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THE

NATURALISTS

CABINET:

Containing

INTERESTING SKETCHES
OF

ANIMAL HISTORY;

Illustrative of the
NATURES, DISPOSITIONS, MANNERS, AND HABITS,

OF ALT, THE MOST REMARKABLE

Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Amphibia, Reptiles, fyc.

IN THE KNOWN WORLD.

IlEGULARLY ARRANGED, AND ENRICHED WITH NUMEROUS
BEAUTIFUL DESCRIPTIVE ENGRAVINGS.

" Who can this field of mirades survey,
And not with Galen all in rapture say,
Behold a God, adore him, and obey!"

BLACKMORE.

IN SIX VOLUMES.
VOL. II.

BY THE

REV. THOMAS SMITH,

Editor of a New and Improved Edition of Winston's Josephus, &c. &c.

ALBION PRESS PRINTED:
PUBLISHED BY JAMES CUNDEE,

Ivy Lane, Patcrnoittr-Row.

. 3.

CONTENTS.

VOL. II.

THE REIN-DEER .1

STAG 1«

HORSE ....... J8

ASS ........ 28

.... COMMON OX 3G

SHEEP 44

.... MANY-HORNED SHEEP . 4G

.... BROAD-TAILED SHEEP . VJ

.... ARGALI 40

COMMON GOAT 50

.... CHAMOIS 53

.... IBEX 55

.... BLUE GOAT 5»

.... PIED GOAT itid

.... WOOD GOAT ...... 60

.... COMMON ANTELOPE .... 61

SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE . 6«

.... DOG Of

SIBERIAN DOO loG

NEWFOUNDLAND DOG . 10»

HOUND 113

....BLOODHOUND 115

MASTIFF 117

BULL DOG . ...... . . .128

.... TERRIEB ibid

.... GREYHOUND 12U

.... SHEPHERD'S DOG .... 134

.... DALMATIAN, OR COACH-DOG . . l«

.... WILD CAT 182

.... DOMESTIC CAT 184

.... ANGORA CAT IQi

.... TIGER CAT W

.... RAT .199

.... MUSK RAT SOX

.... ECONOMIC RAT S05

.... HAMSTER ...... SOT

CONTENTS.

Page.

THE MARMOT 21.1

.... LEMING 218

.... FIELD MOUSE citf

.... HARVEST MOUSE . . , .220

.... OTTER 252

SEA OTTER 231

WILD BOAR 254

COMMON HOG . ^/ . . .236

ETHIOPIAN HOG 24.1

.... PECCARY ; OR, MEXICAN HOG . 245

BARBYROUSSA 247

.... GUINEA PIG 249

AGOUTI ....... 3M

.... MUSK • * 254

.... ELK 257

ELK ANTELOPE 26*

.... HART BEEST ...... 265

.... GRIMM 266

.... GNU . 26a

.... BLUE ANTELOPE . . . . . 270

.... ARMADILLO ...... 274

.... PANGOLIN .... . . .58*

.... TORTOISE ... . . . .288

.... ANT EATER 2Q7

.... FERRET ...." 302

.... POLECAT , . . . . . */.;»>*,- . 306
.... SQUASH ,.«..... . i .309

.... SKUNK , . , . , 311

.... GENET .,,.... ibid
.... DORMOUSE ...... 313

SYRIAN HYRAX 318

.... CAPE HYRAX 3C3

.... SHREW-MOUSE ..... 385

. JAGUAR i . 338

SERVAL 333

.... CARACAL .,.,.. 336
.... COUGAR ...,.,. 339

ii .. URSON , 3«

TANREC ...,.,. 343

.... SURICATE 344

....CRAB-EATER .-,,... 344
. . . . COATI MONDI ..... 348

.... LAMA 350

.... MAN ATI . .. j

THE

CHAP. L

The rein-deer, unharness'd, in freedom shall play,
And safely o'er Odon's steep precipice stray ;
The wolf to the forest's recesses shall fly,
And howl to the moon as she glides through the sky.

IAPLAND SON6.

THE REIN-DEER.

General description.

THE general height of this animal is about four
feet; but one, formerly in the possession of Sir
H. G. Liddell, barl. is said to have measured
only three feet three inches from the hoof to the
shoulder. The hair on the body is of a dark
brown colour, and on the neck, brown mixed
with white; but as the animal advances in age it
often becomes of a greyish hue. The space
about the eyes is always black. A large tuft
of hair depends from the throat, near the
breast. The hoofs are long, broad, and deeply
cloven ; the under part is covered with hair, in

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Description, &c.

the same manner that the claw of the ptarmi-
gan is defended by feathery bristles. Both sexes
are furnished with horns, but those of the male
are considerably the largest. These are long,
slender, branched, and furnished with brow ant-
lers. It may Also be remarked, that the same
necessity which obliges the Laplanders to use
snow shoes, makes the extraordinary width of
the rein-deer's hoofs to be equally convenient in
passing over snow, as it prevents their sinking
too deep. This quadruped has, therefore, an in-
stinct to use a hoof of such a form in a still more
advantageous manner, by separating it when the
foot is to touch the ground, so as to cover a
larger surface of snow. The instant, however,
that the leg is raised, the width of the foot be-
comes inconvenient : the hoof, therefore, is then
immediately contracted, and the collision of the
parts occasions a snapping or crackling noise,
which is heard upon every motion of the animal.

Pontopiddan, bishop of Bergen, in Norway,
informs us, that " the rein-deer has over his eye-
lids a kind of skin, through which it peeps, when
otherwise, in hard showers of snow, it would be
obliged to shut its eyes entirely."

To the natives of Lapland this animal is an
excellent substitute for the horse, the cow, the
goat, and the sheep ; and may be said to corisii-
tute their only real wealth. The milk afi Is
them cheese; the flesh, food; the skin, clothing;
.the tendons, bow-strings and thread ; the horns,

THE REIN-DEER.

Utility, enemies, &c.

glue; and the bones, spoons. During the winter
the rein-deer also supplies the want of a horse,
and draws their sledges across the frozen lakes
and rivers, or over the snow, with surprising
velocity.

Hence our admired poet Thomson has ele-
gantly observed,

" Their rein-deer form their riches: these their tents,
Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealth
Supply ; their wholesome fare, and cheerful cups :
Obsequious at their call, the docile tribe
Yield to the sledge their necks, and whirl them swift
O'er hill and dale, heap'd into one expanse
Of marbled snow, as far as eye can sweep,
With a blue crest of ice unbounded glaz'd."

These animals are gregarious, and may some-
times be seen in flocks of a thousand each. In
autumn they seek the highest hills to avoid an
insect called the Lapland gad-fly; which>atthat
time, deposits its eggs in their skin; and not un-
frequently occasions their death. The moment
a single fly appears, the whole herd fling up their
heads, toss about their horns, and at once attempt
to fly for shelter amidst the snows of the loftiest
Alps. They have also other enemies, among
which are bears and wolves; but they are fre-
quently able to defend themselves against these
animals, and even to drive them off. In summer
tkjE.y regale on a variety of plants; but during
w> ^fer they feed principally on the rein-deer
li\ rvvort ; which they industriously dig up from
beneath the snow, with their feet and antlers.

6 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Casting the liorns, hair, &c.

There is also another kind of lichen, found on
the Lapland pines, which affords food to these
animals when the snows are too deep to allow
them to reach the liverwort.

Rein-deer cast their horns annually. The ru-
diments of the new horns are at first covered
with a kind of woolly membrane, as soft as vel-
vet; which the creature, after some time, rubs
off. Crantz also tells us, that they change their
hair every spring, during which time they are
very lean, and of little use. The female goes
with young eight months, and generally brings
forth two at a 'time; which she nurtures and
attends with truly maternal fondness. They
follow her two or three years, but do not acquire
their full strength until four. At that age they
are trained to labour, and continue serviceable
for four or five years. It is said, that they are
able to swim across the widest rivers, with such
force and celerity, that a boat with oars can
scarcely keep pace with them.

Rein-deer were formerly unknown in Iceland,
but by order of governor Thodal, thirteen head
were sent over from Norway in the year 1770, of
which ten died before the}r reached the place of
destination : but the three remaining ones throve
remarkably well, and in the first two years pro-
duced several fawns.

There is a breed of these quadrupeds betwixt
the wild buck rein-deer and the tame doe, called
by the Laplanders kqjfaigiar, which is very useful

a

; ;
* <

*
*• «

? j

THE REIN-DEER.

Journies performed by the rein-deer.

in long journies, being considerably taller and
stronger than the tame ones. These, however,
retain much natural wildness, and sometimes not
only refuse to obey their master, but turn restive,
and strike at him so furiously with their feet,
that his only resource is to cover himself with
his sledge, on which the enraged animal vents its
fury. The tame deer, on the contrary, are
equally active and submissive.

Tt is generally understood that, with a couple
/of rein-deer yoked to a sledge, a Laplander is
able to perform a journey of one hundred Eng-
lish miles in a day; and the Laplanders assert,
that in twenty-four hours, they can thrice change
the horizon, or, in other words, they can three
times pass that object, which, at their setting
out, they saw at the greatest distance they could
reach with their eyes.

The Lapland sledge is extremely light, and
formed somewhat like a boat, having a back-
board in it for the rider to lean against. Its
bottom is convex, and to preserve himself from
oversetting, the traveller must balance it by a
careful poise of his body and hands. This, how-
,ever, he does with great dexterity ; and by means
of a stick with a flat end, he easily removes stones
or any other obstructions he may meet with. To
the peak in front of the sledge a thong is fixed,
which yokes the rein-deer. The bit is a piece
of narrow leather tacked to the reins of the bri-

. — NO. VJII. B

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Modfe of taking rein-deer.

die over the animal's head and neck; and from
the breast a leather-strap, passing under the
belly, is fastened to the fore-part of the sledge,
which serves instead of shafts. The person in
the sledge drives the animal by means of a goad,
and generally encourages it with singing some of
those love-songs, for which -the natives of Lap-
land are deservedly celebrated.

The Samoiedes frequently go out in parties for
the purpose of killing these useful animals ; and
when they perceive a herd, they station the tame
rein-deer that they bring with them on an eler
vated plain to the windward. Then, from this
place to as near the savage herd as they can
safely venture to approach, they put into the snow
long sticks, at small distances, and to each of
them tie a goose's wing, which flutters about
freely with the wind. This being done, they
plant similar sticks and pinions OH the other side,
under the wind ; while the rein-deer, being era-
ployed in seeking their food under the snow, ob-
serve nothing of these preparations. When
every thing is ready, the hunters separate ; some
hide themselves behind their snowy intrench-
ments, while others lie with bows and other wea-
pons in the open air to the leeward, and others
again go to a distance, and by a circuitous route,
drive the game between the terrific pinions.
Scared by this unusual spectacle, the wild-deer
run directly to the tame ones, which are stand-
ing by the sledges ; but here they are alarmed

REIN-DEER.

Mode of taking rein-deer.

by the concealed hunters, who drive them to ,
their" companions that are provided with arms,
and these immediately commit terrible devasta-
tion among them.

If a wild herd be discovered feeding near a
mountain, the hunters hang up all their clothes
on stakes about the foot of the mountain, mak-
ing also with the aforementioned pinions a broad
passage towards it^ into which they drive the
game. As soon as they are come into this path,
the women go with their sledges directly across
the farther end of it, and thus enclose the rein-
deer ; who immediately run round the mountain,
and at every turn are saluted by a shot from
their enemies.

In autumn, which is the season of love among
these quadrupeds, the hunters select a strong and
vigorous buck from their droves, to whose ant-
lers they tie nooses, and then turn him loose
among the wild herd. The wild stag, on ob-
serving a strange rival, immediately rushes for-
ward to punish his temerity; but, during the
contest, his antlers are so completely entangled
in the loops, that when he perceives the hunter,
and strives to escape, the tame buck strikes his
head to the ground, and there pins his antagonist
fast till the marksman can kill him.

The rein-deer is found in Greenland and Spitz-
bergen, and is very common in the northern
parts of Asia, as far as Kamtschatka, where some
u 2

10 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Description, &c.

of the most opulent of the natives keep herds of
five or ten thousand in number.

In the year 1786, five rein-deer were brought
to England, and kept at a gentleman's seat in
Northumberland. They bred, and there was
every prospect that they would succeed : bur, un-
fortunately, some of them were killed, and the
remainder died in consequence of a disorder si-
milar to that called the rot in sheep, supposed to
have resulted from the richness of their pasturage.

THE STAG.

THIS animal is the most beautiful of the deer
genus ; and the elegance of its form, the flexibi-
lity of its limbs, and the grandeur of its branch-
ing horns, give it a decided pre-eminence over
every other inhabitant of the forest.

The colour of the stag in England is generally
jeed ; but in most other countries it is brown or
inclining to yellow. The eye is remarkably
beautiful and animated; the hearing quick; and
the sense of smelling extremely acute. The voice
becomes stronger and more tremulous in propor-
tion as the animal advances in age.

The males only have horns, and these are
always shed about the latter end of February, or
the beginning of March. During the first year,
the young animals exhibit only a short protube-

THE STAG. 11

Growth of the horns.

ranee, covered with a thin hairy skin. In their
second year the horns are straight and single;
the following year produces two antlers, or
branches ; and they generally have an additional
one every year till their sixth, from which time
the animals may be considered at maturity.
When the stag sheds his horns, he retires to the
most sequestered places, and feeds only during
the night ; for otherwise the flies settle on the
soft skin of the young horns, which is exqui-
sitely tender, and keep the animal in continual
torture. The place of the horn is for a little
time occupied by a soft tumour, full of blood,
and covered with a downy substance, like velvet.
This increases every day, till, at length, the ant-
lers shoot out on each side. When the horns
are at their full growth, they acquire strength
and solidity; and the velvet covering dries up,
and gradually falls oft", till the whole antlers ac-
quire their complete ^xpansion and beauty.

These animals are gregarious, and feed in
herds of many females and their young, headed
by one male. So fond are they indeed, of graz-
ing in company, that danger or necessity alone
can separate them.

Much has frequently been said, and many
wonderful stories related of the extreme longe^
vity of the stag ; but later observations have ren-
dered it probable, that this animal does not often
attain the age of fifty years.

The female seldom produces more than one

NATURALISt's CABINET.

Care and protection of the young.

young one at a time, and this about the latter
end of May or the beginning of June. The ut-
most precaution is requisite to hide the young;
the eagle, the falcon, the osprey, the wolf, the
dog, and all the rapacious family of the cat-kind,
being in continual employment to find out the
retreat. The stag himself is also a professed
enemy, and the female is obliged to use all her
arts to conceal her offspring i'rom him, as from
the most dangerous of her pursuers. At this
season, therefore, she seems endued with extra-
ordinary courage; defends her beloved charge
against her less formidable opponents by force;
and, when pursued by the hunter, she even offers
herself to mislead him from the principal ob-
ject of her concern. Instances have occurred
in which the affectionate mother has fled before
the hounds for several hours, and then returned
to her young, whose life she thus preserved at
the hazard of her own.

The flesh of the stag is a palatable food, and
the skin is serviceable for various purposes. The
horns, when full grown, are solid, and used for
making knife-handles, &c. From these also the
salt of hartshorn is extracted.

In venturing upon unknown ground, or quit-
ting his native forests, the stag stops at the skirts
of the plain to examine all around ; he next turns
against the wind, to examine by the smell, if any
enemy be approaching. If a person happen to
whistle, or call, at a distance, the stag stops short,

THE STAG. 13

Mode of fording rivers — Choice of food, &c.

gazes upon the stranger with a kind of awk-
ward admiration ; and if he perceive neither
dogs nor fire-arms preparing against him, he goes
slowly forward, with apparent unconcern. Man
is not the enemy he is most afraid of; on the
contrary, he seems delighted with the sound of
the shepherd's pipe; which, on that account, is
sometimes used to allure him to destruction.

In fording a wide river these animals are said
to rest their heads on each other's rumps. When
the leader is fatigued, he retreats to the rear, and
the next in succession takes his place. They
swim with the utmost facility, and Pontoppidan,
assures us, that in some instances, a male has
been known to venture out to sea in search of
females, and to cross from one island to another,
although at a distance of some leagues.

The stag is extremely delicate in the choice of
his food ; which consists partly of grass, an4
partly of the young branches and shoots of vari-r
ous trees. When satisfied with eating, he re-
tires to the covert of some thicket to chew the
cud in security. His rumination, however, seems
performed with greater difficulty than that of the
cow or sheep; for the grass is not returned from
the first stomach without much straining, and a,
kind of hiccup, which is perceptible during the
whole time it continues. This is supposed to
proceed from the great length of the neck, and
the narrowness of the passage, all animals of the

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Stag-hunting in Louisiana.

cow and sheep-kind having theirs considerably
iwider.

In Louisiana the natives hunt these animals
both for food and amusement; the chase being
sometimes undertaken in companies, and some-
times alone. The hunter, who goes out alone,
furnishes himself with a gun, a branch of a tree,
and the dried head of a stag, having part of the
skin of the neck attached to it. On discovering
the objects of his pursuit, he conceals himself
behind the bush, which he carries in his hand,
and approaches very gently till he is within shot.
Jf the animal appear alarmed, the hunter imme-
diately counterfeits the deers' call to each other,
and holds the head just above the bush; then
lowering it towards the ground, and lifting it by
turns, he so completely deceives the stag with
the appearance of a companion, that he seldom
fails to approach it, arid thus becomes an easy
victim.

When a large party is formed on these occa-
sions, the hunters form a wide crescent round
one of the animals, the points of which may be
half a mile asunder. Some of them approach
towards the stag, which runs, affrighted, to the
other side; but finding them advancing in that
quarter also, he immediately rushes back again.
In this manner he is driven from side to side,
the hunters gradually approaching, and closing
into a circle, till at length he is so much e#-

THE STAG.

Instance of courage in a stag.

hausted as no longer to be able to stand against
them, but quietly submits to be taken alive. It
sometimes happens, however, that he has suffici-
ent strength left to stand at bay, in which case
he is seized from behind, but seldom in this case
before some one is wounded. Du Pratz ob-
serves, that this mode of hunting is merely
adopted as a recreation, and is called " the dance
of the deer."

Of the instinctive courage of the stag some
surprising anecdotes have been related ; one of
which I have taken the liberty to extract from
the very splendid and interesting work, entitled,
the " Sportsman's Cabinet."

" It is now not more than fifty years ago that
the following experiment was made by the order
and under the immediate superintendance of his
Royal Highness the late Duke of Cumberland,
to ascertain the true and natural instinctive cou-
rage of the staff when opposed to an enemy of
the most formidable and terrific description.

" To effect this, one of the ablest stags in
Windsor forest was enclosed in an area, formed
upon a selected spot near the lodge, and sur-
rounded with a i-emarkably strong net toiling,
full fifteen feet high; and this ceremony took
place in sight of Ascot Heath races, so that thou^
sands were present upon the occasion. When
everything was prepared, and the stag parading
in majestic consternation at the astonishing as-
semblage of people around the net-work ; at the

VOL, II.: — NQ. YHI. C

16 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Instance of courage in a stag.

awful moment, when it may be naturally con-
ceived every heart beat high with wonder, fear,
and expectation; a trained ounce, or hunting-
tiger was led in, hood-winked, by the two blacks
that had the care of him, and who, upon signal,
set him and his eyes at liberty. Perhaps so ge-
neral a silence never prevailed among so many
thousands of spectators as at that moment, when
the slightest aspiration of a breeze might have
been distinctly heard.

" The tiger, taking one general survey, in-
stantly caught sight of the deer; and, crouching
down on his belly, continued to creep exactly in,
the manner of a cat drawing up to a mouse,
watching the opportunity to dart upon his prey
with safety. The stag, however, most warily,
steadily, and sagaciously turned as he turned;
and this strange and desperate antagonist found
himself dangerously opposed by the threaten ings
of his formidable brow-antlers. In vain did the
tiger attempt every manoeuvre to turn his flanks,
—the stag possessed too much generalship to be
foiled upon the terra firma of his native country
by a foreign invader. — This cautious warfare con-
tinuing so long as to render it tedious, and pro-
bably to protract the time of starting the horses
upon the race-ground ; his Royal Highness en-
quired if, by irritating the tiger, the catastrophe
of the combat might not be hastened. He was
answered, it might probably prove dangerous, or
be attended with disagreeable consequences ; but

.

THE STAG. 1?

Combat between a stag and tiger or ounce.

it was ordered to be done; upon which, the
keepers proceeded very near the tiger, and did
as they were directed ; when immediately, with-
out attacking the deer, with a most furious and
elastic bound, he sprang at and cleared the toil-
ing that enclosed them ; landing amidst the cla-
mours, shouts, and affrighted screams of the mul-
titude; who fled in every direction, each male
and female individually thinking themselves the
destined victim of the monster's rage ; who, ne-
vertheless, regardless of their fears or their per-
sons, crossed the road, and rushed into the op-
posite wood ; where he fastened upon the haunch
of one of the fallow-deer, and brought it to the
ground. His keepers, to whom he was perfectly
familiarized, hesitated, for some time, to go near
him; at length, however, they summoned reso-
lution to approach, and, cutting the deer's throat,
separated the haunch which he had seized, and
led him away with it in his mouth."

c 2

J8 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Domestic horses widely diffused.

CHAP. If.

•' The fiery courser, when lie hears from far
The sprightly trumpets, and the shouts of war,
Pricks up his ears and trembling with delight,
Shifts place, and paws, and hopes the promis'd fight.
On his right shoulder his thick mane rcclin'd,
Ruffles at speed, and dances in the wind :
His horny hoofs are jetty, black, and round,
His chine is double; starting with a bound,
He turns the turf, and shakes the solid ground.
Fire from his eyes, clouds from his nostrils flow ;
He bears his rider headlong ou the foe.

VIRGIL OEOX&.

'•' }

und. /

THE HORSE.

THE horse, in a domestic state, is found in
almost every part of the globe, except, perhaps,
within the Arctic circle; and its reduction and
conquest may be justly regarded as the greatest
acquisition from the animal world, that human
art and industry have ever made. But it has
been remarked by an admired writer, that to
form an idea of this noble animal in his native
state of simplicity, we are not to look for him io

THE HORSE.

Arabian horses.

the pastures or stables to which he has been con-
signed by man ; but in those wild and extensive
plains where he has been originally produced,
where he ranges without control, and enjoys that
freedom bounteous nature has given him.

In the extensive deserts of Africa, and the
widely spread countries that separate Tartary
from the more southern nations, these quadrupeds
are frequently seen in herds of five or six hun-
dred together; but Arabia is the spot where they
are found in the highest state of perfection. To
the Arabs they are as dear as their own children ;
and the constant intercourse resulting from living
in the same tent with their owner and his family,
occasions a familiarity that could not otherwise
be effected, and a tractability that only the kind-
est usage can induce. They are the fleetest ani-
mals of the desert, and are so admirably trained
as to stop in their most rapid course, by the
slightest check of the rider. Unaccustomed to
the spur, the least touch with the foot sets them
again in motion; and so obedient are they to
the rider's will, as to be directed in their course
merely by the motion of a switch. They con-
stitute the principal wealth of many of the Arab
tribes, who use them both in the chase, and in
their predatory expeditions. The Arab, his wife,
and children, always lie in the same apartment
with the mare and foal ; who, instead of injuring,
suffer the children to repose on their bodies and
necks without in the least incommoding them :

20 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

• Attachment of the Arabs to their horses.

the gentle animals even seem .afraid to move lest
they should hurt them. Cruelty and severity
are never practised ; for an Arab treats his horse
as if he were a friend, and never even strikes
him, on a journey, but in cases of absolute ne-
cessity. " The Arabian horses," says Goldsmith,
" are of a middle size, easy in the motion, and
rather inclined to be lean than fat. They are re-
gularly dressed morning and evening with the
greatest care, and their legs, mane, and tail are
frequently washed ; but the hair is seldom comb-
ed, under the apprehension of making it thin.
They are kept without food during the day, but
at sun-set a bag of clean barley is hung upon
their head, and they are allowed to eat all the
night.

Of the great attachment which the Arabians
have for these animals, a tolerable idea may be
formed, from the following anecdote, extracted
from St. Pierre's Studies of Nature.

" The whole stock of a poor Arabian of the
desert consisted of a beautiful mare; this the
French consul at Said offered to purchase, with
an intention of sending her to Louis the Four-
teenth. The Arab, pressed by want, hesitated a
long time, but at length consented, on condition
of receiving a very considerable sum of money,
which he named. The consul wrote to France,
for permission to close the bargain, and having
obtained it, sent the information immediately to
the Arab. The man, so indigent as to

THE HORSE. 21

Instance of attachment — Pedigree of horses.

only a miserable rag, a covering for his body,
arrived with his magnificent courser. He dis-
mounted,, and looking first at the gold, and then
stedfastly at his mare, heaved a deep sigh:— -
" To whom is it," he exclaimed, " that I am
going to yield thee up? To Europeans! who will
tie thee close, who will beat thee, who will ren-
der thee miserable! Return with me, my beauty,
my jewel ! and rejoice the hearts of my children I"
As he pronounced the last words, he sprang upon
her back, and was out of sight almost in a mo-
ment.

M. Sonnini observes, " that the horses of the
Bedouin Arabs, whose lives are spent in travers-
ing the scorching sands, are able, notwithstand-
ing the fervency of the sun, and the suffocating
heat of the soil over which they pass, to travel
three days without drinking, and are contented
with a few handsful of dried beans given once in
twenty-four hours. From the hardness of their
labour and diet they are, of course, very lean,
yet they preserve incomparable vigour and cou-
rage."

It is a curious fact, that the Arabians preserve
the pedigree of their horses with the utmost care
for several ages. They know their alliances, and
all their genealogy, and divide the races into three
distinct classes : Of these, the first is that of the
nobles, or the ancient breed, of pure and unadul-
terated blood ; the second is that of the ancient

S2 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Wild horses.

race, but adulterated; and the third is that of
the inferior or common kind.

The wild horses of Arabia, though very active
and beautiful, are not so large as those that are
bred up tame. They are, in general, of a brown
colour; their mane and tail very short, and the
hair black and tufted. Such is their astonishing
swiftness, that it is utterly impossible to pursue
them in the usual manner of the chase, with
dogs; as they are almost instantly out of sight,
and the dogs themselves soon relinquish the vain
pursuit. It is, therefore, customary to take them
by traps concealed in the sand, whence the hun-
ter carries them home, and soon subjugates them
by fatigue and hunger, to perfect obedience.
The great value of Arabian horses, however, has,
of late years, thinned the deserts, and there are
now, comparatively speaking, but few to be
found in those countries except such as are tame.

In Ukraine, Tartary, where wild horses are
often found, from the impracticability of taming
them, they are made no otherwise serviceable to
man than as food. The flesh both of the young
and old animals is frequently exposed for sale in
the markets. The latter is said to eat much like
beef; whilst that of the foals is as white and
more tender than veal.

The wild horses of South America are of Spa*
nish origin, and entirely of the Andalusian breed.
They ate now become so numerous as to be

THE HORSE. 23

Wild horses of South America.

sometimes seen in herds often thousand. If
they perceive any tame horses in the fields they
gallop tip to them, caress, and, by a kind of
grave and prolonged neighing, invite them to run
off. The domestic animals are soon seduced,
unite themselves to the independent herd, and
depart along with them. It happens not unfre-
quently that travellers are stopped on the road
by the effect of this desertion. To prevent this
they halt as soon as they perceive these wander-
ers ; watch their own horses ; and endeavour to
frighten away the others : in this case the wild
horses resort to stratagem ; some are detached
before, and the rest advance in a close column,
which nothing can interrupt. If they are so
alarmed as to be obliged to retire, they change
their direction, but without suffering themselves
to be dispersed. When the natives wish to con-
?ert some of these quadrupeds to domestic pur-
poses, a number of persons, mounted on horse-
back, attack a troop of them, and when they are
able to approach, they throw ropes round their
legs, which preclude the possibility of their run-
ning away. They are soon tamed, but must be
carefully watched to prevent them from rejoin-
ing their wild friends.

In Norway, where most of the roads are im-
passable for carriages, the horses are remarkably
sure-footed, they skip along over the stones, and
are always full of spirit. Pontoppidan informs
us, that when they go up and down a steep cliff,

VOL. II. — NO. VIII. D

24 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Descending dangerous roads — Mode of defence.

on stones like steps, they first gently tread with
one foot, to try if the stone be firm ; and in this
they must be left entirely to their own manage-
ment, or the best rider in the world would run
the risk of breaking his neck. When they have
to descend steep and slippery places, (and such
frequently occur) they draw their hind-legs toge-
ther under their bodies, in a truly curious man-
ner, and thus slide down. They exhibit great
courage in contending, as the«y often do, with
the wolves and bears, but particularly with the
latter. When a stallion perceives any of these
animals near him, and has a mare or gelding
with him, he first puts these behind out of the
way, and ihen furiously attacks his enemy with
his fore-legs, which he uses so expertly as gene-
rally to come off victorious. Sometimes, how-
ever, the bear, who is very superior in point of
strength, gets the advantage, particularly if the
horse make any attempt, by turning round, to
kick him with his hind-legs; for the bear then
immediately closes upon him, and keeps such
firm hold as scarcely by any means to be shaken
off: in this case the unfortunate horse gallops
away with his enemy, till he falls and expires
from loss of blood.

It has been justly remarked, that few countries
can boast a breed of horses so excellent as those
of Great Britain. The English hunters are al-
lowed to be among the noblest and most elegant
animals in the world: and, after repeated trials,

THE HORSE.

Insertions of British horses.

it has been satisfactorily ascertained that they
are capable of performing what no others can.
Among our racers we have had one (Childers)
which has been known to pass over eighty-two
feet and a half in a second of time;— a degree of
fleetness perhaps unequalled by any other animal
of this species. In the year 174J, the post-
master of Stretton rode, on different horses^
along the road to and from London, no less than
two hundred and fifteen miles in eleven hours
and a half, a rate of above eighteen miles an
hour: and in July, 1788, a horse belonging to a
gentleman in London, was trotted for a wager
thirty miles in an hour and twenty-five minutes;
which is at the rate of more than twenty-one
miles an hour. In London a single horse has
been known to draw the weight of three tons :
and some of the pack-horses of the North usually
carry burthens of four hundred pounds; but the
most remarkable proof of the strength of these
animals is in our mill-horses, some of which have
been known to carry, at one load, thirteen mea-
sures of corn, thatln the whole would exce,ed
nine hundred pounds in weight.

Yet, notwithstanding his prodigious strength,
and surprising powers of body, such is the dispo-
sition xof the horse, that he very rarely exerts
either to his owner's prejudice. Providence
seems to have implanted in him a benevolent
disposition, and a fear of the human race, with,
at the same time, a certain consciousness of the
n 2

26 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Recollection of injury — Barbarous practices.

services they are capable of rendering him.
One remarkable instance of recollection of in-
jury, and an attempt to revenge it is, however,
inserted in a work of D. Rolle, Esq. of Torring-
ton, in Devonshire :— A baronet, one of whose
hunters had never tired in the longest chase,
once encouraged the cruel thought of attempt-
ing completely to fatigue him. After a long
chase, therefore, he dined, and again mount-
ing, rode him furiously among the hills. When
brought to the stable, his strength appeared so
completely exhausted, that he was scarcely able
to walk. The groom, possessed of more feel-
ing than his brutal master, burst into tears at
the sight of so noble an animal thus sunk down,
Some time afterward, the baronet entered the
ptable; upon which the horse made a furious
spring upon him, and had it not been for thq
groom's interference, he would indisputably have
prevented him from ever again misusing his
animals.

Docking 'the tails and cutting the ears of
horses, are two barbarous practices very preva-
lent in England. The former, principally \\itlj
waggon horses, under the idea that a bushy tail
collects the dirt of the roads; and the latter,
from the supposition that they are rendered more
elegant in their appearance. The absurdity of
this conduct, however, must appear on reflection ;
for, by taking away their ears, those funnels are
destroyed, which they always direct to the place

THE HORSE.

Cruelties practised on horses — A horse without hair.

whence any sound is heard, and they are thus
rendered nearly deaf; and in the deprivation of
their tail, they find even a still greater inconve*-
nience. But of all others, the custom of nicking
them is the most useless and absurd. " It is an
affecting sight," says a respectable writer, " to
go into the stable of some eminent horse-dealer,
and there behold a range of beautiful steeds with
their tails cut and slashed, tied up by pullies to
give them force, suffering such torments that
they sometimes never recover the cruel gashes
they have received; and for whatisa.ll this done?
— that they may hold their tails somewhat higher
than*they otherwise would, and be for ever after
deprived of the power of moving the joints of
thtmas a defence against flies!"

A French writer has recently published .a de-
scription of a .horse without hair, which he con-
siders as a variety in the species, and whose state,
be says, is neither the effect, of art nor of disease.
This animal, taken from the Turks, and after-
ward purchased at. Vienna, appeared to be about
twenty years of age. He was lean, and remark-
ably susceptible of cold ; and the whole body
was destitute of hair, except the eye-lashes . of
the lower eye-lid. The skin was black, border-
ing upon grey, with some white spots under the
fore-shoulders, and in the groin: is was alao
soft to the touch, glossy, and rather unctuous.
The bones of the nose were depressed, which
^mbarrasscd his respiration, and produced a noise

28 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Characteristics.

each time that he took in or emitted air. He is
said to have eaten the same food, and in about
the same quantity as other horses.

THE JSS.

THIS animal bears so near a resemblance lo
the horse, both in its external and internal con-
formation, that, upon a superficial view, we might
be induced to suppose them of the same species ;
but a more careful examination will convince us,
that they are perfectly distinct, and that nature
has drawn an insuperable line between them.

" The ass," says M. Buffon, " is naturally as
humble, patient, and quiet, as the horse is proud,
ardent, and impetuous. He suffers with con-
stancy, and perhaps with courage, chastisement,
and blows; he is moderate both as to the quan-
tity and quality of his food, being contented with
the hardest and most disagreeable herbs, which
the horse and other animals will leave with dis-
dain: he drinks as moderately as he eats; but is
very delicate with respect to his water, for he
will drink none but the cleanest, and from rivu-
lets with which he is acquainted. He never
wallows in the mud or water; but will even turn
out of his road to avoid wetting his feet: his legs
are also drier and cleaner than those of the
horse."

Jn a state of native wilduess, as seen in, th<e

THE ASS. £9

Wild asses.

mountainous deserts of Tartary, the southern
parts of India and Persia, and some parts of
Africa, the ass exhibits an appearance very supe-
rior, both in point of beauty and vivacity, to the
animals of the same species in a state of domes-
tication.

Asses are gregarious, living in separate herds,
each consisting of a chief, and several mares and
colts, sometimes to the number of eighteen or
twenty. They are remarkably timid, and provi-
dent against danger. A male takes on him the
care of the herd, and is always on the watch. If
a hunter, by creeping along the ground, has got
near a herd, the centinel, on discovering him,
takes a considerable circuit, and goes round and
round, as apprehensive of danger. As soon as
the animal is satisfied, he rejoins the herd, which
sets off with great precipitation. Sometimes,
however, his curiosity proves fatal; as he ap-
proaches so near as to give the hunter an oppor-
tunity of shooting him.

The food of wild asses consists of the saltest
plants of the deserts, and the milky tribes of
herbs. They also prefer salt water to fresh ; in
consequence of which the hunters generally lie
in wait near the ponds or springs of brackish
water, whither they resort to drink.

The senses of hearing and smelling in wild
asses are so exquisite, that it is but seldom they
can be approached without the utmost difficulty.

30 ftATl/RALIST's CABINET.

Mode of taking wild asses.

The Persians catch them in pits, which they
fill about half up with plants : into these the asses
fall without bruising themselves, and are taken
thence alive. When properly broken and do-
mesticated they sell at a high price, being at all
times celebrated for their amazing swiftness.

Asses were first imported into America by the
Spaniards : and that country seems to be peculi-
arly favourable to the species ; for, where they
have run wild, they have multiplied so rapidly,
that in some places they have become quite a
nuisance. In the kingdom of Quito, the propri-
etors of the grounds where they are bred, suffer
all persons to take away as many as they can, on
paying a small acknowledgment, in proportion
to the number of days the sport of hunting
lasts. The mode of catching them has been
thus described: — A number of persons go on
horseback, and are attended by Indians on foot;
when arrived at the proper places, they form a
circle, in order to drive them into some valley ;
where, at full speed, they throw the noose, and
endeavour to halter them. • The creatures, find-
ing themselves inclosed, make very furious efforts
to escape ; and, if only one force his way through,
they all follow with an irresistible impetuosity.
However, when noostd, the hunters throw them
down and secure them with fetters, and thus
leave them till: the chase is over. 'Then, in order
to bring them away with greater facility, they

THE ASS. 51

1? leetne'-s — Mode of descending the Alps, or Andes.

pair them with tame asses ; but this is not easily
performed, for they are so remarkably fierce, that
they frequently wound the persons who under-
take to manage them."

These wild animals possess all the fleetness of
the horse; and neither declivities nor precipice*
can check their career. When attacked, they
defend themselves by means of their heels and
mouth with such address, that, without slacken-
ing their pace, they often maim their pursuers.
It is worthy of remark, however, that after car-
rying their first load, their celerity leaves them,
their dangerous ferocity is lost, and they soon
contract the dulness and stupidity peculiar to
their species. They always feed together ; and,
if a horse happen to stray into the place where
they graze, they all fall upon him, and, without
even allowing him to retreat, they bite and kick
him till they leave him dead on the spot.

The manner in which these quadrupeds de-
scend the dangerous precipices of the Alps or
the Andes is too curious to be passed over with-
out notice. In the passes of these mountains
there are often on one side steep eminences, and
on the other frightful abysses ; and, as these, for
the most part, follow the direction of the moun-
tain, the road forms at every little distance steep
declivities of several hundred yards downwards.
These can only be descended by asses ; and the
animals themselves seem perfectly aware of Jhe

¥OI,. 11. — NO. IX. E

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Descending the Alps, or Andes.

danger, by the caution they use. When they
Come to the edge of one of the descents, they
stop of themselves, without being checked by
the rider ; and if he inadvertently attempt to spur
them on, they continue immoveable, as if rumi-
nating on the danger that lies before them, and
preparing for the encounter: for they not only
attentively view the road, but tremble and snort
at the danger. Having at length prepared fot
the descent, they place their forefeet in a pos-
ture as if they were stopping themselves ; they
then also put their hinder feet together, but a
little forward, as if they were about to lie down.
In this attitude, having taken a survey of the
road, they slide down with the swiftness of a me-
teor. In the mean time all that the rider has to
do is to keep himself fast on the saddle, without
checking the rein, for the least motion is suffici-
ent to destroy the equilibrium of the ass, in
which case both must inevitably perish. But
their address in this rapid descent is truly won-
derful; for, in their swiftest motion, when they
seem to have lost all government of themselves,
they follow the different windings of the road
with as great exactness as if they had previously
determined on the route they were to follow, and
taken every precaution for their safety. In this
iourney, the natives, who are placed along th«
sides of the mountains, and hold themselves by
the roots of the trees, animate the animals with
shouts, and encourage them to perseverance.

THE ASS. 33

Spanish and Egyptian asses.

Some asses, after being long used to these jour-
nies, become famous for their skill and safety :
and their value is augmented in proportion to
their celebrity.

The Spanish breed of Asses has, by unremit-
ting care and attention, become the finest in the
world; as they unite in themselves the advanta-
ges of strength and elegance ; and are often
found to rise to the height of fifteen hands. The
Romans had a breed which they held in such es-
timation, that Pliny mentions one of the stallions
selling for upwards of three thousand pounds of
our money ; and the same author remarks, that
in Celtiberia, a province of Spain, a she-ass has
produced colts which were valued for nearly the
same sum. It also appear^ from the accounts of
modern travellers, that the finest of the Spanish
asses sometimes sell fc-r a hundred guineas or
upwards. \

In Egypt and Arabia asses are frequently seen
of great size and elegance ; and in their attitudes*
and movements they exhibit a degree of grace-
fulness unknown even in those of Spain. Their
step is light and sure, and their paces are brisk,
and easy. They are not only in common use for
jiding on in Egypt, but the Mahometan mer-
chants, the most opulent of the inhabitants, and
even ladies of the highest rank, use them ; and
not long since, they were the only animals on
which Christians of any rank or quality were per^
mittcd to appear in the capital.

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Egyptian asses.

Sonnini informs us, that in the principal streets
of Grand Cairo, asses are kept ready bridled and
saddled for hire, and answer the purposes of hack-
ney-coaches in London. The person who leti
them accompanies his ass, running behind to
goad him on, and to cry out to those on foot to
clear the way. Tjiey are regularly rubbed down.
and washed ; which renders their coat smooth,
sleek, and glossy. Their food is the same as
that of the horses, usually consisting of chopped
straw, barley, and small beans. " Here," says
M. Denon, they seem to enjoy the plenitude of
their existence : they are healthy, active, cheer-
ful, and the mildest and safest animals that a per-
son can possibly have. The natural pace is a
canter or gallop, and without fatiguing his rider,
the ass will carry him rapidly over the large
plains which lie between different parts of this
straggling city."

As these animals are more hardy than horses,
they are generally used by the Mahometan pil-
grims in the long and laborious journey to
Mecca ; and the chiefs of the Nubian caravans,
which are sixty days in passing immense soli-
tudes, ride upon asses, that on their arrival in
Egypt do not appear fatigued. When the rider
alights, he has no occasion to fasten his ass; he
merely pulls the rein of the bridle tight, and
passes it over a ring on the fore-part of the sad-
dle: this confines tlie animal's head, and is suffi-
cient to make him, remain quietly in his place.
3

,,,,,.,,;;:,.

THE ASS. S3

Interesting anecdote.

The generally received opinion, that asses are
stubborn and intractable animals, alike unmoved
by harsh or affectionate usage is in a great mea-
sure unfounded ; as will appear from the follow-
ing anecdote, related in Church's Cabinet of
Quadrupeds, on the authority of my friend Mr.
Swan : —

" An old man, who a few years ago sold vege-
tables in London, used in his employment an ass,
which conveyed his baskets from door to door.
Frequently he gave the poor industrious creature
a handful of hay, or some pieces of bread, or
greens, by way of refreshment and reward. The
old man had no need of any goad for the ani-
mal, and seldom indeed had he to lift up his
hand to drive it on. His kind treatment was one
day remarked to him, and he was asked whether
his beast were apt to be stubborn ? " Ah ! mas-
ter," replied he, " it is of no use to be cruel, and
as for stubbornness I cannot complain; for he is
ready to do any thing, and go any where. 1 bred
him myself. He is sometimes skittish and play-
ful, and once ran away from me; you will hardly
believe it, but there were more than fifty people
after him, attempting in vain to stop him; yet
he turned back of himself, and never stopped till
he ran his head kindly into my bosom."

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

THE COMMON OX.

FROM this well-known and useful animal arc
derived the numerous varieties of common cattle
found in various parts both of the old and new
continent. In its wild and native state it is disr
tinguishcd by the depth and shagginess of its
hair, which about the head, neck, and shoulders,
is frequently of such a length as almost to touch
the ground; and it grows to such an enormous
size, as sometimes to weigh sixteen hundred or
t\vo thousand pounds. The horns are rather
short, strong, and sharp-pointed, and stand dis*-
tant from each other at their bases. The colour
is generally either a dark or a yellowish brown.
The limbs are very strong and muscular, and the>
whole aspect gloomy and ferocious.

Wild oxen are principally found in the marshy
forests of Poland, among the Carpathian Moun-
tains, in Lithuania, and also in several parts of
Asia. It is also said that a breed of wild cattle
(probably the only remains of that species in
England,) is yet left in Lord Tankerville's park,
at Chillingham, near Berwick-upon-Tweed. —
Their colour is invariably white, with the muzzle
black, and the whole inside of the ear, and
about one-third of the outside, from the hip
downwards, red. Their horns are white, with
black tips, remarkably fine, and bent downward.
The weight of the oxen is from thirty-five 4o

THE COMMON OX. .7?

Wild cattle.

firty-five stone, and of the cows, from twenty-
five to thirty-five, 14lb. to the stone. Their flesh
is said to be finely marbled, and of a peculiarly
excellent flavour.

When these animals perceive any person ap-
proaching them, they set off in full gallop, and
at the distance of two or three hundred yards
wheel round and come boldly up again, tossing
their heads in a menacing manner. They then
stop suddenly at the distance of forty or fifty
yards, and look wildly at the object of their sur-
prise ; but, on the least motion, they all turn
round, and gallop off again with equal speed, but
to a shorter distance ; forming a smaller circle,
and again returning with a more threatening
aspect than before, they approach much nearer,
probably within thirty yards, when they make
another stand, and again gallop off. This they
repeat several times, shortening their distance,
and advancing nearer, till they come within a
few yards, when it is advisable to leave them, as
in a few turns more they would probably make
tin attack.

The ancient mode of killing these animals was
very singular. On notice being given that a
wild bull would be killed on a certain day, the
inhabitants of the neighbourhood assembled,
sometimes to the number of a hundred horse-
men, and four or five hundred foot, all armed
with guns or other weapons. Those on foot
stood upon the walls, or got into trees, vyhile the

NATURALIST'S CABIWET.

Ancient mode of killing wild cattle.

horsemen drove off a bull from the rest of the
herd, until he stood at bay, when they dismounted
and fired. Sometimes on these occasions, twenty
or thirty shots have been fired before the animal
was subdued; in which case the bleeding victim
grew desperately furious from the smarting of
his wounds, and the shotrts of savage exultation
echoing from every side. But from the mnm-
rous accidents which happened, this dangerous
practice has been disused of late years, the park-
keeper generally killing the animal with a ritie-
gun at one shot.

The cows of this species, at the time of partu-
rition, seek out some sequestered retreat, where
they conceal their young for a week or ten days ;
occasionally going to suckle them. The calves,
if approached by any one, clap their heads close
to the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide
themselves. This seems a proof of their native
•wildness, and is corroborated by the following
circumstance, related by Dr. Fuller, author of
the History of Berwick. He found a hidden
calf about two days old, very lean and weak ; but
on his stroking its head, it got up, pawed twro or
three times like an old bull, bellowed very loud,
retreated a few steps, and bolted at his legs with
all its force: it then began to paw again, bellow-
ed, stepped back, and bolted as before. But
being aware of its intentions, he moved aside,
and it missed its aim, fell, and was so very weak,
that though it made several eifons it was unable

THE COMMON OX,

Utility of the skin, hair, horns, &c.

to rise. The noise it had made, however, had
alarmed the whole herd, and our author was com-
pelled to retire.

It has been remarked, that when an individual
of this species happens to be wounded, or is
grown weak and feeble through age or sickness,
the rest of the herd set upon and gore it to death,

There is scarcely any part of the ox that is not
of some use to mankind. The skin is made into
several kinds of leather; the hair is valuable in va-
rious manufactures; thehorus, by human ingenu-
ity, are wrought into boxes, combs, knife-handles,
clrinking-vessels, &c.; and when softened with
boiling-water, they become so pliable, as to be
formed into transparent plates for lanterns. The
bones afford a cheap and excellent substitute for
ivory ; glue is made of the cartilages, gristles, and
thejfiner pieces of cuttings and parings of the hides,
boiled in water, till they become gelatinous and
the parts sufficiently dissolved, and then dried;
the sinews are converted into a fine kind of
thread used by sadlers and others ; the feet yield
an oil of great utility in preparing and softening
leather; and the importance of the suet, fat, and
tallow is well known. Such are the advantages
derived from the ox; and if we turn our attention
to the cow, whose milk forms so rich and nutri-
tive an aliment for the human species, and gives
to our tables the important articles of butter,
cheese, &c. we shall be almost induced to admire
that superstitious veneration which the Gentooar

VOL. n. — NO. ix. «

40 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Veneration of the Gentoos for the ox and cow.

entertain for an animal to whom they are under
so great obligations. To such a height, how-
ever, do they carry their reverence, that there is
scarcely a Gentoo to be found that would not,
were he under a compulsory option, prefer sacri-
ficing his parents or children to the slaughtering
of a bull or cow. Fully impressed with the sim-
ple doctrine of transmigration, they are also
alarmed at the idea of injuring the souls of their
fellow-creatures that have taken their abode in
these animals. This restrains them from de-
stroying, designedly, any of the brute creation,
and induces them to respect in the flea as in the
elephant that life which God alone can give.

Among the quadrupeds with which the earth
abounds, none appears to be more extensively
diffused than the cow; as it is found, either large
or small, in proportion to the quantity and qua-
lity of its food, in every part of the world from
the polar circles to the Equator. The life of this
animal exteads to about fifteen years; and its
age may be ascertained with tolerable facility,
as at the age of four ye,ars a ring is formed to-
wards the root of the horns, and each succeeding
year adds another.

The oxen of India are generally small, with
short blunt horns, and humps on their shoulders.
They are used in drawing chariots and other
carriages, and will perform a journey of sixty
days at the rate of twelve or fourteen leagues a
day. Their ordinary pace is a brisk, but re-

THE OX.

Indian oxen.

41

markably easy trot. Instead of a bit, a ring is
passed through the cartilage of their nostrils, to
which is fastened a cord, that serves as a bridle.
Those belonging to nabobs and other great men
have their horns gilded, and are richly decorated
with embroidered trappings. Four of these ani-
mals now (1806) in the menagerie at Exeter
'Change, are said to have been formerly kept by
Tippoo Sultan, for the purpose of drawing his
children.

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Utility, &c.

CHAP. III.

*' Behold, where hound, and of its robe bereftr

By needy man, that all-depending lord,

How meek, how patient, the mild creature lies !

What softness in his melancholy face,

What dumb complaining innocence appears !"

THE SHEEP.

REGARDED with respect to its wants, its dis-
position, and utility, the sheep is, in a peculiar
manner, the creature of man. Without his fos-
tering care and protection its race would soon be-
exterminated; but his kindnesses are gratefully
repaid by an, ample contribution to his necessi-
ties and comforts. Hence it deservedly ranks
next to the horse and the ox; for if the former
of those noble quadrupeds be conducive to our
pleasure, and to the expeditious performance of
the greatest part of our business; and if the latter
supply us with the most nutritious and wholesome
part of our food, it is to the sheep that we are
indebted for a considerable portion of our ali-

THE SHEEP. 43

Disposition — Manners.

raent, and for the most essential part of our
clothing.

This animal is singularly inoffensive, and dis-
covers less animation and sagacity than many
other quadrupeds ; but the Comte de Buffon has
been guilty of injustice in describing it as " des-
titute of every necessary art of self-preservation,
without courage, and even deprived of every in-
stinctive faculty." On extensive mountains where
numerous flocks range at liberty, and, generally
speaking, independent of the shepherd's aid, they
exhibit a very different character ; and a ram or
a wether has been frequently seen to attack a
dog, and to come off victorious. When the dan-
ger is more pressing they have recourse to the
collective strength of the whole, drawing up into
a compact body, and presenting to every quarter
an armed front, which cannot be attacked with-
out the most serious danger to the assailant. It
has also been observed, that few quadrupeds
evince greater sagacity than the sheep, in the se-
lection of its food ; and its acuteness of percep-
tion in regard to the approach of a storm is no
less remarkable.

The varieties of this useful animal, are so nn-r
merous, that no two countries produce sheep ex-
actly of the same kind; an obvious difference
subsisting in every breed, either in the size, the
shape, the fleece, or the horns.

No country produces finer sheep than Great
Britain, where the breed has been greatly iin-

44 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Various breeds of English sheep.

proved by the indefatigable attention of Mr.
Bakewell, of Dishley, in Leicestershire; and, his
example having been successfully followed in
many instances, the improved Leicestershire
breed is now held in the greatest esteem in most
parts of the kingdom, and almost all the princi-
pal breeders endeavour to introduce some mix-
ture of it into their stock.

The Lincolnshire breed are of a large size;
and their fleeces in point of weight and utility
greatly exceed those of Spain, owing to the rich
luxuriant marshes on which they feed; but their
flesh is coarse, lean, and not so finely flavoured
as that of smaller sheep.

The Dorsetshire sheep are, for the most part,
white-faced, with long slender legs, and scanty
fleeces. Their flesh is sweet and well flavoured ;
and some varieties of the breed are diffused
through most of the southern counties.

The largest breed of English sheep, however,
is to be found on the Bank of the Tees, which
runs through a fertile tract of country, dividing
the two counties of Durham and Yorkshire. The
legs of this kind are longer than those of the Lin-
colnshire breed, and support a thicker, firmer
body ; their wool also is much lighter and their
flesh finer grained. They are remarkably pro-
lific; the ewes generally producing two, and
sometimes three or four lambs each season.
- The Shetland sheep are generally destitute of
horns, and peculiarly distinguished by the short-

THE SHEEP. 45

Shetland sheep.

ness of their tails. Their bodies are small and
handsome, and their wool is very superior to that
of any other breed in the kingdom. It is worthy
of remark, that these animals are never shorn;
but, about the beginning of June, the wool is
pulled off without the slightest pain, leaving a
kind of long hair, which nature has provided to
keep the creature warm and comfortable on this
and other occasions.

In the mountainous parts of Wales, where the
sheep enjoy so great a share of liberty as to ren-
der them very wild, they do not always collect
into large flocks, but frequently graze in parties
of from eight to ten or twelve, of which one is
stationed at a distance from the rest, to give no-
tice of the approach of danger. On observing
any one approach, at the distance of two or three
hundred yards, the centinel turns his face to the
enemy, keeping a vigilant eye upon his motions,
and allowing him to advance as near as eighty
or a hundred ^ards; but, if the suspected foe at-
tempt to come nearer, the watchful guard alarms
his comrades by a loud hiss or whistle, which is
repeated two or three times. Upon this signal
the whole party scour away with inconceivable
rapidity, and soon gain the most inaccessible
parts of the mountains.

.tnsrt} »7niJe&b.jri'j!«i.i

46 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, Sue.

THE MANY-HORNED SHEEP.

THESE animals are natives of Iceland, and
differ from the English breed in several particu-
lars; having straight upright ears, a small tail,
and sometimes four, five, or even eight horns.
Their wool is long, smooth, and hairy; and under
the outward coat, which falls off at certain pe-
riods, they have another covering, resembling a
short and soft fur. They are of a dark brown
colour, and the quantity of wool produced by
each sheep is about four pounds. In some in-
stances they are kept in stables during winter;
but the greater part of them are left to seek their
own food in the open plains. They acquire con-
siderable fatness by feeding on the scurvy grass,
of which they are particularly fond.

In stormy weather they hide themselves in
caves from the fury of the elements ; but when
such retreats are not to be found, they collect
together during the heavy falls of snow, and
place their heads near each other, with their
muzzles inclined towards the ground. This not
only prevents their being so easily buried under
the snow, but also renders them much easier to
be discovered by the owner. In this situation
they will sometimes remain so many days, that
they are compelled by hunger to gnaw each
other's wool, which, forming into hard balls in
their stomachs, often destroys them. After the

THE BHOAD-TAILED SHEEP. 4?

Milk, wool, &c.

storm has subsided, however, they are generally
sought for and disengaged.

A good sheep of the Icelandic or many-horned
breed will yield from two to six quarts of milk a
day; and of this the inhabitants make butter and
cheese: but the most valuable part of these ani-
mals is the wool ; which is not shorn, hut remains
on till the end of May, when it loosens of itself,
and is stripped off at once like a skjn. The whole
body is by this time covered again with new
wool, which is short and extremely fine. It con-
tinues to grow during the summer, and becomes
towards autumn of a coarser texture, very shag-
gy, and somewhat resembling camel's hair. Tins
covering enables the sheep to support the rigors
of winter; but if, after losing their fleece, the
spring prove .wet, a piece of coarse cloth is
usually sewn round the stomachs of the weakest
to defend them from any ill effects.

THE BROAD-TAILED SHEEP.

THIS variety, principally found in Persia,
Barbary, Syria, E«;ypt, and some other Oriental
countries, does not differ much from the Euro-
pean sheep in the appearance of its body: but
the tail is so remarkably large as to compose one
third of the whole weight of the animal; and in
prder to prevent injury from the bushes, the

VOL. 11. — NO. ix. G

48 NATUIIALIST'S CABINET.

_ — — — ^_^__ — — — . . i «, , ., .

General description.

shepherds, in several parts of Syria, fix a thin
piece of board on the under part, supported by
wheels. This ample tail is mostly covered with
long woolly hairs, and is composed of a substance
betwixt fat and marrow, which is often used for
culinary purposes instead of butter.

The skins of the sheep above Grand Cairo are
used bv most of the Egyptians for beds; since,
besides their being very soft, it is said, that in
sleeping on them persons are secured from the
stings of scorpions, which never venture upon
wool lest they should be entangled in it. These
fleeces are taken off entire; and Sonnini informs
us, that one of them, long and broad enough to
serve a man as a mattrass, was sold for a sum
equivalent to twenty shillings sterling, whilst the
whole animal alive and without its fleece, only
brought about six shillings.

Their fleeces are remarkably long, fine, and
beautiful ; and, in Thibet, are made into shawls,
which form a considerable source of wealth to
the inhabitants. An idea formerly prevailed,
that those shawls were made of the hair of the
camel, and it is only since the English residents
in India began to form a communication with
Thibet that the real material of this manufac-
ture has been known.

THE ARGAL1. 49

Description, &c.

THE AUGALL

THE argali, or wild sheep, is about the size
qf a small deej, with large arched horns, wrink-
led on their upper surface, and flatted beneath.
Those of some of the old rams are sometimes of
such a prodigious size as to weigh fifteen or six-
teen pounds each. In summer the fleece is of a
brownish ash-colour, mixed with grey on the
upper parts, and whitish beneath. In winter the
former changes to a rusty, and the latter to a
whitish grey.

These animals abound in Kamtschatka, where
they furnish the inhabitants both with food and
clothing. Their flesh, indeed, is held in such
esteem that the Kamtschadales pronounce it fit
diet for the gods; and whole families abandon
their habitations in the spring of the year, and
devote the entire summer to the employment of
the chase amidst the steepest and most rocky
mountains.

These sheep are generally killed with guns or
arrows; sometimes with cross-bows placed in
their paths, and discharged by their treading on
a string. When chased by dogs, their fleetness
is exerted to gain the heights, whence they look
down upon their pursuers as it were with con-
tempt. The purpose, however, is answered : for
.while their attention is thus occupied, the hunter
G 2

CABINET.

Hunting the argoii.

creeps cautiously within reach, and brings them
down with his gun or arrows.

The Kamtschadales da not shear these sheep,
hut leave the wool on till the end of Mav, when
it becomes loose, and is stripped entirely ofV in
one fleece. Mr. Pennant observes, that the
dried flesh: constitutes an article of commerce.

THE COMMON GOAT.

THIS lively and playful quadruped claims the
next place to the sheep in the scale of creation,
and in a variety of instances it seems nearly
allied to that serviceable animal ; but it is much
more hardy, and in every respect better adapted
for a life of liberty. It is easily domesticated -T
being sensible of caresses, and capable of a con-
siderable degree of attachment. The incon-
stancy of its disposition, however, is strongly
marked by the irregularity of all its actions: it
walks, stops short, runs, leaps, approaches or re-
tires, shows or conceals itself, or flies off as if ac-
tuated by mere caprice, and without any other
cause than what results from eccentric vivaciu
of temper.

It prefers the uncultivated heath or the shrubby
rock to the more luxuriant mead or plain ; it de-
lights in climbing the most inaccessible preci-
pices, and is often seen suspended upon to emi-

THE COMMON GOAT.

Feet of the goat adapted for climbing precipices.

iieuce hanging over the sea, and sleeping in per-
fect security. One would hardly suppose, as
Mr Ray observes, that the feet of this animal
were adapted to such perilous achievements, but
npon a closer inspection, we discover that natur6
has provided them with hoofs, which, being hol-
low underneath, with sharp edges, enable the
creature to walk as securely on the ridge of a
house as on level ground.

These animals from extreme familiarity, have
sometimes become extremely troublesome. The
Comte de Buffon relates, that in the year 1698,
an English vessel having put into harbour at the
island of Bonavista, two negroes went on board,
and offered the captain as many goats as he chose
to carry away. He expressed his surprise at this
offer; when the negroes informed him there were
only twelve persons on the island, and that the
goats multiplied so fast as to become exceedingly
troublesome; for, instead of being difficult U
catch, they followed them about with an unplea-
sant degree of obstinacy, like other domestic
animals.

M. Sonnini, in his edition of Buffon's Natural
History, relates a curious instance of the readi-
ness with which the goat will permit itself to be
sucked by animals of a different kind and even
of a much larger size than itself. He asserts
that he saw, in the year 1 780, a foal that had
lost its mother thus nourished by a goat, which
was placet! on a barrel, in order that the young

52 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Instance of a Coal In- MIL' nourished by a goat. "

animal might suck with greater convenience.
The foal followed its nurse to pasture, as if she
had been its parent, and was attended with the
greatest care by the goat, which always called it
back by her bleatings when it wandered to any
distance.

In the mountainous parts of Ireland, and the
Highlands of Scotland, where no other useful
nnimal could find subsistence, the goat gleans a
sufficiency of food, and supplies the hardy na-
tives with many of the necessaries and conveni-
encies of life. " They lie," says Goldsmith,
" upon beds made of the skins of these animals
which are soft, clean, and wholesome ; they live
upon their milk, with oaten bread; and they
convert a part of it into butter, and some into
cheese. In this manner, even in the mildest
solitudes the poor find comforts of which the rich
do not think it worth their while to dispossess
them; in these mountainous retreats, where the
landscape presents only a scene of rocks, heaths,
and shoals, that speak the wretchedness of the
soil, these simple people have their feasts and
their pleasures ; their faithful flock of goats at-
tends them to these awful solitudes, and furnishes
them with all the necessaries of life ; while their
remote situation happily keeps them ignorant of
greater luxury."

The milk of the goat is sweet, nutritious, and
medicinal; less apt to curdle upon the stomach
than that of the cow, and consequently preferable

THE CHAMOIS. 53

Description — Choice of food, &c.

to those whose digestion is weak. The female
goat generally produces two or three young at
a birth; but in warmer climates she is more
prolific.

THE CHAMOIS.

THIS animal is about the size of the common
goat, which it nearly resembles in every particu-
lar. Its head is embellished with Wack slender
horns; about eight inches high, and recurved at
the tips. At the back part of the base of each
horn, there is said to be a tolerably large orifice
in the skin, the nature and use of which does not
yet seem to be clearly ascertained. The position
of the ears is remarkably graceful ; and the eyes"
are round, sparkling, and animated. The colour
of the head is a yellowish white, exclusive of two
black stripes that descend from the horns to the
sides of the face ; the body is of a dusky yellow-
ish brown ; and the tail sable on the upper surface.

These animals are found in flocks of from four
to eighty, and even a hundred, dispersed upon
the sublime and picturesque mountains of Swit-
zerland, Italy, Greece, Dauphine, &c. They do
not feed indiscriminately, but select the most
tender buds, delicate flowers, and aromatic herbs
for their food ; particularly the genipay and car-
line thistle, which, being the hottest productions
of the Alps, are well adapted to the warmth of
2

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Acuteness of smell and hearing.

their constitution. When they feed upon suc-
culent herbage they drink but sparingly, and ru-
minate, at intervals, like the common goat.

Their sight is very penetrating, and their
senses of smelling and hearing so remarkably
acute, that when the wind blows in a proper dir
rection they can discover a man .at a distance of
a mile or upwards. Each herd is said to have a
leader, who generally takes his station on some
commanding spot, while his companions are
feeding, and faithfully performs the duty of a
centinel. On hearing or smelling any thing ap-
proach, he gives the alarm by a kind of whistle,
which he continues as long as he can blow with-
out taking breath: it is at first sharp, but flattens
towards the conclusion. He then stops for a
moment, looks, round on all sides, and begins
whistling afresh, which he continues from time
to time. This is done with such force, that the
rocks and forests reverberate the sound. His
agitation is also extreme. He strikes the earth
with his feet ; ascends the highest stones he can
find; again looks round with extreme anxiety;
and leaps impatiently from one eminence to ano-
ther, till the confirmation of his fears induces him
to elude pursuit by an exertion of his natural
speed. The whistling used on these occasions is
purely nasal, and consists of a strong blowing,
similar to the sound which a man may make by
fixing his tongue to the palate, with his teetl^
nearly shut, his lips open and somewhat extended,

•

THE IBEX.

Chase of the chamois.

and blowing long, and with great force. It
is also used exclusively as a signal of clanger;
the voice of the chamois at other times being
confined to a gentle bleating.

The chamois scramble among the inaccessible
rocks of the country they inhabit, with the utr
most facility, always pursuing their course in an
oblique direction. The strength and elasticity
of their tendons are so great, that when seen at a
distance, bounding from one precipice to ano-
ther, a spectator might be almost inclined to sup-
pose that nature had furnished them with wings.

The chase of the chamois is replete with diffi-
culty and danger. It is generally performed in
winter, and the most common method is to shoot
the animals with rifle-barrelled guns, from behind
some large mass of rock, or the excavations of
the hills. Dogs are never used on these occa-
sions ; as they would merely alarm without over-
taking, and would either provoke the objects of
pursuit to turn upon the hunters and throw them
down the precipice, or to fly off to an immense
distance.

THE IBEX.

M. DE BUFFON considers the ibex as the
stock from which the common goat has descend-
ed ; and though somewhat larger, it has certainly
a near resemblance to that animal. The head,

VOL. n. — NO. ix. H

56 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

General description.

in proportion to the body, is small. The eyes
are large, round, and brilliant; and the knotty
incurvated horns measure from two to four feet
in length : they are flatted before, round behind,
and divided by several transverse ridges; and are
of a dusky brown colour. The beard is long;
the body short, thick, and strong; and the tail
short and naked beneath. The hair is long, and
of a brownish or ash-colour, with a streak of
black running along the back. The belly and
thighs are of a delicate fawn-colour. The female
is about a third less than the male, and not so
corpulent. Her cok>ur is less tawny, and the
length of hef horns seldom exceeds eight inches.

These animal*/" are principally found on the
Pyrenean and Carpathian mountains, the highest
points of the Rhaetian A^>s, <and the lofty hills
of Crete ; where ftiey aslerajole in flocks, con-
sisting of sometimesNjten 0r llfteen, but generally
of smaller numbers. TllSy feed during the night
in the highest woods:- bat -at sun-rise they quit
the woods, and ascend tlflg> mountains, feeding in
their progress, till they have" gained the most
considerable heights. They *fre\cpminonly seen
on the sides of those mountains wTiich face the
east or south, and repose in the highest places and
hottest exposures: but when the sun is declining,
they again descend towards the \voods;l&ud
there they also pass the winter.

It has been observed, that the males - whifch
have attained the age of six years or upwards,

THE IBEX* 57

Hunting the ibex.

frequent more elevated places than the females
and younger animals; and, as they advance in
age, they become more inclined to solitude.
They also become gradually hardened against
the effects of extreme cold.

The season for hunting these quadrupeds is
during the months of August and September,
when they are in good condition. None but the
inhabitants of the mountains, however, engage
in this chase; for it not only requires ahead that
can look down from the most tremendous accli-
vity without terror, but also much strength, acti-
vity, and address. On these occasions, two or
three hunters usually associate, armed with rifle-
barrelled guns, and furnished with small bags of
provisions; they erect a miserable hut of turf
among the heights, where, without fire or cover-
ing, they pass the night; and, on waking in the
morning, they not unfrequently find the entrance
blocked up with snow three or four feet deep.
Sometimes, also, while in pursuit of their prey,
being overtaken by darkness, amid crags and
precipices, they ar compelled to pass the whole
night standing, and embraced together, in order
to support each other, and to prevent themselves
from sleeping.

As the animals ascend into the higher regions
very early in the morning, it is necessary to gain
the heights before them ; otherwise they scent
the hunters, and fly off to a distance of several
leagues. Their strength is also so prodigious,
H 2

58 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Methods of escaping the hunters.

that when close pressed they sometimes turn
upon the incautious huntsman, and tumble him
down the precipices, unless he has time to lie
down, and let the animal bound over him.
Some authors have likewise asserted, that when
they cannot otherwise avoid the hunter, they
will even precipitate themselves from the sum-
mits of the rocks, and fall on their horns in such
;i manner as to escape unhurt; or that they will
suspend themselves by their horns over the pre-
cipices, by a projecting tree, and remain in that
situation till the pursuer abandon his fruitless
efforts.

We are assured on respectable authority, that
the ibex will mount a perpendicular rock of fif-
teen feet at three successive bounds, of five feet
each. It does not appear as if he found any
footing on the rock, seeming to touch it merely
to be repelled, like an elastic substance striking
against a hard body. If he happen to be be-
tween two rocks which are near each other, and
he want to reach the top, he leaps from the side
of one rock to that of the other alternately, tih1
he has attained the summit. The fore-legs of
these animals being considerably shorter than the-
hinder ones, enables them to ascend with much
more ease than to descend; hence nothing but
the severest weather can induce them to go
down into the valleys.

The voice of the ibex is a short acute whistle,
somewhat like that of the chamois, but of less-

THE GOAT. 69

Description, &c.

continuance. The female seldom produces more
than one kid at a time; but towards this she
exhibits the utmost maternal tenderness.

THE BLUE GOAT.

THIS animal seems to have derived its appel-
lation from its colour, which is a fine blue, and
shines with a gloss resembling that of velvet;
but when dead it changes to a blueish grey. The
belly is white, and beneath each, eye is a large
white mark : the tail is about seven inches long,
with a brush of long hair at the end: the horns
are turned backward, and three-fourths of the
length, from the base, are ornamented with
twenty-four rings; but the uppermost quarter is
smooth, and tapers to a point. This animal is
principally found in the hottest parts of Afica.

THE PIED GOAT.

THE pied goat is remarkable for having a
white band running along each of its sides,
crossed by two others, from the back to the
belly; whence some writers have been induced
to call it the harnessed antelope. On each side
of the rump are three white lines, drawn in a
downward direction. The colour of the body is
a deep tawny, with white spots on the thighs.
The horns are straight, recurved, and about nine

CO NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, &c.

inches long. Large herds of these quadrupeds
are frequently seen in the plains and woods of
Senegal, and other parts of Africa.

THE WOOD GOAT.

THE wood goat is about thirty inches high ;
with long wreathed horns, inclining a little for-
ward, and receding from each other towards the
middle. The colour of the hocly is a dark brown,
in -some parts bordering on black. A narrow
stripe of white hair extends from the neck along
the back and tail; but is almost entirely con-
cealed by the length of the dark brown hairs on
the top of the back. On each cheek-bone are
two large white spots, and several smaller ones
are sprinkled over the haunches. The legs and
feet are remarkably slender; and the tail, though
very short, is covered with long hairs, which ex-
tend down the hinder part of the thighs. The
nose and under lip are furnished with black
whiskers.

These animals are sometimes hunted with dogs,
and, during the chase, they are observed to lay
their horns upon their neck, to prevent their
being entangled in the bushes. When overtaken
and precluded from escaping, they boldly place
themselves in an attitude of defence, and fre-
quently kill or gore some of the most spirited,
hounds before they are overcome.

THE COMMON ANTELOPE. 6l

Description, &.c.

THE COMMON ANTELOPE.

THE antelope, properly so called, is somewhat
less than the fallow deer. Its horns, which are
remarkable for a beautiful double flexion, are
about fifteen inches long, and surrounded with
prominent rings almost to the top, where they
are about a foot distant from point to point.
The general colour is brown, mingled with red;
but the belly arid inside of the thighs are white.
It is a native of Barbary, and all the northern
parts of Africa. w.H

This beautiful animal is about two feet and a
half high, and about three feet in length. The
distance of its horns, at the base, is about one
inch : from thence they gradually diverge to the
distance of five inches, then turn inwards, and
approach within about three inches of each other
at the points: they are of a deep black, annulated
about half way up from the base, smooth towards
the top, and tapering to a sharp point.

The general colour of the back and sides is a
light brown ; the breast, belly, and inside of the
limbs, are white, as is also the head, with the ex-
ception of a dark brown stripe, extending from
each corner of the mouth to the base of the
horns : a stripe of the same colour also runs from
the shoulders to the haunches, forming a boun-
dary between the snowy whiteness of the belly

62 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Curious appearance of antelopes when pursued.

and the light brown of the sides : the buttocks
are white, and a stripe of white, bounded on each
side by one of dark brown, extends from the tail,
half-way up the back ; the tail is slender, the
lower part not being much thicker than a goose-
quill : the hair is in general fine and short, but
the dark stripes consist of hair longer than the
rest.

In the pursuit of these animals, it is equally
curious and pleasant, to see the whole herd
bounding over each other's heads to a consider-
able height. Some of them will take three or
four high leaps successively. In this position
they seem suspended in the air, looking over
their shoulders and showing their beautiful white
backs. They are so extremely swift, that few
horses can overtake them.

The white antelope is an inhabitant of Africa;
and herds of several thousands sometimes cover
the plains in the vicinity of the Cape of Good
Hope.

THE SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE.

THE general form of this animal's body re-
sembles that of the common goat; but the horns
are those of an antelope : they are of a pale yel-
low colour, marked by very prominent rings, and
about a foot in length. During winter, the male

2

THE SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE.

Centincls — Extreme timidity.

is covered with long rough hair, like the he-goat;
but the female is smooth and witlvout horns.
The general colour of the hody is grey, mixed
with yellow ; but the belly is white. Jn a v;ild
state they are never heard to exert 'their voice;
but when brought up tame, the young emit a
sort of bleating cry, like that of a lamb.

Towards the latter end of autumn great flocks
of these animals, consisting of several thousands,
migrate toward the South, anr. return in the
spring, ia smaller flocks, to the great northern
deserts of Poland, Moldavia, Mount Caucasus,
tmd Siberia.

It seldom happens that a whole flock lies
down to rest all at the same time; some being
always stationed on watch. When these are
tired they give a kind of notice to such as have
taken their rest, who instantly rise, and relieve
the centinels of the preceding hours- By this
means they often preserve themselves from the
attacks of wolves, and the insidious, stratagems
of the hunters. They are so swift that they axe
able for some time to out-run the fleetest horse
or greyhound ; and their feet appear scarcely to
touch the ground; yet such is their extreme timi-
dity and shortness of breath, that they are very
soon taken. If they are but bitten by <i dog they
instantly fall down, and will not again attempt to
rise. In consequence of the heat of the sun, and
the reflection of its rays from the sandy plains

VOL. II, — NO. IX. I

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Defect of sight in summer.

which they frequent, they become in summer
almost blind, which is another cause of their
destruction.

The females bring forth in May, but produce
only one young at a time. Their flesh is some-
times eaten, but its taste is to most people very
rank and disagreeable. The horns and skins are
of considerable importance in a commercial view.

THE DOG. 65

Character, &c.

CHAP. IV.

" Lo, the poor Indian ! whose untutor'd mind,
Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind:
His soul proud science never taught to stray
Far as the solar walk, or milky way :
Yet .simple nature to his hope has given,
Behind the cloud-topp'd hill, an humbler heav'n;
Some safer world, in depth of woods embrac'd,
Some happier island, in the wat'ry waste ;
Where slaves once more their native land behold ;
No fiends torment, no Christians thirst for gold :
But thinks, admitted to that equal sky,
His faithful dog1 shall bear him company."

THE DOG.

" THE dog," says the Comte de Buffbn, « in-
dependent of his beauty, strength, vivacity, and
nimbleness, has all the interior qualities which
can attract the regard of man. To his master
he flies with alacrity, and submissively lays at
his feet all his courage, strength, and talents :
he seems to consult, interrogate, and supplicate
for orders, which he is solicitous to execute ; and
a glance of the eye is sufficient, for he under-
stands the smallest signs of his owner's will.
i 2

06 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Character, Disposition, &c.

Without having, like man, the faculty or
thought, he has all the ardour of sentiment, with
fidelity and constancy in his affections; neitlui
am hit ion, interest, nor desire of revenge can cor-
rupt him, and he has no fear but that of displeas-
ing. He is all zeal, ardour, and obedience.
More inclined to remember benefits than inju-
ries; he is not discouraged by blows or bad
treatment, but calmly suffers, and soon forgets
them. Instead" of running away, or. discovering
marks of resentment, he exposes himself to tor-
ture, and licks the hand from which he received
the blow : to the cruelty of his master he only
opposes complaint, patience, and submission.

** More docile and tractable than any other
animal, the dog is not only soon instructed, but
even conforms himself to the manners, move-
ments, and habits of those who govern him.
Always eager to obey his master or his friends,
he pays no attention to strangers, and furiously
repels beggars, whom he knows by their dress,
voice, and gestures* When the charge of a
House or garden is committed to him during the
night, his boldness increases, and he sometimes
becomes perfectly ferocious. He watches, goes-
his rounds, scents strangers at a distance, and, if
they stop, or attempt to break in, he instantly
darts upon them, and by barking, and other
efforts of passion, he alarms the family.

" Equally furious against thieves as against ra-
pacious animals, he attacks and wounds them,. and

THE DOG. 67

Appearance and growth of the ^oung.

forces from them whatever they have been at-
tempting to curry off; but, contented with hav-
ing conquered, he lies down upon the spoil, and
will not touch it even to satisfy his appetite; ex-
hibiting, at the same time, an example of cou-
rage, temperance, and fidelity."

These useful animals are found in a wild state
in Congo, Lower Ethiopia, and towards the Cape
of Good Hope; in South and North America,
New Holland, and several other parts of the
world. The female goes with young about sixty-
three days, and commonly produces fiom four
to ten at a litter. The young are usually brought
forth blind ; the eye-lids being firmly closed by
a membrane, which is torn off as soon as the
muscles of the upper eye-lids acquire sufficient
strength for that purpose, and this is generally
about the tenth or twelfth day. The young ani-
mals are at first clumsy and awkward in their ap-
pearance, and their whole figure seems imper-
fectly designed; but. their growth is rapid, and
they soon acquire the use of all their senses* joy
To enlarge on the description or particular
qualities of an animal, so well known to every
class of readers, would be unnecessary ; and even
to enumerate all the varieties of dogs, or the disr
criminating marks by which each breed is disr
tinguished would be almost impossible. Instead,
therefore, of dwelling on these, subjects, , I shall
lay before .the reader such well authentic, ated
anecdotes of canine sagacity, attachment, and

Imitative powers of the dog.

perseverance, as may prove most interesting and
amusive.

Plutarch informs us, that he was a spectator, at
Rome of the wonderful docilily of a dog, which
belonged to a certain mimic, who at that time
had the management of a farce, wherein there
was great variety of parts, which he undertook
to instruct the actors to perform, with several
imitations proper for the matter and passions re-
presented. Among the rest there was one who
was to drink a sleepy potion, and, after he had
drank it, to fall into a deadly drowsiness, and
counterfeit the actions of a dying person. The
dog, who had studied several of the other ges-
tures and postures, more diligently observing
this, took a piece of bread that was sopped in the
potion, and after he had eaten it, in a short time
counterfeited a trembling, then a staggering,
and afterwards a drowsiness in his head. Then
stretching himself, out he lay as if he had been
dead, and seemed to offer himself to be dragged
gut of the place and carried to the burial, as the
plot of the play required. Afterwards, under-
standing the time, from what was said and acted,
in the first place, he began gently to stir, as if he
were waking out of a profound sleep; then, to
the amazement of the beholders, he rose up, and
lifting up his head, he gazed about him; and
then went to his master with all the signs of
gladness and fawning kindness; insomuch that all

2

THE DOG. 69

Instance of sagacity and attachment.

the spectators, and even Vespasian himself, were
highly gratified with the sight.

The following instance of sagacity and attach-
ment, is related in the Monthly Magazine, for
April, 1802.

" Those valleys, or glens, as they arc called by
the natives, which intersect the Grampian moun-
tains, are chieily inhabited by shepherds. The
pastures over which each flock is permitted to
range, extend many miles in every direction.
The shepherd never has a view of his whole flock,
at once, except when they are collected 1'or the
purpose oi' sale or shearing. His occupation is
to make daily excursions to the different extre-
mities of his pastures in succession; and to turn
back, by means of his dog, any stragglers that
may be approaching the boundaries of his neigh-
bours. In one of these excursions, a shepherd
happened to carry along with him. one of his
children, an infant about three years old. This
is a usual practice among the Highlanders, who
accustom their children from the earliest infancy
to endure the rigors of the climate. " After tra-
versing his pasture for some time, attended by
his dog, the shepherd found himself under the
necessity of ascending a summit at some dis-
tance, to have a more extensive view of his range.
As the ascent was too fatiguing for the child, he
left him on a small plain at the bottom, with
strict injunctions not to stir from it till his return.
Scarcely, however, had he gained the summit,

70 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Loss of a child — Fruitless search.

when the horizon was suddenly darkened by one
of those impenetrable mists, which frequently de-
scend so rapidly amidst these mountains as, in
the space of a few minutes, almost to turn day
into night. The anxious father instantly has-
tened back to find his child; but, owing to the
unusual darkness and his own trepidation, he un-
fortunately missed his way in the descent. After
a fruitless search of many hours amongst the
dangerous morasses and cataracts, with which
these mountains abound, he was at length over-
taken by night. Still wandering on without
knowing whither, he at leagth came to the verge
of the mist; and, by the lignt of the moon, dis-
covered that he had reached the bottom of his
valley, and was within a short distance of his
cottage. To renew the search that night, was
equally fruitless and dangerous. He was there-
fore obliged to return to his cottage, having lost
hoth his child, and his dog, who had attended
him faithfully for years.

Next morning by day-break, the shepherd,
accompanied by a band of his neighbours, set
out in search of his child; but, after a day spent
in fruitless fatigue, he was at last compelled, by
the approach of night, to descend from the
mountain. On returning to his cottage, he
found that the dog, which he had lost the day
before, had been home, and, on receiving a piece
of cake, had instantly gone oft' again. For seve-
ral successive days the shepherd renewed the

THE DOG. 71

The lost child discovered by a dog.

search for his child ; and still, on returning at
evening disappointed to his cottage, he found
that the dog had been home, and, on receiving
liis usual allowance of cake, had instantly disap-
peared. Struck with this singular circumstance,
he remained at home one day; and when the
dog, as usual, departed with "his piece of cake,
he resolved to follow him, and find out the cause
of his strange procedure. The dog led the way
to a cataract, at some distance from the spot
where the shepherd had left his child. The banks
of the cataract, almost joined at the top, yet se-
parated by an abyss of immense depth, presented
that appearance which so often astonishes and
appals the travellers who frequent the Grampian
mountains; and indicates that these stupendous
chasms were not the silent work of time, but the
sudden effect of some violent convulsion of the
earth. Down one of these rugged and almost
perpendicular descents, the dog began, without
hesitation, to make his way, and at last disap-
peared into a cave, the mouth of which was
almost upon a level with the torrent. The shep-
herd with difficulty followed; but on entering
the cave, what were his emotions, when he be-
held his infant eating with much satisfaction the
cake which the dog had just brought him; while
the faithful animal stood by, eyeing his young
charge with the utmost complacence!

From the situation in which the child was
found, it appears that he had wandered to the

VOL. 11. — NO. IX. K

72 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Marketing performed l>v a dog.

brink of the precipice, and then either fallen or
scrambled down till he reached the cave; which
the dread of the torrent had afterwards prevented
him from quitting. The dog, by means of his
scent, had traced him to the spot; and afterwards
prevented him from starving by giving up to him
his own daily allowance. He appears never to
have quitted the child by night or day, except
when it was necessary to go for its food ; and
then he was always seen running at full speed to
and from the cottage."

Dogs may l>e tmiuht.to go to market with
money, to repair to a ItS^wn shop, and carry
home provisions in safety^WSome years since, a
person residing at the turnpike-house about a
mile from Stratford on Avon, had trained a dog
to go to the town for any small articles of gro-
cery, Sic. that he wanted. A note, mentioning
the things, was tied round the animal's neck, and
in the same manner the articles were fastened ;
and in these errands the officious messenger al-
ways brought the commodities safely to his master.

Smcllie, in his Philosophy of Natural History,
relates that a grocer in Edinburgh had a dog,
which for some time amused and astonished the
people in the neighbourhood. A man who went
through the streets ringing a bell and selling
penny pies, happened one day to treat this dog
with a pie. The next time he heard the pieman's
bell he ran impetuously toward him, seized him
by the coat, and would not suffer him to pass.

THE DOG. 73

A pieman and clog — A canine mendicant.

The pieman, who understood what the animal
wanted, showed him a penny, and pointed to his
master, who stood at the street-door and saw
what was going on. The dog immediately sup-
plicated his master by many humble gestures and
looks; and on receiving a penny "he instantly
carried it in his mouth to the pieman, and re-
ceived his pie. This traffic between the pieman
and the grocer's dog continued to be daily prac-
tised for several months.

The following anecdote, extracted from Dib-
din's Observations in a Tour through England is

o

too interesting to bypassed over in silence.
" At a convent in Trrance," says our author,
" twenty paupers were served with a dinner at a
certain hour every day. A dog belonging to the
convent did not fail to be present at this regale,
to receive the odds and ends which were now
and then thrown do'.vn to him. The guests,
however, were poor and hungry, and of course
not very wasteful; so that their pensioner did lit-
tle more than scent the feast of which he would
fain have partaken. 'I he portions were served
by a person, at the ringing of a bell, and deli-
vered out by means of what in religious houses
is called a tour; which is a machine like the sec-
tion of a cask, and, by turning round upon a
pivot, exhibits whatever is placed on the concave
side, Without discovering the person who moves
it. One day this dog, who had only received a
few scraps, waited till the paupers were all gone,
K 2

74 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Canine mendicant — Depredator on sheep.

took the rope in his mouth, and rang the bell.
His stratagem succeeded. He repeated it the
next day with the same good-fortune. At length
the cook, finding that twenty-one portions were
given out instead of twenty, was determined to
discover the trick: in doing which he had no
great difficulty; for \yiogperdu, and noticing the
paupers as they came in great regularity for their
different portions, and that there was no intruder
except the dog, he began to suspect the real
truth, which he was confirmed in when he saw
him wait with great deliberation till the visitors
•were all gone, and then pnU the bell. The mat-
ter was related to the conraBoity, and to reward
him for his ingenuity, he was permitted to ring
the bell every day for his dinner, when a mess of
broken victuals was purposely served out to.
him."

In the winter of 1784, a dog was left by a
smuggling vessel near Boomer, on the coast of
Northumberland. Finding himself deserted, he
began to worry the sheep ; and did so much da-
mage, that he soon became the terror of the
country for a circuit of above twenty miles. We
are informed, that w:hen he caught a sheep, he
bit a hole in its right side, and after eating the
fat about the kidnies, left it. Several, thus lace-
rated, were found alive by the shepherds; and
being properly attended to, some of them reco-
vered and afterwards had lambs. From his de-
licacy in this respect, it may be readily supposed

THE DOG. 75

Depredator on sheep — Nocturnal excursions.

that the destruction he made was immense; as
the fat of one sheep a-day would hardly satisfy
his hunger. The farmers, alarmed by his depre-
dations, pursued him with hounds, greyhounds,
&c. but, when the dogs came up to him, he lay
down on his back, as if supplicating for mercy,
and in that position they would not attempt to
hurt him. He therefore used to lie quietly till
the men approached; when he made off, without
being followed by the hounds, till they were again,
excited to the pursuit, which always terminated
unsuccessfully. He wa^ one day pursued to a
distance of upwards of thirty miles; but returned!'
to the place whence™? started, and killed sheep
the same evening. His constant residence dur-
ing the day, was upon a rock on the Hengh-hill,
near Howick, where he had a view of four roads
that approached it; and in March, 1?85, after
many fruitless attempts, he was at last shot
there.

In the year 1796, a farmer, at a village near
Southwick, in the county of Hants, had a small
brown spaniel, which being used regularly to
hunt with his master in the neighbouring manors,
became so enamoured with the sport, that he
frequently went from home in the night to
course, if he could entice any of his companions
to follow; and always returned with game in his
mouth. This so disconcerted the master, for
fear of offending the neighbouring gentry, that
he ordered him ever after to be locked up early

76 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A timely alarm — Guiding the blind.

in the evening. A few nights after this order,
the servant accidentally left the door open for a
few minutes, and the dog escaped to pursue his
nightly perambulations. His absence was un-
discovered by any of the family till about three
o'clock in the morning, when a tremendous noise
of the barking of dogs alarmed the farmer, \vho
instantly jumped out of bed, reached his fire-
arms, and came down stairs; when, to his great
astonishment, he found all his ducks tied toge-
ther by the legs, and writhing about on the
ground. It seems, the. spaniel, on returning
from his night's diversiong^aped over the fence,
and discovered a thief in ure act of stealing poul-
try from the hen-house. He instantly laid down
the dead game, and, by barking, alarmed the
other dogs, and was thus the means of savin t, the
yard from being robbed. The farmer fired at
the villain, but without effect, as he had nearly
cleared the premises when he entered the yard.

The care of the dog in directing the steps of
the blind, is highly deserving of notice. There
are few persons who have not seen some of these
unfortunate objects thus guided through the
•winding streets of a town or city, to the spot
where they are to supplicate charity of pas-
sengers. Mr. Ray, in his Synopsis of Quadru-
peds, informs us of a blind beggar who was thus
led through the streets of Rome by a middle-
sized dog. This animal besides leading his mas-
ter in such a manner as to protect him from ail

THE DOG. 7?

A waterman's dog.

danger, learned to distinguish both the streets
and houses where he was accustomed to receive
alms twice or thrice a week. Whenever he came
to any of those streets, with which he was well
acquainted, he would not leave it till a call had
been made at every house where his master was
usually successful in his petitions. When the
mendicant began to ask alms, the dog lay down
to rest ; but the man was no sooner served or re-
fused, than the dog rose spontaneously, and with-
out either order or sign, proceeded to the other
houses where the beggar generally received some
gratuity. " 1 observed/' says he, " not without
pleasure and surprise^,' that when a halfpenny was
thrown from a window, such was the sagacity
and attention of this dog, that he went about in.
quest of it, took it 'from the ground with his
mouth, and put into the blind man's hat. Even,
when bread was thrown down, the animal would
not taste it, unless he received it from the hand
of his master.

In the year 1760, while a waterman of Ham-
mersmith was sleeping in his boat, the vessel
broke from her moorings, and was carried by the
tide, under a West-country barge. Fortunately
for the man, his dog happened to be with him ;
and the sagacious animal awakened him by paw-
ing his face, and pulling the collar of his coat, at
the instant the boat was filling with water: he
seized the opportunity, and thus saved himself
from otherwise inevitable destruction.

7g NATURALlSf's CABINET.

Sagacity of a little house-dog.

In the year 179 1 > a person went to take lodgings
in a house at Deptford, under pretence that he
had just arrived from the West Indies ; and, after
having agreed on the terms, said he would send
his trunk that night, and come himself the next
day. About nine o'clock in the evening, the
trunk was brought by two porters, and was car-
ried into his bed-room. When the family were
going to bed, the little house-dog, deserting his
usual station in the shop, placed himself close to
the chamber door where the chest was deposited,
and kept up an incessant barking. The moment
the door was opened, the dog flew to the chest,
scratched against it, and barked with redoubled
fury. They attempted to get the dog out of the
room, but in vain. Calling in some neighbours,
and making them eye-witnesses of the circum-
stance, they began to move the trunk about;
when ihey quickly discovered that it contained
something alive. Suspicion becoming very strong,
they were induced to force it open; when, to their
utter astonishment, they found in it their new
lodger, who had been thus conveyed into the
house with the design of robbing it.

For the following highly interesting anecdotes
we are indebted to the ingenious Mr. Pratt:

" A French merchant, having some money
due from a correspondent, set out on horseback,
accompanied by his dog, on purpose to receive
it. Having settled the business to his satisfac-
tion, he tied the bag of money before him, and
1

; THE DOG. 79

The merchant and his dog.

began to return home. His faithful dog, as if
he entered into his master's feelings, frisked
round the horse, barked, and jumped, and seemed
to participate his joy.

The merchant,, after riding some miles, alighted
to repose himself under an agreeable shade, and,
taking the bag of money in his hand, laid it down
by his side under a hedge, and, on remounting,
forgot it. The dog perceived his lapse of recol-
lection, and wishing to rectify it, ran to fetch the
bag; but it was too heavy for him to drag along.
He then ran to his master, and, by crying, bark-
ing, and howling, seemed to remind him of his
mistake. The merchant understood not his lan-
guage; but the assiduous creature persevered in
its efforts, and, after trying to stop the horse in
vain, at last began to bite his heels.

The merchant, absorbed in some reverie,
wholly overlooked the real object of his affecti-
onate attendant's importunity, but entertained
the alarming apprehension that he was gone mad.
Full of this suspicion, in crossing a brook, he
turned back to look if the dog would drink. The
animal was too intent on its master's business to
think of itself; it continued to bark and bite with
greater violence than before.

" Mercy !" cried the afflicted merchant, " it
must be so; my poor dog is certainly mad : what
must I do? I must kill him, lest some greater
misfortune befal me; but with what regret ! Oh,
could I find any one to perform this cruel office

VOL. 11. — NO. x. L

SO- NATURALIST'S CABINET.

The merchant and his dug.

forme! but there is no time to lose; I myself
may become the victim if I spare him."

" With these words, he drew a pistol from his
pocket, and, with a trembling hand, took aim at
his faithful servant. He turned away in agony
as he fired, but his aim was too sure. The poor
animal fell wounded; and, weltering in his blood,
still endeavoured to crawl towards his master, as
if to tax him with ingratitude. The merchant
could not bear the sight; he spurred on his horse
with a heart foil of sorrow, and lamented he had
taken a journey which had cost him so dear.
Still, however, the money never entered his mind ;
he only thought of his poor dog, and tried to
console himself with the reflection, that he had
prevented a greater evil, by dispatching a mad
animal, than he had suffered a calamity by his
loss. This opiate to his wounded spir.it, how-
ever, was ineffectual : " I am most unfortunate,"
said he to himself, " I had almost rather have
lost my money than my dog." Saying this, he
stretched out his hand to grasp his treasure. It
was missing.; no bag was to be found. — In an
instant, he opened his eyes to his rashness and
folly. — "Wretch that I am ! I alone am to blame !
I could not comprehend the admonition which my
innocent and most faithful friend gave me, and I
have sacrificed him for his zeal. He only wished,
to inform me of my mistake, and he has paid for
his fidelity with his life."

" Instantly he turned his horse, and went oil

THE DOG.

The merchant and his dog.

at full gallop to the place where he had stopped.
He saw, with half-averted eyes, the scene where
the tragedy was acted-; he perceived the traces
of 'blood. as he proceeded; he was oppressed and
•distracted; but in vain did he look for his dog
— he was not to be seen on the road. At last he
•arrived at the spot where he had alightexl. But
what were his sensations! His heart was readv
to bleed; he execrated himself in the madness
•of despair. The poor dog, unable to follow his
•dear, but cruel master, had determined to conse-
crate his last moments to his service. He had
crawled, all -bloody as he was, to the forgotten
bag, and, in the agonies of death, he lay watch-
ing beside -it. When he saw his master, he still
testified his joy by the wagging of his .tail — he
could do no more — he tried -to rise, but his
strength was gone. The vital tide was -ebbing
fast; even the caresses of his master could not
prolong his fate for a few moments. He stretched
out his tongue, to lick the hand that was now
fondling him in the agonies of regret, as if to seal
forgiveness of the deed that had deprived him of
•life. He then cast a look of kindness on his
master, and closed his eyes for ever."

A few days before the overthrow of the dread-
ful Robespierre^ a revolutionary tribunal, in one
of the departments of the North, had condemned
Monsieur R. an ancient magistrate, and a most
estimable man, on pretence of finding him
guilty of a conspiracy. This gentleman had*
L 2

82 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Singular instance of fidelity.

water-spaniel, at that time about twelve years
old, which had been brought up by him, and had
scarcely ever quitted his side. Mons. R. was cast
into prison : his family were dispersed by tb<
tern of terror; some had taken flight; others,
like himself, were arrested and carried to distant
gaols ; his domestics were dismissed ; his house
was destroyed; his friends, from necessity or
fear, abandoned him, to conceal themselves. — In
the silence of a living tomb he was left to pine
in thought, under the iron scourge of a tyrant,
whose respite from blood, rvas but to gain by
delay some additional horror: and who, if he
extended life to those whom his wantonness had
proscribed, even until death became a prayer, it
was only to tantalize them with the blessing of
murder, when he imagined he could more effec-
tually torture them with the curse of existence.

This faithful dog was with him when he was
first seized, but was refused admission into the
prison : he was seen to return often to the door,
but found it shut. He took refuge with a neigh-
bour of his late master, who received him. But,
(that posterity may judge clearly of the times in
which Frenchmen existed at that period,) it must
be added, that this man received the poor dog
tremblingly, and in secret, lest his humanity for
Ins friend's dog should bring him to the scaffold.
Every day, at the same hour, the animal returned
to the door of the prison, but was still refused
admittance. He, however, uniformly passed

THE DOO. 83

Visits of a dog to an imprisoned master.

some time there. Such unremitting fidelity, at
last won even the porter of the prison, and the
dog was at length allowed to enter. His joy at
seeing his master was unbounded ; his master's
was not less ; it was difficult to separate them :
but the honest gaoler, fearing for himself, carried,
the dog out of the prison, and he returned to his
place of retreat. The next morning, however, he
again came back, and repeated his visit for some
weeks; and once on each day was regularly ad-
mitted by the humane gaoler. The poor animal
licked the hand of his master, looked at him
again, again licked his hand, and after a few
mornings, feeling assured of re-admission, de-
parted at the call of the gaoler. When the day
of receiving sentence arrived, notwithstanding
the guards, which jealous power, conscious of its
deserts, stations around, the dog penetrated into
the hall, and couched himself between the legs of
the unhappy man, whom he was about to lose
for ever. The judges condemned his msster;
" and may my tears be paVdoned," says the be-
nevolent recorder of this fact, " for the burst of
indignation — the judges condemned him to a
.speedy death, in the presence of hi i( dog!" Mons. R.
was re-conducted to the prison; and the dog,
though prevented from accompanying him, did
not quit the door for the whole of that night.

The fatal hour of execution arrives with the
morning; the prison opens, the unfortunate man
passes out; his dog receives him at .the threshold !

84 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Execution of Mons. R. — Attachment of his dog.

His faithful dog alone, amongst the thousands
that revered and loved him, dared, even under
the eye of the tyrant, to own a dying friend ! He
clings to his hand undaunted. " Alas! that hand
will never more be spread upon thy caressing
head, poor dog!" exclaimed the condemned. —
The axe falls! — the master dies! but the tender
adherent cannot leave the body : he walks round
the corse; the earth receives it, and the mourner
spreads himself on the grave. On that cold pil-
low he passed the first night, the next day, and
the second night: the neighbour, meantime, un-
happy at not seeing his protege, searches for him ;
and guessing the asylum he had chosen, steals
forth by night, and finding him as described, ca-
resses and brings him back. The good man tries
every gentle way, that kindness could devise, to
make him eat, But a short time afterwards, the
dog, escaping, regained his favourite place. O
man, give faith to a sacred truth! Three months
passed away; during every morning of which
the mourner returned to his loving protector,
merely to receive his food, and then retired to
the ashes of his dead master: and each day he
was more sad, more meagre, and more lan-
guishing.

His protector, at length, endeavoured to wean
him. He first tied, then chained him; but what
manacle is there that can ultimately triumph
over nature? He broke, or bit through his bonds;
again escaped; — again returned to the grave,

THE DOG. 85

The disgraced favourite.

and never quitted it more ! It was in vain that all
kind means were used once more to bring him
back. Even the humane gaoler assisted to take
him food, but he would eat no longer : for four
and twenty hours he was absolutely observed to
employ — (O force of genuine love !) — his weak-
ened limbs, digging up the earth that separated
him from the being he had served. Affection
gave him strength, but his efforts were too vehe-
ment for his power: his whole frame became
convulsed; he shrieked in his struggles; his at-
attached and generous heart gave way, and he
breathed his last gasp with his last look at the
grave, as if he knew he had found, and again
should be permitted to associate with his master.'*
" A favourite dog, belonging to an English
nobleman, had fallen into disgrace, from an in-
corrigible habit of annoying the flocks of the
neighbouring farmers. One of these having, in
vain, driven the depredator from his premises,
came at length to the offender's master, with &
dead lamb under his arm, the victim of the last
night's plunder. The nobleman being extremely
angry at the dog's transgression, rang, the bell
for his servant, and ordered him to be immedi-
ately hanged, or some other way disposed of, sa
that, on his return from a journey he was about
to undertake, he might never see him again. He
then left the apartment, and the fate of the dog was
for a few hours suspended. The interval, though
short, was not thrown away. The condemned

86 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Punishment eluded.

animal was sufficiently an adept in the tones of
his master's voice, to helieve there was any hope
left for a reversion of his sentence. He there-
fore adopted the only alternative between life
and death, by making his escape. In the course
of the evening, while the same servant was wait-
ing at table, his lordship demanded if his order
had been obeyed respecting the clog? " After
an hour's search, he is no where to be found, my
lord/' replied the servant. The general conclu-
sion for some days was, that the dog, conscious
of being in disgrace, had concealed himself in
the house of a tenant, or some other person who
knew him. A month, however, passed without
any thing being heard respecting him ; it was
therefore thought he had fallen into the hands of
his late accuser, the farmer, and had suffered for
his transgressions.

" About a year after, while his lordship was
journeying into Scotland, attended only by one
servant, a severe storm drove him to take shelter
under a hovel belonging to a public house, situ-
ated at some distance from the road, upon a
heath. The tempest threatening rather to in-
crease than abate, the night coming on, and no
house suitable to the accommodation of such a
guest; his lordship was at length induced to dis-
mount, and go into the little inn adjoining the
shed. On his entrance, an air of surprise and
consternation marked the features and conduct
of both the innholder and his wife. Confused

• THE DOG. 87

An unexpected meeting.

and incoherent answers were made to common
questions; and soon after, a whispering took
place between the two aforementioned persons.
At length, however; the guest was shown into a
small parlour: a faggot was thrown on the fire,
and such refreshments as the house afforded,
were preparing; there being no appearance of
more favourable weather allowing them to de-
part.

" As the servant-maid was spreading the cloth,
a visible tremor shook her frame, so that it was
not without difficulty she performed her office.
His lordship noticed a certain strangeness of the
whole group, but remembering to have heard his
servant mention the words ' my lord/ as he
alighted from his horse, he naturally imputed
this to their having unexpectedly A guest in their
house above the rank of those whom they were
accustomed to entertain. The awkwardness of
intended respect in such cases, and from such
persons, will often produce these embarrassments.
His lordship having now made up his mind to
remain that night, supper was served; when a
most unexpected visitor made his appearance.
c Good heavens!' exclaimed his lordship, ' is it
possible I should find my poor dog alive, and in
this place? — How wonderful !— How welcome!"
He stretched out his hand to caress his long lost
favourite; but the dog, after looking earnestly
at his ancient master, shrunk from him, and kept
aloof, and took the first opportunity of the door

VOL. 11. — NO. X. M

8B NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Suspicious appearances.

being opened to leave the room; but still took
his station on the other side of the door, as if
watching some expected event.

Of the history of this animal, from the time of
his elopement, little more resulted from enquiry,
than that he had one day followed some drovers
who came to refresh themselves and their cattle :
and that, appearing to be foot-sore with travel,
and unable to proceed with his companions, he
staid in the house, and had remained there ever
since. This account was obtained from the
hostler, who added, he was as harmless a creature
as any betwixt Scotland and Ireland.

His lordship, intending to rise early in the
morning, to make up the time thus sacrificed
to the night, which was still stormy, ordered the
servant to show him to his chamber. As he
passed the common room which communicated
with the parlour, he noticed the innkeeper and
his wife in earnest discourse with three men,
muffled up in horseman's coats, who seemed to
have just come from buffeting the tempest, and
not a little anxious to counteract its effects; for
both the landlord and his wife were filling their
glasses with spirits. His lordship, on going to
his chamber, after the maid and his own servant,
heard a fierce growl, as from the top of the stairs.
' Here is the dog again, my lord,' exclaimed the
servant. ' He is often cross and churlish to-
strangers,' observed the maid, f yet he never
bites.' As they came nearer the door, his growl

THE DOG. 89

r

Suspicious appearances.

increased to a furious bark ; but upon the maid's
speaking to bim sharply, he suffered her to enter
the chamber, and the servant stepped back to
hold the light to his lord. On his old master's
advancing towards the chamber, the dog drew
back, and stood with a determined air of opposi-
tion, as if to guard the entrance. His lordship
then called the dog by his name, and on repeat-
ing some terms of fondness, which, in past times,
he had familiarly been accustomed to, he licked
the hand from whose endearments he had so long
been estranged.

" But he still held firm to his purpose, and en-
deavoured to oppose his master's passing to the
chamber. Yet the servant was suffered, without
further disputing the point, to go out; not, how-
ever, without another growl, though one rather
of anger than of resistance, and which accompa-
nied her with increased fierceness all the way
down stairs, which she descended with the same
strange kind of hurry and confusion that had
marked her behaviour ever since his lordship's
arrival. His lordship was prevented from dwel-
ling long on this circumstance, by an attention
to the dog, who, without being solicited farther,
went a few paces from the threshold of the door,
at which he kept guard : and, after caressing his
lordship, and using every gentle art of affection-
ate persuasion, (speech alone excepted) went
down one of the stairs, as if to persuade his mas-
ter to accompany him. His lordship had his

90 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Solicitude of the recovered dog.

foot upon the threshold, when the dog caught
the skirt of his coat between his teeth, and tug-
ged it with great violence, yet with every token
of love and terror; for he now appeared to par-
take the general confusion of the family. The
poor animal again renewed his fondling, rubbed
his face softly along his master's side, sought the
patting hand, raised his soliciting feet, and dur-
ing these endearing wa^s he whined and trem-
bled to a degree, that could not escape the atten-
tion both of the master and the servant.

tc f Were I apt to credit omens,' said his lord-
ship, ' I should suspect from a connection be-
twixt the deportment of the people of this inn,
and the unaccountable solicitude of the dog, that
there is something wrong about this house.' — ' I
have long been of the same opinion,' observed
the servant, ' and wish, your honour, we had
been wet to the skin in proceeding, rather than
to have stopped here.'

" ' It is too late to talk of wishes,' rejoined his
lordship, ' neither can we set off now, were I
disposed; for the hurricane is more furious than
ever. Let us therefore, make the best of it. la
what part of the house do you sleep ?' — ' Close
at the head of your lordship's bed,' answered the
domestic, ( in a little closet, slipside of a room
by the stairs ; there my lord,' added the servant,
pointing to a small door on the right.

" ' Then go to bed ; we are not wholly without
the means of defence, you know; and whichever

THE DOG. 91

Solicitude of the recovered dog.

of us shall be first alarmed, may apprise the
other. At the same time, all this may he nothing
more than the work of our own fancies.'

" The anxiety of the dog, during this conver-
sation, cannot be expressed. On the servant's
leaving the room, the dog ran hastily to the
door, as if in hopes his lordship would follow;
and looked as if to entice him so to do. Upon
his lordship's advancing a few steps, the vigilant
creature leaped up with every sign of satisfac-
tion; but when he found those steps were di-
rected only to close the door, his dejection was
depicted in a manner no less lively than had been
his joy.

" It was scarcely possible not to be impressed
by these unaccountable circumstances; yet his
lordship was almost ashamed of yielding to them,
and finding all quiet, both above and below, ex-
cept the noise of the wind and rain ; and finding
that no caresses could draw the dog from the part
of the room he had chosen, his lordship made a
bed for the poor fellow with one of the mats, and
then sought repose himself. Neither the dog,
however, nor the master, could rest. The former
rose often, and paced about the room : sometime
he came close to the bed curtains, and sometimes
whined piteously, although the hand of reconci-
liation was put forth to soothe him. In the
course of an hour after this, his lordship, wearied
with conjecture, fell asleep; but he was soon
aroused by his four-footed friend, whom he

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A nocturnal alarm.

heard scratching violently at the closet door; an
action which was accompanied by the gnashing
of the dog's teeth, intermixed with the most fu-
rious growlings. His lordship, who had laid
himself down in his clothes, and literally resting
on his arms — his brace of pistols being under his
pillow — now sprung from the bed. The rain
had ceased, and the wind abated, from which
circumstances he hoped to hear better what was
passing. But nothing, for an instant, appeased
the rage of the dog; who, finding his paws un-
able to force a passage into the closet, put his
teeth to a small aperture at the bottom, and at-
tempted to gnaw away the obstruction. There
could be no longer a doubt that the cause of the
mischief, or danger, whatsoever it might be, lay
in that closet. Yet there appeared some risk in
opening it ; more particularly when, on trying to
force the lock, it was found to be secured by
some fastening on the inside. A knocking was
now heard at the chamber door, through the key-
hole of which a voice exclaimed, ' For God's
sake, my lord, let me in/ His lordship, knowing
this to proceed from his servant, advanced armed,
and admitted him. < All s«ems quiet, my lord,
below stairs and above,' said the man, ' for I
have never closed my eyes. For heaven's sake !
what can be the matter with the dog, to occasion
such a dismal barking? " That I am resolved to
know,' answered his lordship, furiously pushing
the closet-door. No sooner was it burst open,

THE DOG.

A nocturnal alarm.

than the dog, with inconceivable rapidity, rushed
in, and was followed both by the master and
man. The candle had gone out in the bustle,
and the extreme darkness of the night prevented
them from seeing any object whatever. But a
hustling sort of noise was heard at the farther
end of the closet. His lordship then fired one
of his pistols at random, by way of alarm. A
piercing cry, ending in a loud groan, immedi-
ately came from the dog. — ( Great God!' ex-
claimed his lordship, < I have surely destroyed
my defender/ He ran out for a light, and
snatched a candle from the innholder, who came
in apparent consternation, as to enquire into the
alarm of the family. Others of the house novr
entered the room; but, without paying attention
to their questions, his lordship ran towards the
closet to look for his dog. ' The door is open!
the door is open! ejaculated the publican; —
then all is over!' — As his lordship was re-enter-
ing the closet, he was met by his servant, who,
with every mark of almost speechless consterna-
tion in his voice and countenance, exclaimed,
* O, my lord ! my lord ! I have seen such shock-
ing sights !' and, without being able to finish his
sentence, he sunk on the floor. Before his mas-
ter could explore the cause of this, or succeed
in raising up his fallen domestic, the poor dog"
came limping from the closet, while a blood-
track marked his path. He gained, with great
difficulty, the place where his lordship stood
2

94 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Mysterious appearances.

aghast, and fell at his master's feet. Every de-
monstration of grief ensued; but the dog un-
mindful of his wounds, kept his eyes still intent
upon the closet door; and denoted that the whole
of the mystery was not yet developed.

" Seizing the other pistol from the servant, who
had fallen into a swoon, his lordship now re-
entered the closet. The wounded dog crawled
after him; when, on examining every part, he
perceived, in one corner, an opening into the
inn yard, by a kind of trap-door, to which some
broken steps descended. The dog seated himself
t>n the steps ; but there was nothing to be seen
but a common sack. Nor was any thing visible
upon the floor, except some drops of blood, part
of which were evidently those which had issued
from the wound of the dog himself, and part
must have been of long standing, as they were
dried into the boards. His lordship went back
into the bed-chamber, but the dog remained in
the closet. On his return the dog met him,
breathing hard, as if from violent exercise, and
followed his master into the chamber.

" The state of the man-servant, upon whom
fear had operated so as to continue him in a suc-
cession of swoons, now claimed his lordship's
attentions, and while those \»ere administered,
the dog again left the chamber. A short time
after this, he was heard to bark aloud, then cry,
accompanied by a noise, as if something heavy
was drawn along the floor. On going once more

THE DOG. 95

A horrid discovery.

into the closet, his lordship found the dog trying
to bring forward the sack which had been seen
lying on the steps near the trap-door. The animal
renewed his exertions at the sight of his master;
but, again exhausted both by labour and loss of
blood, he rested his head and his feet on the
mouth of the sack.

" Excited by this new mystery, his lordship
how assisted the poor animal in his labour, and,
though that labour was not light, curiosity, and
the apprehension of discovering something ex-
traordinary, on the part of his lordship, and un-
abating perseverance on that of the dog, to ac-
complish his purpose, gave them strength to
bring at length the sack from the closet to the
chamber. The servant was somewhat restored
to himself, as the sack was dragged into the
toom, but every person, who in the beginning of
the alarm had rushed into the apartment, had
now disappeared.

" As his lordship loosened the cord which fas-
tened the sack's mouth, the dog fixed his eyes
on it, and stood over it with wild and trembling
eagerness, as if ready to seize and devour the
contents.

" The contents appeared, and the extreme of
horror was displayed. A human body, as if mur
ilered in bed, being covered only with a bloody
shirt, and that clotted, and still damp, as if re-
cently shed; the head severed from the shoul*
ders, and the other members mangled and sepa-

YOJL. II. — NO. X. N

9fi NATURALIST'S CABINET.

The mystery elucidated.

rated, so as to make the trunk and extremities
lie in the sack, was now exposed to view.

" The dog smelt the blood, and after survey-
ing the corpse, looked piteously at his master,
and licked his hand, as if grateful that the mys-
terious murder was discovered.

" It was afterwards proved, that a traveller had
really been murdered two nights before his lord-
ship's arrival at that haunt of infamy; and that
the offence was committed in the very chamber,
and probably in the very bed, wherein his lord-
ship had slept ; and which, but for the warnings
of his faithful friend, must have been fatal to
himself.

" The maid-servant was an accomplice in the
guilt ; and the ruffian travellers, who were confe-
derating with the innholder and his wife, were
the murderers of the remains that had been just
emptied from the sack, and which were to have
been buried that night in a pit, dug in an adjacent
field belonging to the innholder; whose intention
it likewise was to have murdered the nobleman.
The innkeeper and his wife were taken up, and
punished according to their deserts ; and the no-
bleman was so affected at his miraculous escape,
that he bound up the wounds of his faithful dog
with the greatest care, and the balms of love and,
friendship were infused. The master's hour of
contrition was now come : he was sorry he had
ever neglected so invaluable a friend ; and as the
only peace-offering in his power, departed with

THE DOG. 97

Singular anecdote.

this faithful companion from the house of blood,
to that mansion he had formerly left in disgrace;
where the caresses of a grateful family, and an
uninterrupted state of tranquillity, with every in-
dulgence they could bestow, were regularly con-
tinued as long as he lived."

The following extraordinary story is related in
the Travels of Nicolai Karamsin, from Moscow
through Russia, Germany, Switzerland, France,
and England.

" In the reign of Charles the Fifth, the Che-
valier de Mayeux, in the sight of all Paris, fought
with a dog — but a dog who might have served
as a pattern to many men. The spot, which was
the scene of this singular rencounter, is still
shown. The following circumstance gave rise
to it: Aubry de Montidier, while taking a soli-
tary walk in the neighbourhood of Paris, was
murdered and buried under a tree ; his dog,
which he had left at home, went out at night to
search for his master, and discovered his grave
jn the forest : having remained some days on the
spot, his hunger compelled him to return to the
city. He hastened to the Chevalier Ardilliers, a
friend of the deceased, and by his melancholy
howling, gave him to understand that their com-
mon friend was no longer in existence. Ardil-
liers offered the dog food, and endeavoured to
quiet him by caresses; but the distressed ani-
mal continued to howl, licked his feet, and lay-
ing hold of his coat, pulled him towards the door,

N 2

NATURALISTS CABINET.

A murderer discovered by a dog.

Ardilliers, at length, resolved to follow him; the

dog led him from street to street, and conducted

him from the city to a large oak in the forest,

where he began to howl louder, and scratch the

earth with his feet. Aubry's friend surveyed the

spot with melancholy foreboding, and ordered

his servant to dig up the earth ; in a little time

he discovered the body of his friend. Some

time after, the dog accidentally met the mur-

derer of his master; he rushed upon him, barked,

and attacked him with so much fury, that the

spectators could with difficulty extricate him.

The same circumstance occurred several times.

The faithful animal, which in general was as

quiet as a lamb, became like a raging tiger,

every time he saw this person. This circum-

stance excited great astonishment, and some sus-

picions having arisen, it was remembered, that

Maquer, on several occasions had betrayed symp-

toms of enmity to Aubry ; and various other cir-

cumstances being combined, brought tbe matter

almost to a certainty. The king, hearing of the.

affair, v\as desirous of being convinced with his

own eyes, whether the dog was in the right; and

that the animal which fawned upon every body

else, attacked Maquer as soon as he perceived

him. At that period it was customary, when the

evidence was not decisive, to determine the fate

of the accused by single combat. A time and

place was therefore appointed: the chevalier en-

tered the list, armed with a lance ; the dog was

|T- .T! ' . THE DOG. 99

Single combat between a dog and an assassin.

Jet loose upon him; and a most dreadful contest
took place. The chevalier made a thrust, but
the dog springing aside, seized him by the throat,
and threw him down. The villain now confessed
his crime, and the king, that the remembrance
of the faithful animal might be transmitted to
posterity, caused to be erected to him, in the •
forest where the murder was committed, a mar-
ble monument, with the following inscription:
!' Blush, hard-hearted wretch ! an irrational ani-
mal knows and loves gratitude; and thou perpe-
trator of crimes, in the moment of guilt, be afraid
pf thine own shadow.''

" In the county of Ulster, in the neighbour-
hood of Pennsylvania," says an American planter,
in his Letters on Cultivation, " lived a man,
whose name was Le Fevre; he was the grandson
of a Frenchman, who was obliged to fly his
country at the revocation of the edict of Nantes.
He might well have been called the last of man-
kind, for he possessed a plantation on the very
verge of the valley towards the Blue Moun-
tains, a place of refuge for animals of the deer
kind.

This man, having a family of eleven children,
was greatly alarmed one morning at missing the
youngest, who was about four years of age; he
disappeared about ten o'clock. The distressed
family sought after him in the river, and in the
fields, but to no purpose. Terrified to an ex-
treme degree, they united with their neighbours

]()f> NATURALISTS CABINET.

Loss of a child — Fruitless search.

in quest of him. They entered the woods, whicji
they beat over with the most scrupulous atten-
tion. A thousand times they called him by
name, and were answered only by the echoes of
the wilds. They then assembled themselves at
the foot of the Mountain of Chatagniers, or
chesnut-trees, without being able to bring the
least intelligence of the child. After reposing
themselves for some minutes, they formed into
different bands — and night coming on, the pa-
yents in despair refused to return home; for their
terror was constantly increased by the knowledge
they had of the mountain cats, animals so rapa-
cious, that the inhabitants cannot always defend
themselves against their attack. Then they
painted to their imagination the horrid idea of a
wolf, or some other dreadful animal, devouring
their darling child. — " Derick, my poor little
Derick ! where art thou?" frequently exclaimed
the mother, in the most poignant language; but
all was of no avail. As soon as day-light ap-
peared, they renewed their search, but as unsuc-
cessfully us the preceding day. Fortunately,
however, an Indian, laden with furs, coming from
an adjacent village, called at the house of Le
Fevre, intending to repose himself there as he
usually did on his travelling through that part of
the country. He was much surprised to find no
one at home but an old negress, kept there by
her infirmities. ' Where is my brother?' said
the Indian. 'Alas!' replied the negro woman,

THE BOG; 101

The Indian and his dog,

c he has lost his little Derick, and all the neigh*
bourhood are employed in looking after him in
the woods.' It was then three o'clock in the
afternoon : ' Sound the horn/ said the Indian,
' and try and call thy master home ; I will find
Jhis child.' The horn was sounded ; and as soon
as the father returned, the Indian asked him for
the shoes and stockings that little Derick had
worn last. He then ordered his dog, which h«
brought with him, to smell them ; and then, tak-
ing the house for his centre, he described a circle
of a quarter of a mile, semi-diameter; ordering
his dog to smell the earth wherever he led him.
The circle was not completed, when the sagacious
animal began to bark. This sound brought some
feeble ray of hope to the disconsolate parents.
The dog followed the scent, and barked again ;
the party pursued 'him with all their speed, but
soon lost sight of him in the woods* Half an
hour afterwards they heard him again, and soon,
saw him return. The countenance of the poor
animal was visibly altered; an air of joy seemed
lo animate him, and his gestures indicated that
his search had not been in vain. < I am sure he
has found the child!' exclaimed the Indian. But
whether dead or alive was at present the cruel
subject of doubt. The Indian then followed hi*
dog, who led him to the foot of a large tree,
where lay the child in an enfeebled state, nearly
approaching death. He took it tenderly in hi*
3

102 NAtUR A LIST'S CABINET.

. ' »

The Indian and his dog.

arms, and hastily carried it to the disconsolate
parents.

" Happily, the father and mother were in
some measure prepared to receive their child,
but their joy was so great that it was more than
a quarter of an hour before they could express
their gratitude to the kind restorer of their child.
Words cannot express the affecting scene. After
they had bathed the face of the child with their
tears, they threw themselves on the neck of the
Indian, whose heart in unison melted with theirs.
Their gratitude was then extended to the dogt
they caressed him with inexpressible delight, as
the animal, who, by means of his sagacity, had
found their beloved offspring; and conceiving
that, like the rest of the group, he must now
stand in need of refreshment, a plentiful repast
was prepared for him, after which he and his
master pursued their journey; and the company,
mutually pleased at the happy event, returned to
their respective habitations, highly delighted with
the kind Indian and his wonderful dog."

The following instance of the fidelity of a dog,
is related by Mons. Huet, formerly bishop of
Avranches : —

" In a village, situated between Caen and Vine,
on the borders of the district called the Grove,
resided a peasant of a surly, untoward temper,
who frequently abused his wife, insomuch that
the neighbours were sometimes obliged, by her

THE DOG. 103

Fidelity of a dog.

outcries, to interpose, in order to prevent further
mischief. Being at length weary of living always
with one whom he hated, he resolved to make
away with her. But he pretended to be recon-
ciled, altered his conduct, and, on holidays, in-
vited her to walk out with him into the fields,
for recreation. One evening, after. a very hot
day, he carried her to cool and repose herself on
the border of a spring, in a very shady and so-
litary place. The clearness of the water tempted
him to drink; and as he pretended to be very
thirsty, he laid himself down on his belly, and
swilled large draughts of it, highly commend-
ing its .sweetness and advising his wife to
refresh herself in like* manner. She believed
him, and complied. As soon as he saw her in
that posture, he threw himself upon her, and
plunged her head into the water, in order to
drown her. She struggled hard, but could not
have saved herself, had it not been for the as-*
sistance of a dog, who was very fond of her, and
never left her company. He immediately flew
upon the husband, seized him by the throat,
compelled him to relinquish his hold, and thus
saved the life of his mistress."

" In the severe winter of 1 793, a hairdresser
at Hanover went out of the city gate, in the dusk
of the evening, with one of his friends, who had
some business at a neighbouring village, in order
to show him the road, the ground beinjg then
covered with snow. They were scarcely arrived

VOL. II. — NO. X. O

104 NATtTKAUST's CABINET.

Remarkable1 preservation.

in the open country, when a dog came running
towards them, and, by his whining and piteuu>
gestures, seemed anxious to gain their attention.
On their noticing him, the animal ran back a
little part of the way, then returned, and, by his
actions, indicated his desire that they should fol-
low him. Struck by the .expressive countenance
of the dog, they agreed to follow him, and turned
towards the road whence he came. They had
not gone many yards, before the dog, by his
frisking about, and repeated gambols, appeared
to express great joy at this circumstance. He
then continued running a little way before them,
and at times returning to point out the road. At
length the dog suddenly stopped, w:hen, on ex-
amining the place, they discovered the body of
a man, apparently frozen to death, around whom
the poor animal went moaning most piteously.
They conveyed the body to a neighbouring vil-
lage, where, by proper care, suspended animation
was restored, and the dog was thus provideutially
the means of preserving his master's life."

A gentleman who Jived near Aberdeen, was
walking across the river Dee, when it was fro-
zen; the ice gave way in the middle of the rive r,
and down he sunk; however, lie kept himself
from being carried away in the current by grasp.-
ing his gun, which had fallen athwart the open-
ing. A dog, who attended him, after many
fruitless attempts to rescue his master, ran to a
neighbouring village, and took hold of the coat

•'*•'• Tirr. bo 6. 10.5

Ajiierican dogs.

of the first person he met. five man, alarmed1,
\vonld have disengaged himself; but the clog re-
garded him with a look so kind and significant,
and endeavoured to pull him along with so gen-
tle a violence, that he began to think there might
be something extraordinary in the case, and suf-
fered himself to be conducted by the animal,
who brought him to his master, in' time to save
his life.

Mr. Bartram informs us, that, in one part of
his journey through North America, he observed,
on an extensive lawn, a troop of horses that were
feeding, and under the controul only of a single
black dog, siniilar, in every respect to the wolf
of Florida, except that he was able to bark like
a common dog. He was very careful and indus-
trious in keeping together his charge; and if,
any one strolled from the rest to loo great a dis-
tance, the dog would spring up, head the horse,
and bring him back to the company. The pro-
prietor of these horses was art Indian, who lived
about ten miles from this place; who, from a
whim'/ and for the sake of experiment, had
trained his dog td this business from a puppy.
He followed his master's'' horses only, keeping
them in a separate company where they' ranged ;
and when he found himself hungry, or Wanted to
see his master, in the evening he returned to the
town where he^ivcd, but never stayed from home
at night.

Jh South America great numbers of dog's breed
o 2

]0<3 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Flesh of the dog sometimes eaten.

in holes like rabbits. When found young, they
instantly attach themselves to mankind, and
never desert their masters to rejoin the society
of their former companions. These animals have
the appearance of the greyhound, carry their
ears erect, and are said to be excellent in the
chase.

Some nations admire the flesh of the dog as
an article of food. In some of the South Sea
islands, dogs are fattened with vegetables, which
the natives cram down their throats when they
will voluntarily eat no more. They are killed by
strangling; and the extravasated blood is pre-
served in cocoa-nut sliells, and baked for the
table. The negroes on the coast of Guinea are
extremely partial to this food ; and Hippocrates,
and even the. Romans considered young whelps
as a great delicacy.

THE SIBERUN DOG.

THIS animal, which is found in most of the
climates about the Arctic Circle, is used in
Kamtschatka for drawing sledges over the frozen
snow. The number of dogs usually employed is
five : four of which are yoked two and two, and
the other acts as leader. The reins are fastened
to the collar ; and the driver has to depend prin-
cipally on their obedience to his voice. Great
care and attention are consequently necessary in

THE SIBERIAN DOG. 10?

Siberian sledges drawn by dogs.

training the leader; which, .if he be steady and
docile, becomes very valuable, the sum of forty
rubles, or ten pounds, being frequently given for
one of them.

The driver carries in his hand a crooked stick,
which answers the purpose both of whip and
reins. Iron-rings are suspended at one end of
this stick, by way of ornament, and to encourage
the animals by their noise, for they are frequently
jingled for that purpose. If the dogs be pro-
perly trained, it is not necessary for the rider to
exercise his voice: if he strike the ice with his
stick, they will turn to the left ; if he strike the
legs of the sledge they will go to the right ; and
when he wishes them to stop, he has only to
place the stick, between the snow and the front of
the sledge. When they are inattentive to their
duty, the charioteer usually chastises them, by
throwing this stick at them ; and his dexterity in
picking it up again is the 'most difficult ma-
noeuvre in this exercise. It is not, however, sur-
prising that they should be skilful in a practice
in which they are so materially interested; for
the moment the dogs find that the driver has
lost his stick, unless the leader be both steady
and resolute, they set off at full speed, and never
stop till their strength is completely exhausted,
or till the carnage is overturned and dashed to
pieces, or hurried down a precipice, when all are
buried in the snow.

The manner in which these animals are gene-

110 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Accidents prevented by Newfoundland dogs.

cried out with pain, and, being utterly unable to
exert himself, was about to sink, when his faith-
ful dog, who had watched him with the greatest
degree of anxiety and agitation, rushed forward,
and cautiously seizing his arm, rescued him from
his perilous situation.

In the summer of 179-> a gentleman went to
Portsmouth for the benefit of sea-bathing. He
was conducted in one of the machines into the
water ; but being unacquainted with the steep-
ness of the shore, and no swimmer, he found
himself, the instant he quitted the machine,
nearly out of his depth. The state of alarm into
which he was thrown, increased his danger; and,
unnoticed by the person who attended the ma-
chine, he would inevitably have been drowned,
had not a large Newfoundland dog, which was
standing on the shore and observed his distress,
plunged in to his assistance. The animal seized
him by the hair, and conducted him safely to the
shore; but it was some time before he recovered.
The gentleman afterwards purchased the dog at
a high price ; arid preserved him as a treasure of
equal value with his whole fortune.

During a severe storm, in the winter of 1789,
a ship belonging to Newcastle was lost near Yar-
mouth; and a Newfoundland dog alone escaped
to shore, bringing in his mouth the captain's
pocket-book. He landed amidst a number of
people, several of whom in vain attempted to
take from him his prize. The sagacious animal,
2

THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. Ill

Accidents prevented, &c.

as if sensible of the importance of the charge,
which, in all probability, was delivered to him by
his perishing master, at length leaped fawningly
against the breast of a man who had attracted
his notice among the crowd, and delivered the
book to him. He then returned to the place
where he had landed ; and watched with great
attention for all the things that came from the
wrecked vessel, seizing them, and endeavoring to
bring them to land.

In the month of December 1803, as a gentle-
man was going along the path that leads from
Kennington Common to Camberwell, and which
stands between two ditches, he observed several
children playing at a distance, and almost at the
same instant perceived one of them fall into the
ditch; he hastened to the spot, accompanied by
a very large Newfoundland dog he had with
him ; the sagacious animal no sooner perceived
the child struggling in the water, than he plunged
in, and seizing her by the hair of her head,
brought her with some difficulty to the side of
the foot-path, when, with the assistance of his
master, she was hoisted upon terra Jirma, without
sustaining any other injury than a violent retch-
ing, occasioned by the stagnant water she had
swallowed, and which was of so foul a nature,
that it would have caused almost immediate suf-
focation. The gentleman saw the child safe
home to its parents, who lived near at hand, and
gave them a proper caution against sending their
VOL. u.-— NO. x. P

112 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A canine guardian.

•

children out from home in so dangerous a situ-
ation.

Early in the year 1804, a medical gentleman,
who was returning from the theatre, seeing a
crowd about St. Martin's watch-house, ventured
in, to see what was passing there: he found that
some gentlemen, who had been sacrificing to
Bacchus, had got into a riot, and recognised
among them the face of an old friend, whom he
had not seen for some years: the laiter requested
his card, which the medical gentleman gave him
from his pocket-book. This pocket-book con-
tained bank-notes to the amount of five hundred
pounds, which he had been so incautious as to
carry with him to the theatre. On leaving the
watch-house, two men followed him. He had
scarcely left the steps, before he felt something
touch his hand, and, on looking round, disco-
vered a large Newfoundland dog, which immedi-
ately leaped on him, and continued to follow
him. On reaching Grosvenor-square, the two
men attacked him, and seizing him by the collar,
demanded his pocket-book. The dog instantly
flew at them both, one of whom he severely bit
by the leg, and they both made their escape.
The faithful guardian then atteno!ed the gentle-
man to his house in Park-Lane, and waited at
the door till the servant opened it. The gentle-
jnan endeavoured to coax the animal in, but
without avail; he refused all their entreaties to
enter, and they were compelled to shut the door*

THE HOUND. 11.

Extraordinary exertion.

On opening it a few minutes after, they found he
had taken his departure.

Mr. Bewick relates, in his interesting History
of Quadrupeds, that a gentleman, walking by the
side of the River Tyne, observed, on the opposite
side, that a child had fallen into the water: he
pointed out the object to his dog, which imme-
diately jumped in, swam over, and, catching hold
of the child with his mouth, landed it safely on
the shore.

THE HOUND.

THE following anecdote, related by Mr. Be-
wick, affords a striking proof of the spirit of the
hound, in supporting a continuance of exertion.

" Many years since, a very large stag was
turned out of Whinfield Park, in the county of
Westmoreland; and was pursued by the hounds,
till, by fatigue or accident, the whole pack was
thrown out, except two staunch and favourite
dogs, which continued the chase the greatest
part of the day. The stag returned to the park
whence he set out; and, as his last effort, leaped
the wall, and expired as soon as he had accom-
plished it. One of the hounds pursued him to
the wall: but being unable to get over, lay down,
and almost immediately expired : the other was
also found dead at a little distance.

" The length of the chase is uncertain : but,
p 2 >

114 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Detection of an assassin.

as they were seen at Red-kirks, near Annan, in
Scotland, distant, by the post-road, about forty-
six miles; it is conjectured that the circuitous
and uneven course they might be supposed to
take, could not be less than one hundred and
twenty miles!

" To commemorate this fact, the horns of the
stag, which were the largest ever seen in that
part of the country, were placed on a tree of
enormous size in the park, afterwards called
Hart-horn tree. But they have been since
removed; and are now at Julian's bower, in the
same county."

In the early ages of history, we are informed
that Lodbroc, king of Denmark, was murdered
by one Bern, a falconer to king Edward, who
slew and buried him privately. This murder was
afterwards discovered by a hound that Lodbroc
Vept, who would not forsake his master's body,
but when compelled by the extremity of hunger,
and then but just to satisfy his present wants;
fawning upon the king and courtiers, as often as
compelled to visit them. Being known for Lod-
broc's dog, he was observed and followed, till
he had directed them to his master's body; and,
by his fierce behaviour towards Bern, and other
circumstances, Bern was discovered to be the
murderer, and condemned, as a punishment for
his crime, to be put to sea in a boat, without
oars or sails, and left to the mercy of the de-
ments.

THE BLOOD HOUND. 115

Blood-hounds formerly of great utility.

THE BLOOD HOUND.

THIS animal was formerly held in great re-
pute; and, on account of the peculiar fineness of
his scent, he was frequently employed in reco-
vering wounded game that had escaped from the
hunter. He would follow, with great certainty,
the footsteps of a man to a considerable distance;
and, in barbarous and uncivilised times, when a
thief or murderer had fled, this useful quadruped
would trace him through the thickest and most
secret coverts; nor would he cease his pursuit
till he had taken the felon. For this reason
there was a law in Scotland, that whoever denied
entrance to one of these dogs in pursuit of stolen
goods, should be deemed an accessary. The
blood-hound is very tall, elegantly formed, and
superior to every other variety of the canine ge-
nus, in activity, speed, and sagacity.

Blood-hounds were formerly used in certain
districts lying between England and Scotland,
which were much infested by robbers and mur-
derers: and a tax was laid on the inhabitants, for
keeping and maintaining a certain number of
these animals. -But as the arm of justice is now
extended over every part of the country, and
there are no secret recesses where villainy can
lie concealed, their services are happily become
unnecessary.

Some few dogs of this kind are still kept in

116 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Acute scent of the blood-hound.

the northern parts of the kingdom, and are used
in pursuit of deer that have been previously
wounded ; they are also occasionally employed
in discovering deer-stealers, whom they easily
trace by the blood that issues from the wounds
of their victims.

Mr. Boyle informs us, that a person of quality,
to make trial whether a young blood-hound were
well instructed, caused one of his servants to walk
to a town four miles off, and then to a market-
,town three miles from thence. The dog, with-
out seeing the man he was to pursue, followed
him by the scent to the above-mentioned places,
notwithstanding the multitude of market-people
that went along the same road, and of travellers
that had occasion to cross it; and when he came
to the chief market-town, he passed through the
streets without taking notice of any of the peo-
ple there ; and ceased not till he had gone to the
house where the man he sought rested himself,
and where he found him in an upper room, to
the wonder of those who had accompanied him
in this pursuit.

Soraerville, in speaking of these animals, has
beautifully described their mode of pursuing the
nightly spoiler :

" Soon the sagacious brute, bis curling tail
Flourish'd in air, low bending, plies around
.His busy nose, the steaming vapour snuffs
Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untried,
Till, conscious of the recent stains, his heart
Peat* quick ; his snuffling nose, his active tail,

THE MASTIFF.

Vigilance, &c.

Attest his joy : then with deep-opening mouth
That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims
Th* audacious felon : Foot by foot he marks
His winding way, while all the list'ning crowd
Applaud his reasonings. O'er the wat'ry ford.
Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills ;
O'er beaten paths, with men and beast distain'd,
Unerring he pursues ; — till at the cot
Arriv'd, and seizing by his guilty throat
The caitiff vile, redeems the captive prey.
So exquisitely delicate his sense !"

THE MASTIFF.

THE mastiff seems peculiar to Great Britain,
where it is principally used as a watch-dog ; a
duty which it discharges not only with great fide-
lity, but frequently with considerable judgment.
Some of these animals will suffer a stranger to
come into the inclosure they are appointed to
guard, and will go peaceably along with him
through every part of it, so long as he continues
to touch nothing ; but the moment he attempts
to lay hold of any of the goods, or endeavours
to quit the place, the animal informs him, first
by gentle growling, or, (if that prove ineffectual)
by harsher means, that he must neither do misr
chief, nor go away. He seldom uses violence
unless resisted ; and even in this case he will
sometimes ^seize the person, throw him down,
and hold him there until relieved, without biting
him.

J18 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Singular instance of recollection.

A remarkable instance of memory in a mastiff
is related by M. D'Obsonville. This animal,
which he had brought up in India from two
months old, accompanied himself and a friend
from Pondicherry to Benglour, a distance of
more than three hundred leagues. " Our jour-
ney," says he, " occupied nearly three weeks;
and we had to traverse plains and mountains,
and to ford rivers, and go along several bye-
paths. The animal, which had certainly never
been in that country before, lost us at Benglour,
and immediately returned to Pondicherry. He
went directly to the house of M. Beylier, then
commandant of artillery, my friend, and with
whom I had generally lived. — Now the difficulty
is, not so much to know how the dog subsisted
on the road, for he was very strong and able to
procure himself food; but how he should so well
have found his way, after an interval of more
than a month !"

A curious account is related in Stow's Annals
of an engagement between three mastiffs and a
lion, in the presence of king James the First.
One of the dogs, being put into the den, was
soon disabled by the lion ; which took him by
the head and neck, and dragged him about.
Another dog was then let loose ; and was served
in the same manner. But the third, being put
in, immediately seized the lion by the lip, and
held him for a considerable time ; till, being se-
verely torn by his claws, the dog was obliged
6

THE MASTIFF* 119

Engagement between three mastiffs and a lion.

to quit his hold. The lion, greatly exhausted
now refused to renew the engagement: but,
taking a sudden leap over the dogs, fled into
the interior part of his den. Two of the dogs
soon died of their wounds: the last survived, and
was taken great care of by the king's son; who
said, " He that had fought with the king of
beasts should never after fight with any inferior
creature."

This animal, conscious of his superior strength,
has been known to chastise, with great dignity,
the impertinence of an inferior. A large mastiff
belonging to the late M. Ridley, Esq., of Hea-
ton, near Newcastle, being frequently molested
by a mongrel, and teased by its perpetual bark-
ing, at last took it up in his mouth by the back,
and with great composure dropped it over the
quay into the river, without doing any farther in-
jury to his contemptible enemy.

Sir. H. Lee, of Ditchley, in Oxfordshire, an-
cestor of the late earls of Litchfield, had a mas-
tiff which guarded the house and yard, but had
never met with any particular attention from his
master. In short, he was not a favourite dog,
and was retained for his utility only, and not
from any partial regard.

One night, as Sir Harry was retiring to his
chamber, attended by his favourite valet, an Ita-
lian, the mastiff silently followed them up stairs,
which he had never been known to do before;
and, to his master's astonishment, presented hirn-
. ii. — NO. x. Q

120 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Prevention of robbery and murder. *

. — • 1 . .

self in the bed-room. Being deemed an intru-
der, he was instantly ordered to be turned out;
which being complied with, the poor animal be-
gan scratching violently at the door, and howl-
ing loudly for admission. The servant was sent
to driye him away. Discouragement, however,
could not check his intended labour of love; he
returned again, and was more importunate to be
let in than before.

Sir Harry, weary of opposition, though sur-
prised beyond measure at the dog's apparent
fondness for the society of a master who had
never shown him the least kindness, and wishing
to retire to rest, bade the servant open the door,
that they might see what he wanted to do. This
tlone, the mastiff, with a wag of the tail, and a
look of affection at his lord, deliberately walked
up, and crawling under the bed, laid himself
down, as if desirous to take up his night's lodg-
ing there.

To save farther trouble, and not from any par-
tiality for his company, this indulgence was al-
lowed. The valet withdrew, and all was still.
About the solemn hour of midnight, the chamber
door opened, and a person was heard stepping
across the room. Sir Harry started from sleep;
the dog sprung from his covert, and, seizing the
unwelcome disturber, fixed him to the spot.

All was dark ; Sir Harry rang his bell in great
trepidation, in order to procure a light. The
person who was pinned to the floor by the cou-

THE MASTIFF. 121

Prevention of robbery and murder.

rageous mastiff, roared for assistance. It was
found to be the favourite valet, who little ex-
pected such a reception. He endeavoured to apo-
logise for his intrusion, and to make the reasons
which induced him to take this step appear plau-
sible; but the importunity of the dog, the time,
the place, the manner of the valet raised suspi-
cions in Sir Harry's mind ; and he determined
to refer the investigation of the business to a
magistrate.

The perfidious Italian, alternately terrified b£
the dread of punishment, and soothed by the
hopes of pardon, at length confessed that it was
his intention to murder his master, and then rob
the house. This diabolical design was frustrated
solely by the instinctive attachment of the dog
to his master, which seemed to have been direct-
ed, on this occasion, by an interference of Pro-
vidence. How else could he have learned to
submit to injury and insult, for his well-meant
services, and finally to seize and detain a person,
who, it is probable, had shown him more kind-
ness than his owner had ever done? A full length
picture of Sir Harry, with the mastiff by his side,
and the words, " More faithful than favoured*
is still preserved among the family pictures.

122 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A barbarous experiment.

THE BULL-DOG.

THIS animal is the fiercest of the species,
and is probably the most courageous animal in
the world. He is low in stature, but remarkably
strong and muscular. The nose is short, and
£he projection of the under jaw beyond the up-
per, gives a peculiar fierceness to the aspect.
The valour of this dog in attacking a bull is well
known, and his fury in seizing, and his invincible
obstinacy in maintaining his hold, are equally
astonishing. Some years since, at a bull-baiting
in the North of England, when that barbarous
custom was more prevalent than at present, a
young man, confident of the pourage of his dog,
Jaid some trifling wager that he would, at sepa-
rate times, cut off all the animal's feet; and that,
after every amputation, he would attack the bull.
The barbarous experiment was tried; and the
mutilated animal continued to seize the bull with
unabated eagerness.

THE TERRIER.

THIS animal is generally an attendant on
every pack of hounds, and is remarkably expert
in forcing foxes or other game out of their co-
yerts. It is the natural enemy of the smaller

THE TERRIER. 123

An injury revenged.

quadrupeds, as rats, mice, weasels, &c.; and
possesses so much courage as to attack even the
badger.

An anecdote related by Mr. Hope, and au-
thenticated by other persons, shows, that this
animal is both capable of resentment when in-
jured, and of great contrivance to accomplish it.
A gentleman of Whitmore in Staffordshire, used
to come twice a year to town ; and being fond of
exercise, generally performed the journey on.
horseback, accompanied most part of the way by
a faithful little terrier, which, lest he might lose
it in town, he always left to the care of his land-
iady at St. Alban's; and on his return he was
sure to find his little companion well taken care
of. But on his calling one time, as usual, for
his dog, the landlady appeared before him with
a woeful countenance: "Alas! Sir/' said she,
"your terrier is lost! Our great house-dog and
he had a quarrel; and the poor terrier was so
worried and bitten before we could part them, that
I thought he could never have got the better of
it. However, he crawled out of the yard, and
no one saw him for almost a week. He then re-
turned, and brought with him another clog, con-
siderably larger than ours; and they both toge-
ther fell on our great dog, and bit him so unmer-
cifully, that he has scarcely since been able to go
about the yard, or to eat his meat. Your dog
,and his companion then disappeared, and have
jieyer since been seen at St. Alban's." The gen-

122 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A barbarous experiment.

THE BULL-DOG.

THIS animal is the fiercest of the species,
and is probably the most courageous animal in
the world. He is low in stature, but remarkably
strong and muscular. The nose is short, and
fhe projection of the under jaw beyond the up-
per, gives a peculiar fierceness to the aspect.
The valour of this dog in attacking a bull is well
known, and his fury in seizing, and his invincible
obstinacy in maintaining his hold, are equally
astonishing. Some years since, at a bull-baiting
in the North of England, when that barbarous
custom was more prevalent than at present, a
young man, confident of the courage of his dog,
laid some trifling wager that he would, at sepa-
rate times, cut off all the animal's feet; and that,
after every amputation, he would attack the bull.
The barbarous experiment was tried; and the
mutilated animal continued to seize the bull with
unabated eagerness.

THE TERRIER.

THIS animal is generally an attendant on
every pack of hounds, and is remarkably expert
in forcing foxes or other game out of their cor
Verts. It is the natural enemy of the smaller

THE TERRIER.

An injury revenged.

'quadrupeds, as rats, mice, weasels, &c.; and
possesses so much courage as to attack even the
badger.

An anecdote related by Mr. Hope, and au->
thenticated by other persons, shows, that this
animal is both capable of resentment when in-
jured, and of great contrivance to accomplish it.
A gentleman of Whitmore in Staffordshire, used
to come twice a year to town ; and being fond of
exercise, generally performed the journey on
horseback, accompanied most part of the way by
a faithful little terrier, which, lest he might lose
it in town, he always left to the care of his land-
lady at St. Alban's; and on his return he was
sure to find his little companion well taken care
of. But on his calling one time, as usual, for
his dog, the landlady appeared before him with
& woeful countenance: "Alas! Sir," said she,
ff your terrier is lost ! Our great house-dog and
he had a quarrel; and the poor terrier was so
worried and bitten before we could part them, that
I thought he could never have got the better of
it. However, he crawled out of the yard, and
no one saw him for almost a week. He then re-
turned, and brought with him another clog, con-
siderably larger than ours ; and they both toge-
ther fell on our great dog, and bit him so unmer-
cifully, that he has scarcely since been able to go
about the yard, or to eat his meat. Your dog
..and his companion then disappeared, and have
peyer since been seen at St. Alban's." The gen-

124 NATURALIST'^ CABINET.

bminilar anecdote.

• tleman heard the story with patience, and endea-
voured to reconcile himself to the loss. On his
return home, however, he found his little terrier -.
and on enquiring into circumstances, was in-
formed that he had heen at Whitinore and had
coaxed away the great dog, who it seems had, in
consequence, followed him to St. Albari's and
completely avenged his injury.

In the year 1796, a respectable farmer, at a
village near Gosport, in Hampshire, had a ter-
rier, which followed him wherever he went; and,
as his business frequently led him across the wa-
ter to Portsmouth, the dog as regularly attended
him. The farmer had a son-in-law, a bookseller
by trade, settled at Portsmouth, and being a fa-
mily comfortable in themselves, a friendly inter-
course was constantly kept up; and whenever
visits were exchanged, the dog was always sure
to be of the party. One day, the animal having
.lost his master in Portsmouth, after a fruitless
search at many of his usual haunts, trotted to his
friend the bookseller ; and by whining and many
gesticulations, gave him to understand he bad
]ost his master, and wished to renew his search
on the Gosport side, where the master then lived ;
but the water was an insuperable barrier to his
desire, it being too wide for him to swim over.
His supplications, however, were not in vain, for
the bookseller, who understood his language,
immediately called his boy, gave him a penny,
and ordered him to go directly with the dog to

THE TERRIER. 125

Crossing the ferry.

the beach, and give the ferryman the money for •
his passage to the opposite shore. The dog, who
seemed to understand the whole proceeding, was
much pleased, and jumped directly into the boat;
and when landed at Gosport, immediately set off
full speed home, where finding the beloved ob-
ject of his pursuit, his joy was inexpressible.
Ever after that time, when he lost his master at
Portsmouth, he went to the bookseller, who gave
his servant strict orders to pay his passage; which
was always constantly done, to the great satisfacr
tion of the dog, and high entertainment of his
customers, who viewed with astonishment the sa-
gacious creature undertake his nautical voyage.

This animal always attended his master and
the family to church on Sunday, and during the
service lay quietly under his master's seat ; and
from his extreme silence, and orderly behaviour,
one might suppose he understood as much of the
sermon as the greater part of the congregation.

It is likewise worthy of remark, that if the day
proved rainy, he would sometimes, by following
the chaise, make himself in a very dirty condi-
tion ; but if the master or mistress only exclaim-
ed, " For shame! Tinker, you surely would not
go to church in such a filthy trim !" he would
immediately hang down his head, slink back, re-
turn home, and rest quietly in the barn, until,
conscious that he made a more decent appear-
ance, he would scratch at the parlour door for
admittance.

12f> NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Remarkable instance of sagacity.

In the summer of 1796, a gentleman, having
a small terrier, which he was particularly attached
to, and which followed him wherever he went,
was much surprised at the following remarkable
instance of sagacity: It being a very hot sum-
mer, the animal was filled with fleas; and, as the
master, in his evening walks, usually crossed a
mill-dam, he took the liberty for several even-
ings, without the dog's consent, to plunge him in
the stream ; by way, as he supposed, of comforting
the distressed animal, in making him swim to
the opposite side, whrle he walked over the
bridge. This was regularly repeated for some
time; but one evening, on taking the accustomed
walk, the master was surprised at observing the
animal keep considerably a-head: at times he
would approach somewhat nearer, and wag his
tail, but always kept at a most respectful dis-
tance, until he came to the edge of the water
. near the bridge : here he stopped again, looked
wistfully, and with dumb eloquence seemed thus
to address his master: " If you conceive it ne-
cessary for my comfort, the preservation of my
health, or your amusement, do not act by me
clandestinely; for dogs are generous animals,
and require no compulsion: exhort me kindly;
do not throw me in by force, and I will instantly
take to the water myself." He accordingly
plunged into the stream, and ever aftor that time,
as regularly swam over the brook, without any-
bidding, as the master walked over the bridge.

THE TEKR1ER. 127

Vigilance of a dog in guarding money.

A publican in Bishopsgate-Street, had a small
terrier, which had been so well instructed to no-
tice money wherever he found it, that, on the
master strevying a handful of halfpence on the
floor, or table, before the dog, and desiring him
to be careful, the animal would instantly fill his
mouth, and scrape the rest with his fore pawe
under his breast; clearly indicating how zealous
he was to protect the property. If a halfpenny
were thrown by any of the guests through an
iron grating in the parlour, communicating with
the cellar, the dog would immediately dart down
stairs, and remain in search till he found it.
Once, when his master was particularly busy
with a gentleman in the parlour, the dog came
to him in a very importunate manner, scratched
his feet, whined, and made every effort in his
power to attract notice, but without effect; as he
was then so deeply engaged in conversation, as
io be quite insensible of his faithful servant's ges-
tures; at length, however, he happened to look
tlown, when, to his great astonishment, he saw
his faithful little dog guarding a small dirty bag,
which, on opening, he found to contain fourteen
shillings and ninep.ence, which, no doubt, had
Leen the property of some poor person; but
whence the dog brought the hoard could never
be discovered.

. n. — NO. xi. fi

128 N ATI-RACIST'S CABINET.

Ancient value of greyhound*.

THE GREYHOUND.

" THE greyhound," says an elegant writer,
" is of a beautiful and delicate formation for
speed and majestic attraction ; and if a metapho-
rical allusion may be made between the human
and the brute creation, the allegory would not
be too far extended in considering this animal,
from his appearance, equanimity, mildness, and
affability, one of the superior classes of his o\\ n
society ; as he possesses all the dignity without
the degradation of any part of his species, and is
never seen but with a predilection in his favour.'"'
It has also been observed, that in ancient times
the greyhound was considered as a very valuable
present, and particularly by the ladies, to whom
a compliment so intrinsically valuable was highly
acceptable.

In our own island, during the reign of king
John, greyhounds were frequently received by
him as payment in lieu of money, for the re-
nevval of grants, fines, and forfeitures, belonging
to the crown; the following extracts prove this
monarch to have been exceedingly partial to this
kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions
five hundred marks, ten horses, and ten leashes
of greyhounds; another, in 1210, one swift run-
ning horse, and six greyhounds.

In ancient times three several animals were
coursed with greyhounds, — the deer, the fox, and

THE fefcEYHOttND. 129

Ancient mode of coursing.

the hare. The two former are not practised at
present, but the coursing of deer was a recreation
formerly in high esteem, and was divided into
two sorts ; the paddock, and the forest, or pur-
lieu. For the paddock-coursing, besides the
greyhounds, which never exceeded two, and for
the most part consisted of one brace, there was
the teazel, or mongrel greyhound, whose business
it was to drive the deer forward before the real
greyhounds were slipt. The paddock was a
piece of ground generally taken out of a park,
and enclosed with pales, or a wall ; it was a mile
in length, and about a quarter of a mile in
breadth, but the further end was always broader
than that which the dogs started from, the better
to accommodate the company in seeing which dog
won the match. At the hither end was the dog-
house (to enclose the dogs that were to run the
course), which was attended by two men, one of
whom stood at the door to slip the dogs, the
other was a little without the door, to let loose
the teazer to drive away the deer. The pens for
the deer intended to be coursed, were on one
side, with a keeper or two to turn them out; on
the other side, at some distance, stood the spec-
tators. Along the course were placed posts.
The first, which was next the dog-house and
pens, was the law-post, and was distant from
them one hundred and sixty yards. The second
was the quarter of a mile, the third the half mile,
the fourth the pinching-post, and the fifth marked

Bet
m

150 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Ancient methods of coursing.

distance, instead of a post, was the ditch, which
was a place made so as to receive the deer, and
keep them from being further pursued by the
dogs. Near to this place were seats for the
j udges, who were appointed to decide the wager.
As soon as the greyhounds that were to run,
the match were led into the dog-house, they
were delivered to the keepers, who, by the arti-
cles of coursing, were to see them fairly slipt j
for which purpose, there was round each dog's
neck a falling-collar, which slipt through rings.
The owners of the dogs drew lots which should
kave the wall, that there should be no advantage -r
the dog-house door was then shut, and the keeper
turned out the deer: after the deer had gone
about twenty yards, the person that held the
teazer loosed him, to force the deer forward,
and when it was got to the law-post, the dogs-
•were led out from the dog-house, and slipt. If
the deer swerved before he got to the pinching-
post, so that his head was judged to be nearer
the dog-house than the ditch, it was deemed
no match, and was to be run again three days
after; but if there were no such swerve, and the
dog ran straight until he went beyond the pinch-
ing-post, then that dog which was nearest the
deer (should he swerve) gained the contest ; if no-
swerve happened, then that dog which leaped
the ditch first was the victor; if any disputes
arose, they were referred to the articles of the
course, and determined by the judges.

THE GREYHOUND. 151

Ancient methods of coursing.

In coursing deer in the forest, or purlieu, two
ways were used ; the one coursing from wood to
wood, and the other upon the lawn by the keep-
ers' lodges. In the first, some hounds were
thrown into tlie cover to drive out the deer, whilst
the greyhounds were held ready to be slipt where
the deer was expected to break ; if the deer were
were not of a proper age and size, the dogs were
not let loose ; and if, on the other hand, he broke
at too great a distance, or were otherwise deemed
an overmatch for one brace, it was allowable to
way-lay him with another brace of fresh grey-
hounds.

For the coursing upon the lawn, the keeper
had notice given him, and he took care to lodge
a deer fit for the purpose, and by sinking the
wind of him, there was no danger of getting near
enough to slip the greyhounds, and having a fair
course.

In coursing the fox, no other art was ne-
cessary but to get the wind, and stand close
on the outside of the wood, where he was ex-
pected to come out, and to give him law enough,
or he instantly returned back to the cover ; the
(slowest greyhounds were speedy enough to over-
take him ; and all the hazard was, the fox spoil-
ing the dog, which frequently happened; for the
most part, the greyhounds used for. this course
were hard-bitten dogs, that would seize any
thing.

The invincible ardour and determined progress

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Ardour in the chase.

of these animals in the chase are not easily to be
restrained by any intervening obstacles that can
be overcome by the most indefatigable perse-
verance.

One of this species of dogs, the property of a
gentleman in Hertfordshire, having run a hare
extremely hard, and turned her at least a dozen
times, killed her by himself; but was so com-
pletely exhausted, that he lay down panting by
her side, seemingly unable to rise. Two country-
men, perceiving the situation of the dog, and the
master not coming up, hoped to secure the prize ;
but upon going to seize it, the greyhound sprung
up, took the hare in his mouth, and run with it
to his master, the fellows pursuing with stones
and sticks. When he met his master, he laid
down the hare at his feet, and immediately turn-
ing round, flew at the men, but was so enervated,
that he dropped down as if dead : by proper at-
tention, however, he was fortunately restored,
and continued long a faithful servant to his
owner.

A gentleman of Worcester paying a visit to a
friend a few miles distant, took with him a brace
of greyhounds, for the purpose of a day's cours-
ing: a hare was soon found, which the dogs ran
for several miles, and with such speed, as to be
very soon out of sight of the party who pursued;
but, after a very considerable search, both the
dogs and the hare were found dead, within a few
yards of each other,' nor did it appear that the

THE GKEYHOUND. 133'

Ardour in the cliase.

former hud caught the hare, as no marks of vio-
lence were discovered upon her. A labouring
man, whom they past, said he saw the dogs turn
her two or three times.

In the year 1 792, as a game-keeper of Lord
Egremont's was leading a brace of greyhounds
in couples, a hare accidentally crossed the road
in view: this temptation proved so irresistible,
that the dogs, by a joint effort, suddenly broke
from their conductor, and gave chase, shackled
as they were together, to the great admiration
of those who were spectators of a scene so novel
and entertaining. When they got up, and gave
the hare the first turn, it was evidently much to
her advantage, as the greyhounds were so em-
barrassed that it was with great difficulty they
could change the direction. Notwithstanding
this temporary delay, however, they sustained no
diminution of natural energy, but continued the
course through and over various obstructions;
till the object of their pursuit fell a victim to
their invincible perseverance, after a run of be-
tween three and four miles.

A few years since, the greyhound of a gentle-
man who was delayed at Dover in waiting for a
wind, was taken by the owner and a small party,
in search of a hare who had esc-aped her previous
pursuers of every description. When found,
the greyhound soon proved himself so superior
in speed, that the hare instantly ran for the cliff,
as the only chance of escaping; but her pursuer,

J34 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Anecdotes of sagacity, &c.

throwing himself at her some yards, with the
most incredible and determined ferocity, caught
her exactly upon the brink, and unfortunately
went with her in his mouth to the bottom, where
they were literally dashed to atoms.

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.

IN those extensive tracts of land which, in
many parts of Great Britain, are appropriated to
the feeding of sheep and other cattle, this animal
is of the utmost utility and importance : his voice
is more attended to than even that of the shep-
herd; and safety, order, and discipline are the
results of his vigilance and attention. This breed
is, at present, preserved in the greatest purity in
the northern parts of Scotland.

The following anecdotes of sagacity and at-
tachment cannot fail of affording some amuse-
ment to the reader:

In the very severe winter of 1794, as Mr.
Boustead's son was looking after his father*
sheep, on Great Salkelcl Common, near Penrith,
in Cumberland, he had the misfortune to fall and
break his leg. He was then three miles from
home, no person within call, and evening ap-
proaching. Under the impulse arising from the
desperate circumstances of his situation, he folded
up one of his gloves in his handkerchief, tied thi*
about the neck of his dog, and ordered him

• THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. 1,1J5

A fortunate rescue — Old Brutus.

home. Dogs that are trained to an attendance
on flocks are generally under admirable subjec-
tion to the commands of their masters. The
animal set off; and, arriving at the house,
scratched at the door for admittance. ' The pa-
rents were alarmed at his appearance; and con-
cluding, on taking off and unfolding the hand-
kerchief, that some accident had befallen their
son, they instantly went in search of him. The
dog needed no invitation. Apparently sensible
that the chief part of his duty was not yet per-
formed, he led the way, and conducted the
anxious parents to the spot where their son lay.
The young man was taken home : and the neces-
sary aid being procured, he was soon in a fair
way of recovery.

The following instance of sagacity, however
improbable it may appear to an unreflecting
mind, is well authenticated, and peculiarly worthy
of attention.

Donald Archer, a grazier, near Paisley, in
Scotland, had long kept a fine dog, for the pur-
pose of attending his cattle on the mountains ; a
service which he performed with the greatest vi-
gilance. The grazier having a young puppy
given him by a friend, brought it home to his
house, and was remarkably fond of it: but on.
the puppy being caressed, the old sheep-dog in-
variably snarled and appeared greatly dissatisfied ;
and when at times it came to eat with old Brutus,
a dislike was evident, which at length made him

YOL. II.*— NO. XI. S

136 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

An unfortunate situation.

him leave the house; and, notwithstanding every
research, his master was never able TO discover
his abode.

About four years after this elopement, the gra-
zier had been driving a herd of cattle to a neigh-
bouring fair, where lie disposed of them, re-
ceived his money, and set out on his return home.
Having proceeded about ten miles on his jour-
ney, he was overtaken by a tempest of wind and
rain, that raged with such violence, as to cause
him to look for a place of shelter; but not being
able to perceive any house at hand, he struck
out of the main road/ and ran towards a wood
that appeared at some distance, where he escaped
the storm by crouching under the trees ; but by
this means, he insensibly departed from the pro-
per way he had to go, until he had actually lost
himself, and knew not where he was. He tra-
velled, however, according to the best of his
judgment, though not without fear of being at-
tacked by some robbers, whose depredations had
recently been the terror of the neighbouring
country. A smoke that came from some bushes,
convinced him that he was near a house, to which
he thought it prudent to go, in order that he
might learn where he was, and procure refresh-
ment: accordingly he crossed a path, and came
to the door, knocked and demanded admission ;
the landlord, a surly looking fellow, gave him an
invitation to enter and be seated, in a room that
wore but an indifferent aspect. Our traveller

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.

An unexpected meeting.

was hardly before the fire, when he was saluted
with equal surprise and kindness by his former
dog, old Brutus, who came wagging his tail, and
demonstrating all the gladness he could express,
Archer immediately knew the animal, and was
astonished at thus unexpectedly finding him so
many miles from home; he did not, however,
think proper to enquire of his host, at that time,
how he came into his possession ; as the appear-
ance of every thing about him rendered his situ-
ation very unpleasant. By this time it was dark,
the weather continued rainy, and no opportunity
presented itself to the unfortunate grazier, by
which he might pursue his journey. He en-
quired of the landlord where he was? but re-
ceived the unpleasant intelligence that he was
fourteen miles from Paisley, and that if he ven-
tured out again before day-light, it was almost
impossible for him to find his way, as the night
was so bad ; but if he chose to remain where he
was, every thing should be done to render his
situation comfortable. The grazier was at a loss
kow to act; he did not like the house he was in,
nor the suspicious looks of the host and family :
but to go out in the wood during the night, and
to encounter the violence of the conflicting ele-
ments, might, in all probability, turn out more
fatal than to remain where he was. He there-
fore resolved to wait the return of morning; and
after a short conversation he was conducted to
, JMI apartment, and left to take his repose.
s 2

138 NATURALISTS CABINET.

A perilous situation.

It may be here necessary to inform the reader,
that from the first moment of Archer's arrival,
the dog had not left him a moment, but had even
followed him into the chamber, where he placed
himself under the bed, unperceived by the land-
lord. The door being shut, our traveller began
to revolve in his mind the singular appearance of
his old companion, his lonely situation, and the
manners of the inmates of the house; the whole
of which tended to confirm his suspicion of being
in a place of danger and uncertainty. His re-
flections were soon interrupted by the approach
of the dog, who came fawning from under the
bed, and by several extraordinary gestures, en-
deavoured to direct his attention to a particular
corner of the room. He accordingly went thi-
ther, and saw a sight that called up every senti-
ment of horror ; the floor was stained with blood,
which seemed to flow out of a closet, that was
secured by a lock, which he in vain attempted
to force. No longer doubting his situation, but
considering himself as the next victim of the
wretches into whose society he had fallen, he re-
solved to sell his life as dearly as possible, and
either to perish in the attempt or effect his deli-
ve,rance.

With this determination, he pulled out his pis-
tols, and softly opened the door, honest Brutus
at his heels, with his shaggy hair erect, like the
bristles of a boar, bent on destruction; he reached
the bottom of the stairs with as much caution as

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. 139

A fortunate escape.

possible, and listened attentively for a few rai-
autes, when he heard a conversation between
several persons whom he had not seen when he
first came into the house, which left him no room
to doubt of their intention. The yillainpus land-
lord was informing them, in a low tone, of the
booty they would find in the possession of his
guest, and the moment tfyey were to murder him
for that purpose!

Alarmed as Archer was, he immediately con-
cluded that no time was to be lost in using his
utmost exertion to save his life; he, therefore,
without hesitation, burst in amongst them, and
fired his pistol at the landlord, who fell from his
seat ; the rest of the gang were struck with asto-
nishment at so sudden an attack, while the gra-
zier made for the door, let himself out, and fled
with rapidity, followed by the dog. A musket
was discharged after him, but fortunately did not
do any injury. With all the speed that clanger
could create, he ran until day-light enabled him
to perceive a house, and the main road at no
great distance. To this house he immediately
went, and related all that he had seen to the
landlord, who immediately called up a recruiting
party that were quartered upon him, the serjeant
of which accompanied the grazier in search of
the house in the wood. The services and saga-
city of the faithful dog were now more than ever
rendered conspicuous, for by running before the

140 NATURALISTS CABINET.

The discovery.

company, and his singular behaviour, he led
them to the desired spot.

On entering the house, not a living creature
was to be seen; all had deserted it; they there-
fore began to explore the apartments, and found
in the very closet, the appearance of which had
led the grazier to attempt his escape, the murr
dered remains of a traveller, who was afterwards
advertised throughout all the country. On com-*
ing into the lower room, the dog began to rake
the earth near the fire-place with his feet, in such
a manner as to excite the curiosity of all present;
the serjeant ordered the place to be dug up, when
a trap-door was discovered, which, on being
opened, was found to contain the mangled bo--
dies of many that had been robbed and murder-?
ed, with the landlord himself, who was not quite
dead, though he had been shot through the neck
by the grazier. The wretches in their quick re-
treat had thrown him in amongst those who had
formerly fallen victims to their cruelty, suppos-
ing him past recovery; he was, however, cured
of his wounds, and brought to justice.

A farmer of Hailing, returning much inebri-
ated from Maidstone market, with his dog, when
the whole face of the country was covered with
snow, mistook his path, and leaped over a ditch
on his right hand, towards the river; fortunately
he was unable to get up the bank, or he would
have fallen into the Medway, at nearly high

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. 141

A farmer's life preserved by his dog.

water. Overcome with the liquor, he fell amongst
the snow, in one of the coldest nights ever re-
membered; turning on his back, he was soon
asleep; his dog scratched the snow from about
him, and then mounted upon the body, rolled
himself round, and laid himself on his master's bo-
som, for which his shaggy hide proved a season-
able covering. In this state, with snow falling
all the while, the farmer and his dog lay the
whole night; in the morning a gentleman, who
was out with his gun, perceiving an uncommon
appearance, proceeded towards it; at his ap-
proach the dog got off the body, shook the snow
from him, and, by significant actions, encouraged
the stranger to advance. Upon wiping the snow
from the face, the person was immediately re-
cognised, and was conveyed to the first house,
when a pulsation in the heart being perceptible,
the necessary means to recover him were em-
ployed, and in a short time he was able to relate
his own story ; and ordered a silver collar to be
made for his kind preserver as a perpetual re-
membrancer of the transaction.

Dr. Anderson, in his translation from Dr. Pal-
las, introduces the following instance of sagacity
in a shepherd's dog, which he considers truly
astonishing.

" The owner himself having been executed
some years ago, for sheep-stealing, the following
fact, among others, respecting the dog, was au-
thenticated by evidence upon his trial : — Whca

142 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A canine sheep-stealer.

the man intended to steal any sheep, he did not
do it himself, but detached his dog to perform
the business. With this view, under pretence of
looking at the sheep, with an intention to pur-
chase them, he went through the flock, with the
dog at his heels to whom he secretly gave a sig-
nal, so as to let him know the individuals he
wanted, to the number of ten or twenty, out of a
flock of some hundreds: he then went away,
and at a distance of several miles sent back the
dog by himself in the night time; who selected
the individual sheep that had been pointed out
to him, separated them from the flock, and drove
tbem before him till he overtook his master."

The following instance of docility and faith-
fulness, is copied from T. Young's Essay on Hu-
manity, which is given by the author on the au-
thority of a friend. It occurred some years ago,
in that part of Scotland which borders on Eng-
land:— A shepherd had driven a part of his flock
to a neighbouring fair, leaving his dog to watch
the remainder during that day and the next
night; expecting to revisit them the following
morning. Unfortunately, however, when at the
fair, the shepherd forgot both his dog and his
sheep, and did not return home till the morning
of the third day. His first enquiry was, Whe-
ther his dog had been seen ? The answer was, No,
" Then," replied the shepherd, with a tone and
gesture of anguish, " he must be dead, for I
know he was too faithful to desert his charge."
2

THE DALMATIAN DOG. 143

Observations, &c.

He instantly repaired to the heath. The dog
had just sufficient strength remaining to crawl to
his master's feet, and express his joy at his re-
turn ; and almost immediately after expired.

DALMATIAN, OR COACH-DOG.

THIS animal, sometimes erroneously called
the Danish dog, is how very common in Great
Britain, and is frequently Kept as an elegant at-
tendant on a carriage. te His attendance upon
the horses when in a state of activity/' says a
modern writer, " arid his exulting consciousness
of dignity in preceding the carriage, as if to an-
nounce its approach, seem to constitute the most
superlative gratification of his existence."

The following observations of Mr. Dibdin, in
his Tour through England, are equally interest-
ing and appropriate.

" Dogs, if I may be permitted the expression,
have noble passions, and possess a rectitude
which, if it be instinct, proves that instinct is
superior to reason. Their gratitude is unbound-
ed, their devotion exemplary, their study and de-
light are to please and serve their master; they
watch his commands, they wait upon his smiles,
they obey, oblige, and protect him, and are ready
to die in his defence: nay, they love him so
wholly and entirely, that their very existence de-
fends upon his attention to them. I have always

VOL. II. — NO. XI. T

144 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Singular anecdote.

loved dogs, and the observations I have made
lire innumerable, and all to their advantage;
among the rest I am competent to declare, that
they make friendships, always, however, with
caution, among one another. Upon these occa-
sions, they premise their compact, they observe
it inviolably, and this understood, the strongest
protect the rest.

" I shall now relate a circumstance which hap-r
pened under my own observation last summer,
and I introduce it here to give it force. You
know I would not affront you by asserting a fal-
sity, and I hope the public are equally inclined
to credit what I most solemnly declare to be fact.
This is the least 1 could say as the preface to my
story,

" I took with me last summer one of those
spotted dogs, which are generally called Danish,
but the breed is Dalmatian. It was impossible
for any thing to be more sportive, yet more inr
offensive than this dog. Throughout the moun-
tainous parts of Cumberland and Scotland, his
delight was to chase the sheep, which he would
follow with great alertness even to the summits
of the most rugged steeps; and when he had
frightened them and made them scamper to his
satisfaction, (for he never attempted to injure
them,) he constantly came back, wagging his
tail, and appearing very happy at those caresses
>vhich we, perhaps absurdly, bestowed upon him.
H About seven miles on this side Kinross, in

THE DALMATIAN DOG. 145

Friendship contracted between a lamb and a dog.

the way from Stirling, he had been amusing him-
self with playing these pranks, the sheep flying
from him in all directions, when a black lamb
turned upon him, and looked him full in the face.
He seemed astonished for an instant ; but, before
he could rally his resolution, the lamb began to
paw and play with him. It is impossible to de-
scribe the effect this had upon him ; his tail was
between his legs, he appeared in the utmost
dread, and slunk away confused and distressed.
Presently his new acquaintance invited him, by
all manner of gambols, to be friends with him.
What a moment for Pythagoras or Lavater!
Gradually overcoming his fears, he accepted this
brotherly challenge, and they raced away toge-
ther, and rolled over one another like two kittens.
Presently appeared another object of distress.
The shepherd's boy came to reclaim his lamb ;
it paid no attention, except to the dog, and they
were presently at a considerable distance. We
slackened our pace for the convenience of the
boy; but nothing would do : we could no more
call off the dog than he could catch the lamb.
They continued sporting in this manner for more
than a mile and a half. At length, having taken
a circuit, they were in our rear ; and, after we
had crossed a small bridge, the boy with his pole
kept the lamb at bay, and at length caught him,
and tied his plaid round him to prevent an.
escape. Out of fear of the boy, and in obedi-
ence to us, the dog followed reluctantly ; but the
T 2

NATUflAMST S CABINET.

labours performed by dogs in Holland.

situation of the lamb all this time cannot be pic-
tmvd; he matje every possible attempt to pass
the boy, and even endeavoured to mount the pa-
rapet, as if determined to jump into the river,
rather than not follow the dog. This continued
till the prospect closed, and we had lost sight of
our new ally, whose unexpected offer of amity to
Spot, seemed ever after to operate as a friendly
admonition; for from that day, he was cured of
following sheep."

Mr. Pratt informs us, that in Holland, dogs
are constrained to promote the trade of the re-
public ; insomuch that (excepting the great dogs
of state, which run before or after their lords'
and ladies' equipages, and, in imitation of their
betters, are above being of any use) there is not
an idle dog, of any size in the Seven Provinces.
" You see them in harness," says he, " at all
parts of the Hague, and some other towns, tug-
ging at barrows, and little carts, with their
tongues almost sweeping the ground, and their
poor hearts almost ready to beat through their
sides: frequently three, five, and sometimes six
a-breast, carrying men and merchandise, with
the speed of little horses. In the walk, from the
Hague gate to Scheveling, you will meet,, at all
hours of the day, an . ncredible number loaded
with fish and men, under the burden of which
they run off at a long trot, and sometimes, when

THE DOG. 147

Labours performed by dogs in Holland.

driven by young men or boys, at full gallop, the
whole mile and a half, which is the distance from
gate to gate; nor, on their return, are they suf-
fered to come empty, being filled not only with
the aforesaid men or boys, (for almost every
Dutchman hates walking when he can ride,
though half a mile,) but with such commodities
as cannot be had at the village. I have seen
these poor brutes, in the middle of summer,
urged beyond their force, till they have dropped
on the road to gather strength. This, however,
is seldom the case, except they have the misfor-
tune to fall under the management of boys; for
the Dutch are far from being cruel to their do-
mestic animals."

This humane friend to the canine race further
observes: " In my first visit (a winter one) to
the Hague, I entered into the interests of these
poor day-labouring dogs so truly, that I won-
dered they did not go mad, or that I did not
hear of the canine distraction more in this coun-
try than in ours; and on being told there were
certain times (the dog-days) when a heavy fine
was to be paid upon any dog being seen in the
street, I supposed this was the case, till the sum-
mer following, being at this delightful sea-side
village of Scheveling, I observed, several times
in the day, these draft dogs brought down to the
beach, and bathed; a practise, which no doubt
equally prevented them from this dreadful disor-

148 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Remarks on the dogs of Holland.

der before mentioned, and gave them strength
to go through their work.

" It is fortunate, also, that Holland is a coun-
try somewhat prone to be strict in the ceremo-
nies of religion, by observance of which, the
dogs, like their masters, find the seventh a day
of unbroken rest; for ' Sunday shines a Sabbath
day to them.' The first impression, which is al-
lowed a grand point, being much in favour of
these industrious creatures, I had an eye on
them, as well in the hours of their repose as toil :
and felt my heart warm to see several, whom I
had observed very heavily laden on the Satur-
day, taking a sound nap, outstretched and happy
at their masters' doors, on the day in which their
leisure is even an allotment and bounty of hea-
ven. All the morning and afternoon they have
remained, basking in the sun, or in the shade, in
profound tranquillity ; while a number of whelps,
and lazy puppies, who had been passing their
time in idleness all the week, were playing their
gambols in the street, not without a vain attempt
to wake the seniors, and make them join in their
amusement. Towards evening, I have, in my
sun-setting rounds, been much pleased to notice
the honest creatures sit at their respective
thresholds, looking quite refreshed, giving occa-
sionally into a momentary frolic, and the next
morning returning to the labours of the week
absolutely renewed."

THE DOG. 149

Another remarkable anecdote.

In addition to the anecdotes already adduced
respecting the discovery of murder by dogs, I
beg leave to present the following to the notice
of my readers.

The servants of a gentleman, who had a house
near the river's side, opposite to a little island in
the river Thames (which is said from this circum-
stance to have been called the isle of dogs), ob-
served that a dog came constantly every day to
them to be fed; and, as soon as his wants were
satisfied, took to the water and swam away. On
relating this circumstance to their master, the
gentleman desired them to take a boat and fol-
low the animal, the next time he came. They
did so ; and the dog at their landing expressed
great pleasure, and used all the means in his
power to invite them to follow him, which they
-continued to do, till he stopped, and scratched
with his foot upon the ground ; and from that
spot he would not move. Either that day, or
the next, they dug up the earth in the place, and
found the body of a man, but it was impossible
to discover who it was, and after every requisite
step had been taken to find out the assassin, the
€orse was buried, and the dog discontinued his
Visits to the island.

The gentleman, pleased with a creature which
had shown such uncommon sagacity, and attach-
ment to his former master, caressed him greatly,
and made him the frequent companion of his
walks. One day, when he had been in posses-

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Detection of a murderer by a dog.

sion of the animal some time, he was going to
take boat at one of the stairs in London, when
the dog, which had never before been known to
do such a thing, seized one of the watermen. It
immediately occurred to the gentleman that this
fellow was the murderer of the dog's master;
and, on his taxing him with it, he directly con-
fessed the fact, was taken into custody, and soon
after executed.

Mr. Johnson, a traveller from Manchester, on
his route through Scotland, on horseback, was be-
nighted, and passing a small public house on the
road, he thought it better to take up his lodgings
there, if possible, than to proceed farther that
night. On entering the house, he found only an
old woman, who, to his enquiries answered, she
would accommodate him with a bed, and provide
for the horse in a small shed, if he would assist
her in giving him hay, &c. as there was no other
person then in the house. This was agreed to
by Mr. Johnson, who, after taking a little re-
freshment, was shown by the old woman to his
bed-room.

A large dog, which accompanied him on his
journey, offered to go up to the room along with
him, which the old woman strongly objected to;
but Mr. Johnson firmly persisted in having him
admitted. The dog, on his entrance, began to
growl, and was very unruly. His master at-
tempted to quiet him in vain — he continued
growling and looking angrily under the bed,

THE DOG. 151

Prevention of robbery and murder.

which induced Mr. Johnson to look there like-
wise ; when, to his great astonishment, he saw a
man concealed at the farther end. On encou*
raging the dog, he sprung immediately at the
man, whilst Mr. Johnson seized his pistols, and,
presenting one to the man, who had a large
knife in his hand, and was struggling with the
dog, declared he would instantly shoot him, if
he made further resistance. The man then sub-
mitted to be bound, and acknowledged his inten^
tion was to rob and murder Mr. Johnson, which
was thus providentially prevented by the wonder-
ful sagacity of this faithful quadruped.

A few years since, a lady, who lived a few
miles out of town, came to London to receive a
large sum of money. She received the cash, and
returned back with it in her own carriage to the
country, without any thing particular happening
on the road. It was evening when she arrived,
and being fatigued with her journey, she pro-
posed retiring early to rest. On her stepping
into bed, she was much surprised at the uneasi-
ness of her little dog, who always slept in the
chamber with her. Though desired to lie still,
that his mistress might go to sleep, the animal
persisted in pulling the bed-clothes, and at length
jumped on the bed, and endeavoured, with great
avidity, to pull them off. The lady then con-
ceiving something very extraordinary must occa-
sion the dog's uneasiness, immediately jumped
out of bed, and being a very courageous woman,

VOL. n. — NO. xi, v

152 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Prevention of robbery, fitc.

slipped on a petticoat, and placed a brace of pis-
tols (which were always in a closet adjoining), at
her side, and boldly went down stairs. She had
not proceeded far, when looking around, she
perceived the coachman coming down another
pair of stairs, quite dressed. With great pre-
sence of mind she pointed one of the pistols, and
threatened him with instant dealh, unless he di-
rectly returned to bed. She then proceeded to
the back parlour, when, on hearing a distant
murmuring kind of noise, she advanced to the
window, and fired in the direction whence the
noise came. All was then immediately silent,
and nothing further transpired that night. The
next morning she traced blood through her gar-
den to a considerable distance: and not thinking
it prudent to keep so large a sum any longer in
the house, ordered her carriage, and drove to
town with the utmost expedition ; and after de-
positing her property, went to Sir John Fielding,
and related the whole of the circumstance to
him, who, after applauding her singular cou-
rage, advised her to part with the coachman di-
rectly, and he would endeavour to investigate
the matter minutely, and punish the offending
parties according to their deserts. Thus was
robbery, and murder, most likely, prevented by
the instinct of this faithful little animal.

In October, 1803, during the deluge with
which the island of Madeira was visited, a re-
markable circumstance happened near St. John'*

THE DOG. 153

Remarkable preservation.

river. A maid-servant, in flying from one of the
falling houses, dropped an infant from her arms,
which was supposed to have perished. Next
day, however, it was found unhurt, on a dry
piece of ground, along with a lap-dog, belonging
to the same family. The dog was close by the
child, and it is imagined that the child was kept
alive by the warmth of the animal's body.

The late Alderman Yearsley, of Congleton, in
Cheshire, had a favourite bitch, which appears
to have been an instrument in the hands of Pro-
vidence, of saving a valuable life :

Mr. Yearsley had gone out one evening to a
public house, and taken the dog with him. A
little before he was expected home, the animal
returned, and scratched at the door for admit-
tance. Being let in, she followed her mistress
into the kitchen, where she set up a strange
kind of whining or barking, and turned towards
the street door, as if inviting her mistress to
follow. This she repeated several times, to the
great astonishment of Mrs. Yearsley. At length
a thought struck her, that Mr. Yearsley had met
with some accident in the street, and that the
bitch, which could scarcely be ever driven from
him, was come to guide her to him. Alarmed
with this idea, she hastily adjusted her cap, and
followed the animal, which led her to her master,
whom to her agreeable disappointment, she
found very well at the house he went to. She
fold them the cause of her coming, and go
u 2

154 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A vigilant guardian.

herself laughed at for her pains. But their ridi-
cule was soon converted into admiration on being
informed that the kitchen had fallen in, the very
instant Mrs. Yearsley had shut the street-door,
and that the wash-bowl she had left was crushed
into a thousand pieces. The animal was pre-
served twelve or thirteen years after, till she had
turned her sixteenth, when her death was a little
accelerated by the bile of a mad dog.

A few years since, a distiller, who lived at
Chelsea, had a middle-sized brown dog, of the
mixed breed, between the cur and spaniel, which
had received so complete an education from the
porter, that he was considered a very valuable ac-
quisition. This porter generally used to carry
out the liquors, to the neighbouring customers,
in small casks, tied up in a coarse bag, or put in
a barr6w ; and whenever the man thought pro-
per to refresh himself, he would stop the barrow,
and calling Basto, (which was the dog's name,)
in a very peremptory manner, bid him mind the
bag — and away he went to drink, and frequently
left the barrow in the middle of the street. Basto
always rested near his trust, and sometimes ap-?
parently asleep, which induced many idle people,
\\lio, seeing a bag in the road without an owner,
to attempt stealing the same; but no sooner had
they endeavoured to decamp with the prize, than
this vigilant animal flew at them with such outi
ruge, as obliged them immediately to relinquish
the undertaking : and glad were they to escispc

THE DOG. 155

A vigilant guardian.

with a few bites, and leave the tempting bait to
catch other dishonest rogues, as it had done
them.

One day, a person having particular business
with the master, which required dispatch, went
to the distillery adjoining the dwelling, thinking
it very likely he might meet him there giving or-
ders to the servant; and finding the outward door
open, walked into the still-room; but no sooner
had he gone a few steps, than a fierce growl as-
sailed his ears, and almost imperceptibly he was
pinioned by terror to the wall. The affrighted
person called loudly for help, but the family
being at the other part of the house, his cries
were fruitless. The generous animal, however,
who had the frightened man close in custody,
scorned to take a mean advantage of his situ-
ation, by recommencing hostilities; he remained
perfectly quiet, unless the delinquent iittempted
to stir; he then became as furious as ever; so
that the prisoner prudently remained like a statue
fixed against the wall, while Basto, like a senti-
nel on his post, kept a strict guard, lest he should
escape before the family arrived. In about
twenty minutes, the master, in coining from the
parlour to the counting-house, beheld the pri-
soner, and Basto walking backwards and for-
wards beside him. The dog, by a thousand ges-
ticulations, seemed to wish a proper explanation
plight take place. The master laughed heartily

156 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Anecdotes of attachment, &c.

at the i>oor fellow's expence, as did he likewise
when happily liberated from his vigilant enemy.

" A gentleman in the city," says Mr. Dibdin,
" had a dog so attached to him that he knew no
pleasure in the absence of his master. This dog,
of course, he loved and valued ; for I have the
pleasure of knowing him, and I believe no man
can have more humanity or sensibility. The
gentleman married : and in a short time the dog
seemed to feel a diminution of affection towards
him, and testified great uneasiness; but, finding
his mistress grew fond of him, his pleasure
seemed to redouble, and he was perfectly happy.
Something more than a year after this they had
a child. There was now a decided inquietude
about the dog, and it was impossible to avoid
noticing that he felt himself miserable. The at-
tention paid to the child increased his wretched-
ness; he loathed his food, and nothing could
content him, though he was treated on this very
account with the utmost tenderness. At last he
hid himself in the coal cellar, whence every kind
and solicitous means were taken to induce him
to return, but all in vain. He was deaf to all
intreaty, rejected all kindness, refused to eat, andj
continued firm to his resolution, till exhausted,
nature yielded to death."

" I shall give", continues our author, " one
more instance of the affecting kind. — The grand-
father of as amiable a man as ever existed, and

THE DOG. 157

Instance of attachment.

one of my kindest and most valuable friends, had
a dog of the above endearing description. This
gentleman had an occupation which obliged him
to go a journey periodically, I believe every
month. His stay was short, and his departure
and return were regular, and without variation.
The dog always grew uneasy when first he lost
his master, and moped in a corner, but recovered
himself gradually as the time of his return ap-
proached ; which he knew to an hour, nay, to a
minute, as I shall prove. When convinced that
his master was on the road at no great distance
from home, he flew all over the house, and if the
street door happened to be shut, he would suffer
no servant to have any rest till it was opened.
The moment he obtained his freedom away he
went, and to a certainty met his benefactor about
two miles from town. He played and frolicked
about him till he had obtained one of his gloves^
with which he ran or rather ftew home, entered
the house, laid it down in the middle of the
room, and danced round it. When he had suffi-
ciently amused himself in this manner, out of the
house he flew, returned to meet his master, an4
ran before him, or gambolled by his side, till he
arrived with him at home.

" I know not how frequently this was repeated,
but it lasted till the old gentleman grew infirm,
and incapable of continuing his journies. The
dog by this time was also old, and became at
length blind : but this misfortune did not hinder

158 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Remarkable instance of attachment.

him from fondling his master, whom he knew
from every other person, and for whom his affec-
tion and solicitude rather increased than dimi-
nished. The old gentleman after a short illness
died. The dog knew the circumstance; attended
the corpse, blind as he was; and did his utmost
to prevent the undertaker from screwing up the
body in the coffin, and most outrageously op-
posed its being taken out of the house. Being
past hope, he grew disconsolate, lost his flesh,
and was evidently verging towards his end. One
day he heard a gentleman come into the house,
and rose to meet him. His master, being old
and infirm, had worn ribbed worsted stockings
for warmth; this gentleman happened to have
stockings on of the same kind. The dog, from
this information, thought it was his master, and
began to demonstrate the most extravagant plea-
sure, but, upon farther examination, finding his
mistake, he retired into a corner, where, in a
short time afterwards he expired."

Plutarch records, that a person getting into
the temple of Esculapius, after he had stolen all
the massy offerings of gold and silver, made his
escape, not believing he was discovered. But
the dog which belonged to the temple, which
was called Cipparas, when he found that none of
the sacristanes took any notice of his barking,
pursued himself the sacrilegious thief; and,
though at first the fellow pelted him with stones,
be could not beat him oft'. As soon as it was

THE DOG. 159

*_ - Detection of a robber.

day, the dog still followed him, though at such a
distance, that he always kept him in his eyes.
When the fellow threw him meat, he refused it;
when he went to bed, the dog watched at his
door; and when he rose in the morning, the ani-
mal still followed him, fawning upon the passen-
gers upon the road, but still barking and baying
at the heels of the robber. These things, when
they heard who were in pursuit of the sacrilegi-
ous person, and were told withal by those they
met, the colour and bigness of the do;-;, they
were the more vigorous in the pursuit, and by
that means overtaking the thief, brought him
back from Cromyon ; while the animal ran be-
fore, leaping and capering, and full of joy, as it
\vere challenging to himself the praise and re-
ward of apprehending the temple robber : and
the Athenians were so grateful to him, that they
decreed a certain quantity of meat to be publicly
measured to him, and ordered the priests to take
care to see it done.

A certain Roman was slain in the civil wars,
whose head nobody durst cut off, for fear of the
dog that guarded his body, and fought in his de-
fence. It happened that King Pyrrhus, travel-
ling that way, observed the animal watching over
the body of the deceased ; and hearing that he
had been there three days without meat or drink,
yet would not forsake his master, ordered the
body to be buried, and the dog preserved and
brought to him. A few days afterward there

VOL,. II. — NO. XI. X

160 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Instances of sagacity.

was a muster of the soldiers, so that every man
was forced to march in order before the king.
The dog lay quietly by him for some time, but
when he saw the murderers of his late owner
pass by, he flew upon them with extraordinary
fury, barking and tearing their throats, and fre-
quently turning about to the king; which both
excited the king's suspicion, and the jealousy of
all that stood about him. The men were in con-
sequence apprehended, and though the circum-
stances were very slight, which otherwise ap-
peared against them, yet they confessed the fact,
and were brought to punishment.

Plutarch also informs us of a dog, that would
not stir from the body of his deceased master;
and when he saw the carcase burning, ran and
threw himself into the flames. The same is re-
ported to have been done by a dog, that was kept by
one Pyrrhus; (not the king, but a private person
of that name ;) for upon the death of his master,
he would not stir from the body, but when it
was carried forth he leaped upon the bier, and at
length threw himself into the funeral pile, and
was burnt alive.

In Lambeth church, there is a painting of a
man with a dog, on one of the windows.

Tradition informs us, that a piece of ground
near Westminster-Bridge, containing one acre,
and nineteen roods, (named Pedlar's Acre), was
left to this parish, by a pedlar ; upon condition,
that his picture, and that of the dog, should be

THE DOG.

Tradition of Pedlar's Acre.

perpetually preserved on painted glass, on one of
the windows of the church, which the parishion-
ers have carefully performed. The time of this
gift was in 1504, when the ground was let at two
shillings and eight pence per annum ,• but in the
year 1762, it was let on lease at 1001. per year,
and a fine of 8001. and is now estimated to be
worth 2501. yearly. The reason alledged for the
pedlar's request, is, that being very poor, and
passing the aforementioned piece of ground, he
could by no means get his dog away, who con-
tinued scratching a particular spot of earth, until
he attracted his master's notice ; who going back
to examine the cause, and pressing with his stick,
found something hard, which, on a nearer inspec-
tion, proved a pot of gold. With part of this
money he purchased the land, and settled in the
parish ; to which he bequeathed it on the afore-
said conditions*

M. Le Vaillant, during his travels in Africa,
one day missed a favourite little bitch, that he
had taken out with him. After much shouting
and firing of guns, in order, if possible, to make
her hear where the party was, he directed one of
his Hottentots to mount a horse, and return some
distance in search of her. In about four hours,
the man returned with her on his saddle, bringing
with him, at the same time, a chair and a basket,
which had been accidentally dropped from one
of the waggons. The animal was found at the
distance of about two leagues, lying in the road,
x 2

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Anecdote of Christian I. king of Denmark.

and watching the lost chair and basket: and had
the man been unsuccessful in his pursuit, she
must unavoidably either have perished with hun-
ger, or fallen a prey to some of the wild bea-i-.
with which these plains abound.

The fidelity of the dog is recorded in the no-
ble order of the elephant, instituted by Christian
the First, king of .Denmark, so far back as the
year 1463. The origin was, his being deserted
at a most critical period, by all his friends and
courtiers, at the time he stood in great need of
their assistance. And having a favourite dog,
called Wild brat, who loved, and constantly at-
tended him, the contrast between this grateful
animal, and the infidelity of the vipers he had
formerly cherished, struck him so forcibly, that
lie commemorated the fact, by having the fol-
lowing initials placed under the elephant's feet,
which hangs at the bottom of the order.

T. I. W. B. - True is Wildbrat.
Mr. Taylor informs us, in his General Cha-
racter of the Dog, that one of his friends being
at Ramsgate, for the benefit of his health, in the
year 1798, was often diverted by observing a
person stand on a cliff, which looked into the
inner bason of Ramsgate pier, and calling his
favourite dog, showed him a halfpenny, and then
threw it down the cliff among the shingles. The
animal immediately took a circuit to the bottom
of the cliff, and searched till he found the half-
penny, which he carried directly into town to a

THE DOG. 163

Terror of the hydrophobia.

baker's shop, where the baker gave him a roll in
exchange for his money, and was better pleased
with the orderly behaviour of this four-footed
customer than with one half of the bipeds.

The following anecdote, related on the autho-
rity of the late Dr. James affords a convincing
proof of the wonderful sagacity of the dog, rela-
tive to its terror of the hydrophobia.

A person, who used to come every day to the
doctor's house, was so beloved by three spaniels,
which the doctor kept, that they never failed to
jump into his lap, and caress him the whole time
he staid. It happened that this man was bitten
by a mad dog, and the very first night he came
under the influence of the distemper, they all ran
away from him to the top of the garret stairs,
barking and howling, and showing all possible
signs of distress and consternation. The man
was fortunately cured, but the do^s were not re-
conciled to him for three years afterwards.

Some time since, a worthy member of parlia-
ment kept a pack of hounds, among which was
a favourite bitch, that was generally permitted
to be a parlour guest. This animal had a litter
of whelps, and the gentleman one day took them
out of the kennel, when the bitch was absent,
and drowned them: shortly after, she came to
the kennel, and missing them, she sought for,
and at last found them drowned in the pond.
She then brought them out one by one, and laid

164 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Maternal affection.

them at her master's feet in the parlour; and
when she brought the last whelp, she looked up
in her owner's face, laid herself down, and ex-
pired. This story is said to have been first pub-
lished on the authority of the gentleman's wife.

A person at Preston, in Lancashire, had a fa-
vourite bitch, who when her puppies were taken
from her, attended the bearer of each of them to
their places of destination, and then returned
home. She was observed, however, to visit them
every day, for several weeks, and carry each of
them whatever she could cater and spare from
the cravings of her own appetite. This conduct
she uniformly practised towards every litter.

When the ranks of the Imperialists were
broken at the battle of Castiglione, and the heat
of the pursuit was in proportion to the obstinacy
of the contest, the victorious general coming to
the spot where the thickest of the combat had
taken place, where French and Austrians lay
strewed in horrible profusion, perceived amidst
those piles of corpses, one living object, which
was a little Barbet dog. The faithful creature
stood with his two fore-feet fixed on the breast
of an Austrian officer; his long ears hung over
his eyes, which were rivetted on those of his
dead master. The tumult seemed neither to dis-
tract the attention nor change the attitude of
the mourner, absorbed by the object to which
he clung. The general, struck with the specta-

TJIE DOG. 165

The dismissed huntsman.

cle, stopped his horse, called his attendants
around him, and pointed out the subject of his
speculation.

" That dog," said he, " as if he had known
my voice, removed his eyes from his master,
and throwing them on me for a moment, re-
sumed ,his former posture ; but in that momen-
tary look, there was a mute eloquence beyond
the power of language ; it was a reproach with
all the poignancy of bitterness." The upbraid-
ings of the animal were construed into a com-
prehensive demand of mercy; the sentiment was
irresistible ; it put to flight every harsh and hos-
tile feeling; and orders were given to stop the
carnage instantly,

A few years ago, a gentleman, somewhat too
distinguished for scolding his huntsman in the
field, was so incensed at a reply the fellow
made, that he discharged him instantly on the
spot. The huntsman, after delivering up his
horse, got into a rabbit cart, and went away.
The next morning, however, when the gentleman
was going out, and had got to the end of the
town with his hounds, the voice of the huntsman
saluted his ear, who began hallooing the dogs,
till not one of them would leave the tree where
the man had perched himself. What could be
done? The gentleman wished to hunt, but there
was no hunting without dogs, and there was no
stopping the man's mouth; he was therefore at

166 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

^ _|J Instances of recollection.

last obliged to make the best of a bad bargain,
and take the fellow into his service again.

The recollection of the dog is remarkably
strong, as will appear from the following anec-
dotes :

A dog, which had been the favourite of an
elderly gentlewoman, some time after her death
discovered the strongest emotions on the sight
of her portrait, when taken down from the wall,
and laid on the floor to be cleaned ; though he
had never been observed to notice the picture
previous to this incident.

A comedian had a wig, which generally hung
on a peg in one of his rooms. He one day lent
the wig to a brother player, and some time after
called on him. He had his dog with him, and
the man happened to have the borrowed wig on
his head. The actor staid a little while with his
friend, but when he left him, the dog remained
"behind: for some time he stood looking full in
the man's face, then making a sudden spring,
leaped on his shoulders, seized the wig, and ran
off with it as fast as he could; and, when he
reached home, he endeavoured by jumping, to
hang it up in its usual place.

" It was with pleasure," says the compiler of
an .interesting little work, " that I watched the
motions of a grateful animal belonging to one of
the workmen employed at Portsmouth dock-
yard. This man had a large dog, who regularly

THE DOG. 16?

The dinner carrier.

every clay brought him his dinner upwards of a
mile. When his wife had prepared the repast,
she tied it up in a cloth, and put it in a hand-
basket; then calling Trusty, desired him to be
expeditious, and carry his master's dinner, and
be sure not to stop by the way. The dog, who
perfectly well understood his orders, immediately
obeyed, by taking the handle of the basket in his
mouth, and begun his journey. It was laughable
to observe, that, when tired by the way, he would
very cautiously set the basket on the ground;
but by no means would suffer any person to come
near it. When he had sufficiently rested him-
self, he again took up his load, and proceeded
forward, until he came to the dock-gates. Here
he .was frequently obliged to stop, and wait with
patience until the porter, or some other person,
opened the door. His. j-jy was then visible to
every one — his pace increased, and with wagging
tail, expressive of his pleasure, he ran to his mas-
ter with the refreshment. The caresses were
then mutual, and after receiving his morsel as a
recompence for his fidelity, he was ordered home
with the empty basket and plates, which he car-
ried back vi ith the greatest precision, to the high
diversion of all the spectators."

A gentleman, who usually spent the winter
months in the capital of North Britain, having
gone with his family to pass the summer at his
country seat, left the care of his town residence,
together with a favourite house dog, to some

VOL. II. — NO. XI. Y

166 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A grateful return.

servants, who were placed at board-wages. 1 lie
dog soon found board-wages very short allow-
ance ; and to make up the deficiency, he had re-
course to the kitchen of a friend of his master's,
•which in better days he had occasionally visited.
By a hearty meal, which he received here daily,
he was enabled to keep himself in good condi-
tion, till the return of his master's family to town
on the approach of winter. Though now re-
stored to the enjoyment of plenty at home, and
standing in no need of foreign liberality, he
did not forget that hospitable kitchen where
he had found a resource in his adversity. A
few days after, happening to saunter about
the streets, he fell in with a duck, which, as
he found it in no private pond, he probably
concluded to be no private property. He
snatched up the duck in his teeth, carried it to
the kitchen where he had been so hospitably fed,
laid it at the cook's feet, with many polite move-
ments of his tail, and then scampered off with
much seeming complacency at having given this
testimony of his grateful sense of favours.

The following instance of incongruous adop-
tion, however singular, is related upon respect-
able authority.

A farmer, living at Hainton, near Market
Raison, in Lincolnshire, a few years since lost
an ewe, the mother of two lambs. He chanced
to have at the same time, a mastiff bitch, with a
litter of puppies. Not having occasion for these

' THE DOG. 169

Lambs nourished by a bitchf

puppies, he drowned them, and putting the or-
phan lambs in their places, the bitch gave them
suck, and brought them up with great paternal
tenderness. About a twelvemonth after her
nurselings had quitted her protection and SOCH
ety, for a mode of living more consonant to their
nature, the same bitch heard the bleating of &
lamb from a basket which a boy was carrying,
she instantly flew at the basket, and having got
it down, made several attempts to extricate the
lamb from its confinement; but being unable to
effect that, she showed it repeated marks of in-
stinctive affection »

A French officer more remarkable for his
birth and spirit than for his riches, had served the
Venetian republic with great valour and fidelity
several years, but had riot met with prefer-
ment adequate by any means to his merits. One
day he waited on the illustrissimo, whom he had
often solicited in vain, but on whose friendship
he had still some reliance. The reception he
met with was cool and mortifying: the noble
turned his back on the necessitous veteran, and
left him to find his way to the street, through a
suite of apartments magnificently furnished. He
passed them, lost in thought, till casting his eyes
on a sumptuous sideboard, where stood on a da-
mask cloth, as a preparation for a splendid enter-
tainment, an invaluable collection of Venice
glass, polished and formed to the highest degree
of perfection ; he took hold of a corner of the
Y 2

170 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Remarkable abstinence of a dog.

linen, and turning to a faithful English dog, who
always accompanied him, said, in a kind of ab-
sence of mind — " There, my poor old friend,
you see how these scoundrels enjoy themselves,
and yet see how we are treated !" The poor ani-
mal looked up in his master's face and wagged
his tail, as if he understood him. The master
walked on, but the mastiff, slackening his pace,
and laying hold of the damask cloth with his
teeth, at one hearty pull brought the whole side-
board to the ground, and deprived the insolent
noble of his favourite exhibition of splendor !

That dogs are capable of sustaining long and
severe abstinence will appear from the following
well authenticated anecdote :

In the year 1789, when preparations were
making at St. Paul's for the reception of his ma-
jesty, a favourite bitch followed its master up the
dark stairs of the dome : but here it was suddenly
missing, and calling and whistling were to no
purpose. Nine weeks after this, all but two days,
some glaziers were at work in the cathedral, and
heard amongst the timbers which support the
dome a faint noise: thinking it might be some
unfortunate being, they tied a rope round a boy,
and let him down near to the place whence the
sound came. At the bottom he found a dog-
lying on its side, the skeleton of another dog,
and an old shoe half eaten. The humanity of
the boy led him to rescue the animal from its
miserable situation, and it was accordingly drawn

THE DOG. 171

Remarkable abstinence, &c.

up, much emaciated, and scarcely able to stand.
The workmen placed it in the porch of the
church, to die or live, as might happen. This
was about ten o'clock in the morning; some time
after, the dog was seen endeavouring to cross the
street at the top of Ludgate-hill, but its weakness
was so great, that, unsupported by a wall, it
could not accomplish it. The miserable appear-
ance of the dog again excited the compassion of
a boy, who carried it over. By the aid of the
houses it was enabled to get to Fleet-market,
and over two or three narrow crossings in its way
to Holborn-bridge, and about eight o'clock in
the evening it reached its master's house in Red
Lion-street, Holborn, and laid itself down on the
steps, having been ten hours in its journey from.
St. Paul's to that place. The animal was so
much altered, the eyes being sunk in the head
as to be scarce discernible, that the master would
not encourage his old faithful companion, who,
when lost, was supposed to weigh twenty pounds,
and now only weigiied three pounds fourteen
ounces; the first indication it gave of knowing
its master, was by wagging its tail when he men-
tioned the name Phillis; for a long time it was
unable to eat or drink, and it was kept alive by
the sustenance it received from its mistress, who
used to feed it with a tea-spoon ; at length it re-
covered. Should it be asked, how did this ani-
.111 al live near nine weeks without food? This was
not the case. She was in whelp when lost, and

1

172 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Curious extract from a letter.

doubtless ate her own offspring; the remains -of
another dog, killed by a similar fall, was likewise
found, that most probably was converted by the
survivor to the most urgent of all natural pur-
poses ; and when this repast was finished, the
shoe succeeded, which was almost half devoured.
What famine and a thousand accidents could not
do, was effected a short time after by the wheels
of a coach, which unfortunately went over her,
and ended the existence of poor Phillis.

The following curious extract from a letter of
Sir John Harrington to Prince Henry, son of
King James I. will serve to corroborate our for-
mer assertions respecting the sagacity of the dog,
and at the same time afford a specimen of Eng-
lish orthography in that reign.

" May it please your highnesse to accepte in
as good sorte what I nowe offer, as it hath done
aforetyme; and I may saie / pede fausto ; but,
havinge goode reason to thinke, your highnesse
had good will and likinge to read what others
have tolde of my rare dogge, I will even give a
brief historic of his good deedes and straunge
feats; and herein will I not play the curr myselfe,
but in goode soothe, relate what is no more nor
lesse than bare verity. Althowgh I mean not to
disparage the deedes of Alexander's horse, I will
match my dogge against him for good carriage,
for, if he did not bear a great prince on his back,
I am bold to saie he did often bear the sweet
wordes of a greater princesse on his necke.

THE DOG. J73

Instances of sagacity.

___ — ^ — - -

. " I did once relate to your highnesse after
what sorte his tacklinge was wherewithe he did
sojourn from my house at the Bathe to Green-
wich palace, and deliver up to the cowrte there
such matters as were entrusted to his care. This
he hathe often done, and came safe to the Bathe,
or my howse here at Kelstone, with goodlie re-
turnes from such nobilitie as were pleased to em-
ploie him; nor was it ever tolde our ladie queene,
that this messenger did ever blab ought concern-
jnge his high truste, as others have done in more
special matters. Neither must it be forgotten as
how he pnce was sente with two charges of sack
wine from the Bathe to my howse, by my man
Combe; and on his way the cordage did slack-
<ene> but my trustie bearer did now bear himselfe
so wisely as to covertly hide one flasket in the
rushes, and take the othej- in his teethe to the
howse, after whiche he wente forthe, and return-
ede with the other part of his burden to dinner:
hereat yr highnesse may, perchance, marvele
and double, but we have livinge testimonie of
those who wroughte in the fieldes, and espiede
his worke, and now live to tell they did muche
longe to plaie the dogge and give stowage to the
wine themselves; but they did refrain, and
watchede the passinge of this whole businesse.

" I neede not saie how muche I did once
grieve at missinge this dogge, for, on my journie
towardes Londone, some idle pastiiners did di-
yerte themselves with huntinge mallards in a

174 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Instances of sagacity.

ponde, and conveyed him to the Spanish Ambas-
sador's, where, in a happie houre, after six
weekes, I did heare of him; but suche was the
cowrte he did pay to the don, that he was no
lesse in good likinge there then at home. Nor
did the householde listen to my claim, or chal-
lenge, till I rested my suite on the dogge's own
proofes, and made him perform such feats before
the nobles assembled, as put it past doubt that [
was his master. I did send him to the hall in
the time of dinner, and made him bringe thence
a pheasant out of the dish, which created much
mirth ; but much more when he returnede at my
commandment to the table again, and put it
again in the same cover. Herewith the com-
panie was well content to allow me my claim,
and we bothe weve well content to accepte it,
and came homewardes. I could dwell more on
this matter, but jubes renovare Jolorem; I will
now saie in what manner he died: as we traveld
towardes the Bathe, he leaped on my horse's
necke, and was more earneste in fawninge and
courtinge my notice, than what 1 had observed
for some time backe; and, after my chidinge his
disturbinge my passinge forwardes, he gave me
some glances of such affection, as moved me to
cajole him; but, alas! he crept suddenly into a
thorny brake, and died in a short time. Thus I
have strove to rehearse such ofliis deedes as maie
suggest much more to yr royal highnesse thought
of this dogge. But, havinge said so much of

tfcE nod. 17-3

Instances of sagacity.

him in prose, 1 will say somewhat too in verse,
asyou may finde hereafter. Now let Ulysses praise
his dogge Argus> or Tobite be led by that dogge
whose name doth not appear; yet could I say such
things of my Bungey, for so was he styled, as
might shame them both, either for good faith,
clear wit, or wonderful deedes; to say no more than
I have said, of his bearing letters to Londone and
Greenwiche, more than an hundred miles. As I
double not but your highnesse would love my
dogge, if not myselfe; I have been thus tedious
in his storie; and again sai, that of all the dogges
near your father's courte, not one hathe more
love, more diligence to please, or less pay for
pleasinge, than him I write of; for verily a bone
woulde contente my servante, when some ex-
pecte greatar matters, or will knavishly find oute
a motion of contention."

Two gentlemen, who kept their fox-hounds at
Whinnick, in Northamptonshire, used sometimes
to go for a fortnight's hunting to Lutterworth,
in Leicestershire. On one of these expeditions,
it was judged prudent to leave a favourite hound_,
called Dancer, at home; their first day's hunting
from Luttenvorth produced an extraordinary
chase, in which both the hounds and horses
were so completely tired, that it was deemed ex-
pedient to stop that night at Leicester. When
they returned the next day to Lutterworth, they
were informed that a hound, of a certain descrip-

VOL. II. — NO. XII. Z

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Friendship of canine contraction.

tion, from which it was known to be Dancer,
came thither soon after their going out the pre-
ceding morning, that he had waited quietly till
towards the evening, but then began to show
some signs of impatience, and in the morning
disappeared. It was of course concluded, that
the animal being disappointed in finding his
companions where he expected, had returned to
the kennel at Whinnick; but what was the sur-
prise and concern of his master, when, on re-
turning home, he learnt that he had come back
from Lutterworth, staid one day, and then de-
parted again 1 Every enquiry was made, but in
vain; till at length it was discovered, that not
finding the pack either at Lutterworth or at
\Vhinuick, Dancer had proceeded into War-
wickshire, to a house, where the hounds had
been for a week some months before.

The following is a singular instance of friend-
ship of canine contraction.

A clergyman, in the city, was possessed of a
dog, which had a custom of going every morn-
ing during the summer season to the New River,
and plunging into the water; after which immer-
sion, he very orderly trotted home again. This
peculiarity attracted the attention of another
clergyman, who, in his morning walks, had fre-
quently observed the fact witli no small enter-
tainment, ftor did he escape the notice of the
dog; for honest Rover, finding he had crept
into some little favour with the parson, resolved,
V

THE DOG. 177

Friendship of canine contraction.

as will appear, to cultivate a farther acquain-
tance.

Upon one of these occasions, instead of mak-
ing the best of his way home, he made bold to
arrest our sable friend, by griping the skirt of
his coat, rather sportively than with any vicious
or sanguinary intention. But yet he seemed un-
willing to relinquish his hold. The singularity
of the circumstance, as may be imagined, excited
the curiosity of his prisoner, who wisely thinking
it would be to no purpose to remonstrate, put
himself under the conduct of his canine compar-
nion, and walked on, musing on the adventure,
and wondering, at the same time, what would be
the event.

Through many bye-ways and windings did
they travel, till at length Rover released his cap-
tive, and made a set, which was saying, as plain
as a dog could say, that their journey was at an
end. So in fact it was; and now the last act of
civility remained to be performed on the part of
the dog, of which he acquitted himself very hand-
somely, never losing sight of his charge until he
had introduced him to his master; the denoue-
ment was not inconsistent with the whole tenor
of the dog's deportment; the clergymen having
thus contracted an intimacy and ever afterwards
lived in habits of friendship.

The author of the Tableaux Tt/no^rapkiques de
la Suisse, in his Description of the Alps and
{jjaciers, relates the following circumstance in
z 2

178 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A fortunate deliverance.

proof of the amiable sagacity of the dog. — The
chevalier Gaspard de Brandenberg was buried,
together with his servant, by an avalanche, as
they were crossing the mountain of St. Gothard,
in the neighbourhood of Airolo. His dog, who
had escaped the accident, did not quit the spot
where he had lost his master. Happily this was
not far from a convent. The faithful animal
scratched the snow, and howled for a long time
with all his strength ; then ran to the convent,
returned and ran back again. Struck by his per-
severance, the people of the house followed him
next morning: he led them directly to the spot
where he had scratched the snow ; and the che-
valier and his domestic, after thirty-six hours
passed beneath it, were drawn out safe and well.
They had distinctly heard every bark of the dog,
^nd all the discourse of their deliverers. Sensi-
ble of the attachment of this fine animal, to
which he owed his life, he ordered, on his death,
that he should be represented on his tomb with
his dear dog. At Zong, in the church of St. Os-
wald, they still show the tomb and the effigy of
this magistrate, represented with a dog at his feet.

The following anecdote may be added to that
long list of honourable examples, w.hich testify
the virtues of the canine race; it is founded on
fact, and is transcribed, from a writer of respec-r
lability.

The gamekeeper of the Rev. Mr. Corsellis
had reared a spaniel, which was his constant at-

THE DOG.

Effects of attachment.

tendant, both by night and day: whenever old
Paniel appeared, Dash was close beside him,
.and the dog wras of infinite use in his nocturnal
excursions. The game, at that season, he never
regarded, although in the day time no spaniel
would find it in a better style, or in greater quan-
tity; but, if at night a strange foot had entered
iiny of the coverts, he informed his master, by a
significant whine, that the enemy were abroad;
and many poachers have been detected and
-caught from this singular intelligence. After
many years friendly connection, old Daniel was
afflicted with a consumption, which terminated
in his death: whilst the slow but fatal progress
of his disorder allowed him to crawl about, Dash,
as usual, followed his footsteps, and when nature
was still further exhausted, and he took to his
bed, at the foot of it unwearily attended the
faithful animal; and when he died, the dog
would not quit the body, but laid upon the bed
by its side. It was with difficulty he was tempted
to take any food; and although after the funeral
he was taken to the hall, and caressed with all
the tenderness which so fond an attachment na-
turally excited, he took every opportunity to steal
back to the. room in the cottage, where his old
master breathed his last; here he would remain
for hours, and from thence daily visited his
grave; but at the end of fourteen days, notwith-
standing every kindness and attention shown
Jinn, he died literally broken-hearted,

180 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Lines by Mr. Pratt.

I shall close this account of the canine tribe
with the following beautiful lines extracted from
Mr. Pratt's Gleanings.

" How oft some hero of the canine kind,

A Caesar, " guiltless of his country's blood ;'*

A blameless Pompey, tho' for power design'd,
Intrepid champion of the oppress' d has stood !

Kow snatch'd a friend from the assassin's steel,
From raging fire, or from the whelming wave;

Now taught the haughty rational to feel.
The bold to fear, the coward to be brave.

Thon animal sublime, we human call,

Who deem'st these attributes but instinct's sway,

Thyself sole-reas'ning tyrant of the ball,
The rest thy slaves, to tremble and obey.

Virtues in thee are instincts in the brute ;

Yet in these instincts, proud one ! may'st thou find
Plain honest arguments, which oft confute

The sub t' lost maxims of thy soaring mind.

Art thon in doubt, and wouldst Ihou truly know,
How far those virtuous instincts may extend ?

Caesar and Pompey at thy feet can show
Th' unmeasur'd duties of a faithful friend.

Hast thou e'er follow'd friend with steps more true,
\Vi»h nobler courage hast thon met the foe ?

And if that friend in an;er left thy view,
Hast thou so felt the reconciling glow ?

Or if thou hast, O tell me ! hast thou borne

Insult unmerited, stripes undeserv'd?
And didst thou both in meek submission mourn,

As if thou only hadst from duty swerv'd |

THE DOG. 181

Lines by Mr. Pratt.

Or, if new proofs thy tyranny demands,

Would'st tliou see love o'er all these stripes prevail,
Lo ! the poor dog still licks thy barb'rous hands,

When strength and nature, all but fondness fail.

Of all the boasted conquests thou hast made,
By flood or field, the gentlest and the best

Is in the dog, the generous dog display'd,
For ah ! what virtues glow within his breast I

Thro' life the same, in sunshine and in storms,
At once his lord's protector and his guide,

Shapes to his wishes, to his wants conforms,

His slave, his friend, his pastime, and his pride.

Excell'd, perchance, in dignity and grace,
Or on the peaceful, or th' embattled plain,

Yet, oh ! what attributes supply their place,
Which nor provoke the spur nor ask the rein?

Lo ! while the master sleeps he takes his rounds,
His master's happiness his sole delight ;

A wakeful sentinel, whose watch-bark sounds
To awe the rude disturbers of the night.

Monarch himself, meanwhile, of some fair flock,
A meek, mild people, who his rule obey,

And while the shepherd slumbers on the rock,
Or in the vale, nor sheep, nor lamb, shall stray.

Yes, mighty lord of all that move below,

Without thy dog, how vain the temper'd steel,

Thy fate-wing'd bullet, and thy plastic bow,
And all thy arts to conquer and to kill.

Without his aid, say, how would'st thou oppose
The noontide ruffian, and the midnight thief?

Enthrall'd on every side by dang'rous foes.
Who, but thy faithful dog could bring relief?

182 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

_ Description.

But would'st thou see an instance \et more dear,
A touch more rare — thy dog u.ay still afford

The example high — go read it on the bier,
If chance some canine friend survive his lord.

Awhile survives his latest dues to pay,
Beyond the grave his gratitude to prove.

Mourn out his life in slow but sure decay,
Martyr sublime of friendship and of love 1

From him who drives the pilferer from the gate.
To him who leads the eyeless to the door,

All prove without the dog, how weak the great,
And with that constant friend bow strong the poor !

Then grateful own the dog's unrivall'd claim,
A claim not e'en the lion can dispute:

The proud usurper of another's fame,

The gen'rous dog shall be the kingly brute.

THE WILD CAT.

THIS animal, from which all the varieties of
the domestic cat have proceeded, inhabits both
Europe and Asia, and is sometimes found in the
woody and more unfrequented parts of our own
island. The head and limbs are larger than those
of the domestic cat; and the colour is a pale yel-
lowish-grey, with dusky stripes, those on the
back running lengthwise, and those on the sides
transversely and in a curved direction. The
tail is shorter than in the domestic kinds, and is
annulated with dusky rings. The female breeds
in hollow trees, and produces four yonng at a
litter.

• THE DOMESTIC CAT. 183

Conflict between a man and a wild cat.

Wild cats are sometimes taken in traps, and
sometimes by shooting: in the latter mode it is
dangerous to merely wound them; as they are
frequently known to turn upon their assailant,
and their strength is so great as to render them
no despicable enemy. At the village of Barn-
boro', in Yorkshire, there is a tradition extant of
a serious conflict that once took place between a
man and a wild cat. The inhabitants assert, that
the fight commenced in an adjacent wood, and
that it waffcontinued from thence to the porch
of the church, where it ended fatally to both
combatants, for ?ach died of the wounds re-
ceived. A rude painting in the church comme-
morates the event; and the red tinge of some of
the stones, (though probably natural) has been
construed into bloody stains which all the soap and
water hitherto used have been unable to efface.

In Jamaica, the domestic cat is very apt to
become wild ; from the quantify of food, at all
seasons to be found in the woods and mountains:
to remedy this inconvenience, the country peo-
ple frequently split or cut off the animal's ears,
the more to expose those tender organs to the
rain or dews; and this is said to be generally
effectual. In England also domestic cats will
sometimes become wild ; and when this occurs,
they prove themselves mortal foes to pheasants
at roost, and become more injurious to the diver-
sion of the sportsman than most species of natu-
rally wild vermin. In a large cover belonging

VOL.11. — NO. XII. 2 A'

164 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Wild cats formerly hunted in Britain.

to Sir H. St. John Mildmay, sixteen of these
animals were killed by a pack of fox-hounds in
four days drawing the cover for foxes. They are
generally caught in traps, having the bait sprink-
led with valerian.

Wild cats were formerly reckoned among the
British beasts of chase; as appears by a charter
of Richard II. to the abbot of Peterborough,
granting him permission to hunt the hare, fox,
and wild cat. The fur was also used in lining
of robes; but it does not seem to ha%e been ac-
counted of a luxurious kind ; as it was ordained
that no abbess or nun should use more costly ap-
parel than such as was made of lambs or cats
skins.

THE DOMESTIC CAT.

THE manners and dispositions of this quadru-
ped seem to be entirely changed by education ;
and although it does not exhibit the affectionate
attachment of the dog, it is not destitute of
either gentleness or gratitude. A remarkable in/-
stance of this is related in Mr. Pennant's Account
of London. Henry Wriothsly, earl of South-
ampton, the friend and companion of the earl of
Essex in his fatal insurrection, having been some
time confined in the Tower, was one day sur-
prised by a visit from his favourite cat ; which, is
said to have reached its master by descending
5

THE DOMESTIC CAT. 185

Instance of sagacity.

the chimney of his apartment. In proof of the
sagacity of these animals, the Rev. Mr. Bingley
relates the following anecdote : " A friend of
mine possessed a cat and a dog, which, not heing
able to live together in peace, had several con-
tentious struggles for the mastery; and in the
end, the dog so completely prevailed, that the
cat was driven away, and forced to seek for shel-
ter elsewhere. Several months elapsed, during
which the dog alone possessed the house. At
length, however, he was poisoned by a female
servant, whose nocturnal visitors he had too often
betrayed; and was soon afterwards carried out
lifeless into the court before the door. The cat,
from a neighbouring roof, was observed to watch
the motions of several persons who went up to
look at him ; and when all were retired, he de-
scended, and crept, with some degree of caution,
into the place. He soon ventured to approach ;
and, after having frequently patted the dog with
his paw, appeared perfectly sensible that his late
quarrelsome companion could no more insult
him ; and from that time he quietly returned to
his former residence and habits."

" A cat," says Dr. Smellie, " frequented a closer,
the door to which was fastened by a common iron
latch. A window was situated near the door.
When the door was shut, the cat gave herself no
uneasiness. But as soon as she was tired of her
confinement, she mounted on the sole of the
window, and with her paws dexterously lifted the
2 A 2

186 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Detection of murdercra.

latch and came out. This practice she continued
for years."

In the summer of 1800, a physician of Lyons
was requested to enquire into a murder that had
been committed on a woman of that city. He
accordingly went to the residence of the deceas-
ed, where he found her extended lifeless on the
floor and weltering in her blood. A large white
cat was mounted on the cornice of a cupboard,
at the farther end of the apartment, where he
seemed to have taken refuge. He sat motion-
less ; with his eyes fixed on the corse, and his
attitude and looks expressing horror and affright.
The following morning, he was found in the same
station and attitude; and when the room was
filled with officers of justice, neither the clatter-
ing of the soldiers' arms, nor the loud conversa-
tion of the company, could in the least degree
divert his attention. A* soon, however, as the
suspected persons were brought in, his eyes
glared with increased fury; his hair bristled; he
darted into the middle of the apartment, where
he stopped for a moment to gaze at them ; and
then precipitately retreated under the bed. The
countenances of the assassins were disconcerted ;
and they now, for the first time during the whole
course of the horrid business., felt their atrocious
audacity forsake them.

The assiduity with which the female cat at-
tends her young, and the pleasure which she
s<?ems to take in all their playful tricks, afford a

THE DOMESTIC CAT. 18?

Squirrels nourished by a cat.

very pleasing entertainment to every attentive
observer. She has also been known not only to
nurse with tenderness the young of different in-
dividuals of her own species, but even those of
other kinds of animals.

" A boy," observes Mr. White, (in his Na-
tural History of Selborne,) " had taken three
young squirrels in their nest. These small crea-
tures he put under a cat who had lately lost
her kittens; and found that she nursed and
suckled them with the same assiduity and affec-
tion as if they had been her own progeny. So
jnany persons went to see the little squirrels
suckled by a cat, that the foster-mother became
jealous of her charge, and in pain for their
-safety; snd therefore concealed them over the
ceiling, where one died. This circumstance
evinced her affection for these foundlings, and
that she supposed the squirrels to be her own
young."

A more remarkable instance, however, occurred
some years ago in the house of a Mr. Greenfield,
of Maryland. A cat had kittens, to which she
frequently carried mice and other small animals
for food ; and among the rest she is supposed to
have carried a young rat. The kittens, probably
not being hungry, played with it ; and when the
cat gave suck to them, the rat likewise sucked
her. This having been observed by some of the
servants, Mr. Greenfield had the kittens and rat
Brought dqwn stairs, and put on the floor ; and

188 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A pleasing experiment.

in carrying them off, the cat was remarked to
convey away the young rat as tenderly as she
did any of the kittens. This experiment was re-
peated as often as any company came to the
house, till great numbers had become eye-wit-
nesses of the preternatural affection.

It is but seldom that cats are, like the dog, at-
tached to our persons : all their attachment seem-
ing to be confined to the houses where they have
been brought up. Instances are very common of
cats returning, of their own accord, to the place
whence they have been carried ; though at the
distance of several miles, and even across rivers
where they could not possibly have had any
knowledge of the road or the direction that
would lead them to it.

" No experiment," says an intelligent writer,
" can be more beautiful than that of setting a
kitten for the first time before a looking-glass.
The animal appears surprised and pleased with
the resemblance, and makes several attempts at
touching its new acquaintance; and, at length,
finding its efforts fruitless, it looks behind the
glass, and appears highly astonished at the ab-
sence of the figure. It again views itself, and
tries to touch the image with its foot ; suddenly
looking at intervals behind the glass. It then
becomes more accurate in its observations; and
begins, as it were, to make experiments, by
stretching out its paw in different directions;
and when it finds that these motions are answered
in every respect by the figure in the glass, it

THE DOMESTIC CAT. 189

Of the e^e and fur of the cat.

seems, at length, to be convinced of the real na-
ture of the image."

It is generally supposed, that cats can see in
the dark. This is not absolutely the case; but
they can certainly see with much less light than
most other quadrupeds, owing to the peculiar
structure of their eyes, the pupils of which are
capable of being contracted or dilated in propor-
tion to the degree of light by which they are af-
fected. The pupil of the eye during the day is
perpetually contracted, and it is with difficulty
that it can see by a strong light: but in the twi-
light the pupil resumes its natural roundness, the
animal enjoys perfect vision, and embraces the
favourable opportunity of discovering and seiz*
ing its prey.

The fur of this animal being generally clean
and dry, readily yields electric sparks when rub-
bed; and if a clean and perfectly dry cat be
placed, in frosty weather, on a stool with glass
feet or insulated by any other means, and rubbed
for a short time in contact with the wire of a
coated vial, the vial by this means will become
effectually charged.

In former times cats were held in so great esti-
mation in Britain, that their preservation was
considered of the utmost importance. Hence,
in the reign of Howel the Good, Prince of Wales,
who died A. D. 948, laws were made, to fix the
prices of different animals ; among which the cat
was included, as being, at that early period, of

190 NAT tin A LIST'S CABINET.

Cats formerly held in great esteem.

greai importance, on account of its scarcity and
utility. The price of a kitten before it could see,
was fixed at one penny; till proof could be given
of its having caught a mouse, two-pence ; after
which'lt was rated at four-pence; — a great sum in
those days, when the value of specie was ex-
tremely high. It was likewise required, that the
animal should be perfect in its senses of hearing
and seeing, should be a good mouser, have its
claws whole, and, if a female, be a careful nurse.
If it failed in any of these qualifications, the
seller was to forfeit to the buyer the third part of
its value. If any one should steal or kill the cat
that guarded the prince's granary, the offender
was to forfeit either a milch ewe, with her fleece,
and lamb ; or as much wheat as, when poured on
the cat suspended by its tail (its head touching
the floor), would form a heap high enough to
cover the tip of the tail.

M. Baumgarten inform us, that when he was
at Damascus, he saw there a kind of hospital for
cats: the house in which they were kept was
very large, walled round, and was said to be quite
full of them. On enquiring into the origin of
this singular institution, he was told, that Maho-
met, when he once lived there, brought with
him a cat, which he kept in the sleeve of his
gown, and carefully fed with his own hands.
His followers in this place, therefore, ever after-
wards paid a superstitious respect to these ani-
mals; and supported them in this manner by

THE DOMESTIC CAT.

A curious fact — Maternal courage.

public alms, which were very adequate to the
purpose. The patience, vigilance, cleanliness,
and utility of the cat, have also obtained for it
the highest degree of protection in the Oriental
mythology ; so far indeed, that it is esteemed
the noblest species of its tribe.

The following curious fact in the natural his-
tory of this animal, is related by Dr. Anderson,
jn his Recreations in Agriculture: — A cat be-
longing to Dr. Coventry, the ingenious professor
of agriculture in Edinburgh, which had no ble-
mish at its birth, accidentally lost its tail when.it
was young. It had several litters of kittens; and
in every one of these there was one or more that
wanted the tail, either wholly or in part.

It is pretty generally acknowledged, that the
dog often reaches to the point of human saga-
city : the following instance of maternal courage
and affection in a cat is no less deserving of ad-
miration.

A cat, who had a numerous brood of kittens,
one sunny day in spring, encouraged her little
ones to frolic in the vernal beams of noon, about
the stable-door; while she was joining them in a
thousand sportive tricks and gambols, they were
discovered by a large hawk, who was sailing
above the barn-yard in expectation of prey; and
in a moment, swift as lightning, darted upon one
of the kittens, and had as quickly borne it off,
but for the courageous mother, who seeing the
danger of her offspring, flew on the common ene-

ypi,. if.— #o. xn. 2 B

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Instance of maternal courage.

my, who, to defend itself, let full the prize; the
battle presently became seemingly dreadful to
both parties ; for the hawk, by the power of his
wings, the sharpness of his talons, and the keen-
ness of his beak, had, for a \vhile, the advantage,
cruelly lacerating the poor cat, and had actually
deprived her of one eye in the conflict; but puss,
no way daunted at the accident, strove with all
her cunning and agility for her little ones, till
she had broken the wing of her adversary: in
this state she got him more within the power of
her claws, the hawk still defending himself, appa-
rently with additional vigour, and the fight con-
tinued with equal fury on the side of grimalkin,
to the great entertainment of many spectators.
At length victory seemed to favour the nearly
exhausted mother, and she availed herself of the
advantage; for, by an instantaneous exertion she
laid the hawk motionless beneath her feet, and, as
if exulting in the victory, tore off the head of the
vanquished tyrant; and immediately, disregard-
ing the loss of her eye, ran to the bleeding kitr
ten, licked the wounds inflicted by the hawk's ta-
lons in its tender sides, purring while she cares-
sed her liberated offspring, with the same mater-
nal affection as if no danger had assailed
pr their affectionate parent.

" Ah ! wanton cruelty, thine hand withold,
And learn to pity from the tale that's told:
C ;res:> Felina, lor in her we find
A grand example to instruct mankind —
Who leaves her young unguarded, or unfed,
Has far less virtue than this quadruped."

tFlE DOMESTIC CAT.

Catching fish

A friend of Doctor Darwin's saw a cat catch a
trout, by darting upon it in a deep clear water,
at the mill at Weaford, near Litchfield. The
animal belong-ed to a Mr. Stanley; who had fre-
quently seen her catch fish in the same manner
in the summer, when the mill-pool was drawn so
low that the fish could be seen. Other cats have
been known to take fish HI shallow water, as they
stood on the bank. This may probably be a na-
tural act of taking prey, which acquired delicacy
by domestication, lias, in general, prevented cats
from using, though their desire of eating fish con-
tinues in its original strength. Our artist has illus-
trated the above facts by the annexed engraving.

We slmll close this subject with Gray's justly
admired Verses on the death of a favourite cat;
said to have been accidentally drowned in a tub'
6f gold fishes.

on a lofty vase's sJde,
Where China's gayest art had dy'd

The azure flow'rs that blow;
Demurest of the tabby kind,
The pensive Selima reclin'd,

Gaz'd ou the lake below.

Her conscious tail her joy declar'd :
The fair round face, the snowy beard,

The velvet of her paws ;
Her coat, that w::h the tortoise vies,
Her ears of jet, and em'rald eyes,

She saw ; and purr'd applause.

Still had she gaz'd ; but midst the tide
Two angel forms were seen to glide,
The genii of f Tie stream ;
•2 B 2

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Verses on the death of a cat.

Their scaly armour's Tyrian hue,
Through richest purple to the view,
Betray'd a golden gleam.

The hapless nymph with wonder saw ;
A whisker first, and then a claw,

With many an ardent wish,
She stretch'd, iu vain, to reach the prise >
What female heart can gold despise ?

What cat's averse to fish ?

Presumptuous ruaid ! with looks intenty
Again she stretch'd, again she bent,

Nor knew the gulf between :
'Malignant fate sat by and smil'd
The slipp'ry verge her feet beguil'd—

She tumbled headlong in.

Eight times emerging from the flood.
She mew'd to ev'ry wat'ry god,

Some speedy aid to send.
No dolphin came, no nereid stirr'd,
Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard : —

A fav'rite has no friend !

From hence, ye beauties ! undeceiv'd,
Know, one false step is ne'er retriev'd.

And be with caution bold.
Not all that tempts your wand'riiig eyesj
And heedless hearts, is lawful prize;

Nor all that glitters gold;"

" Young kittens/' says Goldsmith, " are very
playful and amusing; but their sport soon turn*
into malice, and even from the beginning they
show a disposition to cruelty; they often look
wistfully towards a cage ; sit sentinels at the mouth
ef a mouse-hole ; andA in a short time, become

THE A tiG OR A CAT.

Natural malignity.

more expert hunters than if they had received
the instructions of art. I have seen one of them
positively watch a whole day, until the mouse
appeared, and continue quite motionless till it
came within reach; and then seize it with a
jump. Of all the marks by which the cat disco-
vers its natural malignity, that of playing and
sporting with its little captive before killing it,
is the most flagrant."

Mr. Browne informs us, that the negroes con-
sider the flesh of these animals as a great de-
licacy.

THE ANGORA CAT.

THE Angora cat is considerably larger than
the domestic species, and is covered with remark-
ably long hair. The colour is generally dun, or
white. When M. Sonnini was in Egypt, he had
one of them in his possession for a long time.
It was entirely covered with long silky hairs: its
tail formed a magnificent plume; which the ani-
mal elevated, at pleasure, over its body. Not
one spot, nor a single dark shade, tarnished the
dazzling whiteness of its coat. Its nose and lip*
were of a delicate rose colour. Two large eyes
sparkled in its round head ; one of which was a
light yellow, and the other a fine blue.

This beautiful animal had even mote loveliness

196 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, manners, &c.

of manners, than giace in its attitude and move-
ments. With the physiognomy of goodness, she
possessed a gentleness truly interesting. How ill
soever any one used her, she never" attempted to
advance her claws from their sheath. Sensible
to kindness, she licked the hand which caressed;
and even that which tormented her. On a jour-
ney, she reposed tranquilly on the knees of any
of the company, for there was no occasion to
confine her; and if our author, or some other
person whom she knew, were present, no noise
whatever gave her the least disturbance.

In Sonnini's solitary moments, she chiefly kept
by his side; she interrupted him frequently in
the midst of his labours or meditations, by little
affecting caresses, and generally followed him in
his walks. During his absence, she sought and
called for him incessantly, with the utmost inqui-
etude: and, if it -were long before he re-appeared,
she would quit his apartment, and attach herself
to the person of the house where he lived ; for
whom, next to himself, she entertained the great-
est afiection. She recognised his vorce at a dis-
tance; and seemed on each fresh meeting with:
him, to feel increased satisfaction. Her gait was
frank, and her look as gentle as her character.
She possessed, in a word, the disposition of the
most amiable dog, beneath the brilliant fur of a
cat.

" This animal," says M. Sonnini, " was my
principal amusement for several years. How was"

THE TIGER CAT.. 197

Description, &c.

the expression of her attachment depicted upon
her countenance! How many times have her
tender caresses made me forget my troubles, and
consoled me in my misfortunes ! My beautiful
and interesting companion, however, at length
perished. After several days of suffering, during
which I never forsook her, her eyes, constantly
fixed on me, were at length, extinguished ;
lier loss rent my heart with sorrow."

THE TIGER CAT.

THIS animal is considerably larger than the
domestic cat; and more elegant in its general
conformation and appearance. The colour is a
bright tawny; marked on the back with oblong
black streaks, and in the other parts with blotches
«f the same. A skin, measured by Mr. Pennant,
was found to be three feet in length from the
nose to the tail.

In their native mountains at the Cape of Good
Hope, these quadrupeds are very destructive to
rabbits, young antelopes, lambs, and even to all
the different species of birds. In disposition,
however, they are not so fierce as the generality
of their tribe; and when taken, they are easily
rendered tame: though Labat has asserted, that
their appearance bespeaks cruelty, and their eyes
# great degree of ferocity.

198 NATUB A LIST'S CABINET.

Tiger cat domesticated.

When Dr. Forster and his son touched at the
Cape, in the year 1795, one of these animals \vas
offered to him for sale. But from its having a
broken leg, he refused it, under the apprehension
that it would not be able to bear a passage to
Europe. It was brought in a basket to his apart-
ment, where he kept it above twenty-four hours;
and consequently had an opportunity, not only
of describing it, but in some measure, of observ-
ing its manners and economy. These seemed
perfectly analogous to those of our domestic cats.
It ate raw fresh meat, and appeared to attach
itself to its feeders and benefactors. In its dis-
position it was gentle, and had been rendered
perfectly taine. After Dr. Forster had fed it a
few times, it followed him like a tame cat. It
seemed fond of being stroked and caressed j rub-
ted its head and back against his clothes, and
seemed very desirous of being noticed. It also
purred, as our domestic cats do when they are
pleased. At this time it was about nine months
fold, and had been taken when quite young bi
the woods.

THE RAT. 199

Observations.

CHAP. V.

" While the rat is on the scout
And the mouse with curious snout,
With what vermin else infest
Ev'ry dish, and spoil the best ;
Frisking thus before the fire,
Thou hast all thine heart's desire,"

ADDEESS TO THE CRICKET.)

THE RAT,

IT has been justly observed of this quadruped,
that, notwithstanding its weak and contemptible
appearance, it possesses properties which render
it a more formidable enemy to mankind than
even those animals which are endued with the
greatest strength, and most rapacious dispo-
sitions.

There are two kinds of these animals known
in Great Britain ; the black rat, which was for-
merly universally diffused, and the brown or
Norwegian rat; which has greatly diminished
the number of the others ; but has itself multi-

VOL. ii. — NO. xii. 2 e

200 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, manners, &c.

plied so excessively, and is so very strong and
voracious, as to form no acceptable substitute.

The length of this animal is about nine inches ;
the colour of the head and the upper part of the
body is of a light brown, mixed with tawny; the
throat and belly are of a dirty white, inclining to-
grey; and the legs are of a dirty flesh colour.
The eyes are large and black ; the rail is covered
with minute dusky scales, mixed with a few short
hairs; and the general figure is disgusting.

In Ireland th«se rats have very nearly de-
stroyed the whole race of frogs; which the inha-
bitants were somewhat anxious to preserve, in-
order to clear their fields of insects, and render
their waters more salubrious. While the frogs
continued in great numbers, the rats also multi-
plied; but since the latter are deprived of this
considerable part of their subsistence, they also
are become much less numerous.

During summer, they reside chiefly in holes
•n the banks of rivers, ponds, and ditches ; but
on the approach of winter they visit the farm-
houses, and enter the corn-ricks and barns, where
they devour much of the corn, and damage con-
siderably more than they consume. They have
haunts in the walls and about the floors of old-
houses, where they frequently destroy the furni-
ture ; and they have even been known to gnaw
the extremities of infants while asleep. They
are also excessively destructive to eggs, poultry,

THE RAT. 201

Amazing fecundity.

pigeons, rabbits, and game of every description.
They swim with ease, dive with great celerity,
and not unfrequently prey upon fish.

Goldsmith remarks, that they frequently pro-
duce from ten to fifteen at a time, and usually
bring forth thrice a year. Such, indeed, is their
amazing fecundity, that they would soon overr
run the whole country, and render all our aU
tempts to destroy them fruitless, had they no
enemies to lessen their numbers. But this bane-
ful increase is happily counteracted, not only by
numerous foes among the other animals, but by
their destroying and eating each other. The
$ame insatiable appetite that impels them to in-
discriminate carnage, also incites the strongest to
devour the weakest, even of their own kind; and
a large male rat is as much dreaded by its own
species, as the most formidable enemy.

The weasel is in perpetual enmity with these
animals; and will pursue them into their holes,
and fight with them there. This little creature
endeavours to fix itself on their bodies, and suck
their blood; which it very often effects. They
are, however, so bold as to attack a small dog,
seize him by the mouth, and, holding fast there,
they inflict a wound very difficult to be healed.

In the Isle of France, rats have been found in
guch prodigious swarms, that it is said the place
was completely abandoned by the Dutch on ac-
count of their numbers. In some of the houses

'

202 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Depredations — A singular anecdote.

they are so numerous, that thirty thousand have
been known to have been killed in a year. They
have subterraneous hoards both of corn and
fruit; and frequently climb up the trees to de-
vour the young birds. At sun-set they may be
seen running about in all directions; and in a
single night they will frequently commit such
devastation, that a French traveller says, he has
seen a field of maize, in which they had not left
a single ear remaining.

M. de St. Pierre informs us, that on the return,
of the Valiant man of War from the Havannah,
in the year 1766, its rats had increased to such a
degree, that they destroyed a hundred weight of
biscuit daily. The ship was at length smoked
between decks, in order to suffocate them: and
six hampers were, for some time, filled every
day, with the rats that had thus been killed.

A gentleman travelling through Mecklenburg,
about thirty years ago, was witness to a very sin-
gular circumstance in the post-house at New
Hargard. After dinner, the landlord placed on
the floor a large dish of soup, and gave a loud
whistle. Immediately there came into the room;
a mastiff, a fine Angora cat, an old raven, and a
remarkably large rat with a bell about its neck.
They all four went to the dish, and, without dis-
turbmg each other, fed together; after which
the dog, cat, and rat lay before the fire, while
the raven hopped about the room. The laud-

THE MUSK RAT.

Absurd notion of the Egyptians.

lord, after accounting for the familiarity which
existed among these animals, informed his guest
that the rat was the most useful of the four; for
the noise he made had completely freed the
house from the rats and mice with which it was
previously infested.

In Egypt, as soon as the river Nile, after hav-
ing fertilized the land, leaves it free for cultiva-
tion, multitudes of rats and mice are seen to issue
in succession from the moistened soil. Hence
the Egyptians believe that they are generated
from the earth itself; and some of them will as-
sert with the utmost effrontery, that they have
seen the animals in their formation ; one half of
their bodies flesh, and the other half mud.

Some of the Japanese tame these rats, and
teach them to perform many entertaining tricks;
and, thus instructed, they are exhibited as a
ghow for the diversion of the populace.

THE MUSK RJT.

THE musk rat is about the size of a small
rabbit. Its head is thick and short, somewhat
resembling that of the water-rat. The eyes are
large; the ears short, rounded, and covered both
inside and outside with hair. The fur is soft,
glossy, and of a reddish-brown colour; and be-
neath this is a much finer fur, or thick down,
which is very useful in the manufacture of hats.

£04 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Description — Habitations.

The tail is flattened laterally, and covered witty
scales.

In the general form of their body, as well at
in many of their habits, these animals bear a con-
siderable resemblance to the beaver. They con?
struct their habitation of dry plants, but particiir
larly of reeds, cement it with clay, and cover it
with a sort of dome. At the bottom and sides
of this there are several pipes, through which
they pass in search of food; for they lay up no
provisions for winter. They have also subterra-
neous passages, into which they retreat when-
ever their houses are attacked.

These habitations, which are intended only
for the winter, are rebuilt annually. At the ap-
proach of this season they begin to construct
them, as places of retirement from the inclemen-
cies of the weather. Several families occupy the
same dwelling, which is frequently covered under
a depth of eight or ten feet of snow and ice ; so
that they must lead a cold, gloomy, and necessi-
tous life till the return of spring.

During the summer they wander about, gene-
rally in pairs, feeding voraciously on herbs and
roots. They then become extremely fat, and
acquire a strong musky smell ; whence they have
their specific name. They walk and run in an
awkward manner, like the beaver ; and swim very
indifferently, their feet being unfurnished with,
webs.

The musk rats, as well as the beavers, seem tq

THE ECONOMIC BAT.

Description — Habitations.

have their drones or terriers, which are at no
trouble in the common operation of building.
These burrow like water-rats, in banks adjacent
to takes, rivers, and ditches; and often do consi-
derable damage by admitting the water through
the embankments of meadows.

These animals are found in America, front
Hudson's Bay as far south as Carolina.

THE ECONOMIC RAT.

THE length of this animal is about four in-
ches, exclusive of the tail, which measures one
inch. The limbs are strong; the ears short,
fiaked, and almost hidden beneath the fur of the
head. The general colour is tawny, somewhat
whiter beneath than on the back.

Economic rats are found in various parts of
Siberia and Kamtschatka; where they make their
burrows, with the utmost skill, immediately below
the surface of a soft turfy soil. They form a
low chamber of a flattish arched form, about a
foot in diameter, to which they sometimes add
twenty or thirty small passages or entrances.
Near the chamber they frequently construct
other caverns, in which they deposit their stores
of plants, which they gather in summer, and
bring home; and even, at times, they bring them
out of their cells to give them, a more thorough

206 NATURALIST'S CABINRT.

Migrations.

drying in the sun. They associate in pairs; and
except during the summer, when the male leads
a solitary life in the woods, the male and female
commonly sleep in the same nest.

The migrations of these quadrupeds have been
noticed both by Dr. Grieve and Mr. Pennant ;
but neither of them have attempted to explain
the cause. " In the spring," says the former
writer, " they assemble in amazing numbers, and
proceed in a direct course westward; swimming
with the utmost intrepidity over rivers, lakes,
and even arms of the sea. Many are drowned,
and many destroyed by water-fowl or rapacious
fish. Those that escape, on emerging from the
water, rest awhile to bask, dry their fur, and re-
fresh themselves. The Kamtschadales, who have
a kind of superstitious veneration for these little
animals, whenever they, find any of them thrown,
upon the banks of the rivers, weak and exhaust-
ed, render them every possible assistance. As
soon as they have crossed the river Penschinska,
at the head of the gulf of the same name, they
turn in a south-westerly direction ; and about the
middle of July, generally reach the rivers Ochot-
ska and Judoma — a distance of about a thousand
miles! The flocks are also so numerous, that tra-
vellers have sometimes waited about two hours
for them to pass. The retirement of these ani-
mals is considered by the Kamtschadales as a se-
rious misfortune; but their return occasions the

^^ THE HAMSTKR. SO?

Crossing rivers.

utmost joy and festivity, a successful chase and
fishery being always considered as its certain
consequence.

Kerr informs us, that the Kamtschadales never
tiestroy the hoards of these rats. Sometimes,
indeed, they take away part of their store; but>
in return for this, they invariably leave some
caviare, or other food, to support them in its
*tead.

The manner in which the economic rats, in
their foraging excursions, cross the rivers of Ice-
land, is thus described by Mr. Olaffen. " The
party, consisting of from six to ten, select a flat
piece of dried cow-dung; on which they place
the berries they have collected, in a heap in the
middle. Then, with their united force, drawing
it to the water's edge, they launch it, and em-
bark; placing themselves round the heap, with
their heads joined over it, and their backs to the
water, their tails pendent in the stream and serv-
ing the purpose of rudders."

THE HAMSTER.

THIS quadruped is about the size of a large
water-rat; but somewhat thicker. The colour
of the head and back is a reddish brown, some-
what like that of a hare. The throat is white,
and on each side of the body there are three
large oval white spots. On each side of the

VOL. n. — NO. xii. 2 o

t08 NATUKALISTS CABINET.

Habitations.

mouth are two receptacles for food : which,
when empty, are so far contracted, as not to ap-
pear externally ; but when filled, they resemble
a pair of tumid bladders, with a smooth veiny
surface, which is concealed by the fur of the
cheeks. The ears are large, and the tail short
and almost naked. The hair, according to Mr.
Ray, is so closely united to the skin, that it can-
not be pulled off without great difficulty. These
animals live under ground, burrowing down ob-
liquely. At the end of their passage, the male
ginks one perpendicular hole; and the female se-
veral, sometimes seven or eight. At the extre-
mity of these are formed various vaults,; either as
lodges for themselves and young, or as store-
houses for their food. Each young one has its
separate apartment; and each sort of grain its
appropriate vault: the former are lined with
straw or grass. The vaults are of different
depths, according to the age of the animals. A
young hamster makes them scarcely a foot deep ;
an old one sinks them to the depth of four or
five feet. The whole diameter of the habitation,
with all its communications, is sometimes eight
or ten feet.

The male and female have always separate
apartments; for, except in their short season of
courtship, they have no intercourse. The whole
race, indeed, are so malevolent, as constantly to
reject all association. They frequently fight,
kill, and devour each other : and the female

THE HAMSTER. 209

Food — Magazines, &c.

shews so little affection for her young, that if any
person dig into the hole, she attempts to make
her own escape by burrowing deeper into the
earth, leaving them to the mercy of the invader.

Hamsters have been sometimes known to eat
flesh ; but their favourite food consists of grain,
herbs, and roots. Their pace is remarkably slow;
but they perform the operation of burrowing
in the ground with great agility. Not being
formed for long journeys, their magazines are
first stocked with such provisions as are most
contiguous to their abode; which accounts for
some of their chambers being rilled with only
one species of grain. After the harvest is reap-
ed, they are compelled to go to greater distances
in search of provisions, and carry to their store-
houses whatever eatables they can lay hold of.

The pouches in their cheeks se^m provided by
nature to facilitate the transportation of food to
their magazines. These, in the inside, are fur-
nished with several glands; which secrete a cer-
tain fluid, that preserves the flexibility of the
parts. They are each capable of containing
about two ounces of grain; which the animal
empties into its granary, by pressing its two fore-
feet against its cheeks. When its cheeks are
full, it may be caught with the hand, without
danger ; as it has not, in this condition, the free
motion of its jaws. The quantity of provision
found in their burrows, depends on the age or
sex of the inhabitants. The old hamsters fre-
2 D 2

CIO NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Torpidity during winter.

quently amass a hundred pounds weight; but
the females and the young are contented with a
much smaller quantity.

Dr. Russel informs us, that on dissecting one
of these animals, he found the pouch, on each
side of its mouth, stuffed with young French
beans, arranged lengthways, so exactly and close
to each other, that it appeared strange by what
mechanism this had been effected ; for the mem-
brane which forms the pouch, though muscular,
is extremely thin, and the most expert fingers
could not have packed the beans in more regu-
lar order. When they were laid loose on the
table, they formed a heap three times the bulk
of the animal's body.

At the approach of winter, the hamsters retire
to their subterraneous abodes, the entrances to
which they close up with great care. Here they
repose for some months ; and feed on their pro-
visions till the frost becomes severe, when they
sink into so complete a state of torpidity, that
neither respiration nor any kind of feeling is per-
ceptible. When dissected, however, in this situ-
ation, the heart may be seen slowly contracting
and dilating; the fat appears coagulated, and the
intestines are quite cold. When found in a
state of torpidity, the animal's head is bent under
its belly, between the two fore-legs, and the hind-
legs rest upon the muzzle. The eyes are closed }
and when the eye-lids are forced open, they in-
stantly shut again. The members are all stiff,

THE HAMSTER. 211

Observations.

and the body feels as cold as ice. In this state
the hamsters are frequently dug up by the pea-
santry; who employ much of their time in hunt-
ing for their retreats. These are easily known
by the small mounts of earth raised at the end of
the galleries; and the hoard, when discovered,
often consists of a bushel or a bushel and a half
of corn.

The stupor of these animals has been supposed
to result entirely from a certain degree of cold;
but experience has proved, that to render them,
torpid, they must also be excluded from all com-
munication with the external air: for when one
of them is shut up in a cage filled with earth and
straw, and exposed in winter to a degree of cold
even sufficient to freeze water, he never becomes
so. But when the cage is sunk four or five feet
under ground, and well secured against the ac-
cess of air, at the end of eight or ten days he be-
comes as torpid as if he had been in his own
burrow. If the cage be brought up to the sur-
face, he will awake in a few hours ; but resumes
his torpid state when put below the earth again.

The actions of the hamster, in passing from a
state of torpidity, are extremely singular. He
first loses the rigidity of his members ; and then
makes profound respirations, but at long inter-
vals. His legs begin to move; he opens his
mouth, and utters disagreeable and rattling
sounds. After continuing these operations for
some time, he opens his eyes, and endeavours t*
6

212 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Boldness of attack.

raise himself on his legs. But all these move-
ments are still reeling and unsteady; he, how-
ever, repeats his efforts, till he is at length able
to stand on his legs. In this attitude he remains
fixed ; as if he meant to repose himself after his
fatigue. But he gradually begins to walk, to eat,
and to act in his usual manner. This restoration
to a state of activity, requires more or less time,
according to the temperature of the air. When
exposed to a cold air, he sometimes requires
above two hours to awake ; but, in a more tem-
perate air, he accomplishes his purpose much
sooner.

The hamster seems to have no other passion
than that of rage; which propels him to attack
indiscriminately every animal that comes in his
way. Ignorant of the art of saving himself by
flight, rather than yield he will allow himself to
be literally beaten to pieces. If he seize a man'*
hand, he must be killed before he will quit his
hold; and horses and dogs are equally the ob-
jects of his rage. When the hamster perceives
a dog at a distance, he empties his cheek-pouches,
if they happen to be filled with grain; and blows
them up so prodigiously, that the size of the
head and neck greatly exceeds that of the rest
of the body. He then raises himself on his hind
legs, and thus darts upon the enemy. If he catch
hold he never relinquishes it, but with the loss of
his life. But the dog generally seizes him from
behind, and strangles him. When two Hani-

THE MARMOT. 215

Furious combats — Fecundity.

sters meet, they never fail to attack each other,
and the stronger always devours the weaker.

Buffon remarks, that a combat between a male
and female commonly lasts longer than that be-
tween two males. They begin by pursuing and
biting each other; then each of them retires
aside, as if to take breath. After a short interval
they renew the engagement, and continue to
fight till one of them falls. The vanquished uni-
formly serves for a repast to the conqueror.

The females bring forth twice or thrice a-year ;
each litter consisting of six or eight young: and
their fecundity in some years is so great, as to
be almost sufficient to occasion a dearth : but
their perpetual hostilities happily counteract the
ill effects of their rapid increase. In about three
weeks after their birth, the young are driven
from their holes, and left to seek their own pro-
visions; and in fifteen or sixteen days, they be-
gin to form their respective burrows.

Hamsters are found in various parts of Ger-
many, Poland, and Silesia.

THE MARMOT.

THE Alpine marmot is about sixteen inches
in length, has a short tail, and bears some resem-
blance both to the rat and the hare. The colour
of the body is brownish above, and bright tawny

214 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description — Habitations.

on the under parts. The head is rather large,
and flattish ; the ears short, and concealed by
the fur; and the tail thick and bushy. The
voice generally resembles the murmuring of a
young puppy: but when the animal is alarmed
or irritated, it makes a whistling noise, very loud
and piercing.

These animals delight in the regions of frost
and snow, and are seldom to be found but on
the summits of the Alps, or the highest moun-
tains of Poland and Tartary. They remain in a
torpid state during winter. About the end of
September, or the early part of October, they
retire into their holes, and do not come abroad
again till the beginning of April. Their retreat*
are formed with much art and precaution. They
do not make a single hole, nor either a straight
or a winding tube ; but a kind of gallery in the
form of the letter Y, each branch of which has
an aperture, and both terminate in a large apart-
ment, where several of the animals lodge toge-
ther. As the whole operation is performed on
the declivity of a mountain, the innermost aper-
ture alone is horizontal. Both the branches are
inclined : one of them descends under the apart-
ment, and follows the declivity of the mountain ;
this is a kind of aqueduct, to receive and carry
off all the filth that is produced within : the other,
which rises above the principal apartment, is
used for coming in and going out at. The place

fHE MAttMOT. 215

Joint labours.

of their abode is comfortably lined with moss
and hay, of which they lay up a considerable
store during the summer.

We are informed upon respectable authority
that this labour is carried on jointly: that some
of the animals cut the finest herbage, which is
collected by others : and that they transport it
to their habitations in the following manner:
One, it is said, lies down on his back, allows hirr.-
self to be loaded with hay, and extends his limb; ;
and others trail him, thus loaded, by the tail,
taking care not to overset him. The task of thus
serving as a vehicle, is divided alternately among
the number. M. Beauplau, in his Description
of Ukraine, asserts, that he has often seen them
practise this, and has watched them at it fcr
whole days together. The repeated frictions
arising from sustaining a passive part in the ope-
ration, are assigned as the reason why the hair is
generally rubbed off from their backs: though
this effect may probably be produced by their
frequent digging of the earth, which alone is
sufficient to peel off the hair. However this may
be, it is certain that they reside together, and
work in common in their habitations, where they
pass the greatest part of their lives. Thither they
retire during rain, or on the approach of danger j
and never go out but in fine weather, and even
then to no great distance.

When a number of marmots are feeding toge-
ther, one of them stands sentinel upon a rock;

VOL.1I. — NO. XII. 2E

416 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, &c.

and on perceiving a man, an eagle, a dog, or any
other dangerous animal, he instantly utters a loud
and shrill whistle, as the signal for a precipitate
retreat.

The marmot is naturally playful; and when
tamed, may be taught to hold a stick, to dance,
and to exhibit a variety of gestures, at the com-
mand of its master. The female produces once
a year, and has generally three or four young
ones at a litter.

THE LEMING.

LEMINGS are principally found on the
mountains of Norway and Lapland. They vary
considerably both in size and colour: those of
Norway being almost equal to water rats, while
those of Lapland are scarcely as large as mice.
The former are elegantly variegated with patches
of black and tawny, having the sides of the head
and the neck white. The legs and tail are grey-
ish ; and the under parts of the body a dull
white. The head is large, short, and thick;
with short ears and small eyes. The body is also
thick ; the neck short, and the limbs stout and
strong. The tail is very short. When opposed,
of enraged, they raise themselves upon their
hind feet, and bark like little dogs.

These animals subsist entirely on vegetables.
In summer they form shallow burrows under the

THE LEMING. 217

Migrations.

surface of the ground, and in winter they make
long passages under the snow in search of food ;
for as they lay up no winter provisions, they are
reduced to the necessity of hunting for them
during all the rigors of the cold season.

They seem to be endowed with ft power of* dis-
tinguishing the approach of severe weather ; for
previously to the setting in of a cold winter they
quit their haunts in the aforementioned coun-
tries, and emigrate in immense multitudes south-
wards towards Sweden, always endeavouring to
keep a direct line. These emigrations take place
at uncertain intervals, though generally about
once every ten years : and, exposed as the tra-
Tellers are to attack, they of course become
the prey of a variety of animals. Multitudes
also are destroyed in endeavouring to swim
over the rivers or lakes. From these differ-
ent causes, very few of them survive to return,
to their native mountains; and thus a check is
put to their ravages, as an interval of several
years is necessary to repair their numbers sufficir
ently for another invasion. Thej' are bold ajid
fierce, and even will attack men and animals if
they meet them in their course; and they bite sp
hard, as to allow themselves to be carried to a
considerable distance hanging by their teeth, be-
fore they will quit their hold. It has been re-
innrked, that no opposition impedes the progress
^f these animals in their migrations.

O

if disturbed or pursued while swimming ovei
2 E 2

218 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Depredations — Battles, &c.

a lake, and their phalanx be separated by oars
or poles, they will not recede; but keep swim-
ming directly on, and soon get into regular order
again. They have sometimes been known even,
to endeavour to board or pass over a vessel.
Their march is chiefly by night, or early in the
morning; and they make such devastation among
the herbage, that the surface of the ground over
which they have passed, appears as if it had been
burned. They are even thought to infect the
plants which they gnaw; for cattle turned into
pastures where they have been, are said fre-
quently to die in consequence. Their number*
have at times induced the Norwegians to believe
that they had descended from the clouds; and
the multitudes that are sometimes found dead
on the banks of rivers, or other places, corrupt
by their stench the whole atmosphere around,,
and thus produce many diseases.

An enemy so numerous and destructive would
soon completely ruin the countries they pass
through, did not the same rapacity that excites
them to ravage the productions of the earth, at
last impel them to destroy each other. Having
devoured all the herbage, they frequently divide
into two parties, attack each other, and fight like
hostile armies. From these battles, the supersti-
tious inhabitants of Sweden and Lapland pretend
to foretel not only wars, but also their success,
according to the quarters the animals come from,
and the side that is defeated.

THE FIELD MOUSE. 219

Description, &c.

THE FIELD MOUSE,

THIS little animal is well known in all the
temperate parts of Europe; where it frequents
dry and elevated fields or woods. It is about
four inches and a half in length, exclusive of the
tail, which measures nearly four inches more.
Its colour is a yellowish brown above, and whitish
on the under parts. The eyes are full, black,
and lively.

Mice have received their appellation from the
circumstance of their being found only in fields
and gardens. They live in burrows, twelve or
fourteen inches under ground; where they lay
up considerable quantities of acorns, nuts, beech-
mast, &.c. According to Buffon, a bushel of
these substances has been sometimes found in a
single hole. Their habitations are commonly
divided into two apartments; the one for living
in with their young, and the other as a store-
room for their provisions. Their nests may be
easily discovered by the small heaps of mould
thrown up at the entrance of their runs, which
lead by winding paths to the magazine.

The Rev. G. White relates a singular instance
of sagacity in one of these animals, which occur-
red one day, as his servants were pulling off the
lining of a hot-bed, in order to add some fresh
dung. From out of the side of this bed, leaped
something with great agility, that made a most
I

220 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Instance of sagacity.

grotesque figure, and was not taken without much
difficulty; when it proved to be a large field
mouse with three or four young clinging to her
teats by their mouths and feet. It was amazing
that the desultory and rapid motions of the datn
did not oblige her litter to quit their hold, espe-
cially when it appeared that they were so young
as to be both naked and blind.

Field mice are very prolific; breeding more
than once a-year, and often producing litters of
dght or ten at a time. The nest for their young
is generally made near the surface of the ground,
»nd often in a thick tuft of grass.

THE HARVEST MOUSE.

THIS diminutive animal which hitherto ap-
pears to have been only found in Hampshire, is
somewhat of a squirrel colour; with a white
belly, having a straight line along the sides di-
viding the shades of the back and belly.

One of the nests of these little quadrupeds was
procured by the Rev. Mr. White. It was most
artificially platted, and composed of blades of
wheat: perfectly round, and about the size of
a cricket-ball; with the aperture so ingeniously
closed, that there was no discovering to what
part it belonged. It was so compact and well
filled that it would roll across a table without
being discomposed, though it contained eight

THE HARVEST MOUSR. 221

Curious nest.

young mice that were naked and blind. As this
nest was perfectly full, it seemed difficult for the
dam to come at her litter respectively so as to
administer a teat to each. Perhaps, however,
the different places might be opened for that
purpose, and adjusted again when the business
was over; but she could not possibly be con-
tained herself in the ball with her young, which,
would also be daily increasing in bulk. This
wonderful cradle, an elegant specimen of the ef-
forts of instinct, was found in a wheat-field, sus-
pended in the head of a thistle.

Our author remarked, that though the harvest
mice hang their nests above the ground, yet in
wintei they burrow deep in the earth, and make
warm beds of grass; but their grand rendezvous
seems to be in corn-ricks, into which they are
carried at . harvest. Some of them, on being
measured were found to be only two inches and a
quarter in length, exclusive of their tails, which
were nearly as long ; and when put into a scale
two of them weighed down just one copper half-
penny. Hence they are supposed to be the
smallest quadrupeds in this island.

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

CHAP. VI.

" The well-taught otter at th* accustomed sign,
Dives through the glassy surface of the stream,
Seizes his prey, and to his master brings
The struggling captive."

THE OTTER.

THIS animal, though not wholly amphibious,
is capable of remaining a considerable time under
water, and can pursue its prey in that element
with the utmost facility. It is a native of almost
every country in Europe, and is still to be met
with in some parts of England. The legs are
short, but remarkably strong and muscular. The
head is broad, oval, and flat on the upper part;
the body is long and round ; and the tail tapers
gradually to a point. The legs are so placed as
to be capable of being brought into a line \vith
the body, and of performing the office of fins :
and the toes are connected by webs. The ears
are short; and the eyes are situated in such a

THE OTTER. 223

JVlunners, food, &c.

manner that the animal can see every object that
is above it. The general colour of the body is a
deep brown.

Otters ffencrallv inhabit the banks of rivers;

O «.'

and though they occasionally seize on the poul- '
try and the smaller quadrupeds, their principal
food is fish. " The otter/' says Mr. Pennant,
" shows great sagacity in forming its habitation.
It burrows under-ground in the bank of some
river or lake : and always makes the entrance of
its hole under water, working upwards to the sur-
face of the earth ; and, before it reaches the top,
it provides several lodges, that, in case of high
floods it may have a retreat (for no animal seems
desirous of lying drier), and then makes a minute
orifice for the admission of air." It is also ob-
served, that this animal, the more effectually to
conceal its retreat, contrives to make this little
air-hole in the midst of some thick bush.

• In very hard weather, when its natural sort of
food fails, the otter will kill lambs, sucking pigs,
and poultry, and one was caught in a warren,
where he had come to prey on the rabbits. In
the year 1793, as two gentlemen were shooting,
at Pilton, in Devonshire, the pointer stood at
some brakes, whence burst a large otter: the
dog seized, but being severely bitten, was soon
obliged to quit his hold; after driving him about
for some time in a turnip field, they killed him
by blows upon the head, and this otter was at a

VOL. II. — NO. XIII. £ F

£24 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Occasional excursion* — Playfulness, &c.

distance of at least five miles from any river or
pond, that could supply him with fish, and it is
to be presumed he meant to prey upon some land
animal, as he had prowled so far from the place
\vhere his natural food could be procured.

In some parts of North America, otters are
seen in winter at a distance from any apparent
open water, both in woods and on plains; but
the cause which leads them to such situations
has never been ascertained. If pursued, when
among the woods where the snow is light and
deep, they immediately dive, and make consider-
able way under it; but they may be easily traced
by the motion of the snow above them, and soon
overtaken. The Indians kill great numbers of
them with clubs, by tracking them in the snow;
but some of the old ones are so fierce, when
closely pursued, that they will turn upon and fljr
at their pursuers.

They are remarkably fend of play; and Mr.
Heame observes, one of their favourite pastimes
is, to get on a high ridge of suow, bend their
fore-feet backward, and slide down the side of it,
sometimes to the distance of twenty yards.

Though naturally of a ferocious disposition,
otters, when taken young may be educated, and
completely tamed. The training of them re-
quires considerable assiduity and perseverance ;
but their activity and use, when taught, suffici-
ently repay this trouble; and few animals are
more beneficial to their masters. The usual ine-

THE OTTER. 225

Mode of instruction.

thod is first to teach them to fetch, in the same
way as dogs ; but, as they have not an equal do-
cility, so it requires more art and experience to
instruct them. It is usually performed by accus-
toming them to take in their mouths a truss
made of leather, and stuffed with wool, of the
shape of a fish; to drop it at a word of com-
mand; to run after it when thrown forward, and
to bring it to their master. Real fish are next
employed ; which are thrown dead into the wa-
ter, and which they are taught to fetch from
thence. From dead fish they are led to living
ones, till at length they are perfectly instructed
in the whole art of fishing. An otter thus edu-
cated, is very valuable; he will catch fish enough
to sustain not only himself but a whole family.
" I have seen," says Goldsmith, " an otter go to
a gentleman's pond at the word of command,
drive the fish into a corner, and, seizing upon
the largest of the whole, bring it off, in hi*
aiiouth, to his master."

A person, who lived, at KUmerston, near
Wooler, in Northumberland, had a tame otter,
which followed him wherever he went. He fre-
quently took it to fish in the river; and when
satisfied, it never failed to return to its master.
One day, in the absence of its owner, the otter
being taken out to fislji by his son, instead of re-
turning as usual, refused to come at the accus-
call, and was lost. The father tried every
2 F 2

CCfi NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Tame otters.

means to recover it; but, after several day*
search, being near the place where his son had
lost it, and calling it by its name, to his inex-
pressible joy it came creeping to his feet, and
showed many marks of affection and firm attach-
ment.

A gentleman in Essex had an otter, which
always attended him like a dog, and every after-
noon, when the old gentleman slept, the otter
regularly stationed itself in his lap ; it used to
get fish from the ponds in the gardens and
grounds near the house ; it had milk also given,
it; but was at last accidentally killed, by a maid-
servant striking it with a broom handle upon the
nose, where a small blow is fatal.

Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inver-
ness, had a young otter, which he brought up
and tamed. It would follow him wherever he
chose ; and, if called by its name, would imme-
diately obey. When apprehensive of danger
from dogs, it sought the protection of its master,
and would endeavour to spring into his arms for
greater security. It was frequently employed in
catching fish, and would sometimes take eight
or ten salmon in a day. If not prevented, it al-
ways attempted to break the fish behind the fin
next the tail ; and, on one being taken away, it
immediately dived in pursuit of more. When
tired, it would icfuse to fish any longer; and was
then remunerated with as much as it could eat.

THE OTTER.

Tame otters used in fishing.

Having satisfied its appetite, it always coiled
itself round, and fell asleep; in which state it
was generally carried home. This animal fished
as well in the sea as in fresh water, and took great
numbers' of young cod and other fish.

Mr. Bewick relates, that another person who
kept a tame otter, suffered it to follow him with,
his dogs. It was very useful to him in fishing;
by going into the water, and driving trout and
other fish towards the net. It was remarkable,
that dogs accustomed to otter-hunting, were so
far from giving it the least molestation, that they
would not even hunt any otter while this re-
mained with them; on which account the owner
was under the necessity of disposing of it.

In the Praedium llusticum of Vaniere, the
niethod of fishing with tame otters is described
in language to the following effect:

"Should chance within this dark recess betray
The tender young, hear quick the prize away.
Tam'd by thy care, the useful brood shall join
The wat'ry chase, and add their toils to thine ;
From each close lurking-hole shall force away;
And drive within thy nets, the silver prey :
As the taught hound the timid stag subdues,
A"d o'er the dewy plain the panting hare pursues."

M. Poissonnier, having; tamed a vouns: otter.

^ «* O •*

found that, after a little instruction, it would run
to a small river, about a hundred yards from his
house, and very seldom returned without a live
fish in its mouth. He also brought it to such a

2G8 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Mode of catching fish.

state of domestication, that to whatever distance
it went, it always returned, with the utmost
punctuality, to its kennel.

When the otter, in its wild state, has caught a
fish, it immediately drags it ashore, and devours
the head and upper parts, leaving the remainder :
and when domesticated, it will eat no fish except
such as are perfectly fresh; but will prefer bread,
milk, 8cc. It generally hunts against the stream ;
and when more than one are fishing at the same
time, they frequently utter a sort of loud whistle
to each other, as if by way of signal. When
two of them are hunting a salmon, one stations
itself above, and the other below the place where
the fish is: and they continue to' chase it, till,
becoming perfectly wearied out, it surrenders
itself without resistance. When hunting singly,
the otter has two modes of taking its prey. The
first is by pursuing it from the bottom upwards ;
this is principally done with the larger fish ;
whose eyes being placed so as not to see under
them, the animal attacks them by surprise from
below, and, seizing them by the belly, drags
them c\way. The other mode is by driving them
into some corner of the pond or lake, and there
seizing them. The latter, however, can only be
practised in wrater where there is no current, and
on the smaller fish; for it would be impossible
to force the large ones out of deep water. It has
been observed, that the otter is as noxious in. 4

THE OTTER. 229

A young otter nourished by a bitch.

fish-pond, as the polecat in a hen-roost; for he
frequently kills more fish than he can eat, and
then carries off but one in his teeth.

The female brings four or five young at a
time, about the month of June; as it frequents
ponds near gentlemen's houses, litters have been
found in cellars, sinks, and other drains. The
cubs have been known to have been suckled and
brought up bj' a bitch : near South Molton, in
Devonshire, this happened, and the young otter
followed his master with the dogs, but seemed
to have no inclination for the water. The }roung
of animals are generally beautiful, but the young
otter is not so handsome as the old.

In the northern parts of America, these ani-
mals change their colour in winter to white, like
most of the other Arctic animals ; and it is not
till very late in the spring that they resume their
brown summer dress.

The hunting of the otter was formerly consi-
dered as excellent sport, and hounds were kept
solely for that purpose; the sportsmen went on.
each side the river, beating the banks and sedges
with the dogs; if an otter were in that quarter,
his seal was soon traced upon the mud, as the
•water, wherever it would admit of it, (according
to the mode now pursued) was lowered as much
as possible, to expose the hollow banks, reed-
beds, and stubs, that might otherwise shelter
Liin ; each hunter had a spear to attack the otter

2.SO NATUKALIST'S CABINET.

Otter-hunting.

when he vented, or came to the surface of the
water to breathe. If an otter were not soon
found by the water side> it was imagined that he
had gone to couch more inland, and was sought
for accordingly; (for sometimes they will feed a
considerable way from their place of rest, choos-
ing rather to go up than down the stream). If
the hounds found an otter, the sportsmen viewed
his track in the mud, to find which way he had
taken. The spears were used in aid of the dogs.
When an otter is wounded, he makes directly to
land, where he maintains an obstinate defence ;
he bites severely, and does not readily quit his
hold ; when he seizes the dogs in the water, he
always dives with, and carries them far below the
surface : an old otter will never give up whilst
he has life, and it is observable, that the male
otter never makes any complaint when seized
by the dogs, or even transfixed with a spear; but
the pregnant females emit a very shrill cry. The
chase of the otter has still, however, its admirers,
who are apparently as zealous in this pursuit as
in any other we read of. In 179-5, near Bridg-
north, on the river Worse, four otters were kil-
led : one stood three, another four hours, before
the dogs, and was scarcely a minute out of sight.
The hearts, &.c. were dressed, and eaten by many
respectable people who attended the hunt, and
allowed to be very delicious.

The otter's rlcsh, however, is so extremely rank

THE SEA OTTER. 231

Rankness of the flesh.

and fishy, that the Romish church allows its use
on maigre days. In the kitchen of the Carthu-
sian convent, near Dijon, Mr. Pennant saw one
preparing for the dinner of the religieuse of that
rigid order, who, by their rules, are prohibited,
during their whole lives, the eating of flesh.

The otters of Cayenne are very large, weigh-
ing from ninety to a hundred pounds. Their cry
also is remarkably loud, and may be heard at a
Considerable distance.

THE SEA OTTER.

GREAT numbers of these animals are found
«n the coast of Kamtschatka, and in the adjacent
islands, as well as on the opposite coasts of Ame-
rica; but they are .confined within a very few de-
grees of latitude. The length of the sea otter is
about four feet, of which the tail occupies thir-
teen inches. The ears are small and erect, and
the whiskers long and white. The legs are short
and thick, the hinder ones somewhat resembling
those of a seal. The largest of them weigh from
seventy to eighty pounds. The fur is thick, long,
and glosssy ; and forms a considerable article of
export from Russia.

In their manners these animals are very harm-
Jess : and peculiarly attached to their offspring,

VOL. II. — NO. XIII. % Q

S.S2 NATURALIST'S CABIKET.

Affection towards the young.

They will never desert them ; but will even starve
themselves to death on being robbed of them,
and strive to breathe their last on the spot where
their young have been destroyed. The female
produces only a single young one at a time;
which she suckles almost a whole year. The pa-
rents often carry their young between their teeth,
and fondle them, frequently flinging them up
and catching them again in their paws. Before
these can swim, the old ones will take them in
their fore-feet, and swim about with them upon
their backs.

Sea otters swim sometimes on their sides; at
other times on their backs, or in an upright posi-
tion. They are very sportive, and two of them
may be frequently seen embracing each other.
When attacked they make no resistance, but en-
deavour to save themselves by flight: if, how-
ever, they are closely pressed, and, can see no
means of escape, they scold and grin like an
angry cat. On receiving a blow, they immedi-
ately lie on their side, draw up their hind-legs,
cover their eyes with their fore-paws, and thus
seem to prepare themselves for death. But if
the}' are fortunate enough ,to escape their pur-
suer, they deride him as soon as they are safe in
the sea, with various diverting tricks: at one
time, keeping themselves on end in the water,
and jumping over the waves, holding their fore-
paw over the eyes, as if to shade them from thq

THE SEA OTTER.

233

Playfulness, &c.

sun while looking out for their enemy; then
throwing their young down into the water and
fetching them up again. In their escape they
carry the sucklings in their mouths, and driv^
before them those that are full-grown.

The flesh of these otters when young, is said
to be delicate eating, and to have a near resem-
blance to that of a lamb;

S34 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

' CHAP. VII.

" How instinct varies in the grov'lling swine,
Compar'd, half reas'ning elephant ! with thiue."

as the brindled boar

Grins fell destruction, to the monster's heart
Let the dart lighten from the nervous arm."

THOMSON,

•THE WILD' BO JR.

THIS animal, which is the original of all the
varieties to be found in the hog species, is much
smaller than the domestic kind ; and does not,
like them, vary in colour, but is uniformly of a
brindled grey, inclining to black. His snout is
considerably longer than that of the tame hog,
and his ears are short, round, and black. Each
jaw is also armed with formidable tusks, with
which he ploughs up the earth like a furrow, in
search of roots, &c. and does irreparable damage
in cultivated tracts of land : with these also he
acts offensively against his enemies, and fre-
quently inflicts very terrible wounds.

.t THE WILD BOAfc. 235

Habits — Chase of the hoar.

" The wild boar/' says Dr. Goldsmith, " cannot
properly be called either a solitary or a gregari-
ous animal. The three first years the whole lit-
ter follows the sow, and the family live in a herd
together. They are then called beasts of com-
pany, and unite their common forces against the
invasions of the wolf or the more formidable
beasts of prey. Upon this their principal safety,
while young, depends; for, when attacked, they
give each other mutual assistance ; the strongest
form a ring, and face the danger, and the weak-
est fall into the centre. In this position few ra-
venous beasts dare venture to attack them, but
pursue the chase where there is less resistance
and danger. However, when the wild boar is
arrived at a state of maturity, he walks the forest
alone and fearless. At that time he dreads no-
single creature, nor does he turn out of his way
even for man himself. He does not seek danger,
and he does not seem to avoid it."

The chase of these animals is a dangerous, but
common, amusement of the great, in those coun-
tries where it is found. The dogs used for this
sport are of the slow, heavy kind; as those
trained for hunting the stag or roe-buck would
too soon come up with their prey, and instead of
a chase, would only furnish an engagement.
When the boar is housed, he goes slowly for-
ward, not much afraid, and at no great distance
from his pursuers. He frequently turns round,

236 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

^ i ^^^_^^^__

Chase of the boar.

stops till the hounds come up, and attempts to/
attack them; but as these are perfectly aware of
their danger, they keep off, and bay him at a
distance. After gazing on each other, for some
time, with equal animosity, the boar again goes
forward, till he at length becomes perfectly fati-
gued, and refuses to proceed any further. The
dogs then attempt to close in upon him from be-
hind, and though many of the younger ones lose
their lives in consequence of their temerity, the
others keep him at bay till the huntsmen come
up, and dispatch him with their, spears.

These animals are found in almost all the tem-
perate parts both of Europe and Asia, as well as
in some of the upper parts of Africa.

In former times the wild boar was a native of
Britain, as appears from the laws of Howel Dda,
the famous Welsh legislator; who permitted his
grand huntsman to chase that animal from the
middle of November to the beginning of Decem-
ber. William the Conqueror also punished such
as were convicted of killing the wild boars in his
forests with the loss of their eyes.

THE common or domestic hog is, generally
speaking, a very harmless creature, and preys on
no animals but either dead ones, or such as arc

THE COMMON HOG. 23?

Description — Manners, &c.

incapable of resistance. He lives, for the chief
part, on vegetables, yet can devour the most pur
trescent carcases. He is, however, generally
supposed much more indelicate than he really is.
He selects, at least the plants of his choice, with
equal sagacity and niceness, and is never poison-
ed, like some other animals, by mistaking nox-
ious for wholesome food. Selfish, indocile, and
rapacious, as many think him, no animal has
greater sympathy for those of his own kind.
The moment one of them gives a signal of dis-
tress, all within hearing rush to his assistance.
They have been known to gather round a dog
that teazed them, and kill him on the spot: and
if a male and female be inclosed in a sty when
young, and be afterward separated, the female
will decline from the instant her companion is
removed, and will probably die of a broken,
Jieart.

This animal is well adapted to the mode of
life to which it is destined. Having to gain a
subsistence principally by turning up the earth
with its nose; we find that the neck is strong
and brawny; the eyes small and placed high in
the head; the snout long; the nose tough and
callous, and the power of smelling extremely
acute.

In the island of Minorca, hogs are converted
into beasts of draught; a cow, a sow, and two
young horses, have been there seen yoked toge-
ther, and of the four the sow drew the best.

CSS NATURALIST'S CABINET.

A pig-pointer.

The ass and the hog are here also common help-
mates, and are frequently yoked together to plow
the land. Jn some parts of Italy hogs are used
in hunting for truffles, which grow some inches
deep in the ground. A cord being tied round
the hind-leg of one of the animals, the beast is
driven into the pastures, and wherever it stops
and begins to root with its nose, truffles are
always to be found.

The various learned pigs which have at differ-
ent times been exhibited in this country afford
sufficient proof that these animals are not desti-
tute of natural sagacity. The following is, how-
ever, an instance more truly curious than perhaps
any even of these: — " A gamekeeper of Sir H.
Mildmay," says the Kev. Mr. Daniel, f actually
fcroke a black sow to find game, and to back,
and stand. Slut, which was the name he gave
her, was rendered as staunch as any pointer.
After Sir Henry's death this pig-pointer was sold
J>y auction for a very considerable sura of money ;
tut possibly the secret of breaking swine to the
field expired with the inventor."

The hog is one of those animals that are
doomed to clear the earth of filth and refuse j
and that convert the most nauseous offals into
the richest nutriment. It has not altogether
been unaptly compared to a miser, who is useless
and rapacious in his life, but at his death become*
of public use, by the very effects of his sordid
inanners. During his life he renders little ser-
l

THE COMMON HOG.

Figs affected by wind.

vice to mankind, except in removing that filth.
which other animals reject.

The thickness of his hide and fixt renders the
hog almost insensible of ill treatment^ and in-
stances have even occurred of mice eating their
way into the fat on the back of one of these ani-
mals without incommoding the creature. Al-
though naturally inoffensive, he possesses powers
which, when called into action, render him a very
formidable enemy. He is, however, stupid, in-
active, and drowsy; and nothing but .the calls of
appetite interrupt his repose, to which he always
returns as soon as these are satiated.

Wind seems to have great influence on these
Animals, for when it blows violently they appear
much agitated, and run towards the sty, some-
times screaming in a most violent manner. Na-
turalists have also remarked that, on the approach
of bad weather, they will bring straw to the. sty,
as if to guard against its effects. The peasants
in some parts of the country have a singular
adage that " pigs can see wind."

Those who are^at all acquainted with the man-
ners of the hog, must have observed that they
are extremely tenacious of life. A most curious
instance of this sort is related in Josselyn's Ac-
count of Two Voyages to New England. I shall
extract the passage, and leave the reader to judge
of its authenticity. " Being at a friend's house
in Cambridgeshire, the cook-maid, making ready
to slaughter a pig, she put the hinder parts b«-*

VOL. II. — NO. XIII. 1 H

KATUR A LIST'S CABINET.

A singular anecdote.

tween her legs, as the usual manner is, and tak-
mg the snout in her left hand, with a long knife
stuck the pig, and cut the small end of the heart
almost in two, Jetting it bleed as long as any
blood came forth; then throwing it into a kettlt
of boiling water, the pig swam twiee round about
the kettle; when, taking it out to the dresser,
she rubbed it with powdered rosin, and, stripped
off the hair, and as she was cutting off the hinder
petty-toe, the pig lifted up his head with open
mouth as if it would have bitten: the belly \va«
then cut up, the entrails drawn out, and the
heart laid upon the board, which, notwithitand-
ing the wound it received, had motion in it- above
four hour* after. There were several of the fa-
mily by, with myself, and we could not otherwise
conclude but that the pig was bewitched.'*

The female goes four months with young, an<l
has numerous litters, sometimes twenty at a time*
These animals live to a considerable age, even.
to twenty-five or thirty years. The flesh, though
very nutritious, from not being so digestible as
some other kinds of animal food, is supposed to
be unwholesome to persons who lead sedentary
lives*

In the island of Sumatra there is a variety of
this animal that frequents the impenetrable bushes
and marshes of the sea-coast. They live on crab*
and roots; associate in herds, are of a grey co-
lour, and smaller than the' English swine. At
certain periods of the year, they *wim in terg«

THE COMMON ITOU. 841

Salettian mode of hunting.

4ierds, consisting of sometimes a thousand, from
•one side -of the river Siak to the other, at its
mouth-, which is three or four miles broad, and
again return at stated times. This kind of pas-
sage also takes place in the small islands, by their
swimming from one to the other. On these oc-
casions they are hunted by a tribe of the Malays,
•distinct from all the others of the island, who
live on the coasts of the kingdom of Siak, called
ixilettians.

These men are said to discover the swine by
their scent long before they see them, and when
they do this they immediately prepare their
boats. They then send out their dogs, which
.are trained to this kind of -hunting, along the
strand, where, by their barking, they prevent the
swine from coming ashore and concealing them-
selves among the bushes. During the passage
the boars precede, and are followed by the fe-
males and the young, all in regular rows, each
resting its snout on the rump of the preceding
one. Swimming thus in close rows they form
a singular appearance.

The Salettians, men aivd women, meet them

in their small flat boats. The former row, and

throw large mats, made of long leaves interwoven

through each other, before the leader of each.

row of swine, which still continues to swim with

great strength.; but, -soon pushing their feet into

the mats, they get so entangled as to be able

-either no longer to move them, or only to move

2 n 2

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

S.ilettian mode of hunting.

them very slowly. The rest are, however, neither
alarmed nor disconcerted, but keep close to each
other, none of them leaving the position in which
they were placed. The men then row towards
them in a lateral direction, and the women,
armed with long javelins, stab as many of the
swine as they ca.n reach. For those beyond their
reach they are furnished with smaller spears,
about six feet in length, which they are able to
throw to the distance of thirty or forty feet with
pretty sure aim. As it is impossible for them to
throw mats before all the rows, the rest of these
animals swim off in regular order, to the places
for which they set out, and for this time escape
the danger. As the dead animals are found
floating around in great numbers, they are picked
up and put into larger boats which follow for the
purpose.

Some of these swine are sold to the Chinese
traders who visit the island ; and of the rest they
preserve in general only the skins and fat. The
latter, after being melted, is purchased by the
Maki Chinese ; and is used by the common peo-
ple instead of butter, as long as it is not rancid,
and also for burning in lamps, instead of cocoa-*
nut oil.

THE ETHIOPIAN HOG. 243

Description, manners, &c.

THE ETHIOPIAN HOG.

THE general appearance of this animal resem-
bles that of the common hog; but it is distin-
guished from it by a pair of large semicircular
lobes, or wattles, placed beneath the eyes. The
snout also is considerably broader, and very
strong and callous. It is of a fierce and savage
disposition; resides principally in subterraneous
recesses, which it digs with its nose and hoofs;
and, when attacked or purstied, it rushes on its
adversary with great force, striking, like the
common boar, with its tusks, which are capable
of inflicting the most terrible wounds.

These quadrupeds inhabit the most unculti-
vated and hottest parts of Africa, from Senegal
to Congo, and are also found on the island of
Madagascar. The natives carefully avoid their
retreats ; since, from their savage nature, they
often rush upon them unawares, and gore them
with their tusks.

A boar of this species was, in 1765, sent by
the governor of the Cape of Good Hope to the
Prince of Orange. From confinement and at-
tention he became tolerably mild and gentle, ex-
cept when offended; in which case even those
persons to whose care he was entrusted were
afraid of him. In general, however, when the
door of his cage was opened, he came out in per-
good humour, frisked about in search of

244- NATURALIST'S CABINET,

Manners, &c.

food, and greedily devoured whatever was given
him. He was one day left alone in the court-
yard for a few minutes, and on the return of the
keeper was found busily digging into the earth,
where, notwithstanding the cemented bricks of
the pavement, he had made a very large hole,
with a view, as was afterwards discovered, of
reaching a common sewer that passed at a con-
siderable depth below. It was not without much
trouble, and the assistance of several men, that
his labour could be interrupted. They, at length,
however, forced him into his «age, but he ex-
pressed great resentment, and uttered a sharp
and mournful noise.

His motions were much more agile and neat
than those of the common hog. He would allow
himself to be stroked, and even seemed delighted
with rough friction. When provoked, or rudely
pushed, he always retired backward, keeping his
face towards his assailant, and striking forcibly
with his head. When, after long confinement,
he was set at liberty for a little while, he was very
gay, and leaped about in an entertaining man-
ner. On these occasions he would, with his tail
erect, sometimes pursue the fallow-deer and other
Animals.

His food was principally grain and roots; and
©f the former he preferred barley.

Dr. Sparrman, during his residence in Africa,
witnessed a curious method by which these ani-
mals protected their young, when pursued, lit

THE PECCARY. 245

Description, &c.

followed several pigs with the oM sows, with an
intention of shooting one of them: but though
he failed in his design, their chase afforded him
singular pleasure.

The heads of the females, which had before
seemed of a tolerable size, appeared on a sudden
to have grown larger and more shapeless than
they were. This he found to have been occasi-
oned by the fact that each of the old ones, during
its flight, had taken up and carried forwards a
young pig in its mouth; and this explained to
him another subject of surprise, which was, that
all the pigs he had just before been chasing with
the old ones had suddenly vanished.

PECCARY; OR; MEXICAN HOG.

THE peccary, at first view, resembles a small
domestic hog, particularly in the shape of it*
head, the length of its snout, and the form of it*
body and legs ; but, upon a nearer examination,
teveral striking differences appear. The body is
not so bulky ; the bristles are thicker and stronger
than those of the hog; and the animal has upon
its back a sort of navel, which exudes a liquor of
a strong musky smell. The ears are about two
inches and a half long, and erect; the eyes are
small; and one side of the lower lip is gene*
wily smooth, by the rubbing of the tusk of the

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Manners, &c.

upper jaw. The feet and hoofs are like those of
the common hog, but the animal has no tail.

Peccaries aje very numerous in all parts of
South America, where they are frequently seen
in herds of several Hundreds together, grazing
among the woods. They seem partial to the
mountainous parts of the country, and subsist
upon wild fruits, roots and herbage.

When unmolested, these animals appear inof-
fensive, but an attack is always resented; and
the females, when robbed of their young, become
perfectly infuriate. Upon these occasions the
whole herd unite and pursue the plunderer ; and
if he have the good fortune to elude their ven-
geance by climbing a tree, they will assemble
round the root and remain there for hours toge-
ther, their rough bristles standing erect, and their
eyes flaming with rage.

The peccary may be tamed like the common
hog; and if taken young, they soon lose all their
native ferocity: but they always continue rude
and stupid, without exhibiting any remarkable
signs of attachment or docility, or even seeming
to know the hand that feeds them. They seldom
exert their voice ; but when alarmed or irritated
they have an abrupt angry manner of blowing ;
and when several of them h,appen to be fed in
common, they utter a kind of growl, stronger
and harsher than that of a hog. ',

The flesh of the peccary though leaner and

THE BARBYROUSSA. 24?

General description.

drier than that of the European hog, is by no
means disagreeable. When killed, the dorsal
gland must be immediately cut off; for if this
operation be deferred only half an hour the flesh
becomes utterly unfit to be eaten.

One of these animals is in the possession of
Mr. Pidcock, at Exeter 'Change, and is so per-
fectly tame, as to be allowed the range of one of
the principal apartments in the menagerie.

THE BARBYROUSSA.

THE barbyroussa though generally classed
with animals of the hog kind, differs materially
from that species ; as it has neither the bristles,
the stature, the head, nor the tail of a hog. Its
legs are considerably longer; its body more
slender; its ears short and pointed, and its tail
long and tufted at the end. The body is also
covered with short soft hair, of a dark grey co-
lour mixed with red; and the jaws are furnished
with four large tusks ; the two stoutest of which
proceed from the under jaw, pointing upwards,
and standing nearly eight inches out of the sock-
ets; the two others rise up like horns on the out-
side of the upper jaw, and extend in a curve
above the eyes. These tusks are of the most
beautiful ivory ; but not so hard as those of the
elephant.

Though, by its teeth and tusks, the barby-

YOL. 11. — NO. xin. 2 i

248 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Singular mode of reposing.

roussa seems adapted for a state of hostility, it
subsists principally upon vegetables and th<
leaves of trees; and in general it lives remote
from mankind, seldom seeking to break into gar-
dens, like the boar, in order to pillage the more
succulent productions of human industry. It
may be easily domesticated, and its flesh is said
to be tolerable food, though it soon becomes pu-
trescent.

These animals have a singular mode of repos-
ing themselves ; which is, according to the ac-
count of a celebrated naturalist, by hitching one
of their upper tusks on the branch of a tree, and
then suffering their whole body to swing douu
at ease. Thus suspended from a tooth, they con-
tinue the whole night quite secure, and out of
the reach of such animals as hunt them for prey.

They live in herds like animals of the hog.
kind, and have a very strong scent, which disco-
vers them to the hounds. They run much swifter
than the wild-boar, and when pursued, they
growl dreadfully, often turning upon the dogs,
and wounding them with the tusks of the lower
jaw. v When closely pursued, they plunge into
the sea, where they swim with great facility ; div-
ing and rising again at pleasure.

The barbyroussa is a native of Borneo, in the
East Indies, and is also found in many other parts
of Asia and Africa.

THE GUINEA PIG. 249

Description, manners, &c.

THE GUINEA PIG.

THIS quadruped is considerably less than the
rabbit; its ears are large and broad, and its co-
lour, in general, white, varied with orange and
black. It is a native of Brazil : but it lives and
propagates in temperate, and even in cold cli-
mates, when properly sheltered from the incle*-
mency of the seasons. In a state of domestica-
tion, it feeds on bread, grain, fruit, and other ve-
getable substances, but it seems to give a decided
preference to parsley. It may be easily rendered
tame, and is very cleanly and harmless. Jn a
domestic state, the Guinea pig appears totally
void of attachment, not only to its benefactors,
but even to its own young ; which it will suffer
to be taken away, and even devoured, without
discovering the least concern, or attempting re-
sistance.

When kept in a room, it seldom crosses the
floor, but generally creeps round by the wall.
Its motions are nearly analogous to those of the
rabbit: it strokes its head with its fore-feet, and
sits on its hind-legs, like that animal. The male
usually compels the female to go before him,
and follows exactly in her footsteps. They are
fond of dark and intricate retreats, and seldom
venture out when danger is near. When about
to quit their hiding places, they spring forward
to the entrance ; stop to listen and look round j
2 i 2

250 - NATURALIST S CABINET.

Cleanliness — Mode of reposing.

and if the road be clear, they sally forth in search
of food ; but on the slightest alarm they instantly
run back again.

In their habits, they are so exceedingly clean,
that if the young, by any accident, are dirtied,
the female takes such a dislike to them, as never
again to suffer them to approach her. They
may frequently be observed in the act of smooth-
ing and dressing their fur, somewhat in the man-
ner of a cat. The principal employments of the
male and female, seem to consist in smoothing
each other's hair : after this office has been mu-
tually performed, they turn their attention to the
young, whose hair they take particular care to
keep unruffled and even ; and the least appearance
of a refractory spirit is always followed by severe
chastisement.

They repose flat on their belly ; but, like the
dog, turn round several times before they lie
down. They repose with their eyes half open,
and are very wakeful. It is observed, that the
male and female seldom sleep at the same time,
but seem alternately to watch each other. They
are exceedingly delicate, and impatient of cold
or moisture. Their usual voice ia a kind of
grunting, like that of a young pig; but their
notes of pain are acute and piercing.

Their manner of fighting is very singular, and
seems extremely ridiculous. One of them seizes
the neck of its antagonist with its teeth, and at-
tempts to tear the hair from it. Jn the mean

THE AGOUTI. 251

Description, &c.

time, the other turns his posteriors to his enemy,
kicks up behind like a, horse, and, by way of re-
taliation, scratches the sides of his opponent with
his hinder claw; so that sometimes they cover
each other with blood.

This species would be almost innumerable if
many of them were not taken off by various
means. Some fall a prey to cats ; others to the
ferocity of the males ; and a greater proportion
both of young and old, perish by the severity of
the climate, or want of proper attention.

THE 4GOUTL

THE agouti is about the size of a rabbit, and
fcearly resembles that animal in the appearance
of its head, the arched form of its back, and in
the hind-legs being longer than the fore ; but its
hair is hard and bristly, like that of a young pig,
and of a reddish brown colour; its tail and ears
are shorter than in the rabbit; and it has but
three toes on the hinder feet, whereas the rabbit
has five.

This animal seems to possess the voracity of
the hog ; as it eats indiscriminately of all things,
and when satiated, conceals the remainder for
some future occasion. Its ordinary food, how-
ever, consists of potatoes, yams, and the fruits
which fall from the trees in Autumn. It carries
its food to its mouth with its fore-paws, in the

252 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Hunting the agouti.

manner of the squirrel, and it enjoys the sense*
of sight and hearing in the utmost perfection.
When irritated, its hair stands erect along the
back; and it strikes the ground forcibly with its
hind feet; at the same time uttering a cry like
that of a sucking pig.

The female breeds twice or thrice a year, and
generally brings forth her young in the most se-
questered parts of the woods; where she prepares
a comfortable bed of leaves and dry grass, for
their accommodation. At the expiration of three
days she removes them into some hollow tree,
and in a short time afterward leaves them to
seek their own subsistence.

When hunted in an open country, the agouti
runs with great swiftness before the dogs till it
gains its retreat; whence nothing can force it
but filling the hole with smoke. " For this pur-
pose," says Goldsmith, " the hunter burns fag-
gots, or straw, at the entrance, and conducts the
smoke in such a manner that it fills the whole
cavity. While this is doing, the poor little ani-
mal seems sensible of its danger, and begs for
quarter, with a most plaintive cry, seldom quit-
ting its hole till the utmost extremity. At last,
when half suffocated, it issues out, and trusts
once more to its speed for protection. When
still forced by the dogs, and incapable of effect
ing a retreat, it turns upon the hunters, and,
standing upon its hind-feet, defends itself very
obstinately. Sometimes it bites the legs of those

THE AGOUTf.

253

Observations.

who attempt to take it, and will tear out the
piece wherever it fixes its teeth."

These animals are very numerous in the south-
ern parts of America, and seem to be peculiar to
the new continent. The flesh of such as are
well fed is tolerable food, and is dressed by the
French, like a sucking pig.

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, &c.

CHAP. VIII.

" The gentle timid musk, when close pursued,
Bounds o'er the excavations of the rocks
With speed incredible j and soon he leaves
The panting dogs behind."

THOMAS,

THE MUSK.

VARIOUS accounts of this quadruped have
been given by naturalists and travellers, who
seem to have noticed it rather for the perfume
which it produces than with respect to its nature
and qualities.

The musk of Thibet is rather more than two
feet in height at the shoulder, and its length
from the head to the tail, is about three feet.
The ears are somewhat large, the neck thick, and
the hair on the whole body long, upright, and
thick set. Each hair is undulated, the tip ferru-
ginous, the middle black, and the bottom cinere-
ous. The limbs are very slender, and of a dull

TUB MUSK. 255

Disposition, habits, &c.

black colour; and the tail is so short as lo be
scarcely visible.

The musk is a native of several parts of Asia,
and is found throughout the whole kingdom of
Thibet. It lives retired among the highest and
rudest mountains. Except in autumn, it is a so-
litary animal; but at this season large flocks col-
lect in order to change their place, being driven
southward by the approaching cold. During
this migration the peasants lie in wait for them,
and either take them in snares, or kill them with
arrows and bludgeons. At these times they are
often so meagre and languid from hunger and
fatigue that they may be taken with tolerable
facility.

The disposition of these animals is gentle and
timid ; and they have no weapons of defence ex-
cept their tusks. Their activity is very great,
and they are able to take astonishing leaps over
the chasms of the rocks. They tread so lightly
on the snow, as scarcely to leave the print of
their footsteps, while the dogs that are used in
hunting them, sink in, and are frequently obliged
to give up the pursuit. They feed on various ve-
getables of the mountains. They are usually
taken in snares, or shot by cross-bows placed in
their tracks, with a string from the trigger for
them to tread on and discharge the bow. Their
chase is exceedingly laborious.

In an oval receptacle about the size of a small

tOL. II.— NO. XIII. 2 K

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Account of the drug called musk.

egg, is contained the well known drug called
musk. This hangs from the middle of the belly,
and is peculiar to the male. A fall-grown ani-
mal will yield a drachm and a half, and an old
one two drachms. The bag is furnished with
two sniall orifices, the one naked and the other
covered with oblong hairs. Gmelin observes,
that on squeezing this bag, he forced the musk
through the apertures, in the form of a brown
unctuous matter. The hunters cut off the bag
and tie it up for sale, but often adulterate the
contents, by mixing them with other matter to
increase their weight. The musk is even some-
times taken entirely out, and a composition of
the animal's blood and liver is inserted in its
stead : but when the bags are opened the impo-
sition may be immediately detected. The deceit,
however, most commonly practised, is that of
putting into the bags little bits of lead in order
to augment the weight.

it is said, that when the musk bag is first
opened, so powerful an odour comes from it, that
every person present is obliged to cover his
mouth and nose with several folds of linen, and
that, notwithstanding this precaution, the blood
will frequently gush from the nose. When the
musk is'fresh, a very small quantity in a confined
place is insupportable ; causing giddiness in the
head, and hemorrhages, which have sometimes
proved fatal.

_ •" THE ELK. 257

Description.

These animals must be extremely numerous in
the Oriental countries; as Tavernier informs us,
that in one journey he collected seven thousand
six hundred and seventy-three musk bags.

The flesh of the males, though strongly in-
fected with the flavour of the musk, is sometimes
eaten by the Tartars and Russians; and the skin»
are used in many parts as an article of dress.
The Russians scrape off the hair, and have a me-
thod of preparing the leather so as to render it
$s soft and shining as silk, - *' <

'Jo

THE ELK,

THIS animal is often larger than the horse,
both in height and bulk; but the length of its
legs, the bulk of its body, the shortness of its
neck, and uncommon length of its head and ears,
without any appearance of a tail, render its form
extremely awkward. The hair of the male ig
black at the points, cinereous in the middle, and
perfectly white at the roots. That of the female
is of a sandy-brown, but whitish under the throat,
belly, and flanks. The upper-lip is broad, deeply
furrowed, and hangs over the mouth; the nose
it broad, and the nostrils remarkably large and
wide. The horns, which are found only on the
males, have no brow-antlers, and the palms are
Extremely broad. They are shed annually ^ an.4
2 K 2

£58 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Hunting the elk.

some have been seen that weighed upwards of
sixty pounds.

The legs of these quadrupeds are so long, and
their necks so disproportionally short, that they
cannot graze on level ground, like other animals,
but are obliged to brouze the tops of large plants,
and the leaves or branches of trees.

The pace of the elk is a high shambling trot j
and all its actions and attitudes appear very
uncouth. In walking they lift their feet very
hjgh, and are able, without any difficulty, to step
over a gate five feet in height. The acuteness
of their hearing renders it very difficult to kill
them in the summer time, and the Indians have
then no other method of doing it, but by creep-
ing after them among the trees aj}d bushes, till
they get within gun-shot. Jn winter, when the
snow is so hard frozen that the natives can go
upon it in their snow-shoes, they are able fre-
quently to run them down; for they are very
tender-footed and short-winded, and their slender
legs break through the snow at every step, and
plunge them up to the belly. Sometimes, how-
ever, the hunters have been kept in chase for
two days. On these occasions the Indians take
with them nothing more than a knife ov bayonet,
and a little bag containing implements for light-
ing a fire. When the animals are incapable of
further speed, they stand and keep their pursuer*,
at bay with their head and fore-feet; with thu

THE ELK. 239

Hunting the elk.

latter of which they are so dexterous, that they
will kill a dog or even a wolf, with H single blow;
and the Indians are generally obliged to lash
their knives or bayonets to the end of a long
stick, and stab the elk at a distance. Some whp
have neglected this precaution, and attempted tq
rush in upon them, rjave received very serious
blows. When wounded they frequently become,
furious, rush boldly on the hunters, and endea-
vour to tread them down : in this case the men
lire frequently obliged to leave their outer gar-
ments to the vengeance of the exasperated aniT
jnals, and escape into the trees.

In hot weather these quadrupeds frequent the
jnargins of rivers and lakes, getting into the wa-
ter in order to, avoid the prodigious swarms of
musquetoes and other flies that pester them dur-
jrig that season. They are often killed by the
Indians, while they are crossing rivers, or swim-
ming from the main land to islands. When
pursued in this situation they are the most inof-
fensive of all animals, never making any resist-
ance: Arid the young ones are so extremely sim-
ple, that, in JSorth America, Mr. Hearne saw an,
Indian paddle his canoe up to one of them, and
take it by the poll without the least opposition ;
the poor harmless animal seeming, at the same
time, as contented alongside the canoe, as if
swimming by the side of its clam, and looking
yp in the faces of those who were about to be-
£ome its murderers with the most unsuspecting

Cfio NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Various mciliorts n(' taking the elk.

innocence; using its fore-feet almost every in-
stant to clear its eyes of musquetoes, which at
the time were remarkably numerous.

Sometimes a large party of Indians assemble
in their canoes, and form a vast crescent towards
the shore. Detached bodies then go into the
-woods, and having surrounded an extensive tract,
let loose their dogs, and press, with loud shouts,
towards the water. The terrified animals fly be-
fore the hunters, and plunge into the lake, where
the persons stationed in the canoes attack and
kill them with clubs or lances.

The Indians also sometimes inclose a large
piece of ground with stakes interwoven with
branches of trees, which form two sides of a tri-
angle, the bottom opening into a second inclo-
sure completely triangular. In the opening are
hung snares made of slips of raw hides. The
elks are driven by a party in the woods, into the
first inclosure ; and some, endeavouring to force
their way into the farthest triangle, are caught
by their neck or horns; and those which escape
the snares, and pass the opening, meet their fate
from the arrows of the hunters directed at them
from all quarters.

It appears that they may be tamed and do-
mesticated with the utmost facility; and we ar^
informed that they will even follow their keeper
to any distance from home, and at his call returr\
-with him, without ever attempting to deviatq
from the path.

THE ELK. 2G1

Tarne elks.

Mr. Hearne relates, that an Indian had, at the
Factory at Hudson's Bay, in the year 1777, two
of these animals so tarne, that when he was on
his passage to Prince of Wales's Fort, in a ca-
noe, they always followed him along the bank of
the river ; and whenever he landed, they gene-
rally came and fondled on him, in the same man-
ner as the most domestic animal would have
done, and never offered to stray from the tents.
One day he crossed a deep bay in one of the
lakes, in order to save a very circuitous rout
along its bank, and expected the creatures would,
as usual, follow him round, but unfortunately at
night they did not arrive; and as the howling of
wolves was heard in the quarter where they were,
it is supposed they were unfortunately devoured.

M. D'Obsonville mentions his having in his
possession, while in the East Indies, an animal
which appears to luive been of this species. " I
procured it," says he, " when only ten or twelve
clays old, and had it for about two years, without
ever tying it up. I even let it run abroad, and
sometimes amused myself with making it draw in

•/ O

the yard, or carry little burthens. It always came
when called, and I found few signs of impatience,
except, when it was not allowed to remain near
me. When I departed from the island of Suma-
tra, I gave it to Mr. Law of Lauriston, the go-«
vernor-general, an intimate friend. This gentle-
j not having an opportunity of keeping it

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Instance of recollection.

about his person, as I had done, sent it to his
country house. Here being kept alone, and
chained in a confined corner, it soon became so
furious as not to be approached. Even the per-
son who every day brought its food was obliged
to leave this at a distance. After some months'
absence I returned : it knew ine afar off, and as
I observed the efforts it made to get at me, I ran
to meet it; and never shall I forget the impres-
sion which the caresses and transports of thi$
faithful animal made upon me. A friend, who
was present at the meeting, could not forbear
Sympathizing with me> and partaking of my
feelings."

It appears from the transactions of the Ne\r
York society, that a successful attempt has been
inade to render the elk useful in agricultural la-
bours. Mr. Livingston, president of the society;
had two of these animals broken to the harness.
Though they had been only twice bitted, and
were two years* old, they appeared to be equally
docile with colts of the same age. They applied
their whole strength to the draught, and went on
a steady pace. Their mouths appeared very ten-
der, and some care wa£ necessary to prevent
them from being injured by the bit. If, upon
trial, it be fonnd that elks can be rendered useful
in harness, it will be a considerable acquisition to
the Americans. As their trot is very rapid, it is
probable that, in light carriages, they would out-
i

THE ELK. 2f)3

Superstitious notion respecting the elk.

travel the horse. They are also less delicate in
their food than that animal, and are more pro-
ductive than any other beast of burthen.

When suddenly roused, and endeavouring to
make its escape, the elk is observed at times to
fall down, as if deprived for some moments of
motion. Whether this be owing to an epileptic
fit, or whether it merely results from feas, cannot
be easily ascertained. The fact, however, is too
well authenticated to -admit our doubting it;
This has given rise to the popular superstition of
attributing to the hoofs the virtue of an anti-
epileptic medicine; and the Indians firmly be-
lieve that the elk has the power of curing itself
of its own disorder, or of preventing an ap-
proaching fit, by scratching its ear with the hoof
till it draws blood.

According to Charlevoix, the Indians have a
superstitious notion that there is an elk of such an
enormous size, that eight feet in depth of snow
is no impediment to its walking; that its hide is
proof against weapons of every description ; and
that it has an arm growing out of its shoulder
subservient to the same purposes as that of man.
They also say that this imaginary animal is at-
tended by a vast number of other elks, which
form his court, and render him every service that
a sovereign can require of them. These simple
people esteem the elk an animal of good omen,
and believe that to dream of it repeatedly is an
s indication of long life.

VOL. n. — NO. xin. 2 L

«(H NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

*- i - •

The flesh of the elk is good, but the grain is
coarse; the hide is so thick, that it has been
often known to turn a musket ball; but when
tamed, the leather is extremely light and pliable.

THE ELK ANTELOPE.

THIS animal is, in general, of an ash colour,
inclining towards blue : a thin black mane ex-
tends from the nape of its neck along the back;
and the tail is terminated with a tuft of black
hair. The forehead is flat, and furnished with
an erect fore-lock ; the nose is sharp ; and the
breast is covered with a loose skin. The horns
are about two feet in length, of a dark brown co-
lour, marked with two prominent spiral ribs,
running nearly two thirds of their length, but
smooth toward the ends, which are a little incur-
vated. The female has horns like the male, but
considerably smaller.

These quadrupeds are principally found in In-
dia, and the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope.
They seem to prefer plains and valleys to the
high grounds; and when chased, they always en-
deavour to run against the wind. Their pace is
rather heavy, and as they are generally fat, they
are soon fatigued. The hunter usually takes an
opportunity of getting to windward of the ani-
mal, when he throws himself from his horse, and
easily shoots the game. Dr. Sparnnan observes,

tHfi 11 A It T BJiliSt.

Description, &c.

that the Dutch sportsmen at the Cape have, in
many instances, hunted elk antelopes for miles
together from the open plains, and driven them
to their own doors, before they thought it worth
while to kill them*

THE HJRT BEEST.

THE height of this animal, according to
Sparrman, is somewhat above four feet: the
horns are black, and embossed with about eight-
teen rings of an irregular form; they are almost
close to each other at the base, but diverge up-
wards, and bend backwards in a horizontal di-
rection almost to the tips, which turn a little
downwards. The general colour of the animal is
that of cinnamon : the face and the fore part of
the legs are marked with black; the hinder part
of the haunch is covered with a wide black
streak, which reaches down to the knee; and a
narrow stripe of black runs from behind each ear
all along the ridge of the neck ; a dark brown
oval spot extends over the back, and terminates
just above the tail, which is slender, like that of
an ass, and covered with long black hairs. About
an inch below the eye there is a small pore,
whence distils a sort of gum, or wax, which the
Hottentots consider as a most excellent medi-
cine. The legs are slender, with small hoofs and
fetlocks.

266 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, manner*, &c.

The hair of this quadruped is remarkably line- •
but its large head, high forehead, assinine head
and tail, render it more unsightly than the other
varieties of the antelope species. Its pace, when
hunted, is a sort of heavy gallop; and when it
lias got a-head of its pursuers, it is frequently ob-
served to turn round and stare them full in the
face.

This animal is the cervine antelope of Mr.
Pennant, and is supposed to be the bubalus of
the ancients. Its flesh is said to be of a fine
grain, and an agreeably high flavour.

THE GRIMM.

" THIS animal," says Dr. Herman Grimmius,.
is, on the back and neck, of a dark ash colour,
with a white belly ; and its height is about a foot
and a half. On the top of its head, between the
horns, is a tuft of black hair, and between each
eye and ihe nostrils is a cavity, filled with Jin
oily, viscid, and yellow humour, which has some
resemblance to castor and musk, and fills again
upon the cavities being emptied.

In the year 1?()7, M. Vosmaer published n
description of this quadruped; from which I
have taken the liberty to extract the following
account.

" This was one of the most beautiful animal*
I ever saw: it was sent from Guinea, with thir-

THE GRIMM. 267

Account of a tame grimm.

teen others of both sexes : but twelve died in
their voyage to Holland ; and those two which
survived were put into the menagerie of the
Prince of Orange, where one of them died the
following winter. They are remarkably timid
animals, and are much frightened at any noise,
especially at thunder. The one now living (1/66)
though very wild at first, is become so familiar,
that upon holding a piece of bread to him, and
calling him by name, he will not only approach,
but allow himself to be stroked. He is particu-
larly cleanly, and will not suffer the smallest
piece of dirt to remain on any part of his body,
but is constantly scratching himself with his
hind-feet. He is also very active, and when
standing still, keeps one of his fore-legs in a bent
position, which gives him a graceful appearance.
He eats bread, rye, and carrots; is fond of pota-
toes; and is a ruminating animal. He is about
the size of a kid of two months old, and his limbs
are extremely well-proportioned : but his horns
are rather too large, and have a small quantity
of hair, which rises to a point between them.
His head somewhat resembles that of a roe-buck;
his nose is black and naked, but always moist,
and his upper lip appears as if divided : he has
no beard, but a kind of small whiskers on the
sides, and a wart covered with hair under his
chin. His horns are black, quite straight, and
end with a sharp point; they are also furnished
with three rings, which rise a little backward :
6

GfiS NATURALIST'S

Description, &c.

from the black tuft between the horns a stripe
of that colour runs clown to the nose ; his ear*
are large, with some short hairs on the inside,
find on the tops, but all the other parts of them
are black and naked. His eyes are large, and of
a deep brown ; and between the eyes and nose
there are black cavities; from the middle of
which a viscid gummy humour exudes, that soon
becomes hard and black; but I could never
perceive that odour which Dr. Grimmius, and
those who have followed him, describe it to pos-
sess. The upper part of the neck and head are
of a yellowish grey, the back black, the sides a
light brown, the belly grey, and the limbs white
as far as the knees : the legs have a black band,
and the hair becomes blackish toward the hoofs :
the tail is very short, and white, with a black
tand. on the upper part."

THE GM7.

THE gnu, or ox-headed antelope, is a very
singular and extraordinary animal, combining in
itself the beauty of the body, mane, and tail of
the horse, with the powerful head and horns of
the ox, and the fascinating eye of the antelope.

One of these quadrupeds lately exhibited in
Holland, was, in size, equal, or superior, to a
large stag ; its horns were smooth, strong, point-
ed, and projecting forward to some distance from

THE GNV. 269

Description, &c.

the base, and then almost suddenly reverting up-
wards. Its colour was a dull brown, with a beard
on the chin and throat, and some long black hair
hanging from the breast. It had a stiff erect
mane along the neck, extending to some distance
over the shoulders, of a pale ash colour: it had a
very large head, a square mouth, and the lips
covered with a quantity of short and stiff bristles,
and from the nose upward, ran a kind of square
brush of those bristles reversed: the eyes were
encircled with strong white bristles : the tail re-
sembled that of a horse, and was thickly clothed
with strong white hair: the body was thick and
clumsy, but the limbs were light, and elegantly
formed : each foot was marked with a black
stripe above the hoof, and it had only one false
hoof behind each foot, whereas other animals,
having similarly formed feet, have always two.

The horns of the female are like those of the
male, except when young, and then they are
perfectly straight.

Mr. Pennant says, this animal, in a wild
state, is exceedingly fierce and dangerous to tra-
vellers.

The gnu is a native of the southern parts of
Africa; where they may be seen feeding in very
large herds. The natives catch them for the
hides and flesh, the last of which is said to be
equal in flavour to the finest venison,

In order to procure these animals, a variety of
methods are adopted by the Hottentots, who

270 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

v| ' . Methods of taking the gnu.

practise them with astonishing dexterity. They
sometimes form deep pit-falls, in the places they
are known to frequent at night, over which is
hung a kind of raft formed of large piece> of
timber, which, immediately on the animal's de-
scent, covers the pit completely, without which
precaution, owing to his superior agility, he
could easily effect his escape. His enemies in
the morning surround the place, draw the raft a
little aside, and quickly dispatch him with their
spears and arrows.

During the day time, it is impossible for the
hunters to attack them collectively ; and it there-
fore becomes necessary, by various methods of
fire and loud shouts, to detach some of them
from the main herd ; prior to which, they adopt
the stratagem of fixing strong ropes with a run-
ning noose, wherever they find two trees near
enough together, to answer their purpose.
Through these passes the pursuers endeavour to
urge the stragglers, who frequently, in the rapi-
dity of flight, are caught in the snare, with such
a sudden jerk, as to occasion their immediate
death.

THE BLUE ANTELOPE.

THE skin of this animal, according to Sparr-
man's account, is of a fine blue, resembling vel-
vet; but, when dead it changes to a bluish-grey

THE BLUE ANTELOPE. 271

Blue antelope obtained by M. Le VailJant.

colour. The breast and belly are white, and
there is a broad white mark beneath each eye.
The tail is about seven inches in length, and is
covered with long hairs. The horns form a
handsome curve, gracefully inclining backward:
they are adorned with twenty-four rings or an-
nulations ; the uppermost quarter of the horn is
very smooth, and runs tapering to a sharp point.

When M. Le Vaillant was at a place called
Tiger-Hoec, at some distance from the Cape of
Good Hope, he once saw such flocks of ante-
lopes that the whole country seemed covered
with them ; when one of his Hottentots, who was
armed with a fusee, running up to him, informed
him that he perceived a blaazv-bok, or blue goat :
squatting down, he then begged him to remain
quiet, assuring him that he would 3OQn put him
in possession of the animal.

He immediately made a turn round, creeping
on his knees, while his master, who had not per-
ceived the animal, could not comprehend the
meaning of this stratagem. Soon after it rose
up, and began to browse quietly without remov-
ing from the place, appearing at a distance not
unlike a white horse, till its horns became ob*
servable.

In the meantime the Hottentot continued to
drag,himself along on his belly, and approaching
quickly near enough to take aim, fired at it, upon
which it instantly fell. He then made up to the

VOL. IJ. — NO. XIV. <l M

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

I\i. Le Vuillaut's description ol the blue antelope.

the place, and had the pleasure of contemplating
orfe of the most curious and beautiful species of
antelope that Africa produces.

When he returned, he rewarded his Hottentot
generously, and gave him one of his best knivesj
with which he flayed the animal with the same
dexterity as he had killed it; and the skin was
preserved as a valuable acquisition.

" This antelope," says Vaillant, has been de-
scribed by Pennant, under the name of the blue
antelope, and by Buffon under that of the tseirdir.
The latter has given the figure of a part of its
horns : it is rare, and very little known. During
my residence in Africa, I never saw more than
two of these antelopes, and another which was
brought to the governor some years before, when
I lived at the Cape Town. These, as well as
mine, came from the valley of Soete-Melk, the
only canton which they inhabit. I was assured
that I should see some of them in the country of
the great Nimiquas ; but, notwithstanding this
information, and all my researches, I found my-
self disappointed: all the savages affirmed that
they were unacquainted with them. I was as-
sured also, that the female had horns, as well as
the male; but 1 can say nothing on that head,
since the three which 1 saw were all of the samQ
kind.

" The principal colour of this animal is a faint
blue, inclining to grey; but the belly aud the

THE BLUE ANTELOVE. 273

Instances of the colour being preserved after death.

interior parts of the legs, throughout their whole
length, are as white as snow; and the head is
beautifully spotted with white.

" I did not observe," continues he, " as Dr.
Sparrman says, that this antelope, when alive,
resembles blue velvet, and that when dead the
skin changes its colour; living or dead, it ap-
peared to me always alike. The tints of that
which I brought with me never varied. I saw
another at Amsterdam, which had been kept for
more than fifteen years. The case was tke same
with regard to that belonging to the governor of
the Cape: it Was still fresher than mine; but, in
other respects, they were equal. I cannot help
adding here, that I never found this animal pro-
perly represented in any of the engravings tit
figures which I have hitherto seen of it."

2 M

274 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Observations.

CHAP. IX.

" With shelly armour cloth'd instead of hair.
The banded armadillo, when attack'd,
Bolls dowu the precipice, and falls unhurt."

ANON

THE ARMADILLO.

IN this singular quadruped nature seems to de-
viate from her characteristic uniformity, by co-
hering it with a shell, £r rather- -a number of
shells, forming a complete coat of armour, in-
stead of hair: it should seem that she has re-
served all the wonders of her power for those re-
mote and thinly inhabited countries where the
men are savage, and the animals various; and in
proportion as she retires from human inspection
she becomes more extraordinary* But the fact
is, that wherever mankind are polished or thickly
planted, they soon exterminate those crude and
iwonstrous productions which in a manner en-

THE AHMAB1LL6. £73

Different species.

cumber the soil. In cultivated countries they
soon disappear, and exist only in those remote
deserts where they have no enemies to oppose
them, and interrupt the promulgation of the race.

Pere D'Abbeville says, there are six species of
the armadillo: but the principal difference be-
tween them consists in the number of bands, and
divisions in their armour : some having but three
bands between the large pieces, others six, eight,
nine, or even twelve.

The number of their natural bands does not
depend on the age of the animal, for, in the
same species, the young and the adult have the
same number.

In all the species the animal is protected by
an osseous consistency, which covers the head,
neck, back, and flanks, and even the tail, to the
very extremity. The shell which covers the up-
per part of the body, differs from that of the tor-
toise, in being composed of several pieces, which
lie in bands over the body, and, as in the tail of
a lobster, slide over each other, and in the same
manner are connected by an elastic yellow mem-
brane; by this means the armour easily gives
way to all the necessary inflexions.

The only parts to which this armour does not
extend are the throat, breast, and belly; and
these are covered with a delicate white skin, not
unlike that of a fowl stripped of its feathers. On
a minute examination, those naked parts appear

#AT0KALJSTS CABINET.

Description, manners, &c.

to be covered with the rudiments of shells of a
similar substance with those which cover the
upper parts of the body. Even the tenderest
parts of the skin, on being exposed, seem to have
a natural tendency to ossify, or become hard:
but this ossification can only be complete on
those parts which remain exposed to the weather,
and are least subject to friction.

In different kinds the shells are variously co-
loured, but the most common is a dirty grey>
This colour is owing to a peculiar circumstance
in their conformation, for the shell is covered
with a thin, sleek, transparent skin.

The armadillo is incapable of much exertion,
and can therefore make but a slight resistance
against an enemy. The firmness of its shell
might, however, defend it from feeble antago-
nists; nature having given- it the same method
of defending itself as the hedgehog: when first
attacked, it instantly withdraws its head beneath
its shell, suffering nothing to be seen but the ti|»
of the nose: on the increase of danger the ani-
mal cautiously tucks up its feet under its belly,
and unites its two extremities, while the tail
serves as a band to strengthen tl|e connexion ;
and thus it appears like a solid ball, flattened at
the sides, in which state it appears like an inani-
mate log, and might be rolled or tossed about
without opening: and it is even asserted, that
when attacked near the edge of a precipice it
1

THE ARMADILLO. 27T

Mode of taking the armadillo.

frequently rolls itself down, and falls unhurt. It?
disposition is perfectly harmless and inoffensive;
and as it possesses no power of repelling an ene-
my, so it may be attacked without danger, and
j,s, consequently, liable to the various persecu-
tions of man and beast.

The sharp and strong claws of these quadru-
peds enable them to burrow in the ground with
great dexterity, and as this is their only resource
on the approach of an enemy, they require but a
few moments advantage, in which case, the
mole itself does not burrow quicker. In the act
of digging they are sometimes taken by the tail,
l?ut so strong is their resistance, and so difficult;
is it to' draw them backwards, that they frequently
save their lives with the loss of that appendage.
To avoid this, the hunters generally have recourse
to artifice : they tickle the animals under the
throat with a small stick, till they relinquish
their hold, and suffer themselves to be taken
alive without further resistance.

When the Indian hunters find one of these
animals rolled up, they lay it before a large fire,
the heat of which obliges it to unfold itself.

When they have taken refuge deep under
ground, many expedients are adopted to force
them out, sometimes by overwhelming them with
a deluge of water, and at others, by filling the
hole with smoke; but they are more frequently
Caught iii snares, placed by the sides of rivers,

€78 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Utility of the flesh, shells, &c.

lake*, and low moist grounds, which they fre-
quent.

A small species of dogs are also bred by the
natives to the chase of the armadillo, which
quickly overtake it, especially if it happen to
stray to any distance from its hole. Of this,
however, it is very cautious.

The flesh of the smaller kind is said to be very
delicate; in consequence of which it is perse-
cuted and pursued with unremitting industry.
The shells are also manufactured by the Indians
into boxes, baskets, and other useful ornamental
articles. Their swiftest motion is a kind of quick
walk, but they can neither leap, run, nor climb
trees, so that if found in an open place, they
have little chance of effecting their escape.

It is reported that the armadillo has no appre-
hensions from the rattle snake, as they frequently
live in the same hole or burrow for a long time
together, on terms of the most perfect amity.

The armadillo is a native of the New World,
and is principally found in the hottest parts of
South America; yet jt seems capable of subsist-
ing in temperate regions. Buffon says, he for-
merly saw one domesticated in Languedoc
which was regularly fed at home, and took his
regular rounds, without doing the least mischief,

" The species," says Shaw, t( are often deter-
mined by the number of shelly zones on the
body ; in enumerating these, however, it is re.

THE ARMADILLO. 279

Zones or bands of the armadillo.

markable that most authors vary ; and the exact
discrimination of all the species seems yet a de-
sideratum in natural history; this, perhaps arises
partly from the inattention of draughtsmen and
engravers, when representing the animals, and
partly from different authors counting differently
the bands on some of the species, which are so
placed as to make it difficult in some instances
to distinguish the ultimate, or bounding zones of
the body, from the scaly divisions on the fore
and hind-parts, and which, like the bands, are
disposed into a kind of zones though less strongly
marked. Some species, however, are so clearly
defined by this mode of distinction, as to be at
all times readily ascertained."

The zones, or bands, of the nine-banded arma-
dillo are extremely distinct, and well defined,
being transversely marked by a number of trian-
gular figures. The head and snout are longer,
and more taper than those of any of the rest of
the species : the tail is likewise longer and
sharper, and the e#rs larger and erect: it has four
toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind.

The above rule, however, is liable to variations ;
for the Comte de Buffon remarks, that specimens
of this kind have been observed with eight bands
only, which in every other respect perfectly re-
sembled the nine-banded ones: it is, therefore,
his opinion, that the number of bands in this
ipecies, may probably constitute not a specific
but a sexual difference: thus the eight-banded

VOL. II. — NOU XIV. & N

N ATI 'HA LISTS CABINET.

Various species.

one might be the male, and the nine-banded the
female.

The three-handed armadillo is said by travel-
lers to be the most elegant of the species. It is
of a fine cream colour, and the pattern of tlic
shell is remarkably beautiful, and well defined ;
the divisions are curiously studded, or embossed;
and the three zones of the body are peculiarly
distinct; the feet and claws are more delicately
formed than those of the other varieties.

The species generally known by the name of
the twelve-banded armadillo, has sometimes thir-
teen or fourteen bands. It has a broad and thick
head, marked above in broad angular divisions :
the ears are broad and upright; each foot is
armed with five strong claws, and the tail is
guarded by scaly tubercles irregularly scattered.

The following is a description of the weasel-
headed or eighteen-handed Armadillo, as given
from a specimen preserved in the Museum of the
Royal Society, in the last century.

The figure of the head wa# nearly like that of
the weasel, from which it derived its appellation.
It was three inches and a half long, the forehead
very flat; and two inches and a half broad; the
extremity of the nose half an inch. Its eyes
were about a quarter of an inch long ; the ears
an inch, and two inches distant one from ano-
ther. Its body was eleven inches long, and six
broad: the tail five inches and a half long, being
»t the base an inch and a quarter over, and at

1

THE ARMADILLO.

Description.

the extremity about the sixth of an inch. The
fore-leg was two inches and a half long, and three
quarters broad : on the foot were five toes, the
three foremost of which were an inch in length,
and the other two half an inch, all furnished with
claws about the third of an inch. The hind-foot
which was somewhat thicker than the fore, had
five toes. The head, back, sides, legs, and tail,
were covered with a shelly armour. The head-
piece, as also the shells on the legs, were com-
posed of roundish scales, a quarter of an inch
over. The neck-piece was a single plate, com-
posed of little pieces, a quarter of an inch square.
The shoulder-piece consisted of several rows or
ranks of such square pieces, but not set together
by any articulation or moveable junction. The
back-piece reached over the buttocks to the tail,
and was composed of plates, moveably joined
together by as many intermediate skins. The
foremost and broadest of these plates consisted
of square pieces, half an inch long and a quarter
broad ; the hindmost of square and round ones
together. The fore-part of the tail was sur-
rounded with six rings, consisting of little square
pieces, the other half with scales. The extreme
part of the shell, next the tail, was parabolic.
The belly, breast, and ears, perfectly naked.

On the larger kinds of these animals the shell
is thicker and more solid than in the smaller, and
the flesh coarser and frequently unfit to eat.
£ N 2

262 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Habits, &c.

The smaller kinds frequent the vicinity of lakes,
crooks, and rivers, where they subsist on roots,
succulent herbs, and water-melons. But the
larger species seek the upland, and are generally
found in the sides of rocks and mountains.

Those with the fewest bunds are least capable
of defending themselves, and, when rolled up,
present vulnerable interstices between the zones,
by which they are liable to be wounded by the
rudest weapon.

THE PANGOLIN.

" WERE we to judge of nature," says an in-
telligent writer, " from definitions only, we
should never be induced to suppose that there
existed a race of viviparous quadrupeds destitute
of hair, and furnished with scales and shells in
their stead. However, nature, every way, vari-
ous, supplies us with many instances of these ex-
traordinary creatures; the old world has its qua-
drupeds covered with scales, and the new with
shells. In both they resemble each other, as
•well in the strangeness of their appetites, as their
awkward conformation. Like animals but par-
tially made up, and partaking of different na-
tures, they want those instincts which animals
formed but for one element alone are found to
possess. They seem to be a kind of strangers in

THE PANGOLIN. 383

Distinctions between the pangolin and lizard.

nature, creatures, taken from some other ele-
ment, and capriciously thrown to find a precari-
ous subsistence upon land."

Some naturalists have, perhaps rather injudi-
ciously, confounded the pangolin with the scaly
lizard; a circumstance which Buffon justly ob-
serves, might be productive of great error, and
occasion its being confounded with an animal
which it resembles only in its general form, and
being covered with scales.

The following obvious distinction may be made
between the pangolin and the lizard : the latter
is a reptile produced from an egg, and com-
pletely covered with scales; while the former is
destitute of any such marks, either on the neck,
breast, or belly. The lizard's scales, adhere to
the body closer than even those of fishes, while
those of the pangolin, are only fixed at one end,
and capable of being erected at pleasure, like the
quills of the porcupine. The pangolin, also, in-
stead of being a defenceless creature, like the
lizard, rolls itself up like the hedgehog, and pre-
sents the points of its scales, so as effectually to
annoy the most dangerous enemy.

Including the tail, which is nearly equal to
the body in length, this animal measures from
six to ei«;ht feet. The head is small, the nose
very long and taper, and the neck short, thick,
and strong; the legs are short, and the feet fur-
nished with five toes, each armed with long
white claws. The jaws are destitute of teeth, and

284 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Varieties of the pangolin.

the mouth and tongue very long and narrow,
A strong scaly armour defends all the upper
parts of the body ; but the under part of the head
and neck, the breast, belly, and inner parts of
the legs and thighs, are covered with a soft and
delicate skin, entirely destitute of scales or hair.

The shells or scales of this extraordinary qua-
druped, are of various forms and dimensions, and
are stuck on the surface of the skin like the leaves
on an artichoke: and between the interstices of
the scales appear a number of stout hairs like
hog's bristles, yellow at the root, and brown to-
wards the points.

Of this genus of quadrupeds, naturalists for-
merly reckoned but two species, the long and
the short-tailed manis; but another has been re-
cently introduced to public notice under the ap-
pellation of the broad-tailed manis, and which is
denominated in the sixtieth volume of the Phi-
losophical Transactions, the new manis.

The long-tailed manis is distinguished by the
Indians by the name of phatagen, whence Buffon
calls it h phatagin. The form of this animal is
much more slender than the rest of the species ;
the snout is tapering, and very narrow ; the tail
is more than twice the length of the whole body,
and tapers gradually like that of a lizard to the
extremity. All the upper parts of the body and
limbs are covered with sharp pointed scales,
streaked throughout their whole length. It has
very short legs, and the feet are furnished with

•* THE PANGOLIN. 285

Why called the stone vermin.

four claws each, the fore ones, however, being
much stronger and sharper than the hind. The
general colour is a deep brown, reflecting a yel-
lowish cast from the highly polished surface of
the scales. The whole length of this creature is
frequently five feet and upwards.

The short-tailed manis is found in various
parts of India; and the natives give it the name
of pangoelling; but the provincial appellation in
the neighbourhood of Bengal is vajracite, or
thunderbolt reptile, from the extreme hardness
of its scales, which are said to be capable of
striking fire like a flint.

The natives of Malabar call it alungu, and
those of Bahar bojar-cit, or stone-vermin, from a
remarkable property which it is said to possess,
of swallowing stones. In the stomach of one of
these animals, we are told, above a tea-cup full
of stones have been found, which it was sup-
posed to have swallowed in order to facilitate
digestion.

Travellers assert, that this animal is found in
various parts of Guinea, where it is called quogelo
by the negroes. It frequents the woods and
marshy places, where, like the ant-eater, it seeks
out the ant-hills, and laying its tongue across
their paths, collects and devours numbers of
them- at a time. Its pace is very slow, and it
generally seeks its security in rolling itself up,
when the most ferocious animal hardly dare at-
tack it for fear of being lacerated by the sharp

CABINET.

Description — Harmless disposition.

j)oints and edges of its scales. It is said, that
it will wreathe itself round the trunk of the
elephant, in such a manner that even that power-
ful animal can scarcely extricate itself from its
grasp. This animal is sometimes six, seven, and
even eight feet in length.

Some writers are inclined to believe that the
animal called the broad-tailed manis, is merely a
variation in the species, probably owing to the
differences of sex and age.

One of these animals was caught rolled tip in
the cavity of the wall of a merchant's house in
Tninquebar; whence it was with great difficulty
dra\vn and destroyed. Its scales were of the
shape of a muscle, the exterior ones ending in u
very sharp point; the tail was in the broadest
part haif an ell and a span over.

The proportional form and breadth of the tail
frequently varies irt the different specimens;
some of them being remarkably broad and
rounded, some less obtuse at the tips, and others
irregularly marked, as though battered and worn
by age.

" These animals," Goldsmith observes, "though
so formidable in appearance, are the most harm-
Mid inoffensive of all creatures. They are
even unqualified by nature from the want of
teeth, to injure other animals. It should seem
that the bony matter which in other creatures go
to supply the teeth, is exhausted in this genus,
m supplying the scales which cover the body.

THE PANGOLIN. 287

Extraordinary length of the tongue.

However this may be, the lives of these animals
seem correspondent to their peculiar conforma-
tion. Incapable of being carnivorous, or of sub-
sisting on vegetables, which require much chew-
ing, they live entirely upon insects for which na*
ture has fitted them in a very extraordinary
manner."

The nose of the pangolin is very long, whence
it is natural to suppose that the tongue is like-
wise long ; but in order still to increase this
length, it is so folded up in the mouth, that,
when extended, it is shot out to about a quarter
of a yard beyond the point of the nose: it is
round, extremely red, and covered with an unc-
tuous and slimy liquor, which gives it a shining
hue; by stretching out this tongue among the
ants, it collects vast numbers of them, till they
grow cautious, and will no longer be allured to
destruction. It is against those noxious insects
therefore, that its only art and cunning is exerted,
and were the natives but sufficiently sensible of
its utility, in destroying one of the greatest pests
of their country, they would not be so eager to
kill it. But it has been justly remarked, that sa-
vage men are only anxious to pursue immediate
good, without being solicitous about the distan1-
benefit they remove.

VOL. 11. — NO. xiv. (l o

288 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Various opinions concerning the tortoise.

THE TORTOISE.

THERE have been the greatest diversity of
opinions among naturalists, in their endeavours to
discriminate the several species of tortoises, from
their general similarity in shape and conformation,
and their variation in size and colour, according
to the different periods of age and growth.

Linnaeus, in the Systeina Naturae, enumerates
fifteen ppecies; but his specific characters are in-
sufficient for the purpose of accurate discrimina-
tion. The obscurity is rather increased than dis-
pelled by the descriptions of the Count de Ce-
pede, in his History of Oviparqus Quadrupeds;
and a confusion of synonims and references seems
to prevail throughout the writings of almost all
other authors on this subject. Hence the vari-
eties can hardly be distinguished by any thing
Xnore than the form of the head, and the colours,
shape, and pattern of the shell.

The common tortoise is found in many parts,
of Africa, in Greece, and almost all the countries
bordering on the Mediterranean; also in Sardi-
nia, Corsica, and all the European islands of the
Archipelago.

The length of its shell seldom exceeds eight or
nine inches, nor does it weigh in general more
than three pounds. The shell, which, as in most
of the other species, is composed of thirteen mid-
dle pieces, and about twenty-five marginal ones,

THE TORTOISE.

Description — Habits, &c.

is of an oval form, extremely convex, and broader
behind than before. The middle part is of a
blackish brown varied with yellow. The under
part or belly of the shell is of a pale yellow, with
a broad dark line down each side, leaving the
middle plain. The head is not large, nor does
the opening of the mouth extend beyond the
eyes : the upper part is covered with irregulaf
scales. The legs are short, and the feet mode-
rately broad and covered with strong scales.
The tail, which is rather shorter than the legs, is
also covered with scales, but terminates in a
horny tip.

This animal resides principally in burrows that
it forms in the ground, where it sleeps the great-
est part of its time, appearing abroad only a few
hours in the middle of the day. In the autumn
it hides itself for the winter, remaining torpid for
four or five months, and not again making its
appearance till the spring. About the beginning
of June, the female scratches a hole in some
warm situation, in order to deposit her eggs.
These are hatched in September, at which time
the young are about the size of a large walnut.

The tortoise is an animal that has ever been
remarkable for the extreme slowness of its mo-
tions. This, according to La Cepede, seems
principally occasioned by the position of the
legs, which are thrown very much to the sides of
tUe body, and are considerably spread out

2QO NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Slowness of motion.

each other. It may likewise be in some degree
caused by the great weight of the shell pressing
OB this unfavourable position of the legs. In
walking, the claws of the fore-feet are rubbed
separately, and one after another against the
ground : when one of the feet is placed on the
ground, the inner claw first bears the weight of
the body, and so on along the claws in succession
to the outermost. The foot in this manner acts,
somewhat like a wheel, as if the animal wished
scarcely to raise its feet from the earth, and en-
deavoured to advance by means of a succession
of partial steps of its toes or claws, for the pur-
pose of more firmly supporting the great weight
of its body and shell.

A tortoise was many years kept in a domestic
state in the garden belonging to the College of
Physicians, London. It would eat almost any
thing, but seemed to prefer fruits, leaves, grass,
corn, or bran ; however, when food fell short, it
would not hesitate to prey on insects, worms, or
snails.

The upper part of the shell of this animal was
prominent, the under part flat : it was of a yel-
lowish ground, clouded with irregular dark spots;
the whole divided into many compartments, or
separate scales, with furrows, or creases, all
round, diminishing gradually, one within ano-
ther, to the center of each scale : the head was
Covered with scales of a dull yellow : the irides

THE TOttTOISE. 291

Le Vaillant's account of the African tortoises.

were of a reddish hazel, and the Jips hard and
corneous: the neck, the hind-legs, and tail, were
covered with a dull flesh-coloured skin; and the
outsides of the fore-legs, which were exposed
when the head was drawn in, were covered with
yellow scales.

M. Le Vaillant observes, that, during his tra-
vels in Africa, near his encampment in the
neighbourhood of Tiger-Hoec, he found these
animals in great plenty.

" The weather being cool and cloudy," says
he, " we marched six hours, in order to reach
the borders of a large pond, abounding with tor-
toises, of which we caught about twenty. We
broiled them all in the same manner, on the
coals, and found them excellent. They were
from seven to eight inches in length, and about
four in breadth. The shell on the back was of a
whitish grey colour, inclining a little to yellow:
when alive, they had a disagreeable smell; but
by roasting them, it was entirely destroyed.

f( It is very remarkable that when the waters
are dried up by excessive heat, the tortoises,
which always seek for moisture, bury themselves
under the earth in proportion as the surface of it
becomes dry: to h'nd them it is then sufficient
to dig to a considerable depth, in the spot where
they have concealed themselves.

" They generally remain as if asleep, and
never awaken, or make their appearance, until
the rainy season has supplied the ponds, and

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Lo Vaillant's acconul of tlic African tortoises.

small lakes, with water, on the borders of which
they deposit their eggs, which are as large as
those of a pigeon : they leave to the heat and the
sun the care of hatching them.

" These eggs have an excellent taste; the
white, which never becomes hard by the force.
of fire, preserves the transparency of a blueish
jelly.

" I do not know whether this instinct be com-
mon to every species of water tortoises, and whe-
ther they all employ the same means; but this
1 can assert, that every time, during the great
droughts, when I wished to procure any of them,
by digging in those places where there had been
water, I always found as many as I had occa-
sion for.

te This method of fishing, or whatever else it
may be called, was not new to me ; for at Suri-
nam, a stratagem of the same kind is employed
to catch two species of fish, which bury them-
selves also; and which are called, one the varappe,
and the other gorret"

The account given by the Rev. Mr. White, of
the manners and habits of a domesticated tor-
toise in England, is highly interesting, and will
tend to illustrate the description of this animal.

" A tortoise," says the above author, in his
History of Selborne, »' which had been kept
thirty years in a little walled court, retires under
ground about the middle of November, and
comes forth again about the middle of April:
1

THE TORTOISE.

Habits, mauuers, &c.

when it first appears in the spring, it discovers
very little inclination for food, but in the height
of summer grows voracious; and then, as the
ttummer declines, its appetite declines, so that
for the last six weeks in autumn it hardly eats at
all. Milky plants, such as lettuces, dandelions,
eow-thistles, &c. are its principal food.

" On the first of November, 1771, I observed
the tortoise began to dig the ground, in order to
form its hybernaculum, which it had fixed 011
just before a great tuft of hepaticus. It scrapes
out the ground with its fore-feet, and throws it
up over its back with its hind ones; but the mo-
tion of its legs is ridiculously slow, little exceed-
ing the hour-hand of a clock. Nothing can be
more assiduous than this creature night and day,
in scooping the earth, and forcing its body into
the cavity; but as the noons of that season proved
unusually warm and sunny, it was continually
interrupted, and called forth by the heat in the
middle of the day, and though I continued there
till the thirteenth of November, yet the work re-
mained unfinished. Harsher weather, and frosty
mornings would have quickened its operations.

tf No part of its behaviour ever struck me more
than the extreme timidity it always expressed
with regard to rain, for though it has a shell
which would secure it against the wheel of a
loaded cart, yet does it discover as much solici-
tude about vain, as a lady dressed in all her best

004 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Proof of sagacity.

attire, shuffling away on the first sprinkling, and
running its head up in a corner.

" If attended to, it becomes an excellent wea-
ther-glass, for as sure as it walks elate, and as it
were on tip-toe, feeding with great earnestness,
in a morning, so sure it will rain before night: it
is totally a diurnal animal, and never attempts to
stir out after it becomes dark.

" The tortoise, like other reptiles, has an arbi-
trary stomach, as well as lungs, and can refrain
from eating, as well as breathing, for a great part
of the year.

" I was much taken with its sagacity, in dis-
cerning those that do it kind offices; for as soon
as the good old lady comes in sight, who has
waited on it for more than thirty years, it hob-
bles towards its benefactress, writh an awkward
alacrity, but remains inattentive to strangers.
Thus, not only ' the ox knoweth his owner, and
the ass his master's crib/ but the most abject
and torpid of beings, distinguishes the hand that
feeds it, and is touched with the feelings of gra-
titude. This creature not only goes under the
earth from the middle of November to the mid-
dle of April, but sleeps great part of the summer;
for it goes to bed, in the longest days, at four in
the afternoon, and often does not stir in the morn-
ing till late. Besides, it retires to rest for every
shower, and does not move at all in wet days."

This animal is said to live to a most extraordi-

THE TORTOISE.

Surprising longevity.

nary age; and very ample evidence has been
produced of its exceeding even the period of a
century. One that was introduced into the gar-
den of Lambeth palace in the time of archbishop
Laud, was living in the year \7o3, a hundred
and twenty years afterwards: at last it perished,
from an unfortunate neglect of the gardener;
and the shell which measures ten inches in
length, and six and a half in breadth, is said to
be still preserved in the palace. In the year
176.5, a tortoise was living in the garden of a
gentleman, at Sandwich, in Kent, which was
known to have been there from about the year
1679, but how long before that period 'no on«
could say with certainty. There is, however,
good reason for supposing it to have been brought
thither from the West Indies by a gentleman
\vho was owner of the premises several years be-
fore the first period. This animal died in the
winter of 1767 • It appeared that it had endea-
voured, according to irs annual custom, to bur*
row into the ground; but having selected for
this purpose a spot near an old vine, its progress
was obstructed by the roots, and it probably had
not sufficient strength to change its situation, as
it was found dead with only half its body co-
vered. About thirty years before its death, it
got out of the garden, and was much injured by
the wheel of a loaded waggon, which went over
it, and cracked its upper shell.

Several cruel experiments have been made tp

II. — NO. XIV. 2 P

296 NATIMULIST'S CABINET.

Ciuel experiments.

prove the extreme tenacity of the vital principle
in this animal; and those of Rhedi, in particular,
are revolting to humanity and disgraceful to
science. In one instance he made a large open-
ing in the skull of a full grown tortoise, and drew
out all the brain, washing the cavity, so as not
to leave the smallest part remaining, and then,
with the hole open, set the animal at liberty. It
marched off, as he says, without seeming to have
received the slightest injury, save from the clos-
ing of its eyes, which it never afterwards opened.
In a short time the hole was observed to close,
and in about three days a complete skin covered
the wound: in this manner the- animal lived,
without the brain, for six months, walking about,
and still moving its limbs as it did previously to
the operation.

In Greece these animals form an article of
food. The inhabitants also swallow the blood
without any culinary preparation, and are very
partial to the eggs, when rendered palatable by
boiling. In the gardens of some parts of Italy,
wells are formed for the purpose of burying the
eggs of the tortoise. These remain till the ensu-
ing spring, when, by the natural warmth of the
climate, they are hatched, and the young ones
come forth. The tortoises are kept in banks of
earth.

The tortoise, when turned on its back, begins
to rock its body, gradually increasing the motion,
till it is enabled to turn itself completely over,.

THE ANT-EATER. 297

Description, &c.

and regain its legs. The strength of its jaws is
so great that if it fasten on any object, an iron
bar can scarcely force them open; and even
when the head is cut off, they will adhere firmly,
in consequence of the astonishing rigidity of the
muscles, which do not relax even in death.

We have never heard that any of the species
ever experience a renovation of the shell, which
affords it a secure asylum from every enemy but
man.

THE ANT-EATER.

THERE are three different species of this
genus of animals in South America, which M.
Buffon has distinguished by the names of the ta-
manoi, the tamandua, and the fourmillier, or ant-
eater; it is, likewise, known by the appellation,
of the ant-bear ,' the distinguishing characteris-
tics of which are, a long snout, a small mouth,
without teeth, and a long cylindrical tongue, gene-
rally folded up in the mouth, with which the ani-
mal penetrates into the ant-nests, and draws out
the ants, which constitute its principal food. ,j

The first species, to whicli the French settlers
in America have given the name of tamauoir, is
about four feet long from the snout to the inser-
tion of the tail; the head is fourteen or fifteen
inches; and the snout is so disproportionate, that
2 p 2

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Mode of defence.

it> length makes nearly a fourth part of the whole
figure.

At ji distance, this animal looks like a great
fox, and some travellers, for that reason, call him
the American fox. He is possessed of great
strength and agility, which render him capable
of defending himself against a large dog, and
even the jaguar will sometimes yield to his supe-
rior prowess.

AY hen attacked, he raises himself on his hind-
legs, and makes use of his fore-legs to defend
himself, in the same manner as the bear. After
seizing his adversary with his talons, he falls on
his back, and fights with the most invincible ob-
stinacy to the last extremity. His skin is almost
•invulnerable from its thickness, being covered
with a long bushy hair, in consequence of which
he generally comes oft' victorious.

The legs of this quadruped are about a foot
long ; the fore-legs arc more slender and some-
what higher than those behind, and armed with
four strong claws, the middle ones being consi-
derably longer than the rest. The hind-feet
have five claws. The body and head are covered
with black and white hair; and the tail is long,
tufted, and flattened towards the end ; with this
appendage the animal sometimes shelters itself
from the rain, or heat of the sun, by throwing it
over its back : when perfectly composed, ii
sweeps the way with it as it goes; but \\hcn agi-
tated, it moves briskly to either side,
i

THE AtfT-EATBlt. 299

Varieties.

This creature is a very bad walker, and its pace
is so slow, that a man can easily overtake it : the
feet, however, are well calculated for climbing;
and it grasps the limbs of trees, or other round
bodies, with such violence, as to render it very
difficult to disengage it.

The second of these animals, called by the na-
tives tamandua, is much smaller than the former,
being no more than eighteen inches from the
amout to the insertion of the tail: the head is
about five inches long, the ears erect, and about
an inch in length ; the tail ten inches, and naked
at the end: the tongue is round, eight inches
long, and lodged in a kind of hollow canal within
the lower jaw : the feet and claws are of the same
construction as those of the former; and the ani-
mal climbs, walks, and acts, exactly in the same
manner; its tail, however, is not capable of
sheltering it; it sleeps with its head under its
fore-legs.

The third of this tribe which the French call
fourmillier, or ant-eater, is from the snout to the
tail about seven inches long, the head little more
than two inches, but thick in proportion to the
body; the eyes are situated but at a small dis*-
tance from the corners of the mouth ; the ears
small, and almost concealed by the hair, which
is smooth, shining, and curiously diversified with
red and yellow. The legs are about three inches
high ; the hind-feet are furnished with four claws,
whereas the fore ones have no more than two.

30O NATURALISTS CABINET.

Singular method of procuring prey.

Tins quadruped climbs trees with great dexte-
rity, and accustoms itself to hang on the boughs
by the tail. It also frequently hides itself be-
neath the roots of bushes and trees, under the
fallen leaves.

The method which the ant-eater adopts in
order to procure its prey is very singular. When
it approaches the ant-hills, with which the new
continent abounds, it cieeps slowly forward on
its belly, using every precaution to keep itself
cpncealed, till it come within a proper distance.
It then lays itself down and thrusts out its long
tongue across the path of the ants, and there lets
it lie motionless for several minutes. The little
busy insects, some of which are half an inch
long, considering this as a worm, or piece of
flesh thrown before them, issue forth, and swarm
over it; but wherever they touch, they are im-
mediately entangled in a kind of glutinous fluid,
with which it is covered; and when the animal
perceives a sufficient number collected, it draw*
in its tongue, and devours them in a moment.
It continues to repeat this experiment till it has
appeased its hunger : after which, it retires to its
hiding-place to repose; and thus the industry of
an hour frequently yields it a sufficient supply
for several days together.

The ant-hills here alluded to are sometimes
five or six feet high, and so abundantly inhabited,
as to afford sustenance to one of these animals
for a considerable length of time.

THE ANT-EATER. SOI

Habits, food, &c.

The three species of ant-eaters above men-
tioned, though differing materially in size and
proportion, are nevertheless very similar in their
common conformation,, and natural instinct.
They all feed upon ants, in their wild state, and
sometimes regale themselves with the honey,
which they find in the hollow trees in the woods:
it appears that they are all capable of subsisting
a long time without food. When taken young,
they are easily tamed and domesticated, when
they will eat small pieces of meat, and crumbs
of bread, from the hand, without fear or appre-
hension : when they drink, it is remarkable that
they swallow only a portion of the liquor, while
the remainder of it is returned through the nos-
trils. They commonly sleep in the day, and shift
their station at night. Their flesh is frequently
eaten by the natives; but it is very coarse, tough,
and unsavory.

These animals are only to be found in the
rudest and most uncultivated parts of the 'New
World, and, indeed, as Goldsmith observes, " if
we examine through the various regions of the
earth, we shall find that all the most active,
sprightly, and useful quadrupeds, have been ga-
thered round man, and either served his plea-
sures, or still maintained their independence by
their vigilance, their cunning, or their industry.
It is in the remote solitudes that we are to look
for the -helpless, the deformed, and the monstrous
births of nature. They therefore retire for safety

302 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, &c.

into the darkest forests, or the most desert moun-
tains, where none of the bolder or swifter am*
mals chuse to reside."

God, in the nature of each being founds
Its proper bliss, and sets its proper bounds :
But as he fram'd a whole, the whole to bless,
On mutual wants built mutual happiness;
So, from the first, eternal order ran,
And creature lint'd to creature, man to man.

TOPE.

THE FERRET.

THIS animal is known to us only in a domes-
tic state, but was, according to the best authori-
ties, originally a native of Africa, whence it was
imported into Spain, and from its known enmity
to rabbits, it was employed to free that country
from the multitudes of those animals with which
it was in a manner over-run.

The body of the ferret is about twelve or four-
teen inches in length, the nose is sharper than
that of the common weasel : the ears are short
and round, and the eyes exceedingly red, and
full of fire : the body is very slender, and the legs
ore short.

The common colour of these animals is a pule
yellow, with sometimes a shade of black at the
points of the hairs ; but they are also found of
various other colours, such as party-coloured,
brown, white., and black.

THE FERRET.

Natural voracity.

In a domestic state the ferret is incapable of
attachment, it is easily irritated, and will fre-
quently seize the hand that feeds it. So voraci-
ous is it, and so eager its appetite for blood, that
the female frequently devours her whole litter of
seven or eight young, and instances have been
known of its killing young infants in their cra-
dles. The bite of this animal is very difficult to
heal; and the fetid odour which it exhales is ex-
tremely offensive. tefjj •«

The breed of the ferret, being apt to degene-
rate in this country, an intercourse is commonly
procured between the female and the foumart or
pole-cat; by which means a race is procured,
bolder, hardier, and more ferocious, partaking
much of the nature of the males, and being of a
darker colour than the female.

Nature seems to have formed this animal to
be the mortal enemy of the rabbit. If a dead
rabbit be laid before a very young ferret which
has never seen one before, it seizes on it in the
most savage manner, nor, v.ithout the greatest
violence, will be induced to relinquish its hold.
If a living rabbit be presented, it darts upon it
with almost irresistible eagerness, penetrates its
neck with its teeth, winds its body round it, and
retains it position, as long as a drop of blood is
to be procured.

The ferret, being originally a native of the tor-
rid zone, is not able to endure the rigors of a
cold climate, in a wild state; and, in its domcs-

VOL. 1J. — NO. XIV. 2 Q

501 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Fcrrt't* trained to chase rabbits.

ticated condition, it requires a considerable de-
gree of attention and indulgence. Hence it is
usually accommodated with a hutch or box, fur-
nished with a quantity of wool, with which it
forms a warm bed, and in which it sleeps the
greater part, of the day, but its disposition is so
ravenous that the moment it awakes, it evinces
the utmost eagerness for a supply of food.

The ferret is regularly trained, by warreners,
to chase the rabbits in their burrows; in this em-
ployment care is always taken to muzzle it, that
it may only drive the rabbits out into the nets,
which are spread before the entrance of those
retreats; as it would otherwise destroy, and leave
them in their holes.

It sometimes happens that the ferret disen-
gages itself from its muzzle, whilst in the hole;
when there is the greatest danger of its being
lost, for, -after being satiated with blood, it falls
asleep, and then it is almost impossible to rouze,
or get at it.

When this happens, the usual methods of re-
covering the ferret are, by digging it out, mak-
ing a fire at the entrance, or smoking the hole.
If these measures do not succeed, it continues
among the rabbit holes during the summer, sub
sisting upon the prey which it finds there; how-
ever, on the arrival of winter, being unable to
sustain the cold of that season, it is sure to
perish.

In mills, barns, and granaries, this iittle

THE FERRET; 303

Vigilance in quest of vermin.

druped is of the greatest utility, being extremely
active and vigilant in the pursuit of vermin,
which will not remain within scent of it.

A very young ferret will sometimes attack the
largest and fiercest rat, which frequently drugs
it about a considerable time, before it is able to
subdue it.

Attempts have frequently been made to main-
tain these animals on ship-board, for the purpose
of destroying the rats, which are so prejudicial
to vessels, and their cargoes; but this mode of
life appears to agree with them so ill, that it is
very seldom they can be preserved any length of
time.

Some writers have been inclined to doubt,
whether or not the polecat and ferret were ani-
mals of two different species; perhaps their near
resemblance in colour, first gave rise to this un-
certainty, bur this doubt now seems cleared up,
by proof: a native of temperate climates, the
polecat is an animal wild like the marten ; whereas
the ferret, originally an inhabitant of hot coun-
tries, can only exist in our climate, in a domestic
state.

To this species may he referred the vansire,
or Madagascar weasel, which differs from the
former only in the number of its grinding teeth
and the length of its tail.

Buffon likewise mentions another animal of
this species, under the name of nems, resembling
203

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Description, &c.

the ferret in every thing but colour, and which
is a native of Arabia.

The head and back of this animal are of a
darkish brown hue, slightly mixed with white;
the breast and belly are of a bright yellow, as is
also that part of the head round the eyes; a tinc-
ture of brown, more or less, prevails on the nose,
chocks, and other parts of the face, where the
hair is shorter and smoother than on the body;
this colour gradually terminates above the eyes.
The legs are of a deep yellow, and covered with
short, thick, and compact hair: it has four toes
on each foot, and a small one behind: the claws
are small, sharp, and black : the tail is nearly
twice the length of that of the common ferret,
and exceedingly thick at the base; it is covered
with a long and thick hair, like that on the body,
and terminates in a sharp point.

This little animal is much caressed by the
Arabs on account of its great assiduity in destroy-
ing serpents, insects, and vermin.

THE POLECAT.

THE general form of the polecat so nearly
resembles that of the ferret, as to induce many
persons to suppose them one and the same ani-
mal ; but, on a careful examination, several strik-
ing differences may be noticed. This quadru-

THE POLECAT. SO?

Description, favourite pre^, Sec.

ped is considerably larger than the ferret, its
nose is blunter, and its body not quite so slender.
It also differs in its internal conformation; hav-
ing but fourteen ribs, whereas the ferret has fif-
teen; and wanting one of the breast-bones,
which is found in the ferret.

The polecat is, for the most part, of a deep
chocolate colour, inclining to black on the throat,
feet, and tail. The ears are short, rounded, and
tipt with white; there is also some white about
the nose; and a little beyond the corners of the
mouth a stripe begins, and runs backward, partly
white and partly yellow. The claws are white
beneath, and brown above; and the tail is about
two inclies and a half in length.

Rabbits seem to be the favourite prey of these
animals, and a single polecat is often sufficient
to destroy a whole warren ; as its insatiable thirst
for blood propels it to kill many more than it
can possibly devour; and Goldsmith observes,
that he has seen twenty rabbits at a time taken
out dead, which a polecat had destroyed, and
that by a wound scarcely perceptible.

The polecat is likewise particularly destructive
among pigeons, as it gets into the dove-house
with very little noise ; dispatches each of its vic-
tims with a single wound in the head; and, after
killing a great number, and satiating itself with
their blood, it begins to carry them off, one by
one, to its subterraneous retreat; or if it happen,
that the aperture by which it got into the dove

308 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Depreciations.

house be not large enough for the body of a pi-
geon to pass through, the mischievous depreda-
tor contents itself with carrying away the heads,
and makes a most luxurious feast on the brains.
The polecat is also very destructive to all kinds
of young game ; and is extremely fond of honey,
attacking the hives in, winter, and forcing the
bees away.

During cold weather, when their prey is not
easily found in the woods, polecats take up their
residence in the vicinity of houses, and they
have sometimes been known to burrow near a vil-
lage so as scarcely to be extirpated. In the sum-
mer season, however, they generally reside in
woods, or thick brakes, making holes in the
ground of about five or six feet deep.

The female usually produces five or six young
at a time, and soon trains them to habits of ra-
pine and cruelty, supplying them very early with
the blood of such animals as she happens to seize
in her excursions.

The polecat seems to be a native of the tem-
perate climates; -as it is rarely found towards the
north, or in the warmer latitudes. The fur,
though soft and warm, is held in little estimation,
on account of its disagreeable smell.

THE SQUASH. 309

Description — Insupportable odour.

THE SQV4SH.

THE squash, or stifling, is about the size of a
polecat. Its hair is long and of a deep brown
colour; and whether considered with respect to
its figure, odour, or disposition, it belongs to the
weasel kind; though it differs from all the other
varieties, in having only four instead of five toes
on the fore-feet. It is a native of Mexico, and
is principally found in subterraneous holes, exca-
vated rocks, &c. where the female brings forth
her young. Its food, for the most part, consists
of beetles, worms, and small birds, and it is very
destructive to poultry, of which, however, it only
eats the brains.

When alarmed or irritated, this animal emits
the most horrid scent, which is, in fact, its chief
means of protection. When pursued it does all
in its power to escape,' but if driven to an extre-
mity, it discharges its urine upon the hunters;
this is of so virulent a nature as to occasion cer-
tain blindness if any of it happen to fall into the
eyes, and if it but touch any part of a man's
garment it is more than probable that he can
never wear it again. The dogs themselves abate
of their ardor when they find this extraordinary
battery played off against them: they instantly
turn tail, and leave the animal undisputed master
.of the field; and no exhortations can ever induce
them to rally.

510 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Effects ui the animal's stench.

" In the year 1749," says Professor Kulm,
" one of these animals came near the farm where
I lived. It was in winter time, during the night;
and the dogs that were upon the watch pursued
it for some time, until it discharged against them.
Although I was in my bed, a good way off, I
thought I should have been suffocated; and the
cows and oxen, by their lowings, showed how
much they were affected by the stench. About
the end of the same year, another of these ani-
mals crept into our cellar, but did not exhale the
smallest scent, because it was not disturbed. A
woman, however, who perceived it at night, by
the shining of its eyes, killed it, and at that mo-
ment its odour began to spread. The whole
cellar was filled with it to such a degree, that the
woman kept her bed for several days after; and
all the bread, meat, and other provisions that
were kept there, were so infected, that they were
obliged to be thrown out of doors."

It is worthy of remark, however, that many of
the planters, and the native Americans keep these
animals tame about their houses; and are seldom
annoyed by any disagreeable scents. They also
eat the flesh, after depriving it of those glandg
which are so extremely offensive.

THE SKUNK. — THE GENET. 311

Description.

THE SKUNK.

THIS animal, which the natives of" Brasil dis*
tinguish by the appellation of the chinche, resem-
bles a polecat in the size and formation of its
body; but particularly differs in the length of its
hair and colour. The hair is above three inches
long, and that at the end of the tail above four
inches. The colour is partly black, and partly
white, and disposed in stripes over the body.
The nose is long and slender> and extends a con-
siderable way beyond the lower jaw; the ears are
large, short, and rounded ; and the tail is remark-
ably thick and bushy.

The skunk, like the squash, emits an into-
lerable fetid scent, when attacked, pursued, or
frightened. It inhabits Peru, Brasil, and other
parts of South America; and is also found in
North America, as far as Canada.

THE GENET.

AS the polecat, the squash, and the skunk>
may be justly numbered among the most often*
sive animals in nature ; the genet may be pro-
nounced one of the most beautiful, and the per-
fume which it yields is perfectly grateful. The
body of this animal is rather larger than that of
the marten ; its head is long and slender, tapering

voi.. ii. — NO. kiv. 2 B.

SIC KATURALTST'S CABINET.

Manners, &c.

toward the nose; and its ears are large and some-
what pointed. The hair is soft, smooth, and
glossy; spotted with black, upon a ground 'mixed
with red and grey: the spots on the sides arre
round and distinct ; but towards the back they
unite, and form black stripes, which run longitu-
dinally from the neck backwards. Along the
ridge of the back there is also a kind of mane of
long black hair; and the tail is marked witli
rings, alternately black and white, its whole
length. The perfume, which smells faintly of
musk, issues from au orifice beneath the tail.

The genet nearly resembles the marten in its
habits and disposition; but is said to be tamed
with much greater facility. Belon informs us,
that he has seen them, in the houses al Constan-
tinople, as tame as domestic cats, and that they
were permitted to run about, without any danger
of their doing mischief. " For this reason," says
Goldsmith, " they have been called the cats of
Constantinople; although they have little else in
common with that quadruped, except their skill
in discovering and destroying vermin. From
such, however, as have seen its uses at Constan-
tinople, I learn that it is one of the most beauti-
ful, cleanly, and industrious animals in the world;
and that it keeps whatever house it is in perfectly
free from rats and mice, which cannot endure its
smell. Add to this, its nature is 'mild and gen-
tle, its colour various and glossy, its fur valuable ;
and, upon the whole, it seems to be one of those
6

THE DORMOUSE.

Predilection for moist grounds, &c.

animals that, with proper care, might be propa-
gated among us, and might become one of the
most serviceable of our domestics."

It is said that these animals inhabit only moist
grounds, banks of rivers, 8cc. and that they are
never found on mountains or dry tracts of land,
Their species is not much diffused ; few of them
being found except in Turkey, Spain, Syria, and
the southern provinces of France. Buffon re-
marks, that in the spring of 1775 the Abb6 Rou-
bard sent him a genet that was killed at Livray
in Poitou, and M. Delpeche informed him, in a
letter, that it was a constant practice with the
peasants of the province of Rouergue to bring
dead genets to the merchants in the winter season.
It seems they are principally found near Ville-
frunche, where they burrow in holes, like rabbits.

THE DORMOUSE.

OF the dormouse Buffon reckons only three
jpecies, viz. the greater dormouse, which he calls
the loir, the middle, the loiret, and the less, the
muscardin; modern naturalists, however, have
enumerated no le&s than seven kinds, namely,
the common dormouse, the striped dormouse, the
fat dormouse, the garden dormouse, the Chilian
dormouse, the earless dormouse, and the gilt-
tailed dormouse.

This little animal is in many parts of England
JL E 2

314 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

* / Nests, magazines, &c.

called the sleeper. Its nest is commonly in the
woods and hedges, at the roots of hollow trees,
or at the boitom of bushes, and is formed of
grass, moss, and fallen leaves.

Buffon seems to have fallen into an error,
when he says the dormouse is not a native of
Britain ; since, though they are not so numerous
as many other diminutive quadrupeds, they are
well known to almost every villager in this
country.

At the commencement of winter, they roll
themselves up in balls, with the tail over the nose,
in order to prevent the effects of the cold on
their delicate frame and constitution : but the
warmth of the sun, or any sudden transition,
from cold to heat, thaws their almost stagnant
fluids, and arouses them from this temporary
lethargy.

Their magazines of provisions are always pre-
pared against this season, and consist of acorns,
beans, and nuts ; in consequence of which, they
are not under the necessity of going abroad, and
exposing their lives in search of food, immedi-
ately on their re-animation.

They generally continue to sleep about five
months of the ^ear, during which time they are
seldom found, unless by wood-cutters, or persons
employed in procuring fuel, in the woods or cop-
pices.

Their time of breeding is in the spring ; and
they are by no means so prolific as the common

THE DORMOUSE. 315

Description, habits, &c.

mouse, seldom bringing forth more than four at
a time during that season.

The common dormouse, according to the
statement of Mr. Pennant, has two cutting teeth
in each jaw, naked ears, four toes before, aad
five behind ; the tail is somewhat more than two
inches in length, and hairy towards the extre-
mity. The body is about the size of that of the
common, or domestic mouse, but rather more
plump ; the back and sides are of a tawny red,
but thf throat and belly perfectly white.

This animal is known in almost every part of
Europe. It chiefly subsists on nuts and acorns,
which it eats like the squirrel, sitting in an erect
posture.

At the commencement of winter it rolls itself
up in its nest, where it lies in a state of torpidity
till revived by the genial warmth of spring;
sometimes, when the winter is unusually mild,
should the sun shine out, it frequently seems to
revive; but when the motive ceases, it soon re-
lapses into its former lethargic state.

The striped dormouse is found in the northern
parts of Asia and America. It usually burrows
like the rabbit in holes under ground, where it
forms a habitation with two entrances, that it
may be furnished with means of escape, should
one of the passages be accidentally obstructed.

This retreat is very ingeniously contrived, re-
sembling a long gallery, with diverticles on each
side, each terminating in a kind of chamber,

316 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Favourite food.

which serves as a depot of provisions for the win-
ter season ; in one of these they deposit acorns,
in another maize, in a third hickory nuts, and in
a. fourth chinquapin chesnuts, which last seem to
be their favourite aliment.

During the winter they seldom, if ever, stir
abroad ; and their domestic affairs are so well
managed, that their stock of provisions rarely
fail. During the maize harvest they bite off the
ears of corn, and cram their months so full, that
their cheeks, which arc peculiarly adapted for
the purpose, are greatly distended, and appear
ready to burst.

For some particular kinds of food they show a
marked predilection, so that when they find it,
they immediately relinquish that which is less
agreeable, and fill their cheeks with the other;
they like barley better than rye, and prefer wheat
to either.

When pursued, and deprived of other meang
of escape, they will frequently ascend the highest
trees, and secure themselves among the branches.

The loir, or fat dormouse, is of a soft ash-
colour, with a whitish throat and belly. The
body is thicker than that of the squirrel, and is
about six inches in length from the snout to the
insertion of the tail : the tail is commonly about
four inches and a half, and the ears are remark-
ably thin and transparent.

This little quadruped is a native of the south-
ern parts of Europe, aud the south-west part* ef

THE DORrMOUSE. 31?

Different species.

the Russian dominions. It generally resides in
the trunks of hollow trees, subsisting mostly on.
fruits and acorns. Its flesh was formerly held
in high esteem among the Romans, and is still
considered as a delicacy in some parts of Italy.

The garden dormouse is to be found in most
of the southern countries of Europe, and the
most temperate parts of Russia; where it feeds
upon roots and fruits of all descriptions. A
broad black circle surrounds the eyes; it has also
a black spot behind each ear, and a bush at the
extremity of the tail: the head and body are of a
tawny colour ; and its smell is foetid and disa-
greeable.

The Chilian dormouse, as its name implies, is
a native of Chili, in South America. This ani-
mal is larger than the common rat, of a dull
white colour, with a black stripe across the
shoulders, and resides in deep burrows under
ground.

The earless dormouse derives its appellation
from the smallness of its ears, which are scarcely
perceptible, but on close inspection. It is about
the size of a common squirrel, of a pale ferrugin-
ous colour, except a white line on each side, ex-
tending from the ahoulder to the hind parts ; it
has also a white stripe or line over each eye.
The feet and belly are of a dingy white; the back
part of the hind-legs black and naked : it has a
large protuberance on the fore-feet, and the toes
are long and distinct, terminating with very long

318 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, &c.

claws ; it is very mild in its disposition, and may
be tamed with tolerable facility.

This animal is found in the interior parts of
Africa, at a considerable distance from the Cape
of Good Hope.

The gilt-tailed dormouse is a beautiful little
animal, and a native of Surinam : it is of a pur-
plish chesnut: a gold-coloured line runs down
the face between the eyes ; an d nearly half the
tail is also of a gold colour, from which distinc-
tion it seems to have received its name.

THE SYRIAN HYUAX.

THIS animal, according to the most accurate
accounts, is found in Ethiopia, in the caverns of
the rocks, or under the great stones, in the
mountains of the sun, behind the palace at Kos-
cam. It is also frequent in the deep caverns in
the rocks, in many other parts of Abyssinia. It
does not burrow, or make holes as the rat and
rabbit; nature having interdicted this practice,
by furnishing it with feet, the toes of which are
perfectly round, and of a soft, tender substance ;
the fleshy part of the toes project beyond the
nails, which are rather broad than sharp, much
similar to a man's nails ill grown ; and these ap-
pear rather given for the defence of the toes,
than for any active use in digging, to which they
are by no means adapted.

THE SYRIAN HYRAX.

Description — Habitations.

The hind-toot is long and narrow, divided with
two deep wrinkles, or clefts, in the middle, drawn
across the centre, on each side of which the flesh
rises with considerable protuberancy, and it is
terminated by three claws ; the middle one being
the longest. The fore-foot has four toes, three
disposed in the same proportion as the hind-foot;
the fourth is longer than the others, and is placed
lower down on the side of the foot, so that the
top of it reaches no farther than the bottom of
the toe next to it. The sole of the foot is di-
vided in the centre by deep clefts, like the other,
and this cleft reaches down to the heel, which it
nearly divides. The whole of the fore-foot is
very thick, fleshy, and soft, and of a deep black
colour, destitute of hair; though the back or
tipper part of it is thickly covered like the rest
of the body, down to where the toes divide;
there the hair ends, so that these long toes nearly
resemble a man's fingers.

These quadrupeds seem to delight in airy
places, in the mouths of caves, or clefts in the
rock, or where one projecting, and being open
before, affords a long retreat under it, without
fear that this can ever be removed by the strength
or operations of man. They are gregarious, and
frequently several dozens of them sit upon the
great stones at the mouth of the caves, and
warm themselves in the sun, or even come out,
and enjoy the freshness of the summer breeze,

VQl*. 11.— NO. XY. $ S

820 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Mr. Bruce's account of the Syrian hjrax.

They do not stand upright upon their feet, but
seem to steal along, as in fear, their belly being
nearly close to the ground, advancing a few steps
at a time, and then pausing. Their deportment
is very mild, feeble, and timid; and they may be
easily tamed, though, when roughly handled at
the first, they bite very severely.

" This animal," says Mr. Bruce, " is found
plentifully on Mount Libanus. 1 have seen him
also among the rocks at the Pharan Promonto-
rium, or Cape Mahomet, which divides the
Elanitic from the Gulf of Suez. In all places
they seem to be the same; if there be any differ-
ence, it is in favour of the size and fatness, which
those in the Mountain of the Sun seem to enjoy
above the otbers. What his food is I cannot
determine with any degree of certainty. When
in my possession, he ate bread and meat, and
seemed to be rather ,a moderate than voracious
feeder. I suppose he subsists on grain, fruit, and
roots. He seemed to be timid, and backward, in
his own nature, to feed upon living food, or to
catch it by hunting.

" The total length of this animal as he sits,
from the point of his nose to the extremity of
his body, is seventeen inches and a quarter.
The length of his snout from the extremity of
the nose to the occiput, is three inches and three
eighths. His upper jaw is longer than his under;
his nose stretches half an inch bevond his chin.

THE SYRIAN HYRAX.

Mr. Bruce's description, &c.

The aperture of the mouth, when he keeps it
close, in profile, is little more than an inch. The
circumference of the snout around both his jaws;
is three inches and three eighths; the upper part
of the head eight inches and five eighths ; the
circumference of his neck is eight inches and a
half, and its length one inch and a half. He
seems more willing to turn his body altogether
than his neck alone. The circumference of his
body, measured behind his fore-legs, is nine
inches and three quarters, and that of his body,
where greatest, eleven inches and three eighths.
The length of his fore-leg and toe is three inches
and a half. The length of his hind-thigh three
inches and one eighth, and the length of his hind-
leg to the toe, taken together, is two feet two
inches: the length of the fore-foot is one inch
and three eighths ; the length of the middle toe
six lines, and its breadth the same. The distance
between the point of the nose, and the first
corner of the eye, is one inch and five eighths ;
and the length of his eye from one angle to the
other four lines. The difference from the fore
angle of his eye to the root of his ear, is one inch
and three lines, and the opening of his eye two
lines and a half. His upper lip is covered with a
pencil of strong hair for mustachoes, the length
of which are three inches and five eighths, and
those of his eyebrows two inches and two eighths*
His colour is of a grey mixed with a reddish
2 s 2

NATURALISTS CABIN F.T.

Harmless disposition.

brown, perfectly like the wild or warren rabbit
and he has no tail. His belly is white from the
point of the lower jaw, to where his tail would
I>rgin, if he had one. All over his body he has
scattered hairs, strong and polished like his mus-
tachoes; these are for the most part two inches
and a quarter in length. His ears are round,
not pointed. He makes no noise that ever I
heard, but certainly ehews the cud. To discover
this was the principal reason of my keeping him
alive. Those with whom he is acquainted he
follows with great assiduity. The arrival of any
living creature, even of a bird, makes him seek
for a hiding-place ; and I shut him up in a cage,
with a small chicken, after omitting to feed him
a whole day : the next morning the chicken was
unhurt, though he came to me, with great signs
of having suffered with hunger. I likewise made
a second experiment, by enclosing two smaller
birds with him for the space of several weeks;
neither were these hurt, though both of them
fed, without impediment, upon the meat that was
thrown into his cage, and the smallest of these,
a titmouse, seemed to be advancing in a sort of
familiarity with him, though I never saw it ven-
ture to perch upon him, yet it would eat fre-
quently, and at the same time, of the food upon-
which he was feeding; and in this consisted
chiefly the familiarity I speak of, for he never
showed any alteration of behaviour upon the rjre-
5

THE CAPE HYRAX. 323

Different names given to the hyrax.

sence of the bird, but treated it with a kind of
absolute indifference. The cage, indeed, was
large, and the birds, having a perch to sit upon
in the upper part of it, did not annoy one ano-
ther."

" In Amhara," continues our author, " this
animal is called ashoko, which I apprehend, is
derived from the singularity of those long hairs,
which, like small thorns, grow about his back,
and which, in Amhara are called ashok. la
Arabia and Syria he is called Israel's sheep,
or Gannim Israel; for what reason I know not
unless it be from his frequenting the rocks of
Horeb and Sinai, where the children of Israel
made their forty years peregrination ; perhaps
this name obtains only among the Arabians. I
apprehend he is known by that of saphan in the
Hebrew, and is the animal erroneously called by
our translators the cuniculus, or rabbit."

THE CAPE HYRAX.

THIS animal is commonly known in its na-
tive regions by the name of the rock-badger,
though its feet are not formed for digging or
burrowing. It resides in the hollows of the rocks
and clifts, and leaps with considerable agility.
It is about the size of a common rabbit, and not
much unlike it in colour. The body and lirnbs

324 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description — Habits, &c.

arc sliorl and thick ; the head is small, the eye*
large and black, the ears short, and the nose di-
vided by a furrow ; the fore-feet have four toes,
of a soft pulpy nature, and furnished with flat,
rounded nails; the hind-feet are of a similar
structure, but have only three divisions, the inte->
rior of which is armed with a sharp crooked
claw, and the exterior ones have nails like those
on the fore-feet.

Dr. Pallas published the first figure of this spe-
cies ; but more correct representations have since
been given.

In its wild state, it lives mostly on vegetables,
reposing all day on a bed of dried leaves and
grass, and at night retiring into the cavities of
the rocks. Its voice is a kind of a shrill squeak,
which it sometimes repeats several times in the
course of a few minutes.

This animal is said to be easily tamed, and
shows considerable attachment to its keeper : it
is remarkably cleanly in its habits, and active
and lively in its disposition, leaping about with
the greatest agility. Its favourite food seems to
be fruits and vegetables, though it will not reject
bread. With respect to its fecundity or manner
of educating its young very little seems to be
known.

The variety called the Hudson's Bay Hyrax,
from the name of its native country, is of a cine-
reous brown colour, with the points of the hairs

THE SHREW-MOUSE. 325

Description, &c.

white; and is about the size of a marmot. It
seems to have been first described by Mr. Pen-
nant, from a specimen deposited in the Leverian
Museum.

THE SHREW-MOUSE.

THE shrew-mouse seems to form a shade in
the order of diminutive animals, and to fill up
the interval between the mole and the rat; which
though they resemble each other in size, differ
materially in form, and are a totally distinct
species.

This animal is smaller than the common
mouse, and in its snout, which is much longer
than the jaw-bone, it resembles the mole: its
eyes are black and larger than those of the latter
animal, but they are in like manner concealed,
and much smaller than those of the mouse. It
has a short bare tail, small rounded ears, two
upper fore-teeth of a singular construction, hav-
ing a small barb on each side, almost impercep-
tible, and five claws on each foot.

The colour of the shrew-mouse, is in general,
p. reddish brown, but some are of an ash colour ;
and all of them are white under the belly.

The shrew-mouse does not seem to exist in
America, but is a native of most parts of Europe.
Jn Great Britain it generally resides in barns,

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Habits — Offensive odour.

stables, hay-lofts, and on dung-hills; sometimes
it is found in the woods, and fields, beneath the
roots of trees, or under heaps of faggots, or
leaves, where it frequently forms a little burrow.
The female produces as many young at a time
as the common mouse, but not so frequently.

This little animal does not ramble far from
home, its sight being very imperfect, and its
pace slow ; so that it may be caught with very
Jittle difficulty. It feeds on insects, grain, and
rools, and, when it can be found, on putrescent
flesh.

When chased, or ensnared, it utters a cry
more sharp and piercing than that of the mouse.
It has also ft strong and offensive smell, owing to
which most cats reject the flesh, or if they eat
#ny part of it, are subject to sickness afterwards.
They will, however, pursue and kill it whenever
they have an opportunity.

From this noisome odour a notion has been
imbibed by ignorant people, that it is possessed
of a considerable degree of venom; to which
they attribute some diseases of horses and other
cattle; but a common observer, when he consi-
ders the formation of its mouth, which could not
possibly open sufficiently wide to seize the dou-
ble thickness of another animal's skin, must rca-
flily acquit it of the charge ; and naturally con-
clude, that those casual swellings in animal*
rather proceed from internal causes.

7

THE SHREW-MOUSE,

Annual mortality.

It is a remarkable, but well authenticated cir-
cumstance, that there is an annual mortality
among these little animals, about the month
of August, during which, they are found dead
in great numbers iti the roads, woods, and fields,
without any appearance of violence on Jtkeir
Ifodies.

VQl,. II.— NO. XV.

2 T

328 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

CHAP. X.

" Conceal'd amidst the darksome tangled wood,
By hunger stung, and all athirst for blood,
The savage jaguar lurks, till man or beast
Afford another sanguinary feait."

.THE JAGUAR.

THIS fierce and destructive animal is of the
feline kind, and is frequently called the Ameri-
can tiger, as it nearly resembles that quadruped
in its habits and manners.

In size it is somewhat larger than the wolf,
and, when stung by hunger, is exceedingly for-
midable; it is then cruel and restless, lying in
ambush in the woods and thickets, waiting for
its prey, and sparing neither man nor beast. Its
manner of feeding is cruel and savage : it rend*
its victims both with its teeth and talons, and
seems to enjoy the luxury of blood.

The ground colour of the jaguar is a pale yel-
low, on the upper parts of the body variegated

THE JAGUAR.

Description — Depredations.

with streaks, and oblong spots of black ; the
ridge of the hack is marked with long interrupted
black stripes, and the sides with rows of regular
open marks. The thighs and legs are likewise
marked with black spots, but without central
spaces. The throat, breast, and belly, incline
to white, and the tail, the upper part of which is
in ark ed with broad black spots, is not so long as
the body.

They sometimes descend from their .lurking
places into the sheep-folds, and commit dreadful
havock among the flock, always destroying more
than they devour, and sometimes carrying off
whole sheep.

It is a fortunate circumstance that when the
appetite of this animal is satisfied it seems to
Jose its courage and ferocity, and will fly before
a common dog : fire, or any other kind of light,
is sufficient to intimidate it. It is neither active
nor nimble, except when pressed by hunger.

Almost all the authors who have written on
the New World, make mention of this animal,
some under the name of the tiger or leopard ;
others under its Brasilian appellation of janouara,
and some have called it the jaguara.

The jaguar is found in Paraguay, Guiana,
Brasil, Mexico, Amazonia, and all South Ame-
rica. Brasil, however, seems to have been its
native climate, though it is now become more
rare here than formerly, a price having been set
upon its head ; in consequence of which great
2x2

330 NATV3A LIST'S

Arttnety, caMed the jagtmrrttc.

numbers have been destroyed, and the rest hav-
ing retired from the coast, in dread of man, to
seek refuge in the more desert, and interior parts
of the country.

The method of taking these creatures among
the negroes is, generally, in a pitfall, covered
with hurdles, and baited with some living animal.

Unlike the Asiatic tiger, the jaguar is capable
of being tamed, and is gratified by attention and
caresses; it has, however, been found unsafe to
trust it beyond a certain degree.

The jaguarette is an animal inhabiting the
same regions, and possessing the identical quali-
ties and dispositions of the jaguar, so that natu-
ralists have been at a loss to determine whether
they were two distinct species of the same genus,
or only varieties of the same species; both Piso
and Marcgrave, the only writers who seemed to
have an opportunity of giving original descrip-
tions of this animal, say, that its hair is shorter,
more glossy, and variegated with spots of a
deeper black, than those of the jaguar ; but, in
every other respect, they bear the most perfect
resemblance : we may, therefore, with great pro-
priety, fix this animal merely as a variety of one
and the same species.

It might be here worthy of remark, that the
most observable distinction in the tiger, and in
which it differs from all others of the mottled
kind, is, in the shape of its colours, which run in
the same direction as the ribs, in bands, or stripes,

THE JAGUAR. SSI

Description.

from the ridge of the back downwards. Animal*
of the leopard or panther kind have this differ-
ence, that those stripes are broken into spots, all
over the body, whereas in the tiger they are
stretched unbroken, and there is scarcely one
round spot on any part of the skin.

The jaguarette is more rarely to be found near
the haunts of men than the jaguar. It is a still
more shy and cautious animal, preferring those
solitudes where it is less liable to the destructive
arts of mankind.

The jaguar, as we have before observed, nearly
resembles the panther and leopard, except in the
disposition of its spots, and that its neck and
head are rather streaked than spotted ; it is also
said to be somewhat lower on its legs than the
leopard of Senegal. The principal distinction
used by Buffon is taken from the size of these
three quadrupeds; the first, he says, is usually
six feet, the second four, and the last about three
in length; however, it appears, from the parti-
cular subjects of his description, that the panther
in his possession7 was not above three feet seven
inches long; that the leopard's skin, which he
describes, was about four; and that the jaguar,
at two years, was between two and three feet
long, which, when come to its full growth,
would, no doubt, be four feet in length, as well
as the two former.

" From hence, therefore," says Goldsmith,
** w.e may conclude, that the size in these animal*

332 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

, '

Observations.

is not sufficient to make a distinction among
them ; and that those who called them all three
"by the indiscriminate names of the leopard and
panther, if not right, were at least excusable."

The spots, with which the skins of the above
animals are diversified, are so various, and their
size so equivocal, that it is a difficult matter to
distinguish the species; particularly as \vc have
little else but the spots and the size to guide us,
in making the distinction. If we regard the
figure and diversity of the spots, we shall find
many varieties, not taken notice of by any natu-
ralist: if we were Jed by the size, we should find
an imperceptible gradation from the cat to the
tiger. It would be vain, therefore, to make as
many varieties in these animals as we see differ-
ences in spots or stature; it will he sufficient to
notice the most general distinctions, and leave
the rest to such as are fond of more miflute dis-
quisitions.

• M. le Brim had a female jaguar sent him ii>
the year 1775. It appeared very young, mea-
suring only twenty-three inches in length. The
ground colour of the body was a dirty grev,
mingled with red ; the spots were yellow, edged
with black, and the ears were black, with a white
spot on the external part.

M. Sonini de Alanoncom informs us, that In-
had the skin of one of these animals, which mea-
<nred nearly live feet from the nose to the inser-
tion of the mil. lie describes them a» frequently

THE SERVAL. 533

M. Sonini's account of the jaguar.

attacking clogs, committing great devastations
among die flocks, and rendering themselves for-
midable to travellers, particularly in the deserts.
" In a journey," says he, " which I made through
the African forests, we were tormented with one
for three successive nights, and yet he avoided all
our attempts to destroy him ; but finding we kept
up large fires, he at last left us with a dismal
howling."

" At Cayenne," continues our author, " the na-
tives have an idea that the jaguar would rather
destroy them than Europeans. It is not so, how-
ever, with the savages; for I have travelled with
them through the deserts, and never found them
to have any particular terror : they slept as we
did with their hammocks suspended, making a
little fire under them, which often went out be-
fore the morning; and, in short, took no parti-
cular precautions, where they knew themselves
to be surrounded by these animals."

THE SERFAL.

THIS ferocious quadruped is a native of India
and Tibet; in the Linnaen system it is denomi-
nated ye/w serval; Buffon calls it the serval, or
mountain cat, but Pennant, who in his quadru-
peds, likewise, calls jt the serval, makes a dis-
tinction between this and the former animal.

334 ' NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description, manner*, &tc.

The natives of Malabar call it the marapute, or
maraputa.

In a work on natural history, published by the
French academicians, the serval seems first U>
have been noticed by the name of the chat pard\
and was therein described as measuring two feet
and a half, from the nose to the insertion of the
tail; its shape and make was very thick and
strong; its upper parts were of a fox-coloured
red, with the throat, breas!, belly, and inside of
the legs, of a dun white ; the body was spotted
with black, the spots on the sides, belly, and legs,
being rounder and more numerous than those on
other parts,

Buffon gives us the following description of
this animal, from a passage in an Italian work,
translated and sent to him by the Marquis de
Montmirail.

tt The marapute," which the Portuguese in In-
dia, call serval, "is a ferocious animal, larger
than a wild cat, and somewhat less than the civet,
from which he differs, by having a larger and
rounder head, and a kind of depression on the
middle of the front.

" He resembles the panther in the colour of
his hair, which is yellow on the head, back, and
flanks, and white on the breast and belly, and
likewise in the spots, which are distinct, equally
distributed, and somewhat smaller than those of
the panther. His eyes are extremely, brilliant,

G

THE SERVAL. 33.1

his whiskers long and stiff, and his tail rather,
short : his toes are armed with long and hooked
claws.

" He is found on the Indian mountains, where
he is very seldom seen on the ground, but re-
Hirains always on the trees, lurking among the
branches ; where he forms a nest, in which he
lies in wait for birds, and other small animals,
which constitute his chief nourishment. He
leaps from tree to tree, as nimbly as the squirrel
or the monkey, and with such address and agi-
lity, that he runs through a considerable space
in an instant, appearing and disappearing alter-
nately.

" In this state he is extremely fierce, and yet
he flies from man, unless he be provoked, or his
dwelling-place be injured or incommoded: he
then becomes exceedingly furious, darting on the
offender, like the panther, seizing him by the
neck or throat, and lacerating him both with his
teeth and talons, in a terrible manner.

C( Neither captivity, nor good nor bad treat-
ment," continues the above author, " can soften
the natural ferocity of this animal,"

The American serval, which the same writer,
in his supplement, denominates the chat sauvage
de fa Caroline, is a native of North America;
and Pennant observes, that it has upright pointed
ears, marked with two brown transverse bars.
<f The upper part of the body," says he, " is of
.a reddish ground, and it is marked on the bac;k
•, yoj,. ii. — NO. xv. 2 u

336 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Observations.

with long narrow stripes; the chin is of a pure
white, and the tail is annulated with black. It is
about two feet and a half in length, mild and
gentle in its manner, and is frequently observed
to grow very fat.

The French naturalist likewise gives us the
figure of another animal of this tribe, under the
appellation of chat sauvage de la nouvelle Espagne,
whose body is nearly four feet in length, when
full grown: its general colour is of a blueish
grey, speckled with dark brown ; it has small and
clear eyes, coarse and stiff hair, the tail of one
colour, and rather longer than that of the former.

The Comte de Buffon is of opinion that this
animal is only a variety in the tribe, but Pennant
considers it as a distinct species.

These quadrupeds, like all of the feline race,
inhabit the most inaccessible mountains, and vast
forests, where they seek safety by flight, or by
climbing trees, for which nature seems to have
peculiarly adapted them, by the lightness of their
bodies, and the formation of their claws ; and as
tfcey have the advantage of eluding the pursuit
of man, so they arc noxious in proportion to
their power of doing mischief.

THE CARACAL.

THE caracal, pr syagush, in its general ap-
pearance nearly resembles the lynx, and may

THE CARACAL.

Description — Varieties.

justly be ranked among the most formidable ene-
mies of man.

Like the lynx, it has the singular characteristic
of a stripe of black hair, terminating in a tuft, or
pencil, at the extremity of the ear; but from
their disagreement in other respects, naturalists
have considered them as animals of a different
species.

The body of the caracal is not spotted like
that of the lynx; the hair is likewise rougher,
shorter, and of a-pale reddish brown; the tail is
larger and longer, and of an uniform colour ; the
face is also more lengthened, and the aspect
more ferocious.

This animal seems to be peculiar to the warm
climates of the East, and is chiefly found in
those countries infested by the lion, the panther,
the tiger, and the ounce.

Syagush is the name given by the Persians;
but the Turks call him karrahkulah, both which
names imply the black-eared cat.

Of this animal there are some varieties.

The Lybian caracal has white ears, pointed with
a thin pencil of a jetty black. The tail is like-
wise white> beautifully annulated with black: it
has four black spots on each leg, and frequently
does not exceed the common cat in size.

The Nubian caracal has a shorter snout, and

broader face, marked with bright yellow spots

on the breast, belly, and inside of the thighs : it

has the mule-cross on the withers, like those of

2 u 2

:; ;s NATURALISTS CABINET.

Varieties — Cnrnr.t!> n-id in hunting.

JJarbary ; and the ears are black, interspersed
with a few hairs of a shining whiteness.

The common caracal is about the size of a fox,
or sirmewhat taller, but exceedingly fierce and
strong. It has been known to attack the largest
dog, which it has defeated in a few minutes, and
literally torn in pieces.

Being much inferior in size and strength to
many other carnivorous animals, it cannot so

J

easily procure living prey ; but, in order to ob-
viate this difficulty,- nature seems to have taught
it to follow at a distance the lion, and other pow-
erful creatures, to-satisfy itself with the fragments
of their banquets.

It is curious to remark, that the caracal always
keeps at a distance from the panther, because
that savage animal does not relax in cruelty of
disposition, even after it is satisfied with food,
but rushes on every living creature which makes
its appearance.

The caracal is sometimes used in the same
manner as the- ounce for hunting: and it seems
to have a property which the other has not, viz.
that ohbeing able to overtake its prey by pursu-
ing it. Whether this be the result of a finer
scent, or greater swiftness than is possessed by
the ounce, does not seem to have been fully
ascertained; naturalists having merely told us,
that when ihe animal overtakes the gazelle or
antelope, it leaps upon their back, and, get-
ting forward to their shoulders, scratches oirt

THE COUGAR.

Description.

their eyes, by which means they become an easy
prey to the hunters.

" We had one of these animals," says Gold-
smith, " some years ago, sent over from the
East Indies; but it was not able to endure the
change of climate, and it died in a very short
time after it was brought to the town."

THE COUGAR.

THE cougar, which may be justly pronounced
the most formidable and mischievous of all the
American animals, is longer, but more slender
than the jaguar: he has a small head, long tail,
and short hair, which is of a lively red colour, in-
termixed with a few blackish tints, particularly
on the back. He is neither marked with stripes
like the tiger, nor with spots like the panther,
ounce, or leopard. His chin, neck, and all the
lower parts of the body are of a dull white.

Though not so strong as the jaguar, this animal
is equally ferocious, and perhaps more cruel : for
having seized his prey, he kills it, and without
waiting to tear it in pieces, he continues to eat
and suck alternately until he has gorged his ap-
petite and glutted his sanguinary fury.

By the lightness of his body and the length of
his legs, the cougar seems better calculated for
speed and climbing of trees than the jaguar.
When glutted with food he is indolent and cow-

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Methods of taking the prey.

ardly, and is seldom known to attack men, ex-
cept he happen to find them asleep. Though
these animals Jive entirely upon prey, and drink
blood more frequently than water, Piso asserts
that their flesh is as good as veal; and Charle-
voix and others have compared it to mutton :
DesHiarchais, however, remarks, that it is gene-
rally lean, and of a disagreeable flavor.

The cougar of Cayenne is thus described by
M. de la Borde : " Its head is somewhat like that
of a common cougar: it has long black hair, a
long tail, and large whiskers, but is much smaller
than the other."

When pressed for food, these animals will at-
tack cows and oxen : in this case they spring upon
their backs, and, having brought them to the
ground, tear them to pieces, first opening their
breasts and bellies, to glut themselves with the
blood ; they then drag pieces of the flesh into
the wood, covering the remainder with branches
of trees, and keeping near to feed upon it, until
it begins to putrify, when they touch it no more.
They will keep near a herd of wild hogs, for the
purpose of seizing the stragglers, but cautiously
avoid being surrounded by them. They often
seek for prey on the sea-shore, and devour the
eggs left there by the turtles: they also prey on
the alligators, lizards, arul fishes: to take the al-
ligator they lie down by the edge of the water,
which they strike so as to make sufficient noise
to attract his attention ; and he no sooner come*

THE UttSON. 341

Description, &c.

to the place, and puts his head above water, then
the seducer makes an unerring spring at him, and
kills and drags him to some convenient place,
where he may devour him at leisure.

These quadrupeds are excellent swimmers, and
cross the largest rivers with perfect facility.
The female produces only one young at a time,
which she generally hides in the trunk of some
hollow tree.

Cougars are very numerous in Brasil, Para-
guay, and the country of the Amazons; and
there is reason to believe that the animal de-
scribed by some travellers under the name of
the ocorome, in Peru, and in the country of the
Iroquois, is a variety of this species. Buffon ob-
serves, that it may be easily tamed, and rendered
nearly as familiar as domestic animals.

THE URSON.

PLACED by nature in the desert part of
North America, this animal exists in a state of
independence, far from man; and never received
a distinct name, till the Comte de Buffon gave
him one, indicative of his sharp bristly nature.
He seems to resemble the coendou, or porcupine
in some few characters ; but differs from them
materially in other respects, and is also found ex-
clusively in the northern climates, while the
others are inhabitants of the south.

342 NATURALISTS CABINET.

Resemblance to the beaver.

Catesby, Edwards, and Ellis have all spoken
of this quadruped; and it is highly probable that
the figure and description which Seba has given,
under the name of the remarkable porcupine of
the East Indies, might be the urson ; that author
having repeatedly spoken of American animals
as belonging to India.

" The urson," says Buflbn, might be called the
bristly beaver; he being of the same country,
the same size, and the same form of body. Be-
sides his prickles, which are short, and almost
covered with hair, like the beaver, he has a dou-
ble coat, the first consisting of long and soft
hairs, and the second of a down, which is still
more soft and smooth. In the young animals
the prickles are proportionably larger, and the
hair shorter than in adults."

Ursons are very cleanly animals, and seem to
avoid moist places, under the apprehension of
wetting themselves. They form their habitati-
ons under the roots of large hollow trees, and
subsist principally upon the bark of juniper
bushes. In winter the snow serves them for
drink ; but in summer, they lap water, like a dog.
The American Indians regale upon their flesh,
clothe themselves with the fur, and use the bris-
tles instead of pins and needles.

THE TANREC. 343

Description — Habits, &c.

THE T4NREC;

THIS little animal is a native of the East In-
dies, and bears some resemblance to the common
hedgehog ; but differs from it sufficiently to con-
stitute a distinct species.

There appear to be two varieties of these
quadrupeds; the first is nearly as large as our
hedgehog, has a long muzzle, and is thickly co-
vered with bristles : the second (which some wri-
ters have called the tendrac,) is not bigger than
a large rat; its ears and muzzle are shorter than
those of the former, and its prickles are only
found on the head, neck, and shoulders ; the
other parts of the body being covered with a
coarse hair, somewhat resembling the bristles of
a hog.

These animals have very short legs, and move
slowly : they are chiefly found near creeks and
harbours of salt water, and may be frequently
seen wallowing in the mire like hogs. At the
approach of winter they retire to their subterra-
neous habitations, shed their hair, and remain in
a state of torpidity for several months. But
upon their revival nature provides them with a
new dress, and they soon become extremely
fat. Their flesh is said to be insipid, soft, and
spungy ; yet the Indians consider it as a peculiar
delicacy.

VQL« IJ.< — NO. XV. 2 X

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Account of a tame suricate.

THE SURICATE.

THIS animal is somewhat less than the rab-
bit, and nearly resembles the ichneumon in co-
lour ; but its hair is rougher, and its tail not
quite so long. The snout is raised and promi-
nent; the upper jaw is pliant and moveable, and
like the hyaena, the animal has only four toes
on each foot.

A female suricate in the possession of M. de
Seve was very handsome, lively, and subtle; she
sometimes was observed to walk on her hind
legs, and frequently to sit upright, with her fore-
paws hanging down on her breast, her head at
the same time, being erect, and moving on her
neck as on a pivot.

This animal was at first fed with milk, being
very young; but she soon evinced an inclination
for raw meat, and was particularly fond of poul-
try, fish, and eggs : she would even take out eggs
that were put in water to be boiled, and carry
them off in her paws. Like the squirrel, she
used her fore feet to carry food to her mouth,
and lapped her drink like a dog ; but would not
touch water unless it were lukewarm.

She played with cats with the greatest famili-
arity, and was so well tamed that she went loose
about the house, and invariably answered to her
name when called. She had two kinds of voices,
one like the barking of a puppy, when she was

THE CRAB-EATER. 345

Singular antipathies.

left long alone, or heard an unusual noise ; and
when caressed, or desirous of expressing plea-
sure, she made a noise as strong as that of a rat-
tle briskly turned.

It is a singular fact, that this animal seemed
to have an aversion to particular persons : when
taken up, it always smelt at the hand which held
it, and never failed to bite those whom it had
bitten before, however frequently they approach-
ed it. Some people, indeed, were so very dis-
agreeable to it, that, even when restrained, it
would make use of various stratagems to come
at them, and if it could not succeed in seizing
their legs, it would lay hold of their shoes or pet-
ticoats.

These quadrupeds are principally found among
the mountains of Africa above the Cape of Good
Hope. They appear to be of a delicate habit:,
and to require a warm climate ; for that in the
possession of M. de Seve only lived one winter;
notwithstanding the utmost attention was paid to
her food and warmth.

THE CU41B-EATER.

THIS animal, which has derived its appella-
tion from its principally subsisting upon crabs
has been compared, by some travellers, to the
dog and fox, and others .have deemed it more
analogous to the opossum tribe; but according
£ x 2

NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

to the best and most accurate accounts it may
be considered as a distinct and separate species.

The Comte de Buffon describes one of these
quadrupeds as measuring seventeen inches, ex-
clusive of the tail, which was about fifteen inches
and a half long, of a greyish colour, scaly, and
tapering gradually towards the point. He was
only about six inches and a half high, and at a
distance resembled a terrier, his head being much
like that of a dog. His eyes were small, the
edges of the eyebrows black, and above the eye
were several hairs more than an inch long : he
had also similar hairs near his ears, and his
whiskers were black, and about an inch and a
half long.

The hair on the body is woolly, of a dirty white
at the bottom, and dark brown mingled with
black at the ends. From the middle of the back
to the tail is a kind of mane of coarse black
hairs, which are also sprinkled over the thighs.
The sides and belly are of a yellowish white, in-
clining to yellow pn the shoulders, neck, breast,
and head, and the legs and feet are of a blackish
brown. Each foot is furnished with five toes, a
litlle bent, like those of a rat; the thumb (as it
is called) on the hind-feet is broad, thick, and
placed at a distance from the toes, as in apes;
but on the fore-feet it is not separate from them:
the thumb nails are flat, while those on the other
£oes are crooked, and extend beyond the points.

M. de la Borde observes, that these animal*

'THE CRAB-EATER. 347

Habits, manners, etc.

are very common in the marshy places at Cay-
enne. " They are very dexterous/' says he, " ia
climbing trees, upon which they remain much
longer than upon the ground, especially in the
day time. They have very fine teeth and defend
themselves from the dogs. Their principal food
consists of crabs, and yet they are always fat.
If they cannot get the crabs out of the holes
with their feet, they then make use of their tail,
as a kind of hook; but the crabs sometimes lay
hold of it, and make the animals utter a cry,
which resembles that of a man, and may be
heard at a great distance ; though its common
voice is like the grunting of a pig." The females
make their nests in the hollows of old trees, and
generally produce four or five young at a time.
They are easily domesticated, and are fed, like
dogs or cats, with any kind of victuals; whence
it is evident that their taste for crabs is not ex-
clusive.

In Cayenne there is a species of crab-eater
which differs from that already described in the
shape and proportions of the body ; in the struc-
ture of the feet and claws; and in the tail being
entirely covered with hair ; as also in the ani-
mal's seizing its prey with its paws only.

The natives of the country eat the flesh of
these quadrupeds, which is said to bear a near
resemblance to that of the hare.

848 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Description.

THE C04TI-MONDL

THIS quadruped has some resemblance to
the bear, in the length of its hind-legs, the struc-
ture of its paws, the form of its feet, and the
bushiness of its hair. The tail is long, and, in
general, annulated, like that of the racoon ; the
upper jaw is much larger than the lower, and
very pliable; the eyes are small, and the ears
short and rounded. The hair is smooth, glossy,
and of a bright bay colour, except on the breast,
where it inclines to white.

Linnaeus describes one of these animals, which
he kept a considerable time, in the hope of being
able to bring it to subjection ; but this was found
impracticable. It was extremely obstinate and
capricious; and frequently committed serious
depredations among the poultry, tearing off their
heads, and sucking their blood. When any per-
son attempted to lay hold of it contrary to its
inclination, it defended itself with astonishing
force, and adhered closely to the legs of those
•with whom it was familiar, when inclined to ran-
sack their pockets, or to steal any thing from
them : but, as it had an insurmountable aversion
to hogs' bristles, a touch with the smallest brush
made it desist.

Its mode of living was very singular : it slept
regularly from midnight till noon ; kept awake
the rest of the day, and uniformly walked about
3

THE COATI-MONDI. 349

Curious practice of gna\ving the tail.

from six in the evening till midnight, without
the least regard to the weather.

The coati-mondi stands with ease on its hind-
feet; and has a curious practice of gnawing its
own tail, which it generally carries erect and
moves with perfect facility in every direction.
" This seeming unnatural habit/' says the Comte
de Buffon, " is not peculiar to the coati ; for
some monkeys, and other animals with long tails,
frequently shorten them a fourth, or even one
third, in this manner. From this circumstance
the inference has been drawn, that in very long
members the extremities of which must conse-
quently be very remote from the centre of sensa-
tion, the feeling must be weak; and the more
so the greater the distance and the smaller the
part ; for if the extremities of the tails of these
animals were very sensible, the pain excited
would prevail over their inclination to mutilate,
and they would preserve their tails with as much
care as any other part of the body."

The coati-mondi is carnivorous, and, like the
fox or martin, destroys small animals and poul-
try, hunts for the nests of birds, and devours
their eggs ; and it is probably from this confor-
mity of disposition rather than from any external
resemblance, that some writers have considered
it as a small species of the fox. — It is principally
found iu Brasil and Guiana.

NATURALISTS CABINET.

Observations.

CHAP. XL

" Where craggy rocks in rude disorder frown/
And oft the loosen'd mass comes thund'ringdown/
The patient lama bears his heavy load,
Nor dreads the dangers of the horrid road."

THE LAMA.

IT is a singular fact that although the animals
of this species are domestic in Peru, Chili, and
Mexico, as horses are in Europe, or camels in
Arabia; we know but little respecting them. It
is, indeed, pretended that they cannot be trans-
ported into Europe, nor even be removed from
their native mountains, without risking their lives
in a short time. But as the Spaniards have so
long had possession of the country, and as many
literary characters have long resided at Lima,
Quito, and several other towns, they might, with-
out any inconvenience, have designed, described,
and dissected these animals. Acosta, and Gre-
goirc de Bolivar have taken the trouble to collect

.*: THE tAMA. Sol

Description.

some facts relative to the disposition of the
lamas, and the advantages to he derived front
them ; but they are silent with respect to their
internal conformation, the length of time the fe-
male goes with young, and many other interest-
ing particulars.

The lama, according to the most accurate ac-
counts, is about four feet high ; and has a great
resemblance to the camel, excepting the hunch
on the back. The head is small and well pro-
portioned, the eyes large, the nose rather long;
and the lips thick ; the upper one being divided,
and the under a little pendulous. The ears are
about four inches long; and the tail, which sel-
dom exceeds eight inches, is small, and straight.
The back, rump, and tail, are clothed with
short hair, which becomes longer on the sides
and belly. The colour, in general, is a sort of
mixed brown, though some varieties are white>
and others perfectly black. The hoofs are
cloven, like those of the ox ; but they have a
sort of spur behind, which enables the animal to
support himself over precipices and rugged ways.

The female seldom produces more than one
young at a time, and this follows her as soon as
it is brought forth. The flesh of the young lamas
is accounted delicious, but that of the old ones
is tough and unsavoury; their skins are converted
into harness by the Spaniards, and the Indian*
make their shoes of them.

TOL. n. — NO. XY. 2 x

352 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Utility, strength, &c.

«* These useful animals," says the Comte de
Buflfon, " are attended with no expence to their
masters: as they are cloven footed, they do not
require to be shod, and their wool renders saddles
unnecessary. Satisfied with a small portion of
grass and vegetables, they want neither corn nor
hay; and they are still more moderate in what
they drink, as their mouths are continually moist-
ened with saliva, which they have in a greater
quantity than any other animal.

Peru appears to be the native country of these
quadrupeds, and there they are found in prodigious
numbers from Potosi to Caracas^ They consti-
tute the chief riches of the Indians, and add not
a little to the opulence of the Spaniards who
rear them. Their wool may be spun into beau-
tiful clothing, and they are capable of carrying
heavy burthens in the most rugged and danger-
ous roads. Some of them have been known to
travel with from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred and fifty pounds weight on their backs;
and they are so sure footed, that they travel
safely among the most craggy rocks, where evea
men can scarcely accompany them. Their pace
i ; short, and they seldom perform a journey of
more- than fifteen miles in a day. They com-
monly travel five days together, and then they
rest of their own accord, for two or three days ;
in order to recruit their exhausted strength.

<J

They are much employed in carrying the riches

THE LAMA. 353

Habits, &c.

dug out -of the mines of Potosi; and Bolivar in-
forms us, that, in his time, above three hundred
thousand were thus kept at work continually.

The growth of these animals is rapid, and their
lives but of short duration. Like the American
Indians, they are gentle and phlegmatic, and do
every thing with the utmost leisure and caution.
When they stop on their journies to rest, they
bend their knees very carefully, in order to lower
their bodies without disordering their load ; and
at the accustomed signal of their driver, they
rise up again with the same precaution, and re-
sume their journey. They feed as they go along,
on the grass they meet with in their way, but
never eat in the night; making use of that time
to ruminate.

When overloaded or completely fatigued, they
sink to the ground, and neither the threats nor
chastisement of their driver can induce them to
rise again ; but if he persist in beating them, the
animals become desperate, and are sometimes
known to kill themselves, by beating their heads
against the earth. They do not make any de-
fence, either with their feet or teeth, and they
have, in fact, no other arms than those of indig-
nation. When persecuted, however, they eject
a saliva against their tormentors : and the In-
dians assert, that this is of so acrimonious a na-
ture as to cause very unpleasant, and even dan-
gerous eruptions on the skin.

^he wild lamas, which are called huanacus by
2 Y 2

3.54 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Fiivourite haunts — Surprising flectuess.

the natives, are stronger and more fleet than the
domestic ones. Their wool is short and their
colour tawny, and they climb over the most
craggy precipices like the ibex or chamois.
They feed in herds, sometimes consisting of two
or three hundred ; and often remain for a consir
derable time above the snowy tracts of the mouur
tains. They are indeed much fonder of the
north than the south side of the hills, and appear
vigorous in proportion to the coldness of their
situation.

When these quadrupeds discover any of the
human species, they regard him at first with a sort
pf vacant gaze, without exhibiting any symptom,
of fear or surprise ; but in a few seconds, they
blow through their nostrils somewhat like the
neighing of horses; and, as if by mutual consent,
fly off to the highest summits of the mountains.
The natives hunt these animals principally for
their fleeces. Such is their flectness, however,
that it is extremely difficult to follow them ; and
if they can once gain the rocks, both dogs and
hunters are obliged to abandon the pursuit.
They are very numerous all along the chain of
the Cordeliers, which are full three thousand fa-
thoms above the level of the sea at Peru, and
preserve that elevation from Chili to the Straits
of Magellan ; but on the coast of New Spain,
where the altitude of the mountains is less conr
si derable, none of these quadrupeds are to bp
found.

THE MANATT. 555

Description, &c.

Although it is pretended that these animals
cannot live if removed from their native coun-
try, it is certain that after the conquest of Peru,
some of them were transported into Europe.
The animal spoken of by Gessner, under the
name of allo camel us, and of which he has given
a delineation, is evidently a lama, which was
brought alive to Holland, in the year 1558; and
is the same with that Matthioius calls an elapho-
camelus, which he has described with the utmost
care and accurac}'. " We ought therefore," says
M. de Buffon, " to be better informed of the
nature of' these animals, which might prove very
useful to us; for they would probably thrive as
well upon the Alpine and Pyreneau mountains,
as on the Cordeliers.

THE M4NATL

" THIS animal," says the Conite de Buffon,
.may be indiscriminately called the last of beasts,
or the first of fishes; for it cannot positively be
pronounced either the one or the other. It par-
takes of the nature of the former, by its two fore-
feet, or hands ; but the hind-legs, which are
almost concealed in the bodies of the seal and
walrus, are entirely wanting in the manati; which
has only a large tail, spreading out like a fan.
This animal, therefore, partakes of the nature of
ft. fish, by the hinder parts of its body, and of a

35(5 NATURALIST'S CABINET.

Singular conformation.

i •

quadruped by the fore-feet on each side of the
breast."

Oviedo, to whom we are indebted for the
first account of the inanati; describes it, as a
clumsy and ill-shaped animal, having the head
thicker than that of an ox, with small eyes, and
two feet, or hands, placed near the head, which
serve the purpose of swimming. The animal has
no scales, but is covered with a thick hide,
sprinkled with hairs or bristles; and the length
of the body, in some individuals, is upwards of
fifteen feet by six feet in thickness. The flesh is
excellent eating, when fresh; but still more so
when cut in pieces and pickled ; as in that state,
it acquires the flavor of the tunny fish. The fe-
male has two paps on her breast, and suckles her
young.

Clasius saw and measured the skin of a ma-
nati, which he found to be sixteen feet and a half
long, and seven feet and a half wide : the two
feet were very broad, and the claws short. Ga-
mara tells us that he has sometimes seen them
twenty feet long, and adds that the animals fre-
quent fresh-water rivers as well as the sea. He
says, a young one was reared in a lake in the
island of St. Domingo, where it remained twenty-
six years; that it was so docile and tame as to
come out of the water, for food, when called ;
that it seemed delighted with the human voice,
and was so fond of children that it would suffer
them to sit upon its back, and carry them from

THE MANATI. 357

Description, habits, &c.

one end of the lake to the other, without plung-
ing them into the water, and that it seemed en-
tirely devoid of fear.

Binet says, that this animal is as large as an
ox, and as round as a tun ; that his head is small
and his tail short; that his skin is 'thick and
tough, like that of an elephant ; that his grease
is as sweet as butter; and that some of them will-
yield six hundred weight of eatable flesh. He
adds, that they delight to be near the efflux of
rivers, where they browse upon the marine weed*
which grow on the banks ; and that they are ex-
tremely numerous at the distance of a few leagues
from Cayenne.

Pere Tertre agrees almost in every respect
with the accounts of the above-mentioned au-
thors; but adds that the manati has only four
toes and four claws on each foot; that he feeds
on a short vegetable which grows in the sea, and
which he eats nearly in the same manner as the
ox; that having pastured sufficiently he makes
to the rivers, where he moistens his food; and
that he sleeps with his nose half way out of the
water, so that he may be seen at a distance.

In a voyage to the American islands, printed
at Paris, in the year 1722, the author gives a to-
lerably good description of the manati, and agrees
with all the principal facts already produced.
f< This animal," says he, " is become very rare in
the Antilles since the coasts have been inhabited.
Grre which I saw and measured was fourteen feet
3

358 NATURALIST'S CABINE*.

Description, habits, &c.

nine inches from the muzzle to the tail: his head
was very thick, with a large mouth and lips,
which were furnished with coarse hairs ; his eyes
were small in proportion to his head j and he had
only two holes in the sides instead of ears : his
neck was very thick and short, and were it not
for the wrinkles occasioned by his motions it
would be impossible to tell his head from his
body. The female has two round breasts, each
about seven inches in diameter, and about four
in their elevation. The body was eight feet two
inches in circumference ; and the tail was like a
large battledore, about nineteen inches long, fif-
teen inches broad at the widest part, and about
three inches thick at the extremity. The skin
on the back was about double the thickness of
an ox's hide, but much thinner on the belly ; it
was of a very coarse grain, and of a slate colour;
as were also the hairs or bristles. This animal
weighed about eight hundred pounds, and the
young one taken with it was nearly three feet
long.

Gumilla states that there are immense num-
bers of manati in the great lake of Oronoko.
" These animals," says he, " weigh from five
hundred to seven hundred pounds each: their
eves are small, and the holes for their ears still
smaller. They pasture on the sea shores when
the river is low. The milk of the female is very
thick, and she carries her young at her paps,
and grasps them so strongly with he* hands, or

THE MANATI* 5o9

M. Adanson's account of the manati.

fore-feet, that they cannot fall off. When a
storm of rain approaches, they leap out of the
water to a considerable height.

The species of the manati is not confined to
the seas and rivers, of America, but exist also in
those of Africa. M. Adanson saw inanatis at
Senegal, whence he brought one of their heads,
and presented it to the Comte de Buffon ; at the
same time communicating the following descrip-
tion, which he made on the spot.

" I saw many of these animals; the largest
was not more than eight feet long, and weighed
about eight hundred pounds. A female, which
was five feet three inches long, weighed only
one hundred and ninety-four pounds. They are
of a dark ash-colour, and have hairs scattered
over their bodies, very long, and like bristless
The head is conical, and of a middling size, wi.th
respect to the bulk of the body. The eye^ are
round and very small; the iris of a deep blue,
and the pupil black. The muzzle is almost
cylindrical; the cheeks are nearly of an equal
breadth, and the lips are thick and very fleshy.
The tongue is of an oval form, and joined almost
to the end of the lower jaw. The animal has
two arm&, placed close to the head, which is not
distinguishable from the rest of the body by any
kind of neck, nor even any apparent shoulders.
The tail is horizontal, like that of the whale, and
is partly in the form of a baker's shovel. The
skin is thin on the belly, thick on the back, but

VOL. II. — NO. XV. 2 Z

360 NATURALIST'S CABINET,

Mode of taking the nianati.

thickest of all on the head. The fat is white, and
two or three inches thick ; the flesh is of a pale
red colour, and more delicate than veal.

To take the manati, the hunters, or fishermen,
row themselves in a boat, or on a raft, as near
the animal as possible, and then dart a very
strong arrow at him, to the end of which a long
cord is fastened: feeling himself wounded, he
instantly swims away, or plunges to the bot-
tom ; but the cord has a cork, or piece of wood,
fastened to the end of it, to serve as a buoy, and
direct them which way he takes. When the
animal begins to grow faint and weak through,
loss of blood, he swims toward the shore; the
cord is then wound up, and the manati drawn,
vrithin arm's length of the boat, where they dis/i
patch him with spears and other weapons.

Some writers tell us, that the female produces
two young at a time, which follow her wherever
she go*?, and that when the mother is taken, the
young are an easy prey, as they will never desert
her body, living or dead, Others, however, as-»
sert that the manati never brings forth more than
one young at a time; and this seems most pro-
bable from its analogy to the nature of all other,
large quadrupeds or cetaceous animals.

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INDEX

TO VOLUME THE SECOND.

ADANSON, M. on the manati
Agouti, the, description of - -

. its food -

. its manners when irritated
. when hunted
America, musk rats found in
Ant-eater, the, description of
. . .its food, habits, &c.
. - . its mode of defence - **'>'#..

; its singular method of procuring prey
the first species of, called tamanoir -
. • •. . _'. the second species of, called tamandua
. - • • . . . the third species of, called tonrmillier
Ant-hills, the - - . , . .4

Autclope, the blue, description of

. . .its handsome horns - -

the common, description of - ' • *
. . . . .its manners when pursued
,NO . the Scythian, description of - *'. '

. . . .its flesh sometimes eaten
• . . time of the female's parturition

the Vaillanr, description of one - • •

. ', the white, an inhabitant of Africa

See Elk, Gnu, &c.

Arabs, their attachment to their horses
VOL. ir. 3 A

Page

359

251

ib.

252

ib.

205

297

301

298

300

297

299

ib.

300

270

271

61

C>2

ib.

64

ib.

272

62

20

INDEX.

Pagt

Argali, the, or Wild Sheep, description of - 49
. their flesh highly esteemed in Kamtschatlca - ib.
. how killed - - ib.
Armadillo, the, description of - 274
.' -, . a native of the New World - - 277
, . . incapable of much exertion - - 276
. . is protected by an osseous consistency - ib.
, • . . mode of taking - 277
. . .six species of - 275
. . the flesh reckoned a delicacy - 278
.' '. . utility of the shells - ib.
the nine-banded - - 279
the three-banded' - 280
the twelve-banded - - ib.
the weasel-headed or eightcen-banded - ib.
Ass, the, description of h^j/i - - - 28
tit . anecdote of 35
Asses, Egyptian - 33
• ;j • Spanish • ib.
Vw' . wild - 29
91 . . mode of taking the • 30
<«i. • . their fleetness, and manner of descend ing declivi-
ties (,.•*:> H/h - 31

B

Batbyroussa, the, description of

jXjT . . .its singular mode of reposing - 248

.... where found - ib.

Bewick, Mr. anecdote by, of the hound ." . - - 113

Binet on the manati • • 357

Boar, the wild, description of •' • 254

. . . its intrepidity t " •-* » " **^

. . . the chase of, dangerous but common - ib.

where found . • . - 236

Borde, M. de la, his account of the cougar of Cayenne - 340

Bruce, Mr. on the Syrian Hyrax ... S2()

BIUD, M. le, had a female jaguar - - 332

INDEX.

Pagt

Buffon, Comte dc, on the ass - - 28

. on sheep - -43

. his remarks on the goats of Bouavista - 51

, . . .on the ibex - -55

. . . .on the lama - 355

. on the dog - 65'

. . . .on the armadillo ... 279

. on the manati - - 355, 359

. . . .on the hampster - 213

. . . .on the pangolin - - 283

. . . .on the urson «Uj. - 342

. on the serval ... 334

. on the American serval - - 336

Caracal, the, description of • 337
. used in hunting - - 338
. Lybian - 337
. . . Nubian , .f- .' ~. - ib.
Cat, the Angora, description of - 195
. its affection - - 196
the domestic, apt to become wild - 182
..... attention of the female to her young 186, 191
...'.' . . its disposition to cruelty - - 194.
*' t . . its courage - - 191
, its mode of catching trout <*-r.-ti - 193
. its playfulness when young - - 188
. " ." . .its sagacity - 185
'. " .. . . its vision - - - 1S9
f . . . a young rat nourished by - - 188
.' . . . electricity of its fur - 199
. . . . extraordinary behavior of one in conse-
quence of a murder «'.-'' - 186
'. * . highly esteemed in former times - 189
. ' . of one that lost its tail, and the consequences 1 91
. three young squirrels nourished by - 187
3 A 2

INDEX.

Page

Cat, the domestic, verses by Gay on - 193

the tiger, description of - « 197

its fierceness and prey - - ib.

. • . . of one domesticated - - 198

the wild, description of -

.' ." i conflict between a man and - 183

. "** ." . formerly bunted -

how taken - • i83

Chamois, the, description of -

. acuteness of its smell and hearing - - 54

^ ." . how hunted - - - 55

' V . particular in its choice of food - 53

Clasius, his measurement of a tnanati's skin
Coati Mondi, the description of

.* v ' . . curious practise of gnawing its tail - - 349

. . mode of living • 348

Congar, the, description of

•»r, . methods of taking its prey ' V
Crab-eater, the, description of

, its manners and habits •

whence it derives its name - 345

D

Denon, M, on Egyptian asses

Dibdin, his account of a dog

u^; ., . , * of a Dalmatian dog

D'Obsonville, M. on the elk

Dog, the, description of

ancient records of the fidelity of
v •>» .^ : a child preserved by ,j- , j 7f> *"

a child found by .- . ,.. .*.z., - 101

j.- . carries his master's dinner

discovery of murders by - 87, 96, 14

*;' . discovery of murderers by - 97, 99, 114, 137, 150

.;. effects of its attachment
,, . , ingenuity of one belonging to a convent

INDEX.

Page

Dog, the, instance of remarkable affection in - 81, 85

. , its care of the blind - - - 76

its care of a waterman - • - 17

ils docility - 66, 68.

its attachment and sagacity - - 69, 157, 160

its fury against thieves and rapacious animals - 66

. . its labors in Holland .... 145

its nocturnal excursions - - 75

its terror of the hydrophobia ... 163

its strong recollection ... 166

its vigilance .... - 154

. . friendships contracted by - 176

friendship contracted by a lamb and - - 145

journeys performed by - 10$

lambs nourished by 169

lines on, by Mr. Pratt - - 180

marketing performed by 72

. . presentiment of .... 15^

. . preserves his master from danger - 104, 178

. remarkable abstinence of 170

Sir John Harrington's letter respecting the sagacity

of -.- - - -172

. . the fidelity of, which cost him his life - - 79

. . thieves detected by - - 78, 151, 159

time of the female's parturition, and maternal affec-
tion .... 67,164,169
; . the bull, description of - 122
. the Dalmatian, or coach-dog, description of - 143
. '«" -,..-» " its alertness and sportiveness - 144
. the Newfoundland, its strength and utility - 109
..... anecdotes of - 1 10
..... brings a child out of a river - 1 13
. . the shepherd's, a farmer's life preserved by - 141
, , . . . a grazier protected by - 137
«* . . . its obedience to its master's commands 135
V «-• * • -A lts utility' sagacity, and attachment - 134
. ', " ' . . remarkable sagacity of - 142

""* 3

INDEX.

Pagt

Dog, tlie Siberian, used for drawing sledges in Kamtschatka 106
Dormouse, the, description of ... 313

f^fti1 •- . its state of torpidity during winter - - 315

. . . magazine of provisions, nest, time of breed-
ing, &c. - ...... 314

. . . the Chilian, description of * - 317

•c ' 1 . . the earless, description of - ib.

. . . the fat. See Lovi.

. . the garden *>•?' - - 317

,»'T. . the gilt-tailed, description of - - 318

•:<M .- . the striped - - - 315

Elk, the, description of - « «y i - 257
deprived for some moments of motion when suddenly

roused - 263

4 •'. i . instance of recollection in - 26S8

/ I . its flesh accounted good eating ... 264

jj ,. . its mode of walking and acuteness of hearing - 258

. . methods of taking .... 260

. . mode of hunting - *o • 259

remarkable thickness of its hide - 264

. *,. rendered useful in agricultural labors . •, -•.-•; - 262

. superstitious notion respecting - ... *:.:. - 263

. . .i- the antelope, description of - e^,n - 264

»'.'' .- ' * •- . . how hunted ... 265

. . ' \<t \t- . where found - 264

Ferret, the, description of .... 302

,( , ,. . .an enemy to the rabbit - . ib,

_. . i . its natural voracity • • 503

^ . .its vigilance in quest of vermin - - 305

s . . much caressed by the Arabs ' . « . - 306

«,, f . • trained by warreuers to chase the rabbits - 304

INDEX.

Page

Gamara on the raanati - ... 355

Genet, the, description of - - 311

. . . manners of - - - - 312

Gnu, the, or ox-headed antelope, description of - 268

how hunted - - 270

where found - - 261

Goat, the blue, description of - - - 69

. the common, description of 50

. . . easily domesticated - - ib.

. . , .its milk sweet and nutritious - - 52

its vivacity and familiarity - - 51

. . the pied, description of ... 59

. the wood, description of - • -« • - 60

.... how hunted - - - ib.

Goldsmith, Dr. on the goats in Ireland and Scotland - 52

on the cat - 194

on the Genet - - - 312

. . on the Guinea pig - •< 252

. . . on the jaguar - **N». , 331

on the ant-eater - - 301

on the rat '':> *•'" - 201

... on the wild boar - - - 235

Greenland, rein-deer found in 9

Greyhound, the, description of - - 128

'V • • ' ancient methods of coursing with 129,131

. . . . ancient value of - 128

. . , . anecdotes of - - - 133

.... its ardor in the chase - - 132

Grinon, the, description of - 266

^i'1 . . account of a lame one - 267

Gumilla on the manati - - 350

H

Hampster, the, description of - 207

attacks every animal indiscriminately - 212

INDEX.

Page

Hainpstcr, the, battles with each other ... jis

its actions in passing from a state of torpidity 211

'*,-„• . • its favorite food .... 209

• ; . .. . its malevolence - - 208
. . . .its pouches • •

. . .its torpidity during winter • - 210

.,-.-. . fecundity of the female - 213

,.-,•;> . . male and female have separate apartments - 208

Hart Beest, the, description of - 265

. ». • • its manners when hunted - - €66
Hog, the common, description of

;i affected by the wind - J39

, ^ ... fecundity of the female - - 240

. . - . its manners ' 4»

. . . . tenacious of life - - 239

«*; »t • •• • variety of, in Sumatra - 240

^ (, , the Ethiopian, description of . «£[ ( - '243

, :• . . • . • .bis food - 244

4^p , ^ » „ . its savage disposition - 243

• •. i . manners of one .which was kept in a cage 244
. . . method of protecting its young when

pursued ^j^. - 245
. A the Mexican. , See Peccary.

. the Sicilian, mode of hunting - 242

Hope, Mr. his anecdote of a hound .»..•'»:•- • - 123

Horse, the, description of $» ~ , 18

fc "r • description of one without hair ..-•', - %7

. . its benevolent disposition - - - 25

. . its courage t « t - 21

. . its recollection of an injury - 26

Horses, cruelties practised on - 26

.,•_.' , Arabian - (- '-r,,. - - - 19

. r ' . . attachment of the Arabs to .their - 20

. . pedigree of - - 21

. British, their superiority - - 24

. wild, of South America - •» - 23

. • . remarkably sure-footed in Norway - - ib.

INDEX.

Hound, the, anecdote of - - i. . -113

. detection of a murderer by - - 114

. the blood, formerly in great repute - - 115

. acute scent of .... ug

See Greyhound.

Hyrax, the Cape, description and habits of - 32

. the Syrian, description of - 318, 320

. its habitations - - 319

. its harmless disposition - 322

l&J

Jaguar, the, description of - 324

.its depredations .... 339

. variety of, called the jaguarette - - 330

. observations on - 332

. where found - - 329

Ibex, the, description of - - - 55

its strength, and method of escaping the hunters - S3

its voice - 7 , ib.

maternal tenderness of the female [ • - 59

when and how hunted r - , - - 57

where found - , . - ofe

Lama, the, description of - - - - - 34(1

domestic in Peru, &c. - - 3/iO

habits of - - ,.''*. - 353

how hunted - * ' - 354

strength and utility of - - 352

surprising fleetness of - - - 354

Lapland, rein deer serviceable in - 4

.Vl . sledge, the - ... 7

Lee, Sir Harry, his life preserved by a mastiff - - 120

Leming, the, description of *• w - - gifi

. . . its boldness and ferocity - - $17

. its devastations and rapacity - gig

VOL. II. 3 B

INDEX.

Petgt

Lemmg, the, its emigrations on the approach of severe weather 217

. its food - ... 216

Lot i, the, or fat dormouse, description of - - 316

. "*. its flesh considered by some as a delicacy - 317

M

Manati, the, description of ... 355, 357

. . . singular conformation of - • 356

• . . how taken - •' - • 360
Marmot, the, description of .... 213

• • . its habitations and torpidity during winter - 214
. . its modesty and sociality - 215
. . its natural playfulness and tricks when tamed - 216

. where found .... 214

Mastiff, the, its dignified mode of chastising an inferior - 1 19

. . prevention of robbery and murder by - 120

", - . . sagacity and vigilance of - - - lit

.' . . singular instance of recollection in - - 118

Mouse, the field, description of •" " ' . - S19

• « ' • instance of sagacity in - - 220
•^ . . . its fecundity f*1 - ib.

• **' . the harvest, description of - - ib.
, . the shrew, description of - ' - 325

• . . habits, and offensive odour of - 326

. mortality in August of - - 327

Musk, the, description of - - 354

how taken - 255

. . its gentleness and activity • - ib.

its flesh sometimes eaten • • . - 257

. . its skin used as an article of dress - ib.

leads a solitary life, except in autumn - - 255

,^ . where the drug called musk lies in ]; - (. - 25i

o

Olaffen, Mr. his description of economic rats crossing the rivers
of Iceland - ,, - ' ' "- - - S07

INDEX.

Pagt

Otter, the, description of - / • ,- - 222
, . anecdotes of a tame one - - 226, 227

, . capable of being tamed, and rendered serviceable 223

. . change their color in winter - - - 2^9

f . how formerly hunted ... - 230

, . its manners, food, &c. ... - 2$3

its modes of taking its prey - 22$

. . its occasional excursions, playfulness, &c. - 224

. . method of fishing with a tame one - - 229

. . rankness of its flesh .... 23Q

, . young one nourished by a bitch - 22§

. of Cayenne ..... 231

. . the sea, description of - • - ib.

, . .its affection towards its young - - $3%

. . .its flesh reckoned delicate eating - - 233

, . .its manners of swimming and playfulness - 233

0$, the common, description of - r - 36

its utility - - - - 39

veneration of the Gentoos for - 40

Oxen, Indian - - - - • ib.

. wild - 36

. ancient mode of killing . . » - 37

Pangolin, the, distinction between, and the lizard with which

it has been confounded ... 283

. . description of - - - ib.

• . . harmless disposition of 286

. its food ... 287

; . . length of its nose and tongue - - ib.

. . . varieties of - - - •' 'Hi ' - 284

. . . why called the stonevermin by the natives of

Malabar ..... 285
Peccary, the, or Mexican hog, description of 245

. . . capable of being tamed ... 24$

, . . ita flesh not fit to be eaten if the dorsal gland be

tiot immediately cnt off - ** * - 241

3 B 2

INDEX.

l'ag€

Peccary, the, its food and courage when attacked - 246

, . . where found - - ib.

Pedlar's Acre, tradition of - - 160

Pennant, Mr. on the gnu - - 268

. on the American serval - - 336

Pierre, M de St. his account of the increase of rats - 202

Pig, the Guinea, description of * - 249

. . devoid of attachment to its young - ib.

. exceedingly clean in its habits - - 250

. its food in a state of domestication - 249

. . its mode of reposing - - 25O

... its singular manner of fighting - - ib.

Polecat, the, description of - - 306

. its depredations - 308

. . .its favorite prey • - 307

Pontoppedan on horses - -23

Pratt, Mr. anecdotes by, on the dog - » - 78

his lines on the dog - - 180

R

Hat, the, a formidable enemy to mankind - - 199

. . absurd notion of the Egyptians respecting - 203

amazing fecundity of - - - goi

capable of being tamed, and taught entertaining tricks 203

. . description of - . . 200

familiarity of one with a mastiff, a cat, and a raven 202

. . its depredations .... fQQ

two kinds of, in Great Britain - - 199

the economic, description of . . 205

. . its manner of crossing rivers - 207

. . its migrations - ^^ ,t . . 305

preserved by the Kamtschadales - - 208

the musk, description of 203

rebuilds its winter habitation annually - . 204

where found - ... gQ5

Rein-deer, the, casts its horns annually ,- - 6

INDEX.

Rein-deer, the, description of

. . five brought to England - - 10

journeys performed by - f

. . . how hunted by the Saraoides - 8

. . its enemies - - - 5

its utility to the natives of Lapland - 4

where found - • - - 9

S '

Serval, the, description of - - 333

. fierceness and agility of - - 335

. the American - - ib.

opinions on - - 336

Sheep, disposition and manners of 43

. various breeds of English - 44

. broad-tailed - -47

. shawls made of their fleeces - 48

, . Dorsetshire - - - 44

. Lincolnshire » - ib.

. many-horned, description of the - - 46

. Shetland - - - 45

. Welsh - - ib'

. wild. See Argali.

Shrew-mouse. See Mouse.

Skunk, the, description of - - - - 311

Smellie, Dr. his account of a cat « - 185

4 . . . . of a grocer's dog - 72

Sonnini, M. on the goat - - - 51

. had a favorite Angora cat - 195

. . on the jaguar - - (- '• - 332

Sparrman, Dr. his remarks on the Ethiopian hog - - 245

4 .... on the Elk antelope - - 364

.... on the hart beest - - 265

f , . says the skin of the blue antelope changes color

when it ts dead - - 273

5quash, the, description of - - 309

, . . effects of its stench - - 310
1

1VDEX.

fagt

Squash, the, insupportable odour emitted from - • 309

Stag, the, description of - 10

delicate in the choice of his food - - 13

how hunted - - - - - 14

growth oi its horns - - - -It

its combat with a tiger - - • 16

. its flesh palatable food - - • 19

• . its instinctive courage - - • - 15

. . utility of its skin and horns - 12

the female, time of the parturition, and her maternal care ib.

Suricate, the, description of - 344

. . account of a tame one - - ib.

. antipathies of, and where found - - 345

Tanree, description and habits of - - - 348

Terrier, the, a necessary attendant on hounds - - 122

•«.£ »_ . an enemy to small quadrupeds - - 123

S(j, . . . capable of resentment .... ib.

$,? ... « its vigilance ..... 127

. sagacity of, illustrated by anecdotes - - 124

Tertre, Pere, on the manati - - 357

Tortoise, the, its longevity, &c. • - 295

. . .its tenacity of life .... 296

. of one kept in a domestic state - 290, 292

. . remarkable for the extreme slowness of its notions 289

, . . several species of - . - - 288

. where found - .... 289

, . the African, description of ... 291

excellent taste of its eggs - - ib.

its eggs hatched by art iii tome part* of

Italy . 39i

v&u

Vaillant, M. le, his description of a blue antelope . . 271
of the African tortoises - 291

f\

INDEX.

Vosmaer, M. his description of the grimm -

Urson, the, description of -

. . , its resemblance to the beaver -

Pagr

- 266

- 341

- 348

W

White, Rer. G. his account of an instance of sagacity in a field-

mouse - S!19

.. . . . . of a domesticated tortoise in England

of one of the nests of harvest mice 220

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