f we “if : 4 3 N | i \ 1 3 eles 5 a ios 6, A o> hy Smithsonian Institution P] A wf IVAVICS exander Wetmore ay. cretary 195 3 yy fa FUL Me tee, 7 Fs / a ; ee, 7 7 7 ay oi wll Pe mL a On | A MW { f j i ly : ay) iL i yp 7 _ = { I any ay v i ‘. , yen ee iy y ’ r | 10 i Re! " , Cyt 1 i an Cee 0.) rae i j i i\ 1 ip ; i ; j phy ? i f _« i i n 1 | Ah vio | : i 1 i 7 , 7 Hh! int ui i - n ne ; at oO i i ‘ i i i i i i j i i 1 a \ 7 Ul ' a Y ig yn t Fl i i i ‘ if ; is hal ” i j 40 ( f i 1 i Hy 7 ta i) a: q i 1 7 a i : 7 Bat : a iP ai ‘an 7 aii ; f 1 a + r i : ? f q . ie iy f iy Ze , ' ; n y 14 he i il} } 7 I 6 i i ne i i - i : iy .. ( i ’ . tote rf ry as i) ne : : fat a a ; NY i i | } iit ; 7 Bay i : : Fi i a ; ian ; al - a or i ‘ iv i 1. | . hres me - A i 1 i nen” A i ! i a a ie sig ' men - oe : Ms : vi - a wih ny } in a : va : ) ihe 7 re He i i} An ‘a Ue, “ ’ : i co] = ’ "+ - : . i i a a8 i om a’ hil rs ., ‘% a5 mays a ” a — . - ad “ a - ‘ a} 7 “% wis. ¥, 7 “- y ee ‘ i % be q Pht" a. vy x tabs ¥ "ae oe 7 a wee’ ee ot ne ' ~~ a : 1 ee ow ; : Ps * ee : a J : aki HR: 1 7 a ma a Wi % if Pik . 7 _ =. 4 - f a Bt ae U iy le i », 4 | el tal q l/h 0 Be * 4 y a e a J. ae . - i: ' * = mh a, 5 oe ‘ i ° pal as yy 4 ; ~~ 7 say ’ io ui s - Y rod Re vt hae me ‘3 a oe 7 S 1 F "" » ; id Fy 4 a i: ’ 4 SITY Sake (SSS San S Puy Ss) fr 2 ‘ it aly See iy Ls | PUBLISHED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. SOLD BY CANVASSING AGENT'S, GRAND ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA ANIMATED NATURE. EMBRACING A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT RACES OF MEN. AND OF THE CHARACTERISTIC HABITS AND MODES OF LIFE OF THE VARIOUS BEASTS, BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS, REPTILES; AND MICROSCOPIC ANIMALCULA OF THE GLOBE. BEING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. BY JOHN FROST, LL.D. Ser through this Air, this Ocean, and this Earth, All matter quick, and bursting into birth, Vast chain of being which from God began, a * % * * Man, Beast, Bird, Fish, Insect, what no eye can see. EMBELLISHED WITH THIRTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY SPIRITED ILLUSTRATIONS, REPRESENTING THH VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF NATURAL HISTORY . AUBURN, N. Y. THE AUBURN PUBLISHING COMPANY, E. G. STORKE, PUBLISHING AGENT, a ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by MILLER, ORTON, & MULLIGAN, In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of New York. ee ae oe —e ae See eee eee 00_0—_ 0 0 Oe ee Tue contemplation and study of Anmarep Navrure excites universal interest and delight. The reason for this is obvious. The subject is, in itself, peculiarly attractive to minds of every class. The mineral and vegetable kingdoms interest comparatively but few, while all are drawn, with irre- sistible curiosity, to an examination of each and all of the orders of animated existence. This universal popular interest in the subject, and the obvious advantages which result from its investigation, have led to the preparation of the following work. Works upon this subject have, heretofore, been too elaborate, technical and expensive, or too con- cise and puerile, for popular use. They have been adapted, either to the critical student of Natural History, or to mere children. Hence, no full and satisfactory work upon this interesting subject, has found its way to the Homes and Firesides of the great body of our people. This work, it is believed, supplies the deficiency. All technical names und terms have been care- fully avoided; such only being used as will be readily comprehended by the general reader. The value of works upon Natural History, largely consists in the number and accuracy of the illus- trative engravings. In this respect the Innusrrarep Encycropepta or Animatep Nature is very full and accurate, there being THIRTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY ENGRAVINGS, exhibiting the different varieties of each of the orders described in the work, including the different races of Men, the various Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Insects, and Microscopic Animalcule of the globe. ‘ This work, it is believed, will be acceptable to American readers, leading to a more general appre- siation of the importance of Natural History, and to a wider diffusion of a popular taste for that inter esting subject. @ACES OF MEN, -— - Sc a, eee ee 7—280 CETACEA, - - - - = - - = = 190—196 MONKEYS, - - - - Se ae a BY) RAPACIOUS BIRDS—EAGLE, VULTURE, HAWK, OWL, 197—213 LEMUR, AYE-AYE, &C.,- - - - - = - 40-41 GOATSUCKER, SWALLOW, MARTIN, KINGFISHER, - 214—218 BANG ees ose Sh eee we a fe ADE AB PIGEONS, = = = = = = = & = 219-224! CATS een Sc ets = = | Ad Gg FINCHES, THRUSHES, FLYCATCHERS, BUNTINGS, - 225—230 DOGS, WOLF, FOX, HYNA, = Ses 8 Bo yes WARBLERS, -- - - - - - - - - 281—286 ICHNEUMON, WEASELS, - - - - - - 67—69 TITS, ROOK, CUCKOO, - - - - - - - 237—241 RATS, PACA, AGOUTI, MOLE, - - - - - 70—74 TOUCAN, PARROTS, - -° - - - - - 241-245 SLOTH, CARCAJOU, BADGER, OTTER, Se 8S yi BIRDS OF PARADISE, LYREBIRD, - - - - 246—249 BEARS, RACCOON, COATI, KINKAJOU, - - - 83—92 GALLINACIOUS BIRDS—TURKEY, DOMESTIC FOWL, ~ MARSUPIAL ANIMALS,- - - - - - - 93—96 PEACOCK, PINTADA, - - - - - - 250—255 SEALS, JERBOA, HEDGEHOG, PORCUPINE, MARMOT, 97—104 PHEASANTS, GROUSE, BUSTARDS, - - - - 256—262 CHINCHILLA, MARMOT, BEAVER, SQUIRREL, - - 106—112 OSTRICH, CASSOWARY, EMU, DODO, - - - - 263—264 BABBITANDHARE, - - °- - = = salt} HUMMINGBIRDS, MOCKING BIRD, - - - - 265—267 OX, BISON, BUFFALO, - - - - - - = 114-124 CAT BIRD, ROBIN, CHATTERERS, WRENS, SPAR- ANTELOPES, Se: oe eee Se Ss abi ROWS, WAXWINGS, WOODPECKERS, LARKS, - 268—279 GOATS, - - - - 25 2+ . = # = 182—136 CROWS AND JAYS, =) oe us = = 8 0me282 SHEEP een ee ek) mig eer 2 87149 WEAVER BIRD, TROGONS, CHAJA, CEREOPSIS, - 283—286 GIRAFFE, - - - - 2 = 2 = = 148—147 HERON, STORK, ADJUTANT, CARIAMA, - ,.- - 287—290 CAMEL, LLAMA, - - - + - - = = 148—152 WATER BIRDS, - - - - - - - = 291—818 DEER, - - - - = 2 2 - = = 158—162 REPTILES, - 5 © © © ,=% = = 819—829 HORSE, ASS, ZEBRA, QUAGGA, - - - - - -163—169 FISHES,- - - - - - = = = = 880—849 “ELEPHANT, - = =) =* = = =« = #- 170—174 INSECTS, - - 2 = = = = = 850—860 HOG, RHINOCEROS, HIPPOPOTAMUS, =e wi75——186 CRUSTACEA, - - = © = = = == 861—86b HYRAX, ARMADILLO, MANIS, ANTEATER, ORNITHO- MOLLUSCGA, - - - - = = -= = = :866—879 RHYNCUS, - - - - + - -. - - 187—189 RADIATA. - - =| © ie = - 880—384 SS yea | 2 * : J re 0 1)) a he ; is Wb Mi i ee - ; heey.) E Pad HT a ai - ‘a “RACES OF MEN. = = = = American Indian. European. Chinese Tartar Race. Laplander. Man holds the foremost place in the order of creation. The perfection of his bodily form is as far supe- rior to that of other beings as his intellect surpasses their instinct, beautiful and marvellous though it be Between man and brutes there is an impassable barrier, over which man can never fall, or beasts hope to climb. Man, when fallen from his high estate, and deprived of the use of his reason, still holds his supremacy over the lower animals, and is not subject even to the most perfect and powerful brutes. There is but one genus of mankind, Homo, and but one species, Sapiens; that is, the rational human being Intellect, or reason, differs from instinct in its power of accommodation to circumstances ; whereas instinct ever remains unchanged. Man is modified according to the climate and position in which he is placed. There are several of these modifications, or varieties as they are called, but authors do not agree as to their number. Some describe the human family as divided into five varieties or races; the Caucasian, the Mongolian, the Ethiopian, the Malayan, and the American; each of these being subdivided into families, as for instance the Caucasian race subdivided into the Caucasian, the Celtic, the Germanic, the Arabian, the Libyan, the Nilotic, and the Indostanic families. ‘The division generally received is that of Pickering, who enumerates eleven’ races of men, all of whom he has seen; the Arabian, Abyssinian, Mongolian, Hottentot, Malay, Papuan, Negrillo, Telingan, Ethiopian, Australian, and Negro. He differs from Prichard in several points, but especially in referring the population of America ‘to the Mongolian race, whereas Prichard considers it as entirely separate. The characteristics and distribution of each race are briefly these. The Arabian race extends over the whole of Europe, excepting Lapland, about half of Asia, including the greater part of India, and moat of the northern third of Africa. The complexion is light, the lips are thin, the nose is prominent, and»the beard thick. Number about three hundred and fifty millions. The Abyssinian race occupies a small tract towards the east of Africa, including part of Abyssinia, and part of Nubia. The features are like those of Europeans, the complexion is light, the hair is crisp, and the beard moderate. Number about three millions. The Mongolian race is remarkable for a feminine aspect in both sexes, so that a stranger is often perplexed to distinguish a man from a woman at a short distance; the hair is straight, and the beard is wanting. It extends over the eastern half of Asia, except Corea, over Lapland, and the whole of America, except the western coast by California, and the upper part of South America. Number three hundred million. The Hottentot race occupies the southern extremity of Africa. The complexion is not so dark as ono eo the Negro, the hair is woolly, and frequently grows in irregular patches, leaving a bald spot in RACES OF MEN. | Asiatic Caucasians. Heads of Africans. South Sea Islanders. the centre of each patch. ‘This race includes, Bechuanas and the Bosjesmans. The complexion of the Bosjesmans, or Bushmen, is very light, and strongly resembles that of an European, with a few sooty patches irregularly placed. Number about five hundred thousand. The Malay race is almost amphibious, and is never found inland.: It is widely spread, and irthabits the centre of Madagascar, the whole of the islands in the Pacific Ocean, except the Fiji, New Hebrides, Solomon’s Isles, Papua, and parts of the Philippines. The parts of America not populated by the Mongolians, are also inhabited by this race. The complexion is a dark copper, the hair straight, when cut it stands erect, and the beard is thin. Number one hundred and twenty millions. The Papuan race inhabits about two-thirds of Papua, and the Fiji Islands, where Pickering saw the only individuals of this race who came under his notice. The complexion is*dark, the hair bushy, the beard copious. The most remarkable point in this race is the skin, which is astonishingly rough and harsh. Number three millions. The Negrillo race is like the Papuan in color, but the hair is more woolly, the stature is small, and the beard absent. The Negrillos inhabit part of Papua, Solomon’s Isles, the northern extremities of Luzon and Sumatra, and the New Hebrides. Number three millions. The Telingan, or Indian race, inhabits the eastern parts of India, especially about Calcutta, several isolated spots in other parts of India, and the east coast of Madagascar. The complexion is dark, (best imitated by a mixture of red and black,) the skin is soft, the features are like those of Europeans, hair straight and | fine, and the beard copious. Number sixty millions. The Ethiopian race is darkey than the Telingan, the hair is crisp and fine, skin soft, and the features are more like European features than those of the Negro. This race ixuapits the north-eastern portion of Africa, including Southern Egypt, part of Nubia, and part of Abyssinia; a few detached spots towards the north-west, and a large tract of country by Senegambia. Number five millions. The Australian race inhabits Australia alone.. The complexion is like that of the Negro, but the hair is not woolly like that of the Negro. Number five hundred thousand. The Negro race inhabits the central parts of Africa, from the north of Ashanti to a little southward of Zanzibar. The complexion is black, the iips are immensely thick, the nose is flat, and the hair is close and curly, strongly resembling wool. . Number fifty-five millions. The numbers given in this distribution are of ‘ourse in many cases only conjectural. : The migration of the human race, or their progress from one part of the world to another, is a question of considerable difficulty. Many parts of the earth, such as islands, could not be reached without some artificial means to enable men to cross the water. This implies some degree of civilization, as boats or rafts are the result of much thought and some skill. The question is yet to be answered. Pickering has published a map containing the probable route of mankind through the earth. He appears to think that the oft mooted problem of the population of America is not very difficult of solution, as the Aleutian Isles form a chain of spots easily traversed by the skin-covered canoes which are still in use among those islands. : es. 1 Fuegians. Patagonians, g » Wire respect to the distribution of the Mongolian race, Dr. Pickering says: “The Arctic Regions seem exclusively possessed by the Mongolian race; which besides is diffused through a greater variety of climates than any other, and over a far larger area. This comprises about one half of Asia,-and with a slight exception all aboriginal America, or more than two-fifths of the land surface of the globe. Notwith- || standing the recent encroachments, the greater portion of the American continent is still inhabited by Mongolian tribes; and while some of them wander towards the north, further than civilised man has hitherto been able to follow, others are still the nearest dwellers to the Southern Pole.” The Patagonians are not, as has been supposed, of unusually tall stature; but they appear tall from their peculiar mode of dress. They are all horsemen, but having no canoes they cannot pass the straits of Magellan; the Fuegians (inhabitants of Terra del Fuego,) do this sometimes, when they are seized and reduced to slavery. | The Southern Watermen, or the Fuegians, are far less advanced in the art of navigation than their northern brethren. Their canoes are smaller and inferior in construction. ‘They are not known to venture forth into the open sea; and even the Falkland Islands, although so near the coast, appear to have remained unvisited by them. The Fuegians go entirely naked, although snow is not unfrequent in their island. Still, the winters are mild, and vegetation is no where checked by a season of cold. . The Chilian aborigines have become assimilated to the Spanish in their customs and modes of living, and the races are mixed to a considerable extent. In Peru, the aboriginal blood preponderates, but the political power is not largely shared by the driginal stock. Some ancient customs are retained, and the language of the Incas still continues to be spoken among portions of the Peruvian Indians. The islands and shores on the north-west coast of America are inhabited by a maritime people, called the Chinooks, who are like the Patagonians in appearance and habits. Dr. Pickering considers them as pos- || Sessing, in common with other Mongnolian tribes, peculiar qualifications for reclaiming or reducing animals | to the domestic state. | (9) MONGOLIAN RACE. | -Chilian Indians. Peruvian indians. Dr. Pickering says that the aboriginal stock so preponderates in Mexico, that the people do not regard themselves nationally as belonging to the white race. He considers himself to have positive evidence of the existence of the Malay as well as the Mongolian race among the aborigines of Mexico. The aboriginals of the United States appear to be in every respect physically identical with their*breth- ren west of the Rocky Mountains. They have, however, a marked superiority of stature; and they do not in point of size, fall below Europeans. Dr. Pickering says, “I have seen examples of the tribes of MONGOLIAN RACE. "MALAY RACK. | Malay Woman. Malays. '| the Missouri and Upper Mississippi, in the delegations which, from time to time, have visited Washington : 2 is Menomenies, Winnebagoes, Sauks and Foxes, Sioux, Pawnece! Otoes, Miamies, and Iowas.” | All these tribes, as well as the Crees, Crows, Troquois, Delawares, Seminoles, and Creeks, he unhesi- atingly classes with the Mongolians, after having carefully examined their features. The Chinese, Dr. Pickering had frequent and ample opportunities of examining, particularly at Manila. He says, “Manila was crowded with Chinese; and I was surprise] at the scanty clothing of the majority of them, reduced often to the simple belt or sash, as with the Feejeeans and some Hawaiians. They had small retail shops, and were evidently the principal artisans. One of the most remarkable spec- tacles to a stranger, was the confined space in which they carried on, without interfering with one ancther, all mechanical employments. A competent judge of these matters remarked, ‘that he had never seen mechanics require so little room, and at the same time do their work so neatly and faithfully.’ In passing through the streets occupied by them, I repeatedly selected individuals, who, if transported in a different dress into the American forest, might, I thought, have deceived the raost experienced eye. In stature they were by no means so much degenerated as the Malays, but were reported to be less cleanly in their nabits. “ The upper classes of Chinese presented a very different picture, and I was much impressed with the || vespectability of their standing, with their general intelligence, and their ease, politeness, and refinement of manners.” The island of Borneo has not been sufficiently observed by persons interested in classifying the races to define accurately the races of its inhabitants, but it is probable that the maritime portion is chiefly || Malay, while the natives of the interior are Mongolians. The Laplanders are Mongolians, approaching “the Esquimaux in appearance, and connected with the Mongols of Siberia, through the Samoiedos. Matay Race.—“ If the Mongolian,” says Dr. Pickering, “occupies a larger portion of the surface of the globe, the Malay is yet the” most widely scattered race, ‘and in some respects, it is also the most remark- able. _ In institutions and social condition it exhibits, perhaps, greater variety than all the other races combined ; and, from a universal, instinctive attachment to the water, it almost merits the appellation of ‘amphibious.’ Endowed, too, with a wandering disposition, less regardful of a home, than the rest of mankind, its march has been truly ‘upon the waves; and, beyond the Atlantic, it has reached almost every islet in the ocean that affords the least means of subsistence. «The Malay complexion is very uniform, and is always decidedly darker than the Mongolian. I have {11) ————— = MALAY RACE. Women of Borneo. Natives of the North-east coast of Borneo never seen it ight enough to show the ‘east trace of a flush, nor on the other hand, so dark but that the marks of tattooing were conspicuously visible. The color may be termed reddish-brown, more nearly than in the Mongolian race, approaching the hue of tarnished copper. “The hair seems in greater quantity than in the other races, the Papuan, perhaps, excepted; and it 1a straight, or at most wavy, and usually raven-black. The beard grows long, but is almost always thin, though some variety prevails in different countries. The East Indian tribes are nearly beardless; while among the Polynesians a beard is not unusual, though it does not seem to get strong till late in life.” We here present figures of the inhabitants of Australia Felix, the coust of Borneo, and the Siamese, all of whom are classed by Dr. Pickering with the Malay race. The Borneans of the coast are addicted to maritime pursuits, like the other Malays, and many of them are pirates of the worst kind. The natives of New Guinea, as well as a large portion of the inhabitants of the Pacific, and the Siamese, are also Malays. Siamese. 2) — Japanese. The Japanese, Dr. Pickering describes as short, rather stout built men, with dark complexion, rathet flat nose and black hair. The people of Madagascar. have very dense hair, and exhibit other obvious marks, in their personal appearance, of the unmixed Malayan. The Taheitians are found to excel in the culinary art; and they exhibit agility and suppleness of limb. Some of the Polynesian Malays have frizzled hair. Dr. Pickering saw specimens at Manua, the (18) et Inhabitants of Madagascar Samoan Group, and at Tongataboo. Of the New Zealanders, Dr. Pickering says: “It is usual to represent the New Zealanders with a peculiar cast of countenance, and especially with the nose more prominent than in other Polynesians. It is true the cheeks seemed in general thinner, and the frame not so well filled out, owing, perhaps, in some measure, to the scarcity and inferior quality of the food; and I once met with an assemblage of very rugged-looking men. On the whole, it appeared to me, that there was some optical illusion arising from the peculiar style of tattoo- ing; for, in the countenances that were mostly free from these marks, I saw only the same series of expressions as at Taheiti and Samoa. In stature, however, the New Zealanders were inferior to the inhabitants of those places, and they did not, on the average, appear to exceed Europeans.” The New Zealanders are ready enough to enter into the European system of civilisation, and adopt the arts and fashions of the whites; but under the new order of things, they have been found to possess the failing of extreme covetousness. They are, besides, apt to be morose and discontented, and not very scrupulous in alhering to their bargains. = | = | — =. . = = — == = Canoe of the New Zealander. Nothing so much surprises the European emigrant as the physical difference between the natives of Australia and New Zealand, two neighboring regions situated between the same parallels of Iutitude; the change in habits is likewise radical. The remark may be extended to the other territories of the Southern Hemisphere which are remotely detached, and are noted for their remarkable yet dissimilar natural pro- ductions ; for it will be difficult to select from the human family four nations more unlike than the Austra- lians, Austral Polynesians, Fuegians, and Hottentots. It will further be observed that they severally pursue the precise four ultimate methods of procuring sustenance, and may be classed respectively, as hunting, agricultural, piscatorial and pastoral tribes. The “hunter state,” indeed, is impossible in New Zealand, from the absence of game. By an anoma- lous distribution of the vegetation, the open grounds of this extensive country are almost exclusively covered with fern. There is no pasturage for grazing animals; neither, on the other hand, have any woodland quadrupeds been allotted to the forests. Although fish enters largely into the diet of the New Zealanders, they are not an exclusively maritime people like the piscatorial tribes of America, but they are diffused throughout the interior country. More- over, what is a little remarkable in the Malay race, they rather avoid the sea; holding, nevertheless, occa- sional communication along the coast. ~ In the management of a canoe or boat, the watives by no means fall behind their Tropical brethren. as we had many opportunities of witnessing, even in the instance of the pilot at Sidney, who had selected New Zealanders for the crew of his open boat. Unlike the Tropical Polynesians, they were not seen bathing, a circumstance attributed to the coolness of the water, but they are otherwise less cleanly in all their habits. Their huts, too, are very small and close, built of bundles of “rapoo,” (Typha,) and roofed usually with leaves of the wild palm. (14) i! = = = = = —————__—_—____i MALAY RACE. New Zealanders, dancing. “The New Zealanders have always borne a warlike character; and I was, therefore, much surprised at tne inefficiency of their weapons. Besides the stone mace, their principal one is a straight, sword-like club, which is wielded with both hands. This is a remarkable change from the weapons of the Tropical Poly- nesians ; for the javelin appears to be unknown, likewise the bow, and according to Mr. Hale, the sling. Their wars, indeed, do not appear to have ever been very bloody; and, notwithstanding the eagerness manifested in seeking possession of muskets, these had been used for the most part, at extravagant dis- tances. The Bay of Islands, two years previously, had been the seat of war. Persons from distant clans were attracted to the spot, and the parties on their arrival would dividerto the right and left, brothers, and other members of the same family, often taking opposite sides. On the restoration of peace, Pomare’s tribe having killed many of the Kororarika people, gave their opponents a tract of land by way of compensation. “The soil was said to be held by the chiefs, although the consent of each member of the tribe was neces- sary toa sale. It appears that in the alleged sales to Huropeans, the natives have not understood that they were alienating their lands absolutely; nor, if I am rightly informed, would the European view of such transactions be admitted among other Polynesians. “Tattooing is incised, and is a much more painful operation than in the rest of Polynesia. The quantity of marking about the face seemed to be very much in proportion to the rank gf the individual; each chief, however, having some variation in the pattern. It was said that in signing a document the chiefs trace this pattern on the paper, such a signature being readily recognised by all the natives who have ever seen the individual. This was the nearest approach to writing that I found among the Polynesians, and the practice appeared to be quite unknown elsewhere.”’—Dr. Pickering. The New Zealand manufactures show skill at least equalling that of their Tropical brethren (15) : Speaking of the Hawaiians, Dr. Pickering says: “From my first landing, I was surprised at the scanty clothing of many of the men and boys; their dress con- sisting often of a mere sash, as with the Fejeeans; except only that the color was not fixed by fashion. The large-fruited variety _of gourd or calabash was only seen here; and the shells were in general use, as a substitute for baskets, buckets, and chests. All burdens were carried by means of the balance-beam; and this Hin- doo and ancient Egyptian method is common to all parts of Poly nesia except New Zealand, but is not practised at the Fejee Islands. “The green and pleasant aspect of many of the valleys was found to be owing to aboriginal irrigation; not, however, for the production of upland crops, but to form artificial marshes and pools for the cultivation of taro. These pools subserve a double purpose, being likewise used for keeping mullet; the young fry of which are captured along the coast, and by a course of management are brought to live in fresh water, where they acquire superior size and flavor. In the ponds nearest the coast, I have seen two other kinds of sea-fish, the Butirinus and the Dules. Fish-ponds appear to be unknown at the southern Polynesian groups. “The most approved delicacy of the Hawaiian Islands consists of a particular breed of dog, which is fed exclusively on ‘poi’ (fermented taro-paste,) and is not allowed to taste animal food. Salt has been always used to cure pork and fish; in which business, in a small way, the Hawaiians rather excel; and it was observed, that they did not manifest aversion to our : salted provisions, like the other Polynesians, and the Fejee- ans. Another novelty occurred, in the profession of the fowler; and numbers of small birds offered for sale alive, which had been captured with a species of birdlime. “The houses are of medium size, compared with others among the Polynesians, and are closely built; having the walls and roof usually thatched with dried grass. In this climate, a covering is necessary at night; and layers of Polynesian Malays. MALAY RACE. q ‘tapa’ serve for a blanket, and are even preferred for this purpose by many European residents. The bed consists of a layer of mats; and we were shown some specimens of matting of fine texture, that had required the labor of years. A string of tutui-nuts forms a candle; in the same manner as castor beans (Ricinus) are sometimes employed at the Fejee Islands. “ Licentiousness prevailed at this group to a degree not witnessed elsewhere; and in the former state of society, when ‘ men were living with several wives, and women with several husbands, there appears to have been really an approach to promiscuous intercourse. In all the other coun- tries which I have visited, more regard has been paid in this respect to the indications of nature.” Civilization has muck improved them. as) urate AUSTRALIAN RACE. Native of the interior of Australia. Native of Australia Femx. An Australian. Dr. Picxerinc says: “The Australian may be characterised in general terms, as having the com- plexion and features of the Negro, with hair in the place of wool. “On closer examination, however, other points of diversity are remarked; and I think it will be very generally found that the forehead does not recede as in the Negro, an unusually deep-sunken eye giving it rather the appearance of projecting. The eye, at the same time, though uniformly small, is uncommonly piercing. With regard to other races somewhat approximating in personal appearance, the genuine hair will at all times distinguish the Australian. “ About thirty Australians came under my own observation, who neither had the lips so uniformly thick, nor the nose so much depressed, as in the Negro; but in certain instances both nose and mouth were ‘wider. Some individuals were of surpassing ugliness; while others, contrary to all anticipation, had the face decidedly fine; and several of the young women had a very pleasing expression of countenance. The general form, though sometimes defective, seemed on the average, better than that of the Negro; and I did not find the undue slenderness of limb which has been commonly attributed tr the Nusteianst Strange as it iaay appear, I would refer to an Australian as the finest model of the humaa proportions I have ever met with; in muscular development combining ne symmetry, activity, and strength; while his head might have compared with an antique bust of a p hilosopher. “The Australian complexion appeared to me full as dark as that of the Negro; but I did not institute a critical comparison, neither did I see the two races in company. The hair seemed rather coarse, and instead of being perfectly straight was usually undulating, or even curling in’ringlets. The head was by no means deficient, though less abundant than in the Fejeean. « For characteristic representations of Australians, Iam hardly willing to refer to any except those in Mitchell’s Tour, and the portraits taken by Mr. Agate ; among which latter I have been most pleased with that of Bamboro-kain. The colored figures in the French Voyages are deficient in that depth of hue which” at once arrests attention in the Australians.” (17) Diet PAPUAN HACE. A Fejee Girl. A Native of the Fejee Islands. “Tur term ‘Papuan,’” says Dr. Pickering, “notwithstanding some ambiguity, may be conveniently applied to a race of robust blacks, of whom the only examples I have seen, with probably one exception, have been the natives of the Fejee Islands. “So far as my observation extends, the Papuan race differs from the rest of mankind in one remarkable physical peculiarity, the hardness or harshness of the skin. This point long since attracted the attention of those Tonga people, from whom Mariner derived his accurate notices of the Fejee Islands. It is proper to add, that I have not examined the quality of the skin in the Negrillo race. The hair of the Papuan is in great quantity, is naturally frizzled and bushy, and so coarse as to be rather wiry than woolly. When dressed according to the Fejee fashion, it forms a resisting mass, and offers no slight protection against the blow of a club. I have had occasion to remark that it actually incom- moded the wearer when lying down; and to this circumstance, rather than to any foppery, I am disposed to attribute the origin of the wooden neck-pillow. The beard does not appear to grow so long, or to cover so large a portion of the face as in the white race; but the Papuan exceeds the remaining races, in the quantity of beard. s “The complexion is of a deeper shade than in the Malay race, but it is much the same as in the Ben- ealee or Telingan. The features in many respects resemble those of the Negro, but the lips are not quite so thick, and the nose is somewhat more prominent; while a very general elongation of the face imparts a different aspect. I did not meet with a really fine head among the Fejeeans, but the countenance was often grave and peculiarly impressive; and I had frequent occasions to remark, that strangers did not readily forget the features of Veindovi. In average stature, the Fejeeans were found to exceed the white race; but they fell below the men of Tonga and Samoa. “Tn some parts of the globe instances of cannibalism have occurred, sometimes from extreme necessity, or as a deed of savage ferocity; and we read of tribes who practise it as a ceremony, religious rite, or even as a manifestation of affection. At the Fejee Islands the custom rests on different grounds. It is here interwoven in the elements of society; it forms in no slight degree a pursuit; and ;t is even regarded in the light of a refinement. Instances are of daily occurrence; and the preparation of human flesh calls into requisition a variety of culinary processes, and is almost a distinct art. There are, however, degrees in the practice, in different parts of the group; and some revolting details were given, which it seems hardly worth while to repeat. “Tn common with arts and attainments, the traces of cannibalism existing among the Polynesians have appeared to me referable to a Fejeean source. And it is an interesting circumstance, that this practice should not have acquired general and permanent foothoold among a people so easily influenced by example.” NEGRILLO RACE Malay Race.—David Malo, a Hawaiian. Negrillo Race.—An Aramanga Lad. “ Tue Negrillo race,” says Dr. Pickering, “has much the same complexion as the Papuan; but differs in che diminutive stature, the general absence of a beard, the projecting of the lower part of the face or the inclined profile, and the exaggerated Negro features. “The hair also is more woolly than in the Papuan, though far from equalling in knotty closeness that of the Negro. On a direct. comparison with the Negro, I have observed that the complexion appears to be rather red than black. , “One day, at Tongataboo, I observed, as I supposed, a Negro lad sporting in the midst of a group of native children. I should, perhaps, have thought nothing of the circumstance, had I not been told by a resident that he wasa native of the island of Aramanga. It appeared that ‘he had been brought in a trading vessel about ten years previous.’ My informant, who was on board the vessel, stated, ‘ that the object of the voyage was to cut sandal wood, but so much opposition was experienced from the natives, that after obtaining a little the enterprise was abandoned. Beards were rare at Aramanga.’ “On invitation, the lad subsequently came on board the Vincennes, bringing a little present of fruit; and I was thus enabled to examine his features more particularly. The forehead was remarkably retreating, with a horizontal sulcus or furrow, and the lower part of the face was very prominent; the lips were thick, the nose hardly as broad as in the Negro, and the eyes, though small and deeply sunk, were very lively ; the cheeks were thin, and the limbs slender, with the calf of the leg high. Notwithstanding his orang fea- tures, the countenance was very pleasing, and he seemed unusually active and intelligent. Having been brought away when a child, he had forgotten every word of his native language. It was reported of him, that at night, instead of seeking, like his companions, the protection of-houses, he resorted to the sea-shore, and buried himself in the sand. ~“Captain Vanderford once visited Aramanga; and in circumnavigating it, ‘attempted at various points to open communication with the natives; but he could get nothing from them, except a spear or a stone. They were the most singular looking people he ever beheld, and appeared to him rather like monkeys than men.’ The last expression will be found to be nearly identical with the terms used by Forster, in speaking yf another island of the same group.” . : “The Andaman islanders, from the concurrent accounts, may be referred to the Negrillo race, which seems also to be present in the Malayan Peninsula, if not in Sumatra. On the other hand, Dr. Dickenson heard nothing of Negrilloes in Borneo; they appear to be equally absent from Celebes and Mindanao, where the interior is occupied by Harafora tribes, and from Java, where the population is comparatively advanced. Indeed, the geographical distribution sufficiently indicates that the Negrillo race once occupied more svace than it does at this time, and that in many instances it has preceded the dissemination of other races.” (19) Mt KS A Hindoo Girl. A Hindoo Silversmith. A Hindoo Goldsmith. “ Tue Eastern Hindoos,” says Dr. Pickering, “those at least who make visits to the East India islands, present great uniformity in their personal appearance; and, in this respect, they agree with the tribes and nations situated to the eastward of Hindostan. “The complexion is much the same as in the two preceding races, and is so decidediy darket than in the Malayan, that by common consent it is called black; although, on comparison, the hue differs widely from that of the unmixed Negro. The true color may be formed by mixing red and black ; and ‘n reference to the use of the term of ‘purple-brown’ and that of ‘olive, it should be observed that neither blue nor green enter into any variety of human complexion. “ The features approximate very closely to those of the white race; but in general the mouth appeared to be wider, the nose rather less prominent, and the lips sensibly thicker. The profile was observed to be less vertical than in the surrounding Malays; the lower part. of the face projecting with a regular arch, as in the Mongolian; and there was a further correspondence with the latter race, in the frequent instances of the arched nose. “ The skin was ascertained to be very soft. The beard occurred more frequently, and was decidedly more copious than in the Malayan race. The hair was straight and fine, and I have never seen it of any other color than black. I have not met with Albinoes in the Telingan race. “Tam unable at present to refer to a characteristic portrait of the Telingan race; most of the published figures of Hindoos having been taken either from the white race or from mixtures. “*Tascars’ usually enter into the composition of the crews of Anglo-Indian vessels, and they thus reach Manila, where I once met with four or five of them in the streets. I did not, however, hear of any who were permanently settled at the Philippine Islands. “ At Sooloo, I saw two Lascars ; who had been brought there equally though indirectly through the agency of Europeans, and were held in a state of captivity. As they stood in the midst of the native population. the ‘hatchet-face, the more prominent nose, and darker complexion, rendered them quite conspicuous. “At Singapore, on the other hand, the Hindoos had principally arrived by their own means of emizra- tion, in the manner described by Crawfurd and others. Next to the Chinese, they formed the most considerable part of the population; and, like them, they were mere visitors, bringing no women with them, and purposing to return after a series of years. A large proportion were from Peninsular India, and were called ‘ Telinga people,’ or, more commonly, ‘ Klings.’ “Coming, as we did, from among the tribes of the further east, the transition to the Hindoos and Chi- nese was very striking. Not on account of: the costume, which continued, in many instances, as scanty as en | Ay 4Q,! (hn wr} Ne a s eS A Goorka Chief. in the Pacific; while the dances, shows, and processions might have passed for mummeries; but these had accompanied all the substantial advantages of civilisation, laws, civil order, security of person and property, from a period anterior to the rise of Greece and Rome. essentially the same throughout the revolutions which have befallen other nations, and upon ceremonies, that, for aught we can see to the contrary, may yet be destined to survive the institutions of Europe and the West. “While we were at Singapore, a play was performed by the Hindoo workmen residing on Mr. Bale- stier’s plantation. In the music I remarked a similarity to the Spanish airs heard on the western coast of America, but I should hardly have ventured an opinion on this point, had not Mr. Rich, who passed his earlier years in Spain, recognised the identity. The connexion may probably be established through the Muslims, but I must leave it to others to decide upon the relative elaims of priority. “ A *clown’ was in attendance, whose sayings and pranks appeared to be much relished. This custom has even reached the Fejee Islands, but it does not occur upon the Chinese stage sisted principally of singing and dancing conducted in the open air, and, to one unacquainted with the language, was rather monotonous. But the style of the gilded head-dresses seemed to resuscitate the Egyptians of antiquity; and even the ‘vulture cap’ was present upon the head of one of the actors. “A Bramin, on account of some difficulty, was residing at Singapore; and as the hereditary growth of the nobility of Europe was comparatively ephemeral, I examined with some interest his personal appear- ance. The complexion was the same as in the low caste of Hindoos. and the countenance might not have attracted notice in the street; but the mouth was small, the lips thin, and the facial angle approached unusually near to ninety degrees. The latter circumstance was not perceived in another Bramin belonging to the Telingan race, who was subsequently seen at Bombay, though in both the lobe of the ear was broader than usual; and, contrary to a custom which occurs among various uncivilised tribes, as well as in the Cutch Banians, and in representations of Hindoo deities, it was not perforated. “The Bramin first mentioned was very affable, spoke English correctly and fluently, and was ready to answer any question in relation to his religion, or to go into an argument in its defence. He stated that ‘Braminical religion can only be inherited; that caste, when once lost, cannot be regained, either by the individual or by his descendants; that Bramins would lose caste by partaking of animal food, or by the commission of any immorality; and that a Bramin could leave his own and enter either of the inferior castes.’ The system of thus visiting the sins of the parent upon the children seems intended to offer the atmost inducements towards leading a pure life, whatever may be said of the selfishness of the principle, The reported national failings, however, tempt us to suppose, that lying and pecuniary offences can hardly be mentioned in the Braminical code. The Bramin further asserted that the burning of widows continues UWA 7,. A Hindoo Diamond Cutter. to be practised in Hindostan, at least among the upper classes.” (21) We were looking upon people who have remained The regular acting con- A Begging Fakir. NEGRO RACE. ——— ES Women of Kiaenbe and Soudan. A Bechuana. A Bush Girl. «Ar the present day,” says Dr. Pickering, “the personal appearance of the Negro is generally familiar ; and the thick lips, flattened nose, retreating forehead, close, woolly hair, and dark complexion, have become proverbial. The Negro appears to exceed all other races in depth of hue, and in the close, woolly texture of the hair is rivalled only by the Hottentot. The absence of rigidity and of a divided apex in the ear- tilage of the nose is a character common equally to the Malayan, and, probably, to some of the other races. 7, “Tn the case of two Albino children, the Negro aspect had so entirely disappeared, that they might have passed for the children of Europeans, but for the remarkable appearance of the hair, which I could only compare to white fleece. “The Negro race seems to occupy about one half of Africa, and, excluding the northern and southern extremes with the table-land of Abyssinia, it holds all the more temperate and fertile parts of the continent. These limits, to all appearance, would not have been exceeded to this day, aside from foreign interference ; but, as one consequence of the events of the last two centuries, the Negro race seems destined to fill hereafter an important place in general history. “ Negroes are now to be found in most parts of the globe where Europeans have established themselves. “During a week spent in different parts of the isl: ind of Madeira, I met with no } Negroes, except at the port of F unchal; and the few individuals seen at this place may have been connected with the foreign shipping. “On the other hand, the population of the Cape Verd Islands, judging from our hasty visit, appeared to be principally composed of Negroes; and they were living in a very rude state for the subjects of a civilised government. They, however, exhibited a certain air of independence, not seen in the same race in the United States. " 4 “ Brazil had more of the aspect of a European colony, although Negroes formed the most numerous class of the population of Rio Janeiro and its environs; and instances of even mixed descent were compara- tively rare. Most of these Negroes were slaves; but very many were employed as soldiers in the military police. Others held places of honor and trust under the government; and one man was spoken of, as being distinguished for his abilities as an advocate. Several of the women, too, moved, with their Portuguese husbands, in the first cireles of society. “T was careful to look among the imported Negroes for traces of some different race; but I was unable to detect any ; neither have I Tee with more success in other parts of America. A second race may have been a anics included in the importations from Madagascar; but otherwise, I think instances have been extremely rare; prior at least to the recent introduction by the English of people of Tlindostan. ‘** There are, perhaps, fewer Negroes in Chili than in any other Europe: tnised portion of America. I de not remember seeing more than ten or pwelve, during the eighteen days I spent in Chili, chiefly at the cities of Valparaiso and Santiago.” (22) —=- — ee magl NEGRO RACE. \i; ‘, A Kaffre Man. A Kaffre Woman The Kaffres, next to the Hottentots, are the most important class of natives with which the colonists of South Africa have intercourse. The term Kaffre, or Kaffir, signifying infidel, is applied Ly tue n. tives of North Africa to those of the south-east who aro not Mohammedans, and by the Europeans of the Cape it is usually used to designate the Amakosa, Amatembu, and Amaponda tribes, which live on the colonial frontier. These tribes derive their origin from one common stock. They are possessed of far more energy than the Hottentots in their best days, and are in a higher grade of the pastoral state, adding the cultiva- tion of maize, millet, water-melons, and a few other esculents, to their occupation as herdsmen, and storing up grain for future consumption. They live in kraals of from ten to twenty families, under a subordinate chief; a certain number of kraals acknowledging a chief of higher rank as their head. The chiefs are jealous of their dignity. They possess a few privileges which enable them to maintain a certain degree of importance ; thus they claim offering as first-fruits, a share of the cattle slaughtered, and other privileges. Wars occur occasionally, and chiefly arise out of disputes about pasture-grounds. Their arms are a javelin, a short club, and a large shield made of hide. The existence of a Supreme Being is acknowledged, but they pay him no religious worship, and possess no idols. Their ideas of a future life are vague and indis- tinct ; but they believe, nevertheless, in spirits and apparitions, to which they sacrifice animals. They are excessively superstitious, and the Amakira, a prophet or witch-doctor, or rain-maker, exercises a most per- nicious influence over them. Individuals are put to death at the instigation of these characters, and the prophet shares with the chief in the property of his victim. Some of the chiefs also pretend to have the power of procuring rain; and if their predictions are verified they take the credit to themselves, but if they fail they attribute the result to the wickedness of the people. One of the most important of their “tes this people have in common with the Jews, and its origin is one of the most interesting points in their history; but they themselves can give no account of its introduction. They do not eat swine’s flesh, nor fish, excepting shell-fish. They have no canoes. The right of property in the soil is limited to that only which is under cultivation; but the right of pasture is held in common by each kraal. Long estab- lished principles and usage serve as a substitute for written law. The huts of the Kaffres resemble bee-hives in shape, and are usually from eighteen to twenty feet in diameter, and from six to seven feet high. Poles are stuck in the earth, and boughs are wattled in the interstices and made to arch over at the top. They are thatched with straw and plastered with cow-dung or clay. The iire is placed in the centre. without any aperture but the doorway for ventilation. The door (23) = = NEGRO RACE. Kaffres on a March is formed of basket-work. A few mats, coarse earthenware pots, of native manufacture, made of the fine clay taken from deserted ant-hills, a rush-basket, so closely woven as to retain liquids, and a wooden bowl or two, constitute the sole furniture of these simple dwellings. Milk is preserved in skins, and is not used until thick and sour, when it is more nutritious. The kaross, or cloak of sheepskin, rendered soft by cur- rying, forms the dress of both sexes. The chiefs wear a leopard’s skin by way of distinction. The females wear a covering of hide. The personal appearance of the Kaffres is pleasing. Lieutenant Moodie, in his “Ten Years in South Africa,” says, “They are elegantly formed, and so graceful that they appear to be a nation of gentlemen. In their manners they are respectful without servility. and possess a native delicacy which prevents them from giving offence by word or action.” The accounts of their personal appearance are generally supposed to be rather exaggerated; but there can be little doubt, from the favorable testi- mony of many travellers, that their appearance and carriage are really prepossessing. Pringle says, “The Caffres are a tall, athletic, and handsome race of men, with features often approaching to the Euro- | pean or Asiatic model; and excepting their woolly hair, exhibiting few of the peculiarities of the Negro race. Their color is a clear dark-brown; their address is frank, cheerful and manly.” The women are not so good-looking as the men, owing to the labors which they undergo. The men will inclose their patches of ground, and milk the cows, but the actual cultivators are the women, who likewise construct their huts. Polygamy is common, but it is confined to the most wealthy, as the wives are always purchased by cattle. The women take their meals apart from the men. The custom of polygamy is believed to he of recent origin, and arose out of the number of unprotected women which followed a war in which great numbers of males were killed. The Kaffre language is soft and copious, but the native airs are tame, and not to be compared to those of the Hottentots, whose language, however, is far less agreeable. Though prudent and economical, the Kaflres are exceedingly hospitable. Cattle are, generally speaking, only killed on the occasion of marriages or other festivities. Nie 0 os = = = = ~ = = (24) ie =< ATHIOPIAN RACH 7a Lito Sie Wi Zo YY A Bisharee Women. Ethiopians. “Tue Ethiopian race,” says Dr. Pickering, “is in some measure intermediate in personal appearance || between the Telingan and the Negro. The complexion, too, seems generally darker than in the Telingan race, holding the third rank in depth of hue. The hair is crisped, but fine in its texture; and I have never seen it wiry, as in the Papuan; from which latter race the Ethiopian differs, in having a soft skin | and European-like features. | “Various modern travellers have-been struck with the resemblance of the Ethiopian to the Telingan race. The same circumstance was noticed in ancient times by Herodotus, who also speaks of the remark- able beauty of those living south-west of Arabia; an opinion in which, from actual observation, I am now prepared to concur. “The Ethiopian race occupies the hottest countries of Africa. Most of its tribes are purely pastoral; and || some of them are, perhaps, alone acquainted with all the recesses of the Great Desert. The only portions of the race that are known to lead an agricultural life are the Nubians of the Nile, and some of the tribes bordering on the table-land of Abyssinia. “Characteristic portraits of Ethiopians may be found in various works on Egypt and Nubia; and I would refer particularly to the figures given in Hoskin’s Travels on the Upper Nile. “The Ethiopian race was not seen in its purity during the voyage of the Exploring Expedition, but it was doubtless present among some of the mixed Arabs at Singapore. My acquaintance with it commenced on the day of my landing in Egypt.” Dr. Pickering had opportunities of examining the Nubians. He ascended the Nile, and observed the Barabra of the Nile, and the Barabra of the Desert. Among the latter are the Bisharee tribe. Of them he says: “Tn returning down the river, I fell in with the Shekh of the Ababdeh, who was reported to hold authority likewise over the Bishareen. His personal appearance was indicative of mixed Arab descent, but I did not learn the history of his family. He wore a turban, in consequence, as he said, of being on his way to Cairo; but he intended on his return, to dress his hair after the fashion of his own country. He was well acquainted with Soakin, where he had seen some of the Somali; and he spoke of the Kostan, as being an extremely troublesome and ferocious people. He was particularly desirous of ascertaining why Europeans came so far to look at antiquities; and on learning that hieroglyphic characters could be read, he considered himself in possession of the secret. “The Bishareen dwell in the district to the southward of the Ababdeh, and situated in like manner eastward of the Nile. Two individuals seen at Assouan enabled me to identify the physical race. One of them wore a pin for dressing the hair, similar to the Fejeean, but shorter and curved.” (25) 3 : \ i i} j \ | | . HOTTENTOT RACE. a Hottentots, preparing to remove their Dwelling. | “J am not sure,” says Dr. Pickering, “that I have seen Hotttentots of pure race; and in the following account I am obliged to rely in part on published figures and descriptions of them. Eye-witnesses uni- formly agree in regarding the Hottentot as differing in physical race from the Negro, and they refer to the diminutive stature and the light complexion; the latter, in some well authenticated instances, having even been known to exhibit a flush. “ Both races seem to be alike in the texture of the hair, which is more closely woolly than in the rest of mankind; and to agree also in the general style of feature. But many travellers describe the |; Hottentot countenance as being to a marked deeree peculiar. “T have found many points of interest in the Hottentot character, as portrayed by travellers, who universally bear testimony to the faithfulness, efficiency, and courage of their guides in trying situa- | tions, amid the dangers of this difficult and desolate country. Unlike many wild tribes, the Hottentot did not shrink before the advance || of Europeans; but readily adopting the habits of civilization, these people have ever proved active and useful assistants of the colonists, their history in this respect contrasting strongly with that of the neighboring Kafire tribes. Indeed, the advantage of the Hottentot character appears to have contributed essentially to the admission of Europeans into this, the only part of Africa that has proved acces- sible to foreigners; and the benefit deserved a better return than |! unequal legislation.” Recent discoveries have shown, that the Hottentot race is more widely diffused than was previously supposed. (26) aaa EES = ee SS SS =; aes) HOTTENTOT KAUK. A Bushman. A Bushman, armed for an Expedition. The Bushmen are the remains of Hottentot tribes, and consist of wandering hordes who were once in the pastoral state, but have again become hunters, having been robbed of their flocks and herds by the colonists, and driven to remote districts for safety. They are now wholly destitute of flocks, living in constant alarm in inaccessible rocks, and changing their residence frequently, lest their haunts should be discovered. A hole dug in the earth, and covered with a mat raised on a couple of sticks, often forms their habitation. The parties who wander over immense tracts of country are unconnected with each other ; even oppression has not united them, but a long course of cruelty has exasperated them against all man- kind. It has been said that they have an uncontrollable aversion to civilization; and yet, by those who have studied their character, they are represented as by no means deficient in intellect; bold and skilful hunters ; not indisposed for instruction; susceptible of kindness; grateful; faithful in the execution of a trust committed to them. Not only did the Bushmen feel the savage system of commandoes, but they were murdered by the Cape-Dutch with the utmost coolness. The Bushmen missions are represented as having been attended with some valuable results. Some of these natives of the wild desert had begun te handle the spade and the sickle, to raise Indian corn, pumpkins, water-melons, beans, &e. The mission by which these changes had been effected was put down by Colonial Government in 1816. The Bushmen maintained their position for two or three years; but oppression at length drove them into the deserts, and the country was given to the boors. The Griquas are a race of mulattoes, whose ancestors were the offspring of colonists by Hottentot females. Treated as an inferior class by those of kindred race, and prevented from acquiring property. they gradually established themselves amongst the tribes beyond the Great Fish River, where their num- bers were augmented by refugees and intermarriages with the females of surrounding tribes. Forty years ago they subsisted by plunder and the chase, but the missionaries have met with much success in their attempts to improve them The country they inhabit is not well adapted to agriculture. (27) zh: CITES? Ih ay Is y i I) ua i Abyssiuian Women. A Native of Abyssinia. “T nave seen,” says Dr. Pickering, “but few genuine Abyssinians, and these few have not presented among themselves a very uniform personal appearance. Ina general way the race may be said to possess Eurepean features in combination with crisped or frizzled hair. The complexion, however, though it is often very light, does not appear ever to become florid. “'The race seems to be confined to the table-lands of Abyssinia, and to its prolongation in a mountainous tract that extends towards the interior of the continent ; but even within these limits there appears to be a large infusion of Ethiopians belonging to the Galla tribes. The Abyssinians having been converted during the early ages of Christianity, continue to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem; but otherwise, their pre- sence in foreign countries is for the most part, involuntary. “My first interview with Abyssinians took place at Singapore; where, on entering one of the principal shops, I was greatly surprised to find its three occupants differing in physical race from all the men I had previously met with. The wonder increased on perceiving their superiority in refinement and intelligence over the other Orientals around; and that although so unlike, they did not on these points, seem to fall below Europeans. “The hair was much alike in all three, and was crisped and fine, neither coarse enough nor in sufficient - quantity to form a resisting mass. The beard of one individual was in pellets, absolutely like,the close wool of the Negro; but the prominence of nose, greater even than usually occurs in the white race, bore sufficient testimony to his purity of descent. The second individual had the face very much elongated, but the nose was not particularly prominent. The third individual had a straighter beard, which was black and grey in regular stripes. The complexion was the same in all three, and though very light, was by nc means of a sickly hae; and, indeed, these persons might readily have been passed in the street as belonging ta the white race. : (28) = Pega Se Europeans “ Kuropeans and European colonists are comparatively uniform in their complexion and personal atpear- ance, and they can hardly conceal their origin by dress, even amid the population of Northern Afimea and North-western Asia. The inhabitants of, the two last named countries present among themselves more diversity, although at the same time there is rarely any difficulty in recognising the physical race. “The White race then, as it exists in northern climates, may be characterised by He superiority in light- ness of complexion, in thinness of lip, in prominence of nose, and in length and copiousness of beard. 0 one of these tests is of itself sufficient to distinguish the race, for Abyssinians, in some instances, rival it in prominence of nose; Telingans, or even Ethiopians, in thinness of lip; many Papuans have as copious a beard; and I have myself seen the florid complexion among Mongolians of high northern latitudes. So far, however, as my observation has extended, flaxen hair, red hair, and blue eyes, ‘(Albinoes being excepted,) are found only i in the White race. “ The hottest portion of the globe appears to he about seventeen degrees in width, counting from latitude 27° north , and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ganges. One third, perhaps, of this immense tract is inhabited by the White race, although often under a physical aspect that would not readily be acknow- ledged by Europeans. The complexion, always dark, is in frequent instances sufficiently so to conceal a flush ; indeed the Malay-brown complexion seems rather to predominate; and I have seen Arabs of a deeper hue who yet were apparently of unmixed descent; moreover a considerable proportion of the inhabitants of Southern Arabia are nearly or quite beardless. In short the White race is here protean or polymorphous, and exhibits a diversity in feature and complexion that I have not found in the other races. The. prominence of profile is, however, for the most part permanent; and I further remarked that the various series of expressions of countenance, which pertain respectively to the other races, appeared to be absent. It should be observed, however, that actual mixtures of race have been more frequent and more complicated in the southern Arab countries, and have been taking place there for a lenge: period, than in the other parts of the glohe Hee’ : (29) 3 * | Arabians. myo %. in “ While acknowledging that we are only beginning to be acquainted witb the countries and peopie of the East, I have been impressed with one view of the circums lances, in corsespondence apparently with an ancient condition of the human family. In the course of my recent tour, I was continually hearing from thé lips of Orientals the words of different ancient and modern European lauguages, until at last the whole class of these languages seemed as if merely recomposed from fragments of Arabic and Sanscrit. Of fragments indeed, which have been disguised more or less by interchanges during some thousands of years; and if any European words can be traced to a different source, they at least remain to be pointed out. “The same state of things appears to exist in the Malay class of languages, and instances have been discovered of English words which can be traced through the Sanscrit to the remotest islands of the Pacific. The rule may, perhaps, be further extended to the languages of the African continent; but whether appli- cable in any degree to the Chinese, or to the aboriginal American languages I am uninformed. “At the present day the White Race may be conveniently disposed in ih a isions, as well geographi- cal, as differing in institutions and habits of life; the Frank or Muropean, and th i . The extra- ordinary intensity of heat, in some of the countries inhabited by the White race, 1elp to explain a purtion of these differences. “One of the above divisions may in some measure be said to rule the land as the other rules the sea; for the extent of the caravan routes is almost equivalent to the universal maritime intercourse ained by Europeans.”—Dr. Pickering. Tn the foregoing account of the races of men, it will be observed that I have quoted nearly the whole fiom Dr. Pickering’s work on that subject. This I have done, not because there were not abundance of other writers on the subject, at the disposal of a compiler, but because I consider him the final authority {fe is the most recent and exact of all writers on the races, and his system is founded on actual observation. fi (30) a ee I SR RL ee OE nec TR ere ee ee TE MONKEY. The Chimpansee. Tue section Quadrumana includes the Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys. The name of Quadrumana is given to these animals because, in addition to two hands like those of man, their feet are also formed like hands. and are capable of grasping the branches among which most monkeys pass their lives. The Chimpanseeyast the Orang-outan have been confounded together by the older naturalists, whose error has been repeated even to the present time. That they are really distinct animals a glance at the skull of each will at once-prove. The Chimpansee is a native of Western Africa, and is tolerably common on the banks of the Gambia and in Congo. ? Large bands of these formidable apes congregate together, and unite in repelling an invader, which they do with such fury and courage that even the dreaded elephant and lion are driven from their haunts by their united efforts. They live principally on the ground, and, as their name imports, spepe much of their time in caves or under rocks. Their height is from four to five feet. . —— ~ SS (3) = * THE ‘MONK The Orang-Outan. The Orang-outan inhabits Borneo and Sumatra. In Borneo there are certainly two species of Orang, valled by the natives the Mias-kassar and the Mias-pappan. Some naturalists suppose that the Sumatran Orang is also a distinct species. This is the largest of all the apes, as it is said that Orangs have been obtained from Borneo considerably ubove five feet in height. The strength of this animal is tremendous; a female snapped a strong spear asunder after having received many severe wounds. Its arms are of extraordinary, length, the hands reaching the ground ‘when it stands erect. This length of arm is admirably adapted for climbing trees, on which it pr incipally resides. The rude hut which they are stated to build in the trees would be more properly called a seat, or nest, for it has no roof or cover of any sort. The facility with which they form this seat is curious. Mr. Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, says: “TI had an opportunity of seeing a wounded female weave the branches together, and seat herself in a minute. She afterwards received our fire withont moving, and expired in her lof fty abode, whence it cost us much trouble to dislodge her.” The Pappan is justly. named Satyrus, from the ugly face and disgusting callosities. When young i Orang-outan is very docile, and has been taught to make its own bed, and to handle a. cup and saucer, or a spoon, with tolerable propriety. For the former occupation it proved itself particu- iarly apt, as it a only laid its own bed clothes smooth and comfortable, but exhibited much ingenuity in stealing blankets from other beds, which it added to its own. A young Orang in a zoological collection ev iced extreme horror at the sight of a small tortoise, and, when the reptile was introduced into its den stood aghast in a most ludicrously terrified attitude, with its eyes intently fixed on the frightful object. (32) . The accompanying engraving 1s a portrait of the interesting ani- mal which was formerly an inmate of the Surrey Zoological Gardens ; it is shown in an attitude which displays its mode of action ina state of nature. The animal is one of four which were brought in a trading vessel to Calcutta, where they were pur- chased and shipped for England. Its height, from the top of the head to the heel, is two feet two inches, and its weight does not exceed fifteen pounds advoirdu- pois. The fore limb, from the shoulder to the end of the middle finger, measures the extraordinary length of one foot nine inches; and the length of the hand alone, from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger, is six inches and a half. The palm of the hand measures three inches and a half; the sole of the foot five inches; and the width over the breast is nine inches. This animal exhibited an indif- ference to food not usual with her congeners. A visiter of the Gardens says, “She did not deign to hold out her hand for some fruit that was offered. At last she accepted a large strawberry, and held i+ with great indifference in her fingers for about five minv'cs: our attention was then diverted for a moment to the Satyr; and in the interval the strawberry had disappeared. She also drank some milk, but without m ‘> apparent appetite.” Female Orang-outan. GOrang-outan. (33) Group of Monkeys. THE MONKEY. From the account of a visi- ter, we extract the following passages in relation to a fe- male Orang-outan, exhibited in 1838, in the collection of the London Zoological So- ciety. “Dressed in its Guernsey jacket and trousers, a sort of clothing which it needs in owr climate, its appearance, seated on its chair, or at the table with its keeper in his private room, is very amusing; nor less so the expression of its countenance, when soliciting a share of the food before it: it looks at its keeper, looks at the tempting morsel, and pro- trudes its flexible lips into the form of a conical proboscis ; when offered any liquid to drink in a cup or saucer, it does not, however, dip its lips into the fluid, but holding the cup in its hand, puts the rim between its lips and so drains up the contents, exactly asa child would do under similar circumstances, and with all due gravity and decorum. Though this animal is natu- rally and habitually dull and inanimate, it has its times of sportiveness, when it readily engages in play with those to whom it is attached, and courts their notice.” THE MONKEY. Coaita. Collared Tee Tee. White-nosed Monkey. The Coaita is one of the Spider Monkeys, so called from their long slender limbs, and their method of ulimbing among the branches. The tail seems to answer the purpose of a fifth hand, as it is capable of being used for every purpose to which the hand can be applied. In climbing among the branches of trees, they coil it round the boughs to lower or raise themselves, and often will suspend themselves entirely by it, and then by a powerful impetus swing off to some distant branch. ‘They are extremely sensitive to cold, and when chilly are in the habit of wrapping their tail about them, so that this useful organ answers the purpose of a boa as well as a hand. They will also, when shot, fasten their tail so firmly on the branches, that they remain, suspended after death. The Coaita inhabits Surinam and Guinea. The Collared Tee Tee, or White-throated Squirrel Monkey, is found to the east of the Orinoco. It lives on small birds, insects and fruits. Its habits are, apparently, mild and inoffensive, but its acts belie its looks, for when a small bird is presented to it, it springs upon its prey like a cat and speedily devours it. The White-nosed Monkey is a native of the forests of Guinea. The lightness and agility of its actions, its playfulness and its beauty, render it very attractive; but it is not without a mixture of the caprice and petulance of its race. Its general color is black, the nose, which is broad and elevated, being white from between the eyes to the nostrils. ; The Mandrill, which is the most conspicuous of the baboon tribe, is a native of Guinea and Western Africa. It is chiefly remarkable for the vivid colors with which it is adorned. Its cheeks are of a brilliant blue, its muzzle of a bright scarlet, and a stripe of crimson runs along the centre of its nose. It lives principally i in forests filled with brushwood, from which it makes incursions into the nearest villages, plundering them with impunity. On this account it is much dreaded by the natives, who feel themselv eg incapable of resisting its attacks. It is excessively ferocious, and easily excited to anger; indeed, Cuvier relates that he has seen several of these animals expire from the violence of their fury. * Female Coaita and young. (35) THE MONKEY, A Baboon. Agile Gibbon. Marmozet. . Ursine Howler. The Guereza As a native of Abyssinia, where it lives in small families, tenanting the lofty trees in the neighborhood of running waters. It is active and lively, and at the same time, gentle and inoffensive. Its general color is black, the sides of the body and top of the loins being ornamented with a mantle or fringe of long white hairs. The Agile Gibbon is a native of Suinatra. It derives its name of Agile, from the wonderful activity it Jisplays in launching itself through the air from branch to branch. They spring a distance of twelve to eighteen feet with ease. The height of the Gibbon is about three fect, and the reach of the extended arms about six feet. The Liowling Monkeys are chiefly remarkable for the pecu- larity from which they derive their name. They possess an enlargement of the throat, which renders their ery exceedingly loud and mournful. They howl in concert, principally at the He sing and setting of the sun. They feed principally on leaves and fruit; the tail is prehensile. Chitnpanzee : (uereza. LD Miya Bonneted or Pig-faced Baboon. Chaema, or Pig-faced Baboon. Wanderso. The Chaema, or Pig-faced Baboon, is a native of South Africa. It is an animal of very considerable strength, and attains, when full grown, the size of a very large Newfoundland dog. On level or ound it always goes on all- ae but among the rocks and precipices, w hich are its natural refuge and habitation, it uses its | hinder feet or hands somewhat as a human being w ould do, only | with inconceivably greater boldness and agility, i in clambering up the crags, or in springing from cliff to chif. The Bonneted Monkey is so called from the peculiar manner in which the hair of the upper part of its head diverges, a form not unlike the object to which it is usually compared—the round bonnet of a Chinese. Its native country is the east of Asia. | The White-eye-lid Monkey, has a long, black, naked, and dog- | like face; the upper part of the eye-lids of a pure white, which | distinguish it from most other species. The Wandaroo is found on the coast of Malabar and in the | island of Ceylon. Its hair is of a deep black with the exception of the long beard, which surrounds the face like a ruff. The Mona Monkey inhabits Barbary, Ethiopia, and other parts || of Africa. The term Mona is of Asiatic origin, and is the Moorish | name for all long-tailed Monkeys. Chaema, walking Erect. = THE MONKEY. Marmozets. The Marmozet is a most interesting little creature. It is exceedingly sensitive to cold. It will eat almost any article of food, but is especially fund of insects, which it dispatches in a very adroit manner. Its native countries are Brazil and Guiana. . The Diana Monkey, so called from the fancied resemblance of the crescent-shaped bar which ornaments its brow to the ancient poetical representations of the goddess of the silver bow, is a native of Guinea, Congo, and Fernando Po. It is one of the most graceful and ‘good tempered of its tribe. It is fond of being caressed, and nods and grins with peculiar expression when pleased; but after a certain age it becomes more sedate and seldom indulges in these antics. Orang-Outan. (38) > Le 2 SS =— 6 Wie yu, VR White-headed Eagle, robbing an Osprey Vulture and Dove White-headed Eagle (205) ; 18 THE EAGLE. Great Sea Eagles. White-headed Eagle. The Great Sea Eagle is an inhabitant of nearly the whole of Kurope and of Northern Asia. It some- times builds its nests in the clefts of roc ks, but more frequently on the summit of some lofty tree. The female lays two eggs, about the same size and shape as those of a goose. The young are fed with fish or flesh until they are able to quit the nest, when they sally forth with their parents in quest of their own prey, and speedily assume an independent mode of life. The White-headed, or Bald Eagle is usually spoken of as inhabiting the northern parts both of the Old and New Con- tinent ; but it appears to be only a rare and occasional visitant of the former. Throughout nearly the whole of North America, | : a on the contrary, it is met with in great abundance, as well on | An Owl. the sea coast, as on the banks of the broad lakes and rapid rivers, from which the chief part of its sustenance is derived. The great Cataract of Niagara is ientiondd as one of its favorite places of resort, not merely as a fishing station where it is enabled to satiate its hunger upon its most. “congenial food, but also in consequence of the vast quantity of four-footed beasts, which unwarily venturing into the stream above, are borne away by the torrent and precipitated down those tre- mendous falls. His most common method of obtaining food, consists in snatching from the Fish-Hawk the hard-earned morsel for which the latter has watched and toiled in vain. Sometimes, however, the Tish-Hawks assemble in bands too numerous for him to encounter, and he is driven to hunt for himself. Ife then usually retires inland, and occasionally destroys great numbers of young pigs and lambs. At other times he contents himself with fowl; and ducks, geese, and eulls fall victims to his insatiable appetite. Its nest is com- monly built on the top of a large tree, generally a pine or a cypress, and growing in the midst of a morass. Assi Sea th] Eagle. Harpy Lagle Great Sea Eagle’ s Nest (206) . THE FALCON. Going a Hawking. Peregrine Falcon. Hawking. Oxn of the most remarkable members of the Falcon family of birds is the Peregrine Falcon. Its range is over Europe, the North of Asia, America and New Holland. Its length is rather more than a foot and a half It has its nest on the rocks, and produces three or four eggs of a reddish hue, with brown spots. Its flightis amazingly rapid. Its food consists chiefly of small birds, though it will sometimes give battle to the Kite, and extend its ravages to the poultry yard. There are reckoned at least ten varieties, dependent chiefly upon age, sex and country. From its successful pursuit of ducks, it is often called the Duck Hawk. Under the name of Gentle Falcon, this bird was in ancient times required to be trained/and kept for the use of the Scottish Court by the king’ s faleoner; and as long as the office was kept up, a nest of young birds was required annually to be presented by the falconer to the Barons of Exchequer. (207) THE FALCON. Death of the Heron. ; Casting off the Hawk. Though now out of fashion in Europe, hawking is still a common amusement among the Turks, in some parts of Asia Minor, among the Persians, Circassians, and the wandering hordes of Turkomans and Tartars. For most species of game, it appears that spaniels, cockers, or other dogs were required to rouse the birds to wing. When at a proper elevation, the Hawk, being freed from his head-gear, was cast off from the sportsman’s fist, with a loud whoop to encourage her. When thus cast off, the Hawk flew in the direction of the game, and endeavored to surmount it, or get above it in its flight. When the Hawk reached «a proper elevation above the game, she shot down upon it with all her force and velocity, and this descent was techically called “the stoop,” or “the swoop.” When the Hawk closed or grappled with its prey (which was called binding, in falconry,) they generally tumbled down from the sky together, and the object of the sportsman was, either by running on foot or galloping his horse, to get to the spot as soon as they should touch the earth, in order to assist the Hawk in her struggle with her prey. The Falcons, it should be observed, were taken into the field with hoods over their eyes, and with little bells on their legs; and the sportsman carried a lure, to which the bird had been taught to fly by being fed regularly upon or near it, with fresh killed meat. These lures seem to have been of various sorts. In very old times, a ‘“ tabur-stycke,” which was merely a piece of wood, rounded and besmeared with blood, was in use; but with the progress of civilization, a better lure, called a “hawker,” was introduced. The hawker was a staff about twenty-two inches long, cased at the upper part with iron, having a bell “ rather of sullen tone than musical,” and the figure of a bird with outstretched wings, carved at the top. 208) THE FALCON. Luring the Falcon. The Jer Falcon, a corruption of Wierofaleco, Sacred Falcon, its ancient name, is larger than the Peregrine. It is a native of Iceland. It breeds on the rocks, and lays from three to five spotted eggs : feeds upon birds, which, when it eyes them from its eyrie or its course in the sky, it darts down upon like an arrow. In the days of falconry, this bird was in high esteem, and used for the larger game, such as cranes and herons. Its plumage is white, with dusky lines ; the dark spots on the wings are large, the throat and long thigh Jer Falcon. feathers pure white. + fourtnea The Merlin, or Stone Falcon, is among the least of the European species. The body above is of a bluish erey color, with a longitudinal black spot on each feather; beneath, the throat is white, and the remainder yellowish-white, with oblong dusky spots pointing downward; the tail feathers have an entire dark broad band, tipt with white at the end; the female plumage is tinged with brown, and the spots below are more numerous. They nestle in trees or on the ground, and have five or six eggs, white, marked with greenish at the one end. It flies low, but its motions are so quick as almost to elude the sight; it was formerly used for taking partridges, which it would kill by a single stroke on the neck. It is a migratory bird com- mon to Europe and America. “209) Goshawk. Chanting Hawk. THE HAWK, Sparrow Hawk. The Goshawk is twenty-one mches in length; the bill and cere are blue; crown black, bordered on each side by a line of white, finely speckled with black; upper parts, slate, tinged with brown; legs feathered half way down, and, with the feet, yellow; the breast and belly white, with a number of wavy lines or bars of black ; the tail long, of an ash-color, and crossed with four or five dusky bars; wings much shorter than the tail. The Goshawk frequents the deep solitudes of forests, preying upon hares, squirrels, and the larger ground birds; it also feeds on mice and small birds, and eagerly devovrz raw flesh. It plucks the birds very neatly, and tears them into pieces before it eats them, but siallows the pieces entire. The Goshawk is abundant in the forest districts of continental Europe, and extends also through the temperate regions of Asia and America. It was formerly used in Europe in the once vclebrated pastime of falconry. Ihe Chanting Hawk is the only known bird of prey which sings agreeably. Jt is a native of Africa. It utters its song every morn- ing and cvening, and sometimes continues singing the whole night long. In size it equals a Goshawk; its plumage is grey above, white barred with brown on the lower part of the back and on the under parts of the body. It preys upon large birds, hares, and other animals; it builds in trees. The Sparrow Hawk is a bold and spirited bird, but the most per- nicious of the Hawk kind, making great depredations among pigeons, partridges, and the young of domestic poultry. The difference of size between the male and female is very disproportionate; the former measuring about twelve, and the latter fifteen inches. Indi- viduals of this species also vary considerably in their colors. It is found in considerable numbers in various parts of the world, from Russia to the Cape of Good Hope. This bird was held in great veneration among the ancient Egyptians, because it was made the emblem of their good Osiris. Among the Greeks it was consecrated to Apollo. (210) Ra PD Barn Owls. Tue Owls, some few excepted, are nocturnal in their habits; they come forth with the dusk of evening, to prowl for food; they winnow the air with silent pinions, their ears attentive to every slight sound, and their eyes quick to discern their creeping prey, on which they glide with noiseless celerity. The organic endowments of these nightly marauders are in admirable concordance with their destined mode of life. The eyes are large and staring, but they are incapable of bearing the strong light of day; the iris is irri- table, and the pupil almost completely contracted ; the lids are half-closed, and the membrana nictitans almost constantly drawn over the ball, like a delicate curtain ; but when twilight sets in, the eyes display a very different appearance, the lids are wide open, the curtain folded back, the pupil is dilated, and they gleam with lustrous effulgence. The Barn Owl is spread throughout the temperate and warmer regions of Europe. It conceals itself during the day in deep recesses among ivy-clad ruins, in antique church towers, in the hollow of old trees, in barn lofts, and similar places of seclusion. At night it sallies forth for prey, which consists of mice, rats, moles, and shrews. The Great, or Eagle Owl, is a native of the forests of Hun- gary, Russia, Germany, and Switzerland, and is said to occur eastward as far as Kamtchatka. It is upwards of two feet in length. It makes its nest in the fissures ef rocks and de- serted buildings. It preys on partridges and other birds. SS Hq = orned Owl of V irginia, THE OWn. Horned Owl. The Virginian Horned Owl is a native of North América, being found in almost every quarter of the United States, and in the fur-countries where the timber is of large size. Wilson thus describes the haunts and habits of the Virginian Horned Owl] :—“ His favorite residence is in the dark solitudes of deep swamps, covered with a growth of gigantic timber; and here, as soon as evening draws on, and mankind retires to rest, he sends forth such sounds as seem scarcely to belong to this world. The flight of this bird is elevated, rapid and graceful. It sails with apparent ease in large circles, and rises and descends without the least difficulty, by merely inclining its wings or its tail as it passes through the air.” It preys upon birds, domestic poultry of all kinds, and small quadrupeds. The Hawk Owl is a native of the arctic regions of both con- tinents. Wilson says that this species is rare in Pennsylvania and the more southern of the United States, its favorite range deing along the borders of the arctic regions, making occasional excursions southward when compelled by severity of weather, and consequent scarcity of food. It preys by day, its eyes being adapted for a dull light, and its flight is steady. From these circumstances it has obtained its English appellation. From the writer alluded to, we learn that it is bold and active, and will follow the fowler, carrying off his game as soon as shot (212) = — messes Sees = ae | LHE bisti LAWS, THe KITE, AND THE BUZZAKD, Fish Hawk robbed of its prey by a Bald Eagle. Fish Hawk. The Kite, a large and handsome, but cowardly bird, is spread over Europe, Asia, and Africa. It measures nearly three feet from the end of its yellow bill to the tip of the tail, which is dark colored and forked; the feathers above are deep brown, with pale edges; the under parts are of a rusty iron-color, with dark longitudinal stripes. It breeds on trees, and forms its nest of sticks, lined with wool, laying two or three eggs, white, spotted with dirty yellow. It is known by its flight, which resembles a sailing or gliding through the air, without the least apparent motion of its wings. When pressed by hunger, it assuines an unusual boldness, and making a sudden clutch, will carry off young chickens even from under the eye of the hen. The Buzzard is common in all the wooded districts of Europe and the adjacent parts of Asia, and has beez. met with in the fur countries of North America. It builds in large woods, usually seizing the old nest of a crow, which it enlarges, and lines with wool and other soft materials; the female lays two or three eggs the size of a hen’s, white, with rusty spots at the larger end. It is of an indolent, sluggish nature, often remaining perched on the same bough for the greatest part of the day. It feeds on mice, rabbits, frogs, and birds, pouncing on its prey on the ground. SSS Sparrow Hawk. Buzzard. THE NIGHT-JAR, OR GOAT-SUCKER. a*% Whip-poor-Will. Group of Birds. Tue birds of the Night-Jar family spend the hours of day in repose, shrouding themselves from obser- vation in the gloom of woods. At evening they come forth to feed upon such insects as, like themselves, are roused from inertion by the approach of darkness. They take their prey uponthe wing. Their beak is small, but the gape is enormous, reminding one of the mouth of a toad. The Night-Jar, proper, is found in all parts of Europe, where it is a bird of passage, retiring to Africa to spend the winter. It is called Night-Jar, because in the evening, while on its perch, it utters a peculiar kind of jarring note. . The Whip-poor-Will and the Chuck-Wills-Widow are both found in the United States, and derive their singular names from their ery, which is said closely to imitate the words that have been assigned to them as their names. Both the birds fly by night, or rather in the dusk of the evening, and like the owl are much distressed by being forced to face a brilliant light. The Chuck-Will’s-Widow is partially migratory, and dwells in the more southern parts of America during the winter. Audubon relates that this bird applies its enornious mouth to rather an unexpected use, viz., that of removing its eggs, if it finds that they have been disturbed. Of this curious circumstance he was an eye-witness. He saw the bird that first discovered that an intruder had touched the eggs wait for its mate, and then saw each of them take an egg in its mouth and convey it off. ATEN Sparrow Hawk. (214) THE NIGHT-JAR. - * Papuan Podargus. The Papuan Podargus is another species of the Night-Jar family, and is a native of Australia. It appears to be nearly related to a Japanese species, described under the title of Podargus Javanensis, and is very characteristic of the group to which it belongs. As we have already observed, the Night-Jar is a migratory bird throughout every part of Eurepe; but whether the species of the genus Podargus obey a similar law is not very clear. With respect to nocturnal habits, the members of the genus Podavgus are more confused by light than the ordinary Night-Jar. They haunt the solitudes of the woods, and the sombre but intermingled tints of their plumage screen them from observation. At night they issue forth on their aerial chase. and retire with the first streaks of day to their wonted seclusion. “4 Blue Bird. Owl. Martin. (215) THE SWALLOW. « 1 European Swallow. 2 Martin. 8 Sand Martin. 4 Swift. “Tun European Swallow,” says a British author, “is one of my favorite birds. He is the joyous pro- het of Spring. Winter is unknown to him, and he leaves the green meadows of England in autumn suf the orange groves of Italy, and the plains of Africa.” This bird much resembles the American Barn “Swallow, whose habits and appearance are well known. The Martin and the Sand Martin are both birds of the Old World, as is also the Swift. The Sand Martin, it will be observed, is found abundantly in the United States, where it builds its nest in holes aug out of the sandy banks. All these birds have the same eeneral character; and they are all among the familiar friends and favorites of young people. (216) THE SWALLOW. THE KINGFISHER. Purple Martin. Belted Kingfisher. Common Kingfisher. Eagle, devouring a Lamb. The Barn Swallow inhabits America, and receives its name from its fre- quently attaching its nest to the rafters in barns. These birds are easily tamed, and soon become very gentle and familiar. Their song is a sprightly warble, and is sometimes continued for a length of time. The Purple Martin is a native of the United States and Canada to Hudson’s Bay. It is a general favorite, and takes up its abode among the habitations of men; and in some parts of the Union considerable expense is sometimes incurred in preparing for it a suitable residence. The Common, or European Kingfisher, is a retired and solitary bird, which is only to be found near rivers, brooks, or stagnant waters, subsist- ing entirely on the smaller kinds of fish. The American, or Belted Kingfisher, is distinguished by being of a bluish slate-color, with a ferruginous band on the breast; having a large collar of pure white round the neck, and an elevated crest on the head. It inhabits all parts of the North American Continent, and is the only species of its tribe found within the United States. 4 THE PIGEON. Passenger Pigeon. Tue powers of flight of the Passenger Pigeon is almost incredible. It is a native of America, and over- spreads the country in countless myriads during the breeding seasons. Pigeons have been killed in New York with Carolina rice still in their crops. As their digestion is remarkably rapid, these birds must have flown between thice and four hundred miles in six hours, giving an average speed of a mile per minute. Not far from Shelbyville, Kentucky, some years ago, there was a breeding place, in the woods, several miles in breadth. and said to be upwards of forty miles in extent ! Passenger Pigeon. ‘Pigeon. The Wild Pigeon exhibits a variety of beautiful hues in its plumage; deep blue, brilliant green, purple, gold, ash, pale red, &c. It builds in the holes of rocks, among woods, the hollows and clefts of old trees, und similar places, and commonly has two broods in a year. The Great Crowned Pigeon in size is nearly equal to the Turkey ; the greater part of its plumage is of a fine purple, or bluish-ash color ; the middle of the back, and the coverts of the wings, are of a dark red- dish-brick color. The head is adorned with a handsome crest of a pale blue, or ash celor. This splendid bird is a native of the East Indian Islands; it coos, and has the actions and manners of other Pigeons. The Double Crested Pigeon is found in New Holland and Java. It has two crests of feathers, one on the front and another on the back of its head. It is abont seventeen inches in length. | , : . ; Crowned Pigeon. Wild Pigeon. Wild Double Crested Pigeon THE PIGEON. ¥ Saee < SS > oa ee ee SS Brown-backed Peristera. Manasope Pigeon. Tumbler. The Tumbler is a very little domestic Pigeon, and derives its name from its singular habit of falling backwards when on the wing. The Pouter is a large domestic Pigeon. It stands particularly erect, and seems exceedingly vain of the swollen crop which gives it the name of Pouter. The bird is enabled to inflate its crop with air, until the head is almost hidden behind it. This inflation sometimes causes the bird to loose its balance, and fall down. The Brown-backed Peristera is a Pigeon found in Southern Africa, where it is said to frequent woods ; but little appears to be known respecting it. Its principal lines are brown, green, NAN black, and pale orange-brown. NN Ny} The Manasope is an elegant Pigeon, found in the deep forests of New Guinea. It is about nine inches long. Ponter. ; Passenger Pigecn (220) ——E—E——E—e—E————————— THE PIGHON Chesnut Shouldered Pigeon. Bronze Winged Pigeon. The Chesnut Shouldered Pigeon is a beautiful bird, which appears to resemble the Ring Dove in its habits. It is a native of New Zealand, and is very abundant in the Bay of Islands. Tho Bronze Winged Pigeon is a native of Australia. It frequents dry, sandy places, and is generally seen either on the ground or perched on low branches, or decayed stumps of trees. The Helmet Pigeon is one of the tame varieties, so called from a tuft of feathers on the back of the head resembling the crest of a helmet. The Carrier Pigeon is larger than the Common Pigeon, and its form indicates great strength and activity. The watiles on the beak, and round the eye, are very remarkable. its feats of letter-carrying are well known. Among many facts which may be depended on, relative to the extraor!rary qualities of the birds of the Carrier kind, we select the following. A gentleman sent a Carrier by the stage-coach from London, to ; friend at St. Edmundsbury, with a note, requesting that the Pigeon might be set at liberty two days sfter its arrival, precisely at nine inthe morning. The person at St. Edmundsbury punctually attended to this request; and the Pigeon arrived in London at half-past eleven o'clock the same day; thus having performed a distance of seventy- twe miles in two hours and a half. Heimet Pigeon (221) 19* Receiving the Carrier Pigeon. The Wattled Ground Pigeon is a native of South Africa. about the size of a Turtle Dove. THE PIGEON. another wattle hangs from the chin. Oceanic Fruit Pigeon The Oceanic Fruit Pigeon is found in the Caroline, Phil- ippineand Pelew Islands. It is fourteen inches in length. The feathers of the forehead, cheeks, and throat are whitish mixed with grey; the head and the back of the neck are of a deep slaty grey ; the back, rump, wing-coverts, quills, and tail feathers, are of a uniform metallic green, passing into brown on the interior of the great feathers ; the breast and upper part of the belly are grey, with a tint of rust-color. Sending forth the Carrier Pigeon. — They live on insects and grain. The base of the bill and forehead are covered with a naked wattle, and Wattled Ground Pigeon. (222) THE PIGEON. The Rock-dove. The Aromatic Vinago. The Stock-dove builds its nest in the stocks of trees, (from whence its name,) and has been known to lay its eggs in deserted warrens, without making any nest at all. In former times, when foiests of bevcn frees used to cover the country, enormous flocks of these birds frequented them, in order to feed on the beech mast. Now they are not so common, although still in considerable numbers. The Turtle-dove, a bird much revered by poets for its constancy, is found in Europe. Its nest is a mere platform of twigs, on which the eges are laid. The constancy and affection of this bird for its mate ras been deservedly celebrated in all ages, though it is not easy to understand why cther birds, such as the Raven, whose constancy is quite as remarkable, should be deprived of the mecd of praise dve to them. The Rock-dove is the original parent of most of our curious varieties of domestic Figeons. It is found wild in most parts“of Europe and the north of Africa. x The Aromatic Vinago is a native of India, Java, and the adjacent islands. It is said to climb the trees with great address, and to frequent the banyan, on the small red fig of which it feeds; whilst its color so blends with that of the foliage that it is difficult, even when a flock is among the branches, to distinguish the birds, unless they flutter about. In the breeding season the pairs retire into the recesses of the forest and re-assemble into flocks after the young are reared. The nest is a slight platform of sticks and twigs. 8 ‘ — a = > c x : z NN : (223) The Stock-dove. : The Turtle-dove. THE PIGEON Talpicoti. Fe S a = Nicobar Pigeon. Phasianella. The Phasianella is a beautiful species of Pigeon, found in Australia, the Philippine and Molucea islands, and Java, where it inhabits the woods, feeding on pimento and various other aromatic berries. Its flesn is dark colored, but of excellent flavor. The total length of this species is about sixteen inches. The wings are short; the tail long and graduated. The upper plumage is deep reddish brown with bronze reflections. The head, sides, and front of the neck, and whole of the under plumage, are orange-brown. The hinder part of the neck changeable violet, purple, and brilliant gold. Legs reddish-brown. The Nicobar Pigeon is a splendid bird, found in Java, and the neighboring islands. Its plumage is very refulgent; the neck is ornamented with long, flowing, pointed feathers. The whole upper surface is burnished with bronze and steel-blue reflections of glossy green; the under surface is the same, but not quite so brilliant; the tail, which is very short and square, is pure white. A fleshy tubercle rises on the base of the upper mandible in the breeding season. Length about fourteen inches. The Talpicoti is a little Pigeon found in Brazil and Paraguay. It frequents the borders of woods, in families of four or six, but never in large flocks; these perch on low bushes and underwood, at a little listance from the ground, to which indeed they constantly resort; they are often to be seen near houses in the country and farmyards, and, when captured, speedily become reconciled to the limits of an aviary, and breed freely. Their nest is mostly placed in some bush; never on the branches of tall trees. Berries and grain constitute their food. Length six inches and a quarter. Top of head and back of neck grey ; cheeks and throat pinkish white; plumage above brownish orange, with black marks on some of the wing coverts ; under plumage deep vivacious red; tail brownish black. (224) ‘ f 1 Grey Linnet. 2 Greater Kedpole. 38, 4 Goldfinches, male and female. 5, 6 Siskins, or Aberdevines. Tus above are all English birds. The Linnet is a sweet singer, and frequents commons and neglected pastures. The Redpole is very similar to the Linnet. It is easy to tame. The Goldfinch has beautiful markings in its plumage, and is a favorite songster. It is sometimes brought to this country as a cage bir The Siskin is also a favorite cage bird. It has an agreeable note; and in appearance it greatly resembles the common English Linnet. It is found on the continent as well as in England, and is a favorite pet bird in Germany. | (225) THE FINCHES. American Bullfinch. Arabian Bullfinches. The American Bulltinch is found in Brazil. The head, cheeks, back, and scapulars ashy-bluish, wings and tail darker, but all the feathers of those parts are bordered with ash-color. There is a small white spot on the wing, formed by the white towards the base of the quills, beginning with the fourth; the three first have no white. All the lower parts are white, with the exception of the flanks, which are clouded with ash-color. Bill coral red, very strong, large, and as it were swollen; feet ash-colored; length four and-a-half inches. Inhabits Brazil where it is said to be common. The Arabian Bullfinch is found near Mount Sinai, in Arabia. The adult male is ornamented round the base of the bill with a circle of rich red, going off in spots upon the cheeks. The front is covered with small lustrous white feathers, of a silvery white, lightly shaded upon the borders with red; all the lower parts of the body, the inferior coverts of the tail are of a brilliant rose-color, or clear carmine; the upper parts are ash-colored, lightly tinged with rose, wings and tail brown, with ash-colored borders. The female is brown, of a light brown or earth-coloi above, with longitudinal lines of deeper brown upon each feather. Wren. ¢ 2 6) yy} THE THRUSHES. \ 1 The Fieldfare. 2 The Redwing. Tuer Fieldfare, one of the family of Thrushes, a large, handsome bird, known also by the provincial names of Feltyfare, Pigeon Fieldfare, Felty-flier, Grey Thrush, &c. In length it is generally about ten inches, weighing somewhat more than four ounces. The head and hind part of the neck are of a greyish color, the former spotted with black; the bill is yellowish, but black at the point, the eyes hazel, the back and lesser wing-coverts chestnut, the breast and sides reddish-yellow, and the throat white; the legs are black, and the tail approaching to the same color. They are found in England about October, and continue, if the weather is moderate, until April, when they return; but if the winter should prove severe, they fly off to more southern countries. A sudden fall of snow, however, will prevent their flight; and should it continue, great numbers starve. Although this bird is furnished with a hard bill to enable it to feed on seeds, &c., it has no dislike to insects, and indeed seems to prefer them when they can be easily procured. The Redwing is very similar to the Throstle or common Thrush, with which it is often seen among the hawthorn trees and ivy bushes, or roaming over the meadows in search of food; but it is less in size, and has a white streak over the eye, which in that bird is wanting. It is about eight and half inches in length, und of the average weight of two anda half ounces. The bill is of a dusky color, except at the base of the upper mandible, which partakes of a yellowish hue; the eyes are dull, the back and upper parts brown, the lower part of the breast white marked with dusky lines, the body under the wings reddish-orange, and the legs pale-brown. The song of the Redwing, when heard in its native woods, has such a charming effect, heightened by the rough character of most of the other woodland sounds of a northern country, that the bird has been called the Nightingale of Norway. Both the Redwing and Fieldfare are said by Linnzeus to frequent high trees, building their nests near those places where junipers grow. 227) y 1 Pied Fly Catcher. 2 Spotted Fly Catcher. Tue Spotted Fly Catcher is known by several provincial names, all derived from its habits; as the “ Beam-bird,” (from a favorite site of his nest,) and the ”Cherry-chopper,” (from a supposed taste for the fruit of that tree.) In some parts of England it is called the “ Post-bird,” and in other parts the “Bee- bird.” It is about six inches in length, and of rather a dar’ color; its breast is a dullish white, slightly tinged with dull orange, and the upper part of the body is brown. Its billis of a dusky color, hooked and fringed with some little bristles or hairs at its base. It is a very tame bird, and will often build its nest in a hole in a wall or near a door-post where people are continually passing and repassing ; it seems particu- larly partial to the vine and sweetbrier, for the foundation of its nest, and may often be seen among the leaves near the windows of a cottage. It also chooses the projecting heams or rafters of a house for the site of its nest, and this so frequently as to have caused it to be called the beam or rafter bird. The Fly Catcher makes little pretension to song, but occasionally utters a little inward wailing note. The Pied Fly Catcher is a much less common bird, though it has been supposed to be indigenous to England. It is about the size of the Linnet, but, from its shape has been compared to a magpie in miniature. The crown of the head is black, which color also pervades the bill, but there is a white spot on its forehead, from which its name is derived; the rest of the body is composed of various shades of black, brown, and white, the latter covering the breast. Notwithstanding that some naturalists consider this bird to be indigenous to Eneland, others maintain it to be a summer bird of passage ; and it is said by Mr. Bolton and the Rey. Mr. Dalton to arrive in Yorkshire in the summer, and to depart before October. It is scarcely ever to be met with in the south of England, and not very frequently in the north; but Colonel Montagu remarks that great numbers may be seen at Lowther Castle, Westmoreland, where it has bred for mar ars. ny years (228) THE FLY CATHERS. Pewit Fly Catcher Red-eyed Vireo, or Fly Catcher. Linnet. Goldfinch. The King Bird takes up his summer residence in all the intermediate regions, from the temperate part of Mexico to the remote interior of Canada. In the months of May, June, and part of July, his life is one continued scene of broils and battles; in which, however, he generally comes off conqueror. Hawks, and crows, the bald eagle, and the great black eagle, all equally dread a rencounter with this dauntless little champion, who as soon as he perceives one of these last approaching, launches into the air to meet him, mounts to a considerable height above him, and darts down on his back, sometimes fixing there to the great annoyance of his sovereign, who, if no convenient retreat or resting-place be near, endeavors by various evolutions to rid himself of his merciless adversary. But the King Bird is not so easily dis- mounted. He teazes the eagle incessantly, all the while keeping up a shrill and rapid twittering; and continuing the attack sometimes for more than a mile, till he is relieved by some other of his tribe equally eager for the contest. The Pewit Fly Catcher is a very familiar bird, inhabiting the continent of North America, from Canada and Labrador to Texas, retiring from the Northern and Middle States at the approach of winter. Their favorite resort is near streams, ponds, or stagnant waters, about bridges, caves, and barns, where they choose 200k: b fo) ? {o) to breed. The Red-Eyed Vireo is a common but sweet songster, found in every part of the American continent, from Labrador to the mild table land of Mexico. It inhabits the shady forests or tall trees near gardens and the suburbs of villages, where its loud, lively, and energetic song is often continued, with little inter- mission, for several hours at a time. © (229) THE BUNTING. 1 Common Bunting. 2 Yellow-hammer, male. 8 Ditto, female. 4 Black-headed Bunting. THE above are all English birds. They are usually placed between the Grosbeaks and the Finches, the construction of the bill constituting its chief peculiarity, and marking it as a distinct tribe. The Common Bunting is found in the corn-growing districts. In winter it generally becomes gregarious, and may be seen in the company of Linnets, Chaffinches, and other birds. It is often brought to market in winter and sold with Larks. Its plumage is brown, and it is considerably larger than any of the family of Finches. The note of the Bunting is harsh and disagreeable. The Yellow- hammer, though not a very interesting, is rather a pretty bird, fie head being of a ‘bright yellow, variegated with brown, and the cheeks, throat, and lower part of the abdomen are quite yellow. In winter it is common in every hedge. The song of the Yellow-hammer consists of little more than a monotone, repeated quickly several times, some emphasis being laid on the last note, which is also at greater length. The Reed Bunting, a third variety, frequents marshes, and is rather a handsome bird, with a black head Tt occasionally sings during the night. Montagu says that its song “ consists only of two notes, the first repeated three or four times, the last s single and more sharp.” An undeserved reputation as a good songster is given to this bird. The reason is that the Sedge-warbler, whose merits as a vocalist are really superior, frequents the same haunts as the Reed Bunting; and while the latter bird renders himself prominent when singing, the Sedge-warbler utters his liquid, pleasant notes concealed from view. The Cirl Bunting, which is scarcely found in any part of England except Devonshire, differs but little from the Yellow- hammer in form. The Snow Bunting is an occasional visitant, being driven to the northern parts of Great Britain only when the winters of a still higher latitude are more than usually intense. Its summer haunts are within the Polar Circle, and it lives nearer the Pole than any other bird. It has its summer and winter dress, the former white, and the latter brown. 230) 1 The Nightingaie. 2Blackcap. 3. Wren. 4 Redbreast. 5 Sedge Warbler. 6 Whitethroat Tue above birds are all British. The Nightingale is a summer visitor to England, and the European continent, migrating in winter into Egypt and Syria, and the northern districts of Africa. It is also a native of Asia, where its song isas celebrated as in Europe. It haunts close shrubberies, copses and dense coverts. It sings at night. ; The Blackeap is scarcely inferior to the Nightingale in its musical powers. It is very shy and retired. frequenting woods, thickets and orchards. - The Sedge-Warbler lives in marshes on the banks of rivers and lakes. The other pirds of the above group will be noticed on another page (231 ¥ THE WARBLERS. Wheatear. Nightingale. The Robin, the famous Robin Redbreast of ballad and song celebrity, is different from the American Robin, being smaller, and more familiar in its habits. The Whitethroat is a migratory bird, visiting Europe in the summer. It is about five inches and a half in length. Its musical powers are not remarkable. ~*~ The Wheatear is a bird well known throughout Europe, as well as in the northern parts of Asia. It is about five inches and a half long. It is found in mountainous and stony districts. During its migrations it will perch in fields upon isolated stumps, boundary stones, and other elevated spots. It is rarely seen in bushes or upon trees. It leaves during the first half of September, and returns during the first half or about the middle of April, when the night frosts have ceased. When wild it feeds upon all kinds of beetles and flies, which it catches as they run along. In captivity it must immediately have a quantity of ants’ eggs and meal-worms. It usually dies of dysentery, and, what is most singular, even when it has not tasted the house food. It may subsequently be fed upon Nightingale food, and also occasionally upon roll steeped in milk. It can be preserved thus for a couple of years. It must be placed in a Nightingale cage, or ina large breeding cage. It may also be allowed to run freely about, but not before it has been accus- tomed to confinement, for if not well fed at first it usually dies.- It can rarely be tamed. THE WARBLERS. ay ; = aA = 1 Pipit Lark, as he appears in the act of descending from his song-flight. 2 Woodlark. 83 Thrush. 4 Blackbird. 6 Skylark, male, female, and nest. These are all British Birds. The Thrush, or Throstle, sings from the commencement of spring to the close of summer, with untiring note. Its song is full of sweetness and variety. The song of the Blackbird is less varied, but richer and mellower. He breaks the shell of the snail against a stone, to get at the ani- mal inside. The Lark tribe do not hop, like the sparrow, but walk or run. The Skylark is one of the most celebrated of all the sungsters of Europe. It builds on the ground, and lays five eggs in its nest. Selby says the Pipit Lark is in reality the common Pipit in its renewed and winter plumage. Its changes of plumage during the summer occasions some confusion in assigning its proper place among birds. * (233) ZO ee THE WARBLERS. Min aes SIN ee SSS Se Soe Blue-throated Redstart. Blue Bird. Tue Blue Bird, that harbinger of spring to the Americans, like the English Redbreast, “is known to almost every child, and shows,” says Wilson, “as much confidence in man by associating with him in sum- mer, as the other by his familiarity in winter.” The food of the Blue Bird consists principally of insects. The nest is built in holes in trees, and in the top of fence posts, and similar situations. Its song is cheerful, and is most frequently heard in the serene days of the spring. The Blue-throated Redstart is a native of most parts of Europe. It is a remarkably beautiful bird, and derives its name from its throat being marked with a broad band of the richest sky-blue. The American Redstart is found in almost every part of North America, withdrawing, at the approach of winter, to the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. It is a beautiful, lively bird, and warbles with much sweetness. The nest of the Redstart is very neat and substantial; fixed occasionally near the forks of a slender hickory or beach sapling, but more generally fastened or agglutinated to the depending branches or twigs of the former; sometimes securely seated amidst the stout footstalks of the waving foliage in the more usual manner of the delicate cradle of the Indian Tailor-bird, but in the deep and cool shade of the forest, instead of the blooming bower. : 2 >t ~ American Redstart pm THE WARBLERS AND WRENS. 3 Cie PESSS en aE DY Caroline, or Mocking Wren. House Wren. The Black-throated Green Warbler is a rather rare passage bird, which reaches the middle parts of the United States about the close of April. It departs again for the south in October. Its song is simple and somewhat plaintive, but not unpleasing. It derives its name from.the black hue of its chin and throat. Its breast and belly are white, tinged with pale yellow. It builds its nest in low thickets, and lays four roundish, white eggs. The Maryland Yellow-throat is a very common bird in the United States, where it extends its migra- tions from Florida to Maine, arriving in New England early in May, and returning southward in September. It is a cheerful, though shy bird, dwelling near some gushing brook, in the shade of briars, brambles, and other low shrubbery. Its song is simple, though sweet and agreeable. The House Wren is a lively, cheerful little bird, well known in the United States, where it makes its summer residence. It is found as far north as Labrador, but on the approach of winter, inigrates to Mexico. It is likewise met with in Surinam, where its melody has won for it the nickname of Nightingale. The Carolina, or Mocking Wrex, is most frequently found in the southern parts of the United: States, and derives its name from its remarkable power of mimicking, with the sweetest musical effect, the songs of a great variety of birds. The favorite song may be readily recognized. It is somewhat plaintive ana sentimental, and by the country youth is translated into the words “ sweet-heart-sweet,” pronounced quite rapidly. * = ‘ = a Black-throated Green Warbler Maryland Yellow-throat. THE CANARY BIRD. Tame Canary Bird. Tne Canary Bird, originally brought from the Canary Islands, is well known, having been long domes- ticated in almost every country. In its native groves, its plumage is a dusky grey, but with us has all the variety of color usual among domestic fowls; some are white, some mottled, some beautifully shaded with green, but the most common is a yellowish white. It has a high, piercing pipe; dwelling upon the same note for some time in one breath, then rising higher and higher by degrees, it passes through a variety of modulations. Buffon eloquently remarks, “if the nightingale be the chantress of the woods, the Canary is the musician of the chamber : the first owes all to nature, the second something to art. With less strength of organ, less compass of voice, and less variety of note, the Canary has a better ear, greater facility of imitation, and a more retentive memory. Its education is easy: we rear it with pleasure, because we are able to in- struct it. It leaves the melody of its own natural note to listen to our voices and instruments. i) Y = Black Cap. Goldfinch . (236) THE TITS. 1 Greater Tit. 2 DBlue Tit. 8 Coal Tit. 4 Marsh Tit. Tus group consists of Tits, or Titmice, found in Britain. They are a numerous family of birds, and different species of them are found in almost every part of the globe. - The Greater Tit, called also the Ox-eye, is about six inches long. It is very common in woods and thickets. Its note is not remarkable, but various, and it can imitate other birds. The Blue Titmouse, or Tomtit, is short and compact, but very pretty. It is very courageous. The female is very tenacious of her nest, and in the defence of it, often suffers herself to be taken rather than quit it, and when taken out, will return again to its protection. The Coal Tit resembles the Tomtit, but is smaller, only four inches long, and with duller plumage. It builds its nest with much neatness in the hollows of trees. The Marsh Tit, a little larger than the Coal Tit, is found among reeds and marshes in the northern part of Britain. Its food is chiefly insects, but in winter it feeds on seeds, and is often tempted to visit the farm-yard for pieces of meat, which it eats with much avidity; indeed its appetite is so great that it has been known to consume more than half its own weight of food per day. They dwell together in con- siderable numbers, and are perpetually in motion. © (237) The Botile Tit is about five inches and a half in length. The bill is very short, the head round and covered willi rough erect feathers ; it has a very long tail, whence its specifie name. It is of a brownish color, with black feathers in the tail edged with white. Its nest is generally placed in the forked branch of a large tree overhanging the water, and it lays from twelve to eighteen white eggs. Long-tailed Titmouse. _ Guinea Hen. Pique-Boeuf, or Oxbird. The Tufted Titmouse is very common in the southern parts of the Uuited States. Its usual song par- takes of the high, echoing, clear tone of the Baltimore Bird. Asa cage-bird it is very desirable. According . to the observations of Wilson, it soon becomes familiar in confinement, and readily makes its way out of a wicker cage by repeated blows at the twigs. It may he fed on hemp-seed, cherry stones, apple-pippins, and hickory nuts, broken and thrown into it. The Chickadee, or Black-capped Titmouse, is a familiar, hardy, restless little bird, inhabiting the northern and middle states, as well as Canada. Its quaint notes and jingling warble are heard even in winter, on fine days, when the weather relaxes in its severity. It adds by its presence, indomitable action, and chatter, an air of cheerfulness to the silent and dreary winters of the coldest parts of America. Dr. Richardson found it in the fur countries up to the sixty-fifth parallel, where it contrives to dwell through- out the whole year. The Long-tailed Titmouse, which is a native of Hurope, constructs a very curious nest; it is of an oval form, with a small hole near the upper part for an entrance; the principal material of the nest is moss, bound together by the aurelia of insects; it is lined with down and feathers, so arranged that their soft webs all point inwards. The Red-billed Pique-Boeuf, is a native of northern Africa. It lives on the parasitic insects infesting the hides of sheep, oxen, and the like. Fixed on their back, by means of his powerful claws, the Pique-Boeuf digs and squeezes out with his beak the larvae that lie be- neath the festering skin, to the real benefit of the ani- (tufted ‘Titmouse. mal, who patiently submits to the operation. — 239) THE ROOK. , Tue Rook inhabits almost every part of Europe, and is very common in England, where it lives in a kind of semi-domestication, usually inhabiting a grove of trees near a house, or in a park, where it is protected “by the owner, although he makes it pay for this accommodation by shooting the young once every year Apparently in consequence of this annual persecution, the Rook has an intense horror of guns, perceiving them at 2 great distance. While feeding in flocks in the fields, or following the ploughman in his course, and devouring the worms and’grubs turned up by the share, the Rook has always a sentinel planted in a neighboring tree, who instantly gives the alarm at the sight of a gun, or of a suspicious looking object. The good which the Rook does by devouring the grubs of the cockchaffer, and the tipulas or dady-long- legs, both of which are exceedingly injurious to the crops, more than compensates for the damage it some- times causes, by pulling up young corn, or newly set potato cuttings; in the latter case more, I believe, to get at the wireworms, which crowd to the slices of potato, than to eat the vegetable itself. In the fruit season, the Rook, like most other birds, likes to have his share of the cherries, pears and walnuts, but may be easily kept away by the occasional sight of a gun. j Towards evening the Rooks may be seen flying in long lines to their resting-place—* The blackening ‘rain of crows to their repose.” They then perform sundry evolutions in the air, and finally settle to rest. Round the base of the Rook’s beak is a whitish looking skin, denuded of feathers, the reason or cause of which is not very obvious. A white variety of the Rook is sometimes seen. The gamekeeper at Ashdown had a very fine white Rook, which he kept tame in his garden. The eggs of this bird are five in number similar to those of the Raven in color, but much smaller. The length of the bird is nineteen inches. “« . (240) THE CUCKOU. . = inane ay AX s \ YM 7) x J™ Ww 77) IVs —~ : Z Cuckoo in a Hedge Sparrow’s Nest. Tre Cuckoo places its offspring entirely under the protection of foster parents, leaving it to them to provide its food and to nourish it until it can shift for itself. Though this is not a pleasing trait in the character of the Cuckoo, the young bird is far from being ill-provided for in the place which it has usurped; but turning out the nestlings from the home which really belongs to them, they soon perish, while the intruder claims the services of the defrauded and bereaved parent birds, and thrives rapidly under their unceasing exertions to supply it with food. The Cuckoo always deposits its eggs in the nest of a bird which feeds upon insects. The nests of the Hedge Sparrow, the Reed Sparrow, the Titlark, the Waetail, the Yellow-hammer, and others have been selected; and instances are mentioned of the nests of the Linnet and White-throat having been the place of deposit; but the greatest preference is shown to that of the Hedge Sparrow. Dr. Jenner’s well known paper in the “ Philosophical Transactions” of the Royal Society, 1788, threw great light upon this striking peculiarity ; but there is still much room for observation on the habit. It seems doubtful whether or not the Cuckoo ever builds a nest of its own, but the general belief is that it does not; and whether the Cuckoo deposits the egg from her body while actually sitting upon the nest is equally a matter of doubt. For some time before the bird becomes independent of its foster parents it procures some part of its subsistence by its own exertions. The young bird generally continues in the nest three weeks before it flies, and it is fed more than tive weeks after this period. (241) ut SS ANWR 1 Aracar. Toucan. 2 Red-bellied Toucan. 38 Toco Toucan. 4 Black and Yellow Toucan. Tug Toucan as well as the Avacaris, which they greatly resemble, are found in the warmest parts of South America. Their plumage is brilliant; and their feathers have been employed as ornaments of dress hy the ladies of Brazil and Peru. Its enormous beak is nearly as long as the body. a eh tr a ar eer eee VUE TOUCAN. THE LUUCAN. C/ Ke : Curl-cresta ] Aracari. This singular variety of the species Toucan is found in Brazil. Tt derives its name from the crown of its head being covered with a,crest of curled, intense black, and glossy feathers (243) = ae THE PARROT. irae and Yellow Macaws. Carolina Parrot. © Sealed Parakeet. 1» Black-winged Psittacule. Phillipine Psittacule. ¥ Accipitrina Parrot @ White-headed Parrot. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. 1 Banksian Cockatoo. & Goliath Cockatoo. 244) eal THE PARROT. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Rose-ringed Parrakeets. Alexandrine Parrakeet. Ir is now very generally admitted that the Psittacidee, or Parrots, form an independent family group, embracing many genera. Prominent among the Psittacidze is the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, an inhabitant of New Guinea. Its color is white, and the crest is of a sulphur yellow. This Cockatoo is easily tamed, and is of a very affectionate disposition. When in captivity it has been known to live to the age of one hundred and twenty years. The eggs are white. The length of the bird is about eighteen inches. There are other varieties of the Cockatoo, as the Banksian, and Goliath. The Macaws are natives of South America. The Blue and Yellow Macaw inhabits Brazil, Guiana and Surinam, living principally on the banks of rivers. The Carolina Parrot is a native of the southern districts of the United States. Its plumage is very beautiful, the general color being a bright, yellowish, silky green, with light blue reflections. The Alexandrine Parrakeet is found only in India and the neighboring islands. It is a beautiful bird ; its general plumage is green, a vermillion collar adorns the neck; the throat and a band between the eyes are black; a mark of purple red ornaments the shoulders. The Psittacules, or Ground Parrots, form a group of beautiful little Parrakeets, the smallest of their race. The two most prominent varieties are the Black-winged and the Phillipine, both of which are found in the East Indies. The Rose-ringed Parrakeet is no less remarkable for its symmetrical form and graceful movements, than for its docility and imitative powers, and is supposed to have been the first bird of the Parrot kind known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, having been brought from the island of Ceylon, after the Indian expe- ditions of Alexander the Great. They afterwards obtained other species from Africa. The color of the bird is green, and a rose-colored band round its neck gives it the name of the Rose-ringed Parrakeet. The bill is red. The Parrot genus includes about one hundred and seventy known species. All the species are confined to warm climates, but their range is wider than Buffon considered, when he limited them to within twenty- three degrees on each side of the equator; for they are known to extend as far south as the straits of Magellan, and are found on the shores of Van Diemen’s Land. Parrots live together in families, and seldom wander to any considerable distance; these societies admit with difficulty a stranger among them, though they live in great harmony with each other. They are fond of scratching each other's heads and necks ; and when they roost, nestle as closely as possible together, sometimes as many as thirty or forty sleeping in the hollow of the same tree. (245) 21* THE BIRD OF PARADISE. SS 1 The Emerald. 2 The Siflet. 3 The Incomparable. 4 The Gloudy. 5 The Superb. Amona the feathered clories of creation the Birds of Paradise take the first rank. Nature has lavished upon them the most attractive eraces of plumage. From the practice of the natives of New Guinea of cutting off their lees, before selling their skins to travellers, it was once believed, in Europe, that they had no feet, but flew continually in the air, and fed on morning dew. (246) Emerald Bird of Paradise, female. THE BIRD OF PARADISE. Golden Bird of Paradise. The Birds of Paradise are natives of New Guinea, and the adjacent islands, and consist of a number of species, but the best known is the Great, or Emerald Bird of Paradise, about the size of a Thrush. The Emerald Bird of Paradise, male. (247) wings are large, compared with the bird’s other dimensions ; the feathers of the hinder part of the breast and belly are singularly extended into bunches, longer than the body ; and the tail, measuring six inches, is of equal length with it; but what chiefly attracts notice is two naked filaments, which spring from above the tail, and are two feet long, of a deep black color, bearded at the insertion and at the point, with downy feathers of a changeable hue. The female is without these floating plumes of the male. These birds are gregari- ous, always seen in large flocks, and perching at night upon the same tree. They live on fruits, and are said to be par- ticularly fond of aromatics. It has acry like that of the starling. These birds are killed by the natives with blunt arrows, and sold to the Europeans; but as this forms a lucra- tive kind of merchandise, the “ virtuous” Chinese fabricate specimens of these celestial fowls, of the feathers of Parrots and Parrakeets, which they sell to strangers, and by which craft they make great gain. The Golden Bird of Paradise is another species, remark- able for the golden hued feathers of its throat, and the long, slender feathers, or filaments, which ornament its head. The Incomparable is distinguished by a tail three times longer than the body, by a double crest on the head, and by incomparable magnificence of plumage. The Superb Bird of Paradise is remarkable as having at- tached to its shoulders a long spreading plume, capable of being erected at pleasure. On its breast are two pointed lap- pets. With the exception of these, the plumage is velvet black, reflecting green and violet. | Magnificent Bird of Paradise The King Bird of Paradise, one of the smallest of the group, is found in the Molucca Isles. It is very rare, and is about the size of the common Sparrow. A zone of golden green extends across its breast, and THE BIRD OF PARADISE. . King Bird of Paradise. from beneath each shoulder springs a fan-like plume of six or seven dusky feathers, tipped with the richest golden green. Its tail is adorned with two long slender shafts, each elegantly terminating in a broad emerald web, disposed in a flat curl on one side of the shaft. The Magnificent Bird of Paradise is really worthy of its name. Its hues are most brilliant. It is remarkable for a double ruff which springs from the back of its neck, and is composed of slender plumes, variously tipped with orange, yellow and black. Snperb Bird of Paradise. (248) id . ‘ THE LYRE BIRD. A Parrot. A Bird of Paradise a = ME IT MY A Toucan. Lyre Birds, male and female. Natora.ists are greatly divided in opinion as to the proper classification of the Lyre Bird; some placing it among the Birds of Paradise; others among the Passerines; and others among the Gallinaceous birds. Tne Lyre Bird equals a common Pheasant in size, but its limbs are longer in proportion, and its feet much larger. The’ head is gmall, the beak triangular at the base, pointed and compressed at the tip. In the male the feathers of the head are elongated into a crest; the general plumage is full, deep, soft, and downy. The tail is modified into a beautiful, long, plume-like ornament, representing when erect and expanded, the figure of a lyre, whence the name of Lyre Bird. This ornamental tail is, however, confined to the male. It is a bird of heavy flight, but swift of foot. On catching a glimpse of the sportsman, it runs with rapidity, aided by the wings, over logs of wood, rocks, or any obstruction to its progress; it seldom flies into trees except to roost, and then rises only from branch to branch. They build in old hollow trunks of trees which are lying upon the ground, or in the holes of rocks; the nest is merely formed of dried grass, or dried leaves scraped together; the female lays from twelve to sixteen eggs, of a white color, with a few scattered light blue spots; the young are diflicult to catch, as they run with rapidity, concealing them- selves among the rocks and bushes. The Lyre Bird, on descending from high trees, on which it perches, _ has been seen to fly some distance; it is more often observed during the early hours of the morning and in the evening, than during the heat of the day. This bird is found in the hilly districts of Australia. THE TURKEY. x de Giz “Wild Turkeys. Tue Turkey is an inhabitant of America, and appears to have been imported into Europe about the year 1600. Its habits in a state of domesti- cation need no description, but when wild in its native woods are rather interesting. It is partly migratory in its habits, moving from the parts about Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, towards the Ohio and Mississippi. The march is usually per- formed on foot in large flocks, the birds: seldom using their wings except when attacked, or in order to eross a river of a mile in breadth, but the weaker frequently fall into the water, and then paddle to shore with some rapidity. Wild Turkey. (250% — ~~~. -——— THE DOMESTIC FOWL. | i. ‘ Mualdy Powl. ~ ‘ Game Cock. The Domestic Fowls are too well known to need much description. There are many varieties. The Game Fowl was formerly in great request for the cruel sport of cock-fighting, an amusement which, although happily now almost extinct, was in great vogue but a few years since. ‘ The Bantam is a very little bird indeed, but exceedingly _ courageous, and does not hesitate to attack a Turkey or such large birds with most amusing pompousness of manner. Some Bantams have their legs thickly covered with feathers down to the very toes. The Dorking Fowl is a large and delicate species. The és EE Bantams, male and female. ; ae 3 . 5 ~° ° 5 ee : chief peculiarity i this bird is the double hind toe, so that it has five toes instead of four. The Malay Fowl, though an awkward, bony, leggy, cowardly bird, wandering about for the first six months of its existence with scarcely a feather to cover its nakedness, is yet not se bad a fowl as it has been represented to be. But unless they are of pure breed, their flesh will be found coarse and stringy. Common Barn-yard Fow! (251), -? | eae eee a ee ee : CO SS Se THE DOMESTIC FOWL. Fire-backed Jungle Fowl, female. Sonnerat’s Jungle Fowl, female. The Fire-backed Jungle Fowl came originally from Sumatra. It is larger than the domestic game breed. Its head is adorned with a crest of naked shafted feathers. ‘The general plumage is black, with gleaming steel-blue reflections. The lower part of the back is flame-color, whence its name. Sonnerat’s Jungle Fowl is a native of India, where its courage and spirit render it peculiarly attractive fo cock-fighters. It is a splendid bird, and presents altogether a rich and striking object, when the sun shines upon its plumage, the hues of which are purple, and deep and golden green. Sonnerat’s Jungle Fowl, male. (252) . = = = Sa = = = = = = = — Shanghei Fowl, female. Bankiva Jungle Fowl. Spanish Fowl. The Shanghai fowl has become generally known in the Northern States, aud espectally in New England. ft was brought from Shanghai, China, in 1848, by Captain Forbes, and since that time other importations of the species have been effected. Their general plumage is of a bright yellow, or gold color, variegated with dark brown and red. They are quiet tempered, their gait is proud and showy, but the legs are rather too long for beauty. The Bankiva Jungle Fow! is supposed to be the original stock of our domestic varieties. It is a native of the East Indies. In size it is nearly twice as large as the Bantam, and is remarkable for its courage. The Polish Fowl is a most beautiful bird, though small in comparison with many other species of the family. Its general color is a deep black, with a white tuft on the crown of the head. The Persian Fowl is an extremely rare species. Its plumage is scanty. The Spanish Fowls are large, showy, and possess the blackest of plumage. Aauegty O a Shanghai Fowl, male. Persian Fowl Polish Fowl (258) e 5 SS ee ° 1HE PEACOCK. ° 4 Peaeock. Peacock. Tins maenificent bird is originally from Asia, but has been domesticated in England for many years. Some suppose that it was first brought from India by Alexander, and by him introduced into Europe. The magnificent plumes that adorn the Peacock are not the tail, as many suppose, but the -tail-coverts. The tail feathers themselves are short and rigid, and serve to keep the train expanded, as may be seen when the bird walks about in all the majesty of his expanded plumage. ~ Although Pea-fowls seek their food on the ground, they invariably roost on some elevated situation, ach as a high branch, or the roof of a barn, or haystack. When the bird is perched on the roof, its. train lies | along the thatch, and is quite invisible in the dusk. In the times of chivalry, a roasted Peacock, still clothed in its plumage, and with ifs train displayed, formed one of the chief ornaments of the regal board. The nest of this bird is made of sticks ‘and leaves rudely thrown together, and contains from twelve to fifteen eggs. The young do not attain their full plumage until the third year, and only the males possess the vivid tints ‘and Jengthened train, the female being a comparatively ordinary bird. .A white variety of the Peacock is ‘not uncommon. In this case, the eyes of the train feathers are slightly marked with a kind of a neutral tint. ‘ , we-"@54) oy —— — — ees THE GUINEA FOWL. Guinea Fowl. Tur Guinea Fow., or Pintado, was originally brought from Africa. From its peculiar cry it has gained the name of “ Come-back.” In its wild state it is gregarious, assembling in large flocks in some marshy situation. At night the birds roost on the trees in company, like the Turkey. It is of a restless disposition, which does not leave it in captivity, the bird frequently wandering for . several miles from its home. Like the Turkey, the Pin tado lays its eggs in the closest concealment it can find. lf. a vw Ys, == Lyre Birds. of Europe. (ommon Pheasants. THE PHEASANT. Temminck’s Horned Pheasant. THE Common Pheasant, though originally from Mingrelia, and Georgia, is now naturalized in most parts It is said to be common in Tartary, and some parts of China. | was ascribed by the ancients to Jason, who conducted the Argonautic expedition to Colchis, now Georgia, — Its introduction into Europe nine hundred and_ thirty-seven years _ before the birth of our Saviour. Itisa | hardy bird, and bears the cold months _ | very well. Its nest is built on the ground, and contains from ten to eighteen eges. ; x ; Temminck’s Horned Pheasant, is a bird as rare as it is beautiful, and is a native of China and Thibet. Of its habits and manners in a state of nature very little is accurately known. Only one living specimen ‘has as yet been brought to Europe.” Its size is between that of a common fowl and a Turkey. It derives the name of Horned Pheasant from the two fleshy horns that arise from behind the eyes. — (256% THE GROUSE. Cock of the Wood __ Usper the family title of Grouse, mos‘ naturalists include not only the true bird of that name, but the Partridges, Quails, ete. With regard to the true Grouse, it is of the moor-land and heath, the barren rock and the dense pine forest, that they are respectively the tenants. The Capercaillie, or Cock of the Wood. is common in most »arts of northern Europe, and was once to be found in Scotland and Ireland. The male is a large bird, almost equalling a Turkey in size, but the female is considerably smaller. In the early spring, before the snow has left the ground, this singular bird commences his celebrated “play.” This play is confined to the males, and intended to give notice of their presence to the females who are in the neighborhood. During the play, the neck of the Capercaillie is stretched out, his tail is raised and spread ’ like a fan, his wings droop, his feathers are ruffled up, and in short he much resembles in appearance an angry Turkey-cock. He begins his play with a call something re- sembling peller, peller, peller ; these sounds he repeats at some little intervals, but as he proceeds they increase in rapidity, until at last, and after perhaps the lapse of a minute or so, he makes a sort of a gulph in his throat, and finishes with sucking in, as it were, his breath. The nest is made on the ground, and contains from six to twelve eggs. Cock of the Woods. Ruffled Grcuse (257) TT | SS TR SSS Black Grouse, female. Wa Black Grouse, male, The Black Grouse, or «ack Cock, is still found on the moors of Scotland and some y rts of England, and with the Red Grouse tempts innumerable sportsmen to spend their leisure on the moors. The Red Grouse, however, has never been found on the Continent, but seems to confine itself to the heaths of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, while the Black species is abundant in almost every part of Europe. The Ruffed Grouse is only found on the North American Continent, where it is best known as the Pheasant. The male is remarkable for producing a drumming noise, princi- pally during the spring, but occasionally at other seasons. It is the call of the cock to his mate, and, when heard in the solitudes of the forest, has a singular effect. This noise is produced by the bird striking its wings rapidly upon some old prostrate log. By sportsman the action is called “ drumming.” Pinnated Grouse. (258) Red Grouse = | THE GROUSE. = _Ruffed Grouse, drumming. ay i Cock of the Wood. Ruffed Grouse. California Quail. The Pinnated Grouse is strictly confined to portions of North America. Open dry plains, interspersed with trees, or partially overgrown with shrubh-oaks are it favorite haunts. Itis found from New Jersey on the east to the Columbia river on the west. The male is remarkable for a naked sac-like appendage on each side of the neck. The California Quail is abundantly found in that portion of the United States from which it derives its name. It greatly resembles our common Partridge, or Quail, having, however, a crest on its head, which it can erect or depress at pleasure. The American Partridge, which is well known from its peculiar whistle in the spring, the notes of which sound like the words “ Bob White,” is an inhabitant of almost every part of the North American continent. Where it is not much persecuted by sportsmen, the American Partridge becomes nearly half domesticated, and in winter approaches the barn-yard, mixing with the poultry, and there gleaning its subsistence. Pinnated Grouse American Partridge. (259) Ptarmigans. claws. Their plumage changes in winter from a rich almost tortoise shell color to a pure white. Iv inhabits the northern parts of Europe and America, and is also found in the north of Scotland, principally among the mountains. Its nest is loosely constructed of twigs and grass, and contains from twelve to fourteen eggs. The English Partridge is well known as one of the birds in- cluded in the designation of = “oame.” It lays from fifteen Common Quail. to twenty eggs in a rude nest placed on the ground, and dis- plays great attachment to them. It greatly resembles the Ameri- can Partridge, but is somewhat larger. The Common Quail is a well known bird in Europe, where countless flocks of them are spread over the country. ——. Black Grouse. k The legs and feet of the Ptarmigan are thickly covered with hair-like feathers reaching as fur as the THE BUSTARD. Great Bustard. female. Great Bustard, male. Tue Bustard family of birds are distinguished for their powers of running and their shynesss: some of the Asiatic species are much sought for by the Indian sportsman as a delicacy for the table. The Great Bustard is the largest of European land birds, the male being about four feet long, and measuring nine feet from tip to tip of the wings when extended, while its weight is on an average twenty-five pounds. The female is not much more than half the size of the male. There is likewise another very essential differ- ence between the male and the female; the former being furnished with a sack or pouch, situated in the fore part of the neck, and capable of containing nearly two quarts ; the entrance to it is under the tongue. This singular reservoir the bird is supposed to fill with water, as a supply in the midst of those dreary plains where it is accustomed to wander. The Kori Bustard, of which we give an engraving of the head, is a magnificent bird, inhabiting Southern Africa, where it is accounted the best of the winged game to be found. Game Cock. Head of Kori Bustasd Pinnated Grouse. (261) Leaden-tinted Bustard. THE BUSTARD. THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL. | Rilack-headed Bustard. The Black-headed Bustard is extensively spread throughout India. It is gregarious, and the male ts furnished with a pouch similar to that of the Great Bustard. Its flesh is excellent. The Leaden-tinted Bustard is a native of South Africa. Its habits and manners are those of the family generally. The length is twenty inches, and its height, when erect, is seventeen inches. The Rhinoceros Hornbill. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a native of India and the Indian Islands. The enormous bill, with its incomprehensible append age, although of course heavy, is really much lighter than it looks, being composed of a kind of light honeycombed struc- ture. The upper protuberance is hollow, and the only con jecture formed of its use, is that it serves as a sounding board to inerease the reverberations of the air, while the bird is uttering its peculiar roaring cry. In spite of the apparently unwieldly bill the bird is very active, and hops about the branches of trees with much ease. The appendage to the upper mandible is small when the bird is young, and only attains its enormous size when the Horubill has reached its full growth. The bill of the Hoopoes presents a somewhat analagous peculiarity, as when the bird is young the billis short and pointed, and increases with the size of the bird. From this circumstance, together with some other re- semblances, some imagine that there is an affinity between the Hornbills and Hoopoes. The Hornbills seem to be omniv- orous, fruits, eggs, birds, reptiles, &c., forming their food. 5 — SENLIN Male and female Ostrich. Negro, riding an Ostrich. Tue Ostrich ts the largest bird as yet known to exist, its height being from six to eight feet. It is an inhabitant of Africa, and from thence the elegant plumes are brought. These plumes are mostly obtainea from the wings of the bird, and not from the etal as Is generally imagined. An immense number of eggs are laid by the Ostriches in one spot, several birds belonging to each nest The eggs are very large and strong, and are in general use by the Bosjesmans for holding water. By means of these eggs, which they bury at intervals in the sand, after filling them with water, they are enabled to make inroads across the desert and retreat with security, as none can follow them for want of water. Each ege holds rather more than five pints. An excellent omelet is made by the natives, by burying the fresh. egg in hot ashes, and stirring round the contents with a stick through a hole in the upper end, until thoroughly cooked. The principal strength of the Ostrich tribe lies in the legs. These limbs are so powerful that a swift horse has great difficulty i in overtaking the bird. As the Ostrich mostly runs in large curves, the hunters cut across and intercept the bird, which would in all probability escape if followed in its exact course. In running it is aided by its wings, which, however, are too short and weak to raise it from the ground. The Ostrich is easily tamed. Many of our readers have doubtless seen the tame Ostriches at the Hip-. podrome, who ran races bearing riders on their backs, and really seemed to enjoy the sport as much as any of the spectators. The food of the Ostrich is vegetable, and it swallows many stones, &c., to assist it in grinding its food. When in confinement it picks up any thing, glass, nails, &c., from the effects of which it some times dies. Captain Cumming remarks a fact not generally known, viz. the care the Ostrich takes of its young. It has generally been “supposed that after the eggs are laid, the female leaves them to be hatched in the sun, and takes no more care for them. ‘The following anecdote would do honor to the far-famed Lapwing. «] fell in with a troop of about twelve young Ostriches, which were not much larger than Guinea Fowls. I was amused to see the mother endeavor to lead us away, exactly like a wild Duck, spreading out and drooping her wings, and throwing herself down on the ground before us, as if wounded, while the cock bird cunningly led the brood away in an opposite direction. : (763) | THE CASSOWARY. THE EMU. five and six feet. bustard ee THE Cassowary is a native of the eastern parts of Asia. great swiftness, and if attacked by dogs, kicks with extreme force and rapidity. The feathers of this bird are remarkable for being composed of two long, thread-like feathers, sprouting from the same root. The wing feathers are round, black, and strong, and resemble the quills of the porcupine. last joint of the wing is a sort of claw or spur. The Emu is a native of New Holland, and nearly equals the Ostrich in bulk, its height being between Its feathers lie loosely on the body, and its wings are small and hardly to be distin- guished. The skin of the Emu furnishes a bright and clear oil, on which account it is eagerly sought after Cassowaries. In its manners the Emu bears a close resemblance to the Ostrich. Its food appears to be wholly vegetable, consisting chiefly of fruits, roots and herbage, and it is consequently, notwithstanding its great strength, per- fectly inoffensive. The voice of the Emu is a kind of low booming sound. The eggs are six or seven in number, of a dark green color, and are much esteemed by the natives as food. When the natives take an Emu, they break its wings, a curious custom, of no perceptible utility. Young men and boys are not permitted to eat the flesh of this bird. Its flesh has been compared to coarse beef, which it resembles both in appearance and taste. Like the Ostrich, it cannot fly, but runs with At the end of the ————— — a SS THE DODO. Tue Dodo, a singular bird, which is supposed to be extinct, was discovered by the Mauritius by the earlier voyagers. [or many years their accounts of it were supposed to be mere flights of fancy. Lately, however, the discovery of several relics of this bird in various countries has set the question at rest. Not so the question of the proper position of the bird. Some think it belongs to the pigeons, and some to the ostriches. From the travels of Sir T. Hubert, written in the year 1627, we take the following account. “ The Dodo, a bird the Dutch call Walghvogel, or Dod Eersen; her body is round :nd fat, which occasions the slow pace, or that her corpulencie, and so great as few of them weigh less than fifty pound: meat it is with some, but better to the eye than stomach, such as only a strong appetite can vanquish. It is a melancholy visage as sensible of nature’s injury in framing so massie a body to be directed by complemental wings, such in- deed, as are unable to hoist her from the ground, serving only to rank her among birds.” (269) THE HUMMUNG BIRD. Gould’s Humming Bird, male and femaie. Tue Humming Birds are natives of the New World ; and rich as this continent is in the most splendid feathered beings, the brilliancy and grace of these small birds are such as to excite the highest admiration in the spectator, who at once acknowledges their pre-eminence. Recent discoveries have proved that the’r range of habitation is more extended than was once imagined; for though they chiefly abound in South America, many visit the temperate and colder portions of the continent. The Ruby-throated Humming Bird passes north as far as the interior of Canada, migrating like the Swallow. Nor is this the only species which extends into a colder climate. Still, how- ever, the central regions of the continent, and the islands adjacent, are their chief resort. There they people the woods and the gardens, glancing in the sun like meteors as they flit by with inconceivable rapidity, or, suspended on their burnished and quivering wings, explore the nectary of some scented blossom. These birds may be almost said to live upon the wing. There is no bird that equals them in power of flight. THE MOCKING BIRD. j Mocking Bird. * Tue Mocking Bird, or Polyglot Thrush, is a native of most parts of America. This wonderful bird stands pre-eminent in power of song. Not only are its natural notes bold and spirited, but it has the faculty of imitating with deceptive fidelity every sound it hears. To its flexible organs, the harsh setting of a saw, the song of a nightingale, the creaking of a wheel, the whistled tune of a passer-by, the full and mellow notes of the thrush, the barking of a dog, the crowing of a cock, and the savage scream of the bald eagle, are each equally easy of execution, and follow one another with such marvellous rapidity that few | can believe that the insignificant brown bird before them is the sole author of these varied sounds. The Virginian Nightin- | gale and the Canary hear their exquisite modulations per- formed with such superior execution, that the vanquished songsters are silent from mere mortification, while the triumph- | ant Mocking Bird cnly redoubles his efforts. His expanded wings and tail glistening with white, and the buoyant gaiety of his action arresting the eye, as his song does most irre- sistibly the ear, he sweeps round with enthusiastic eestacy, and mounts and descends as his song swells or dies away. He often deceives the sportsman, and sends him in search of birds that are not perhaps within miles of him, but whose notes he exactly imitates ; even birds are frequently imposea upon by this admirable mimic, and are decoyed by the fancied calls of their mates, or dive into thickets at the scream of what they suppose to be the sparrow hawk. i a > » =O —EEEE——E—EEEEEE SE ESE SC = 2 — a = — ” ' ‘THE’CAT BIRD. THE AMERICAN ROBIN. ; _"S. Cat Bird. Poke os = Carolina Parrakeets. Skylark. Next to the Mocking Bird, the Cat Bird is one of the most interesting of the feathered tribes of America. It passes the winter in the southern extremities of the United States, and along the coast of Mexico, from whence, as early as February, they arrive in Georgia. About the middle of April they are first seen in Pennsylvania, and at length leisurely approach New England, by the close of the first or beginning of the second week in May. They continue their migration also to Canada. The Cat Bird often tunes his cheerful song before the break of day, hopping from bush to bush, with great agility after his insect prey, while yet scarcely distinguishable amidst the dusky shadows of the dawn. The notes of different indi- viduals vary considerably. A quaint sweetness, however, prevails in all his efforts, and his song is fre- quently made up of short and blended imitations of cther birds. The familiar and welcome Robin is found in summer throughout the North American continent from the desolate regions of Hudson’s Bay; in the fifty-third degree to the table land of Mexico; it is likewise a denizen of the territory of Oregon, on the western base of the Rocky mountains. We listen with peculiar pleasure to the simple song of the Robin. The confidence be reposes in us by making his abode in our gardens and orchards, the frankness and innocence of his manners, besides his vocal powers to please, inspire respect and attachment even in the truant school-boy, and his exposed nest is but rarely molested. He owes, however, this immunity in no small degree to the fortunate name he bears; as the favorite Robin Redbreast, said to have covered, with a leafy shroud, the lost and wandering “ babes in the wood.” (268) < * &s £ [ THE MOUNTAIN SHORT-WING. GARRULOUS ROLLER. CRESTED CURASSUW. ae pee ah Tue Mountain Short-Wing is a native of Java, where it is chiefly found on the lowest branches of trees or on the ground. As the shortness of its wings incapacitates it for elevated or distant heights, its motions are low, short, and made with great exertion. Its song is almost uninterrupted, and pleasingly varied. The Garrulous Roller is found in Europe. It lives on frogs, beetles, acorns, grains, and fruit. Its flesh is thought excellent. It is the size of the jay. The head, neck, and breast, are of a bluish-green, the upper - part of the body reddish-brown: the flag feathers black, and the tail which is forked, has a light blue tint. It builds on trees, particularly the birch. The Crested Curassow is a native of the forests of Mexico, Guiana, and Brazil, where it is so abundant as to be considered an unfailing source of supply to the traveller who has to trust to his gun. It is com- mon, in a domestic state, in the Dutch settlements of Berbice, Essequibo, and Demarara. The crest consists of feathers about three inches long, curled forwards, of a velvety appearance, and capable of being raised or depressed at will. Mountain Short-Wings. Cedar Bird. Garrulous Roller Crested Curassowe Titmouse on the Wing. (269) THE WREN. THE COMMON SONG SPARROW. Common Song Sparrow. Short-billed Marsh Wren. The Short-billed Marsh Wren is an amusing and not unmusical bird, found in the northern states, in May and the summer months, and in South Carolina, and Texas, through the winter. It lives in marshy meadows, builds its nest of sedge, on the ground, lays six to eight eggs. It is about four and a half inches long, of a blackish-brown color. The Common Song Sparrow is a familiar and almost domestic bird, and is one of the most common and numerous Sparrows in the United States; it is, also, with the Blue Bird, which it seems to accompany, one of the two exrliest, sweetest, and most enduring warblers. ‘Though many pass on to the southern states at the commencement of winter, yet a few seem to brave the colds of New England, as long as the snowy waste does not conceal their last resource of nutriment. When the inundating storm at length arrives, they no longer, in the sheltering swamps, and borders of bushy streams, spend their time in gleaning an insufficient subsistence, but in the month of November, begin to retire to the warmer states; and here, on fine days, even in January, whisper forth their usual strains. As early as the 4th of March, the weather being mild, the Song Sparrow and the Blue Bird here jointly arrive, and cheer the yet dreary face of nature with their familiar songs. The latter flits restlessly through the orchard or neighboring fields; the Sparrow, more social, frequents the garden, barn-yard, or road-side in quest of support, and from the top of some humble bush, stake, or taller bough, tunes forth his cheering lay, in frequent repeti- tions, for half an hour or more at a time. These notes have some resemblance to parts of the Canary’s song, and are almost uninterruptedly and daily delivered, first arrives, while the weather is yet doubtful and unsettled, the strain appears contemplative, and often delivered in a peculiarly low and tender whisper, which, when hearkened to for some time, will be found more than usually melodious, seeming as a sort of reverie, or innate hope of improving sea- sons, which are recalled with a grateful, calm, and tender delight. At the approach of winter, this vocal thrill, sound- ing like an Orphean farewell to the scene and season, is still inore exquisite, and softened by the sadness which seems to breathe almost with sentiment, from the decaying and now silent face of nature. It builds usually on the ground, a lit- tle below the level, under a tuft of grass, or in a low bush, and occasionaily in an evergreen, as the red cedar, four or five feet from the ground. Its nest is usually formed of fine, dry grass, neatly put together, and mostly lined with horse: hair. The eggs, four or five, are greenish or bluish-white, thickly spotted with one or two shades of brown. (270) from his coming to the commencement of winter. When he. THE CHATTHRERS, vl WAX-WINGS. Y Cb: ayer > . + Japanese Chatterer Bohemian Chatterer. Tue Cedar Bird is found in the whole extent between Mexico and Canada, and, during the whole year, is a resident of the United States. “The Cedar Birds,” says Wilson, “ utter a feeble, lisping sound, and fly in compact bodies of from twenty to fifty ; ; and usually alight together so close on the same tree, that one- half are frequently shot down at a time.” In June, when strawberries and cherries abound, they become exceedingly fat, and are in great request by sportsmen. In the western states, at this season, they are best known as Cherry Birds. The Bohemian Chatterer, or Wax-wing, is not confined to Europe and Asia, but is a native also of the = northern regions of the American continent. It is about eight inches in length. The general plumage is dull, vinous ash, tinted with iron-red on the cheeks. The secondary quill-feathers are tip- ped with white, each having the shaft prolonged, and furnished with a small, horny, searlet appendage, like a little, flattish-oval head of red sealing-wax, whence the name “wax-wing.” These appendages are found on the majority of the birds which compose the family. The Japanese Chatterer is a newly discovered species, differmg from the Bohemian and the Cedar Bird in the nakedness of the nostrils, in the length of the crest, and in the entire absence of the wax-like appendages to the wings. The Japanese Islands, as fa1 us we know, appear to be the native territories of this bird. Of its habits we have no definite details. The crest is long, composed above of feathers of an ashy-reddish color, with an inferior layer of black plumes. The gencral hue of the rest of the plumage is of a brownish-ash, traversed by a red band across the wings. s THE HOOPOE. Hoopoe. _ Cuckoo. Tue Hoopoe is one of the most elegant birds that visit England. Its beautiful crest can be raised or depressed at pleasure, but is seldom displayed unless the bird is excited from some cause. Its food con- — sists of insects, which it first batters and moulds into an cblong mass, and then swallows, with a peculiar Jerk of the head. In France, Hoopoes are very common, and may be seen examining old and rotten stumps for the insects that invariably congregate in such places. There they may be seen in flocks, but they never seem to come over to England in greater numbers than one pair at a time. M. Beckstein vives a curious account of the attitude assumed by the Hoopoe on perceiving a large bird in the air. “As soon as they perceived a raven, or even a pigeon, they were on their bellies in the twinkling of an eye, their wings stretched out by the side of the head, so that the large quill feathers touched ; the head leaning on the back with the bilf pointing upwards. In this curious posture they might be taken for an old rag!” It lays from four to seven grey eggs in the hollow ofa tree. Its length is one foot. & Qoldfinch. Linnet. Ostrich Common Bunting. Skylark, (272) SSS SSS SSS THES PHEASANT. THE CARDINAL GROSBEAK. THE Clusde.un. Ostrich. Cardinal Grosbeak. Shrike. Tne Peacock Pheasant, or Iris Pheasant, is described as being one of the greatest beauties in nature. We may compare it to sable, thickly set with shining jewels of various colors. Buffon has denominated it the Eperronier, from the singular fact of its having two spurs on each leg. The Cardinal Grosbeak, better known as the Red Bird, chiefly occupies the warmer parts of the United States, from New York to Florida. Some of the more restless wanderers occasionally, though rarely, favor New England with a visit. The song of the Cardinal is loud, mellow, and sweetly varied. Though possessed of much originality, it often consists, in part, of favorite borrowed and slightly altered phrases. When taken young, it is easily domesticated. . The Crossbill is about the size of a Lark; its general color is reddish; it occasionally visits England, but is an inhabitant of the colder climates, where it always breeds. It is said to fix its nest to a branch by the gummy matter which exudes from the pine tree, and to plaster its little abode with the same substance, so as effectually to exclude the melted snow, or rain, from the interior of-its comfortable little tenement. Blackbird. Crossbill. Mocking Bird (273) THE SUMMBK YHLLOW piky. KING UUsatbh. WOODPECKIR Ring Ouzel. Flicker, or Golden-winged Woodpecker. Tue Summer Yellow Bird is a very lively, unsuspicious, and familiar little creature, whose bright golden color renders it very conspicuous, as, in chase of flying insects, it darts among the blooming shrubs and orchards. It is found in almost all parts of the American continent. It is a migratory bird, ranging from the confines of the arctic circle to the tropics. The Flicker, or Golden-winged Woodpecker, inhabits throughout North America, from Labrador to Florida. Its plumage is beautifully varied, part of the quills being of a yellow color, whence its name. The Red-headed Woodpecker is another well-known and common American species, remarkable for the brilliant scarlet color of its head. The Ring Ouzel is somewhat larger than the Blackbird, which it much resembles in its general habits. Its general color is dull black. The breast of the male is distinguished by a crescent of pure white, which 8 ; : e Us af oi ase almost surrounds the neck; on “he female this crescent is much less conspicuous, and in some birds it. is wholly wanting. Ring Ouzels are found in various parts of Europe, chiefly in the wilder and more moun- tainous districts. The female builds her nest in the same manner and in the same situations as the Black- bird, and lays four or five eggs of the same color. Their food consists of inseets and berries. Linnet. (274) American Shrike, or Butcher Bird. European Shrike. Tue American Shrike, or Butcher Bird, extends its wanderings as far as Natchez, and is nol uncommon in Kentucky during severe winters. In March, it withdraws to the North, though some take up their summer residence in the densest forests of Pennsylvania and New England. ‘The principal food of the species is large insects, as well as small birds, with the surplus of both of which the Shrike disposes in a very singu- lar manner, by impaling them upon thorns. As the little American Butcher Bird, like his moze common European representatives prey upon birds, these impaled insects have been supposed to be lures to attract his victims, but his courage and rapacity render such snares useless and improbable, as he has been known with the temerity of a Falcon, to follow a bird into an open cage sooner than lose his quarry. tn Sine ASS Se NES Asin Ny Feeding the Parrot. arolina Parrot (275) ——— ~ = i eee i THE PIGEON. BEE-EATER. MEADOW LARK. SHORE LARK. Peacock. Meadow Lark. Coilared Turtle. Asia. - In its natural state it frequents the woods, and its habits closely agree with the common species. 1 ? fo) p | . The Collared Turtle is a beautiful species of dove, found throughout Africa, India, and other parts of | It has been suggested that this bird is the Turtle of the Scriptures. | The Bee-eater is common on the Continent, but seldom visits England. In appearance it is not very unlike the Kingfisher, both in shape and in its brilliant colors. It has long been celebrated for the havoc it causes among the inhabitants of the hive, although it does not restrict itself to those insects, but pur- sues wasps, butterflies, &c., on the wing, with great activity. Like the Kingfisher, it lays its eggs in holes bored in banks. ‘The eggs are white, and from four to seven in number. Its length is eleven inches. The Meadow Lark, or American Starling, is a well-known inhabitant of meadows and fields in all parts of North America. Like the American Quail, it is sociable, and somewhat gre- garious. Its flesh is white and delicate, and little inferior to that of the Partridge. The Shore Lark is a common bird, inhabiting both the Old and the New World. It is said to sing well, rising into the air, and warbling as it ascends, in the munner of the Skylark. . ogres > ey, | Bee-eate ‘ Shore Lark. ——— : ————SS———— THE WILIDAH FINCH. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. BARDbHT, fT ty : Visiting the Aviury—Whidah Finch. Cardinal Gosbeak. Tue Whidah Finch is a beautiful bird inhabiting western Africa, and particularly abundant in the kingdom of Whidah, whence its name; but which has been corrupted, and is frequently written * Widow Bird.” The body of the Whi- dah finch is generally about the size of a canary bird, but the male is remarkable for an astonishing developement of plumage during their breeding season, after which its: splendid tail drops off, and the sexes are then barely dis- tinenishable. : The Ited-Winged Blackbird in summer inhabits the whole of North America from Nova Scotia to Mexico. It is migratory north of Maryiand, but passes the winter and summer in all the southern states. _ i #HE GROUND ROBIN. TAILOR BIRD. CACTUS BIRD. = Ground Robin. The Ground Robin is an inhabitant of Canada, and tne United States, even to the base of. the Rocky Mountains, and the peninsula of Florida, migrating, however, from the northern and middle states in October, and returning again about the middle or close of April. They pass the winter generally to the south of Pennsylvania, and are then very abundant in allthe milder states in the Uuion. It is a very common, humble, and unsuspicious bird, dwelling commonly in thick, dark woods and their borders, flying low, and frequenting thickets near streams of water, where it spends much time in scratching up the withered leaves for worms and their larve. Of the Climbing Cactus Bird little is known, save that it is an inhabitant of the tropical portions of the western hemisphere. Its name is taken from its habit of climbing the cactus plant, of the region to which it belongs, as our Woodpecker climbs trees. The Tailor Bird is a native of Ceylon, whence its curious nest is very frequently brought. It is for the most part composed of two leaves, one of them being dead; the latter is fixed by the ingenious Bird to the living leaf as it hangs from the tree, by sewing both together, like a pouch or purse; this is open at the top, the cavity being filled with fine down; it is suspended from the branch, so as in great measure to secure it from the attacks of reptiles and monkeys. Tailor Bird's Nest. Climbing Cactus Birds (273) THE CROW-BLACKBIRD. THE BOB-O-LINK. YHE KiNGLETS. ye Golden Crested Kinglet. 3° Crow-Blackbird. Bob-o-link. ob-o-link. The Crow-Blackbird is an occasional or constant resident in every part of America. The amazing numbers in which they associate are almost incredible. It is a bird easily tamed. It sings in confinement, and may be taught to speak some few words pretty plainly. The Bob-o-link migrates over the continent of America from Labrador to Mexico, appearing in the southern extremity of the United States about the end of March. The song of the male continues, with little in- terruption, as long as the female is sitting, and is singular and pleasant. About the middle of August they enter New York and Pennsylvania, on their way to the south. There, along the shores of the large rivers lined with floating fields of .wild rice, they find abundant subsistence, grow fat, and their flesh becomes little inferior in flavor to that of the European Ortolan; on which account the Reed or Rice-pirds, as they are then called, are shot in great numbers. , The Kinglets are identical with or closely allied to the Wrens. The Golden-Crested Kinglet or Wren is supposed to be the least of all European birds; being less than three inches and a half in length, and when _stripped of its feathers the body is only about an inch long. The song of the Golden Crested Wren is said to be very melodious. It is diffused throughout Europe. The American Fiery Crowned-Kinglet is a very diminutive bird, found thronghout North America and the West Indies. Though it greatly resembles the Golden-Crested Kinglet, it is undoubtedly a different species, being considerably larger. This bird derives its name from the rich flame-colored marking of the crown of its head. s American Fiery-Crowned Kinglet. (279) Goldfinch. Bird’s Nest. Toucans, roosting Fish Crow. English Jay. Rayen. Tue genus Crow contains several species ; among them are reckoned the Common Crow, the Raven, the Magpie, and Jay. The Raven, according to a classic fable, was once. white ; but Apollo compelled him to assume mourning as a punishment for being the bearer of some unpleasant tidings. ‘Tt is fr equently domesticated, and taught to utter words. It is described as possessing “‘ many diverting and mischievous qualities; active, curious, sagacious, and impudent ; by nature, a glutton; by habit, a thief; in disposition, a miser; and in practice, a rogue.” Ravens live toa great age; they feed on car- rion and small birds; build on high trees, or solitary eminences, and are found in almost every part of the world. “The thievish Jay,” is one of the most beautiful of British birds ; its belly, breast, neck, and back, are purple tinged with gray; and the greater wing-coverts beautifully barred with black, blue, and white. Jays feed on acorns, berries, and fruit; but they do not restrict them- selves entirely to a vegetable diet, as they will sometimes destroy chickens, and even carry off birds that have been caught in traps, or with bird-lime. The Jay is exceedingly restless and noisy. The Crow, like the Raven, which it greatly resembles, is a denizen of nearly the whole world. It is a constant and troublesomely abund- ant resident in most of the settled districts of North America, as well as an inhabitant of the western wilds throughout the Rocky mountains, to the banks of the Oregon and the shores of the Pacific. They only retire into the forests in the breeding season, which takes places from March to May. At this time they are dispersed through the woods in pairs, and roost in the neighborhood of the spot which they have selected for their nest ; ; and the conjugal union, once formed, continues for life. . The Fish Crow is met with as far north as the coast of New Jersey - and is common on the banks of the Oregon. It keeps apart from the common species, and instead of assembling to roost among the reed at night, retires, towards evening, from the shores which afford it subsistence, and perches in the neighboring woods. £280) THE COW-TROOPIAL, OR COW-BLACKB ; | Raven. Swallow-tailed Hawk, or American Kite. | The Swallow-tailed Hawk, or American Kite, is found in the warmer latitudes of America. It lives on snakes, lizards, insects and their larve. It is about two feet long. It nests in tall trees, laying from four to six eggs. The Cow-Troopial, or Cow-Blackbird, receives its name from its being so familiar around the cattle, picking up the insects which they happen to disturb, or which exist in their ordure. Like the Cuckoo, this bird never makes a nest or hatches its young. It deposits its eggs in the nest of the Fly Catcher, Yellow Bird, or Song Sparrow, or some other small bird, and leaves them to hatch the eggs, and bring up the young birds. The Magpie is more common in Europe than in the United States, being confined in this country to the plains and table lands or steppes of the Rocky Mountains west of the Miss ssippi, and the north-western regions of the continent. They consequently experience annually, in the terrible vicissitudes of climate incident to the countries they inhabit, like the Esquimaux of the arctic regions, either a feast or a famine. They assailed Colonel Pike's animals, and did not await the death of the subjects they tormented, but fed upen them still living, till their flesh was raw and bleeding. They were so bold and familiar as to alight on the men’s arms, and eat flesh out of their hands. THE CROWS. ; . SS Bob-o-lnk. - Blue Jay. The Blue Jay is a native of North America, considerably smaller than the European Jay, with a tail much longer in proportion: the head is handsomely crested with loose, silky plumes; bill black; legs brown; the whole bird is of a fine blue color on the upper parts, with the wings and tail marked by numerous black bars; neck encircled with a black collar; under parts blossom-color, with a slight cast of | blue; tail tipped with white; legs, feet, and thighs of a dusky brown. Its note is less discordant than the European Jay but its manners are very similar. It is said to be a great destroyer of maize, or Indian corn. The Paradise Grackle has been classed among the birds of Paradise; but will probably be found to constitute one of the links between them and the Crows. It is rather longer than the Blackbird ; its color is chesnut-brown, the head and neck black, but the latter tinged with grey ; the plumes on the fore-part of the head are fine and narrow, and _ be- hind each eye is a triangular bare space of a red color. It is a native of India, and the Philippine islands, is very vo- racious, and is particularly fond of locusts and grasshoppers. Parrot. The Crested Grackle is of a black color, inclining to a dusky blue; but the bottom of some of the first quills are white, which forms a white spot in each wing. On the forehead, just at the base of the bill, is a tuft of feathers, which it can erect at pleasure in form of acrest. It is a native of China. Paradise Grackle. floopoe [L (282) < —_ SS ea ft ENSILE NESTS OF A SPECIES OF WEAVER BIRD. Pensile Nests of a species of Weaver Birds. Turest: nests hanging to the extremity of the leaves of a palm, are most probably the workmanship ot a species of Weaver-Bird, but which we will not attempt to identify. Most, if not all, of the Weaver-Birds form colonies, and hang their nests in clusters from the twigs of trees and long leaves of different kinds of palms. 2 283 THE TROGONS. ‘ Group of Trogons. Tur Trogons constitute a family of birds which are to be found only in the hotter parts of India and’ America. In our engraving, on the topmost branch, are perched a pair, male and female, of the Resplendent ‘Trogons, which is found in the dense forests of southern Mexico. The middle bird, on the left, is the Pavonine Trogon, a native of South America. The lower figure, on the left, is Piard’s Trogon, which belongs to India; and that on the right, is the Trogon Jemnarus, an inhabitant of Cuba. The Trogon is a solitary bird, and early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, may be observed sitting, singly or in pitirs upon the trees, with tails outspread and drooping, watching for insects. THE CHAJA, OR CRESTED SCREAMER The Chaja and its young. Tre Chaja, or Crested Screamer, which is figured in the cut above, is destitute of the long, slender horn on the head, but has the back of the head ornamented with narrow, dishevelled feathers, two inches and a half in length ; the beginning of this plume is between the eye and the beak, so that the crest encircles the head like a diadem, and hangs down behind. The general clothing of the head and neck consists of down, with the exception of a naked band towards the lower part of the latter; this down is of a pale lead-color, the naked collar is flesh-color, and below it is a collar of black down; the general plumage is of a whitish-grey, the wings and tail being blackish-brown. Length of bird thirty-one inches. It is found in Paraguay. The Chaja lives singly or in pairs, but is sometimes seen in flocks; it frequents morasses, and the low, marshy borders of rivers; it does not swim, but wades in quest of aquatic and other plants, on which alone it feeds. Azara observes that he has seen Chajas brought up from the nest in various houses in the country, and that they were as domesticated as the poultry. The same writer also informs us that the Chaja perches on the tops of the loftiest trees; on the ground it walks with the body horizontal, the head and neck raised vertically, the beak being kept rather down. Its cry is loud and shrill, and is uttered not only during the day, but the night also; that of the male is represented by the word Chaja, that of the female Chajali, and they respond to each other’s call. The wings are armed with double spurs, which, with the diadem-like crest, the size, the stately air and astounding ery of the bird, might lead to the idea of its being a bird of prey; whereas it is gentle and quiet. Its length of wing enables it to fly well, and it has au apparatus of extensive air cells between the skin and the muscles of the body, which are even continued down the legs to the toes. Like the vulture it wheels around in vast circles, and often rises till entirely ont of sight. (285) I A I TTI RAS NRE RA PPTL NSERC THE CEREOPSIS. The Cereopsis Tue Cereopsis is a native of New Holland; and though most voyagers who have visited the distant shores on which it abounds have alluded to it as a species of swan, or as a goose, it is only within the last few years that naturalists at home have gained an accurate knowledge of its true characters and its natural affinities. The habits of the Cereopsis, in a state of nature, have becn succinctly detailed by various voyagers, Most probably it is migratory, at least to a certain extent; for Captain Flinders found it more abundant on Goose Island in some seasons than in others. It frequents grassy districts and the shore, but rarely takes to the water, its food being exclusively grass. Both at Lucky Bay and Goose Island these birds were very abundant, and so tame that the crew of Captain Flinders had no difficulty in knocking them down with sticks, or even in taking them alive. M. Bailly reports to the same effect respecting those seen by him at Preservation Island ; and Labillardiere s says, that at first they were so little alarmed by the presence of man, as to suffer themselves to be taken by the hand; but in a short time they became aware of their danger, and took to flight on the approach of any one. All agree as to the delicacy of its flesh. rom the ease with which the Cercopsis becomes domesticated, we are not without hope of seeing this bird added to the list of those which enliven our far m-yards, and contribute to the luxuries of our “table: Ie breeds freely in our climate, feeds like the goose, but is even more familiar ; and requires only that ordinary attention which is always paid to domestieated ducks, geese, and poultry. Its voice is deep, hoarse, and clanging; short, but inflected. Its fuod is entirely vegetable; a short, stout bill is requisite for plucking it up from the ground. In size this beautiful species equals the common goose; but its bill, as we have said, is shorter, being ey thick at the base, and somewhat arched above. The top of the head is pale orey, the rest of nen plum: ize is slate grey. ; 286) | Se = , THE HERON. Ardea Herodias, or American Bittern. Bittern. Tue family of Herons is very extensive, and embraces not only the true Herons and Bitterns, but also the Storks and Bratbills. As a general rule, they frequent the margins of rivers, or lakes, or marshes, feeding on fish, reptiles, and even small mammalia. The Common Heron is spread over the greater part of Asia and Africa, as well as Eurove. In America it is represented by an allied species, Ardea Herodias. The Night Heron is found in most parts of the Old World. In many respects it resembles the Common Heron in its habits, breeding, like that bird, in society, on the topmost branches of trees, and roosting during the day in the recesses of woods adjacent to wild swamps and rivers, which it visits, on the approach of night, in quest of prey. The Bittern is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was once common in England, when, in the palmy days of falconry, it was eagerly hunted with the hawk. Common Heron. Adjutant. THE HERON. Boatbill. The Adjutant is a native of the East Indies; it measures seven feet and a half from the top of the beak to the claws; ithas a very large beak, and a drooping crop of considerable dimensions. Its courage is not equal to its voracity ; for a child of eight or ten years old soon puts it to flight with a switch; though, at first, it seems to stand upon its defence, by threatening with its enormous bill widely extended, and crying out with a loud, hourse voice, like a bear or a tiger. It is an enemy to small quadrupeds, as well as birds and reptiles, and destroys fowls and chickens, though it dare not attack a hen, with her young openly; it Green Heron. preys also on rats, young kittens, and the like, and has been known to swallow a cat whole; a bone of a shin of beef being broken asunder, serves it but for two morsels. Dr. Latham observes that these birds in their wild state live in companies, and when seen at a distance, near the mouths of rivers, coming towards an observer, which they often do with their wings extended, may well be tuken for canoes upon the surface of a smooth sea; when on the sand-banks, for men and women picking up shell- fish or other things on the beach. " The form of the beak of the Boatbill is very peculiar ; it is broad, depressed, and sharp at the point. The Boatbill is an inhabitant of South America; it is about the size of a Crow; the tail and part of the back are of an ash-color; the under parts of the body are white, and the residue of the plumage is black. (288) THE HERON. Bittern. Teron. 2 Stork The Stork is extensively found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Holland, Storks are very abundant, and are encouraged by the Dutch to build in their towns. In Holland a kind of false chimney is built by the inhabitants for these birds to make their nests in. When the Stork cannot find a building on which to make its nest, it chooses the flat spreading branches of a cedar or pine, an’ there collects a large mass of sticks and twigs, on which it lays from three to five whitish eggs. When disturbed, the birds make a great clattering with their bills. Its food consists of rats, mice, frogs, &c., and it is for the benefits it confers upon man by devouring these vermin that it is so carefully protected and encouraged, especially in the East, where the inhabitants do not trouble themselves by removing carrion or offal, but leave that office to the vultures, hyenas, and other scavengers of nature. The height of the Stork is nearly four feet. In their migrations these birds avoid the extremes of heat and cold; never being seen in summer farther north than Russia or Sweden, nor in winter farther south than Egypt. Among the ancients, to kill a Stork was considered a crime, which, in some places, was punished even with death; and, like the Ibis, this bird became the object of worship. It is remarkable for its great affec- tion towards its young, but more especially for its attention to its parents in old age. 25 (289) THE CARIAMA. The Adjutant. The Cariama. Tue Cariama is considered to be related to the waders, the gallinacious birds and the Ostriches. It 1s found in the mountain-plains of Brazil. It lives on lizards, insects, molluscous animals, and seeds. It is difficult to catch, running with such swiftness as to distance a fleet horse. When caught, it is easily domesticated. It lays two egys, in a nest built of sticks. The Tiger Bittern is a native of Guiana. It is about thirty inches long. It lives in savannahs, fre- quenting occasionally the banks of rivers. It resembles the common Bittern in appearance and voice. It builds its nest upon the ground, and lays seven or eight roundish eggs. The Skylark THE FLAMINGOES. In the Flamingoes the legs are of excessive length. Their wings are small, and their toes partly webbed. They are waders in their habits, but occasionally swim when beyond their depth. They fre- quent low muddy coasts, salt marshes, and the mouths of rivers, bidding defiance to the pestilent exhala tions that drive man far from their haunts. (291) :« THE FLAMINGOES. THE SPOONBILL. Spoonbill. Little Flamingo. The Great Flamingo is an inhabitant of the warmer parts of Hurope, and, with the Little Flamingo, is common in Asia and the coasts of Africa. The singularly shaped beak of this splendid bird is peculiarly adapted to its long and flexible neck. When the bird wishes to feed, it merely stoops its head to the water; the upper mandible is then lowest, and is well fitted to receive the nutritive substances which are entangled in a filter placed on the edges of the beak. The color of their plumage is a deep brilliant scarlet, except the quill feathers, which are black. When a flock of these birds stand ranged in a line, according to their custom, they present the appearance of a small ard well-drilled body of soldiers, but are far more dangerous to approach than the most formidable army, for the miasma of the marshes has a more deadly aim than the rifle, and its breath is more certainly fatal than the bullet. The nest of the Flamingo is a curious, conical structure of mud, with a cavity at the summit, in which are placed two or three whitish eges. When the female bird sits on the nest, her feet rest on the ground, or hang into the water. The height of the hird is between five and six feet. The Common Spoonbill is found in Europe, Asiz, and Africa, and frequents Holland, together with the Stork. The strange shape of the tip of its beak has gained it the name of Spoonbill. It feeds on worms, snails, and water plants, searching for the latter by agitating the water with its broad beak. The nest of the White Spoonbill is sometimes placed in trees, and sometimes amid rushes. It contains three whitish eggs, slightly spotted with red. The length of the bird is not quite three feet. "Canary Bird. (292) Great Flamingo, feeding FRIGATE PELICAN se WZ Le Za Hah {fr SZ > White Pelizan. Frigate Pelican, The Frigate Pelican, or Man-of-War Bird, is usually found between the tropics. Although when stripped of its feathers it is hardly larger than a pigeon, yet no man can touch at the same time the tips of its ex- tended wings. The long wing bones are exceedingly light, and the whole apparatus of air-cells is ex- tremely developed, so that its real weight is very trifling. It flies at a great height above the water, and from that elevation pounces down on fish, especially the poor persecuted fly ing-fish. According to some authors, the name of Man-of-War Bird was given to it because its appearance was said to foretell the com- ing of a ship; probably because the Frigate Pelican and ships are equally averse to storms, and both like to come into harbor if the weather threatens. Under the throat of the Frigate Pelican is a large pouch of a deep red color, which can be distended with air at the pleasure of the Bird. The pouch is larger and of a more brilliant ted i in the male than in his consort, and the general plumage of the female is not so bright as that of the male. Although its swiftness of wing and general activity enable it to snatch a fish from the surface of the water, or to pounce upon the flying-fish before it can again Seek the protection of its native element, yet it too often uses its powers in robbing other birds of their lawful prey. It is enabled in some mysterious way to find its way home by night, even though it may be four or five hundred miles from land. The length of the male bird is three feet, and the expanse of wing eight feet. Tame Duck. Tame Goose. Coot. (293) THE WHITE PELICAN. White Pelicans. Tue White Pelican inhabits Africa, India, and great part of the south-eastern portions of Europe. It is a very conspicuous bird, its singular membranous pouch offering a distinction perfectly un- mistakable. The pouch, when distended holds two gallons of water, but the bird has the power of contracting it so that it is scarcely to be discerned. The pouch also serves as a net, in which to scoop up the fish on which the Pelican feeds. Another most important use of the pouch is to convey food to the young. The parent Pelican presses its pouch against its breast, in order to enable the young to obtain the fish, which action, in all probability, gave rise to the fable of the Pelican feeding its young with its own blood. The red tip of the bill probably aided the deception. Although a web-footed bird, the Pelican, like the cormorant, can perch on trees, although it prefers sitting on rocks. The color of this bird is a pure white, with a very slight tinge of rose color, and the pouch is yellow. , The length of the bird is nearly six feet. In America, Pelicans are found in the North Pacific, on the coast of California and New Albion; and from the Antilles and Terra Firma, the Isthmus of Panama and the bay of Campeachy, as far as Louisiana, and Missouri. They are very rarely seen along the coast of the Atlantic, but stragglers have been killed in the Delaware and they are known to breed in Florida. ~ (294) WATER BIRDS. “se See T= —— NS BES EN American Ayouset. CeO are eee 3 g 5 Great Marbled Godwit. Tue Turnstone is common in the whole northern hemisphere, as well as Africa and Cayenne. It receives its name from turning over stones in search of worms and insects, a practice which it retains when domes- ticated. It is about ten inches and a half long. The Green Heron, known by a contemptible and disgusting name, is a common and familiar species of Bittern in the United States. He frequents swamps. He is sluggish and not shy. He eats frogs and fishes. His picture is on another page. : The Great Marbled Godwit is only a transient visitor along the sea coasts of the United States im spring and fall. In summer it lives on worms and leeches, in the far northern regions. It is nineteen inches in length. Its bill is curved upwards. Its color is dusky brown. ; The Willct or Semi-palmated Snipe is found on all parts of the coast of the United States and the north of Europe. It passes the winter within the topics. It is much sought for by sportsmen. being tender, fat, fine-flavored game. The American Avoset, supposed to winter in tropical America, comes to the middle states, in May. It frequents shallow lakes, feeding on insects and fresh water crustacea. In breeding time they are noisy and elamorous. Turnstone, or Sea Dotierel. (295) WATER BIRDS. Wood Ibis. i ay or Glossy Ibis. Species of the Ibis inhabit all quarters of the globe. He frequents the borders of rivers and lakes, feed- ing on insects crustacea and worms as well as vegetables. They are waders. The Wood Ihis is found in Florida and the other southern states. They are solitary, indolent birds, sit- ting on the topmost limb of some tall cypress, till hunger compels them to seek their prey. The Scarlet Ibis is found in the West Indies and Brazil. It is very beautiful. The Bay or Glossy Ibis is found nearly all over the world. In Egypt, in common with the sacred Ibis, it was once revered and embalmed in the vast catacombs of Memphis and Saccara. The Long Billed Curlew is found on the shores of the southern and middle states. They fly high and rapidly, the flock arraying itseif in a wedge like.wild geese. Their note sounds like the word Curlew. By imitating its sound, sportsmen draw them “within gun- shot. They live on insects, worms, and small crabs. The young and old, also, on their arrival from the. north, where they feed on various kind of berries, still continue their fondness for this kind of food, and now frequent the uplands and pastures in quest of the fruit of the bramble, particularly dew-berries, on which they get so remarkably fat, at times, as to burst the skin in falling to the ground, and are then very superior in flavor. Loug billed Curlew a Whoeping Crane. Black-necked Stilt. The Sanderling Plover is found in the United States. They breed in the remote regions of the north, making a rade nest of grass, laying four eggs, in June. In August, they migrate to the South. They are found on the beaches, in New Jersey, during part of the winter, in flocks, running about and feeding on small shell-fish and marine insects. The Common, or Golden Plover, is, according to the season of the year, met with in almost every part of the world, breeding in the northern regions in summer, and migrating to the south in winter. On the coast of the United States, they are caught by means of the clap-net. Their flesh is highly esteemed. The Black-necked Stilt is common in North and South America. They are waders, living on larvae, spawn, flies and other insects, and frequenting salt marshes and shallow pools on the sea-board. The ‘Whooping Crane, the largest of American birds, is upwards of four feet long, and stands five feet in height. Its wing and tail feathers resemble those of the ostrich. Its whoop is like that of an Indian. It frequents the sea-shore, wandering along marshes and muddy flats, in quest of reptiles, fish and marine worms. WATER B1KDS. Douglas’s Stilt Sandpiper. Yellow-Shanks Tatler. The Dunlin or Redbacked Sandpiper of the United States is found, according to the seasons of the year, throughout the northern hemisphere and in the southern hemisphere to the Cape of Good Hope. They frequent muddy flats feeding on worms and small shell-fish. They are seen running about with great activity. They are shot in great numbers by sportsmen. They are about eight inches long. Douglas's Stilt Sandpiper is found in the northern part of America, frequenting interior marshes in the breeding season, and in the autumn resorting in flocks to the flat shores of Hudson’s Bay, before migrating to the south. It is ten inches long, ofa blackish-brown color and a wader. Wilson’s Sandpiper is found in the western as well as the eastern shores of our continent. Our sportsmen call them Peeps. They are six or seven inches long, fat and well flavored. They feed partly on vegetable substances and partly on worms and shell-fish. The Yellow-Shanks Tatler is very common on our sea-beaches and marshes. Ile is about ten inches long. He has a sharp whistling note which he repeats when alarmed. He lives on worms and insects and his flesh is excellent. In the latter end of summer this bird is abundantly supplied to the markets of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Mr. Wilson says though these birds do not often penetrate far inland, yet, on the 5th of September, I shot several dozens of them in the meadows of Schuylkill, below Philadelphia. There had been a violent north-east storm a day or two previous, and a large flock of these, accompanied by several species of Zringa, and vast numbers of the Short-tailed Tern, appeared at once among the meadows. As a bird for the table, the Yellow-Shanks, when fat, is in considerable repute. Its chief residence is in the vicinity of the sea, where there are extensive mud-flats. It has a sharp whistle, of three or four notes, when about to take wing and when flying. These birds may be shot down with great facility, if the sportsmen, after the first discharge, will only lie close and permit the wounded birds to flutter without picking them up; the flock will generally make a circuit, and alight repeatedly, until the greater part of them be shot down. oS ee SSF Dublin or Ox-bird Wilson's Sandpiper. | a (298) 1. The Curlew. 2. The Godwit. 3. The Purre, or Stint. Ths Curlew depicted in the wood-cut is the most common in England, known in some parts as the Whaup It is in length about two feet and a half, and is distinguished by its long bluish legs and extended bill. The latter is of a dusky black color, and about seven inches in length. The pervading color of this bird is a pale brown, but the breast and lower part of the back are white, the former marked with oblong black spots, the latter with a few spots of a dusky color. The quills are black, spotted on the inner web with white. In the breeding season, when they reside on the moors, they are not gregarious, but when they migrate to the sea-shore they congregate in large numbers, and may be observed following one another in a long fo) co) line as they wade along the sand, picking up small crabs, worms, Xe. The Godwit is much smaller than the curlew, being in length about sixteen inches. This bird perhaps exceeds the curlew in timidity, and when in the summer it resorts to the fens, it seldom remains above a day or two in the same place. The Purre belongs to the family of Sandpipers. It is one of the wading tribe, being only about seven or seven and a half inches in length. This bird may be seen on the coast nearly all the year round, though in the summer they are not so numerous, and for a short period (about July) appear all to have departed. It is probable that, like the other birds we have noticed, it retires at this season to breed. But whither they direct their flight has not yet been ascertained. (299) WATER BIRDS. Se oe i" Sa lus The Ruff and the Reeve The Ruff, thus denominated from a spreading tuft of feathers on each side of the head in the male, is subject to great variety in the colors of its plumage, but the prevailing ground color is brown, inclining to ash, with lateral and under covers white. He is so pugnacious, that Linnzeus conferred on him the sur- name of the “ warlike.” Previously to pairing, their contests are frequent and mortal. The females, who are called Reeves. are smaller than the males and want the ruff. They nestle in tufts of grass, in fens, and have four eggs, white, marked with rusty spots. Even in confinement they discover their untameable animosity, nor is it till they are fairly matched that they become peaceable and sedate. The Ruff weighs seven onces, and is in length a foot. Egyptain Goose. Foolish Guillemot. ' Frigate Pelican (300) ~ WATER BIRDS. Little Grebe, or Dabchick. Crestea Grebe, or Gaunt. The length of this bird is from twenty three inches to two feet. It inhabits the northeru parts of both continents, and feeds on fish, marine worms, and in part on vegetables. Little Grebe, or Dabchick. This bird is the smallest of the species it belongs to, some being only ten inches long. Itis common to the colder regions of both continents, though as yet unknown within the United States. It is found in lakes and sluggish rivers, which are well supplied with the shelter of reeds. It rarely takes wing, but, on the least alarm, dives and remains under water with its bill alone above the sur- face for respiration. Its eggs, five or six in number, somewhat less in size than a pigeon’s, are deposited ina coarsely made nest. The foot of the Grebe is not webbed like that of most water birds, but each toe is separate aud flattened, so as to serve as a separate paddle. Little Grebe, or Dabchick. Foot of the Male Grebe. ~ (801) WATER BIRDS. — - ‘ ae Bartram s Tatler. Woodcock. The Peetweet, one of the commonest of the marsh birds of the Middle and Eastern States, comes from Mexico and the West Indies north about the first of May, and breeds in the former regions as far as the St. Lawrence. They are seen flying in flocks along the margins of tide-water streams in search of their usual food, worms, insects and small shrimps. They are named from their wonted plaintive ery. Bartram’s Tatler is twelve or thirteen inches long. It is found, according to the season all over our con- tinent, retiring for the winter to the far south, and returning north from early May onward. These birds are considered delicious game. , The American Woodcock differs little in appearance or habits from the European. The female is thirteen and a half inches from point of bill to tip of tail, and the male twelve inches. The bill is very long and so exqusitely sensitive at the tip, that the bird can determine what it is feeding upon without seeing it. It — winters in countries south of the United States, and comes northward in early March, but goes no further north than the St. Lawrence, breeding in all the intermediate regions. It feeds on aquatic worms, larvae, and glutinous roots, and its flesh is very highly prized. The Soree, or Common Rail, winters in the marshes of Georgia till the close of February, and on the first” of May is seen in the watery meadows below Philadelphia They breed in the remote fur countries of the north. Their favorite haunts are reedy marshes, lagoons, and river-borders, where they procure their favorite food, the wild rice plant. From the middle of September to that of October, having returned to the middle states with their new broods, they are in a prime condition for the table. Spotted Tatier or Teetweet. | WATER BIRDS. See | Black Swan northern parts of Europe, including England. It migrates in’ flocks of various numbers, arranged in the form of a wedge. The down of this bird is very valuable, and is sought after by the Icelanders, who choose the time when the birds have shed their quill feathers and are unable to fly, to chase them with dogs. The Whistling Swan wants the grace that characterizes the tame Swan; its neck is carried upright, without the elegant arch of its domesticated relative. It is not quite as large as the Tame Swan; the expanse of its wings is about eight feet. “ Like a Black Swan,” was formerly a well known proverb, analogous to the “ Horse Marines” of the present day : unfortunately for the proverb, a Swan has been discovered in Australia, the whole of whose plumage is a jetty black, with the exception of the quill feathers, which are white. It has been domesticated in England, and may be seen in St James’ Park, eagerly seeking after the crumbs afforded by juvenile hands. Wild, or Whistling Swan. The Whistling Swan, or Hooper, resides during summer within the arctic circle, but in winter visits the It. is rather smaller than the Whistling Swan. Great Auk. Crested Grebs. (303) WATER BIRDS. Wilson’s Stormy Petrel. Richardson’s Jager. The Black-headed Gul!, is common in most parts of America, and often seen, too, in the warmer regions sf Europe, such as the Coasts of Spain, Sicily and the Mediterranean isles. On this continent it is found as far south, as Mexieo and Cayenne, but not far north of the United States boundaries. From their southern winter retreat, they appear on the New Jersey coast in the closing days of April. Their noisy companies aow follow the fishermen for their garbage, now glean among the “le: ivings of the tide, now eather worms and insects in the marshes and ploug hed fields, and sometimes even poach ‘about the farm-house. They breed in the New Jersey marshes, but are rarely seen in the north-east. They go southward early in autumn. Richardson's Jager, is twenty two inches in length, and the wings thirteen and a half inches long. It breeds in latitude sixty- -five degrees on barren erounds, at some Gieunee from the coast. It feeds on shelly mollusca, abounding in the small lakes of the far north and is a sore tormentor of the Gull genus. It is occasionally found in the bays near Boston in the winter season. Wilson’s Stormy Petrels are very interesting and innocent creatures, and yet through the ignorance and superstition of sailors, it bears an evil reputation and sundry bad names, as Stormy ‘Petrels, “Devil Birds, and Mother Carey’s Chickens, it is supposed to involve in a storm the vessel it follows; no sooner is a ves- sel off soundings, “than flocks of these birds begin darting around it, and finally become its regular followers, ‘Its purpose is apparently to catch the mollusca tossed up by the surge, as also whatever is cast overboard. The Great or Common Tern is about fifteen inches long, and thirty inches across the extended wings. It inhabits both continents. On the eastern it summers, and breeds in Greenland and Spitzbergen, as also in the arctic shores of Siberia and Kamschatka, migrating in winter to the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Ca- naries. In America it breeds along the coasts ‘of the Middle and Northern States and on the sand-bars of the Great Lakes. Black-headed Gull. (304) [ WATER BIRDS. ee atross. —— Brant, or Brent Goose Wandering Alb The Brant, ov Brent Goose, is about two feet long and three and half fect across the wings, and is one of the aquatics common to the arctic regions of both continents. They breed in multitudes on the coasts and _ islands of Hudson’s Bay, but are rarely seen inland. In Europe they haunt Greenland and Spitzbergen. In winter they abound in Ireland and Holland, remaining there till spring. In America, they visit most of | the north and middle states, but passes the winter as far south as New Orleans. They migrate southward in September. The Brant feeds usually on the bars at low water and occasionally in the marshes. Their common food is the laver and other marine plants, though they sometimes eat small snell-fish. In winter _ their flesh is esteemed a great delicacy. | The Barnacle Goose, is said to abound in the arctic regions of either continent, which are its breeding grounds, migrating in autumn and winter to milder climes. In the United States, hey are known merely as passengers slong its coasts. The fact of this bird hiding itself, in breeding season, in unknown polar- | regions has given rise to the absurdest fables concerning its ori- | gin. It was long believed, even by learned men, to be the product of certain shells, found on a species of tree in Scot- land and the Orkneys, or on the rotten timber of decaying ships. When these strange fruits had attained maturity, they dropped into the sea and became geese. But we need not enlarge on such absurdities. , The Domestic Goose is so familliar to all, that no special description is needed. It is a handsome creature, though its voice is not very musical or its gait very elastic. Barnacie Goose (308) Fulmar Petrel. Red Phalarope. The Fulmar Petrel dwells nearly all the year upon the arctic seas. Congregating there amid the float- ing ice, they seek the resorts of the whale, and other oil-bearing animals and feast on such fragments of their carcasses, as they may fall in with. The whale ships they regularly follow, and when the captured whale is cut up, a thousand or more of these birds often muster and wrangle for the oily morsels floating around. The Petrel is found in some of the islands off Northern Scotland. These islanders use the oil extracted from it for culinary and medicinal purposes. Its flesh, too, is eaten by the Greenlanders, while its down is considered very valuable. The Red Phalarope inhabits the whole arctic circle during summer, and there breeds, laying four eggs of an oil-ereen color, crowded with irregular spots of dark umber-brown. The fledglings take wing in July or early August, and with their parerts start in September, for their tropical winter quarters. They are rarely seen in the United States, and as seldom seen in England or Germany. They feed chiefly on certain winter insects in the salt-waters frequented by them. The Wandering Albatross is from three to four feet long and from ten to seventeen across the wings. Except during the short breeding season, they are perpetual wanderers, apparently passing from one ex- tremity of the globe to another. it preys also on the flying-fish and, this failing, on the abundant mol- luscous animals of the middls seas. Their voracity is enormous, and their stupidity after gorging is such that unresistingly they suffer themselves to be knocked on the head. They are taken in various modes by the Kam- schatdales for the sake of their intestines, which are used as bladders to float the buoys of their fishing nets. Pelican. WATER BIRDS. ly na 0 aa Nye yh wal r Patagonian Penguin. The Patagonian Penguin is entirely aquatic in its habits; it is, in fact, expressly formed for the water ; its boat-like form of body—its short limbs—its compressed, close and rigid, or scale-like plumage—its pad- dle-like wings, and broad, webbed feet, concurring to fit it for its dwelling on the ocean. Its range of habi- tation is restricted to the latitudes south of the line, but within this boundary it is widely distributed, being abundant not only in the Straits of Magallen, and on all the adjacent islands, but extending to Australia, through the islands of the South Pacific. A colony of these birds, covers an extent of thirty or forty acres at the north end of Macquarrie Island, in the South Pacific Ocean. The number of Penguins collected together in this spot is immense, but it would be almost impossible to guess at it with any near approach to truth, as, during the whole of the day and night, thirty or forty thousand of them are continually land- ing, and an equal number going to sea. They are arranged, when on shore, in as compact a manner and in as regular ranks as a regiment of soldiers; and are classed with the greatest order, the young birds being in one situation, the moulting birds in another, the sitting hens ina third, the clean birds in a fourth ; and se strictly do birds in similar condition congregate, that should a bird that was moulting intrude itself ameng thgse which are clean, it is immediately rejected from them. The females hatch the eggs by keeping them between their thighs ; and, if approached during the time of incubation, they move away carrying their eggs with them. At this time the male bird goes to sea and collects food for the female, which be- comes very fat. After the young is hatched, both parents go to sea, and bring home food for it; it soon becomes so fat as scarcely to be able to walk, the old birds getting very thin. They sit quite upright in their roosting-places, and walk in the erect position until they arrive at the beach, when they throw them selves on their breasts in order to encounter the very heavy sea met with at their landing-place. (307) : 0 AT te WATER BIRDS. tifa rt i ( | In nh / hy mm | fi eZ shill | ZW i LL Cam} = Ay OU Niza VT egy Si} iM NA AAV NS: = la an efi! a Got BS Method of Capturing Wild Ducks in the Fens of Lincolnshire. In the lakes to which the Wild Ducks resort, the most favorite haunts are observed. Then, in the se- questered part of this haunt, a ditch is eut, which is about four yards across at the entrance, and decreases gradually in width from the entrance to the farthest end, which is more than two feet wide. The ditch is of a circular form, but does not bend much for the first ten yards. The banks of the lake on each side of this ditch (“or pipe,” as it is called) are kept clear from reeds, and coarse herbage, in order that the fowls may get on thern to sit and dress themselves. Along the ditch poles are driven into the ground, close to its edge, on each side, and the tops are bent over across the ditch, and tied together. These poles, thus bent, form at the entrance of the ditch or pipe an arch, the top of which is ten feet distant from the sur- face of the water. This pipe is made to decrease in height as the pipe decreases in width, so that the remote end is not more than eighteen inches in height. The poles are placed about six-feet from each other, and connected by poles laid lengthwise across the arch and tied together. Over the whole is thrown a net, which is made fast to a reed-fence at the entrance and nine or ten yards up the ditch, and afterwards strongly pegged to the ground. At the end of the pipe farthest from the entrance is fixed a “ tunnel net,” as it is called, about four yards in length, of a round form, and kept open by a number of hoops, about eighteen inches in diameter, placed at a small distance from each other to keep it distended. Supposing the circular bend to be to the right when one stands with his back to the lake, then on the left hand side anumber of reed fences are constructed, called “ shootings,” for the purpose of screening the “ decoy-man” from observation, and in such a manner that the fowl in the decoy may not be alarmed while he is driving those that are in the pipe. These shootings, which are ten in number, are about four yards in length, and about six feet high. From the end of the last “shooting,” a person cannot see the lake, owing to the bend of the pipes, and there is no further occasion for shelter. Were it not for these “shootings,” the fowl that remained about the mouth of the pipe would be alarmed if the person driving the fowl already under the (308) i” NENG a (Sx == ay LM net snould be exposed, and would become so shy as entirely to forsake the place. The first thing the decoy-man does when he approaches the pipe is to take a piece of lighted turf, or peat, and hold it near his mouth, to prevent the birds from smelling him. Ue is attended by a dog, trained for the purpose of tendering him assistance. He walks very silently about half-way up the shootings, where a small piece of wood is thrust through the reed fence, which makes an aperture just large enough to enable him to see if any fowl are in; if not, he walks forward to see if any are about the entrance of the pipe. If there are, he stops and mukes a motion to his dog, and gives him a piece of cheese, or something else, to eat; and, having received this, the animal goes directly to a hole through the reed fence, and the birds imme- diately fly off the bank into the water. The dog returns along the bank between the reed fences, and comes out to his master at another hole. The man then gives him something to reward and encourage him, and the animal repeats his round until the birds are attracted by his motions, and follow him into the mouth of the pipe. This operation is called “working” them. The man now retreats farther back, working the dog at different holes until the Ducks are sufficiently under the net. He then commands his dog to lie down behind the fence, and going himself forward to the end of the pipe next the lake, he takes off his hat and gives it a wave between the shooting. All the birds that are under the net can then see him; but none that are in the lake can. The former fly forward, and the man then runs to the next shooting and waves his hat, and so on, driving them along until they come to the tunnel-net, into which they creep. When they are all in, the man gives the net a twist, so as to prevent them from getting back He then takes the net off from the end of the pipe, and taking out, one by one, the ducks that are in it, dislocates their necks. This is the scene represented in the cut at the head of this page. The net is after- wards hung on again for the repetition of the process; and in this manner five or six dozen have some times been taken at one drift. WATER BIRDS. Razorbill. Great Auk or Northern Penguin. The Great Auk or Northern Penguin, inhabits the regions of eternal cold. It is here found upon floating ice- masses, far from land, to which it resorts only in June and July, its breeding season. Its wings are but four inches long, its body, three feet. The Auk is an unequalled diver, and feeds ; chief fly on mavine plants. They are fuund, in great numbers in the Teroe Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland. The Razorbill is one of the aquatic Auks, and like the Great Auk, is numerous in the higher latitudes, This species, however, abounds also on the cliffs of England. There it breeds on the ledges and steep rocks, and is quite a business with the people in the vicinity to take their eggs, which are reckoned a delicacy. The natural and habitual haunts of the Little Auk scem to be the highest northern latitudes, and their ap- pearance even in any of the temperate latitudes is doubtless from their being driven thither by storm and exhaustion. Their principal food is marine animals, which are found in the fissures of the i ice, when broken up by storms. The Puffin, or Coulterneb inhabits the cold regions of the entire north. Their nest is merely a deep ex- cavation in the earth, for which they often substitute a rabbit’s deserted burrow. Their food is small fishes, crabs, shrimps and sea-weeds. They both walk and fly with difficulty. WAT Lider Duck. Canvass-back Duck. The American Teal is common in both the northern and temperate regions of this country. In the course of the winter they proceed as far south as Jamaica, and the shores of the Mexican Gulf. They fre- quent ponds, marshes, and the reedy shores of rivers, and subsist on aquatic plants. Then eggs are ten or twelve, and the female takes the whole charge of incubation, the males, at this time, quitting and asso- ciating in squads by themselves. The Eider Duck is remarkable for its soft and valuable down, a defensive provision of nature for the regions in which it generally dwells. These regions are the far north, and here its favorite resort is tne sea. On this continent they are found at the extreme north, but, in severe winters, they occasionally stray southward as far as the capes of Delaware. The female lays from six to ten eggs, of a greenish- white. The down, from the breast of this bird. is greatly valued. The Canvass-back Duck is said to be peculiar to our Western Continent. Its summer breeding grounds are from the fiftieth degree north latitude upwards. They arrive in the United States about the middle of October, and most of them make their winter quarters in Chesapeake bay and its tributaries. Their principal food is the eel-grass, which grows all over the flats subject to the inflowings of the tide. About the first of November they are in prime order for the table, and their flesh is esteemed a great luxury. The Mallard, or Common Duck, the original of our domestic Duck, is common to most of the northern hemisphere. They commonly build their nests on the borders of rivers and lakes, laying therein from ten to eighteen bluish-white eggs. The female lines her nest with down from her own breast. Amerienn Teal. HT) WATER BIRDS. 7 The Mute, or Tame Swan. The Canada, or Wild Goose. The Mute, or Tame Swan is one of the most elegant of birds, and, on the water, one of the most grace- fal in movement, though on land, like the goose it ean only waddle. The female lays six or eight large, white eggs in a great nest of dry reeds, placed among reeds near the water. This Swan has long been domesticated and is a very attractive ornament to a sheet or stream of water. . The Canada, cr Wild Goose is from three to three and a half feet long and nineteen inches across the wings. It is probably as familiarly known thoughout the United States as any of the migratory feathered tribe. Their passage froin their southern winter home, to their summer breeding grounds around Hud son’s Bay is anxiously looked for by the aborigines of those desolate regions, who depend on their flesh for food in summer. ‘This passage, commencing about the middle of April, continues till the same time in May. Their return south begins sometime in September, and early in October they begin to make their appearance on the coasts of the eastern and middle states. Grass, berries, sedges, and marine plants con- stitute their food. The Hooded Merganser is said to frequent chiefly fresh water in Virginia and Carolina and is distin- guished by a fine black crest on his head. He is an excellent diver. The Cinereous Coot is found in almost every part of America, from the grassy lakes in the fifty-fifth parallel to the reedy lagoons of Florida and the marshes of Jamaica. Unlike most other aquatics, these do not go north in spring to breed, but indifferently dwell and breed in all parts of our continent. WATER BIRDS. = SSE The Gadwell, or Grey. The Snipe. The Gadwell, or Grey, inhabits the northern regions of either continent, but here goes not fnrther north than sixty-eight degrees, and in Europe not higher than Sweden. Their migrations seem to be to the warmer parts of Hurope, since they appear chiefly on the Mediterranean coasts. Occasionally they are seen here, but not often. Their nests are mostly made among rushes, where they lay eight or nine greenish eggs. They are much esteemed as game, but difficult to catch. The Cape Penguin is very common at the Cape of Good Hope, and the Falkland Islands. Its food is fish, and in diving its little plumelet wings are used as fins, while on land they serve as fore legs. It might easily be mistaken for a quadruped, while crawling through the tussocks, as while fishing it might be taken for a fish, leaping for sport. The Snipe, in its habits, greatly resembles the Woodcock, described elsewhere in this volume. Its flight is so singular, that it is difficult shooting it. = = 7 1. . 7 7 Ty . The Perroquet Auk abounds in Kamschatka, and kindred northern regions. They are wondrous divers and swimmers, but simpletons in other matters, it would seem, from the stories told of them. They lay one large ege, and this about midsummer. The Summer, or Wood Duck, is the most beautiful of its genus, and, according to Nuttall, is peculiar to America. It lives and breeds through the whole space, from Hudson's bay, fifty-four degrees north, to Mexico and the Antilles. The food of this bird is acorns, the seeds of aquatic plants, and insects, which frequent waters. It is much esteemed as food, and is often found in the markets of the eastern and middle states. This Duck can be tamed, and soon grows fimiliar. Woodcock. it \: . : “Wii I Cape Penguin. Perroquet Auk. | (318) OT WATER BIRDS. American Widgeon. Velvet Duck The American Widgeon, in summer, goes north to breed, and is found as far up as the sixty-eighth parallel. In autamn and winter, it is common in most parts of the United States, but more abundant in the southern sections. It is an itimate friend of the Canvass-back, and being indolent, when the latter dives and brings up a certain root, which is a favorite food of both, he snatches the tit-bit and makes off. In the middle states, this bird is often i in the market, and much esteemed as food. The Velvet Duck abounds in the northern regions of both continents, and goes thither in the late spring to breed. They are divers, and live on shell-fish and other marine productions. In the course of the winter they go south, and in Chesapeake bay are very abundant. Their flesh, especially that of the young birds, is by some considered a great dekcacy. They start for southern regions in September. The Long-tailed Duck, a bird alike noisy and elegant in aspect, lives chiefly in the arctic regions of both continents, and procures its food mostly from the sea. It so loves these frigid climes that it quits them | only when driven southward for subsistence. It usually visits us in October, and is numerous on the shores of Chesapeake bay. It lays about five eggs of a pale, greenish-grey tint. The young are tolerable food, but the old, intolerable. The Harlequin Duck, a singularly marked and beautiful bird, lives almost entirely in the frozen regions of the far north, rarely migrating even as far south as our middle states. It feeds on spawn, shell- fish, and the larvee of aquatic insects. Tt it is a skilful swimmer and diver, and its flesh is reckoned superior tu that of the common wild duck. The Newfoundland fishermen name it “lord,” from its superb neck and breast Loug-tailed Duck Harlequin Duck. (314) WATER BIRDS. Cormorant-fishing in China. The Chinese Cormorant is of a blackish brown on the upper part of its body, the lower parts are whitish, | spotted with brown, and the throat is white. The plate represents the manner in which the fishing is managed on the lakes and canals of China, and the process is explained in the following extract from Le Comte, an old French writer:—“ To this end Cormorants are educated as men rear up spaniels or hawks; and one man can easily manage a hundred. The fisher carries them out into the lake, perched on the gun- whale of his boat, where they continue tranquil, and expecting his orders with patience. When arrived at the proper place, at the first signal given, each flies a different way, to fulfil the task assigned it. It is very plezsant, on this oceasion, to behold with what sagacity they portion out the lake or the canal, where they are upon duty, they hunt about, they plunge, they rise a hundred times to the surface, until they have at last found their prey. They then seize it with their beak by the middle, and carry it without fail to their master. When the fish is too large, they then give each other mutual assistance : one seizes it by the head, the other by the tail, and in this manner carry it to the boat together. There the boatman stretches out one of his long oars, on which they perch, and being delivered of their burden they then fly off to pursue their sport. When they are wearied he lets them rest; but they are never fed till their work is over. (315) | el WATER BIRDS. Diack Skimmer. Binokebellied Darter. The Black-bellied Darter inhabits exclusively our far southern states, as also Mexico, Cayenne, and Brazil. It is a sinister-looking bird, having a long, dark, vibrating neck, so resembling a serpent, that one of its names is the “ Snake-bird.” It is a diver, and lives upon the produce of the waters. It lays eight or more eggs of a sky-blue color. Its flesh is unpalatable food. The Loon inhabits the cold and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere of both countries. Their, breeding grounds are far north. Their eggs are about the size of a goose’s, and in color of a dark, smoky- olive. They shed their feathers after breeding, and become so bare, as to be incapable of rising from the water. Their flesh is dark, tough, and unpalatable, and yet the young are sometimes eaten. The Goosander inhabits the remotest north of either continent, and is almost the last of its tribe to migrate southward. It is a voracious, gluttonous bird, and sometimes gorges a fish so large, that it remains in the zesophagus until the lower part being digested, gives room for the remainder to follow. In ne they go south, as far as the extremities of the United States. They lay twelve or fourteen whitish eggs, hollow trees, or under bushes and grass. + The Black Skimmer inhabits the warmer parts of the United States, from New Jersey to Florida, and is found also in Guiana, Cayenne, and Surinam. Their nests have been found along the shores of Cape May, about the beginning of June, and consist of a mere hollow scratched out in the sand, without the addition of any extraneous materials. The eggs are usually three in number, and nearly pure white, marked almost all over with large umber-brown blotches and dashes of two shades, and other faint ones appearing beneath the surface. The female only sits on her nest during the night, or in wet and stormy weather; but the young remain for several weeks before they acquire the full use of their wings, and are during that period assiduously fed by both parents. The Goosander. (316) WATER BIRDS. The Gannet. The Booby. The Booby is a bird of which many curious tales were r:lated by the old voyagers. THe is a fish-eater, but, it seems, he is sadly persecuted by another bird, named the “frigate pelican,” who robs him of many of the fishes he has caught. ‘The flesh of this bird is black and unsavory. The Gannet is common to both sides of the Atlantic. In summer, they are found in the Bay of St Lawrence, and on the United States coasts as far south as Cape Hatteras. Bass Island, among the Hebrides, is said to be so covered with nests and young birds in the breeding season, that one cannot walk there without treadmg upon them. They lay but one egg, and this upon inaccessible rocks on the sea-shore. They are three feet long, and six feet across the wings. The Black-necked Stilt is common to various parts of both North and South America. Their favorite abode is great salt marshes, where they find their food, consisting of larvae, spawn, flies, and insects. They make their nests early in May, and their eggs. four in number, are of a dark, yellowish-drab color. Little Auk. : Great Auk Black-necked Stilt (317) WATER BIRDS. Growned Giand Chestnut Jacana. Guinea, or Swan Goose. Corncrake. The Chestnut Jacana, is about as large as a Japwing, but with much longer legs. Its claws are remark- ably long and sharp, especially the hinder ones. These birds live chiefly in marshes and are very shy. Yet one species of them are easily tamed and are made the efficient guards of various kinds of poultry. The Long Legged Plover, is common in Egypt, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and in the warmer parts of America. It is more rem: iaeablo for its extravagant length of legs than for aught beside. ; The Crowned Crane, is thus named from its singular and beautiful crest. It is a native of Africa and the Cape De Verde Islands. Formerly they were found in England, but now seem to have deserted it: They migrate in winter to the warmer climates, They are easily tamed and sometimes attain a great age in the domestic state. In setting, the breast only touches the eggs. The Corncrake, takes its name from the sound of its ery, which, it is said, can be so exactly imitated by drawing a quill quickly across the teeth of a comb, that the bird is decoyed within reach of the person. It makes its nest of hay and Jays therein from eight to twelve eggs of a greyish yellow color. The Avoset, is remarkable for the shape of its bill, in which both mandibles curve upwards. It feeds on wornis and insects, which it, scoops out of the mud by means of this peculiarly shaped bill. The female lays two eggs, about the size of a pigeon’s, of an ashy grey color. The Guinea, or Swan Goose, is remarkable for its erect, proud carriage. It is supposed, that these birds were originally brought from Guinea, but they are now settled over various parts of the world and are often kept for show. Their habits are very much like those of other domestic water-fowls. The Common Tern, is often found on the banks of American rivers near the sea. Its eggs, on which it is said, the bird broods only at night or on a rainy day, are spotted with black on a dusky- olive ground Swan. = Long Legged Plover Common Tern (318) REPTILES. matte eres | | | Green Turtle. Land Tortoise, Hawksbill Turtle. WE are now to speak of reptiles: a class of creatures endowed with a wonderful variety of structure, und thus fitted for different localities and habits of life. The tortoise, the lizard, the snake, and the frog are by most distinguished naturalists, all ranked among the reptilia, and yet the differences between them are very wide. These animals, however, have several common characteristics. All are vertebrate, with cold, red blood, of variable temperature, breathing by means of lungs,-or bronchial tufts, or gills; the skin is covered by neither hairs nor feathers, but by horny shields, scales, spines, or granules; else, as in the case of the frogs, it is bare. The heart has two auricles and a ventricle. There is no proper external ear but an orifice either open or protected by a membrane. Sometimes they have four limbs, sometimes two, and at others none. Generally they are carnivorous, though occasionally frugiverous. The bite of some is mortal. A high temperature is most congenial to them, and thus they are most numerous, most various, and of largest bulk in the hottest regions. The Tortoises are covered with a bony frame-work, composed of two portions; an upper, called the buckler, or carapace, composed of the vertebrie of the back and loins, and also of the ribs, all expanded and consolidated together; and a lower, named the plastron, or breastplate, composed of nine bony pieces. Both these bony portions vary in shape and solidity in different species. The upper and under shields are commonly united at their sides, leaving before and behind an opening for the protrusion of the head, the limbs and the tail, and these can, for the most part, be drawn in and completely shut up. The lungs of the Tortoise are large, but owing to its hard, bony inclosure it does not respire like other animais, but “gulps -down” air by a process peculiar: to itself. The Tortoise has no teeth, but its jaws are cased in sharp-edged, horny coverings, with which it crops and minces the vegetables on which it chictiy feeds. Its tongue is thick, and abundantly furnished with nerves, so that it enjoys highly the sense of taste. From the conformation of its smelling and hearing organs, these senses are probably feeble, but the eye is large and well developed. | The limbs of the various species differ greatly, from a large, club foot, with only the strong claws apparent, to feet divided and webbed, and so on, to large, undivided paddles, which are to the ocean what wings are to the air. Their move-nents’ on land, are slow and awkward, and yet they readily excavate pits in the ground big enough to burrow in. These animals endure long fasting with impunity, and are extremely tenacious of life, even when severely wounded. In a natural state they are wondrously long lived, instances being recorded of their reaching two hundred and twenty years. Their eggs are mostly round, and are buried under a thin covering of soil, and left to be hatched by the sun’s heat. One of the species, the Green Turtle, has been known to reach the weight of five and six hundred pounds. A species called the Hawksbill is well known, and much sought after for the scales of the cara- pace, which are the tortoise shell of commerce; and which are cruelly separated from the living animal by presenting the convex surface to a glowing fire, as is done at Easter Island, and other places where the fishery of this animal is carried on. It appears that after this barbarous operation the poor creatures are set at liberty in order, as the shell grows again, that another crop of tortoise shell may, in a future year, be taken; the second shell, however, is very thin and inferior. The eggs of this Turtle are excellent, but the flesh is bad. The Hawksbill Turtle is not only an inhabitant of the warmer latitudes of the American seas, it frequents the Islands of Bourbon, the Seychelles, Amboyna, New Guinea, and the Indian Seas. It attains to a large size, but seldom equals the Green Turtle. (319) REPTILHS. SS a = = Catching Turtles on the Coast of Cuba. It is on such a low, sandy beach as that depicted, that the Turtles deposit their eggs, taking care that they are placed beyond high-water mark. “On nearing the shore.” says M. Audubon, “and mostly on fine, calm, moonlight nights, the Turtle raises her head above the water, being still distant thirty or forty yards from the beach, looks around her, and attentively examines the objects on shore. Should she observe nothing likely to disturb her intended operations, she emits a loud hissing sound, by which such of her enemies as are unaccustomed to it are startled, and so apt to remove to another place, although unseen by her. Should she hear any more noise, or perceive any indications of danger, she instantly sinks and goes off to a distance; but should every thing be quiet, she advances slowly towards the beach, crawls over it, her head raised to the full stretch of her neck, and when she has reached a place fitted for her purpose she gazes all around in silence. Finding all well, she proceeds to form a hole in the sand, which she effects by removing it from under her body with her hind-flappers, scooping it out with so much dex- terity that the sides seldom if ever fall in. The sand is raised alternately with each flapper, as witha Jarge ladle, until it has accumulated behind her, when, supporting herself with her head and fore-part on the ground, she with a spring from each flapper sends the sand around her, scattering it to the distance of several feet. In this manner the hole is dug to the depth of eighteen inches, or sometimes more than two feet. This labor I have seen performed in the short period of nine minutes. The eggs are then dropped one by one, and disposed in regular layers, to the number of one hundred and fifty, cr sometimes nearly two hundred. The whole time spent in this operation may be about twenty minutes. She now scrapes the loose sand back over the eggs, and so levels and smooths the surface, that few persons seeing the spot would imagine that any thing had been done to it. This accomplished to her mind, she retreats to the water with all possible dispatch, leaving the hatching of the eggs to the heat of the sand. When a Turtle, or Loggerhead, for example, is in the act of dropping her eggs, she will not move, although one should go up to her, or even seat himself on her back ; but the moment it is finished, off she starts, nor would it then be possible for one, unless he were as strong as Hercules, to turn her over and secure her.” It is at this crisis that the Turtle fishery is carried on. The fishers wait for them on the shore, and as they come from the sea, or as they return after laying their eges, they either dispatch them with blows of a club, or turn them quickly over on their backs, not giving them time either to defend themselves, or to blind their assailants, by throwing up the sand with their fins. When very large, it requires the efforts of several men to turn them over. and they must employ the assistance of handspikes. (320) REPTILES. Skeleton of the Chameleon. The Common Chameleon is a native of Egypt and Northern Africa, as also of the south of Spain and Sicily. A kindred species inhabits India. It is a very singular creature, one of its peculiarities being its variations of color. And one curious fact connected with these variations is, that the two halves of the body may show a different tint at the same time. Dr. Weissenborn attributes this to separate galvanic or nervous currents directed to the two sides of the body, independently of each other. The Alligator, or Cayman, a species of Crocodile, is peculiar to America, and thus distinguished; the head is broad; the muzzle oblong and depressed ; the teeth are of unequal length; the hinder limbs are rounded and without the scales pertaining to those of the tree Crocodile, the webs between the toes are much less developed. Several species are known, which are more or less distinguishable by certain peculiarities. This animal inhabits fresh water only. It attains the length of twenty feet, and is abundant in the Mississippi and in the lakes and rivers of Louisiana and Carolina. It is very dangerous, attacking both men and beasts, while bathing or crossing streams. Its principal food, however, is fish, which it takes chiefly by night. Numbers of them, assemble for this purpose at the mouth of some secluded creek, send forth a bel llowing like that of bulls, which may be heard, in the still evening, a mile off. When about laying the female iene a deep hole in the sandy or soft bank of the river, and deposits her eges in layers, separ ating each layer from the next by interweaving leaves, dry grass, and mud. Their number is fifty or sixty. These she watches vigilantly till the young appear, which, for some months, she leads about and protects So numerous, however, are the enemies, that rarely more than half the brood reach the water. On the approach of winter these creatures bury themselves under the mud of swamps and marshes and sink into a slumber so profound, that the severest wounds will not rouse them. Chameleon. Chameiecn. Alligator (321). KEPTILES. = <= ——S = Crocodile. Alligator attacking a Jaguar. The Crocodile, according to the best authorities, is distinguished into four varieties, and is found in the Nile, Senegal, and other African rivers, as also in the Ganges and the lagoons of various parts of India. Most writers consider it, as the “ leviathan” speken of in Job. A portion of the Ancient Egyptians esteemed him sacred, while others dealt with him as an enemy. ‘The former were accustomed to keep, each a tame Crocodile, adorn and feed him, and, after his death, embalm and place him in a saered repository. This animal is no longer found in the Egyptian Delta, but still abounds in the Thebaid and on the upper Nile, and in its tributary branches throughout Nubia and Abyssinia. In Dongola it is killed for its flesh, which is considered a delicacy although it has a strong odor of musk. The natives kill the Crocodile with a harpoon as the whalers dispatch the whale. The animul feeds on fish, carrion, pigs, and dogs, which he surprises on the river banks, yet escape from him is easy, since his legs are not formed for running on land, though he is rapid in water, and besides he turns himself with slowness and difficulty. The Crocodile breeds by eggs, which are oblong and somewhat larger, than those of a goose. Numbers both of eggs and young are destroyed by beasts and birds of prey, among the latter of which the ichneumon has always been celebrated. A traveller in India actually blew up a Crocodile by means of an electro-mag- netic battery, baiting the wire with the carcass of a goat. This adventure was occasioned by the huge Crocodile having de voured the servant of one of the traveller’s friends, The destructicu of the reptile occasioned inch rejoicing Lilowing up a Crocodile. | , ‘ (322) REPTILES. — Common Lizard. Gecko. The Lizards are usually active little creatures, delighting to bask in the sun, near some safe retreat, to which they dart with astonishing celerity upon the slightest alarm. The Common Lizard is six inches long. The terrible name of Flying Dragon belongs to a harmless little Lizard, bearing small resemblance to the terrific animal so graphically depicted by Restch. This curious little animal lives on trees, and feeds on insects instead of devouring pilgrims bound to the Gnadenbilde. Lhe peculiar structure of its body bears a singular resemblance to that of the flying squirrel. The Geckos are nocturnal Lizards, remaining bidden in the crevices during the day, but wandering forth at night in search of their insect prey. They run about on smooth walls and ceilings with the greatest case, as their feet are furnished with an apparatus exactly resembling a boy’s sucker, by means of which they are able to adhere to the wall or even to the roof. The species represented are common in India. The Salamander has the general appearance of a lizard in the body and tail, but the body is with- out scales, variegated with yellow and black pores ; the fore-feet have only four toes and the whole have no nails. It lives in mountainous places. Liind Worm. REPTILES. Common Frog. Common Frogs. Frog and Tadpoles. o? c=) c=) The Frogs, in the early stage of existence, are called Tadpoles. At first they appear to consist soleiy of hea? and tail, but, ere Jong, four legs are developed, the tail drops off, and the young Tadpole becomes a complete Frog. Another change is, though, in its Tadpole state, it was wholly a water animal, on becoming a Frog, it must often come to the surface to breathe. Frogs hybernate at the bottoms cf ponds and marshes. Their skin has the property of absorbing water, so that an emaciated frog, put in a damp place, will soon look plump. ‘There are three principal species, the CommonFrog, Bull Frog, and Tree Frogs. The Common Frog fizquents marshy spots and river-banks, and is a capMal swimmer. The Bull Frog is very voracious, and feeds on fishes, shell fish, and even young fowls. Its leaping powers are wonderful. The Tree Frogs are singular creatures, the construction of their feet enabling them to traverse tree-branches and even t+ .ang on the under side of a leaf, which they so resemble in color, that insects coming unwarily nigh. are seized by the vigilant animals. The ‘Toad has \N Ulf been the theme of \WY\ many marvellous tales, among which are its being pois- onous, and having ii precious jewel in x its head. It does, in fact, secrete from its skin an acrid humor, which de- fends it against certain animals, but otherwise these ac- counts are purely fabulous. It is ca- sily tamed. The Toad occasionally casts his skin, but always swallows it. = — saree Sars ses es = = REPTILES. \ \\ S \ As \ Xs Tiger Python. Tue Snakes, by their peculiar gliding movements, constitute an expressive type of the whole reptile order, who take their name from the Latin repo, I creep. The extraordinary flexibility of their bodies is owing to tae structure of their vertebrae, exch of which fits into the one behind it bya ball and socket joint, thus allowing free motion in all directions. The Boa Constrictor is the general title for an order, embracing many species, of huge serpents confined to the hotfer regions of the globe, and called Constrictor from their mode of destroying their prey, which is by crushing. Lurking in ambush, the tail. which is specially formed for the purpose, grasping the trunk, or branch of a tree, they dart upon their victim, and instantly enveloping it in their terrible coils, erush or strangle it. The flesh and bones of the dead victim being compressed into a shapeless mass, the snake now begins to swallow it, commencing with the head. His jaws are all distorted, the skin of the neck is stretched almost to apparent bursting; the mouth drips with a glutinous saliva, which aids deglution, and thus slowly he sucks down the whole mass. He now quietly seeks his usual haunt, coils himself round, and lies torpid for a month, till digestion is completed, when he sallies forth for another meal. These creatures prey on large fishes as well 2s quadrupeds, being rapid swimmers. They are all natives of the tropic regions of America, are beautifully tinted, and gleam in the sun. The Tiger Python is a native of India and Java. It is, of its kind, a splendid looking creature, and is often brought to Europe for exhibition. Its general characterics are similar to the Boa. (525) 28 il Emperor Boa. ' REPTTUEBS. Anaconda. Among the principal species of these serpents is the Emperor Boa, which bears also many other exalted titles, indicating the superstitious veneration, with which it was regarded by the Mexicans. There is also the Anaconda, which would seem to differ from the last named, chiefly in certain pecuiiarities of the head and the size. It bears also several other names. These serpents, as also the Pythons, who closely resemble them, often attain « monstrous size even now, though, if we may credit ancient authors, they were much larger in old days. Diodorus Siculus, and Suetonius speak of them, as being fifty or seventy-five feet long. The Boa Scytale has scaly plates from the eyes to the end of the muz- zle, and passes by various names. Its color is brownish, with a double row of roundish, black blotches all down the back. It inhabits South America, and feeds on deer, goats, sheep, &c. The Boa Canina is greenish-colored, with irregular, longish spots dis- posed in rings. They are not venomous, but have long, sharp teeth, which inflict a dangerous wound, often mortal, unless proper remedies are at once applied. The immediate cause of death is not stated, but may be presumed to be often tetanus or locked jaw. It is said that this species varies in size. They sometimes stay in houses, where they do no injury, if not irritated. (326) REPTILES. © Emperor Boa, crushing a Deer. Aboma. The Boa Cenchrea, or Aboma, has scaly plates on the muzzle, and dimples on the sides of the jaws. Its color is yellowish, with a row of large, brown rings running down the whole back, and variable spots on the sides. It haunts the marshes of the warm parts of South America, where it preys upon animals coming to drink. The Ringed, or Glass Snake is a harmless denizen of England, is easily tamed, and soon learns to recognize its master. It feeds on frogs, mice, young birds, &e. It sheds its skin several times a year, even to the covering of the eyes. The Rattlesnakes are of various species, all of which are natives of America. The head is covered with scales; the tail is furnished with an appendage termed the rattle, consisting of several thin, horny cells, which fit into each other so loosely that, when sharply vibrated, they produce a whizzing noise. Up to a certain period, one new rattle is added each year. Its bite is terribly deadly to man and beast. » Rattlesnake. 1327) lr —— ee = SS SS —— -—— REPTILES. Loa Corsirictor, attacking a Lascar. Common Viper ‘The Cominon Viper is spread all over Europe, selecting for its haunts, dry woods, sandy heaths, peat-lands, and sunny banks. It sometimes goes by the uame of Adder It is venomous, yet not so dangerous as is often thought. It bites only in self-defence, or when suddenly molested. nor is its bite necessarily mortal. The Egyptian Cerastes was well known to the ancient Eeyptians, and is found seulptured abundantly in their temples. Tferodotus speaks of them. though incorrectly, if he referred to the creature in its natural state. It inhabits the sandy desert, where in crevices it lies, for successive days, luxuriating in the sun, and being colored like the ground, there is danger of treading on and being wounded by it. Its food is mice, small reptiles, &c. It never drinks, apparently, and can endure much hunger. It is one of the snakes used hy the so-named serpent- charmers of the east. The bite is mortal. Common Viper. (328) REPTILES. _ SSE (Ly ANY Indian Jugglers, exhibiting tamed Snakes. The Indian Naja, or Cobra de Capello, attains to five or six feet in length, and sometimes, it is said, even to fifteen feet. The head is covered with plates, and the skin of the neck is capable of being so expanded, as to. form a thin hood. When irritated, these snakes elevate the upper part of the body, expand their hood, and spring on the foe with great quickness, and its bite being deadly, an encounter with them is very dangerous. Their color varies, some being light and others dark. The natives rather venerate than dread this snake, thinking it harms no one unless provoked. They have superstitions about it, such as that it is a visitor from another world, is superior to man, &e. In India, at the present day, the serpent charmers are a well known division of the numerous caste of jugglers that are found in every district. Mr. Forbes, in his ‘Oriental Memoirs,” appears to attach some credit to their powers of alluring the Cobra de Capello, and other snakes, from their hiding-places, by the attraction of music. Mr. Johnson, however, in his “Sketches of India Iield Sports,” says, ** The professed snake catchers in India are a low caste of Hindoos, wonderfully clever in catching snakes, as well as in practising the art of ledgerdemain ; they pretend to draw them from their holes by a song, and by an instru- ment somewhat resembling an Irish bagpipe, on which they play a plaintive tune. The truth is, this is all done to deceive. If ever a snake comes out of a hole at the sound of their music, you may be certain that it is a tame one, trained to it, deprived of its venomous teeth, and put there for the purpose; and this you may prove, as I have often done, by killing the snake and examining it, by which you will exas- perate the men exceedingly.” The account of Mr. Johnson certainly appears the more probable version of this extraordinary story ; yet enough remains to surprise, in the wonderful command which these people possess over the reptiles that they have deprived of their power of injury, and taught to erect themselves and make a gentle, undulating movement of the head, at certain modulated sounds. There can, we think, be no doubt that the snake is taught to do this, as the bear and cock of the Italians are instructed to dance. - (329) +5 * a SE een FISHES. Ling. : The Red, or Cuckoo Gurnard THE breathing organs of fishes are different from those of land animals, being, instead of lungs, the singular apparatus called gills. The water passing into the mouth and out at the gills, sufficient oxygen is strained out to purify the animal’s blood. If the oxygen has been exhausted already, the fish at once dies. The tail serves as an oar to scull the creature along, while the fins act as balances. Most fishes have a “swimming bladder,” a pouch filled with gas, which being compressed or expanded, they are enabled to sink or rise. The Red, or Cuckoo Gurnard, is common on the English coasts, and is adorned, while alive, with very beautiful colors. It rarely exceeds fourteen inches in length. There are nine species of it known on those coasts. The Common Perch, so familiar to anglers, is excessively voracious, and will grasp at any bait, even the eyes of its fellows already caught. It rarely exceeds two pounds and a half in weight, and its flesh is highly esteemed. The Roach loves clear, still waters, with a sandy or marly bottom, but is also considered a lake-fish. It is about a foot long, colored like the Dace, and, like that, coarse in flesh. The Ling is from three to four feet long, with a flat head, of which the upper jaw is longest, and a rounded tail. Its color is grey. It is in season from the first of February to the first of May. Its liver then abounds in a fine-flavored oil. The Tunny averages four feet in length, and abounds in the Mediterranean They are taken in May and June, at which season immense shoals rove along the coasts, and a peculiar species of net is employed in their capture. They are often found on the English coast. The Haddock seldom exceeds eighteen inches in length, is gregarious, but shifts its haunts at irregular periods. Shoals sometimes appear on the Yorkshire coasts, three miles broad. When in season, this fish is prized for its fine flavor. The Remora, or Sucking Fish, is found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Mediterranean sea, is about a foot and a half long, with a herring-shaped body, and a thick, flat head, oval on the top, and crossed by ridges, which, when inflated, enable it’ to adhere to any substance. FISHES. Sword fish. The Sword Fish inhabits all parts of the Mediterranean, and is sometimes seen near England and Scotland; his “sword” is a lengthening of the upper jaw, is very strong, and can do considerable injury to any object, against which it strikes. In the British Musuem is a portion of aship’s bottom completely per- forated by one of these swords. The shock must have killed the fish. This fish is usually from twelve to fifteen feet long, and feeds chiefly on tunnies, which it transfixes with its wea- pon. It is said to be peculiarly hostile to the whale, and that vessels are struck from being mistaken for whales. The Flying Fish abounds in the warmer latitudes, but is sometimes seen off our coasts. Its so named “ flight” is merely a springing out of the water, and sustaining itself temporarily in the air by its large pectoral fins. — Its flight rarely exceeds two hundred yards, and its object is to escape the pursuit of its foes. But, while in the air, it is watched for by gulls and albatrosses, so that between its two classes of pursuers, it is pretty sure to become a prey. The Sturgeons are remarkable for bony plates extending along the body. They are very common in northern Eu- rope. Isinglass is made of the air bladder, caviare is made of the roe; and the flesh is very good. -The female de- posits her eggs in fresh water, and the young when hatched, seek the sea, which they do not leave till ready to spawn. Sturgeon. FISHES. Monk Fish. — Blenn es, Skate. Bream. - The Monk Fish belongs to the Shark genus, and therefore has a body decreasing in size from the head to the tail, a rough skin, a mouth placed “far beneath the end of the nose, five apertures on the sides of the neck for breathing, and the upper portion of the tail larger than the lower. The Dace has an oblong body, with a small head, is dusky green on the back and silvery on the sides and belly. It is very lively, and fond of frolicking near the surface of the -water. Its flesh is rather coarse and insipid. The Trout is about a foot long and is found in rivers and lakes, and in mountain streams. It feeds on river flies and other water insects. It stands first among river fish for delicacy of flavor, and affords the angler a favorite sport. The Blennies are of several species, and live at the bottom of the water, preying chiefly on small crabs. They produce from two to three hundred living progeny at a time. The Skate is a strange looking creature, appearing at first sight to be without a head. The eyes are on the upper surface, the mouth and the gills on the under; the ti ail is long and set with three rows of spines, and the skin is rough. The flesh is white and excellent. The eggs of this fish are often found on the beach, after a storm, two or three hundred in number, in a thin, square bag. The Bream is found in Jakes with a bottom of marl, clay or plants, or in gently flowing rivers. It reaches two or three feet in leneth and weighs from four to five pounds. It is esteemed a: great delicacy for the table. It abounds chiefly in lakes. (332) Grayling Father Lasher. Gold Fish. Tench. Shad. The Grayling delights in clear, rapid streams, whick it ascends, in early spring, to spawn, whence, at the approach of winter, it returns to the sea. It is caught with a fly, to which it rises readily. It is from ten to eighteen inches long, of a silvery-grey color, and inhabits Europe and Siberia. The Laplanders use its entrails, instead of rennet, to make cheese of reindeer’s milk. The Whiting is of slender form, and rarely over a foot long. They are plentiful on the English coasts, and are reckoned the lightest and wholesomest of fish, being often prescribed to dyspeptics. They are in plime condition during spring and summer. They live at the bottom of the.sea, feeding on little crabs, worms, and young fish, and are usually caught with ground lines. The Father Lasher frequents the deep sea, though seeking its prey near the surface. On the English coasts, these fish are about nine inches long; but on the Greenland coasts, they are said to measure six feet. The head is large, and armed with stout spines, and the body, thick at the neck, decreases in size towards the tail. They are rapid swimmers, and prey especially on blennies, codlings, and herrings. They are named from the violent lashing of their tails, when caught and cast on the sand. The Tench, in its habits, resembles the Carp, and is even more sluggish than the latter. It especially loves the muddy banks of ponds, where the weeds grow thic.’*. It is more tenacious of life than evea the Carp. The Gold Fish is a native of China, and a river fish, though often there, as here, kept in vessels within doors for ornament. It was domesticated in England, about 1691, and breeds freely in ponds. When kept in glass vessels, it becomes partially tame, and apparently knows the voice of its accustomed feeder. The Shad is about eighteen inches long, is greenish-black above, and silvery on the sides and belly. It goes up the rivers, in May, to spawn. It is very voracious, and herrings three inches long are sometimes found :n its stomach. Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy. The bo ly of the Wolf fish is roundish and slender; the head large and blunt; the fore-teeth, above and below, conical; the grinding teeth and those in the palate round; and the fin covering the gill has six rays. It is from three to seven feet long; spawns on sea-plants, in May or June; and lives chiefly on sheli-fi- h. The Sucking Fish has a body of nearly wedge-like shape. Its head is broader than its body; the fin covering the gill has ten rays; and it has an oval breastplate streaked in the form of a ladder and toothed. The Chietodon, or Catfish, has an oblong body, a small head, slender and bending teeth, five or six spines on the fin covering the gills, and a fin on the back covered with scales (933) FISHES. g Wolf Fish. Torpedo. Lamprey. Eel. Ficunder. Horned Silurus. The Torpedo affords a second instance of the electric power belonging to a fish. The organs producing the shock sppear externally in two elevations extending from the eyes about half down the body. It is usually found in the Mediterranean. The force of the shock depends on the size and health of the fish, but a fair-sized, healthy fish can, for a time, disable a strong man. Occasionally a fish of this kind has been caught, weighing one hundred pounds. The Lamprey is chiefly remarkable for the mouth, which, being formed like that of the Leech, enables it to hold firmly to every object by sucti.a. The breathing apparatus externally consists of fourteen apertures, seven on each side of the neck. ‘"t undulates through the water. It is found in the Mediter- ranean, in the northern European rivers, anu also in America. It goes up rivers to spawn, and at this time is in highest order for the table. The Flounder is somewhat less than a foot long; has no tubercles, but has a band of small, sharp spines on the side line, and at the junction of the dorsal and posterior fins with the body, and is covered with small, oblong scales adhering firmly to the skin. It haunts the mouths of rivers, and penetrates into fresh water. It lives long after being captured. Its flesh is greatly prized. The Horned Silurus has a large head and oblong body; the fin covering the gills has from four to fourteen spines; and the leading bones or spines of its back are toothed. The Eels have a form very like that of the serpents, and possessing no belly-fins, are named Apoda, or footless fish. Like serpents, they seem destitute of scales, yet when the skin is dried, very small scales may be seen through the half-transparent outer skin, and by separating the two skins may readily be uetached. They usually inhabit muddy ponds and rivers, and are also found in many canals. They are sensitive to cold, and, reversing the salmon’s habits, they descend the rivers to spawn in the sea, whence the young work their way back. They can live long out of water, and often go inland for various pur- poses, one of which is to find the frogs and worms on which they feed. In winter they lie torpid in the mud, and are then speared bv thousands. (334) Coleraine Salmon Leap on the Bann.—Angling for Salmon. The Salmon is a migratory fish, annually quitting its home, the sea, and proceeding some distance up rivers to spawn. This being done, it returns in spring to the sea. In asce ending streams, it often sur- mounts falls of fifteen feet. The young are hatched about March, and at once sti urt for the sea, and by June the rivers are cleared of them. The fecundity of this fish is immense, else with the creatures, both aquatic and terrestial, who prey alike on fish and spawn, the race would be exterminated. How delicate a food is the Salmon is familiar to all. The Salmon, is taken in many different modes. Some of these we will describe. Ist. The stake-nets, introduced about.a hundred years ago, were nearly crescent shaped, and being tied to the top of stakes, rosé with the flow of the tide, so that they sae the fish only at the ebb. Afterwards, however, they were so improved, as to be efficient during both ebb and flow. This is the most effectual of all modes of Salmon catching, five hundred of the fish having been taken at one haul in this net. FISHEN. Fishing boats off St. Alban’s Head. Stake nets are used only where the tide is incessantly flowing and ebbing, and are confined within the pounds of low water mark, not being adapted to channel or stream. 2nd. The coble nets are suited to a higher portion of the stream, as the.stake nets are adapted to its mouth. Where the banks are not far apart and in the pools, which are the Salmon’s favorite resorts, these nets are used with much effect. They are, however, liable to some objections, that is dragging over and disturbing the spawning beds, and bruising the fish taken. 5rd. Spearing, is performed as follows. A dyke of loose ‘stones is constructed in the riv er, which serves to direct the fish coming up the stream, to the channel nearest the bank. At the end of this dyke is a hut, built of tree branches, ‘wherein the fisherman awaits the approach of the Salmon, which he strikes with a five-pronged instrument. 4th. Angling may serve to supply the angler with table luxuries, but may be deemed rather a mode of recreation, than a means of livelihood. It is extensively pursued on the banks of productive Salmon streams, and on the Tweed, for example seventy or eighty persons may be seen thus engaged within the space of half a mile. April and May are, in Great Britain, the permitted «seasons for angling. There are different methods of taking these fish, but our limits will only admit the above. Group of fish. Flying fish. (8389; Torpedo a Turbot. White Shark. The Turbot is found on most of the English coasts, but chiefly on the southern coast of Ireland. The fishery is conducted both by nets and ies The Turbot is dainty about his bait, which consists of smelts and other small fish, and will touch none that is stale. This fish is greatly prized for the table. The (Camp inhabits -ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams, is very shy, and lives to a great age, its scales turning grey, as does the human hair. They sometimes attain an enormous bulk. ‘Two or three pounds are the average weight of a good Carp, though they sometimes reach eighteen pounds. The White Shark is the scourge of both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and the special detestation of all sailors. He lurks about ships for the sake of the scraps thrown ov erboard, and generally swallows these, whatever they may be. He has also been known to swallow a man entire. The South Sea Islanders greatly dread this horrid creature, for every year many of them become his victims. The Hammer-headed Shark inhabits the same latitudes, and resembles the White Shark closely in all points, save the head, which is widened out at each side like a double-headed hammer, or mallet. The eyes, being placed at either extremity of the head, niust possess a very extended vision. The Fox Shark is also called the “ Thresher,” from the use 1 makes of its tail both in attack and defence. It is a roaming animal, and is found in higher latitudes than other sharks. Its teeth are less formidable than those of the other species, but it is very bold and voracious, and its tail is a formidable weapon. The largest specimens found have been twelve or thirtcen feet long, the tailing ese about half its entire length. The body and fins are dark blue, and the belly mottled with white x Hainmmmer-headed Shark. Fox Shark Attackine © White Shark. (337) 25 FISHES. The Loach has a body oblong, and of nearly the same breadth throughout. The head is small and some what elongated, the eyes ere in the back part of the head, the fin covering the gills has from four to six rays, and the covers of the gills are closed beneath. The Pike, an exceedingly fierce, voracious fish, is now common in most English lakes and rivers, though formerly very rare. It affords anglers much sport, and is caught by the method called “trolling.. A eudgeon, roach, or minnow is so fixed to several hooks, that, on being drawn through the water, it spins rapidly round, and attracts the notice of the Pike, who dashes at the bait, carries it to its hiding-place, and swallows it. The angler then jerks the line and draws to land the fish bleeding, but ferocious to the last The Pike varies in weight from two to twenty or thirty pounds. The Cod, when caught, are placed in a well-boat, through which the salt water passes freely, and thus are brought to market living. Successful experiments have been made to preserve this fish in salt water ponds, where it thrives well. Its fecundity is enormous, the roe of one fish having been ascertained to contain nine millions of eggs. ‘ The Barbel is found in most European rivers. Its flesh is unpalatable, yet it is eagerly sought by anglers, as the spirit and vigor displayed by it, when hooked, afford fine sport. It feeds chiefly on larvee and mollusca, which inhabit the banks, and obtains them by rooting in the sand with its snout. It often reaches a great size, measuring three feet in length, and weighing from fifteen to eighteen pounds. They are mainly captured with nets. : FISHES. Dprat oat, flshing off Parileet, on the Thames. The Sprat is about six inches long, and above one inch thick. It is caught in the Forth, near Edinburg, and on the eastern coast of Ir eland. It is also found, in large shoals, on the Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, and Essex coasts of England. In summer, this fish inhabits the deep water, and is then in roe. It is in highest condition at the close of the season for fresh Herrings, and more, perhaps, are consumed of this species of fish, than of any other, the quality and flavor of the flesh being universally relished. It is also used as a manure, to the extent of several thousand tons, yearly. The fishing season commences in November, and the foggy nights of this month are esteemed most pro- pitious to the fishermen. The finest fish are caught in the same manner as mackerel; but the largest quantities are taken by “stow-boats,” manned with ‘five or six persons. The meshes of the nets employed by these boats are so minute that water alone will pass through. Hence immense numbers of small fry, of every species, are caught with the Sprats, and by consequence, it is said, turbots, brills, soles, &c., once abundant on these coasts, have become scarce. The stow-boat owners are usually joint proprietors; the principal owner holding three shares, and there- fore bound to keep the boat, nets, and other appliances in repair, and the others possessing shares acccord- ing to their means. The Sea Worm has a slender body, with double fins covering the gills, thirty spines, and armed exter- aally with five teeth-like bones. pat ESI RNP NS NS Nn Ni AN Mount Bay, a fishing ground for Pilchard. The Pilchard greatly resembles the Herring in appearance, but may be known by the position of the back fins. In the Pilchard this is so fixed in the centre of the body, that if the fish be held by it, the body exactly balances, while, in the Herring, this fin lies back of the centre, so that the fish, when sus- pended thereby, hangs with his head downwards. Unlike the Herring, which visits all parts of the British coast, the Pilchard is found only on the Devon- shire and Cornwall shoves. However, the immense numbers, which annually come here, compensate for their limited range. The south of Ireland is occasionally visited by them, and the French and Spanish coasts are their quite frequent resorts. They spawn sometimes in May, but the usual season is October. It is now believed that they do not migrate to the arctic seas, but that their sole change of location is from the deep sea to the shore and back again. The Pilchard is from nine to eleven inches long, thus differing little in bulk from the Herring. Tt differs however, from the latter in several points, two of which are its being more oily and having no teeth. The chief stations of the Pilchard fishery are St. Ives, in North Cornwall; Mount’s Bay, in the south; St. Mawes, and Meoagissey, on the east; and so on to the coasts of Devonshire. There are two modes of fishing, with seines and with nets. The former requires considerable capital, as about eighteen men and three boats are employed in conducting a single establishment, while (3840) FISHES. Fishing Boats off Scarborough. the drift nets are managed by four or six men, in one boat. The seine fishery is carried on near shore, the net fishery further at sea. The former supplies the foreign demand, and the latter the home-market, since, from the manner in which the fish are taken by the latter process, they are not so well fitted for curing as by the former. The nets of the seine fis shery are a “stop-seine,” with leaden weights at the bottom and corks at the top, to keep it floating, which costs between three and four hundred pounds, being about a quarter of a mile long, and one hundred feet in depth; and a “tuck-seine,” which is made with a hollow in the centre, and is half the length, and eighteen feet deeper than the “stop-seine,’ costing about one hundred pounds. Two boats, of about fifteen tons each, are used, in one of which the “stop-seine” is carried; the other, carrying the “tuck-seine,” is needed to aid in inclosing the fish. The third, called the “lurker,” from two to four tons burden, is used to carry the men to and from shore, besides being useful to those engaged with the nets. Its crew consists of the master-seiner and three of the men, the rest being equally divided between the other two boats. The fishermen beein their labors towards evening, proceeding to the resort of the fish and anchoring. If a shoal appears, the master-seiner and his men endeavor to ascertain its extent, with other needful conditions. Having determined these, they cast out the net, vast as it is, and with its numerous appendants, within five minutes. The particulars of the several processes following it does not come within our plan to describe. The resu/t is, that sometimes two thousand hogsheads, or five millions of fish have been inclosed at a single haul, and ten days may elapse before the whole are conveyed away. The fishing by drift nets is generally carried on in ordinary fishing boats, occupied by four men and a boy. Often ‘there are as m: iny as twenty nets to each boat, all which, together, may extend three quarters of a mile in length. The fish, on being brought to shore, are taken to the storehouses, where they are salted and ranged i in heaps, five or six feet high, and sometimes ten or twelve feet wide. ‘After thus lying five or six days, they are packed into hogsheads. By the appliance of a powerful lever at the top of the hogshead, the oil is extracted, and issues “therefrom through holes made for the purpose. This pressing lasts a fortnight. : 20 * | Dutch Auction. Fishermen selling Mackerel at Hastings. The above print represents a scene, which may often be witnessed at an active fishing town—a Dutch Auctien. The mode of proceeding is to divide the fish into heaps, immediately on their being landed; and the persons desiring to purchase being assembled, one of the fishermen or owners of the boat, acts as sales- man naming a price above the actual value and at the same time uplifting a large stone, w herewith to “ knock down a lot.” A lot, which eventually may sell at forty shillings, is offered for sixty shillings, the salesman rapidly naming a series of lower prices until he gets a “bid,” ‘when the stone is cast on the eround, and so the first bidder becomes a buyer. The descending instead of an ascending scale enables the vendors to finish the business more speedily, and is perhaps the fairest of all methods of selling at auction. The Mackerel fishery is the liveliest operation of its kind. The flesh of this fish being tender and liable to taint, the greatest dispatch is used in getting it to market. A light gale, gently rippling the water’s sur- face and named a mackerel gale, is most favorable to the fisherman, who follows his vocation chiefly by night. Mackerel ; Mackere (342) FISHES. mca vrew of a French Boat, angling for Mackerel. The Mackerel, both in shape and tints, is the most beautiful of fishes, while, as food, it is highly prized ail over the world. Vast shoals of these fish visit the British coast, and are caught both by nets and lines. The series of nets often exceed a mile in extent, and the number therein taken is incalculable. The fish must be used soon after being drawn from the water, as the flesh is tender and easily tainted by exposure to the air. There are three modes of fishing, with drift-nets, with seives, and with the line. With the line twe men will take from five hundred to a thousand fish a diy in auspicious weather. The fish bite voraciously and are rapidly caught with a bait cut from its own species, and sometimes even by a piece of scarlet cloth or leather. ‘The seive fishing requires two boats and in many respects resembles pilchard fishing, though onasmaller scale. The drift-net needs no description. The boats employed are generally about thirty feet in the keel; oak or ash built and copper fastened ; deep waisted and broad beamed ; noted for their durability ; and reckoned as swift and safe a class of boats, as can be found in any British fisheries. The Mackerel fishers are obliged to procure a license in order to prosecute their calling. The Charr generally haunts deep cool lakes and are rarely found at the surface till late in autumn. They spawn in November and December, then proceeding up rivers, preferring those with the rocky channel, and seldom, at other times, leave the lake’s depths. They are found in the lakes of England, Scotland and the T yp yrol. Yarmouth Jetty. Werring Bouts returned. The Herring appears annually, on the northern coast of Scotland, in shoals, five or six miles long, and four or five broad. Their coming is heralded by gulls, and other sea-birds, who hover over the shoals, and depredate incessantly upon them. Yet in spite of the devastations of man, birds, and fishes, the numbers seem undiminished. The fishery is conducted with boats and nets. As the Herring dies at once, on being taken from the water, it must be cured at the first moment possible. The White Herrings are cured in the boats, and the Red are suspended for twenty-four hours over a wood fire on shore, both kinds having first been salted. The Herring fishery is carried on only during the spawning season, the fish then being in the highest condition. The famous Yarmouth fishery commences about the middle of September, though the season varies on different parts of the British coast. Thus, on the coast of Sutherland, the early fishery begins in June, and the late fishery about the middle of July, and lasts till September. On the coast of Cromarty, large shoals appear as early as May. The main object of this ‘fishery i is to procure Herrings for curing, though in the early part of the season there is a Jurge consumption of fresh Herrings in London, and other cities. The spawning season being over by the last of October, or the early part of November, {he fishing th 1en terminates, as the fish are exhausted ind leave. The size of the boats used in this fishery depends partly on the distance from shore the fishery is to be carried on, and partly on whether red or white Herrings are to be cured. As the former must be cured on shore, the red Ler- ring fishers must keep within a con- venient distence-from land. But as the latter may be cured on board the vessel, Yarmouth Beach Cart, for carrying the produce of the Fishing Boats to the town. requiring only to be salted and barrelled, and as these fishers may go seaward wherever the fish can be found, this is called the deep-sea fishery, and a larger vessel is needed, than in the former case. ‘The deep-sea fishery is a more permanent source of profit, than the in-shore, because the earliest and best Herrings are met with, though requiring the larger capital. The vessels must ccntain sufficient room in the hold for the stowage of salt, nets, barrels and provisions. They lie low in the water, and their sides are furnished with rollers and lee-boards to aid in drawing in the nets. The Yarmouth vessels are generally of about fifty tons burden, and manned with eleven or twelve men, one fourth of whom are usually landsmen. There are two landsmen besides, who are employed in boating to and from the vessel, for the curing of Herrings on shore. The fishing places are from fifteen to thirty miles north of Yarmouth, from thirty to forty-five miles east, and as far south as the mouth of the Thames. The depth of water in such places is from fifteen to twenty fathoms. The Yarmouth fishing vessels are fitted out at a cost of about five thousand dollars each, and are furnished with from one hundred and eighty to two hundred nets a piece, which cost between one thousand five hundred to two thousand dollars; and with six ropes, each one hundred and twenty fathoms long, weighing severally four hundred pounds, and together valued at two hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars. These nets and ropes must be renewed about every fourth year, owing to the destruc- tive effects of the sea, and the ravages of the dog-fish, while attempting to prey on the inclosed Herrings. There are some varieties in the fitting out and the usages at different fishing stations, but the above notes will give a sufficiently correct general idea of all. The Yarmouth boats continue at sea till they have caught eight or ten “lasts,” at thirteen thousand Herrings to the “ last,” unless obliged to come ashore sooner for provisions. Generally, they are out from three to six days. As previously stated, the white or pickled Herrings are merely salted and barrelled, and this, while the vessel is at sea. But the curing of red Herrings is much more complex. These Herrings are fist sprinkled with salt, in quantities depending on the weather, or the distance from shore. On the average, about one third of a ton is applied to each “last” of Herrings. On being landed, they are carried directly to the “rousing house,” adjoining the smoking-house Here they are again sprinkled with salt, and heaped together on a floor covered with bricks or flag-stones, where they thus remain five or six days, and then are washed, spitted, hung up, and “ fired.” (345) FISHES. Fishermen of the Port of Chioggia, near Venice, preparing to depart for the deep sea fishery. In both spitting and hanging up, the fish must be carefully kept from touching each other. The spits are round fir-rods, about four feet long, and pointed at one end. The Herrings are suspended on these by the mouth and gills. The spits, when as full as they can be without the fish touching each other, are placed, tier above tier, ou wooden fixtures, supported by Joists, till the house is full. The distance from the tails of the lowest tier to the floor is about seven feet. Wood fires are then kindled, and it requires great care to manage these properly. They must be neither too quick nor too slow, and at times must be extin- guished. Greer wood is commonly used, and a large quantity being required, the expense is considerable. Oak and beech are believed to impart the finest color and flavor, but ash, birch, and elm are used with them. The wood of fruit-trees, as also some other woods, would communicate to the fish a bitter taste. The smoking process occupies three weeks, when intended for home consumption, as they are preferred when soft and not too much dried, but those for exporting are subjected to the operation for twenty-eight or thirty days. The fires are then extinguished, and the house having cooled, the spits are taken down, and, a few days after, the fish are barrelled. The barrels are commonly of fir, though sometimes of oak, or other hard wood. In an abundant season. the curers take some pains to divide the fish of different qualities into different lots. They are commonly distributed into four classes. The large and well formed constitute the first« quality, and are named “ bloaters.” These being removed, the best of the residue make the second class. Those which are broken in the belly, or will not absorb the salt, but turn white, are the third division, and the fourth consists of those, which are headless, or will not hang by the gills, but are suspended on tenter- hooks by some other part. (346) I FISHES. oh f ; Diodon. or Sun-fish. ; Z| . ‘ 2 % Y ii i } LY : ae Sy : 3 Bs E = ‘| i a = Wwe a CE, ‘i \ 4 iS enn Tet, g Platax Vespertilio, or Bat Chetodon. Diodon, or Short-Sun-fish Polypus. The Platax Vespertilio, or Bat Cheetodon, is found off the coast of Ceylon, it has a very compressed body, a large, vertical back-fin, brownish-hned, with the anterior spines almost concealed in the membrane, long ventral fins, and with trenchant front teeth, each three-pointed. It grows to a large bulk, and generally inhabits deep water. The Short Sun-fish is named from the curious structure of the jaws. It has often been caught on nearly all parts of the British coasts. It is singularly shaped, looking like the head and shoulders of a very large fish, from whose entire body three-fourths had been cut off. It has been known to weigh three hundred pounds, while but four feet five inches long. It lives chiefly at the bottom of the sea, but occasionally rises to the surface, when the sailors kill it with a harpoon, and eat it. Another variety is distinguished by having a longer body. The Polypus, in structure, may be likened to the finger of a glove, open at one end and closed at the other. The closed end represents the tail, by which the animal fastens itself to the substance it chances to be upon, and the open end the mouth. If we conceive six or eight small strings issuing from this end, we have an idea of its arms, which it lengthens, contracts, and erects at will, as a snail does its horns. The animal is very voracious, and uses his arms as a net to catch whatever small animals comes within reach Lengthening these arms several inches, and keeping them apart, it occupies a large space in the water. So exquisite is their sensibility, that if a small insect touches one of them it closes about him, the other arms come to help, and the creature is drawn into the Polypus’s mouth and swallowed. With the microscope, the body of the old Polypus is seen covered with minute Polypuses, which cast their tiny arms abroad, like the parent, for prey, and this prey apparently nourishes at once old and young. ‘And stranger still, these young, while still attached to the parent's body, have young ones springing from themselves, and the food, caught by one, serves to nourish successively all the rest! But, most wondrous of all, cut a Polypus into minute pieces, and each piece soon becomes a distinct and complete animal, so that destruction is but the generator of new forms of life!