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UTH. OF GEO, C. ORATACAR

31 CITY-HALL-PlACE,V.YOBK

THE

ALPHABETICAL DRAWING BOOl,

AND

PICf ©rniiilL HAf lUI^AIL IBinSf ®!E¥c

NEW YORK:

WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY,

1847.

Entered, acoorflin? to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by

TVILEY AND PUTNAM,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.

PREFACE

TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.

The main object kept in view in making the selections con-
tained in this little book has been, to furnish such information by
means of anecdotes and concise descriptions, as would be likely
to inspire the youthful mind with a proper feeling of horror and
dislike of that basest of all baseness, cruelty to animals ; and at the
same time, to impress upon the young reader the nobleness and
beauty of kindness to all our fellow beings, both bipeds and quad-
rupeds. It is the opinipn of the .writer, that this principle of kind-
ness to all is the verybasis/^f trup J'eligio^l,; as it surely is of that
greatest of virtues, charity.' 'Indeed, it cannot be denied, that the
pleasure derived from the e.\\?rcisc of this virtue is, of all this
world is capable of affording, the most pure, heavenly, and sacred.

Another object has been, to forcibly attract the youthful reader
to the examination and study of all the beauties of nature by which
we are surrounded, and it is admitted by all, that this is the most
effectual means of refining and purifying the mind, and above all,
of turning the attention to the wise and adorable Creator.

To effect these desirable purposes, well-drawn plates have been
interspersed throughout the ^ork, to attract the attention, and ex-
cite curiosity, and with the descriptions have been given well-
authenticated anecdotes of acts of kindness exemplifying the re.
ward thereof; or, on the other side, the punishment of cruelty.

PREFACE.

TO MY LITTLE READER.

This book puts you in possession of a little Picture Gallery of
your own. A great part of the pictures in it have been drawn
from correct copies of the originals, which are among the fine
collection of rare drawings and prints in the British Museum, and
the balance have been selected from the original drawings of the
best French and English artists. You will find at the end of
each chapter the name and a short account of the artist by whom
the picture was designed ; and I have hoped, in collecting them,
that, while they will make you acquainted with the drawings and
the names of Paul Potter, Landseer, Cooper, Berghem, and others,
they will also create within you a kind regard for the animals
represented, and that the anecdotes will induce you to treat with
kindness such of them as may at any time be placed within the
circle of your influence ; for remember, that nothing is more

COWARDLY a7ld DESPICABLE than CRUELTY.

These pictures will also make very good copies for you to draw
from, and they will prepare you for.d.vaTving.ariimals from nature,
which is far better 'tha:n'niaking copies, l^^bu can also derive
much pleasure from reading ^he.shiqrt hi^^tpries and anecdotes to
your little brother or sistef,' 'and-frreiidsi' '■

CONTENTS.

TAOE.

The Ass, .7

The Bull, 10

The Colt, 12

The Dog, 14

The Elephant, 16

The Fox, 18

The Goat, 20

The Hound, 22

Tlie Ichneumon, 24

The Jaguar, , .27

The Kangaroo. 29

The Lion, 31

The Mastiff, 34

The Newfoundland Dog, 36

The Ox, 39

The Pig, 41

The Q-uagga, 44

The Rabbit, 46

The Sheep, 49

The Tiger, 51

TheUrus, . .54

Virginia Deer, 56

The Wolf, 59

X— The Arabian, 62

The Yak, ... . . 64

The Zebra, _ . . 66

THE

PICTORIAL NATURAL HISTORY

OF

QUADRUPEDS.

THE ASS.

The Ass is a patient, gentle animal, which does much
useful work, and injures no one. It treads very care-
fully, and is a safe animal for mounting and descending
high hills. It is too often treated very ill by cruel and
cowardly persons. The nature of the Ass is not so lively
as that of the horse, and allowance should be made for this ;
and if the little creature is sometimes stubborn, it will be
always found to be the result of unkindness ; and cruelty,
(besides being brutal and unworthy a human being,) will
only make it more obstinate still. The Scripture says:
*'■ A righteous man regard eth the life of his beast." Pro v.
12 ch, 10 V. The wild Ass of the East, which is mentioned
by the prophet Jeremiah (2 ch. 24 v.) is a very fine, swift-
footed, and bold creature, quite different from the ill-treated
Ass of the United States. The Ass is useful in other ways,
beside being a beast of burden. The milk is used for con-

Q THE ASS.

sumptive and delicate persons : the skin is made into leaves
for pocket-books, and the tougher part of it is made inta
shagreen for spectacle-cases, &lc. We will now give one
or two short anecdotes :— " An old man, who for many
years sold vegetables in London, employed an Ass to con-
vey his baskets from door to door. He kindly and fre-
quently fed it ; and gave the industrious little creature
handfuls of hay, or pieces of bread or greens, by way of
refreshment and reward. The old man had no need of a
stick to beat it, nor indeed did he ever lift his hand against
it, to drive it on. This kind treatment was noticed, and he
was asked whether his beast was not apt to be stubborn ?
' Ah ! master,' he replied, ' it is of no use to be cruel ;
and as for stubbornness, I can't complain, for he is ready to
do anything, or go anywhere. I bred him myself. He is
sometimes playful and skittish : and once ran away from
me ; and while many people were chasing him, laughing
and trying to stop him, he suddenly turned back of himself
and didn't stop until he ran his head kindly into my bosom.*
" A few years since an Ass was employed at Carisbrook
Castle, in the Isle of Wight, to draw water by a large wheel
from a very deep well supposed to have been sunk by the
Romans. When his keeper wanted water, he would say
to the Ass, ' Tom, my boy, I want water ; get into the
wheel, my good lad.' This Thomas immediately did,
with an alacrity and sagacity which would have done
credit to a human being ; he knew the precise number of
times necessary for the wheel to revolve ; for, every time
he brought the bucket to the surface, he instantly stopped
and turned round his honest head to observe the moment
when his master laid hold of the bucket to draw it towards

THE ASS. 9

him, for he had then a delicate evolution to make, either to
to advance or recede a little. As you can easily imagine*
it w^as very pleasing to observe with what steadiness and
regularity the little animal performed his labor." These
anecdotes, children, prove to you, that kindness is produc-
tive of other advantages beside the pleasure derived from

an APPROVING CONSCIENCE.

THE BULL.

The Bull, as you see in the picture, is stout and broad
chested, with a thick short neck, and a fine full eye. He
equals the horse in size, for though he is not so high, he is
so much stouter as to make up the difference in height.
Bull-baiting, that is, worrying a bull with dogs, was for-
merly much practised in England, for the amusement of the
vilest and most brutal men. It is a very cruel performance,
and is now but little practised. The Bull lives in the field
with the Cows, and is equally useful, since his flesh, called
beef, is used for food. Boxes, combs, knife-handles, &c.,
are made of the horns. Glue is made of the sinews, &c.
The bone is used, in many instances, as a cheap substitute
for ivory ; and the skin makes stout leather for our boots
and shoes. The Bull feeds on grass and other herbs. His
skin is thick and hairy, and of various colors ; black, red,
brown, and white ; sometimes it is a mixture of two or
more of these colors. He is not gentle as the Cow, but is
easily irritated by anything he dislikes ; he is then fierce,
and liable to do mischief

When he is tormented by cruel boys and men, he gets
mad, and is likely to rush at them and throw them up in
the air with his horns, so they get severely punished for

r^>.

^nA" ■~-^/-i.''3JSj:

THE BULL, 11

their baseness. His voice is loud, and the sound it makes
is called a bellow.

This picture is from the etching in the British Museum,
by Paul Potter, a Dutch animal painter, who was born in
Holland in 1625, and died in 1654, being only 29 years of
age.

THE COLT

A YOUNG horse is called a Colt, and when it arrives at a
proper age, which is when it is full grown, and its bones
and muscles fully developed, it is harnessed by the side of
a steady, well-trained horse, and thus learned to draw loads,
and obey the commands of its master. It has now become
a horse. Horses are found in almost all parts of the world,
and are of various breeds, each differing more or less in
size and appearance. The Cart Horse is large, stout, strong,
and heavy : some of them are nearly six feet high to the top of
the back behind the neck. The Shetland Pony, on the con-
trary, is sometimes only two feet high. The Race Horse is
thin and sleek, and can run very rapidly. The Nag, for rid-
ing with a saddle, is not very stout, but is strong and active.
Horses are also of various colors, black, chesnut, brown,
sorrel, bay, white, grey, and cream color. They have
pretty heads, long necks, and long, flowing, graceful tails
and manes. They love to run loose in the fields, and to
nip the fresh grass, and gallop about freely. He is very
useful to man.

The following melancholy story shows the disadvantage
of deceit. A person, who a few years ago resided in the
neighborhood of Boston, was in the habit, when he wished
to catch his horse, of taking into the field with him, as is
usual, a quantity of corn in a measure. On calling to him,

THE COLT. 13

.ne horse would come up and eat the corn while the bridle
was put over his head. But the owner having deceived
the animal several times, by calling him when he had no
corn in the measure, the horse at length began to suspect
the design, and coming up one day, on being called, looked
into the measure, and seeing it empty, turned round, and
with his hind feet suddenly struck his master a blow which
killed him on the spot.

The following is more pleasing. A young girl, the
daughter of a gentleman in Warwickshire, playing on the
banks of a river which runs through his grounds, had the
misfortune to fall into the water, and would in all proba-
bility have been drowned, had not a little pony, which had
long been kept in the family, plunged into the stream, and
brought the child safely ashore, without the slightest injury
beside the wetting.

THE DOG

Dogs are very faithful, affectionate animals, and in con-
sequence of their wonderful sagacity, they are classed by
mankind among the superior quadrupeds, as the Horse and
the Elephant ; indeed, their attachment and fidelity surpass
that of all other brutes. Their confidence even seems to
approach friendship, and they excite in return feelings of
strong affection. They are thus a source of constant plea-
sure, and possessing great strength and speed, and strong
powers of scent, they become useful allies in the subjuga-
tion of other animals.

Dogs are of different sizes, from the Irish Hound (now
very scarce), very nearly as large as a Donkey, to the little
lap-dog, not larger that a kitten. They are also of various
colors, and their hides of all kinds, the hair of some very
close and smooth, as the Greyhound ; that of others rough
and shaggy, as the Scotch Terrier ; others, again, smooth
and flowing like silk, as the Spaniel. Dogs are generally
very good-natured, but some are fierce, as their temper
depends a great deal on the manner in which they are
treated. They are easily taught to be obedient, and be-
come very clever. The Shepherd's Dog, ever faithful to
his charge, reigns at the head of the flock, where he is bet-
ter heard, and more attended to, than even the Shepherd
himself. In the large tracts of land in England and Scot-

THE DOG. 15

land, which are appropriated to the feeding of sheep, this
dog is of the utmost importance. Large flocks range over
extensive plains and hills, seemingly without control ; their
only guide being the Shepherd, attended by his Dog, the
constant companion of his toil. It receives his commands,
and is always prompt to execute them ; it is the watchful
guardian of the flock, prevents straying, keeps them to
gether, and conducts them from one pasture to another ; it
will not suffer strange sheep to mix with them, but carefully
drives off* every intruder. In driving a number of sheep to
any distant part, a well-trained dog never fails to confine
them to the road ; he watches every avenue that leads
from it, and there takes his stand to prevent them from
going out of the way. He pursues the stragglers, if any
escape, and forces them into order, without doing them the
least injury. If the Shepherd is at any time absent, he de-
pends upon his Dog to keep them together ; and as soon
as he gives the signal, this faithful creature conducts them
to his master, though at a great distance.

The Newfoundland breed of Dogs is one which is much
prized by mankind. They were originally brought from
the country the name of which they bear, where their great
strength and sagacity render them extremely useful to the
settlers on those coasts, who use them 'for drawing wood
from the forests to the sea-side. Three or four of them
harnessed to a sledge will draw two or three hundred
weight of wood piled upon it, for several miles with ease
and rapidity ; they are not attended by a driver, nor any
person to guide them, but after having delivered their load-
ing, they return immediately to the woods where they have-
been accustomed to be fed.

THE ELEPHANT.

The Elephant is the larirest of existing animals, and no
doubt he appears to you very clumsy ; yet he is very ac-
tive, and able to do many things with much neatness. If
you hold sixpence in your hand, he will take it with his
large trunk, and place it where his keeper tells him. With
the same trunk he is able to tear up trees, and to strike so
hard a blow as would kill a man. They are usually of a
dark slate color, but a very few are white, and some are
red. The eyes of these animals are very small, but sensi-
ble and lively, having at times a sentimental and pathetic
expression. His ordinary food is grains and vegetables of
various kinds. His tusks, which are a great article of
commerce, are situated on each side of the upper jaw, and
are used as weapons of defence. His extreme docility
makes him easily tamed, and numerous accounts are
given of his sagacity when domesticated. We might al-
most suppose that he possessed the faculty of reasoning. He
is also susceptible of gratitude, capable of strong attachment,
and serves his master with zeal, intelligence, and fidelity.

A striking instance of this once took place in India, where
some of these animals were employed in launching ships.
An Elephant was employed to force a large vessel into the
water ; the work proved too much for his strength, though
lie raade great efforts. These, however, his keeper affected
to despise. " Take away this lazy beast," said he, " and

"'^fii l-

W.-' '

THE ELEPHANT. 17

bring another, better fitted to the service." The poor an-
imal redoubled his efforts, but fractured his skull, and died
upon the spot. Thus it is that cruelty brings its own pun-
ishment ; the keeper, for his want of mercy, was punished by
the loss of his beast, which might have served him for many
years more, if he had not pressed him beyond his powers.
To give an idea of the labor which the domesticated
Elephant performs in India, it may suffice to state that all
the casks, sacks, and bales are carried by Elephants. They
take burdens on their backs, their necks, and their tusks ;
they put packages into boats without wetting them, ar-
ranging them carefully, so that they may not roll out of
place ; they are employed in carrying people and baggage
in the march of an army, in hunting the tiger, lion, &c., and
in processions. In battle these animals show great regard
for human life, and, except when wounded, never place
their foot upon the disabled and dying men who lie in their
path ; on the contrary, indeed, for they frequently take them
up with their trunks, and remove them to a place of safety.
They thus set a good example to mankind, who, in their
ignorance, prejudice, and vice, create or allow these wars
to be created, merely for the glory of a few cunning knaves,
who take good care to keep out of danger. But with the
progress of knowledge, intelligence, and a habit of thought-
ful examination of these evils, the time will come when no
glory shall be attained except by doing good. Then How-
ard the Philanthropist and Washington the Patriot will hold
a place in the minds of mankind incalculably higher than
the ambitious Napoleon, Alexander, &c., who deserve only
desecration for the prostitution of their talents to such base
purposes and evil deeds.

6

THE FOX.

Look at this cunning fellow making ready to spring
among the chickens. The Fox is a persecuted animal, be-
cause the appetite which nature has implanted within him
interferes wdth the same appetite in mankind. He is called
cruel because he kills chickens, geese, &c., and we always
find that those who condemn him most are always ready
to do the same thing when their inclination prompts, and
often in a more cruel way than he. They prey by night,
and notwithstanding the persecution they suffer, their ex-
treme cunning enables them to preserve their race. They
are very distrustful, and not easily deceived by snares that
may be laid for them. They prey upon rabbits, birds, and
other small animals, and sometimes venture near the farm-
yard, carry off the poultry, and, it is said, suck the eggs.
The voice of the Fox is various ; he yelps, barks, and ex-
presses discontent, sorrow, or pain by different tones. His
bite is dangerous, and he w^ill not easily forego his hold.
There are many varieties of this quadruped, owing to the
influence of climate, for they are widely distributed through-
out the temperate and northern regions of both continents.
The principal species are the Arctic Fox, inhabiting the
Arctic regions of both continents ; the comm.on Red Fox
of both continents ; the American Red Fox ; the Silver
Fox of America and Asia ; Gray Fox ; Cross Fox ; and

^1 -n
i

#"'^1 fe "'f * -'

THE FOX. 19

Kit Fox of North America. The skins of the Silver, Kit,
Cross, and Red Foxes, are annually imported from Hudson's
Bay in considerable numbers. That of the Silver Fox is
six times as valuable as any fur obtained in North America.
It is black, tipped with silvery white.

The Arctic Fox inhabits the countries bordering on the
Frozen Sea. In some of these countries it burrows and
makes holes in the ground several feet in length, at the end
of which it forms a nest of moss ; but in other countries it
lives in the cleft of rocks, being unable to burrow on ac-
count of the frost. Two or three of these creatures live in
the same hole.

The Arctic Fox has all the cunning of the common one ; ^
it preys on young geese, ducks, and other water fowl, be-
fore they are able to fly, as well as on hares, birds, and
eggs ; and in Greenland, for want of other food, it feeds on
berries and shell-fish. In Lapland and the north of Asia
its principal food is the Leming or Lapland Marmot, which
are very numerous in that country. The Foxes follow
them, as the)^ go from one place to another, and (as the re-
turn of the Marmot is very uncertain, and frequently after
great intervals of time) they are sometimes absent for three
or four years in pursuit of this their favorite prey. The
hair of the Arctic Fox is of an ash color, but changes to
white in winter, when it is long, soft, and somewhat woolly :
its tail is shorter than that of the common Fox, and it is
also more bushy ; its nose is sharp and black, and its ears
short and almost hid in the fur. It is sometimes taken in
traps, but its skin is of little value.

THE GOAT.

This animal (of which there are many species) is not
very plentiful in the United States, but you will sometimes
see a solitary one loitering about in the neighborhood of
stables. They abound, however, in some other countries,
principally those which are hilly and mountainous, and a
species of wild goats are found among the Rocky Moun-
tains. Goats love to feed on the tops of hills, and prefer the
very rugged and elevated parts of mountains, and they are
so active as to leap with ease and the utmost security
among the most dreadful precipices ; and even when two
of them are yoked together, they will, as it were by mutual
consent, take the most hazardous leaps, and exert their
efforts in so united a manner as generally to get through
the danger unhurt. In mountainous countries they are of
great service to mankind, and their milk is used by the
poor instead of that of the cow. They are kept with great
ease, as they find sufficient food in the most barren and
heathy grounds. The young are called kids, and their
flesh is very tender and pleasant food ; that of the old ones
is salted for winter provision, and the milk is used in many
places for making cheese. The skin furnishes very good
leather for shoes and gloves. Like the sheep, the goat
possesses great natural affection for its young. In their
defence it boldly repels the attacks of the most formidable

THE GOAT. 21

of its opponents. The following anecdote beautifully illus-
trates this instinctive courage.

A person having missed one of his goats when the flock
was taken home at night, being afraid the wanderer would
get among the young trees in his nursery, two boys, wrapped
in their plaids, were ordered to watch all night. At the
earliest dawn of morning they set out in search of her, and
finally discovered her on a pointed rock at a considerable
distance ; after having hastened to the spot, they found her
watching her kid with the greatest anxiety, and defending
it from a fox. The enemy turned round and round to lay
hold of the prey, but the goat presented her horns in every
direction. The youngest boy was sent for assistance to
attack the fox, and the eldest, hallooing and throwing stones,
sought to intimidate it as he climbed to rescue his charge.
The fox seemed well aware that the child could not execute
his threats ; he looked at him one instant and again returned
to the assault, until, quite impatient, he made a sudden effort
to seize the kid. The whole three suddenly disappeared,
and were found at the bottom of the precipice. The goat's
horns were darted into the back of the fox ; the kid lay
stretched beside her. It is supposed that the fox had fixed
his teeth in the kid, for its neck was lacerated ; but that
when the faithful mother inflicted a death-wound upon her
mortal enemy he probably staggered, and brought his vic-
tims with him over the rock.

THE HOUND

Hound is the old name for any species of dog, but, at the
present time, those only are called Hounds which are used
for hunting. Some hunt foxes, others hares and rabbits,
and others deer. They are so fond of the excitement, that
they will sometimes continue the chase beyond the power
of existence, and drop dead. Most Hounds find their game
by the scent. The one shown in the title-page is called a
pointer, because he points at the game when he smells the
scent of it. Have you ever seen shooting dogs sporting
about in the country 1 They run on before their master,
snuffing about ; suddenly the pointer stops as if he was
struck dead. He is just like a statue, he is so motionless.
His master knows that game is near. The good dog waits
patiently until he arrives, and he has been known to do so
for a very long time. The approach of the sportsman dis-
turbs the birds, they fly, the gun is fired, they fall, and the
pointer rushes on, barking, to find out fresh ones. The
Greyhound is the fleetest of all dogs, and can outrun every
animal of the chase ; but, as it is destitute of the faculty of
scent, it follows only by the eye. The Irish Greyhound is
the largest of the dog kind, and the most beautiful and ma-
jestic in appearance. It is only to be found in Ireland,
where it was formerly of great use in clearing the country
of wolves. Although it never seeks to quarrel with other

THE HOUND. 23

dogs, it is far superior in combat both to the bull-dog and
the mastiff, exhibiting those characteristic quahties so much
to be admired in rational as well as irrational beings,
strength and courage combined with a peaceable dispo-
sition.

Fox Hounds are also trained to hmit the stag ; and the
following anecdote records a proof of their perseverance
and spirit, in supporting a long continuance of vigorous ex-
ertion. A large stag having been turned out of Whinfield
park, in Westmoreland, was pursued until the whole pack
was throw^n out except two staunch dogs, who continued
the chase. The stag finally returned to the park, made his
last effort in leaping over the wall, and having succeeded,
lie dropped and died. The foremost of the two hounds also
reached the wall, but being completely exhausted, it lay
down and immediately expired ; the other, unable longer
to continue the pursuit, fell down dead within a small dis-
tance of the place. It was ascertained that the distance
they had run could scarcely be less than a hundred and
twenty miles.

This also shows to what brutal and contemptible em-
ployments those men will resort, who (in consequence of a
bad system) are enabled to live, as a sort of luxurious pau-
pers, on the proceeds of the labor of their overworked fel-
low beings. Idleness truly is the root of all evil. Here
are three animals worried to death for the amusement of
some mindless fellows, when, if the death of the one (the
stag) had been needed to furnish food, it could have been
done at first, quickly, and without this foolish and wicked
cruelty.

THE ICHNEUMON

This little animal has long attracted the attention of
naturalists, and given rise to a number of absurd and ri-
diculous stories. It has from time immemorial been domes-
ticated in Egypt, where, for its services in destroying the
eggs of the crocodile, as well as its young, it was, like sev-
eral other beneficial animals, worshipped as an emanation
of the Deity. From the estimation in which it was held in
that country, it has obtained the appellation of the " Rat of
Pharoah." The Ichneumon is generally about the size of
the domestic cat, (but rather longer in its body and shorter
in its legs) and in Egypt is domesticated like that animal,
and kept for the same purposes of destroying rats and mice.
In shape it nearly resembles the foumart or pole-cat ; and
its fur displays a mixture of tints, white, brown, fawn color,
and silver gray. The domestic animal is larger than the
wild one, and its colors are more variegated ; its eyes are
small and sparkling, and its claws are long. When it goes
to sleep, it rolls itself up like a ball. It frequently sits up
like a squirrel, catches anything which is thrown to it, and
will often lie as if dead, until the prey comes within its
reach. This remarkable animal possesses all the strength
and agility of the cat, with a stronger propensity for car-
nage. It attacks the most deadly serpents, and preys on
every noxious reptile ; it darts, with the velocity of an ar-

THE ICHNEUMON. 25

row, on its prey, and seizes it with inevitable certainty. To
the crocodile it is a formidable enemy, as it destroys the
eggs of that voracious reptile, and often kills great numbers
of the young immediately after their production.

M. de Obsonville relates the following anecdote of one
which he had reared, and which was tamer than a cat, and
followed him wherever he went. One day he brought to
it a small water serpent, being desirous of knowing how
far instinct would carry it against a creature with which it
was entirely unacquainted. Its first emotion seemed to be
a mixture of astonishment and anger. Its hair immediately
stood erect ; in an instant it slipped behind the reptile, and
with extraordinary agility, leaping upon its head, seized
and crushed it with its teeth. This first essay awakened
its natural appetite for blood. It became formidable to the
poultry, which it took every opportunity to destroy ; it
s-ucked their blood, and ate only a part of their flesh.

These animals abound not only in Egypt, but in the
southern countries of Asia ; they are also found near the
Cape of Good Hope. They frequent the banks of rivers,
are amphibious, and will remain a considerable length of
time under water.

To this class belong also the fossant, the skunk, the zo-
rilla, and several others, all of them discriminated from
each other by some peculiarities, but their general charac-
teristic appears to be the disagreeable stench they e.mit,
which, in a greater or less degree, is common to all animals
of the weasel kind. Another tribe of this race is distin-
guished by the agreeableness of their perfume. So prolific
is nature, and so various are her operations, that imagina-
tion itself cannot keep pace with the infinite diversity of

26 THE ICHNEUMON.

her productions. All this variety is ordained for some wise
end, which, in a great measure, lies beyond the reach of
our investigation. Human research has discovered and
explained many of the wonders of nature ; future inquiries
into her secrets will lead to new discoveries, but all the re-
cesses of the immense abyss will, perhaps, never be ex-
plored ; man will never be able to comprehend the whole
plan of infinite wisdom.

THE JAGUAR,

Most of the animals of the cat kind, as the Lion, Tiger,
and Leopard, are natives of Asia and Africa. But there is
a class of the same tribe which is met with in America, and
which may be compared to the Tiger in size, strength, and
fierceness, and with the Leopard in the beauty of its fur
and the gracefulness of its motions. The Jaguar is an in-
habitant of South America, in the warmer parts of which
country its cruelty and ferocity, like that of the Lion and
Tiger in other parts of the world, render it an object of
terror and dislike. It is found almost all over the southern
division of the American continent, but is now seldom met
with in the neighborhood of towns, partly owing to the
many enemies it makes, in consequence of the many rav-
ages it commits among the flocks and herds, and partly on
account of the value of its skin ; both these causes occa-
sioning its destruction. This animal is about the size of
the Tiger ; it is of a brownish yellow color, variegated
with rings and spots of black ; the breast and belly are
whitish ; and the tail is about two feet and a half in length.
It differs from the Leopard in its proportions being some-
what stouter. It is so strong and voracious as to carry off
sheep and deer with the utmost ease ; and yet those in the
neighborhood of towns and villages are so cowardly as to
be frightened with ease, and they are often put to flight by

28 THE JAGUAR.

a shout alone. It watches secretly for its prey, and dart-
ing upon it unawares, it strikes the animal to the ground,
and afterwards carries it away to a place of safety, where
it devours it at leisure. He often attacks cows and horses,
and, when driven by hunger, will assail man, but is alarmed
at any show of resistance, and has a great dread of fires,
which are sometimes lighted to keep it off. He is able to
overthrow the strongest of the wild boars by a single stroke
of his paw. Few of the American animals are, in point of
strength, a match for the Jaguar, except the enormous ser-
pents which exist in the savannahs ; and these, by entwin-
ing themselves round his body, are able to crush and suffo-
cate him. It is very expert at climbing trees, fastening its
sharp claws into the bark as it ascends ; and it is an expert
swimmer. It inhabits thick forests, and sometimes destroys
cows and horses. It also feeds on fish, which it entices to
the surface by its saliva, and then knocks them out of the
water with its paw. The Spaniards, and even the native
Indians, sometimes hunt the .Jaguar for sport. It frequently
measures four or five feet from the nose to the root of the
tail.

It has sometimes been asserted that the Jaguar is an in-
dolent animal, but this is by no means the case. On the
contrary, he frequently attacks dogs, and oftentimes com-
mits great destruction among flocks ; and he is, in the desert,
formidable even to man. The power which these animals
have of ascending trees is very remarkable. M. Lonini
states that he has seen the impressions of the talons of the Ja-
guar on the smooth bark of trees between forty and fifty feet
in height, which had not a single branch except on the top.

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THE KANGAROO.

This animal was unknown to the naturalists of former
ages, and for the knowledge of which we are indebted to
the improvements in navigation, and the discoveries of
modern times. It is a most curious animal, and a native
of New Holland, where it was first discovered by Captain
Cook. Its head, neck, and shoulders are small, the lower
parts of the body much thicker. Its ears are large, erect,
and of a pointed oval shape, the end of the nose black, with
whiskers both on the upper and lower jaws. The tail is
long and taper, being very thick and strong where it joins
the body, and tapering to a point ; and the animal is capa-
ble of striking with it with such force as will break a man's
leg. But the most remarkable singularity of this animal is
the construction and proportion of its limbs, in which it re-
sembles the Jerboa. The fore legs are extremely short,
and are used only for conveying its food to its mouth, and
for digging in the ground.

It moves entirely on its hind legs, which are generally
three and a half feet long, while the fore legs are but
twenty inches. On these, with the assistance of its tail, it
springs with such force and rapidity as to outstrip the
fleetest greyhound ; making successive bounds of from
twenty to thirty feet It leaps from rock to rock in an as-

30 THE KANGAROO.

tonishing manner, and over bushes seven or eight feet higli
without apparent effort.

The Kangaroo is generally of an ash color ; it feeds en-
tirely on vegetables, and its flesh is wholesome and pal-
atable food ; it is much esteemed, and is said to resemble
venison. It feeds in the same manner as the squirrel ; set-
ting upon its haunches, and holding its food in its fore paws.
There are two kinds, a larger and a smaller. Bigland
states that the largest which has been shot weighed 140
pounds, and measured in length, from the point of the nose
to the insertion of the tail, four feet ; and its tail two feet
one inch ; the length of the fore legs one foot, and that of
the hind legs two feet eight inches. The smaller kind sel-
dom weighs above 60 pounds.

It is very harmless and timid, and flies from man and
rapacious animals. It is, like the opossum, furnished with
a pouch near the abdomen, in which its young are fostered,
and into which they hide in time of danger. Its astonish-
ing agility, under such seeming disadvantages, is the most
striking circumstance by which it is distinguished, and
which demonstrates, beyond cavil, that the Author of Na-
ture can communicate activity and vigor to any conforma-
tion of parts.

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THE LION.

The strength and courage of the Lion are so great that
he has been called the king of beasts. His height is from
three to four feet ; his length from six feet to nine. His
color is tawny yellow, but the mane is darker than the rest
of the hair on its body. He is a native of the southern parts
of Asia, and of Africa, where it is more common and grows
to the greatest size, and appears in all his strength and
fierceness. He roams about in the forest seeking for prey,
and sometimes utters a roar so loud that it sounds like dis-
tant thunder. The prophet says : " The lion has roared,
who will not fear?" (Amos, 3 ch. 8 v.) This animal is
sly and skulking, like a cat, w^hen intending to make an at-
tack ; he crouches under the long grass, or behind a mound,
watching for some beast that may come in search of food
or drink ; and then, though the creature should be larger
than himself, he springs upon it with a sudden bound, and
seizes it with his sharp, strong claws. Lions sometimes
live to a great age ; one, which was called Pompey, died
in London, in 1760, having lived in captivity seventy years.
Humane treatment will make these creatures gentle (as,
indeed, it will most animals), and many instances are known
of their attachment to those who have shown them kind-
ness, and a Lion has permitted a little dog to live, on
friendly terms, in the same cage. Allusions to the Lion

32 THE LION.

are, in the Bible, quite frequent. The strength, the bold-
ness, and the destructive qualities of the animal are all no-
ticed. See Psalm, 104 ch. 20 v. ; Prov., 28 ch. 1 v., and
30 ch. 30 V. St. Peter says : " Be sober, be vigilant ; be-
cause your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour ; whom resist stead-
fast in the faith." 1 Pet. 5 ch. 8, 9 v.

The Lion is cruel only when urged by hunger, and when
satiated he is no longer an enemy. His tongue is so ex-
ceedingly rough, that, by licking, it will soon chafe the
skin off the hand ; and, however tame, if he once tastes
warm blood, he becomes excited beyond restraint, and im-
mediately destroys his victim. The following anecdote is
an instance. A gentleman kept a Lion, which was almost
as tractable as a dog, and used to caress his master in the
same manner as that animal. He was in the habit of per-
mitting the creature to lick his hands, a familiarity against
which he was often cautioned by an intelligent friend.
Regardless, however, of this warning, and confiding in the
attachment of his favorite, he continued the practice, until
one time the animal brought blood, upon which, forgetting
his former affection, he instantly flew upon his master, and
lore him to pieces.

The following remarkable instance of recollection and
grateful attachment is related of a Lion belonging to the
Duchess of Hamilton : — " One day," says the writer, " I
had the honor of dining with the Duchess. After dinner
the company repaired to the yard to see a Lion fed. While
we were admiring its fierceness, beauty, and noble ap-
pearance, the porter came and informed the Duchess that
a sergeant, with some recruits, at the gate, wished to see

THE LION. 33

the Lion. They were accordingly admitted at the time
the Lion was growUng over his food ; but the sergeant, ad-
vancing to the cage, said, ' Nero, Nero, poor Nero, don^t
you know me?' The animal instantly turned his head to
look at him ; then left his prey, and came, wagging his tail,
to the side of his cage, through which the man put his hand,
and patted him, telling us at the same time, that three years
before he had charge of the Lion on his passage from
Gibraltar, and he was pleased to see the good beast show
so much gratitude for his attention."

THE MASTIFF.

The English Mastift^ was so famous in the lime of the
Roman Emperors, that an officer was appointed to breed
and send to Rome such of this species as might be deemed
proper for the combats of the amphitheatre. But the gen-
uine and unmixed breed of those dogs, although not abso-
lutely extinct, is now seldom met with, and most of those
now distinguished by the name are a compound of various
breeds. The real Mastiff is much larger and stronger than
the bull-dog. His ears are pendulous, his lips large and
loose, his aspect sullen, and his bark loud and terrific. The
distinguishing characteristic of his disposition is that of be-
ing a faithful guardian of property, suffering no depredation
to be committed on the premises where he resides. Dr,
Cailus, who wrote in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, informs
us that three of these dogs were considered a match for a
bear, and four for a lion ; but from an experiment made in
presence of James the First, it appeared that a lion was not
a match for three of them ; for although two of the dogs
were disabled by the conflict, the third seized the Hon by
the lip, and held him until, being dreadfully torn by his
claws, he was obliged to let go ; and the lion, exhausted by
'the contest, took a sudden leap over the dogs, and retired
to his den. Experiments of this kind, however (besides
being cruel and unnecessary), cannot give us any just
knowledge of the proportion of courage and strength be-
tween those animals ; for it must be remembered that the

THE MASTIFF. 35

iion in such cases must be reduced in strength, courage, and
activity, by subjection, close captivity, and a cold climate.
It is, therefore, impossible to ascertain, in that way, how
many Mastiffs would be able to cope successfully with the
undaunted monarch of the forest, in his native fierceness,
and under the (to him) exhilarating influence of the tropical
sun. The Mastift^, conscious of the superiority of his
strength, has been known to chastise with great dignity the
insults or impertinence of his inferiors. Instance the fol-
lowing. An animal of this kind, belonging to a gentleman
near Newcastle, had been frequently teased and molested
by the barking of a little mongrel, to which, for some time,
he paid no attention ; but at length, wearied with such im-
pertinence, he took up the contemptible offender in his mouth,
and walking majestically to the edge of the wharf, he coolly
dropped it into the river, without doing it further injury.

The following short account of the Alpine Mastiff will
be found interesting. The Alps are very high moun-
tains, the tops of which are covered with snow at all sea-
sons. The traveller, in passing over them, often encoun-
ters severe storms, which occur suddenly, in the midst of
very fine days. The wind blow^s fiercely, and drifts of
snow with very large pieces of ice are thrown down on
the road, occasionally burying a village under them. On
one of these mountains live some very good men, called the
Monks of St. Bernard, and they, in stormy weather, go out
to assist any poor traveller they can find. They take with
them these noble mastiffs, who run on and scent any per-
son buried under the snow, when they howl to direct the
monks to the place, who dig the poor traveller out, and
having conveyed him home, they take care of him until
again able to pursue his journey.

NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

This dog (like the Alpine Mastiff) is one of the largest,
most sagacious, and useful of the canine race ; and (like
the Mastiff) he has saved many human lives. The Mastiff,
as you have just read, saves the lives of people lost in the
snow^; while the Newfoundland Dog rescues those who
have fallen in the water, and are in danger of drowning.
The dimensions of one kept at Eslington, in Northumber-
land, the seat of Sir H. G. Liddell, Bart, (in 1826) were, ac-
cording to Mr. Berwick, as follows : from the nose to the
end of the tail, six feet two inches ; the length of the tail,
one foot ten inches ; from one fore foot over the shoulders
to the other, five feet seven inches ; girth behind the shoul-
ders, three feet two inches ; and round the upper part of
the fore leg, nine inches and a half. It was very fond of
fish, and would eat them raw. It w^as web-footed, as in
fact all of the pure breed are, could swim and dive ex-
tremely well, and bring up any thing from the bottom of
the water. The extraordinary sagacity of these dogs, joined
to their strong attachment to kind masters, renders them
highly valuable, as will appear from the following well
authenticated anecdotes. In the year 1789, a ship belong-
ing to Newcastle was wrecked near Yarmouth, and the
entire crew lost, a Newfoundland Dog alone escaping to
land, with the captain's pocket-book in his mouth. He

fiffir

NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 37

landed among a crowd of people on the shore, many of
whom attempted, but in vain, to get the book from him.
The sagacious animal, sensible of the importance of the
charge which, no doubt, had been delivered to him by his
perishing master, at length leaped fawningly against the
breast of a man, whom he seemed to have selected from
among the crowd, and to him he delivered the book. The
dog directly returned to the beach, and watching atten-
tively for every thing which was brought by the waves
near the shore, he seized on it and brought it safe to
land.

As another instance of the docility and sagacity of these
animals, Mr. Berwick relates, that a gentleman walking on
the banks of the river Tyne, and observing a child fall into
the water on the opposite side, gave notice to his dog,
which immediately jumped in, swam over, and catching the
upper part of the child's dress in its mouth, carried it safely
to land. One nearly as large as the one above recorded
was owned by a Mr. Britton in Vesey st. It was a noble
animal, though quite young, but it was maliciously poisoned
by some contemptible and malicious person or persons,
probably in revenge on its owner. The hide, however,
was preserved and stuffed. One lately owned (but now
lost or probably stolen, as he has been before,) by Mr. H.
R. Robinson of Nassau St., has more than once prevented
the writer of this from lighting a piece of paper at a lamp
or stove, which he will at home allow no person to do. He
springs up nimbly and snatches with his mouth to seize the
paper, and he will not desist until the attempt is given up,
or, if the paper had been lit, until thrown on the floor, when
he immediately extinguishes the fire with his foot. You

38 NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

will find in the article " Dogs" a short account of the habits
and uses of this animal in his native land.

The Newfoundland Dog is certainly a most valuable
creature, and we cannot contemplate bis astonishing saga-
city without admiring the wonderful works of the Creator,
displayed in the various modifications of animal instinct.

A

vS-i^"

THE OX.

Under this genus is included the several breeds of the
domestic Ox, the Buffalo of Africa and Asia, the Arnee of
India and China, the Bison of North America, the Yak of
Central Asia, the Urus Aurochs or European Bison, the
Gaur of India, and the Gayal of Birmah. These are each
supposed to constitute a distinct species of the Ox tribe.
The Musk Ox of North America is a genus of itself

The domestic Ox has been divided into two races, the
straight-backed (represented in the picture) and the hunch-
backed. The former are common in this country and most
parts of Europe; the otiier, called the Indian Ox or Zebu,
is common in India, and some other parts of Asia and
Africa. These, like our cattle, are divided into a great
variety of different breeds. It is supposed that these two
varieties of the domestic Ox are derived from a common
origin, but the source from which they sprung is a matter
of doubt. The wild cattle of Mexico and South America
are the offspring of the domestic breeds, introduced by the
European settlers. There is a breed of wild cattle re-
maining at Chiliingham Park, in Enghmd, of the native
wildness of which, the following is an instance. Dr. Fuller,
author of the History of Berwick, found a calf, hidden by
its mother, only tw^o days old, and very lean and weak.
On his stroking its head, it got up, pawed two or three

40 THE OX.

times like an old bull, bellowed very loud, went back a
few steps, and bolted at his legs with all its force ; bit, then
began to paw again, bellowed, stept back, and bolted as
before. But being aware of its intentions, he moved aside ;
it missed its aim, fell, and was so very weak, that it was
unable to rise. It, however, had done enough ; the whole
herd was alarmed, and coming to its rescue, the doctor was
obliged to retire.

The domestic Cow has been the merited theme of eulo-
gium in all ages. She is both the most gentle and the most
useful of beasts ; she is peculiarly the friend of children, as
she furnishes them with the most wholesome part of their
food. Let every child, then, learn early to make her the
object of the kindest care. The most famous breed of
cows for milk is that of the Durham Short-Horn, now well
known in the United States.

The Kyloe Ox is a most useful animal, and a native of
Scotland. It is said to have derived its name from having
crossed the kyles or ferries which abound in the Highlands.
This animal is of a black color, and has a very thick hide,
well covered with hair. Its horns are large and long. Its
flesh is the finest kind of beef; and there is scarcely a single
part of the Ox that cannot be made use of. The hide is
made into leather, the gristles are made into glue, the horns
into knife handles, drinking cups, &c., and the bones are a
substitute for ivory. The Ox is also employed as a beast of
burden ; they are yoked together in pairs, and fastened to a
clumsy vehicle called an ox-cart. This is quhe a common
sight in the country, but we seldom meet with them in the
city. Thompson, the poet, speaks of " The strong, laborious
Ox, of honest front."

THE PIG.

By this name is called a young hog, of which quadruped
there are many breeds, all proceeding from the Wild Boar,
It was originally confined to the Eastern continent, where
it is still hunted. The sport is animated but not unattended
with danger, from the fierceness and strength of the savage
brute. The domestic species are spread over most parts
of the globe, and constitute an important article of food, as
it takes salt better than any other kind of meat, and can be
kept longer. It is of great importance, therefore, in ships'
stores, as it forms the principal food during long voyages. In
no instance has nature more conspicuously displayed her
economy than in the formation of this race of animals, and
endowing them with an appetite to feed on a variety of
things which would otherwise be wasted. The refuse of
the kitchen, the barn, the garden, and the field afford to
swine a luxurious repast. They are restless in stormy
weather, and seem particularly terrified or affected when
the wind is extremely violent. At such times they will
often run squeaking about, and appear much agitated.

After having observed the disgusting appearance of thi»
animal, its voracious appetite, and its dirty manner of feed-
ing and living, it would scarcely be supposed that its flesh
could have so excellent a flavor ; and if a man were totally
unacquainted with the nature of quadrupeds, the hog would

42 THE PIG.

certainly be one of the last that he would select for his
table.

Under this unpromising exterior, however, nature has
concealed one of the most valuable articles of food. The
flesh of this animal is of general use, and of great impor-
tance to this country as a commercial nation. Linnajus
says, that it is a wholesome food for those who use much
exercise, but pernicious to such as lead a sedentary life.
The domestic sow brings forth twice a year, from ten to
twenty at each time, the period of gestation being some-
thing more than four months. She is an unnatural mother,
and will, if not carefully watched, frequently devour her
own offspring. After a few days, however, she seems to
imbibe a small degree of maternal tenderness. The boar
is equally or still more the enemy of the young, and if not
prevented will immediately destroy the whole litter.

As the hog is one of the most prolific animals in creation,
it is also one of those most extensively diffused. It is found
in every latitude except within the frigid zone, and thrives
in every temperate climate ; and it appears somewhat sin-
gular, that it is disseminated throughout most of the seques-
tered islands in the Pacific Ocean, although it did not exist
in America until transplanted here by the Spaniards. In
many parts of this continent, the hogs have now so ex-
ceedingly multiplied that they run wild in the woods ; but
hov/, or where they were first introduced into the islands
of the South Sea will probably ever remain a matter of
conjecture.

The learned pigs which have frequently been exhibited
might suffice to prove that these animals are not destitute
of sagacity ; but the following instance, related by the Rev.

THE PIG. 43

Mr. Daniel is too singular to be passed over in silence. A
game-keeper of Sir Henry Mildmay, broke a black sow to
find game, and actually rendered her as staunch as any
pointer. After Sir Henry's death, this animal was sold at
auction for a very considerable sum.

THE QUAGGA.

Of this animal we can say but little, as, until lately, it
has generally been confounded with the Zebra, but it is now
admitted to be a distinct species. It resembles the Zebra
much, as you may see by comparing the two drawings, but
it differs from it in being smaller and marked with a less
number of broader bands or stripes. Its skin is of a dull
brownish white, striped with darker color on the head and
neck, and somewhat on the sides of its body; the upper
parts of its legs are greyish, and the under parts white. It
is a wild creature, and rather vicious, like the Zebra, in
temper. It is sometimes called tlie Wild Ass, which, how-
ever, is quite a different animal. The Quagga is a native
of Southern Africa, and is used by the colonists at the Cape
as a draught animal. Its tiesii also is used by the natives
for food.

ANECDOTE OF THE ASS ; FROM BIXGLEY.

Under good treatment, the despised Ass displays unex-
pected powers. A few years ago, a gentleman, returning
from Epsom races, noticed one drawing a donkey-chaise,
in which were seated a stout man and a large woman. He
was going nt a very rapid pace. '-Curiosity," says the
o^entleman, "led me to follow them. when, as far as I coi^ld

THE aUAGGA. 45

judge by my horse, they were going at the rate of nine
miles an hour, on a very indifferent road. On being ob-
served by a friend, he told me that he had seen this humble
vehicle on its way to the course in the morning, pass sev-
eral carriages and four. . Upon asking the owner about his
animal, he informed me that he had gone three miles in
fifteen minutes with him, and he was certain he could do it
in less time ; at the same time I learned that he was a black-
smith, residing at Mitcham, in Surrey. 'Do you keep
your ass on the common?' I asked. 'Oh no,' he replied,
* he has never lodged out of my stable for three years, and
he eats as good oats and beans as your horse does.' — ' It
is accounted for,' said I to my friend; so we pulled up
our horses, and gave 'Neddy' the road."

THE RABBIT

This little animal belongs to the same genus as the hare ;
but notwithstanding the general resemblance which exists
between them : their habits and propensities, as well as
their fecundity, are very different ; and among other dis-
tinguishing characteristics, they seem to have a natural
aversion for each other. The Rabbit came originally from
Africa and Spain, but it has been domesticated in many
countries. The domestic animals are of various colors,
but the wild are invariably of a greyish brown ; and they
are usually about fifteen inches in length. In warm cli-
mates, the general duration of their life is nine or ten years ;
but in cold climates, it can only be reared in houses. It is
common, however, in the temperate parts of Europe and
America. When these creatures confine themselves to un-
cultivated portions of land, they may be allowed to increase
in numbers ; but they are great enemies of the farmer and
gardener, if permitted to find their way among corn and
plants. The damage they do in plantations of young trees,
as well as cornfields, is sometimes very extensive. In
Spain, they had at one time become so numerous, and
were found so destructive to' vegetation, that the inhabitants
found it necessary to introduce ferrets from Africa, in order
to diminish their numbers.

The fecundity of the Rabbit is astonishing, and exhibits

'%»h

THE RABBIT. 47

a curious article in the history of animated nature. This
little quadruped breeds seven times in a year, and generally
produces seven or eight young at a time ; from which may
be calculated the wonderful and almost incredible increase
of which a single pair might in a few years be capable ; but
as their propagation is rapid, so their enemies are nume-
rous. Foxes, weasels, and all animals of the weasel kind
prey upon them ; besides, immense numbers are destroyed
for the use of mankind, both as food and for their fur. In-
deed, if a considerable reduction did not by various means
take place, it is obvious that in a short time they would be-
come so numerous, as to exceed the means of support, and
totally consume the whole vegetable produce of the country.
In this animal, therefore, as well as in many others, we dis-
cover a striking display of the wisdom of the Creator, in
so exactly proportioning the measure of increase and de^
struction. The Rabbit is not among the indigenous animals
of America; but in many of the West India Islands there
are great numbers which have originated from a stock car-
ried thither from Europe.

One striking dissimilarity between the habits of this quad-
ruped and those of the hare is, that the former burrows in
holes in the ground, while the latter depends on speed for
its security. The flesh of the rabbit, and also that of the
hare, is esteemed unclean by both the Jews and the Ma-
hometans, but is considered a delicacy among Christians :
and the fur of the one as well as the other constitutes a
very considerable article in the manufacture of hats and
caps. Indeed, in England, the skins of the Rabbit consti-
tute no small part of the profits of those who keep warrens.
Thus we see how wonderfully the Creator has multiplied

48 THE RABBIT.

his blessings, and how much he has rendered this prohfic
Httle animal conducive to our convenience and comfort.
The creature called in the Bible the Coney, is supposed to
have been very similar to the Rabbit. " The conies are
but a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks."
(Prov. 30 ch. 26 v.) By this God teaches us that though
persons may not have great strength of body, yet they are
generally able to do something for themselves.

.-.J

THE SHEEP.

Of this animal there are several varieties, which is sup-
posed to be owing to the effect of the various climates in
which they exist. They are found in a wild state, living,
?is it were, in families upon the mountains of Asia, Africa,
and Europe ; and in this country they inhabit the Rocky
Mountains. This gentle animal, in respect to utility, may
be deservedly ranked with the horse and the ox, and, in-
deed, is scarcely less conducive to the comfort of mankind
than are both of those valuable quadrupeds. In some re-
spects this inestimable creature may be said to excel both ;
for from it we derive not only a very considerable portion
of our aliment, but also the most essential part of our
clothing.

The Sheep is, in a peculiar manner, the creature of man ;
to him it in a measure owes its protection, and to his neces-
sities it amply contributes. On man, indeed, its existence
depends : for without his fostering care, and the interest he
has in its preservation, its numerous enemies would, prob-
ably, shortly exterminate the race. Though singularly
inoffensive, it does not, however, appear so stupid and
inanimate as represented by Euffon, who described it as
"* destitute of every art of seli-preservation." On moun-
tains, and in extensive sheep-walks, where numerous flocks
browse together, the Sheep exhibits a character quite the
reverse, and a ram., or sometimes a wether, or an ewe has
h^io. seen to attack a dog, and to come off victorious.

50 THE SHEEP.

Sometimes, in case of attack, they will have recourse to
the collective strength of the whole flock, and drawing to-
gether in a compact body, present towards every quarter
a formidable front, which cannot be attacked without dan-
ger to the assailant. The Sheep undoubtedly possesses less
animation and sagacity than many other quadrupeds, but
in the selection of its food, few display a greater share of
instinctive discrimination. Its acuteness of perception, in
regard to the approach of a storm, is also equal to what is
manifested in this respect by almost any other animal.

In consequence of the warm and oily nature of its fleece,
the Sheep is able to bear the greatest extreme of cold ; and
whole flocks, in endeavoring to shelter themselves under a
high hedge, or the brow of a steep hill, have frequently
been buried for some days under the snow, without any
other detriment beside that produced by want of food.

The varieties observable in this quadruped are so mul-
tiplied, tiiat no two countries, nor scarcely any two dis-
tricts, produce sheep of exactly the same kind. A visible
difference is found between all the different breeds, either
in the size, the shape, the fleece, or the horns. The woolly
sheep exists only in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia,
and America ; if it be transported into a hotter country, it
not only becomes less prolific, but its flesh loses its flavor,
and what is still more remarkable, its wool changes into a
long, rough kind of hair, which, by its openness and cool-
ness, is a covering far better suited to a warm climate, than
the close and woolly fleece with which it is clothed in this
part of the world ; a circumstance which exhibits a remarka-
ble instance of the wisdom and goodness of Divine Provi-
dence, in providing for the well-being of all his creatures.

THE TIGER.

This is a quadruped of the cat family, and inferior to the
lion only in size, strength, and courage. It is one of the
most beautiful, but at the same time, one of the most rapa-
cious and destructive of the whole animal race. Its pro-
pensities, however, tend to show how little a mischievous
disposition can be compensated for by a beautiful form.

This animal has an insatiable thirst after blood ; and even
when satiated with food, is not satisfied with slaughter, but,
displaying the genuine characteristics of consummate and
innate malignity, continues its ravages until objects whereon
it may exercise its fury can no longer be found.

Happily for the rest of the quadruped race, as well as
mankind, this destructive animal is not very common, nor
widely diffused ; for it is confmed to the warm climates of
the East, especially India and Siam, although they are
sometimes found as far north as China. No part of the
world, however, is so much iniested with tigers as India,
nor any part of India so much as the province of Bengal,
of which the southern part, towards the mouth of the
Ganges, forming an extensive labyrinth of woody islands,
called the Sunderbunds, may be considered the great ren-
dezvous of these destructive animals. This extensive wil-
derness, according to Major Rennel, is so covered with
wood, aiid infested with tigers, that no attempts have ever

52 THE TIGER.

been made to clear and settle it ; and, indeed, an enterprise
of this kind would, in the opinion of those who are best ac-
quainted with the country, be extremely dangerous, if not
impracticable.

The Tiger generally grows to a larger size than the
Leopard or the Panther, though somewhat more slender in
proportion to its length and height ; and its form so com-
pletely resembles that of the domestic cat, as to induce us
to consider the latter animal as a Tiger in miniature. The
most striking difference we observe between the Tiger and
the other mottled animals of the cat kind consists in the dif
ferent marks on the skin. The Panther, Leopard, &c., are
spotted, but the tiger is ornamented with long streaks quite
across its body. The ground color, in the most beautiful,
is yellow, very deep on the back, growing lighter towards
the belly, where it softens into white, as it also does at the
throat and insides of the legs. The stripes are of a beauti-
ful black ; and the entire skin is so extremely fine, smooth,
and glossy, that it is much esteemed, and sold at a high
price in all the eastern countries, especially China. The
mandarins cover with it their seats of justice, and also use
it for cushions and pillows.

Notwithstanding the determined ferocity of this creature,
a sudden surprise has sometimes had an almost miraculous
effect in preventing its attack. Some ladies and gentlemen,
being on a party of pleasure under the shade of trees on
the banks of a river in Bengal, were suddenly surprised by
observing a Tiger place himself in a posture for making
the fatal spring. One of the ladies, with amazing presence
of mind, seized an umbrella, and opening it directly in the
monster's face, it instantly retired. The ferocity of the

THE TIGER. 53

full grown Tiger can never be wholly subdued : for neither
gentleness nor restraint has much effect upon its disposition.
It appears insensible to the attentions of its keeper, and it is
said, will tear the hand which feeds it as readily as that by
which it is chastised. When taken young, however, and
kindly treated, he grows familiar, and exhibits gentleness
and affection towards his keeper.

THE URDS, AUROCHS, OR EUROPEAN BISON.

This animal greatly resembles the American Bison, or,
as it is commonly called, the Buffalo. It is chiefly to be
met Avith in the extensive plains and forests of Lithuania,
where it grows to an amazing size and bulk, being in these
respects superior to every other quadruped except the ele-
phant. It is entirely black, except a single stripe of white
which runs along the whole length of the back ; its eyes
are red and fiery ; its horns thick and short : its forehead
ornamented with a bushy covering of thick curled hair ; its
neck is short and strong; and its skin exhales an odor
somewhat resembling musk. The female, although much
smaller than the male, exceeds in size the largest bulls pro-
duced in this country. The Urus is, perhaps, more properly
called the "Wild Bull," than the "Bison." The following
is an account of the Bison of Asia and Africa. This ani-
mal differs from some of the Ox kind, principally in having
a large hump between its shoulders, resembling the boss of
the camel, only with this difference, that it is placed more
forward. The Bison is furnished with a long shaggy mane,
which forms a beard under his chin. His head is small,
and his forehead wide ; his eyes fierce and red, and his
horns much expanded. He is exceedingly wild and fierce^
and the pursuit of him is very dangerous, except in forests
where the trees are sufficiently large to shelter the hunters.
The general method of capturing this animal is by digging

THE URUS. 55

deep pits, and covering them Avith grass, on the opposite
side of which some of the hunters place themselves, and
temptinir the enraged creature to pursue them, it falls into
the snare, and is soon overpowered.

The Bison is met with in most of the southern parts of
the world, while the Urus is chiefly found in the cold or
temperate regions. The Bison varies in size, with the va-
riations of the soil and climate ; where the soil is fertile,
and the pasturage luxuriant, they are very large, but in
Arabia Petrse and some parts of Africa they are small, and
from their diminished size, and other distinguishing char-
acteristics, they acquire the denomination of Zebu. The
Zebu appears to be a degenerate kind of the Bison, dimin-
ished in size on account of the scantiness of its food, a cir-
cumstance which appears to have a decided effect on the
bulk of all horned cattle. Both of these animals are gentle
when tamed ; and they have generally very fine glossy
hair. The hunches on their bncks vary in weight from
twenty to fifty pounds. In India they are substituted for
horses in travelling and drawing loads. They are saddled
like horses, and may be made to move at a very fair pace.
A small string is drawn through the cartilage of the nose,
and a cord being fastened to this, it answers the purpose
of a bridle. They will perform journeys of above a thou-
sand miles, at the rate of thirty-six or forty miles a day, and
their pace is generally a moderate trot. They are used also
in drawing chariots. This circumstance of horned cattle
being used in India for riding, as well as for drawing, is an
additional proof of their extensive and various utility, and
it proves that if the exuberant goodness of the Creator had
not bestowed the horse, the ox might have served as an
useful substitute.

VIRGINIA DEER,

Of the Deer there are five varieties existing in North
America. They are as follows: first, the common or Vir-
ginia Deer, which abounds in the w^ooded districts from
Cnnndn to Mexico : second, the Bhick-tailed or Mule Deer,
inhabiting the vicinity of the Rocky Mountains ; third, the
American Elk or Wapiti, inhabiting the western States and
territories, and Canada ; fourth, the Moose, found in Canada,
and the northern borders of the United States ; and lastly,
two' varieties of the Reindeer: namely, the Barren-ground
Cariboo, and the Woodland Cariboo, both of them inhab-
iting the northern regions. There are supposed to be one
or more other species, but they are probably only varieties
of the Mule Deer, or of the Virginia Deer.

The Virginia Deer resembles the Fallow Deer of Europe ;
it is a light, agile, and graceful animal, loving to dwell in
forests, and flying from the vicinity of the habitations of
man. It is said to have a great aversion to the rattle-snake,
which it destroys by leaping upon it with both its foi^e feet.
thus crushing it at a blow. It was once abundant along
the whole Atlantic coast, but the incessant war waged upon
it has rendered it scarce in those parts ; a few still linger
upon Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, and the forests near
Plymouth, Mass. The flesh of this Deer is common in most
of our large markets, during the winter. Of the Black-

VIRGINIA DEER. 57

tailed Deer, but little is known. In South America there
are several species of Deer, but they are not much known.

On the Eastern continent there are many kinds : as the
Elk, the Reindeer, the Stag or Red Deer, the Roebuck, the
Malayan Rusa Deer, the Axis Deer, and the Fallow Deer.'
The Fallow Deer is common in Europe and Asia ; it is do-
mesticated in England, and may be seen in flocks in the
parks, almost as tame as sheep. These animals live to-
gether in herds, which sometimes divide into two parties,
and maintain obstinate battles for the possession of a favor-
ite part of the park : each one having its leader, which is
always the oldest and strongest of the flock. They attack
in regular order of battle ; they fight with courage, and
mutually defend each other.

The chief difference between the Stag and the Fallow
Deer appears to be in the size and form of their horns :
those of the latter are much smaller than those of the for-
mer. The Fallow Deer is easily tamed ; it feeds on a va-
riety of substances which the Stag refuses, and preserves
its condition nearly the same throughout the year, al-
though its flesh, called venison, is considered much finer
at some periods of the year than it is at others. There
are two varieties of the Fallow Deer in England; which
are said to be of foreign origm. The beautiful spotted kind
were brought from Bengal in India. These animals, with
some variation, are found in almost every country in Eu-
rope. Those of Spain are as large as Stags, but darker ;
their necks are also more slender; and their tails, which
are longer than those of England, are black above, and
white beneath.

The American Elk or Wapiti Deer, is domesticated by

58 VIRGINIA DEER.

the Indians, and taught to draw sledges with rapidity.
The Indians catch them in nets when young, rear them in
their huts with great care and kindness, and esteem them
the handsomest and most noble animal of the American
forest. They live to so great an age, that the Indians, when
speaking of an old man, say " he is old as a Wapiti." The
Wapiti are about twelve years old before they are full
grown, and they are then about sixteen hands high,* and
their horns weigh upwards of fifty pounds. Their attach-
ment to each other is remarkably strong ; and in their na-
tive wilds, each male Wapiti has his own peculiar family,
keeping their own range of pasturage.

* A hand is a measure of four inches, applied to animals ; which are
measured from the ground to the level of the top of the shoulder, at the
back of the neck.

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WOLF.

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THE WOLF

The Wolf is an animal of the dog tribe, and it is in size
generally between the Mastiff and the Irish Hound or Wolf
Dog. Its inclinations and habits are, however, very differ-
ent from those of the dog ; but this is no doubt, in a degree,
owing to circumstances ; for well corroborated instances
are known of its having been taken young, and well treated,
and showing attachment equal to that of the dog. It is,
however, far behind most breeds of the dog in sagacity.
Its skin is the only part of value to mankind. Thompson,
the poet, says of it: —

•• Cruel as death, and hungry as the grave ;
Burning for blood, bony, and gaunt and grim!"

These animals generally hunt in company, pursuing and
slaying sheep, lambs, deer, horses, and, when pressed by
hunger, they will attack mankind also.

They are most dangerous and ferocious in those coun-
tries where there is much snow, and in other countries in
the winter, as the snow prevents them from obtaining food
with facility. The common Wolf was formerly so nume-
rous in England, that King Edgar, nearly a thousand years
ago, changed the punishment for some offences into a de-
mand for a certain number of wolves' tongues from each
criminal ; and once converted a heavy and oppressive tax

60 THE WOLF.

on one of the Welch princes into a yearly tribute of three
hundred wolves' heads. Some hundreds of years after,
these animals had increased to such a degree, as again to
become an object of attention to the government, and great
rewards were given for destroying them. Camden informs
us that certain lands were held upon condition of hunting
and destroying the wolves which infested the country.
In the reign of Athelstan, they were so abundant in York-
shire, that it was found necessary to build, at Flixton, near
Scarborough, a place of retreat for the protection of trav-
ellers against their attacks. The month of January was
called by the Saxons " Wolf-month," on account of their
extreme ferocity at that snowy period of the year. They
have now, for a long time, been extirpated both in England
and Ireland ; and their numbers are much diminished
throughout Europe, in consequence of the increase of pop-
ulation, and the extension of agriculture.

About the year 1764, an animal of this kind committed
the most dreadful ravages in some particular districts of
Languedoc, and soon became the terror of the whole coun-
try. According to the account given in the Paris Gazette,
he was known to have killed twenty persons, principally
women and children ; and public prayers are said to have
been offered for his destruction.

When their necessities are urgent, they become inspired
with the courage, or rather the recklessness of desperation,
and having made an attack, they are seldom driven back,
until many are killed ; and when obliged to retreat, they
soon return to the charge ; and instead of being intimidated
Jby opposition, will rush upon certain destruction.

The common Wolf is of a brownish gray color. A spe-

THE WOLF. 61

cies resembling this, was found by the first settlers in
America, occupying the whole northern part of the con-
tinent. It has gradually retired and is now scarce, ex-
cept in the western regions. The Black, and the White
Wolves, inhabit the northern part of the continent ; and the
Prarie Wolf is found in the Mississippi valley. These are
considered varieties of the common Wolf, occasioned by
the difference of climate.

X.

As we find no animal whose initial letter is X, and of
whom enough is known to form a chapter in this work, we
will substitute some interesting, and instructive, anecdotes
of Horses ; from " Bingley's Stories about Horses," an en-
tertaining work published in London. " We can hardly
wonder at the extreme gentleness of the Arabian, when we
consider how differently they are treated from English
horses, or indeed from those of any other country. The
Arabs live constantly in tents, and these are always shared
with their horses, so that the whole family live together in
indiscriminate friendship ; the mare and her foal occupying
perhaps the same corner which serves the children as a
sleeping place ; where, mdeed, they may be often seen
prattling to their four-legged companions, climbing on their
bodies, or hanging round their necks, with all the unsus-
pecting fondness of perfect security. Accustomed from
their infancy thus to treat their horses with kindness, a
spirit of affection springs up between them, which is very
rarely interrupted. The use of the whip is unknown ;
their willing services are secured by affection alone. It
is only in the utmost extremity that the spur is used, and
when this is the case, they set off with amazing swiftness,
overcomin"^ every obstacle, and sometimes even falling vie-
tims to their generous ardor. Chateaubriand, a French trav-
eller, relates an instance in which the exertions of a noble

i#

THE ARABIAN. 63

animal to save its master proved fatal. ' When I w^as at Je-
rusalem, the feats of one of these steeds made a great noise.
The Bedouin to whom the animal, a mare, belonged, being
pursued by the Governor's guards, she rushed with him from
the top of the hills which overlook Jericho. The mare
scoured at full gallop down an almost perpendicular decli-
vity, without stumbling, and left the soldiers lost in admira-
tion and astonishment. The poor creature dropped down
dead on entering Jericho, and the Bedouin, who would not
quit her, was taken, weeping over the body of his faithful
companion. This mare has a brother in the desert, who is
so famous, that the Arabs always know where he has been,
where he is, what he is doing, and how he does. Ali Aga
religiously sliowed me, in the mountains near Jericho, the
footsteps of the mare which died in the attempt to save
her master. A Macedonian could not have beheld those
of Bucephalus with greater respect.'

" The only possession of a poor Arab of the desert was
a mare, which, after much hesitation, and pressed by pov-
erty, he consented to sell to the French Consul at Said.
At length, with only a rag to cover his body he arrived at
the Consul's residence. Having dismounted and the purse
being presented to him ; he looked at the gold, then gazed
steadfastly at his mare, and heaving a deep sigh, while the
tears trickled down his cheeks, he exclaimed : — ' To whoin
is it, I am going to yield thee up ? To Europeans, who will
tie tliee close, who will heat thee, who will render thee
MISERABLE ! Retum with me, my beauty ! my jewel ! and
rejoice the hearts of my children !' As he pronounced
the last words, he sprung upon her back, and was soon out
of sight."

THE YAK.

This animal is called by Bigland, " the Grunting Ox.'*
It is a large animal of the Ox kind, somewhat resembling
our bison ; but it has larger horns, a tail like that of the
horse, and another peculiarity consists in its grunting like
a hog, instead of lowing like the majority of the Ox kind.
Its colors are chiefly black and white ; and its hair is long,
and somewhat curly. It is a native of Tartary, and abounds
principally in Thibet, where it lives in wild herds among
the mountains ; this wild breed are exceedingly fierce, and
will turn with great fury upon any assailant. The inhab-
itants of that country have also a domestic breed, which
answers the purposes of our horned cattle, being used both
for draft and burden. It is often employed to go upon long
journeys.

The tail of this animal is much esteemed in Thibet, and
sold at a high price, as an ornament, being very long and
bushy. When mounted in a silver handle, it is much used
by persons of distinction in India, being employed for the
purpose of driving away the swarms of flies. It is also
sometimes fixed to the ears of the elephant, by way of or-
nament. When dyed of various colors, and the hair formed
into tufts, it is used by the Chinese to adorn their bonnets.

THE YAK 65

The Turks and Persians use these tails, as we do flags, for
war standards which they call Horse-tmls. This is all the
information w^e can obtain at present regarding this curious
animal.

THE ZEBRA.

This is one of the most beautiful of animals, but, like
many others which are beautiful, it is of no use to mankind,
except to afford pleasure to the eye. In shape and size it
resembles the mule ; and with the same capacity for ren-
dering service to mankind as the horse, it is found useless,
since all attempts to subjugate it to labor have failed. It
is therefore chiefly prized for the exquisite beauty of its
skin, the smoothness of which nothing can surpass. Nor
can anything exceed the beautiful regularity of its colors,
which, in the male, are white and brown, and in the female,
white and black, ranged in alternate stripes over the whole
body, in a manner so beautiful and ornamental, that at first
sight it would seem rather the effect of most exquisite art,
than the genuine production of nature. Such is the beauty
of the Zebra, but it has hitherto been esteemed absolutely
untameable. Resembling the horse in its form as well as
manner of living, we would suppose that it possesses a
similar nature ; and some naturahsts have thought, that
with proper management, it might be converted to the
same uses. This opinion, however, is but ill supported by
experience ; for those that have been taken to Europe have
shown a de^jree of viciousness which has rendered it unsafe
to approach them. The Zebra which was long kept in the
Royal Menagerie, at Paris, was exceedingly wild at his

I '

THE ZEBRA. 67

arrival, and was never completely tamed. He was, indeed,
broken for the saddle,^ but his untractableness rendered
great precaution necessary ; and two men were obliged to
hold the bridle while another was riding.

A beautiful male Zebra, at Exeter' Change, London, ap-
peared to have entirely lost his native wildness, and was so
gentle as to suffer children to sit quietly on his back, with-
out any symptom of displeasure. He was famihar with
strangers, and received their caresses with evident satisfac-
tion.

There was one in the Tower of London in 1814, which
was a female ; she would carry her keeper a little distance,
but w^ould then become restive, and kick violently. When
angry she plunged, and tried to seize him with her teeth ;
and she was always savage towards strangers.

The Zebra is a native of the southern part of Africa,
from Abyssinia to the Cape of Good Hope, and from Mo-
zambique to Congo.

You see, children, that the Almighty Being has displayed
to us the exuberance of his powei', by bestowing such a
profusion of beauty on the inhabitants of the desert, as well
as a remarkable adaptation of qualities on those designed
for the service of man,.

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