Jann\s Halt.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/generalhistoryofOObeil
I
A
GENERAL
h i s r o r r
O F
Q_U ADRUPEDS.
THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD BY T. BEWICK.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE:
PRINTED BY AND FOR S. HODGSON, R. BEILBY, & T. BEWICK? NEWCASTLE: SOLD BY THEM, BY G. G. J. &
J. ROBINSON) AND C. DILLY, LONDON.
1790.
Advertisement.
IN difpofing the order of the following work, we have not thought it necelfary to confine ourfelves ftriCtly within the rules prefcribed by fyftematic writers on this part of Natural Hiftory ; as it was not fo much the objeCl of our plan, to lay down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four- footed animals, as to give a clear and Concife account of the nature, habits, and difpofition of each, accompanied with more accurate reprefentations than have hitherto appeared in any work of this kind. Our difregard of fyftem, however, has not pre- vented us from attending to the great divifions of Quadrupeds, fo obvioufly marked out by the hand of Nature, and fo clearly diftinguifhed, that the moil carelefs obferver cannot avoid being forcibly ftruck with an agreement of parts in the outward ap- pearance of the different individuals of which each confifts.
The intermediate ftations, however, have not been always fo clearly defined ; thefe are frequently occupied by characters fo dubious, that naturalifts have not always agreed in afcribing to each its proper place : Of this kind are the Elephant, the Hip- popotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the Badger, the Beaver, the Hedge-hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c. which bear in themfelves charaCteriftics fo peculiar, that they might feem to conftitute diftinCt genera, and fo confpicuous, that they cannot eafily be overlooked nor forgotten in the general group.
We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular account of the animals with which our own country is abundantly itored, efpecially of thofe which fo materially contribute to the ftrength, the wealth, and the happinefs of this kingdom ; of thefe the Horfe, the Cow, and the Sheep claim the firfl place ; and in treating of thefe, we have noticed the improvements which an enlarged fyftem of agriculture, fupported by a noble fpirit of generous emulation, has introduced into all parts of the country.
It may perhaps be thought neceffary to offer fome apology for the evident want of proportion obfervable in the fizes of the dif- ferent animals ; a defeCt to which every work of this kind muft, in fome meafure, be liable. In adverting to this, we found, that at whatever point, between the Elephant and the Moufe, the fcale were to be fixed, a great and unavoidable deficiency would be the confequence ; we were therefore obliged to relinquifh a plan, which, fo far from being practicable, would have been the means of throwing the whole into irregularity and confufion
INDEX.
A PAGE. |
A DIVE - - 265;
Agouti - - 331 j
Ai - - - 437 !
Ant-eater, the Great - 439 \
the Middle 440 the Lefier - ibid. Antelope, the Common 81 the Barbary ibid. the Red - 80
the Swift - ibid. the Spotted - 82
the Scythian 84 the Guinea - 78
the Striped - 75
Ape, the Barbary - 393
Armadillo - - 442
the Three-band- ed - 443
the Six-banded 444 the Nine-banded 445 the Weafel-
headed - 446
*3
- - - 1 1 1
PAGE.
Boar, the Wild
Common or Do- meftic
the African Wild Bonti-Bok, or Pied Goat Bofch-Bok, or Wood Goat Buffalo - Bull and Cow
the Lancafhire
127
129
132
66
67
33
*9
23
and Cow of Chillingham 25
Afs
Axis
B
Baboon -
the Great Ribbed- nofe
the Small Ribbed- nofe
the Pig- tailed - the Dog- faced the Urfine Badger - Babirouffa *
Bear, the Brown the Polar Beaver Bifon -
Blaaw-Bok, or Blue Goat
i*.
394 l
f.
39*5 1
398 i
399 x
Cagvi -
Callitrix Camel -
the Arabian Capibara Caracal - Carcajou Caribou Cafan -
Cat, the Domeftic the Wild - Angora
Cavy, the Reftlefs the Spotted the Long-nofed the Akouchi the Rock Chevrotain Civet -
Coaita - Coati -
Coendou Conepate Corin Couguar
D
Deer
406
119
122
139
199
242
104
350
192
189
191
328
329
33i 33 2 ibid.
83
228
4H
235
422
225
82
i8t
105
V
INDEX.
0
Deer, the Fallow Defman - Dog
the Shepherd’s the Cur the Greenland the Bull the Maftiff the Ban
the Dalmatian or Coach
the Irifh Greyhound the Highland Grey- hound
the Gazehound the Greyhound
359 v 281 x 284 A
286 V
287 |
290 A 29‘ 2 293 J
Dog, the Pug Dormoufe, the Greater the Leffer
Douc - Dromedary
ibid, y
294 |
295 |
ibid. \
296 t
the Italian Greyhound ibid. V
the Lurcher the Tumbler the Terrier the Beagle the Harrier the Fox-Hound the Old Englifh Hound
the Kibble-Hound the Blood-Hound the Newfoundland the Rough Water the Large Water- Spaniel
the Small Water- Spaniel
the Springer, or Cocker
King Charles’s the Pyrame the Shock the Lion the Comforter the Englifh Setter the Spanifh Pointer
297 {
29 »X
ibid. X
299 5
300 x
30 1 5
303 A
304 5 ibid. \
3°6|
308 \
X
309 1
3I0X
y
0
311 y ibid. \ ibid. % ibid. |
312 X ibid. 0 3*3 X 3H l
the New South-Wales 315
the Turnfpit
316 ;<
Elephant
Elk
the American Elk-Antelope Exquima
Ferret
Foffane
Foumart
Fox
the Greyhound the Maftiff the Cur the Black the Crofs the Corfac the Ar&ic
Gazelles Gemfe-Bok Genet - Gibbon
Giraff, or Cameleopard Gnu - Goat -
the Chamois of Angora of Portugal the Syrian African Grunting Ox Grys-Bok Guanacos Guinea-Pig
317
339
340 4°9 122
151
93
453
72
41 1
209
223
212
266
269
270 ibid.
272 ibid, ibid.
273
64
76
227
392
91
79
52
56
6 1 ibid.
62
6.3
33
78
124
32s
VI
INDEX,
H
Hamfter - Hare -
the Alpine - r Hart-Beeft - - -
Hedge-hog Hippopotamus Hog, the Common Horfe -
the Racer the Hunter the Black
the Common Carter Hyena, the Striped the Spotted
Ibex
Ichneumon
Lynx, the Bay
Jackall
Jaguar
Jerboa
K
Kabaffou Kanguroo Kanguroo- Rat Kevel
Klip-Springer
Koba
Kob
Koedoe
Lama
Leming
Leopard
Lion
Lion-Ape
Loris
Lynx
347 X
321 0 324 i
74 x
423 0
148 f 129 X
1 J
4 6
6 0
A
l x
8 X
257 6 260 v-
M
Macaque
Macauco,
55
220 y
X
262 5 180 i 380 X
445
377
the Yellow the Ring-tailed the Tail-lefs the Mongooz the Black Magot -
Maimon Malbrouck Mangabey Manis -
Marapute - Mar gay -
Marikina r Marmot -
the Quebec the Earlefs the Cafan the Tail-lefs the Lapland Martin - 1 -
the Yellow-breafted Meminna - Mexican Hog Mole -
Radiated
197
403
382
383
384
385
386
393
399
405
406 441 188 186 416
343
346
35°
ibid .
351
352
216
215
83
134
365
367
|
379 6 |
Monax - |
345 |
|
82 6 A 79 X |
Monkey, the Patas, or Red the Chinefe Bon- |
403 |
|
- 82} ibid, i |
net the Callitrix, or |
405 |
|
75 1 y |
Green the Varied, or |
406 |
|
A |
Mona |
408 |
|
*23 0 |
the Howling |
410 |
|
352 X |
the Spider |
411 |
|
177 5 |
the Saimiri, or |
|
|
164 J |
Orange |
4|3 |
|
416 X |
the Fox -tailed |
ibid \ |
|
385 ¥ 196 X |
the Great-eared |
4H |
|
the Silky |
4td |
INDEX.
vii
Monkey, the Pinche, or <(
Red- tailed 417 0 Paca
the Mico, or Fair 418 :< Pacos
Mouflon, or Mufmon Moufe -
Long-tailed Field Short-tailed Field Shrew
Water Shrew Dwarf Mule -
Mullc Mullache
50 | Pangolin
360 v Panther
361 Patas Peccary Perfian Savage
ibid . v
362 x
363 X Phalanger Phatagin Pigmy Polecat 407 \ Porcupine X
3fi4 1
IO V
88 X
N
Nanguer
Nems
Nyl-Ghau
80 5 Quagga 21 1 v
the Brazilian
85
x
R
O
Ocelot Ondatra
Opolfum, Saragoy Murine Mexican the Phalanger the Spotted - the Vulpine - the Flying of Van Diemen’s Land
of New South- Wales
Oran-Outang
Otter
the Small the Minx the Sea
Ouarine, or Preacher
Ouiftiti
Ounce -
Rabbit X the Domeltic
« the Angora
184 y the Ruffian
358 X Racoon 368 | Rat
Water
Mulk of Canada Mufcovy Mulk Ratel Ree-Bok
Riet
Rein-Deer Rhinoceros
370 X
371 ft
372 t
373 X ibid . 5
374 |
X X
375 ..
376 X Roe-Buck
389 1 43 1 1
32°
125
44 1 175 403 *34 401
372
442 39i 212
420
421
l7
325
327 ibid, ibid . 236 354
357
358
359 233
77
78
97
141
the Two-horned 145 115
434
ibid.
Sable
Sagoin
435 | Sai 410 v Saiga 4*5 Saimiri *79 A Sajou
217
4°9
412
84
413 412
Vlll
Saki
Sand -Bear
Sapajou
Sarluc
Scaly Lizard
Sea-Horfe
Seal
the UiTine Serval Sheep
I N D
X.
41 3 X Syah-Gufh
H'i
33
Lincolnfhire Breed Dorfetfhire ditto Leicefterfhire ditto the Dunky, or Dwarf 46 j the African or Guinea 47
44 2 v 447 | 449 0 45i X 188 X 36 |
39 X
40 5 43 -
ibid, y
48 X ibid . 0
49 X 409 224 436 X 35° :5
69 y
333 '
the Tartarian the Many-horned the Broad -tailed the Walachian Sifac - Skunk -
Sloth
Souflik -
Spring-Bok Squirrel
the Hudfon’s Bay 334 a the Grey - the Black the Ground the Barbary the Palm the Fat the Garden the Flying the Great Flying the Hooded Stag* or Red Deer the Corfican the Axis, or Ganges 1 1 1 % Steen-Bok - - 80 0
Stifling, or Squafh - 225 ??
Stoat - 207
Suricate - - - 232
Talapoin Taman n •
Tanrec - Tapiir, the Long-nofed the Thick- nofed Tarfier - Tatou -
Tatuapara Tatuette Tendrac Tiger
the Black U
Unau -
Urfon -
Urus, or Wild Bull
335.. ibid, i
336
338 X
ibid . x
339 X ibid. X
34[ 6 342 X ibid. X i°5j[ 1 10 X
Vanfire - - -
W
Walrus
Wanderou
Weafel
the Pine the Fifher the Brazilian
Wolf
Wolverine, or Glutton
Zebra
Zebu
Zemni
Zibet
Zifel
Zorilk
199
407
414
425
138
*39
386
444
443
444 425
I7I
183
438
423
29
211
447
402
203
2I5
220
235
275
242
16
31
35i
230
35^
226
A GEN-
A GENERAL
HISTORY
QUADRUPEDS.
HE various excellencies of this noble animal, the
grandeur of his ftature, the elegance and propor- tion of his parts, the beautiful fmoothnefs of his fldn, the variety and gracefulnefs of his motions, and above all, his ufefulnefs, entitle him to a precedence in the hiftory of the brute creation.
There are few parts of the known world where the Horfe is not produced ; but if we would fee him in the enjoyment of his native freedom, (unfubdued by the re- ftraints man has impofed upon him) we muft look for him in the wild and extenfive plains of Africa and Arabia, where he ranges without controul, in a (fate of entire in- dependency. In thofe immenfe trails the wild Horfes
o F
The HOP.SE,
A
2 HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
may be feen feeding together, in droves of four or five hundred ; one of them always a£fing as centinel, to give notice of approaching danger : This he does by a kind of fnorting noife, upon which they all fly oft with aftonifh- ing rapidity. The wild Horfes of Arabia are elteemed the molt beautiful in the world : They are of a brown co- lour, their mane and tail of black tufted hair, very fhort ; they are fmaller than the tame ones, are very a£live, and of great fwiftnefs. The mod ufual method of taking them is with traps concealed in the fand, by which they
are entangled and caught. It is probable there were
once wild Horfes in Europe, which have long fince been brought under fubjedfion. Thofe found in America were originally of the Spanifh breed, fent thither upon its firffc difcovery, which have fince become wild, and fpread themfelves over various parts of that vaft continent. They are generally fmall, not exceeding fourteen hands high; with thick heads and clumfy joints: Their ears and necks are longer than thofe of the Englifh Horfes. They are eafily tamed ; and if by accident they are fet at liberty, they feldom become wild again ; but know their mailer, and may be eafily caught by him.
The Horfe, in his domeftic (late, is generous, docile, fpirited, and yet obedient; adapted to the various pur- pofes of pleafure and convenience, he is equally fervicea- ble in the draught, the field, or the race.
There is fcarcely an Arabian, how poor foever in other refpe£ls, but is poflefled of his Horfe, which he confiders as an invaluable treafure. Having no other houfe but a tent to dwell in, the Arabian and his Horfe live upon the mod equal terms : His wife and family, his mare and her foal, are often feen lying indifcriminately together; whilft
the
3
HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
the little children frequently climb without fear upon the body of the inoffenfive animal, which permits them to play with and carefs it without injury. The Arabs never beat their Horfes ; they fpeak to, and feem to hold friend- ly intercourfe with them; they never whip them, and feldom, but in cafes of neceflity, make ufe of the fpur. Their agility in leaping is very great; and if the rider happen to fall, they are fo tractable as to (land ftill in the midft of the molt rapid career. The Arabian Horfes are of a middle fize in general, lefs than thofe of this country, eafy and graceful in their motions, and rather inclined to leannefs. — It is worthy of remark, that there, inftead of eroding the breed, the Arabs take every precaution to keep it pure and unmixed : They preferve with the great- eft care, and for an amazing length of time, the races of their horfes — Thofe of the firft kind are called Nobles, being “ of a pure and ancient race, purer than milk.” They have likewife two other kinds, which have been de- graded by common alliances, and fell at inferior prices.
From Arabia the race of Horfes has probably extended into Barbary and other parts of Africa, thofe being confi- dered as next to the Arabian Horfes in fwiftnefs and beau- ty, though they are ftill fmaller. The Spanifh Genette is alfo held in great eftimation ; like the former they are fmall, but beautiful, and extremely fwift. The Horfes of India and many parts of China are extremely fmall and vicious : One of thefe was fome years ago brought into this country as a prefent to the queen, which was very little larger than fome maftiffs, meafuring only nine hands in height.
In Great-Britain the breed of Horfes feems to be as mixed as that of its inhabitants. By great attention to the
A 2 im»
4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
improvement of this noble animal, by a judicious mixture of feveral kinds,, and by fuperior Ikill in management, the Englifii
RACE - HORSE*
is allowed to excel thofe of the reft of Europe, or per- haps the whole world. For fupporting a continuance of violent exertion, (or what is called, in the language of
the
* The following account of the prizes won by fome of our capi- tal Race-Horfes, will (hew the importance of that breed in Eng- land, where fuch vad fums frequently depend on the iflfue of their Conteds :
Bay M Alton, (by Sampfon) the property of the late Marquis of Rockingham, in feven prizes won the amazing fum of 5,9001. At York he run four miles in feven minutes and forty-three and an half feconds, which was feven and an half feconds lefs time than was ever done before over the fame courfe.
Cato, a famous Horfe bred by George Bowes, Efq; of Gibfide, won the fird king’s plate run for at Newcadle upon Tyne. Befidea which, he won five king’s plates, and near 3,000!. in fundry prizes.
Childers, (well known by the name of Flying Childers) the pro- perty of the Duke of Devonfiiire, was allowed by fportfmen to be the fleeted Horfe that ever was bred in the world : He darted at Newmarket feveral times againd the bed Horfes of his time, and
was
5
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the turf, bottom ) they are fuperior to the Arabian, the Barb, or the Perfian; and for fwiftnefs they will yield the palm to none. An ordinary Racer is known to go at the rate of a mile in lefs than two minutes •, but there have been inftances of much greater rapidity : The fa-
A 3 mous
was never beaten : He won, in different prizes, to the amount of nearly 2,000b; and was afterwards referved as a ftallion. — The fire of Childers was an Arabian, fent by a gentleman as a prefent to his brother in England.
Dorimant, a famous Horfe belonging to Lord Offory, won prizes to the amazing amount of 13,3631.
Little Driver (by the famous Childers) won 1,450!. in 50I. plates ; and beat, at different times, forty-four running Horfes, which had collectively won two hundred and three prizes.
Eclipse was allowed to be the fleeteft Horfe that ever ran in England fince the time of Childers. After winning king’s plates and other prizes to a great amount, he now covers, by fubfcription, forty mares, at thirty guineas each ; befides thofe of his owner.
Gimcrack won prizes to the amount of above 5,000!. He like- wife ran a match in France, of twenty-two miles and an half within the hour,' for a confiderable fum.
Highflyer was accounted the belt Horfe of his time in England. The fums he won and received amounted to near 9,0001. though he never ftarted after five years old. He was never beat, nor ever paid a forfeit.
Match em, a Horfe belonging to the late W. Fenwick, Efq; be- fides being a capital racer, was particularly remarkable as a ftallion; and may be truly faid to have earned more money than any other Horfe in the world. He was engaged, for the latter nine years of his life, to cover twenty-five mares, at fifty guineas a mare; and was uncommonly fuccefsful in the celebrity of his progeny, having been fire to many of our moft famous running Horfes. He was re- markable for being the quieteft ftallion that ever was known ; to which, perhaps, may be attributed his great age, being in the thir- ty-third year of his age when he died.
Pyrrhus won upwards of 12,5001.
Shark won, befides a cup value i2ogs, and eleven hogfheads of claret, the amazing fum of I5,507gs, in plates, matches, and for- feits.
The moft: extraordinary inftance of fleetnefs, in a trotting pace, we remember to have feen recorded, was performed, on the 4th of July, 1788, for a wager of thirty guineas, by a Horfe, the proper- ty of a gentleman of Billiter-fquare, London. He trotted thirty miles in an hour and twenty minutes, though he was allowed, by the terms of the bet, an hour and an half
6
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
mous Horfe Childers has been known to move eighty- two feet and an half in a fecond, or nearly a mile in a minute; he has run round the courfe at Newmarket, which is little lefs than four miles, in fix minutes and forty feconds.
The HUNTER
is a happy combination of the Race-Horfe with others of fuperior ftrength, but inferior in fwiftnefs ; and may be confidered as the moft ufeful breed of Horfes in Europe. Geldings of this kind are fent over to the continent (where their fuperior worth is univerfally acknowledged) in great numbers, and fold at very high prices to foreigners of the firft diftindtion. The mixture of this with others of infe- rior rank forms an endlefs variety, the different gradations becoming too minute to be difcriminated.
Th e
HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
7
The BLACK-HORSE.
No other country has produced a breed of Horfes equal in fize and ftrength to the larger kind of cur draught Horfes. The cavalry of England is in general formed of this clafs of Horfes \ but their inutility being experienced in fome fituations, others of a lighter and more active kind have been fubftituted in a few regiments. The fens of Lincolnfhire generally produce a larger breed than any other part of the kingdom. In London there have been inftances where a fingle Horfe of that kind has drawn, for a fmall fpace, the enormous weight of three tons, half of which is known to be their ordinary draught.
8
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Common CART-HORSE
is inferior to the laft in fize and ftrength : His form is heavy, his motions flow, and his afpeCt without fprightli- nefs ; he is neverthelefs extremely ufeful, and is employed in the bufmefs of agriculture and other domeftic con- cerns.
— — n waimiiin
Till of late years Pciciz-Horfes were employed, in the northern counties of England, to carry the different ma- nufactures and articles of traffic from one part of the kingdom to another*, but the improved ftate of our roads has caufed that mode of conveyance to be almoft entirely laid afide. In their journies over tracklefs moors they flriCtly adhere to the line of order and regularity cuftom has taught them to obferve : The leading Horfe, which is always chofen for his fagacity and fteadinefs, being furnifhed with bells, gives notice to the reft, who follow the found, and generally without much deviation, though
fometimes
9
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fometimes at a confiderable diltance. The following in- ftance will Ihew with what obftinate perfeverance they have been known to obferve the line of their order: — Some years ago one of thefe Horfes, which had been long accultomed to follow his leader, by accident or fa- tigue was thrown into an inferior rank*, the poor ani- mal, as if fenfible of his difgrace, by the moll ftrenuous exertions at length recovered his ufual ftation, which he maintained during the remainder of the journey ; but, on his arrival in the inn-yard, he dropped down dead upon the fpot, his life falling a facrifice to his ambition — A fpecies of heroifm we mull admire even in the brute cre- ation.
Although the Horfe is endowed with vail flrength and powers, he feldom exerts either to the prejudice of his mailer : On the contrary, he feems to participate in his pleafures, and fhares with him in his labours ; generous and perfevering, he gives up his whole powers to the fer- vice of his mailer ; though bold and intrepid, he reprelfes the natural vivacity and fire of his temper, and not only yields to the hand, but feems to confult the inclination of his rider.
But it mull continue to be matter of regret to every feeling mind, that thefe excellent qualities Ihould be often fhamefully abufed in the molt unnecefiary exertions ; and the honelt labours of this noble animal thrown away in the ungrateful talk: of accomplilhing the purpofes of unfeeling folly, or lavilhed in gratifying the expectations of an in- temperate moment.
The
HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
JO
The M U L E.
THIS ufeful and hardy animal is the offspring of the Horfe and the Afs, and being barren, furnifhes us with an indifputable proof that the two fpecies are per- fectly diftinct. Nature has providently hopped the fur- ther propagation of thefe heterogeneous productions, to preferve, uncontaminated, the form of each animal; with- out which regulation the races would, in a fhort time, be mixed with each other, and every creature loling its ori- ginal perfection, would rapidly degenerate.
The common Mule is very healthy, and will live above thirty years : It is found very ferviceable in carrying bur- thens, particularly in mountainous and {tony places where Horfes are not fo fure-footed. The fize and ftrength of our breed has lately been much improved by the importa- tion of Spanifh Male-Affes ; and it were much to be wiffi- ed that the ufeful qualities of this animal were more at- tended to : For by proper care in its breaking, its natural ©bftinacy would be in a great meafure Corrected ; and it
might
HISTORY OF QJJ ADRTJPEDS. ir
■might be formed with fuccefs, for the faddle, the draught, or the burthen.
People of the firft quality in Spain are drawn by Mules, where fifty or fixty guineas is no uncommon price for one of them j nor is it furprizing, when we confider how far they excel the Horfe in travelling in a mountainous coun- try, the Mule being able to tread fecurely where the for- mer can hardly Hand. Their manner of going down the precipices of the Alps, the Andes, &c. is very extraordi- nary ; and with it we will conclude their hiftory. In thefe paiTages, on one fide, are fteep eminences, and on the other, frightful abyfles ; and, as they generally follow the direction of the mountain, the road, inftead of lying in a level, forms at every little diftance fteep declivities, of fe- veral hundred yards downward. Thefe can only be de- fended by Mules *, and the animal itfelf feems fenfible of the danger, and the caution that is to be ufed in fuch de- fcents. When they come to the edge of one of thefe de- fcents, they flop without being checked by the rider ; and if he inadvertently attempt to fpur them on, they continue immoveable. They feem all this time ruminating on the danger that lies before them, and preparing themfelves for the encounter. They not only attentively view the road, but tremble and fnort at the danger. Having pre- pared for the defcent, they place their fore feet in a pof- ture, as if they were flopping themfelves ; they then alfo put their hinder feet together, but a little forward, as if they were going to lie down. In this attitude, having taken as it were a furvey of the road, they Hide down with the fwiftnefs of a meteor. In the mean time, all the rider has to do is to keep himflf fall on the faddle without checking the rein, for the leaft motion is fufticient to dif-
order
it HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
order the equilibrium of the Mule ; in which cafe they both unavoidably perifh. But their addrefs in this rapid defcent is truly wonderful ; for in their fwifteft motion, when they feem to have loft all government of themfelves, they follow exadtly the different windings of the road, as if they had previoully fettled in their minds the route they were to follow, and taken every precaution for their fafe- ty. In this journey the natives place themfelves along the fides of the mountains, and holding by the roots of the trees, animate the beafts with fliouts, and encourage them to perfevere. Some Mules, after being long ufed to thefe journies, acquire a kind of reputation for their fafety and fkill 5 and their value rifes in proportion to their fame.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 13
The ASS.
THE Afs, it is probable, was originally a native of Arabia and other parts of the eaft : The deferts of Lybia and Numidia, and many iflands of the Archipelago, contain vaft herds of wild Afles, which run with fuch amazing fwiftnefs, that even the courfers of the country can hardly overtake them. They are chiefly caught by the natives on account of their flefli, which is eaten by them, and confidered as a delicious repaft. The flefh of the common or tame Afs is however drier, more tough, and difagreeable than that of the Horfe ; Galen fays it is even unwholefome: Its milk, on the contrary, is an ap- proved remedy for certain diforders. The wild Afs is not llreaked like the Zebra, (with which it has often been confounded) nor is his form fo beautiful : His figure refembles that of the common Afs, his colour is brighter, and he has a white (Ireak extending from his head to his tail.
The Afs, like the Horfe, was originally imported into
America
j4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
America by the Spaniards, where it has run wild, and multiplied in a great degree. Ulloa informs us, that, in the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following manner : — A number of perfons on horfeback, attended by Indians on foot, form a large circle in order to drive them into a narrow compafs, where at full fpeed they throw a noofe over them, and having fecured them with fetters, leave them till the chace is over, which frequently lafts for feveral days. They have all the fwiftnefs of Horfes ; and neither declivities nor precipices can retard them in their flight. When attacked, they defend them- felves with their heels and mouths with fuch a£livity, that, without flackening their pace, they often maim their purfuers.
A warm climate is moft favourable to the growth of this animal : The Afs produced in this country, is much inferior in fize and beauty to thofe of Spain and other warm countries: In Guinea they are larger and more beautiful than even their Horfes : In Perfia they have two kinds, the one flow and heavy, which is made ufe of for carrying burthens; the other, nimble, fmooth, and (late- ly, ufed chiefly for the faddle. They are managed as Horfes ; and, like them, are taught to amble. They ge- nerally flit their noflrils to give them more room for breathing. Many of thefe are fold as high as forty or fifty pounds.
Holingfhed informs us, that in the reign of queen Elizabeth there were no Afles in this country: How foon after they might be introduced is uncertain. How- ever they are at prefent naturalized in this kingdom, where their utility becomes daily more univerfally expe- rienced.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 15
The qualities of this animal are fo well known as to need no defcription: His gentlenefs, patience, and per- feverance, are without example : He is temperate with regard to food; and eats contentedly the coarfefl and moll negledted herbage : If he give the preference to any vegetable, it is to the plantain, for which he will negle£l every other herb in the pafture. In his water he is Angu- larly nice, drinking only from the cleared: brooks. He is fo much afraid of wetting his feet, that, even when load- en, he will turn afide to avoid the dirty parts of the road.
He is flronger, in proportion to his fize, than the Horfe; but more fluggifh, flubborn, and untradlable. He is healthier than the Horfe ; and, of all other quadru- peds, is leafl infefled with lice or other vermin, which is probably owing to the extreme hardnefs and drynefs of his fkin. For the fame reafon, perhaps, he is lefs fenfitive of the goads of the whip, or the flinging of flies.
He is three or four years in coming to perfection ; and lives to the age of twenty, or fometimes twenty-five years. He fleeps much lefs than the Horfe ; and never lies down for that purpofe but when he is much fatigued. The She-Afs goes eleven months with young; and fel- dom produces more than one at a time.
The fervices of this ufeful creature are too often repaid by hard fare and cruel ufage ; and being generally the property of the poor, it partakes of their wants and their diftrefles: Whereas, by due cultivation and care in its education, the Afs might be ufefully and profitably em- ployed in a variety of domeflic purpofes, and in many cafes fupply the place of the Horfe, to which only it is fecond, though generally degraded into the mofl ufelefs and negledled of domeflic quadrupeds.
The
i6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The ZEBRA,
WHICH many authors have miflaken for a wild Afs, is the molt beautiful, as well as the wildeft, moft timid, and untameable animal in nature. Being larger than the Afs, it rather refembles the Mule in fhape : Irs head is large ; its ears longer than thofe of the Horfe ; its legs beautifully fmall, and well placed ; and its body well formed, round, and flefhy : But the beauty of its fhape is greatly heightened by the gloffy fmoothnefs of its fkin, and the amazing regularity and elegance of its colours, which in the male are white and brown, and in the fe- male white and black, ranged in alternate ftripes over the whole body, in a ftile fo beautiful and ornamental, that it would at firfb fight feem rather the effe£t of art than the genuine production of nature : The head is ftriped with fine bands of black and white, which form a center in the forehead : The neck is adorned with ftripes of the fame colour running round it: The body is beautifully varie-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 17
gated with bands running acrofs the back, and ending in points at the belly : Its thighs, its legs, its ears, and even its tail, are all beautifully ftreaked in the fame manner.
The Zebra inhabits the fouthern parts of Africa, where whole herds are feen feeding in thofe extenfive plains that lie towards the Cape of Good Hope. However their watchfulnefs is fuch, that they will fuffer nothing to come near them ; and their fwiftnefs fo great, that they eafily leave their purfuers far behind.
Such is the beauty of this creature, that it feems by na- ture fitted to gratify the pride, and formed for the fervice of man ; and it is moil probable that time and afliduity alone are wanting to bring it under fubje£lion. As it re- fembles the Horfe in regard to its form as well as man- ner of living, there can be little doubt but it poffeffes a fi- militude of nature, and only requires the efforts of an in- duftrious and Ikilful nation, to be added to the number of our ufeful dependants. Neverthelefs its liberty has hi- therto remained uncontrouled, and its natural fiercenefs has as yet refilled every attempt to fubdue it : Thofe that have been brought to this country, have difeovered a de- gree of vicioufnefs that rendered it unfafe to approach them too familiarly; but it is by no means to be con- cluded from hence, that they are untameable.
They have continued to be wild, becaufe they are na- tives of a country where the wretched inhabitants have no other idea of advantage from the animal creation than as they are good for food, paying more regard to that which affords the moft delicious repafl, than to delicacy of co- louring, or beauty of conformation.
Quaggas or wild Affes, an animal hitherto but little known, and not much deferibed, abound in the fame
B country,
i8 HISTORY OF QJJADRUPEDS.
country, and have been miftaken for Zebras of the female kind ; but are now known to be a diftindt fpecies. They live in herds, and are faid to be extremely fwi-ft.
OF RUMINATING ANIMALS.
OF all animals thofe that chew the cud are the moft harmlefs, and the fooneft brought under fubjedtion. The great obligations we are under to thofe of this clafs, render them objedts of the higheft importance to us : We are nourifhed with their milk, we are fupported by their flefh, and we are cloathed and warmed with their fleeces ; their harmleflhefs and innocence endear them to us, and claim from us that protedlion their natures feem to re~ quire : In return for which, they fupply us with the ne- ceflaries and comforts of life.
We fhall begin with thofe of the Ox kind, as claiming the firfh rank, from their fize, their beauty, and ufefulnefs.
Th«
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
l9
The Common BULL and CO W.
OF all animals, except man, the Cow feems mod extenflvely propagated : It is equally capable of enduring the rigours of heat and cold ; and is an inhabi- tant of the frozen as well as the molt fcorching climates. Other animals preferve their nature or their form with inflexible perfeverance j but thefe in every refpe<T fuit
B 2 themfelves
20 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
themfelves to the wants and conveniences of mankinds In no animal is there to be met with a greater variety of kinds y and in none a more humble and pliant difpofition.
The climate and paftures of Great-Britain are well a- dapted to the moderate nature of this animal ; and we are indebted to the variety and abundance of our wholefome vegetables for the number and excellence of our cattle, which range over our hills, and enliven our plains y a fource of inexhauftible wealth — the pride and boaft of this happy country.
Being deftitute of the upper fore-teeth, the Cow pre- fers the high and rich grafs in paftures to the fliort and more delicate herbage the Horfe generally fele£ts. For this reafon, in our Englifh paftures, where the grafs is rather high and flourifhing than fucculent and nutritious, the Cow thrives admirably ; and there is no part of Eu- rope in which this animal growfr larger *, yields more milk, nor fattens fooner.
It has often been remarked, that the Horfe and Sheep impoverifh the foil on which they graze y whilft the pas- ture where the Cow is fed, acquires a finer furface, and every year becomes more level and beautiful : For the Horfe fele&s the grafs that is moft delicate and tender, and being furnifhed with fore-teeth on each jaw, nips it clofe, and frequently pulls it up by the roots, thereby preventing its future growth and propagation : The Sheep alfo, though formed like the Cow with refpe€fc to its teeth, only bites the moft fucculent parts of the herbage^
* Two Oxen, bred and fed at Ho wick, in the county of North- umberland, were killed in March, 1787, at the age of feven years: They meafured from the head to the rump nine feet eight inches* the height at the lhoulder was five feet ten inches, and weighed ORe hundred and feventy-eight ftone five pounds each.
Thefe
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21
Thefe animals therefore cut the fine grafs too clofely, aiul iuffer the high weeds and ranker grafs to vegetate undif- turbed, and overrun the paflures.
The age of the Cow is known by its horns : At the age of four years a ring is formed at their roots, and every fucceeding year another ring is added. Thus by allows ing three years before their appearance, and then reckon- ing the number of rings, the creature’s age may be ex- actly known.
The quantity of milk given by the Cow is very diffe- rent : Some will yield only about fix quarts in one day, while others give from ten to fifteen, and fometimes even twenty. The richnefs of the pafiure contributes not a little to its encreafe. There have been inflances of Cows giving upwards of thirty quarts of milk in one day. In fuch cafes there is a neceffity for milking them thrice. From the milk of fome cows twelve or fourteen pounds of butter are made in a week.
It has been advanced by fome naturalifls as a general principle, that neither animals, nor parts of animals, ap- pear to be primarily intended for the ufe of man ; but are only capable of a fecondary application to his purpofes : Yet it muff be allowed, that, in many inflances, what they term the fecondary ufe is fo manifefl and important, that it cannot, with propriety, be fuppofed to be excluded from the original defigns of the all-wife Creator : And it mufl be allowed, that the Cow, in its faculty of giving in fuch abundance, and with fo much eafe, its milk, which forms fo rich and nutritive an aliment for the hu- man fpecies, is a firiking example of this fubordination to the interefls of mankind : For this animal differs, in fome parts of its organization, from moft others, having
B 3 *
22 HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS.
a larger and more capacious udder, and longer and thicker teats, than the largeft animal we know. It has likewife four teats, while all other animals of the fame nature have but two. It alfo yields the milk freely to the hand, while moll animals, at lead thofe that do not ruminate in the fame manner, refufe it, except their own young, or fome adopted animal, be allowed to partake.
The Cow, having four teats, is a driking peculiarity : The number in all other animals bearing fome proportion to the number of young ones they bring forth at a time ; as in the Bitch, the Cat, the Sow, &c.
The Cow will yield her milk as freely, and will conti- nue to give it as long, without the aid of the calf, as if it were permitted to fuck her condantly. This is not the cafe with the Afs ; which, it is well known, will foon grow dry, if her foal be not permitted to fuck part of her milk every day.
Upon the whole, it appears, that the property of yield- ing milk, without the young one, is confined to thofe kinds of ruminating horned animals which have cloven hoofs, four domachs, long intedines, are furnifhed with fuet, and have no fore-teeth in the upper jaw ; that Cows, Sheep, Goats, and Deer, are of this kind, and no Other; and that the Cow has this property in a more emi- nent degree than others, owing to the capacioufnefs of her udder, and the fize and form of her teats.
By great induftry and attention to their breed, and by judicious mixtures with thofe of other countries, our horned cattle are univerfally allowed to be the fined in Europe; although fuch as are purely Britifh are inferior In fize to thofe on many parts of the continent. The large fpecies now propagated in mod parts of England,
are
HISTORY OF QJJ ADRUPEDS. 23
are either entirely foreign, or our own greatly improved by a crofs or mixture with the foreign kind. The Hol- ftein or Dutch breed has been introduced with great fuc- cefs; and from thefe the Lincolnfhire kind derive their fize.
The Lancashire BULL.
The Lancafhire breed forms a variety of a fmaller fize, with wide fpreading horns, and ftraight backs ; their hair is finely curled *, and the elegance and regularity of their (hape render this the molt beautiful race of cattle this kingdom produces. Farther North they are {till fmaller; and in the Highlands of Scotland they are very diminu- tive, being not larger than an Afs. Of thefe large droves are yearly brought out of that country to fatten in the fouthern parts of the kingdom, where they foon greatly improve.
The Cow feems more liable to changes from its pafture and climate than any other quadruped : In the different parts of this narrow ifland we can trace a wonderful va- il 4 riety
0
24 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
riety of thefe animals produced by the richnefs or povert*/' of the foil. In fhort, in every part of the world the Cow is found either large or fmall, in proportion to the rich- nefs dr poverty of its food. Among the Eluth Tartars, where the paflures are remarkably rich and nourifhing, the Cow grows to fuch an amazing fize that a tall man can fcarcely reach the tip of its fhoulder. In France, on the contrary, where this animal is (tinted in its food, and driven from the belt paflures, it greatly degenerates.
In Great-Britain, the Ox is the only horned animal that will apply his ftrength to the fervice of mankind ; and in general, is more profitable than the Horfe for the plough or the draught. There is fcarcely any part of this animal without its ufe : The fkin is made into various kinds of leather ; the hair is mixed with lime for plaiftering ; the bones are made ufe of as a fubflitute for ivory, and being calcined, are ufed by the refiner as an abforbent to carry off the bafer metals in refining filver, &c. ; combs, and many other articles, are made of the horns ; we are fup- plied with candles from the tallow ; and from the feet is procured an oil of great ufe in preparing and foftening leather ; befides the well-known benefits derived from butter, milk, and cheefe ; its blood, gall, liver, and urine, have their refp,e£tive ufes in manufactures and medicine.
The Cow goes nine months with young, and feldom produces more than one at a time.
WILD
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
25
WILD CATTLE.
There was formerly a very fingular fpecies of wild cat- tle in this country, which is now nearly extindl. Nume- rous herds of them were kept in feveral parks in England and Scotland, but have been deftroyed by various means ;
and
26 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and the only breed now remaining in the kingdom, is in the park at Chillingham-caftle, in Northumberland.
The principal external appearances which diftinguilh this breed of cattle from all others, are the following Their colour is invariably white j muzzles black ; the whole of the infide of the ear, and about one-third of the outfide, from the tip downwards, red # ; horns white, with black tips, very fine, and bent upwards : Some of the Bulls have a thin upright mane, about an inch and an half or two inches long.
At the firft appearance of any perfon, they fet off in full gallop ; and, at the diftance of two or three hundred yards, make a wheel round, and come boldly up again, tolling their heads in a menacing manner 5 on a fudden they make a full Hop at the diftance of forty or fifty yards, looking wildly at the objedh of their furprize ; but upon the leaft motion being made, they all again turn round, and fly off with equal fpeed, but not to the fame diftance ; forming a Ihorter circle, and again returning with a bolder and more threatening afpe£t than before, they approach much nearer, probably within thirty yards j when they make another Hand, and again fly off : This they do fever- al times, Ihortening their diftance and advancing nearer, till they come within ten yards, when molt people think it prudent to leave them, not chufing to provoke them fur- ther ; for there is little doubt but in two or three turns they would make an attack.
The mode of killing them was perhaps the only modern remains of the grandeur of ancient hunting : — Or* notice
* About twenty years fince, there were a few with black ears ; but the prefent park-keeper deftroyed them ; — fince which period there has not been one with black ears.
being
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 27
being given, that a wild Bull would be killed on a certain day, the inhabitants of the neighbourhood came mounted, and armed with guns, &c. fometimes to the amount of an hundred horfe, and four or five hundred foot, who flood upon walls, or got into trees, while the horfemen rode off the Bull from the reft of the herd, until he flood at bay ; when a markfman difmounted and fhot. At fome of thefe huntings twenty or thirty fhots have been fired before he was fubdued. On fuch occafions the bleeding viclim grew defperately furious, from the fmart- iug of his wounds, and the fhouts of favage joy that were echoing from every fide : But from the number of acci- dents that happened, this dangerous mode has been little pracftifed of late years, the park-keeper alone generally fhooting them with a rifled gun, at one fliot.
When the Cows calve, they hide their calves for a week or ten days in fome fequeftered fituation, and go and fuckle them two or three times a-day. If any per- fon come near the calves, they clap their heads clofe to the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide them- felves. This is a proof of their native wildnefs ; and is corroborated by the following circumftance that happened to the writer of this narrative, who found a hidden calf, two days old, very lean, and very weak : — On ftroking its head, it got up, pawed two or three times like an old Bull, bellowed very loud, ftepped back a few fteps, and bolted at his legs with all its force ; it then began to paw again, bellowed, ftepped back, and bolted as before ; but knowing its intention, and ftepping afide, it miffed him, fell, and was fo very weak that it could not rife, though it made feveral efforts : But it had done enough : The whole herd were alarmed, and coming to its refcue,
obliged
^8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
obliged him to retire ; for the dams will allow no perfon to touch their calves, without attacking them with impe- tuous ferocity.
When any one happens to be wounded, or is grown weak and feeble through age or ficknefs, the reft of the herd fet upon it, and gore it to death.
The weight of the Oxen is generally from forty to fifty {tone the four quarters ; the Cows about thirty. The beef is finely marbled, and of excellent flavour.
Thofe at Burton-Conftable, in the county of York, were all deftroyed by a diftemper a few years fince. They varied llightly from thofe at Chillingham, having black ears and muzzles, and the tips of their tails of the fame colour \ they were alfo much larger, many of them weighing fixty (tone, probably owing to the richnefs of the pafturage in Holdernefs, but generally attributed to the difference of kind between thofe with black and with red ears, the former of which they ftudioufly endeavoured to preferve. — The breed which was at Drumlanrig, in Scotland, had alfo black ears.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 29
The URUS, or Wild BULL,
is a variety of the Ox kind, and is chiefly to be met with in the extenfive forefts of Lithuania : It grows to a fize almoft equal to the elephant, and is quite black ; the eyes are red and fiery, the horns thick and ihort, and the fore- head covered with a quantity of curled hair ; the neck is ihort and ftrong, and the ikin has an odour of muflc. The female, though not fo big as the male, exceeds the largeft of our Bulls in fize : Neverthelefs her udder is ex- tremely final!. Upon the whole, however, this animal, which greatly refembles thofe of the tame kind, probably owes its variety to its natural wildnefs, and the richnefs of the paftures where it is produced.
T H E
3o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The BISON
differs from the reft of the Ox kind in having a large lump between its fhoulders almoft as high as that of a ca- mel : He has a long fhaggy mane, which forms a kind of beard under his chin ; his eyes are fierce, his forehead large, and his horns extremely wide. It is dangerous to purfue him, except in forefts abounding with trees large enough to conceal the hunters. He is generally taken in pits covered with branches of trees and grafs, on the op- pofite fide of which the hunters tempt the animal to pur- fue them ; and the enraged creature running towards them, falls into the trap prepared for it, and is then over- powered and flain.
The Bifon, or the animal with the hump, is found in all the fouthern parts of the world, though greatly differ- ing from each other in fize and form ; while the Urus, or the one without the hump, chiefly occupies the tempe- rate and cold climates. The former extend throughout the vaft continent of India, and from Mount Atlas to
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 31
the Cape of Good Hope. In fome parts they are ex- tremely large ; while in others they are very fmall, fuch as the Zebu or Barbary Cow.
The ZEBU.
They are all equally docile and gentle, when tamed ; and are in general covered with fine gloffy hair, fofter and more beautiful than that of the common Cow. Their humps are of different fizes, in fome weighing from forty to fifty pounds, but in others lefs : That part is in ge- neral confidered as a great delicacy; and when drefled, has much the appearance and tafte of udder.
The Bifons of Madagafcar and Malabar are of the great kind ; thofe of Arabia, Petrea, and moft parts of Africa, are of the Zebu or fmall kind.
In America, efpecially towards the North, the Bifon is well known. They herd together in droves of from one to two hundred, on the banks of the Miflifippi ; where the inhabitants hunt them, their flefli being efteemed good eating. They all breed with the tame cow. The
hump.
32 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
hump, which is only an accidental chara&eriftic, gradu- ally declines ; and in a few generations, no veftiges of it remain. Thus we fee, whether it be the wild or the tame Ox, the Bonafus or the Urus, the Bifon or the Ze- bu, by whatever name they are diftinguifhed, and though varioufly claffed by naturalifts, in reality they are the fame; and however diverfified in their appearance and properties, are defendants of one common flock ; of which the moft unequivocal proof is, that they all mix and breed with each other.
The Oxen of India are of different fizes, and are made ufe of in travelling, as fubflitutes for horfes. Their com- mon pace is foft. Inftead of a bit, a fmall cord is paffed through the cartilage of the noftrils, which is tied to a larger cord, and ferves as a bridle. They are faddled like Horfes ; and when puflied, move very brifkly : They are likewife ufed in drawing chariots and carts. For the for- mer purpofe, white Oxen are in great efteem, and much admired : They will perform journies of fixty days, at the rate of from twelve to fifteen leagues a day ; and their travelling pace is generally a trot.
In Perfia there are many Oxen entirely white, with fmall blunt horns, and humps on their backs. They are very ftrong, and carry heavy burthens. "When about to be loaded, they drop down on their knees like the camel^ and rife when their burthens are properly faflened.
The
History of quadrupeds. 33
The Grunting OX.
The Sarluc, or Grunting Cow of Siberia, from its re- femblance to the Bifon, may be confidered as belonging to the fame fpecies : The hair on its body is black, ex- cept on the front and ridge of the back, where it is white : It has a mane on the neck ; and the whole body is covered with very long hair, which hangs down below the knees, and makes the legs appear (hort : It has a hump on the back ; the tail refembles that of a horfe, is white, and ve- ry bufhy : It (trikes with its head like a goat, and is very unruly : Its diftinguifhing peculiarity is, that it makes a grunting noife like a Hog, inftead of lowing like the Ox, which in every other inftance it greatly refembles.
The BUFFALO.
Though there is the tnofl (Inking general refemblance between the Buffalo and our common Ox. both in regard
7 o
C to
34 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
to form and nature, their habits and propenfities being nearly fimilar, are both equally fubmiflive to the yoke, and may be employed in the fame domeftic fervices ; yet it is certain from experience, that no two animals can in reality be more diftin£l *, — *the Cow refufes to breed with the Buffalo, while it is known to propagate with the Bi- fon, to which it bears, in point of form, a much more diftant fimilitude.
The Buffalo is found wild in many parts of Africa and: India, but is molt common in the countries near the Cape of Good Hope ; where he is defcribed by Sparrman, as a fierce, cruel, and treacherous animal : He frequently (lands behind trees, waiting the coming of fome paffen- ger ; when he rulhes out upon him, and, after having thrown him down, tramples him to death with his feet and knees, tearing him with his horns and teeth, and licking him with his rough tongue till the fkin is nearly ftripped from the body. — The following accurate defcrip- tion we owe to the fame author: — The length of the Buf- falo, from head to tail, is eight feet ; the height five and a half ; and the fore-legs two feet and a half long: From the tip of the muzzle to the horns, twenty-two inches : His limbs, in proportion to his fize, are much llouter than thofe of the Ox *, his fetlocks likewife hang nearer the ground : The horns are lingular both in their form and pofition 5 the bafes of them are thirteen inches broad, and only an inch diftant from each other, having a narrow channel or furrow between them ; from this furrow the horns affume a fpherical form, extending over a great part of the head ; the furface, from the bafe upwards to nearly a third part of them, is very rough, and full of cuts, fometimes an inch deep j the diftance between the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 35
points is often above five feet : The ears are a foot long, lomewhat pendent, and in a great meafure covered and defended by the lower edges of the horns, which bend down on each fide, forming a curve upwards with the points : Their hair is of a dark-brown colour, about an inch long, harfh, and upon thofe males that are ad- vanced in years, ftraggling and thin, efpecially on each fide of the belly, which gives them the appearance of be- iiig girt with a belt : They frequently roll themfelves in the mire, of which they are very fond : The tail is fhort, and tufted at the end : The eyes are large, and fomewhat funk within their prominent orbits, which are almoft co- vered with the bafes of the horns overhanging its dang- ling ears ; this, with a peculiar inclination of the head to one fide, which is its ufual manner, produces an afpedt at once fierce, cunning, and tremendous : The flefh of the Buffalo is coarfe, rather lean, but full of juice of a high, but not unpleafant flavour : The hide is thick and tough, and of great ufe in making thongs and harnefs; it is fo hard, as not to be penetrated by a common muf- ket-ball *, thofe made ufe of for (hooting the Buffalo, are mixed with tin; and even they are frequently flattened by the concuflion.
In Italy, the Buffalo is domefticated, and conftitutes the riches and food of the poor, who employ them for the purpofes of agriculture, and make butter and cheefe from their milk.
The female produces but one at a time, and continues pregnant twelve months; — another flriking charadferiflic difference between the Buffalo and the common Cow.
3 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Common RAM.
THE Sheep, in its prefent domeitic (late, feems fe far removed from a ftate of nature, that it may be deemed a difficult matter to point out its origin. Cli- mate, food, and above all, the unwearied arts of cultiva- tion, contribute to render this animal, in a peculiar man- ner, the creature of man ; to whom it is obliged to trull entirely for its protection, and to whofe neceffities it largely contributes. Though fingularly inoffenfive, and harmlefs even to a proverb, it does not appear to be that Itupid, inanimate creature defcribed by BufFon, “ devoid of every neceffiary art of felf-prefervation, without cou- rage, and even deprived of every initinCtive faculty, we are led to conclude, that the Sheep, of all other animals, is the molt contemptible and itupid:” But amidit thofe numerous flocks which range without controul on exten- sive mountains, where they feldom depend upon the aid of the ffiepherd, it will be found to aflume a very different character: In thofe fituations a Ram or a Wedder will
boldly
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 37
boldly attack a Tingle Dog, and often come off victorious: But when the danger is more alarming, they have re- courfe to the collected ftrength of the whole flock. On fuch occafions they draw up into a compaCt body, placing the young and the females in the center ; while the males take the foremoft ranks, keeping clofe by each other. Thus an armed front is prefented on all quarters, and cannot eafily be attacked without danger of deftruCtion to the affailant. In this manner they wait with firmnefs the approach of the enemy ; nor does their courage fail them in the moment of attack : For when the aggreffor advances within a few yards of the line, the Rams dart upon him with fuch impetuofity as lays him dead at their feet, unlefs he fave himfelf by flight. Againft the attacks of Angle Dogs or Foxes, when in this fituation, they are perfectly fecure. — A Ram, regardlefs of danger, will fome- times engage a Bull ; and his forehead being much harder than that of any other animal, he feldom fails to conquer : For the Bull, by lowering his head, receives the itroke of the Ram between his eyes, which ufually brings him to the ground.
In the feleCtion of their food, few animals difcover greater fagacity than the Sheep ; nor does any domeftic animal fhew more dexterity and cunning in its attempts to elude the vigilance of the ihepherd, in order to ileal fuch delicacies as are agreeable to its palate. Befides its hardinefs in enduring great fe verities of weather, the na- tural inftinCt of the Sheep in forefeeing the approach of a ilorm is no lefs remarkable : In their endeavours to fecure themfelves under the ihelter of fome hill, whole flocks have frequently been buried for many days under a cover- ing of fnow, and have afterwards been taken out with-
C 3 out
3s history of quadrupeds.
out any material injury. Thus beautifully defcribed by Thompfon : — -
cc Oft the whirlwind’s wing
tc Sweeps up the burthen of whole wintry plains “ At one wide waft; and o’er the haplefs flocks,
<e Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hills,
“ The billowy temped whelms.” ■
There have been inftances where Sheep, at the ap- proach of a ftorm, have fled for fhelter to a neighbouring cottage, and takei* refuge under the fame roof with their fhepherd.
The variety in this creature is fo great, that fcarcely any two countries produce Sheep of the fame kind ; there is found a manifeft difference in all, either in the fize, the covering, the fhape, or the horns.
The woolly Sheep is found only in Europe and in the temperate provinces of Afia : When tranfported into warmer climates, it lofes its wool, and becomes hairy and rough; it is likewife lefs fertile, and its flefh no longer retains the fame flavour.
No country produces finer Sheep than Great-Britain : Their fleeces are large, and well adapted to the various purpofes of cloathing. The Spanifh fleeces are indeed finer, but Hand in no degree of comparifon with thofe of Lincolnfhire or Warwickfhire for weight or utility. In Edward the Third’s time, when wool was allowed to be exported, it brought 150,0001. per annum, at 2I. 10s. a pack, which was a great fum in thofe days: At this time, when our woollen-manufadfory hands unrivalled by any nation in the world, and every method is taken to prevent this valuable commodity from being fent out of the kingdom, the annual value of wool fhorn in Eng-*
land,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 39
land, is eftimated at two millions fterling, and when ma- nufactured, at no lefs than fix millions.
Like other ruminating animals, the Sheep wants the upper fore-teeth : It has eight in the lower jaw, two of which drop out, and are replaced at two years old ; four of them are renewed at three years, and the remainder at the age of four.
The Ewe produces one or two lambs at a time, and fometimes, though rarely, three or four ; bears her young five months, and brings forth in the fpring. The Ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and begins to pro- create at one. When caftrated, they are called Wedders. They then grow fooner fat, and the flefh becomes finer and better flavoured.
There is hardly any part of this animal that is not fer- viceable to man : Of the fleece we make our cloths ; the ikin produces leather, of which are made gloves, parch- ment, and covers for books ; the entrails are formed into firings for fiddles and other mufical inftruments, like- wife coverings for whips ; its milk affords both butter and cheefe ; and its flefh is a delicate and wholefome food.
The following remarks, taken from Mr Cully’s C( Ob- fervations on live Stock,” will not be unacceptable to ma- ny of our readers, as they convey a juft idea of fome of the moft noted kinds of Sheep at this time in the ifland. He begins with thofe of Lincolnfhire, which are of a large fize, big-boned, and afford a greater quantity of wool than any other kind, owing to the rich, fat marfhes on which they feed j but their flefh is coarfe, leaner, and not fo finely flavoured as that of fmaller Sheep : The fame breed extends, with fome variations, through moft of the
C 4 midland
4o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
midland counties of England : But the larged breed of Sheep in this ill and, is to be met with on the banks of the Tees, which runs through a rich and fertile country, di- viding the two counties of Yorkfhire and Durham : This kind differs from the preceding, in their wool not being fo long and heavy; their legs are longer, but finer boned, and fupport a thicker, firmer carcafe ; their flefh is like- wife much fatter, and finer grained : Thefe Sheep weigh from twenty-five to forty-five pounds per quarter; fome have been fed to fifty pounds ; and one in particular was killed, which weighed fixty-two pounds ten ounces per quarter, avoirdupois — a circum dance never before heard of in this ifland. The Ewes of this breed generally bring forth two lambs each feafon ; fometimes three, four, and even five. As an indance of extraordinary fecundity, it deferves to be mentioned, that one of thefe Ewes, at the age of two years, brought forth four lambs at one time, the next feafon five, both within eleven months. The Dorfetfhire breed is likewife remarkably prolific, the Ewes being capable of bringing forth twice a-year : It is from thefe, that the tables of our nobility and gentry are fup- plied with early lamb at Chridmas, or fooner if required. Great numbers of thofe early vi&ims to luxury are year- ly fent to the London markets, where they are fold at the enormous price of ios. 6 d. or perhaps 15 s. per quarter.
The manner of rearing the lambs is curious : They are jmprifoned in little dark cabins ; the Ewes are fed with oil-cakes, hay, corn, turnips, cabbages, or any other food which the feafon of the year affords ; thefe are given them in a field contiguous to the apartments where the lambs are kept ; and at proper intervals, the nurfes are brought in to give fuck to their young ones ; while the
attendants.
4*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
attendants, at the fame time, make their lodgings perfect- ly clean, and litter them with frefh ftraw. Great atten- tion is paid to this, as much of the fuccefs of rearing thefe unfeafonable productions depends upon warmth and cleanlinefs.
The Dorfetlhire Sheep are moftly white-faced ; their legs are long and fmall, and great numbers of them have no wool upon their bellies, which gives them an uncouth appearance. They produce a fmall quantity of wool, but of a good quality, from which our fine Wiltfhire cloths are made. The mutton of thefe Sheep is very fweet and well flavoured. The variations of this breed are fpread through molt of the fouthern counties ; but the true kind is only to be found in Dorfetlhire and Wiltfhire. There is a breed, not unlike this, in Norfolk and Suffolk ; but they are all grey or black-faced.
The north-weft; part of Yorkfhire, with all that moun- tainous traCt of country running towards Lancafhire fouthward, and to Fort William northward, is occupied by a hardy, black-faced, wild-looking tribe, generally called ftiort Sheep, which differ from our other breeds not only in the darknefs of their complexions and horns, but principally in the coarfe fhaggy wool which they produce, not much unlike the hair growing upon a water- fpaniel. Their eyes have a very {harp and wild caff ; they run with aftonifhing agility, and feem quite adapted to the heathy mountains they inhabit. Their flefti is pe- culiarly fine and high flavoured. The three great fairs for thefe Sheep (where amazing numbers of them are fold every year) are, Stagfhawbank, in Northumberland ; Brough, in Weftmorland ; and Linton, in Scotland. — There is like wife a breed of Sheep inhabiting the fame
country
42 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
country as the former, but peculiarly diftinguifhed from them by long, thin bodies, white legs, white faces, and by having no horns. Their wool is fine, and thickly planted.
The Sheep in the low parts of Northumberland are of a mixed breed, between the long kind, the Tees water, and the Lincolnfhire. The mug or muff kind was for- merly common in that county : They were fo called from their wool growing round their heads into their very eyes, fo as almoft to prevent them from feeing. This breed is now nearly exploded, being confidered, by every breeder of experience, as unprofitable, from their thriving flowly, and being very tender.
In the northern diftridls of Scotland, and in many of the iflands, there is a breed of Sheep which differs from the others in the fmallnefs of their fize, many of them when fed weighing no more than fix, feven, or eight pounds per quarter. They have dun faces, without horns; and their wool, which is very fine, is varioufly mixed, and {freaked with black, brown, and red.
To thefe various and numerous tribes of this ufeful animal, we muff add, that, by the perfevering induftry and attention of Mr Bakewell, of Difhlev, in Leicefler- fhire, our breed of Sheep has been greatly improved ; and he has been followed by many eminent breeders, with nearly equal fuccefs.
It feems to be generally agreed, that in Sheep, as well as in all other animals, there is a certain fymmetry or proportion of parts, which is beft adapted to the fize of each particular animal : All thofe of each kind that ex- ceed, or fall fhort of this pitch, are more or lefs difpro- portioned, according to the fize they attain to ; and in
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 43
the degree they are advanced beyond this line of per- fedion, we find them lefs adive, weaker, and always lefs able to endure hardfhip. Thus, by felefting the handfomeft and bell proportioned of their kinds, the ju- dicious breeder has gradually arrived at a degree of per- fection in improving this animal, unknown at any former period.
The Leicestershire BREED.
The fuperior qualities of the Leicefterfhire breed are, that they will feed quickly fat at almoft any age, even on indifferent paftures, and carry the greatefl quantity of mutton upon the fmalleft bone. Their carcafes are round, have remarkably broad backs, and fhort legs ; and to (hew the immenfe weight to which they may be fed, we give the meafurement of a Ram of Mr Bake- well’s, mentioned by Young in his “ Eaftern Tour:” — At three years old his girt was five feet ten inches; height, two feet five inches ; breadth over his fhoulders.
one
44 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
one foot eleven inches and an half; breadth over his ribs, one foot ten inches and an half ; breadth over his hips, one foot nine inches and an half.
This breed is now become fo eminent, and fo much fought after, that Mr Bakewell has this year (1788) let out Rams, for one feafon only, for from fifty to as high as four hundred guineas each ; and we hope, in a little time, to fee it become more general, as it is a maxim which every farmer can eafily comprehend, that what- ever breed the fame quantity of pafture goes farthefl to- wards feeding fat, is certainly the moff defirable.
This valuable breed has alfo found its way into North- umberland. MelT. Donkin and Co. of Hexham brewery, have procured a large Hock of both Ewes and Rams, (from one of the latter the preceding cut was drawn). MelT. Culley, of Fenton, and Mr Thompfon, of Lilburn, have #lfo, by a mixture of this with other kinds, improved their breeds of Sheep to the altonilhment of the neigh- bouring farmers and graziers, who are now fully con- vinced of its great fuperiority.
We are favoured by Mr Culley with the following ac- count of a Wedder of his breed, fed at Fenton, in North- umberland, and killed at Alnwick in O&ober, 1787, when four years old : — His dimenfions were as follow, — girt, four feet eight inches and an half ; breadth over his lhoul- ders, one foot three inches ; over his middle, one foot fe- ven inches and a quarter ; acrofs the brealt, from the in- fide of one fore-leg to the infide of the other, nine inches.
At the dividing of the quarters, through the ribs it meafured feven inches and one-eighth of folid fat, cut ftraight through without any Hope ; and his mutton was of the moft beautiful bright colour : But in nothing was
he
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 45
he fo remarkable, as in the fmallnefs of his bones. The proprietor of this Sheep laments, that he had not the of- fals exactly weighed (by offals, we would be underftood to mean not only the tallow, but the head, pluck, and pelt, with the blood and entrails) ; becaufe it is now well known, that this breed of Sheep has a greater quantity of mutton, in proportion to their offals, than any other kind we know of, and is confequently cheaper to the confumer.
[The drawing, from which the preceding cut was taken, was made by Mr Bailey, of Chillingham, foon after the Sheep had been fhorn.]
T H E
46 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
The DUNKY, or Dwarf SHEEP,
another variety of the Sheep kind, deferves to be noticed for the lingular and grotefque formation of its features: The wool growing round its head, forms a kind of hood or ruff, before which hand its fhort ere£t ears; the un- common protrufion of its under jaw confiderably before the upper, by which the fore-teeth are left expofed ; and the fhortnefs of the nofe, which lies under its high pro- jelling forehead, altogether give it the appearance of de- formity, and make a linking contrail to moll animals of the Sheep kind. The Ram, from which the drawing was made, came from abroad, with two Ewes, as a pre- fent to a gentleman in the county of Northumberland ; They are very fmall, and have no horns. — In Lincoln- fhire, there is a fmall kind, mentioned by Mr Culley, un- der the name of Dunkies> which is fuppofed to be the fame with this.
T H c
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 47
The Tartarian SHEEP.
The Sheep, of which the annexed cut is an accurate reprefentation, feem to differ from every other which we remember to have feen defcribed. A pair of them was brought to this country, by way of Ruflia, from the bor- ders of Tartary. They are rather larger than the Englifli Sheep. The colour of the male is roan, or light-brown mixed with white; that of the female, black and white: Their ears are pendulous 5 and inftead of a tail, they have a large protuberance of fat behind, which covers the rump. When the drawing was made, they had juft been {horn ; at other times the wool is fo long and thick, that their form cannot be well diftinguiftied.
The African or Guinea Sheep is found in moft of the tropical climates. They are large, ftrong, and fwift > with coarfe hairy fleeces, fliort horns, pendulous ears, have a kind of dew-lap under the chin, and, though do- mefticated, feem to approach neareft to a ftate of nature.
T H E
48 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Many-horned SPIEEP.
The Iceland Sheep, as well as thofe of Mufcovy and the coldeft climates of the North, refemble our own in the form of the body, but differ in the number of their horns, having generally four, and fometimes eight, grow- ing from the forehead : Their wool is long, fmooth, and hairy : They are of a dark-brown colour ; and under the outward coat of hair, which drops off at Hated periods, there is an internal covering refembling fur, which is fine, fhort, and foft; — the quantity produced by each Sheep, is about four pounds.
The broad-tailed Sheep, common in Perfia, Barbary, Syria, and Egypt, are remarkable chiefly for their large and heavy tails, which grow a foot broad, and fo long, that the fhepherds are obliged to put boards with fmall wheels under them, to keep them from galling. The flefli of thefe tails is efleemed a great delicacy ; it is of a fubftance between fat and marrow, and eaten with the
lean
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 49
lean of the mutton : They generally weigh from twenty to fifty pounds each.
The Sheep, bred on the mountains of Thibet, pro- duce wool of extraordinary length and finenefs, of which is made the Indian fiiawl, frequently fold in this country for fifty pounds or upwards.
The Walachian SHEEP.
In Walachia, they have Sheep with curious fpiral horns, Handing upright, in the form of a fcrew ; long fhaggy fleeces ; and in fize and form, nearly refembling ours. They are alfo found in the ifland of Crete, and in many of the iflands of the Archipelago. This is faid to be the Strepficheros of the ancients.
D
The
50 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The MOUFLON, or MUSMON,
WHICH, by fome authors, has been clafied with the Sheep, and by others has been referred to the Goat kind, may not improperly be confidered as Handing in a middle place, and forming the link between each : For it is curious to obferve, that Nature, in all her variations, proceeds by flow and almoft infenfible degrees, fcarcely drawing a firm and diftinguifhing line between any two races of animals that are eflentially different, and yet, in many refpe&s, nearly allied to each other. In all tranfitions from one kind to the other, there is to be found a middle race, that feems to partake of the nature of both, and that can precifely be referred to neither. Thus it is hard to difcover where the Sheep kind ends, or the Goat begins. The Mufmon therefore, which is nei- ther Sheep nor Goat, has many marks of both, and forms the link between the two kinds. Though covered with hair, it bears a ftrong fimilitude to the Ram : Its eyes are placed near the horns, and its ears are Ihorter than thofe of the Goat 5 its horns refemble thofe of the Ram,
in
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
5i
in being of a yellow colour and a triangular fhape ; they likewife bend backward behind the ears: In fome they grow to an amazing fize, meafuring above two yards long. They often maintain furious battles with each other, in which their horns are frequently broken off. The general colour of the hair is reddifh-brown ; the in- fide of the thighs and belly is white tinctured with yel- low; the muzzle and infide of the ears are of a whitilh colour tin&ured with yellow ; the other parts of the face are of a brownilh-grey.
The Mufmon is found in the wild and uncultivated parts of Greece, Sardinia, Corfica, and in the defarts of Tartary ; where it maintains itfelf, by force or fwiftnefs, againft the attacks of all rapacious animals.
It has been known to breed with the Sheep; and, from that circumftance, is fuppofed, by M. Buffon and others, to be the primitive race. The female of this fpecies is rather lefs than the male ; and her horns never grow to that prodigious fize.
Thofe of Kamtfchatka are fo flrbng, that ten men can fcarcely hold one ; and the horns are fo large, that young foxes often fhelter themfelves in the hollow of fuch as fall off by accident. They gro\fr to the fize of a young Stag, propagate in autumn, and bring forth one young at a time, though fometimes two.
J3 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
HIS lively, playful, and capricious creature occu-
pies the next ftep in the great fcale of Nature;
and, though inferior to the Sheep in value, in various inftances bears a ftrong affinity to that ufeful animal. The Goat and the Sheep will propagate together : The He-Goat copulates with the Ewe, and the Ram with the She-Goat ; the offspring likewife is prolific.
The Goat is a much more hardy animal than the Sheep, and is in every refpeft more fitted for a life of liberty : It is not eafily confined to a flock, but chufes its own pafture, llraying wherever its appetite or incli- nation leads : It chiefly delights in wild and mountainous regions, climbing the loftieft rocks, and Handing fecure on the verge of inacceffible and dangerous precipices ; al- though, as Ray obferves, one would hardly fuppofe that their feet were adapted to fuch perilous achievements; yet, upon a, nearer infpe&ion, the wonder ceafes, and
The Common GOAT.
we
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 53
we find that Nature has provided them with hoofs well calculated for the purpofe of climbing, being made hol- low underneath, with lharp edges, like the infide of a fpoon, which prevents them from Aiding off thefe rocky eminences.
The Goat is an animal eafily fuftained, and is chiefiy therefore the property of thofe who inhabit wild and un- cultivated regions, where it finds an ample fupply of food from the fpontaneous produ£Hons of Nature, in fi- tuations inacceflible to other creatures. It delights ra- ther on the heathy mountains, or the fhrubby rock, than the fields cultivated by human induftry. Its favourite food is the tops of the boughs, or the tender bark of young trees. It bears a warm climate better than the Sheep, and frequently fieeps expofed to the hotteft rays of the fun.
The milk of the Goat is fweet, nourifhing, and medi- cinal, being found highly beneficial in confumptive cafes : It is not fo apt to curdle upon the ftomach as that of the Cow. From the fhrubs and heath on which it feeds, the milk of the Goat acquires a fiavour and wildnefs of tafle very different from that of either the Sheep or Cow, and is highly pleafing to fuch as have accuftomed themfelves to its ufe : It is made into whey for thofe whofe digeftion is too weak to bear it in its primitive ftate. Several places in the North of England and the mountainous parts of Scotland are much reforted to for the purpofe of drinking the milk of the Goat, and its effe&s have been generally falutary in vitiated and debilitated habits.
In many parts of Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland, their Goats make the chief poffeAIons of the inhabitants; and in moft of the mountainous parts of
D 3 Europe,
54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Europe, fupply the natives with many of the necefTaries of life : They lie upon beds made of their fkins, which are foft, clean, and wholefome •, they live upon their milk, and oat bread ; they convert part of it into butter, and fome into cheefe. The flefh of the kid, which they do not allow themfelves to tafte, is confidered by the city" epicure as a great rarity; and, when properly prepared, is efteemed by fome as little inferior to venifon.
The Goat produces generally two young at a time, fometimes three, rarely four : In warmer climates, it is more prolific, and produces four or five at once ; though the breed is found to degenerate. The male is capable of propagating at one year old, and the female at feven months ; but the fruits of a generation fo premature, are generally weak and defective : Their belt time is at the age of two years, or eighteen months at leaft. The Goat is a fhort-lived animal, full of ardour, but foon enervated. His appetite for the female is exceflive, fo that one buck i$ fufficient for one hundred and fifty females.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 55
The IBEX,
if we believe M. BufFon, is the (lock from whence our domeftic Goat is descended, being very fimilar to it in the fhape of its body, but differing confiderably in the fize of its horns, which are much larger : They are bent backward, and full of knots *, and every year the creature lives, it is afferted, one is added to the number of them. Some of thefe horns have been found at leaft two yards long. The head of the Ibex is fmall, adorned with a large dulky beard, and has a thick coat of hair of a tawny colour mixed with afh; a ftreak of black runs along the top* of its back ; the belly and thighs are of a delicate fawn colour.
The Ibex inhabits the highefl Alps of the Grifons* country, and the Vallais ; and is alfo found in Crete.
D 4 They
56 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
They are very wild, and difficult to be (hot, as they a U ways keep on the higheft points of the rocks. The chafe of them is attended with great danger : Being very ftrong, they often turn upon the incautious huntfman, and tumble him down the precipice, unlefs he have time to lie down, and let the animal pafs over him. They bring forth one young at a time, feldom two j and are faid not to be long-lived.
The Chamois GOAT.
The Chamois, though a wild animal, is very eafily tamed, and docile ; and to be found only in rocky and mountainous places. It is about the fize of a domeftic Goat, and refembles one in many refpe&s. It is moll agreeably lively, and adive beyond expreffion. The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 57
hair is fhort, like that of the Doe ; in fpring it is of an afh colour, in autumn a dun colour, inclining to black, and in winter of a blackifh brown. This ani- mal is found in great plenty in the mountains of Dau- phiny, of Piedmont, Savoy, Switzerland, and Germany. They are peaceful, gentle creatures, and live in fociety with each other. They are found in flocks of from four to fourfcore, and even an hundred, difperfed upon the crags of the mountains. The large males are feen feed- ing detached from the reft, except in rutting time, when they approach the females, and drive away the young. The time of their coupling is from the beginning of No- vember to the end of October ; and they bring forth in April and March. The young keep with the dam for about five months, and fometimes longer, if the hunters and the wolves do not feparate them. It is aflerted, that they live between twenty and thirty years. Their flelh is good to eat ; and they are found to have ten or twelve pounds of fuet, which far furpafies that of the Goat in hardnefs and goodnefs. The Chamois has fcarce any cry, as moft animals are known to have; if it has any, it is a kind of feeble bleat, by which the parent calls its young : But in cafes of danger, and when it is to warn the reft of the flock, it ufes an hiding noife, which is heard at a great diftance : For it is to be obferved, that this creature is extremely vigilant, and has an eye the quickeft and moft piercing in nature. Its fmell alfo is not lefs diftinguifhing. When it fees its enemy diftindf- ly, it flops for a moment ; and then, if the perfon be near, in an inftant after it flies off. In the fame man- ner, by its fmell, it can difcover a man at half a league diftance, and gives the earlieft notice. Upon any alarm,
therefore.
58 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
therefore, or any apprehenfions of danger, the Chamois begins his hiding note with fuch force, that the rocks and the forefts re-echo to the found. The firft hifs con- tinues as long as the time of one infpiration : In the be- ginning it is very fharp, and deeper towards the clofe. The animal having, after this firft alarm, repofed a mo- ment, again looks round, and, perceiving the reality of its fears, continues to hifs by intervals, until it has fpread the alarm to a very great diftance. During this time it feems in the moft violent agitation ; it ftrikes the ground with its fore-foot, and fometimes with both j it bounds from rock to rock *, it turns and looks round ; it runs to the edge of the precipice 5 and, ftill perceiving the ene- my, flies with all its fpeed. The hiding of the male is much louder and ftiarper than that of the female ; it is performed through the nofe, and is properly no more than a very ftrong breath driven violently through a fmall aperture.
The Chamois feeds upon the bed: herbage, and chufes the moft delicate parts of the plants, the flowers, and the tender buds. It is not lefs delicate with regard to feveral aromatic herbs, which grow upon the fides of the mountains. It drinks but very little while it feeds upon the fucculent herbage, and chews the cud in the intervals of feeding.
This animal is greatly admired for the beauty of its eyes, which are round and fparkling, and which mark the warmth of its conftitution. Its head is furniflied with two fmall horns of about half a foot long, of a beautiful black, and rifing from the forehead almoft be- twixt the eyes : Thefe, contrary to what is found in other animals, inftead of going backwards or Tideways,
ftand
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 59
ftand forward, and bend a little backward at their ex- tremities, ending in a very {harp point. The ears are placed in a very elegant manner, near the horns ; and there are two ftripes of black' on each fide of the face, the reft being of a whitifh yellow, which never changes. The horns of the female are lefs, and not fo much bent ; the natives have been known to bleed cattle with them.
Thefe animals are fo much incommoded by heat, that they are never found in fummer, except in the caverns of rocks, amidft fragments of unmelted ice, under the (hade of high and fpreading trees, or of rough and hang- ing precipices, that face the North, and which keep off entirely the rays of the fun. They go to pafture both morning and evening, and feldom during the heat of the day. They run along the rocks with great eafe and feeming indifference, and leap from one to another, fo that no Dogs are able to purfue them. There is nothing more extraordinary than to fee them climbing and de- fcending precipices, that to all other quadrupeds are in- acceflible : They always mount or defcend in an oblique direction ; and throw themfelves down a rock of thirty feet, and light with great fecurity upon fome excrefcence or fragment, on the fide of the precipice, which is juft large enough to place their feet upon ; they ftrike the rock, however, in their defcent with their feet, three or four times, to flop the velocity of their motion ; and, when they have got upon the bafe below, they at once feem fixed and fecure. In fa£l, to fee them jump in this manner, they feem rather to have wings than legs. Cer- tain it is, that their legs are formed for this arduous employment j the hinder being rather longer than the
former.
6o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
former, and bending in fuch a manner, that, when they defcend upon them, they break the force of the fall.
During the rigours of winter, the Chamois deeps in the thicker forelts, and feeds upon the fhrubs and the buds of the pine-tree. It fometimes turns up the fnow with its foot, to look for herbage ; and, where it is green, makes a delicious repaft. The more craggy and uneven the foreft, the more this animal is pleafed with the abode, which thus adds to its fecurity.
The hunting the Chamois is very laborious, and ex- tremely difficult. The moll ufual way is to hide behind the clefts of the rocks, and (hoot them. Some alfo pur- fue this animal as they do the Stag, by placing proper perfons at all the paffages of a glade or valley, and then fending in others to roufe the game. Dogs are quite ufelefs in this chace, as they rather alarm than overtake: Nor is it without danger even to the men ; for it often happens, that when the animal finds itfelf overpreffied, it drives at the hunter with its head, and often tumbles him down the neighbouring precipice. This animal cannot go upon ice when fmooth; but if there be the leall inequalities on its furface, it then bounds along in fecurity, and quickly evades all purfuit.
The (kin of the Chamois was once famous, when tan- ned, for its foftnefs and warmth ; at prefent, however, fince the art of tanning has been brought to greater per- fection, the leather called ffiammoy is made alfo from thofe of the tame Goat, the Sheep, and the Deer.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 6 1
The GOAT of Angora
is well known for its long hair, which is thick, glofiy, of a dazzling whitenefs, and fo fine, that cloths as beau- tiful as filk, known among us by the name of camblets, are made of it. Its ears are long and pendulous. The male is furnifhed with horns, curioufiy twilled, which proceed horizontally from each fide of the head, forming a fcrew; thofe of the female are Shorter, and encircle the ear fomewhat like thofe of the common Ram. They inhabit the rocky mountains of Pontus, where they ex- perience a considerable degree of cold, and might thrive in Britain as well as in their native country. The fame might be faid of the Goat of Thibet, fo famous for the finenefs of its wool : It lives in a climate colder than ours in winter, and might probably be tranfplanted with fuc- cefs.
In Portugal, there is a breed of fine large Goats, re- markable for yielding a great quantity of milk, a gallon
and
62 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and a half per day : Thefe, if introduced into our navy* might be of infinite fervice in long voyages.
Experiments of this kind would certainly be attended with many great advantages; and it were much to be wilhed, that the great and opulent would employ fome portion of their time and affluence in procuring, from diftant countries, fuch ufeful animals as would propagate in our illand, and are yet unknown in it : By this mean, many of our lofty mountains might contribute to fupport a variety of ufeful creatures, that would at the fame time beautify the moft barren and rugged parts of our coun- try.
The Syrian GOAT,
which M. Buffon makes a variety of the Goat of Angora, differs from ours in nothing more than the length of its ears, which are pendulous, and from one to two feet long : They are often troublefome to the creature in feed- ing ; for which reafon the owners are fometimes obliged
to
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 63
to cut one of them off. Their horns are fliort and black. They are very numerous in the neighbourhood of Aleppo, and fupply the inhabitants with milk, which they prefer to that of the Cow or the Buffalo.
Thefe are the principal varieties of the Goat kind, of which there are others of lefs note ; fuch as the African Goat, or Buck of Juda, which is much fmaller than the domeftic kind, being not much larger than a Hare, ex- tremely fat, and its flelh well tailed ; the horns are ihort, fmooth, and turn a little forward : It is common in Guinea, Angola, and all along the coaft of Africa.
In America, there are Goats of a fmall kind, not much larger than a Kid, with long hair ; the horns, which are fhort and thick, bend downwards fo clofe to the head, as almoft to penetrate the Ikull. Thefe are, in every re- fpe£t, fimilar to the dwarf Goat found in Africa ; and, according to Buffon, have been fent from that country. — It is certain, that, before the difcovery of America by the Spaniards, the Goat, and every other domeftic ani- mal, were unknown there.
The
64 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The GAZELLES, or ANTELOPES,
RE a numerous and beautiful race of animals*
inhabiting the hottell parts of the globe. They
are claffed by fyftematic writers with the Goat kind, and like them have hollow horns, which they never call ; in other refpe&s, they greatly refemble the Deer, efpecially in the elegance of their form, and the fwiftnefs of their motions. They are of a reftlefs and timid difpofition, re- markably agile, and moft of their boundings fo light and elaftic, as to (trike the fpe£tators with aftonifhment. Of all animals the Gazelle has the moft beautiful eye; to which the eaftern poets have made frequent allufions, in defcribing thofe of their favourite beauties.
The diftinguifhing marks of this tribe of animals, in which they differ both from the Goat and Deer, are prin- cipally thefe : — Their horns are different, being annulated or ringed round, and at the fame time marked with lon- gitudinal depreffions or furrows, running from the bafe to the point : Befides the extreme beauty and meeknefs of its afpedl, the Gazelle is more delicately and finely limbed than the Roe-buck ; its hair is finer and more gloffy ; its fwiftnefs is fo great, that the Greyhound, the fleeted of Dogs, is unequal to the courfe, and the fportf- man is obliged to call in the aid of the Falcon, which be- ing trained to the work, feizes on the animal, and im- pedes its motion, fo as to enable the Dogs to overtake it. In India and Perfia, a fort of Leopard is fometimes made ufe of in the chafe, which takes its prey by the great- nefs of its fprings; but (hould he fail in his firft effay, the game efcapes.
Some fpecies of the Antelope form herds of two or
three
V
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 65
three thoufand, while others keep in fmall troops of five or fix. They for the moft part live in hilly countries, though fome inhabit plains. They often browfe like the Goat, and feed on the tender {hoots of young trees, which give their flefh an excellent flavour.
There are many varieties of this animal, fome of them but little known or defcribed. We {hall begin with
The BLAAW-BOK, or Blue GOAT,
which Mr Pennant places next to the Goat, from the length of its hair, and form of its horns. The colour of this creature is a fine blue, refembling velvet ; but when dead, it is faid to change to a bluifh grey : Its belly is white *, and beneath each eye it has a large white mark : Its tail is feven inches in length, with long hairs at the end : Its horns incline backward, forming a curve ; and three-fourths of their length are decorated with twenty-four rings ; the uppermoft quarter is fmooth, and runs tapering to a point. It inhabits the hotteft parts of Africa. — Sparrman defcribes one which he faw at the Cape of Good Hope, and calls it a Blaaw-bok.
E
The
66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS*
The BONTI-BOK, or Pied GOAT,
is likewife an inhabitant of the fame country, as well as the plains and woods of Senegal, where large herds of them are tof be feen. This animal is remarkable for hav- ing a white band running along each of its fides, crofled by two others from the back to the belly, difpofed fome- what like a harnefs, from whence it is called the Heir- nejfed Atitelope ; on the rump it has three white lines pointing downwards on each fide ; its thighs are fpotted with white ; the colour of the body is a deep tawny, and beneath each eye there is a white fpot ; its horns are fhraight, nine inches long, pointing backwards, with two fpiral ribs. It is called by M. BufFon the Guib. Great flocks of them are found in the plains and woods of the country of Poder, in Africa.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS- 6 7
The BOSCH-BOK, or Wood GOAT.
We are indebted to the indefatigable labours of Dr Sparrman for an accurate defcription of this rare animal, which is found in the country about the Cape of Good Hope, and is the only one among the African Gazelles, that can be properly faid to live in the woods and groves, from whence it derives its name.
The horns of this animal are black, fomewhat more than ten inches long, and have three fides wreathed in a fpiral direction towards the top ; at the bottom they are rough, in confequence of a number of wavy rings, which however are not elevated much above the furface ; at the top they are round, {harp-pointed, and in that part as fmooth as if they had been polifhed j their pofition is al- moft in the fame line with the forehead, inclining a lit- tle forwards, and, by means of the twill they make, recede from each other towards the middle ; they are
Ec2 there
68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
there three inches and a half diftant ; at the bafe they are only one inch.
The Wood Goat is fomewhat more than two feet and a half high, of a dark-brown colour, in fome parts bor- dering upon black; on each cheek-bone there are two large round white fpots ; another. Hill larger, occupies the fore part of the neck, fomewhat below the top of the windpipe; and feveral fmaller white fpots are fcattered over the haunches ; a narrow line of white hair extends from the neck all along the back and tail, but is not eafi- ly didinguifhed, being hid by the length of the dark- brown hairs on the top of the back, which are three or four inches long, fo as to form a kind of mane ; the hair on the head is very fhort and fine, in other parts of the body it is longer, refembling that of Goats ; its tail is not more than a finger’s breadth in length, covered with long hairs, which extend down the hind part of the thighs and buttocks; the legs and feet are flender; the fetlock joints are likewife fmall ; the nofe and under lip, which are white, are decorated with black whilkers about an inch long.
As this creature runs but llowly, he is fometimes caught with Dogs : When he finds there is no other re- fource, he boldly puts himfelf into a poflure of defence ; and, when going to butt, kneels down, and in that po- fition fells his life at a very dear rate, killing and gor- ing fome of the bed and mod fpirited hounds. Its horns, which are its chief defence, fometimes prove its bane, by entangling it in the bufh.es ; to avoid this, it carries its nofe horizontally and draight forward while it runs, fo that they lie directly on its neck. The female, which is without horns, on that account runs more freely through
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 69
the forefts, and does not fuffer herfelf fo eafjy to be hunted out of the woods, having there, as well as on the plains, much greater fecurity againft the Dogs in her fwiftnefs, than the male has in his horns, efpecially as (he is not fo bulky and heavy as the male. Her breaft is faid to be very plump ; but the flefh of this animal is not very tender.
The SPRING - BO K.
The White Antelope , which is fuppofed to be the fame with the Pygargj mentioned in the book of Numbers, is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is called the Spring-bok ; and is to be feen in herds of fe- veral thoufands, covering the plains as far as the eye can reach. Sparrman fays, that, having (hot at a large herd
E 3
70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
of them, they formed a line, and immediately made a circular movement, as if to furround him ; but after- wards flew off in different directions.
The height of this beautiful creature is two feet and a half-, and, from the ears to the tail, fomewhat above three feet : The tail is rather lefs than a foot long : The length of the ears is fix inches and a half \ that of the horns, meafuring them along their curvatures, nine inches ; and their diftance at the bafe, where they are nearly three inches thick, is one inch*, they gradually widen from thence to the diflan.ce of five inches from each other, when they turn inwards, fo that at the tip they are not above three inches and a half afunder y they are of a deep black colour, annulated above half way up ; toward the top they are quite fmooth, and end in a fharp point.
The predominant colour of this animal is brown, or a Jight-rufl colour *, the pofterior moiety of the ridge of the back is white, which colour is continued over and round the anus, the infide of the haunches, the belly, and the fore legs, excepting a narrow (tripe of brown in the front of each j the head is white, except a dark-brown lift on each fide, of the breadth of an inch, which pafles from the corner of the mouth over the eyes to the horns ; a (tripe, an inch and a half broad, of the fame deep umber colour, extends from the (houlders to the haunches, form- ing thus a boundary between the fnowy >vhitenefs of the belly and the rufty colour of the fides : The tail, at lead the lower part of it, is not thicker than a goofe-quill ; the under fide is quite bare ; but towards the tip there pre a few dark-brown hairs from one to two inches and a half long: The ears are of an afli colour, tipt on the
7*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
edges with fine light-grey hairs : The eye-brows and whiikers are black : The hair in general is fine and fhort ; but the dark line which borders up.on the white, confifts of longer hairs, and in fome meafure ferves to cover the -dazzling whitenefs of the creature’s back, the purity of which ieems to be by this means preferved; for on certain occafions the animal is able to expand thefe hairs to the breadth of eight or nine inches, particularly on taking a high leap, which it never fails to do when it is purfued ; and then it is no lefs pleafant than curious to fee the whole herd jumping over each other’s heads to the height of two yards, and fometimes higher ; fome of them will take three or four high leaps fucceflively : In this fitua- tion, they feem to be fufpended in the air, and look over their fhoulders at their purfuers ; at the fame time {hewing the white part of their backs in a moil beautiful manner.
When hunted, thefe animals fuffer themfelves foon to be difperfed 5 and when the whole flock has got to fome diftance, they will all make a ftand, and turn round to look at their purfuers, at the fame time expanding the white hairs on their backs.
The Spring-boks are fo extremely fwift, as to require a good Horfe to overtake them ; although they are i'ome- times bold enough to allow a fportfman, either on foot or on horfeback, to come within gunfhot of them. — Their fleih is very palatable, and has a more juicy and delicate taile than that of the other Gazelles.
72 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The ELK-ANTELOPE
is likewife an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as the greateft part of India, and is one of the larger kinds of Gazelles; has ftraight horns, two feet in length, of a dark-brown colour, marked with two prominent fpiral ribs running near two-thirds of their length, but fmooth towards the ends, which are turned a little inwards ; the forehead is flat and broad at the top, but about the eyes becomes narrow ; it has a forelock, Handing ere£t the length of the whole forehead ; its nofe is {harp ; and its bread is covered with a loofe {kin.
This animal is of an afh colour, inclining a little to- wards blue ; has a thin upright mane, quite black, which extends from the nape of its neck along the top of the back ; and has likewife a tuft of black hair at the end of the tail.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPLE'S. 73
The Elk-antelopes live chiefly in plains and vallies; and when hunted, always run, if pofiible, againd the wind : They are not very fwift ; and being in general fat, efpecially the males, which are always the larged and fatted in the herd, are foon tired. The hunter ge- nerally endeavours to get to the windward of the animal, which when he has accomplilhed, he takes an opportuni- ty of throwing himfelf from his horfe, and indantly (hoots the flying game ; at this pra£Hce the Dutch colo- nids at the Cape are fo expert, as feldom to fail. — Sparr- man, in his account of this animal, fays, there have been many inftances where keen fportfmen, as well for their own pleafure as convenience, have hunted Elk-antelopes and other Gazelles, for many miles together, from the open plains, and driven them to their own doors, before they thought it worth while to (boot them.
The female has horns like the male, but (mailer “ They are ufed by the Hottentots for tobacco-pipes.
The
74 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The HART-BEEST
is the moft common of all the larger Gazelles, known in any part of Africa. — The following accurate defcription is taken from Sparrman, to whom we are indebted for the bed accounts of fuch of thefe rare animals as are to be met with near the Cape: — The height of this animal is fomewhat above four feet ; the horns are from fix to nine inches long, very ftrong and black, almoft clofe, at the bafe diverging upwards, and at the top bending backwards in an horizontal direction almoll to the tips, which turn a little downwards j they are embolfed with about eighteen rings of an irregular form. The general colour of the Hart-beell is that of cinnamon ; the front of the head is marked with black, as is likewife the fore part of the legs the hind part of the haunch is covered with a wide black ftreak, which reaches down to the knee } a narrow ftripe of black begins behind each ear,
and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 75
and runs all along the ridge of the neck ; a dark-brown oval fpot extends over the back, terminating juft above the tail, which is {lender, fomething like that of an Afs, and is covered with ftrong black hairs about fix inches long. There is a 'pore about an inch below the eye, from which a matter is diftilled, fomewhat like ear-wax, which the Hottentots carefully preferve as a rare and ex- cellent medicine.
This animal is fuppofed to be the Bubalus of the an- cients, is the Cervine Antelope of Mr Pennant, and the Bub ale of M. BufFon.
The hair of the Hart-beeft is very fine, and its long ears are covered with white hair on the infide ; it has only eight teeth in the lower jaw, none in the upper; the legs are rather (lender, with fmall fetlocks and hoofs.
The large head and high forehead, together with the affinine ears and tail of the Hart-beeft, render it one of the lead handfome of the whole tribe of Antelopes : Its pace, when at full fpeed, appears like a heavy gallop ; notwithftanding which, it runs as fall as any of the large Antelopes : When it has once got a-head of its purfuers, it is very apt to turn round, and ftare them full in the face. Its flefti is fine, rather dry, but yet of an agreea- bly high flavour.
The KOEDOE, or Striped ANTELOPE,
is a beautiful, tall Gazelle, inhabiting the Cape of Good Hope *, has long, {lender (hanks ; is larger, though not fo clumfy, as the Elk-antelope: Its horns are fmooth, twill- ed fpirally, with a prominent edge or rib following the wreaths ; they are three feet nine inches long, of a pale- brown colour, clofe at the bafe, and at the points round
and
7 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and {harp. The colour of this animal is a rufty brown ; along the ridge of the back there is a white ftripe mixed with brown; from this are eight or nine white flripes pointing downwards ; the forehead and the fore part of the nofe are brown ; a white ftripe runs from the corner of each eye, and meets juft above the nofe ; upon each cheek-bone there are two fmall white fpots; the inner edges of the ears are covered with white hair, and the upper part of the neck is adorned with a brown mane, an inch long ; beneath the neck, from the throat to the bread, are fome long hairs hanging down ; the bread and belly are grey; the tail is two feet long, brown a- bove, white beneath, and black at the end.
The Koedoe, though a tall and {lender animal, is not fo fwift as many of the Gazelle kind, and is eafily over- taken by the hounds: On thefe occafions the males de- fend themfelves with great fpirit with their horns, and will come to clofe quarters with the Dogs ; but the fe- males having no horns, are obliged to depend on their fpeed.
Another of the larger kind of Gazelles to be found at the Cape, is
The GEMSE-BOK,
which is called by Mr Pennant the Egyptian Antelope , and by M. Buffon the Pafan. — The horns are ftraight, {len- der, of a black colour, about, three feet long, with above twenty rings reaching half way to the points, which are fmooth and taper; it is of an afh colour, inclining to red ; the belly, legs, and face, are white ; a black line extends from the neck to the loins ; the tail is about two feet long, terminated with black hairs.
This
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 77
This animal is famous for a concretion in its ftomach or inteftines, called the oriental bezoar, which was well known in former times for its great virtue in expelling poifon in the human frame, and was fold at enormous prices, its value encreafing in proportion to its fize. There was a time when a {tone of four ounces fold in Europe for above 200 1. ; at prefent, however, its eftima- tion and price are greatly decreafed. The virtues which ignorance and inexperience attributed to it, are now found no longer to exift ; and this once-celebrated medi- cine is now only confumed in countries where the know- ledge of Nature has been but little advanced. — Similar concretions are likewife found in a variety of animals of the Gazelle and Goat kind; even Apes, Serpents, and Hogs, are faid to have their bezoars : In fhort, there is fcarcely an animal, except of the carnivorous kind, that does not produce fome of thefe concretions in the fto- mach, inteftines, kidnies, and even the heart.
Thefe are the principal animals of the Gazelle kind defcribed by Dr Sparrman in his voyage to the Cape of Good Hope : He mentions a variety of others that are to be met with there, of which he gives us little but their names.
The REE-BOK
is a gregarious animal, two feet in height, of an afh co- lour, fomewhat refembling that of a hare, but a little more inclining to red ; the belly and anus are white ; the tail fhort ; the horns are black and ftraight, very fimilar to thofe of the Gemfe-bok, but barely a foot long, very taper, and {harp-pointed ; they are ufed by the Hotten- tots as awls or bodkins for boring holes in making their
{hoes.
78 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
(hoes or cloaks. The flefti of this animal is dry, and ao* counted worfe to eat than that of any other Gazelle.
The Riet REE-BOK
is twice as big as the laft-mentioned animal, is monoga- mous (or keeps in pairs), and generally lies concealed among the reeds and marfhy places, and refembles the Ree-bok.
The GRYS-BOK or Guinea ANTELOPE o* Mr Pennant, and GRIMME of M. Buffon,
is of a greyilh or afh colour, with large black ears, and a black fpot round the eyes ; ftraight, black horns, {len- der and fharp-pointed, not three inches long, flightly an- nulated at the bafe : Its height is about eighteen inches, and is moll elegantly formed: Beneath each eye is a cavity that contains a flrong-fcented oily liquor, which fmells fomethmg like mulk, and when expofed to the air, becomes hard and black.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 79 The KLIP- SPRINGER
is of a light-red colour, inclining to yellow, intermixed with black ftreaks ; the tips and edges of its ears are black ; it runs with great fwiftnefs, and makes large bounds, even on the fteepeft precipices, and in the moll rocky places, where it cannot eafily be caught with hounds.
The GNU.
To thefe we may add the Gnu, the Hottentot name for a lingular animal, which, with refpeft to its form, is between the Horfe and the Ox. It is about the lize of a common galloway, the length of it being fomewhat above five feet, and the height rather more than four.
This animal is of a dark-brown colour ; the tail and mane of a light-grey ; the lhag on the chin and breaft, and the {tiff hairs which Hand ere£t on the forehead and upper part of the face, are black ; the curvature of the horns is fingular; and the animal is reprefented in the
cut
80 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
\
cut in the attitude of butting, to give an idea of their form and pofition.
The legs of the Gnu are fmall ; its hair is very fine ; and it has a cavity beneath each eye, like mod of the Antelope kind.
The STEEN-BOK or Red ANTELOPE of Mr Pennant, and NAGOR of Buffon,
is found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope. — Its whole body is of a pale-red colour ; it is as large as a Roe-buck ; its horns, which do not exceed fix inches in length, are almoft fmooth, and bend a little forward ; its ears are five inches long ; and it has a white fpot over each eye.
The NANGUER, or Swift ANTELOPE,
is likewife a native of Africa, and is found in Senegal. — It is three feet and a half in length, and two and a half high; the horns are black and round, eight inches in length, and what is fingular, bend forward at the points ; its general colour is tawny ; belly and thighs white ; it has likewife a white fpot under the neck, is a very handfome animal, and eafily tamed ; its fwiftnefs is com- pared to that of the wind.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 81
The Common ANTELOPE.
The Antelope, properly fo called, abounds in Barbary, and in all the northern parts of Africa. — It is fomewhat lefs than the Fallow-deer: Its horns are about fifteen inches long, furrounded with prominent rings almofl: to the top, where they are twelve iftches diftant from point to point. The horns of the Antelope are remarkable for a beautiful double flexion, which gives them the appear- ance of the lyre of the ancients. The colour of the hair on the back is brown, mixed with red ; the belly and in- fide of the thighs, white *, and the tail fhort.
The GAZELLE of Africa, or the Barbary ANTELOPE,
is likewife common in all the northern part of Africa, in Syria, and Mefopotamia, and feems to be a variety of
F the
82 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
the laft-mentioned animal, which it ftrongly refembles* only the two colours on the back are feparated from each other by a ftrong dulky line, and on each knee there is a tuft of hair.
The KEVEL
is a native of Senegal, and in colour and marks very much refembles the preceding animal, but is rather lefs ; and its horns, inftead of being round, are flatted on their Tides, and the rings more numerous.
The CORIN, or Spotted ANTELOPE,
is ftill lefs than the two former animals \ its horns are likewife fmaller, being only fix inches long, and almofl: fmooth, the annular prominencies being fcarcely difcern- ible ; on each knee is a tuft of hair. Some of thefe ani- mals are irregularly fpotted with white.
The K O B A
is remarkable for the form of its horns, which are almofl clofe at the bafe, bending out towards the middle, where they form a curve inwards, and again fly off at the points, which bend backward ; they are feventeen inches long, furrounded with fifteen rings 5 the ends are fmooth and Iharp.
The K O B
differs from the former animal only in being lefs. — They" are both inhabitants of Senegal.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 83
The CHEVROTAIN and MEMINNA.
The Chevrotain, or little Guinea Deer, is the {mailed of all the Antelope kind, the lead of all cloven-footed quadrupeds, and we may add, the mod beautiful. — Its legs at the fmalled part are not much thicker than a to- bacco-pipe ; it is not more than feven inches in height, and about twelve from the point of the nofe to the infer- tion of the tail ; its ears are broad ; and its horns, which are draight, and fcarcely two inches long, are black and fhining as jet ; the colour of the hair is a reddifh-brown ; in fome a beautiful yellow, very fhort and glofly.
Thefe elegant little creatures are natives of Senegal and the hotted parts of Africa *, they are likewife found in India, and in many of the illands belonging to that vad continent.
In Ceylon, there is an animal of this kind called Me - minna , which is not larger than a hare, but perfectly re- fembling a Fallow-deer. — It is of a grey colour ; the Tides and haunches are fpotted and barred with white j its ears are long and open j and its tail (hort.
84 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
None of tliefe fmall animals can fubfift but in a warm climate. They are fo extremely delicate, that it is with the utmoft difficulty they can be brought alive into Eu- rope, where they foon perifh. They are gentle, familiar, moft beautifully formed, and their agility is fuch, that they will bound over a wall twelve feet high. In Gui- nea, they are called Guevei. The female has no horns.
We fhall conclude our account of this numerous race with
The Scythian ANTELOPE, or SAIGA,
which is the only one of the fpecies that is to be found in Europe. — The form of its body refembles the domeftic Goat, but its horns are thofe of an Antelope, being marked by very prominent rings, with furrows between 5 they are a foot long, the ends fmooth, of a pale-yellow colour, almofl tranfparent.
The male is covered with rough hair, like the-He- Goat, and has a ftrong fcent; the female is fmoother, hornlefs, and timid. The general colour is a dirty white.
When they are attacked by Wolves or Dogs, the males (land round the females, forming a circle, with their heads towards the enemy, in which pofture they defend their charge. — Their common pace is a trot ; when they go fafter, it is by leaps ; ^and are fwifter than Roe-bucks. When they feed, they are obliged to go backward, owing to the length of the upper lip, which they lift up. — Their fkin is foft, and excellent for gloves, belts, &c.
They are found in flocks from fix to ten thoufand, on the banks of the Tanais and Borifthenes.
The young are eafily tamed, and will readily return to their mafler when turned out on the defart.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The NYL-GHAU.
THIS animal is a native of the interior parts of In- dia.— It feems to be of a middle nature, between the Cow and the Deer, and carries the appearance of both in its form. In fize, it is as much fmaller than the one, as it is larger than the other: Its body, horns, and tail, are not unlike thofe of a bull ; and the head, neck, r.nd legs, are very like thofe of a Deer. The colour, in general, is afli or grey, from a mixture of black hairs and white ; all along the ridge or edge of the neck, the hair is blacker, longer, and more ere£t, making a fhort, thin, and upright mane, reaching down to the hump. Its horns are feven inches long, fix inches round at the root, tapering by degrees, and terminate in a blunt point.
F 3 The
86 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The ears are large and beautiful, feven inches in length, and fpread to a confiderable breadth near their end : They are white on the edge and on the infide, except where two black bands mark the hollow of the ear with a Zebra-like variety. The height of this animal at the (boulder is four feet one inch j behind the loins, it only meafures four feet.
The female differs confiderably frojn the male both in height and thicknefs, being much fmaller ; in fhape and colour very much refembling a Deer j and has no horns. She has four nipples ; and is fuppofed to go nine months with young. She commonly has one at a birth, but fometimes two.
Several of this fpecies were brought to this country in the year 1767, which continued to breed annually for fome years after. — Dr Hunter, who had one of them in his cuftody for fome time, defcribes it as a harmlefs and gentle animal ; that it feemed pleafed with every kind of familiarity, always licked the hand that either ftroaked or fed it, and never once attempted to ufe its horns of- fenfively. It feemed to have much dependence on its or- gans of fmell ; and fnuffed keenly whenever any perfon came in fight : It did fo likewife, when food or drink was brought to it ; and would not tafte the bread which was offered, if the hand that prefented it happened to fmell of turpentine.
Its manner of fighting is very particular, and is thus defcribed : — Two of the males at Lord Clive’s, being put into an inclofure, were obferved, while they were at fome diftance from each other, to prepare for the attack, (?y falling down upon their knees. They then fhufiled tptyards each other, keeping dill upon their knees 5 and
at
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 87
at the diftance of a few yards, they made a fpring, and darted againft each other with great force.
The following anecdote will ferve to fhew, that, dur- ing the rutting feafon, thefe animals are fierce and vi- cious, and not to be depended upon : — A labouring man, without knowing that the animal was near him, went up to the outfide of the inclofure; the Nyl-ghau, with the quicknefs of lightning, darted againft the wood-work with fuch violence, that he broke it to pieces, and broke off one of his horns clofe to the root. The death of the animal, which happened foon after, was fuppofed to be owing to thg injury he fuftained by the blow.
Bernier fays, that it is the favourite amufement of the Mogul emperor to hunt the Nyl-ghau ; and that he kills them in fuch numbers, as to diftribute quarters of them to all his omrahs ; which fhews that they are efteemed good and delicious food.
The Nyl-ghau is frequently brought from the interior parts of Alia as a rare and valuable prefent to the nabobs and other great men at our fettlemeijts in India..
It remains to be confidered, whether this rare animal might not be propagated with fuccefs in this country. That it will breed here is evident from experience ; and if it lhould prove docile enough to be eafily trained to labour, its great fwiftnefs and confiderable ftrength might be applied to the moft valuable purpofes.
F 4
The
88 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The MUSK.
THERE have been various accounts given of this animal by naturalifts and travellers; by whom it feems to have been taken notice of more for the perfume which it produces, than for the information of the cu- rious enquirer into its nature and qualities : For we are dill at a lofs what rank to affign it among the various tribes of quadrupeds. It has no horns ; and whether it ruminates or not is uncertain : But by its wanting the fore-teeth in the upper jaw, we are led to fuppofe that it belongs either to the Goat or the Deer kind ; and have therefore given it a place after the Gazelles, relying up- on thofe chara&eriftic marks which are known, and leav- ing it to future hiftorians, who may be polTefled of better means of information, to ascertain its genuine character.
The Mulh of Thibet refembles the Roe-buck in form : It is fomewhat above two feet in height at the (boulder ; the hind legs are longer than the fore legs, being two
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 89
feet nine inches high from the top of the haunches ; in length, it is three feet fix inches from the head to the tail ; the head is above half a foot long. Its upper jaw is much larger than the lower; and on each fide of it there is a flender tufk, near two inches long, which hangs down, bending inwards like a hook, and very {harp on the inner edge : Its lower jaw contains eight fmail cut- ting teeth; and in each jaw there are fix grinders. Its ears are long, fmail, and ere£t, like thofe of a Rabbit. The hair on the whole body is long and rough, marked with fmail waves from top to bottom; the colour is a rufly-brown ; under the belly and tail it is white ; on each fide of the lower jaw there is a tuft of thick hair, about an inch long; its hoofs are deeply cloven, flender, and black; the fpurious hoofs are likewife very long; its tail is not more than two inches in length, and hid in
the hair.- The ufe it makes of its tufks is not well
known : The molt probable is that of hooking up roots out of the ground, and catching at fmail twigs and branches of trees, upon which it feeds. — The female has no tufks, is lefs than the male, and has two fmail teats.
The Mufk is found in the kingdom of Thibet, in fe- veral of the Chinefe provinces, about the lake Baikal, and near the rivers Jenifan and Argun, from lat. 60 to 45 ; but feldom fo far fouth, except driven by great falls of fnow to feek for food in more temperate climates. It is naturally a timid animal, and endowed with a quick fenfe of hearing. Its folitary haunts are ufually moun- tains, covered with pines ; where it avoids mankind, and, when purfued, flies to the highefl and molt inaccefhblc fummits.
The perfume produced by this animal, which is fo well
known
9o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
known in the fafhionable circles, and of late fo much ufed in the pra&ice of phylic, needs little defcription: It is found in a bag or tumor, nearly of the fize of a hen’s egg, on the belly of the male only. Thefe bags the hunters cut off, and tie them up for fale; many thoufands of which are fent over annually to Europe, be- fides what are confumed in different parts of the Eaft. To account for this great confumption, it is fuppofed that the mulk is frequently adulterated and mixed with the blood of the animal. It comes to us from China, Tonquin, Bengal, and Mufcovy; but that of Thibet is reckoned the beft, and fells at a much higher price.
The flefh of the males, efpecially in the rutting feafon, is much infe£ted with the flavour of the mulk j but is, neverthelefs, eaten by the Ruffians and Tartars.
Th e
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 91
The GIRAFFE, or CAMELEOPARD.
THIS animal (the exiftence of which has frequent- ly been called in queftion) is a native of the wild and unfrequented defarts of Ethiopia, and other inte- rior parts of Africa; where it leads a folitary life, far from the habitations of men, for whofe ufe it is rendered unfit by the enormous difproportion of its parts. It has hitherto been regarded chiefly as an objedl of curiofity; and may lead us to admire the wonderful productions of that creative Power which has filled the earth with life in fuch a boundlefs variety of forms.
The height of this extraordinary animal, from the crown of the head to the ground, is feventeen feet ; while at the rump it only meafures nine feet ; the neck
alone
92 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
alone is feven feet long ; and the length, from the extre- * mity of the tail to the end of the nofe, is twenty-two feet ; the fore and hind legs are nearly of an equal height ; but the ffioulders are of fuch a length, as to make its back incline like the roof of a houfe ; its neck is flender and elegant, adorned on the upper fide with a ihort mane *, its head is nearly fimilar to that of a Stag, having two horns, fix inches long, covered with hair, with tufts at the end like briftles ; on the middle of the forehead hands a protuberance, about two inches high, refembiing a third horn ; its ears are long ; and its eyes large and beautiful.
The colour of this animal is a dirty white, interfperfed with large fpots of yellow over the whole body ; it is a timid and gentle creature, but not fwift ; from the great length of its fore legs, it is obliged to divide them to a great diftance when it grazes, which it does with great difficulty *, it lives chiefly by browfing on the leaves and tender branches of trees ; it lies on its belly, and has hard protuberances on its breaft and thighs, like the Ca- mel; its tail is long, flender, and covered with flrong hairs ; its feet refemble thofe of an Ox ; it has no teeth in the upper jaw, and is a ruminating animal ; its pace is a kind of gallop.
This animal was known to the Romans in early times, by whom its hiltory has been handed down to fucceeding ages in fome of their moft celebrated works of fculpture :
It was exhibited in their games among other rare and un- common animals; and is finely and juftly defcribed by Oppian.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 93
The ELK.
THIS animal is the largeft and mofi formidable of all the Deer kind. It is a native of both the old and the new continent, being known in Europe by the name of the Elk , and in America by that of the Moofe~ deer . It is fometimes taken in the forefts of Ruffia and Germany, though rarely to be feen on account of its ex- treme wildnefs. It likewife inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Tartary, as far as the North of China. It is common in Canada, and in all the northern parts of America, where it is called by the French the Orignal .
The Elk has been varioufly defcribed by naturalifts and travellers : By fome it is laid to be twelve feet high ; whilft others, with greater appearance of probability, de- fcribe it as being not much higher than a Horfe. It is, however, a matter of doubt to which a greater degree of credibility fhould be given.
From
94 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
From a variety of Elks horns preferved in the cabinet's of the curious, fome of which are of a moft enormous fize, there is every reafon to conclude, that the animal which bore them mull have been of a proportionable bulk and ftrength.
Thofe who fpeak of the gigantic Moofe, fay, their horns are fix feet long, and meafure, from tip to tip, above ten feet : The beams of the horns are (hort ; from which they fpread out into large and broad palms, one fide of which is plain, but on the outfide are feveral (harp fnags or (hoots.
The European Elk grows to the height of feven or eight feet, and in length, from the end of the muzzle to the infertion of the tail, meafures ten feet ; the head is two feet long ; the neck, on which is a (hort, upright mane, of a light-brown colour, is much fhorter ; its eye is fmall, and from the lower corner of it there is a deep flit, common to all the Deer kind, as well as moft of the Gazelles ; the ears are upwards of a foot in length, very broad, and fomewhat douching ; the noftrils are wide ; and the upper lip, which is fquare, and has a deep furrow in the middle, hangs greatly over the lower, from whence it was imagined by the ancients, that this crea- ture could not graze without going backward ; the wi- thers are very high, the hind legs much (horter than the fore legs, and the hoofs deeply cloven ; from a fmall ex- crefcence under the throat hangs a long tuft of coarfe black hair; the tail is very (hort, dulky above, and white beneath ; the hair is long and rough, like a bear, and of a hoary brown colour, not much differing from that of the Afs.
The pace of the Elk is a high, (hambling trot ; but it
goes
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 95
goes with great fwiftnefs. — Formerly thefe animals were made ufe of in Sweden to draw fledges; but as they were frequently acceffary to the efcape of fuch as had been guilty of murders or other great crimes, this ufe of them was prohibited under great penalties.
In palling through thick woods, thefe animals carry their heads horizontally, to prevent their horns being en- tangled in the branches.
The Elks are timid, inofFenfive animals, except when wounded, or during the rutting feafon, when the males become very furious, and at that time will fwim from ifle to ifle in purfuit of the females. They ftrike with both horns and hoofs; and poflefs fuch agility and ftrength of limbs, that with a Angle blow of the fore feet they will kill a Wolf or a Dog, or even break a tree.
Their flefh is extremely fweet and nourifhing. The Indians fay they can travel farther after eating heartily of the flefh of the Elk than any other animal food. Their tongues are excellent ; but the nofe is efteemed the great- eft delicacy in all Canada. The fldn makes excellent buff leather ; and is ftrong, foft, and light. The Indians make their fnow-fhoes, and likewife form their canoes, with it. The hair on the neck, withers, and hams, of a full-grown Elk, from its great length and elafticity, is well adapted to the purpofe of making matraffes and faddles.
The methods of hunting thefe animals in Canada are curious : — The firft, and moft Ample, is, before the lakes or rivers are frozen, multitudes of the natives affemble in their canoes, with which they form a vafl crefcent, each horn touching the fhore ; whilft another party on the fhore furround an extenfive tra£l : They are attended by Dogs, which they let loofe, and prefs towards the water
with
96 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
with loud cries : The animals, alarmed by the noife, fly before the hunters, and plunge into thd lake, where they are killed by the people in the canoes with lances and clubs. — Another method requires a greater degree of pre- paration and art : — The hunters inclofe a large fpace with flakes and branches of trees, forming two Tides of a tri- angle ; the bottom opens into a fecond inclofure, which is fall on all fides : At the opening are hung numbers of fnares, made of the flips of raw hides. They aflemble, as before, in great troops ; and, with all kinds of hideous noifes, drive into the inclofure not only the Moofe, but various other kinds of Deer with which that country abounds. Some, in forcing their way through the nar- row pafs, are caught in the fnares by the neck or horns ; whilft thofe which efcape thefe, meet their fate from the arrows of the hunters, dire£ted at them from all quar- ters.— They are likewife frequently killed with the gun. When they are firft difcovered, they fquat with their hind parts, and make water ; at which inilant the fportf- man fires. If he mifs, the Moofe fets off in a moft rapid trot, making, like the Rein-deer, a prodigious rattling with its hoofs, and running twenty or thirty miles before it flops or takes the water. The ufual time for this di- verfion is in winter. The animal can run with eafe up- on the firm furface of the fnow *, but the hunters avoid entering on the chafe till the heat of the fun is flrong enough to melt the frozen cruft with which it is covered, and render it foft enough to impede the flight of the Moofe, which finks up to the flioulders, flounders, and gets on with great difficulty. The fportfman purfues in his broad-rackets or fnow-fhoes, and makes a ready prey of the diftreffed animal.
As
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 97
“ As weak againft the mountain-heaps they pufli “ Their beating breaft in vain, and piteous bray,
“ He lays them quiv’ring on th’ enfanguin’d fnows,
“ And with loud fhouts rejoicing bears them home.’*
The female is lefs than the male, and has no horns* They are in feafon in the autumn, and bring forth in April, fometimes one, but generally two young ones at a time, which arrive at their full growth in fix years.
The REIN-DEER.
This extraordinary animal is a native of the icy re- gions of the North; where, by a wife and bountiful dif- penfation, which diffufes the common goods of Nature over every part of the habitable globe, it abounds, and is • made fubfervient to the wants of a hardy race of men in- habiting the countries near the pole, who would find it
G impoflible
98 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
impoflible to fubfift among their fnowy mountains with- out the aid of this moft ufeful creature.
In more temperate regions, men are indebted to the unbounded liberality of Nature for a great variety of va- luable creatures to ferve, to nourifh, and to cloath them. To the poor Laplander the Rein-deer alone fupplies the place of the Horfe, the Cow, the Sheep, the Goat, &c. ; and from it he derives the only comforts that tend to foften the feverity of his fituation in that moft inhofpita- ble climate.
The Rein-deer of Lapland are of two kinds, — the wild and the tame : The former are larger, ftronger, and more hardy than the latter ; for which reafon the tame females, in the proper feafon, are often fent out into the woods, where they meet with wild males, and return home im- pregnated by them. The breed from this mixture is ftronger, and better adapted for drawing the fledge, to which the Laplanders accuftom them at an early age.
The SLE DGE.
They are yoked to it by a collar ; from which a trace is brought under the belly between the legs, and faftened to the fore part of the fledge. Thefe carriages are ex- tremely
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 99
tremely light, and covered at the bottom with the {kin of the Rein-deer. The perfon who fits in it guides the animal with a cord fattened to its horns; he drives it with a goad, and encourages it with his voice. Thofe of the wild breed, though by far the ftrongeft, often prove refra£lory ; and not only refufe to obey their matter, but turn againft him, and ftrike fo furioufly with their feet, that his only refource is to cover himfelf with his fledge, upon which the enraged animal vents its fury. The tame animal, on the contrary, is patient, active, and willing. — When hard puttied, the Rein-deer will trot the diftance of fixty miles without {topping ; but in fuch ex- ertions, the poor obedient creature fatigues itfelf fo ex** ceedingly, that its matter is frequently obliged to kill it immediately, to prevent a lingering death that would en- fue. In general, they can go about thirty miles without flopping, and that without any great or dangerous efforts.
This mode of travelling can be performed only in th© winter feafon, when the face of the country is covered with fnow ; and, although the conveyance is fpeedy, it is inconvenient, dangerous, and troublefome.
As the Rein-deer conftitutes the foie riches of the Laplander, it may well be fuppofed that a conftant at- tention to preferve and fecure it forms the chief employ- ment of his life. It is no uncommon thing for one per- fon to poflefs above five hundred in a firtgle herd.
As foon as fummer appears* which forms but a fliort interval from the moft piercing cold, the Laplander, who had fed his Rein-deer upon the lower grounds during the winter, drives them up to the mountains, leaving the woody country and the low paftures, which at that fea- fon are in a ftate truly deplorable : Myriads of infe&9,
G 2 bred
100 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
bred by the heat of the fun in the woods and fens with which this country abounds, are all upon the wing *, the whole atmofphere fwarms with life ; every place and eve- ry creature is infefted ; the natives are obliged to cover their faces with a mixture of pitch and milk, to fhield them from thefe minute invaders, which are drawn in with the breath, and enter the noftrils, and even the eyes; but they are chiefly enemies to the Rein-deer: The horns of that animal being then tender, and covered with a Ikin, which renders them extremely fenfltive, a cloud of thefe infers fettle upon them, and drive the poor animal almoft to diftradtion. In this extremity, there is no refource but flight. The herdfmen drive their flocks from the plains to the fummits of the mountains, whither the foe cannot follow them. There they will continue the whole day, with little or no food, rather than venture down into the lower parts, where they have no defence againft their unceafing perfecutors.
Befldes the gnat, the gadfly is a common pell to thefe animals. In the autumn, this infeCt depofits its eggs in their (kin, where the worms burrow, and wound it in fe- veral places, and often prove fatal to the poor animal. The moment a Angle fly is feen, the whole herd is in motion : They know their enemy, and endeavour to a- void it, by tolling up their heads, and running among each other ; but all this too often proves ineffectual.
Every morning and evening during the fummer, the herdfman returns to the cottage with his deer to be milk- ed, where a large Are of mofs is prepared, for the pur- pofe of filling the place with fmoke, to drive off the gnats, and keep the Deer quiet whilfl milking. — The quantity of milk given by one female in a day is about a
pint.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ioi
pint. It is thinner than that of a Cow, but Tweeter and more nourifhing.
The female begins to breed at the age of two years, is in feafon the latter end of September, goes with young eight months, and generally brings forth two at a time. — The fondnefs of the dam for her young is very remark- able. They follow her two or three years, but do not acquire their full ftrength until four. It is at this age that they are trained to labour ; and they continue fer- viceable four or five years. They never live above fif- teen or fixteen years. — At eight or nine years old, the Laplanders kill them for their fkins and their flefh. Of the former they make garments, which are warm, and cover them from head to foot ; they alfo ferve them for beds : They fpread them on each fide of the fire upon the leaves of trees, and in this manner lie both foft and warm. The latter affords a conftant fupply of good and wholefome food, which in the winter, when all other kinds of provifions fail, is their chief fubfiftence, The tongue of the Rein-deer is confidered as a great delica- cy •, and when dried, great numbers of them are fold in- to other countries. The finews ferve for thread, with which the Laplanders make their cloaths, fhoes, and other neceflaries ; and, when covered with the hair, ferve them for ropes.
Innumerable are the ufes, the comforts, and advan- tages, which the poor inhabitants of this dreary climate derive from this animal. We cannot fum them up bet- ter than in the beautiful language of the poet
“ Their Rein-deer form their riches: Thefe their tents,
“ Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealth,
“ Supply, their wholefome fare, and chearful cups:
g 3
“ Obfequious
m HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
“ Obfequious at their call, the docile tribe “ Yield to the fled their necks, and whirl them fwift “ O’er hill and dale, heap’d into one expanfe “ Of marbled fnow, as far as eye can fweep,
“ With a blue cruft of ice unbounded glaz’d, ”
The horns of the Rein-deer are large and {lender, bending forward ; with brow antlers, which are broad and palmated. A pair in our poffeffion are in length two feet eight inches, and from tip to tip two feet five inches ; they weigh nine pounds : The projedting brow antler is fourteen inches long, one foot broad, and fer- rated at the end : It fliould feem, both from its fituation and form, an excellent inllrument to remove the fnow, under which its favourite $mofs lies. Both fexes have horns: Thofe of the female are lefs, and have fewer branches.
We are happy in being able to give an accurate repre- fentation of this fingular creature. The drawing was taken from one in the pofleflion of Sir H. G. Liddell, Bart, which he brought over from Lapland, with four others, in 1786. The height at the fhoulder was three feet three inches : The hair on the body was of a dark- brown colour ; and on the neck, brown mixed with white : A large tuft of hair, of a dirty-white colour, hung down from the throat, near its chefi: ; and it had a large white fpot on the infide of each hind leg, clofe by the joint : Its head was long and fine ; and round each eye wras a large black fpace : Its horns were cover- ed with a fine down like velvet. The hoofs of this ani* mal are large, broad, and deeply cloven : They fpread out to a great breadth on the ground $ and, when the animal is in motion, make a crackling noife, by being $rawn up forcibly together.
Not
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 103
Not many attempts have been made to draw the Rein- deer from its native mountains, and tranfport it to milder climes m, and of thefe, few have fucceeded. Na- tiiralids from thence have concluded, that it cannot exift but amidd ice and fnow. M. Buffon regrets the impoffi- bility of procuring the animal alive ; and fays, that when tranfported to another climate it foon dies. M. Regnard mentions fome that were brought to Dantzick ; where, being unable to endure the heat of the climate, they all perifhed. Queen Chridina of Sweden procured five and twenty, which flie purpofed fending to Oliver Cromwell : They were brought as far as Stockholm ; but the Lap- landers who attended them refufing to come to England, fifteen of the number were killed by the wolves, and the remaining ten did not long furvive, the climate being considered as too warm.
To thofe brought over by Sir H. G. Liddell, five more were added the year following : They produced young ones, and gave promifing hopes of thriving in this coun- try j but, by accident or mifmanagement, the flock is now (in 17 89) reduced to a fingle female with young. The diforder of which mod of them died was fimilar to what is called the rot in Sheep, and is generally attri- buted to the too great richnefs of the grafs whereon they fed. Nor can we wonder at the failure of this fpirited enterprize, when we confider that it is the foie employ- ment of the Laplander to attend and herd his Rein-deer, to drive them in the fummer time to the fummits of the mountains, to the Tides of clear lakes and flreams, and to lead them where they can find the mod proper food ; Want of knowledge or attention to minute particulars is fufficient to overturn the bed-laid plans.
G 4
There
io4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
There is, however, little doubt but this animal will live without the Lapland lichen; to which, perhaps, it only hath recourfe, becaufe there is in thofe latitudes no other fudenance during the winter. It is alfo in Eng- land free from its mortal enemy — the gadfly. But as the defire of pofTefling this animal has hitherto been ex- cited only by curiofity, it is not likely that much atten- tion will be paid to it in a country like this, abounding with fuch variety of ufeful quadrupeds.
The Rein-deer is wild in America, where it is called the Caribou : It is found in Spitzbergen and Greenland ; and is very common in the mod northern parts of Eu- rope, and in Afia as far as Kamtfchatka, where fome of the riched of the natives keep herds of ten or twenty thoufand in number.
In the neighbourhood of Hudfon’s Bay, there are great herds of wild Rein-deer : Columns of eight or ten thou- fand are feen annually paffing from North to South in the months of March and April. In that feafon, the mufkatoes are very troublefome, and oblige them to quit the woods,, and feek refrefhment on the fhore and open country. — Great numbers of beads of prey follow the herds : The wolves fmgle out the dragglers, detach them from the flock, and hunt them down ; the foxes attend at a didance to pick up the offals left by the for- mer.— In autumn, the Deer, with the fawns bred during the fummer, remigrate northward.
T H E
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 105
The STAG, or Red DEER,
is the moft beautiful animal of the Deer kind. The ele- gance of his form, the lightnefs of his motions, the flex- ibility of his limbs, his bold, branching horns, which are annually renewed, his grandeur, ftrength, and fvviftnefs, give him a decided pre-eminence over every other inha- bitant of the foreft.
The age of the Stag is known by its horns : — The firft year exhibits only a Ihort protuberance, which is covered with a hairy Ikin ; the next year the horns are (traight and Angle j the third year produces two antlers ; the
fourth
io<5 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fourth three; the fifth four; and when arrived at the fixth year, the antlers amount to fix or feven on each fide ; but the number is not always certain.
The Stag begins to fhed his horns the latter end of February, or the beginning of March. Soon after the old horn is fallen off, a foft tumour begins to appear, which is foon covered with a down like velvet : This tu- mour every day buds forth like the graft of a tree ; and, riling by degrees, fhoots out the antlers on each fide. The Ikin continues to cover it for fome time, and is fur- nifhed with blood-veflels, which fupply the growing horns with nourifhment, and occafion the furrows ob- fervable in them when that covering is ftript off: The impreflion is deeper at the bottom, where the vefiels are larger ; and diminilhes towards the point, where they are as fmooth and folid as ivory. When the horns are at their full growth, they acquire ftrength and folidity ; and the velvet covering or Ikin, with its blood-veflels, dries up, and begins to fall off; which the animal en- deavours to haften, by rubbing its antlers againll the trees ; and in this manner the whole head gradually ac- quires its compleat hardnefs, expanfion, and beauty.
Soon after the Stags have polilhed their horns, -which is not compleated till July or Augufl, they quit the thickets, and return to the forefts : They cry with a loud and tremulous note ; and fly from place to place, in fearch of the females, with extreme ardour: Their necks fwell ; they ftrike with their horns againll trees and other obftacles, and become extremely furious.
At this feafon, when two Stags meet, their contells are often defperate, and terminate in the defeat or flight of one of them ; while the other remains in pofleffion of
his
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 107
his miftrefs and the field, till another rival approaches, that he is alfo obliged to attack and repel.
During this time, which ufually lafts about three weeks, the Stag is frequently feen by the fides of rivers and pools of water, where he can quench his thirft, as well as cool his ardour. He fwims with great eafe and ftrength; and, it is faid, will even venture out to fea, al- lured by the Hinds, and fwim from one ifland to another, though at a confiderable diftance.
The Hinds go with young eight months and a few days ; and feldom produce more than one young, called a fawn . They bring forth in May, or the beginning of June; and conceal their young with great care in the mod obfcure retreats. They will even expofe themfelves to the fury of the hounds, and fuffer all the terrors of the chafe, in order to draw off the Dogs from their hiding place. The Hind is alfo very bold in the protec- tion of her offspring, and defends it with great courage againft her numerous and rapacious enemies : The Wild Cat, the Dog, and even the Wolf, are frequently obliged to give way to her upon thefe occafions. But what ap- pears to be ftrangely unnatural, the Stag himfelf is fre- quently one of her moft dangerous foes, and would de- ftroy the young fawn, if not prevented by the maternal care of the Hind in concealing from his obfervation the place of its retreat.
The calf never quits the dam during the whole fum- mer; and in winter, the Stags and Hinds of all ages keep together in herds, which are more or lefs numerous, according to the mildnefs or rigour of the feafon. The^ feparate in the fpring ; the Hinds retire to bring forth, \vhile none but the young ones remain together. — -Stags
are
10B HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
are gregarious animals, and fond of grazing in compa- ny: It is danger or neceflity alone that feparates them.
The ufual colour of the Stag in England is red; in other countries, it is generally brown or yellow. His eye is peculiarly beautiful, foft, and fparkling ; his hear- ing is quick; and his fenfe of fmeliing acute. When liflening, he raifes his head, ere&s his ears, and feems attentive to every noife, which he can hear at a great diftance. When he approaches a thicket, he flops to look round him on all fides, and attentively furveys eve- ry object near him : If the cunning animal perceive no- thing to alarm him, he moves flowly forward ; but, on the lead: appearance of danger, he flies off with the ra- pidity of the wind. He appears to liflen with great tran- quillity and delight to the found of the fhepherd’s pipe, which the hunters fometimes make ufe of to allure the poor animal to his definition.
The Stag eats flowly, and is nice in the choice of his paflure. WThen his ftomach is full, he lies down to chew the cud at leifure. This, however, feems to be attended with greater exertions than in the Ox or the Sheep ; for the grafs is not returned from the firfl flo- mach without violent draining, owing to the great length of his neck, and the narrownefs of the paflage. This ef- fort is made by a kind of hiccup, which continues during the time of his ruminating.
The voice of the Stag is flronger and more quivering as he advances in age ; in the rutting feafon, it is even terrible : That of the Hind is not fo loud, and is fel- dom heard but when excited by apprehenfion for herfelf or her young.
The Stag has been faid to be an uncommonly long-
lived
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 109
lived animal ; but later obfervations have fully confuted this unfounded opinion. It is a generally received max- im, that animals live feven times the number of years that bring them to perfection : Thus the Stag being five or fix years in arriving at maturity, lives feven times that number, or from thirty-five to forty years.
The following faCt, recorded in hiftory, will ferve to (hew that the Stag is poflefled of an extraordinary (hare of courage when his perfonal fafety is concerned : — Some years ago, William, Duke of Cumberland, caufed a Ti- ger and a Stag to be inclofed in the fame area ; and the Stag made fo bold a defence, that the Tiger was at length obliged to give up.
The hunting of the Stag has been held in ail ages as a diverfion of the nobleft kind ; and former times bear wit- nefs of the great exploits performed on thefe occafions. In our ifland, large traCts of land were fet apart for this purpofe *, villages and facred edifices were wantonly thrown down, and converted into one wide walte, that the tyrant of the day might have room to purfue his fa- vourite diverfion. In the time of William Rufus and Henry the Firft, it was lefs criminal to deftroy one of the human fpecies than a bead of chafe. Happily for us, thefe wide-extended fcenes of defolation and oppreflion have been gradually contracted ; ufeful arts, agriculture, and commerce, have extenfively fpread themfelves over the naked land; and thefe fuperior beads of the chafe have given way to other animals more ufeful to the com- munity.
In the prefent cultivated date of this country, there- fore, the Stag is almod unknown in its wild ftate : The few that remain are kept in parks among the Fallow-
deer,
no HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
deer, and diftinguifhed by the name of Red Deer . It3 vicioufnefs during the rutting feafon, and the badnefs of its fleih, which is poor and ill-flavoured, have occafioned almoft the extin&ion of the fpecies. Some few are yet to be found in the forefts that border on Cornwall and Devonfhire, on mod of the large mountains of Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland, where Dr Johnfon de- fcribes them as not exceeding the Fallow-deer in fize, and their flefh of equal flavour. The Red Deer of this kingdom are nearly of the fame fize and colour, without much variety : In other parts of the world, they differ in form and fize, as well as in their horns and the colour of their bodies.
The Corsican STAG
♦
is very fmall, not exceeding half the height of ours *, his body is fhort and thick j his hair of a dark-brown colour* and his legs fhort.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
in
Tiie AXIS, or Ganges STAG,
is an inhabitant of thofe immenfe plains of India, water- ed by the river Ganges. — M. BufFon confiders it as a va- riety or {hade between the Stag and the Fallow-deer. It is of the fize of the latter ; but its horns are round, like thofe of the Stag ; and it has no brow antlers. His whole body is marked with white fpots, elegantly dif- pofed, and diftinft from each other ; the belly, infide of the thighs, and legs, are white ; along the back there are two rows of fpots, parallel to each other ; thofe on the other parts of the body are irregular 5 the head and neck are grey; and the tail, which is red above, and white beneath, is as long as that of the Fallow-deer.
The continent of America abounds with Stags, and other animals of the Deer kind, in great variety. In fome parts of that vaft country, the inhabitants have do- me ft icated
ii2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
meflicated them, and live chiefly upon the milk and cheefe with which they fupply them.
Thus we find, that the fame animal which in fome parts contributes only to the amufement of man, may in others be brought to fupply his neceflities. The (lores of Nature are various and abundant: It is induftry alone that draws them out to fupply our wants, and contribute to our comforts.
The FALLOW-DEER.
The principal difference between the Stag and the Fal- low-deer feems to be in their fize, and in the form of their horns, — the latter being much fmaller than the for- mer ; and its horns, inftead of being round like thofe of the «Stag, are broad and palmated, and better garnifhed with antlers ; and when the horns are very ftrong, they
are
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 113
are fometimes terminated by fmall palms : The tail is al- fo much longer than that of the Stag, and its hair is brighter: In other refpe£ls, they nearly refemble each other:
The horns of the Fallow-deer are Hied annually, like thofe of the Stag ; but they fall off later, and are renew- ed nearly at the fame time. Their rutting feafon arrives fifteen days or three weeks after that of the Stag. The males then bellow frequently, but with a low and inter- rupted voice. They are not fo furious at this feafon as the Stag, nor exhauft themfelves by any uncommon ar- dour. They never leave their pafture in quell of the fe- males ; but generally fight with each other, till one buck becomes mailer of the field.
They aflociate in herds, which fometimes divide into two parties, and maintain obltinate battles for the pof- felfion of fome favourite part of the park : Each party has its leader, which is always the oldell and llrongell of the flock. In this manner they attack in regular order of battle ; they fight with courage, and mutually fupport each other ; they retire, they rally, and feldom give up after one defeat* The combat is frequently renewed for feveral days together, till, after feveral defeats, the weak- er party is obliged to give way, and leave the conquerors in pofleflion of the objedl of their contention.
The Fallow-deer is eafily tamed, feeds upon a variety of things which the Stag refufes, and preferves its condi- tion nearly the fame through the whole year, although its flelh is elleemed much finer at particular feafons.
They are capable of procreation in their fecond year; and, like the Stag, are fond of variety. — The female goes with young eight months ; and produces one, fometimes
H two,
ii4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
two, and rarely three, at a time. They arrive at per- fe£lion at the age of three years, and live till about twen- ty.
We have in England two varieties of the Fallow-deer, which are faid to be of foreign origin : The beautiful fpotted kind, fuppofed to have been brought from Ben- gal ; and the deep-brown fort, now common in this country. Thefe laft were introduced by king James the Firlt out of Norway ; where having obferved their hardi- nefs in bearing the cold of that fevere climate, he brought fome of them into Scotland, and from thence tranfported them into his chafes of Enfield and Epping. Since that time, they have multiplied exceedingly in many parts of this kingdom, which is now become famous for venifon of fuperior fatnefs and flavour to that of any other coun- try in the world.
The Fallow-deer, with fome variation, is found in al- raoft every country of Europe. Thofe of Spain are as large as Stags, but darker; their necks are alfo more flender ; and their tails, which are longer than thofe of ours, are black above, and white beneath.
In Guiana, (a country of South-America) according to Labat, there are Deer without horns, fmaller than thofe of Europe, but refembling them in every other par- ticular. They are very lively, light, and exceflively ti- mid ; of a reddifli colour ; with {harp, piercing eyes, and fhort tails. When purfued, they fly into places of dif- ficult accefs. The natives frequently ftand and watch for them in narrow paths, and as foon as the game ap- pears within reach, {hoot them unperceived. Their flefti is confidered as a great delicacy ; and the hunter is well rewarded for his trouble.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 115
The ROE- BUCK
was formerly common in many parts of England and Wales ; but at prefent is only to be found in the High- lands of Scotland.
The Roe is the fmalleft of all the Deer kind, being only three feet four inches long, and fomewhat more than two feet in height. The horns are from eight to nine inches long, upright, round, and divided into three branches ; the body is covered with long hair ; the lower part of each hair is afh colour, near the end is a narrow bar of black, and the point is yellow ; the hairs on the face are black, tipped with afh colour; the ears are long, their infides of a pale-yellow, and covered with long hair; the fpaces bordering on the eyes and mouth are black ; the cheft, belly, legs, and the infide of the thighs,
H 2 are
1 1 <5 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
are of a yellowifh-white ; the rump is of a pure white j and the tail very fhort.
The form of the Roe-buck is elegant ; and its motions' light and eafy. It bounds feemingly without effort, and runs with great fwiftnefs. When hunted, it endeavours to elude its purfuers by the moft fubtie artifices : It re- peatedly returns upon its former fteps, till, by various windings, it has entirely confounded the fcent. The cunning animal then, by a fudden fpring, bounds to one fide, and lying clofe down upon its belly, permits the hounds to pafs by without offering to ftir.
Thefe animals do not keep together in herds like other Deer, but live in feparate families : The fire, the dam, and the young ones, affociate together, and feldom mix with others.
Their rutting feafon continues but fifteen days — from the latter end of O&ober till about the middle of No- vember. During this period, they will not fuffer the fawns to remain with them : The Buck obliges them to retire, in order that the dam and her fucceeding progeny may remain undifturbed. — The female goes with young five months and a half, and brings forth about the end of April, or beginning of May. On thefe occafions, fhe feparates from the male, and conceals herfelf in the thickeft and moft retired part of the woods. She gene- rally produces two fawns at a time, fometimes three. In ten or twelve days, thefe are able to follow their dam. When threatened with danger, fhe hides them in a thicket, and to preferve them, offers herfelf to be chafed. Notwithftanding her care, fhe is frequently robbed of her young : Numbers of fawns are found out and taken alive by the peafants ; and many more are worried by Dogs,
Foxes,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 117
Foxes, and other carnivorous animals. By thefe conti- nual depredations, this beautiful creature is daily becom- ing more fcarce ; and in many countries where once it was common, the race is now wholly extin£L
When about eight or nine months old, their horns be- gin to appear in the form of two knobs. The firft year they are without antlers. They fhed their horns the lat- ter end of autumn, and renew them in the winter ; in which they differ from the Stag, whole horns Jail oif in the fpring, and are renewed in fummer. — The life of the Roe-buck feldom exceeds twelve or fifteen years.
They are very delicate in the choice of their food, and require a large tra& of country, fuited to the wildnefs of thejr nature, which can never be thoroughly fubdued. No arts can teach them to be familiar with their keeper, nor in any degree attached to him. They are eafily ter- rified ; and in their attempts to efcape, will run with fuch force againft the walls of their inclofure, as fome- times to difable themfelves. They are likewife fubjeft to capricious fits of fiercenefs, and on thefe occafions will ftrike furioufly with their horns and feet at the objedl of their diflike.
Some years ago, one of thefe animals, after being hunted out of Scotland through Cumberland and various parts of the North of England, at lafl took refuge in the woody receffes bordering upon the banks of the Tyne, between Prudhoe Caflle and Wylam. It was frequently feen and hunted; but no dogs were equal to its fpecd : It frequently eroded the river; and either by fwiftnefs or artifice, eluded all its purfuers. It happened, during the rigour of a fevere winter, that being purfued, it eroded the river upon the ice with fome difficulty; and being
H 3 much
1 1 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
much (trained by its violent exertions, was taken alive. It was kept for fome weeks in the houfe ; and being again turned out, all its cunning and activity were gone : It feemed to have forgotten the places of its former re- treat ; and after running fome time, it lay down in the midfl of a brook, where it was killed by the dogs.
The flefh of the Roe-buck is fine and well tailed : That of the male, after the age of two years, is hard j the flefh of the females, though farther advanced in years, is more tender : When very young, it is loofe and foft ; but at the age of eighteen months, is in its highefl ftate of perfe£tion.
In America, this animal is much more common than in Europe. — In Louifiana, it is very large. The inhabit tants live chiefly upon its flefh, wjiicli is good and well flavoured.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 119
The CAMEL
POSSESSES the various qualities of the Horfe, the Cow, and the Sheep ; and is to the Arabian, in a great meafure, what thofe ufeful creatures are to us. Its milk is rich and nourifhing ; and being mixed with wa- ter, makes a wholefome and refrefhing beverage, much ufed by the Arabs in their journies. The flefli of young Camels is alfo an excellent and wholefome food. Their hair or fleece, which falls off entirely in the fpring, is fuperior to that of any other domeftic animal, and is made into very fine (tuffs for cloaths, coverings, tents, and other furniture.
Poflefled of his Camel, the Arabian has nothing either to want or to fear: In one day, he can perform a jouiv ney of fifty leagues into the defert, where he is fafe from every enemy : For, without the aid of this ufeful animal, no perfon could purfue him amidft fandy deferts, where there is neither verdure to refrefh, nor (bade to (belter — *
H 4 where
i2o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
where nothing prefents itfelf to the eye but one uniform void, naked and folitary.
The Arabian regards the Camel as the moll precious gift of Heaven ; by the affiftance of which he is enabled to fubfift in thofe frightful intervals of Nature, which ferve him for an afylum, and fecure his independence. But it is not to the plundering Arab alone that the fer? vices of this ufeful quadruped are confined, — in Turkey, Perfia, Barbary, and Egypt, every article of merchandife is carried by Camels. Merchants and travellers unite to- gether, and form themfelves into numerous bodies, called caravans, to prevent the infults of the Arabs. One of thefe caravans frequently confifts of many thoufands, the Camels being always more numerous than the men. Each Camel is loaded in proportion to his ftrength. At the command of their condu&or, they lie down on their belly, with their legs folded under them, and in this pof- ture receive their burden : As foon as they are loaded, they rife of their own accord, and will not fuffer any greater weight to be impofed upon them than they can bear with eafe; when overloaded, they fet up the m oft piteous cries till part of the burden be taken off. The large Camels generally carry a thoufand or twelve hun- dred pounds weight ; and the fmalleft, from fix to feven hundred. As the route is often feven or eight hundred leagues, their motions and journies are regulated: They walk only, and in that pace travel ten or twelve leagues each day. Every night they are unloaded, and allowed to pafture upon fuch herbage as they can find. Thiftles, nettles, wormwood, and the other hard and prickly ve- getables which the fandy deferts of Arabia produce, the Camel often prefers to more delicate herbage : But the
• peculiar
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 121
peculiar and diftinguifhing charatteriftic of the Camel is, its faculty of abflaining from water for a greater length of time than any other animal; for which Nature has made a wonderful provifion, in giving it, befides the four fiomachs which it has in common with other ruminating animals, a fifth bag, ferving as a refervoir for water, where it remains without corrupting or mixing with the other aliments. When the animal is prefled with third:, and has occafion for water to macerate its food while ruminating, he makes part of it pafs into his ftomach by a Ample contraction of certain mufcles. By this Angular ftru&ure, the Camel can take a prodigious quantity of water at one draught; and is enabled to pafs feveral days without drinking : Leo Africanus fays fifteen. They can difeover water by their fmell at half a league's diftance ; and after a long abflinence, will haften towards it, long before their drivers perceive where it lies. The feet of the Camel are peculiarly adapted to the fandy foil on which he treads : On moifi: or flippery ground he cannot well fupport himfelf, his hind legs being apt to fpread out fo wide, as to endanger his being difabled.
Many attempts have been made to introduce this fer- viceable animal into other countries; but as yet none have fucceeded : The race feems to be confined to cer- tain diflriCts, where their utility has been known for ages.
Though a native of warm climates, the Camel dreads thofe which are excefiively hot : It can neither fubfift in the burning heat of the torrid zone, nor in the milder air of the temperate. It feems to be an original native of Arabia ; for in that country, they are not only more nu- merous, but thrive better than in any other part of the world.
There
122 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
There are two varieties of this animal, which have been diftinguifhed previous to all hiftorical record : That which is called the BaBrtan Gamely has two hunches on its back, and is found chiefly in Turkey and the coun- tries of the Levant •, while
The Arabian CAMEL, or DROMEDARY,
with only one hunch on its back, is common in Arabia and all the northern parts of Africa, from the Mediterra- nean Sea to the river Niger, and is infinitely more nu- merous, and more generally difiufed than the Camel : It is alfo much fwifter, and is therefore generally employed on bufinefs which requires difpatch.
In Arabia, they are trained for running matches ; and in many places, for carrying couriers, who can go above a hundred miles a day on them, and that for nine or ten days together, over burning deferts uninhabitable by any living creature. They require neither whip nor fpur to quicken their pace ; but go freely, if gently treated \ and
are
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 123
are much enlivened by fmging or the found of the pipe, which gives them frefh fpirits to purfue their journey.
They are mild and gentle creatures at all times, except when they are in heat : At that period, they are feized with a fort of madnefs ; they eat little, and will fome- times attempt to bite their mailers ; fo that it is not fafe to approach them.
The Camel arrives at its full ftrength at the age of fix years, and lives forty or fifty. — The females are not ufu- ally put to labour ; but are allowed to pafture and breed at full liberty. Their time of geftation is near twelve months ; and they generally bring forth one at a birth.
The LAMA
is the Camel of Peru and Chili ; and before the conquefl of thofe countries by the Spaniards, was the only bead of burden known to the Indians. — Its difpofition is mild, gentle, and traClable.
Before the introduction of Mules, thefe animals were ufed by the natives to plow the land, and now ferve to carry burdens. They march llowly, and feldom accom- plilh journies of more than four or five leagues a day; but what they want in fpeed is made up by perfeverance and induftry. They travel long journies in countries im- paflable to mod other animals. They are very fure-foot- ed, and are much employed in tranfporting the rich ores dug out of the mines of Potofi over the rugged hills and narrow paths of the Andes. Bolivar remarks, that in his time three hundred thoufand of thefe animals were con- ftantly employed in this work. They lie down to be loaded ; and when weary, no blows can excite them to quicken their pace.
They
124 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
They neither defend themfelves with their feet nor their teeth : When angry, they have no other method of revenging injuries but by fpitting. They can throw out their faliva to the diftance of ten paces j and if it fall on the fkin, it raifes an itching, accompanied with a flight inflammation. — Their fleffi is eaten, and faid to be as good as mutton.
Like the Camel, they have the faculty of abftaining long from water (fometimes four or five days) ; and like that animaPs, their food is coarfe and trifling. They are neither allowed corn nor hay ; green herbage, of which they eat very moderately, being fufficient for their nou- rifhment.
The wild Lamas, called Guanacosy are ftronger and more active than the domeftic kind. They live in herds, and inhabit the higheft regions of the Cordelieres. They run with great fwiftnefs in places of difficult accefs, where Dogs cannot eafily follow them. The mofl ufual way of killing them is with the gun. They are hunted for the fake of their flelh and their hair : Of the latter the Indians make cloth.
The Lamas vary in colour : Some of them are white, others black, and others of a mixed colour — white, grey, and ruflet, difperfed in fpots. In fhape, they refemble the Camel, without the dorfal hunch. This animal has a well-fhaped head, rather fmall, and has fome refem- blance to that of the Goat and Sheep ; fine black eyes ; and a long neck, bending much, and very protuberant near its junction with the body : Its ears are four inches long : Its feet are cloven like thofe of the Ox ; they are armed behind with a fpur, by which the animal is ena- bled to fupport itfelf on rugged and difficult ground.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 125
The height of the Lama is about four feet*, and its length, from the neck to the tail, fix feet.
The PACOS
very much refembles the Lama in figure, but is much fmaller. Its body is covered with very fine long wool, of the colour of dried rofes, or a dull purple ; the belly is white. They live in vaft herds, and inhabit the mod elevated parts of the higheft mountains, where they en- dure the utmofl rigour of froft and fnow. They are ex- ceedingly fwift ; and fo timid, that it is very difficult to come near them.
The manner of taking them is fingular : The Indians tie cords, with fmall pieces of wool or cloth hanging from them, acrofs the narrow pafles of the mountains, about three or four feet from the ground: They then drive a herd of thefe animals towards them ; and they are fo terrified by the flutter of the rags, that they dare not pafs ; but huddle together, and fuffer themfelves to be killed in great numbers. — Their wool is a valuable article of commerce*, and is made into gloves, ftockings, bed- cloaths, carpets, &c.
The Pacos are domefticated ; and like the Lamas, are employed in carrying burdens; but cannot bear more than from fifty to feventy-five pounds ; and are (till more fubjeCt to capricious fits of obftinacy. When once they lie down with their load, no blows can provoke them to rife.
The great advantages to be derived from the wool of thefe creatures, induced the Spaniards to attempt their introduction into Europe: Some of them were brought over to Spain ; but by not fufficiently attending to the
neceffity
126 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
neceflity of placing them in airy fituations, to which they had always been accuftomed, the experiment proved un- fuccefsful.
The HOG Kind. NIMALS of the Hog kind feem to poflefs a
middle nature, between thofe that live upon grafs
and fuch as are carnivorous; and unite in themfelves moft of thofe diftindlions which are peculiar to each clafs : Like the one, they are rapacious and fond of blood, and do not ruminate ; like the other, they are cloven-hoofed, live chiefly on vegetables, and feldom feek after animal food, except when urged by neceflity.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 127
The Wild BOAR,
WHICH is the original of all the varieties to be found in this creature, is much fmaller than thofe of the domeftic kind ; and does not, like them, va- ry in colour, but is invariably of a brinded or dark-grey, inclining to black. His fnout is longer than that of the tame Hog ; and his ears are Ihort, round, and black. He is armed with formidable tulks in each jaw, which ferve him for the double purpofe of annoying his enemy, or procuring his food, which is chiefly roots and vegeta- bles : Some of their tulks are almoft a foot long : Thofe in the upper jaw bend upwards in a circular form, and are exceedingly lharp at the points; thofe of the un- der jaw are always moll to be dreaded ; for with them the animal defends himfelf, and frequently gives mortal Wounds.
Wild Boars are not gregarious ; but while young, live together in families, and frequently unite their forces
againft
128 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
againft the wolves, or other beafts of prey. When likely to be attacked, they call to each other with a very loud and fierce note : The ftrongeft face the danger, and form themfelves into a ring, the weakeft falling into the cen- tre. In this pofition few beafts dare venture to engage them •, but leave them to purfue a lefs dangerous chafe.
•= — When the Wild Boar is arrived at a ftate of maturity, he walks the foreft alone and fearlefs. At that time he dreads no fingle foe ; nor will he turn out of his way even for man himfelf. He offends no animal ; at the fame time he is furnifhed with arms which render him a terror to the fierceft.
The hunting of the Wild Boar is a dangerous but com- mon amufement of the great in thofe countries where it is to be found. The Dogs chiefly ufed for this fport are of a flow and heavy kind. When the Boar is roufed, he goes flowly forward, not much afraid, nor very far be- fore his purfuers. He frequently turns round, (tops till the hounds come up, and offers to attack them : After keeping each other at bay for a while, the Boar again goes flowly forward, and the Dogs renew the purfuit. In this manner the chafe is continued till the Boar is quite tired, and refufes to go any farther: The Dogs then attempt to clofe in upon him from behind ; and in this attack the young ones, being generally the moft for- ward, frequently lofe their lives : The old feafoned Dogs keep the animal at bay until the hunters come up, who kill him with their fpears.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 12$
The Common HOG
is, of all other domeftic quadrupeds, the moil filthy and impure : Its form is clumfy and difgufting, and its appe- tite gluttonous and exceflive. In no inftance has Nature more confpicuoufly fhewn her ceconomy than in this race of animals, whofe ftomachs are fitted to receive nutri- ment from a variety of things that would be otherwife wafted: The refufe of the field, the garden, the barn, and the kitchen, affords them a luxurious repaft.
Ufelefs during life, and only valuable when deprived of it, this animal has fometimes been compared to a mi- fer, whofe hoarded treafures are of little value till death has deprived them of their rapacious owner.
The parts of this animal are finely adapted to its mode of living : Nature has given it a form more prone than that of other animals : Its neck is ftrong and brawny ; its fnout is long and callous, well calculated for the purpofe of turning up the earth for roots of different kinds, on which it principally feeds (efpecially in its wild ftate); and it has a quick fenfe of fmelling, by which it is ena-
I
bled
<*
I30 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
bled to trace out its food. It is naturally ftupid, inac^ tive, and drowfy ; much inclined to increafe in fat, which is difpofed in a different manner from that of other ani- mals, and forms a thick and regular coat between the flefh and the fkin. It is refllefs at a change of weather \ and during certain high winds, is fo agitated, as to run violently, fcreaming horribly at the fame time. It ap- pears to forefee the approach of bad weather, as it pre- vioufly carries ftraw in its mouth to its fty, prepares a bed, and feems endeavouring to hide itfelf from the im- pending ftorm.
Linnaeus obferves that the flefh of the Hog is a whole- fome food for thofe that ufe much exercife, but bad for fuch as lead a fedentary life. It is of univerfal ufe, and makes in various ways a conflant article in the elegancies of the table. It is of great importance to this country, as a commercial nation; for it takes fait better than any other kind, and confequently is capable of being preferv- ed longer : It is therefore of great ufe in fhips, and makes a principal part of the provifions of the Britifh navy.
The domeflic Sow brings forth twice a year, and pro- duces from ten to twenty at a litter: She goes four months with young, and brings forth in the fifth. At that time fhe mull be carefully watched to prevent her from devouring her young : Still greater attention is ne- ceflary to keep off the male, as he would deflroy the whole litter.
The molt numerous breed of Hogs in this ifland is that generally known by the name of the BerkJJrire Pigs, now fpread through almofl every part of England, and fome parts of Scotland. They are in general of a red- difh-brown colour, with black fpots upon them; have
large
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 131
large ears hanging over their eyes ; are fhort-legged, fmall-boned, and are readily made fat. Some of thefe have been fed to an almoft incredible fize. Mr Culley, in his treatife on live (lock, gives an account of one that was killed at Congleton in Chefhire, which mea- fured, from the nofe to the end of the tail, three yards eight inches ; in height, it was four feet and a half ; and weighed, after it was killed, eighty-fix ftones eleven pounds, avoirdupoife.
The Chinefe or black breed are now very common in England. They are fmaller, have fhorter legs, and their flefh is whiter and fweeter than the common kind.
The Hog fpecies, though very numerous, and difFufed over Europe, Afia, and Africa, did not exift in Ame- rica, till tranfported thither by the Spaniards. In ma- ny places they have multiplied exceedingly, and become wild. They refemble the domeflic Hog ; but their bo- dies are fhorter, and their fnout and fkin thicker.
i 2
T If E
I32 history of quadrupeds.
The African Wild BOAR, or Wood SWINE,
lives in a wild, uncultivated Rate, in the hotteft parts of Africa. It is a very vicious animal, and quick in all its motions. It is as dangerous to attack one of them, as a Lion : For, though much fmaller, it rufhes upon a man as fwift as an arrow ; and throwing him down before he has time to ftrike with his javelin, breaks his legs, and at the fame in Rant rips up his belly.
It has four tulks : Two very large ones proceed from the upper jaw, and turn upwards like a horn, — in length nine inches, and full five inches round at the bafe ; the two other tulks, which come from the lower jaw, projeft but three inches from the mouth. Thefe tulks the ani- mal makes ufe of as the dreadful inllruments of his ven- geance. He will attack a man on horfeback, if he Ihould venture to come too near him ; and firft breaking the Horfe’s legs, kills both him and his rider.
Sparrman defcribes it as being of a bright yellow co- lour, like the domeltic kind. Its nofe is broad, flat, and
of
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 133
of a horny hardnefs *, its head is very large in proportion to the fize of its body ; underneath each eye it has a great lobe or wattle, lying almoft horizontally, broad, flat, rounded at the end, and placed fo as to intercept the view of any thing immediately beneath the animal ; the ears are large and (harp-pointed, lined on the infide with long whitifh hairs*, its tail is flender and flat; when the animal is purfued, it always holds it quite ere£l.
They live in holes1 under ground, the avenues to which are exceedingly narrow. The natives feldom dare attack them in their retreats, as there is always danger of their rufhing out unawares. When purfued with their young ones, it is no uncommon thing to fee them take them up in their mouths, and run with them in that manner at a great rate.
From the (hortnefs of their necks, they frequently fall on their knees to feed ; and change this pofture to that of (landing with the greatefl eafe.
The flefh of this animal is good, and very much re- fembles that of the common Hog.
1 3
T H E
134 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The PECCARY, or Mexican HOG,
inhabits the hotted parts of South-America, where the fpecies is very numerous: Herds, confiding of two or three hundred, are fometimes to be feen together. — It is a very fierce animal ; and will fight doutly with beads of prey, when attacked by them. The Jaguar, or Ameri- can Leopard, is its mortal enemy ; and frequently lofes its life in engaging a number of thefe animals. They af- fid each other, furround their enemies, and often come off victorious.
They live chiefly in mountainous places ; and are not fond of wallowing ir* the ?nire, like the common Hog. They feed oil fruits, roots, and feeds : They likewife eat ferpents, toads, and lizards ; and are very dexterous in fil'd taking off the fkins with their fore feet and teeth.
The Peccary in appearance refembles the Hog, though fomewhat fmaller ; its body is covered with drong brif- ties, which, when the creature is irritated, rife up like the prickles of a Hedgehog, and are nearly as drong \ they are of a dulky colour, with alternate rings of white ;
acrofs
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 135
acrofs the fhoulders to the bread, there is a band of white ; its head is fhort and thick ; it has two tufks in each jaw; its ears are fmall and ere& ; and indead of a tail, it has a fmall flefhy protuberance, which does not cover its poderiors. It differs mod effentially from the Hog, as well as every other animal, in having a fmall orifice on the lower part of the back, from whence a thin watery humour, of a mod difagreeable fmell, flows very copioufly. In the Philofophical Tranfa&ions, Dr Tyfon has defcribed this orifice very minutely, as well as fome other peculiarities in the conformation of its do- mach and intedines.
This animal, like the Hog, is very prolific. The young ones follow the mother till they are able to pro- vide for themfelves. If taken at fird, they are eafily tamed, and foon lofe all their natural ferocity ; but can never be brought to difcover any figns of attachment to thofe that feed them. They do no mifchief, and may be allowed to run about at pleafure. They feldom dray far from home, but return of their own accord. — When an- gry, they grunt like the Hog, but much dronger and hardier ; and when fuddenly alarmed, make a fliarp noife with their breath, and ere£t their bridles.
The flefh of the Peccary, though drier and leaner than that of our Hog, is by no means difagreeable, and may be greatly improved by cadration. When killed, the dorfel gland mud be immediately cut off: If this opera- tion be deferred for the fpace of half an hour, the flefli becomes utterly unfit to be eaten.
Although the European Hog is common in America, and in many parts has become wild, the Peccary has ne- ver been known to breed with it : They frequently go to-
I 4 gether.
136 history of quadrupeds.
gether, and feed in the fame woods ; but hitherto no in* termediate breed has been known to arife from their in- tercourfe.
M. de la Borde defcribes two kinds of this animal, — one fmaller than the other. He relates, that being one day engaged with fome others in hunting a drove of Pec- caries, they were furrounded by them, and obliged to take refuge upon a piece of rock ; and, notwithftanding they kept up a conftant fire among them, the creatures did not retire till a great number of them were (lain.
The BABIROUSSA,
though claffed by naturalifts with the Hog kind, differs from animals of that fpecies in a variety of particulars : Its legs are longer, and its body more {lender; it is co- vered with fhort hair as foft as wool, and of a dark-grey colour mixed with red ; its ears are fhort and pointed ; its tail is long, tufted at the end, and often twilled. Its moll dillinguifhing chara£leriftic confills in four large tulks, the two flouted: of which proceed, like thofe of the
Wild
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 137
Wild Boar, from the under jaw, pointing upwards, and {landing near eight inches out of the fockets; the two others rife up like horns on the outlide of the upper jaw, juft above the nofe, and extend in a curve above the eyes, almoft touching the forehead, and are twelve inches in length. Thefe tulks are of the moft beautiful ivory, but not fo hard as thofe of the Elephant.
This animal abounds in feveral of the illands of the Eaft-Indies; particularly Buero, a fmall ifle near Am- boyna.
Though formidable in appearance, it is eafily tamed ; and its flelh is well tailed. It lives on leaves of trees and other vegetables. Its fcent is exquifite ; it can difco- ver the approach of Dogs at a diftance. When clofely purfued, it plunges into the fea, fwims and dives with great facility from one illand to another, and by that means frequently efcapes from its purfuers.
Thefe animals live in herds ; and when any number of them are together, their odour is fo ftrong, that the Dogs can fcent them at a confiderable diftance. When attacked, they growl frightfully, and defend themfelves with their under tufks ; the upper ones are only fervicea- ble to them in taking their repofe, which they do like the elephant, by hooking them on the branches of trees.
The
i38 history of quadrupeds.
The Long-nosed TAPIIR
is the Hippopotamus of the new world, and has by fome authors been miflaken for that animal. It inhabits’ the woods and rivers on the eaftern fide of South-America, from the ifthmus of Darien to the river of the Amazons. It is a melancholy animal, fleeps during the day, and goes out in the night in fearch of food ; lives on grafs, fugar-canes, and fruits. If difturbed, it takes to the wa- ter ; fwims with great eafe, or plunges to the bottom \ and like the Hippopotamus, walks there as on dry ground.
It is about the fize of a fmall Cow; its nofe is long and (lender, and extends far beyond the lower jaw, form- ing a kind of probofcis, which it can contradl or extend at pleafure; each jaw is furnifhed with ten cutting teeth, and as many grinders ; its ears are fmall and ere£t ; its body formed like that of a Hog ; its back arched ; legs (hort ; and hoofs, of which it has four upon each foot, fmall, black, and hollow ; its tail is very fmall ; its hair fhort, and of a dulky-brown colour.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 139
The Tapiir is a mild and timid animal, declines all hoftilities, and flies from every appearance of danger. Its fkin, of which the Indians make bucklers, is very thick ; and when dried, is fo hard, as to refill: the im- preflion of an arrow. The natives eat its flefh, which is faid to be very good.
7*
The Thick-nosed TAPIIR
inhabits the fame countries with the laft-mentioned ani- mal ; and in difpofition and habits, feems greatly to re- femble it. It lives on the banks of great rivers, fwims and dives remarkably well, is very dexterous in catching fifh, upon which it chiefly fubfifts : It likewife eats grain, fruits, and fugar-canes; feeds moftly in the night, and commits great ravages in the gardens. They generally keep in large herds, and make a horrible noife, not much unlike the braying of an Afs. Its flelh is fat and tender ; but, like that of the Otter, has an oily and fifty tafte.
This animal, which is alfo called the Capibara , is about the fize of a fmall Hog, and by fome naturalifts has been claiTed with that animal. We have already feen, that in difpofition and manners it is widely different} in other
refpe&s.
i4o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
refpe&s, its affinity to the Hog kind feems to be flight, and the chara&eriftic differences many. The fore hoofs are divided into four, and the hind ones into three ; its head is large and thick *, and on the nofe there are long whifkers; its ears are fmall and rounded; and its eyes large and black ; there are two large cutting teeth, and eight grinders in each jaw; and each of thefe grinders forms on its furfaee what appears to be three teeth, flat at their ends ; the legs are fhort ; the toes long, and con- nected at the bottom with a fmall web ; the end of each toe is guarded by a fmall hoof; it has no tail; the hair on the body is fhort, rough, and of a brown colour.
This animal is gentle and peaceable, eafily tamed, and will follow thofe who feed it and treat it kindly. — As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar conftruCtion of its feet, its fafety confifts not in flight ; Nature has provided it with other means of prefervation : When in danger, it plunges into the water, dives to a great diftance, and by that means evades its purfuers.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 141
The RHINOCEROS.
We are indebted to the labours of many learned and ingenious naturalifts for accurate defcriptions of this wonderful creature, which in fize is only exceeded by the Elephant, and in ftrength and power is inferior to no other animal. Bontius fays, that in the bulk of its body it equals the Elephant, but is lower only on ac- count of the fhortnefs of its legs.
The length of this animal, from the extremity of the muzzle to the infertion of the tail, is ufually twelve feet ; and the circumference of its body nearly equal to its length : Its nofe is armed with a formidable weapon, pe- culiar to this creature, being a very hard and folid horn, with which it defends itfelf from every adverfary. The Tiger will rather attack the Elephant, whofe trunk it can lay hold of, than the Rhinoceros, which it cannot face, without danger of having its bowels torn out. The body and limbs of the Rhinoceros are covered with a fkin fo hard and impenetrable, that he fears neither the claws of the Tiger, nor the more formidable probofcis of the
Elephant ;
142 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Elephant ; it will turn the edge of a fcimitar, and even refill the force of a mulket-ball. The (kin, which is of a blackifh colour, forms itfelf into large folds at the neck, tfie ihoulders, and the crupper, by which the motion of the head and limbs is facilitated ; round the neck, which is very fhort, are two large folds *, there is a fold from the ihoulders, which hangs down upon the fore legs; and another from the hind part of the back to the thighs. The body is every-where covered with fmall tuberofities or knots, which are fmall on the neck and back, but larger on the fides : The thighs, legs, and even the feet, are full of thefe incruftations, which have been miftaken for fcales by fome authors : They are, however, only fim- ple indurations of the ikin, without any uniformity in their figure, or regularity in their pofitions. Between the folds, the ikin is penetrable and delicate, as foft to the touch as filk, and of a light-fleih colour ; the ikin of the belly is nearly of the fame colour and confiilency. The body of the Rhinoceros is long and thick ; its belly is large, and hangs near the ground ; its legs ihort, round, and very ftrong; and its hoofs are divided into three parts, each pointing forward. The head of this animal is large*, its ears long and ere£l ; and its eyes fmall, funk, and without vivacity ; the upper lip is long, overhangs the lower, and is capable of great extenfion ; It is fo pliable, that the Rhinoceros can move it from fide to fide, twill it round a Hick, colle£l its food, or feize with it any thing it would carry to its mouth.
The Rhinoceros, without being ferocious, carnivorous, or even extremely wild, is, however, totally untradlable and rude. It feems to be fubje£l to paroxyfms of fury, which nothing can appeafe. That which Emanuel, king
of
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 143
of Portugal, fent to the pope in the year 1513, deftroyed the vefiel in which they were tranfporting it.
Like the Hog, this animal is fond of wallowing in the mire. It is a folitary animal, loves moift and marfhy grounds, and feldom quits the banks of rivers. — It is found in Bengal, Siam, China, and other countries of Afia ; in the ifles of Java, Sumatra, Ceylon, &c. 5 in Ethiopia, and the country as low as the Cape of G^od Hope : But in general, the fpecies is not numerous, and is much lefs diffufed than that of the Elephant.
The female produces but one at a time, and at confi- derable intervals. During the firft month, the young Rhinoceros exceeds not the fize of a large Dog. At the age of two years, the horn is not more than an inch long ; at fix years old, it is nine or ten inches long ; and grows to the length of three feet and a half, and fome- times four feet. The horn is much efteemed by the na- tives as an antidote againft poifon, as well as a remedy for particular difeafes.
The Rhinoceros feeds on the grofleft herbs, and pre- fers thiftles and fhrubs to foft or delicate pafturage. It is fond of the fugar-cane, and eats all kinds of grain.
Dr Parfons remarks, that this animal has an acute and very attentive ear: It will liflen with a deep and long- continued attention to any kind of noife ; and, though it be eating, lying down, or obeying any prefiing demands of Nature, it will raife its head, and liften till the noife ceafe.
From the peculiar conftru&ion of his eyes, the Rhi- noceros can only fee what is immediately before him. When he purfues any objedl, he proceeds always in a diredt line, overturning every obftrudtion. With the
horn
144 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
horn on his nofe, he tears up trees, raifes ftones, and throws them behind him to a confiderable diftance. — His fenfe of fmelling is fo exquifite, that the hunters are obliged to avoid being to windward of him. They fol- low him at a diftance, and watch till he lies down to fleep: They then approach with great precaution, and difcharge their mulkets all at once into the lower part of the#belly.
The Rhinoceros is fuppofed to be the Unicorn of holy writ, and poflefles all the properties afcribed to that ani- mal,— rage, untameablenefs, great fwiftnefs, and immenfe ftrength. — It was known to the Romans in very early times, and is handed down to us in fome of the work3 of that celebrated people. Auguftus introduced one into the fhows, on his triumph over Cleopatra.
Its flefh is eaten, and is much relilhed by the natives of India and Africa.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. r4*
The Two-horned RHINOCEROS*
We have given the figure of this animal from Mr Sparrman, whofe authenticity there is every reafon to depend upon, and who has given a moft exadt anatomi- cal description of this hitherto undefcribed animal. Of two that were {hot, he only mentions the fize of the fmaller of them, which was eleven feet and a half long, feven feet high, and twelve in circumference. It was without any folds on the (kin, which was of an afh co- lour ; excepting about the groin, where it was of a flefh- colour. The furface of the fkin was fcabrous and knot- ty, of a clofe texture, and when dry extremely hard* There were no hairs on any part of the body, except the edges of the ears and the tip of the tail, which were furnilhed with a few dark briftly hairs, about an inch long.
The horns of this animal are placed one behind the other, in a line with the nofe : The foremoft of them meafures about eighteen inches in length, and is always
K the
1 46 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the larger of the two. It is remarkable, that the Rhino* ceros makes ufe of the fhorter horn only for the purpofe of digging up roots, which compofe great part of its food; it being endued with the power of turning the larger horn on one fide out of the way. The fliape of the horns is conical, with the tips inclining a little back- wards ; the texture of the lower part is rough, and feems as if it confifted of horny fibres ; the upper part is fmooth and plain, like thofe of an Ox. The feet are round, and do not fpread much : They have three hoofs on each of them, which proje£t but little; the middle one is the longeft. The eyes of the Rhinoceros are fmall, and funk into its head ; in confequence of which it fees indiftin£t- ly : But its organs of hearing and fmelling are very acute. At the leaft noife, the creature takes the alarm, pricks up its ears, and liftens with great attention : If it happen to catch the fcent of any perfon within a fmall diftance, it rulhes out with aftoniftiing quicknefs ; and it is diffi- cult to avoid the impetuous attack of this powerful ani- mal.
It has been generally faid of the Rhinoceros, that its tongue is fo hard and rough as to take away the fkin and flefh wherever it licks any perfon that has unfortunately fallen a vi£tim to its fury : Mr Sparrman fays, however, that he thruft his hand into the mouth of one that had juft been {hot, and found the tongue perfe&ly foft and fmooth. — From the account of its inteftines, given us by the fame ingenious author, we {hall juft mention the fol- lowing, which will enable our readers to form a more perfect idea of its enormous bulk : — The ftomach was four feet in length, and two in diameter ; to which was annexed a tube or canal, twenty-eight feet long, and fix
inches
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 147
inches diameter ; the kidnies were a foot and a half in breadth ; the heart was a foot and a half long, and nearly the fame in breadth 5 the liver, when meafured from right to left, was found to be three feet and a half in breadth, and two feet and a half deep, as it hangs in the animal’s body when it is in a Handing pofition ; it had no gall-bladder, in which it refembles the Horfe. Upon opening the ftomach, the contents of it were found to confift of roots and fmall branches of trees mafticated, fome of which were as big as the end of a man’s finger j in the mafs there appeared a great quantity of fucculent plants, as well as fome that were harfh and prickly : The effluvium arifing from this mafs was fo far from being of- fenfive, that it diffufed around a very ftrong and not dis- agreeable aromatic odour. We fhall conclude our ac- count of this animal by obferving, that the cavity which contained the brains was fmall, being barely fix inches long, and four high, and of an oval Ihape : Being filled with peafe, it was found to contain barely one quart ; a human Ikull, meafured at the fame time, did not require much lefs than three pints to fill it.
K 2
The
148 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The HIPPOPOTAMUS.
The great difficulties that have always attended a com- plete inveftigation of this huge animal, have arifen as well from the remotenefs of its fituation, as from its pe- culiar habits and difpofition.
Though the Hippopotamus has been celebrated from the remoteft antiquity ; though the facred writings men- tion him under the name of Behemoth ; and though his fi- gure is to be feen engraven on Egyptian obelifks, and on Roman medals ; yet his hiftory was very imperfeCtly known to the ancients. Ariftotle fays, that he has a mane like a Horfe, and hoofs like an Ox ; tufks and tail like a Boar ; that he is of the fize of an Afs, and has the voice of a .Horfe ; with other things equally abfurd ; — all which Pliny has copied ; and, inflead of correcting, has added to the number of his errors. — Of the accounts of later writers, it is much to be lamented that fuitable deli- neations have not accompanied their accurate defcriptions — A general defeCt, by which the ftudy of nature has
been
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 149
been much retarded, the laborious refearches of many- learned and ingenious naturalifts greatly fruitrated, and the errors of former times repeatedly copied and multi- plied without number.
The fize of the Hippopotamus is nearly equal to that of the Elephant. It inhabits all the larger rivers of Afri- ca, from the Niger to the Cape of Good Hope ; but is found in none of the African rivers that run into the Me- diterranean, except the Nile, and in that part of it only which is in the Upper Egypt, and in the fens and lakes of Ethiopia, through which that river pafles.
The head of this animal is enormoully large; its mouth valtly wide. Ray fays, that the upper mandible is move- able, like that of a Crocodile : In each jaw there are four cutting teeth ; thofe in the lower jaw point ftraight for- ward : It has four large tulks ; the largeft, which are al- ways in the lower jaw, are fometimes above two feet long : It is faid that the canine teeth are fo hard, as to emit fire on being {truck with Heel ; they are perfectly white, and preferable to ivory for making artificial teeth : The grinders are fquare or oblong, like thofe of a man ; and fo large, that a fingle tooth weighs above three pounds : The fkin is of a dufky colour, bears a refem- blance to that of the Rhinoceros, but is thicker, and is made into whips : The tail is near a foot long, taper, and flatted at the end, which is thinly furniflied with hairs like briftles : Its legs are fo fhort, that its belly almofl touches the ground: The hoofs are divided into four parts, unconnected by membranes, although it is an am- phibious animal. When alarmed or purfued, it takes to the water, plunges in, and finks to the bottom ; where it walks at full eafe : It often rifes to the furface, and re-
K 3 mains
150 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
mains with its head out of the water, making a bellow- ing noife, which may be heard at a great diltance. It feeds during night on the banks of the rivers, and fome- times does great damage in the adjacent plantations of rice and other grain. It is faid likewife, that it feeds upon fifh ; but Dr Sparrman, in his account of this ani- mal, denies that it feeks any other food than herbs and grafs.
The Hippopotamus is naturally a mild and gentle ani- mal, very flow and heavy in its movements upon land, but in the water bold and active ; and when provoked or wounded, will rife, and attack boats or canoes with great fury. Dampier fays, he has known one of thefe animals fink a boat full of people, by biting a hole in the bottom with his great tufks. — The method of taking them is by digging pits in the fand, in thofe parts through which the animal pafles in his way to the river after he has been feeding.
Sparrman fays, that the flelh of the Hippopotamus is tender and good, that the fat is fine and well tailed, and jnuch in requell with the colonills at the Cape, who look upon it as the moll wholefome meat that can be eaten. The gelatinous part of the feet in particular is accounted a great delicacy. The dried tongue of this animal is al- fo confidered at the Cape as a rare and excellent difh. — That author has giyen an engraving of this animal, taken from a young one which he caught at the Cape, from which ours is copied.— — The female brings forth one young at a time.
Scaurus treated the Romans with one of thefe crea- tures, and five crocodiles, during his aedilelhip, and ex- hibited them on a temporary lake. Augullus produced one in the celebration of his triumph over Cleopatra.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
*5*
The ELEPHANT.
Of all the creatures that have hitherto been taken into the fervice of man, the Elephant is pre-eminent in the (ize and ftrength of his body, and inferior to none in fa- gacity and obedience. From time immemorial this ani- mal has been employed either for the purpofes of labour, of war, or of oftentatious parade j to increafe the gran- deur of eaftern princes, extend their power, or enlarge their dominions.
The Elephant is a native of Afia and Africa, and is not to be found in its natural ftate either in Europe or America. From the river Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope, they are met with in great numbers : In this ex- tenfive region, as they are more numerous than in any other part of the world, fo are they lefs fearful of man. The favage inhabitants of this dreary country, inftead of attempting to fubdue this powerful animal, and render it
K 4 fubfervient
I52 history of quadrupeds.
fubfervient to their neceffities, feem defirous only of avoiding its fury.
Sparrman fays, that in the country near the Cape they are fometimes feen in large herds, confiding of many hundreds ; and thinks it probable, that in the more re- mote and unfrequented parts of that vaft country, they are {till more numerous.
They are frequently hunted by the colonifts at the Cape, who are very expert in (hooting them, and make great advantage of their teeth. The largefl teeth weigh a hundred and fifty Dutch pounds, and are fold to the governor for as many guilders ; fo that a man may earn three hundred guilders at one (hot. It is not therefore to be wondered, that a traffic fp lucrative (hould tempt the hunters to run great rifks. In approaching this ani- mal, great care muft be taken to (teal upon him unper- ceived: If the Elephant difcovers his enemy near him, he ruflies out, and endeavours to kill him. One of thefe hunters being out upon a plain, under the (helter of a few fcattered thorn trees, thought he fhould be able to advance near enough to (hoot an Elephant that was at a little diftance from him : He was difcovered, purfued, and overtaken by the animal, which laid hold of him with his trunk, and beat him inftantly to death.
The height of the Elephant at the Cape is from twelve to fifteen feet. The female is lefs than the male, and her tu(ks do not grow to fuch a fize. — The ears are pro- digioufly large, and marked on the edges with deep inci- fions : They are pendulous, except when the animal is irritated ; at which time he draws them up almoft in the form of a purfe, and points them forward. The ear of an Elephant (hot at the Cape, was faid to reach from the
(houlders
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 153
fhoulders of a middle-fized Hottentot to the ground. — There are four grinders in each jaw, clofely united toge- ther, forming, with the jaw-bone, one hard and compact body. One of thefe grinders fometimes meafures nine inches broad, and weighs four pounds and a half. — The texture of the fkin is uneven, wrinkled, and knotty *, full of deep fUTures, nearly refembling the bark of an old oak tree, which run in all dire&ions over the furface of it: It is of a tawny colour, inclining to citron. In the fif- fures there are fome briftly hairs, which are alfo thinly fcattered over the body. — The legs of this creature re- femble maffy columns, of fifteen or eighteen inches dia- meter, and from five to fix feet high. — The foot is fhort, and divided into five toes, covered with the fkin, fo as not to be vifible. To each toe there is affixed a nail or hoof, of a horny fubftance.
The mod remarkable feature of the Elephant is his trunk or probofcis, which is compofed of membranes, nerves, and mufcles. It is both an organ of feeling and of motion. The animal cannot only move and bend it, but can contract, lengthen, and turn it in every dire&ion. The extremity of the trunk terminates in a protuberance, which ftretches out on the upper fide in the form of a finger, and poffeffes in a great degree the nicenefs and dexterity of that ufeful member. It is equally flexible, and as capable of laying hold of objects as the fingers of a man. He lifts from the ground the fmallefl piece of money ; he fele&s herbs and flowers, and picks them up one by one *, he unties the knots of ropes, opens and fliuts gates, &c. With his trunk he grafps any body which it is applied to, fo firmly, that no force can tear it from his gripe.
Of
i54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Of all the inflruments which Nature has fo liberally bellowed on her moll favourite produ£lions, the trunk of the Elephant is perhaps the moll complete and the moll admirable. Ray fays, it is divided into three partitions or chambers, two of which run in fpiral dire£lions, and the other in a right line. It is eight feet long in an Ele- phant of fourteen feet high, and five feet in circumfe- rence at the thickell part. The noltrils are fituated at the extremity, through which it draws in water by a ftrong fudlion, either for the purpofe of quenching its thirft, or of walhing and cooling itfelf, which it fre- quently does, by taking up a large quantity, part of which it carries to its mouth, and drinks; and by ele- vating the trunk, allows the remainder to run over every part of its body.
Roots, herbs, leaves, and tender wood, are the ordi- nary food of the Elephant : It likewife eats grains and fruit, but will not eat flelh nor fifh. When one of them difcovers a plentiful pallure, he calls to the others, and invites them to eat with him. As they require a great quantity of forage, they frequently change their pallure, and do incredible damage whenever they happen to llray on cultivated ground. From the weight of their bodies and the fize of their feet, they deftroy much more than they ufe for food. One of them will eat one hundred and fifty pounds of grafs in a day ; fo that a troop of thefe animals lays a whole country walle in a Ihort time. The Indians and negroes ufe every artifice to prevent the approach of thefe unwelcome vifitants, making loud noifes, and kindling fires round their habitations ; but in fpite of all their precautions, the Elephants often break through their fences, deftroy their whole harveft, and
overturn
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 155
overturn their huts. It is not eafy to feparate them: They generally aft in concert, whether they attack, march, or fly.
The ordinary walk of the Elephant is not quicker than that of a Horfe ; but when pufhed, he aflumes a kind of ambling pace, which in fleetnefs is equal to a gallop. He goes forward with eafe and celerity ; but it is with great difficulty that he turns himfelf round, and that not without taking a pretty large circuit. It is generally in narrow and hollow places that the negroes attack him, and cut off his tail, which they value above every other part of his body. — He fwims well, and is of great ufe in carrying great quantities of baggage over large rivers. When fwimming, he raifes his long trunk above the fur- face of the water for the fake of refpiration, every other part of his body being below : In this manner feveral of thefe animals fwim together, and fleer their courfe with- out danger of running foul of each other.
The Elephant, when tamed, is gentle, obedient, and docile : Patient pf labour, it fubmits to the moil toilfome drudgery; and fo attentive to the commands of its go- vernor, that a word or a look is fufhcient to flimulate it to the mofl violent exertions. Its attachment to its keeper is fo great, that it carefles him with its trunk, and frequently will obey no other mafler : It knows his voice, and can diflinguifh the tone of command, of anger, or of approbation, and regulates its aftions accordingly : It receives his orders with attention, and executes them with eagernefs, but without precipitation. All its mo- tions are orderly, and feem to correfporid with the digni- ty of its appearance, being grave, majeflic, and cautious. It kneels down for the accommodation of thofe who
would
1 56 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
would mount upon its back, and with its pliant trunk even aflifts them to afcend. It fufFers itfelf to be har- neflfed, and feems to have a pleafure in the finery of its trappings. It is ufed in drawing chariots, waggons, and various kinds of machines. One of thefe animals will perform with eafe the work of many Horfes.
The condu&or of the Elephant is ufually mounted on its neck 5 and makes ufe of a rod of iron, {harp at the end, and hooked, with which he urges the animal for- ward, by pricking its head, ears, or muzzle ; but in ge- neral, a word from the keeper is fufficient to encourage this intelligent creature to proceed on its way, or perform the tafk afligned to it. — In India, where they were once employed in launching (hips, one of them was directed to force a large vefiel into the water ; which proving fu- perior to its ftrength, the matter, in an angry tone, cried out, « Take away that lazy beaft, and bring another in its place.’ The poor animal inftantly redoubled its efforts, fractured its fkull, and died upon the fpot.
The Indians, from very early periods, have employed Elephants in their wars: Porus oppofed the pafiage of Alexander over the Hydafpes with eighty-five of thefe animals. M. de Buffon imagines that it was fome of the Elephants taken by that monarch, and afterwards tran- fported into Greece, which were employed by Pyrrhus againft the Romans. — Since the invention of fire-arms, the Elephant has been of little ufe in deciding the con- tefts of hoftile nations j for, being terrified with the flafii of the powder and the report that immediately fuc- ceeds, they are foon thrown into confufion, and then become dangerous to their employers. — They are now chiefly ufed for the purpofes of labour or magnificent pa- rade.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 157
rade. The Indian princes, in their travels, are attended by hundreds of thefe animals: Some are employed to convey the ladies which compofe the feraglio, in latticed cages made for that purpofe, and covered with branches of trees; whilft others tranfport immenfe quantities of baggage, with which the fovereigns of the Eaft are al- ways accompanied in their marches from one place to another. They are likewife made ufe of as the dreadful inftruments of executing condemned criminals — a talk which they perform with great dexterity. At the word of command, they break the limbs of the criminal with their trunks ; they fometimes trample him to death, or impale him on their enormous tulks, juft as they are di- rected by their more barbarous keeper.
It is a fingular circumftance in the hiftory of this ex- traordinary animal, that, in a ftate of fubjeCtion, it is unalterably barren ; and, though it has been reduced un- der the dominion of man for ages, it has never been known to breed, — as if it had a proper fenfe of its de- graded condition, and obftinately refufed to increafe the pride and power of its conqueror by propagating a race of Haves. It therefore follows, that of all the numerous bands of thefe creatures that are trained to fervice, there is not one that has not been originally wild, nor one that has not been forced into a ftate of fubje&ion. To recruit, therefore, the numbers that are unavoidably con- fumed by difeafe, accident, or age, the eaftern princes are obliged every year to fend into the forefts, and to ufe various methods to procure frelh fupplies.
The manner of taking, taming, and rendering thefe animals fubmiflive, is curious, and well deferves a place in the hiftory of the Elephant: — In the midft of a foreft
abounding
158 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS*
abounding with Elephants, a large piece of ground is- marked out, and furrounded with ftrong palifades, inter- woven with branches of trees: One end of the inclofure is narrow ; from which it widens gradually, fo as to take in a great extent of country. Several thoufand men are employed upon the occalion, who place themfelves in fuch a manner as to prevent the wild Elephants from making their efcape : They kindle large fires at certain diflances, and make a dreadful noife with drums and various kinds of difcordant inftruments, calculated for the purpofe of {tunning and terrifying the poor animals ; whilft another party, confifting of fome thoufandsy with the afiiftance of tame female Elephants, trained for the purpofe, drive the wild Elephants llowly towards the great opening of the inclofure, the whole train of hun- ters clofing in after them, {houting, and making a great noife, till the Elephants are driven by infenfible degrees into the narrow part of the inclofure, through which there is an opening into a fmaller fpace, ftrongly fenced in, and guarded on all fides. As foon as one of the Ele- phants enters this ftrait, a ftrong bar clofes the pafiage from behind, and he finds himfelf completely environed. On the top of this narrow pafiage fome of the huntfmen Hand with goads in their hands, urging the creature for- ward to the end of the pafiage, where there is an open* ing, juft wide enough to let him pafs. He is now re- ceived into the cuftody of two female Elephants, who ftand on each fide of him, and prefs him into the fervice : If he is likely to prove refractory, they begin to difci- pline him with their trunks, till he is reduced to obedi- ence, and fuffers himfelf to be led to a tree, where he is bound by the leg with ftout thongs, made of untanned
elk
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 1J9
fclk or buck (kin. The tame Elephants are then led back to the inclofure ; and the others are made to fubmit in the fame manner. They are all fuffered to remain fall to the trees for feveral days. Attendants are placed by the fide of each animal, who fupply him with food by lit- tle and little, till he is brought by degrees to be fenfible of kindnefs and carefles, and allows himfelf to be led to the liable. In the fpace of fourteen days, his abfolute fubmiflion is* completed. During that time he is fed dai- ly with cocoa-nut leaves, and led once a day to the water by the tame ones. He becomes accuftomed to the voice of his keeper, and at laft quietly refigns his prodigious powers to the dominion and fervice of man.
The time of geftation in this animal is hitherto but im- perfectly known : Ariflotle fays, it goes two years with young *, which is the more likely, as the feafon of defire in the male returns but once in three years. The female produces one young at a time. The young Elephants are faid to fuck with their trunk. The breafts of the fe- male are fituated between its fore legs*
This animal is thirty years in arriving at its full growth; and is faid to live, though in a Hate of capti- vity, to the age of a hundred and twenty or a hundred and thirty years : In a Hate of unreltrained freedom, they are fuppofed to live much longer.
The Elephant will drink wine, and is fond of fpiritous liquors. By {hewing him a velfel filled with arrack, he is induced to exert the greatell efforts, and perform the moll painful talks, in hopes of receiving it as the reward of his labour. To difappoint him is dangerous, as he feldom fails to be revenged. The following inltance is given as a fadl, and deferves to be recorded : — An Ele- phant
Ido HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
phant difappointed of its reward, out of revenge killed his comae or governor. The poor man’s wife, who be- held the dreadful feene, took her two infants, and threw' them at the feet of the enraged animal, faying, < Since you have flain my hufband, take my life alfo, as well as that of my children.’ The Elephant inflantly flopped, relented, and, as if flung with remorfe, took the eldefl * boy in its trunk, placed him on its neck, adopted him for its cornac, and would never allow any other perfon to mount it.
This animal feems to know when it is mocked, and never fails to retaliate accordingly. A painter wifhed to draw the animal in an unufual attitude, with its trunk elevated, and its mouth open. In order to induce the Elephant to exhibit to more advantage, a perfon was em- ployed to throw fruit into its mouth, who fometimes de- ceived it by only making an offer of doing fo, and retain- ing at the fame time the fruit in his hand. Enraged at this kind of treatment ; and, as it fhould feem, gueffing the painter to be the caufe, it threw out fuch a quantity of water from its trunk, as fpoiled his paper, and pre- vented him from proceeding in his work.
We might quote many other fadls equally curious and interefling : Thofe we have already recited are fufficient to fhew, that the Elephant is poffefled of inflin£live fa- culties fuperior to thofe of any other animal. We rnuft at the fame time admire the admirable order of that difpenfation, which, to an animal of fuch unequalled powers, has added a difpofition fo mild and tra£lable. What ravages might we not expe£l from the prodigious ftrength of the Elephant, combined with the fiercenefs and rapacity of the Tiger!
We
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 161
We cannot clofe our account of the Elephant, with- out taking fome notice of the teeth of that animal, which have been fo frequently found in a foflil ftate in various parts of the world. Some years ago, two great grinding- teeth, and part of the tulk of an Elephant, were difco- vered, at the depth of forty-two yards, in a lead mine, in Flintfhire, lying in a bed of gravel: The grinders were almoft as perfect as if they had been juft taken from the animal ; the tulk was much decayed, and very foft. — Near the banks of tnany rivers in Siberia, large tufks and teeth have been frequently dug up, which have been at- tributed to a creature called the Mammouth ; but they are now univerfally believed to have belonged to the Ele- phant. The molares or grinders are perfectly the fame with thofe of the prefent race ; but both they and the tulks are much larger: Some of the latter have been known to weigh four hundred pounds ; and grinders, of the weight of twenty-four pounds, have not unfrequently been difcovered. One of thefe was taken from a Ikeleton of the fame head in which the tulks were found \ and as the ivory of the latter was in every refpe£l the fame as that generally known, and made ufe of for the pur- pofes of ufeful and ornamental works, we cannot deny our alfent to the opinion of thofe who fuppofe them to have been once parts of the animals we have juft de- fcribed. — Tulks of a prodigious fize, teeth, jaw-bones, thigh-bones, and vertebrae, have likewise been frequently found on the banks of the river Ohio, in America, live or fix feet beneath the furface. Some of the tulks are near feven feet long, one foot nine inches in circumfe- rence at the bafe, and one foot near the point. They differ from thofe of the Elephant in having a larger twill
E or
162 history of quadrupeds.
or fpiral curve towards the fmall end. There is a dill greater difference in the form of the grinders, which are made like thofe of a carnivorous animal, not flat and ribbed tranfverfely on their furface, like thofe of an Ele- phant, but furnifhed with a double row of high and co- nic projections, as if intended to maflicate, not grind, their food. — -Specimens of thefe teeth and bones are de- pofited in the Britifh Mufeum, that of the Royal So- ciety, and in the cabinet of the late ingenious Dr Hun- ter.— Thefe foflil bones are alfo found in Peru, and in
the Brazils. As yet, the living animal has evaded the
fearch of the curious naturalift. It is not improbable, that it may exifl in fome of thofe remote parts of that vaft continent, yet unpenetrated by Europeans.
A N i-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 163
Animals of the CAT Kind.
WE have hitherto been employed in the pleafing talk of defcribing moll of thofe numerous tribes of animals that are more nearly connected with the inte- rells of mankind ; that ferve as the inllruments of man's happinefs, or at lealt, that do not openly oppofe him; that depend upon his care for their fublillence ; and in their turn contribute largely to his comfort and fupport. We have taken an ample range among the wilder inha- bitants of the forelt, which, though in a more remote degree dependant upon man, are neverthelefs objedls of his attention and purfuit. We have followed Nature to her moll retired recedes, and have feen and admired her works under a variety of the molt beautiful living forms, but our progrefs has hitherto been unltained with blood.
The attention of our readers will now be engaged in a different purfuit; the fcene mull be diverlilied. We come now to a fanguinary and unrelenting tribe, — the bold and intrepid enemies of man, that difdain to own his power, and carry on uncealing hoftilities againll him.
This numerous and ferocious tribe is chiefly diftin— guilhed by their (harp and formidable claws, which are lodged in a {heath, and are capable of being extended or drawn in at pleafure. They lead a folitary and a raven- ous life, and never unite for mutual defence or fupport, like thofe of the herbivorous kinds. They feek their food alone, and are frequently enemies to each other. Though differing greatly in fize or in colour, they are nearly allied to each other in form and difpofition, being
L 2 equally
1 64 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
equally fierce, rapacious, and artful.' At the head of
this numerous clafs we ihall place
The LION,
WHICH is eminently diftinguifhed from the refl, as well in fize and ftrength, as by his large and
flowing mane.- This animal is produced in every part
of Africa, and the hotteft parts of Afia. It is found in the greateft numbers in the fcorched and defolate regions of the torrid zone, in the deferts of Zaara and Biledul- gerid, and in all the interior parts of the vaft continent of Africa. — In thefe defert regions, from whence man- kind are driven by the rigorous heat of the climate, this animal reigns foie matter; its difpofition feems to par- take of the ardour of its native foil ; inflamed by the in- fluence of a burning fun, its rage is molt tremendous, and its courage undaunted. Happily, indeed, the fpecies
is
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 165
is not numerous, and is faid to be greatly diminifhed ; for, if we may credit the teftimony of thofe who have traverfed thefe vaft deferts, the number of Lions is not nearly fo great as formerly. Mr Shaw obferves, that the Romans carried more Lions from Lybia in one year for their public fpe&acles, than could be found in all that country at this time. It is likewife remarked, that in Turkey, Perfia, and the Indies, Lions are not now fo frequently met with as in former times.
It is obferved of this animal, that its courage dimi- nifhes, and its caution and timidity are greater, in pro- portion as it approaches the habitations of the human race. Being acquainted with man, and the power of his arms, it lofes its natural fortitude to fuch a degree, as to be terrified at the found of his voice. It has been known to fly even before women and children, who were found fufficient to drive it away from its lurking places in the neighbourhood of their villages.
This alteration in the Lion’s difpofition fufficiently (hews, that it will admit of a certain degree of educa- tion : And it is a well-known fa£t, that the keepers of wild beads frequently play with this animal, pull out his tongue, hold him by the teeth, and even chaftife him without caufe. The animal feems to bear all with a ful- len kind of compofure, and rarely retaliates this unme- rited treatment. It is dangerous, however, to provoke him too far, or to depend upon his temper with too great fecurity. Labat tells us of a gentleman who kept a Lion in his chamber, and employed a fervant to attend it ; who, as is ufual, mixed his blows with carefies. This ill-judged aflbciation continued for fome time. One morning the gentleman was awakened by an unufual
L 3 noift
1 66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
noife in his room; and, drawing his curtains, he per* ceived it to proceed from the Lion, which was growling over the body of the unhappy man, whom it had juft killed, and had feparated his head from his body. The terror and confufion of the gentleman may be eafily con- ceived : He flew out of the room, and with the afliftance of fome people, had the animal fecured from doing fur- ther mifchief.
As the paflions*of this animal are ftrong, and its appe- tites vehement, we ought not to prefume that the im- preflions of education will always be fufficiently power- ful. It muft be dangerous, therefore, to fuffer it to re- main too long without food, or to perflft in irritating or abufing it. — However, numberlefs accounts aflure us, that the anger of the Lion is noble, its courage magna- nimous, and its temper fufceptible of grateful impreflions. It has been often feen to defpife weak and contemptible enemies, and even to pardon their infults, when it was in its power to punifh them. It has been known to fpare the life of an animal that was thrown to be devoured by it, to live in habits of perfect cordiality with it, to fhare its fubfiftence, and even to give it a preference where its portion of food was fcanty.
The form of the Lion is ftrikingly bold and majeftic : His large and Ihaggy mane, which he can ere£I at plea- fure, furrounding his awful front ; his huge eye-brows ; his round and fiery eye-balls, which, upon the leaft irri- tation, feem to glow with peculiar luftre ; together with the formidable appearance of his teeth, exhibit a pi£lure of terrific grandeur, which no words can defcribe. — The length of the largeft Lion is between eight and nine feet, thp tail about four feet, and its height abqut four feet
and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS- 167
and a half: The female is about one-fourth part lefs, and wants the mane. — As the Lion advances in years, its mane grows longer and thicker : The hair on the reft of the body is fhort and fmooth, of a tawny colour, but
whitifh on the belly. The roaring of the Lion is loud
and dreadful ; when heard in the night, it refembles diftant thunder; its cry of anger is much louder and Ihorter.
The Lion feldom attacks any animal openly, except when compelled by extreme hunger: In that cafe, no danger deters him : But as molt animals endeavour to avoid him, he is obliged to have recourfe to artifice, and take his prey by furprize. For this purpofe, he crouches on his belly in fome thicket, where he waits till his prey approaches ; and then, with one prodigious fpring, he leaps upon it at the diftance of fifteen or twenty feet, and generally feizes it at the firft bound : If he mifs his object, he gives up the purfuit; and, turning back to- wards the place of his ambufh, he meafures the ground ftep by flep ; and again lies in wait for another opportu- nity. The lurking-place of the Lion is generally chofen near a fpring, or by the fide of a river ; where he fre- quently has an opportunity of catching fuch animals as come to quench their thirfl.
There are, however, inftances where the Lion deviates from his ufual method of taking his prey ; of which the following, related by Sparrman, is remarkable : — A Hot- tentot, perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, and concluding that the animal only waited the approach of night to make him his prey, began to confider the belt method of providing for his fafety, which he at length effe&ed in the following fingular manner : — Obferving a
L 4 piecq
168 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
piece of broken ground, with a precipitate defcent on one fide, he fat down by the edge of it ; and found, to his great joy, that the Lion alfo made a halt, and kept at the fame diftance as before. As foon as it grew dark, the Hottentot Hiding gently forward, let himfelf down a lit- tle below the edge of the hill, and held up his cloak and hat upon his ftick, making at the fame time a gentle mo- tion with it : The Lion, in the mean while, came creeps ing foftly towards him, like a Cat; and miftaking the fkin cloak for the man himfelf, made a fpring, and fell headlong down the precipice; by which means the poor Hottentot was fafely delivered from his infidious enemy.
That the Lion does not always kill whatever animal happens to be in his power, has already been obferved ; and this peculiarity in the temper of this creature is re- markably obvious, with regard to the human fpecies. Of this there have been many inftances. At St Catherine Cree’s church, Leadenhall-ftreet, London, provifion is made, under the will of Sir John Gager, who was Lord- Mayor in the year 1646, for a fermon to be annually preached on the 16th of November, in commemoration of his happy deliverance from a Lion, which he met in a defert as he was travelling in the Turkifh dominions, and fuffered him to pafs unmolefted. The minifter is to have 20s. for the fermon, the clerk 2s. 6 d. and the fexton is.: The fum of 81. 16s. 6d. is likewife to be diftributed among the neceflitous inhabitants, purfuant to the will of Sir John. — Sparrman, among feveral in- ftances of the fame nature, mentions a perfon who, though he was thrown down by a Lion, and wounded by it in feveral places, was after all generoufly left with his life.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. i 69
The ftrength of this animal is great : One of them was obferved to feize a heifer, which it carried off in its mouth with eafe, and leaped over a ditch with her with- out much apparent difficulty.
At the Cape of Good Hope, the Lion is frequently hunted by the colonifts. In the day time, and upon an open plain, twelve or fixteen Dogs will eafily get the bet- ter of a large Lion. As the Lion is not remarkably fwift, the Dogs foon come pretty near him ; when, with a fullen kind of magnanimity, he turns round, and waits for the attack, fhaking his mane, and roaring with a fhort and {harp tone. The hounds furround him ; and, ruffiing upon him all at once, foon tear him to pieces. It is faid that he has feldom time to make more than two or three ftrokes with his paws, each of which is attended with the death of one of his affailants.
The Lionefs goes with young five months, and brings forth three or four at a time. The young ones are about the fize of a large pug Dog, harmlefs, pretty, and play- ful. They continue at the teat twelve months* and are above five years in coming to perfection.
The Lion is a long-lived animal, although naturalifis have differed greatly as to the precife period of its exii- tence. Buffon limits it to twenty, or twenty-two years at molt. It is however certain, that it lives much be- yond that time. The great Lion, called Pompey, which died in the year 1760, was known to have been in the Tower above feventy years *, and one, brought from the river Gambia, died there not long ago at the age of fix- ty-three. — Several of thefe animals have been bred in the Tower ; fo that the time of their geftation, the number they produce, and the time of their arriving at perfec- tion, are all pretty well known.
The
I70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The attachment of the Lionefs to her young is re- markably ftrong: For their fupport, lhe is more fero- cious than the Lion himfelf, makes her incurfions with greater boldnefs, dedroys, without didin&ion, every ani- mal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her cubs. She ufually brings forth in the mod retired and inacceflible places ; and when afraid of her retreat being difcovered, endeavours to hide her track, by brufhing the ground with her tail. When much didurbed or alarmed, fbe will fometimes tranfport her young from one place to another in her mouth ; and, if obdrmded in her courfe, will defend them to the lad extremity.
The flefh of the Lion is faid to have a drong, difagree- able flavour; yet it is frequently eaten by the negroes. The fkin, which was formerly a robe of didin£lion for heroes, is now made ufe of by thofe people as a mantle or a bed. They alfo preferve the greafe, which is of a penetrating nature, and is ufed in medicine.
The reprefentation we have given, was drawn from a remarkably fine one, exhibited at Newcadle in the year 1788. It was then young, exceedingly healthful, adlive, and in full condition.
Tfi E
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 171
is the moft rapacious and dedru&ive of all carnivorous animals. Fierce without provocation, and cruel without neceffity, its third for blood is infatiable : Though glut- ted with llaughter, it continues its carnage, nor ever gives up fo long as a fingle objedb remains in its fight. Flocks and herds fall indifcriminate vidbims to its fu- ry: It fears neither the fight nor the oppofition of man, whom it frequently makes its prey ; and it is even faid to prefer human flefh to that of any other animal.
The Tiger is peculiar to Alia; and is found as far North as China and Chinefe Tartary : It inhabits Mount Ararat, and Hyrcania of old, famous for its wild beads. The greated numbers are met with in India, and its iflands : They are the fcourge of the country : They lurk among the bufhes, by the fides of rivers, and almod de- populate many places. — They feldom purfue their prey ; but bound upon it from the place of their ambufh, with an eladicity, and from a didance, fcarcely credible. — It highly probable, that, from this circumdance, the Ti- ger
172 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ger may derive its name, which, in the Armenian lan- guage, fignifies an arrow; to the flight of which this creature may very properly be compared, in the quick- nefs and agility of its bounds.
The ftrength of this animal is fo great, that, when it has killed an animal, whether it be a Horfe, a Buffalo, or a Deer, it carries it off with fuch eafe, that it feems no impediment to its flight. If it be undifturbed, it plunges its head into the body of the animal yp to its ve- ry eyes, as if to fatiate itfelf with blood.
The Tiger is perhaps the only animal whofe ferocity can never be fubdued : Neither gentlenefs nor conflraint has any effect in foftening its temper. It does not feem fenfible of the attention of its keeper ; and would equally tear the hand that feeds, with that by which it is chaf- tifed.
Notwithftanding the cruelty of this creature’s difpofi- tion, a fudden check has fometimes had a good effedl in preventing its meditated attack. Some ladies and gentle- men being on a party of pleafure, under a fhade of trees, on the banks of a river in Bengal, were fuddenly fur- prized at feeing a Tiger ready to make its fatal fpring : One of the ladies, with amazing prefence of mind, laid hold of an umbrella, and unfurling it dire&ly in the ani- mal’s face, it inftantly retired. — Another party had not the fame good fortune. A Tiger darted among them whilft they were at dinner, feized on a gentleman, and carried him off in the fight of his difconfolate compani- ons.
They attack all kinds of animals, even the Lion ; and furious combats have frequently been maintained be- tween them, in which both have perilhed. Father Ta-
chard
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 173
chard gives an account of a battle between a Tiger and two Elephants, at Siam, of which he was an eye-wit- nefs. The heads, and part of the trunks of the Ele- phants, were defended from the claws of the Tiger by a covering made for the purpofe. They were placed in the midft of a large inclofure. One of them was fuf- fered to approach the Tiger, which was confined by cords, and received two or three heavy blows from the trunk of the Elephant upon its back, which beat it to the ground, where it lay for fome time as if it were dead : But, though this attack had a good deal abated its fury, it was no fooner untied, than, with a horrible roar, it made a fpring at the Elephant’s trunk, which that animal dexteroufly avoided by drawing it up ; and, receiving the Tiger on its tulks, threw it up into the air. The two Elephants were then allowed to come up ; and, after giving it feveral heavy blows, would undoubtedly have killed it, if an end had not been put to the combat. — Under fuch reftraints and difadvantages, we cannot won- der that the ifiue was unfavourable to the Tiger. We may, however, judge of its exceedingly great flrength and fiercenefs, — that, after being difabled by the firft attack of the Elephant, whilft it was held by its cords, it would venture to continue fuch an unequal engagement.
We are happy in being able to prefent our curious readers with an engraving of this rare animal, drawn from the life, from a Tiger that was exhibited at New- caftle, in 1787; and was generally allowed to be one of the fineft creatures of its kind ever feen in England. The beautiful bars of black with which every part of its body was ftreaked, are accurately copied : The colour of the ground wa£ yellow, deeper on the back, and foften-
i74 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
ing by degrees towards the belly, where it was white ; were alfo the throat and infides of the legs : A white fpace, fpotted with black, furrounded each eye ; and on each cheek, a ftripe of the fame colour extended from the ears to the throat. It was nearly the fame height as the Lion *, and was of the largeft fpecies of the Tiger, which is called the Royal Tiger. The fmalleft of them is not above two feet high, faid to be extremely cunning, and delights in human flefh. The fecond kind is about three feet high, and is fond of Deer, wild Hogs, See . which it frequently takes by the fides of rivers, as they come down to quench their thirft.
The lkin of this animal is much efteemed all over the Eaft, particularly in China. The Mandarins cover their feats of juftice with it ; and, during the winter, ufe it for cufhions and pillows.
We have now deferibed the two great heads of this mifehievous family, which are eminently diftinguifhed from the reft in fize, ftrength, and colour. The three fucceeding fpecies have been frequently confounded with each other; and, although there is fome difference in their fize and in the difpofition of their fpots, yet thefe have been fo indiferiminately defined, as to make it diffi- cult to form a true criterion, fo as accurately to diftin- guilh each fpecies. Strikingly fimilar in the form of their bodies, in the beauty of their (kins, as well as in their difpofitions and habits, which feem to be equally formed for rapine and cruelty; there is great room to conje&ure, that commixture may be one great caufe of producing the flight differences obfervable in thefe crea- tures. If we regard the figure and diverfity of the fpots, we lhall find many varieties not taken notice of by na-
turalifts ;
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 175
turalifts; if we be led to judge by the fize, we fhall find an almofl imperceptible gradation from the Cat to the Tiger. It would be vain, therefore, to make as many varieties in thefe animals, as we fee differences in fpots or ftature : It will be fufficient to point out the moft general diftin&ions.
The PANTHER
is next in fize to the Tiger ; and has, by many natura- lifts, been miflaken for that animal. — Its hair is fhort and fmooth ; and, inftead of being flreaked like the Ti- ger, is beautifully marked on the back, fides, and flanks, with black fpots, difpofed in circles, from four to five in each, with a Angle fpot in the centre : On the face, breaft, and legs, the fpots are fingle : The colour of the body on the back and fides is yellow, deep on the back,' and paler towards the belly, which is white ; its ears are (liort and pointed ; its eye is reftlefs ; and its whole afpe£t fierce and cruel. — It is an untameable animal ; and inha- bits Africa, from Barbary to the remoteft parts of Guinea.
Its
1 76 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Its manner of taking its prey is the fame with that of the Tiger, always by furprize, either lurking in thickets, or creeping on its belly till it comes within reach. When preffed with hunger, it attacks every living crea- ture without diftin&ion, but happily prefers the flefh of brutes to that of mankind : It will even climb up trees in purfuit of monkies and lefler animals ; fo that nothing is fecure from its attacks.
The Panther is about the fize of a large MaflifF Dog ; but its legs are not quite fo long. Its voice is ftrong and hoarfe *, and it growls continually.
The ancients were well acquainted with thefe animals. The Romans drew prodigious numbers from the deferts of Africa for their public fhews ; fufficient, one might fuppofe, to have entirely exhaufted them. Scaurus ex- hibited an hundred and fifty of them at one time ; Pom- pey four hundred and ten ; and Auguftus four hundred and twenty. They probably thinned the coafts of Mau- ritania of thefe animals ; but they ftill fvvarm in the fouthern parts of Guinea.
In China, there is a moft beautiful animal of this kind, called Louchu ; the fkin of which fells for fix pounds fler- ling. — An animal of this fpecies is likewife found in Afi- atic Tartary, called there the Babr . It is feven feetdong, extremely rapacious, and very definitive of Horfes and Camels. Its fkin is very fine, and valued in Ruffia at one pound flerling.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 177
The LEOPARD.
The very trifling difference between this and the laft- mentioned animal gives reafon to fuppofe, that it con- lifts chiefly in the name. It inhabits the fame countries ; and in fome places goes by the fame name, being called the Panther of Senegal , where it is chiefly found. It is mentioned by Ray as the female Panther ; is rather fmaller than that animal ; its length, from nofe to tail, is about four feet ; the colour of the body is a more lively yellow ; and the fpots with which it is diverfified, are fmaller and clofer than thofe of the Panther.
The interior parts of Africa abound with thefe ani- mals *, from whence they come down in great numbers, and make dreadful havock among the numerous herds that cover the plains of the Lower Guinea. When beafts of chafe fail, they fpare no living creature.
The negroes take them in pitfalls, Rightly covered at the top, and baited with flefh. Their chief inducement for purfuing them is their flefli, which they eat, and is faid to be white as veal, and well tailed. The negrefles
M make
178 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
make collars of their teeth, and wear them as charms* to which they attribute certain virtues.
The fkins of thefe animals are brought to Europe, where they are greatly efteemed.
In India, there is a fpecies of this animal about the fize of a large Greyhound, with a fmall head, and fhort ears ; its face, chin, and throat, of a pale-brown colour, inclining to yellow ; the body is of a light tawny-brown, marked with fmall round black fpots, fcattered over the back, fides, head, and legs; the infide of the legs plain; the hair on the top of the neck is longer than the reft ; the belly white ; the tail very long, marked on the upper fide with large black fpots, and the hair on the undeV fide is very long.
This is the animal, mentioned in our account of the Antelope, which is made ufe of in India for hunting that and other beads of the chafe. — It is carried in a fmall kind of waggon, chained and hoodwinked till it approaches the herd ; when it is unchained, and differed to purfue the game. It begins by creeping along, with its belly clofe to the ground, flopping and concealing it- felf till it get an advantageous fituation ; it then darts on its prey with great agility, frequently making five or fix amazing bounds. If it fhould not fucceed in its firft effort, it gives up the point for that time, and readily re- turns to its mafter.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 179
The OUNCE
is fmaller than the Leopard, being three feet and a half long from the nofe to the tail, very drong, long-backed, and fhort-legged. The hair is long, and of a light-grey colour, tinged with yellow ; lighter on the bread and belly : The head is marked with fmall round fpots : Be- hind each ear there is a large black fpot : The back is beautifully varied with a number of oval figures, formed by fmall fpots almod touching each other ; the fpots on the fides are more irregular ; thofe on the legs and thighs fmall, and thinly difperfed : The tail is full of hair, irre- gularly marked with large black fpots, and upwards or three feet long.
This animal is common in Barbary, Perfia, and China ; is much more gentle than the Leopard ; and, like the Hunting Leopard, is trained to the chafe. It is often ufed in hunting Antelopes, and even Hares. Indead of being conveyed in a waggon, it is carried on the crupper of the Horfe, is as much under command as a Setting Dog, returns at a call, and jumps up behind its matter.
The fcent of the Ounce is not fo fine as that of the M 2 Dog.
t8o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Dog. It neither follows animals by their foot, nor is it able to overtake them in a continued chafe. It hunts folely by the eye, and makes only a few fprings at its prey. It is fo nimble, as to clear a ditch or a wall of many feet. It often climbs trees to watch animals that are palling, and fuddenly darts upon them.
It is fuppofed to be the LeJJer Panther of Oppian, and the Panthera of Pliny.
The JAGUAR
is the moll formidable animal of the new continent, ra- ther larger than the Panther, with hair of a bright-tawny colour. The top of the back is marked with long llripes of black \ the fides beautifully variegated with irregular oblong fpots, open in the middle ; the tail not fo long as that of the Ounce, irregularly marked with large black fpots.
It is found in the hottell parts of South-America ; is a very fierce animal ; and, when prefled with hunger, will fometimes venture to feize a man.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 181
The Indians are much afraid of it, and think it prefers them to the white inhabitants, who, perhaps, are better prepared to repel its attacks. — In travelling through the deferts of Guiana, they light great fires in the night, of which thefe animals are much afraid.
They howl dreadfully. Their cry, which is exprefiive of the two monofyllables — hou> hou> is foinewhat plain- tive, grave, and ftrong, like that of an Ox.
The Ant-eater, though it has no teeth to defend itfelf with, is the moft cruel enemy the Jaguar has to encoun- ter. As foon as the Jaguar attacks this little animal, it lies down on its back, and, with its long claws, feizes and fuffocates him*
The COUGUAR
inhabits the continent of America, and is called by fome the Puma , or American Lion ; but differs fo much from that noble animal, as not to admit of any degree of com- panion.—Its head is fmall ; it has no mane ; its length, from nofe to tail, is five feet three inches ; the tail two
M 3 feet
iH HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
feet long. The predominant colour of this animal is a lively red, mixed with black ; efpecially on the back, where it is darkeft : Its chin, throat, and all the inferior parts of its body, are whitifh *, its legs are long ; claws white ; the outer claw of the fore feet much longer than the others.
It is found in many parts of North-America, from Ca- nada to Florida : It is alfo common in Guiana, Brazil, and Mexico.
This animal is fierce and ravenous in the extreme, and will fwim rivers to attack cattle even in their inclofures. In North-America, its fury feems to be fubdued by the rigour of the climate ; for it will fly from a Dog in com- pany with its mailer, and take {belter by running up a tree.
It is very deftrudlive to domeftic animals; particularly to Hogs. It preys alfo upon the Moofe and other Deer ; lies lurking upon the branch of a tree till fome of thefe animals pafs underneath, when it drops down upon one of them, and never quits its hold till it has drunk its blood. It will even attack bealts of prey. In the Mu- feum of the Royal Society is preferved the Ikin of one of thefe animals, which was {hot juft as it had feized a Wolf.
When it is fatisfied with eating, it conceals the reft of the carcafe, covering it carefully with leaves. — It purrs like a Cat, and fometimes howls dreadfully.
The fur is foft, and is ufed by the Indians for a win- ter habit ; when drefled, it is rpade into gloves and ftioes. The flelh is white, apd* by the natives, reckoned very
The Couguar, when brought into captivity, is almoft as gentle as the domeftic Cat, allows itfelf to be carefled,
^nd
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 183
-and will permit boys to mount on its back. — It is fome- times called the Poltron Tiger .
The Black TIGER.
This animal feems to be only a variety of the former, differing chiefly in the colour, which is dufky, fome- times fpotted with black, but generally plain. The throat, belly, and infide of the legs, are of a pale-aih colour ; the upper lip white, covered with long whilkers ; above each eye, it has very long hairs ; and at the corner of the mouth, a black fpot ; its paws are white ; and its ears {harp and pointed.
This animal grows to the fize of a heifer of a year old, and has great ftrength in its limbs. — It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, is a cruel and fierce animal, much dreaded by the Indians j but fortunately the fpecies is not nume- rous.
M- de la Borde, in his defcription of thefe animals, fays, that they frequent the fea-fhore, and eat the eggs
M 4 depofited
i84 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
depofited there by the turtles. They likewife eat cai- mans or alligators, lizards, and fifhes, and fometimes the buds and tender leaves of the Indian fig. They are excellent fwimmers. In order to catch the alligator, they lie down on their belly at the edge of the river, (trike the water to make a noife, and as foon as the alli- gator raifes its head above the water, dart their claws in- to its eyes, and drag it on (hore.
The OCELOT.
Of all fpotted animals, the fkin of the male Ocelot is the moft beautiful, and the mod elegantly variegated. Its general colour is that of a bright-tawny *, a black (tripe extends along the top of the back, from head to tail ; its forehead is fpotted with black, as are alfo its legs ; its fhoulders, (ides, and rump, are beautifully mar- bled with long (tripes of black, forming oval figures, filled in the middle with fmall black fpots ; its tail is irregularly marked with large fpot$, and black at the end.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. i8j
The Ocelot very much refembles the common Cat in the form of its body, although it is a great deal larger. Buffon makes its height two feet and a half, and about four feet in length.
The colours of the female are not fo vivid as thofe of the male, nor the marks fo beautifully formed.
The .Ocelot is a native of South-America, inhabits Mexico and Brazil, is a very voracious animal, but ti- mid, and feldom attacks men. It is afraid of Dogs ; and when purfued, flies to the woods.
This creature lives chiefly in the mountains, where it conceals itfelf amongll the leaves of trees ; from whence it darts upon fuch animals as come within its reach. It fometimes extends itfelf along the boughs, as if it were dead, till the monkies, tempted by their natural curiofi- ty, approach within reach of its paws; when it feizes and kills them. — It is faid to prefer the blood of animals to their flelh. It mull, therefore, deftroy great numbers, as, inftead of fatisfying its hunger by devouring them, it only quenches its thirft by drinking their blood.
The Ocelot is not eafy to be tamed, and retains its original wildnefs in a (late of captivity. Nothing can foften the natural ferocity of its difpofition, nor calm the reftleflnefs of its motions : For this reafon, it is always kept in a cage. — One of thefe animals, fhewn at New- caftle in 1788, although extremely old, exhibited great marks of ferocity. It was kept clofely confined, and would not admit of being carefled by its keeper in the fame manner as the Lion ; but growled conftantly, and always appeared in motion. — A male and female Ocelot were brought to France fome years ago, which had been taken when very young. At the age of three months,
they
m HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
they became fo ftrong and fierce, as to kill a bitch that was given them for a nurfe. When a live Cat was thrown to them, they fucked its blood, but would not tafte its flefh. The male feemed to have a great fupe- riority over the female, as he never allowed her to par- take till his own appetite was fatisfied.
The female Ocelot, like all the larger animals of the Cat kind, produces a fmall number at a time. The two above mentioned were the only young ones found with the mother, which was killed at the time they were taken ; and makes it probable, that they bring forth only that number.
The MARGAY
is another beautiful animal of the fpotted kind, and known in many places by the name of the Tiger Cat. — The ground colour of the body is tawny ; the face is flriped with black ; the body is marked with (tripes and large fpots of black ; the bread, and infides of the legs, are white, fpotted with black ; the tail is long, marked with alternate fpots of black, tawny, and grey.
The Margay is fmaller than the Ocelot, and about the
fize
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 187
fi ze of the Wild Cat, which it refembles in difpofition and habit, living on fmall animals, birds, &c. It is very wild and untameable, and cannot ealily be brought under fubje&ion. — Its colours vary, though they are generally fuch as have been defcribed.
It is common in Guiana, Brazil, and various parts of South- America. — It is called the Cayenne Cat ; and is not fo frequent in temperate as in warm climates.
In taking a furvey of this beautiful race of animals, we are unavoidably led to obferve, that much remains for the laborious refearches of the natural hiftorian, before a complete account can be made out of the various kinds of which it is compofed. Several fpecies are frequently found in the Eaft-Indies, in the woods near the Cape of Good Hope, and in the continent of America; but in general thefe have been fo negligently, or fo injudicioufly mentioned, as to render it impoflible to form a perfect defcription of them. — A good hiftory of thefe animals is one of the many defiderata of the naturalift ; but when we confider the great diftance which moll of this fero- cious tribe obferve in their feparation from mankind, and the dangers that muft be encountered in approaching their folitary habitations, we are obliged to lament that this defirable object is not likely to be foon accomplifhed*
The
1 88 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The SERVAL.
This beautiful animal inhabits the mountainous p^rts of India; and is called by the natives of Malabar the Marapute.— It is larger than the Wild Cat. Its general colour is a pale-yellow ; white on the bread and belly, variegated with round fpots, which are equally diftri- buted over every part of its body : Its eyes are extremely brilliant, and have a wild, piercing look ; its whilkers are long and diff ; its tail fhort ; and its feet are armed with long hooked claws.
This creature is feldom to be feen upon the ground ; but lives chiefly in trees, where it makes its ned, and breeds its young. It feeds on young birds, and leaps with great agility from tree to tree. It is extremely fierce ; but avoids mankind, unlefs provoked ; when it darts furioufly upon the offender, and tears and bites nearly in the fame manner as the Panther.
Sparrman mentions an animal of this kind, found at
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 189
the Cape of Good Hope, which he calls the Tiger Cat, and fuppofes to be the fame with the Serval. The fame author mentions another animal of this kind, called at the Cape the Wild Red Cat ; the fkin of which is fup- pofed by the natives to poflefs great medicinal powers, and givfe eaie to perfons afflicted with the gout, lumba- go, and pains in the joints. The hairy fide mull be worn next the part affe£ted. The fur of this animal is very fine and foft and probably, there are many other ikins, which, if applied with an equal degree of good faith, might have the fame falutary effe&s.
The colour of the upper part of this creature is of a very bright-red ; towards the fides it is mixed with white and grey ; the belly is white ; the*upper part of the ears, which have tufts of hair on their tips, is dark-brown, fprinkled with grey. The body of this animal is long, and about two feet in height.
The Wild CAT.
The hiftory of this animal is fo intimately conne&ed with that of the common or domeftic kind, that we (ha)l
include
i9o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
include our account of both under one general head, and defcribe them as conftituting the fame fpecies.
The domeftic Cat, if fuffered to efcape into the woods, becomes wild, and lives on fmall birds and fuch other game as it can find there. It likewife breeds with the wild one. It is no uncommon thing for females of the tame fpecies to quit their houfes during the time they are in feafon, go in quell of male Wild Cats, and return home to the fame habitations impregnated by them. It is by this means, that fome of our domeftic Cats fer per- fectly refpmble thofe of the wild breed.
The hair of the Wild Cat is foft and fine, of a pale- yellow colour, mixed with grey ; a dulky lift runs along the middle of the back, from head to tail; the fides are ftreaked with grey, pointing from the back downwards ; the tail is thick, and marked with alternate bars of black and white. It is larger and ftronger than the tame Cat, and its fur much longer.
This animal inhabits the moft mountainous and woody parts of this illand, living in trees, and hunting for birds and fmall animals, fuch as rabbits, hares, rats, mice, moles, &c. It frequently makes great havock among poultry; will even kill young lambs, kids, and fawns; and is the fierceft and moft deftruCtive beaft of prey in this kingdom.
It is taken either in traps, or by fhooting. There is frequently danger in the latter mode ; for if it be only (lightly wounded, it will attack the perfon who has in- jured it, and in that cafe is not eafily repelled.
Wild Cats are found, with very little variety, in almoft every climate. They exifted in America before its difco- very by the Europeans. One of them was brought to
Columbus,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 191
Columbus, which was of the ordinary fize, of a brown- ifh-grey colour, with a long tail. — They are common in many places of Alia and Africa. Sparrman gives a de- scription of one which he fhot at the Cape, which was in every refpedt fimilar to thofe of this country. It was of a grey colour; and meafured, from the nofe to the tail, nearly twenty-two inches. The tail was thirteen inches long. Its height was about a foot and a half. Its intef- tines were full of moles and rats.
Some Wild Cats have been taken in this kingdom of a moft enormous Size ; we recollect one having been killed in the county of Cumberland, which meafured, from its nofe to the end of its tail, upwards of five feet.
The province of Chorazan, in Perfia, is particularly famous for a moft beautiful Cat, about the fize of the tame one, of a fine grey colour, without any mixture, and as foft and fhining as filk. It is darker on the back. Softening by degrees towards the breaft and belly, where it is almoft white. The tail is long, and covered with hair, five or fix inches in length. The animal frequent- ly turns it upon its back, like a Squirrel ; the point of it refembling a plume of feathers.
The Cat of Angora differs greatly from the Wild Cat, in having much longer hair, efpecialiy about the neck, where it forms a fine ruff, and gives the creature a Lion- like appearance. Some of thefe are of a Silvery white- nefs, and Silky texture ; others are of a dun colour, mix- ed with yellow.
VS&T
The
192 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Domestic CAT
may be faid to be only a variety of the Wild Cat, the principal difference being in its fize, which is lefs ; and, indead of being uniformly the fame, is diftinguifhed by an infinite variety of (hades and colouring.
To defcribe an animal fo well known might feem a fuperfluous talk ; we (hall only, therefore, fele£t fuch of its peculiarities as are lead obvious, and may have esca- ped the notice of inattentive obfervers.
It is generally remarked, that Cats can fee in the dark ; but, though this is not abfolutely the cafe, yet it is cer- tain that they can fee with much lefs light than mod other animals, owing to the peculiar dru&ure of their eyes, the pupils of which are capable of being contracted or dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which they are affected. The pupil of the Cat, during the day, is perpetually contracted ; and it is with difficulty that it can fee by a ftrong light : But in the twilight, the pupil
refumes
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS! 19$
refumes its natural roundnefs, the animal enjoys perfedfc vifion, and takes advantage of this fuperiority to difcover and furprize its prey.
The cry of the Cat is loud, piercing, and clamorous $ and whether exprellive of anger or of love, is equally vi- olent and hideous. Its call may be heard at a great difc tance; an'd is fo well known to the whole fraternity, that on fome occafions feveral hundred Cats have been brought together from different parts. Invited by the piercing cries of diftrefs from a fuffering fellow-creature, they affemble in crowds ; and, with loud fqualls and yells, exprefs their horrid fynipathies. They frequently tear the miferable objedt to pieces $ and, with the moft blind and furious rage, fall Upon each other, killing and wounding indifcriminately, till there is fcarcely one left. Thefe terrible conflicts happen only in the night j and, though very rare, inftances of very furious ones are well authenticated.
The Cat is particularly averfe to water, cold, and bad fmells. It is fond of certain perfumes ; but is more particularly attradted by the fmell of valerian, marum, and cat-mint. It rubs itfelf againfl them ; and, if not prevented from coming at them in a garden where they are planted, would infallibly deftroy them.
The Cat brings forth twice, and fometimes thrice, U year. The period of her geftation is fifty-five or fifty-fix days *, and fhe generally produces five or fix at one litter. She conceals her kittens from the male, left he fhould devour them, as he is fometimes inclined ; and, if appre- henfive of being difturbed, will take them up in her mouth, and remove them one by one to a more fecure retreat. Even the female herfelf, contrary to the efta-
N btifhed
ip4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
blifhed law of Nature, which binds the parent to its off- fpring by an almoft indiffoluble tie, is fometimes known to eat her own young the moment after fhe has produced
them.
Though extremely ufeful in deflroying the vermin that infeft our houfes, the Cat feems little attached to the perfons of thofe that afford it protection. It feems to be under no fubjeCtion, and aCts only for itfelf : Ail its views are confined to the place where it has been brought up ; if carried elfewhere, it feems loft and bewildered : Neither carefles nor attention can reconcile it to its new lituation ; and it frequently takes the firft opportunity of efcaping to its former haunts. Frequent inftances are in our recollection, of Cats having returned to the place from whence they had been carried, though at many miles diftance, and even acrofs rivers, when they could not pofiibly have any knowledge of the road or fixation that would apparently lead them to it. — This extraordi- nary faculty is, however, poffeffed in a much greater de- gree by Dogs ; yet it is in both animals equally wonder- ful and unaccountable.
In the time of Hoel the Good, king of Wales, who died in the year 948, laws were made as well to pre- ferve, as to fix the different prices of animals; among which the Cat was included, as being at that period of great importance, on account of its fcarcity and utility. The price of a kitten before it could fee was fixed at one penny ; till proof could be given of its having caught a moufe, two-pence ; after which it was rated at four- pence, which was a great fum in thofe days, when the value of fpecie was extremely high. It was likewife re- quired, that it fhould be perfeCt in its fenfes of hearing
and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 195
and feeing, fhould be a good moufer, have its claws whole, and, if a female, be a careful nurfe : If it failed in any of thefe good qualities, the feller was to forfeit to the buyer the third part of its value. — If any one fhbuld (leal or kill the Cat that guarded the Prince’s granary, he was either, to forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece, and lamb, or as much wheat as, when poured on the Cat fufpended by its tail, (its head touching the floor) would form a
heap high enough to cover the tip of the former.*
From hence we may conclude, that Cats were not ori- ginally natives of thefe iflands ; and, from the great care taken to improve and preferve the breed of this prolific creature, we may fuppofe were but little known at that period. — Whatever credit we may allow to the circum- ftances of the well-known ftory of Whittington and his Cat, it is another proof of the great value fet upon this animal in former times.
N
The
i96 history of quadrupeds.
The LYNX
differs greatly from every animal of the Cat kind we have hitherto deferibed. Its ears are long and eredt, tufted at the end with long black hairs, by which this fpecies of animals is peculiarly diftinguifhed : The hair on the body is long and foft, of a red-afh colour, marked with dufky fpots, which differ according to the age of the creature; fometimes they are fcarcely vifible: Its legs and feet are very thick and flrong; its tail fhort, and black at the extremity ; its eyes are of a pale-yellow colour; and its afpedt fofter and lefs ferocious than that of the Panther or the Ounce. The fkin of the male is more fpotted than that of the female.
The fur of this creature is valuable for its foftnefs and warmth ; and is imported in great quantities from Ame- rica and the North of Europe. The farther North they are taken, the whiter they are, and the fpots more dif- tindt. The molt elegant of thofe is called the Irbys ; and is taken near lake Balkafh, in Ufbec Tartary. Its fkin
fells
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 197
fells in that country for one pound fterling. — The colour of its hair changes with the climate and the feafon : The winter furs are richer and more beautiful than thofe taken in fummer.
The Lynx is faid to be very long-lived, is a very de- ftru&ive animal, lives by hunting, and purfues its prey to the tops of the higheft trees. It feeds on Weafels, Ermines, Squirrels, See. which are unable to efcape it. It watches the approach of the Fallow-deer, Hare, and other animals ; and darts upon them from the branches of trees, where it lies concealed , feizes the animals by the throat, and drinks their blood ; after which, it aban- dons them, and goes in queft of frefh game.— its fight is remarkably quick ; and it fees its prey at a great diftance. — It often eats no more of a Sheep or a Goat than the brain, the liver, and the inteftines. It will fometimes dig under the doors to gain admiflion into the fheepfold.
► When attacked by a Dog, it lies down on its back,
ftrikes defperately with its claws, and frequently obliges its aflailant to retreat.
Although the Lynx has nothing in common with the Wolf, it has been diftinguifhed by the name of Lupus - CervariuSy or the Stag-Wolf. Its manner of howling is fimilar to that of the Wolf-, and when heard at a dif- tance, is not eafily diftinguifhed from the cry of that ani- mal. The epithet cervarius has been added, becaufe its fkin is variegated with fpots like that of a young Stag.
A variety of this animal is found in the inner parts of the province of New York. It is called the Bay Lynxy and is about twice the fize of a large Cat, Its hair is fhort and fmooth *, its general colour is a bright-bay, ob- fcurely marked with dufky fpots $ on its face there are
N 3 black
I
198 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
black ftripes, pointing downward towards the nofe; on each fide of the upper lip it has three rows of fmall black fpots, with long whifkers iffuing from them ; each cheek is marked with long black ftripes, of a circular form, proceeding from the corners of the eyes ; the under part of the body, and infides of the legs, are white ; the in* fide of each fore leg is marked on the upper part with two black bars ; its tail, which is fhort, is marked with bars of a dufky colour, and at the end with one of a deep-black j the tip and under fide are white.
The Lynxes of our days muft be very different ani- mals from thofe which have been defcribed by poets as drawing the chariot of Bacchus 5 for, befide the imprac- ticability of training thefe animals to the yoke, we find, that the Lynx is not an inhabitant of India, or of any of the warmer countries of Afia conquered by that hero. It prefers cold to even temperate climates 5 and is com- mon in the forefts of the northern parts of Europe, Afia, and America.
The ancients feem to have given the name of Lynx to an animal which exifted only in imagination, and may be ranked with their other ideal monfters and prodigies; — the Sphynx, the Pegafus, and the Unicorn. — Its fight was faid to penetrate the moft opaque bodies, and its; \mne to be converted into a precious ftone.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 199
The CARACAL
refembles the Lynx in fize, figure, and afpe£l, as well as in having its ears tipt with a pencil of bl^ck hairs. — It differs from the lafl-mentioned animal in not being fpot- ted ; its hair is rougher, and of a pale reddifh-brown ; its tail is longer, and of an uniform colour; its face is more lengthened, its look more fierce, and its nature and difpofition more favage.
This animal is found only in warm climates; and is common in Perfia, India, Barbary, and in all the coun- tries inhabited by the Lion, the Panther, and the Ounce. — It is called in Perfia the Syah-Gujh ; and in the Turk- ifh language, the Karrah-Kulak ; Both thefe names fig- nify the Cat with black Ears. — It is faid to follow the Lion, and to feed on the remains which that animal leaves of his prey ; for which reafon it is called among the Arabs the Lion’s Guide.
The Caracal is about the fize of a Fox ; but much N 4 ftronger,
£00 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ftronger, and more ferocious. It has been known to at* tack a Hound, and inftantly tear it to pieces.
This animal is extremely difficult to tame ; but when taken young, and reared with great caution, it may be trained to the chafe.
It is ufed in purfuing the fmaller fort of animals, in which it is very fuccefsful ; but it is a£tive only in the purfuit of animals that are too feeble for refiftance, or too timid to exert their powers. Whenever it meets with one that is fuperior to it in ftrength, it lofes its courage, and gives up the chafe. — It is likewife employ- ed in catching birds ; fuch as cranes, pelicans, peacocks. See. ; which it furprifes with lingular addrefs. When it has feized its prey, it holds it fall in its mouth, and lies upon it for fome time quite motionlefs.
There are fome varieties in this animal. The face of the Nubian Caracal is rounder; the ears black on the outfide, interfperfed with filver-cololired hairs; on the brealt, belly, and infides of the thighs, there are fmall bright-yellow fpots; and it has the mule crofs on the withers, like moll of the Barbary Caracals. — In Lybia, there are Caracals with white ears, tufted at the end with thin black hairs ; they have white tails, the extre- mities of which are furrounded with four black rings; and on the hind part of each leg, there are four black fpots. They are fmaller than the other Caracals, not exceeding the fize of a domeftic Cat.
We have now gone through all the principal varieties which conftitute this numerous race ; in all of which, as has been already obferved, from the Lion to the com- mon Cat, we may perceive a ftriking fimilitude in difpo- fitioq, form, and manners. This agreement is likewife
obfervable
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 201
obfervable in their internal conformation, which is {till more exa£t, — in the fhortnefs of their inteftines, the fharpnefs and number of their teeth, and in the ftrudture of their feet and claws. They are all equally carnivo- rous ; and tear, rather than chew their meat. They eat {lowly ; and growl whilft they feed, as if afraid of lofing their prey. They are all cowardly, and feldom make an attack but where conqueft is certain.
Animals of this race may be confidered as the moll formidable enemies of mankind. There are others more powerful; but their difpofitions are milder; and they fel- dom offend till they find themfelves injured : Others are more numerous; but they are weaker, and find their fafety not in oppofing, but in flying from man. Thefe are the only quadrupeds that in any degree make good their ground againft him, and maintain a kind of divided fway over many fair and fertile trafts, that feem, in other refpe&s, formed for the comfort and convenience of focial life.
Animals
202 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Animals of the WEASEL Kind. HESE little, a£live, and enterprizing animals are
particularly diftinguilhed from other carnivorous
kinds, by the length and llendernefs of their bodies, which are admirably adapted to their manner of living, and methods of taking their prey. They are fo fmall and flexible, as to wind like worms into very fmall cre- vices and openings *, whither they eafily follow the little animals that ferve them for food.
All the animals of this kind are furnifhed with fmall glands, placed near the anus, from which an un&uous matter continually exudes : The effluvia of it is ex- tremely offenfive in the Polecat, Ferret, Weafel, Badger, &c*, but in the Civet Cat, Martin, and Pine Weafel, it is an agreeable perfume. They are all equally marked for rapine and cruelty : They fublift only by theft ; and find their chief protection in their minutenefs. They are all, from the fhortnefs of their legs, flow in purfuit ; and make up that deficiency by patience, afliduity, and cunning. — As their prey is precarious, they can live a long time without food. When they fall in with plenty, they immediately kill every thing within their reach be- fore they begin to fatisfy their appetite ; and always fuck the blood of every animal they kill, before they eat any of its flelh.
Thefe are the principal peculiarities common to this kind ; all the fpecies of which have fo linking a refem- blance to each other, that having feen one, we may form a very juft idea of all the reft.
The molt obvious difference confifts in their fize. We fhall therefore begin with the fmalleft of this numerous clafs, and proceed gradually upwards to the largeft.
The
HISTORY OF QJJADRUPEDS. 203
The WEASEL.
THE length of this animal does not exceed feven inches, from the nofe to the tail; which is only- two inches and a half long, and errds in a point : Its height is not above two inches and a half ; fo that it is nearly five times as long as it is high.
The moft prevailing colour of the Weafel is a pale reddifh-brown on the back, fides, and legs ; the throat and belly are white ; beneath the corners of the mouth, on each jaw, is a fpot of brown. It has whifkers like a Cat; its ears are large, and have a fold at the lower part, that gives them the appearance of being double ; its eyes are fmall, round, and black ; its teeth are thirty- two in number, and extremely fharp.
The Weafel is very common, and well known in moft parts of this country ; is very deftrudtive to young birds, poultry, rabbits, See. ; and is a keen devourer of eggs, which it fucks with great avidity. It will follow a Hare, which is terrified into a ftate of abfolute imbecility at the fight of this little animal, and gives itfelf up to it with- out
204 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
out refiftance, making at the fame time the moft piteous outcries.
The bite of the Weafel is generally fatal. It feizes its prey near the head, and fixes its fharp teeth into a vital part. A Hare, Rabbit, or any other fmall animal, bit in this manner, is never known to recover ; but lingers for fome time, and dies. The wound is fo fmall, that the place where the teeth enter can fcarcely be perceived. — It is remarkably a£Uve ; and will run up the fides of a wall with fuch facility, that no place is fecure from it.
This creature is a friend to the farmer, and much en- couraged by him. During winter, it frequents his barns, out-houfes, and granaries ; which it effectually clears of Rats and Mice. It is, indeed, a more deadly enemy to them than even the Cat itfelf ; for, being more aCtive and fiender, it purfues them into their holes, and kills them after a fhort refiftance. It creeps alfo into pigeon holes, and deftroys the young ones; catches fparrows, and all kinds of fmall birds ; and when it has brought forth its young, it hunts with ftill greater boldnefs and avidity. — In fummer, it ventures at a diftance from its ufual haunts; is frequently found by the fide of waters, near corn-mills ; and is almoft fure to follow wherever a fwarm of Rats has taken poffeflion of any place,
The evening is the time when this animal begins its depredations. Towards the clofe of the day, it may fre- quently be feen ftealing from its hole, and creeping about the farmer’s yard in f^arch of its prey. If it enter the place where poultry are kept, it feldom attacks the cocks or the old hens, but always aims at the young ones. It does not eat its prey on the fpot where it has killed it ; but, where it is not too large, carries it away to its re- treat*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 205
treat. It alfo breaks and fucks all the eggs it can meet with ; and, not unfrequently, kills the hen that attempts to defend them.
The Weafel is a wild and untra&able little animal: When kept in a cage for the purpofe of amufement or infpe&ion, it feems in a continual date of agitation, is terrified at the fight of every perfon that approaches to look at it, and hides itfelf in the wool or hay which is given to it for that purpofe.
It conveys all its food to its hiding-place ; and will not touch it till it begin to putrefy. It pafles the greated part of the day in fleeping; and ufually employs the night in exercife and eating.
The female brings forth in the fpring, and generally produces four or five at one litter. She prepares a bed for them of draw, leaves, and mofs. The young are brought forth blind ; but very foon acquire ftrength enough to follow their dam, and aflid in her excurfions. They will attack ferpents, water-rats, moles, field-mice, 8c c. : They overrun the meadows ; and frequently kill the partridges, and fuck their eggs.
The motion of the Weafel confilts of unequal and pre- cipitant leaps ; and in climbing a tree, it makes a confi- derable fpring of fome feet from the ground. It jumps in the fame manner upon its prey ; and being extremely limber, evades the attempts of much ftronger animals to feize it. — We are told, that an eagle having feized a Weafel, mounted into the air with it; and was foon af- ter obferved to be in great diftrefs. Its little enemy had extricated itfelf fo far, as to be able to bite it feverely in the throat ; which prefently brought the eagle to the ground, and gave the Weafel an opportunity of efca- ping.
Notwith-
206 history of quadrupeds,
Notwithftanding the wildnefs of this animaFs nature, there are not wanting inftances to prove, that it is capa- ble of being thoroughly tamed. M. BufFon, who avert- ed the impofiibility of bringing the Weafel into any de- gree of fubje&ion, is afterwards corrected by a lady; who allures him, that Ihe had tried the experiment upon a young Weafel taken in her garden ; which foon learned to recognize and lick the hand from which it received its food, and became as familiar, carefling, and frolicfome, as a Dog or a Squirrel.— The fame author mentions ano- ther experiment made by a gentleman, who trained a young Weafel fo completely, that the animal followed
him wherever he went. The method of taming them
is to ftroke them gently over the back ; and to threaten, and even to beat them, when they bite.
Thefe fa&s may ferve to fhew the poflibility of ren- dering this animal domeftic ; and hold out a ufeful hint to us, that its fervices might be very great in clearing fhips, granaries, and other places, from the vermin with which they are frequently infefted : For it is very well known, that one of thefe animals will kill more Rats and Mice than any Cat, being better able to purfue them into their holes and lurking-places.
The odour of the Weafel is very ftrong, efpecially in the fummer time, or when it is irritated or purfued ; it is then intolerable, and may be fmelt at fome diftance.
The following circumftance, related by BufFon, will fhew, that this animal has a natural attachment to every thing that is corrupt A Weafel was taken in his neigh- bourhood, with three young ones, out of the carcafe of a Wolf that had been hung on a tree by the hind feet. The Wolf was almofl entirely putrefied; and the Weafel
had
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 207
had made a nefl of leaves and herbage for her young in the thorax of the putrid carcafe.
The STOAT.
The difference in fhape between this animal and the Weafel is fo fmall, that they have frequently been de- fcribed under the fame denomination ; the fmall Stoat being fometimes miftaken for a Weafel. — The length of the former is about ten inches ; the tail five inches and a half, very hairy, and tipt with black at the end ; the edges of the ears, and the ends of the toes, are of a yellowifh-white : I11 other refpeCts, it perfectly refem- bles the Weafel in colour as well as form.
In the mofl northern parts of Europe, this animal re- gularly changes its colour in winter, and becomes per- fectly white; except the end of the tail, which remains invariably black. It is then called the Ermine ; and is much fought after for its valuable fur, which makes a
confiderable
208 history of quadrupeds.
confiderable article of commerce in Norway, Lapland* Ruflia, and other cold countries 5 where they are found in prodigious numbers. They are alfo very common in Kamtfchatka and Siberia, where they are taken in traps baited with fle(h. The (kins are fold in the country for from two to three pounds (terling per hundred. — In Nor- way, they are either (hot with blunt arrows, or taken in traps made of two flat (tones, one being propped up with a (lick, to which is fattened a baited firing ; and as foon as the animal begins to nibble, the (tone falls down, and crufhes it to death. — The Stoat is likewife found white in the winter time in Great-Britain, and is then erroneoufly called a White Weafel. Its fur, however, among us, is of little value, having neither the thicknefs, the clofenefs, nor the whitenefs, of thofe which come from Siberia.
One of thefe animals, that we had in our pofleflion, had entirely aflumed its winter robe ; but with a confi- derable mixture of yellow, efpecially on the top of the head and back. — They begin to change from brown to white in November, and refume their fummer vefture in March.
The natural hiftory of this animal is much the fame with that of the Weafel; its food being young birds, rabbits, mice, &c. ; its agility the fame 5 and its fcent equally fetid.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 209
The FERRET.
This animal is only known to us in a kind of domeftic ftate. It is originally a native of Africa ; from whence, according to Strabo, it was brought into Spain ; and, from its known enmity to the Rabbit, was made ufe of to reduce the numbers of them with which that kingdom abounded. It has fince been employed for the fame pur- pofe in various parts of Europe ; but as it is not able to bear the feverity of a cold climate, it cannot fubfift with- out great care and fhelter. It is ufually kept in a box, with wool 5 of which it makes itfelf a warm bed. It fleeps a great part of the day ; and the moment it a- wakes, feems eager for its food, which is commonly bread and milk.
The Ferret breeds twice a year. The female goes fix weeks with young. Some of them devour their offspring as foon as they are brought forth ; when they immediate- ly come in feafon again, and %e three litters, which generally confifl of five or fix, l^it fometimes feven or
eight, and even nine. It is apt to degenerate in this
O country,
2io HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
country, and lofe in fome degree its ferocity. Warreti- ers are therefore obliged to procure an intercourfe be- tween the female and the Foumart. The produce is a breed of a much darker colour than the Ferret, partaking more of that of the Foumart.
The length of this animal is about fourteen inches > that of the tail five ; its nofe is lharper than that of the Weafel or the Foumart; its ears are round ; and its eyes red and fiery : The colour of the whole body is a very pale-yellow.
The Ferret is naturally fuch an enemy to the Rabbit, that if a dead Rabbit be laid before a young Ferret, it inflantly feizes upon it, although it has never feen one before. If a living Rabbit be prefented to it, the Ferret is (till more eager, feizes it by the neck, winds itfelf round it, and continues to fuck its blood till it be fa- tiated. — When employed in the bufinefs of the warren, it mull be muzzled, that it may not kill the Rabbits in their holes ; but only oblige them to come out, that the warrener may catch them in his nets. If the Ferret be fufFered to go in without a muzzle, or fhould difengage itfelf from it whilft in the hole, there is great danger of lofing it; for after fatisfying itfelf with blood, it falls afleep, and it is then almoft impoflible to come at it.— The moft ufual methods of recovering the Ferret are, by digging it out, or fmoking the hole. If thefe do not fucceed, it continues during the fummer among the Rab- bit holes, and lives upon the prey it finds there; but being unable to endure the cold of the winter, is fure to perifh.
The Ferret, though eafily tamed, is foon irritated. — Its odour is fetid ; its nature voracious ; it is tame with- out
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 211
out attachment ; and fuch is its appetite for blood, that it has been known to attack and kill children in the cra- dle.— When angry, it is apt to bite ; and the wound is difficult to cure.
The Madagafccir Wecifel , or Vanjire of M. Buffon, may be referred to this fpecies ; to which its fize and form are ftrikingly limilar. It is about fourteen inches in length : The hair is of a dark-brown colour, mixed with black : It differs from the Ferret the number of its grinding teeth, which amount to twelve ; whereas, in the Ferret, there are but eight: The tail is longer than that of the Ferret, and better furniffied with hair.
The fame author mentions another animal of this fpe- cies under the name of the Nems> which is a native of Arabia. It refembles our Ferret in every thing but the colour, which is that of a dark-brown mixed with white ; the belly is of a bright-yellow colour, without any mix- ture ; the prevailing colour on the head and round the eyes is a clear yellow ; on the nofe, cheeks, and other parts of the face where the hair is ffiort, a tincfture of brown more or lefs prevails, and terminates gradually above the eyes ; the legs are covered with ffiort hair, of a deep-yellow colour ; on each foot there are four toes, and a fmall one behind ; the claws are fmall and black ; the tail, which is more than double the length of that of our Ferret, is very thick at its origin, terminates in a point, and is covered with long hair, fimilar to that on the body.
O 2
The
2i2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The FOUMART,
fo called from its offenfive fmell, as well as to diftinguifh it from the Martin, to which it bears a ftrong refem- blance : It is likewife called the Polecat or Fitchet , and is the Putois of M. Buffon, and the Putorius of Ray.
The length of this animal is about feventeen inches, exclufive of the tail, which is fix inches long ; the ears are fhort, broad, and tipt with white on their edges ; it is white about the mouth ; the reft of the body is for the moft part of a deep-chocolate colour; the fides are co- vered with hairs of two colours, the ends being dark like the reft of the body, and the middle of a full-tawny co- lour.
The fhape of this animal, like all others of this genus, is long and flender, the nofe fharp-pointed, and the legs fhort *, the toes are long, and the claws fharp. It is in every refpedt admirably formed for that peculiar mode of life afligned to it by the all-wife Author of Nature.
It is a very adtive and nimble little animal, runs very
faft.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 213
faft, and will creep up the fides of walls with great agi- lity. In running, its belly feems to touch the ground ; in preparing to jump, it arches its back, and makes its fpring with great force.
It is very deftru&ive to poultry, pigeons, and young game of all kinds : It makes great havock amongft Rab- bits ; and its third: for blood is fo great, that it kills ma- ny more than it can eat. One or two of thefe animals will almoft deltroy a whole warren. — It generally refides in woods or thick brakes ; where it burrows under ground, forming a fhallow retreat about two yards in length, which commonly ends among the roots of trees.
In the winter feafon, this creature frequents houfes, barns, &c. feeding on poultry, eggs, and fometimes milk : But it has another mode of procuring fubfiftence, which has hitherto efcaped the obfervation of the naturalift; and which, though lingular, we can vouch for the truth of: — During a fevere ftorm, one of thefe animals was traced in the fnow from the fide of a rivulet to its hole, at fome diftance from it : As it was obferved to have made frequent trips, and as other marks were to be feen in the fnow which could not eafily be accounted for, it was thought a matter worthy of more diligent enquiry : Its hole was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken, and eleven fine eels were difcovered to be the fruits of this curious little animal’s nocturnal excurfions. The marks in the fnow were found to have been made by the motion of the eels in the creature’s mouth.
From the above curious circumftance, we have given a reprefentation of this animal (which was drawn from the life) in poflefiion of this fingular booty. — It may be matter of curious inveftigation for fome future naturalift
O 3 to
214 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
to enquire by what arts this wily animal finds a booty fo apparently difficult to attain: Whether by plunging in, and dragging it from its recedes at the bottoms of rivers ; or in the more fecure method of taking advantage of the labours of others, and robbing the Otter of its ftores.
In attending to the inftin&ive faculties of animals, there is room for deep and diligent enquiry ; and, though our progrefs is liable to many interruptions, it is a de- lightful talk to follow the workings of Nature through all her intricate and curious windings : Every ftep we gain is a fufficient reward for our trouble, and leads us to admire the wifdom and goodnefs of that Difpenfation which fqrnifhes every creature with fufficient and ample powers to adminifter to all its wants, neceffities, and comforts.
The female Foumart brings forth in the fummer, ge- nerally five or fix at a time. She fuckles them but a ihort time, and accufloms them early to live upon blood and eggs.
Though the fmell of this animal is rank and difagreea- ble even to a proverb, yet the fkin is dreft with the hair on, and ufed as other furs, without retaining its offen- five odour.
The Foumart is a very fierce and bold little creature : When attacked by a Dog, it will defend itfelf with great fpirit, attack in its turn, and faflen upon the nofe of its enemy with fo keen a bite, as frequently to oblige him to defift.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 215
The Pine WEASEL, or Yellow- breasted MARTIN,
inhabits the North of Europe, Afia, and America : It is likewife found in Great-Britain, but is not numerous there. — It lives chiefly in large forefts ; efpecially where the pine tree abounds, of the tops of which it is very fond.
North- America abounds with thefe animals. Prodi- gious numbers of their {kins are annually imported from thence. Above thirty thoufand {kins have been brought over from Canada in one year, and from Hudfon’s Bay nearly fifteen thoufand in the fame time.
The principal difference between the Pine Weafel and the Martin is in the colour. The breaft of the former is yellow; the colour of the body much darker; and the fur, in general, greatly fuperior in finenefs, beauty, and value. ✓
o 4
The
21 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The MARTIN
is much more common in this country than the Pine Weafel. — It lives wholly in woods, and breeds in the hollows of trees. It produces from four to fix young ones at a time.
This animal is the moll beautiful of all the Weafel kind. Its head is fmall, and olegantly formed ; its eyes are lively; and its motions quick and graceful — When taken young, it is eafily tamed, extremely playful, and good-humoured. Its attachment, however, is not to be depended upon. It readily takes advantage of the firffc opportunity to regain its liberty, and retire to the woods, its natural haunts.
The food of the Martin is much the fame with other animals of its kind. It makes inceflant war with Rats, Mice, and other vermin : Poultry, game, and fmall birds, are its conftant prey : It feeds alfo on grain, and is ex- tremely fond of honey.
M. Buffon tells us of one of thefe animals that he had tamed, which, he remarks, drank frequently. It fome- times flept two days fucceflively, and at other times would continue awake as long. In preparing itfelf for fleep, it folded itfelf up in a round form, and covered its head with its tail. When awake, its motions were fo vi- olent, fo conftant, and fo troublefome, that it was ne- celfary to keep it chained. From the flexibility of its body, it eafily eluded its fetters; and, after returning once or twice, at laft abfented itfelf entirely.
The Martin is about eighteen inches long ; the tail is ten, and full of hair, efpecially towards the end, which is thick and bufhy; the ears are broad, rounded, and
open
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 217
open *, the body is covered with a thick fur, of a dark- brown colour ; the head is brown, mixed with red ; the throat and bread: are white ; the belly is of the fame co- lour with the back, but a little paler ; the feet are broad, and covered on the under fide with a thick fur; the claws white, large, and (harp, well adapted for climbing trees, which in this country are its conftant refidence.
The (kin and excrements of this animal have an agree- able mulky fcent, and are entirely free from that rank- nefs which is fo difgufting in other animals of this kind* Its fur is valuable, and in high eftimation.
The SABLE.
This little animal, fo highly efteemed for its Ikin, is a native of the fnowy regions of the North, being found chiefly in Siberia, Kamtfchatka, and fome of the iflands which lie between that country and Japan; and a few are alfo found in Lapland.
The darkeft furs are the moll valuable. A Angle fkin, though not above four inches broad, is fometimes va- lued as high as fifteen pounds. The fable differs from all other furs in this, that the hair turns with equal eafe to either fide.
The
218 history of quadrupeds.
The Sable refembles the Martin in form, and is about the fame fize. — It lives in holes in the earth, by the banks of rivers, and under the roots of trees. It makes its neft of mofs, fmall twigs, and grafs. — The female brings forth in the fpring, and produces from three to five at one time. — Sometimes, like the Martin, it forms its neft in the hollow of a tree.
This animal is very lively and a£live, and will leap with great agility from tree to tree, in purfuit of fmall birds, woodcocks, fquirrels, &c. It likewife lives upon rats, fifhes, pine tops, and wild fruits.
It is affirmed by naturalifts, that the Sable is not a- verfe to the water ; and, from the finenefs and clofenefs of its fur, there is great reafon to fuppofe that it is much accuftomed to that element 5 from which it alfo derives a part of its fubfiftence : And as a farther proof that this animal is in fome degree amphibious, we are told by tra- vellers #, that it is very numerous in fmall iflands, where the hunters go in queft of them. — It is mentioned by Ariftotle as a water animal, and is defcribed by him un- der the name of Satherius,
The hunting of the Sables is chiefly carried on by cri- minals confined to the defert regions of Siberia, or by foldiers fent thither for that purpofe, who generally re- main there feveral years. Both are obliged to furniffi a certain quantity of furs. They fhoot -with a Angle ball, to injure the fkin as little as poffible. They frequently take them in traps, or kill them with blunt arrows. — As an encouragement to the hunters, they are allowed to {hare among themfelves whatever fkins they take above
* Avril’s Travels, p. 140.
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 219
the allotted number ; and this, in a few years, amounts to a confiderable premium. — The hunters form them- felves into fmall troops, each of which is directed by a leader of their own chufmg.
The feafon of hunting is from November to February; for at that time the Sables are in the higheft perfection : Thofe caught at any other time of the year are full of fhort hairs, and are fold at inferior prices. The bell Ikins are fuch as have only long hair, which is always black, and of a glofly brightnefs. Old furs do not re- tain their glofs.-^— Both the Ruffians and Chinefe have a method of dying their furs ; but the dyed fables are eafi- ly difcovered, having neither the fmoothnefs nor the brightnefs of the natural hair.
The bellies of Sables, which are fold in pairs, are about two lingers in breadth, and are tied together in bundles of forty pieces, which are fold at from one to two pounds fterling. The tails are fold by the hundred, from four to eight pounds.
There are inllances of Sables being found of a fnowy whitenefs; but they are rare, and bought only as curi-
ofities.
The hunters of this animal are frequently obliged to endure the utmolt extremity of cold and hunger in the purfuit of their booty. They penetrate deep into im- menfe woods, where they have no other method of find- ing their way back but by marking the trees as they ad- vance : If this ffiould by any means fail them, they are inevitably loll. They fometimes trace the Sables on the new-fallen fnow to their holes, place their nets at the entrance, and wait frequently two or three days before the animal comes out. — It has happened, by the failure
of
220 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
of their provifions, that thefe poor wretches have been reduced to the neceflity of tying thin boards tight to their ftomachs to prevent the cravings of appetite — Such are the hardfhips our fellow-creatures undergo to fupply the wants of the vain and luxuriant !
An animal, fimilar to the Sable, is mentioned by Mr Pennant under the name of the Fijher , It is found in North- America ; and, by the number of its fkins im- ported, mull be very numerous there, nearly fix hun- dred of them having been brought in one feafon from New-York and Penfylvania. The hair on the body is moftly black ; the lides brown ; the ears are broad and round, dulky on their outfides, and edged with white \ the face and fides of the neck pale-brown, mixed with black ; the feet are very broad, and covered with hair, even on their foies ; the tail is full and bufhy ; the length of the animal, from nofe to tail, is twenty-eight inches ; the tail feventeen.
The ICHNEUMON.
This animal, in Egypt, is domeftic, like the Cat ; and is retained by the natives for the fame ufeful purpofes of clearing their houfes of Rats and Mice.— With ail the
ftrength
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 221
ftrength and agility of the Cat, it has a more general appetite for carnage. It attacks, without dread, the mod deadly ferpents, and preys on every noxious rep- tile of the torrid zone, which it feizes and kills with great avidity. — It is faid, that when this animal is wounded by a ferpent, and begins to feel the effeCt of the poifon, it immediately has recourfe to a certain root, which the Indians call after its name, and affert that it is an antidote for the bite of any venomous reptile.
The Ichneumon is the mod formidable enemy of the crocodile : It dedroys its eggs, which it digs out of the fand, where they are laid to hatch by the heat of the fun; and kills great numbers of the young crocodiles foon af- ter their production, before they are able to reach the water. It was for this reafon that the ancient Egyptians worfhipped this animal, and ranked the Ichneumon a- mongd thofe deities that were mod propitious to them.
Thefe animals, in their domedic date, are perfectly tame and gentle. M. d’Obfonville fpeaks of one which he reared from a young one. It became tamer than a Cat, was obedient to the call of its mader, and followed him wherever he went. One day he brought a fmall water-ferpent alive, being defirous to know how far its indinCt would carry it againd a being with whom it was hitherto entirely unacquainted. Its fird emotion feemed to be adonifhment mixed with anger : Its hair became ereCt : In an indant, it flipped behind the reptile ; and, with remarkable fwiftnefs and agility, leaped upon its head, feized it, and crufhed it with its teeth. This fird eflay feemed to have awakened in it its natural appetite for blood, which till then had given way to the gentle- nefs of its education : It no longer differed the poultry,
among
222 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
among which it was brought up, to pafs unregarded ; but took the firft opportunity, when it was alone, to ftrangle them. It eat a part of their flefh, and drank only the blood of others.
Thefe animals are numerous in all the fouthern regions of Afia, from Egypt to the ifland of Java : They are alfo found in Africa, in the country about the Cape of Good Hope. They frequent the banks of rivers, are fond of filh, are faid to take the water like an Otter, and will continue in it a confiderable time without rifing to take breath.
The Ichneumon varies in fize. The domeflic kind is generally larger than thofe that are wild, and its colours more variegated. It is in general about the fize of a common Cat; fomewhat longer in the body, and fhorter in the legs. Its fur contains tints of white, brown, fawn- colour, and a dirty filver-grey, which all together form a mixture very agreeable to the eye. — Its form is like that of the Polecat. Its eyes are fmall, but inflamed, and fparkle with a Angular vivacity ; its nofe is long and flen- der ; its ears fmall, rounded, and almofl naked ; its tail is very thick at the bafe, and tapers to a point ; under- neath the tail is an orifice, from which a moft fetid hu- mour is fecreted ; its claws are long. — It darts upon its prey like an arrow, and feizes it with inevitable certain- ty
This creature has a fmall foft voice, fomewhat like a murmur; and, unlefs ftruck or irritated, never exerts it. When it deeps, it folds itfelf up like a ball, and is not eafily awaked. It frequently fits up like a Squirrel, and feeds itfelf with its fore feet ; catches any thing that is thrown to it *, and will often feign itfelf dead till its prey come within its reach.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 223
%\W mWl'VH"’" > v\v
The FOSSANE
is rather fmaller than the Martin. Its body is {lender, and covered with hair of an afh colour mixed with taw- ny *, the Tides of the face are black ; at the hind part of the head there are four black lines, extending from thence toward the back and fhoulders ; the tail is long, and annulated with black *, its eye is full, round, and black, which gives it a wild and mifchievous afpedl.
This animal inhabits the ifland of Madagafcar, Guinea, Cochinchina, and the Philippine Ifles. It feeds on flefh and fruits, but prefers the latter, and is peculiarly fond of bananas. It is a very fierce animal, and not eafily tamed. — In Guinea, it is called the Berbe , and by Eu- ropeans the Wine-bibber , being very greedy of palm wine.
When young, its flelh is reckoned very good to eat.
The
224 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The SKUNK.
This animal, which is called the Chinche by the na- tives of Brazil, is about the fize of a common Cat. Its
nofe is long and {lender, and extends a conliderable way
beyond the lower jaw ; its ears are large, lhort, and
rounded ; a white ftripe extends from the nofe over the
forehead and along the back, where it is interfered with a fmall line of black, commencing at the tail, and ex- tending upwards along the middle of the back ; its belly and legs are black ; its hair is long, efpecially on the tail, which is thick and bufhy.
This creature inhabits Peru and other parts of South- America, and is remarkable above all the Weafel kind for a moft intolerable, fuffocating, fetid vapour, which it emits from behind, when attacked, purfued, or frighten- ed. The ftench of this effluvia is infupportable, and is the creature’s bell means of defence.
There are three or four varieties of this animal, men- tioned by M. Buffon under the name of the Stinking Pole- cats; all of which poflefs this wonderful faculty of an- noying their enemies from the fame quarter.
Some
history O? QUADRUPEDS. 22$
Some turn their tail to their purfuers, and emit a moft horrible flench, which keeps both dogs and men at a iconfiderable diflartce : Others eje£l their urine to the dis- tance of about eighteen feet *, and it is of fo virulent a quality, as almofl to occafion blindnefs, if any of it fhould happen to fall into the eyesi Clothes infected with it, retain the fmell for many days : No wafhing can make them fweet ; but they mufl be even buried in frefh foil before they can be thoroughly cleanfed. Dogs that are not properly bred, turn back as foon as they perceive the fmell : Thofe that have been accuflomed to it, will kill the animal ; but are obliged to relieve themfelves by thrufting their nofes into the ground.
The Stifling, or Squajhy which is the Second variety of this animal, is nearly of the fame Size with the Skunk. Its hair is long, and of a deep-brown colour. It lives in holes and clefts of rocks, where the female brings forth her young. It is a native of Mexico ; and feeds on bee- tles, worms, and fmall birds. It deflroys poultry, of which it only eats the brains. — When afraid or irritated, it voids the fame ofFenfive kind of odour, which no crea- ture dare venture to approach. Profeffor Kalm was ill danger of being fuffocated by one that was purfued into a houfe where he flept *, and it affected the cattle fo much, that they bellowed through pain. Another, which was killed by a maid-fervant in a cellar, fo affe&ed her with its flench, that fhe lay ill for Several days ; all the pro- Vifions that were in the place were fo tainted by the fmell, as to be utterly unfit for ufe.
Another variety of this animal is called the Conepate * and is, perhaps, no more than the female of the laff- mentioned animal It is Somewhat Smaller, and differs
P chiefly
226 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
chiefly from the Squafh in being marked with five pa^ rallel white lines, which run along its back and Tide! from head to tail. It is a native of North-America. — When attacked, it briftles up its hair, throws itfelf into a round form, and emits an odour which no creature can fupport.
The lafl of this peftiferous family which we fhall men- tion is the Zorilla, This animal is a native of New- Spain, where it is called the Mariputa. It is found on the banks of the river Oronoque ; and is, perhaps, the moft beautiful, and at the fame time the molt ofifenfive, of all creatures. Its body is beautifully marked with white flripes upon a black ground, running from the head to the middle of the back •, from whence they are eroded with other white bands, which cover the lower part of the back and flanks : Its tail is long and bufhy, black as far as the middle, and white to its extremity. It is an adlive and mifehievous little animal. Its flench is faid to extend to a confiuerable diflance; and is fo powerful, as to overcome even the Panther of America, which is one of its greatefl enemies.
Notwithftanding this offenfive quality in thefe animals, they are frequently tamed, and will follow their matter like domeftic animals. They do not emit their odour, unlefs when beaten or irritated. They are frequently killed by the native Indians, who immediately cut away the noxious glands ; thereby preventing the fleflh, which is good eating, from being infe£led. Its tafle is faid nearly to refemble the flavour of that of a young pig. The favage Indians make purfes of their fkins, which are field in no eftimation by the Europeans.
Th e
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS* 227
The GENET
Is as much diftinguilhed for the agreeable perfume which it yields, as thofe we have juft defcribed are for the ranked: and moft difagreeable odour in nature.
The body of the Genet is longer than that of the Mar- tin; its head is long arid flender, with a {harp muzzle; its ears are a little pointed; its hair foft, fmooth, and fhining, of a tawny-red colour, fpotted with black ; a- long the ridge of the back there is a kind of mane of long hair, which forms a black line from head to tail ; the fpots on the Tides are round and diftinft, thofe on the back almoft clofe ; its tail is long, and marked with feven or eight rings of black. From an orifice beneath its tail, it yields a kind of perfume which fmells faintly of muik.
This creature is found in Turkey, Syria, and Spain. We are told by Belon, that he faw Genets in the houfes at Conftantinople as tame as Cats ; and that they were iifeful to the inhabitants in deft toying rats, mice, and other vermin.
It is a moft beautiful, clearily; and induftrious animal, and very a&ive in purfuing its prey. Its nature is mild and gentle; its colours beautifully variegated; and its
P 2 fur
228 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fur valuable. Upon the whole, it feems to be one of thofe animals that, with proper care and attention, might become a ufeful addition to our ftock of domeftic qua- drupeds.
The CIVET
is larger than the Genet, and yields a perfume in much1 greater quantities, and of a ftronger quality.
Though originally a native of the warm climates of Africa or Afia, this creature can live in temperate, and even in cold countries j but it mull be fed with nourifh- ing diet, and carefully defended againft the feverities of the weather. Numbers of them are kept in Holland for the purpofe of colle£Hng this valuable perfume. The ci- vet procured at Amfterdam is more efteemed than that which comes from the Levant or India, being lefs adul- terated. To colledl this perfume, the animal is put in- to a cage, fo narrow that it cannot turn itfelf : The cage is opened at one end, and the animal drawn backwards by the tail, and fecurely held by its hind legs : A fmall fpoon is then introduced into the pouch which contains the perfume, with which it is carefully fcraped, and the matter put into a vefiel properly fecured. This operation
is
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 229
is performed two or three times a week. — The quantity of odorous humour depends much on the quality of the nouriihment, and the appetite of the animal, which al- ways produces more in proportion to the goodnefs of its food. Boiled flefli, eggs, rice, fmall animals, birds, and particularly fifh, are the kinds of food the Civet moftly delights in ; and thefe ought to be varied, fo as to excite its appetite, and preferve its health. — It requires very lit- tle water ; and, though it drinks feldom, it difcharges its urine frequently. It is fomewhat remarkable, that in this operation the male is not to be diftinguilhed from the female. — From this circumftance, it has been fup- pofed that this animal was the Hyena of the ancients; and it is certain, that molt of the fables related concern- ing that monller are in a certain way applicable to the Civet. — The ancients were well acquainted with the po- matum of the Civet, and afcribed to it certain powers of exciting love ; for which purpofe it ffcill conftitutes one of the luxuries of the Eaft.
What has been fabuloufly related concerning the un- certainty of fex in the Hyena, applies much more ftrong- ly to the Civet; for in the male nothing appears exter- nally but three apertures, fo perfedtly fimilar to thofe of the female, that it is impoflible to diftinguilh the fex otherwife than by difle£tion.
The perfume of this animal is fo ftrong, that it infers every part of its body : The hair and the Ikin are fo tho- roughly penetrated with it, that they retain it long after being taken from the body of the animal. If a perfon be fhut up in the fame apartment, it is almoft infupport- able ; and when heated with rage, it becomes ftill more pungent.
?
P
The
230 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Civet is naturally favage, and fomewhat fero- cious ; yet it is eafily tamed, fo as to be handled with- out danger.
The teeth of this creature are ftrong and fharp ; but its claws are weak. It is an active and nimble animal. It leaps like a Cat, and runs with great fwiftnefs. It lives by hunting ; furprizes fmall animals and birds •, and, like the Weafel, will fometimes (teal into the yard, and carry off poultry. — Its eyes fhine in the dark ; and it is probable, that it can fee weM enough to purfue its prey during the night, as it is known to be moft a£tive at that time.
The Civet is very prolific in its native climate; but, though it lives and produces its perfume in temperate
regions, it is never known to breed there.- Its voice
is ftronger than that of the Cat, and has fome refem- blance to the cry of an enraged Dog.
The ZIBET
is fo fimilar to the Civet, as to be confidered by fome authors as only a variety of that animal ; and it mult be allowed, that they have many effential relations, both in their external and internal ftru&ure ; but they differ
from
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 231
from each other by fuch diftinguifhing chara£teriftics, as entitle them to be regarded as two diftindl fpecies. The ears of the Zibet are larger and more eredt ; and its muzzle is thinner and flatter : Its body is longer than that of the Civet ; and its tail, which is longer, is mark- ed with annular fpots, like that of the Genet : It has no mane or long hair on the neck and fpine ; and its hair is fhorter and fofter.
The perfume of the Zibet is peculiarly violent and piercing, beyond that of either the Civet or the Genet. — This odorous liquor is found in a fiflure near the or- gans of generation. It is a thick humour, of the con- fluence of pomatum ; and, though very ftrong, it is a- greeable even as it iflues from the body of the animal. — This matter of the Zibet mull not be confounded with mufk, which is a fanguineous humour, derived from a fpecies of the Roe-buck, or Goat without Horns * ; and has nothing in common with the Zibet but its ftrong perfume.
* See page 83.
V 4
Th b
232 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The SURICATE, or Four-toed WEASEL,
is an a&ive and dexterous little animal. It is rather lefg than a Rabbit, and pretty much refembles the Ichneu- mon both in fize and in the colour of its hair, only it is rougher, and its tail is not quite fo long. Its upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very pliant and moveable. It has only four toes on each foot, in which it differs from all the Weafel kind.
One of thefe animals, in the poffelfion of M. de Seve, was obferved fometimes to walk on its hind legs, and frequently to fit upright, with its fore feet hanging down on its breaft.
The Suricate is carnivorous, and preys on fmall ani- mals. It is fond of fifh, and (till more fo of eggs. Like the Squirrel, it makes ufe of its fore paws to convey its victuals to its mouth. In drinking, it laps like a Dog ; but will not drink water, except when it is warm. The ordinary drink of that kept by De Seve was its own urine, though it had a very ftrong odour. It frolicked with the Cats, and always innocently. It was extremely playful and familiar, knew its own name, and would re- turn at a call. What was remarkable, it feemed to have an averfion to particular perfonsj whom it would always
bite
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 233
bite on their approaching it : Some people were fo difa- greeable to it, that even when reftrained, it would make ufe of feveral artifices to come near enough to bite them j and when it could not lay hold of their legs, would fly at their fhoes or petticoats. When difcontented, it mad§ a noife like the barking of a whelp ; and when pleafed or care fled, would utter a found like the fhaking of a rattle.
The RATEL,
defcribed by Mr Pennant under the name of the Fizzlery is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. — It lives chiefly upon honey, and is endowed with a wonderful faculty of difcovering the fecret retreats where the bees depofit their (tores. About fun-fet, the Ratel is particularly at- tentive in watching the motions of thefe induftrious in- fects ; and, having obferved their route, it follows with great care the direction in which they fly. It is fre- quently afliited in difcovering its delicious booty by a bird called the Honey Guide, ( cuculus indicator J which is extremely fond both of honey and the eggs of bees ; and in the purfuit of its food, excites the attention of the Ratel by a loud grating cry of cherr , cherry cherr ; at
the
234 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
the fame time flying flowly on towards the place where the fwarm of bees have taken up their abode. The Ra- tel follows the found with great attention; and having plundered the neft, leaves fufhcient behind it as a reward for the fervices of its faithful guide. The Ratel is well adapted to this purpofe, as the toughnefs and thicknefs of its fkin effectually defends it from the flings of the bees : On this account it is extremely difficult to kill this animal ; for its fkin is fo loofely attached to its body, that when feized by a hound it gives way, and the ani- mal has an opportunity of turning round, and biting its affailant, which it frequently does fo feverely, as to oblige him to defiff.
The Ratel, according to Mr Pennant, is two feet long from the nofe to the tail, which is eight inches; its legs are fhort ; on each foot it has four toes, armed with long claws ; thofe on the fore feet are above an inch long, and very fharp ; its tongue is rough ; it has no ear-laps ; the orifice of the ear is wide, and furround- ed by a callous rim ; a broad flripe, of an afh colour, ex- tends along the back from the forehead to the tail, which is feparated from the black hair on the fides and belly by a light grey lift running from behind each ear to the tail. — It burrows in holes under ground, is faid to be ve- ry fetid, and is called the Stinking Badger by M. de Caille.
Th e
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 235
The CO ATI, or Brazilian WEASEL.
This animal has fome refemblance to the Bear, in the length of its hind legs, in the form of its feet, in the bufhinefs of its hair, and in the ftru£ture of its paws; but it is fmall, and its tail is long, and variegated with different colours. Its upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very pliant ; its ears are rounded ; its hair is imooth, foft, and gloffy, of a bright-bay colour ; and its bread: is whitifh.
Linnaeus defcribes one of thefe animals, which he kept a confiderable time, and in vain attempted to bring in- to fubjection. It was fo obftinate, that it would do no- thing to which it was difinclined. It killed the poul- try, tore off their heads, and fucked their blood. It de- fended itfelf with great force whenever any perfon at- tempted to lay hold of it contrary to its inclination ; and it {tuck fall to the legs of thofe with whom it was fami- liar, when it wanted to ranfack their pockets, and carry off any thing that it found in them. It had an extreme averfion to hog’s briftles ; and the fmalleft brufli made it defift. — Its mode of living was very fingular: It flept
from
23 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
from midnight till noon, kept awake the reft of the day, and uniformly walked about from fix in the evening till midnight, without the leaft regard to the weather. This is probably the time afligned by Nature to this fpecies of animals for procuring their food, which confifts chiefly of young birds, eggs, and fmall animals.
This creature inhabits Brazil and Guiana, runs up trees very nimbly, eats like a Dog, and holds its food between its fore legs like the Bear. The Coati (lands with eafe on its hind feet. It is faid to gnaw its own tail, which it generally carries ere£l, and fweeps it about from fide to fide.
The RACOON
is very common in the warm regions of America : It is found alfo in the mountains of Jamaica; from whence great numbers of them frequently defcend into the plan- tations, and make great havock among the fugar-canes, of which they are particularly fond. The planters con- fider thefe animals as their greateft enemies, as they frequently do infinite mifchief in one night’s excurfion.
They
HISTORY OF QJJx\D RUPEDS. 23?
They have contrived various methods of deftroying them 5 yet ftill they propagate in fuch numbers, that neither traps nor fire-arms can repel them.
The Racoon is fomewhat lefs than the Badger: Its head refembles that of a Fox ; but its ears are round, and much fhorter ; and its upper jaw very pointed, and lon- ger than the lower : Its eyes, which are large, are fur- rounded with two broad patches o ; black ; its body i9 thick and Ihort, covered with long hair, black at the points, and grey underneath ; its tail is long and bufhy, and marked with alternate rings of black and white ; its feet and toes are black.
The Racoon is a very a£live and nimble animal. Its claws, which are extremely {harp, enable it to climb trees with great facility. It moves forward chiefly by bounding; and, though it proceeds in an oblique direc- tion, runs with great fwiftnefs.-— When tamed, it is ve- ry good-natured and fportive ; but it is almoft conflantly in motion, and as unlucky and inquifitive as a Monkey,, examining every thing with its paws, which it makes ufe of as hands to lay hold of any thing that is given it, and to carry its meat to its mouth. It fits up to eat, is extremely fond of fweet things and ftrong liquors,- with which it will get exceflively drunk. It has all the cunning of the Fox, is very deftru£Uve to poultry ; but will eat all forts of fruits, grain, and roots. It has a pe- culiar method of dipping every thing in water it intends to eat, and will feldom tafte bread till it be well foaked. It opens oyfters with aftonifhing dexterity, feparates the fhells, and leaves not a veftige of the fifh. It does this Without looking at the oyfter; but places it under its hind paws, and with its fore feet fearches for the w'eakefb
part*
2^8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
part, where it fixes its claws, fu ices it open, and fnatchesr out the fifli. It likewiie devours all kinds of infedsj delights in hunting fpiders; and when at liberty in a garden, will eat grafshoppers, fnails, worms, &c. It is a very cleanly animal, and always retires to obey the calls of Nature. It is familiar, and even carefling, leaps upon thofe it is fond of, plays fportively, and moves about with great agility.
This animal is hunted for its fkin, which is next in value to that of the Beaver for making hats.
The BADGER.
Although Nature has furnifhed this animal with for« midable weapons of offence, and has befides given it ftrength fufficient to ufe them with great effect, it is, notwithlianding, a harmlefs and inoffenfive creature ; and, unlefs attacked, employs them only for its fupport and comfort.
This animal retires to the moll fecret receffes ; where it digs its hole, and forms its habitation under ground.— Its food confifts chiefly of roots, fruits, grafs, infedls, and
frogs.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2 j)
frogs. It is charged with deftroying lambs and rabbits; but there feems to be no other reafon to confider it as a bead: of prey, than the analogy between its teeth and thofe of carnivorous animals.
Few creatures defend themfelves better, or bite with greater keennefs, than the Badger. On that account it is frequently baited with Dogs trained for that purpofe. This inhuman diverfion is chiefly confined to the indo- lent and the vicious, who take a cruel pleafure in feeing this harmlefs animal furrounded by its enemies, and de- fending itfelf from their attacks, which it does with afto- nifhing agility and fuccefs. Its motions are fo quick> that a Dog is frequently defperately wounded in the firfl moment of aflault, and obliged to fly. The thicknefs of the Badger’s fkin, and the length and coarfenefs of its hair, are an excellent defence againft the bites of the Dogs : Its fkin 19 fo loofe, as to refift the impreifions of their teeth ; and give the animal an opportunity of turn- ing itfelf round, and wounding its adverfaries in their tendered: parts. In this manner this lingular creature h able to refift repeated attacks both of men and dogs, from all quarters, till, being overpowered with numbers, and enfeebled by many defperate wounds, it is at laft obliged to fubmit.
The Badger is an indolent animal, and fleeps much ; it confines itfelf to its hole during the whole day, and feeds only in the night 5 it is fo cleanly, as never to de- file its habitation with its ordure ; it breeds only once in a year, and brings forth four or five at a time.
This animal is not known to exift in warm countries. It is an original native of the temperate climates of Eu- rope ; and is found without any variety in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Poland, and Sweden.
The
240 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The ufual length of the Badger is fomewhat above two feet, exclufive of the tail, which is about fix inches long ; its eyes are fmall, and are placed in a black ftripe, which begins behind the ears, and runs tapering toward the nofe ; the throat and legs are black *, the back, fides, and tail, are of a dirty-grey, mixed with black ; the legs and feet are very Ihort, ftrong, and thick ; each foot con- fills of five toes ; thofe on the fore feet are armed with ftrong claws, well adapted for digging its fubterranean habitations.
In walking, the Badger treads on its whole heel, like the Bear *, which brings its belly very near the ground.
Immediately below the tail, between that and the anus, there is a narrow tranfverfe orifice, from whence a white fubftance, of a very fetid fmell, conftantly ex=> tides.
The Ikin of this creature, when drefled with the hair on, is ufed for piftol furniture. — Its flelh is eaten ; the hind quarters are fometimes made into hams, which, when cured, are not inferior in goodnefs to the belt ba- con.— The hairs are made into brulhes, which are ufed by painters to foften and harmonize their (hades. They are called fweetening tools.
Thb
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
241
The Sand BEAR*
We have given the figure of this animal, drawn from one kept in the Tower •, of which we have not been able to obtain any further defcription than its being fome- what lefs than the Badger, almoft without hair, extreme- ly fenfible of cold, and burrows in the fand. From thefe circumftances, as well as from the ftriking fimilarity of its figure to that of the Badger, we are inclined to think it is a variety of that animal, mentioned by naturalifts under the name of the Sow Badger .
The colour of this animal is a yellowifh- white *, its eyes are fmall ; and its head thicker than that of the common Badger : Its legs are fhort ; and on each foot there are four toes, armed with fharp white claws*
M. BrifTon defcribes a white Badger, from New- York, fo fimilar to this, that we fufpedt it to be the fame ani- mal*
The
242 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The WOLVERENE, or GLUTTON.
This voracious animal is found in all the countries bordering on the Northern Ocean, both in Europe and Afia : It is likewife common in Canada, the country about Hudfon’s Bay, and other parts of North- America j where it is known by the name of the Carcajou .
This creature has been varioufly defcribed by natu- ralifts. We have fele£led the account given by M. Buf- fon, which was taken from a living animal in his pof- feflion. Its length, from the nofe to the infertion of the tail, was two feet two inches ; the tail was eight inches long ; the length of the fore legs was eleven inches, and the hind one foot ; it had five toes on each foot, armed with long fliarp claws ; the middle claw of the fore foot was one inch and a half long \ the muzzle, as far as the eye-brows, was black ; its eyes were fmall and black, and its ears fliort; its breaft and under jaw were fpotted with white \ the back, legs, belly, and tail, were black. — Dur- ing its confinement, this animal did not difcover any fymptoms of great ferocity. It eat voracioufly ; and af- ter a full meal, covered itfelf in its cage with ftraw. It eat no bread \ but would devour more than four pounds
of
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 243
of flefh every day, which it fwallowed greedily, almoft without chewing.
In a Hate of liberty, this creature is faid to lead a life of continual rapine. It lurks in the branches of trees, in order to furprize Deer and other animals that pafs under them. It waits with great patience the arrival of its prey, and darts from its hiding-place with unerring cer- tainty. In this manner it inciifcriminately furprizes the Horfe, the Elk, the Stag, or the Rein-deer; and fixes itfelf between their fhoulders with its teeth and claws — The wild Rein-deer, which are numerous both in Lap- land and North-America, frequently fall victims to the Glutton. When feized by this blood-thirfty animal, it is in vain that the wounded Deer endeavours to difen- gage itfelf from its enemy by ruffling among the bran- ches of the trees : No force can oblige it to quit its hold : It maintains its pofition, and continues to fuck the blood of the flying animal till it falls down exhaufled with pain and fatigue: It then devours the carcafe with infatiable voracity, and gorges itfelf with the flefh till it is almoft in danger of burfting.
The motions of the Glutton are flow. There are few quadrupeds that cannot efcape from it, except the Bea- ver, which it frequently purfues and overtakes. In
America, it is called the Beaver-eciter. — It fometimes lies in wait, and furprizes thofe animals coining out of their burrow ; or breaks into their habitation, and kills great numbers of them.
The Glutton often defeats the labours of the huntf- men by Healing away the Sables and other animals that have been caught in their traps ; and it is fometimes taken in the fnares laid for thefe animals. When attack-
Q. 2 ed.
244 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ed, it makes a ftrong refiftance: It will tear the ftodb from the gun, if it fhould catch hold of it with its teeth j or break the trap in pieces in which it is caught, Not- withftanding its fiercenefs, it is capable of being tamed* and of learning feveral entertaining tricks. It is hunt-
ed only for its {kin, which is very valuable, of a moft beautiful glofly black, which fhines with a peculiar luf- tre,% and refledls the light like damalk filk. — The (kins are fold in Siberia at five or fix {hillings each, at Jakutlk at twelve, and {till dearer in Kamtfchatka; where the women drefs their hair with its white paws, which they efleem a great ornament.— —The furs of this animal, from the North of Europe and Alia, are infinitely finer, blacker, and more glofly, than thofe of the American kind.
Th e
history of quadrupeds.
24S
The Brown BEAR.
THERE are two kinds of this animal, — the Land and the Sea Bear . Thefe are very different, as well in the formation of their bodies, as in tjbeir habits and difpoCtions.
There are two varieties of the land Bear, — the Brown and the Black . The former is found in almoft every cli- mate, the black Bear chiefly in the forefts of the nor- thern regions of Europe and America.
The brown Bear is fometimes carnivorous, and will deflfoy cattle, and eat carrion ; but its general food is roots, fruits, and vegetables. — It is a favage and folitary animal, lives in defert and unfrequented places, and chufes its den in the moft gloomy and retired parts of the foreft, or in the moft dangerous and inacceflible pre- cipices of unfrequented mountains. It retires alone to its den< about the end of autumn, (at which time it is exceedingly fat) and lives for feveral weeks in a ftate of total inactivity and abftinence from food. — During this time, the female brings forth her young, and fuckles
Q q them.
246 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
them. She chufes her retreat for that purpofe in the moft retired places, apart from the male, left he fhould devour them. She makes a warm bed for her young, and attends them with unremitting care during four months ; and in all that time, {he fcarcely allows her- felf any nouriihment. She brings forth two, and fome- times three young at a time. — The cubs are round and fhapelefs, with pointed muzzles *, but they are not lick- ed into form by the female, as Pliny and other ancient naturalifts fuppofed. At firft they do not exceed eight inches in length ; they are blind during the firft four weeks, are of a pale-yellow colour, and have fcarcely any refemblance of the creature when arrived at matu- rity.^—The time of geftation in thefe animals is about fix months ; and they bring forth in the beginning of Janu- ary.
In the fpring, the old Bears, attended by their young, come out from their retreats, lean, and almoft familhed by their long confinement. They then ranfack every quarter in fearch of food. They frequently climb trees, and devour the fruit in great quantities ; particularly the date-plumb tree, of which they are exceedingly fond. They afeend thefe trees with furprizing agility, keep themfelves firm on the branches with one paw, and with the other colle(ft the fruit.
The Bear is remarkably fond of honey, which it will encounter great difficulties to obtain, and feeks for with great cunning and avidity*
This animal enjoys, in a fuperior degree, the fenfes of hearing, fmelling, and touching. — Its ears are fhort and rounded ; and its eyes fmall, but lively and pene- trating, and defended by a nidlating membrane: From
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 247
the peculiar formation of the internal parts of its nofe, its fenfe of fmelling is exceedingly exquifite : The legs and thighs are ftrong and mufcular ; it has five toes on each foot, and ufes its fore foot as a hand, although the toes are not feparated as in moll animals that do fo ; the larged finger is on the outfide.
The voice of the Bear is a deep and furly kind of growl, which it frequently exerts without the lead caufe. It is very eafily irritated ; and at that time its refentment is furious, and often capricioufly exerted. — When tamed, it appears mild and obedient to its mader ; but it is not to be truded without the utmod caution. It may be taught to walk upright, to dance, to lay hold of a pole with its paws, and perform various tricks to entertain the multitude, who are highly pleafed to fee the auk- ward meafures of this rugged creature, which it feems to fuit to the found of an indrument, or to the voice of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of education, it mud be taken when young, and accudomed early to redraint and difcipline : A11 old Bear will fuffer neither, without difcovering the mod furious refentment ; neither the voice nor the menaces of his keeper have any effedt upon him ; he equally growls at the hand that is held out to feed, as at that which is raifed to corredt him.
The exceflive cruelties pradtifed upon this poor animal in teaching it to walk eredl, and regulate its motions to the found of the flagelet, are fuch as make fenfibility fbudder. Its eyes are put out ; and an iron ring being put through the cartilage of the nofe to lead it by, it is kept from food, and beaten, till it yield obedience to the will of its favage tutors. Some of them are taught to perform by fetting their feet upon hot iron plates, and
0^4 then
248 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
then playing to them whilft in this uneafy fituation.- *
It is truly {hocking to every feeling mind to refledt, that fuch cruelties ftiould be exercifed upon any part of the brute creation by our fellow men. That they fhould be rewarded by numbers of unthinking people, who crowd around them to fee the poor animal's rude attempts to imitate human adtions, is not to be wondered at *, but it is much to be wifhed, that the timely interference of the magiflrate would prevent every exhibition of this kind, that, in England at lead, we might not be reproached with tolerating pradtices fo difgraceful to humanity.
One of thefe animals, prefented to the prince of Wales a few years ago, was kept in the Tower. By the care- leffnefs of the fervant, the door of his den was left open ; and the keeper's wife happening to go acrofs the court at the fame time, the animal flew out, feized the wo- man, threw her down, and faftened upon her neck, which he bit ; and, without offering any further vio- lence, lay upon her, fucking the blood out of the wound. Refiflance was in vain, as it only ferved to irritate the creature ; and fhe muff: inevitably have perilhed, had not her hufband luckily difcovered her fituation. By a fud- den blow, he obliged the Bear to quit his hold, and re- tire to his den, which he did with great reludlance, and not without making a fecond attempt to come at the wo- man, who was alrnoff: dead through fear and lofs of blood. It is fomewhat remarkable, that whenever it happened to fee her afterwards, it growled, and made moft violent ftruggles to get out to her. — The prince, upon hearing of the circumffance, ordered the Bear to be killed.
The Bears of America are fmall and black, live entire- ly upon vegetable food, and aye particularly fond of
mai?e,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 249
maize, potatoes, honey, and milk. Though prefled with .extreme hunger, they will not eat animal food. — They lodge in the hollow trunks of large trees, which they afcend and defcend with great eafe and agility. — The hunters take them by fetting fire to their habitations. The old one comes out firft, and is generally flain before fhe reaches the ground 5 the cubs follow her, and are taken alive. — The flefli of the young Bear is reckoned a great delicacy ; and the paws of the old one are efteemed as a moft exquifite morfel. The fat is white, and very fweet ; and the oil is faid to be of great ufe in foftening
fwellings proceeding from fprains. Great numbers
are killed annually in America for the fake of their fkins, which form a confiderable article of commerce.
Bears were formerly common in Greece. The Ro- mans brought them from Lybia to be exhibited in their public fpetlacles. They are likewife found in China, Japan, and as far as the ifland of Java.
The mountains of Great Tartary produce great num- bers of Bears perfectly white, which do not differ in form from thofe juft mentioned. Some, from' the confines of Ruffia, are of a mixed colour, with black and white hairs.
The Bear was once an inhabitant of this ifland, and was included in the ancient laws and regulations refpe£t- ing beafts of chafe. Long after their extirpation, they were imported for the cruel purpofe of baiting them, which at that time was a favourite amufement of our an- cefiors. We find it in queen Elizabeth’s days among the various entertainments prepared for her majefty on her yifit at Kenilworthe
T H £
250 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Polar or Great White BEAR
differs greatly from the preceding in the length of its head and neck, and grows to above twice the fize. Some of thefe animals are thirteen feet long. Their limbs are of great fize and flrength ; their hair long, harfh and difagreeable to the touch, and of a yellowifh- white colour ; their ears are fhort and rounded ; and their teeth large.
This animal inhabits only the coldeft parts of the globe. It has been found above latitude 80, as far as navigators have penetrated northwards. Thefe inhofpi- table regions feem adapted to its fullen nature.
— — — “ There — the (hapelefs Bear,
44 With dangling ice all horrid, ftalks forlorn ;
44 Slow-pac’d, and fourer as the ftorms increafe,
44 He makes his bed beneath th’ inclement drift;
il And,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 251
“ And, with flern patience, fcorning weak complaint,
“ Hardens his heart againil afiailing want.”
They have been feldom feen farther fouth than New- foundland ; and are chiefly met with on the fhores of Hudfon’s Bay, Greenland, and Spitzbergen, on one fide, and thofe of Nova-Zembla on the other. They have been fometimes found in the intermediate countries of Norway and Iceland ; but fuch as have appeared in thofe parts have always been driven thither upon floating fheets of ice ; fo that thofe countries are only acquainted with them by accident.-— They are very numerous on the ihores of Kamtfchatka ; and the following account of the manner of hunting them by the natives of that country is given in Captain Cook’s voyage: —
<( The natives generally contrive to reach the ground, frequented by the Bears, about fun-fet. Their firft bu- finefs, when they arrive there, is to look out for their tracks, and to attend particularly to the frefheft of them, always paying a regard to the fituation with refpeef to concealment, and taking aim at the animal as it pafles by, or as it advances or goes from them. Thefe tracks are numerous between the woods and the lakes, and are often found among the long fedgy grafs and brakes on the margin of the water. Having determined upon a convenient fpot for concealment, the hunters fix their crutches in the ground, on which they reft their fire- locks, pointing them in a proper direction. They after-* wards kneel or lie down, as the circumftances of their fituation may require; and, having their bear-fpears in readinefs by their fide, wait the arrival of their game.
Thefe precautions are extremely neceflary on many
accounts, that the hunters may make fure of their mark :
n$2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
For the price of ammunition is fo high at Kamtfchatka, that the value of a Bear will not purchafe more of it than will load, a mufquet four or five times. It is much more material on another confideration ; for, if the firft (hot fhould not render the animal incapable of purfuit, fatal confequences too frequently enfue. The enraged beaft makes immediately towards the place from whence the found and fmoke iftue, and furioully attacks his adver- faries. They have not fufficient time to re-load their pieces, as the Bear is feldom fired at till he comes within the diftance of fifteen yards ; therefore, if he fhould not happen to fall, they immediately prepare to receive him upon their fpears ; their fafety depending, in a great meafure, on their giving him a mortal flab as he ad- vances towards them. Should he parry the thrufl, (which thefe animals are fometimes enabled to do, by the ftrength and agility of their paws) and break in upon his opponents, the confli£l becomes dreadful, and it is feldom that the lofs of a fingle life will fatisfy the beaft’s revenge.
“ The bufinefs or diverfion of Bear-hunting is parti- cularly dangerous at two feafons of the year: In the fpring, when they firft iflue from their caves, after hav- ing fubfifted the whole winter (as it is here pofitively af- ferted) folely on fucking their pawsj and efpecially if the froft fhould continue to be fevere, and the ice in the lakes is not broken up ; as they cannot then have recourfe to their cuftomary and expected food. Thus becoming exceedingly famifhed, they grow fierce and favage in proportion ; purfuing the inhabitants by the fcent ; and, prowling about at a diftance from their ufual tracks, dart upon them unawares. Under thefe circum (lances, as
• the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 233
the natives have no idea of {hooting flying, or even run-* ning, or in any manner without reding their piece, they often fall a facrifice to their rapacity. — The time of their copulation, which is in autumn, is the other dangerous feafon to meet with them.
“ Many extraordinary and affe&ing indances of natu- ral affeCtion in thefe animals are related by the Kamt- fchadales ; who, from this circumdance, derive confider- able advantage in hunting. They never prefume to fire at a young Bear, if the dam is upon the fpot ; for, if the cub fhould happen to be killed, fhe becomes enraged to an immoderate degree ; and, if fhe can only obtain a light of the offender, fhe is fure to be revenged of him, or die in the attempt. On the other hand, if the mother fhould be (hot, the cubs continue by her fide after die has been a long time dead 5 exhibiting, by the mod af- fecting gedures and motions, the mod poignant afflic- tion. The hunters, indead of commiferating their dif- treffes, embrace thefe opportunities of dedroying them.
“ If the veracity of the Kamtfchadales is to be de- pended on, the fagacity of the Bears is as extraordinary as their natural affeCtron. — Innumerable are the dories which they relate to this effeCt. One remarkable in- ftance, however, we cannot avoid mentioning, as it is admitted among the natives as a well-atteded faCf. It is the dratagem they put in praCfice to catch the bareins, which run too fwift for them to expedf fuccefs in purfu- ing them. Thefe animals herd together in great num- bers ; and their ufual haunts are low grounds, at the foot of rocks and precipices, where they delight in browfing. The Bear purfues them by the fcent, till he obtains a view of them*, and then advances warily, keeping in a
fituation
254 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fituation above them ; at the fame time concealing him- felf among the rocks as he approaches, till he is almoft immediately over them, and near enough to carry his purpofe into execution: Then, with his paws, he pufhes down large pieces of the rock amongft the herd below. If he perceives that he has fucceeded in maiming any of the flock, he immediately purfues them ; and according to the injury the poor bareins have received, he either proves fuccefsful in overtaking them, or they efcape by the rapidity of their flight.
66 The Kamtfchadales acknowledge infinite obligations to the Bears for all the little progrefs they have hitherto made, as well in the fciences as the polite arts. They confefs themfelves indebted wholly to thofe animals for all their knowledge in phyfic and furgery ; that, by ob- ferving what herbs they have applied to the wounds they have received, and what methods they have purfued when they were languid and out of order, they have ac- quired a knowledge of moll of thofe fimples which they have now recourfe to, either as external or internal ap- plications. But the mod Angular circumdance of all is, that they admit the Bears to be their dancing-maders ; though the evidence of our own fenfes places this mat- ter beyond all difpute j for, in the bear-dance of the Kamtfchadales, every gefture and attitude peculiar to that animal was faithfully exhibited. All their other dances are fimilar to this in many particulars ; and thofe attitudes are thought to come the nearefl to perfection which mod refemble the motions of the Bear.”
During fummer, thefe animals take up their refidence on large iflands of ice, and frequently pafs from one to another. They fwim well, and can go to the diftance of
Ax
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 255
fix or feven leagues : They likewife dive, but do not con- tinue long under water. — When the pieces of ice are de- tached by ftrong winds or currents, the Bears allow themfelves to be carried along with them ; and as they cannot regain the land, or abandon the ice on which they are embarked, they often perifh in the open fea. Thofe which arrive with the ice on the coafls of Iceland or Norway, are almoft famiflied with hunger from the length of their voyage, and are extremely voracious. — As foon as the natives difcover one of them, they arm themfelves, and prefently difpatch him.
The ferocity of the Bear is as remarkable as its at- tachment to its young. A few years fince, the crew of a boat belonging to a {hip in the whale-fifhery fliot at a Bear at a fhort diftance, and wounded it: The animal immediately fet up the molt dreadful yells, and ran along the ice towards the boat. Before it reached it, a fecond (hot was fired at and hit it. This ferved to increafe its fury. It prefently fwam to the boat ; and in attempting to get on board, reached its fore foot upon the gunnel ; but one of the crew having a hatchet, cut it off. The animal (till, however, continued to fwim after them till they arrived at the fliip ; and feveral fhots were fired at it, which alfo took effect : But on reaching the fliip, it immediately afcended the deck ; and the crew having fled into the fhrowds, it was purfuing them thither, when a (hot from one of them laid it dead upon the deck.
The flefh of thefe animals is white, and faid to tafle like mutton. The fat is melted for train-oil 5 and that of the feet is ufed in medicine.
The White Bear brings forth two young at a time. Their fondnefs for their offspring is fo great, that they
wili
2 56 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
will die rather than defert them. Wounds ferve only to make the attachment more violent. They embrace their cubs to the lad, and bemoan them with the mod piteous cries.
Thefe creatures feed on fifh, feals, and the carcafes of whales ; are fond of human blood ; and are fo fearlefs, as to attack companies of armed men, and even to board fmall veflels. Allured by the fcent of feals flefh, they often break into the huts of the Greenlanders. They fometimes attack the Morfe ; with which they have ter- rible conflicts: But the large teeth of that animal give it a decided fuperiority over the Bear, which is generally worded.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 257
The Striped HYENA.
ALTHOUGH naturalifts, both ancient and mo- dern, have defcribed the Hyena under different denominations, and have afcribed to it properties which it is now known not to poffefs ; yet its characters are fo fmgular, that it is impofhble to miftake them, and fo pe- culiar, as to diftinguifh it from every other clafs of ani- mals. In many refpeCts it refembles thofe of the Dog kind, has fome fimilitude to the Wolf in form and difpo- fition, and is about the fame fize.
The Hyena has only four toes on each foot, in which it differs from almoft every other quadruped ; its head is broad and flat, and its muzzle fhorter than that of the Wolf; its fore legs are longer than the hind one3; its ears are long, pointed, and bare ; and its eyes are re- markably wild, fullen, and ferocious.
There are two varieties of this animal, — the one flri- ped, and the other fpotted. The hair of the former is of
R an
258 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
an a(h colour, marked with long black (tripes, difpofed in waves, from the back downward-, there are others acrofs the legs ; the hair, in general, is coarfe and rough ; its tail is fhort and bufhy, with pretty long hair, fome- times plain, and fometimes barred with black ; immedi- ately underneath the tail, and above the anus, there is an orifice like that of the Badger, which opens into a kind of pouch, and contains a fubftance of the confid- ence of civet, but of a rank, difagreeable odour. This opening may probably have given rife to the error of the ancients, who afierted, that the Hyena was every alter- nate year male and female. Its manner of holding its head is fomewhat like a Dog purfuing a fcent, with its nofe near the ground. This pofition of the head makes the (houlders appear more elevated'. A bridly mane runs along the top of the back from head to tail, which gives it an appearance fomething like a Hog ; from whence, probably, it may have derived its name, the word huaina being a Greek word derived from husy which fignifies a Sow. — Such are the mod driking dif- tindfions of the Hyena, which has been pidtured by ig- norance and timidity under every form that can drike terror into the imagination. Wonderful powers were afcribed to it by the ancients ; who believed that it changed its fex ; that it imitated the human voice, and by that means attracted unwary travellers, and dedroyed them ; that it had the power of charming the (hepherds, and as it were rivetting them to the place where they dood. Many other things, equally abfurd, have been told of this animal ; but thefe are fufficieut to (hew, that objedts of terror and fuperdition are nearly allied; and when onc£ they have taken pofleffion of the human mind,
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259
the moll improbable ftories are eafily received and cre- dited.
This favage and folitary animal refides in the caverns of mountains, in the clefts of rocks, or in holes and dens, which it digs in the earth. — Its difpolition is ex- tremely ferocious; ancL * though taken young, it never can be tamed. — It lives by depredations, like the Wolf; but is ftronger, and more daring and rapacious. It will fometimes attack men, and rufhes with fury upon all kinds of cattle : It follows the flocks, ravages the fheep- fold, and deftroys every thing within its reach with the moll infatiable voracity. — Its eyes fhine in the dark ; and it is aflerted, with fome appearance of probability, that it can fee nearly as well by night as by day. — When de- ftitute of other provifions, it ranfacks the graves, and de- vours putrid human bodies that have been long buried.
The voice of the Hyena is very peculiar : Its begin- ning feems to be fomewhat like the moaning of a human voice, and the ending like one making a violent effort to vomit.
This animal inhabits Afiatic Turkey, Syria, Perfia, and Barbary. — The fuperftitious Arabs, when they kill one of them, carefully bury the head, left it fhould be applied to magical purpofes.
The courage of the Hyena is equal to its rapacity : It will defend itfelf with great obftinacy againfl: much larger quadrupeds : It is not afraid of the Lion nor the Panther, will fometimes attack the Ounce, and feldom fails to con- quer.
2TSo HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The Spotted HYENA
is called at the Cape of Good Hope the Tiger-Wolf, and is very common in that part of the world. — Sparrmai* describes it as a cruel, mifchievous, and formidable ani- mal. Its horrid yells are to be heard every night, whilil it prowls about for its prey, and lurks near the farm- yards, where cattle are kept : Thefe are well defended by Dogs, of which the Hyena, though larger and ftronger, is much afraid ; and will not venture an attack, unjefs prefled by the moft urgent neceflity : Neither will it dare to feize upon any of the larger animals ; fuch as Oxen, Cows, Horfes, &c. whilft they make the leaft appear- ance of defending themfelves, or even if they do not be- tray an^ fymptoms of fear. It fometimes endeavours to* difperfe the cattle by its hideous roaring •, after which it feledts and purfues one of them, which it foon difables* by a deadly bite, and then devours.
Thefe animals were formerly fo bold, as to moleft tho Hottentots in their huts, and fometimes carry off their
children^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 26r
children ; but, fince the introdu&ion of fire-arms, thofe and other wild beafts keep at a greater diftance from the habitations of mankind. It is a fa<ft, however, that num- bers of thefe Wolves are known to attend almoft every dark night about the fhambles at the Cape ; where they meet with bones, fkin, and other offals, which are left there by the inhabitants, who fuffer the animals to come unmolefled, and carry ofF their refufe ; and it is fome- what remarkable, that they have feldom been known to do any mifchief there, though fed in the very heart of the. town.
The howlings of the Hyena are dreadful beyond all conception, and fpread a general alarm. They are al- moft inceffant, and feem to be the natural confequence of its craving appetite. Perhaps it may not be going too far to fay, that Nature has kindly impreffed this involun- tary difpofition to yelling upon this animal, that every living creature might be upon its guard, and fecure it- felf from the attacks of fo cruel an enemy.
The general colour of this animal is a reddifh-brown, marked with diftinci round black fpots, the hind legs with tranfverfe black bars ; its head is large and flat ; above each eye, as well as on the lips, it has long whif- kers ; a fhort black mane runs along the top of the back ; its ears are fhort and a little pointed j its face and the ppper part of its head are black.
The
262 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The JACKAL.
W E beg leave to make our acknowledgments to Mr Pennant for the drawing of this animal, which he was fo obliging as to favour us with. He af- fures us it was drawn from the living animal ; and we doubt not, therefore, its being a faithful reprefentation.
The fpecies of the Jackal is diffufed, with fome varie- ty, through almoft every part of Afia ; and is found in Barbery, and other parts of Africa as far as the Cape of Good Plope. Although it is pne of the mofl numerous of all the wild animals of the Eaft, there is fcarcely any lefs known in Europe, or more confufedly described by natural hiftorians.
Thefe creatures differ in fze; thofe pf the warmeft climates are faid to be the largeft : They are of a reddifh- br.own colour. The fmaller Jackal is about the fize of a Fox ; and its colour is a bright-yellow. — In general, this animal may be faid to partake of a middle nature, be- tween the Wolf and the Dog; and to the favage fierce- nefs of the one, it adds the impudent familiarity of the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263
.other. Its cry is a difmal howl, mixed with barkigg.
It is more noify in its purfuits than the Dog, and more voracious than the Wolf.
Jackals go in packs of forty or fifty, and hunt like hounds in full cry from evening till morning. They de- ftroy the poultry, and attack the flocks : They roam through the villages and gardens, and carry off every thing they can eat : They enter {tables, yards, and out- houfes *, and devour fkins, and every thing that is made of leather ; fuch as harnefling, boots, fhoes, &c. No- thing can efcape their rapacity : They will ranfack the repofitories of the dead, and greedily devour the molt putrid bodies ; for which reafon, in thofe countries where they abound, the inhabitants are obliged to make the graves of a great depth, and fecure them with fpines to prevent the Jackals from raking up the earth with their feet. They are faid to attend caravans, and follow armies, in hopes of being furnifhed with a banquet by difeafe or battle. — They may be confidered as the vulture among quadrupeds ; and, like that deftru&ive bird, de- vour every thing indifcriminately that has once had ani- mal life.
Thefe animals hide themfelves in holes and dens by day, and feldom appear abroad till the evening; when they fill the air with the moll horrid howlings, and be- gin the chafe. The Lion, the Panther, and other beads of prey that do not follow by the fcent, take advantage of the general condernation, and fpllow in filence be- hind till the Jackals have hunted down their prey : They then devour the fruits of their labours, and leave them only the remains of the fpoil ; from whence the Jackal has been vulgarly called the Lion's Provider , as if thofe
R 4 two
264 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
two animals a&ed in concert, and had formed a plan for their mutual fupport.
The Jackal frequently purfues the Gazelle ; and is fo bold, as to follow it even into the midft of a town or village, whither that timid animal frequently flies for protection, and by that means fometimes efcapes: For the inceffant barking of the Jackal alarms the inhabi- tants ; who fally out, and drive off the purfuer, in hopes of being able to fecure the game.
Sparrman’s defcription of thofe he faw at the Cape differs materially from the accounts we have been able to collect from other authors. He fays they are about three feet in length, and their tails little more than a foot long: The predominant colour is a reddifh-yellow ; the legs are of a pale-gold colour ; under the belly, and on the infide of the legs, the colour inclines to white ; the nofe and ears are of a brighter red ; the head, neck, and back, are grey ; the tail is partly grey, and partly of an utnber colour, and black at the tip. He fays it re- fembles the European Fox in form, manners, and difpofi- tion ; and is not known to affemble in packs for the pur- pofe of hunting; neither is its voracity equal to that afcribed to it by other naturalifts. — It is probable it may have been confounded with the Wild Dog, which is common at the Cape, and hunts its prey in packs. It is very fierce and mifchievous, and very deftru&ive to the flocks of Sheep and Goats in thofe parts. There are two kinds of thefe Dogs, — the one large, and of a red-* difh colour ; the other lefs and browner. They are very bold, and wander about night and day in fearch of prey. They make a noife fomewhat like the cry of our common Hounds, and hunt with great fagacity, acSling perfectly
in
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 265
in concert with each other till the game falls a prey to the pack. They are faid to be always extremely lean, and are very ugly.
M. Buffon mentions an animal of the Jackal kind by the name of the Adiv,e ; of which he gives a drawing, fomewhat refembling a fmall Fox. It is lefs than the common Jackal, and is fometimes tamed and kept in a domeftic date.
The
%66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The FOX.
HIS lively and crafty animal is common to every
part of Great-Britajn ; and is fo well known, as
not to require a particular defcription.
M. Buffon has taken great pains to prove, that the Dog and the Fox will not breed together. For this purpofe, he kept two males ahd a female for a confiderable time, and tried to make the males copulate with bitches, which they uniformly refufed ; and from thence he concludes, that no mixture can take place between the two fpecies. But it fliould be remembered, that the Foxes were in a ftate of confinement ; and of courfe, many circumftances might concur to difguft them, and render the experiment abortive. In confirmation of this, we need only obferve, that the fame Foxes, which, when at liberty, darted on the poultry with their ufual eagernefs, never attempted to touch a fingle fowl after they were chained : And we are told further, “ that a living hen was generally fixed near them for a whole night ; and, though food was kept from them for many hours, yet, in fpite of hunger and, opportunity, they never forgot that they were chained, and difturbed not the hen.” Now if any one fhould be fo hardy as to afiert from this, that Foxes have a natural averfion to poultry, one may eafily cpnceive how little credit would be given to the conclufion, and how much laughter it would excite. We juft mention this to fhew, that experiments of this kind, where Nature is thwarted in her procefs, or reftrained in any of her operations, are not always to be depended upon. — That the Fox and the Dog will breed together is a fact, too well known in fe- veral parts of the North of England to admit of the
fmalleft
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 267
fmalleft doubt. It is a common practice in many places to tie up a bitch that is in feafon, where Ihe may be vi- fited by a Fox, and be impregnated by him : The fruits of the connexion are fufliciently obvious; moll;, if not all the puppies have a ftrong refemblance to the Fox : The fharp nofe, prick ears, long body, and fhort legs of the Fox, evidently point out their origin. — Thefe Dogs are highly elteemed by farmers and graziers as the molt ufeful kind for driving cattle. They bite keenly; are extremely active and playful; and are very expert at de- ftroying weafels, rats, and other vermin.
The Fox fleeps much during the day; but the night is its feafon of activity, and the time when it roams about in fearch of prey. — It will eat flelh of any kind ; but pre- fers that of hares, rabbits, poultry, and all kinds of birds. Thofe that refide near the fea coafts will for want of other food eat crabs, Ihrimps, mufcles, and other Ihell- fifh.
In France and Italy, the Fox does great damage a- mong the vineyards by feeding on the grapes, of which it is extremely fond. — It baldly attacks the wild bees, and frequently robs them of their ftores; but not with impunity : The whole fwarnv flies out, and fallens upon the invader; but he retires only for a few minutes, and rids himfelf of the bees by rolling upon the ground ; by which means he crullies fuch as Hick to him, and then returns to his charge, and devours both wax and honey.
The cunning of the Fox in furprizing and fecurmg its prey is equally remarkable : When it has acquired more than it can devour, its firft care is to fecure what it has killed, which is generally all within its reach. It digs
holes
268 HIJSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
holes in different places, where it conceals its booty by carefully covering it with earth to prevent a difcovery. If a flock of poultry have unfortunately fallen victims to its flratagems, it will bring them, one by one, to thefe hiding-places ; where it leaves them till hunger demands frefh fupplies.
The chafe of the Fox is a very favourite diverfion m this kingdom, and is no-where purfued with fuch ardour and intrepidity. Both our Dogs and Horfes are con- feffedly fuperior to thofe of any other country. — The in- flant the Fox finds he is purfued, he flies towards his hole; and finding it hopped, which is always carefully done before the chafe begins, he has recourfe to his fpeed and his cunning for fafety. He does not double and meafure his ground back like the Hare ; but conti- nues his courfe flraight forward before the Hounds with' great ftrength and perfeverance. Both Dogs and Horfes, particularly the latter, have frequently fallen victims to the ardour of the purfuit ; which has fometimes conti- nued for upwards of fifty miles without the fmallefl in- termiffion, and almofl at full fpeed *• As the fcent of the Fox is very ftrong, the Dogs follow with great alacrU ty and eagernefs, and have been known to keep up a con- tinued chafe for eight or ten hours together; and it is
* Mr Charles Turner’s Hounds hunted at Ayreyholm, near Hurworth, in the county of Durham, and found the noted old Fox CESAR, which made an extraordinary chafe : After a round of four miles, he led to Smeaton, through Hornby and Appleton ; then back again to Hornby, Worfet-moor, Pierfburgh, Limpton, Cray thorn, Middleton, Hilton, Seamer, Newby, Mafton, Ormf- by ; then upon Hambleton, through Kirkleatham-park, Uplea- tham, Skelton, and Kilton. Mr Turner tired three Horfes; and only three Hounds were in purfuit, when he thought proper to call them off, it being near five in the evening. The chafe was upwards of fifty miles.
hard
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2 69
hard to fay, whether the fpirited eagernefs of the Hounds, the ardour of the Horfes, or the enthufiafm of the hun- ters, is moft to be admired. The Fox is the only one of the party which has the plea of neceffity on his fide ; and it operates fo ftrongly, that he often efcapes the utmoft efforts of his purfuers, and returns to his hole in fafety. The fmell of his urine is fo offenfive to the Dogs, that it fometimes proves the means of his efcape from them. When all his fhifts have failed him, and he is at lafl over- taken, he then defends himfelf with great obftinacy, and fights in filence till he is torn in pieces by the Dogs.
There are three varieties of Foxes in this ifland, which differ from each other more in form than in colour.
The Greyhound FOX
is the largefl, and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England and Scotland : He is likewife the bold- eft, and will attack a well-grown Sheep. — TIis ears are long and ere&, and his afpedt wild.
The
.270 HISTORY OF QJJADRUPEDS.
The Mastiff FOX is rather lefs ; but his limbs are more ftrongly formed*
The Cur FOX
is the leaft, but the moil common ; and approaches neareft to the habitations of mankind. It lurks about the out-houfes of the farmer, and carries off all the poul- try within its reach. — It is remarkably playful and fami- liar when tamed; but, like all wild animals half-reclaim- ed, will, on the leaft offence, bite thofe it is moft fami- liar with.
The eye of the Fox is of a lively hazel colour, very fignificant and expreflive ; and difcovers very fenfibly the different emotions of love, fear, or anger, by which it may be affected. — It feems greatly to admire its bufliy tail, and frequently amufes itfelf by endeavouring to catch it as it runs round. In cold weather, when it lies clown, it folds it about its head to keep its nofe warm.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 271
The Fox lleeps found * and, like the Dog, lies in a round form. When he is only repofing himfelf, he dretches out his hind legs, and lies on his belly. In this pofition, he fpies the birds as they alight on the hedges or places near him, and is ready to fpring upon fuch as are within his reach. He rarely lies expofed * but chufes the cover of fome thick brake, where he is pretty fecure from being furprized. — Crows, magpies, and other birds which confider the Fox as a common enemy, will often give notice of his retreat by the molt clamourous notes * and frequently follow him a confiderable way from tree to tree, repeating their outcries.
Foxes produce but once a year, from three to fix young ones at a time. When the female is pregnant, fhe re- tires, and feldom goes out of her hole, where fhe pre- pares a bed for her young. She comes in feafon in the winter* and young Foxes are found in the month of April. If fhe perceive that her habitation is difcovered, fhe carries them off, one by one, to a more fecure retreat. — The young are brought forth blind, like puppies. They grow eighteen months or two years, and live thir- teen or fourteen years.
The Fox is frequently taken in traps * but great cau- tion muft be ufed to deceive this wily animal. The trap mud be placed in the midfl of a field, where there is nei- ther hedge nor path near it * and fo nicely covered with mould, that not the lead veftige can be feen where it lies : About the trap, and at a fmall didance from it, in different places, a few pieces of cheefe, or other ftrong- ly-fcented food, mud be carelefsly fcattered : Then with a Sheep’s paunch, or fome other animal fubdance, a trail is made, of about a mile in length, to the diffe- rent
272 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
rent places where the bait is laid, and from thence to the1 trap : The {hoes of the perfon who carries the trail muft be likewife well rubbed with the paunch, that the Fox may not difcover his fcent. He then approaches with more confidence; and if the defign be well conduced, feldom fails of being caught.
There are great varieties of this animal apparently pro- duced by the influence of climate. Thofe of this coun- try are moftly of a tawny-red, mixed with afh colour; the fore part of the legs is black ; and the tail tipt with white. — In colder countries, Foxes are of various colours.
The Black FOX
is rhoft valuable for its fur, which is efteemed in Ruflia fuperior to that of the fineft Sable : A fingle fkin will fell for four hundred rubles.
The Cross FOX
inhabits the coldeft parts of Europe, Afia, and North- America.— Its fur is very valuable, being thicker and fofter than the common fort. Great numbers of {kins are imported from Canada. — It derives its name frotn a black mark which pafles over its back acrofs the {boul- ders, and another along the back to the tail.
The Corsac FOX
is common in the deferts beyond the Yaick river, and feems to be the fame animal defcribed by M. BufFon un- der the name of the Ifatis . — In fummer, it is of a pale- tawny colour, with a white throat ; in winter, it is grey.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 273
The tip of the tail is black. It is fmaller than the com* mon Fox; and its hair is foft and downy. — It lives in holes in the earth, and is caught by the Kirgis-Khaiflacs with falcons and greyhounds. Forty or fifty thoufand are taken annually, and fold to the Ruffians at the rate of forty copeics (about twenty-pence) each. — The na- tives, in their traffic, ufe their Ikins inftead of money. Great numbers are fent into Turkey.
The Arctic FOX
inhabits the countries bordering on the Frozen Sea. It is found in Greenland, Iceland, Spitzbergen, Nova-Zem- bla, and Lapland ; in Kamtfchatka, and the oppofite parts
of America. It burrows in the ground, and makes
holes feveral feet in length, at the end of which it forms a neft with mofs. , In Greenland and Spitzbergen, it. lives in the clefts of rocks, being unable to burrow on account of the froft. Two or three of them inhabit the fame hole.
This animal is endowed with all the cunning of the common Fox ; preys on young geefe, ducks, and other water-fowl, before they are able to fly ; likewife, on
S hares.
274 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
hares, wild birds, and eggs : And in Greenland, for want of other food, it feeds on berries and fhell-fifh. In Lap- land and the North of Alia, their principal food is the Leming, or Lapland Marmot ; immenfe fhoals of which fometimes cover the face of the country. The Foxes fol- low them, in their migrations, from one place to ano- ther ; and as the return of the Marmot is very uncertain, and frequently after great intervals of time, they are fometimes abfent three or four years in purfuit of this their favourite prey.
The hair of the Ardlic Fox is of an afh colour, but changes to white in the winter, when it is long, foft, and fomewhat woolly : Its tail is fhorter than that of the common Fox, and mpre bufhy; and its toes are covered with fur on the under part, like thofe of a Hare : It is fmaller and more flender than the European Fox : Its nofe is {harp and black ; and its ears fhort, and almoffc hid in the fur. — It is fometimes taken in traps ; but its {kin being of little value, it is not hunted with much eagernefs.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 275
The WOLF.
ALL naturalids agree in placing the Wolf and the Dog in the fame clafs ; and, from the flighted: in- fpe£tion of their outward form only, one would be led to conclude the Wolf was in every refpe£f a Dog in it9 {fate of natural freedom. The chief difference confifts in the form of its head ; its eyes are fixed in a more ob- lique pofition, and being of a bright-green colour, give it a look of the mod favage fiercenefs; its ears are (harp and er eft ; its tail long, bufhy, and bending inwards be- tween its hind legs *, its body is ftronger than that of al- mod any fpecies of Dogs, its jaws and teeth larger, and its hair coarfer and thicker. The internal dru£lure of thefe animals is, however, very fimilar. The Wolf cou- ples in the fame manner as the Dog; and its immediate reparation is prevented from the fame caufe. The time of gedation is alfo nearly the fame ; and, from a variety of fuccefsful experiments related by the celebrated Dr Hunter, there is no longer any room to doubt, that the
S 2 Wolf
2 76 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Wolf and the Dog will copulate together, and produce an intermediate fpecies, capable of fubfequent propaga- tion.
The appetite of the Wolf, for every kind of animal food, is exceflively voracious; and, although Nature has furnifhed it with every requifite for purfuing and con- quering its prey, it is frequently reduced to the lad ex- tremity, and fometimes perifhes for want of food : So great is the general detedation of this dedru&ive crea- ture, that all the wild animals endeavour to avoid it, and mod commonly efcape by their fuperior fwiftnefs. — * When preffed with hunger from repeated difappoint- ments, the Wolf becomes ingenious from want, and courageous from necedity. It then braves every danger, and even attacks thofe animals that are under the pro- tection of man. Sometimes whole droves of them join in the cruel work of general devadation, roam through the villages, and attack the fheepfolds : They dig the earth under the doors, enter with dreadful ferocity, and put every living creature to death before they depart. The Horfe is the only tame animal that can defend itfelf againd them : All the weaker animals become their prey; even man himfelf, upon thefe occafions, frequently falls a viClim to their rapacity ; and it is faid, that when once they have taded human blood, they always give it the preference. — From hence, many fuperditious dories have been told of the Wolf : The old Saxons believed that it was poflefled by fome evil fpirit, and called it the Were~ Wulf; and the French peafants, from the fame reafon, call it the Loup-garou.
The language of the poet is beautifully defcriptive of this creature's infatiable fury .
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 277
“ By wintry famine rous’d, from all the traft “ Of horrid mountains, which the ftiining Alps,
** And wavy Appenine, and Pyrenees,
“ Branch out, ftupendous, into diftant lands,
“ Cruel as death! and hungry as the grave!
<l Burning for blood! bony, and ghaunt, and grim!
“ Aflembling Wolves, in raging troops, defcend;
4C And, pouring o’er the country, bear along,
“ Keen as the north wind fweeps the glolfy fnow :
** All is their prize.” — ■■ ■
* The Wolf has great ftrength, efpecially in the mufcles of his neck and jaws. He can carry a Sheep in his mouth, and eafily run off with it in that manner. His bite is cruel and deadly, and keener as it meets with lefs refiftance ; but when oppofedj he is cautious and circumfpeft, and feldom fights but from neceflity. He is harder and more robuft, but not fo fenfible as the Dog. He almofl inceflantly prowls about for prey, and of all animals is the moft difficult to conquer in the chafe. His fenfe of fmelling is peculiarly ftrong: He fcents the track of animals, and follows it with great perfeverance : The odour of carrion ftrikes him at the
diftance of near a league. —Wolves are capable of
bearing want of food for a long time : To allay their hunger, they will fometimes fill their ftomachs with mud. They have been known to follow armies, and aflemble in troops upon the field of battle ; tear up fuch bodies as have been carelefsly interred, and devour them with infatiable avidity.
In all ages, the Wolf has been confidered as the moft favage enemy of mankind, and rewards given for its head. Various methods have been taken to rid the world of this rapacious invader : Pit-falls, traps, and poifoi); have all been employed againft him j and, hap^
S 3 pily
27B HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
pily for thefe iflands, the whole race has long been ex- tirpated here. King Edgar attempted to effect it in Eng- land by remitting the punifhment of certain crimes on producing a number of Wolves’ tongues; and in Wales, the tax of gold and filver was commuted for an annual tribute of Wolves’ heads. — Some centuries after that, thefe animals increafed to fuch a degree, as to become an obje£t of royal attention ; and great rewards were given for deftroying them. Camden informs us, that certain perfons held their lands on condition of hunting and deftroying the Wolves that infefted the country; whence they were called the Wolve-hunt. In the reign of Athelftan, Wolves abounded fo much in Yorkfhire, that a retreat was built at Flixton to defend paffengers from their attacks. — As the ravages of thefe animals were greateft during winter, particularly in January, when the cold was fevereft, our Saxon anceftors diftinguifhed that month by the title of Wolf-moneth : They alfo called an outlaw Wolfjhed , as being out of the protection of the law, and as liable to be killed as that deftru&ive beaft. — They infefted Ireland many centuries after their extinc- tion in England ; the laft prefentment for killing Wolves being made in the county of Cork about the year 1710.
Thefe animals abound in the immenfe forefts of Ger- many ; where the following methods are taken to deftroy them : — In fome very fequeftered part of the foreft, they hang up a large piece of carrion to the branch of a tree, having previoufly made a train of fome miles long, leav- ing fmall pieces of putrid flefli here and there to allure the Wolves to the fpot: They then wait till it is dark, and approach the place with great circumfpeClion ; where they fometimes find two or three Wolves affembkd, leap- ing
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 279
ing up, and (training themfelves to catch the bait, which is placed juft within their reach; and while the animals are bufily employed in this way, the hunters being pro- vided with fire-arms, feldom fail to difpatch them.-
In a convenient place, at the foot of a declivity, they make a fmall inclofure of ftrong pales, fo high, that the Wolf having once entered, cannot return again. An opening is left at the top of the bank ; and a Sheep that has been long dead, is the bait, to which he is allured by long trains, made from different places where he is known to haunt. As foon as he arrives at the fpot, he examines every part of the inclofure ; and, finding no other way to come at the booty, he precipitates himfelf to the bottom ; and, having made a plentiful meal, en- deavours in vain to reafcend. His difappointment at not being able to get back is productive of the moft dreadful howlings, which alarm his enemies; and they either take him alive, or difpatch him with bludgeons.* It is re-
markable, that when this animal finds there is no poffi- bility of efcaping, his courage entirely forfakes him ; and he is for fome time fo ftupified with fear, that he may- be killed without offering to refift, or taken alive without
much danger. Wolves are fometimes taken in ftrong
nets, into which they are driven by the hunters, who furround a large trad of land, and with drums, horns, and other inftruments, accompanied with loud cries from a large company affembied upon the occafion, drive the animals towards the entrance of the nets; where they are entangled, and killed with clubs and hatchets. Great care muft be taken to fecure them at firft : If they reco- ver from their confternation, they eafily efcape by tear- ing the net to pieces.
280 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Wolves are found, with fome variety, in almofl every country of the world. Thofe of Senegal are larger and fiercer than thofe of Europe. — In North-America, they are fmall, of a dark colour, and may be eafily tamed. Before the introduction of Dogs, the favages made ufe of them in hunting the wild animals of the country ; and they are ftill employed for the fame purpofe in the more remote parts of that vafl continent. They are faid to hunt in packs, and run down the Deer by their fcent.— - The appearance of thefe animals near the habitations of the Indians, fometimes indicates that the Bifon or the Deer is at no great diftance ; and when any of thofe are taken, the Wolves are rewarded with the offal. — Catefby affirms, that the Wolves of that country have mixed with the Dogs carried thither by the Europeans, and pro- duced an intermediate race. In the northern regions,
there are Wolves entirely white, and others of a deep-
black. In Mexico, there is a variety of the Wolf with
a very large head, ftrong jaws, and great teeth : On the upper lip it has ftrong briftles, not unlike the fofter fpines of the Porcupine, of a grey and white colour; its ears are large and ereCt ; its body is afh-coloured, fpotted with black ; on its Tides there are black ftripes from the back downward ; its neck is fat and thick, co- vered with a loofe fkin, marked with a long tawny ftroke ; on the breaft is another of the fame kind ; the tail is long, and tinged in the middle with tawny ; the legs and feet are ftriped with black. 'It inhabits the hot parts of Mexico or New Spain, is equally voracious with the European Wolf, attacks cattle, and fometimes men. — There are no Wolves farther South on the new conti- nent.
T If E
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 281 The DOG.
H E fervices of this truly valuable creature have
been fo eminently ufeful to the domeftic interefts
of men in all ages, that to give the hiftory of the Dog would be little lefs than to trace mankind back to their original ftate of fimplicity and freedom, to mark the pro- grefs of civilization through the various changes of the world, and to follow attentively the gradual advancement of that order which placed man at the head of the ani- mal world, and gave him a manifeft fuperiority over eve- ry part of the brute creation.
If we confider for a moment the ftate of man without the aid of this ufeful domeftic ; — with what arts fhall he oppofe the numerous hofts of foes that furround him on all Tides, feeking every opportunity to encroach upon his pofieffions, to deftroy his labours, or endanger his per- sonal fafety ? or how fhall he bring into fubjedtion fuch as are neceflary for his well-being ? His utmoft vigilance will not be Sufficient to fecure him from the rapacity of the one, nor his greateft exertions enable him to over- come the Speed of the other. To maintain his inde- pendence, to infure his fafety, and to provide for his Support, it was neceftary that fome one among the ani- mals Should be brought over to his affiftance, whofe zeal and fidelity might be depended on. And where, amidft all the various orders of animated being, could one be found fo entirely adapted to this purpofe ? where could one be found fo bold, fo tra&able, and fo obedient as the Dog ? Without its affiftance, how could man have conquered, tamed, and reduced other animals into flave- rv ? how could he have hunted down and deftroyed thofe
noxious
282 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
noxious animals, from whofe rapacity his life was in continual danger? — To confirm the truth of thefe ob- fervations, we need only turn our attention to the pre- fent condition of thofe nations which are not yet emerged from a ftate of barbarifm, where the ufes of the Dog are but little known or attended to, and we will find that they lead a precarious and wretched life of perpetual warfare with the ftill more favage inhabitants of the fo- reft, with which they are obliged to difpute the poffef- lion of their uncultivated fields, and divide with them the fruits of their labours. — From hence we may conclude, that the attention of mankind, in the earlieft ages, would be engaged in training and rendering this animal fub- fervient to the important purpofes of domeftic utility; and the refult of this art has been the conqueft and peaceable pofleflion of the earth.
Of all animals, the Dog feems molt fufceptible of change, and mod eafily modified by difference of cli- mate, food, and education ; not only the figure of his body, but his faculties, habits, and difpofitions, vary in a furprizing manner. In the fame country, one Dog dif- fers greatly from another ; and in different climates, the very fpecies feems to be changed. Nothing appears con- ftant in thefe animals but their internal conformation, which is alike in all ; in every other refpedf, they are to- tally diflimilar. They vary in fize, in figure, in the length of the nofe and fhape of the head, in the length and dire£lion of the ears and tail, in the colour and quantity of the hair, &c. — To enumerate the different kinds, or mark the difcriminations by which each is dif- tinguilhed, would be a talk as fruitlefs as it would be im- polfible ; to account for this wonderful variety, or in*.
veftigate
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 283
vefligate the character of the primitive flock from which they mud all have fprung, would be equally vain. — We have feen, in the hiftory of the Cow and the Sheep, that thofe animals which have been long under the manage- ment of man, never preferve the {tamp of Nature in its original purity. In wild animals, which flill enjoy their original freedom from reflraint, and have the indepen- dent choice of food and climate, this impreffion is flill faithfully preferved ; but thofe which man has fubdued, tranfported from climate to climate, changed their food, habits, and manner of living, mufl neceffarily have fuf- fered the greatefl alterations in their form ; and as the Dog, of all other domeflic animals, is moft accuftomed to this influence, is endowed with difpofitions the moft docile and obedient, is fufceptible of every impreffion, and fubmiffive to every reflraint, we need not wonder that he ffiould be fubjeCt to the greatefl variety. — To an attentive obferver of the canine race, it is truly wonder- ful and curious to obferve the rapid changes and Angular combinations of forms, arifing from promifcuous inter- courfe, which every-where prefent themfelves : They ap- pear in endlefs fucceffion, and feem more like the effeCl of whimfical caprice than the regular and uniform pro- duction of Nature : So that, in whatever light we confl- der the various mixtures which at prefent abound, and render every idea of a fyflematic arrangement dubious and problematical, we may fairly prefume, that the fer- vices of the Dog would be firfl required in maintaining and preferving the fuperiority of man over thofe animals which were deflined for his fupport, — We fhall there- fore begin with
Th e
284 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Shepherd’s DOG.
This ufeful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns at the head of the flock ; where it is better heard, and more attended to, than even the voice of the fhepherd. Safety, order, and difcipline, are the fruits of his vigi- lance and activity.
In thofe large tra&s of land which, in many parts of our ifland, are folely appropriated to the feeding of Sheep and other cattle, this fagacious animal is of the utmoft importance. Immenfe flocks may be feen conti- nually ranging over thofe extenfive wilds, as far as the eye can reach, feemingly without controul : Their only guide is the fhepherd, attended by his faithful Dog, the conflant companion of his toils : It receives his com- mands, and is always prompt to execute them ; it is the watchful guardian of the flock, prevents them from drag- gling, keeps them together, and conducts them from one part of their pafture to another*, it will not fuffer any grangers to tnix with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In driving a number of Sheep to any diflant part? a well- trained Dog never fails t o confine them to
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 285
the road, watches every avenue that leads from it ; where he takes his ftand, threatening every delinquent : He purfues the ftragglers, if any fhould efcape ; and forces them into order, without doing them the leaft injury. If the herdfman be obliged to leave them, he depends upon his Dog to keep the flock together *, and as foon as he hears the well-known fignal, this faithful creature conducts them to his mailer, though at a conflderable dillance.
There is a very remarkable Angularity in the feet of the Shepherd’s Dog: All of them have one, and fome two toes more than other Dogs, though they feem not to be of much ufe. They appear to be dellitute of muf- cles, and hang dangling at the hind part of the leg more like an unnatural excrefcence than a neceflary part of the animal. But the adage, that c Nature has made nothing in vain/ ought to correal our decifion on their utility, which probably may exill unknown to us.
This breed of Dogs, at prefent, appears to be pre- ferred, in the greateft purity, in the northern parts of Scotland; where its aid is highly neceflary in managing the numerous herds of Sheep bred in thofe extenfive wilds.
The
286 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Cur DOG
is a trufty and ufeful fervant to the farmer and grazier ;• and, although it is not taken notice of by naturalifts as a diftinft race, yet it is now fo generally ufed, efpecially in the North of England, and fuch great attention is paid jn breeding it, that we cannot help confidering it as a permanent kind. They are chiefly employed in driving cattle ; in which way they are extremely ufeful. They are larger, (Ironger, and fiercer than the Shepherd’s Dog; and their hair is fmoother and fhorter. They are moftly of a black and white colour. Their ears are half-prick- ed ; and many of them are whelped with fhort tails, which feem as if they had been cut : Thefe are called Self-tailed Dogs . They bite very keenly ; and as they al- ways make their attack at the heels, the cattle have no defence againft them: In this way, they are more than a match for a Bull, which they quickly compel to run. Their fagacity is uncommonly great : They know their mailer’s fields, and are Angularly attentive to the cat- tle
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 287
tie that are in them : A good Dog watches, goes his rounds; and, if any ftrange cattle ffiould happen to ap- pear amongft the herd, although unbidden, he quickly flies at them, and with keen bites obliges them to depart.
Similar to the Cur, is that which is commonly ufed in driving cattle to the daughter ; and as thefe Dogs have frequently to go long journies, great ftrength, as well as fwiftnefs, is required for that purpofe : They are there- fore generally of a mixed kind ; and unite in them the feveral qualities of the Shepherd’s Dog, the Cur, the MaftifF, and the Greyhound. Thus, by a judicious mix- ture of different kinds, the fervices of the Dog are ren- dered fbill more various and extenfive, and the great pur- pofes of domeftic utility are more fully anfwered.
The Greenland DOG.
The favage afpe£t and difpofition of this Dog feem to bear fome affinity to the rigours of the climate it inha- bits.
288 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
bits. The Pomeranian or Wolf Dog of M. Buffon, the Siberian, Lapland, and Iceland Dogs are fomewhat fimr- lar to it in the fharpnefs of their muzzles, in their long fhaggy hair, and bulhy curling tails. The principal dif- ference is in their fize. Though much larger, they all of them have fome refemblance to the Shepherd’s Dog.
Moft of the Greenland Dogs are white but fome are fpotted, and fome black. They may rather be faid to howl than bark. The Greenlanders fometimes eat their flefh : They make garments of their lkins, and ufe them in drawing fledges ; to which they yoke them, four, five, and fometimes fix together *.
The Dogs of Kamfchatka are commonly black or white. They are ftrong, nimble, and active ; and are very ufeful in drawing fledges, the only method of tra- velling in that dreary country during the winter. They travel with great expedition. Captain King relates, that, during his flay there, a courier with difpatches, drawn by them, performed a journey of 270 miles in lefs than four days. The fledges are ufually drawn by five Dogs, four of them yoked two and two abreafl : The foremoft a£ls as a leader to the reft. -The reins being fattened to a collar round the leading Dog’s neck, are of little ufe in directing the pack ; the driver depending chiefly upon their obedience to his voice, with which he animates them to proceed. Great care and attention are confequently ufed in trajning up thofe for leaders, which are more valuable according to their fteadinefs and do- cility-, the fum of forty roubles, or ten pounds, being
* Five of thefe Dogs, that had efcaped with their trappings, were found in Greenland, and brought to this country a few years ago by one of our (hips in the fifllery.
no
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 289
no unufual price for one of them. — The rider has a crooked flick, anfwering the purpofe both of whip and reins ; with which, by ftrikirrg on the fnow, he regulates the fpeed of the Dogs, or flops them at his pleafure. When they are inattentive to their duty, he often chaf- tifes them by throwing it at them. He difcovers great dexterity in regaining his flick, which is the greatefl dif- ficulty attending his fituation ; for if he fhould happen to lofe his flick, the Dogs immediately difcover the circum- ftance, and feldom fail to fet off at full fpeed, and con- tinue to run till their flrength is exhaufted, or till the carriage is overturned, and dallied to pieces, or hurried down a precipice.
In December, 1 784, one of thefe Dogs was left by a fmug-
fling veffel near Boomer, on the coafl of Northumberland; finding imfelf deferted, he began to worry Sheep, and in that way did fo much damage, that he became the terror of the country within a circuit of above twenty miles. We are allured, that when he caught a Sheep, he bit a hole in its right fide, and after eating the tallow about the kidneys, left it ; feveral of them thus lacera- ted were found alive by the fhepherds, and being taken proper care of, fome of them recovered, and afterwards had .Lambs.— - From his delicacy in this refpeft, the definition he made may in fome meafure be conceived, as it may be filppofed that the fat of one Sheep in a day would hardly fatisfy his hunger. The farmers were fo much alarmed by his depredations, that various means were ufed for his definition. They frequently purfued him with Hounds, Greyhounds, &c. but when the Dogs came up with him, he laid down on his back, as if fupplicating for mer- cy, and in that pofition they never hurt him ; he therefore laid quietly, taking his reft till the hunters approached, when he made off without being followed by the Hounds, till they were again excited to the purfuit, which always terminated unfuccefsfully. — . And it is worthy of notice, that he was one day purfued from Howick to upwards of thirty miles diftance, but returned thither, and killed Sheep the fame evening. In March, 1785, his con- ftant refidence during the day was upon a rock, on the Heugh- hill, near Howick, where he had a view of four roads that ap- proached it ; and after many fruitlefs attempts, he was at laft fhot there.
T
The
29o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Bull DOG
is the fierced of all the Dog kind, and is probably the mod courageous creature in the world. It is low in da- ture, but very drong and well-built. Its nofe is fhort, and the under jaw proje&s beyond the upper, which gives it a fierce and unpleafing afpe£t. — Its courage in attacking the Bull is well known : Its fury in feizing, and its invincible obdinacy in maintaining its hold, are truly adonifhing. It always aims at the front ; and ge- nerally fadens upon the lip, the tongue, the eye, or fome part of the face ; where it hangs, in fpite of every effort of the Bull to difengage himfelf.
The uncommon ardour of thefe Dogs in fighting will be bed illudrated by the following fa£t, related by an eye-witnefs ; which at the fame time corroborates, in fome degree, that wonderful account of the Dogs of Epirus, given by Elian, and quoted by Dr Goldfmith in his hi, dory of the Dog. — Some* years ago, at a bull- baiting in the North of England, when that barbarous cudom was very common, a young man, confident of the courage of his Dog, laid fome trifling wagers, that
he
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 291
he would, at feparate times, cut off all the four feet of his Dog ; and that, after every amputation, it would attack the Bull. The cruel experiment was tried, and the Dog continued to feize the Bull as eagerly as if he had been perfectly whole.
Of late years, this inhuman cuftom of baiting the Bull has been almoft entirely laid afide in the North of Eng- land *, and, confequently, there are now few of this kind of Dogs to be feen.
As the Bull Dog always makes his attack without barking, it is very dangerous to approach him alone, without the greateft precaution.
The MASTIFF
is much larger and flronger than the Bull Dog, and feems every way formed for the important trufb of guarding and fecuring the valuable property committed to his care. Iioufes, gardens, yards, &c. are fafe from
T 2 depredations
292 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
depredations whilft in his cuftody. Confined during the ■day, as foon as the gates are locked, he is left to range at full liberty : He then goes round the premiffes, ex- amines every part of them, and by loud barkings gives notice that he is ready to defend his charge.
Dr Caius, in his curious treatife on Britifh Dogs, tells us, that three of thefe animals were reckoned a match for a Bear, and four for a Lion.
We have a curious account, recorded in Stow’s An- nals, of an engagement between three MaftifFs and a Lion, in the prefenee of James the Firft. « One of the Dogs being put into the den, was foon difabled by the Lion ; which took it by the head and neck, and drag- ged it about : Another Dog was then let loofe, and ferved in the fame manner : But the third being put in, immediately feized the Lion by the lip, and held him for a confiderable time ; till being feverely torn by his claws, the Dog was obliged to quit its hold ; and the Lion, greatly exhaufled in the confli£t, refufed to renew the engagement ; but taking a fudden leap over the Dogs, fled into the interior part of his den. Two of the Dogs foon died of their wounds : The laft furvived, and was taken great care of by the king’s fon ; who faid, “ he that had fought with the king of beafhs, (< fliould never after fight with any inferior creature.”
The MaftifFs of Great-Britain were noted in the time of the Roman emperors ; who appointed an officer, whofe foie bufinefs it was to breed, and fend from hence, fuch as would prove equal to the combats of the amphi- theatre.
The following anecdote will (hew, that the MaftifF, confcious of its l'uperior ftrength, knows how to chaftife
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 293
the impertinence of an inferior: — A large Dog of this kind, belonging to the late M. Ridley, efq; of Heatton, near Newcaftle, being frequently molefted by a mongrel, and teazed by its continual barking, at laft took it up in his mouth by the back, and with great compofure drop- ped it over the quay into the river, without doing any farther injury to an enemy fo much his inferior.
There are varieties of this animal, fome of which are produced by a mixture with the Bull Dog. — The Ban ~ Dog is lighter, fmaller, more a&ive, and lefs powerful than the Maftiff; its nofe is fmaller and finer, and its hair rougher. It is, notwithftanding, very fierce, and employed in the fame ufeful purpofes as the MaftifF.
The Dalmatian or Coach DOG
has been erroneoufly called the Danijh Dog , and by M. BufFon the Harrier of Bengal , but for what reafon it is difficult to afcertain, as its incapacity of fcenting is fuf-
T 3 ficient
294 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ficient to deftroy all affinity to any Dog employed in
the purfuit of the Hare. It is very common in this
country at prefent; and is frequently kept in genteel houfes, as an elegant attendant on a carriage, to which its attention feems to be folely dire&ed. We do not, however, admire the cruel pra£Hce of depriving the poor animal of its ears, in order to encreafe its beauty; a practice fo general, that we do not remember ever to have feen one of thefe Dogs unmutilated in that way.
The Irish GREYHOUND
is the largeft of the Dog kind, and its appearance the
mod beautiful and majeftic. It is only to be found
in Ireland, where it was formerly of great ufe in clear- ing that country from Wolves. It is now extremely rare, and is kept rather for ffiow than ufe, being equally unferviceable for hunting either the Stag, the Fox, or the Hare.
Some of thefe Dogs are about four feet high, perfe'dlly white, and are made fomewhat like a Greyhound, but more robuft ; their afpedt is mild, and their difpofition gentle and peaceable ; their ftrength is fo great, that in combat the MaftifF or Bull Dog is far from being equal to them : They always feize their antagonifts by the back, and fhake them to death, which their great fize generally enables them to do with much eafe.
M. Buffon fuppofes the Great Danijh Dog to be only a
variety of the Iriffi Greyhound. Next to this, in fize
and ftrength, is
The
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 295
The Scottish Highland GREYHOUND, or Wolf DOG;
which was formerly ufed by the chieftains of that coun- try in theft grand hunting parties . — One of them, which we faw fome years ago, was a large, powerful, fierce- looking Dog : Its ears were pendulous, and its eyes half hid in the hair ; its body was ftrong and mufcular, and covered with harfh, wiry, reddifh hair, mixt with white.
The GAZE HOUND
was fomewhat fimilar to the Greyhound; and, like that animal, hunted only by the eye. It was formerly in great repute, but is now unknown to us. It was ufed in hunting either the Fox, the Hare, or the Stag. It would feletft from the reft the fatteft deer, purfue it by the eye, and though it Ihould rejoin the herd, would in- fallibly fix upon the fame, and purfue it till taken.
T 4
The
296 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The GREYHOUND,
M. BufFon fuppofes to be the Irifh Greyhound, rendered thinner and more delicate by the difference of climate and culture : But whatever truth there may be in the fanciful arrangements of that ingenious author, there is an evident fimilarity of form in all of thofe juft mention- ed *, particularly in the depth of the cheft, in the length of the legs, and in the fmallnefs of the muzzle.
The Greyhound is the fleeteft of all Dogs, and can outrun every animal of the chafe ; but as it wants thq faculty of fcenting, it only follows by the eye. It was formerly held in fuch eftimation, as to be confidered the peculiar companion of gentlemen ; and, by the foreft laws of king Canute, it was enabled, that no perfon un- der that degree fhould prefume to keep a Greyhound.
The Small Italian Greyhound is not above half the fize, but perfectly fimilar in form. Its (hape is exquifitely beautiful and delicate. — It is not common in this coun- try, the climate being too rigorous for the extreme deli-* cacy of its conftitution.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 297
The LURCHER
is fomewhat (hotter than the Greyhound, and its limbs (Longer; its body is covered with a rough coat of hair, mod commonly of a pale-yellow colour ; its afpe<ft is ful- len ; and its habits, from whence it derives its name, are dark and cunning.
As this Dog poffefTes the advantage of a fine fcent, it is often employed in killing Hares and Rabbits in the night time. When taken to the warren, it deals out with the utmoft precaution, watches and fcents the Rab- bits while they are feeding, and darts upon them without barking or making the lead noife. Some of them will make incredible havock in one night ; and are often fo trained, as to bring their booty to their mader, who waits in fome convenient place to receive it *. — They are
* We have feen a Dog and Bitch of this kind in the pofieffion of a man, who had formerly ufed them for the purpofe above de- fcribed. He declared, that he could at that time procure in an evening as many Rabbits with them as he could carry home.
fo
298 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fo deftrucHve, and have been fo often employed in il- licit p radices, that they are now profcribed ; and the breed is almoft extindl.
Another Dog of this family, formerly in ufe, but now only known to us by its name, is
The TUMBLE R ;
which was fo called from its cunning manner of taking Rabbits and other game. It did not run dire&ly at them ; but, in a carelefs and inattentive manner, tum- bled itfelf about till it came within reach of its prey, which it always feized by a fudden fpring.
The TERRIER
has a mod acute fmell, is generally an attendant on eve- ry pack of Hounds, and is very expert in forcing Foxes or other game out of their coverts. It is the determined enemy of all the vermin kind ; fuch as Weafels, Fou- marts, Badgers, Rats, Mice, & c. It is fierce, keen, and hardy j and, in its encounters with the Badger, fome-
tirnes
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 299
times meets with very fevere treatment, which it fuftains with great courage and fortitude ; and a w^ell-trained ve- teran Dog frequently proves more than a match for that hard-bitten animal.
There are two kinds of Terriers, — the one rough, fhort-legged, long-backed, very ftrong, and moll com- monly of a black or yellowifh colour, mixed with white ; the other is fmooth, lleek, and beautifully formed, hav- ing a fhorter body, and more fprightly appearance : It is generally of a reddifh-brown colour, or black, with tanned legs ; and is fimilar to the rough Terrier in dif- pofition and faculties, but inferior in fize, (Length, and fiercenefs.
The BEAGLE.
Of thofe Dogs that are kept for the bufinefs of the chafe, in this country, the Beagle is the fmalleft, and is only ufed in hunting the Hare ; although far inferior in point of fpeed to that animal, they follow by the exquifite-
nefs
3oo HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
nefs of their fcent, and trace her footdeps through all her various windings with fuch exadtnefs and perfeverance, that they afford mod excellent diverfion, and generally reward the hunter’s toil with the death of the wearied fu- gitive. Their tones are foft and mufical, and add greatly to the pleafures of the chafe.
The Harrier is nimble and vigorous, and purfues the Hare with the mod impetuous eagernefs, gives her no time to breathe nor double j and the mod eager fportfmen generally find it fufficient exercife to keep in with their fpeed. They exert their voices with great chearfulnefs, and make delightful harmony.
A mixt breed between this and the large Terrier forms a drong, active, and hardy hound, ufed in hunting the Otter. It is rough, wire-haired, thick-quartered, long-eared, and thin-fhouldered.
There is reafon to fuppofe that the Beagle and the Har- rier, which only differs from it in being fomewhat larger, mud have been introduced into Great Britain after the Romans became maders of the ifland; as, before that pe- riod, the Britons were occupied in clearing their extenfive foreds of the various wild beads, fuch as Wild-Boars, Bears, Wolves, &c. with which they abounded, and for that pur- pofe larger and dronger Dogs than the Harrier or the Bea- gle would be required.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
301
The Fox HOUND,
No country in Europe can boaft of Fox-hounds equal in fwiftnefs, ftrength, or agility, to thofe of Britain, where the utmoft attention is paid to their breeding, e- ducation, and maintenance ; the climate alfo feems con- genial to their nature; for it has been faid, that when Hounds of the Englifh breed have been fent into France, or other countries, they quickly degenerate, and in fome degree lofe thofe qualities for which they were original- ly fo admirable. In England, the attachment to the chafe is in fome meafure confidered as a trait in the na- tional chara&er ; confequently, it is not to be wondered at, that our Dogs and Horfes fhould excel all others in that noble diverfion. This propenfity appears to be en- creafing in the nation ; and no price feems now thought too great for Hounds of known excellence*. The Fox- hounds generally preferred are tall, light-made, but Itrong, and pofiefled of great courage, fpeed, and activity.
* In 1788, Mr Noel’s pack was fold to Sir Wrn Lowther, Bart, for 1000 guineas.
The-
302 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The habits and faculties of thefe Dogs are fo generally known, as to render any defcription unneceffary. Dogs of the fame kind are alfo trained to the hunting of the Stag and other Deer. The following anecdote affords a proof of their wonderful fpirit in fupporting a con- tinuity of exertion
“ Some years fince, a very large Stag was turned out of Wh infield Park, in the county of Weftmoreland, and purfued by the hounds of the Right Hon. the Earl of Thanet, till, by fatigue or accident, the whole pack were thrown out, except two ftaunch and favourite Dogs, which continued the chafe the great- eft part of the day ; the Stag returned to the park from whence he fet out, ' and, as his laft effort, leapt the wall, and expired as foon as he had accomplifhed it. One of the Hounds purfued to the wall, but being unable to get over it, laid down, and almoft immediately expired ; the other was alfo found dead at a fmall diftance.
“ The length of the chafe is uncertain ; but as they were feen at Red-kirks, near Annan, in Scotland, diftant, by the poft- road, about forty-fix miles, it is conje&ured that the circuitous and uneven courfe they might be fuppofed to take, would not be lefs than one hundred and twenty miles . To commemorate this fa<ft, the horns of the Stag, which were the largeft ever feen in that part of the country, were placed on a tree of a moft enor- mous fize, in the park, (afterwards called the Hart-horn tree) accompanied with this infcription : —
<c Hercules kill’d Hart o’Greece,
“ And Hart o’Greece kill’d Hercules.
“ The horns have been fince removed, and are now at Juli- an’s Bower, in the fame county.”
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 303
The Old English HOUND
is defcribed by Whitaker, in his Hiftory of Manchefter, as the original breed of this ifland, ufed by the ancient Bri- tons in the chafe of the larger kinds of game, with which their country abounded at that time. This valuable Hound is diftinguifhed by its great fize and ftrength j its body is long, its cheft deep, its ears long and fweeping, and the tone of its voice is peculiarly deep and mellow. From the particular formation of its organs, or from the extra- ordinary moifture that always adheres to its nofe and lips, or perhaps from fome other unknown caufe, it is endued with the molt exquifite fenfe of fmelling, and can often dif- tinguilh the fcent an hour after the lighter Beagles have given it up. Their -flownefs alfo difpofes them to receive the directions of the huntfman ; but as they are able to hunt a cold fcent, they are too apt to make it fo, by their
want
3o4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
want of fpeed, and tedious exa&nefs. Thefe Dogs were? once common in every part of this ifland, and were for- merly much larger than at prefent. The breed, which has been gradually declining, and its fize lludioufly dimi- nilhed by a mixture of other kinds in order to increafe its fpeed, is now almoft extinft. It feems to have been ac- curately deferibed by Shakefpere, in the following lines :
My Hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind.
So flewed, fo fanded, and their heads are hung With ears that fweep away the morning dew;
Crook-knee’d and dewlap'd, like Thefialian bulls ;
Slow in purfuit; but match’d in mouth like bells,
Each under each.
Befides thefe, there is a variety called the Kibble Hound9 produced by a mixture of the Beagle and the Old Englifh*
The Blood HOUND
was in great requeft with our anceftors; and as it was remarkable for the finenefs of its feent, it was frequently employed in recovering game that had efcaped wounded from the hunter. It could follow, with great certainty, the footfteps of a man to a confiderable diftance; and in barbarous and uncivilized times, when the thief or mur- derer had fled, this ufeful creature would trace him through the molt fecret and thickefl: coverts, nor would it ceafe its purfuit till it had taken the felon ; for this reafon there was a law in Scotland, that whoever de- nied entrance to one of thefe Dogs, in purfuit of ftolen goods, fhould be deemed an acceflary. But, as the arm of juftice is now extended over every part of the country, and there are no fecret recedes where villainy may lay concealed, thefe fervices are no longer necefiary. In
Scotland
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 305
Scotland it was didinguiflied by the name of the Sleuth Hound.
Some few of thefe Dogs are dill kept in the fouthern part of the kingdom, and are ufed in the purfuit of Deer that have been previoufly wounded by a fliot to draw blood, the fcent of which enables them to purfue with mod unerring deadinefs. — They are alfo employed in dis- covering Deer-dealers; whom they infallibly trace by the blood that iflues from the wounds of their victims.
The Blood-hound is taller than the Old Englifh Hound, mod beautifully formed, and fuperior to every other kind in activity, fpeed, and fagacity. They feldom bark, ex- cept in the chafe ; and are commonly of a reddifh oV brown colour.
Somervile thus beautifully defcribes their mode of pur^ fuing the nightly fpoiler : —
“ Soon the fagacious brute, his curling tail ** Flourifh’d in air, low bending plies around “ His bufy nofe, the {learning vapour fnuffs te Inquifitive, nor leaves one turf untry’d,
4e Till, confcious of the recent ftains, his heart “ Beats quick; his fnuffling nofe, his adtive tail,
** Atteft his joy; then with deep-op’ning mouth,
“ That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims “ Th’ audacious felon : Foot by foot he marks “ His winding way, while all the lift’ning crowd “ Applaud his reas’nings. O’er the wat’ry ford,
“ Dry fandy heaths, and ftony barren hills;
“ O’er beaten paths, with men and beafls diftain’d,
“ Unerring he purfues, till at the cot “ Arriv’d, and feizing by his guilty throat ** The catif vile, redeems the captive prey ;
“ So exquifitely delicate his fenfe ! ”
u
The
3o6 history of quadrupeds.
The Newfoundland DOG.
The drawing of this Dog was taken from a very fine one at Ellington, in the county of Northumberland ; its dimenfions were as follow: — From its nofe to the end of its tail, it meafured fix feet two inches ; the length of its tail one foot ten inches ; from one fore-foot right over its fhoulders to the other, five feet feven inches; girt behind the Ihoulder, three feet two inches; round its head over its ears, two feet; round the upper part of its fore-leg, nine inches and a half. It is web-footed, can fwim extremely fall, dive with great eafe, and bring up any thing from the bottom of the water. It is natural- ly fond of filh, and eats raw trouts, or other fmall fifh, out of the nets.
This breed of Dogs was originally brought from the country of which they bear the name, where their great
ftrength,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 307
ftrength and docility render them extremely ufeful to the filhers on thofe coafts, who ufe them in bringing down wood from the interior parts of the country to the fea- fide ; three or four of them yoked to a fledge, will draw two or three hundred weight of wood piled upon it, for feveral miles, with great eafe *, they are not attended with a driver nor any perfon to guide them, but after having delivered their loading, they return immediately to the woods, where they are accuftomed to be fed with dried fifli, &c.
The extraordinary fagacity of thefe Dogs, and their at- tachment to their mailers, render them highly valuable in particular lituations. Among the innumerable inftances, wherein they have difplayed thofe faculties, the following anecdotes appear to be not unworthy of notice : —
During a fevere ftorm, in the winter of 1789, a fhip, belonging to Newcallle, was loll near Yarmouth, and a Newfoundland Dog alone efcaped to the Ihore, bringing in his mouth the captain’s pocket-book ; he landed amidlt a number of people that were aflembled, feveral of whom in vain endeavoured to take it from him. The fagacious animal, as if fenfible of the importance of the charge, which in all probability was delivered to him by his per- illing mailer, at length leaped fawning] y againll the breall of a man, who had attracted his notice among the crowd, and delivered the book to him. The Dog im- mediately returned to the place where he had landed, and watched with great attention for every thing that came from the wrecked veflel, feizing them, and endeavouring to bring them to land.
The following is another inltance of their great do- cility, and ftrength of obfervation ; —
U 2
A
3o8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
A gentleman walking by the fide of the river Tyne, and obferving, on the oppofite fide, a child fall into the water, gave notice to his Dog, which immediately jump- ed in, fwam over, and, catching hold of the child with its mouth, brought it fafe to land.
The Rough Water DOG.
This Dog, from its great attachment to the water, may be placed at the head of thofe that frequent that element. It is web-footed, fwims with great eafe, and is ufed in hunting ducks and other aquatic birds. It is frequently kept on board of vefiels for the purpofe of taking up birds that are fhot, and drop into the fea ; and, from its aptnefs to fetch and carry, it is ufeful in recovering any thing that has fallen overboard.
There is a variety of this kind much fmaller. — They are both remarkable for their long and Ihaggy coat, which frequently incommodes them by growing over their eyes.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
3°9
The Large Water SPANIEL.
This beautiful animal is remarkable for its docile and obedient difpofition, as well as its attachment to its maf- ter. It receives inllrudHons with readinefs, and obeys with uncommon alacrity.— Its form is elegant, its hair beautifully curled or crifped, its ears long, and its afpedt mild and fagacious. — It is fond of‘the water, and fwims well. It is chiefly ufed in difcovering the haunts of wild-ducks and other water fowl ; and alfo in finding birds that have been fhot or difabled. — It is probably the Finder , defcribed by Caius.
3 io HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Small Water SPANIEL
is fimilar to the other in form, habits, and difpofition ; and its capacity for receiving inftru&ion is equally good. With looks of extreme attention and fenfibility, it ob- ferves the motions of its matter, and catches the well- known fignal with amazing promptitude.
The various tricks which thefe Dogs are fometimes taught to perform, feem more like the effe£t of reafon- ing powers, than of undifcerning inftindt.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 311
The SPRINGER, or COCKER,
is lively, a&ive, and pleafant ; an unwearied purfuer of its game, and very expert in railing woodcocks and fnipes from their haunts in woods and marlhes, through which it ranges with amazing perfeverance.
Of the fame kind is that beautiful little Dog, which, in this country, is well known under the appellation of King Charles's Dog ; the favourite and conftant compa- nion of that monarch, who was generally attended by feveral of them. It is Hill preferred as an idle but inno- cent companion. — Its long ears, curled hair, and web- feet, evidently point out its alliance with the more ufeful and a£live kind laft mentioned.
Similar to this, but fmaller, is the Pyrame Dog . It is generally black, with reddilh legs *, and above each eye is a fpot of the fame colour.
Still farther removed, we hav,e the Shock Dog ; a dimi** nutive creature, almoft hid in the great quantity of its hair, which covers it from head to foot.
U 4
Another
312 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Another variety is the Lion Dog ; fo called from the fhaggy hair which covers the head and all the fore part of the body ; whilft the hinder part is quite fmooth, faving a tuft of hair at the end of the tail. This fpecies is become extremely rare.
The COMFORTER
is a moll elegant little animal, and is generally kept by the ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing- room.
From thefe, and a mixture of others, proceeds a num- berlefs variety of Meflets, Lap-Dogs, Waps, Mongrels, and compounds without end-
The
HISTORY OF QJJADRUPEDS. 313
The English SETTER
is a hardy, a£live, handfome Dog. Its fcent is exqui- fite ; and it ranges with great fpeed and wonderful per- feverance. Its fagacity in difcovering the various kinds of game, and its caution in approaching them, are truly aftonifhing ; but as the ufes of this valuable Dog are fo well known, we will conclude with the following beau- tiful quotation from Somervile : —
“ When autumn fmiles, all-beauteous in decay,
“ And paints each chequer’d grove with various hues,
“ My Setter ranges in the new-fhorn fields,
** His nofe in air er£<St; from ridge to ridge “ Panting he bounds, his quarter’d ground divides “ In equal intervals, nor carelefs leaves “ One inch untry’d. At length the tainted gales “ His nollrils wide inhale; quick joy elates “ His beating heart, which, aw’d by difcipline “ Severe, he dares not own, but cautious creeps,
“ Low-cow’ring, ftep by flep; at laft attains “ His proper diftance; there he flops at once, if And points with his inftrudtive nofe upon 64 The trembling prey. ” ■ ■
The
3 14 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Spanish POINTER
is of foreign origin, as its name feems to imply; but it is now naturalized in this country, which has long been famous for Dogs of this kind ; the greateft attention being paid to preferve the breed in its utmoft purity.
This Dog is remarkable for the aptnefs and facility with which it receives inftru£tion : It may be faid to be almoft felf-taught; whilft the Englifh Pointer requires the greateft care and attention in breaking and training to the fport. The Spanifh Pointer, however, is not fo durable and hardy, nor fo able to undergo the fatigues of an extenfive range. It is chiefly employed in finding partridges, pheafants, &c. either for the gun or the net.
It is faid, that an Englifh nobleman (Robert Dudley, duke of Northumberland) was the firft that broke a Set- ting-Dog to the net.
Many of the Setting-Dogs, now ufed by fportfmen, are a mixt breed, between the Englifh and Spanifh Poin- ter.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 315
The New South-Wales DOG
is of a very favage nature. It neither barks nor growls ; but when vexed, ere£ls the hairs of its whole body like bridles, and appears extremely furious. — It is fond of rabbits and chickens, which it eagerly devours raw ; but
will not touch drefled meat. Its great agility gives it
much the advantage over other animals fuperior in fize. One of them, fent to this country from Botany-Bay , was fo extremely fierce, as to feize on every animal it faw ; and, if not reftrained, would have run down Deer and Sheep : An Afs had alfo nearly fallen a vidlim to its fu- ry-
The height of this fpecies is rather lefs than twro feet ; the length two feet and a half. The head is formed much like that of a Fox ; the ears Ihort and ere£t. The general colour is a pale-brown, lighter on the belly ; the feet and inhde of the legs white. The tail is rather long and bufhy, fomewhat like that of a Fox.
We
3i6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
We have now given a fhort account of the moft con- fpicuous figures which compofe this numerous group; and have arranged them in fuch a manner, as to exhibit their feveral characters with as little confufion as pofiible. — From thefe, which may be confidered as the root, a numberlefs and intricate variety of branches fhoot out in evefy direction ; fuch a combination of forms and difpo- litions, as no art can difcriminate. Of thefe we (hall juft mention, as being the moft ufeful.
The TURNSPIT,
which is generally long-bodied, has fhort crooked legs, its tail curled upon its back, and is frequently fpotted with black upon a blue-grey ground. It is peculiar in the colour of its eyes; the fame Dog often having the iris of one eye black, and the other white.
It is a bold, vigilant, and fpirited little Dog : At pre- fent, however, its fervices feem but little attended to; a more certain method of doing the bufinefs of the fpit having fuperfeded the labours of this- induftrious animal.
T H £
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 317
The Pug DOG,
in outward appearance, is every way formed like the Bull-Dog ; but much fmaller, and its tail curled upon Its back. — It was formerly very common in many parts of England j however, at prefent, it is rarely to be met with. Although it has no longer its admirers here, Mrs Piozzi informs us, that fhe faw great numbers at Padua, in Italy ; and that it ftill maintains its place in the favour of the fair- ones of that country.
That all thefe, however divided, compofe one general family, is apparent, from the facility with which they intermix, produce, and re-produce. In all of them the fame attachment to mankind, the fame pliant and hum- ble difpofition, fubmitting with patience to the various indignities to which they are expofed by their dependant Situation, is eminently obfervable : Even thofe that, by accident or negleft, have been abandoned and become wild, when taken home, are eafily reclaimed by kind- nefs and attention : They quickly become familiar, and continue faithfully attached to their mailers. — Multitudes of thefe are to be found in South-America, which have fprung from thofe taken thither by the Europeans. They breed in holes like Rabbits, are formed fomewhat like a Greyhound, have ere£t ears, are very vigilant, and ex- cellent in the chafe. — Thus we find, that the attachment of the Dog to mankind is fpontaneous ; and, when once engaged, it feems beyond the power of ill ufage to fub- due thofe inherent qualities.
To mention fome of the more common inftances of this creature’s fagacity, by way of elucidating its general
character,
3 1 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
character, may not be amifs ; and amongft thefe, its care in directing the Heps of the blind man is not the lead: worthy of notice. There are few who have not feen an unfortunate obje£l of this defcription led by his Dog, through the various paflages of a populous town, to the accuftomed place where he fits to fupplicate the contri- butions of paflengers. It may fometimes be feen to ftop at particular houfes, to receive the morfel from the hand of charity, or pick from the ground the money thrown out to relieve him. When the day is paffed, it condudls him home again ; and gratefully receives, as the reward of its fervices, the fcanty pittance which poverty and wretchednefs can bellow.
Dogs will fometimes imitate the a£lions of their maf- ters, will open a door that is fattened with a latch, or pull a bell, where they are defirous of gaining admit- tance.— Faber mentions one, belonging to a nobleman of the Medici family, which always attended at its mailer’s table, took from him his plates, and brought him others ; and, if he wanted wine, would carry it to him, in a glafs placed upon a filver plate, which it held in its mouth, without fpilling the fmallell drop. The fame Dog would alfo hold the llirrups in its teeth, whillt its mailer was mounting his horfe.
That thefe animals are capable of mutual attachment, is evident, from the well-known ftory of the Dog at St Alban’s; which, being left by its mailer at an inn there till he returned from London, and being ill-treated by a large Dog belonging to the houfe, Hole privately off; and returning again with a friend, that was much larger and llronger than itfelf, they both fell upon the aggref-
for,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 319
for, and punifhed him feverely for his cruelty to a ftran- ger.
There are feveral peculiarities common to all animals of the Dog kind, briefly mentioned by Linnaeus, with which we fhall conclude its hiftory ; the principal of which are as follow : — The Dog is carnivorous ; its fto- mach digefts bones ; it eats grafs for a vomit ; voids its urine fideways, and commonly where other Dogs have done fo before; fmells at a ftranger; fcarcely ever fweats, but lolls out its tongue when hot; remembers injuries done to it; is fubjedt to the hydrophobia; its fenfe of hearing very quick ; when afleep, is fuppofed to dream ; goes with young fixty-three days, and commonly brings forth from four to eight at one time. It barks at flrange Dogs, fnaps at a (tone thrown at it, howls at certain mu- fical notes: When about to lie down, frequently goes round the place ; fawns at the approach of its matter, and will not patiently fuffer any one to ftrike him ; runs before him on a ’journey, often going over the fame ground ; on coming to crofs ways, flops, looks back, and waits to obferve which of them he takes; fits up and begs ; and, when it has committed a theft, flinks away with its tail between its legs ; is an enemy to beg- gars and ill-looking people* and attacks them without the leaft provocation; is alfo faid to be fick at the approach of bad weather. — We cannot, however, agree with the learned naturalifl, when he aflerts, that the male pup- pies refemble the Dog, and the female the Bitch ; or that it is a charadler common to the whole fpecies, that the tail always bends to the left fide. To thefe we may add, as equally void of foundation, a remark of M. Buf- fon, that a female Hound, covered with a Dog of her
own
320 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
'own kind, has been known to produce a mixed race, confiding of Hounds and Terriers. — We barely mention thefe, to {hew, that too much caution cannot be ufed in forming general chara£ters or fydematic arrangements and we leave it to the experience of the mod inattentive obferver to detedl fuch palpable abfurdities.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
321
The HARE.
THIS harmlefs and inoffenfive animal, deftitute of every means of defence, and furrounded on all Tides by its enemies, would foon be utterly extirpated, if Nature, ever kind and provident, had not endowed it with faculties, by which it is frequently enabled to evade their purfuit.
Fearful of every danger, and attentive to every alarm, the Hare is continually upon the watch ; and being pro- vided with very long ears, moveable at pleafure, and eafily dire&ed to every quarter, is warned of the molt diftant 'approaches of danger. Its eyes are large and prominent, adapted to receive the rays of light on every fide, and give notice of more immediate alarms. To thefe may be added its great fwiftnefs, by which it foon leaves moft of its purfuers far behind. — The hind are much longer than the fore legs, and are furnifhed with ftrong mufcles, which give the Hare a fingular advan- tage in running againft a hill •, and, as if fenfible of its
X powers
322 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
powers in this refpeft, it is always obferved to fly to-* wards rifing ground when firft ftarted.
It is curious to obferve how admirably every limb and member of this creature is formed for fpeed. — Thus made for efcape, the Hare might be fuppofed to enjoy a Hate of tolerable fecurity ; but as every rapacious crea- ture is its enemy, it is feldom permitted to live out its natural term. Dogs and Foxes purfue it by inftin£t ; Wild Cats, and Weafels of all kinds, catch and devour it ; birds of prey are ftill more dangerous enemies ; whilft man, far more powerful than all, makes ufe of every artifice to obtain an animal which conftitutes one of the numerous delicacies of his table. — If we were to enumerate the various ftratagems which ingenuity has fuggefted to circumvent this perfecuted creature, we would willingly omit the notable atchievements and gal- lant exploits of the chafe ; which, to a cool and difpaf- fionate obferver, feem to demand a nobler game.
“ Poor is the triumph o’er the timid Hare.”
Another remarkable means of fafety to the Hare is its colour, which being fimilar to the ground where it fits, fecures it from the fight of its enemies ; and, as a fur- ther inftance of the care of Providence in the preferva- tion of its creatures, thefe, as well as fome other ani- mals in more northern regions, are obferved to change their colour and become perfectly white during winter, which renders them lefs confpicuous in the fnow. — Some rare inftances occur, of white Hares being met with in Great-Britain.
The Hare is a very prolific animal, and breeds three or four times in the year. The females go with young
thirty
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 323
thirty days, and generally bring forth three or four at a litter. The rutting feafon begins in February.
During the day, Hares deep or repofe in their feats, and feldom remove from them : The night is the feafon when they go about in fearch of food ; and they are fure to return to their forms or feats by the fame paths which they took in leaving them.
“ sTis inftindt that directs the jealous Hare “ To chufe her foft abode. With flep revers’d,
“ She forms the doubling maze; then, ere the morn “ Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her clofe recefs.”
The fur of the Hare is of great ufe in making hats ; for which purpofe many thoufands of their fkins are an- nually imported from Rulha.
The Hare was reckoned a great delicacy among the Romans; but was forbidden to the Jews, and held fa- cred among the ancient Britons, who religioufly abftain- ed from eating it. — We are told, that Boadicea, immedi- ately before her laft conflict with the Romans, let loofe a Hare (he had concealed in her bofom ; which, taking what was deemed a fortunate courfe, was looked upon as a good omen. — It is to this day deemed unclean by the Mahometans.
The Hare is found in moll parts of the world, with very little variety. Thofe of North- America are rather lefs than the European, frequent marfhes and meadows, and when purfued take refuge in hollow trees.
The
324 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The Alpine HARE
is grey in fummer, with a flight mixture of black and tawny. Its hair is foft ; its ears fhorter, and its legs more flender, than the common Hare’s. — In winter, the whole body changes to a fnowy whitenefs, except the tips and edges of the ears, which remain black.
This animal lives on the higheft hills in Scotland, Norway, Lapland, Ruflia, and Siberia; never defcends from the mountains, nor mixes with the common Hare, although they abound in the fame parts. It does not run fall ; and, when purfued, often takes fhelter in clefts of rocks. It is eafily tamed, is very frolicfome, and fond of honey and other fweets. It changes its colour in Sep- tember, and refumes its grey coat in April. — Troops of five or fix hundred are fometimes feen, which migrate towards the South in fpring, and return in autumn.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 325
The RABBIT.
NOTWITHSTANDING the great fimilarity be- tween the Hare and the Rabbit, Nature has placed an infeparable bar between them, in not allow- ing them to intermix, to which they mutually difcover the moft extreme averfion : Befides this, there is a wide difference in their habits and propenfities : The Rabbit lives in holes in the earth, where it brings forth its young, and retires from the approach of danger ; whilft the Hare prefers the open fields, and trufts to its fpeed for fafety.
The fecundity of the Rabbit is truly aftonifhing : It breeds feven times in the year, and generally produces eight young at a time ; from which it is calculated, that one pair may increafe, in the courfe of four years, to the amazing number of 1,274,840: So that, if frequent re- ductions were not made in various ways, there is reafon to apprehend they would foon exceed the means of their fupport, and over-run the face of the country. But as their increafe is great, fo is the number of their enemies ; for, befides thofe that are taken for the ufe of man, great
X 3 numbers
326 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
numbers are devoured by Foxes, Weafels, Foumarts, and other beafts of prey. — In Spain, they formerly increafed to fuch a degree, as to become obnoxious ; and the inha- bitants were obliged to procure Ferrets from Africa to deftroy them.
The Rabbit is capable of procreating at the age of five or fix months. The female goes with young about thir- ty days. Previous to her bringing forth, the makes a bed with down, that (lie pulls off her own coat. She ne- ver leaves her young but when preffed with hunger, and returns as foon as that is allayed, which (he does with furprizing quicknefs. During the time {he tends and fuckles her young, {he carefully conceals them from the male, left he fhould devour them ; and frequently covers up the mouth of the hole, that her retreat may not be difcovered.
The Rabbit lives to the age of eight or nine years, and prefers warm and temperate climates. — Pliny and Arif- totle mention it as being anciently known only in Greece and Spain ; it is now, however, common in various parts of Europe. — In Sweden and other cold countries, it can only be reared in houfes.
This animal abounds in Great-Britain, where its fkin forms a very confiderable article in the manufacture of hats. Lincolnfhire, Norfolk, and Cambridgefhire, are moft noted for the production of them.
The flelh of the Rabbit, as well as the Hare, was for- bidden to the Jews and Mahometans.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 327
The Domestic RABBIT
is of various colours — white, brown, black, and varie® gated. It is fomewhat larger than the wild Rabbit ; but its flefh is not fo good, being fofter and more infipid. Its food is generally cabbage leaves, colewort, blades of corn, four-dock, and other fucculent plants ; but fweet fhort hay, with a little clean oats, make the bed diet.
The Rabbit of Angora, like the Goat and Sheep of that country, is covered with long hair, which falls down its fide in wavy curls, and is of a filky finenefs.
In Ruflia, there is a very remarkable variety of the Rabbit, having a double (kin over the back, into which it can withdraw its head : It likewife conceals its fore legs in a part which falls down under the throat. There are fmall holes in this loofe ikin on the back, which ad- mit light to the eyes. The colour of the body is cinere- ous*, that of the head and ears is brown. — A manufcript account of this animal, with a drawing by Mr G. Ed- wards, is preferred in the Britifh Mufeum.
The Rabbit is not a native of America. There are great numbers of them in many of the Wed-India iflands, which have originated from a dock carried thi- ther from Europe.
323 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The GUINEA-PIG, or Restless CAVY.
THIS little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives and propagates in temperate, and even in cold cli- mates, when protected from the inclemency of the fea- fons. — Great numbers are kept in a domeftic ftate *, but for what purpofe can hardly be determined. They have neither beauty nor utility to recommend them ; their Ikins are of little value ; and their flefh, though eatable, is far from being good. Their habits and difpofition are equally unpleafant and difgufting : Void of attachment even to their own offspring, they fuffer them to be de- voured the moment they are brought forth, without making the fmalleft attempt to defend them. The males frequently deflroy their own young ; and are fo ftupid, as to allow themfelves to be killed by Cats, without re- fiftance. They pafs their whole lives in lleeping, eating, and in the propagation of their fpecies. They are by na- ture gentle and tame ; they do no mifchief, but feem to be equally incapable of good. — Rats are faid to avoid the places where they refide.
The Guinea-Pig is confiderablv lefs than the Rabbit ; its upper lip is only half divided ; it has two cutting- teeth in each jaw ; large and broad ears 5 its hair is of
different
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 329
different -colours — white, varied with orange and black ii/ irregular patches •, has no tail ; is a reftlefs animal *, feeds on bread, grain, and vegetables ; and makes a noife like the grunting of a Pig.
This creature is capable of breeding at the age of two months, produces from four to twelve at one time ; and the fpecies would be innumerable, if many of them were not taken off by various means : Some are killed by Cats ; others by the males ; and more, both young and old, perifh by the feverity of the climate, and want of proper care.
The PACA, or Spotted CAVY,
is peculiar to South-America ; frequents warm and moiit places, chiefly by the banks of rivers ; digs holes in the ground, where it fecretes itfelf during the day ; at night it goes out in quell of food ; is larger than a Hare ; its body thick, round, and plump, like a young Pig, and very fat ; it is covered with fhort coarfe hair, of a dufky colour, beautifully marked with lines of white fpots, dif- pofed longitudinally ; its head is round and thick, ears broad, and eyes large and prominent; the end of its
nofe
35o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
nofe is broad, of a black colour, and divided like that of the Hare; the upper jaw proje£ls beyond the under; in each are two very long cutting-teeth, as yellow as faffiron, and ftrong enough to gnaw wood ; its legs are fhort and clumfy ; on each foot are five toes, armed with long fharp claws; its tail very fhort.
The motions of this animal are heavy and ungraceful. It runs feldom, and with extreme aukwardnefs ; fits fre- quently upon its pofteriors ; and, in that fituation, fmooths and drefies itfelf with its paws, drawing them over its body with the utmoft nicety. It is a cleanly animal, and will not bear the fmallefl degree of dirtinefs in its apartment.
In a domeflic flate, this creature is gentle and tradla- ble, fond of attention, and licks the hand of any one that carefles it. When irritated, it is apt to bite ; and difco- vers a flrange averfion to children, whom it always pur- fues. Its anger is exprefled by chattering its teeth, and is always preceded by a kind of grunting. — It feeds on grain, roots, fruits, and almoft every kind of vegetable.
In a wild flate, this animal is caught with difficulty : When purfued, it takes to the water, and efcapes by diving ; and, if attacked by Dogs, makes a vigorous de- fence.- Its fiefli is efleemed a great delicacy by the na-
tives of Brazil.
There is reafon to fuppofe, that the fpecies might be eafdy naturalized in this country, and added to our flock of ufeful animals. It is not much afraid of cold; and, being accuftomed to burrow in the earth, would by that means defend itfelf againfl the rigours of our winter. — One of this fpecies would furnifh as much good meat as
feven or eight Rabbits. -At Cayenne, there are feve-
ral
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 331
ral varieties of them, weighing from fourteen to twenty, and even thirty pounds.
The AGOUTI, or Long-nosed CAVY,
is about the fize of a hare ; its nofe is long, upper lip divided, fkin fleek and fliining, of a brown colour mixed with red, tail fhort, legs flender and almoft naked, has four toes on the fore feet, an.d three on the hind 5 grunts like a pig ; its appetite is extremely voracious ; when fa- tiated with food, it conceals the remainder ; fits on its hind legs, and feeds itfelf with its paws. It eats fruits, roots, nuts, and almoft every kind of vegetable ; is hunt- ed with Dogs, runs faft, and its motions are like thofe of a Hare ; its flefh, which refembles that of a Rabbit, is eaten by the inhabitants of South-America. Great num- bers of them are found in Guiana and Brazil, where they live in woods, hedges, and hollow trees. The female brings forth at all times of the year, and produces three, four, and fometimes five at a time. If taken when young, the Agouti is eafily tamed, and will go out and return of its own accord. It delights in cutting or gnawing every thing with its teeth. When irritated, the hair of its back
rife s,
332 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
rifes, it ftrikes the ground with its hind feet, and at the fame time makes a noife like the grunting of a Pig.
The AKOUCHI
feems to be a variety of the Agouti, and though fome- what lefs, is nearly of the fame form ; but its tail is long- er. It inhabits the fame countries ; is of an olive colour ; its flelh is white, delicate, and has the flavour of a young Rabbit ; is much efteemed by the natives, who hunt it with Dogs, and reckon it among the fineft game of South America.
The Rock CAVY
is likewife found in Brazil, is about twelve inches in length, the colour of the upper part of its body refembles that of the Hare, its belly is white, the upper lip divi- ded, the ears fhort and rounded like thofe of a Rat, and has no tail. It moves like the Hare, its fore legs being Ihorter than the hind. It has four toes on the fore feet, and only three on the hind. Its flefh is like that of the Rabbit, and their manner of living is alfo very fimilar.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 333
The S Q^U I R R E L.
THIS beautiful little animal is equally admirable for the neatnefs and elegance of its formation, as for its livelinefs and adlivity. Its difpofition is gentle and harmlefs ; though naturally wild, it is foon familiarifed to confinement and reflraint ; and though excefiively ti- mid, it is eafily taught to receive with freedom the mod: familiar carefles from the hand that feeds it. It ufually lives in woods, and makes its neft of mofs or dry leaves in the hollows of trees ; it feldom defcends upon the ground, but leaps from tree to tree with great agility. Its food confifts of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, &c. of which it accumulates great (lores for winter provifions, and fecures them carefully near its neft. In the fummer it feeds on buds and young (hoots, and is particularly fond of the cones of the fir and pine trees. The fpring is the feafon of love with Squirrels ; at that time the males purfue the females, and exhibit wonderful proofs of agility, whilft the latter, as if to make trial of the con-
ftancy
334 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ftancy of their lovers, feem to avoid them by a variety of entertaining fallies, arid, like true coquets, feign an efcape, by way of enhancing the value of the conqueft. They bring forth four or five young at a time.
The Squirrel is of a bright-brown colour, inclining to red ; the bread and belly are white j the ears are orna- mented with long tufts of hair ; the eyes are large, black, and lively ; the fore teeth ftrong and {harp j the fore legs are curioufly furnifhed with long ftifF hairs, which pro- je£t on each fide like whifkers. "When it eats it fits ere£t, and ufes its fore paws as hands to convey food to its mouth. The tail of the Squirrel is its greateft orna- ment, and ferves as a defence from the cold, being large enough to cover the whole body ; it likewife aflifls it in taking leaps from one tree to another ; and we may add a third application of it, which would feem altogether improbable, if we were not affured of it by Linnaeus and other naturalifls : — In attempting to crofs a lake or river, the Squirrel places itfelf upon a piece of bark, and, ere£ling its tail to catch the wind, boldly commits itfelf to the mercy of the waves. The fmalieft guft of wind is fufficient to overfet a whole navy of thefe little adventu- rers, and in fuch perilous voyages many hundreds of them are faid to perifh.
Of the Squirrel there are feveral varieties, fome of which are to be found in almofl every country ; but they chiefly abound in northern and temperate climates. The IIudfon’s-Bay Squirrel is fmaller than the European ; it is marked along the middle of the back with a dufky line, from head to tail ; the belly is of a pale-afh colour, mottled with black ; and the tail, which is dufky and
barred
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 335
barred with black, is not fo long, nor fo full of hair, as the common kind.
The Grey Squirrel is about the fize of a young Rabbit ; its ears are (hort, and not tufted at the ends ; its hair is grey, mixed with black ; on each fide there is a red (freak which runs lengthways ; its tail is long and bu(hy, of a grey colour, variegated with black and white. It is common to both continents ; in Sweden and other northern countries it changes its colour in the winter. It is very numerous in North-America, and does incredi- ble damage to the plantations ; great flocks of them de- fcend from the mountains, and lay wade the fields of maize, by eating the young ears. A reward of three- pence per head was given for every one that was killed ; and fuch numbers were deftroyed in one year, that Pen- fylvania alone paid in rewards the fum of 8000 1. of its currency.
The Grey Squirrel makes its neff in hollow trees, with mofs, draw, wool, &c. It lays up (tores of provi- fions in holes made in the ground, which it vifits occa- fionally when in want of meat : Thefe are often deftroy- ed by Swine ; and fometimes fo long covered with fnow, that the Squirrels periih for want of food. They are not eafily (hot, but evade the gun with great quicknefs the moment they fee it levelled. They are eafily tamed; and their fle(h is efteemed very delicate.
The fur of thefe animals is very valuable, and is im- ported under the name of petit-gris.
The Black Squirrel is about the fame fize and form with the laft, but its tail is not fo long : It is ge- nerally black, with white on the nofe, ears, and end of
the
336 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the tail. Its difpofition and habits are fo fimilar to the Grey Squirrel, that it might be taken for a variety of that kind ; but it is faid to aflociate in feparate troops, and is equally numerous.
This creature is found in the northern parts of Alia, North-America, and Mexico. In the latter country, there is a variety with plain round ears ; the upper part of the body variegated with black, white, and brown. — It is twice the fize of the common Squirrel, lives under ground, where it brings forth its young, and lays in its ftock of provifions. It feeds on maize ; and is extremely lively, gentle, and docile. It is the Coquallin of M. Buf- fon.
The Little Ground SQUIRREL
is very numerous in the forefts of North-America, as well as the North of Alia. — It burrows in the ground, and makes twb entrances to its habitation ; that if one fhould be Hopped up, it may have accefs by the other. Its hole is formed with great Ikill, having feveral branches from the principal paffage, each of which is terminated
by
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 337
by a ftore-houfe, in which its winter food is depofited : In one is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a third maize, and in another chefnuts, which are its favourite food.
Thefe animals feldom ftir out during winter, or fo long as their provifions laft ; when thofe fail, they fome- times work their way into places where apples are laid up, or into barns where maize is ftored, and make great havock. During harveft, they fill their mouths fo full with corn, that their cheeks are quite diftended, and carry it off to their concealed {tore. They give great preference to certain kinds of food ; and if, after filling their mouths with rye, they chance to meet with wheat, they difcharge the former, that they may fecure the lat- ter.
The Ground Squirrel is marked with a {tripe of black, which runs along the ridge of the back j and on each fide a yellow {tripe, bordered with black ; its head, bo- dy, and tail, are of a reddifli-brown ; bread and belly white ; its nofe and feet of a pale-red colour ; its eyes full and lively. It is very wild, bites feverely, and is tamed with difficulty. Its Ikin is of little value.
Y
The
333 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Barbary SQUIRREL
is of an afh colour, inclining to red ; each fide is beau- tifully marked with two white (tripes, running length- ways ; its belly is white ; its tail bu(hy, and variegated with regular (hades of black, one beneath the other ; its eyes are full and black, with white orbits. It is about the (ize of the common Squirrel.
Similar to this is the Palm Squirrel, having a pale-yellow (tripe on the middle of the back, and two on each fide parallel to it ; the belly is of the fame co- lour ; the reft of the body black and red clofely mixed ; its tail is long, does not lie on its back like that of the Squirrel, but is carried eredt. Both thefe Squirrels in-
habit Barbary and other hot countries. — They live chiefly in palm-trees, from whence the latter has its name.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 239
The Fat Squirrel is found in France and the fouthern parts of Europe. Its body is covered with foft hair, of an afh colour ; its belly whitilh ; its ears thin and naked. It is about fix inches long, and thicker than the common Squirrel. It dwells chiefly in trees, leaps from bough to bough, feeds on fruits and acorns, and lodges in the hollows of trees. It remains in a torpid ftate during winter, and grows very fat. — It was confi- dered as a great delicacy among the Romans ; who had places conftru&ed on purpofe to keep and feed them in, which they called gli'raria .
The Greater Dormouse, or Garden Squir- rel, is rather lefs than the laft mentioned. Its eyes are furrounded with a large black fpot, which reaches to the ears ; its body is of a tawny colour ; its throat and belly white, tinged with yellow; its tail is long, and bulhy at the end. — It is common in the South of Europe, infefts gardens, is particularly fond of peaches, and very definitive to all kinds of fruit. It lodges in holes in the walls, and brings forth five or fix young at a time. It has a ftrong odour, like a Rat ; and, like the Fat Squirrel, remains torpid during the winter.
Y 2
The
340 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Lesser DORMOUSE
is rather larger than the Moufe, of a tawny red colour, with a white throat, and full black eyes. It lives in woods or thick hedges ; makes its neft with grafs, dried leaves, or mofs, in the hollow of a tree, or the bottom of a thick bufh ; and brings forth three or four young at a time. It lays up ftores of nuts, acorns, and beans; and retires at the approach of cold weather to its retreat, where it rolls itfelf up in a warm neft, made of foft mofs, &c. and remains in a torpid ftate during the con- tinuance of winter. The warmth of a funny day, or a temporary change from cold to heat, will fometimes re- vive it; but, after taking a little food, it foon relapfes into its former ftate.
Th e
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
34i
The Flying SQJOIRREL
is peculiarly diftinguilhed by a membranous continua- tion of the fkin of the fides and belly, which extends from the fore to the hind feet, and aflifts it greatly in 1 making leaps from one tree to another, frequently at the 1 diftance of twenty or thirty yards. Its head is fmall and 1 round, and its upper lip cloven j its eyes are full, round,
, and black ; and its ears fmall and naked.
This creature is found in all the northern regions, both of the old and new continents. It is more nu- merous in America than in Europe, is lefs than the com- 1 mon Squirrel, lives in trees, and fleeps in the day, but is extremely a£Iive during the night.
In the a£I of leaping, the loofe Ikin is ftretched out by the feet ; whereby the furfaee of the body is aug- mented, the animal becomes lighter in proportion to its bulk, the acceleration of its fall is retarded, and it ap- pears to fail or fly from one place to another. Where a
Y 3 number
342 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
number of them are feen at a time leaping, they appear like leaves blown off by the wind.
There are feveral kinds, differing much in fize. — In the iflands of the Eafl-Indies, there is a variety as large as a Hare, called the Taguan, or Great Flying Squirrel; which perfectly refembles the other in fi- gure, and in the form of its lateral membrane. The head is fmaller in proportion to the fize of the body; the colour of the fkin is dark-brown, mixed with white ; the under part of the body whitifh ; the tail is brown, and grows gradually deeper towards the end, where it is black ; the claws are long, thin, and hooked, like thofe of a Cat, which enable it to keep hold where it happens to fall ; it alfo catches hold with its tail, which is long and mufcular. It is a wild and timid animal. Its bite is fo ftrong, that it can make its efcape from a wooden cage with great facility.
A variety is found in Virginia, called by Mr Pennant the Hooded Squirrel ; the lateral membrane begin- ning at the chin and ears, where it forms a kind of hood ; and extending, like that of the former, from the fore to the hind legs : Its body is of a reddifh colour above, and of a yellowifh-afh beneath. It is a rare fpe- cies, not much noticed by naturalifls.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 343,
The MARMOT
HAS been placed by naturalifts in the fame clafs with the Hare and the Rat kind ; and on exa- mining its parts, we find a partial agreement with both thefe animals. In its nofe and lips, as well as in the general form of its head, it refembles the Hare; its ears are like thofe of the Rat, with which it likewife agrees in the number and form of its teeth and claws. In other refpe£ts, it is no way fimilar to either of thofe kinds ; and it is {till farther feparated from them by ha- bitudes which feem peculiar to itfelf, and diftinguiih it from almoft every other fpecies of quadrupeds.
The Marmot inhabits the higheft regions of the Alps ; it is likewife found in Poland, Ukraine, and Chinefe Tartary ; is fomewhat lefs than a Hare ; its ears are round, and fo fhort, that they are almoft hid in the fur ; its tail is Ihort and bufhy ; the hair on the back is of a brownilh-afh colour ; and that on the belly reddifh, foft, and bufhy ; its voice refembles the murmuring of a young puppy ; when irritated or frightened, it makes a whittling noife, very loud and piercing to the ear. It feeds on infedts, roots, and vegetables ; but when tamed, is remarkably fond of milk and butter. It lives in holes,
Y 4 formed
\
344 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
formed with great art in the fide of a mountain: There are two entrances to each ; and the chamber to which they lead is deep and fpacious the bottom is lined with mofs and hay, of which thefe provident animals lay in a (tore during fummerj and, at the approach of winter, fhut themfelves up in their holes by (lopping the en- trances with earth, fo effectually, that no difcovery can be made of the place of their retreat. The chamber in which they lodge is large enough to contain a family of from five to a dozen Marmots : They roll themfelves up ; and being well covered with hay, remain in a tor- pid (late, infenfible to the rigours of the feafon, and per- fectly fecure from the dorm that rages without ; till the chearing influence of the fun again calls them out to re- new their exhauded (Irength, to propagate their kind, and provide for their future retreat. The torpid (late lads from about Michaelmas till April. They go in ex- tremely fat, but gradually wade ; and at the end of their long deep, they appear lean and extremely emaciated.
The Marmot produces once a year ; and the litter ge- nerally confids of three or four. When a number of
them are feeding together, they place one as a centinel, which makes a whidling noife on the lead appearance of interruption ; and the party immediately betake them- felves to their holes, the centinel driving up the rear.
The Marmot is a very playful animal, and is eafily tamed. It learns to hold a dick, to dance, and to exhi- bit various gedures: It will obey the voice of its mader ; and, like the Cat, has an antipathy to Dogs, which it attacks fiercely upon the lead irritation. It is very apt to gnaw linen or woollen duff's : It often fits upright, or walks with eafe on its hind feet : It eats in the manner
of
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 34$
of a Squirrel, and carries its food to its mouth with its fore paws. Its flefh is fometimes eaten, but is always at- tended with a difagreeable odour.
The MONAX
is found in various parts of North-America, and feems to be the fame with the Marmot of Canada, defcribed by M. BufFon. — It is larger than a Rabbit, and in form and colour refembles the Mulk Rat ; its tail is fhort and rough ; its ribs fo flexible, that it can eafily pafs through a hole of not more than two inches diameter; its eyes are black and prominent ; its back is of a deep-brown colour, lighter on the fides and belly; and its feet and legs black. — Like the former, it fleeps during winter in holes under the roots of trees, and lives on fruits and other vegetables. Its flefh is good and well tailed.
An animal of the fame kind is found in the Bahama ifles ; but whether it retires to fleep, in a climate fo mild, is not well known.
The
1
34 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
The Qjj ebec MARMOT
is rather larger than a Rabbit ; its ears are fhort, and its whole head round ; its cheeks are of a grey colour, and its nofe black; its back is variegated, each hair being grey at the bottom, black in the middle, and white at the tips ; its belly and legs are of an orange colour ; its toes black and naked ; and its tail fhort and rather bufhy. It inhabits Hudfon’s Bay and Canada. One of them, exhibited in London fome years ago, was perfectly tame.
Mr Pennant fuppofes it to be the fpecies called the
Siffleur by the French of Canada.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 347
The HAMSTER.
Although the qualities of this animal are fufhciently noxious to render it an obje£l of univerfal deteftation, in thofe countries where it abounds ; yet, when confidered with regard to thofe inftin£ts which conduce to its own •prefervation and fupport, it well deferves our higlieft ad- miration. Its habitation is curious, and conftrudted with great art : It confifts of a variety of apartments, adapted to various purpofes, and extremely well fitted both for the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The firft entrance is formed in an oblique dire£lion, at the end of which the male finks a perpendicular hole, which he referves for his own ufe. The female makes feveral, for the accommodation of herfelf and family, that her young, during the Ihort time they are allowed to (lav with her, may have a free paflage to the general (lores. One of the holes is lined with draw, and ferves as a lodg- ing ; the others contain provifions, of which great quan- tities are always accumulated during the time of har- veft. They begin to lay in their (lores in Augud. To facilitate the tranfportation of their food, nature has fur- nifhed them with two pouches in each cheek, into which they cram corn, beans, or peafe, till they feem ready to
burll ;
348 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
burft ; and, on their return to their holes, empty them, by prefling their two fore feet againft their cheeks. The quantity of provifion found in thefe magazines, depends on the age or fex of the inhabitants. The old Hamfters often amafs an hundred pounds weight of grain, but the young and the females are fatisfied with much lefs. At the approach of winter, the Hamfters retire into their fubterraneous abodes, the entry to which they fhut up with great care. There they remain in perfeCt tranquil- lity, and feed on their provifions till the froft becomes fevere, when they fink into a torpid ftate, in which they continue till the return of fpring. During this period, if any of the holes be opened, the Hamfter is always found lying upon a bed of foft ftraw, with its head turn- ed under its belly, between the two fore legs, whilft the hind ones reft upon the muzzle. Its eyes are fhut, every member perfe&ly ftiff, and fenfation fo totally fufpended, that neither refpiration nor any other fign of life can be perceived. When differed in this fituation, the heart may be feen alternately contracting and dilating very (lowly *, the fat appears to be coagulated, and the intef- tines are quite cold *, during this operation the animal feems to feel very little, it fometimes opens its mouth as if it wanted to refpire, but the lethargy is too ftrong to admit of its entirely awaking. The Hamfters copulate about the end of April, when the males enter the apart- ments of the females, but remain only a few days. If two males happen to meet in the fame hole, a furious combat enfues, which generally terminates in the death of the weaker. The females bring forth twice or thrice every year, each litter confiding of fix or eight ; in about three weeks the young are driven from their holes, and
left
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 349
ieft to provide for themfelves. Their increafe is fo rapid in fome years, as to be almoft fufficient to occafion a dearth ; but the ferocity with which they upon all occa- fions attack and devour each other is fo great, as to be the happy means of preventing the ill effe£ts of their fe- cundity. It is not only its own fpecies to which the fury of the Hamfter is directed ; he attacks and devours every animal without diftinction that he is able to conquer, and frequently oppofes himfelf to enemies much fuperior to himfelf in ftrength. Rather than fly, he allows himfelf to be beaten to death. If he feize a man’s hand, he mull be killed before he can be made to quit his hold. A Horfe or a Dog are equally objects of his rage ; and where-ever he feizes, it is with difficulty he can be dif- engaged.
The Hamfter is about the fize of a large Water-Rat, has a ffiort tail almoft naked ; its colour on the head and back a reddiffi-brown, not unlike that of a Hare ; its throat is white, and it has three white fpots on each fide ; its bread and belly are black. It is found in various parts of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. The Pole-Cat is its greateft enemy ; it purfues the Hamfter into its hole, and deftroys great numbers. Mr Ray obferves, that the hair of this animal is fo clofely united to the fkin, that it cannot be pulled off without great difficulty j on which account it is held in high eftimation.
The
350 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The C A S A N,
is denominated in Ruflia Souslik, which fignifies in that language a beautiful fur . It refembles the Field- Moufe in figure, and in the {hortnefs of its tail ; it is about the fize of a large Rat, and its (kin beautifully marked with fmall white fpots upon a yellowifh ground. It is found upon the banks of the Wolga, and in the ad- joining provinces as far as Auflria. It burrows in the ground like a Rabbit, and lays in {lore of provifions, con- fifting of grain, herbs, and roots ; it alfo feeds on young Mice, is very fond of fait, and is frequently taken on board the barges loaden with that commodity. — The fe- males bring forth from two to five at one time.
The ZISEL, or Earless MARMOT,
inftead of ears, has only a fmall orifice on each fide of its head, is of a dark-grey colour, its body long and (len- der, and its tail fhort. It is found in Bohemia, Auftria, Hungary, and Siberia. It forms its hole in the ground with a double entrance, and fleeps during the winter in the center of its lodge. It lays in a {tore of corn, nuts, &c. and fits up like a Squirrel when it eats. It is eafily
provoked,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 351
provoked, and bites hard. Its fur is of little value, but its flefh is reckoned good eating.
In Poland and Ruflia there is an animal of this kind called the Zemni, and by Mr Pennant the Podoltan Marmot . Its habits are fimilar to thofe of the Cafan, but it is larger, ftronger, and more mifchievous. The head is thick, the body flender, and the ears fhort and round ; has two cutting teeth in each jaw, thofe of the under jaw much longer than the upper ; the eyes are fmall, and concealed in the fur like thofe of the mole ; its tail is (liort, and of an afh colour.
The Tail-less MARMOT.
We are favoured by Mr Pennant with the drawing of this animal, which has hitherto been undefcribed. In the form of its body it feems to agree with the defcrip- tion given of the Zifel, and probably may be a variety of that animal.
The
352 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The LEMING, or Lapland MARMOT.
This wonderful animal, fmall, weak, and contempti- ble in its appearance, is neverthelefs truly formidable, from the numbers which fometimes overfpread large trails of country.
Derived from a fource which no naturalift has hitherto been able to explore, and attributed by fuperflitious ig- norance to the generation of the clouds, from whence they have been fuppofed to be poured down in fhowers of rain, thefe animals appear at very uncertain periods, in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland ; and like a torrent which nothing can refill, their courfe is marked with ruin and defolation. Myriads of them march in regular lines, about three feet afunder, in a South-Eafl direction. Neither fire nor water Hops their progrefs : They go ftraight forward with the moll amazing perfeverance \ they fwim acrofs lakes and rivers ; no oppofition impedes tfi^m : If thoufands are deftroyed, thoufands fupply their places: The void is quickly filled up*, and their number does not appear diminilhed : They perfill in their courfe in fpite of every obftacle ; and from the time they fet out, never think of retreating; but if prevented from proceeding by any obftacle, they either by affiduity fur-
mount
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 353
mount it, or die in the attempt. Their march is moftly in the night. They reft during the day, and devour eve- ry root and vegetable they meet with. They infett the very herbage ; and cattle are faid to perifli that feed upon the grafs they have touched.
An enemy fo numerous and deftru&ive would foon render the countries they pafs through utterly uninha- bitable, did it not fortunately happen that the fame rapa- city that excites them to lay wafte the produ£tions of the earth, at laft impels them to deftroy each other. Having nothing more to fubfift on, they are faid to feparate into two armies, which engage with the moft deadly hatred, and continue fighting and devouring each other till they are all entirely deftroyed. Thoufands of them have been found dead ; and the air infected by their putrid carcafes, fo as to occafion malignant diftempers.
The Leming runs very fwiftly, although its legs are fhort and fiender. It is fomewhat lefs than the Rat : Its head is pointed ; and in each jaw are two very long cutting teeth, with which it bites keenly; its ears are ihort, eyes fmall, fore legs (horter than the hind ; the co- lour of the head and body black and tawny, difpofed in irregular patches ; the belly white, tinged with yellow. — Though perfectly difgufting to every other people, its flefli is faid to be eaten by the Laplanders.
Where thefe emigrants are colletfted, as was before obferved, is not certainly known. Linnaeus fays, they are produced among the Norwegian and Lapland Alps ; and Pontoppidan fuppofes, that Kolen’s Rock, which di- vides Nordland from Sweden, is their native place. But wherever they come from, none return : Their courfe i$ predeftined, and they purfue their fate.
Z
Th£
354 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
f HOUGH fmall, weak, and contemptible in its
appearance, poflefles properties that render it a
more formidable enemy to mankind, and more injurious to the interefts of fociety, than even thofe animals that are endued with the greateft ftrength and moft rapacious difpofitions. To the one we can oppofe united powers and fuperior arty; with regard to the other, experience has convinced us, that no art can counteract the effects of its amazing fecundity, and that force is ineffectually oppofed to an enemy poffeffed of fugh variety of means to elude it.
There are two kinds known in this country, — the Black Rat, which was formerly univerfal here, but now very rarely feen, having been almoft extirpated by the large brown kind, generally diftinguifhed by the name of the Norway Rat. This formidable invader is now univerfally diffufed through the whole country; from whence every method has been tried in vain to ex- terminate it. — This fpecies is about nine inches long ; of a light-brown colour, mixed with tawny and afh ; the throat and belly are of a dirty-white, inclining to grey; its feet are naked, and of a pale-fle(h colour ; the tail is
The RAT,
as
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 3^5
as long as the body, covered with minute dulky fcales,
thinly interfper-fed with ffiort hairs. In fummer, it
frequents the banks of rivers, ponds, and ditches ; where it lives on frogs, fifties, and fmall animals. But its ra- pacity is not confined entirely to thefe : It deftroys rab- bits, poultry, young pigeons, &c. : It infelts the grana- ry, the barn, and the ftorehoufe ; does infinite mifchief among corn and fruit of all kinds ; and, not content with fatisfying its hunger, frequently carries off large quanti- ties to its hiding place. It is a bold and fierce little
animal ; and, when clofely purfued, will turn and fallen on its aflailant. Its bite is keen ; and the wound it in- flicts is painful and difficult to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long, ffiarp, and of an irregular form.
The Rat is amazingly prolific, ufually producing from twelve to eighteen at one time. Thdir numbers would foon increafe beyond all power of reftraint, were it not for an infatiable appetite, that impels them to deftroy and devour each other. The weaker always fall a prey to the ftronger ; and the large male Rat, which ufually lives by itfelf, is dreaded by thofe of its own fpecies as their moll formidable enemy.
It is a lingular faCt, in the hiltory of thefe animals, that the Ikins of fuch of them as have been devoured in their holes have frequently been found, curioully turned infide out; every part being completely inverted, even to the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed, it would be difficult to afcertain ; but it appears to be ef- fected in fome peculiar mode of eating out the contents.
Befides the numbers that periffi in thefe unnatural con- flicts, they have many fierce and inveterate enemies, that
Z 2 take
356 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
take every occafion to deftroy them. Several kinds o£ Dogs purfue them with great alacrity, and eagerly de-* ftroy them, though they invariably refufe to eat their flefh : The Cat is alfo a very formidable enemy, but ge- nerally finds greater difficulty in the contefl : The Rat makes a vigorous refiftance, and fometimes effeCts its efcape. The Weafel is the moil dangerous enemy of the Rat. kind: It hunts them with unceafmg avidity; purfues them into their holes, where it foon kills them, and fucks their blood. Mankind have likewife contrived various methods of deftroying thefe bold intruders : For that purpofe traps are often found ineffectual ; fuch be- ing their extreme fagacity, that when any are drawn in- to the fnare, the others by that means learn to avoid the dangerous allurement, notwithflanding the utmoft cau- tion may have been ufed to conceal the defign. The fureft method of killing them is by poifon : Nux vomi- ca ground, and mixed with oatmeal, with a fmall pro- portion of oil of rhodium and mufk, have been found from experience to be very effectual.
The
HISTORY OF QJJADRUPEDS.
357
The Water RAT
is Somewhat fmaller than the former, its head larger, and its nofe thicker ; its eyes are fmall ; its ears fhort, Scarce- ly appearing through the hair; its teeth are large, ftrong, and yellow; the hair on its head aid body thicker and longer than that of the common Rat, and chiefly of a dark-brown colour, mixed with red; the belly is grey; the tail five inches long, covered with Short black hairs, and the tip with white.
The "Water Rat generally frequents the Sides of rivers, ponds, and ditches ; where it burrows and forms its neft. It feeds on frogs, fmall fifli, and Spawn ; Swims and dives remarkably faft ; and can continue a long time under water.
Z 3
The
358 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Musk RAT of Canada
is about the fize of a young Rabbit : Its head is thick and fhort, refembling that of a Water Rat; its hair foft and glofly ; beneath the outward hair there is a thick fine down, very ufeful in the manufacture of hats ; it is of a reddifh-brown colour; its breafl and belly afh, tinged with red ; its tail is long and flat, covered with fcales ; its eyes are large ; its ears fhort and hairy ; it has two ftrong cutting teeth in each jaw, — thofe of the under about an inch long, but the upper ones are fhorter.
This animal is a native of Canada, where it is called the Ondatra. — In many refpeCts it very much refembles the Beaver, both in form and manners. It is fond of the water, and fwims well. — At the approach of winter, fe- veral families aflociate together. They build little huts, about two feet in diameter, compofed of herbs and rufli- es cemented with clay, forming a dome-like covering : From thefe are feveral paffages, in different dire&ions ; by which they go out in quell of roots and other food. — • The hunters take them in the fpring by opening the holes, and letting in the light fuddenly upon them ; whereby they are fo dazzled, as to fuffer themfelves to
be
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 35.9
be eafily taken. At that time their flelh is tolerably good, and is frequently eaten j but in the fummer it ac- quires a fcent of mu(k, fo (trong, as to render it perfect- ly unpalatable.
The Muscovy Musk RAT
is about the fize of the common Rat : Its nofe is long and (lender, like that of the Shrew-Moufe ; it has no ex- ternal ears, and its eyes are very fmall ; the tail is com- prefied Tideways, and its hind feet are webbed ; it is of a dufky colour ; the belly of a light-afli. — It is a native of Lapland and Ruflia, frequents the banks of rivers, feeds on fmall fiflies, but is often devoured by pikes and other large fiflies ; to which it communicates fo (trong a fla- vour of mufk, as renders them very unpleafant to the tafte. — From its tail is extracted a kind of muik, very- much refembling the genuine fort. Their (kins are fre- quently laid amongfi: cloaths to preferve them from moths. — In Lapland, it is called the Defmcin.
Z 4
The
360 history of quadrupeds.
The MOUSE.
THIS well-known little animal is diffufed in great numbers over almofl every part of the world. It feems a conftant attendant on man, and is only to be found near his dwelling. Its enemies are numerous and powerful, and its means of refiftance weak and inconfide- rable ; its minutenefs feems to be its bell fiqcurity, and it is faved from utter extinction only by its amazing fecun- dity.
The Moufe brings forth feveral times in the year, and generally from fix to ten each litter. The young are pro- duced without hair, and in little more than fifteen days are able to fubfift by themfelves, fo that the increafe is prodigious. Ariflotle tells us, that having {hut up in a vefTel a Moufe big with young, and provided plenty of grain for her and her offspring, in a fhort time he found 120 Mice, all fprung from the fame flock.
The Moufe, when viewed without the difgufl and ap- prehenfion which ufually accompany the fight of it, is a beautiful little animal ; its fkin is fleek and foft, its eyes bright and lively, all its limbs are formed with exquifite delicacy, and its motions are fmart and ^Clive. Some few of this fpecies are of a pure white colour ; but whe- ther
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 361
ther they be a permanent kind, or only an accidental va- riety, cannot well be determined. Its appearance is how- ever very beautiful ; its fine full eyes, of a red colour, form an agreeable contrail with the fnowy whitenefs of its fur.
The long-tailed FIELD-MOUSE,
is rather larger than the common Moufe, and very fimi- lar to it in form : It is of a yellowifh-brown colour, its belly white, and its eyes remarkably large and prominent. It is found only in the fields, woods, and gardens ; feeds on nuts, corn, and acorns, and lays up great (lores for its fupport during winter ; it burrows in the earth, and ge- nerally forms its nell near the root of a tree, or thick bufh. If provifions fail during a llorm, they devour each other; are very prolific, and bring nine or ten young
at a time. Mr Pennant mentions a fpecies, found in
Hampfhire, only two inches and an half long from nofe to tail, of a fine rult colour above, and white beneath : It appears in great numbers in harvell-time among the fheaves and ricks of corn : During the winter, it fhelters itfelf under ground, where it makes a warm bed of dry grafs and leaves. Its young are brought forth on a nell made between the draws of the danding corn, and arc generally about eight in number each time.
The
362 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Short-tailed FIELD-MOUSE,
differs from the laft, in having a thicker head, and Ihort- er tail : Its ears are very fnort, and almoft hid in the hair ; its body is about three inches long, and the tail one inch ; the upper part of the body is of a reddifh- brown, and the belly a deep-afh colour. Like the laft, it frequents the fields and woods, but is feldom troublefome In gardens ; it alfo lives on the fame kinds of food, which it hides in holes under-ground ; it makes its neft in moift meadows, and brings forth feven or eight young at a time.
The SHREW-MOUSE,
is fmaller than the common Moufe, being only two inches and a half long from the nofe to the tail ; the nofe is long and flender •, the ears fhort ; and the eyes, like thofe of the Mole, almoft concealed in the fur ; It is of a red-
dilh-brown
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 363
jdifti-brown colour ; the belly white. The two upper fore teeth of this animal are Angularly conftru&ed, and deferve particular notice ; having a fmall barb on each fide, fo fine as to be fcarcely vifible.
The Shrew-Moufe frequents old walls and heaps of {tones $ feeds on infe£ts, corn, and putrid fubdances ; and is fometimes feen on dunghills, where it roots with its nofe like a Hog. It has fo firong and difagreeable a fmell, that the Cat, after {he has killed, refufes to eat it. It forms its neft, without any vifible aperture, of dry grafs, mofs, &c. on the furface of meadows or paftures, and is faid to breed four or five young at a time.
There feems to be an annual mortality of thefe ani- mals in Auguft j numbers of them being found dead in the fields, highways. See. about that time.
The Water SHREW-MOUSE,
is larger than the lad ; the upper part of its body is black ; the throat, bread, and belly of a light-adi colour. It is rarely to be feen ; frequents the banks of rivulets and marfhy places, where it burrows. It is very nume- rous in Lincolnfhire, but was never obferved there till about twenty years ago. It is called in that country the blind Moufe .
The
364 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Dwarf MOUSE,
is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, where it was firft difcovered by Sparrman. It is diftinguifhed from every other fpecies of the genus by four black lines along its back, from the head to the tail. It is fuppofed to be the inofl diminutive quadruped in the world, being fcarcely two inches in length. In the annexed reprefentation it is drawn the natural fize, and forms a linking contrail with thofe gigantic animals which inhabit that quarter of the world.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 365
The MOLE
HIS animal, deftined to feek its food and pro-
vide for its fubfi Hence under the furface of the
earth, is wonderfully adapted by the all-wife Author of nature to its peculiar mode of living. It enjoys the fenfes of hearing and fmelling in a very eminent degree ; the former gives notice of every approach of danger ; Whilft the latter enables it to find its prey in the midit of darknefs, and compenfates in a great meafure for an al- moft total want of fight. To an animal fo circumftanced a larger degree of vifion would be attended with manifefl inconveniences, as well as liable to continual injuries. We are told by anatomifts, that, for their better fecuritv, the eyes of the Mole are furniflied with mufcles, by which it has the power of withdrawing or exerting them at pleafure. Its eyes are extremely fmall, and perfectly hid in the fur ; but it is probable, they are fo formed, as to admit diftin£I images of the diminutive objects of its purfuit. The form of this creature’s body, and parti-
cularly
$66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
cularly the conftruction of its fore feet, are admirably adapted to the purpofe of making its way in the earthy which it does with wonderful facility : They are quite naked, very broad, with large palms, almoft like a hand ; five toes on each, terminated with ftrong nails, very con- cave on the under fide ; and in place of a thumb, a ftrong bone under the fkin ; the hind feet very finally with five flender toes, and a fmall thumb on the infide. Whenever it happens to be furprifed on the furface of the ground, it difappears in an inftant, and every at- tempt to prevent its fubterraneous retreat would be vain.
The Mole is moftly found in grounds where the foil is loofe and foft, and affords the greateft quantity of worms and infers, on which it feeds. The female brings forth in the fpring, and generally produces four or five at a time : It makes its neft a little below the furface of the ground, forming a commodious apartment, where it pre- pares a warm bed of mofs and herbage ; from this there are feveral paffages in different directions, to which it can retreat with its young ones in cafe of danger; into thefe likewife the animal makes excurfions in queft of food. — In the act of forming its tracks or runs, it throws up large heaps of mould, which are extremely troublefome and injurious in meadows, grafs-lands, and cultivated grounds; its deftruction is confequently an ob- ject of importance to farmers, gardeners, &c.
The fkin of the Moie is extremely tough ; its fur fhort, clofe-fet, and fofter than the fined velvet, or per- haps the fur of any other animal ; it is ufually black, fometimes fpotted with white, and fometimes (though Tarely) white. It is about fix inches in length, and its tail one inch.
The
#
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 367
The Radiated MOLE,
4s lefs than the common Mole, being not quite four inches long •, its fur is very clofe, fhort, and fine : Its nofe is very curioully befet with radiated tendrils. It is a native of North-America, feeds on roots, and forms fub- terraneous paflages in different dire&ions. There is a kind found in Siberia with a very fhort nofe, and no tail ; it is of a beautiful green and gold colour, variable with the lights There are fome other varieties, that dif- fer chiefly in the colour of the hair ; fuch as the Yel- low Mole of North-America, which is larger than the European ; its hair is foft, and of a filky glofs. That which is found in Virginia refembles the common Mole ; it is of a black colour, mixed with deep purple. — It is faid that hats, peculiarly fine and beautiful, have been made of the fur of the Mole.
T h a
363 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The OPOSSUM
IS found in great numbers in various parts of North and South-America, and was fuppofed by BufFon to belong entirely to the new continent : We are now, however, allured, that it exifts in many of the Indian illands. Several varieties of the Opoflum kind have been feen alfo in the newly- difcovered countries in the South feas.
The Saragoy. The Murine.
The Saragoy, or Molucca Opossum of Mr Pen- nant, is about the fize of a Cat : Its head is long ; nofe fharp and pointed ; ears large, thin, and naked ; eyes fmall, black, and lively, having a white fpot above each of them ; its fur is foft, Jong, and of a dulky-alh colour ; its belly white ; its tail is fimilar to that of a Rat, naked and fcaly, except a fmall part near the body, which is co- vered
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 3 69
vered with hair ; its legs are fhort ; and its feet or hands not unlike thofe of a Monkey, having five toes or fin- gers on each, the thumbs on the hind feet deftitute of nails. But the peculiar and diftinguifhing charadteriflic of the Opoflum is a pouch or falfe belly, in which the female depofits her young immediately after they are brought forth, and nourifhes them in it till they are able to provide for themfelves. — The Chevalier d’Aboville, whilft in America during the late war, in order to be fatisfied refpedling the time of its geftation, manner of bringing forth, and fuckling its young, procured a male and female Opoflum, which he tamed, and kept in his chamber till they copulated : Ten days after, he obferved a confiderable alteration in the fize and form of the pouch; its aperture being wider than it wras before, and its orifice thicker : From that time it gradually grew clofer, leaving only a fmall opening in the middle, fimi- lar to a navel : On the fifteenth clay he introduced his finger, and found at the bottom of the bag a fmall round body, about the fize of a pea : The twenty-fifth day he could feel a motion under his finger : After the young had been a month in the pouch, they were plainly to be feen on opening it a little : At the end of two months, on examining the pouch, there appeared to be fix young ones, all of them attached to the mother by a canal that entered the mouth, which, if withdrawn, could not be replaced; but wrhen fix weeks old, the young Opof- fum could refume it by ftrong fudlion, the mouth being then large enough to receive the pap, which is about two lines in length, and the fize of the fecond or third firing of a violin. The number of the young varies from five to tea or eleven. The paps are not difpofed in regular
A a order*
370 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
order, as in other animals ; but feem as if they were formed in thofe places where the embryos attach them- felves to the mother.
The Opoflum is a flow, helplefs animal, when on the ground *, but climbs trees with great eafe and quicknefs \ fometimes conceals itfelf among the branches, and fur- prizes the birds that come within its reach : It frequent- ly hangs, fufpended by its tail ; and, in that fituation, watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agi- lity.— By means of its tail, the Opoflum flings itfelf from one tree to another. It feeds on birds, reptiles, infers, roots, leaves, and the bark of trees. It is eafily tamed, is neither mifchievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is dif- agreeable, and the odour that exhales from its fkin rank and difgufling.
The Murine Opossum, or Marmose of M. Buf- fon, inhabits the warmeft parts of South-America. It refembles the former, but is much lefs: Its food and manner of living are likewife very fimilar to it. — It brings forth from ten to fourteen young at a time ; but, inftead of a bag, the female has two longitudinal folds under her .belly, within which the young are fecured. When firfl produced, they are not larger than beans, and remain clofely attached to the teat till they attain fuflicient growth and ftrength to provide for themfelves.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 371
The Mexican OPOSSUM
differs little from the preceding either in fize or form.— It is found* in the mountainous parts of New-Spain, lives in trees ; its tail is ufeful in twilling round the branches and fecuring its hold. — The young attach themfelves to their mother by their hands and tails ; and, upon the leaft alarm, embrace her clofely, whilfl {he carries them to the fhelter of fome neighbouring tree.
A a 2
The
372 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The PHALANGER, or Surinam OPOSSUM,
is fomewhat larger than a Rat ; Its nofe is thick ; ears (hort and hairy ; its fur of a reddifh colour, variegated with light-afh and yellow; the under part of the body yellowilh- white ; it is diftinguilhed from all thofe of the Opoflum kind we have hitherto mentioned, in having the firft and fecond toes of the hind feet clofely united ; its claws are large; tail long, very broad and thick at its junction with the body, and naked at the end. It inha- bits Surinam, i$ fuppofed to be the animal called the Cane-Raty very deflruaive to the fugar-canes.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 373
The Spotted OPOSSUM of New South - Wa les.
The general colour of this animal is black ; the body ipotted with irregular roundifh patches of white; the ears are large and erecf ; muzzle long, pointed, and fur- nilhed with long flender whilkers ; both fore and hind legs thinly covered with hair of an alh colour; on the fore feet it has five claws, and on the hind four ; lengthy from nofe to tail, about twenty-five inches ; tail thick and bufhy, like that of a Squirrel, except a part near the body, which is fmall, and covered with fhort hairs. The female has fix teats, placed circularly within the pouch.
The Vulpine OPOSSUM of New South -Wales
is long-bodied and fhort-legged ; from the nofe to the infertion of the tail, meafures two feet two inches ; tail fifteen inches ; upper part of the body griily, confifting of dufky, reddilh, and white hairs ; the under parts light- A a 3 tawny ;
374 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tawny ; two-thirds of the tail black ; a blackifli fpace round each eye ; long black whifkers ; five toes on the fore feet, and four on the hind, with a thumb of two joints placed at the bafe of the inner toe ; the toes of the fore feet are long, and anfwer the purpofe of a hand ; the ears are about an inch and a half in length ; in the upper jaw are fix cutting teeth, four grinders, and two canine teeth ; in the lower jaw two long cutting teeth, like thofe of a Squirrel, and four grinders, but no canine teeth.
The Flying OPOSSUM o,f New South-Wales.
Its nofe is pointed ; its ears large and ere£l ; the fur more delicate, and of a finer texture, than that of the Sea-Otter, — is of a beautiful dark colour, and very glolfy, mixed with grey ; the under parts white ; on each hip is a tan-coloured fpot ; the fur is continued to the claws ;
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 375
the failing membrane is the fame as that of the Grey- Squirrel, but broader in proportion ; on the fore legs it has five toes, with a claw on each ; on the hind ones four toes, and a long thumb, which enables the animal to ufe it as a hand ; it is remarkable, that the three outfide claws of the hind feet are not feparated like the others.
The OPOSSUM of Van Diemen’s Land
was difcovered by Captain Cook in January, 1777; who defcribes it as about twice the fize of a large Rat. — It in- habits Van Diemen’s Land, the fouthern point of New- Holland.
A a 4
The
376 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
We are favoured with a drawing of this beautiful ani- mal, taken from a living one in the pofleflion of the re- verend Mr Egerton, prebendary of Durham, by the in- genious Mr Carfrae.' — : — It is a native of New South- Wales; is about eighteen inches long, exclufive of the tail, which is twelve : Its head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is furnifhed with long whilkers ; its eyes are full, exceedingly prominent, and of a fiery red- nefs ; it has five claws on the fore feet, — three on the hind, and a thumb ; two cutting teeth in each jaw, the upper projecting beyond the under. Its manners are fi- juilar to thofe of a Squirrel ; It fits up, holds its food i*,i its fore paws with great dexterity, and feeds itfelf : When irritated, it fits ftill more ereCI, or throws itfelf upon its back, making a loud and harfli noife. It feeds on vegetables, fmall birds, &c.
The fur of this creature is long, foft,. and very clofe ;
of
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 377
of a mixed brown or greyifh colour on the back, the un- der parts of a yellowifh-white : Its tail is prehenfile, very broad at the bafe, and tapers to the end ; it is remarkable in beinsr naked on the under fide. — The female is fur*
O
nilhed with a pouch.
The KANGUROO
is a native of New-Holland, where it was firft difcover- ed by Sir Jofeph Banks, — Its head is fmall and taper, ears large and erect, upper lip divided, the end of the nofe black, noftrils wide, lower jaw fhorter than the up- per, and there are whilkers on both; it likewife has ftrong hairs above and below the eyes ; its head, neck, and fhoulders, are fmall; the lower parts of the body in- creafing in thicknefs to the rump ; its tail i-s long, very
thick
\ '
378 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
thick near the rump, and taper ; the conftru£lion of its fore feet is fingular, being extremely fhort, and only ufeful in digging or bringing its food to its mouth; it moves altogether on its hind legs, making fucceflive bounds of ten or twelve feet with fuch rapidity, as to outftrip the fleeted Greyhound ; it fprings from rock to rock, and leaps over bufhes feven or eight feet high, with great eafe ; it has five toes on its fore feet, — three on the hind, the middle one very long ; the inner claw is divided down the middle into two parts.
The Kanguroo reds on its hind legs, which are hard, black, and naked on the under fide. Its fur is fhort and foft, of a reddifh-afh colour, lighter on the lower parts. It is the only quadruped our colonids have yet met with in New South-Wales that fupplies them -with animal food. — There are two kinds : The larged that had been fhot weighed about 1401b. and meafured, from the point of the nofe to the end of the tail, fix feet one inch, the tail two feet one inch, head eight inches, fore legs one foot, hind legs two feet eight inches, circumference of the fore part of the body near the legs one foot one inch, and of the hind part three feet. The fmaller kind fel- dom exceeds 60 lb.
This animal is furnifhed with a pouch, fimilar to that of the Opoflirm ; in which its young are nurfed and fhel- tered.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 379
The KANGUROO-RAT of New South-Wales
is about the fize of a Rabbit, and in fhape refembles the ICariguroo, both in refpecl to the fhortnefs of the fore legs, and the peculiar conftru&ion and ufe of the hind ones ; the form of the head is like that of a Rat, and its body nearly of the fame colour ; in the upper jaw it has two long cutting teeth, with three (hort ones on each fide of them ; in the lower jaw two long cutting teeth* and three grinders on each fide.
The female, like molt of the animals of that country, has a pouch, like the Opoflum. It feeds on vegeta-
bles, burrows in the ground, and is very tame and inof- fenfive.
The
38o- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
t
The JERBOA.
THIS animal, remarkable for the fingular conftruo- tion of its legs, is found in Egypt, Barbary, and Paleftine. — It is fomewhat lefs than a Rat : Its head has a great refemblance to that of a Rabbit; its eyes are large and full ; the fore legs are only one inch in length, and are ufed as hands to convey victuals to its mouth ; the hind legs are naked, and very much refemble thofe of a bird, having only three toes on each, the middle one longeft ; its tail is much longer than its body, and terminated with a black tuft, the tip of which is white ; its hair is long and foft, of a reddiih colour on the back ; the under parts or the body are white ; acrofs the thighs there is a large black band, in the form of a crefcent.
The motions of the Jerboa are fimilar to thofe of the Kanguroo : It goes forward very nimbly on its hind feet, taking leaps of five or fix feet from the ground. — It is a lively, harmlefs animal, lives entirely on vegetables, and
burrows in the ground like a Rabbit. It is the Daman
Ifrael
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 381
Ifrael of the Arabs, or Lamb of Ifrael ; and is fuppofed to be the Coney of holy writ, our Rabbit being unknown in Paleftine. It is alfo the Moufe mentioned in Ifaiah*; Achbar , in the original, fignifying a Jerboa.
There are fome varieties of the Jerboa found in Sibe- ria, Tartary, and various parts of Afia. They differ
chiefly in fize, the largefl being about the fize of a Rat: Its ears are large, pointed, and tipped with white •, the hair on the back is of a tawny colour, and very foft ; the belly and under part of the body are white ; the end of the tail is diflinguifhed by a white feathered tuft, an inch long; it has five toes on the fore feet, three on the hind ; and about an inch above the laft are two long Hea- der toes, with nails on each.
This creature makes its nefl of the finefl and mod de- licate herbage ; rolls itfelf up, with its head between its thighs ; and fleeps during the winter, without taking any nutriment. — When purfued, it fp rings fo nimbly, that its feet fcarcely feem to touch the ground. It does not go ftraight forward, but turns here and there till it gains a burrow, where it quickly fecretes itfelf. In leaping, it carries its tail ftretched out ; but in {landing or walking, carries it in the form of an S, the lower part touching the ground.
The Jerboa is eafily tamed, is fond of warmth, and feems to be fenfible of the approach of bad weather by- wrapping itfelf up clofe in hay.
Among the Mogul Tartars, this animal is Called the Alaghtaaga . It is fuppofed to be the Twofooted Moufe , and the Egyptian Moufe of the ancients, which were faid to walk on their hind legs.
* Chap. kvi. ver. 17.
Tnt
382 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
0
The Yellow MACAUCO.
HE Yellow Macauco has been clafled with the
Weald tribe by Mr Pennant, in his Hiftory of Quadrupeds ; and it feems to bear fome general refem- blance to that fpecies of animals, in the form of its head, which is flat and broad ; its ears are fliort, eyes fmall, body long and (lender, legs and thighs fliort and thick, and it has five ftraight toes on each foot: Its fur is fliort, foft, and glofly, — of a black colour, mixed with yellow, on the back ; the cheeks, infide of the legs, and belly, yellow ; along the back, from head to tail, there is a broad dulky {tripe ; and another on the belly, half way * from
The Ring-tailed MACAUCO
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 383
from the tail, which is nearly as long as its body, of a bright-tawny colour, mixed with black, and has the fame prehenfile faculty as thofe of fome kinds of Monkeys. Its length, from nofe to tail, is nineteen inches.
One of this fpecies was (hewn in London fome years ago, and was faid to have been brought from Jamaica, where it is called a Potto . It was a very good-natured and fportive animal, would catch hold of any thing with its tail, and fufpend itfelf by it.
The Ring-tailed Macauco is a very beautiful animal, about the fize of a Cat: Its body and limbs are long and flender ; its tail very long, and marked with al- ternate bars of black and white : In the conformation of its paws, it feems to approach the Monkey kind ; but its nofe is long and (harp, like that of a Fox ; and its ears are alfo large and pointed : Its head and throat are
white ; eyes large, and furrounded with black : Its fur is glofly, foft, and delicate,— of a reddifh-afh colour on the back ; belly white.
This creature is found in Madagafcar and the neigh- bouring ifles, is very playful, but not mifchievous. When in motion, it makes a fort of galloping progrefs in an ob- lique dire£tion, and carries its tail almoft ere£I ; but when fitting, it is twitted round the body, and brought over its head. — Troops of thirty or forty are fometimes
feen together. It is a cleanly animal ; and, when
taken young, may be eafily tamed.
The
384 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Tail-less MACAUCO.
The MONGOOZ.
The Tail-less Macauco is found in Ceylon and Bengal, lives in woods, and feeds on fruits ; is fond of eggs and fmall birds, which it devours greedily. It is a very inactive animal, and its motions flow; very tena- cious of its hold, and makes a plaintive noife. Its head is fmall, and nofe pointed; each eye is edged with a circle of white, which is alfo furrounded with another of black ; its body is covered with a fhort filky fur, of a reddifh-afh colour; the toes naked; nails flat, except thofe on the inner toes of the hind feet, which are iharp
and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 385
and crooked : Its length, from the nofe to the rump, is fixteen inches.
Thd Mongooz is nearly of the fame fize as the Ring-tailed Macauco. Its fur is fine, foft, and woolly, — of a deep brownifh-afh colour ; the eyes are of a beau- tiful orange colour, furrounded with black ; the ears are fhprt cheeks white ; end of the nofe black ; the tail ve- ry long, and covered with hair of the fame fort and co- lour as the body ; its hands and feet are naked, and of a dufky colour ; its nails, except one upon the inner toe of each hind foot, are flat. — It inhabits Madagafcar and the ifles adjacent, fleeps in trees, is very playful and good- natured, feeds on fruits, is extremely tender, and cannot bear any change to a lefs temperate climate.
The LORIS
is a very flender animal, and differs greatly from the preceding, both in form and manners. It is not much larger than a Squirrel, but its limbs are longer ; the hind legs greatly exceed the fore in length 5 the thumbs on each foot are more diflintl and feparate from the toes than thofe of other Macaucos; its nofe is pointed, like that of a Dog ; its forehead high ; ears round and thin ; its fur is fhort and delicately foft, of a tawny colour on the back, — whitifh below : It has no tail.
The Loris is a native of Ceylon, very active, lives in trees, and feeds on fruit. Seba fays, the male climbs the trees, and taftes the fruit before he prefents it to his mate.
B b
The
38 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Black MACAUCO,
or Vari of M. Buffon, is larger than the Mongooz. It is a native of Madagafcar, is very fierce, and makes a loud noife in the woods*, but, when tamed, is gentle and good-natured. Its eyes are of a deep-orange colour ; round its head the hair is long, and Hands out like a ruff. The general colour of this animal is black *, but fome are white, fpotted with black : The feet are black and naked.
The TARSIER
is remarkable for the great length of its hind legs, in which it refembles the Jerboa ; has four flender toes and a diftin£t thumb on each foot : Its vifage is pointed ; eyes large and prominent; ears ereft, broad, and naked: Its hair is foft and woolly, of a deep»afh colour, mixed with tawny : Its length, from the nofe to the rump, is nearly fix inches ; the tail is nine inches long, round, fcaly, almoft naked, like that of a Rat, and tufted at the end. — It is found in fome of the remote iflands of India, efpecially Amboyna.
Animals
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 387
Animals of the MONKEY Kind.
WE come now to the defcription of a numerous race of animals ; confiding of a greater variety of kinds, and making nearer approaches to the human fpecies, both in form and action, than any other clafs of quadrupeds.
Monkies are found only in the warmed parts of the world, and chiefly in the torrid zone : They abound in the woods of Africa, from Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope, and from thence to Ethiopia ; in all parts of In- dia and its ifles; in the South of China; in Japan; and in South-America, from the Idhmus of Darien as far as Paraguay : A fpecies or two are alfo met with in Ara- bia and the province of Barbary.
On account of the numbers and different appearances of thefe animals, they have been divided into three claffes, and defcribed under the following denominations, viz. — Apes, or fuch as have no tails; Baboons, or fuch as have Ihort tails ; Monkies, or fuch as have long tails.
In the Ape kind, we fee the whole external machine drongly impreffed with the human likenefs, and capable of fimilar exertions: They walk upright, their poderiors are flefhy, their legs are furnifhed with calves, and their hands and feet are nearly like ours.
In the Baboon, we perceive a more didant refem- blance of the human form : He generally goes upon all four, feldom upright, but when ccndrained to it in a date of fervitude. Some of them are as tali as a man. They have fliort tails, long faces, funk eyes, are ex»
B b 2 tremely
383 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tremely difgufting, lafcivious, and poflefled of brutal fiercenefs.
The Monkey kind are removed ftill farther, and are much lefs than the former. Their tails are generally longer than their bodies; and, although they fit upon their pofteriors, they always move upon all four. — They are a lively, active race of animals, full of frolic and gri- mace, greatly acfdidled to thieving, and extremely fond of imitating human a&ions, but always with a mifchjev- ous intention.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 389
The ORAN-OUTANG, or Wil© MAN of the Woods,
is the larged of all the Ape kind, and makes the neared approach to the human figure. One of this kind, dif- fered by Dr Tyfon, has been very accurately defcribed by him. The principal external differences pointed out by that learned phyfician, confided in the great length of the arms, and fhortnefs of the thighs ; the thumb is alfo much fmaller, and the palm of the hand longer and narrower, than in man ; the form of the feet is very dif- fimilar, the toes being much longer, and the large toe placed at a greater didance from the others ; the fore- head is too high, the nofe flat, and the eyes much funk : Befide thefe, the anatomid has enumerated a variety of effential differences in the internal conformation of the % B b 3 Oran-O utang.,
39o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Oran-Outang, all of which fufficiently evince, that, though he has the ftrongeft affinity to the human form of any other quadruped; yet, as BufFon elegantly ob- ferves, u the interval which feparates the two fpecies is immenfe; the refemblance in figure and organization, and the movements of imitation which feem to refult from thefe fimilarities, neither make him approach the nature of man, nor elevate him above that of the brute.” The Oran-Outang is found in the interior parts of Africa, in Madagafcar, Borneo, and fome parts of the Eaft-Indies. It is a folitary animal, avoids mankind, and lives only in the moft defert places. The largefl of the kind are faid to be about fix feet high, very aCtive, ftrong, and intrepid, capable of overcoming the ftrongeft man : They are likewife exceedingly fwift, and cannot eaiily be taken alive. They live entirely on fruits and nuts, will fometimes attack and kill the negroes who wander in the woods, and drive away the elephants that happen to approach too near the place of their refidence : They fometimes furprize the female negroes, and carry them off into the woods, where they compel them to
flay with them.— When taken young, however, the
Oran-Outang is capable of being tamed, and rendered extremely docile. One of them, (hewn in London fome years ago, was taught to fit at table, make ufe of a fpoon or fork in eating its victuals, and drink wine or other liquors out of a glafs. It was extremely mild, affection- ate, and good-natured ; much attached to its keeper, and obedient to his commands. Its afpeCt was grave, and its difpofition melancholy. It was young, and only two feet four inches high. Its body was covered with hair pf a black colour, which was much thicker and clofer on
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 391
the back than on the fore part of the body ; the hands and foies of the feet were naked, and of a dulky colour.
A variety, called the Pigmy, is found in Guinea, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa, much fmaller than the laft, being not more than a foot and a half in length. It is very tra&able, good-natured, and eafilv tamed ; is fuppofed to have been the Pithecos of the ancients. It lives in woods, and feeds on fruits and infe&s. — Troops of them aflemble together, and defend themfelves from the attacks of wild beafts in the defert by throwing a cloud of fand behind them, which blinds their purfuers, and facilitates their efcape.
B b 4
The
The GIBBON
is diftinguifhed by the extraordinary length of its arms, which reach to the ground when its body is upright, and give it a difgufting appearance. Its face is flat, and of a tawny colour, furrouhded with a circle of grey hair, which adds to the Angularity of its afpedl: ; its eyes are large and deep funk; ears round and naked; body cover- ed on all parts with black rough hair, except its buttocks, which are quite naked. — It is a mild, gentle, and tracea- ble animal ; feeds on fruits, leaves, and barks of trees ; is a native of the Eall-Indies, Sumatra, and the Moluc- ca ifles ; and meafures from three to four feet in height.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
39*
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 393
The MAGOT, or Barbary APE,
is wilder and more untra£labk than the others : His head is large, and his nofe prominent : He likewife dif- fers from the laft in having cheek pouches, which he frequently fills with food before he begins to eat : The canine teeth are large and drong ; ears round, and fome- what like thofe of a man : The body is covered with hair of a brown colour, inclining to green ; lighter on the belly. When (landing eretl upon his hind legs, he is generally two feet and a half or three feet high. He walks oftener on four than on two feet ; and, when red- ing, fupports his body on two prominent callofities, fitu- ate on his buttocks.
The Magot is a very common fpecies, and is found in mod parts of Africa, from Barbary to the Cape of Good Hope.
The
394 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The BABOON
differs from animals of the Ape kind, not only in ex- ternal appearance, but alfo in temper and difpofition. Fierce, untra£table, and libidinous, its difpofition feems to partake of the hideous and difgufting deformities of its outward figure. Its body is thick, compact, and ner- vous 5 and its ftrength prodigious. Neither art nor ca- reffes can render it in any degree docile or obedient : It feems to be continually fretting with rage, and feeking every opportunity of fhewing its favage and vicious pro- penfities. In a ftate of captivity, it muft be kept clofely confined ; and, even in that ftate, we have feen one fhake the bars of its cage fo powerfully with its hands, as to excite the utmoft terror in the fpe£tators,
This animal, of which we have given a very faithful reprefentation from the life, was about four feet high when Handing on its hind legs ; its head was large, ftioulders of an amazing ftrength and thicknefs, its muz- zle
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 395
zle long and thick, eyes fmall and deep funk, its canine teeth very large and formidable, and it had pouches in its cheeks ; the hair on its head was long, and formed a very elegant toupee from its forehead and each fide of its face, which, when angry, it ere&ed ; the hair on the body was uniformly of a light reddifh-brown ; the tail fhort, and darker at the end ; buttocks red and naked.
The Baboon inhabits the hotted: parts of Africa ; feeds on fruits, roots, and other vegetables. — Numerous troops fometimes make their appearance, plundering gardens and cultivated grounds. They are extremely dexterous in throwing the fruit from one to another, and by this means will do incredible damage in a very fhort time.
The female brings forth only one young at a time^ which flie carries in her arms, and fuckles at her bread:. Notwithftanding its libidinous difpofition^ it will not breed in temperate climates.
The
396 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Great Ribbed-nose BABOON.
This fingular creature is no lefs remarkable for its. great fize and ftrength, than for the variety of beautiful colours on different parts of its body. Its nofe is marked with broad ribs on each fide of a fine violet-blue colour : A vermilion line begins a little above the eyes ; and, running down on each fide of the nofe, which is fome- what fimilar to that of a Hog, fpreads over the tip of it : The infides of the ears are blue, which gradually foftens to a purple, and terminates in vermilion ; the rump is alfo of a vermilion colour ; and the beautiful colours on the hips are gradations from red to blue : The hair on the forehead is long, turns back, and forms a kind of
pointed
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 397
pointed creft; its beard is dark at the roots, orange at the middle, and yellow at the end ; the back and legs are covered with fliort hair of a dark-brown colour, mixed with yellow, — the breaft and belly with long whitifh hair, fpeckled with fmall dark fpots ; its tail is fliort and hairy, nails flat, feet and hands black and naked.
One of this kind was exhibited about twelve years ago in the North of England. It was five feet high, ex- tremely fierce, libidinous, and ftrong. At the fight of women, it difcovered marks of the molt violent paflion ; and at one time caught hold of a lady, who was fo in- cautious as to approach too near it*, and {he was with fome difficulty refcued by the interference of the keeper. Its voice was ftrong and harfh, not unlike the ordinary- growl of the Lion. It generally went upon its four feet, unlefs obliged by its keeper to ftand eredt. Its molt ufual attitude was fitting on its rump, with its arms placed before it.
This creature inhabits the hotter parts of Africa.* — Schreber fays, it lives on fucculent fruits and nuts, is fond of eggs, will put eight at once into its pouches, then take them out one by one, break them at the end, and fwallow the contents.
Our reprefentation of this animal is done from a draw- ing in the pofleffion of the Rev. Mr Egerton, taken from the life by an eminent painter.
We fuppofe the Mandrill of BufFon to be a variety of this fpecies.
The
398 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
\
The Small Ribbed-nose BABOON
feems to agree in every refpe£l with that defcribed by Mr Pennant, in the firft volume of his Hiftory of Qua- drupeds, under the name of the Mandrill.
The annexed cut was done from the living animal in the poflefiion of Mr Rayne, furgeon in Newcaftle.
It is about fifteen inches in height ; its face flat, of
a fine blue colour ; eyes bright-hazel, exceedingly bril- liant and lively ; the cheeks marked with fmall ribs, bounded with thick bufhy hair of a greenifh colour, beautifully fpeckled with black, which falls back on each fide ; the hair on the forehead is of the fame colour, is very long, and runs up to a point on the top of the fhoulders ; the muzzle is broad, furnifhed with fhort hair, thinly fcattered on each fide, — and on the chin there is a fhort thin beard, ending in a point, where it is of an orange colour; the hair on the body is dark- brown, mixed with fhades of green on the back and fides, — the haunches dufky ; the ears are fmall, naked, and pointed ; the tail fhort and hairy ; thfe buttocks bare,
and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 399
and of a red flefli-colour ; hands and feet naked : It has cheek pouches ; feeds on fruits, nuts, roots, and other vegetables : It is lively, playful, and full of mifchievous frolics ; walks commonly on all four, is in continual mo- tion, and leaps with adonilhing agility. This fpecies
is faid to come from the coad of Guinea.
The MAIMON, or Pig-tailed BABOON,
fo termed from its fhort naked pig-like tail, is the lead of all the Baboon kind ; a gentle, mild, and tractable animal ; very lively and frolicfome ; but has none of that impudent petulance fo peculiar to mod of its fpecies. — Its muzzle is large and thick ; face and ears naked, and of a flelh colour ; the hair on the head and back is of a deep-olive, — paled on the belly ; it has hazel eyes, cheek pouches, callofities on the buttocks, which are naked, and of a red colour. — It is a native of Sumatra and Ja- pan. One of this kind was fhewn in the North in
1788, from which this drawing was made.
It
4oo HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
It is a curious circumftance, that not only this, but every animal of the Baboon and Monkey kind we have yet feen, have (hewn a remarkable greedinefs for tobac- co, muftard, and even fnuff, which they eat without ex- prefling the fmalleft inconvenience, and always feem ex« tremely defirous for more.
The Dog-faced BABOON
is diftinguiffied by a longer tail than the reft of its kind : In this refpedf, it feems to bear fome affinity to the Mon- key, and has been mentioned under that denomination by feveral naturalifts. We may obferve here, that, in tracing the progrefs of animated Nature, we are led, by the moft imperceptible gradations, from one kind to ano- ther : The line of feparation feems fo faintly drawn, that we are frequently at a lofs how to fix the boundaries of one clafs without encroaching upon that of another; and,
notwithftanding
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 401
notwithftanding the regularity and order which every- where prevail among the numerous families that inhabit the earth, the bell and molt approved fyflems of arrange- ment fall infinitely fhort of precifion: They ferve, in- deed, to direct us to the general chambers which form the diftinguilhing features of each genus, but are very inadequate to difcriminate the intermingled {hades and nice touches by which all are diverfified.
The drawing of this animal was taken from one fhewn in London under the name of the Persian Savage. — Its head was large ; muzzle long and thick ; eyes fmall ; face naked, and of an olive colour ; the hair on its fore- head feparated in the middle, and hung down on each fide of the face ; from thence down its back as far as its waift ; it was long and fliaggy, of a bluifh-grey colour, freckled with dark fpots ; hair on the lower part of the body fhort*, buttocks bare and red. — That defcribed by Mr Pennant, which feems to agree with this, is repre-
fented as very fierce and untraclable. It inhabits the
hotted parts of Africa and Afia, lives in troops, and commits great depredations in gardens and cultivated grounds ; is above five feet high, exceedingly ftrong, vi- cious, and impudent.
The
402 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Ursine BABOON
is not unlike the lad, but rather lefs. Its nofe is long ; head large ; ears fhort ; forehead high and prominent, terminating in a ridge; the body thick and ftrong, co- vered with long dulky hair, which gives it the appear- ance of a young Bear ; its tail half the length of the bo- dy ; buttocks red.
This animal is very numerous about the Cape of Good Hope. — Troops of them afiemble together, and make ex- peditions for the fake of plunder, in which they obferve the utmoft precaution : To prevent furprize, they place a centinel, which, upon fight of a man, gives a loud yell ; when the whole troop retreats with the greateft precipi- tation. It is highly entertaining to fee the females carry- ing off their young ones clinging to their backs ; whilft their pouches are crammed fo full of fruit, that they feem ready to burft. They fometimes form a line, and throw the fruit from one to another, in order to carry it off the more expeditioufly.
t
The WANDEROU
is a native of Ceylon and the Eaft-Indies. — Its head is thick and long, and furrounded with a large quantity of white hair, which falls down below the chin, forming a monftrous rough, fhaggy beard ; the reft of the body is
covered with a dark-brown coat, almoft black. Like
all animals of this kind, it is wild and vicious ; but, when taken young, may eafily be tamed ; and appears to be more fufceptible of education than other Baboons.
There are feveral varieties of this fpecies. The bodies
of
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 403
©f fome are black, with white beards ; in others, the bo- dy is whitifh, and the beard black : Some are found en- tirely white ; but this fpecies is extremely rare, and is faid to be ftronger and more mifchievous than the others.
Thefe bearded Baboons are much efteemed for the gravity of their appearance ; and are ufed by the Indians in their ceremonies and (hows, in which they are faid to acquit themfelves to the admiration of the fpedlators.
The M A C A Q^U E,
or Hare-lipped Monkey of Mr Pennant, is placed next to the Baboons, and makes the nearefl approach to them in the form of its body, which is (hort and thick : Its head and muzzle are large; its vifage ugly, naked, and wrinkled; and its noftrils divided, like thofe of a Hare : Its tail, however, is long, like that of a Monkey : The colour of the hair on the upper part of the body is a greenifh-afh, — lighter on the bread: and belly. — There are feveral varieties, which differ both in fize and colour.
This animal is found in Guinea, Congo, and fome of the fouthern parts of Africa. — They go in troops, and do infinite mifchief to plantations of millet, which they car- ry off under their arms and in their mouths. They are extremely nice and delicate in their choice ; and, by pul- ling up what does not pleafe them, do more damage than by what they really eat.
The PATAS, or Red MONKEY,
is nearly of the fame fize with the Macaque, and in- habits the fame country ; its body is, however, rather longer, its face lefs. hideous, and its hair more beautiful.
Cc 2 It
404 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
It is remarkable for the brilliancy of its coat, which 13 of fo bright a red, as to have the appearance of being painted.
There are two varieties of this kind : The one is dif- tinguifhed by a black line above the eyes, extending from ear to ear *, in the other, the line is white. Both have long hair under the chin, and round the cheeks ; which in the firft is yellow, and in the fecond white : The nofe is black 5 the under part of the body of an afh colour, tinged with yellow.
Thefe Monkies are very numerous on the banks of the river Senegal. — They are fo curious, as fometimes to de- fcend from the tops of trees to the extremities of the branches, while boats are paffing, and feem to obferve them with great attention. If not difturbed, their fami- liarity becomes troublefome : They break off branches, throw them at the paflengers, and frequently with fo fure an aim, as to annoy them not a little ; but, upon being fhot at, they fet up moll hideous cries, endeavour to revenge themfelves by collecting more offenfive mate- rials, fuch as Hones, dirt, &c. which they throw at the enemy, and foon retire.
Travellers relate, that in Guinea Monkies are fre- quently feen together in troops of forty or fifty, plun- dering gardens and fields of corn with great boldnefs. One of them (lands on a tree, liftens, and looks about on all fides, while the reft are bufy. Upon the lead ap- pearance of interruption, he fets up a loud cry to alarm the party ; when they immediately fly off witn the booty they have collected, leaping from tree to tree with pro- digious agility.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 405- The MALBROUCK
differs little from the lad either in difpofition or man- ners.' It is a native of Bengal, is fond of fruits, fre-
quently deals into plantations of fugar-canes, loads itfelf with them, and, if purfued, will throw away a part to carry off the remainder with more eafe. It efcapes the purfuit of Tigers and other wild beads by climbing trees, and leaping from one to another. Serpents are the mod deadly enemies of this and all the Monkey kind : They follow them to the liighed branches of the trees, and frequently furprize them whild they are fleeping.
The Chinese Bonnet MONKEY
appears to be only a variety of the Malbrouck ; the prin- cipal difference confiding in the former’s having the hair on its head difpofed in the form of a flat bonnet, from which its name has been derived. It inhabits the fame country, and lives in the fame manner.
When fruits and fucculent plants fail them, thefe ani- mals are faid to eat infers, and fometimes watch by the fea fide for crabs and other (hell-filh, which they are very
dexterous in catching. They are never thoroughly
tamed, and cannot be truded without a chain. They do not breed when in a date of confinement, eveji in their own country; but require to be at perfedt freedom in their native woods.
C c 3
The
4q6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The MANGABEY
is diftinguifhed from all other Monkies by a very re- markable character : Its eye-lids are naked, of a pure <^hite colour, and round each eye there is a prominent ring ; the hair on the head and body is of a yellowifh- brown Colour, that on the belly white. Some of them have a broad collar of white hair furrounding their neck and face. — They are natives of Madagafcar.
The GALLITRIX, or Green MONKEY,
fo called from its beautiful hair, which, on the upper part of the body and tail, is of a fine green colour ; the throat, belly, and under fide of the limbs, are of a filvery whitenefs ; the tail is eighteen inches long ; length of the body thirteen *, height eight and a half. — It is common in the Cape de Verd iflands and the Eaft-Indies; and is alfo found in Mauritania, and in the territories of ancient Carthage. Hence it is probable, fays M. Buffon, that it was known to the Greeks and Romans ; and that it was one of thofe long-tailed Monkies, to which they gave the general name of Callitrix. — It feems to be the fame kind
as
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 407
as that mentioned by Adanfon ; who relates, that the woods of Podor along the river Niger are full of Green Apes, which, from their colour, are fcarcely difcernible among the branches of the trees where they live.
The animal from which the above was taken is a fe- male, in the pofleffion of William Hargrave, efq; of Shawdon.
The MUSTACHE
is a beautiful little animal, having a tuft of yellow hair on each cheek, and another on the top of the head, which is long and upright ; its face is of a bluifh colour, body of a greeni{h-alh, breaft and belly lighter-, its length is only one foot, that of the tail eighteen inches. It is a native of Guinea.
The TALAPOIN
is a native of the Eaft-Indies, where it is fufFered to multiply without moleftation, owing to the religious fu- perftition of the bramins, which forbids them to take the life of any kind of animal whatever. They are fo tame and familiar, that numbers of them frequently come into their towns, enter the houfes, and, if not prevented, help themfelves to whatever they meet with that is agreeable to them, fuch as fruits, fweetmeats, &c.
The Talapoin is about twelve inches long : Its head is round ; ears black, and fhaped like the human ; eyes of a bright-hazel colour, with black pupils ; the hair on the back, upper part of the body, and limbs, of a dufky-yel- low, tinged with green, — the belly lighter; its tail very long, flender, and of an olive colour.
C c 4
The
4o3 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Varied MONKEY, or MONA,
is beft known of all the Monkey tribe, being more fre- quently brought into Europe than any other. It is a
native of Barbary and other northern parts of Africa, Arabia, and Perfia; where it is called the Mona; from which our general term is derived.
This creature’s nofe is fhort and thick, of a dark lead colour, and the hair on each fide is long ; the lkin on the infide of the thighs is of a pale-blue colour, thinly cover- ed with whitifh hairs ; beard of a greenifh-yellow ; the top of the head bright-yellow, freckled with black ; back and fides deep-brown, with fmall black freckles ; outfide of the thighs and tail black ; on each fide of the rump, clofe by the tail, is a large white fpot. This defeription is taken from the living animal in the pofleflion of Ro- bert Hedley, efq; of Newcaftle ; from which the drawing was alfo taken. It was remarkably gentle, tame, and fa- miliar ; and feemed to have fome attachment to thofe with whom it was acquainted. Its length was eighteen inches, tail about two feet. It was fed with bread, roaft- ed meat, and fruit of all kinds, of which it was particu- larly fond.
Al|
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 409
All the Baboons and Monkeys we have yet defcribed are furnifhed with cheek-pouches, capable of containing food fufficient to fupply them for a day or two : They alfo ferve as receptacles for whatever they obtain more than fupplies their prefent wants: But we have thought it unneceffary to repeat this circumftance in the account of every animal of thofe kinds.
The DOUG
differs from other Monkeys in having no callofities on its buttocks, which are entirely covered with hair ; it is alfo much larger, being nearly four feet high when ere£t. Its face is fhort and rather flat, furnifhed on each fide with long hairs of a pale-yellow colour ; its body is beau- tifully variegated with differently coloured hair; round the neck there is a collar of a bluifh-purple colour ; the top of the head and body are grey ; bread and belly yel- low ; arms white below, and black above ; tail white ; feet black ; face and ears red ; lips black ; and round
each eye there is a black ring, It is found in Cochin-
China, and in the ifland of Madagafcar ; where it is cal- led the Sifac.
M. Buffon places the Douc in the laft clafs of thofe animals of the Monkey kind that belong to the old con- tinent ; and defcribes it as forming a {hade between them and the Monkies of America, which he diftinguifhes by the generic names of Sapajous and Sagoins. — They both of them differ from Monkies in having neither cheek-pouches nor callofities on their buttocks ; and they are diflinguifhed from each other by chara£lers peculiar to each. The Sapajou is furnifhed with a prehenfile tail,
the
4io HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the under part of which is generally covered with a fmooth naked fkin : The animal can coil it up or extend it at pleafure, fufpend itfelf by its extremity on the branches of trees, or ufe it as a hand to lay hold of any thing it wants. The tails of all the Sagoins, on the con- trary, are longer than thofe of the Sapajous, draight, flaccid, and entirely covered with hair. — This difference alone is fufficient to diftinguifh a Sapajou from a Sagoin.
We now proceed to the hidory and defcription of the mod remarkable of this numerous race.
The OUARINE, or PREACHER,
is the larged of all the American Monkies, being about the fize of a large Fox. Its body is covered with long fmooth hair of a fhining black colour, forming a kind of ruff round the animal’s neck: Its tail is long, and always twided at the end.
Great numbers of thefe Monkies inhabit the woods of Brazil and Guiana ; and, from the noife they make, are called Howling Monkies. Several of them affemble toge- ther; and placing themfelves in a kind of regular order, one of them begins fird with a loud tone, which may be heard to a great didance ; the red foon join in a ge- neral chorus, the mod diffonant and tremendous that can be conceived : On a fudden they all dop, except the fird, who finifhes fingly* and the affembly breaks up.
Thefe Monkies are faid to be very fierce, and fo wild and mifchievous, that they can neither be conquered nor
tamed. —They feed on fruits, grain, herbs, and fome-
tirnes infers ; live in trees, and leap from bough to bough with wonderful agility, catching hold with their
hands
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 411
hands and tails as they throw themfelves from one branch to another, and maintain their hold fo firmly, that, even when fhot, they remain fixed to the trees where they die.
The flefh of the Ouarine is good ; and is not only eaten by the natives, but alfo by the Europeans who frequent thofe parts.
The COAITA
is fomewhat lefs than the Ouarine. Its body and limbs are long and flender; hair black and rough; tail long, and naked on the under fide.
This animal is found in the neighbourhood of Car- thagena, in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. — Great numbers affociate together. — They feldom appear on the ground 5 but live moflly in trees, and feed on fruits : When thefe are not to be had, they are faid to eat fifties, worms, and infe&s ; are extremely dexterous in catching their prey, and make great ufe of their tails in feizing it.
The Coaitas are very lively and a&ive. — In palling from one tree to another, they fometimes form a chain, linked to each other by their tails ; and fwing in that manner till the loweft catches hold of a branch, and draws up the reft. — When fruits are ripe, they are ge- nerally fat ; and their flefh is then faid to be excellent.
There are many varieties of the Coaita, which differ chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, others brown, and fome have white hair on the under parts of the body. —They are called Spider Monkies by Edwards, on ac- count of the length and flendernefs of their legs and tails.
M. Buffon fuppofes the ExqjJiMA to be another va- riety
412 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
riety of this fpecies. It is nearly of the fame fize, but its colour is variegated : The hair on its back is black and yellow, its throat and belly white; its manner of living is the fame with that of the Coaita, and it inhabits the fame countries — Both kinds are remarkable in hav- ing only four fingers on each hand, being quite deftitute of the thumb.
The SAJOU, or CAPUCIN.
There are two varieties of this fpecies, — the Brown and the Grey; which, in other refpe£ts, are perfe&ly fimilar. Their faces are of a flefh colour, thinly covered with down; tails long, full of hair on the upper fide, naked below, and prehenfile ; hands black and naked ; length of the body about twelve inches.
Thefe animals inhabit Guiana, are extremely lively and agile, and their conftitution feems better adapted to the temperate climates of Europe than molt of the Sapa- jou kind. M. Buffon mentions a few inftances of their having produced in France.
The Sajous are very capricious in their attachments, being fond of particular perfons, and difcovering the greateft averfion to others.
The SAI, or WEEPER,
inhabits Brazil ; is very mild, docile, and timid ; of a grave and ferious afpect ; has an appearance of weep- ing ; and, when irritated, makes a plaintive noife. It is about fourteen inches long ; the tail longer than the body ; hair on the back and fides of a deep-brown colour,
mixed
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 413
mixed with red on the lower parts. — There is a variety with white hair on the throat and bread.
Great numbers of thefe creatures aflemble together, particularly in ftormy weather ; and make a great chat- tering. They live much in trees, which bear a pod-
ded fruit as large as beans, on which they principally feed.
The SAIMIRI, or Orange MONKEY,
is a mod beautiful animal ; but fo extremely delicate, that it cannot well bear to be brought from its own cli- mate to one lefs warm and temperate. — It is about the fize of a Squirrel : Its head is round ; eyes remarkably lively and brilliant ; ears large ; hair on the body Ihort and fine, of a fhining gold colour ; feet orange ; its tail is very long : Its prehenfile faculty is much weaker than the red of the Sapajous; and on that account, it may be faid to form a fhade between them and the Sagoins, which have long tails, entirely covered with hair, but of no ufe in fufpending their bodies from the branches of
trees or other objects.
*
The S A K I
is fometimes called the Fox-tailed Monkey ; be- caufe its tail, like that of the Fox, is covered with long hair. Its body is about feventeen inches in length ; hair long, — of a dark-brown colour on the back, lighter on the under fide ; its face is tawny, and covered with a fine Ihort whitilh down 5 the forehead and fides of the
face
4i4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
face are white ; its hands and feet are black, with claws inflead of nails.
The Saki is a native of Guiana, where it is called the Saccawinkee.
The TAMARIN
is about the fize of a Squirrel: Its face is naked, of a fwarthy fleih colour ; its upper lip fomewhat divided ; its ears are very large and eredt, from whence it is called the Great-eared Monkey; its hair is foft, fhaggy, and of a black colour ; hands and feet covered with orange-coloured hair, very fine and fmooth; its nails long and crooked; tail black, and twice the length of its body.
The Tamarin inhabits the hotter parts of South- Ame- rica ; is a lively, pleafant animal ; eafily tamed ; but fo delicate, that it cannot bear a removal to a climate lefs temperate.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 415
The OUISTITI, or CAGVI,
is ftill fmaller than the Tamarin, its head and body not exceeding feven inches in length : Its tail is long, bulhy, and, like that of the Macauco, marked with alternate rings of black and alh colour ; its face is naked, of a fwarthy flefh colour ; ears large, and like the human ; body beautifully marked with dulky, alh-coloured, and reddifh bars ; its nails are fharp ; and its fingers like thofe of a Squirrel.
The Ouiftiti inhabits Brazil ; feeds on fruits, vegeta- bles, infe£ls, and fnails, and is fond of fifh.
Mr Edwards gives a description of one of thefe ani- mals, accompanied with an excellent figure. — He fays, that, one day being at liberty, it darted upon a fmall gold-fifh that was in a bafon, which it killed and devour- ed with avidity ; and that afterwards fmall eels were given to it, of which it feemed at firft afraid, from their twilling themfelves round its neck ; but that it foon over- came and eat them. — He likewife fays, that the Ouftiti produced young ones in Portugal, which at firft were
extremely
4i 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
extremely ugly, having hardly any hair on their bodies. They adhered clofely to the teats of the mother; and, when grown a little larger, fixed themfelves upon her back, from whence fhe could not eafily difengage them, without rubbing them off againft a wall : Upon thefe oc- cafions, the male always allowed them to mount upon his back to relieve the female.
The MARIKINA
is by fome called the Lion-Ape, from the quantity of hair which furrounds its face, falling backwards like a mane ; its tail is alfo fomewhat bufhy at the end : In other refpe&s, it bears no affinity whatever to the king of beafts. Its face is flat, and of a dull purple colour ; its hair long, bright, and filky, — from whence it is like- wife called the Silky Monkey; it is of a pale-yellow colour on the body ; the hair round the face of a bright- bay, inclining to red ; its hands and feet are without hair, and of the fame colour as the face ; its body is ten inches long, tail thirteen.
This creature is a native of Guiana, is very gentle and lively, and feems to be more hardy than the other Sa-
goins. BufFon fays, that one of them lived at Paris
feveral years, with no other precaution than keeping it in a warm room during winter.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4x7
The P I N C H E, or Red-tailed
is fomewhat larger than the Ouftiti. It is remarkable in having a great quantity of fmooth white hair, which falls down from the top of its head on each fide, forming a curious contrail with its face, which is black, thinly co- vered with a fine grey down : Its eyes are black and live- ly; throat black; hair on the back and Ihoulders of a light reddifh-brown colour ; breaft, belly, and legs, white; the tail is long, of a red colour from the rump to the middle, from thence to the end it is black.
The Pinche inhabits the woods on the banks of the river of Amazons ; is a lively, beautiful little animal ; has a foft whittling voice, refembling more the chirping of a bird than the cry of a quadruped. — It frequently walks with its long tail over its back.
MONKEY,
D d
The
4i 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The MICO, or Fair MONKEY,
is the laft that we fhall defcribe of this numerous race, and is the mod beautiful of them all. Its head is fmall and round ; face and ears of fo lively a vermilion colour, as to appear the effect of art; its body is covered with long hair of a bright filvery whitenefs and uncommon elegance ; tail long, and of a fhming dark chefnut colour.
This creature frequents the banks of the river of Ama- zons, where it was difcovered by M. Condamine, who preferved it alive till almoft within fight of the French coaft ; but it died before his arrival.
We have now laid before ou** readers a few of the molt noted varieties of this numerous race: Many others might likewife be added to fwell the account; but of tliefe, little more is known than their names and places of habitation. There are, probably, ftill more, which neither the alfiduity of the naturalift, nor the curiofity of the traveller, has been able to draw from their native woods. Indeed, there is great room to conje£lure, that
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 419
the ‘variations of the Monkey kind are fomewhat like thofe of the Dog, continually encreafing ; for it is very obvious, that, among the fmaller kinds of Monkies, the chara£leriftic differences do not appear to be great, how- ever they may vary in fize or in colour ; and it is certain, that the modes of living, faculties, and propenfities of thefe animals, are ftrikingly fimilar : So that, if we rea- fon from analogy on this fubje£l, we may fairly con- clude, that different kinds of Monkies may unite and propagate with the fame facility as the Goat and the Sheep, or the almofl innumerable kinds of Dogs.
The greater part of the cuts we have given of the Ba- boons, Apes, and Monkies, we were fortunate in pro- curing from living fubje&s, or drawings which might be depended on: And it is to be lamented, that, amongfl the numbers that have been publifhed, fo few fliould pof- fefs that peculiar character fo obfervable in the various members of this imitative tribe, which it is wholly im- poffible to trace from a fluffed fkin, void of every kind of ^xpreffion; and the mufcular parts, which fhould con- vey the idea of a£lion, generally ill fupplied, or entirely wanting.
Jt
D d 2
The
420 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
HIS animal, fo formidable in its appearance.
would be much more truly fo, if it poflefled the
power erroneoufly afcribed to it, of darting its quills at its enemies, and killing them at a diftance. — Though de- nied the privilege of making offenfive war, it is fuffi- ciently armed to refill the attacks of animals much more powerful than itfelf. — The largell of the quills are from ten to fifteen inches in length, thick in the middle, and extremely {harp at the end: They all incline backwards; but on being the leaft irritated, the animal raifes them up, making at the fame time a fnorting noife. Between the quills, the hair is thin, black, and briftly : The tail is covered with white quills, which are fhort and tranf- parent : Its legs are fhort ; and it has four toes before, and five behind.
The Porcupine is found in India, Perfia, and Pales- tine : It is likewife common in all parts of Africa. — The Indians hunt it for its quills, of which they make a kind of embroidery : They alfo eat its fleflr.
There are Porcupines in a wild {late in Spain and
/
The PORCUPINE.
Italy,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 421
Italy, though they are not originally natives of any part of Europe. Their flefh is fometimes expofed in the mar- kets at Rome, where it is eaten. The Italian Porcu- pines have fhorter quills and a lefler creft than thofe of Afia or Africa.
The Porcupine is an inoffenfive animal; lives on fruits, roots, and vegetables; deeps during the day, and feeds
by night. The female goes feven months, and brings
forth one young one at a time.' The drawing of this
animal was made from the life.
The Brazilian PORCUPINE
differs fo greatly from the laft, that it can fcarcely be faid to bear any relation to it, except in its being cover- ed with fpines about three inches in length: They arq white, very {harp, and have a bar of black near the points. The bread:, belly, and lower part of the legs, D d 3 are
422 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
are covered with ftrong briftly hairs of a brown colour. Its tail is long and (lender, and almoll naked at the end : The animal ufes it in defcending trees, by twilling it round the branches.
This creature inhabits Mexico and Brazil, lives in woods, and feeds on fruits and fmall birds. It preys by night, and lleeps in the day. It makes a noife like the grunting of a fwine, and grows very fat. — Its flelh is white, and elleemed good to eat.
The COENDOU
of M. Buffon, which he likewife calls the Brazilian Porcupine, inhabits the fame countries with the laft, and its habits and mode of living are fimilar; but, in refpedl to its figure, it feems to be a very different ani- mal. Its ears are fliort, and hid in the hair; its head, body, and upper part of its tail, are covered with long foft hair, in which are interfperfed a number of ftrong {harp fpines ; its tail is fhorter than that of the preceding fpecies, and it ufes it in the fame manner in defcending trees, frequently fufpending itfelf from the branches.
An
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 423
An animal fimilar to this is found in Canada, and various parts of North-America, as high as Iludfon’s Bay. It is called the Urson, or Canada Porcupine.
Many of the trading Indians, during their long ex -
curfions, depend on this creature for a fupply of food, which they efteem both wholefome and pleafant : They alfo make ;ufe of the quills to trim the edges of their deer-lkin habits, fo as to look like fringe ; and (lick them in their nofes and ears to make holes for their ear-rings.
The HEDGE-HOG, or URCHIN,
DESTITUTE of every other means of defence, is provided by Nature with a fpinous armour, which fecures it from the attacks of all the fmaller beads of prey ; fuch as Weafels, Martins, Polecats, &c. — When alarmed, it immediately collects itfelf into the form of a ball, and prefents on all Tides a furface covered with fharp points, which few animals are hardy enough to engage. The more it is harrafled, the clofer it rolls D d 4 itfelf ;
424 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
itfelf *, till its fears become an additional means of fafety, by caufing it to void its urine, which, running over its whole body, frequently obliges its enemy to defift, dif- gulled by the fmell.
There are few Dogs that will venture to attack the Hedge-hog, except fuch as are trained to the fport, merely to gratify the cruel pleafure of feeing a harmlefs animal endure, with aftonifhing patience, the moll wan- ton outrages ; whilll the Dogs, becoming more enraged at the wounds they receive from its prickles, at laft oblige it to unfold itfelf ; and it then foon falls a vidlim to their fury.
The Hedge-hog generally refides in fmall thickets and hedges ; lives on fruits, worms, beetles, and all kinds of infedls ; conceals itfelf in the day, and feeds during the night. It is eafily taken, for it neither flies nor attempts to defend itfelf ; but, when touched, Ihrinks into its cir- cular form, which it will not eafily quit, unlefs thrown into water.
The Hedge-hog, in the winter, wraps itfelf up in a warm nell, made of mofs, dried grafs, and leaves ; and fleeps out the rigours of that feafon. It is frequently found fo completely encircled with herbage on all fides, that it refembles a ball of dried leaves. When taken out and placed before a fire, it foon recovers from its torpid fta^e.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 425
The TENDRAC
is about the fize of a Rat. The upper part of its body is covered with fpines, fhorter and fmaller than thofe of the Hedge-hog, which it fomewhat refembles, but does not roll itfelf up like that animal 5 the reft of the body is covered with a kind of fine hard hair of a whitilh colour ; about the head and nofe it has feveral long hairs, like whifkers.
An animal of the fame kind is mentioned by M. Buf- fon, under the name of
The TANREC,
which is larger than the laft, and has fewer bridles : They only occupy the top of the head, and along the back, as far as the fhoulders j thofe on the neck are the
longeft.
426 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
longeft, and (land ere<ft : The reft of the body is covered with a briftly kind of hair of a yellowifh colour, among which are intermixed fome black hairs, much longer than the other: Its nofe is long, and its ears, more appa- rent than thofe of the Tendrac.
Both thefe animals are natives of India. — They make a grunting noife, and are fond of wallowing in mud, like Hogs : They frequent the banks of rivers, can live a long time in the water, and are frequently caught in fmall inlets of the fea : They dig holes in the ground, where they continue in a kind of torpid ftate during fe- veral months. They are generally very fat •, and the In- dians eat their flefh, though it is reckoned infipid and ftringy.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 427
The BEAVER
IS the moft induftrious of all animals. Its labours feem the refult of a focial compact, formed for mu- tual convenience, prefervation, and fupport*, and as, in all well-regulated focieties, a due fubordination is necef- fary for the well ordering and conducting each indivi- dual effort to the advantage of the whole ; fo, amongft thefe curious animals, we find, that, in forming their habitations, all have their proper part of the work af- figned to them, that, by dividing their labours, fafety, liability, and expedition, may be the general effeCt. To this purpofe, a community of two or three hundred af- femble together : An overfeer is appointed, whofe orders are pun&ually obeyed ; and, by linking the water fmart- ly with his tail, gives the fignal where the united force of numbers is neceffary to be applied, in order to llrengthen or fupport the fabric ; or, at the approach of an enemy, to apprize the focietv of their danger. — As foon as a convenient place is chofen for the ere&ion of their building, which is generally a level piece of ground, with a fmall rivulet running through it, they divide into
companies :
428 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
companies : Some are employed in cutting down trees of great fize, which is done by gnawing them with their teeth : Thefe they lay acrofs the dam with furprizing la- bour and perfeverance, or form them into piles, which others roll down to the water, make holes at the bottom for receiving the ends, and placing them upright, fecure them in that pofition ; whilfl another party is engaged in collecting twigs, interweaving and twilling them with the piles, and thereby {lengthening the work: Some colleCt large quantities of earth, Hones, clay, and other folid materials, which they difpofe of on the upper fide of the piles next the llream, forming a mound ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom, tapering gradually up- wards, and capable of fuftaining a confiderable weight of water : The length of the dam, occafioned by this means, is fometimes not lefs than one hundred feet. — Having compleated the mole, their next care is to ereCl their apartments, which are built on piles : They are of a cir- cular form, and generally confift of three {lories, about eight feet high above the water : The firft lies below the level of the dam, and is generally full of water; the other two are above it. The walls are two feet in thick- nefs, neatly plaiitered with clay on the infide, which is arched like an oven, and at the top refembles a dome. In each houfe there are two openings, — one toward the water, to which the animal has .always accefs in cafe of furprize ; the other toward the land, by which it goes out in quell of food. — The number of houfes in one of thele dams is from ten to twenty-five, fome of them large enough to contain a family of twenty or thirty Bea- vers. Each Beaver forms its bed of mofs ; and each fa- mily lays in its magazine of winter provifion, which con-
fifts
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 429
fifts of bark and boughs of trees : They pile up the latter with great ingenuity and regularity, and draw it out to their apartments as their wants require. — They are faid to be fondeft of the faflafras, afh, and fweet gum. — Du- ring fummer, they feed on leaves, fruits, and fometimes crabs or cray-fifh; but fifh is not their favourite food.
Their time of building is early in the fummer: In
winter, they never go farther than to their provifion
ftores; and, during that feafon, are very fat. They
breed once a year, and bring forth two or three at a birth.
Beavers are found chiefly in the northern parts of Eu- rope, Alia, and America; particularly the latter, from whence many thousands of their fkins are annually brought into Europe. In 1763, the Hudfon’s Bay com- pany fold 54,670 Beaver fkins at one fale. — They vary in colour: The mofl valuable are black; but the general colour is a chefnut-brown, more or lefs dark. Some have been found entirely white, others fpotted ; but both thefe kinds are very rare. * .
The Beaver is remarkable for the fize and flrength of its cutting teeth, which enable it to gnaw down trees of great magnitude with eafe. Its ears are fhort, and almofl hid in the fur; its nofe blunt; tail •broad and flat, nearly of an oval form, and covered with fcales — it ferves not only as a rudder to direct its motions in the water, but as a mofl ufeful inflrument for laying on the clay, pref- fing it into the crevices, and fmoothing the outward co- vering ; its fore feet are fmall, and not unlike thofe of a Rat ; the hind feet are large and flrong, with membranes between each toe ; its length, from nofe to tail, is about three feet ; the tail is eleven inches long, and three broad.
The
430 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The caftor produced from thefe animals is found in a liquid ftate in bags near the anus, about the fize of an egg : When taken off, the matter dries, and is reducible to a pctwder, which is oily, of a (harp bitter tafte, and a ftrong difagreeable fmell. Thefe bags are found indif- ferently in males and females ; and were formerly fup- pofed to be the animal’s tefticles, which, when purfued, it was faid to bite off, and by that means efcape with its life.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 431
The OTTER.
ALTHOUGH the Otter is not considered by naturalifts as wholly amphibious, it is neverthe- 1-efs enabled to remain a confiderable time under water, and can purlue and take its prey in that element with great facility. — The legs are very fhort, but remarkably ftrong, broad, and mufcular ; on each foot are five toes, conne&ed by ftrong membranes, like thofe of water fowl j the head is broad, of an oval form, and flat on the upper part •, the body is long and round, and the tail ta- pers to a point *, the eyes are brilliant, and placed in fuch a manner, that the animal can fee every objeeft that is above it, which gives it a Angular afpe£t, very much re- fembling an eel or an afp ; the ears are Short, and their orifice narrow. The fur of the Otter is of a deep-brown colour, with two fmall light fpots on each fide of the nofe, and another under the chin. *
This
432 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
This animal makes its nefl in fome retired fpot by the fide of a lake or river, under a bank, where it has an eafy and fecure accefs to the water, to which it immedi- ately flies upon the leafl alarm ; and, as it fwims with great rapidity, generally efcapes from its purfuers. — It deftroys great quantities of fifh ; and, in purfuit of its prey, has been obferved commonly to fwim againft the ftream. As foon as the Otter has caught a fifh, it im-
mediately drags it to the fhore ; devours a part, as far as the vent ; and, unlefs prefled by extreme hunger, always leaves the remainder, and takes to the water in quell of more.
Otters are generally taken in traps placed near their landing places, where they are carefully concealed in the fand. — When hunted with Dogs, the old ones defend themfelves with great obflinacy : They bite feverely, and do not readily quit their hold where they have once faf- tened. An old Otter will never give up while it has life ; nor make the leafl complaint, though wounded ever fo much by the Dogs, or even when transfixed with a fpear.
There are many inflances of Otters being tamed j but in thofe which have come to our knowledge, they were taken when young, and accuftomed by degrees to obedi- ence and reflraint. They became fo far domeflicated, as to follow their maflers, anfwer to a name, and employ their excellent talents at fifhing in their fervice.
Some years ago, James Campbell, near Invernefs, had a young Otter, which he brought up and tamed. It would follow him wherever he chofe ; and, if called on by its name, would immediately obey. When apprehen- five of danger from Dogs, it fought the protection of its
mafter,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 433
matter, and would endeavour to fly into his arms for greater fecurity. — It was frequently employed in catching fifh, and would fometimes take eight or ten falmon in a day. If not prevented, it always made an attempt to break the fifh behind the fin next the tail ; and as foon as one was taken away, it immediately dived in purfuit of more. When tired, it would refufe to fifh any lon- ger; and was then rewarded with as much fifh as it could devour : Being fatisfied with eating, it always
curled itfelf round, and fell afleep ; in which ftate it was
generally carried home. The fame Otter fiflied as
well in the fea as in a river, and took great numbers of codlings and other fifh. — Its food was generally frefh fifh, and fometimes milk.
Another perfon, who kept a tame Otter, fluttered it to follow him with his Dogs. It was very ufeful to him in fifhing, by going into the water, and driving trouts and other fifh towards the net.— It was remarkable, that the Dogs, though accuftomed to the fport, were fo far from giving it the fmalleft moleftation, that they would not even hunt an Otter whilft it remained with them ; on which account the owner was under the necefiity of difpofing of it.
Notwithftanding the Otter’s avidity for fifh, it will not eat it unlefs it be perfe&ly frefh : When that cannot be procured, it is fed with milk, or pudding made of oat- meal, See.
Otters are found in moft parts of the world, with no great variation. — They are common in Guiana, and fre- quent the rivers and marfhes of that country. They are fometimes feen in great numbers together; and are fo
E e fierce,
434 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fierce, that it is dangerous to come near them. They live in holes, which they make in the banks of the rivers*
The Otters of Cayenne are very large, weighing from ninety to one hundred pounds. They frequent the large rivers of that country. Their cry is loud, and may be heard to a great diftance. They are of a dark-brown co- lour. Their fur is fhorter than that of the Beaver, and very foft.
The Small Otter, found in Poland and the North of Europe, is much iefs than the common Otter, and of a dulky-brown colour: Its feet are broad, webbed, and covered with hair ; its fur is very valuable, being next in beauty to that of the Sable.
This Otter is found alfo in North-America, where it is called the Minx *, frequents the water, and lives on fifh ; is fond of poultry ; frequently deals into the hen roods, bites off the heads of the fowls, and fucks their blood ; is very fetid ; and, when irritated, has a molt loathfome fmell. — Its length, from nofe to tail, is twenty inches ; tail four. Its fur is of a dark-brown colour, ve- ry glofiy and beautiful.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 435
The SEA-OTTER*
Vaft numbers of thefe animals inhabit the coaft of Kamtfchatka, and the numerous iflands contiguous to it ; as well as the oppofite coafls of America, difcovered by the Ruffians : They are alfo found in fome of the larger rivers of South-America.-^-Their {kins are of great value, and have long been considered by the Ruffians as form- ing a confiderable article of their commerce. They dif- pofe of them to the Chinefe at the rate of feventy or a hundred rubles each, and receive in return fome of their molt valuable commodities.
The fur of the Sea-Otter Is thick and long, of a beau- tiful finning black colour, but fometimes of a fllvery hue ; the legs are thick and ffiort ; toes joined by a web ; the hind feet like thofe of a Seal ; length, from nofe to tail, four feet two inches ; tail thirteen, flat, and point- ed at the end. — The largeft of them weigh from feventy to eighty pounds.
The Sea-Otter is remarkably harmlefs, and molt affec- tionately fond of its young : It will pine to death for its lofs, and die on the very fpot where it has been taken
E e 2 away*
436 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
away. Before its young can fwim, it will carry it in its paws, and fupport it in the water, laying upon its back. — It fwims in various pofitions, — on its back, Tides, and even in a perpendicular pofture ; and in the water is very fportive. Two of them are fometimes feen embracing each other. It frequents {hallow places, abounding with fea weed ; and feeds on lobfters, crabs, and other (hell filh. — It breeds but once a year, and produces one young at a time, which it fuckles and carefully attends almoft a year.
The flefh of a young Otter is reckoned delicate eating, and not eafily diftinguifhed from that of lamb.
The SLOTH,
OF all animals, is the moft fluggifh and inactive ;
and, if we were to judge from outward appear- ance, would feem the moft helplefs and wretched : All its motions feem to be the effe£t of the moft painful ex- ertion, which hunger alone is capable of exciting. — It
lives
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 437
lives chiefly in trees ; and having afcended one with in- finite labour and difficulty, it remains there till it has en- tirely ftripped it of all its verdure, fparing neither fruit, bloflom, nor leaf j after which it is faid to devour even the bark : Being unable to defcend, it throws itfelf on the ground, and continues at the bottom of the tree till hunger again compels it to renew its toils in fearch of fubfiftence. Its motions are accompanied with a mofl piteous and lamentable cry, which is its only defence, and fecures it from the attacks of beafts of prey, which are faid to quit it with hor&r upon hearing its cry.
Though flow, aukward, and almoft incapable of mo- tion, the Sloth is ftrong, remarkably tenacious of life, and capable of enduring a long abftinence from food. We are told of one that, having fattened itfelf by its feet to a pole, remained in that fituation forty days without the leaft fuftenance. — The ftrength in its legs and feet is fo great, that, having feized any thing, it is almoft im- poffible to oblige it to quit its hold. The fame animal laid hold of a Dog that was fet loofe upon it, and held him fall with its feet till he periffied with hunger.
There are two kinds of Sloths, which are principally diftinguiffied by the number of their claws. The one, called the Ai, is about the fize of a Fox, and has three long claws on each foot : Its legs are clumfy, and auk- wardly placed ; and the fore legs being longer than the hind, add greatly to the difficulty of its progreffive mo- tion : Its whole body is covered with a rough coat of long hair of a lightifli-brown colour, mixed with white, not unlike that of a Badger ; and has a black line down the middle of the back : Its face is naked, and of a dirty-
E e 3 white
438 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
white colour; tail Ihort; eyes fmall, black, and heavy. It is found only in South-America.
The Unau has only two claws on each foot: Its head is Ihort and round, fomewhat like that of a Mon- key ; its ears are fhort ; and it has no tail. It is found in South-America, and alfo in the ifland of Ceylon. — The flefh of both kinds is eaten. — They have feveral fto- machs, and are faid to belong to the tribe of ruminating animals.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 439
The ANT-EATER.
THERE are feveral animals diftinguifhed by the common name of Ant-eaters, which differ great- ly in form. They are divided into three clafies, viz.
the Great, the Middle, and the Lefler Ant-eater.
The Great Ant-eater is nearly four feet in length, exclulive of its tail, which is two and a half. It is remarkable for the great length of its fnout, which is of a cylindrical form, and ferves as a (heath to its long and (lender tongue, which always lies folded double in its mouth, and is the chief inftrument by which it finds fubfiftence.
This creature is a native of Brazil and Guiana, runs flowly, frequently fwims over rivers, lives wholly on ants, which it colledls by thrufting its tongue into their holes 5 and, having penetrated every part of the neft, withdraws it into its mouth loaded with prey. — Its legs are fo ftrong, that few animals can extricate themfelves
E e 4 from
440 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
from its gripe. It is faid to be formidable even to the Panthers of America ; and fometimes fixes itfelf upon them in fuch a manner, that both of them fall and pe- rifli together*, for its obftinacy is fo great, that it will not extricate itfelf from its adverfary even after he is dead. — The flefh has a ftrong difagreeable tafte, but is eaten by the Indians.
The Middle Ant-eater is one foot feven inches from nofe to tail. It inhabits the fame countries, and procures its food in the fame manner, as the laft. Its tail is ten inches long, with which it fecures its hold in climbing trees by twifting it round the branches. — Both thefe animals have four ftrong claws on the fore feet, and five on the hind.
The Lesser Ant-eater has a (harp-pointed nofe, inclining a little downward : Its ears are fmall, and hid in the fur : It has two ftrong hooked claws on the fore feet, the outward one being much the largeft: *, and four on the hind feet : Its fur is long, foft, and filky, — of a yellowifli-brown colour : Its length, from nofe to tail, is feven inches and a half ; tail above eight, thick at the bafe, and taper to the end.— It inhabits Guiana, climbs trees in queft of a fpecies of ants which build their nefts among the branches.
Animals of this kind are found in Ceylon and the Cape of Good Hope. — Kolben defcribes the latter as hav- ing long heads and tongues ; that they feed on ants ; and are fo ftrong, that, if they fallen their claws in the ground, they cannot eafily be pulled away.— It is cal-
led in Ceylon the Talgoi or Ant-Bear.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 441
The Great MANIS, or PANGOLIN.
HIS fmgular animal is prote£led from external in-
jury by a coat of mail, fo Itrong, as to be fuffi- cient to protect it from the attacks of the moll powerful animals. All the upper parts of its body are clofely co- vered with fcales of different fizes, which it can erect at pleafure, oppofing to its adverfary a formidable row of offenfive weapons, which wound while they refill, and thus repel the moll rapacious invader. The Tiger, the Panther, or the Leopard, in vain attempt to force it. The moment it perceives the approach of an enemy, it rolls itfelf up like a Hedge-hog, and by that means fe- cures all the weaker parts of its body.
This creature is a native of Formofa and the Indian illes ; is likewife found in Guinea, where it feeds on ants, which it takes by laying out its long red tongue, covered with an un£luous dime, acrofs the paths of thofe infe£ls. — It is dow in its motions ; grows to the length of eight feet, including its tail, which is four. — Its flefli is much elteemed for its delicacy ; but it is difficult to
procure
442 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
procure, as the animal avoids mankind, and lives in ob- fcure retreats, in woods, and marfhy places.
The PHATAGIN
is a variety of this animal, but much lefs, being not more than a foot long from head to tail. Its body is covered with fharp-pointed fcales ; its throat and belly with hair : Its legs are fhort ; and each foot has four claws. It is remarkable for the great length of its tail, which in fome is above a yard long.— It is a native of Guinea, has been fometimes called the Scaly Lizard, and may be faid to be the connecting link in the chain of Being be- tween quadrupeds and reptiles,
The ARMADILLO
IS found only in South-America, where there are fe- veral varieties of them. They are all covered with a ftrong cruft or (hell, and are diftinguifhed from each other by the number of the flexible bands of which it is
compofed. It is a harmlefs, inoffenfive animal ; feeds
on roots, fruits, and other vegetables; grows very fat;
and is greatly efteemed for the delicacy of its flefh.
The Indians hunt it with fmall Dogs, trained for that purpofe. — When furprized, it runs to its hole, or at- tempts to make a new one, which it does with great expedition, having ftrong claws on its fore feet, with which it adheres fo firmly to the ground, that, if it ftiould be caught by the tail whilft making its way into
the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 443
the earth, its refiftance is fo great, that it will fometimes leave it in the hands of its purfuers : To avoid this, the hunter has recourfe to artifice ; and, by tickling it with a (tick, it gives up its hold, and fufFers itfelf to be taken alive. If no other means of efcape be left, it rolls itfelf up within its covering by drawing in its head and legs, and bringing its tail round them, as a band to connect them more forcibly together : In this fituation it fome- times efcapes by rolling itfelf over the edge of a preci- pice, and generally falls to the bottom unhurt.
The moft fuccefsful method of catching Armadillos is by fnares laid for them by the fides of rivers and places where they frequent. They all burrow very deep in the ground, and feldom ftir out, except during the night, whilft they are in fearch of food.
To give a minute defcription of the fhells or coverings of the Armadillos would be extremely difficult, as they are all compofed of a number of parts, differing greatly from each other in the order and difpofitio'n of the fi- gures with which they are diftinguiffied : But it may be neceffary to obferve, that in general there are two large pieces that cover the fhoulders and the rump, between which lie the bands, which are more or lefs in number in different kinds. Thefe bands are not unlike thofe in the tail of a lobfter ; and, being flexible, give way to the motions of the animal. The firft we (hall mention is
The TATUAPARA, or Three-banded ARMADILLO.
Its (hell is about twelve inches long, with three bands in the middle : The cruft on the head, back, and rump.
is
444 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
is divided into a number of elegant raifed figures, with five angles or fides : Its tail is not more than two inches long : It has neither cutting nor canine teeth ; and has five toes on each foot.
The TATOUj or Six-banded ARMADILLO,
is about the fize of a young Pig. Between the folds of the bands there are a few fcattered hairs : Its tail is long, thick at the bafe, and tapers to a point. — It is found in Brazil and Guiana.
The TATUETTE
is furnifhed with eight bands : Its ears are long and up- right m, eyes fmall and black ; it has four toes on the fore feet, and five on the hind ; its length, from nofe to tail, is about ten inches ; the tail nine. — It inhabits Brazil, and is reckoned more delicious eating than the others.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 445
The Nine-banded ARMADILLO
has a tenth band, moveable half way up on each fide : The (hell on the fhoulders and rump is marked with hex- angular figures; the bread: and belly are covered with long hairs ; its tail is long and taper ; and the whole ani- mal three feet in length.
One of this kind was brought to England a few years ago from the Mufquito fhore, and lived fome time. It was fed with raw beef and milk, but refufed to eat our fruits and grain.
The KABASSOU
is furnifhed with twelve- bands ; is the largeft of all the Armadillos,' being almoft three feet long from nofe to
tail :
446 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tail : The figures on the (boulders are of an oblong form ; thofe on the rump hexangular. It is feldom eaten.
The Weasel-headed ARMADILLO,
fo called from the form of its head, which is (lender, has eighteen bands from its (boulder to its tail : The (hell is marked with fquare figures on the (houlders; thofe on the legs and thighs are roundifh : The body is about fifteen inches long ; tail five.
All thefe animals have the power of drawing them- felves up under their (hells, either for the purpofe of re- pofe or fafety. They are furnilhed with drong lateral mufcles, confiding of numberlefs fibres, eroding each other in the form of an X, with which they contrail themfelves fo powerfully, that the dronged man is fcarcely able to force them open. The (hells of the larger Armadillos are much dronger than thofe of the fmaller kinds: Their flefh is likewife harder and more unfit for the table^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 447
The WALRUS, or SEA-HORSE.
THERE are feveral animals whofe refidence is al- moft conftantly in the water, and which feem to partake greatly of the nature of fifties, that are neverthe- lefs clafled by naturalifls under the denomination of qua- drupeds ; and being perfectly amphibious, living with equal eafe in the water as on land, may be confidered as the laft ftep in the fcale of Nature, by which we are conduced from one great divifion of the animal world to the other. Of thefe the Walrus is the mofl confulerable for its fize, being fometimes found eighteen feet in length, and twelve in circumference at the thick- eft: part : It is likewife remarkable for two large tufks in the upper jaw, which fometimes exceed two feet in length, and weigh from three to twenty pounds each.
The head of the Walrus is round; its lips very broad, and covered over with thick pellucid briftles ; its eyes fmall and red ; inftead of ears, it has two fmall orifices ; and above the whifkers, femicijcular noftrils, through
which
443 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
which it throws out water like the whale, but with much lefs noife : Its fkin is thick and wrinkled, and has a thin covering of fhort brownifh hair; its legs are fhort; it has five toes on each foot, connected by membranes, and on each toe a fmall nail ; the hind feet are very broad, and extended nearly on a line with the body.
The Walrus is chiefly found in the northern feas. Great herds of them are fometimes feen together on the fea fhore, or fleeping on an ifland of ice. When alarm- ed, they inftantly throw themfelves into the water with great precipitation : If wounded, they become bold and furious, and unite in the defence of each other ; will at- tack a boat, and endeavour to fink it by ftriking their great teeth into its fides, at the fame time bellowing in a mod hideous manner, — It is hunted for its teeth, which are equal to thofe of the Elephant for durability and whitenefs. — An ordinary Walrus is faid to yield half a ton of oil, equal in goodnefs to that of the whale.
The female produces one or two young at a time, which {he fuckles upon land.
In climbing upon the ice, the Walrus makes ufe of its teeth as hooks to fecure its hold, and draw its great
unwieldy body after it. It feeds on fea-weeds and
fhell-fifh, which it is faid to difengage from the rocks to
which they adhere with its tulks. The White Bear
is its greateft enemy. In the combats between thefe ani- mals, the Walrus is faid to be generally victorious, on account of the defperate wounds it infliCts with its teeth.
The
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 449
The SEAL
»
is found, with fome variety, in almoft every quarter of the globe: In the northern feas of Alia, Europe, and America ; as well as the lefs frequented regions towards
the fouth pole. Its ufual length is from five to fix
feet : The body is clofely covered with fhort hair of va- rious colours, fmooth and fhining ; its tongue is forked at the end; it has two canine teeth in each jaw, fix cut- ting teeth in the upper, and four in the lower; it has five toes on each foot, furnifhed with ftrong fharp claws, which enable it to climb the rocks, on which it frequent- ly bafks. It fwims with great ftrength and fwiftnefs,
is very playful, and fports without fear about fhips and boats. It feeds on various kinds of fifh, and is frequent- ly feen near the fhore in purfuit of its prey.
Seals are found in great abundance on the coafts of Great-Britain ; particularly in the deep recedes and ca- verns in the northern parts of the ifiand, where they re- fort in the breeding time, and continue till the young ones are old enough to go to fea. — The time for taking Seals is in the month of October, or the beginning of November. The hunters, provided with torches and bludgeons, enter the mouths of the caverns about mid-
E f night.
450 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
night, and row in as far as they can, where they land % and, being properly Rationed, begin by making a great noife, which alarms the Seals, and brings them down from all parts of the cavern in a confufed body, making frightful flirieks and cries. In this hazardous employ- ment, great care is neceflary on the part of the hunters to avoid the throng, which prefles down with great im- petuofity, and bears away every thing that oppofes its progrefs ; but when the firft crowd is pall, they kill great numbers of young ones, which generally draggle behind, by driking them on the nofe.
A young Seal yields above eight gallons of oil. — When full grown, their fkins are very valuable, and make a beautiful kind of leather, much ufed in making (hoes, See.
The fledi of the Seal is fometimes eaten; and that it was formerly admitted to the tables of the great, may be feen in the bill-of-fare of a fumptuous entertainment given by Archbifhop Nevil in the reign of Edward the Fourth.
The growth of Seals is fo amazingly rapid, that* after nine tides from their birth, they are as active as the old ones. — The female brings forth her young on the land, fits on her hind legs while die fuckles them, and as foon as they are able carries them to fea, learns them to fwim and fearch for food : When they become fatigued, {he places them on her back. The young ones know the voice of their mother, and attend to her call. — The voice of the Seal has been compared to the hoarfe barking of a Dog ; when young, it is clearer, and refembles the mew- ing of a Cat.
Seals are likewife found in the Mediterranean and Caf-
pian
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 451
pian feas, in the lake Baikal, and fome of the larger lakes. Thefe are fmaller than the falt-water Seals*, but fo fat, that they feem almoft (hapelefs.
The Ursine SEAL, or SEA-BEAR,
is much larger than the common Seal, being eight feet
in length, and weighing eight hundred pounds.-
Thefe animals are found among the iflands which lie between Kamtfchatka and America ; alfo on the coafts of New Zealand, Staten Ifland, New Georgia, and Falk- land’s Iflands. — They lie in thoufands on the fhore, in feparate families, each confifting of above an hundred. One male will fometimes have fifty females, which he guards with extreme jealoufy. They are exceflively fat and indolent, fometimes fcarcely ever moving from the place where they lie, for the fpace of three months ; during which time the females breed and fuckle their
F f 2 young.
45 2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
young. If another approach their ftation, they are roufed from their fupinenefs : A battle enfues, which fre- quently becomes general, and fpreads confufion through the whole fhore. Thefe conflicts are extremely violent, and the wounds they receive very deep, refembling a cut with a fabre.
The attachment of the male to the young is very Itrong : He defends them with great obftinacy, and fre- quently revenges their lofs upon the female, whom he beats moft cruelly *, whilft fhe crawls to his feet, and feems to deprecate his wrath with the moft obfequious geftures.
The female generally brings forth one, feldom two, at a time. — They fwim with great eafe, at the rate of about feven miles in an hour. When wounded, they will feize on a boat, carry it along with them, and fometimes fink it. They can continue a long time under water. In climbing rocks, they fallen their fore paws, and draw themfelves up.
Thefe, and all the Seal kind, will live a long time after receiving the moft dreadful wounds ; but the moft trifling blow on the fnout or forehead inftantly kills them.
The general colour of thefe animals is black. They are covered with a coat of long rough hair, under which is a foft down of a bay colour. On the neck of the old ones, the hair is eredl, and a little longer than the reft.
. — The fat and flefti of the old males are very naufeous *, but thofe of the females and the young, when roafted, are faid to be as good as the flefti of a fucking pig.
ADDEN-
ADDENDA
The American ELK,
OF which we here give a faithful portrait from a living one lately brought from the interior parts of America, feems to be a different animal from that ge- nerally defcribed under the name of the Elk or Moofe- Deer, to which it has very little refemblance. It feems, indeed, to belong to a diftindt fpecies * and is probably
the
454 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the Elk or Orignal of Canada and the northern parts of
America. At the age of five years, its length was
nine feet from the end of the muzzle to the infertion of the tail, the head and neck being extended in a line with the body ; its height at the (houlder four feet fix inches, length of the head one foot fix inches, breadth over the forehead feven inches, length of the fore legs two feet five inches, length of the neck two feet fix, its ears nine inches, and tail three. Its horns, which it had juft fhed, are not palmated, like thofe of the Moofe : They are large ; and, when full grown, meafure above fix feet from tip to tip. The antlers are round, and pointed at the ends : The lowermoft antler forms a curve down- ward over each eye, to which it appears a defence. Its hair was long, of a dark dun colour on the back and fides, on the head and legs dark-brown. Its eyes full and lively ; and below each there is a deep flit, about two inches in length, the ufe of which we are unable to
difcover. It was a lively, active animal *, of great
ftrength of body and limbs. Its hoofs are much fmaller than thofe of the Rein-Deer, the divifion between them lefs ; and, when the animal is in motion, do not make a rattling noife. It has no mane ; but the hair under its neck is longer than that of ^ny other part of the body.
We are told by the owner of this very rare and beau- tiful animal, that it does not attain its full growth till twenty years old, and that it fheds its horns every third year.
WILD
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 455
WILD CATTLE.
WE have been favoured, by Marmaduke Tunftall, efq; of Wycliffe, with the following particulars relative to the Wild Cattle of this ifland, which, it has been generally fuppofed, were only to be found at Chil- lingham, in the county of Northumberland : — <c They are very numerous at Wollaton, in Nottinghamfhire, the feat of Lord Middleton. The ears and nofes of thefe are black. When fat, they weigh from fixty to feventy Hone. As foon as the calves are dropped, they are al- ways taken away, and put to a tame Cow to be brought
up. — At GiCburne in Craven, Yorkfhire, the feat of
Lifter, efq; there are fome perfe&ly white, except the infides of their ears, which are brown ; without horns, very ftrong-boned, but not high. They have little or no fat within ; but it is finely interlarded with the flefh. They are faid to have been brought originally from Whalley Abbey, in Lancalhire, upon its diflolution in the 33d of Henry VIII. Tradition fays, they were drawn to Gifburne by the power of mufic. — Befides thefe, there are great numbers of Wild Cattle at Lime-
Hall, in Chefhire, the feat of Leigh, efq. They
are all white, and have red ears. — There were formerly great numbers of Wild Cattle at Chartley, in StafFord- fhire, the feat of Earl Ferrers; but their numbers are now much reduced, and the breed almoft extin£L”
Thefe are all the accounts we have been able to col- let
4 $6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Ie6t of this expiring breed, which formerly ranged at large in the wild and extenfive forefts which overfpread this kingdom.
FINIS .
i
v 0's
/
SOCIAL *“/-£
W?
THt GEFTV CENJER lISfMRV