, with a slender, de-
pressed proboscis.

Limbs.— Feet with five toes, and palmate.
Tail. — Long, compressed at tip, and scantily cov-
ered with hair.

Habitat.— Southeastern parts of Russia and the
Pyrenees.

Genus. — Gymnura.

3—3 i— * 4—4 3—3
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 44.

3—3 i—1 4—4 3—3
Some consider the canines to be only false molars ;
two middle incisors of upper jaw large, two next small

;86

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Head. — Muzzle elongated, and blunt at extremity
—Ear round and naked.

Limbs. — Feet with five toes, three central toes
largest.

Body. — Long bristles scattered among the fur.

Tail. — Rather long, scantily haired, and scaly.

Habitat. — Malacca and Sumatra.

Genus. — Krinaceus.
3-3 4—4 3—3

Teeth.-I. , P. , M. = 36.

3—3 2—2 3—3
Head. — Muzzle rather elongated.
Limbs. — Feet with five toes.
Body. — Thickly covered with sharp quills or spines
above, and with quills and hair below ; capable of
contraction into a ball.
Tail.— Short.
Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Genus. — Centetes.
2 — 2 i — i 3 — 3 3 — 3

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 38.

3—3 1—1 3—3 3—3

Sometimes I.

3—3
3—3

Canines large, round, and coni-

cal, separated from other teeth by vacant space.

Head. — Muzzle elongated — Ears short and
rounded.

Body. — Covered on upper surface with mixed
spines and bristles.

Tail. — None.

Habitat. — Madagascar.

Family.— MACROPID^E.
Sub-family. — Phalangistina.

Skin of flanks developed into a parachute-like ex-
pansion, and affixed to the fore and hinder limbs.
Hind-feet with five toes, the thumb opposable to
the others, and without a claw, the two next joined
together as far as the claws.

Genus. — Acrobates.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

C.

i — i

P.

3—3

3—3
M. = 36.

3—3

i — i i — i 3 — 3

The true molars furnished each with four acute
cusps, premolars large and sharp pointed.

Hairs of tail stiff, and set in double row like the
barbs of a feather.

Genus. — Petaurus.

3—3 i— i 3—3 4—4
Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 40.

i— i i— i 3—3 4—4
Tail hairy, but not prehensile, and extremely long.

Genus. — Petaurista.

Teeth. — Space between the molars and incisors

6—6
occupied by two rudimentary minute teeth, M. .

5—5

The four last are true molars, and are furnished eacn
with four pyramidical cusps, except the last tooth in
the upper jaw, which only bears three cusps.

Genus. — C uscus.
Teeth, as in Phalangista.

Tail. — Prehensile, destitute of hair except at the
base, and covered with small tubercles.

Genus. — Phalangista.

3—3
Teeth. — Variable, incisors always , and true

x — i

4—4 6—6 7—7

molars always . Molars, either , , or

4—4 6—6 7—7

•J tj

. Inferior canines very small, and close to the

8—8
incisors.

Tail. — Prehensile, and colored with hair except at
tip, and a naked stripe along the under side of the
extremity.

Ears. — Elongated and triangular.

Genus. — Ph ascolarctos.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

C.

i — i

P.

i — i

M.

4—4

30-

i — i o— o i — i 4 — 4
The crown of each true molar furnished with four
angular pyramidical tubercles.

Toes of fore-feet in two sets, the one comprising
the two inner, and the other the three outer toes.

Tail. — None.

Sub-family. — Macroplna.

Hinder-feet much longer than those of fore-limbs,
furnished with four toes, the two inner toes being
small, and connected together as far as the small
claws.

Teeth. — Six incisors above, two below, lying
nearly horizontally in the jaw, and projecting. Ca-
nines either wanting, or only in upper jaw, very
close to the incisors. A considerable space between

r_r

the canines and molars, which are . The front

5—5

molar has its crown narrow and compressed, but the
others are furnished with two transverse tubercles.
Tail. — Long, covered with hair, but cannot be
curled or twisted.

Teeth.— I.

Genus. — Dendrologus.
3—3 o—o i— i

C.

P.

M.

4—4

= 28.

i — i o — o i — i 4 — 4
The two middle incisors of upper jaw hardly larger
than the lateral.

Feet. — Hinder-feet scarcely longer than fore-feet
— Claws of fore-feet very strong, curved, and com-
pressed— Fore-feet themselves larger than ordinary.

Tail. — Longer than body, powerful, and covered
with hair.

Genus. — Macropus.

Teeth. — Same as in preceding genus, but the two
middle incisors of the upper jaw are equal in length to
the other. The outermost on each side being broad.

Feet. — Hind-feet much longer than fore-feet —
Claws, only of fore-feet, strong, curved, and com-
pressed.

Tail. — Powerful, covered with hair, not so long as
body.

Genus. — Halmatiirus.

Teeth. — Two middle incisors of upper jaw longer
than the lateral.

Head. — Rather elongated. Muzzle, naked.

Feet. — Hinder far surpassing the fore-feet — Claws
of fore-feet, flattish and strong.

Tail. — Shorter than .the body, and covered with
scales towards the tip.

Genus. — Petrogale.

Teeth. — Canines wanting; upper incisors equal,
but the front rather the longest, and slightly curved
inwards ; hinder one hatchet-shaped, dilated towards
the edge, and notched in the centre.

Head. — Muzzle bald.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

787

Tail. — Cylindrical, furnished with a well-marked
tuft at tip.

Genus. — Bett6ngia.

Teeth. — Canines placed near the incisors, the
space being about equal to one of the incisor teeth.
Foremost compressed molar furnished with many
vertical grooves ; true molars nearly square.

Head. — Short and broad.

Genus. — Hypsiprymnus.

Teeth. — Two middle incisors of upper jaw rather
long, the two lateral incisors being small in propor-
tion.

Feet. — Claws of fore-feet curved and compressed,
the three middle claws very much longer than the
two outer.

Tail. — Shorter than body, and slight.

Genus. — Lagorchestes.

Teeth. — Foremost upper incisor largest, and hinder
the smallest. Behind the incisors, a very small ca-
nine. The last incisor has one vertical groove.

Genus. — Phascolomys.

I — i o— o i — I 4 — 4

Teeth.— I. , C. , P. , M. = 24.

i — i o — o i — i 4 — 4
Molars with flat crowns. A considerable interval
between the incisors and the molars.

Feet. — Furnished with five toes, thumb-joint of
hinder-feet very short, and without a claw. The
remaining claws powerful, and used for digging.
Tail' — Extremely short, only hah* an inch in length.

Sub- fa m ily. — Per a m elina.
Very rat-like in general aspect.
Teeth. — Middle incisors of upper jaw not longer
than the others.

Head. — Elongated, the snout being sharp, long,
and pointed.

Feet. — Second and third toes of hinder-feet joined
as far as the claws — Thumb-joint of hinder-feet very
small.

Genus. — Perameles.

Teeth.— I.

5—5

i — i

C.

P.

3—3

4—4

M. = 48.

4—4

^ 3—3 i— x 3—3 . .
Upper and outer incisors on each side separated

from the others. Molars squared, with tubercles on
the crown.

Feet. — Outer toe of fore-feet very short, and apart
from the others — Thumb of hind-foot without a claw,
sometimes entirely wanting.

Tail.— Rather short.

Genus. — Choeropus.
Teeth. — As in Perameles.

Feet. — Fore-feet with two toes, resembling those
of swine ; hind-feet without thumb-joint.
Tail.— Small and slight.

Sub-family. — Dasyurina.
8
Teeth. — I. -. Canines longer than incisors.

6

Feet. — Fore-feet with five toes ; hinder-feet either
five or three-toed ; thumb small, and without claw ;
second toe separated from third.

Tail. — Covered with hair, not prehensile.
Genus. — Paracyon (or Thylacfnus).

Teeth.— I.

4—4
3—3

C.

i — i

P.

3—3

M.

I — I 1 — 1

4—4
4—4

46.

External incisor on each side Is the strongest — Ca
nines very long, powerful, and sharply pointed-
Last molars of upper jaw smaller than others;
molars furnished with one large pointed cusp in
centre, and two smaller lateral, one blunt cusp on
inner side of crown.

Feet. — Fore-feet with five toes, the middle being
slightly the longest — Hinder-feet with four t
Claws straight, strong, and blunt.

Tail. — Moderate, thick at root, covered with short
hair.

Genus. — Diabolus.

Teeth.— I.

4—4

C.

i — i

2 — 2

P.

M.

4—4

42.

3 — 3 ' — ' 2 — 2 4 — 4
Incisors arranged regularly without any interval, and
of same length. Canines long and powerful. Ci rind-
ing surface of upper molars triangular, the first hav-
ing four sharp cusps, the second and third five, and
the fourth three. All the molars of lower jaw cov-
ered with sharp cusps.

Head. — Short, and large in proportion.

Feet. — Thumb of hinder-feet almost wanting.

Tail.— Short.

Genus. — Dasyurus.

Teeth. — As in Diabolus, but not so strongly car-
nivorous.
Tail. — Long, and heavily covered with hair.

Genus. — Pasc6gale.

Teeth.— I.

4—4

C.

i— i

P.

3—3

4—4
M. = 46.

4—4

3—3 1—1 3—3

Two middle upper incisors longer than others, and
separated from them by a narrow space ; they are
slightly curved, and projecting; the outermost in-
cisors are the smallest. Canines not so large as in
the preceding genera. The third praemolar of lower
jaw is smaller than the others.

Tail. — Covered with short hair, and often tufted
at extremity.

Genus. — Antechfnus.

Teeth. — As in Pasc6gale, except that the *wo mid-
dle upper incisors are not larger than the others .

Tail. — Sparsely sprinkled with very short hairs, and
very long.

Teeth.— I.

Genus. — Myrmec6bius.
3-3

4—4 i— i

6—6

C.

P.

M.

i — i

3—3 6-6

54-

Incisors very small, pointed, and slightly compressed,
separated from each other by considerable intervals
— Canines hardly longer than prae molars — Molars
very small, and separated from each other by a slight
interval ; covered with sharp, conical tubercles.

Head. — Pointed, skull very small.

Feet. — Hinder-feet with four toes, the thumb being
wanting, the claws curved, compressed, and sharp.

Tail. — Long, and very bushy.

Sub-family. — Didelphina.

Teeth. — Incisors always .

4—4

Feet. — Furnished with five toes, the thumb of the
hinder-foot being broad, opposable to the other toes,
and without a claw.

788

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus. — Didelphys.

Teeth.— I.

5—5

C.

i — i

P.

3—3

M.

4—4

50.

4—4 i— i 3—3 4—4
Two middle incisors of upper jaw rather longer than
others, and separated from them by a slight interval
—Upper canines stronger than the lower — Prae-
molars conical — Molars furnished with sharp cusps.

Head. — Long, gape of jaw very far back.

Pouch. — Tolerably developed.

Tail. — Long, covered with fur at the base, and
with scales towards the extremity ; prehensile.

Genus. — Cheironectes.

Feet. — Toes of the hinder-feet connected by a
web. There is also a development of the pisiform
bone, which supports a fold of the skin, and looks
like a sixth toe.

Pouch. — Well developed.

Tail. — Longer than body.

Family. —

Teeth. — Incisors variously deciduous ; molars with
flattened crowns, or sometimes furnished with cusps.

Feet. — Furnished with five toes, short, and pal-
mate ; the hinder-feet being turned backwards so as
to approach each other.

Body. — Gradually tapering from the shoulders to
the tail, which is very short and conical. Clothed
with smooth hair, pressed firmly against the body.

Sub-family. — Phocina.

5—5 6—6
Teeth. — Incisors permanent ; molars - , or - .

5-5 5—5
Ears. — Very small, or wanting.

Genus. — Leptonyx.
2—2 i— i 3—3
Teeth.— I. - , C. - , P. - , M.

2—2 i— i 3—3
Incisors much pointed; molars divided into three
long, conical, and slightly curved points.
Head. — Muzzle narrow and elongated.
Neck. — Long and tapering.
Limbs. — Nails very small, especially those of the
hinder-feet.

2—2

2—2

32.

Genus. — Stemmatopus.

Teeth.— I.

2 — 2

C.

I — I

p.

3—3

2 — 2

M. = 30.

I— I I— I 3—1 2—2

Incisors conical ; canines stout and large.

Head. — Adult male furnished with a large mem-
branous and muscular sac, which is divided into two
channels by a development of the septum of the
nose.

Genus. — Phoca.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

C.

P.

3—3

2 — 2

M. = 34.

2 — 2

I— I 3—3 . .

All the molars except the first furnished with double
roots.

Genus. — Trichecus.

1 eeth. — Upper canines enormously developed, and
without roots.

Head. — Muzzle tumid and protuberant, covered
with thick bristles — External ears wanting.

Genus. — Morunga.
Teeth as in Stemmdtopus.
Head. — Proboscis-like expansion of nose.

Genus. — Arctocephalus.

2—2

I— I

2—2

or

rarely

2 — 2\

2 — 2/

34.

3—3
Four upper and middle inci-

sors broad crowned, with groove, two others coni-
cal.

Limbs. — First toe of fore-feet longes't, the middle
hinder-toes nearly equal ; membrane of hinder-feet
projecting like leathern straps beyond the toes.

Order.— CETE.

Teeth. — When present, conical and similar, the
palate frequently furnished with baleen.

Body shaped like a fish.

Limbs. — Short and fin-shaped, the hinder pair
forming a horizontal tail.

Skin. — Smooth and hairless, nostrils developed
into blowing-tubes.

Family. —

Nostrils two, palate with baleen, jaws without
teeth.

Head.— Very large, equal to one-third the size of
the body.

Genus. — Balaena.

No dorsal fin, abdomen smooth, baleen very long.
Teeth. — None in adult, only rudimentary in young.

Genus. — Megaptera.

Dorsal fin, abdomen furnished with longitudinal
folds, pectoral fins long, equalling the head in length,
baleen short, broad, and triangular.

Genus. — Balaenoptera.

Dorsal fin sharp and falcate, abdomen and throat
furnished with longitudinal folds, pectoral fins mod-
erate, baleen short.

Genus. — Physalus.

Dorsal fins falcate, pectorals moderate, abdomen
and throat with longitudinal folds. Blow-holes
semi-lunar, divided from each other by a groove,
and covered with a valve or flap. Baleen short.

Family. — CATC^NTID.*.

Head very large, upper jaw apparently toothless,
the lower jaw furnished with many conical teeth,
which are received into cavities in the upper jaw.
Blow-holes united, with a semi-lunar opening.

Genus. — Cdtodon.

Dorsal hump rounded, blow-holes in front of the
head.
Head. — Blunt at muzzle, skull much elongated.

Genus. — Physeter.

Upper jaw longest, blow-holes on the top of the
head near the middle, separate, but covered with a
common flap or valve. Dorsal fin high and fal-
cate.

Family. — DELPHINID^E.

Head moderate — Both jaws furnished with teeth,
which are frequently shed at an early age. Blow-
holes united, forming a transverse semi-lunar open-
ing on the top of the head.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

789

Genus. — Ziphius.

Jaws tapering, upper jaw toothless, lower with
two large, compressed teeth. Throat furnished
with two diverging furrows. Lower jaw broad.
Dorsal fin.

Genus. — M6nodon.

Few and early deciduous teeth in both jaws.
Forehead convex. Upper jaw of male with one or
two long, projecting teeth, spirally twisted. Dorsal
fin.

Genus. — Beluga.

Both jaws with conical, deciduous teeth. Head
rounded. No dorsal fin.

Genus. — Phocaena.

Both jaws with compressed and permanent teeth.
Dorsal fin triangular, and placed in the middle of
the back.

Genus. — Delphfnus.

Head beaked, and rather convex in front. Dorsal
fin fulcate in centre of back, Teeth many, small,
and conical.

Sub-order.— SIRENIA.

Body hairy. Muzzle with bristles. Two nostrils
at extremity of snout. Fore-limbs like arms, hinder
like fin or tail.

Genus. — Mdnatus.

i — i

Teeth.— I.

C.

o — o

8—8

M. = 34.

8—8

o — o o — o
Tail or caudal fin rounded and oblong.
In adults the incisors are wanting, and in the
young animal they are very small.

Genus. — Half core.

ncisors are large

i — i o — o 5 — 5

Teeth.— I. , C. , M. .

o — o o — o 5-
Tail or caudal fin semi-lunar,
in adults.

Genus. — Rhytina.

Teeth none, the jaws being furnished in their
stead with a horny plate. Tail semi-lunar.

Order.— RODENTIA.

Teeth. — Two long, curved, sharp-edged, rootless
incisors in each jaw. Canines absent. Molars very
few, and separated by a wide interval from the inci-
sors.

Feet furnished with claws.

Family. — MuRlD.*.

Teeth. — Lower incisors compressed and pointed.
Molars generally six in each jaw.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, hind-feet with
five.

Genus. — Mus.

i — i i — i 2 — 2

Teeth. — I. , P. , M. = 1 6. Incisors

i — i i — i 2 — 2
mostly smooth.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, and a nailed
wart instead of a thumb. Hind-feet with five toes.
Habitat. — All lands.

Genus. — Crice*tus.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth, lower compressed. Mo
lars with tubercles.

Head. — Ears rounded. Cheek-pouches.
Limbs. — Feet as in Mus.
Tail. — Verv short, and covered with hair.
Habitat. — Northern Europe.

Genus. — Arvfcola.

Teeth.— I.

i — I

P.

i — i

2 — 2

M.

= 1 6. Molars

I — I I — I 2 — 2

curiously folded so as to form a double series of tri-
angles on their crowns.

Head. — Ears rounded and very short.

Limbs. — Feet as in Mus, soles without hair.

Tail.— Rather short.

Habitat. — Europe.

Genus. — My6des.

Teeth as in Arvicola.
Head. — Ears not visible beyond the fur.
Limbs. — Feet with soles hairy, fore-feet with dig-
ging claws.

Tail. — Very short, covered with hair.
Habitat. — Norway and Sweden.

Sub-family. — Castorina.

Teeth. — Incisors covered with colored enamel, and
smooth in front. Molars with four folds of enameL
Limbs. — Feet with five toes, hinder feet webbed.
Head. — Ears small and round.

Genus. — Castor.

i— i i— i 3—3
Teeth.— I. , P. , M. = 20.

i— i i— i 3—3
Limbs. — Hind-feet entirely webbed.
Tail.— Wide, flat, and covered with scales.
Habitat. — North America and part of Europe.

Genus. — Myopdtamus.

Teeth as in Castor.

Limbs. — Only four toes of hind-feet webbed.

Tail. — Round and hairy.

Habitat.— Chili.

Genus.— Fiber.

I— I i— i 2—2
Teeth.— I. , P. , M. «= 16.

I — I I — I 2 — 2

Limbs. — Claws curved and flattened. Toes of
hinder feet long, and edged with thick, stiff hairs.

Tail.— Moderate and compressed, a few short
hairs appearing through the scales with which it is
covered

Habitat.— North America.

Genus.— Hy"dromys.

i— i i— i I— i
Teeth.— L , P. , M.

12.

Limbs. — Hinder-feet partially webbed.
Tail. — Round, hairy, and large at the base.
Habitat. — New Holland and Van Diemen's Land

Sub-family. — Echimyna.

Teeth. — Incisors straight, and abrupt at their ex-
tremities.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus. — Aulac6dus.

Teeth. — Incisors broad and short, brown in front,
three furrows in those of the upper jaw. Molars
with four folds of enamel.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with thumb and outer toe short.
Hind-feet with four toes.

Tail. — Rather short, slightly covered with hair.

Fur. — Composed of flattened and grooved hair,
or grooved spines.

Habitat. — Southern Africa. .

*•*

Family. — HYSTR?CID^.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth and large; molars with

4—4

waving strips of enamel, always .

4—4

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, a wart instead
of the thumb-joint.

Fur. — None, being replaced by strong and sharp
spines.

Sub-family. — Hystricina.

Teeth. — Molars with undivided roots, set deeply
in the bone ; third molar placed under the anterior
margin of the orbit.

Limbs. — Feet with soles smooth, but grooved.

Genus. — Hystrix.

Limbs. — Hind-feet with five toes.

Tail. — Not prehensile.

Habitat. — Parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Atherura is included in this genus.

Sub-family. — Cercolablna.

..Teeth. — Molars with short, divided roots, set

shallow in the bone. First molar placed under

margin of orbit.

Limbs. — Feet with warty soles.

Genus. — Erethizon.

Tail. — Short and spined.
Limbs. — Hind-feet with five toes.
Fur. — Long hair, interspersed with short, sharp
spines.

Habitat. — Canada.

Genus. — C ercolabes.

Tail. — Long and prehensile.
Limbs. — Hind-feet with four toes.
Habitat. — Brazils.

Sub-family. — Subunguldta.

Teeth. — Molars complex.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four or five toes, hind-feet
with three or four. Claws large and keeled above.

Genus. — Dasyprocta.

Head. — Lips cloven.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes and a wart for
the thumb ; hind with three toes.
Tail. — Represented by a small, naked tubercle.
Fur. — Hair long on hind-quarters.
Habitat. — Brazils.

Genus. — Coelogenys.

Head. — Lip cloven. Great development of zygo-
ma, lined with a fold of skin. Cheek-pouches.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes and nailed wz
for thumb. Hind-feet with three toes.
Tail. — Very short.
Habitat. — Tropical America.

Genus. — Hydrochcerus.

^ Teeth. — Slight longitudinal groove on upper in-
cisors. Molars without roots.

Head. — Thick, lips not cleft.

Limbs. — Feet partially webbed. Fore-feet with
four toes, hinder with three.

Tail. — None.

Habitat.— /Tropical America.

Genus. — Cavfa.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth. Molars without roots,
and curiously laminated.

Head. — Ears short and rounded.

Limbs. — Feet cloven : fore-feet with four toes,
hinder with three ; feet short.

Tail.— None.

Habitat. — Brazils.

Family. — LEP<5 RID^E.

Teeth. — Four incisors in upper jaw, a pair
these teeth being placed behind the two usual in-
cisors. Molars without roots, formed of two lamime.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, hinder with
four ; soles hairy.

Tail. — Short, or absent.

Genus.'— Lepus.

2 — 2 3 — 3 3 — 3

Teeth.— I. , P. , M. — -, - 28.

i— i 2—2 3—3

Head. — Ears long.

Limbs. — Hind-legs longer than fore-limbs.

Tail. — Short, and curved upward.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Family. — }

Limbs. — Fore-feet short. Hind-feet long, and
formed for leaping.

Tail. — Long, and thickly haired.

Sub-family. — ChinchilUna.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth. Molars rootless, and
composed of narrow lamina?.

Teeth.— M.

Genus. — Chinchilla.
4—4

4—4

-, three laminae in each.

Head. — Ears large, rounded, and scantily haired;
whisker hairs very long.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, hind with four.
Habitat.— Peru.

Genus. — Lagotis.

Head. — Ears long, like those of the hare
Limbs.— Fore-feet with four toes.
Habitat.— Peru.

Sub-family.— Dipina.
Teeth.— Molars with roots and complex.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

791

Genus. — Helamys.

I— i i— i 3—3

Teeth.— I. , P. , M. , = 20. Inci-

i— i i— i 3—3

sors smooth and broad. Molars with crown, divided
into two portions by a fold of enamel.

Head. — Ears long.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, sharp, long
claws ; hinder with four toes, much elongated.

Habitat.— South Africa.

Genus. — Dipus.

i— i i— i 2—2
Teeth.— I. , P. , M. , = 16. Upper

I — I I — I 2 — 2

incisors grooved, all slender and sharp. Molars
with roots.

Head. — Ears short.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with five toes, hind-feet with
three.

Tail. — Long, covered with hair set in double row.

Habitat.— Part of Europe and Egypt.

Sub-family. — Myoxlna.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth and compressed. Molars
4—4

, with roots, and with transverse bands on the

4—4
crown.

Genus. — Myoxus.

Head. — Ears moderate, rounded, and covered
with short, fine hair. Whisker hairs, long.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, and a wart for
thumb, without claw. Hind-feet with five toes.

Tail. — Long, and thickly haired.

H abitat . — E u rope.

Sub-family. — Sciurtna.

Teeth. — Incisors smooth, brown or orange-col-

5—5
ored in front. Molars complex. M. .

4—4

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, and clawed
wart for thumb.

Genus. — Sciuropterus.

i— i 2—2 3—3

Teeth. — I. , P. , M. = 22. Molars

i— i i— i 3—3

with tubercles.

Tail. — Rather short and flat.

Development of skin along sides so as to form a
flying membrane.

Habitat. — India, North America, and Siberia.

Genus. — Sciurus.

Skin. — Not expanded along the side.

Head. — Cheek-pouches none.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Genus. — Tamias.

Head — Cheek-pouches.

Feet. — Shorter than those of the true squirrels.

Tail.— Shorter than the body.

Habitat. — North America.

Genus. — Arotomys.

i — i I — i 4 — 4 .

Teeth.— I. , P. , M. , = 22. Insci-

i— i i— i 3—3

sors smooth and rounded. Molars with tubercles
set transversely on the crown.

Head. — Cheek-pouches none.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, and nailed wart
for thumb; hind-feet with five toes.

Tail. — Short, covered with long hair.

Habitat. Northern Europe and America,

Genus. — Spermophilus.

Head. — Cheek-pouches.

Tail. — Moderate. General form more slender
than Arotomys.

Habitat. — Northern Europe and America.

Family. — As PALAciD.*.
Teeth. — Incisors very long, and visible outside

4—4 3—3
the mouth. Molars or .

4—4 3—3

Head. — Ears none, or very small.
Limbs. — Front, five toes, cloven.
General form, thick, heavy, and clumsy.

Genus. — Spalax.

3—3
Teeth. — Molars , complex, and small.

3—3

Head. — Very flat, and abrupt at muzzle. Eyes
hidden under the skin. Ears, none externally.
Limbs. — Feet short, with small claws.
Tail.— None.
Habitat.— Europe.

Genus. — Bathyergus.
3—3

Teeth.— I.

•I i — i

-, P. ,

M.

20. Upper

3—3 «— " 3—3

incisors with deep groove, a stnpe of enamel across
the crown.

Head. — Eyes very small. Ears none externally.

Limbs. — Large digging claws on fore-feet, the
claw of second toe the largest.

Habitat. — Cape of Good Hope.

Genus. — Sacc6phorus.
Teeth. — Incisors with deep longitudinal groove —

4—4
Molars , rootless.

4—4

Head. — Ears very small, and rounded. Eyes very
small. Very large cheek-pouches, nearly retractile
when empty.

Limbs. — Three middle claws of fore-feet long, the
third the longest.

Tail.— None.

Habitat. — Canada.

N. B. Diplostoma may be separated from Sacc<S»
phorus by the smooth incisor teeth.

Genus. — Rhi'zomys.
Teeth. — incisors broad, smooth, and red in front ;

i 3~3
molars .

3 — 3
Head. — Broad, short, and abruptly terminated in

front. Ears very small. Eyes also small.

Limbs. — Fore -feet four-toed, with clawed wart
for thumb.

Habitat. — Malacca and China.

792

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus. — Ctenomys.

Teeth.— I.

i — i

P.

i — i 3 — i

, M. — -

20. Molars

i— i i— i 3—3

decreasing in size from first to last; rootless and
simple.

Order. — U NGULXTA.

Teeth. — Incisors and canines often absent in one
or both jaws. Molars all similar, when present.
Limbs. — Toes large, covered with hoofs.

Furcipeda.
Two middle toes large and equal.

Family. — BtfviDJE.

o—o 3—3 6

Teeth.— I. or , M. -.

4—4 4—4 6

Head. — Mostly horns on frontal bones.
Limbs. — Two middle toes separate.
Gullet and stomach, complex.

Tribe /.— BOVINA.

Horns developed into permanent sheath, set upon
the bony " core " or process from the frontal bone.

Sub-tribe. — B6ve<z.

Teeth. — Incisors nearly equal, and projecting
slightly outwards.

Horns. — Smooth, bent outward, and curved up-
wards at tip.

Head. — Nose broad, nostrils at side.

Limbs. — Knee below the middle of fore-leg.

Horns not ridged or knobbed.

Genus. — Bos.

Horns. — Cylindrical and conical, curved upwards
and outwards.

Head. — Frontal and facial portions of skull equal.
Dorsal ridge distinct.
Habitat. — Nearly all the world.

Genus. — Bubalus.

Horns. — Depressed or angular at base.
Head. — Forehead convex.
Habitat. — Africa and Asia.

Genus. — Bibos.

Horns depressed at base.

Shoulders very high, on account of the processes
of the dorsal vertebrae.
Habitat. — Asia.

Genus. — Bison.

Horns round, and rather depressed at base ;
lateral, and curved upwards and outwards.

Head. — Muzzle short and rather wide.

Body covered with short crisp hair, longer on the
head, neck, and shoulders. Dewlap none.

Habitat. — Europe and North America.

Genus. — Poephagus.

Horns nearly cylindrical, curved outward.
Nose hairy ; muzzle narrow and bald between
nostrils.

Tail moderate, with thick, long hair.
Habitat.— Thibet.

Genus. — Ovibos.

Horns (of male) very broad at base, bent down-
wards over sides of face, and hooked upwards at
tip. Those of the female smaller, and their bases
farther apart.

Nose all hairy.

Tail short, and hidden by long hair of hind-
quarters.

Habitat. — North America.

Sub-tribe. — A ntilopea.

I. Antelopes of the Field. Nostrils without hair
inside.

Horns lyrate, sometimes conical; set over eye-
brows.

Limbs slight, and hoofs small.

Tail short, with long hairs at base.

Genus. — Gazella.

Horns. Moderate, lyrate; nose, tapering. Fe
males hornless. Crumen (or tear-bag, situated be
low the eyes) distinct.

Habitat. — Part of Asia and Africa.

Genus. — Antidorcas.

Known by expansile white streak across back.
Crumen small.
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — /Epy'ceros*

Horns rather long, wide, and spreading. Tuft of
black hair on posterior.
Habitat — South Africa.

Genus. — Antilope.

Horns erect, slightly spiral. Crumen large. ,
Habitat. — India.

Genus. Tetracerus.

Male with four horns, straight, and conical;
female hornless. Muzzle large. Crumen longitu-
dinal.

Habitat. — India.

Genus. — Calotragus.

Horns erect, slight, and tapering; female horn-
less. Crumen arched. Knees tuftless.
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Scopophorus.

Horns slight and tapering ; female hornless.
Crumen transverse. Knees tufted.
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Genus. — Oreotragus.

Horns slight and tapering; female hornless.
Crumen transverse. Hoofs square, high, and con-
tracted.

Habitat. — Southern Africa.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

793

Genus. — Ne6tragus.

Horns short and conical ; female hornless. Cru-
men large. Muffle none. Crown crested.
Habitat. — Abyssinia.

Genus. — Cephilopus.

Horns- short and conical, set far back. Muffle
large. Crumen represented by double series of
pores. Crown crested.

Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Ele6tragus.

Horns conical and diverging ; bent forward at
tips. Nose conical. Crumen none. Crown not
crested.

Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Kobus.

Horns nearly lyrate, tips slightly recurved ; female
hornless. Mane on sides of neck. Crumen none.
Habitat. — South Africa.

Genus. — ^Egocerus.

Horns recurved. Females horned. Compressed
mane running down nape of neck ; tuft of hair over
crumen.

Habitat. — South Africa.

Genus. — Oryx.

Horns very long and slender, straight or slightly
curved. Crumen none. Mane on nape of neck.
Habitat. — South Africa.

Genus. — Addax.

Horns long and spiral. Tuft of hair over crumen.
Long hair on forehead and on throat. No mane on
nape of neck.

Habitat. — North Africa.

Genus. — Rupicapra.

Horns erect, hooked abruptly backward at tips.
Nose hairy.

Habitat. — Parts of Europe.

Genus. — Conn6chetes.

Horns broad at base, bent downward and out-
wards on sides of head, then recurved at tip. Tail
long and hairy from base.

Habitat. — South Africa.

Genus. — Alce'phalus.

Horns lyrate, thick at base, then suddenly bent
backwards, nearly at right angles ; set on upper
edge of frontal bones. Tuft of hair on crumen.
Muzzle broad. Muffle small and moist.

Habitat. — South Africa.

Genus. — Damalis.

Horns lyrate and diverging. Muzzle rather
broad. Muffle small and moist. Crumen without
hair tuft.

Habitat. — Africa.

Horns ridged.
Sub-tribe. — Strepsiclrea.

Horns spiral, inclining backward. Crumen dis-
tinct, and nostrils near each other in front. No
beard on chin of male.

Genus. — Strepsfceros.

Horns spiral, with bold keel or ridge. Short
mane on neck.
Limbs equal.
Habitat. — South Africa.

*
Genus. — Oreas.

Horns spirally keeled, but nearly straight Short
mane on neck.
Limbs equal.
Habitat— South Africa.

Genus. — Port ax.

Horns short, almost triangular. Muffle large and
moist. Hind-limbs shorter than fore-legs.
Habitat — Asia.

Sub-tribe. — Capreee.

Forehead convex, chin of males mostly with
beard. Horns compressed, curved backward and
outwards, with keel in front. Males with strong
odor.

Genus. — Hemftragus.

Horns nearly triangular, compressed, heavily
knobbed in front. Male without beard. Muffle
naked.

Habitat — Nepal.

Genus. — Capra.

Horns (of male) very large, heavily wrinkled and
knobbed, and nearly square. Smaller in female.
Muffle hairy.

Habitat. — Parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Genus. — Hircus.

Horns triangular and compressed, slightly keeled
and knobbed in front. Muffle hairy.
Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Sub-tribe. — Ovfa.

Forehead flat or concave. Horns spiral ; females
often hornless. Hoofs triangular, and shallow be-
hind. Males not odorous.

Genus. — Ovis.

Crumen large ; tail long. Skin with thick woolly
coat, or flattened hair.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Genus. — Caprovis.

Crumen large. Tail very short. Wool hidden
under thick hair.

Habitat. — Siberia, many parts of Asia and C -
fornia.

Genus. — Amm6tragus.

Crumen none. Tail long, and forehead concave.
Neck heavily maned beneath. Chin not bearded
Habitat— North Africa.

794

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Tribe.— GiRAFFlNA.

Horns covered with hairy skin, tufted with hair
at the tips.

Genus. — Giraffa.

Neck exceedingly elongated, back sloping. Lips
not grooved, and totally hairy. Tongue very ex-
tensile. Tail long, with tuft of hair at extremity.

Habitat. — Africa.

/

Tribe. — CERVINA.

Horns, when present, shed and renewed annually.
Teeth. — Incisors wanting in upper jaw. False
hoofs large.

Sub-tribe. — A Icea.

Muzzle broad and hairy. Small bald muffle be-
tween nostrils. Horns large and palmed, without
any basal snag near crown.

Genus. — Alces.

Neck short and thick; hair thick and brittle.
Mane on throat. Hind-legs with tuft of hair above
middle of metatarsus.

Habitat. — Northern Europe and America.

Sub-tribe. — Tangerine Deer.

Horns with large basal snag near crown. No
naked muffle.

Genus. — Tarandus.

Muzzle hairy ; crumen with pencil of hairs.
Habitat. — Northern Europe and America.

Sub-tribe. — Elaphine Deer.

Muzzle tapering, with bald, moist muffle, sepa-
rated from muzzle by a hairy band. Horns with
basal snag. Tuft of hair on hind leg, above middle
of metatarsus.

Genus. — Cervus.

Horns round and erect, medial snag in front
dividing into branches at tip (one or two branches
on middle of front of beam). Crumen large. Hoofs
narrow, triangular, and compressed.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.

Genus. — Dam a.

Horns round below and expanded above;
branched on hinder edge. Crumen large. Hoofs
like Cervus. Fur spotted in summer.

Habitat. — Europe and Asia.

Sub-tribe. — Rusine Deer.
Horns with anterior basal snag. Muffle not sep-

arate from muzzle, and set high,
legs, as in Elaphines.

Genus. — Axis.

Hair tuft in hind

Horns set on rather long footstalks. Fur reddish,
and spotted white at all seasons. Tail and ears
rather long.

Habitat.— India.

Sub-tribe. — Capreoline Deer.
Horns without basal snag. Crumen small.
Genus. — Capreolus.

Horns small, erect, and round ; slightly branched'
with short footstalk. Tail none. Tuft on hind legs
slightly above middle of metatarsus. Outer inci-
sors of lower jaw very narrow, two central wide
above.

Habitat. — Europe and Northern Asia.

Genus. — C ariacus.

Horns round and arched, central internal snag
tips bent forward, lower branches on hinder edge.
Tail moderate, lower part dark, upper pale.

Habitat. — North America.

Tribe. — MOSCH IN A.

Horns none. Upper incisors none. Hinder edge
of metatarsus without hair. False hoofs large.
Male with odoriferous gland.

Genus. — Moschus.

Muffle naked. Crumen none. Canine teeth of
males extremely long.

Habitat.— Thibet and Nepal.

Genus. — Tragulus.

Throat and chin partially hairless. Hinder edge of
metatarsus rather callous.

Habitat. — Parts of Asia. >~~

X

Tribe. — CAMELINA.

i — i

Incisor teeth . Upper lip hairy, but naked

3—3

in front, and elongated. Canines in each jaw.
Neck long. Legs long. Toes two, callous beneath,
the hoofs only covering their upper surfaces.

Genus. — Camelus.

6—6

Back humped. Molar teeth , the foremost

6-6

being conical, like canines, and separated from the
others. Toes broad, soles not divided.
Habitat. — Africa.

Genus. — Lama.

Back without hump — no conical molar teeth .

5— 5

Toes long, soles separate.
Habitat. — South America.

Two middle toes united, and covered with a

common hoof. No false hoofs.
3—3 i— i 6—6

, C. , M. -. Neck maned.

3—3 i— i 6—6

Incisor teeth

Genus. — Equus.

Tail entirely covered with long hair. All the legs
with wart on inner side.

Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and Africa. Also natural-
ized on plains of America.

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

795

Genus. — As tin us.

Tail with long hair only at extremity. Hind-leg
without inner wart. Neck maned.
Habitat.— All the Old World.

Teeth — I.

Family.—

Feet either ungulate, or furnished with flat and
angular nails. Molars in both jaws, with very
broad crowns ; incisors and canines sometimes
absent. Skin mostly very thick, and generally with
scanty hair.

Sub-family. — Elephanttna.

I — i

— — - , very long and projecting— Can-

o — o

ines none — Molars extremely long, with elongated
crowns. Nose produced into proboscis. Feet with
five toes.

Genus. — Elephas.

2 — 2
Teeth. — M. - , formed of a series of laminae,

2 — 2

succeeding each as they are worn.
Habitat. — Asia and Africa.

Sub-family, — Tapirlna.

Incisor, canine, and molar teeth in both jaws.
Three or four toes on fore-feet, three on hind-feet.
Nose developed into a small proboscis.

Genus. — Tapfrus.

Teeth.— I.

3—3

C.

i — i

P.

4—4

M 3"3

M. -» 42,

3—3

3—3 i— i 3—3 _ ,
Fore-feet with four toes. Tail very short.
Habitat. — Asia and America.

Sub-family* — Suina.

Feet mostly with four toes, hinder feet sometimes
with three toes. Nose abruptly truncated, not
forming proboscis. Tail short, or almost absent.

Genus. — Sus.

3—3 2—2
Teeth. — I. , or — — , lower incisors directed

3—3 3—3

forward. Canines of lower jaw directed upward.
Molars with tubercles.

Feet with four toes. Tail short.

Habitat.— Nearly the whole world.

6V«wj-.— Phacochoerus.

3—3 5 — 5

Teeth.— Molars with — — , or , according to

3—3 5—5
age. Canines very large. A large wart under each

eye.
Habitat— Africa.

Genus,— Dico'tyles.
2—2 6—6

Teeth.— I. —— , M. , with tubercles. Upper

3—3 6—6

canines directed downward, and not projecting.
Tubercle for tail. Hind-feet with three toes. Odor-
iferous gland in back.

Habitat.— Brazils.

Subfamily. — Rhhwerina.
Teeth.— Canines none, molars mostly

7—7

7—7

One

or more " horns " on nose and forehead. Feet with
three toes. Skin very thick, and hanging in folds.

Genus. — Rhin6ceros.

Upper lip rather extensile, and very mobile.
M Horn " composed of aggregated longitudinal
fibres.

Habitat.— Asia and Africa.

Genus. — Hyrax.

Teeth.— I.

i— I

canines none, molars six or seven

2 — 2

on each side of each jaw. Fore-feet with four toes,
hind with three. Hoofs small and flat, somewhat
resembling claws. Tubercle for tail.
Habitat. — Asia and Africa.

Sub-family. — Hippopotamtna.

2 — 2

Teeth. — I. — ,the two lower projecting forward.
2 — 2

6-6

Canines large. Molars in adult — — .

6—6
Feet with four toes. Short hoofs. Tail short.

Genus. — Hippopotamus (as the Sub-family).
Habitat. — Southern Africa.

Order.— EDENTATA.

Teeth.— None in forepart of jaws, sometimes
wholly wanting. When present they are not enam-
elled, and are rootless. Feet furnished with strong
curved claws.

Family. — D ASY PID^B.

Teeth, when present, small and similar. Head
produced and snout long and narrow.

Sub-family. — Manlna.

Teeth none. Body and tail covered with horny,
sharp-edged scales, overlapping each other. Tongue
round, and very long. Tail long.

Genus. — Manis (as the Sub-family).
Habitat. — Asia and Africa.

Sub-famil^, Dasypfna.

Teeth small and cylindrical, rootless in both jaws.
Body covered with rows of scales, arranged in
bands ; hair between the scales and bands.

Genus. — Dasypus.

Feet with five toes. Tail short. Body very
convex.
Habitat. — South Amtrica.

Sub-family. — Myrmecophagtna.

Teeth none. Body covered with thick, coarse
hair. Tail long.

796

COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS.

Genus. — Ory ct6 ropus.

o— o o— o 7 — 7 5 — 5

Teeth.— I. > C. » M. , or when

o—o o—o 6 — 6 5 — 5
aged. Their form is cylindrical and their crowns
flat.

Limbs. — Fore-feet with four toes, hind with five.
Claws very powerful adapted for digging.
Tail moderate and covered with hair.

Genus. — Myrmec6phaga.

Fore-feet with four toes, hind with five.
Habitat. — South America.

Genus — Tamandua.

Distinguished from Myrmec6phaga by the shorter
head and plumeless tail.

Genus. — Cyclothurus.

Fore-feet with two toes, hind with four. Nose
not so long as in preceding genus. Ribs very broad
and fiat, overlapping each other.

Habitat. — South America.

Sub-family. — Ornithorhyncina.

Teeth horny, or none. Hind-feet in males with
hollow spur. Feet with five toes, and short. Snout
long, ana covered with naked skin.

Genus.— Pldtypus.
2 — 2

Teeth — flat and horny, without fangs. Snout
2— a

flattened like duck's bill. Lower jaw shorter and
narrower. Body covered with soft hair. Tail
broad and flattened.
Habitat. — Australia.

Genus. — Echidna.

Teeth none. Snout long, slender, and rather
pointed ; and very little mouth. Tongue long and
extensile. Feet with large, curved claws. Tail
short. Body covered with spines, mixed with hairs.

Habitat. — Australia.

Family. — BRADYPIDJE.

Head flat and short. Legs long, and furnished
with large, curved, compressed claws.

Genus. — Cholcepus.

First molar tooth long, and like a canine. Fore-
feet with two toes. Tail none.
Habitat. — West Indies.

Genus. — Brddypus.

Teeth of adult. — M. , separate and cylindii-

4—4

cal. Ears very short. Fore-feet with two or three
toes, hind with three, joined as far as the claws.
Tail none, or very short.
Habitat.— South America.

INDEX.

A.

Aard-vark, 771.
Aard Wolf, 226.
Acrobates, 457.
Addax, 655.
>Epyceros, 641.
^Equitoon, 649.
/Egocerus, 651.
Agouara, 416
Agouta, 439.
Agouti, 576.
Ahu, 638.
Ai. 778.
Ailurus, 420.
Alactaga, 591.
Alcephalus, 660.
Alces, 688.
Alouattes, 90.
Alpaca, 709.
Amer Genett, 235.
Ammotragus, 683.
Andra, 638.
Angola Cat, 202.
Anoa, 626.
Ant- Bear, 772
Ant-Eater, 773.
Ant- Eater-Porcupine,

777-

Antechinus, 491.

Antidorcas, 639.

Antelope, 635.

Antelope, Goat, 638.

Antelope, Indian, 642.

Antelope, prong-
horned, 650.

Antelope, Sable, 650.

Aoudad, 684.

A para, 769.

Ape, Barbary, 54.

Arab Horse, 713.

Araguato, 91.

Arctomys, 604.

Arctonyx, 379.

Argali, 682.

Argali, Bearded, 684.

Anel Pctaurus, 460.

Armadillo, 768.

Artictis, 244.

Arvicola, 562.

Ashkoko, 761.

Asinus, 725.

Ass, 724.

Assapan, 594.

Asse, 337.

Astromyctes, 4*9.

AswaU, 407.

Atak, 512.

Ateles, 81.

Atherura, 573.

Aulacoduc, 571.

Aurochs, 629,

Avahi, 108.

Axis, 698.

Aye- Aye, no.

B.

Baboon, 71.
Babyroussa, 748.
Badger, 380.
Baijerkelt, 767.
Balsena, 531.

Balacnoptera, 526.
Balisaur, 379.
Banca Tarsier, 109.
Bandicoot, Banded, 482.
Bandicoot, Long-Nosed,

483-
Bandicoot, Striped.

Backed, 482.
Banteng, 626.
Barbastelle, 119.
Barbastellus, 119.
Barbet, 276.
Bassaris, 236.
Bat, Great, 123.
Bat, Gieat, Horse-shoe

119.
Bat, Lesser Horse-shoe,

119.

Bat, Long-eared, 120.
Bat. Vampire, 116.
Batnyergus, 607.
Beagle, 283.
Bear, Australian, 467.
Bear, Black, 397.
Bear, Bornean Sun, 406.
Bear, Brown, 391.
Bear, Grizzly, 400.
Bear, Malayan Sun, 402.
Bear, Polar, 409.
Bear, Sea, 519.
Bear, Sloth, 407.
Bear, Syrian, 395.
Bear, Tnibetian Sun, 402.
Bear, White, 409.
Beaver, 565.
Beaver Rat, 571.
Beech Martin, 347.
Bekker-el-Wash, 661.
Beluga, 540.
Bettong, 478.
Bettong, Brush-Tailed,

478.

Bhunder, 52.
Bibos, 627.
Big- Horn, 683.
Bingturong, 244.
Bison, 629.

Bison, American, 630.
Black Fish, 534.
Blenheim Spaniel, 273.
Bless-Bok, 663.
Blood. 4.
Bloodhound, 278.
Boar, Wild, 746.
Boar-Hound, 302.
Bobac, 604.
Bonassus, 629.
Bonn«t Macaque, 51.
Bonte-Bok, 662.
Borele, 756.
Bos, 620.
Bosch Vark, 749.
Bouquetin, 669.
Bracnyteles, 87.
Brachyurus, 94.
Bradypus, 778.
Bruang, 402.
Buansuah, 254.
Bubalus, 623.
Buck, Blue, 647.
Buck, Red, 647.
Buck, Water, 649.
Buffalo, 623.

Buffalo, Cape, 624.
Bulau, 442.

Chousingha, 642.
Chrysochlore, 428.

Dog, Hunting, 340.
Dog, Lion, 274.

Bull, Brahmin, 621.

Civet, 229.

Dog, Maltese, 274.

Bulldog, 304.
Bull Terrier, 309.

Cleveland Bay, 720.
Clydesdale Horse, 723.

Dog, Newfoundland,
263.

Bush Cat, 1/7.

Coaita, 82.

Dog Pomeranian, 368.

Coaiti, 416.

Dog, Prairie, 601.

C.

Cob, 718.

Dog, Pug, 317.

Cocker Spaniel, 270.

Dog, Shepherd's, 295.

Caama, 337.
Cabrit, 658.

Qelogenys, 578.
Coendoo, 575.

Dog, Scotch Sheep, 297.
Dog, St. Bernard's, 274,

Cacajao, 96.

Colobus, 42.

Dog, Thibet, 255.

Cachalot. 530.
Cacomixle, 236.

Colocolo, 187.
Colugo, in.

Dog, Turnspit, 316.

Dofichotis, 578.

Caiote, 331.
Callithrix, 93.

Connochetes, 659.
Corsira, 433.

Dormouse, 592.
Dormouse, Fat, 591.

Calotragus, 64.

Couguar, 178.

Dormouse, Garden, 591

Camel, 705.

Coyote, 331.

Douroucouli, 98.

Camel, Bactrian, 708.
Camelus, 705.

Coypu Rat, 568.
Crab- Eater, 416.

Drill, 78.
Dsheren, 638.

Campagnol, 563.
Campagnol, Bank, 564.

Cricetus, 560.
Crossarchus, 242.

Dubb, 395.
Duck-bill, 774.

Canis, 255.
Canna, 664.

Crossopus, 436.
Cryptoprocta, 250.

Dugong, 549.
Duyker-Bok, 646.

Capra, 669.

Cuon, 253.

Dziggctai, 728.

Capreolus, 699.

Cur-Dog, 298.

Caprovis, 682.
Capucin, Horned, 92.

Cuscus, 463.
Cuscus, Spotted, 463.

E.

Capybara, 579.

Cuxio, 84.

Echidna, 776.

Caracal, 210,

Cyclothurus, 774.

Eland, 664.

Cariacus, 701.

Cynictis, 241.

Electricity of Cat, 205.

Caribou, 691.

Cynocephalus, 67.

Eleotragus, 648.

Carjacou, 701.

Cynogle, 243.

Elephant, 732.

Castor, 56 «.

Elephant, African, 739.

Cat, Angola, 202.

D.

Elephant, Sea, ji6.

Cat, Caffre, 209.

Elephant Seal, 516.

Cat, Domestic, 196.

Dacoi, 650.

Elephant Shrew, 432.

Cat, Eygptian, 191.

Daesman, 440.

Elephas, 732.

Cat, Manx, 202.

Dama. 697.

Elk, 688.

Cat, Marbled, 182.

Daman's, 661.

Emgallo, 750.

Cat, Pampas, 190.

Dasypidae, 766.

Entellus, 39.

Cat, Wild, 192.

Dasyprocta, 576.

Erd Shrew, 433.

Catodon, 530.

Dasyure, 489.

Erethizon, 574.

Cavia, 580.

Dasyurus, 489.

Erinaceus, 444.

Cavy, Patagonian, 578.

Dauw, 730.

Ermine, 365.

Cawquaw, 574.

Deer, 687.

Cebus, 92.

Deer, Fallow, 697.

F.

Centetes, 452.

Deer, Musk, 703.

Cephalopus, 647.

Deer, Red, 695.

Felidae, 129.

Cercocebus, 50.

Deer, Virginian, 701.

Felis, 191.

Cercolabes, 575.

Dephinidz, 541.

Fennec, 339.

Cercoleptes, 419.
Cercopithecua, 44.

Delphinus, 543.
Delundung, 233.

Ferret, 351.
Ferret, Polecat, 357.

Cervus, 693.

Dendrologus, 469.

Fiber, 569.

Cetacea, 521.

Desman, 440.

Fox, 332.

Cliacma, 65.

Destruction and Mercy,

Fox, American, 334.

Chameck, 81.

148.

Fox, Arctic, 336.

Chamois, 657.
Chati, 188.

Dhole, 253.
Diabolus, 487.

Fox. Flying, 125.
Foxhound, 280.

LJhaus, 208.

Diana, 48.

Cheiromys, no.

Dicotyles, 752.

G.

Cheironectus, 499.

Didelphys, 493.

Cheiroptera, 114.

Dingo, 319.

Galago, 108.

Cheetan, 215.

Dipt*, 590.

Galago, Little, 108.

Chikara, 638.

Dolphin, 545.

Galago, Moholi, 108.

Chimpansee, 20.
Chinchilla, 586.

Dolphin, Bottle-Nosed,
546.

CJalemys. 440.
Galeopithecus, tn.

Chittra, 698.

Dog, Bull, 304.

Galera, 370.

Chlamydophorrs, 770.

Dog, Cur, 298.

Garangan, 238.

Chocropus, 484.

Dog, Dalmatian, 288.

Gaur. 627.

Choiropotamus, 750.

Dog, Drover's, 298.

Gazella, 636,

Cholzpus, 777.
Chouka, 638.

Dog, Esquimaux, 266.
Dog, Great Danish, 2.56.

Gazelle, 636.
Gazelle, Ariel, 637.

79*

INDEX.

Gazelle, Dorcas, 637.

Hyena, Brown. 221.

Leo, 133.

Mondjourou, 433.

Ox, Domestic, 614.

Gelada.63.

Hyena, Crested, 221.

Leopard, 163.

Mono, 87.

Ox, Grunting, 632.

Gems-Bok, 652.

Hyena, Spotted, 221.

Leopard, Black, 169.

Monodon, 537.

Ox, Javan, 626.

Genett, Amer, 235.

Hyena, Striped, 221.

Leopard, Indian, 168.

Moongus, 239.

Ox, Musk, 633.

Genett, Blotched, 235.

Hydrochcerus, 579.

Leopard, Seal, 504.

Moose, 688.

Genett, Pale, 235.

Hydromys, 571.

Leopardus, 163.

Morse, 513.

Genett, Senegal, 235.

Hydrophobia, 311.

Leporidae, 581.

Morunga, 516.

p
P-

Genetta, 234.

Hylobates, 32.

Leptonyx, 504.

Moschus, 703.

Gerbilles, 591.
Gerboa, 589.
Gerboa, Cape, 588.
Gibbons, 32.

Hypsiprymnus, 479.
Hyrax, 760.
Hystrix, 572.

Lepus, 581.
Lerot, 591.
Lion, Gambian, 143.
Lion, Guzerat, 147.

Mouflon, 682.
Mouse, Barbary, 560.
Mouse, Common, 556.
Mouse, Flying, 457.

Paca, D isky, 579.
Paca, Sooty, 578.
Pachydermata, 732.
Paco 710.

Gibbon, Agile, 35.

I.

Lion, Maneless, 147.

Mouse, Harvest, 559.

Pasnima 9JC

Gibbon, Lar, 33.

Lion, Sea, 518.

Mouse, Opossum, 457.

* «6UIIla» ^43-

Pallah, 641.

Gibbon, Silvery, 37.

Ibex, 668.

Lion, South African,

Mouse, Pouched, 491.

Pampas Cat, 190.

Giraffe, 684.
Glutton, 374.

Ichneumon, 239.
Ichneumon, Crab-eat-

134-
Lion, Dog, 274.

Mouse, Short - tailed,
Field, 563.

Panda, 420.
Panther, 163.

Gnoo, 658.

ing, 238.

Llama, 709. „

Mouse, Shrew, 433.

Panio 7C

Gnoo, Brindled, 659.

Ichneumon, Indian,

Loire, 591.

Mullingong, 774.

i rtpiw, /^.

Pacion. 77.

Goat, 670.

239-

Loris, 105.

Munga, 51.

A e*^iv^*i, y^.

Paracyon 484.

Goat, Cashmir, 671.
Goat, Jemlah, 668.

Impoofo, 664.
Impoon, 646.

Loris, Slender, 106.
Loris, Slow-paced, 167.

Mungous, Banded, 237.
Mungos, 237.

Paradoxurus, 246.
Patas, 48.

Goat, Snake-eating, 672.

Indri, 108.

Loxodonta, 740.

Mus, 553.

Peba, 769.

Goat, Spanish, 672.

Indris, 108.

Lurcher, 299.

Musang, 247.

Peccary, 751.

Goat, Syrian, 672.
Golunda, 560.

Insectivora, 432.
Introduction, i.

Lutra, 382.
Luwack, 246.

Muscardinus, 592.
Musk Deer, 703.

Peccary, White-lipped,

7C1

Gorilla, 15.

Lyncus, 211.

Musk Deer, Pigmy,

/OJ'm

Peechi, 730.

Grampus, 543.

J.

Lynx, Rooted, 214.

704.

Pekan, 351*

Greyhound, 257.

Lynx, Canada, 213.

Musk, Java, 705.

Pentail, 443.

Greyhound, Irish, 258.
Greyhound, Italian, 262.

Jacchus, 99.
Jackal, 321.

Lynx, European, 211.
Lynx, Pardine, 212.

Musk Ox, 633
Musk Rat, 569.

Perameles, 482.
Petaurist 461.

Greyhound, Persian, 260.

Jackal, Black-backed,

Lynx, Southern, 212.

Musk Rat, Indian, 433.

Petaurist, PvcmVi 4"i7.

Greyhound, Russian,

323-

Musquash, 569.

*.«••« «v», * J ^*»J , *tj /

Petaunsta, 461.

260.

Jaguar, 172.

M.

Musquaw, 397.

Petaurus, 458.

Greyhound, Scotch, 259.

Jairou, 638.

Mustang, 712.

Petaurus, Ariel, 460.

Grison, 371.
Grisonia, 371.

Jelerang, 594.
Jerboa, Kangaroo, 478.

Macaque, Black. 57.
Macaque, Bonnet, sir

Mustela, 354.
Mustelidas, 343.

Petaurus, Squirrel, 459.
Petrogale, 476.

Grivet, 44.
Grysbok, 643.

Jerboida, 588.
Jharal, 668.

Macaque. Pig- tailed, 58.
Macropidae, 455.

Mycetes, 91.
Mydaus, 378.

Phacochaerus, 751.
Phalanger, Great-flying,

Guanaco, 710.

Macropus, 470.

Myodes, 564.

458.

Guenons, 49.

K.

Macroscelides, 432.

Myopotamus, 568.

Phalangista, 465.

Gueparda, 215.
Guereza, 43.
Guinea Pig, 580.

Kahau, 41.
Kainsi, 645.

Madoqua, 645.
Magot, 54.
Maltese Dog, 274.

Myoxus, 591.
Myrmecobius, 491.
Myrmecophaga, 773.

Phalangist, Sooty, 465.
Phalangist, Vulpine,
466.

Gymnura, 442.

Kalan, 386.

Mammajis, 3.

Phatagin, 766.

Kalong, 125.

Mampalon, 243.

N.

Phascogale, 489.

H.

Kalong, Edible, 126.

Manatee, 547.

Phascolarctos, 467.

Kanchil, 704.

Manatus, 547.

Nandine, 244.

Phascolomys, 481.

Hackee, 599.

Kangaroo, 470.

Manaviri, 419.

Nandinia, 244.

Philanders, 498.

Halicore, 549.

Kangaroo Hare, 480.

Mandrill, 74.

Napu, 705.

Phoca, 509.

Halluf, 751.

Kangaroo Jerboa, 478.

Mangabey, Sooty, 50.

Narica, 418.

Phocsena, 541.

Halmaturus, 475.

Kangaroo Rat, 479.

Mangue, 242.

Narwhal, 537.

Physalus, 527.

Hamster, 560.

Kangaroo, Red, 474.

Manis, 766.

Nasus, 416.

Physeter, 534.

Hare, 581.

Kangaroo Rock, 476.

Manx Cat, 202.

Nennook, 409.

Pichey, 770.

Hare, Cape Leaping,

Kangaroo, Tree, 469.

Mapach, 413.

Neotragus, 645.

Pichiciago, 770.

588.

Kangaroo, Woolly. 474.

Mara, 578.

Noctule, 123.

Pig, Ground, 571.

Hare, Irish, 584.

Keitloa, 758.

Margay, 185.

Noctulinia, 123.

Pig, Guinea, 580.

Hare, Kangaroo, 48.

Kholsun, 253.

Mankina, 101.

Nunni, 662.

Pinche, 100.

Harrier, 283.

Khur, 728.

Marimonda, 85.

Nyctipithecus, 98.

Pithecia, 96.

Hartebeest, 660.

Kiang, 729.

Marmoset, 99.

Nylghau, 666.

Platypus, 774.

Hartebeest, Bastard,

Kindness, Power of, 46.

Marmot, 605.

Nyula, 240.

Plecotus, 120.

661.

Klip Das, 760.

Marmot, Hood's, 603.

Podje, 109.

Haruja, 751.

Klippspringer, 645.

Marmot, Leopard, 603.

O.

Poephagus, 633.

Hedgehog, 444.

Kinkajou, 419.

Marmot, Poland, 604.

Pointer, 285.

Hedgehog, Long-eared,

Koal, 467.

Marsupialia, 455.

Oared Shrew, 438.

Polatpuche, 594.

444-

Kabaoba, 760.

Marten, Beech, 347.

Ocelot, 182.

Polecat, 353.

Hedgehog, Madagascar,

Kobus, 650.

Marten, Pine, 345.

Ocelot, Gray, 133.

Poodle, 276.

452.

Koodoo, 663.

Martes, 345.

Ocelot, Painted, 184.

Porcupine, 572.

Helarctos, 402.

Kookaam, 652.

Mastiff, 306.

Ondatra, 569.

Porcupine, Brazilian,

Hemigale, 249.

Korin, 638.

Mastiff Cuban, 306.

Opossum, Crab-eating,

575- .

Hepoona Roo, 458.
Herpestes, 238.

Koulan, 728.
Kuda-Ayer, 744.

Mataco, 769.
M borebi, 743.

496.
Opossum, Merian's,

Porcupine, Canadian,
574- .

Hippopotamus, 761.

Kuichua, 188.

Meerkat, 241.

498.

Porcupine, Tuf ted-te il-

Hircus, 670.

Kukang, 107.

Megaptera, 526.

Opossum, Mouse, 457.

ed, 573.

Hog-Deer, Spotted,

Kusimanse, 242.

Meles, 380.

Opossum, Virginian,

Porpoise, 541.

698.

Mellivora, 372.

493-

Portax, 667.

Honey Bear, 419.

L.

Melursus, 407.

Opossum, Yapock, 499.

Potto, 419.

Hoouman, 39.

Mephitis, 376.

Orang-Outang, 25.

Pouched Mouse, Yellow-

Horse, 711.

Lagotis, 587.

Merino, 675.

Oreas, 665.

footed, 491.

Horse, Arab, 713.

Lamantine, 5.47.

Micromys, 559.

Oreotragus, 645.

Presbytes, 38.

Horse, Carriage, 720.

Lapdog, Mexican, 277.

Mink, 359.

Orycteropus, 771.

Press, 431.

Horse, Cart, 723.

Lar Gibbon, 33.

Miriki, 87.

Oryx, 653.

Priodonta, 770.

Horse, Flemish, 722.

Lecama, 660.

Moholi Galago, 108.

Otaria, 518.

Procyon, 413.

Horse, Race, 714.

Lemming, 564.

Mohr, 638.

Otocyon, 338.

Propithecus, 104.

Hound, Blood, 278.

Lamur, Diadem, 104.

Mole, 423.

Otter, 382.

Proteles, 228.

Hound, Boar, 302.

Lemur, Flying, in.

Mole, Changeable, 428.

Otter, Chinese, 384.

Pteromys, 593.

Hound, Otter, 301.

Lemur, Red, 104.

Mole, Radiated, 429.

Otter, Sea, 386.

Pteropus, 125.

Hound, Stag, 279.

Lemur, Ring-tailed, 103.

Mole, Sand, 607.

Ouistiti, 99.

Ptilocercus, 443.

Howler, Ursine, 91.

Lemur, Ruffed, 103.

Mole, Shrew, 427.

Ounce, 171.

Puma, 178.

Hunter, 716.

Lemur, White-fronted.

Mole, Star-nosed, 429.

Ourebi, 643.

Punch, Suffolk, 721.

Huron, 371.

104.

Mona, 47.

Ovibos, 634.

Putorius, 353.

INDEX.

799

Q.

Quadrumana, n.
Quagga, 729.
Quaschi, 418.
Quasje, 418.
Quata, 82.

R.

Rabbit, 584.

Rabbit, Rock, 760.

Racoon, 413.

Racoonda, 568.

Ram Sagul, 672.

Rasoo, 594.

Rasse, 230.

Rat. Bay Bamboo, 610.

Rat, Beaver, 571.

Rat, Black, 556.

Rat, Brown, 553.

Rat, Canada pouched,

609.

Rat, Coast, 607.
Rat, Coypu, 568.
Rat, Fur Country

Pouched, 608.
Rat, Kangaroo, 479.
Rat, Musk, 569.
Rat, Water, 562.
Ratel, 372.
Reindeer, 690.
Respiration, 6.
Retriever, 292.
Rhesus, 52.
Rhinaster, 756.
Rhinoceros, 753.
Rhinoceros, African,

Rhinoceros, Black, 756.
Rhinoceros, Javanese,

755-
Rhinoceros, Keitloa,

Rhinoceros, Kobaoba,

760.
Rhinoceros, Sumatran,

Rhinoceros, White, 759.
Rhinolophus, 119.
Rhizomys, 6n.
Rhoode-Bok, 647.
Riet-Bok, 648.

Rimau Dahan, 186.
Rodents, 551.

5olenodon, 439.
Sondeli, 433.

Tarpan, 711.
Tarsier, 109.

Vtverra. 730.
VlackeVark, 750.

Roebuck, 699.

Soosoo, 547.

Tarsier, Banca, 109.

Vole, Bank, 564.

Rooye-Bok, 641.

Sorex, 433.

Tarsius, 109.

Vole, Field, 563.

Rorqual, 527.

Spalax. 606.

Tatou, 770.

Vole, Water, 562.

Roussette, 125.

Spaniel, Alpine, 274.

Tatouay, 769.

Vulpes, 332.

Kupicapra, 657.

Spaniel, Blenheim, 273.

Tatouhou, 769.

Rusa, 698.

Spaniel, Cocker, 270.

Tatusia, 769.

W.

Rytina, 550.

Spaniel, Field, 268.

Tayra. 370.

Spaniel, King Charles,

Tee Tee, 03.

Wah, 420.

S.

271.

Tee Tee, Collared, 94.

Wallachian Sheep, 68 1.

Spaniel, Springer, 269.

Teledu, 378.

Walrus, 513.

SaKlp IACI

Spaniel, Water, 271.

Tendrac, 453.

Wanderoo, 60.

•.»«!./ IV | .t^V*

Sable, Japanese, 351.
Saccophorus, 608.
Sai, 92.
Saki, Bearded, 94.
Saki, Black Head, 96.

Spermophilus, 602.
Spring Bok, 638.
Spring Haas, 588.
Squirrel, 596.
Squirrel, Black, 598.

Tenrec, Banded, 453.
Tenrec, Spiny, 453.
Terrier, Bull. 309.
Terrier, English, 308.
Terrier, Scotch, 309.

Wapiti, 693.
Warragal, 319.
Weasel, 359.
Weeper Monkey, 92.
Whale, Bunched, 525.

Saki. White Headed, 96.
Samboo, 698.

Squirrel, Chipping, 599.
Squirrel, Flying, 593.

Terrier, Skye, 311.
Tetracerus, 642.

Whale, Greenland, 523.
Whale, Hump-backed,

Sambur, 698.
Sapajou, Horned, 92.
Sasin, 642.

Squirrel, Ground, 601.
Squirrel, Javan, 594.
Squirrel, Long-eared,

Thylacinus, Dog- Head-
ed, 484.
Tiger, 150.

Whale, Northern, 523.
Whale, Pike, 526.

Sassaby, 66 1.

597-

Tiger, Clouded, 186.

Whale, Right, 523.

Scalops, 427.
Sciuropterus, 594.
Scopophorus, 644.
Seal, 509.
Seal, Crested, 505.
Seal-Elephant, 516.
Seal, Harp, 512.

Squirrel Monkeys, 93.
Squirrel, Petaurus, 459.
Squirrel, Sugar, 459.
Stag, 695.
Stag. Carolina, 693.
Staghound, 279.
Stembok, 668.

Tiger, Tortoise-shell,
1 86.
Tiger, White, 157.
Tigris, 150.
Tikus, 442.
Titi, 93.
Tragelaphus, 666.

Whale, Spermaceti, 530.
Whale, White, 540.
Whallabee, 475-
Wish-ton-wish, 602.
Wolf, 326.
Wolf, Aard, 228.
Wolf, Black, 329.

Seal- Leopard, 504.
Seal, Ursine, 518.

Stoat, 365.
Strand Wolf, 221.

Tragulus, 704.
Trichechus, 514.

Wolf, Prairie, 330.
Wolf, Tasmanian, 84.

Serval, 177.

Strepsiceros, 663.

Troglodytes, 15.

Wolverene, 374.

Setter, 290.

Suricata, 242.

Trotter, American, 719.

Wombat, 481.

Sheep, 672.

Swine, 745.

Tucutuco, 610.

Shetland Pony, 724.

Tupaia, 430.

Y.

Shrew, Erd, 433.

T.

Turnspit, 316.

Shrew, Fetid, 433.

Yagourondi, 181.

Shrew Mole, 427.

TagnicaU, 733.

U.

Yak, 632.

Shrew Mouse, 433.

Taguan, 593.

Yamma, 710.

Shrew, Oared, 438.

Taiacu, 751.

Urson, 574.

Yapock Opossum, 499.

Shrew, Water, 236.

Talpa, 423.

Ursus, 391.

Yarke, Black, 96.

Siamang, 30.

Tamandua, 773.

Urva, 238.

Youze, 215.

Silenus, 60.

Tamanoir, 772.

Simia, 25.

Tamias, 601.

V

Z.

Simpai, 38.

Tangalung, 231.

Sirenia, 547.

Tanrec, 452.

Vampire Bat, 116.

Zebra, 730.

Skunk, 376.

Tapir, American, 743.

Vampyrus, 116.

Zebra, Burchell's, 730.

Slepez, 606.

Tapir, Malayan, 744.

Vertebrates, 2.

Zebu, 620.

Sloth, 777.

Tapirus, 743.

Vervet, 44.

Zenick, 242.

Slosh, Australian, 467.

Tapoa Tafa, 489.

Vicugna, 709.

Zibeth, 231.

Sloth Bear, 407.

Tarandus, 690.

Vison, 359.

Ziphius, 536.

END OF MAMMALIA.

o
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