BIOLOGY LIBRARY G OF THOMAS BEWICK'S WORKS, VOL. III. QUADRUPEDS. J GENERAL HISTORY QUADRUPEDS THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD THOMAS BEWICK. VOL. III. NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE : PRINTED BY R. WARD AND SONS, FOR BERNARD QUARITCH, 15 PICCADILLY, LONDON. 1885. PREFACE. Ix disposing the order of the following work, we have not thought it necessary to confine ourselves strictly within the rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural History; as it was not so much the object of our plan to lay down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four-footed animals, as to give a clear and concise account of the nature, habits, and disposition of each, accompanied with more accurate representations than have hitherto ap- peared in any work of this kind. Our disregard of system, however, has not prevented us from attending to the great divisions of Quadrupeds, so obviously marked out by the hand of Nature and so clearly distinguished that the most careless observer cannot avoid being forcibly struck with an agreement of parts in the outward appearance of the differ- ent individuals of which it consists. The intermediate stations, however, have not been always so clearly defined ; these are frequently occupied by charac- ters so dubious that naturalists have not always agreed in ascribing to each its proper place: of this kind are the Ele- phant, the Hippopotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the Beaver, the Hedge-Hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c., which bear in themselves characteristics so peculiar that they might seem to constitute distinct genera. -We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particu- lar account of the animals with which our own country is abundantly stored, especially of those which so materially contribute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of this kingdom; of these the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim the first place; and in treating of these, we have no- VOL. in. a 266194 IV. PREFACE. ticed the improvements which an enlarged system of agricul- ture, supported by a noble spirit of emulation, has introduced into all parts of the country. To these we may add that most useful animal the Dog, the account of which forms a conspicuous part of our history, and we trust will afford some entertainment to those who are pleased with contem- plating the various talents of that trusty servant and humble companion of man. We have selected the most remarkable of the different kinds, and have given faithful portraits of them, drawn from the life. There are still others, not un- worthy of attention, which might have been added; but to have noticed all the variations and shades of difference ob- servable in the canine race would have swelled our account, already large, to an immoderate length, and have left us too little room for others of equal importance, in a comprehen- sive view of this part of the animal creation. Our attention has been directed in a particular manner to the various instinctive powers of animals — that hidden prin- ciple, which actuates and impels every living creature to procure its subsistence, provide for its safety, and propagate its kind. To discover more and more of this unerring guide, directing, the brute creation to their highest good, by the simplest and most certain methods, is a pursuit worthy of the most refined understanding, and leads us to contemplate the wisdom and goodness of the adorable Author of Nature, who " openeth His hand, and all things are filled with good/' It may perhaps be thought necessary to offer some apo- logy for the evident want of proportion observable in the size of the different animals — a defect to which every work of this kind must, in some measure, be liable. In adverting to this, we found, that at whatever point, between the Elephant and the Mouse, the scale were to be fixed, a great and un- avoidable deficiency would be the consequence; we were therefore obliged to relinquish a plan, which, so far from being practicable, would have been the means of throwing the whole into irregularity and confusion. CONTENTS OF THE THIRD VOLUME. A PAGE. Adive - 323 Agouti - 382 Akouchi - 383 Ai - . 497 An Amphibious Animal of New South Wales 526 Ant-eater, the Great - 498 the Middle - - 499 the Lesser - - 499 Antelope, the Common 106 the Barbary - 107 the Scythian - 100 the Striped- - 100 Ape, the Pigmy- - 454 the Long- armed - 455 . the Barbary - 456 Armadillo- - 501 the Three-banded 502 the Six-banded - 503 the Eight-banded 503. the Nine-banded- 504 theWeasel-headed 505 Ass - - 19 'Axis- - 141 B Baboon . 457 the Great Ribbed- nose - 459 the Small Ribbed- nose - 461 the Pig-tailed - 462 PAGE. Baboon, the Dog-faced 463 the Ursine - - 464 Babiroussa . 172 Babr - 213 Badger - 28 1 the Stinking . 276 the Sow . 284 Bat - . 513 the Short-eared - 513 the Long-eared -515 the Noctule, or Great - -515 the Pipistrelle - 516 the Barbastelle - 516 the Serotine - 516 the Horse Shoe - 516 the Great Ternate 518 the Rougette, or Lesser Ternate 519 the Spectre - 520 the Senegal - 520 the Bull-Dog - 520 the Bearded - 520 the Striped- - 521 Bear, the Brown - 288 the Black - 288 the Polar - 295 Beaver - - 411 the Little - - 416 Bison 43 Blue Goat - - 90 VI. CONTENTS. PAGE. Boar, the Wild - - 1 60 the Common, or Domestic - 162 the African Wild- 167 Bucha - 46 Buffalo - 47 C Callitrix - 466 Camel - - 150 the Arabian - 154 Cameleopard - - 118 Capibara - - 381 Caracal - - - 238 the Nubian- - 239 Carcajou - - 285 Caribou - - 134 Cat, the Domestic - 231 the Wild - 228 the Wild Red - 227 of Angora - - 230 Cavy, the Restless - 377 the Spotted - 379 the Long-nosed - 382 the Akouchi - 383 the Rock - - 384 Chevrotain - 107 Chinche - - - 265 Civet - . - 270 Coaita - 474 Coati - . . 277 Conepate - - - 267 Corin . . 107 Couguar - - 219 Coquallin - - - 388 Cow - - . - 2 5 D PAGE. Deer, Red- . 135 the Fallow - - 143 Dog- . 324 the Shepherd's - 327 the Cur - - 329 the Greenland - 331 the Bull - 334 the Mastiff- - 336 the Ban - - 338 the Dalmation, or Coach - - 339 the Irish Grey- hound - - 340 theHighlandGrey- hound - - 341 the Gazehound - 341 the Greyhound - 342 the Italian Grey- hound - - 342 the Lyemmer - 343 the Lurcher - 343 the Tumbler - 344 the Terrier- - 345 the Beagle - - 346 the Harrier - 347 the Fox-Hound - 348 the Old English Hound - - 351 the Kibble Hound 352 the Blood-Hound 352 theSpanishPointer 355 the English Set- ter - - 356 theNewfoundland 357 the Rough Water 360 CONTENTS. V1U PAGE. Dog, the Large Water- Spaniel - - 361 the Small Water- Spaniel - - 362 the Springer, or Cocker - 363 King Charles's - 363 the Pyrame- - 363 the Shock - - 363 the Lion - 364 the Comforter - 364 the Turnspit - 365 the Pug - 365 Dormouse, the Greater 392 the Lesser - - 393 Douc - 472 Dromedary - 154 E Elephant - - 186 Elk - - 120 the American - 125 Elk Antelope 96 Ermine - 247 Exquima - - 472 F Ferret - 248 Fitchet - - 252 Fossane - 264 Foumart - - 252 Fox - - 303 the Greyhound - 307 the Mastiff - - 307 the Cur - 308 the Black - 310 the Cross - 310 the Arctic - -311 Free Martin PAGE. - 28 Gazelles - Gemse-Bok Genet Giraffe Gnu - Goat the Chamois of Angora - of Thibet - of Portugal - the Syrian - the- African - Grunting Ox Grys-Bok - Guanacos - Guinea Pig Glutton H Hamster - 404 Hare - 369 the Alpine - - 372 Hart Beest - 98 Hedge-Hog - 487 Hippopotamus - - 182 Hog - 159 Horse - i the Arabian - 4 the Race Horse - 6 the Hunter- - 8 Old English Road 9 the Black - 10 Pony - i 2 the Common Cart 13 - 101 - 268 - 118 - 104 - 77 - 81 - 86 - 86 - 86 - 88 - 88 46 - 103 - 156 - 377 - 285 Vlll. CONTENTS. PAGE. Horse, the Improved Cart - 14 Pack Horse - 14 Hyena, the Striped - 298 the Spotted- - 301 I Ibex - - 80 Ichneumon - 261 Irbys - 236 j Jackal - - 320 Jaguar - - - 217 Jerboa - - 397 K Kabassou - • - - 505 Kanguroo - - 442 Kanguroo Rat - 444 Kevel - 107 Klip-Springer - 103 Koba - 1 08 Koedoe - - 100 L Lama - - 155 Leming - - 409 Leopard - - 214 Lion- - 199 Lion- Ape - - 476 Loris - 448 Louchu - - 213 Lynx - 235 the Bay - - 236 M Macauco, the Yellow 446 the Ring-tailed - 445 the Tailless - 447 the Mongooz - 448 the Black - - 449 PAGE. Mangabey - - 468 Manis - - - 500 the Long- tailed - 501 Marapute - - 226 Margay - - 224 Marmot - - 399 the Quebec - 403 the Earless - - 407 the Tailless - 408 the Lapland - 409 Martin - - 256 Yellow-breasted - 255 Meminna - - 109 Mexican Hog - 169 Mole - 430 Radiated - 432 the Yellow - - 432 Monax - - 402 Monkey, the Hare- lipped - 466 the Patas, or Red 466 theChineseBonnet 468 the Callitrix, or Green - 469 the Varied, or Mona - 471 the Preacher - 473 the Spider - - 472 the Weeper- - 476 the Saimira, or Orange - - 476 the Fox-tailed - 477 the Great-eared - 477 the Striated- - 478 the Silky - 479 CONTENTS. IX. PAGE. Monkey, the Red-tailed 480 the Mico, or Fair 481 Mouflon, or Musmon 74 Mouse - - 424 Long-tailed Field 425 Short-tailed Field 426 Shrew - 427 Water Shrew - 428 Dwarf - 429 Mule - 1 6 Musk - 115 Musk-Bull 49 Musquash, or Little Beaver - - 416 Mustache - - 470 N Nanguer - - 105 Nems - - 250 Nyl-Ghau - - 112 O Ocelot - - 222 Ondatra - 418 Opossum, Saragoy - 433 Murine - - 435 Mexican - - 436 the Phalanger - 437 the Spotted - 438 the Vulpine - 438 the Flying - - 439 of Van Diemen's Land - - 440 Squirrel - - 441 Oran-Outang - - 452 Otter- - 490 the Sea - 494 PAGE. - 216 25 Ounce Ox - - Holstein, orDutch Breed - - 29 Improved ditto - 30 the Lancashire - 33 the Lancashire Ox 3 5 Kyloe - 36 Wild Cattle - 38 Orignal - - 125 P Pacos - 157 Panther - -212 Patas - 463 Peccary - - 169 Persian Savage - - 461 Phalanger - 437 Pied Goat - 91 Pigmy Ape - 454 Polecat - - 252 Porcupine - 483 the Brazilian - 485 the Canada - 486 Potto - 443 R Rabbit - 374 the Domestic - 376 of Angora - - 3 76 the Hooded - 376 Raccoon - - 279 Ram, Black-faced - 56 Heath 57 Cheviot - - 58 Tees-Water - 60 Ditto improved - 61 X. CONTENTS. PAGE. Rat - - 421 Water - 420 Musk of Canada 418 Muscovy Musk - 419 Ratel - 275 Ree-Bok - 102 Riet - - 102 Rein-Deer - 127 Rhinoceros - 175 the Two-horned - 179 Roe-Buck - 1 46 Ruminating Animals - 24 S Sable - 258 Sagoin - 473 Sajou - 475 Saki . 477 Saccawinkee - 477 Sand Bear . 284 Sapajou - 473 Sarluc . 46 Scaly Lizard - 498 Sea-Horse - 506 Seal - 508 the Hooded - 510 the Ursine - -511 Serval - - 226 Sheep - 50 Lincolnshire Breed 54 Dorsetshire ditto - 54 the Short - - 56 Leicestershire do. 63 Mr Culley's Breed 66 the Shetland - 68 Dunky, or Dwarf 70 PAGE. Sheep, the Tartarian - 71 the African, or Guinea - 71 the Many-horned 72 the Broad-tailed - 72 of Thibet - 73 the Wallachian - 73 Sifac - 472 Skunk - 265 Sloth - 496 Souslik - 407 Sow, of the Improved Breed - 164 Chinese - 166 Springer 94 Squirrel - 385 the Grey - 387 the Black - - 388 the Ground - 389 the Hudson's Bay 390 the Barbary - 391 the Palm - 391 the Fat - 392 the Garden - 392 the Flying - - 394 the Great Flying 395 the Hooded - 395 the Long-tailed - 396 Stag, or Red-Deer - 135 the Corsican - 140 the Axis, or Ganges 141 Steen-Bok - 105 Stifling, or Squash - 266 Stoat - 246 Suricate - - - 274 CONTENTS. XI. PAGE. PAGE. Syah-Gush - 238 Wanderou- 465 Swift Antelope - - 105 Weasel . 242 T the White - 247 Talopoin - - 470 the Madagascar - 250 Talgoi Tanrec - 499 - 489 the Pine the Fisher - 256 260 Tapiir Tarsier - 174 - 449 the Four-toed the Brazilian 274 277 Tendrac - 448 Wolf 313 Tiger the Black - 206 - 221 the New South Wales - 319 the Cat - 227 Wolverine - Worn bach 285 523 u Wood Goat 92 Unau - 497 2 Urus, or Wild Bull - 42 Urchin - 484 Zebra 22 Zebu 44 V Zemni 408 Vansire - 250 Zibit 273 W Zizel 408 Walrus - - 506 : Zorilla 267 A (JKNERAL HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE HORSK. Ciib(j//?t.s, Linnaeus. — /> Chew I, BufFon.) THE various excellencies of this noble animal, the grandeur of his stature, the elegance and propor- tion of his parts, the beautiful smoothness of his skin, the variety and gracefulness of his motions, and, above all, his utility, entitle him to a pre- cedence in the history of the brute creation. The Horse, in his domestic state, is generous, docile, spirited, and yet obedient ; adapted to the various purposes of pleasure and convenience, he is equally serviceable in the draught, the field, or the race. There are few parts of the known world where the Horse is not produced; but if we would see him in the enjoyment of his native freedom, unsub- dued by the restraints man has imposed upon him, Ave must look for him in the wild and extensive plains of Africa and Arabia, where he ranges with- out control in a state of entire independency. In those immense tracts, the wild Horses may be seen feeding together, in droves of four or five hundred ; one of them always acting as sentinel, to give notice of approaching danger: this he does by a kind of snorting noise, upon which they all run off VOL III. A 2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. with astonishing rapidity. The wild Horses of Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the world : they are of a brown colour, their mane and tail of black tufted hair, very short; they are smaller than the tame ones, are very active, and of great swiftness. The most usual method of taking them is by snares or pits formed in the sand. It is probable there were once wild Horses in Europe, which have long since been brought under subjec- tion. Those found in America were originally of the Spanish breed, sent thither upon its first dis- covery, which have since become wild, and spread themselves over various parts of that vast con- tinent. They are generally small, not exceeding fourteen hands high, with thick heads and clumsy joints; their ears and necks are longer than those of the English Horses. They are easily tamed; and if by accident they should regain their liberty, they seldom become wild again, but know their master, and may be easily caught by him. At the age of two years,* the Horse is in a con- dition to propagate. The mare is generally in season from the latter end of March till the * There are various ways of judging of the age of a Horse. The following are the most general : — The eye-pits of old Horses are com- monly hollow; but that mark is equivocal, young Horses, begot by old stallions, having them also hollow. t The teeth afford the best criterion of the age of Horses. The Horse has, in all, forty teeth ; viz., twenty-four grinders, four canine teeth or tusks, and twelve fore teeth. Mares have either no tusks, or very short ones. Five days after birth, the four teeth in front begin to shoot : these are called nippers, and are cast at the age of two years and a half: they are soon renewed: and the next year, he again casts two above, and two below, — one on each side of the nippers. At four years and a half, other four fall out, next those last placed : these last four foal teeth are succeeded by other four, which grow much more slowly than the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 3 beginning of June; but her chief ardour for the Horse continues only fifteen or twenty days. She goes with young eleven months and some days; continues to breed till the age of sixteen or eighteen years; and lives, on an average, between twenty and thirty years. Although the Horse is endowed with vast strength and powers, he seldom exerts either to the prejudice of his master : on the contrary, he shares with him in his labours, and seems to par- ticipate in his pleasures : generous and persever- ing, he gives up his whole powers to the service of his master ; though bold and intrepid, he re- presses the natural vivacity and fire of his temper, and not only yields to the hand, but seems to con- sult the inclination of his rider. But it must continue to be matter of regret to every feeling mind, that these excellent qualities should be often shamefully abused in the most un- necessary exertions ; and the honest labours of this noble animal thrown away in the ungrateful task of accomplishing the purposes of unfeeling folly, or lavished in gratifying the expectations of an in- temperate moment. first eight: and it is from these last four corner teeth, that the age of a Horse is distinguished: they are somewhat hollow in the middle, and have a black mark in the cavities. At five. years, these teeth scarcely rise above the gums; at six their cavities begin to fill up, and turn to a brownish spot, like the eye of a garden bean ; and before •eight years, the mark generally disappears. The tusks also indicate the age of a Horse. Those in the under jaw generally shoot at the age of three years and a half; and the two in the upper jaw at four: till six, they continue sharp at the points; but at ten they appear long and blunted. These are the general rules for ascertaining the age of a Horse; but there are frequent exceptions, as some Horses retain the mark two or three years longer. HISTORY OK QUADRUPEDS. THE ARABIAN HORSE. THERE is scarcely an Arabian, how poor soever in other respects, but is possessed of his Horse, which he considers as an invaluable treasure. Having no other dwelling but a tent, the Arabian and his Horse live upon the most equal terms: his wife and family, his mare and her foal, generally lie indiscriminately together; whilst the little child- ren frequently climb without fear upon the body of the inoffensive animal, which permits them to play with and caress it without injury. The Arabs never beat their Horses ; they speak to, and seem to hold friendly intercourse with them : they never whip them, and seldom, but in cases of necessity, make use of the spur. Their agility in leaping is wonderful ; and if the rider happen to fall, they are so tractable as to stand still in the midst of the most rapid career. The Arabian Horses, in general, are less than the Race Horses of this HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 5 country; they are easy and graceful in their mo- tions, and rather inclined to leanness. It is worthv of remark, that, instead of crossing the breed, the Arabs take every precaution to keep it pure and unmixed : they preserve, with the greatest care, and for an amazing length of time, the genealo- gies of their Horses : those of the first kind are called Nobles, being "of a pure and ancient race, purer than milk/' They have likewise two other kinds, which, having been degraded by common alliances, sell at inferior prices. From Arabia, the race of Horses has probably extended into Barbary and other parts of Africa; those being considered as next to the Arabian Horses in swiftness and beauty, though they are somewhat smaller. The Spanish (rcucttc is held in great estimation : like the former, it is small, but beautiful, and ex- tremely swift. The Horses of India and China are of a much less size and more vicious than those of this country, and many of them very small. One of these was some years ago brought into this country as a present to the Queen, measuring only nine hands in height. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE RACE HORSE. Ix Great Britain, the breed of Horses seems to be as mixed as that of its inhabitants. By great attention to the improvement of this noble animal, by a judicious mixture of several kinds, and by superior skill in management, the English Race Horse* is allowed to excel those of the rest of * The following account of the prizes won by some of our capital Race Horses, will shew the importance of that breed in England, where such vast sums frequently depend on the issue of their contests : — BAY MALTOX ^by Sampson), the property of the late Marquis of Rockingham, in seven prizes, won the amazing sum of 5, gool. At York he ran four miles in seven minutes and forty-three and an half seconds, which was seven and an half seconds less time than it was ever done in before over the same course. CHILDERS (well known by the name of Flying Childers) the pro- perty of the Duke of Devonshire, was allowed by sportsmen to be the fleetest Horse that was ever bred in the world: he started repeatedly at Newmarket against the best Horses of his time, and was never beaten: he won, in different prizes, to the amount of nearly 2,ooo/. ; and was afterwards reserved as a stallion. The sire of Childers was an Arabian, sent by a gentleman as a present to his brother in England. DORIMANT, a famous Horse belonging to Lord Ossory, won prizes to the great amount of 13,3637. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 7 Europe, or perhaps the whole world. For sup- porting a continuance of violent exertion (or what is called, in the language of the turf, bottom) , they are superior to the Arabian, the Barb, or the Persian ; and for swiftness, they will yield the palm to none. An ordinary Racer is known to go at the rate of a mile in less than two minutes; but there have been instances of much greater rapid- ity; the famous Horse, Childers, has been known to move eighty-two feet and a half in a second, or nearly a mile in a minute ; he has run round the course at Newmarket, which is little less than four miles, in six minutes and forty seconds. ECLIPSE was allowed to be the fleetest Horse that ever ran in England since the time of Childers. After winning king's plates and other prizes to a great amount, he covered, by subscription, forty mares, at thirty guineas each, besides those of his owner. HIGHFLYER was accounted the best Horse of his time in England. The sums he won and received amounted to near 9,ooo/., though he never started after five years old. He was never beaten, nor ever paid a forfeit. MATCHEM, a Horse belonging to the late W. Fenwick, Esq. of By- well, besides being a capital Racer, was particularly remarkable as a stallion, and may be truly said to have earned more money than any other Horse in the world. He was engaged, during nine years of his life, to cover twenty-five mares, at fifty guineas a mare, and was un- commonly successful in the celebrity of his progeny, having been sire to many of our most famous running Horses. He was remarkable for being the quietest stallion that ever was known; to which, per- haps, may be attributed his great age, being in his thirty-third year when he died. SHARK won, besides a cup value 120 guineas, and eleven hogs- heads of claret, the astonishing sum of 15,507 guineas, in plates, matches, and forfeits. On the 25th March, 1799, a match for 3000 guineas was run at Newmarket, by Sir H. Vane Tempest's HAMBLETONIAN, and Mr. Cookson's DIAMOND, and won by the former. It was supposed that wagers to the amount of nearly ttoo hundred thousand pounds were betted on the event of this severe race. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE HUNTER. Is a happy combination of the Race Horse with others of superior strength, but inferior in swift- ness; and may be considered as the most useful breed of Horses in Europe. Their spirit and activity in the field are well known, and can only be equalled by the perseverance with which they endure the much more severe labour of posting on the road, which is now carried on by this active and hardy race, with a celerity unknown at any former period. Geldings of this kind are sent over to the con- tinent in great numbers: their superior worth is universally acknowledged abroad; and they are sold at very high prices, to foreigners of the first distinction. The mixture of this with others of inferior rank, forms an endless variety, the different gradations becoming too minute to be discriminated. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE OLD ENGLISH ROAD HORSE. Is a strong, vigorous, and active kind, capable of enduring great hardship ; its stature rather low, seldom exceeding fifteen hands; the body round and compact, its limbs strong, and its head thick. Although this breed has of late years been neglected, and almost totally superseded by Horses of another kind, more nearly related to the Race Horse, where the fashion of figure seems to have been preferred to utility, we cannot help congratu- lating our associated countrymen* on their spirited exertions towards public improvement, in which nothing of excellency in the various kinds of domestic animals is suffered to escape their vigi- lance, and this kind is again likely to be brought into notice. A mare of this breed, in the posses- sion of Arthur Mowbray, Esq., of Sherburn, ap- pears to us to possess all the valuable properties attributed to the old Road Horse. VOL. III. * Agricultural societies B 10 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE BLACK HORSE. No other country has produced a breed of Horses equal in size and strength to the larger kind of our draught Horses. The cavalry of England formerly consisted of this class of Horses ; but their inutility being experienced in most situations, others of a lighter and more active kind have been generally substituted, except in a few regiments. In the fens of Lincolnshire a larger breed of Horses is produced than in any other part of this kingdom. In London, there have been instances where a single Horse of that kind, has drawn, for a small space, the enormous weight of three tons, half of which is known to be their ordinary draught. Considerable improvements have of late years been made in this kind of Horses, by Mr. Bake- well, of Dishley, and others ; who, by great ingenuity and attention, have acquired such cele- brity, that they frequently sell stallions of their HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I I respective breeds for two hundred guineas; or, what is a more general practice, let them to hire by the season, for forty, eighty, or perhaps an hundred* guineas; and some of them cover at five guineas a mare. The form of the black Lincoln- shire Horse has, by their management, been materially altered : the long fore-end, long back, and long thick hairy legs, have been gradually contracted into a short thick carcase, a short but upright fore-end, and shorter and cleaner legs; ex- perience having at length proved, that strength and activity, rather than height and \veight, are the more essential properties of farm Horses. Another advantage possessed by this improved breed, is its hardiness, or thriving quality : its being able to carry flesh, or stand hard work, with comparatively little provender. This hardiness of constitution, or natural propensity to thriving, the Leicestershire breeders assert is hereditary in par- ticular individual breeds or lines of Horses. If this observation be just, and that the feeding quality can be obtained with any degree of cer- tainty by management in breeding, in this as well as other kinds of live stock, it is a most interesting circumstance in the nature of domestic animals. A strong, bony, and active kind of Horse is now used in our carriages, instead of the old black Coach Horse, which is almost universally laid aside. The docked tail, offensive both to humanity and decency, is rarely to be seen : propriety and good sense have at length prevailed over a custom replete with absurdity; and our Horses are per- mitted to retain a member both useful and ornamental. But we have still to regret, that the 12 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. •cruel practice of forming the tail, by cutting and nicking it on the under side, is yet continued. Although it would be impossible to trace out the kind of Horses with which our British ancestors opposed themselves to the legions of Julius Caesar, •on his landing in this country, yet that celebrated warrior himself bears testimony to their activity and discipline. The Ponies of Wales, and those that are bred in the Highlands of Scotland, seem to be original and unmixed. They are both much esteemed for the neatness and beauty of their forms, for the nimble- ness of their motions, and, above all, for being remarkably sure-footed on the most difficult roads, which renders them extremely valuable in the mountainous tracts to which they originally be- long. Those of Shetland are the smallest of the genus, being in general much less than the Ass. HISTORY (>F QUADRUPEDS. 13 THE COMMON CART HORSE. Is inferior to the Black Horse both in size and strength: his form is heavy, his motions slow, and his aspect without sprightliness : he is nevertheless extremely useful, and is employed in the business of agriculture and other domestic concerns. 14 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE IMPROVED CART HORSE. IT will be gratifying to most of our readers to know that the spirit of improvement has extended itself greatly to this useful breed ; and to the ad- vantages of strength and docility, has added those of form, activity, and vigour. George, Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the county of Durham, has a re- markably fine Horse of this kind, from which this figure was drawn. Till of late years, Pack Horses wrere employed, in the northern counties of England, to carry the different manufactures and articles of traffic from one part of the kingdom to another; but the im- proved state of our roads has caused that mode of conveyance to be almost entirely laid aside. In their journies over trackless moors, they strictly adhered to the line of order and regularity custom HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 15 had taught them to observe : the leading Horse, which was always chosen for his sagacity and steadiness, being furnished with bells, gave notice to the rest, which followed the sound, and gener- ally without much deviation, though sometimes at a considerable distance. The following anecdote will shew with -Avhat obstinate perseverance they have been known to observe the line of their order :— Some years ago, one of these Horses, wrhich had been long accustomed to follow his leader, by ac- cident or fatigue, was thrown jnto an inferior rank : the poor animal, as if sensible of his disgrace, by the most strenuous exertions, at length recovered his usual station, which he maintained during the remainder of the journey; but on his arrival at the inn-yard, he dropped down dead upon the spot, his life falling a sacrifice to his ambition,— a species of heroism we must admire even in the brute creation. i6 HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MULE. THIS useful and hardy animal is the offspring of the Horse and the Ass, and being generally barren, furnishes an indisputable proof that the two species are perfectly distinct. Nature has pro- vidently stopped the further propagation of these heterogeneous productions, to preserve, uncontam- inated, the form of each animal; without which regulation, the races would in a short time be mixed with each other, and every creature, losing its original perfection, would rapidly degenerate. Mules have not unfrequently been known to bring forth young, especially in hot countries ; and instances have not been wanting, though they are rare, both in England and Scotland. But it would require a succession of experiments to prove that Mules will breed with each other, and produce an offspring equally capable of con- tinuing the race. The common Mule is very healthy, and will live above thirty years. It is found very serviceable in HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 17 carrying burdens, particularly in mountainous and stony places, where horses are not so sure-footed. The size and strength of our breed have lately been much improved by the importation of Spanish male Asses ; and it were much to be wished, that the useful qualities of this animal were more at- tended to : for, by proper care in its breaking, its natural obstinacy would in a great measure be cor- rected ; and it might be formed with success for the saddle, the draught, or the burden. People of the first quality in Spain are drawn by Mules, where fifty or sixty guineas is no un- common price for one of them ; nor is it surprising, when we consider how far they excel the Horse in travelling in a mountainous country, the Mule be- ing able to tread securely where the former can hardly stand. Their manner of going down the precipices of the Alps, the Andes, &c., is very ex- traordinary ; and with it we will conclude their history. In these passages, on one side, are steep eminences, and, on the other, frightful abysses ; and as they generally follow the direction of the mountain, the road, instead of lying on a level, forms, at every little distance, deep declivities, of several hundred yards downward. These can be descended only by Mules ; and the animal itself seems sensible of the danger, and the caution that is to be used in such descents. When they come to the edge of one of these precipices, they stop Avithout being checked by the rider ; and if he in- advertently attempt to spur them on, they continue immoveable. They seem all this time ruminating on the danger that lies before them, and preparing themselves for the encounter. They not only at- VOL. in. c 1 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. tentively view the road, but tremble and snort at the danger. Having prepared for the descent, they place their fore feet in a posture as if they were stopping themselves ; they then also put their hind feet together, but a little forward, as if they were going to lie down. In this attitude, having taken as it were a survey of the road, they slide down with the swiftness of a meteor. In the mean time, all the rider has to do is to keep himself fast on the saddle, without checking the rein, for the least motion is sufficient to disorder the equilibrium of the Mule ; in which case they both unavoidably perish. But their address in this rapid descent is truly won- derful ; for in their swiftest motion, when they seem to have lost all government of themselves, they fol- low exactly the different windings of the road, as if they had previously settled in their minds the route they were to follow, and taken every precau- tion for their safety. In this journey, the natives place themselves along the sides of the mountains ; and, holding by the roots of the trees, animate the beasts with shouts, and encourage them to per- severe. Some Mules, after being long used to [these journies, acquire a kind of reputation for their safe- ty and skill ; and their value rises in proportion to their fame. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ASS. (Equus Asinus, Linn. — L'Atic, Buff.) THE Ass, it is probable, was originally a native of Arabia and other parts of the East : the deserts of Lybia and Numidia, and many parts of the Archipelago, contain vast herds of wild Asses, which run with such amazing swiftness, that even the fleetest Horses of the country can hardly over- take them. They are caught by the natives chiefly on account of their flesh, which is eaten by them, and considered as a delicious repast. The flesh of the common or tame Ass is, however, drier, and more tough and disagreeable than that of the Horse; Galen says, it is even unwholesome: its milk, on the contrary, is an approved remedy for certain disorders. The Ass, like the Horse, was originally imported into America by the Spaniards, where it has run wild, and become extremely numerous. Ulloa in- forms us, that in the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following manner: — A number of 20 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. persons on horseback, attended by Indians on foot, form a 'large circle, in order to drive them into a narrow compass, where at full speed they throw a noose over them, and having secured them with fetters, leave them till the chase is over, which frequently lasts for several days. A warm climate is most favourable to the growth of this animal : the Ass produced in this country is much inferior in size and beauty to those of Spain and other warm countries: in Guinea, they are larger and more beautiful than even their Horses: in Persia, they have two kinds, — the one slow and heavy, which is made use of for carrying burdens ; the other nimble, smooth, and stately, used chiefly for the saddle. Holingshed informs us that in the reign of queen Elizabeth, there were no Asses in this country: how soon after they might be introduced, is uncer- tain. However, they are at present naturalized in this kingdom, where their utility becomes daily more universally experienced. The qualities of this animal are so well known, as to need no description : his gentleness, patience, and perseverance, are without example: he is tem- perate with regard to food, and eats contentedly the coarsest and most neglected herbage: if he give the preference to any vegetable, it is to the plantain, for which he will neglect every other herb in the pasture. In his water he is singularly nice, drink- ing only from the clearest brooks. He is so much afraid of wetting his feet, that, even when loaden, he will turn aside, to avoid the dirty parts of the road. He is stronger, in proportion to his size, than the Horse; but more sluggish, stubborn, and untract- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21 able. He is hardier than the Horse; and of all other quadrupeds, is least infested with lice or other vermin ; probably owing to the extreme hard- ness and dryness of his skin. For the same reason, perhaps, he is less sensitive of the lashes of the whip, or the stinging of flies. Fie is three or four years in coming to perfection ; and lives to the age of twenty, or sometimes twenty-five years. He sleeps much less than the Horse, and seldom lies down for that purpose but when he is much fatigued. The She-Ass goes eleven months Avith young, and seldom produces more than one at a time. The services of this useful creature are too often repaid by hard fare and cruel usage; and being generally the property of the poor, it partakes of their wants and their distresses: whereas, by due cultivation and care in its education, the Ass might be usefully and profitably employed in a variety of domestic purposes, and in many cases supply the place of the Horse, to which only it is second, though generally degraded into the most useless and neglected of domestic quadrupeds. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ZEBRA. s Zebra, Linn. — I^c Zcbrc, Buff., MANY authors have mistaken the Zebra for a wild Ass : it is one of the most beautiful, and also one of the wildest and most untameable animals in nature. It is larger than the Ass, and rather resembles the Mule in shape: its head is large; its ears long; its legs beautifully small, and well placed ; and its body well formed, round, and fleshy: but the beauty of its shape is greatly heightened by the glossy smoothness of its skin, and the amazing regularity and elegance of its colours, which in some are white and brown, and in others white and black, ranged in alternate stripes over the whole body, in a style so beautiful and ornamental, that it would at first sight seem rather the effect of art, than the genuine production of nature: the head is striped with fine bands of black and white, which form a centre in the fore- head ; the neck is adorned with stripes of the same colour running round it; the body is beautifully HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 23 variegated with bands running across the back, and ending in points at the belly; its thighs, its legs, its ears, and even its tail, are all beautifully streaked in the same manner. The Zebra inhabits the southern parts of Africa, where whole herds are seen feeding on those ex- tensive plains that lie towards the Cape of Good Hope. However, their watchfulness is such, that they will suffer nothing to come near them ; and their swiftness so great, that they easily leave their pursuers far behind. Such is the beauty of this creature, that it seems by nature fitted to gratify the pride, and formed for the service of man ; and it is most probable, that time and assiduity alone are wanting to bring it under subjection. As it resembles the Horse in re- gard to its form, as well as manner of living, there can be little doubt but it possesses a similitude of nature, and only requires the efforts of an industri- ous and skilful nation, to be added to the number of our useful dependents. Nevertheless, its liberty has hitherto remained uncontroled, and its natural fierceness has as yet resisted every attempt to sub- due it : those that have been brought to this coun- try, have discovered a degree of viciousness which rendered it unsafe to approach them too familiarly; but it is by no means to be concluded from hence, that they are untameable. They have continued to be wild, because they are natives of a country where the wretched inhabitants have no other idea of advantage from the animal creation than as they are good for food, paying more regard to that which affords the most delicious repast, than to delicacy of colouring, or beauty of conformation. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. RUMINATING ANIMALS. THE various animals of this kind are entirely confined to grain and herbage for their nourish- ment and support ; it is therefore necessary that they should be enabled to receive a large quantity into the stomach, as well as to retain it a consider- able time before it be reduced to proper chyle: for this purpose, their intestines are remarkably long and capacious, and formed into a variety of fold- ings. They are furnished with no less than four stomachs. The food, after mastication, is thrown into the first stomach, where it remains for some time ; after which it is forced up again into the mouth, and undergoes a second chewing : it is then sent directly into the second stomach, and gradu- ally passes into the third and fourth ; from whence it is transmitted through the convolutions of the intestines. By this conformation, ruminating ani- mals are enabled to devour large quantities of vegetable aliment, to retain it long in their bowels, and consequently, extract from it a quantity of nu- tritious matter sufficient for their growth and sup- port. The great obligations we are under to those of this class, render them objects of the highest im- portance to us. We are nourished with their milk, we are supported by their flesh, and we are clothed and warmed with their fleeces : their harmlessness and innocence endear them to us, and claim from us that protection which their natures seem to re- quire : and, in return, they supply us with the necessaries and comforts of life. HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. 25 THE OX KIND. (Bos Taurus, Linn. — Lc Tau-rcau, Buff. OF all quadrupeds, the Cow seems most exten- sively propagated : it is equally capable of enduring the rigours of heat and cold; and is an inhabitant of the frozen, as well as the most scorching cli- mates. Other animals preserve their nature or their form with inflexible perseverance; but these, in every respect, suit themselves to the wants and conveniences of mankind. In no animal is there to be met with a greater variety of kinds ; and in none, a more humble and pliant disposition. The climate and pastures of Great Britain are well adapted to the nature of this animal ; and we are indebted to the variety and abundance of our wholesome vegetables, for the number and excel- lence of our cattle, which range over our hills, and enliven our plains — a source of inexhaustible wealth —the pride and boast of this happy country. Being destitute of the upper fore teeth, the Cow prefers the high and rich grass in pastures, to the short and more delicate herbage generally selected by the Horse. For this reason, in our English pastures, where the grass is rather high and flour- ishing, than succulent and nutritious, the Cow thrives admirably; and there is no part of Europe in which this animal grows larger, yields more milk, or fattens sooner. It has often been remarked, that the Horse and Sheep impoverish the soil on which they graze; whilst the pasture where the Cow is fed acquires a VOL. III. D 26 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. finer surface, and every year becomes more level and beautiful: the Horse selects the grass that is most delicate and tender; and being furnished with fore teeth on each jaw, nips it close, and frequently pulls it up by the roots, thereby preventing its future growth and propagation: the Sheep also, though formed like the Cow with respect to its teeth, only bites the most succulent parts of the herbage. The age of a Cow is known by its horns: at the age of four years, a ring is formed at their roots; and every succeeding year another ring is added. Thus, by allowing three years before their appear- ance, and then reckoning the number of rings, the creature's age may be exactly known. The quantity of milk given by Cows is very vari- ous: some will yield only about six quarts in one day; while others give from ten to fifteen, and sometimes even twenty. The richness of the pas- ture contributes not a little to its increase. There have been instances of Cows giving upwards of thirty quarts of milk in one day. In such cases there is a necessity for milking them thrice. From the milk of some COWTS, twelve or fourteen pounds of butter are made in a week. It has been advanced by some naturalists, as 'a general principle, that neither animals nor parts of fanimals, appear to be primarily intended for the use of man, but are only capable of a secondary application to his purposes : yet it must be allowed that, in many instances, what they term the second- ary use, is so manifest and important, that it cannot, with propriety, be supposed to be excluded from the original design of the all-wise Creator: and it HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 27 must be allowed that the Cow, in its faculty of giving, in such abundance and with so much ease, its milk, which forms so rich and nutritive an aliment for the human species, is a striking ex- ample of this subordination to the interests of mankind: for this animal differs, in some parts of its organization, from most others, having a larger and more capacious udder, and longer and thicker teats, than the largest animal we know of: it has likewise four teats, whilst all other animals of the same nature have but two: it also yields the milk freely to the hand, whilst most animals, at least those that do not ruminate in the same manner, refuse it, except their own young, or some adopted animal, be allowed to partake. The Cow having four teats is a striking peculiar- ity; the number in all other animals bearing some proportion to the number of young ones they bring forth at a time; as in the Bitch, the Cat, the Sow, &c. The Cow will yield her milk as freely, and will continue to give it as long, without the aid of the calf, as if it were permitted to suck her constantly. This is not the case with the Ass; which, it is well known, will soon grow dry, if her foal be not per- mitted to suck part of her milk every day. Upon the whole, it appears that the property of yielding milk, without the young one, is confined to those kinds of ruminating horned animals which have cloven hoofs, four stomachs, long intestines, are furnished with suet, and have no fore teeth in the upper jaw ; that Cows, Sheep, Goats, and Deer, are of this kind, and no other ; and that the Cow has this property in a more eminent 28 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. degree than others, owing to the capaciousness of her udder, and the size and form of her teats. The Cow goes nine months with young, and seldom produces more than one at a time. It is a curious fact, that when a Cow happens to bring forth two calves, — one of them a male, the other a female, — the former is a perfect animal, but the latter is incapable of propagation, and is well known to farmers under the denomination of a Free Martin. It resembles the Ox, or spayed Heifer, in figure; and is considerably larger than the Cow. It is sometimes preserved by the farmer, for the pur- pose of yoking with the Oxen, or fattening for the table. Mr. Hunter observes, that the flesh of the Free Martin, like that of the Ox, is much finer in the fibre than either the Bull or Cow. It is sup- posed to exceed that of the Heifer in delicacy of flavour, and bears a higher price at market. By great industry and attention to their breed, and by judicious mixtures with those of other coun- tries, our horned cattle are universally allowed to be the finest in Europe ; although such as are purely British are inferior in size to those on many parts of the continent. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE HOLSTEIN, OR DUTCH BREED. HAS been introduced with great success, and is now the prevailing stock in all the counties on the eastern coast of this kingdom. In good pastures, cattle of this kind grow to a great size;* and the cows yield a greater abundance of milk than those of almost any other kind. * An Ox, fed by Mr. Edward Hall, of Whitley, in Northumber- land, and killed in March, 1789, when seven years old, measured, from the head to the rump, nine feet eight inches and a half; the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE IMPROVED HOLSTEIN, OR DUTCH BREED. THE rapid improvements which have taken place in this and other kinds, form an interesting subject of enquiry, of which the limits of our work will only allow us to give the outlines. We shall, however, notice the general principles which have height at the shoulder, was five feet ten inches ; and it weighed, without the offal, one hundred and eighty-seven stones five pounds — fourteen pounds to the stone. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 31 been laid down, and steadily adhered to, in the improvement of the several breeds of cattle; and which have been so successfully brought into prac- tice. The first, and most obvious, is beauty of form, a principle which has been in common ap- plied to every species of domestic cattle, and, with great seeming propriety, was supposed to form the basis of every kind of improvement, under an idea, that beauty of form and utility were inseparable. But at present a distinction is made, by men who have been long conversant in practice, between a useful sort and a sort that is merely handsome. Utility of form is therefore the next general prin- ciple, and may be considered as arising from a larger proportion of those parts which are the most useful: thus, for instance, all those parts which are deemed offal, or which bear an inferior price, should be small in proportion to the better parts. A third principle of improvement, laid down by breeders, consists in the fineness of the muscular parts, or what is termed flesh. But the great object which engrosses the attention of breeders at present, is the fattening quality, or a natural propensity in cattle to arrive at a state of fatness at an early age, and in a short space of time : and it appears, from observation, that beauty and utility of form, the quality of the flesh, and a propensity to fatness, are principles consistent with each other, are frequently found united in the same individual, and hereditary in particular lines or families of cattle. In regard to the means of improvement, it has long been an established maxim, that, to improve the breed, it is necessary to cross it with others of an alien stock, under an opinion, that continuing to breed 32 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. from the same line, weakens the stock. This idea, however rooted it may have been in the minds of former practitioners, is now entirely set aside by the modern practice of breeding, not from the same line only, but from the same family: the sire and the daughter, the son and the mother, the brother and sister, are now permitted to improve their own kind. This practice is well known under the term of breeding in-and-in; and, in this way, the im- provement of the several breeds have advanced rapidly to a height unknown before in any age or nation. The practice of letting out Bulls by the season has contributed very materially towards the im- provement of this valuable breed ; as by this means, one Bull, instead of being useful to his proprietor only, may, in a few years, extend the benefits of his stock through a whole district; and so fully are the stock-masters convinced of its advantages, that eighty guineas have been given for the use of a Bull for one season. Some Bulls are in such estimation, as to leap at the extra- ordinary price of five guineas a Cow : and it is perhaps a circumstance wrorth mentioning, that Mr FowTler, of Rollright, in Oxfordshire, in 1789, for ten Bull calves, refused five hundred guineas.* * This valuable stock was sold off in March, 1791, at the following enormous prices, viz. : — Garrick, a five-years old Bull, 205 guineas. Sultan, two years old, 210 ., Washington, two years old 205 ,, Young Sultan, a yearling Bull, 200 ,, Two yearling Bulls, 245 ,, Brindled Beauty, a Cow, 260 ,, Washington's Mother, in calf, 185 ,, Some of the Rams sold as high as 60 „ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 33 THE LONG-HORNED, OR LANCASHIRE BREED. Is common in Lancashire, Westmorland, and Cumberland, and some of the neighbouring coun- ties; and, notwithstanding the changes which have taken place by the introduction of foreign kinds, there is reason to believe that this, for a consider- able time at least, has been the prevailing stock of the kingdom at large. Mr. Marshall, in his excellent treatise on the "Economy of the Midland Counties," observes, that from this kind the present improved breed of cattle in Leicestershire is traceable, by the most indisputable evidence. From Bulls brought out of Westmorland and Lancashire, and Cows from the banks of the Trent, the celebrated Canley breed, the property of Mr. Webster, derived its origin; and about fifty years ago it was esteemed the most VOL. in. E 34 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. valuable at that time in the kingdom. From this breed, the late Mr. Bakewell obtained the source of his superior stock of cattle; and several other eminent breeders are also indebted to the same origin for the celebrity they have since obtained. Great improvements have of late years been made in the old Lancashire kind, both in size and beauty. Craven, in Yorkshire, has long been cele- brated for a superior variety of the long-horned kind; and from thence the graziers of Westmorland and Lancashire purchased the flower of their Heifers ; which, by crossing with the original stock of those counties, have produced a breed, which is now had recourse to, for the improvement of this kind of cattle, in every part of the kingdom. Some of the Bulls are extremely large. Their horns are not long, but beautifully turned; their hair short and smooth; their crests rise extremely high; their chests are let down to their knees; their bodies are long and in the form of a perfect cylinder. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 35 THE LANCASHIRE OX. THE Cows and Oxen are smaller. Their horns are long* and small, very smooth; and their colour, in general, approaches to yellow : their hair is beautifully curled ; and their whole form extremely handsome. The Oxen frequently grow to a con- siderable size, are very active, and consequently useful in the draught. They are well suited to a cold climate, and grow fat on indifferent pastures. In Scotland there are two kinds, which differ greatly from each other, as \vell as from all those in the southern part of this island. Those of the county of Galloway are without horns, and generally of a reddish-brown colour, mixed with black. Large droves of these are yearly brought into the southern parts of the kingdom, where they soon greatly improve. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE KYLOE OX. THE Highland Cattle, and those bred in the Western Islands, are very small, and partake much of the wildness of the country of which they are natives. They are mostly black, with fine white horns, very sharp, and black at the points; their hair is thick and furry. Great numbers of them are annually sold into England at the great northern fairs. They are greatly esteemed for the fineness and sweetness of their beef, as well as for the facility with which they acquire a considerable degree of fatness, even with moderate feeding. Although the Oxen of this breed, when fed in the ordinary way, do not exceed forty stones the four quarters, one of them, fed by Mr. Spearman, of Rothley Park, in Northumberland, weighed, when killed in 1790, at the age of six years> eighty-one stones. In Great Britain, the Ox is the only horned animal that will apply his strength to the service of mankind ; and, in general, is more profitable HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 37 than the Horse for the plough or the draught. There is scarcely any part of this animal without its use : the skin is made into various kinds of leather; the hair is mixed with lime for plaster- ing; the bones are made use of as a substitute for ivory, and, being calcined, are used by the refiner as an absorbent to carry off the baser metals in refining silver, &c.; combs, and many other articles are made of the horns; we are, sup- plied with candles from the tallow; and from the feet is procured an oil, of great use in preparing and softening leather ; besides the well-known benefits derived from butter, milk, and cheese ; its blood, gall, liver and urine, have their respec- tive uses in manufactures and medicine. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. WILD CATTLE. THERE was formerly a very singular species of Wild Cattle in this country, which is now nearly extinct. Numerous herds of them were kept in several parks in England and Scotland ; but they have been destroyed by various means : and the only breeds now remaining in the kingdom, are in the park at Chillingham Castle, in Northumber- land; at Wollaton, in Nottinghamshire, the seat of HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 39 Lord Middleton; at Gisburne, in Craven, York- shire; at Lime Hall, in Cheshire; and at Chartley, in Staffordshire. The principal external appearances which dis- tinguish this breed of cattle from all others, are the following: Their colour is invariably white; muzzles black; the whole of the inside of the ear, and about one-third of the outside, from the tip downwards, red*; horns white, with black tips, very fine, and bent upwards: some of the Bulls have a thin upright mane, about an inch and a half or two inches long. At the first appearance of any person, they set off in full galop, and at the distance of two or three hundred yards, make a wheel round, and come boldly up again, tossing their heads in a menacing manner: on a sudden they make a full stop, at the distance of forty or fifty yards, looking wildly at the object of their surprise; but upon the least motion being made, they all again turn round, and run off with equal speed, but not to the same distance: forming a shorter circle, and again returning with a bolder and more threatening aspect than before, they approach much nearer, probably within thirty yards; when they make another stand, and again run off: this they do several times, shortening their distance, and ad- * About twenty years since, there were a few, at Chillingham, with BLACK EARS, but the present park-keeper destroyed them; since which period there has not been one with black ears. The ears and noses of all those at Wollaton, are BLACK. At Gisburne there are some perfectly WHITE, except the inside of their ears, which are BROWN. They are without horns, very strong boned, but not high. They are said to have been originally brought from Whalley- abbey, in Lancashire, upon its dissolution in the thirty-third of Henry the Eighth. Tradition says, they were drawn to Gisburne by the ' power of music.' 40 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. vancing nearer, till they come within ten yards; when rrfost people think it prudent to leave them, not chusing to provoke them further; for there is little doubt but in two or three turns more they would make an attack. The mode of killing them was, perhaps, the only modern remains of the grandeur of ancient hunting. On notice being given that a Wild Bull would be killed on a certain day, the inhabitants of the neighbourhood came mounted, and armed with guns, &c., sometimes to the amount of an hundred horse, and four or five hundred foot, who stood upon 'walls, or got into trees, while the horsemen rode off the Bull from the rest of the herd, until he stood at bay: when a marksman dismounted and shot. At some of these huntings twenty or thirty shots have been fired before he was subdued. On such occasions, the bleeding victim grew desperate- ly furious, from the smarting of his wounds, and the shouts of savage joy that were echoing from every side; but, from the number of accidents that happened, this dangerous mode has been little prac- tised of late years ; the park-keeper alone generally shooting them with a rifled gun, at one shot. When the Cows calve, they hide their calves for a week or ten days in some sequestered situation, and go and suckle them two or three times a day. If any person come near the calves, they clap their heads close to the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide themselves : this is a proof of their native wildness, and is corroborated by the follow- ing circumstance that happened to the writer of this narrative, who found a hidden calf, two days old, very lean and very weak : — On stroking its head, it got up, pawed two or three times like an HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 41 old Bull, bellowed very loud, stepped back a few steps, and bolted at his legs with all its force; it then began to paw again, bellowed, stepped back, and bolted as before ; but knowing its intention, he stepped aside, and it missed him, fell, and was so very weak that it could not rise, though it made several efforts : but it had done enough ; the whole herd were alarmed, and coming to its rescue, obliged him to retire; for the dams will allow no person to touch their calves, without attacking them with impetuous ferocity.* When any one happens to be wounded, or is grown weak and feeble through age or sickness, the rest of the herd set upon it and gore it to death. The weight of the Oxen is generally from forty to fifty stones the four quarters : of the Cows about thirty. The beef is finely marbled, and of excellent flavour. Those at Burton-Constable, in the county of York, were all destroyed by a distemper a few years since. They varied slightly from those at Chillingham, having black ears and muzzles, and the tips of their tails of the same colour: they were also much larger, many of them weighing sixty stones ; probably owing to the richness of the pas- turage in Holderness, but generally attributed to the difference of kind between those with black and with red ears, the former of which they studiously endeavour to preserve. The breed which was at Drumlanrig, in Scotland, had also black ears. * Tame Cows, in season, are frequently turned out amongst the Wild Cattle at Chillingham, and admit the Bull. It is somewhat extraordinary, that the calves produced by this mode are invariably of the same colour with the wild breed (white with red ears), and retain a good deal of the fierceness of their sire. VOL. III. F HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE URUS, OR WILD BULL. Is chiefly to be met with in the extensive forests of Lithuania. It grows to a size almost equal to the Elephant, and is quite black; the eyes are red and fiery, the horns thick and short, and the fore- head covered with a quantity of curled hair; the neck is short and strong", and the skin has an odour of musk. The female, though not so big as the male, exceeds the largest of our Bulls in size; nevertheless, her udder is extremely small. Upon the whole, however, this animal, which greatly resembles those of the tame kind, probably owes its variety to its natural wildness, and the richness of the pastures where it is produced. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 43 THE BISON. (Bos Bison, Linn. — Lc Bison Ameriquc, Buff.) DIFFERS from the rest of the Ox kind, in having a large lump between its shoulders, almost as high as that of a Camel. He has a long shaggy mane, which forms a kind of beard under his chin ; his eyes are fierce, his forehead large, and his horns extremely wide. It is dangerous to pursue him, except in forests abounding with trees large enough to conceal the hunters. He is generally taken in pits covered with branches of trees and grass, on the opposite side of which the hunters tempt the animal to pursue them; and the enraged creature running towards them, falls into the trap prepared for it, and is then overpowered and slain. The Bison, or the animal with the hump, is found in all the southern parts of the world, though greatly differing from each other in size and form. 44 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ZEBU. THEY are all equally docile and gentle, when tamed; and are in general covered with fine glossy hair, softer and more beautiful than that of the common Cow. Their humps are of different sizes, in some weighing from forty to fifty pounds, but in others less. That part is in general considered as a great delicacy; and, when dressed, has much the appearance and taste of udder. The Bisons of Madagascar and Malabar are of the great kind ; those of Arabia Petrea, and most parts of Africa, are of the Zebu or small kind. In America, especially towards the North, the Bison is well known. They herd together, in droves of from one to two hundred, on the banks of the Mississippi, where the inhabitants hunt them: their flesh is esteemed good eating. They all breed with the tame Cow. The hump, which is only an accidental characteristic, gradu- ally declines; and in a few generations, no vestiges of it remain. Thus we see, whether it be the wild HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 45 or the tame Ox, the Bonasus or the Urus, the Bison or the Zebu, by whatever name they are distinguished, or however variously classed by naturalists, in reality they are the same ; and, though diversified in their appearance and pro- perties, are descendants of one common stock; of which the most unequivocal proof is, that they all mix and breed with each other. The Oxen of India are of different sizes, and are made use of in travelling, as substitutes for Horses. Instead of a bit, a small cord is passed through the cartilage of the nostrils, which is tied to a larger cord, and serves as a bridle. They are saddled like Horses ; and, when pushed, move very briskly. They are likewise used in drawing chariots and carts. For the former purpose, white Oxen are in great esteem, and much admired. They will per- form journies of sixty days, at the rate of from twelve to fifteen leagues a day; and their travelling pace is generally a trot. In Persia, there are many Oxen entirely white, with small blunt horns, and humps on their backs. They are very strong, and carry heavy burdens. When about to be loaded, they drop down on their knees like the Camel, and rise when their burdens are properly fastened. 46 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE GRUNTING OX. (Bos Grunuiens, Linn. — La 1rachc de Tartaric, Buff.; THE Sarluc, or Grunting-Cow of Tartary, from its resemblance to the Bison, may be considered as belonging to the same species : its horns are short, upright, slender, and very sharp; the hair on its body is black, except the mane and the ridge of the back, where it is white; its whole body is covered with very long hair, which hangs down below its knees, and makes its legs appear short: it has a hump on its back; its tail resembles that of a Horse, is white, and very bushy; it strikes with its head like a goat, and is very unruly: its distinguishing peculiarity is, that it makes a grunt- ing noise like a Hog, instead of lowing like the Ox, which in every other instance it greatly resembles. It abounds in the kingdom of Thibet, where it is domesticated. The wild breed, called Bucha, is extremely fierce. When wounded, it will sometimes turn upon its assailant, and attack him with great fury. It copulates with the tame Cow. Their produce is employed in domestic purposes. Its tail is very valuable, and is sold at a great price in Thibet. When mounted on a silver handle, it is used, by the principal men in India, as a brush to chase away the flies. It is sometimes fastened, as an ornament, to the ear of the Elephant. The Chinese dye the hair red, and form it into tufts to adorn their bonnets. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 47 THE BUFFALO. (Bos Bubalus, Linn.— Le Buffle, Buff.) THERE is the most striking general resemblance between the Buffalo and the common Ox; their habits and propensities are nearly similar; they are both equally submissive to the yoke, and may be employed in the same domestic services; yet it is certain, from experience, that no two animals of the same genus can, in reality, be more distinct: the Cow refuses to breed with the Buffalo, while it is known to propagate with the Bison, to which it bears, in point of form, a much more distant similitude. The Buffalo is found, in a wild state, in many parts of Africa, and India, and is common in the countries near the Cape of Good Hope, where he is described, by Sparrman, as a fierce, cruel, and treacherous animal. He frequently rushes from behind a thicket upon some unwary passenger; and, having thrown him down, tramples him to death \vith his feet and knees, tearing him with his horns and teeth, and licking him with his rough tongue, till the skin is nearly stripped 48 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. from the body. The following accurate descrip- tion we owe to the same author: — The length of the Buffalo, from head to tail, is eight feet; the height five and a half; and the fore legs two feet and a half long : from the tip of the muzzle to the horns, twenty-two inches ; his limbs, in proportion to his size, are much stouter than those of the Ox; his fetlocks likewise hang near the ground: the horns are singular, both in their form and position ; the bases of them are thirteen inches broad, and only an inch distant from each other, having a narrow channel or furrow between them ; from this furrow the horns assume a spheri- cal form, extending over a great part of the head : the distance between the points is often above five feet: the ears are a foot long, somewhat pendulous, and in a great measure covered and defended by the lower edges of the horns, Avhich bend down on each side, and form a curve upwards with the points : their hair is of a dark brown colour, about an inch long, harsh, and, upon those males that are advanced in years, straggling and thin, especially on each side of the belly, w^hich gives them the ap- pearance of being girt with a belt ; the tail is short, and tufted at the end: the eyes are large, and somewhat sunk within their prominent orbits, w^hich are almost covered with the bases of the horns overhanging its dangling ears; this, with a peculiar inclination of the head to one side, pro- duces an aspect at once fierce, cunning, and tre- mendous: the flesh is coarse, rather lean, but full of juice of a high but not unpleasant flavour : the hide is thick and tough, and of great use in making thongs and harness; it is so hard, as not to be HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 49 penetrated by a common musket-ball; those made use of for shooting the Buffalo are mixed with tin; and even these are frequently flattened by the con- cussion. In Italy the Buffalo is domesticated, and consti- tutes the riches and food of the poor, who employ them for the purposes of agriculture, and make butter and cheese from their milk. The female produces but one at a time, and con- tinues pregnant twelve months ; another striking characteristic difference between the Buffalo and the common Cow. THE MUSK-BULL. INHABITS the interior parts of North America, on the west side of Hudson's Bay, between Churchill and Seal rivers. They are very numerous in those parts, and live in herds of twenty or thirty. The Indians eat the flesh, and make coverings of their skins. They are brought down in sledges, to sup- ply the forts during the winter. , Notwithstanding VOL III. G 50 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. the flesh is said to have a strong flavour of musk> it is reckoned very good and wholesome. The Musk-Bull is somewhat lower than a Deer, but more bulky. Its legs are short; and it has a small hump on its shoulder : its hair is of a dusky- red colour, very fine, and so long as to reach to the ground: beneath the hair, its body is covered with wool of an ash colour, which is exquisitely fine, and might be converted into various articles of use- ful manufacture: Mr. Jeremie says, that stockings made of it are finer than silk. Its tail is only three inches long, and is covered with long hairs, of which the Esquimaux Indians make caps, which are so contrived, that the long hair, falling round their faces, defends them from the bites of the musquitos: its horns are close at the base, they bend downwards, and turn out at the points; they are two feet long, and two feet round at the base; some of them will weigh 6olbs. These animals delight chiefly in rocky and mountainous countries: they run nimbly, and are very active in climbing steep ascents. THE SHEEP. (Ovis Aries, Linn. — La Brebis, Buif.) THE Sheep, in its present domestic state, seems so far removed from a state of nature, that it may be deemed a difficult matter to point out its origin. Climate, food, and above all, the unwearied arts of cultivation, contribute to render this animal, in a peculiar manner, the creature of man ; to whom it is obliged to trust entirely for its protection, and to whose necessities it largely contributes. Though HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 51 singularly inoffensive, and harmless even to a pro- verb, it does not appear to be that stupid, inanimate creature, described by Buffon, "devoid of every art of self-preservation, without courage, and even deprived of every instinctive faculty, we are led to conclude that the Sheep, of all other animals, is the most contemptible and stupid :" but amidst those numerous flocks which range without control on extensive mountains, where they seldom depend upon the aid of the shepherd, it will be found to assume a very different character : in those situa- tions, a Ram or a Wedder will boldly attack a single Dog, and often come off victorious ; but when the danger is more alarming, they have re- course to the collected strength of the whole flock. On such occasions they draw up into a compact body, placing the young and the females in the centre ; while the males take the foremost ranks, keeping close by each other. Thus an armed front is presented to all quarters, and cannot easily be attacked without danger or destruction to the as- sailant. In this manner they wait with firmness the approach of the enemy ; nor does their courage fail them in the moment of attack : for when the aggressor advances within a few yards of the line, the Rams dart upon him with such impetuosity, as to lay him dead at their feet, unless he save him- self by flight. Against the attacks of single Dogs or Foxes, when in this situation, they are perfectly secure. A Ram, regardless of danger, will some- times engage a Bull ; and, as his forehead is much harder than that of any other animal, he seldom fails to conquer : for the Bull, by lowering his head, receives the stroke of the Ram between his eyes, which usually brings him to the ground. 52 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. In the selection of their food, few animals dis- cover greater sagacity than the Sheep : nor does any domestic animal shew more dexterity and cunning in its attempts to elude the vigilance of the shepherd, in order to steal such delicacies as are agreeable to its palate. Besides its hardiness in enduring great severi- ties of weather, the natural instinct of the Sheep, in foreseeing the approach of a storm, is no less remarkable : in their endeavours to secure them- selves under the shelter of some hill, whole flocks have frequently been buried for many days under a covering of snow, and have afterwards been taken out without any material injury. Thus beautifully described by Thomson : — " Oft the whirlwind's wing " Sweeps up the burthen of whole wi-ntry plains " At one wide waft; and o'er the hapless flocks, " Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hills, " The billowy tempest whelms." There have been instances where Sheep, at the approach of a storm, have fled for shelter to a neighbouring cottage, and taken refuge with their shepherd. The variety in this creature is so great, that scarce- ly any two countries produce Sheep of the same kind : there is found a manifest difference in all, either in the size, the covering, the shape, or the horns. The woolly Sheep is found only in Europe, and in the temperate provinces of Asia. When transported into warmer climates, it loses its wool, and becomes hairy and rough ; it is likewise less fertile ; and its flesh no longer retains the same flavour. No country produces finer Sheep than Great Britain: their fleeces are large, and well adapted to the various purposes of clothing. The Spanish HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 53 fleeces are indeed finer, but stand in no degree of comparison with those of Lincolnshire or Warwick- shire for weight or utility. In Edward the Third's time, when wool was allowed to be exported, it brought i5o,ooo/. per annum, at 2 1. IQS. a pack, which was a great sum in those days. At this time, when our woollen manufactory stands un- rivalled by any nation in the world, and every method is taken to prevent this valuable com- modity from being sent out of the kingdom, the. annual value of wool, shorn in England, is suppos- ed to be about five millions sterling; and when manufactured conjointly with the Spanish wool imported, amounting to about six hundred thousand pounds, must be above twenty millions. Like other ruminating animals, the Sheep wants the upper fore teeth: it has eight in the lower jaw; two of which drop out, and are replaced at two years old ; four of them are renewed at three years, and the remainder at the age of four. The Ewe produces one or two lambs at a time, and sometimes, though rarely, three or four. She bears her young five months, and brings forth in the spring. The Ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and begins to procreate at one. When castrated, they are called Wedders : they then grow sooner fat, and the flesh becomes finer and better flavoured. There is hardly any part of this animal that is not serviceable to man : of the fleece we make our clothes ; the skin produces leather, of which are made gloves, parchment, and covers for books ; the entrails are formed into strings for fiddles and other musical instruments, likewise coverings for whips; its milk affords both butter and cheese; and its flesh is delicate and wholesome food. 54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The following remarks, taken from Mr. Culley's "Observations on Live Stock," will not be un- acceptable to many of our readers, as they convey a just idea of some of the most noted kinds of Sheep at this time in the island. He begins with those of Lincolnshire, which are of a large size, big-boned, and afford a greater quantity of wool than any other kind, owing to the rich, fat marshes on which they feed; but their flesh is coarse, leaner, and not so finely flavoured as that of smaller Sheep. The same breed extends, with some variations, through most of the midland counties of England. The Dorsetshire breed is likewise remarkably prolific, the Ewes being capable of bringing forth twice a year. It is from these that the tables of our nobility and gentry are supplied with early lamb at Christmas, or sooner, if required. Great numbers of those early victims to luxury are yearly sent to the London markets, where they are sold at the enormous price of i os. 6d. or perhaps 155. per quarter. The manner of rearing the lambs is curious : they are imprison- ed in little dark cabins; the Ewres are fed with oil- cakes, hay, corn, turnips, cabbages, or any other food which the season of the year affords; these are given them in a field contiguous to the apart- ments where the lambs are kept; and, at proper intervals, the nurses are brought in to give suck to their young ones; while the attendants, at the same time, make their lodgings perfectly clean, and litter them with fresh straw. Great attention is paid to this, as much of the success of rear- ing these unseasonable productions depends upon warmth and cleanliness. The Dorsetshire Sheep are mostly white-faced; HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 55 their leg's are long" and small; and great numbers of them have no wool upon their bellies, which gives them an uncouth appearance. They produce a small quantity of wool, but of a good quality; from which our fine Wiltshire cloths are made. The mutton of these Sheep is very sweet and well flavoured. The variations of this breed are spread through most of the southern counties ; but the true kind is to be found only in Dorsetshire and Wiltshire. There is a breed, not unlike this, in Norfolk and Suffolk; but they are all grey or black-faced. The South Down Sheep are of the same hardy nature as the Cheviot breed, and like them, can live and thrive on the barest heaths ; their wool is also fine, and their mutton well flavoured. The Sheep in the low parts of Northumberland are of a mixed breed, between the long" kind, the Tees water, and the Lincolnshire. The Mug or Muff kind was formerly common in that county. They were so called, from their wool growing round their heads into their very eyes, so as almost to prevent them from seeing. This breed is now nearly exploded, being considered by every breeder of experience, as unprofitable, from their thriving slowly, and being very tender. In the northern districts of Scotland, and in many of the islands, there is a breed of Sheep, which differs from the others, in the smallness of their size, many of them, when fed, weighing no more than six, seven, or eight pounds per quarter^ They have dun faces, without horns; and their wool, which is very fine, is variously mixed and streaked with black, brown, and red. 56 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE BLACK-FACED, OR HEATH RAM. The north-west part of Yorkshire, with all that mountainous tract of country running towards Lancashire southward, and to Fort William north- ward, is occupied by a hardy, black-faced, wild- looking tribe, generally called short Sheep, which differ from our other breeds, not only in the darkness of their complexions and horns, but principally in the coarse shaggy wool which they produce. Their eyes have a fiery, sharp, and wild cast. They run with great agility, and seem quite adapted to the heathy mountains they inhabit. Their flesh is peculiarly fine and high-flavoured. The three great fairs for these sheep (where amaz- ing numbers of them are sold every year) are, Stagshaw-bank, in Northumberland; Brough, in Westmorland; and Linton, in Scotland. There is likewise a breed of Sheep inhabiting the same country as the former; but peculiarly distinguished from them by long, thin bodies, white legs, white faces, and by having no horns. Their wool is fine and thickly planted. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 57 HEATH RAM OF THE IMPROVED BREED, THE Ram from which we took this drawing, in July, 1798, belonged to the Bishop of Durham. It obtained the premium given for the best Tup, shewn for that purpose, at Blanchland, on the southern border of Northumberland, in 1797. Ex- clusive of the symmetry of proportions, and beauty of its form, a more important object has been obtained in the quality of the wool. They are also as hardy as the unimproved breed, and can equally endure the severity of the cold and wet to which they are exposed on the bleak heaths which they are doomed to inhabit. VOL. III. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE CHEVIOT RAM. THE Cheviot breed have a fine open countenance, lively prominent eyes, have no horns, and are mostly white-faced and white-legged ; the body long, with fine, clean, small-boned legs: weight of the carcase from 12 to iSlbs. per quarter; and the mutton is highly esteemed for its flavour. The best breeds of these Sheep are to be found in the north-west parts of the county of Northum- berland, and on the range of hills adjoining them in Scotland, and are maintained (except when pre- vented by snow) solely from the natural produce of the grounds on which they depasture, which, in general, are very mountainous, and consist of ling, moss, heather, deer-hair, and wire-bent, with a mix- ture of green sward. We can find no account from whence this valuable breed originally sprung, which, as mountain Sheep, are unrivalled, as well on account of their carcases and hardiness, as from the superior value of their wool, which is in the highest estimation for clothing, and sells from 2d. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 59 to ajd. per pound higher than the best in the dis- trict. The great demand that has been made for this wool, added to the encouragement given by Sir John Sinclair (who, for a few years, bought con- siderable numbers of these Sheep, which he took to the Highlands of Scotland, and now breeds them upon the same kind of heathy mountains as the original stock were taken from) caused an emula- tion amongst the breeders, which has been produc- tive of considerable improvement in their flocks, both in the wool and fore-quarter, in which they were generally deficient. But as improvements in stock can only be effected by slow gradations, and as this improved breed is but of a few years stand- ing, it will probably be advantageous, not only to individuals, but to the public at large, to encourage exertions which, if fortunately successful, might place these Sheep upon a level with those produced upon well-cultivated grounds, which might be other- wise more advantageously employed for the use of the public. Thus the difficulty of producing an improved breed for heath pastures has, in a great measure, been removed by the skill and attention of the Northumberland farmers, to whom we think the community much indebted ; and we doubt not that, in the course of a few years, this breed will become the parent stock of all the Sheep bred for grazing on heathy, and what are called waste grounds. They thrive on the most sterile heaths, their wool is of the most desirable texture, they are easily fat- tened, and their whole conformation is so properly suited to mountainous pasture, that we are surprised the breed has not already been more generally dif- fused. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. TEES-WATER OLD OR UNIMPROVED BREED. THE largest breed of Sheep in this island is to be met with on the banks of the Tees, which runs through a rich and fertile country, dividing the two counties of Yorkshire and Durham. This kind differs from the Lincolnshire Sheep, in their wool not being so long and heavy; their legs are longer, but finer boned, and support a thicker, firmer car- case; their flesh is likewise much fatter, and finer grained. Our figure was taken in July, 1798, from a Ram which had been purchased for the purpose of shew- ing its uncouth and uncultivated appearance, in contrast to those of the improved kind. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 6l TEES-WATER IMPROVED BREED. BY persevering in the same laudable plan of im- provement so successfully begun by the late Mr. Bakewell, the stock-farmers or graziers of Tees- water have produced a kind which is looked upon by judges as nearly approaching to perfection. Many of their Sheep possess the thriving or fatten- ing quality of the Dishley breed, and are fit for the butcher at as early an age. These Sheep weigh from twenty-five to forty-five pounds per quarter ; some have been fed to fifty pounds; and one in particular was killed, which weighed sixty-two pounds ten ounces per quarter, avoirdupoise ; a circumstance never before heard of in this island. The Ewes of this breed generally bring forth two Lambs each season: sometimes three, four, and even five. As an instance of 62 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. extraordinary fecundity, it deserves to be men- tioned,-that one of these Ewes, at the age of two years, brought forth four Lambs at one time; the next season five; both within eleven months. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 63 THE LEICESTERSHIRE IMPROVED BREED. To these various and numerous tribes of this use- ful animal, we must add, that, by the persevering industry and attention of Mr. Bakewell, of Dish- ley, in Leicestershire, our breed of Sheep has been greatly improved ; and he has been followed by many eminent breeders with nearly equal success. It seems to be generally agreed, that in Sheep, as well as in all other animals, there is a certain symmetry or proportion of parts, which is best adap- ted to the size of each particular animal : all those of each kind that exceed or fall short of this pitch, are more or less disproportioned, according to the size they attain ; and in the degree they are advanced beyond this line of perfection, we find them less active, weaker, and always less able to endure hard- ship. Thus, by selecting the handsomest and best proportioned of their kinds, the judicious breeder has gradually arrived at a degree of perfection in 64 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. improving this animal, unknown at any former period.. The superior qualities of the Leicestershire breed are, that they will feed quickly fat at almost any age, even on indifferent pastures, and carry the greatest quantity of mutton upon the smallest bone. Their carcases are round, have remarkably broad backs, and short legs; and to shew the immense weight to which they may be fed, we give the measurement of a Ram of Mr. Bakewell's, men- tioned by Young in his "Eastern Tour." — At three years old, his girt was five feet ten inches; height, two feet five inches; breadth over his shoulders, one foot eleven inches and a half; breadth over his ribs, one foot ten inches and a half; breadth over his hips, one foot nine inches and a half. The great importance of this breed of Sheep will best be shewn, by stating the following facts re- specting the modern practice of letting out Rams for hire by the season; which, from very small beginnings, has already risen to an astonishing height; and is likely, for some time, to prove a copious source of wealth to the country at large. About forty years ago, Mr. Bakewell let out Rams at sixteen and seventeen shillings a-piece; and from that time, the prices kept gradually rising from one guinea to ten. But the most rapid in- crease has taken place since the year 1780. Four hundred guineas have been repeatedly given. Mr. Bakewell, in the year 1789, made twelve hundred guineas by three Rams; two thousand of seven; and, of his whole stock, three thousand guineas. Astonishing as this may appear, it is nevertheless an undoubted fact. But it ought to be observed that these great prices are not given by graziers, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 65 for the purpose of improving their grazing stock; but by principal breeders, in order to procure a stock of Rams of the improved breed, which they let out again to breeders of an inferior class. The prices given by graziers, for the sole purpose of getting grazing stock, seldom exceed ten guineas, which is considered as an extraordinary price, five or six guineas being most frequently given. This valuable breed has likewise found its way into Northumberland. Messrs. Culley, of Fenton; Mr. Thompson, of Lilburn ; and Messrs. Donkin and Co., of Hexham brewery, with great spirit, and at considerable expence, have greatly improved their respective breeds of Sheep, by an admission of the Dishley blood. VOL. III. 66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. A WEDDER OF MR. CULLEY'S BREED. WE are favoured, by Mr. Culley, with the follow- ing account of a Wedder of his breed, fed at Fenton, in Northumberland, and killed at Alnwick, in Octo- ber, 1787, when four years old: his dimensions were as follow: Girt, four feet eight inches and a half; breadth over his shoulders, one foot three inches; over his middle, one foot seven inches and a quarter; across the breast, from the inside of one fore leg to the inside of the other, nine inches. At the dividing of the quarters, through the ribs, it measured seven inches and one-eighth of solid fat, cut straight through without any slope; and his mutton was of the most beautiful bright colour. But in nothing was he so remarkable as in the smallness of his bones. The proprietor of this Sheep laments that he had not the offals exactly weighed (by offals, we would be understood to mean not only the tallow, but the head, pluck, and pelt, with the blood and entrails) ; because it is now well HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 67 known, that this breed of Sheep have a greater quantity of mutton, in proportion to the offal, than any other kind we know of, and is consequently cheaper to the consumer. [The drawing from which the preceding cut was taken, was made by Mr. Bailey, of Chillingham, soon after the Sheep had been shorn.] Before we quit this article, we must take notice of a breed of Sheep which have hitherto been but little known or attended to; although, it is pro- bable, they possess advantages of equal importance with those we have just mentioned ; and, in all likelihood, they might have continued still longer in the same neglected state, but for the endeavours of a set of men, who actuated by a truly patriotic zeal, are labouring to draw out the natural resources of their country, and secure, to the most distant and long-neglected parts of this kingdom, those per- manent advantages to which they are by their situation entitled. In pursuing these important objects, the Highland Society of Scotland have dis- covered, that the Shetland Islands, and some parts of the Highlands of Scotland, are in possession of a breed of Sheep, which produces wool infinitely superior to that of any other in the kingdom, and equal to Spanish wool in fineness and texture. By order of the society, specimens of these Sheep have been obtained, for the purpose of a fair investiga- tion into the nature and quality of their wool, which, upon examination, proves much finer than was at first imagined. We are favoured, by Dr. James Anderson, with the following particulars :— 68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SHETLAND SHEEP. • ARE handsome, small, and in general hornless; and are peculiarly distinguished by the unusual shortness and smallness of their tails. They weigh, when fat, from eight to ten pounds per quarter. Their fleeces are, on an average, about two pounds weight. The wool, when properly dressed, is of a pure and glossy white : some small specimens of it, compared with Vigognia wool, were allowed, by good judges, to be fully as fine, and, in softness, equal to that of which the Indian shawls are made. The Sheep producing this fine wool, are said to be of the hardiest nature : they are never housed, and, in the winter season, are often so pinched for food, that they are obliged to feed upon the sea-ware driven upon the shore. Besides the wool with which they are covered, they have long hairs grow- ing amongst it, which serve to shelter it. It is a singular circumstance, that the Shetland Sheep are never shorn; but, about the beginning of June, the wool is pulled off, without the smallest pain or injury to the animal, leaving the long hairs already mentioned, which contribute to keep the creature warm and comfortable, at a season of the year when cold and piercing winds may be ex- pected, in so northern a latitude. From the spirited measures which are now taken to preserve this valuable breed,* we are led to hope, that British wool may in time regain that great * See the Report of the Committee of the Highland Society, on the subject of wool, 1789. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 69 superiority for which it was once so famous; and that, by perseverance and attention to this im- portant object, we may in time be enabled to produce not only as fine wool as can be obtained from any other country, but may also, in the same breed, be able to conjoin with it every other de- sirable quality, — such as closeness of fleece, beauty and utility of form, hardiness, a capability of being easily fattened, largeness of size, and other valuable properties, adapted to every peculiarity of situation in these islands. 70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE DUNKEY, OR DWARF SHEEP. ANOTHER variety of the Sheep kind; deserves to be noticed for the singular and grotesque forma- tion of its features. The wool growing round its head, forms a kind of hood or ruff, before which stand its short erect ears : the uncommon protru- sion of its under jaw considerably before the upper, by which the fore teeth are left exposed, and the shortness of the nose, which lies under its high- projecting forehead, altogether give it the appear- ance of deformity, and make a striking contrast to most animals of the Sheep kind. A Ram, from which the drawing was made, came from abroad, with two Ewes, as a present to a gentleman in the county of Northumberland. They are very small, and have no horns. In Lincolnshire there is a small kind, mentioned by Mr. Culley under the name of Dunkies, which we suppose to be the same with this. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 71 THE TARTARIAN SHEEP. THE Sheep of which the annexed cut is an ac- curate representation, seem to be the same with those described by Mr. Pennant, under the name of the Fat-rumped Sheep. A pair of them was brought to this country, by way of Russia, from the borders of Tartary. They are rather larger than the English Sheep. The colour of the male is roan, or light brown mixed with white ; that of the female, black and white; their ears are pendulous; and, in- stead of a tail, they have a large protuberance of fat behind, which covers the rump. When the drawing was made, they had just been shorn ; at other times, the wool is so long and thick, that their form cannot well be distinguished. The African or Gttinea Sheep are found in most of the tropical climates. They are large, strong, and swift; with coarse hairy fleeces, short horns, pendulous ears; have a kind of dew-lap under the chin; and though domesticated, seem to approach nearest to a state of nature. 72 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MANY-HORNED SHEEP. THE Iceland Sheep, as well as those of Muscovy and the coldest climates of the north, resemble our own in the form of the body, but differ in the num- ber of their horns, having generally four, and some- times eight, growing from the forehead. Their wool is long, smooth, and hairy : they are of a dark brown colour; and, under the outward coat of hair, which drops off at stated periods, there is an inter- nal covering resembling fur, which is fine, short, and soft; the quantity produced by each Sheep is about four pounds. The Broad-tailed Sheep, common in Persia, Bar- bary, Syria, and Egypt, are remarkable chiefly for their large and heavy tails, which grow a foot broad, and, so long, that the shepherds are obliged to put boards with small wheels under them, to keep them from galling. The flesh of these tails is esteemed a great delicacy: it is of a substance between fat and marrow, and eaten with the lean HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 73 of the mutton: they generally weigh from twenty to fifty pounds each. The Sheep bred on the mountains of Thibet, pro- duce wool of extraordinary length and fineness, of which is made the Indian shawl, frequently sold in this country for fifty pounds or upwards. THE WALLACHIAN SHEEP. (Oms Strepsiceros, Linn. — La Chevre de Crete , Buff.) IN Wallachia, they have Sheep with curious spiral horns, standing upright, in the form of a screw; long shaggy fleeces; and, in size and form, nearly resembling ours. They are also found in the island of Crete, and in many of the islands of the Archipelago. This is said to be the Strepsiceros of the ancients. VOL. III. K 74 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MOUFLON, OR MUSMON. (Capra Amman, Linn. — Le Mouflon, Buif.) HAS been classed both with the Sheep and the Goat kind, and may be considered as standing in a middle place, and forming the link between each; for it is curious to observe, that Nature, in all her variations, proceeds by slow and almost insensible degrees, scarcely drawing a firm and distinguishing line between any two races of animals that are essentially different, and yet, in many respects, nearly allied to each other. In all transitions from one kind to the other, there is to be found a middle race, that seems to partake of the nature of both, and that can precisely be referred to neither. Thus it is hard to discover where the Sheep kind ends, or the Goat begins. The Musmon, therefore, which is neither Sheep nor Goat, has a strong affinity to both. Though covered with hair, it bears a strong similitude to the Ram : its eyes are placed near the horns; and its ears are shorter than those of the Goat: its horns resemble those of the Ram, in HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 75 being of a yellow colour and a triangular shape; they likewise bend backward behind the ears: in some they grow to an amazing size, and measure above two yards long. The general colour of the hair is reddish brown ; the inside of the thighs and belly white, tinctured with yellow; the muzzle and inside of the ears are of a whitish colour; the other parts of the face are of a brownish grey. The Musmon is found in the wild and uncul- tivated parts of Greece, Sardinia, Corsica, and in the deserts of Tartary. The form of this animal is strong and muscular, and it runs with great agility. It is very timorous, and, when old, is seldom taken alive. It frequents the highest summits of the mountains, and treads securely on the most dangerous precipices. The old Rams have often furious battles with each other, in which one of the contending parties will sometimes be thrown down from the heights on which they stand, and .dashed in pieces at the bottom. If their horns should by accident en- tangle, they have been known to fall and perish together. The chase of the Musmon is attended with great danger. At the sight of a man, they fly to the highest parts of the rocks, where they cannot easily be followed: they are sometimes taken in pit-falls. The Tartars pursue them with horses and dogs, and, surrounding a pretty large tract of land, drive them towards the centre where they are caught. The Kamschatkans pass the latter part of the summer, with all their families, among the moun- tains, in pursuit of these animals. The flesh and fat of the young Musmons are esteemed, by the natives, as most delicious eating. The skins serve 76 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. them for warm raiment and coverings: the horns are made use of for a variety of domestic purposes. The Mouflon has been known to breed with the Sheep ; and from that circumstance, is supposed by M. Buffon and others, to be the primitive race. The female of this species is rather less than the male ; and her horns never grow to that prodigious size. Those of Kamschatka are so strong, that ten men can scarcely hold one ; and the horns so large, that young Foxes often shelter themselves in the hollow of such as fall off by accident. They grow to the size of a young Stag, copulate in autumn, and bring forth one young at a time, though sometimes two. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 77 THE COMMON GOAT. (Cap™ /-fire its, Linn. — Le Bouc, La Chevre, Buff.) THIS lively, playful, and capricious creature oc- cupies the next step in the great scale of Nature; and though inferior to the Sheep in value, in various instances bears a strong1 affinity to that useful animal. It is said that the Goat and the vSheep will propagate together: the He-Goat copu- lates with the Ewe, and the Ram with the She- Goat; the offspring likewise is prolific. The Goat is much more hardy than the Sheep, and is, in every respect, more fitted for a life of liberty. It is not easily confined to a flock, but chuses its own pasture, straying wherever its appe- tite or inclination leads. It chiefly delights in wild and mountainous regions, climbing the loftiest rocks, and standing secure on the verge of inac- cessible and dangerous precipices: although, as 78 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Ray observes, one would hardly suppose that their feet were adapted to such perilous achievements; yet, upon a nearer inspection, we find that Nature has provided them with hoofs well calculated for the purpose of climbing; they are hollow under- neath, with sharp edges, like the inside of a spoon, which prevent them from sliding off the rocky eminences they frequent. The Goat is an animal easily sustained, and is chiefly therefore the property of those who inhabit wild and uncultivated regions, where it finds an ample supply of food from the spontaneous produc- tions of Nature, in situations inaccessible to other quadrupeds. It delights in the heathy mountain, or the shrubby rock, rather than the fields culti- vated by human industry. Its favourite food is the tops of the boughs, or the tender bark of the young trees. It bears a warm climate better than the Sheep, and frequently sleeps exposed to the hottest rays of the sun. The milk of the Goat is sweet, nourishing, and medicinal, and is found highly beneficial in con- sumptive cases : it is not so apt to curdle upon the stomach as that of the Cow. From the shrubs and heath on which it feeds, the milk of the Goat ac- quires a flavour and wildness of taste very different from that of either the Sheep or Cow, and is highly pleasing to such as have accustomed themselves to its use : it is made into whey for those wrhose diges- tion is too weak to bear it in its primitive state. Several places in the north of England and the mountainous parts of Scotland are much resorted to for the purpose of drinking the milk of the Goat; and its effects have been often salutary in vitiated and debilitated habits. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ;g In many parts of Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland, their Goats form the chief possessions of the inhabitants ; and, in most of the mountainous parts of Europe, supply the natives with many of the necessaries of life: they lie upon beds made of their skins, which are soft, clean, and wholesome; they live upon their milk, and oat bread ; they con- vert part of it into butter, and some into cheese. The flesh of the Kid is considered as a great deli- cacy; and, when properly prepared, is esteemed by some as little inferior to venison. The Goat produces generally two young at a time, sometimes three, rarely four: in warmer cli- mates, it is more prolific, and produces four or five at once ; though the breed is found to degenerate. The male is capable of propagating at one year old, and the female at seven months ; but the fruits of a generation so premature are generally weak and defective : their best time is at the age of two years, or eighteen months at least. The Goat is a short-lived animal, full of ardour, but soon enervated. His appetite for the female is excessive, so that one Buck is sufficient for one hundred and fifty females. 8o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE IBEX. (Capra Ibex, Linn. — Lc Bouquetin, BufF.) IF we believe M. Buffon, is the stock from which our domestic Goat is descended; it is larger, but resembles it much in the shape of its body: its horns are much larger; they are bent backward, and are full of rings: every year of its life, it is asserted, one is added to the number of them. Some of these horns have been found at least two yards long. The head of the Ibex is small, adorned with a dusky beard, and has a thick coat of hair of a deep brown colour, mixed with ash: a streak of black runs along the top of its back : the belly and thighs are of a delicate fawn colour. The female is one-third less than the male; her horns are very small, and not above eight inches long. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 81 The Ibex inhabits the highest Alps of the Grisons country and the Valais, and is also found in Crete : they are very wild, and difficult to be shot ; and as they always keep on the highest points of the rocks, the chase of them is attended with great danger : they are very strong, and often turn upon the in- cautious huntsman, and tumble him down the preci- pice, unless he have time to lie down, and let the animal pass, over him. They bring forth one young at a time, seldom two; and are said not to be long- lived. THE CHAMOIS GOAT. (Capra Rupicapra, Linn. — Ysarus ou Sam's, Buff.) THE Chamois, though a wild animal, is very easily made tame and docile. It is to be found only in rocky and mountainous places ; is about the size of the domestic Goat, and resembles it in many re- VOL. III. L 82 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. spects. It is most agreeably lively, and active be- yond expression. The hair is short like that of the Doe : in spring, it is of an ash colour ; in autumn, dun, inclining to black; and in winter, of a blackish brown. This animal is found, in great plenty, in the mountains of Dauphiny, Piedmont, Savoy, Switzer- land, and Germany. They are very gentle, and live in society with each other. They are found in flocks from four to fourscore, and even an hundred, dis- persed upon the crags of the mountains. The large males are seen feeding detached from the rest, except in rutting time, when they approach the fe- males, and drive away the young. The time of their coupling is from the beginning of October to the end of November ; and they bring forth in March and April. The young keep with the dam for about five months, and sometimes longer, if the hunters and the Wolves do not separate them. It is asserted, that they live between twenty and thirty years. Their flesh is good to eat ; and they yield ten or twelve pounds of suet, which far surpasses that of the Goat in hardness and goodness. The Chamois has scarcely any cry : it has a kind of feeble bleat, by which the parent calls its young : but in cases of danger, and when it is to warn the rest of the flock, it uses a hissing noise, which is heard at a great distance : for it is to be observed that this creature is extremely vigilant, and has an eye remarkably quick and piercing : its smell also is not less distinguishing. When it sees its enemy distinctly, it stops for a moment ; and if the person be near, it flies off in an instant. In the same man- ner, by its smell, it can discover a man at half a league distance, and give immediate notice. Upon HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 83 the least alarm, the Chamois begins its hissing note with great force. The first hiss continues as long as the time of one respiration : in the beginning it is very sharp, and deeper towards the close. The animal having, after this first alarm, reposed a mo- ment, again looks round ; and perceiving the reality of its fears, continues to hiss by intervals, until it has spread the alarm to a very great distance. During this time, it seems in the most violent agitation ; it strikes the ground with one fore foot, and sometimes with both ; it bounds from rock to rock, turns and looks round, runs to the edge of the precipice, and, still perceiving the enemy, flies with all its speed. The hissing of the male is much louder and sharper than that of the female: it is performed through the nose, and is properly no more than a very strong breath driven violently through a small aperture. The Chamois feeds upon the best herbage, and chuses the most delicate parts of the plants, the flowers, and the tender buds. It is not less delicate Avith regard to several aromatic herbs, which grow upon the sides of the mountains. It drinks very little whilst it feeds upon the succulent herbage, and chews the cud in the intervals of feeding. This animal is greatly admired for the beauty of its eyes, which are round and sparkling, and mark the warmth of its constitution. Its head is furnished with two small horns of about half a foot long, of a beautiful black, rising from the forehead almost be- twixt the eyes : these, instead of going backwards or sideways, stand forward, and bend a little back- ward at their extremities, ending in a very sharp point. The ears are placed, in a very elegant man- ner, near the horns ; there are two stripes of black on each side of the face, the rest is of a whitish yel- 84 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. low. The horns of the female are less, and not so much bent: they are so sharp that the natives have been known to bleed cattle with them. These animals are so much incommoded by heat, that they are seldom seen in summer, except in the caverns of rocks, amidst fragments of unmelted ice, under the shade of high and spreading trees, or of rough and hanging precipices, that face the North, and keep off entirely the rays of the sun. They go to pasture both morning and evening, and seldom during the heat of the day. They run along the rocks with great ease and seeming indifference, and leap from one to another, so that no Dogs are able to pursue them. Nothing can be more extraordinary than the facility with which they climb and descend precipices, that to most other quadrupeds are in- accessible : they always mount or descend in an oblique direction, and throw themselves down a rock of thirty feet, and light with great security up- on some excrescence or fragment, on the side of the precipice, which is just large enough to place their feet upon : they strike the rock, however, in the de- scent, with their feet, three or four times, to stop the velocity of their motion ; and when they have got upon the base below, they at once seem fixed and secure. In fact, to see them jump in this manner, they seem rather to have wings than legs. Certain it is, that their legs are formed for this arduous em- ployment; the hind being rather longer than the fore legs, and bending in such a manner, that when they descend upon them, they break the force of their fall. During the rigours of winter, the Chamois keeps in the thickest forests, and feeds upon the shrubs and the buds of the pine-tree. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 85 The hunting of the Chamois is very laborious and difficult. The most usual way is to shoot them from behind the clefts of the rocks. Some also pursue them as they do the Stag, by placing proper persons at all the passages of a glade or valley, and then sending in others to rouse the game. Dogs are quite useless in this chase, as they rather alarm than over- take : nor is it without danger to the men ; for it often happens, that when the animal finds itself overpressed, it drives at the hunter with its head, and often tumbles him down an adjoining precipice. The Chamois cannot go upon ice when smooth ; but if their be the least inequalities on its surface, it then bounds along in security, and quickly evades all pursuit. The skin of the Chamois was once famous, when tanned, for its softness and warmth : at present, however, since the art of tanning has been brought to greater perfection, the leather called shauimoy, is made also from those of the tame Goat, the Sheep, and the Deer. 86 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, THE GOAT OF ANGORA. Is well known for its long hair, which is thick, glossy, of a dazzling whiteness, and so fine, that cloths as beautiful as silk, known among us by the name of camblets, are made of it. Its ears are long and pendulous. The male is furnished with horns, curiously twisted, which proceed horizontally from each side of the head, forming a screw; those of the female are shorter, and encircle the ear somewhat like those of the common Ram. They inhabit the rocky mountains of Pontus, where they experience a considerable degree of cold: they would probably thrive in Britain as well as in their native country. The same might be said of the Goat of Thibet, so famous for the fineness of its wool : it lives in a climate colder than ours in winter, and might prob- ably be transplanted with success. In Portugal there is a breed of fine large Goats, remarkable for yielding a great quantity of milk,— HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 87 a gallon and a half per day. These, if introduced into our navy, might be of infinite service in long voyages. Experiments of this kind would certainly be at- tended with many great advantages ; and it were much to be wished, that the great and opulent would employ some portion of their time and affluence in procuring, from distant countries, such useful ani- mals as would propagate in our island, and are yet unknown in it. By this means many of our lofty mountains might contribute to support a variety of useful creatures, that would, at the same time, beautify the most barren and rugged parts of our country. 88 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SYRIAN GOAT. M. BUFFOX makes this a variety of the Goat of Angora; it differs from ours in nothing more than the length of its ears, which are pendulous, and from one to two feet long: they are often trouble- some to the creature in feeding; for which reason, the owners are sometimes obliged to cut one of them off. Their horns are short and black. They are very numerous in the neighbourhood of Aleppo, and supply the inhabitants with milk, which they prefer to that of the Cow or Buffalo. These are the principal varieties of the Goat kind ; of which there are others of less note ; such as the African Goat, or Buck of *Juda, which is not much larger than a Hare; it is extremely fat, and its flesh is well tasted : the horns are short, smooth, and turn a little forward. It is common in Guinea, Angola, and all along the coast of Africa. Tn America there are Goats of a small kind, not much larger than a Kid, with long hair: the horns, which are short and thick, bend downwards so close mSK>K\ 01' Ol'ADKl'I'l' D.s. 89, to tli'- head, as almost to penetrate the skull. These are, in every respect, similar to the Dwarf (mat found in Africa; and, according to Buffon, have been sent from that country. It is certain that, before the discover) <>! America by the Spaniards, the (ioat, and e\ er\ other domestic animal, were unkno\\ n there. Till GAZELLES, <>K AiNTELOPES, I'm si an- a numerous and beautiful race of ani- mals, inhabiting the hottest parts of the globe. I he\ are classed, l>\ systematic writers, with the i kind; and, like them, have hollow horns, which the\ never cast: in other respects the\ greatly resemble the Deer, especially in the ele- gance of their form and the swiftness of their motions. I he\ are of a restless and timid disposi tion, remarkably a^ile; their boundings are so liv>-ht and elastic, as to strike the spectators with astonishment. ( )f all animals, the ( ia/elle h.is the most beautiful eye; to which the eastern poets have made fre- (|iient allusions, in describing those of their favourite beauties. The distinguishing m. irks of this tribe ot animals, in which they differ both from the Goat and Deer, are principally these: — Their horns are" different, boinjj annulated or ringed round, and at the same time marked with longitudinal depressions or fur- ious, running from the base to the point: besides the extreme beauty and meekness of its aspect, the •lie is more delicately and finely limbed than the Roe-IUuk; its hair is finer and more glossy: its swiftness is so great, that the Greyhound, the fleetest of Dogs, is unequal to the course; and the voi. MI. M 90 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. sportsman is obliged to call in the aid of the Fal- con, which, being trained to the work, seizes on the animal, and impedes its motion, so as to enable the Dogs to overtake it. In India and Persia, a sort of Leopard, which takes its prey by the greatness of its springs, is sometimes made use of in the chace; but should he fail in his first essay, the game escapes. Some species of the Antelope form herds of two or three thousand, while others keep in small troops of five or six. They for the most part live in hilly countries. They often browse like the Goat, and feed on the tender shoots of young trees, which give their flesh an excellent flavour. There are many varieties of this animal; some of them little known or described. THE BLUE GOAT. (Antelope Leucophtm, Pallas.) MR. PENNANT considers this as being next to the Goat, from the length of its hair, and the form of its horns. The colour of this creature is a fine blue, re- sembling velvet; but when dead, it is said to change to a bluish grey: its belly is white; beneath each eye it has a large white mark: its tail is seven inches in length, with long hairs at the end: its horns incline backward, and form a curve; three- fourths of their length are decorated with twenty- four rings; the uppermost quarter is smooth, and runs tapering to a point. It inhabits the hottest parts of Africa. Sparrman describes one which lie saw at the Cape of Good Hope, and calls it a Blaaiv-Bok. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 91 THE PIED GOAT. THIS animal is likewise an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as the plains and -woods of Senegal, where large herds of them are to be seen. It is remarkable for having a white band running along each of its sides, crossed by two others from the back to the belly, disposed somewhat like a har- ness, from which it is called the Harnessed Antelope : on each side of the rump it has three white lines pointing downwards; its thighs are spotted with white; the colour of the body is a deep tawny; beneath each eye there is a white spot; its horns are straight, nine inches long, pointed backward, with two spiral ribs. Great flocks of them are found in the plains and the woods of the country of Poder, in Africa. It is called by M. Buffon, the Guib; and, by Sparrman, the Bonti-Bok, or Spotted Goat. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE WOOD-GOAT. WE are indebted to the indefatigable labours of Dr. Sparrman, for an accurate description of this rare animal, which is found in the country about the Cape of Good Hope, and lives chiefly in woods and groves, from whence it derives its name. Its horns are black, somewhat more than ten inches long, and have three sides wreathed in a spiral direction towards the top; at the bottom they are rough, in consequence of a number of wavy rings, which, however, are not elevated much above the surface ; at the top they are round, sharp- pointed, and in that part as smooth as if they had been polished; their position is almost in the same line with the forehead, inclining a little forwards, and by means of the twist they make, they recede from each other towards the middle, where they are three inches and a half distant; at the base, they are only one inch. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 93 The Wood-Goat is somewhat more than two feet and a half high, of a dark brown colour, in some parts bordering upon black : on each cheek-bone there are two large round white spots; another, still larger, occupies the fore part of the neck, somewhat below the top of the \vindpipe ; and several smaller white spots are scattered over the haunches : a narrow line of white hair extends from the neck all along the back and tail, but is not easily distinguished, being hid by the length of the dark brown hairs on the top of the back, which are three or four inches long, so as to form a kind of mane : the hair on the head is very short and fine ; in other parts of the body it is longer, resembling that of Goats: its tail is not more than a finger's breadth in length, covered with long hairs, which extend down the hind part of the thighs and but- tocks; the legs and feet are slender; the fetlock joints are likewise small; the nose and under lip, which are white, are decorated with black whiskers about an inch long. As this animal runs but slowly, it is sometimes caught with Dogs. When it finds there is no other resource, it boldly puts itself into a posture of de- fence; and when going to butt, kneels down, and in that position sells its life at a very dear rate, killing and goring some of the best and most spirit- ed Hounds. It carries its head straight forward whilst it runs, laying its horns upon its neck, to prevent their being entangled in the bushes. The female is without horns; and, being lighter than the male, runs more freely through the forests, and is not so easily caught. Her breast is said to be very plump : but the flesh of this animal is not very tender. 94 HISTOKV OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SPRINGER. THE ]}'hifc Antelope, which is supposed to be the same with the Pygarg, mentioned in the book of Numbers, is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is called the Spring-Bok^ and is to be seen in herds of several thousands, covering the plains as far as the eye can reach. Sparrman says, that having1 shot at a large herd of them, they formed a line, and immediately made a circular movement, as if to surround him; but afterwards flew off in different directions. The height of this beautiful creature is two feet and a half; it measures from the ears to the tail, somewhat above three feet; the tail is rather less than a foot long: the length of the ears six inches and a half; that of the horns, measuring them along their curvatures, nine inches; their distance HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 95 at the base, where they are nearly three inches thick, is one inch ; they gradually widen from thence to the distance of five inches from each other, when they turn inwards, so that at the tip they are not above three inches and a half asunder; they are of a deep black colour, annulated above half \vay up ; toward the top they are quite smooth, and end in a sharp point. The predominant colour of this animal is brown, or a light rust colour: the breast, belly, and inside of the limbs, are white; as is also the head, except- ing a dark browrn list, which passes from each corner of the mouth, over the eyes, to the base of the horns : a stripe of the same dark colour extends, on each side, from the shoulders to the haunches, forming a boundary between the snowy whiteness of the belly and the rusty colour of the sides : the buttocks are white; and from the tail half way up the back, is a stripe of wrhite, bounded on each side by a dark brown list: the tail, at least the lower part of it, is not thicker than a goose quill; the under side is quite bare; towards the tip there are a few dark brown hairs, from one to two inches and a half long : the ears are of an ash colour, tipt on the edges with fine light grey hairs : the eye-brows and whiskers are black: the hair in general is fine and short; but the dark line which borders upon the white consists of longer hairs, which the animal is able to expand to the breadth of eight or nine inches, particularly on taking a high leap. When pursued, it is no less pleasant than curious to see the whole herd jumping over each other's heads to a considerable height: some of them will take three or four high leaps successively. In this situa- tion, they seem suspended in the air, looking over 9 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. their shoulders at their pursuers, and at the same time shewing the white part of their backs in a most beautiful manner. The Springers are so extremely swift as to re- quire a good Horse to overtake them; although they are sometimes bold enough to allow a sports- man, either on foot or on horseback, to come within gun-shot of them. Their flesh is very palatable, and has a more juicy and delicate taste than that of the other Gazelles. THE ELK- ANTELOPE. (Lc Condoms, Buff.) THIS is an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as of the greater part of India, and is one of the larger kinds of Gazelles. It has straight horns, two feet in length, of a dark brown colour, marked with two prominent spiral ribs running near two-thirds of HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 97 their length, but smooth towards the ends, which are turned a little inwards : the forehead is flat, and broad at the top; and has a forelock, standing erect, .the whole length of it : its nose is sharp ; and its breast is covered with a loose skin. This animal is of an ash colour, inclining a little towards blue; has a thin upright mane, quite black, which extends from the nape of its neck along the top of the back; it has a tuft of black hair at the end of the tail. The Elk- Antelopes live chiefly in plains and val- lies ; and, when hunted, always run, if possible, against the wind : they are not very swift ; and being in general fat, especially the males, which are always the largest 'and fattest in the herd, are soon tired. The hunter generally endeavours to get to windward of the animal, and when he has accomplished this, takes an opportunity of throw- ing himself from his Horse, and instantly shoots the flying game: at this practice, the Dutch colo- nists at the (.ape are so expert as seldom* to fail. Sparrman says, there have been many instances where keen sportsmen, as well for their own plea- sure as convenience, have hunted Elk-Antelopes and other Gazelles, for many miles together, from the open plains, and driven them to their own doors, before they thought it worth while to shoot them. The female has horns like the male, but smaller. They are used by the Hottentots for tobacco-pipes. VOL. 111. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE HART-BEEST. (Lc Bubalc, Buff. THIS is the most common of all the larger Gazelles, known in any part of Africa. The follow- ing accurate description is taken from Sparrman, to whom we are indebted for the best accounts of such of these rare animals as are to be met with near the Cape. Its height is somewhat above four feet: the horns are from six to nine inches long, very strong and black, almost close at the base, diverging upwards, and at the top bending back- wards in an horizontal direction almost to the tips, which turn a little downwards; they are embossed with about eighteen rings of an irregular form. The general colour of the Hart-Beest is that of cinnamon; the front of the head is marked with black, as is likewise the fore part of the legs; the hind part of the haunch is covered Avith a wide HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 99 black streak, which reaches down to the knee; a narrow stripe of black begins behind each ear, and runs all along the ridge of the neck; a dark brown oval spot extends over the back, terminating just above the tail, which is slender, somewhat like that of an Ass, and is covered with strong black hairs about six inches long: there is a pore about an inch below the eye, from which a matter is distilled, somewhat like ear-wax, which the Hottentots pre- serve as a rare and excellent medicine. This animal is supposed to be the Bubahis of the ancients; it is the Cervine A intclope of Mr. Pennant. The hair of the Hart-Beest is very fine; and its long ears are covered with white hair on the inside : it has only eight teeth in the lower jaw, none in the upper: the legs are rather slender, with small fet- locks and hoofs. The large head and high forehead, together with the assinine ears and tail, of the Hart-Beest, render it one of the least handspme of the whole tribe of Antelopes. Its pace, when at full speed, appears like a heavy gallop; notwithstanding which, it runs as fast as any of the larger Antelopes. When it has once got a-head of its pursuers, it is very apt to turn round, and stare them full in the face. Its flesh is fine, rather dry, but of an agreeably high flavour. 100 HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. THE KOEDOE, OR STRIPED ANTELOPE. (Lc Condoma, Buff." Is a beautiful, tall Gazelle, inhabiting the Cape of Good Hope; has long", slender legs, and is larger, though not so clumsy, as the Elk- Antelope : its horns are smooth, twisted spirally, with a pro- minent edge or rib following the wreaths ; they are three feet nine inches long, of a pale brown colour, close at the base, and at the points round and sharp. The colour of this animal is a rusty brown ; along the ridge of the back there is a white stripe, mixed with brown; from this are eight or nine white stripes, pointing downwards; the forehead and the fore part of the nose are brown ; a white stripe runs from the corner of each eye, and meets just above the nose; upon each cheek bone, there are two small white spots ; the inner edges of the ears are covered with white hair, and the upper part of the neck is adorned with a brown mane, an inch long; beneath the neck, from the throat to the breast, are some long hairs hanging down; the breast and belly are grey; the tail is two feet long, brown above, white beneath, and black at the end. The Koedoe, though a tall and slender animal, is not so swift as many of the Gazelle kind, and is easily overtaken by the Hounds : on these occa- sions, the males defend themselves with great spirit with their horns, and will come to close quarters with the Dogs; but the females, having no horns, are obliged to depend on their speed. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 101 THE GEMSE-BOK. (Capra Gazclla, Linn. — Lc /'nsa/t, BufF.) IT is called by Mr. Pennant, the Egyptian Ante- lope. The horns are straight, slender, of a black colour, about three feet long, with above twenty rings, reaching half to the points, which are smooth and taper; it is of an ash colour, inclining to red; the belly, legs, and face are white; a black line ex- tends from the neck to the loins; the tail is about two feet long, terminated with black hairs. This animal is famous for a concretion in its stomach or intestines, called the oriental bczoar, which was much esteemed in former times for its great virtue in expelling poison from the human frame, and was sold at enormous prices, its value increasing in proportion to its size. There was a time, when a stone of four ounces sold in Europe for above 2oo/. ; at present, however, its estimation and price are greatly decreased. The virtues which ignorance and inexperience attributed to it, are now found no longer to exist; and this once-cele- brated medicine is now only consumed in countries where the knowledge of nature has been but little advanced. Similar concretions are likewise found in a variety of animals of the Gazelle and Goat kind: even Apes, Serpents, and Hogs are said to have their bezoars. In short, there is scarcely an animal, except of the carnivorous kind, that does not produce some of these concretions in the stomach, intestines, kidnies, and even the heart. 102 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. These are the principal animals of the Gazelle kind desgribed by Dr. Sparrman, in his voyage to the Cape of Good Hope. He mentions a variety of others that are to be met with there, of which he gives us little but their names. THE REE-BOK. Is two feet in height; of a colour somewhat re- sembling that of a Hare, but a little more inclining to red: the belly and anus are white: the tail is short : the horns are black and straight, very similar to those of the Gemse-Bok, but barely a foot long, very taper, and sharp-pointed; they are used by the Hottentots as awls or bodkins, for boring holes in making their shoes or cloaks. The flesh of this animal is dry, and accounted worse to eat than that of any other Gazelle. THE RIET-REE-BOK. Is twice as big as the last-mentioned animal; is monogamous (or keeps in pairs); it generally lies concealed among the reeds and marshy places, and resembles the Ree-Bok. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 103 THE GRYS-BOK. (La Grinning Buff.) Is of a greyish or ash colour, with large black ears, and a black ring round the eyes; straight black horns, slender and sharp-pointed, not three inches long, slightly annulated at the base : its height is about eighteen inches ; and it is most elegantly formed : beneath each eye is a cavity that contains a strong-scented oily liquor, which smells some- thing like musk, and, when exposed to the air, becomes hard and black. It is the Guinea Antelope of Mr. Pennant. THE KLIP-SPRINGER. Is of a light red colour, inclining to yellow, in- termixed with black streaks ; the tips and edges of its ears are black : it runs with great swiftness, and makes large bounds, even on the steepest preci- pices, and in the most rocky places, where it cannot easily be caught with Hounds. 104 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE GNU. To these we may add the Gmi9 the Hottentot name for a singular animal, which, with respect to its form, is between the Horse and the Ox. It is about the size of a common Galloway, the length of it being somewhat above five feet, and the height rather more than four. This animal is of a dark brown colour ; the tail and mane of a light grey ; the shag on the chin and breast, and the stiff hairs which stand erect on the forehead and upper part of the face, are black : the curvature of the horns is singular ; and the animal is represented in the cut in the attitude of butting, to give an idea of its form and position. The legs of the Gnu are small ; its hair is very fine; and it has a cavity beneath each eye, like most of the Antelope kind. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 105 THE STEEN-BOK. (Lc Nagor, Buff.) Is found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope. Its whole body is of a pale red colour ; it is as large as a Roe-Buck; its horns, which do not exceed six inches in length, are almost smooth, and bend a little forward; its ears are five inches long; and it has a white spot over each eye. It is called,, by Mr. Pennant, the Red •Antelope. THE SWIFT ANTELOPE. (Le NtuigucTy Buff. ; Is likewise a native of Africa, and is found in Senegal. It is three feet and a half in length, and two and a half high ; the horns are black and round, eight inches in length, and, what is singular, bend forward at the points ; its general colour is tawny ;, belly and thighs white ; it has likewise a white spot under the neck, is a very handsome animal, and easily tamed; it swiftness is compared to that of the wind. VOL. III. jo6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE COMMON ANTELOPE. (Capra Cervicapra, Linn. — L,' Antelope, Buif.) THE Antelope, properly so called, abounds in Barbary, and in all the northern parts of Africa. It is somewhat less than the Fallow-Deer : its horns are about sixteen inches long, surrounded with prominent rings almost to the top, where they are twelve inches distant from point to point. The horns of the Antelope are remarkable for a beauti- ful double flexion, which gives them the appearance of the lyre of the ancients. The colour of the hair on the back is brown, mixed with red ; the belly and the inside of the thighs are white ; the tail short. HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. 107 THE BARBARY ANTELOPE. (Cdf>ni Dorcas, Linn. — Ln (razelle. Buff.; Is likewise common in all the northern parts of Africa, in Syria, and Mesopotamia; and seems to be a variety of the Icist-mentioned animal, which it strongly resembles ; only the two colours on the back are separated from each other by a strong dusky line on each side, and on each knee there is a tuft of hair. THE KEVEL. (Lc AVrv/, Buff.) Is a native of Senegal ; and, in colour and marks, very much resembles the preceding animal. It is about the size of a small Roe-Buck; and its horns, instead of being round, are flatted on their sides, and the rings are more numerous. It lives in great flocks, may be easily tamed, and is excellent meat. THE CORIN. (Le Coring Buff.) Is still less than the two former animals : its horns are very slender, only six inches long, and almost smooth, the annular prominences being scarcely discernible ; each side of its face is marked with a white line, and beneath that a black one; 108 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. the upper part of the body is tawny; the belly and inside of the thighs white ; a dark line on each side forms a separation between the two colours on the back and belly; on each knee is a tuft of hair. Some of these animals are irregularly spotted with white. THE KOBA. (Lc Koba, Buff.) Is remarkable for the form of its horns, which are almost close at the base, bending out towards the middle, where they form a curve inwards, and again fly off at the points, which bend backward; they are seventeen inches long, surrounded with fifteen rings; the ends are smooth and sharp. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE CHEVROTAIX AND MEMINNA. (Lc Chevrotaiii dc (iuinea, Buff.) THE Chevrotain, or little Guinea Deer, is the smallest of all the Antelope kind, the least of all cloven-footed quadrupeds, and, we may add, the most beautiful. Its fore legs, at the smallest part, are not much thicker than a tobacco pipe ; it is not more than seven inches in height, and about twelve from the point of the nose to the insertion of the tail : its ears are broad ; and its horns, which are straight, and scarcely two inches long, are black and shining as jet ; the colour of the hair is a reddish brown ; in some a beautiful yellow, very short and glossy. These elegant little creatures are natives of Sene- gal and the hottest parts of Africa ; they are like- wise found in India, and in many of the islands adjoining to that vast continent. In Ceylon, there is an animal of this kind called Me in in mi, which is not larger than a Hare, but perfectly resembling a Fallow-Deer. It is of a grey 110 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. colour ; the sides and haunches are spotted and barred with white; its ears are long- and open; its tail short. None of these small animals can subsist but in a warm climate. They are so extremely delicate, that it is with the utmost difficulty they can be brought alive into Europe, where they soon perish. They are gentle, familiar, most beautifully formed; and their agility is such, that they will bound over a wall twelve feet high. In Guinea, they are called Gncvci\ The female has no horns. THE SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE. (Capra Tartarica, Linn. — Lc Saiga, Buif.y THIS is the only one of the species that can be found in Europe. The form of its body resembles the domestic Goat ; but its horns are those of an Antelope, being marked by very prominent rings, with furrows between : they are a foot long, the ends smooth, of a pale yellow colour, almost trans- parent. The male, during the winter, is covered with long rough hair, like the He-Goat, and has a strong scent ; the female is smoother, and without horns. The general colour is grey, mixed with yellow: the under part of the body is white. These animals inhabit Poland, Moldavia, about Mount Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and Siberia ; are fond of salt, and frequent the places where salt- springs abound. In the rutting season, at the latter end of autumn, great flocks of them, consist- ing of several thousands, migrate towards the south, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I I I and return in the spring, in smaller flocks, to the great northern deserts ; where the females bring forth their young, and rear them. The males, the females, and their young, gener- ally feed together ; and when a part of them are resting, others, by an instinctive kind of caution, are always keeping watch ; these again are relieved in due time; and in this manner, they alternately rest and keep watch; frequently preserving them- selves by this means, from the attacks of men and wild beasts. Their common pace is a trot ; but, when they exert their speed, they bound like the Roe-Buck, and exceed it in fleetness. They are so timid as to suffer themselves to be taken through fear : if once bitten by a Dog, they instantly fall down, and give themselves up without further effort to escape. When taken young, they are easily tamed ; but the old ones are so wild and obstinate, as to refuse all food whilst in a state of captivity. They are hunted for the sake of their flesh, horns, and skins ; the latter are excellent for gloves, belts, &c. The huntsman is extremely cautious in approaching a herd of these animals, lest they should discover him by the excellency of their smell. They are either shot, or taken by Dog ; and sometimes by the Black Eagle, which is trained for that purpose. In running they seem to incline to one side; and their motion is so rapid, that their feet seem scarcely to touch the ground. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE NYL-GHAU. THIS animal is a native of the interior parts of India. It seems to be of a middle nature, between the Cow and the Deer, and carries the appearance of both in its form. In size, it is as much smaller than the one, as it is larger than the other : its body, horns, and tail, are not unlike those of a Bull ; and the head, neck, and legs, are similar to those of a Deer. The colour, in general, is ash or grey, from a mixture of black hairs and white : all along the ridge or edge of the neck, the hair is blacker, longer, and more erect, making a short, thin, and upright mane, reaching down to the hump : its horns are seven inches long, six. inches round at the root, tapering by degrees, and terminating in a blunt point : the ears are large and beautiful, seven HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I 1 3 inches in length, and spread to a considerable breadth ; they are white on the edge and on the inside, except where two black bands mark the hollow of the ear with a Zebra-like variety. The height of this animal at the shoulder, is four feet one inch ; behind the loins it measures only four feet. The female differs considerably from the male, both in height and thickness; she is much smaller, in shape and colour very much resembling a Deer, and has no horns : she has four nipples, and is sup- posed to go nine months with young: she has commonly one at a birth, but sometimes two. Several of this species were brought to this coun- try in the year 1767, which continued to breed annually for some years after. Dr. Hunter, who had one of them in his custody for some time, describes it as a harmless and gentle animal; that it seemed pleased with every kind of familiarity, always licked the hand that either stroked or fed it, and never once attempted to use its horns offen- sively. It seemed to have much dependance on its organs of smell, and snuffed keenly whenever any person came in sight: it did so likewise, when food or drink was brought to it; and would not taste the bread which was offered, if the hand that presented it happened to smell of turpentine. Its manner of fighting is very particular, and is thus described: — Two of the males at Lord Clive's, being put into an inclosure, were observed, while they were at some distance from each other, to pre- pare for the attack, by falling down upon their knees: they then shuffled towards each other, still keeping upon their knees; and, at the distance of a few yards, they made a spring, and darted against each other with great force. VOL. III. P 114 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The following anecdote will serve to shew, that during the rutting season, these animals are fierce and vicious, and not to be depended upon: — A labouring man, without knowing that the animal was near him, went up to the outside of the inclo- sure: the Nyl-Ghau, with the quickness of lightning, darted against the woodwork with such violence, that he dashed it to pieces, and broke off one of his horns close to the root. The death of the animal, which happened soon after, was supposed to be owing to the injury he sustained by the blow. Bernier says, that it is the favourite amusement of the Mogul Emperor to hunt the Nyl-Ghau; and that he kills them in great numbers, and distributes quarters of them to his omrahs; which shews that they are esteemed good and delicious food. The Nyl-Ghau is frequently brought from the interior parts of Asia, as a rare and valuable pre- sent to the nabobs and other great men at our settlements in India. It remains to be considered, whether this rare animal might not be propagated with success in this country. That it will breed here, is evident from experience ; and if it should prove docile enough to be easily trained to labour, its great swiftness and considerable strength might be ap- plied to the most valuable purposes. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MUSK. Moschiferit-Sy Linn. — Lr. Muse, Buif.) THERE have been varipus accounts given of this animal by naturalists and travellers; by whom it seems to have been taken notice of more for the perfume which it produces, than for the informa- tion of the curious enquirer into its nature and qualities: for we are still at a loss what rank to assign it among the various tribes of quadrupeds. It has no horns ; and whether it ruminates or not, is uncertain: but, by its wanting the fore teeth in the upper jaw, we are led to suppose that it belongs either to the Goat or the Deer kind; and have therefore given it a place after the Gazelles, relying upon those characteristic marks which are known, .and leaving it to those naturalists who may be possessed of better means of information, to ascer- tain its genuine character. Il6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The Musk of Thibet resembles the Roe-Buck in form. Itjs somewhat above two feet in height at the shoulder; the hind legs, which are longer than the fore legs, are two feet nine inches high at the haunches; the length is three feet six inches from the head to the tail; the head is above half a foot long: its upper jaw is much larger than the lower; and on each side of it there is a slender tusk, nearly two inches long, which hangs clown, bending in- wards like a hook, and very sharp on the inner edge: its lower jaAv contains eight small cutting teeth; and in each jaw there are six grinders: its ears are long, small, and erect, like those of a Rabbit: the hair on the whole body is long and rough, marked with small waves from top to bot- tom : the colour is a rusty brown ; under the belly and tail it is white: on each side of the lower jaw- there is a tuft of thick hair, about an inch long : its hoofs are deeply cloven, slender, and black: the spurious hoofs are likewise very long: its tail is not more than two inches in length, and hid in the hair. The use it makes of its tusks is not well known : the most probable is that of hooking up roots out of the ground, and catching at small twigs and branches of trees, upon which it feeds. The female has no tusks, is less than the male, and has two small teats. The Musk is found in the kingdom of Thibet, in several of the Chinese provinces, about the lake Baikal, and near the rivers Jenisea and Argun, from lat. 60 to 45 ; but seldom so far south, except driven by great falls of snow to seek for food in more temperate climates, it is naturally a timid animal, and endowed with a quick sense of hearing. Its solitary haunts are usually mountains, covered HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 117 with pines; where it avoids mankind, and when pursued, flies to the highest and most inaccessible summits. The perfume produced by this animal, which is so well known in the fashionable circles, and of late so much used in the practice of physic, needs little description. It is found in a bag or tumour, nearly of the si/e of a Hen's egg, on the belly of the male only. These bags the hunters cut off, and tie them up for sale ; many thousands of them are sent over annually to Europe, besides what are consumed in different parts of the Kast. To ac- count for this great consumption, it is supposed that the musk is frequently adulterated and mixed with the blood of the animal. It comes to us from China, Tonquin, Bengal, and Muscovy; but that of Thibet is reckoned the best, and sells at a much higher price than the rest. The flesh of the males, especially in the rutting season, is much infected with the flavour of the musk; but is, nevertheless, eaten by the Russians and Tartars. Il8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE GAMELEOPARD. Camelopardalis, Linn. — La Giraffe, Buff.) THIS animal the existence of which has fre- quently been called in question} is a native of the wild and unfrequented deserts of Ethiopia, and other interior parts of Africa, where it leads a soli- tary life, far from the habitations of men, for whose use it is rendered unlit by the enormous dispropor- tion of its parts. It has hitherto been regarded chiefly as an object of curiosity, and may lead us to admire the wonderful productions of that creative power, which has filled the earth with life in such a boundless variety of forms. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 119 The height of this extraordinary animal, from the crown of the head to the ground, is seventeen feet ; while at the rump it measures only nine ; the neck alone is seven feet long ; and the length from the extremity of the tail to the end of the nose, is twenty-two feet ; the fore and hind legs are nearly of an equal height ; but the shoulders rise so high, that its back inclines like the roof of a house : i-ts neck is slender and elegant, adorned on the upper side with a short mane; on the highest part of the head it has two perpendicular horns, six inches long, covered with hair, and round at the ends, where they are encompassed with a circle of short black hairs :* on the middle of the forehead there is a protuberance about two inches high : its ears are long, and its eyes large and beautiful. The colour of the male is a dark brown, with a network of light grey over the neck and the Avhole body; these lines on the female are of a pale yellow colour. It is a timid and gentle creature, but not swift. From the great length of its fore legs, it is obliged to divide them to a great distance when it grazes, which it does with some difficulty; it lives chiefly by browsing on the leaves and tender branches of trees; it lies on its belly, and has hard protuber- ances on its breast and thighs, like the Camel; its tail is similar to that of an Ox, with strong black hair at the end; it is cloven-footed, has no teeth in the upper jaw, and is a ruminating animal. The fe- male has four teats, and is less than the male. This animal was known to the Romans in early times. * M. Vaillant, who shot several of these animals, says, that these horns differ from those of the Stag or the Ox, in being formed by a continuation of the bone of the skull. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ELK. (Ce-rwt-s A Ices, Linn. — L' Elan, Buff.) Is the largest and most formidable of all the Deer kind. It is a native of both the old and the new continent, being known in Europe by the name of the Elk, and in America by that of the Moose-Deer. It is sometimes taken in the forests of Russia and Germany; though it is rarely to be seen, on account of its extreme wildness. It like- wise inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Tar- tary, as far as the North of China. It is common in Canada; and all the northern parts of America. The Elk has been variously described by natura- lists and travellers : by some, it is said to be twelve feet high ; while others, with greater appearance of probability, describe it as being not much higher than a Horse. It is, however, a matter of doubt to HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 121 which a greater degree of credibility should be given. From a variety of Elks' horns preserved in the cabinets of the curious, some of which are of a most enormous size, there is every reason to con- clude, that the animal which bore them must have been of a proportionable bulk and strength. Those who speak of the gigantic Moose, say, their horns are six feet long, and measure, from tip to tip, above ten feet: the beams of the horns are short; from which they spread out into large and broad palms, one side of which is plain, but on the outside are several sharp snags or shoots. The European Elk grows to the height of seven or eight feet ; and in length, from the end of the muzzle to the insertion of the tail, measures ten feet : the head is two feet long; the neck, on which is a short upright mane, of a light brown colour, is much shorter : its eye is small ; and, from the lower corner of it, there is a deep slit, common to all the Deer kind, as well as most of the Gazelles : the ears are upwards of a foot in length, very broad, and some- what slouching ; the nostrils are wide ; and the upper lip, which is square, and has a deep furrow- in the middle, hangs greatly over the lower, whence it was imagined by the ancients, that this creature could not graze without going backward : the withers are very high, the hind legs much shorter than the fore legs, and the hoofs deeply cloven : from a small excrescence under the throat, hangs a long tuft of coarse black hair: the tail is very short, dusky above, and white beneath: the hair is long and rough, like that of a Bear, and of a hoary brown colour, not much differing from that of the Ass. VOL. III. Q 122 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The pace of the Elk is a high, shambling trot; but it goes with great swiftness. Formerly these animals were made use of in Sweden to draw sledges ; but as they were frequently accessory to the escape of such as had been guilty of murders or other great crimes, this use of them was prohibited under great penalties. In passing through thick woods these animals carry their heads horizontally, to prevent their horns being entangled in the branches. The Elks are timid and inoffensive, except when wounded, or during the rutting season, when the males become very furious, and at that time will swim from isle to isle in pursuit of the females. They strike with both horns and hoofs, and possess such agility and strength of limbs, that, with a single blow of the fore feet, they will kill a Wolf or a Dog. Their flesh is extremely sweet and nourishing. The Indians say, they can travel farther after eating heartily of the flesh of the Elk, than of any other animal food. Their tongues are excellent; but the nose is esteemed the greatest delicacy in all Canada. The skin makes excellent buff leather, and is strong, soft, and light : the Indians make their snow-shoes, and likewise form their canoes with it. The hair on the neck, withers, and hams, of a full-grown Elk, from its great length and elasticity, is well adapted to the purpose of making mattrasses and saddles. The methods of hunting these animals in Canada are curious. The first, and most simple, is, — before the lakes or rivers are frozen, multitudes of the natives assemble in their canoes, with which they form a vast crescent, each horn touching the shore ; HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 123 whilst another party on the shore surrounds an ex- tensive tract : they are attended by Dogs, which they let loose, and press towards the water with loud cries. The animals alarmed by the noise, fly before the hunters, and plunge into the lake, where they are killed by the people in the canoes with lances and clubs. Another method requires a greater de- gree of preparation and art. The hunters enclose a large space with stakes and branches of trees, form- ing two sides of a triangle; the bottom opens into a second inclosure, which is fast on all sides : at the opening are hung numbers of snares, made of the slips of raw hides. They assemble as before, in great troops ; and, with all kinds of hideous noises, drive into the inclosure not only the Moose, but various other kinds of Deer, with which that coun- try abounds. Some, in forcing their way through the narrow pass, are caught in the snares by the neck or horns ; whilst those which escape these, meet their fate from the arrows of the hunters, directed at them from all quarters. They are likewise fre- quently killed with the gun. When they are first discovered, they squat with their hind parts, and make water; at which instant the sportsman fires; if he miss, the Moose sets off in a most rapid trot, making, like the Rein-Deer, a prodigious rattling with its hoofs, and running twenty or thirty miles before it stops or takes the water. The usual time for this diversion is in winter. The animal can run with ease upon the firm surface of the snow; but the hunters avoid entering on the chase till the heat of the sun is strong enough to melt the frozen crust with which it is covered, and render it so soft as to impede the flight of the Moose, which sinks up to the shoulders, flounders, and gets on with I24 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. great difficulty: the sportsman pursues in his broad rackets, or snow-shoes, and makes a ready prey of the distressed animal. ''As weak against the mountain-heaps they push " Their beating breasts in vain, and piteous bray, " He lays them quiv'ring on th' ensanguin'd snows, "And with loud shouts rejoicing bears them home." The female is less than the male, and has no horns. They are in season in the autumn ; and bring forth in April, sometimes one, but generally two young ones at a time, which arrive at their full growth in six years. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 125 THE AMERICAN ELK. WE have given a faithful portrait of this animal, from a living one lately brought from the interior parts of America. It seems to be very different from that generally described under the name of the Elk, or Moose-Deer, to which it has very little resemblance. It seems, indeed, to belong to a dis- tinct species, and is probably the Elk or Orignal of Canada and the northern parts of America. At the age of five years, the length of this crea- ture was nine feet, from the end of the muzzle to the insertion of the tail, the head and neck being extended in a line with the body: its height at the shoulder was four feet six inches; length of the 126 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. head, one foot six inches ; breadth over the fore- head, seven inches; length of the fore legs, two feet five inches; length of the neck, two feet six; its ears, nine inches; and tail three. Its horns, which it had just shed, are not palmated, like those of the Moose : they are large ; and, when full grown, measure above six feet, from tip to tip. The antlers are round, and pointed at the ends: the lowermost antler forms a curve downward over each eye, to which it appears a defence. Its hair is long, of a dark dun colour on the back and sides; on the head and legs dark brown: its eyes full and lively; and below each there is a deep slit, about two inches in length, the use of which we are unable to discover. It was very lively and active; of great strength of body and limbs : its hoofs short, and like those of a calf; the division between them is less than in those of the Rein-Deer; and, when the animal is in motion, they do not make a rattling noise. It has no mane ; but the hair under its neck is longer than that on any other part of the body. We were told by the owner of this very rare and beautiful animal, that it does not attain its full growth till twenty years old, and that it sheds its horns every third year. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 127 THE REIN-DEER. (Cervm Tarandus^ Linn. — Le Renne, Buff.) THIS extraordinary animal is a native of the icy regions of the North ; where, by a wise and boun- tiful dispensation, which diffuses the common goods of nature over every part of the habitable globe, it is made subservient to the wants of a hardy race of men inhabiting the countries near the pole, who would find it impossible to subsist among their snowy mountains without the aid of this most use- ful creature. In more temperate regions, men are indebted to the unbounded liberality of nature for a great variety of valuable creatures to serve, to nourish, and to cloath them. To the poor Laplander, the Rein-Deer alone supplies the place of the Horse, 128 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. the Cow, the Sheep, the Goat, &c.; and from it he derives 'the only comforts that tend to soften the severity of his situation in that most inhospitable climate. The Rein-Deer of Lapland are of two kinds, — the wild and the tame : the former are larger, stronger, and more hardy than the latter; for which reason, the tame females, in the proper season, are often sent out into the woods, where they meet with wild males, and return home impregnated by them. The breed from this mixture is stronger, and better adapted for drawing the sledge, to which the Lap- landers accustom them at an early age. THE SLEDGE. The Rein-Deer is yoked to this vehicle by a col- lar, from which a trace is brought under the belly between the legs, and fastened to the fore part of the sledge. These carriages are extremely light, and covered at the bottom with the skin of the Rein-Deer. The person who sits in it guides the animal with a cord fastened to its horns ; he drives it with a goad, and encourages it with his voice. Those of the wild breed, though by far the strongest,. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 129 often prove refractory, and not only refuse to obey their master, but turn against him, and strike so furiously with their feet, that his only resource is to cover himself with his sledge, upon which the en- raged creature vents its fury; the tame Deer, on the contrary, is patient, active, and willing. When hard pushed, the Rein-Deer will trot the distance of sixty miles without stopping; but in such exer- tions, the poor obedient creature fatigues itself so exceedingly, that its master is frequently obliged to kill it immediately, to prevent a lingering death that would ensue. In general they can go about thirty miles without stopping; and that without any great or dangerous effort. This mode of travel- ling can be performed only in the winter season, when the face of the country is covered with snow; and although the conveyance is speedy, it is incon- venient, dangerous, and troublesome. As the Rein-Deer constitutes the sole riches of the Laplander, it may well be supposed that a con- stant attention to preserve and secure it, forms the chief employment of his life. It is not uncommon for one person to possess above five hundred in a single herd. As soon as summer appears, which forms but a short interval from the most piercing cold, the Lap- lander, who had fed his Rein-Deer upon the lower grounds during the winter, drives them up to the mountains, leaving the woody country and the low pastures, which at that season are in a state truly deplorable. Myriads of insects, brought to life by the heat of the sun in the woods and fens with which that country abounds, are all upon the wing; the whole atmosphere swarms with life ; every place and every creature is infested ; the natives VOL. III. R 130 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. are obliged to cover their faces with a mixture of pitch and milk, to shield them from these minute invaders, which are drawn in with the breath, and enter the nostrils, and even the eyes; but they are chiefly inimical to the Rein-Deer : the horns of that animal being then tender, and covered with a skin, which renders them extremely sensitive, a cloud of these insects settle upon them, and drive the poor animal almost to distraction. In this extremity there is no resource but flight. The herdsmen drive their flocks from the plains to the summits of the mountains, whither the foe cannot follow them : there they will continue the whole day, with little or no food, rather than venture down into the lower parts, where they have no defence against their un- ceasing persecutors. Besides the gnat, the gadfly is a common pest to the Rein-Deer. In the autumn, this insect deposits its eggs in their skin, where the worms burrow, and often prove fatal to them. The moment a single fly is seen, the whole herd is in motion : they know their enemy, and endeavour to avoid it, by tossing up their heads, and running among each other : but all this too often proves ineffectual. Every morning and evening during the summer, the herdsman returns to his cottage with the Deer to be milked, where a large fire of moss is prepared, for the purpose of filling the place with smoke, to drive off the gnats, and keep the Deer quiet whilst milking. The quantity of milk given by one female in a day, is about a pint. It is thinner than that of a Cow, but sweeter and more nourishing. The female begins to breed at the age of two years, is in season the latter end of September, goes with young eight months, and generally brings HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 131 forth two at a time. The fondness of the dam for her young is very remarkable. They follow her two or three years, but do not acquire their full strength until four. It is at this age that they are trained to labour; and they continue servicable four or five years. They never live above fifteen or sixteen years. At eight or nine years old, the Lap- landers kill them for their skins and their flesh. Of the former they make garments, which are warm, and cover them from head to foot: they also serve them for beds ; they spread them on each side of the fire upon the leaves of trees, and in this manner lie both soft and warm. The latter affords a constant supply of good and wholesome food, which, in the winter, when other kinds of provisions fail, is their chief subsistence. The tongue of the Rein-Deer is considered as a great delicacy; and when dried, great numbers of them are sold into other countries. The sinews serve for thread, with which the Laplanders make their cloaths, shoes, and other necessaries ; and when covered with the hair, serve them for ropes. Innumerable are the uses, the comforts, and advantages, which the poor inhabitants of this dreary climate derive from this animal. We can- not sum them up better than in the beautiful language of the poet : — . " Their Rein-Deer form their riches. These their tents, " Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealth " Supply; their wholesome fare, and chearful cups : " Obsequious at their call, the docile tribe " Yield to the sled their necks, and whirl them swift " O'er hill and dale, heap'd into one expanse " Of marbled snow, as far as eye can sweep, '' With a blue crust of ice unbounded glaz'd." 132 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The horns of the Rein-Deer are large and slender, bending forward, with brow antlers, which are broad and palmated. A pair in our possession are in length two feet eight inches, and from tip to tip two feet five; they weigh nine pounds: the pro- jecting brow antler is fourteen inches long, one foot broad, and serrated at the end: it should seem, both from its situation and form, an excellent instrument to remove the snow, under which their favourite moss lies. Both sexes have horns : those of the female are less, and have fewer branches. We are happy in being able to give an accurate representation of this singular creature. The draw- ing was taken from one in the possession of Sir H. G. Liddell, Bart., which he brought over from Lap- land, with four others, in 1786. The height at the shoulder was three feet three inches. The hair on the body was of a dark brown colour; and on the neck brown, mixed with white : a large tuft of hair, of a dirty white colour, hung down from the throat, near its breast; and it had a large white spot on the inside of each hind leg, close by the joint : its head was long and fine ; and round each eye was a large black space: its horns were covered with a fine down, like velvet. The hoofs of this animal are large, broad, and deeply cloven : they spread out to a great breadth on the ground; and when the animal is in motion, make a crackling noise, by being drawn up forcibly together. Not many attempts have been made to draw the Rein-Deer from its native mountains, and transport it to milder climates ; and of these few have succeeded. Naturalists from thence have con- cluded, that it cannot exist but amidst ice and snow. M. Buffon regrets the impossibility of pro- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I 33 curing the animal alive ; and says, that when transported to another climate, it soon dies. M. Regnard mentions some that were brought to Dantzick; where, being unable to endure the heat of the climate, they all perished. Queen Christina, of Sweden, procured five and twenty, which she pur- posed sending to Oliver Cromwell: they were brought as far as Stockholm ; but the Laplanders who attended them refusing to come to England, fifteen of the number were killed by the Wolves, and the remaining ten did not long survive, the climate being considered as too warm. To those brought over by Sir H. G. Liddell, five more were added the year following. They pro- duced young ones, and gave promising hopes of thriving in this country : but, unfortunately, some of them were killed ; and the others died, in con- sequence of a disorder similar to that called the rot in Sheep, which was attributed to the richness of the grass whereon they fed. Nor can we wonder at the failure of this spirited enterprize, when we con- sider, that it is the sole employment of the Laplander to tend and herd his Rein- Deer, to drive them in the summer time to the summits of the mountains, to the sides of clear lakes and streams, and to lead them where they can find the most proper food. Want of knowledge or attention to minute particulars, is sufficient to overturn the best-laid plans. There is, however, little doubt but this animal will live without the Lapland lichen; to which, perhaps, it only hath recourse, because there is in those latitudes no other sustenance during the winter. It is also, in England, free from its mortal enemy — the gadfly. But as the desire of possessing 134 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. this animal has hitherto been excited only by curiosity,, it is not likely that much attention will be paid to it in a country like this, abounding with such a variety of useful quadrupeds. The Rein-Deer is wild in America, where it is called the Caribou. It is found in Spitzbergen and Greenland, and is very common in the most northern parts of Europe, and in Asia, as far as Kamschatka, where some of the richest of the natives keep herds of ten or twenty thousand in number. In the neighbourhood of Hudson's Bay, there are great herds of wild Rein-Deer : columns of many thousands annually pass from North to South in the months of March and April. In that season the muskatoes are very troublesome, and oblige them to quit the woods, and seek refreshment on the shore and open country. Great numbers of beasts of prey follow the herds. The Wolves single out the stragglers, detach them from the flock, and hunt them down : the Foxes attend at a distance, to pick up the offals left by the former. In autumn, the Deer, with the Fawns bred during the summer, re-migrate northward. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 135 THE STAG, OR RED-DEER. (Cervus Eleplias, Linn. — Le CVr/, Buff.) THIS is the most beautiful animal of the Deer kind. The elegance of his form, the lightness of his motions, the flexibility of his limbs, his bold, branching horns, which are annually renewed, his grandeur, strength, and swiftness, give him a de- cided pre-eminence over every other inhabitant of the forest. The age of the Stag is known by its horns. The first year exhibits only a short protuberance, which is covered with a hairy skin; the next year the 136 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. horns are straight and single; the third year pro- duces two antlers, the fourth three, the fifth four ; and when arrived at the sixth year, the antlers amount to six or seven on each side; but the num- ber is not always certain. The Stag begins to shed his horns the latter end of February, or the beginning of March. Soon after the old horn has fallen off, a soft tumour begins to appear, which is soon covered with a down like velvet: this tumour every day buds forth, like the graft of a tree; and, rising by degrees, shoots out the antlers on each side: the skin con- tinues to cover it for some time, and is furnished with blood-vessels, which supply the growing horns with nourishment, and occasion the furrows obser- vable in them when that covering is stript off: the impression is deeper at the bottom, where the ves- sels are larger, and diminishes towards the point, where they are smooth. When the horns are at their full growth, they acquire strength and solidity; and the velvet covering or skin, with its blood- vessels, dries up and begins to fall off; which the animal endeavours to hasten, by rubbing them against the trees ; and, in this manner, the whole head gradually acquires its complete hardness, ex- pansion and beauty. Soon after the Stags have polished their horns, which is not completed till July or August, they quit the thickets, and return to the forests; they cry with a loud and tremulous note, and fly from place to place, in search of the females, with ex- treme ardour; their necks swell; they strike with their horns against trees, and other obstacles, and become extremely furious. At this season, when two Stags meet, their contests are often desperate, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 137 and terminate in the defeat or flight of one of them ; while the other remains in possession of his mistress and the field, till another rival approaches, that he is also obliged to attack and repel. During this time which usually lasts about three weeks, the Stag is frequently seen by the sides of rivers and pools of water, where he can quench his thirst, as well as cool his ardour. He swims with great ease and strength; and, it is said, will even venture out to sea, allured by the Hinds, and swim from one island to another, though at a considerable distance. The Hinds go with young eight months and a few days, and seldom produce more than one, called a Fawn. They bring forth in May, or the beginning of June, and conceal their young with great care in the most obscure retreats. They will even expose themselves to the fury of the hounds, and suffer all the terrors of the chase, in order to draw off the Dogs from their hiding-place. The Hind is also very bold in the protection of her offspring, and defends it with great courage against her numerous and rapa- cious enemies : the Wild Cat, the Dog, and even the Wolf, are frequently obliged to give way to her upon these occasions. But what appears to be strangely unnatural, the Stag himself is often one of her most dangerous foes, and would destroy the Fawn, if not prevented by the maternal care of the Hind, which carefully conceals the place of its retreat. The Fawn never quits the dam during the whole summer; and in winter, the Stags and Hinds of all ages keep together in herds, which are more or less numerous, according to the mildness or rigour of the season. They separate in the spring: the Hinds retire to bring forth ; while none but the young ones remain together. VOL. in. s 138 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Stags are gregarious, and fond of grazing in company: it is danger or necessity alone that separates them. The Stag, in England, is usually of a reddish colour; in other countries it is generally brown or yellow. His eye is peculiarly beautiful, soft, and sparkling : his hearing is quick ; and his sense of smelling acute. When listening, he raises his head, erects his ears, and seems attentive to every noise, which he can hear at a great distance. When he approaches a thicket, he stops to look around him on all sides, and attentively surveys every object near him : if the wary animal perceive nothing to alarm him, he moves slowly forward ; but on the least appearance of danger, he flies off with the rapidity of the wind. He appears to listen with great tranquility and delight to the sound of the shepherd's pipe, which is sometimes made use of to allure the poor animal to its destruction. The Stag eats slowly, and is nice in the choice of his pasture. When his stomach is full, he lies down to chew the cud at leisure. This, however, seems to be attended with greater exertions than in the Ox or the Sheep ; for the grass is not returned from the first stomach without violent straining, owing to the great length of his neck, and the narrowness of the passage. This effort is made by a kind of hiccup, which continues during the time of his ruminating. The voice of the Stag is stronger and more quivering as he advances in age : in the rutting season, it is even terrible. That of the Hind is not so loud ; and is seldom heard, but when excited by apprehension for herself or her young. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 139 The Stag has been said to be an uncommonly long-lived animal; but later observations have fully confuted this unfounded opinion. It is a generally received maxim, that animals live seven times the number of years that bring them to perfection : thus the Stag, being five or six years in arriving at maturity, lives seven times that number, or from thirty-five to forty years. The following fact, recorded in history, will serve to show that the Stag is possessed of an extraor- dinary share of courage, when his personal safety is concerned: — Some years ago, William, Duke of Cumberland, caused a Tiger and a Stag to be in- closed in the same area; and the Stag made so bold a defence, that the Tiger was at length obliged to give up. The hunting of the Stag has been held, in all ages, a diversion of the noblest kind; and former times bear \vitness of the great exploits performed on these occasions. In .our island, large tracts of land were set apart for this purpose; villages and sacred edifices were wantonly thrown down, and converted into one wide waste, that the tyrant of the day might have room to pursue his favourite diversion. In the time of William Rufus and Henry the First, it was less criminal to destroy one of the human species than a beast of chase. Happily for us, these wide extended scenes of desolation and oppression have been gradually contracted; useful arts, agriculture, and commerce, have extensively spread themselves over the naked land; and these superior beasts of the chase have given way to other animals more useful to the community. In the present cultivated state of this country, therefore, the Stag is almost unknown in its wild 140 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. state. The few that remain are kept in parks among the Fallow-Deer, and are distinguished by the name of Red-Deer. Its visciousness during the rutting season, and the badness of its flesh, which is poor and ill-flavoured, have occasioned almost the extinction of the species. Some few are yet to be found in the forests that border on Cornwall and Devonshire, on most of the large mountains of Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland, where Dr. Johnson describes them as not exceeding the Fallow-Deer in size, and their flesh of equal flavour. The Red-Deer of this kingdom are nearly of the same size and colour, without much variety : in other parts of the world, they differ in form and size, as well as in their horns and the colour of their bodies. THE CORSICAN STAG. Is very small, not exceeding half the height of ours; his body is short and thick, his hair of a dark-brown colour, and his legs short. HISTORY OK QUADRUPEDS. 141 THE AXIS, OR GANGES STAG. (L'Axis^ Buff.) THIS animal is an inhabitant of those immense plains of India watered by the river Ganges. M. Buffon considers it as a variety or shade between the Stag and the Fallow-Deer. It is of the size of the latter; but its horns are round, like those of the Stag; and it has no brow antlers. Its whole body is marked with white spots, elegantly disposed, and distinct from each other: the belly, inside of the thighs, and legs, are white; along the back there are two rows of spots, parallel to each other ; those on the other parts of the body are irregular; the head and neck are grey ; and the tail, which is red above and white beneath, is as long as that of the Fallow-Deer. 142 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The continent of America abounds with Stags, & * and other animals of the Deer kind, in great variety. In some parts of that vast country, the inhabitants have domesticated them, and live chiefly upon the milk and cheese with which they supply them. Thus wTe find, that the same animal, which, in some parts, contributes only to the amusement of man, may, in others, be brought to supply his necessities. The stores of Nature are various and abundant: it is necessity alone that draws them out to supply our wants, and contribute to our comforts. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 143 THE FALLOW-DEER. (Cert' us Damn, Linn. — Lc Dai/i, Buff.) THE principal difference between the Stag and the Fallow-Deer, seems to be in their size and in the form of their horns ; the latter is much smaller than the former, and its horns, instead of being round, like those of the Stag, are broad, palmated at the ends, and better garnished with antlers : the tail is also much longer than that of the Stag, and its hair is brighter; in other respects they nearly resemble each other. The horns of the Fallow-Deer are shed annually, like those of the Stag ; but they fall off later, and are renewed nearly at the same time. Their rutting season arrives fifteen days or three weeks after that of the Stag. The males then bellow frequently, 144 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. but with a low and interrupted voice. They are not so -furious at this season as the Stag, nor exhaust themselves by any uncommon ardour. They never leave their pasture in quest of the females, but generally fight with each other, till one Buck becomes master of the field. They associate in herds, which sometimes divide into two parties, and maintain obstinate battles for the possession of some favourite part of the park : each party has its leader, which is always the oldest and strongest of the flock. They attack in regular order of battle ; they fight with courage and mutually support each other ; they retire, they rally, and seldom give up after one defeat : the combat is frequently renewed for several days to- gether ; till after many defeats, the weaker party is obliged to give way, and leave the conquerors in possession of the object of their contention. The Fallow-Deer is easily tamed, feeds upon a variety of things which the Stag refuses, and pre- serves its condition nearly the same through the whole year, although its flesh is esteemed much finer at particular seasons. They are capable of procreation in their second year ; and, like the Stag, are fond of variety. The female goes with young eight months ; and pro- duces one, sometimes two, and rarely three, at a time. They arrive at perfection at the age of three years, and live till about twenty. We have in England two varieties of the Fallow- Deer, which are said to be of foreign origin : the beautiful spotted kind, supposed to have been brought from Bengal ; and the deep-brown sort, now common in this country. These last were introduced by King James the First, out of Norway; HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 145 where having observed their hardiness in bearing the cold of that severe climate, he brought some of them into Scotland, and from thence transported them into his chases of Enfield and Epping. Since that time they have multiplied exceedingly in many parts of this kingdom, which is now become famous for venison of superior fatness and flavour to that of any other country in the world. The Fallow-Deer, with some variation, is found in almost every country of Europe. Those of Spain are as large as Stags, but darker; their necks are also more slender ; and their tails, which are longer than those of ours, are black above, and white beneath. In Guiana (a country of South America), accord- ing to Labat, there are Deer without horns, smaller than those of Europe, but resembling them in every other particular. They are very lively, light, and excessively timid; of a reddish colour; with sharp, piercing eyes, and short tails. When pursued, they fly into places of difficult access. The natives frequently stand and watch for them in narrow paths ; and, as soon as the Game appears within reach, shoot them unperceived. Their flesh is considered as a great delicacy. VOL. III. 146 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ROE-BUCK. (Cermts Capreolus, Linn. — La Chevrcuil, Buif. ) THE Roe was formerly common in many parts of England and Wales; but at present it is to be found only in the Highlands of Scotland. It is the smallest of all the Deer kind, being only three feet four inches long, and somewhat more than two feet in height: the horns are from eight to nine inches long, upright, round, and divided into three branches; the body is covered with long hair; the lower part of each hair is ash colour ; near the end is a narrow bar of black, and the point is yellow; the hairs on the face are black, tipped with ash colour; the ears are long, their insides of a pale yellow, and covered with long hair; the chest, belly, legs, and the inside of the thighs, are of a yellowish white; the rump is of a pure white, and the tail very short. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 147 The form of the Roe-Buck is elegant, and its motions light and easy. It bounds seemingly with- out effort, and runs with great swiftness. When hunted, it endeavours to elude its pursuers by the most subtle artifices : it repeatedly returns upon its former steps, till, by various windings, it has en- tirely confounded the scent. The cunning animal then, by a sudden spring, bounds to one side; and, lying close down upon its belly, permits the hounds to pass by, without offering to stir. They do not keep together in herds, like other Deer, but live in separate families. The sire, the dam, and the young ones, associate together, and seldom mix with others. The rutting season continues but fifteen days, — from the latter end of October till about the middle of November. During this period they will not suffer the Fawns to remain with them: the buck obliges them to retire, in order that the dam and her succeeding progeny may remain undisturbed. The female goes with young five months and a half, and brings forth about the end of April, or be- ginning of May. On these occasions, she separates from the male, and conceals herself in the thickest and most retired part of the woods. She generally produces two Fawns at a time, sometimes three. In ten or twelve days, these are able to follow their dam. When threatened with danger she hides them in a thicket; and, to preserve them, offers herself to be chased : but, notwithstanding her care, she is frequently robbed of her young. Numbers of Fawns are found out and taken alive by the peasants: and many more are worried by Dogs, Foxes, and other carnivorous animals. By these continual depredations, this beautiful creature is 148 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. daily becoming1 more scarce; and in many coun- tries, where it once was common, the race is now wholly extinct. When about eight or nine months old, their horns begin to appear in the form of two knobs : the first year they are without antlers. They shed their horns in the latter end of autumn, and renew them in the winter; in which they differ from the Stag, whose horns fall off in the spring, and are renewed in summer. The life of the Roe-Buck seldom exceeds twelve or fifteen years. They are very delicate in the choice of their food, and require a large tract of country, suited to the wildness of their nature, which can never be thoroughly subdued. No arts can teach them to be familiar with their keeper, nor in any degree attached to him. They are easily terrified; and in their attempts to escape, will run with such force against the walls of their inclosure, as sometimes to disable themselves : they are also subject to capricious fits of fierceness; and, on these occa- sions, will strike furiously with their horns and feet at the object of their dislike. Some years ago, one of these animals, after being" hunted out of Scotland, through Cumberland, and various parts of the North of England, at last took refuge in the woody recesses bordering upon the banks of the Tyne, between Prudhoe Castle and Wylam. It was repeatedly seen and hunted, but no Dogs were equal to its speed: it frequently crossed the river; and, either by swiftness or artifice, eluded all its pursuers. It happened during the rigour of a severe winter, that, being pursued, it crossed the river upon the ice with some difficulty; HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 149 and being much strained by its violent exertions, was taken alive. It was kept for some weeks in the house, and was then again turned out; but all its cunning and activity were gone ; it seemed to have forgotten the places of its former retreat ; and, after running some time, it laid down in the midst of a brook, where it was killed by the Dogs. The flesh of the Roe-Buck is fine and well-tasted : that of the male, after the age of two years, is hard ; the flesh of the females, though further advanced in years, is more tender: when very young, it is loose and soft ; but at the age of eighteen months, is in its highest state of perfection. In America, the Roe-Buck is much more com- mon than in Europe. In Louisiana, it is very large. The inhabitants live chiefly upon its flesh, which is good and well-flavoured. 150 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE CAMEL. (Camclus Bactrianu-s, I. inn. — Lc Chamcaii-, Buff.) POSSESSES the various qualities of the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep; and is to the Arabian, in a great measure, what those useful creatures are to us. Its milk is rich and nourishing; and being mixed with water, makes a wholesome and refresh- ing beverage, much used by the Arabs in their journies: the flesh of young Camels is also an ex- cellent and wholesome food. Their hair or fleece, which falls off entirely in the spring, is superior to that of any other domestic animal, and is made into very fine stuffs, for cloaths, coverings, tents, and other furniture. Possessed of his Camel, the Arabian has nothing either to want or to fear: in one day he can per- form a journey of fifty leagues into the desert, where he is safe from every enemy; for without the aid of HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 151 this useful animal, no person could pursue him amidst sandy deserts, where nothing presents itself to the eye but one uniform void, naked and solitary. The Arabian regards the Camel as the most precious gift of Heaven ; by the assistance of which he is enabled to subsist in those frightful intervals of Nature, which serve him for an asylum, and secure his independence. But it is not to the plundering Arab alone that the services of this useful quadruped are confined: in Turkey, Persia, Barbary, and Egypt, every article of merchandise is carried by Camels. Mer- chants and travellers unite together, and form themselves into numerous bodies, called caravans, to prevent the insults of the Arabs. One of these caravans frequently consists of many thousands : the Camels are always more numerous than the men. Each Camel is loaded in proportion to its strength. At the command of their conductor, they lie down on their belly, with their legs folded under them, and in this posture receive their burdens. As soon as they are loaded, they rise of their own accord, and will not suffer any greater weight to be imposed upon them than they can bear with ease ; when overloaded, they set up the most pitious cries, till part of the burden be taken off. The common load of the Camel is from three to four hundred weight ; and the medium of the expence of the con- veyance for each hundred appears to be about one farthing per mile. The usual rate of travelling is three miles in the hour ; and the number of hours that are actually employed on the route, exclusive of those allotted to refreshment is seldom more than seven or eight in a day. Of the number of days which are consumed in a long journey, many are 1 52 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. devoted to the purposes of occasional trade, re- cruiting the strength of the Camels, and procuring additional stores of provisions and water. A par- ticular mode of easy conveyance is provided for women and children, and for persons oppressed with infirmity or illness: six or eight Camels are yoked together in a row ; and a number of tent poles are placed in parallel lines upon their backs : these are covered with carpets : and bags of corn are superadded to bring the floor to a level, as well as to soften the harshness of the Camels move- ments : other carpets are then spread, and the travellers sit or lie down with the most perfect ease. The general food of the Camels is such only as their nightly pasture affords ; and is frequently confined to the hard and thorny shrubs of the desert, where a sullen kind of vegetation is created by the rains of the winter, and sustained by the dew that descends in copious abundance through all the remainder of the year. But the peculiar and distinguishing characteristic of the Camel, is its faculty of abstaining from water for a greater length of time than any other animal ; for which Nature has made a wonderful provision, in giving it, besides the four stomachs which it has in common with other ruminating animals, a fifth bag, serving as a reservoir for water, where it remains without corrupting or mixing with the other aliments. When the Camel is pressed with thirst, and has occasion for water to macerate its food while ruminating, it makes part of it pass into its stomach, by a simple contraction of certain muscles. By this singular structure, it can take a prodigious quantity of water at one draught, and is enabled to pass several days without drinking; Leo HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 153 Africanus says fifteen. Camels can discover water by their smell at half a league's distance; and, after a long abstinence, will hasten towards it, some time before their drivers perceive where it lies. The feet of the Camel are peculiarly adapted to the soil on which it treads. On moist or slippery ground he cannot well support himself; and his broad and tender feet are liable to be injured by the resistance of stones : but he is observed to tread with perfect ease and security on the dry and yield- ing sand; and whilst, from its peculiar structure, his hoof is incapable of fastening with any degree of security on the ground of a steep ascent or shelving declivity, his movements on a smooth and level surface are singularly firm and safe. Many attempts have been made to introduce this serviceable animal into other countries ; but, as yet, none have succeeded. The race seems to be con- fined to certain districts, where its utility has been known for ages. Though a native of warm climates, the Camel dreads those which are excessively hot : it can neither subsist in the burning heat of the torrid zone, nor in the milder air of the temperate. It seems to be an original native of Arabia; for in that country, it is not only more numerous, but thrives better than in any other part of the world. There are two varieties of this animal, which have been distinguished previous to all historical record : that which is called the Bactrian Camel has two hunches on its back, and is found chiefly in Turkey and the countries of the Levant : whilst the Arabian Camel has only one hunch. 154 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ARABIAN CAMEL, OR DROMEDARY. (Camelus Dromedarius, Linn. — Lc Dromcdaire, Buff.) Is common in Arabia and all the northern parts of Africa, from the Mediterranean sea to the river Niger; and is infinitely more numerous, and more generally diffused than the Camel: it is also much swifter, and is therefore chiefly employed on busi- ness which requires dispatch. In Arabia, they are trained for running matches ; and in many places for carrying couriers, who can go above a hundred miles a day on them, and that for nine or ten days together, over burning and uninhabitable deserts. They require neither whip nor spur to quicken their pace, but go freely, if gently treated; and are much enlivened by singing or the sound of the pipe, which gives them spirits to pursue their journey. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 155 They are mild and gentle at all times, except when they are in heat : at that period they are seized with a sort of madness; they eat little, and will sometimes attempt to bite their masters ; so that it is not safe to approach them. The Camel arrives at its full strength at the age of six years, and lives forty or fifty. The females are not usually put to hard labour, but are allowed to pasture and breed at full liberty. Their time of gestation is nearly twelve months ; and they generally bring forth one at a birth. THE LAMA. (Camelus (rlaina^ Linn. — Lc Lauia, Buff.) Is the Camel of Peru and Chili; and before the conquest of those countries by the Spaniards, was the only beast of burden known to the Indians. Its disposition is mild, gentle, and tractable. Before the introduction of Mules, these animals were used by the natives to plough the land, and now serve to carry burdens. They march slowly, and seldom accomplish journies of more than four or five leagues a day; but what they want in speed is made up by perseverance and industry. They travel long journies in countries impassable to most other animals; are very sure-footed; and are much employed in transporting the rich ores, dug out of the mines of Potosi, over the rugged hills and narrow paths of the Andes : Bolivar remarks, that, in his time, three hundred thousand of them were constantly employed in this work. They lie down to be loaded, and, when weary, no blows can excite them to quicken their pace. They neither defend 156 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. themselves with their feet nor their teeth. When angry, they have no other method of revenging injuries, but by spitting. They can throw out their saliva to the distance of ten paces ; and if it fall on the skin it raises an itching, accompanied with a slight inflammation. Their flesh is eaten, and said to be as good as mutton. Like the Camel, they have the faculty of abstain- ing long from water (sometimes four or five days) ; and, like that animal, their food is coarse and trifling. They are neither allowed corn nor hay; green herbage, of which they eat very moderately, is sufficient for their nourishment. The wild Lamas, called Guanacos, are stronger and more active than the domestic kind. They live in herds, and inhabit the highest regions of the Cordelieres. They run with great swiftness in places of difficult access, where Dogs cannot easily follow them. The most usual way of killing them is with the gun. They are hunted for the sake of their flesh and their hair: of the latter the Indians make cloth. The Lama resembles the Camel in the form of its body, but is without the dorsal hunch: its head is small and well shaped; its neck long, and very protuberant near its junction with the body : in its domestic state, its hair is short and smooth; when wild, it is coarse and long, of a yellowish colour : a black line runs along the top of the back, from the head to the tail. The tame ones vary in colour : some of them are white, others black, others of a mixed colour — white, grey, and russet, dispersed in spots. Its tail is short : its ears are four inches long : its feet are cloven, like those of the Ox, and are armed behind with a spur, by which the animal is enabled HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 157 to support itself on rugged and difficult ground. The height of the Lama is about four feet ; and its length, from the neck to the tail, six feet. THE PACOS. (C a nidus PMC-OS, Linn. — Lc Paco, Buff.) GREATLY resembles the Lama in figure, but is much smaller. Its body is covered with very fine long wool of the colour of dried roses, or a dull purple : the belly is white. They live in vast herds, and inhabit the most elevated parts of the highest mountains, where they endure the utmost rigour of frost and snow. They are exceedingly swift ; and so timid, that it is very difficult to come near them. The manner of taking them is singular. The Indians tie cords, with small pieces of wool or cloth hanging from them, across the narrow passes of the mountains, about three or four feet from the ground : they then drive a herd of these animals towards them, and they are so terrified by the flutter of the rags, that they dare not pass, but huddle together, and suffer themselves to be killed in great numbers. Their wool is a valuable article of commerce, and is made into gloves, stockings, bed-cloaths, carpets, &c. The Pacos is domesticated; and, like the Lama, is employed in carrying burdens, but cannot bear more than from fifty to seventy-five pounds ; and is still more subject to capricious fits of obstinacy. When once they lie down with their load, no blows can provoke them to rise. 158 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The great advantages derived from the wool of these creatures, induced the Spaniards to attempt their introduction into Europe. Some of them were brought over to Spain; but, by not sufficiently attending to the necessity of placing them in situa- tions similar to those which they had always been accustomed to, the experiment proved unsuccess- ful. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 159 THE HOG KIND. ANIMALS of the Hog kind seem to possess a middle nature, between those that live upon grass and such as are carnivorous, and unite in them- selves most of those distinctions which are peculiar to each class. Like the one, they will feed on animal substances, and do not ruminate; like the other, they are cloven-hoofed, live chiefly on vege- tables, and seldom seek after animal food, except when urged by necesssity. The most numerous breed of Hogs in this island is that generally known by the name of the Berk- shire Pigs, now spread through almost every part of England, and some parts of Scotland. They are in general of a reddish brown colour, with black spots upon them; have large ears hanging over their eyes; are short-legged, small-boned, and are readily made fat. Some of these have been fed to an almost incredible size. Mr. Culley, in his Treatise on Live Stock, gives an account of one that was killed at Congleton, in Cheshire, which measured, from the nose to the end of the tail, three yards eight inches ; in height it was four feet and a half; and weighed, after it was killed, eighty-six stones eleven pounds avoirdupoise. The Hog species, though very numerous, and diffused over Europe, Asia, and Africa, did not exist in America, till transported thither by the Spaniards. In many places they have multiplied exceedingly, and become wild. They resemble the domestic Hog; but their bodies are shorter, and their snout and skin thicker. i6o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE WILD-BOAR. (Sus.Aper, Linn. — Lc Sa-nglicry Buff.) WHICH is the original of all the varieties to be found in this creature, is much smaller than those of the domestic kind, and does not, like them, vary in colour, but is uniformly of a brindled or dark grey, inclining to black. His snout is longer than that of the tame Hog; and his ears are short, round, and black. He is armed with for- midable tusks in each jaw, which serve him for the double purpose of annoying his enemy, or procur- ing his food, which is chiefly roots and vegetables : some of these tusks are almost a foot long: those in the upper jaw bend upwards in a circular form, .and are exceedingly sharp at the points; those of the under jaw are always most to be dreaded, for with them the animal defends himself, and fre- quently gives mortal wounds. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l6l Wild-Boars are not gregarious ; but while young, they live together in families, and frequently unite their forces against the Wolves, or other beasts of prey. When likely to be attacked, they call to each other with a very loud and fierce note: the strongest face the danger and form themselves into a ring, the weakest falling into the centre. In this position few beasts dare venture to engage them, but leave them to pursue a less dangerous chase. When the Wild-Boar is arrived at a state of maturity, he walks the forest alone and fearless. At that time he dreads no single foe ; nor will he turn out of his way even for man himself. He offends no animal ; at the same time he is furnished with arms which render him a terror to the fiercest. The hunting of the Wild-Boar is a dangerous but common amusement of the great, in those countries where it is to be found. The Dogs chiefly used for this sport are of a slow and heavy kind. When the Boar -is roused, he goes slowly forward, not much afraid, nor very far before his pursuers. He frequently turns round, stops till the hounds come up, and offers to attack them : after keeping each other at bay for a while, the Boar again goes slowly forward, and the Dogs renew the pursuit. In this manner the chase is continued till the Boar becomes quite tired, and refuses to go any farther: the Dogs then attempt to close in upon him from behind; and in this attack the young ones, being generally the most forward, frequently lose their lives: the old seasoned Dogs keep the animal at bay until the hunters come up, who kill him with their spears. VOL. III. 1 62 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE COMMON BOAR. (Sits Scrofa, Linn. — Lc Cochon, BuiF.) Is, of all other domestic quadrupeds, the most filthy and impure. Its form is clumsy and disgust- ing, and its appetite gluttonous and excessive. In no instance has nature more conspicuously shewn her economy than in this race of animals, whose stomachs are fitted to receive nutriment from a variety of things that would be otherwise wasted : the refuse of the field, the garden, the barn, or the kitchen, affords them a luxuriant repast. Useless during life, and only valuable when deprived of it, this animal has been sometimes compared to a miser, whose hoarded treasures are of little value till death has deprived them of their rapacious owner. The parts of this anmial are finely adapted to its mode of living. Nature has given it a form more prone than that of other animals. Its neck is strong and brawny ; its snout is long and callous, well calculated for the purpose of turning up the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 163 earth for roots of various kinds, of which it is extremely fond ; and it has a quick sense of smell- ing, by which it is enabled to trace out its food. It is naturally stupid, inactive, and drowsy; much in- clined to increase in fat, which is disposed in a dif- ferent manner from that of other animals, and forms a thick and regular coat between the flesh and the skin. It is restless at a change of weather; and during certain high winds, is so agitated, as to run violently, screaming horribly at the same time. It appears to forsee the approach of bad weather, as it previously carries straw in its mouth to its sty, pre- pares a bed, and seems endeavouring to hide itself from the impending storm. Linnaeus observes, that the flesh of the Hog is a wholesome food for those that use much exercise, but bad for such as lead a sedentary life. It is of universal use, and makes, in various ways, a con- stant article in the elegancies of the table. It is of great importance to this country, as a commercial nation, for it takes salt better than any other kind, and consequently is capable of being preserved longer: it is therefore in great use in ships, and makes a principal part of the provisions of the British navy. The domestic Sow generally brings forth twice a year, and produces from ten to twenty at a litter: she goes four months with young, and brings forth in the fifth. At that time she must be carefully watched, to prevent her from devouring her young: still greater attention is necessary to keep off the male, as he would destroy the whole litter. 1 64 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SOW OF THE IMPROVED BREED. BY a mixture of the Chinese black Swine with others of the larger British breed, a kind has been produced which possesses many qualities superior to either of the original stocks. They are -very pro- lific, are sooner made fat than the larger kind, upon less provisions, and cut up, when killed, to more useful and convenient portions. Our figure was taken from a Sow of this kind, in the possession of Arthur Mowbray, Esq., of Sher- burn, in the county of Durham. She had a litter of nineteen pigs to support at the time, which was the third within ten months : the whole amounted, in that time, to fifty pigs. The Chinese or black breed is now very common in England. They are smaller, have shorter legs, and their flesh is whiter and sweeter than the com- mon kind. A kind similar to this were those found in New Guinea, which proved so seasonable a relief to our circumnavigators, when that country was first HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 165 visited by them. There are likewise great numbers of them in the Friendly and Society Isles, the Mar- quesas, and many other of the newly-discovered islands in the South Seas. These are fed with plantains, bread-fruit, and yams, and are exceed- ingly fat. They are frequently seen by the natives in their canoes, swimming from one island to an- other, and killed by them with lances and arrows. Another breed of Swine has lately been intro- duced into this kingdom, which is expected to rival or excel all the others : the original stock was pro- duced from a Wild Boar brought from America, and a Sow of the improved Chinese breed. The Sows are extremely prolific, and the colour of the pigs in general is most fancifully diversified; some are striped longitudinally, with brown and black; others brown and blue; and others, with black and white. The colour of the Boar was a rusty brown. 1 66 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE CHINESE KIND. Ax unceasing attention to improvement has pro- duced or new-modelled the Chinese breed in this country to what is deemed to be nearer perfection. The delicacy of appearance, the thin transparent ears, small head, short small legs, and even the colour of the hair, are all considered as requisite qualities which ought to be attended to in this kind. They are seldom fed for the same purposes as the larger kind of Swine, being accounted too small for being dried into bacon ; but they are preferred as the best and most delicate for pork and roasting pigs. Our figure was taken from one of this description, in the possession of Geo. Baker, Esq., of Elemore, in the county of Durham. HISTORY OF QTADRUPEDS. 167 THE AFRICAN WILD-BOAR, OR WOOD SWIXE. (Sus &thiopiciiSi Linn. — Sa-nglicr dn Cap Verd, Buft) LIVES in a wild, uncultivated state, in the hottest parts of Africa. It is a very vicious animal, and quick in all its motions. It is as dangerous to attack one of them as a Lion : for, though much smaller, it rushes upon a man as swift as an arrow; and throwing him down before he has time to strike with his javelin, breaks his legs, and almost at the same instant, rips up his belly. It has four tusks : two very large ones proceed from the upper jaw, and turn upwards like a horn; they are nine inches long, and full five inches round at the base; the other two tusks, which come from the lower jaw, project but three inches from the mouth. These tusks the animal makes use of as the dreadful instruments of his vengeance. He will attack a man on horseback, if he should 1 68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. venture to come too near him ; and, first breaking the Horse's legs, kills both him and the rider. Sparrman describes this species as of a bright yellow colour, like the domestic kind. Its nose is broad, flat, and of a horny hardness ; its head is very large in proportion to the size of its body; underneath each eye it has a great lobe or wattle, lying almost horizontally, broad, flat, rounded at the end, and placed so as to intercept the view of any thing immediately beneath it ; the ears are large and sharp-pointed, lined on the inside with long whitish hairs ; its tail is slender and flat, and when the animal is pursued it always holds it quite erect. They live in holes under ground, the avenues to which are exceedingly narrow. The natives seldom dare attack them in their retreats, as there is always danger of their rushing out unawares. When pur- sued with their young ones, it is no uncommon thing to see them take them up in their mouths, and run with them in that manner at a great rate. From the shortness of their necks, they frequently fall on their knees to feed ; and change this posture to that of standing with the greatest ease. The flesh of this animal is good, and very much resembles that of the common Hog. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 169 THE PECCARY, OR MEXICAN HOG. (Sits Trtjacii, Linn. I XHABITS the hottest parts of South America, where the species is very numerous : herds, consist- ing of two or three hundred, are sometimes to be seen together. It is very fierce, and will fight stoutly with beasts of prey, when attacked by them. The Jaguar, or American Leopard, is its mortal enemy, and frequently loses its life in engaging a number of these animals. They assist each other, surround their enemies, and often come off vic- torious. They live chiefly in mountainous places, and are not fond of wallowing in the mire, like the common Hog. They feed on fruits, roots, and seeds; they likewise eat serpents, toads, and lizards; and are very dexterous in first taking oif the skins with their fore feet and teeth. The Peccary in appearance resembles the Hogr though somewhat smaller : its body is covered with strong bristles, which, when the creature is irritated,, VOL. III. Y 1 70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. rise up like the prickles of a Hedgehog, and are very strong; they are of a dusky colour, with alter- nate rings of white; across the shoulders to the breast, there is a band of white; its head is short and thick: it has two tusks in each jaw; its ears are small and erect; and instead of a tail, it has a small fleshy protuberance, which does not cover its posteriors. It differs most essentially from the Hog, in having a small orifice on the lower part of the back, from which a thin watery humour, of a most disagreeable smell, flows very copiously. In the Philosophical Transactions, Dr. Tyson has described this orifice very minutely, as well as some other peculiarities in the conformation of its stomach and intestines. Like the Hog, the Peccary is very prolific. The young ones, if taken at first, are easily tamed, and soon lose all their natural ferocity; but can never be brought to discover any signs of attachment to those that feed them. They do no mischief, and may be allowed to run about at pleasure. They seldom stray far from home, and return of their own accord. When angry, they grunt like the Hog, but much stronger and harsher; and when suddenly alarmed, make a sharp noise with their breath, and erect their bristles. The flesh of the Peccary, though drier and leaner than that of our Hog, is by no means disagreeable, and may be greatly improved by castration. When killed, the dorsal gland must be immediately cut off. If this operation be deferred for the space of half an hour, the flesh becomes utterly unfit to be eaten. Although the European Hog is common in Ame- rica, and in many parts has become wild, the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 171 Peccary has never been known to breed with it. They frequently go together, and feed in the same woods ; but hitherto no intermediate breed has been known to arise from their intercourse. M. de la Borde describes two kinds of this animal, — one smaller than the other. He relates, that being one day engaged with some others in hunt- ing a drove of Peccaries, they were surrounded by them, and obliged to take refuge upon a piece of rock; and notwithstanding they kept up a constant fire among them, the creatures did not retire till a great number of them were shot. 172 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE BABIROUSSA. (Sus Babyroussa, Linn. — Le Bdbiroussa, Buff.) THOUGH classed by naturalists with the Hog kind, differs from animals of that species in a num- ber of particulars : its legs are longer, and its body more slender; it is covered with short hair as soft as wool, and of a dark grey colour, mixed with red ; its ears are short and pointed ; its tail is long, tufted at the end, and twisted. Its most distinguishing characteristic consists in four large tusks, the two stoutest of which proceed, like those of the Wild- Boar, from the under jaw, pointing upwards, and standing near eight inches out of the sockets; the two others rise up like horns on the outside of the upper jaw, just above the nose, and extend in a curve above the eyes, almost touching the forehead, and are twelve inches in length. These tusks are of the most beautiful ivory, but not so hard as those of the Elephant. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 173 The Babiroussa abounds in several of the islands of the East Indies, particularly Buero, a small isle near Amboyna. It is easily tamed; and its flesh is well tasted. It lives on leaves of trees and other vegetables. Its scent is exquisite: it can discover the approach of Dogs at a distance. When closely pursued, it plunges into the sea, swims and dives with great facility from one island to another, and by that means frequently escapes from its pursuers. They live in herds; and when any number of them are together, their odour is so strong, that the Dogs can scent them at a considerable distance. When attacked, they growl frightfully, and defend themselves with their under tusks: the upper ones are serviceable to them in taking their repose, by hooking them on the branches of trees. 174 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE LONG-NOSED TAPIIR. (Hippopotamus Terrestris, Linn. — Lc Tapir •, BufF.) Is the Hippopotamus of the new world, and has by some authors been mistaken for that animal. It inhabits the woods and rivers on the eastern side of South America, from the isthmus of Darien to the river of the Amazons. It is a solitary animal, sleeps during the day, and goes out in the night in search of food; lives on grass, sugar-canes, and fruits. If disturbed, it takes to the water, swims with great ease, or plunges to the bottom ; and like the Hippopotamus, walks there as on dry ground. It is about the size of a small Cow: its nose is long and slender, and extends far beyond the lower jaw, forming a kind of proboscis, which it can con- tract or extend at pleasure: each jaw is furnished with ten cutting teeth, and as many grinders; its ears are small and erect ; its body formed like that of a Hog; its back arched; legs short; and hoofs, of which it has four upon each foot, small, black, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 175 and hollow; its tail is very small; its hair short, and of a dusky brown colour. The Tapiir is mild and inoffensive, avoids all hostilities with other animals, and flies from every appearance of danger. Its skin, of which the In- dians make bucklers, is very thick; and when dried, is so hard as to resist the impression of an arrow. The natives eat its flesh, which is said to be very good. THE RHINOCEROS. (Rhinoceros Unicorn is, Linn. — Rhinoceros, Buff.) WE are indebted to the labours of many learned and ingenious naturalists for accurate descriptions of this wonderful creature, which in size is exceeded only by the Elephant, and in strength and power is inferior to no other animal. Bontius says, that in the bulk of its body it equals the Elephant, but is lower only on account of the shortness of its legs. 176 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The length of the Rhinoceros, from the extremity of the muzzle to the insertion of the tail, is usually twelve feet; and the circumference of its body nearly equal to its length. Its nose is armed with a formidable weapon, peculiar to this creature, being a very hard and solid horn, with which it defends itself from every adversary. The Tiger, would rather attack the Elephant, whose trunk it can lay hold of, than the Rhinoceros, which it can- not face, without danger of having its bowels torn out. The body and limbs of the Rhinoceros are cover- ed with a skin so hard and impenetrable, that he fears neither the claws of the Tiger, nor the more formidable proboscis of the Elephant : it will turn the edge of a scimitar, and even resist the force of a musket-ball. The skin, which is of a blackish colour, forms itself into large folds at the neck, the shoulders, and the crupper, by which the motion of the head and limbs is facilitated; round the neck, which is very short, are two large folds; there is also a fold from the shoulders, which hangs down upon the fore legs; and another from the hinder part of the back to the thighs. The body is every where covered with small tuberosities or knots, which are small on the neck and back, but larger on the sides : the thighs, legs, and even the feet, are full of these incrustations, which have been mis- taken for scales by some authors : they are, however, only simple indurations of the skin, without any uniformity in their figure, or regularity in their position. Between the folds, the skin is penetrable and delicate, as soft to the touch as silk, and of a light flesh colour : the skin of the belly is nearly of the same colour and consistency. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 177 The body of the Rhinoceros is long and thick: its belly is large, and hangs near the ground ; its legs are short, round, and very strong; and its hoofs divided into three parts, each pointing for- ward. The head of this animal is large ; its ears long and erect ; and its eyes small, sunk, and with- out vivacity : the upper lip is long, overhangs the lower, and is capable of great extension : it is so pliable, that the Rhinoceros can move it from side to side, twist it round a stick, collect its food, or seize with it any thing it would carry to its mouth. The Rhinoceros, without being ferocious, carnivo- rous, or even extremely wild, is, however, totally untractable and rude. It seems to be subject to paroxysms of fury, which nothing can appease. That which Emanuel, king of Portugal, sent to the Pope in the year 1513, destroyed the vessel in which they were transporting it. Like the Hog, the Rhinoceros is fond of wallow- ing in the mire. It is a solitary animal, loves moist and marshy grounds, and seldom quits the banks of rivers. It is found in Bengal, Siam, China, and other countries of Asia ; in the isles of Java, Sumatra, Ceylon, &c. ; in Ethiopia, and the country as low as the Cape of Good Hope : but in general, the species is not numerous, and is much less diffused than that of the Elephant. The female produces but one at a time, and at considerable intervals. During the first month, the young Rhinoceros exceeds not the size of a large Dog. At the age of two years, the horn is not more than an inch long ; at six years old, it is nine of ten inches long; and grows to the length of three feet and a half, and sometimes four feet. The horn is much esteemed by the natives as an anti- VOL. in. z 178 HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. dote against poison, as well as a remedy for particular diseases. The Rhinoceros feeds on the grossest herbs, and prefers thistles and shrubs to soft and delicate pasturage. It is fond of the sugar-cane, and eats all kinds of grain. Dr. Parsons remarks, that this animal has an acute and very attentive ear. It will listen, with a deep and long-continued attention, to any kind of noise ; and though it be eating, lying down, or obeying any pressing demands of Nature, it will raise its head, and listen till the noise cease. From the peculiar construction of his eyes, the Rhinoceros can only see what is immediately before him. When he pursues any object, he proceeds always in a direct line, overturning every obstruc- tion. With the horn on his nose, he tears up trees, raises stones, and throws them behind him to a considerable distance. His sense of smelling is so exquisite, that the hunters are obliged to avoid being to windward of him. They follow him at a distance, and watch till he lies down to sleep : they then approach with great precaution, and discharge their muskets all at once into the lower part of the belly. The Rhinoceros is supposed to be the Unicorn of holy writ, and possesses all the properties ascribed to that animal, — rage, untameableness, great swift- ness, and immense strength. It was known to the Romans in very early times, and is handed down to us in some of the works of that celebrated people. Augustus introduced one into the shows, on his triumph over Cleopatra. Its flesh is eaten and much relished by the natives of India and Africa. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 79 THE TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS. (Rhinoceros Bi corn is, Linn.) \\TE have given the figure of this hitherto un- described animal, from. Mr. Sparrman, whose authenticity there is every reason to depend upon, and who has given a most exact anatomical descrip- tion of it. Of two that were shot, he mentions only the size of the smaller of them; which was eleven feet and a half long, seven feet high, and twelve in circumference. Its skin was without any folds, and of an ash colour ; excepting about the groin, where it was flesh-coloured : the surface was scabrous and knotty, of a close texture, and when dry, extremely hard. There were no hairs on any part of the body, except the edges of the ears and the tip of the tail, on which were a few dark bristly hairs, about an inch long. The horns are placed one behind the other, in a line with the nose : the foremost of them measures l8() HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. about eighteen inches in length, and is always the larger of the two. They are of a conical shape, and the tips incline a little backward ; the lower parts are rough, and seem as if composed of thorny fibres ; the upper parts are smooth and plain, like those of an Ox. It is remarkable, that the Rhi- noceros makes use of the shorter horn only, for the purpose of digging up roots, of which its food chiefly consists, being endued with the power of turning the larger horn on one side out of the way. The feet are round, and do not spread much ; there are three hoofs on each of them, which project but little; the middle one is the longest. The eyes of this animal are small, and sunk into its head; in consequence of which it sees indis- tinctly. But its organs of hearing and smelling are very acute : at the least noise, the creature takes the alarm, pricks up its ears, and listens with great attention : if it happen to catch the scent of any person within a small distance, it rushes out with astonishing rapidity ; and it is difficult to avoid the impetuous attack of this powerful animal. It has been generally said of the Rhinoceros, that its tongue is so hard and rough, as to take away the skin and flesh wherever it licks any person that has unfortunately fallen a victim to its fury. Mr. Sparrman says, however, that he thrust his hand into the mouth of one that had just been shot, and found the tongue perfectly soft and smooth. From the account of its intestines, given us by the same ingenious author, we shall just mention the following, which will enable our readers to form a more perfect idea of its enormous bulk: the stomach was four feet in length, and two in diameter ; to which was annexed a tube or canal, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 181 twenty-eight feet long, and six inches in diameter ; the kidnies were a foot and a half in breadth: the heart was a foot and a half long, and nearly the same in breadth ; the liver, when measured from right to left, was found to be three feet and a half in breadth, and two feet and a half deep, as it hangs in the animal's body when in a standing position : it had no gall-bladder, in which it resembles the Horse. Upon opening the stomach, the contents of it were found to consist of roots and small branches of trees masticated, some of which were as big as the end of a man's finger; in the mass there appeared a great quantity of succulent plants, as well as some that were harsh and prickly : the effluvium arising from this mass was so far from being offensive, that it diffused around a very strong and not disagreeable aromatic odour. We shall conclude this account by observing, that the cavity which contained the brains was small, being only six inches long, and four high, and of an oval shape : being filled with pease, it was found to contain barely one quart; a human skull, measured at the same time, did not require much less than three pints to fill it. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. (Hippopotam ns - 1 iiipJi ibius, Lin n . — L ' Hippopotame, Buff.) THE great difficulties that have always attended a complete investigation of this huge animal, have arisen as well from the remoteness of its situation, as from its peculiar habits and disposition. Though the Hippopotamus has been celebrated from the remotest antiquity ; though the sacred writings mention him under the name of Behemoth ; and though his figure is to be seen engraven on Egyptian obelisks and on Roman medals, yet his history was very imperfectly known to the ancients. Aristotle says, that he has a mane like a Horse, and hoofs like an Ox ; tusks and tail like a Boar ; that he is of the size of an Ass, and has the voice of a Horse ; with other things equally absurd ; all which Pliny has copied ; and, instead of correcting, has added to the number of his errors. Of the accounts of later writers, it is much to be lamented HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 183 that suitable delineations have not accompanied their accurate descriptions, — a general defect, by which the study of nature has been much retarded, the laborious researches of many learned and ingeni- ous naturalists greatly frustrated, and the errors of former times repeatedly copied, and multiplied without number. The size of the Hippopotamus is nearly equal to that of the Elephant. M. Yaillant says, that one which he killed, measured, from the tip of the nose to the insertion of the tail, ten feet seven inches, and was eight feet eleven inches in circumference; but, from the smallness of its tusks, he supposed it to be a young one. In its stomach were found leaves and reeds, grossly chewred: likewise small branches of trees, a little bruised. It inhabits all the larger rivers of Africa, from the Niger to the Cape of Good Hope; but it is found in none of the African rivers that run into the Mediterranean, except the Nile, and in that part of it only which runs through the Upper Egypt, and in the fens and lakes of Ethiopia. The head of this animal is enormously large : its mouth vastly wide. Ray says, that the upper man- dible is moveable, like that of a Crocodile. In each jaw there are four cutting teeth; those in the lower jaw point straight forward: it has four large tusks; the largest, which are always in the lower jaw, are sometimes above two feet long : it is said that the canine teeth are so hard, as to emit fire on being struck with steel; they are perfectly white, and preferable to ivory for making artificial teeth: the grinders are square or oblong like those of a man ; and so large that a single tooth weighs above three pounds; the skin is of a dusky colour, bears a 184 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. resemblance to that of the Rhinoceros, but is thicker, and is made into whips: the tail is nearly a foot long, taper, and flatted at the end, which is thinly furnished with hairs like bristles: its leg's are so short, that its belly almost touches the ground; the hoofs are divided into four parts, un- connected by membranes. When alarmed or pursued, it takes to the water, plunges in, and sinks to the bottom ; where it walks at full ease. It often rises to the surface, and re- mains with its head out of the water, making a bellowing noise, which may be heard at a great distance. It feeds during the night, on the banks of the rivers, and sometimes does great damage in the adjacent plantations of rice and other grain.* The Hippopotamus is naturally mild and gentle, very slow, and heavy in its movements upon land, but in the water bold and active; and when pro- voked or wounded, will rise and attack boats or canoes with great fury. Dampier says, he has known one of these animals sink a boat full of people, by biting a hole in the bottom with its tusks. The method of taking it is by digging pits in the sand, in those parts through which the animal passes in its way to the river after it has been feed- ing. * The Arabic name of the Hippopotamus is Barnik, the Nubians call it Ird. It is a dreadful plague, on account of its voracity, and the want of means in the inhabitants to destroy it. They never rise above water in the day time, but come on shore in the night, when they destroy as much by the treading of their enormous feet, as by their voracity. It is generally said that no musket ball can bring them to the ground, unless they are hit in the vulnerable spot, which js over the ear. Burckhardfs Travels. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 185 The flesh of the Hippopotamus is tender and good : the fat is fine and well-tasted, and much in request wTith the colonists at the Cape, who look upon it as the most wholesome meat that can be eaten : the gelatinous part of the feet in particular is accounted a great delicacy: the tongue, when dried, is also considered at the Cape as a rare and excellent dish. Sparrman has given an engraving of this animal, taken from a young one which he caught at the Cape, and from which ours is copied. The sub- joined cut, representing the head of the male, is taken from Vaillant's Travels in Africa. The female brings forth one young at a time. VOL. III. 2 A 1 86 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ELEPHANT. (Elephas Jlf&ximus, Linn. — L'Elephgnt) Buff.) OF all the creatures that have hitherto been taken into the service of man, the Elephant is pre- eminent in the size and strength of his body, and inferior to none in sagacity and obedience. From time immemorial this animal has been em- ployed either for the purposes of labour, of war, or of ostentatious parade; to increase the grandeur of eastern princes, extend their power; or enlarge their dominions. The Elephant is a native of Asia and Africa, and is not to be found in its natural state either in Europe or America. From the river Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope, they are met with in great num- bers. In this extensive region, as they are more numerous than in any other part of the world, so HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 187 are they less fearful of man. The savage inhabi- tants of this dreary country, instead of attempting to subdue this powerful animal, and render it sub- servient to their necessities, seem desirous only of avoiding its fury. Sparrman says, that in the country near the Cape, they are sometimes seen in large herds, consisting of many hundreds ; and he thinks it probable, that in the more remote and unfrequented parts of that vast country, they are still more numerous. They are frequently hunted by the colonists at the Cape, who are very expert in shooting them, and make great advantage of their teeth. The largest teeth weigh an hundred and fifty Dutch pounds, and are sold to the governor for as many guilders; so that a man may earn three hundred guilders at one shot. It is not therefore to be wondered at, that a traffic so lucrative should tempt the hunter to run great risks. In approaching this animal, great care must be taken to steal upon him unperceived. If the Elephant discover his enemy near, he rushes out, and endeavours to kill him. One of these hunters being out upon a plain, under the shelter of a few scattered thorn trees, thought he could be able to advance near enough to shoot an Elephant that was at a little distance from him ; but he was discovered, pursued, and overtaken by the animal, which laid hold of him with his trunk, and beat him instantly to death. The height of the Elephant at the Cape is from twelve to fifteen feet. The female is less than the male, and her tusks do not grow to such a size. In proportion to the size of the Elephant his eyes are very small ; but they are lively, brilliant, and 1 88 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. capable of great expression. He turns them slowly, and with , gentleness, towards his master. When he speaks, the animal regards him with an eye of mildness and attention. His ears are very large, and much longer, in proportion to his body, than those of the Ass : they lie flat on the head, and are commonly pendulous ; but he can raise and move them with great facility, and frequently uses them as a fan to cool himself, or defend his eyes from dust and insects. His hearing is likewise remark- ably fine ; for he delights in the sound of musical instruments, and moves in cadence to the trumpet and tabor. Their are four grinders in each jaw, closely united together, forming with the jaw-bone, one hard and compact body. One of these grinders sometimes measures nine inches broad, and weighs four pounds and a half. The texture of the skin is uneven, wrinkled and knotty ; full of deep fissures, nearly resembling the bark of an oak tree, which run in all directions over its surface. It is of a tawny colour, inclining to citron. In the fissures there are some bristly hairs, which are also thinly scattered over the body. The legs resemble massy columns, of fifteen or eighteen inches diameter, and from five to six feet high. The foot is short, and divided into five toes, covered by the skin, so as not to be visible. To each toe there is aifixed a nail or hoof, of a horny substance. The most remarkable feature of the Elephant is his trunk or proboscis, which is composed of mem- branes, nerves, and muscles. It is an organ both of feeling and of motion. The animal can not only move and bend it, but can contract, lengthen, and turn it in every direction. The extremity of the trunk terminates in a protuberance, which stretches HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 189 out on the upper side in the form of a finger, and possesses in a great degree the niceness and dex- terity of that usful member. It is equally flexible, and as capable of laying hold of objects as the fingers of a man. He lifts from the ground the smallest piece of money ; he selects herbs and flowers, and picks them up one by one ; he unties the knots of ropes, opens and shuts gates, &c. With his trunk he grasps any body which it is applied to, so firmly, that no force can tear it from his gripe. Of all the instruments which Nature has so liberally bestowed on her most favourite produc- tions, the trunk of the Elephant is perhaps the most complete and admirable. Ray says, it is divided into three partitions or chambers, two of which run in spiral directions, and the other in a right line. It is eight feet long in an Elephant of fourteen feet high, and five feet in circumference at the thickest part. The nostrils are situated at the extremity, through which it draws in water by a strong suction, either for the purpose of quenching its thirst, or of washing and cooling itself, which it frequently does, by taking up a large quantity, part of which it carries to its mouth, and drinks ; and by elevating the trunk, allows the remainder to run over every part of its body. Roots, herbs, leaves, and tender wood, are the ordinary food of the Elephant. It does not rumi- nate, and has but one stomach : this want, however, is amply supplied by the magnitude and length of his intestines, and particularly of the colon, which is from fifteen to twenty feet in length, and two or three in diameter. When one of them discovers a plentiful pasture, he calls to the others and invites 1 90 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. them to partake. As they require a great quantity of forage,, they frequently change their pasture, and do considerable damage whenever they happen to stray into cultivated ground. From the weight of their bodies and the size of their feet, they destroy much more than they use for food. The Indians and negroes use every artifice to prevent the ap- proach of these unwelcome visitants, by making loud noises, and kindling fires round their habita- tions ; but in spite of all their precautions, the Elephants often break through their fences, destroy their whole harvest, and overturn their huts. It is not easy to separate them : they generally act in concert, whether they attack, march, or fly. The ordinary walk of the Elephant is not quicker than that of a Horse ; but when pushed, he assumes a kind of ambling pace, which in fleetness is equal to a gallop. He goes forward with ease and celerity; but it is with great difficulty that he turns himself round, and that not without taking a pretty large circuit. It is generally in narrow and hollow places that the negroes attack him, and cut off his tail, which they value above every other part of his body. He swims well, and is of much use in carry- ing great quantities of baggage over large rivers. When swimming, he raises his long trunk above the surface of the water for the sake of respiration, every other part of his body being below: in this manner several of these animals swim together, and steer their course without danger of running foul of each other. The Elephant, when tamed, is gentle, obedient, and docile : patient of labour, he submits to the most toilsome drudgery ; and is so attentive to the commands of his governor, that a word or a look is HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. IQI sufficient to stimulate him to the most violent exertions. His attachment to his keeper is so great, that he caresses him with his trunk, and frequently will obey no other master : he knows his voice, and can distinguish the tone of command, of anger, or of approbation, and regulates his actions accordingly: he receives his orders with attention, and executes them with eagerness, but without precipitation. All his motions are orderly, and seem to correspond with the dignity of his appear- ance, being grave, majestic, and cautious. He kneels down for the accommodation of those who would mount upon his back, and with his pliant trunk even assists them to ascend. He suffers himself to be harnessed, and seems to have a pleasure in the finery of his trappings. He is used in drawing chariots, Avaggons, and various kinds of machines. One of them will perform with ease the work of many Horses. The conductor of the Elephant is usually mount- ed on its neck, and makes Use of a rod of iron, sharp at the end, and hooked; with which he urges the animal forward, by pricking its head, ears, or muzzle: but in general, a word from the keeper is sufficient to encourage this intelligent creature to proceed on its way, or perform the task assigned to it. In India, where they were once employed in launching ships, one of them was directed to force a large vessel into the water, which proving supe- rior to its strength, the master, in an angry tone, cried out, "Take away that lazy beast, and bring another in its place." The poor animal instantly redoubled its efforts, fractured its skull, and died upon the spot. The Indians, from very early periods, have em- 1 92 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ployed Elephants in their wars : Porus opposed the passage of Alexander, over the Hydaspes, with eighty-five of them. M. de Buffon imagines, that it was some of the Elephants taken by that monarch, and afterwards transported into Greece, which were employed by Pyrrhus against the Romans. Since the invention of fire-arms, the Elephant has been of little use in deciding the con- tests of hostile nations ; for being terrified with the flash of the powder and the report that immediately succeeds, they are soon thrown into confusion, and then become dangerous to their employers. They are now chiefly used for the purposes of labour, or magnificent parade. The Indian princes, in their travels, are attended by hundreds of these animals : some are employed to convey the ladies who compose the seraglio, in latticed cages made for that purpose, and covered with branches of trees ; whilst others transport immense quantities of baggage, with which the sovereigns of the East are always accompanied in their marches from one place to another. They are likewise made use of as the dreadful instruments of executing condemned criminals — a task which they perform with great dexterity. At the word of com- mand, they break the limbs of the criminal with their trunks ; they sometimes trample him to death, or impale him on their enormous tusks, just as they are directed by their more barbarous keeper. It is a singular circumstance in the history of this extraordinary animal, that in a state of subjec- tion, it is unalterably barren; and though it has been reduced under the dominion of man for ages, it has never been known to breed ; as if it had a proper sense of its degraded condition, and ob- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 193 stinately refused to increase the pride and power of its conquerors by propagating a race of slaves. It therefore follows, that of all the numerous bands of Elephants that are trained to service, there is not one that has not been originally wild, nor one that has not been forced into a state of subjection. To recruit, therefore, the numbers that are unavoidably consumed by disease, accident, or age, the eastern princes are obliged every year to send into the forests, and use various methods to procure fresh supplies. The manner of taking, taming, and rendering these animals submissive, is curious, and well de- serves a place in the history of the Elephant. In the midst of a forest abounding with Elephants, a large piece of ground is marked out, and surround- ed with strong palisades, interwoven with branches of trees : one end of the inclosure is narrow ; from which it widens gradually, so as, to take in a great extent of country. Several thousand men are em- ployed upon the occasion, who place themselves in such a manner as to prevent the wild Elephants from making their escape: they kindle large fires at certain distances, and make a dreadful noise with drums and various kinds of discordant instruments, calculated for the purpose of stunning and terrifying the poor animals ; whilst another party, consisting of some thousands, with the assistance of tame female Elephants, trained for the purpose, drive the wild Elephants slowly towards the great opening of the inclosure, the whole train of hunters closing in after them, shouting, and making a great noise, till they are driven by insensible degrees into the nar- row part of the inclosure, through which there is an opening into a smaller space, strongly fenced in, VOL. III. 2 B K)4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. and guarded on all sides. As soon as one of the Elephants enters this strait, a strong bar closes the passage from behind, and he finds himself com- pletely environed. On the top of this narrow pas- sage, some of the huntsmen stand with goads in their hands, urging the creature forward to the end of the passage, where there is an opening just wide enough to let him pass. He is now received into the custody of two females, who stand on each side of him, and press him into the service: if he be likely to prove refractory, they begin to discipline him with their trunks, till he is reduced to obedi- ence, and suffers himself to be led to a tree, where he is bound by the leg with stout thongs, made of untanned Elk or Buck skin. The tame Elephants are then led back to the inclosure, and the others are made to submit in the same manner. They are all suffered to remain fast to the trees for several days. Attendants are placed by the side of each animal, who supply him with food by little and little, till he is brought by degrees to be sensible of kindness and caresses, and allows himself to be led to the stable. In the space of fourteen days, his absolute submission is completed. During that time, he is fed daily with cocoa-nut leaves, and led once a day to the water by the tame ones. He be- comes accustomed to the voice of his keeper, and at last quietly resigns his prodigious powers to the dominion and service of man. The time of gestation of the Elephant is hitherto but imperfectly known : Aristotle says, it goes two years with young; which is the more likely, as the season of desire in the male returns but once in three years. The female produces one young at a time. The young Elephants are said to suck with HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 195 their trunk, the teats of the female being situated between her fore legs.* The Elephant is thirty years in arriving at its full growth ; and is said to live, though in a state of cap- tivity, to the age of an hundred and twenty or an hundred and thirty years : in a state of unrestrained freedom, it is supposed to live much longer. The Elephant will drink wine, and is fond of spiritous liquors. By shewing him a vessel filled with iirrack, he is induced to exert the greatest eiforts, and perform the most painful tasks, in hopes of receiving it as the reward of his labour. To dis- appoint him is dangerous, as he seldom fails to be revenged. The following instance is given as a fact, and deserves to be recorded : — An Elephant, disappointed of his reward, out of revenge killed his cornac or governor. The poor man's wife, who beheld the dreadful scene, took her two infants, and threw them at the feet of the enraged animal, say- ing, " Since you have slain my husband, take my life also, as well as that of my children." The Elephant instantly stopped, relented, and, as if stung with remorse, took the eldest boy in its trunk, placed him on its neck, adopted him for its cornac, and would never allow any other person to mount it. We might quote many other facts equally curious and interesting : those we have already recited are sufficient to shew that the Elephant is possessed of instinctive faculties superior to those of any other animal. We must at the same time admire the * The nipples of the Elephant are near the breast, and the old one is forced to suck herself, and by the help of her trunk conveys the milk into the mouth of her young. See Philosophical Transactions, No. 336. 196 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. providential order of that dispensation, which, to an animal of such unequalled powers, has added a dis- position so mild and tractable. What ravages might we not expect from the prodigious strength of the Elephant, combined with the fierceness and rapacity of the Tiger ! We cannot close our account of the Elephant, without taking some notice of the teeth of that animal, which have been so frequently found in a fossil state in various parts of the world. Some years ago, two great grinding teeth, and part of the tusk of an Elephant, were discovered at the depth of forty-two yards, in a lead mine, in Flintshire, lying in a bed of gravel : the grinders were almost as perfect as if they had been just taken from the living animal; the tusk was much decayed and very soft. Near the banks of many rivers in Siberia, large tusks and teeth have been frequently dug up, which were formerly attributed to a creature call- ed the Mammoth ; but they are now universally believed to have belonged to the Elephant. The molares or grinders are perfectly the same with those of the present race; but both they and the tusks are much larger: some of the latter have been known to weigh four hundred pounds ; and grinders of the weight of twenty-four pounds have not unfrequently been discovered. One of these was taken from a skeleton of the same head in which the tusks were found : and as the ivory of the latter was in every respect the same as that generally known, and made use of for the purpose of useful and ornamental works, we cannot deny our assent to the opinion of those who suppose them to have been once parts of the animal we have just described. Tusks of a prodigious size, teeth,. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 197 jaw-bones, and vertebrae, have likewise been fre- quently found on the banks of the river Ohio, in America, five or six feet beneath the surface. Some of the tusks are near seven feet long, one foot nine inches in circumference at the base, and one foot near the point. They differ from those of the Elephant in having a large twist or spiral curve towards the small end. There is a still greater difference in the form of the grinders, which are made like those of a carnivorous animal, not flat and ribbed transversely on their surface, like those of an Elephant, but furnished with a double row of high and conic projections, as if intended to masticate, not grind their food. Specimens of these teeth and bones are deposited in the British Museum, that of the Royal Society, and in the cab- inet of the late ingenious Dr. Hunter. These fos- sil bones are also found in Peru and in the Brazils. As yet, the living animal has evaded the search of the curious naturalist ; but it is not improbable, that it may exist in some of those remote parts of that vast continent, yet unpenetrated by Europeans. K)8 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. ANIMALS OF THE CAT KIND. AVE have hitherto been employed in the pleasing task of describing most of those numerous tribes of animals that are more nearly connected with the interests of mankind; that serve as the instruments of man's happiness, or at least that do not openly oppose him ; that depend upon his care for their subsistence; and in their turn contribute largely to his comfort and support. We have taken an ample range among the wilder inhabitants of the forest, which, though in a more remote degree dependant on man, are nevertheless objects of his attention and pursuit. We have followed Nature to her most retired recesses, and have seen and admired her works under a variety of the most beautiful living forms; but our progress has hitherto been unstained with blood. The attention of our readers will now be engaged in a different pursuit. The scene must be diversified. We come now to a sanguinary and unrelenting tribe, the bold and intrepid enemies of man, that disdain to own his power, and carry on unceasing hostilities against him. This numerous and ferocious tribe is chiefly distinguished by their sharp and formidable claws, which are lodged in a sheath, and are capable of being extended or drawn in at pleasure. They lead a solitary and a ravenous life, and never unite for mutual defence or support, like those of the herbivorous kinds. They seek their food alone, and are frequently enemies to each other. Though differing greatly in size and in colour, they are nearly allied to each other in form and disposition, being equally fierce, rapacious, and artful. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 1.99 THE LION. (Fclis Leo, Linn. — Lc Lion, Buff.; Is eminently distinguished from the rest, as well in size and strength, as by his large and flowing mane. This animal is produced in Africa, and the hottest parts of Asia. It is found in the greatest numbers in the scorched and desolate regions of the torrid zone, in the deserts of Zaara and Biledulgerid, and in all the interior parts of the vast continent of Africa. In these desert regions, whence mankind are driven by the rigorous heat of the climate, this animal reigns sole master: its disposition seems to partake of the ardour of its native soil : inflamed by the influence of a burning sun, its rage is most tremendous, and its courage undaunted. Happily, indeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to 200 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. be greatly diminished; for, if we may credit the testimony of those who have traversed these vast deserts, the number of Lions is not nearly so great as formerly. Mr. Shaw observes, that the Romans carried more Lions from Lybia in one year, for their public spectacles, than could be found in all that country at this time. It is likewise remarked that in Turkey, Persia, and the Indies, Lions are not now so frequently met with as in former times. It is observed of this animal, that its courage diminishes, and its caution and timidity are greater, in proportion as it approaches the habitations of the human race. Being acquainted with man, and the power of his arms, it loses its natural fortitude to such a degree, as to be terrified at the sound of his voice. It has been known to fly before women, and even children, and suifer itself to be driven away by them from its lurking places in the neigh- bourhood of their villages. This alteration in the Lion's disposition suffi- ciently shews, that it will admit of a certain degree of education : and it is a well-known fact, that the keepers of wild beasts frequently play with him, pull out his tongue, hold him by the teeth, and even chastise him without cause. The animal seems to bear all with a sullen kind of composure, and rarely retaliates this unmerited treatment. It is dangerous, however, to provoke him too far, or to depend upon his temper with too great security. Labat tells us of a gentleman who kept a Lion in his chamber, and employed a servant to attend it; who, as is usual, mixed his blows with caresses. This ill-judged association continued for some time. One morning the gentleman was awakened by an unusual noise in his room, and drawing his curtains, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2OI he perceived it to proceed from the Lion, which was growling over the body of the unhappy man, whom it had just killed, and had separated his head from his body. The terror and confusion of the gentleman may be easily conceived: he flew out of the room, and, with the assistance of some people, had the animal secured from doing further mis- chief. As the passions of this animal are strong, and its appetites vehement, we ought not to presume that the impressions of education will always be suf- ficiently powerful. It must be dangerous, there- fore, to suffer it to remain too long without food, or to persist in irritating or abusing it. However, numberless accounts assure us, that the anger of the Lion is noble, its courage mag- nanimous, and its temper susceptible of grateful impressions. It has been often seen to despise weak and contemptible enemies, and even to par- don their insults, when it was in its power to punish them : it has been known to spare the life of an animal that was thrown to be devoured by it, to live in habits of perfect cordiality with it, to share its subsistence, and even to give it a preference when its portion of food was scanty. The form of the Lion is strikingly bold and majestic: his large and shaggy mane, which he can erect at pleasure, surrounding his awful front; his huge eye-brows; his round and fiery eye-balls, which, upon the least irritation, seem to glow with peculiar lustre; together with the formidable ap- pearance of his teeth, — exhibit a picture of terrific grandeur, which no words can describe. The length of the largest Lion is between eight and nine feet, the tail about four, and its height VOL III. 2 C 202 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. about four feet and a half. The female is about one-fourth part less, and without the mane. As the Lion advances in years, his mane grows longer and thicker. The hair on the rest of his body is short and smooth, of a tawny colour, but whitish on the belly. The roaring of the Lion is loud and dreadful: when heard in the night, it resembles distant thunder. Its cry of anger is much louder and shorter. The Lion seldom attacks any animal openly, ex- cept when compelled by extreme hunger: in that case no danger deters him; but as most animals endeavour to avoid him, he is obliged to have re- course to artifice, and take his prey by surprise. For this purpose, he crouches on his belly in some thicket, where he waits till his prey approaches; and then, with one prodigious spring he leaps upon it at the distance of fifteen or twenty feet, and generally seizes it at the first bound. If he miss his object, he gives up the pursuit; and turning back towards the place of his ambush, he measures the ground step by step, and again lies in wait for another opportunity. The lurking place of the Lion is generally chosen near a spring, or by the side of a river; where he frequently has an opportunity of catching such „ animals as come to quench their thirst. There are, however, instances where the Lion deviates from his usual method of taking his prey, of which the following, related by Sparrman, is remarkable: — A Hottentot, perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, and concluding that the animal only waited the approach of night to make him his prey, began to consider of the best method of pro- viding for his safety, which he at length effected in HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2OJ the following singular manner : observing a piece of broken ground, with a precipitate descent on one side, he sat down by the edge of it ; and found, to his great joy, that the Lion also made a halt, and kept at the same distance as before. As soon as it grew dark, the Hottentot, sliding gently forward, let himself down a little below the edge of the hill, and held up his cloak and hat upon his stick, making at the same time a gentle motion with it: the Lion, in the mean while, came creeping softly towards him, like a Cat; and mistaking the skin cloak for the man himself, made a spring, and fell headlong down the precipice : by which means the poor Hottentot was safely delivered from his insidious enemy. That the Lion does not always kill whatever animal happens to be in his power, has already been observed ; and this peculiarity in its temper is remarkably obvious, with regard to the human species. Of this there have been many instances. At St. Catherine Cree's church, Leadenhall-street, London, provision is made, under the will of Sir John Gager, who was lord-mayor in the year 1646, for a sermon to be annually preached on the i6th of November, in commemoration of his happy deliverance from a Lion, which he met in a desert, as he was travelling in the Turkish dominions, and which suffered him to pass unmolested. The minister is to have 2os. for the sermon, the clerk 2S. 6d., and the sexton is. The sum of 8/. i6s. 6d. is likewise to be distributed among the necessitous inhabitants, pursuant to the will of Sir John. Sparrman, among several instances of the same nature, mentions a person who, though he was thrown down by a Lion, and wounded by it in 204 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. several places, was after all generously left with life. The strength of this animal is great : one of them was observed to seize a heifer, which it carried off in its mouth with ease, and leaped over a ditch without much apparent difficulty. At the Cape of Good Hope, the Lion is frequently hunted by the colonists. In the day time, and upon an open plain, twelve or sixteen Dogs will easily get the better of a large Lion. As the Lion is not remarkably swift, the Dogs soon come pretty near him ; when, with a sullen kind of magnanimity, he turns round, and waits for the attack, shaking his mane, and roaring with a short and sharp tone. The hounds surround him; and rushing upon him all at once, soon tear him to pieces. It is said that he has seldom time to make more than two or three strokes with his paws; each of which is attended with the death of one of his assailants. The Lioness goes with young five months, and brings forth three or four at a time. The young ones are about the size of a large Pug-Dog, harm- less, pretty, and playful. They continue at the teat twelve months, and are about five years in coming to perfection. The attachment of the Lioness to her young is remarkably strong : for their support, she is more ferocious than the Lion himself, makes her incur- sions with greater boldness, destroys, without distinction, every animal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her cubs. She usually brings forth in the most retired and inaccessible places; and when afraid of her retreat being discovered, endeavours, it is said, to hide her track by brushing the ground with her tail. When much disturbed HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 205 or alarmed, she will sometimes transport her young from one place to another in her mouth ; and if obstructed in her course, will defend them to the last extremity. The Lion is a long-lived animal, although natural- ists have differed greatly as to the precise period of its existence. Buffon limits it to twenty, or twenty-two years at most. It is however certain, that it lives much beyond that time. The great Lion called Pompey, which died in the year 1 760, was known to have been in the Tower above seventy years ; and one, brought from the river Gambia, died there not long ago, at the age of sixty-three. Several of these animals have been bred in the Tower: so that the time of their gestation,, the number they produce, and the time of their arriving at perfection, are all pretty well known. The flesh of the Lion is said to have a strong disagreeable flavour; yet it is frequently eaten by the negroes. The skin, which was formerly a robe of distinction for heroes, is now made use of by those people as a mantle or a bed. They also preserve the grease, which is of a penetrating nature, and is used in medicine. The representation we have given was drawn from a remarkably fine one, exhibited at Newcastle in the year 1788. It was then young, extremely healthful, active, and in full condition. 206 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE TIGER. (Felis Tigris, Linn. — Le Tigre, Buff.) Is the most rapacious and destructive of all carnivorous animals. Fierce without provocation, and cruel without necessity, its thirst for blood^is insatiable: though glutted with slaughter, it con- tinues its carnage, nor ever gives up so long as a single object remains in its sight : flocks and herds fall indiscriminate victims to its fury : it fears neither the sight nor the opposition of man, whom it frequently makes its prey, and it is even said to prefer human flesh to that of any other animal. The Tiger is peculiar to Asia, and is found as far North as China and Chinese Tartary : it inhabits Mount Ararat and Hyrcani, of old famous for its wild beasts. The greatest numbers are met with in India and its islands. They are the scourge of the country : they lurk among the bushes, by the sides of rivers, and almost depopulate many places. They seldom pursue their prey, but bound upon it HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 207 from the place of their ambush, with an elasticity, and from a distance scarcely credible. It is highly probable that, from this circumstance, the Tiger may derive its name, which, in the Armenian lan- guage, signifies an arrow; to the flight of which this creature may very properly be compared, in the quickness and agility of its bounds. The strength of this animal is so great, that when it has killed a Deer or other animal, it carries it off with such ease, that it seems no impediment to its flight. If it be undisturbed, it plunges its head into the body of the animal, up to its very eyes, as if to satiate itself with blood. The Tiger is one of the few animals whose ferocity can never be wholly subdued. Neither gentleness nor constraint has any effect in soften- ing its temper. It does not seem sensible of the attention of its keeper; and would equally tear the hand that feeds, with that by which it is chastised. A beautiful young male Tiger, lately brought over from China, in the Pitt East Indiaman, at the age of ten months, was so far domesticated, as to admit every kind of familiarity from the people on board. It seemed to be quite harmless, and was as playful as a kitten. It frequently slept with the sailors in their hammocks, and would suffer two or three of them to repose their heads upon its back, as upon a pillow, whilst it lay stretched out upon the deck. In return for this, it would, however, now and then steal their meat. Having one day taken a piece of beef from the carpenter, he fol- lowed the animal, took the meat out of its mouth, and beat it severely for the theft; which punish- ment it suffered with all the patience of a Dog. It would frequently run out on the bowsprit, climb 208 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. about the ship like a Cat, and perform a number of tricks, with an agility that was truly astonishing. There was a Dog on board the ship with which it would often play in the most diverting manner. From these circumstances, one might be led to suppose, that the disposition of the Tiger, like that of many other animals, was capable of some degree of culture. But it ought to be remembered, that at the time this one was taken on board the ship, it was only a month or six weeks old; and when arrived in this country, it had not quite com- pleted a year. How much longer its good humour might have continued, it is impossible to say: but it is much to be doubted, whether the same inno- cent playfulness would have formed a part of its character when arrived at its full state of maturity. Notwithstanding the cruelty of this creature's disposition, a sudden check has sometimes had a good effect in preventing its meditated attack. Some ladies and gentlemen being on a party of pleasure, under a shade of trees, on the banks of a river in Bengal, were suddenly surprised at seeing a Tiger ready to make its fatal spring: one of the ladies, with amazing presence of mind, laid hold of an umbrella, and unfurling it directly in the ani- mal's face, it instantly retired. Another party had not the same good fortune. A Tiger darted among them while they were at dinner, seized on a gentle- man, and carried him off in the sight of his discon- solate companions. They attack all kinds of animals, even the Lion ; and furious combats have frequently been main- tained between them, in which both have perished. Father Tachard gives an account of a battle between a Tiger and two Elephants, at Siam; of HISTORY Ot QUADRUPEDS. 209 which he was an eye-witness. The heads, and part of the trunks of the Elephants, were defended from the claws of the Tiger by a covering made for the purpose. They were placed in the midst of a large enclosure. One of them were suffered to approach the Tiger, which was confined by cords, and re- ceived two or three heavy blows from the trunk of the Elephant upon its back, which beat it to the ground, where it lay for some time as if it were dead : but, though this attack had a good deal abated its fury, it was no sooner untied, than with a horrible roar, it made a spring at the Elephant's trunk, which that animal dexterously avoided by drawing it up ; and receiving the Tiger on its tusks, threw it up into the air. The two Elephants were then allowed to come up ; and, after giving it several heavy blows, would undoubtedly have killed it, if an end had not been put to the combat.— Under such restraints and disadvantages, we can- not wonder that the issue was unfavourable to the Tiger. We may, however, by this, judge of its great strength and fierceness, — that, after being disabled by the first attack of the Elephant, whilst it was held by its cords, it would venture to continue such an unequal engagement. We are happy in being able to present our curious readers with an engraving of this rare animal, drawn from the life, from a Tiger that was exhibited at Newcastle in 1787, and was generally allowed to be one of the finest creatures of its kind ever seen in England. The beautiful bars of black with which every part of its body was streaked, are accurately copied : the colour of the ground was yellow, deeper on the back, and softening by degrees towards the belly, where it was white ; as VOL. III. 2 D 210 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. were also the throat and insides of the legs: a white space, spotted with black, surrounded each eye; and on each cheek, a stripe of the same colour extended from the ears to the throat. It was nearly the same height as the Lion, and was of the largest species of the Tiger, which is called the Royal Tiger. The smallest of them is not above two feet high, said to be extremely cunning, and delights in human flesh. The second kind is about three feet high, and is fond of Deer, Wild Hogs, &c., which it frequently takes by the sides of rivers, as they come down to quench their thirst. The skin of this animal is much esteemed all over the East, particularly in China. The Mandarins cover their seats of justice with it ; and during the winter, use it for cushions and pillows. We have now described the two great heads of this mischievous family, which are eminently dis- tinguished from the rest in size, strength, and colour. The three succeeding species have been fre- quently confounded with each other ; and although there is some difference in their size, and in the disposition of their spots, yet these have been so indiscriminately defined, as to make it difficult to form a true criterion, so as accurately to distinguish each species. Strikingly similar in the form of their bodies, in the beauty of their skins, as well as in their dispositions and habits, which seem to be equally formed for rapine and cruelty, — there is much room to conjecture, that commixture may be one great cause of producing the slight differences observable in them. If we regard the figure and diversity of the spots, we shall find many varieties HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21 I not taken notice of by naturalists; if we be led to judge by the size, we shall find an almost imper- ceptible gradation from the Cat to the Tiger. It would be vain, therefore, to make as many varieties in these animals, as we see differences in spots or stature: it will be sufficient to point out the most general distinctions. 212 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE PANTHER. (Felts Pardus, Linn. — La Panther e, Buff.) Is next in size to the Tiger, and has, by many naturalists, been mistaken for that animal. Its hair is short, and smooth; and instead of being streaked like the Tiger, is beautifully marked on the back, sides, and flanks, with black spots, dis- posed in circles, from four to five in each, with a single spot in the centre; on the face, breast, and legs, the spots are single: the colour of the body on the back and sides is yellow, deep on the back, and paler towards the belly, which is white: its ears are short and pointed; its eye is restless; and its whole aspect fierce and cruel. It is an untameable animal, and inhabits Africa,, from Barbary to the remotest parts of Guinea. Its manner of taking its prey is the same with that of the Tiger, — always by surprize, either lurk- ing in thickets, or creeping on its belly till it comes within reach. When pressed with hunger, it HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 213 attacks every living creature without distinction, but happily prefers the flesh of brutes to that of mankind: it will even climb up trees in pursuit of Monkies and lesser animals; so that nothing is secure from its attacks. The Panther is about the height of a large Mas- tiff Dog, but its legs are not quite so long. Its voice is strong and hoarse, and it growls con- tinually. The ancients were well acquainted with these animals. The Romans drew prodigious numbers from the deserts of Africa, for their public shows: sufficient, one might suppose, to have entirely ex- hausted them. Scaurus exhibited an hundred and fifty of them at one time; Pompey four hundred and ten; and Augustus four hundred and twenty. They probably thinned the coasts of Mauritania of these animals ; but they still swarm in the southern parts of Guinea. In China, there is a most beautiful animal of this kind, called Louchu, the skin of which sells for six pounds sterling. An animal of this species is likewise found in Asiatic Tartary, called there the Babr. It is seven feet long, extremely rapacious, and very destructive of Horses and Camels. Its skin is very fine, and valued in Russia at one pound sterling. 214 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE LEOPARD. (Lc Leopard, Buff. ; THE very trifling difference between this and the last-mentioned animal, gives reason to suppose, that it consists chiefly in the name. It inhabits the same countries; and in some places goes by the same name, being called the Panther of Senegal; and is chiefly found there. It is mentioned by Ray as the female Panther, but is rather smaller than that animal. Its length from nose to tail, is about four feet: the colour of the body is a more lively yellow; and the spots with which it is diver- sified, are smaller and closer than those of the Panther. The interior parts of Africa abound with these animals; whence they come down in great num- bers, and make dreadful havock among the numer- ous herds that cover the plains of the Lower Guinea. When beasts of chase fail, they spare no living creature. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 215 The negroes take them in pitfalls, slightly cover- ed at the top, and baited with flesh. Their chief inducement for pursuing them is their flesh, which they eat; and it is said to be as white as veal, and well-tasted. The negresses make collars of their teeth, and wear them as charms. The skins of these animals are brought to Europe, where they are greatly esteemed. In India, there is a species of Leopard about the size of a large Greyhound, with a small head, and short ears : its face, chin, and throat, are of a pale- brown colour, inclining to yellow; the body is of a light twany-brown, marked with small round black spots, scattered over the back, sides, head, and legs ; the hair on the top of the neck is longer than the rest; the belly is white ; the tail very long, marked on the upper side with large black spots. This is the animal, mentioned in our account of the Antelope, which is made use of in India for hunting that and other beasts of the chase. It is carried in a small kind of waggon, chained and hoodwinked till it approaches the herd ; when it is unchained, and suffered to pursue the game. It begins by creeping along, with its belly close to the ground, stopping and concealing itself till it gets an advantageous situation ; it then darts on its prey with great agility, frequently making five or six amazing bounds. If it should not succeed in its first effort, it gives up the point for that time, and readily returns to its master. 2l6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE OUNCE. (L'Once, Buff.) Is smaller than the Leopard, being three feet and a half long from the nose to the tail, very- strong, long-backed, and short legged. The hair is long, and of a light grey colour, tinged with yellow ; lighter on the breast and belly : the head is marked with small round spots : behind each ear there is a large black spot : the "back is beautifully varied with a number of oval figures, formed by small spots almost touching each other ; the spots on the side are more irregular ; those on the legs and thighs small, and thinly dispersed : the tail is full of hair, irregularly marked with large black spots, and upwards of three feet long. It is common in Barbary, Persia, and China; is much more gentle than the Leopard ; and, like the Hunting Leopard, is sometimes trained to the chase. Instead of being conveyed in a waggon, it is carried on the crupper of the Horse, is as much under command as a Setting-Dog, returns at a call, and jumps up behind its master. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 217 The scent of the Ounce is not so fine as that of the Dog. It neither follows animals by their foot, nor is it able to overtake them in a continued chase: it hunts solely by the eye, and makes only a few springs at its prey. It is so nimble, as to clear a ditch or a wall of many feet. It often climbs trees to watch animals that are passing, and suddenly darts upon them. It is supposed to be the Lesser Panther of Oppian, and the Panthera of Pliny. THE JAGUAR. (Fells Onca, Linn. — Le Jaguar, Buff.) Is the most formidable animal of the new con- tinent, rather larger than the Panther, with hair of a bright tawny colour. The top of the back is marked with long stripes of black ; the sides beau- tifully variegated with irregular oblong spots, open in the middle : the tail is not so long as that of the Ounce, and irregularly marked with large black spots. VOL. in. 2 E 2l8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. It is found in the hottest parts of South America; is very fierce ; and when pressed with hunger, will sometimes venture to seize a man. The Indians are much afraid of it, and think it prefers them to the white inhabitants, who, per- haps, are better prepared to repel its attacks. In travelling through the deserts of Guiana, they light great fires in the night, of which these animals are much afraid. They howl dreadfully; their cry, which is ex- pressive of the two monosyllables — houy houy is somewhat plaintive, grave, and strong, like that of an Ox. The Ant-eater, though it has no teeth to defend itself with, is the most cruel enemy the Jaguar has to encounter. As soon as the Jaguar attacks this little animal, it lies down on its back, and \vith its long claws, seizes and suffocates him. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 219 THE COUGUAR. / (Felis Concolor, Linn. — Lc Couguar, Buff.) INHABITS the continent of America, and is called by some the Puuiay or American Lion; but differs so much from that noble animal, as not to admit of any comparison. Its head is small ; it has no mane ; its length, from nose to tail, is five feet three inches; the tail two feet: the predominant colour is a lively red, mixed with black, especially on the back, where it is darkest : its chin, throat, and all the inferior parts of the body, are whitish : its legs are long; claws white ; and the outer claw of the fore feet much longer than the others. Is is found in many parts of North America, from Canada to Florida : it is also common in Guiana, Brazil, and Mexico. It is fierce and ravenous in the extreme, and will swim rivers to attack cattle even in their inclosures. In North America, its fury seems to be subdued by the rigour of the climate, for it will fly from a Dog 220 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. in company with its master, and take shelter by running up a tree. It is very destructive to domestic animals, par- ticularly to Hogs. It preys also upon the Moose and other Deer ; lies lurking upon the branch of a tree till some of these animals pass underneath, when it drops down upon one of them, and never quits its hold till it has drunk its blood. It will even attack beasts of prey. In the museum of the Royal Society is preserved the skin of one of these animals, which was shot just as it had seized a Wolf. When satisfied with eating, it conceals the rest of the carcase, covering it carefully with leaves. It purs like a Cat, and sometimes howls dreadfully. The fur is soft, and is used by the Indians for a winter habit ; when dressed, it is made into gloves and shoes. The flesh is white, and by the natives reckoned excellent food. The Couguar, when brought into captivity, is almost as gentle as the Domestic Cat, allows itself to be caressed, and will permit boys to mount on its back. It is sometimes called the Poltron Tiger. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 221 THE BLACK TIGER, OR BLACK LEOPARD. (Lc Cong nar tioir, Buff.) DIFFERS from the former chiefly in the colour, which is dusky, sometimes spotted with black, but generally plain. The throat, belly, and inside of the legs, are of a pale ash colour ; the upper lip white, furnished with long whiskers : above each eye it has very long hairs ; and at the corner of the mouth a black spot : its paws are white ; and its ears sharp and pointed. It grows, it is said, to the size of a Heifer of a year old, and has great strength in its limbs. It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, is a cruel and fierce animal, much dreaded by the Indians; but fortunately the species is not numerous. M. de la Borde, in his description of these animals, says, that they frequent the sea-shore, and eat the eggs deposited there by the Turtles. They likewise eat Caimans or Alligators, Lizards, and 222 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Fishes, and sometimes the buds and tender leaves of the Indian fig. They are excellent swimmers. In order to catch the Alligator, they lie down on their belly at the edge of the river, strike the water to make a noise, and as soon as the alligator raises its head above the water, dart their claws into its eyes, and drag it on shore. THE OCELOT. (Felis Pardalis, Linn.— L' Ocelot, Buff.) THE skin of the male Ocelot is extremely beauti- ful, and most elegantly variegated. Its general colour is that of a bright tawny ; a black stripe extends along the top of the back from head to tail; its forehead is spotted with black, as are also its legs; its shoulders, sides, and rump, are beautifully marbled with long stripes of black, forming oval figures, filled in the middle with small black spots ; its tail is irregularly marked with large spots, and black at the end. The colours of the female are not so vivid as those of the male ; neither is she so beautifully marked. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 223 The Ocelot very much resembles the common Cat in the form of its body, although it is a great deal larger. Buffon makes its height two feet and a half, and its length about four feet. It is a native of South America, inhabits Mexico and Brazil, is very voracious, but timid, and seldom attacks men. It is afraid of Dogs; and when pur- sued, flies to the woods. It lives chiefly in the mountains, and conceals itself amongst the leaves of trees; from whence it darts upon such animals as come within its reach. It sometimes extends itself along the boughs, as if it were dead, till the Monkies, tempted by their natural curiosity, approach within its reach. It is said to prefer the blood of animals to their flesh. The Ocelot cannot easily be tamed, and retains its original wildness in a state of captivity. No- thing can soften the natural ferocity of its disposi- tion, nor calm the restlessness of its motions. For this reason, it is always kept in a cage. One of these animals, shewn in Newcastle in 1788, although extremely old, exhibited great marks of ferocity. It was kept closely confined, and would not admit of being caressed by its keeper in the same manner as the Lion; but growled constantly, and always appeared in motion. A male and female Ocelot were brought to France some years ago, which had been taken when very young. At the age of three months, they became so strong and fierce, as to kill a bitch that was given them for a nurse. When a live Cat was thrown to them, they sucked its blood, but would not taste its flesh. The male seemed to have a great superiority over the female, as he never allowed her to partake till his own appetite was satisfied. 224 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The female Ocelot, like all the larger animals of the Cat kind, produces a small number at a time. The two above-mentioned were the only young ones found with the mother, which was killed at the time they were taken; and this circumstance makes it probable, that they bring forth only that number. THE MARGAY. (Le Margay, Buff.) Is another beautiful animal of the spotted tribe, and known in many places by the name of the Tiger Cat. The ground colour of the body is tawny; the face is striped with black; the body is marked with stripes and large spots of black; the breast and insides of the legs are white, spotted with black; the tail is long, marked with alternate spots of black, tawny, and grey. The Margay is smaller than the Ocelot, and about the size of a Wild Cat, which it resembles in disposition and habits, living on .small animals, birds, &c. It is very wild, and cannot easily be brought under subjection. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 225 Its colours vary, though they are generally such as have been described. It is common in Guiana, Brazil, and various parts of South America. It is called the Cayenne Cat, and is not so fre- quent in temperate as in warm climates. In taking a survey of this beautiful race of ani- mals, we are unavoidably led to observe, that much remains for the laborious researches of the natural historian, before a complete account can be made out of the various kinds of which it is composed. Several species are frequently found in the East Indies, in the woods near the Cape of Good Hope, and on the continent of America; but in general these have been so negligently or so injudiciously mentioned, as to render it impossible to form a perfect description of them. A good history of these animals is one of the many desiderata of the naturalist ; but when we consider the great distance which most of this ferocious tribe observe in their separation from mankind, and the dangers that must be encountered in approaching their solitary habitations, we are obliged to lament that this de- sirable object is not likely to be soon accomplished. VOL. III. 2 F 226 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SERVAL. (Le Scrval, Buff.) INHABITS the mountainous parts of India, and is called by the natives of Malabar, the Marapute. It is larger than the Wild Cat. Its general colour is a pale yellow; white on the breast and belly; variegated with round spots, which are equally distributed over every part of its body : its eyes are extremely brilliant, and have a wild, piercing look; its whiskers are long and stiff; its tail short; and its feet are armed with long hooked claws. It is seldom to be seen upon the ground; but lives chiefly in trees, where it makes its bed, and breeds its young. It feeds on young birds, and leaps with great agility from tree to tree. It is extremely fierce; but avoids mankind, unless pro- voked; when it darts furiously upon the offender, and tears and bites nearly in the same manner as the Panther. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 227 Sparrman mentions an animal of this kind, found at the Cape of Good Hope, which he calls the Tiger Cat, and supposes it to be the same with the Serval. The same author mentions another animal of this kind, called at the Cape the Wild Red Cat; the skin of which is supposed by the natives to possess great medicinal powers, and to give ease to persons afflicted with the gout, lumbago, and pains in the joints. The fur is very fine and soft ; and probably there are many other skins, which, if applied with an equal degree of good faith, might have the same salutary effects. The colour of the upper part of this creature is of a very bright red ; towards the sides it is mixed with white and grey; the belly is white; the upper part of the ears, which have tufts of hair on their tips, is dark brown, sprinkled with grey. Its body is long, and about two feet in height. 228 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. THE WILD CAT. (Felis Catus^ Linn. — Lc Chat sauvagc. Buff.) THE history of this animal is so intimately con- nected with that of the common or domestic kind, that we shall include our account of both under one general head, and describe them as constituting" the same species. The Domestic Cat, if suffered to escape into the woods, becomes wild, and lives on small birds and such other game as it can find there ; it likewise breeds with the wild one. It is no uncommon thing for females of the tame species to quit their homes during the time they are in season, go in quest of male Wild Cats, and return to the same habitations impregnated by them. It is from this connexion that some of our Domestic Cats so per- fectly resemble those of the wild breed. The hair of the Wild Cat is soft and fine, of a pale yellow colour, mixed with grey ; a dusky list runs along the middle of the back, from head to tail ; the sides are streaked with grey, pointing from the back downwards; the tail is thick, and HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 229 marked with alternate bars of black and white. It is larger and stronger than the Tame Cat, and its fur much longer. It inhabits the most mountainous and woody parts of this island, lives in trees, and hunts for birds and small animals, such as Rabbits, Hares, Rats, Mice, Moles, &c. It frequently makes great havoc among poultry, will even kill young Lambs, Kids, and Fawns, and is the fiercest and most destructive beast of prey in this kingdom. It is taken either in traps, or by shooting. There is frequently danger in the latter mode ; for if it be only slightly wounded, it will attack the person who" has injured it, and is not easily repelled. Wild Cats are found, with very little variety, in almost every climate. They existed in America before its discovery by the Europeans. One of them was brought to Columbus, wThich was of the ordinary size, of a brownish grey colour, with a long tail. They are common in many places of Asia and Africa. Sparrman gives a description of one which he shot at the Cape, which was in every respect similar to those of this country. It was of a grey colour; and measured from the nose to the tail, nearly twenty-two inches : the tail was thirteen inches long: its height was about a foot and a half. Its intestines were full of Moles and Rats. Some Wild Cats have been taken in this king- dom, of a most enormous size. We recollect one having been killed in the county of Cumberland, which measured, from its nose to the end of its tail, upwards of five feet. The province of Chorazan, in Persia, is particu- larly famous for a most beautiful G//, about the size of the tame one, of a fine grey colour, without 230 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. any mixture, and as soft and shining as silk. It is darker on the back, softening by degrees towards the breast and belly, where it is almost \vhite. The tail is long, and covered with hair, five or six inches in length. The animal frequently turns it upon its back, like a Squirrel ; the point of it resembling a plume of feathers. The Cat of Angora differs greatly from the Wild Cat, in having much longer hair, especially about the neck, where it forms a fine ruff, and gives it a Lion-like appearance. Some of these are of a silvery whiteness, and silky texture ; others are of a dun colour, mixed with yellow. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Illllllllllliii!! THE DOMESTIC CAT. DIFFERS from the Wild Cat, in being somewhat less; and instead of being uniformly the same, is distinguished by a great variety of shades and colouring. To describe an animal so well known, might seem a superfluous task: we shall only, therefore, select such of its peculiarities as are least obvious, and may have escaped the notice of inattentive ob- servers. It is generally remarked, that Cats can see in the dark; but though this is not absolutely the case, yet it is certain that they can see with much less light than most other animals, owing to the pecu- liar structure of their eyes, the pupils of which are capable of being contracted or dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which they are affected. The pupil of the Cat, during the day, is perpetually contracted; and it is with difficulty that it can see 232 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. by a strong light : but in the twilight, the pupil re- sumes its natural roundness, the animal enjoys perfect vision, and takes advantage of this supe- riority to discover and surprize its prey. The cry of the Cat is loud, piercing, and clamor- ous ; and whether expressive of anger or of love, is equally violent and hideous. Its call may be heard at a great distance, and is so well known to the whole fraternity, that on some occasions several hundred Cats have been brought together from dif- ferent parts. Invited by the piercing cries of dis- tress from a suffering fellow-creature, they assemble in crowds; and with loud squalls and yells, express their horrid sympathies. They frequently tear the miserable object to pieces; and with the most blind and furious rage, fall upon each other, killing and wounding indiscriminately, till there is scarcely one left. These terrible conflicts happen only in the night; and though rare, instances of very furious engagements are well authenticated. The Cat is particularly averse to water, cold, and bad smells. It is fond of certain perfumes, but is more particularly attracted by the smell of valerian, marum, and cat-mint: it rubs itself against them; and, if not prevented from coming at them in a garden where they are planted, would infallibly destroy them. The Cat brings forth twice, and sometimes thrice, a year. The period of her gestation is fifty-five or fifty-six days, and she generally produces five or six at one litter. She conceals her kittens from the male, lest he should devour them, as he is some- times inclined; and if apprehensive of being dis- turbed, will take them up in her mouth, and remove them one by one .to a more secure retreat : even the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 233 female herself, contrary to the established law of Nature, which binds the parent to its offspring by an almost indissoluble tie, is sometimes known to eat her own young the moment she has produced them. Though extremely useful in destroying- the ver- min that infest our houses, the Cat seems little attached to the persons of those who afford it pro- tection. It appears to be under no subjection, and acts only for itself. All its views are confined to the place where it has been brought up; if carried elsewhere, it seems lost and bewildered: neither caresses nor attention can reconcile it to its new situation, and it frequently takes the first oppor- tunity of escaping to its former haunts. Frequent instances are in our recollection, of Cats having returned to the place from whence they had been carried, though at many miles distance, and even across rivers, when they could not possibly have any knowledge of the road or situation that would apparently lead them to it. This extraordinary faculty is, however, possessed in a much greater degree by Dogs ; yet it is in both animals equally wonderful and unaccountable. In the time of Hoel the Good, King of Wales, who died in the year 948, laws were made as well to preserve, as to fix the different prices of animals; among which the Cat was included, as being at that period of great importance, on account of its scarceness and utility. The price of a Kitten, before it could see, was fixed at one penny; till proof could be given of its having caught a Mouse, two-pence; after which it was rated at four-pence, which was a great sum in those days, when the value of specie was extremely VOL. in. 2 G 234 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. high: it was likewise required, that it should be perfect in its senses of hearing and seeing, should be a good mouser, have its claws whole, and if a female, be a careful nurse: if it failed in any of these good qualities, the seller was to forfeit to the buyer the third part of its value. If any one should steal or kill the Cat that guarded the Prince's granary, he was either to forfeit a milk ewe, her fleece and lamb, or as much wheat as, when poured on the Cat suspended by its tail (its head touching the floor), would form a heap high enough to cover the tip of the former. Hence we may conclude that Cats were not originally natives of these islands; and from the great care taken to improve and preserve the breed of this prolific creature, we may suppose, were but little known at that period. Whatever credit we may allow to the circumstances of the well-known story of Whittington and his Cat, it is another proof of the great value set upon this animal in former times. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE LYNX. (Felis Lynx, Linn. — Le Lynx, on Loup Cervier, Buff.) DIFFERS greatly from every animal of the Cat kind we have hitherto described. Its ears are long and erect, tufted at the end with long black hairs, by which this species of animal is peculiarly dis- tinguished : the hair on the body is long and soft, of a red ash colour, marked with dusky spots, which differ according to the age of the creature ; sometimes they are scarcely visible: its legs and feet are very thick and strong ; its tail short, and black at the extremity ; its eyes are of a pale yellow colour ; and its aspect softer and less ferocious than that of the Panther or the Ounce. The skin of the male is more spotted than that of the female. The fur is valuable for its softness and warmth, and is imported in great quantities from America and the North of Europe. The farther North they are taken, the whiter they are, and the spots more distinct. The most elegant of these is called the Irbys, and is taken near Lake Balkash, in Usbec 236 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Tartary. It is much larger than the common kind. Its skin sells in that country for one pound sterling. The colour of its hair changes with the climate and the season. The winter furs are richer and more beautiful than those taken in summer. The Lynx is said to be very long-lived, is a very destructive animal, lives by hunting, and pursues its prey to the tops of the highest trees. It feeds on Weasels, Ermines, Squirrels, &c., which are unable to escape it. It watches the approach of the Fallow Deer, Hare, and other animals, and darts upon them from the branches of trees, where it lies concealed; seizes them by the throat, and drinks their blood ; after which, it abandons them, and goes in quest of fresh game. Its sight is remarkably quick, and it sees its prey at a great distance. It often eats no more of a Sheep or Goat than the brain, the liver, and the intestines. It will sometimes dig under the doors to gain ad- mission into the sheepfold. When attacked by a Dog, it lies down on its back, strikes desperately with its claws, and frequently obliges its assailant to retreat. Although the Lynx has nothing in common with the Wolf, it has been distinguished by the name of Lupus-Cervarius, or the Stag Wolf. Its manner of howling is similar to that of the Wolf; and when heard at a distance, is not easily distinguished from the cry of that animal. The epithet Cervariiis has been added, because its skin is variegated with spots like that of a young Stag. A variety is found in the inner parts of the province of New York, which is called the Bay Lynx, and is about twice the size of a large Cat. Its hair is short and smooth; its general colour is a HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 237 bright bay, obscurely marked with dusky spots ; on its face there are black stripes, pointing downward toward the nose ; on each side of the upper lip it has three rows of small black spots, with long whiskers issuing from them ; each cheek is marked with long black stripes, of a circular form, proceed- ing from the corners of the eyes ; the under part of the body, and insides of the legs, are white; the in- side of each fore leg is marked on the upper part with two black bars ; its tail, which is short, is marked with bars of a dusky colour, and at the end with one of a deep black ; the tip and under side are white. The Lynxes of our days must be very different animals from those which have been described by poets as drawing the chariot of Bacchus ; for, besides the impracticability of training these ani- mals to the yoke, we find that the Lynx is not an inhabitant of India, nor of any of the warmer countries of Asia, conquered by that hero It prefers cold to even temperate climates, and is common in the forests of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The ancients seem to have given the name of Lynx to an animal which existed only in imagina- tion, and may be ranked with their other ideal monsters and prodigies — the Sphynx, the Pegasus, and the Unicorn. Its sight was said to penetrate the most opaque bodies, and its urine to be con- verted into a precious stone. 238 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE CARACAL. (Le Caracal, Buff.) RESEMBLES the Lynx in size, figure, and aspect, as well as in having its ears tipt with a pencil of black hairs. It differs from the last-mentioned animal in not being spotted; its hair is rougher, and of a pale reddish brown ; its tail is longer, and of a uniform colour; its face is more lengthened, its look more fierce, and its nature and disposition are more savage. This animal is found only in warm climates, and is common in Persia, India, Barbary, and in all the countries inhabited by the Lion, the Panther, and the Ounce. It is called in Persia the Syah-Gnsh; and in the Turkish language, the Karrah-Kulak. Both these names signify the Cat wit/i black ears. It is said to follow the Lion, and to feed on the remains which that animal leaves of his prey ; for HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 239 which reason it is called among the Arabs, the Lion's Guide. The Caracal is about the height of a Fox, but much stronger, and more ferocious. It has been known to attack a Hound, and instantly to tear it to pieces. This animal is extremely difficult to tame; but when taken young, and reared with great caution, it may be trained to the chace. It is used in taking the smaller sort of animals, in which it is very suc- cessful; but it is active only in the pursuit of those that are too feeble for resistance, or too timid to exert their powers. Whenever it meets with one that is superior to it in strength, it loses its courage, and gives up the chace. It is likewise employed in catching birds; such as Cranes, Pelicans, Pea- cocks, &c., which it surprises with singular address. When it has seized its prey, it holds it fast in its mouth, and lies upon it for some time quite motion- less. There are some varieties in this animal. The face of the Nubian Caracal is rounder; the ears black on the outside, interspersed with silver- coloured hairs; on the breast, belly, and insides of the thighs, there are small bright yellow spots; and it has the Mule-cross on the withers, like most of the Barbary Caracals. In Lybia, there are Caracals with white ears, tufted at the end with thin black hairs : they have white tails, the extremities of which are surrounded with four black rings ; and on the hind part of each leg there are four black spots. They are small, not exceeding the size of a domestic Cat. We have now gone through all the principal varieties which constitute this numerous race; in 240 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS all of which, as has been already observed, from the Lion to the common Cat, we may perceive a striking similitude in disposition, form and man- ners. This agreement is likewise observable in their internal conformation, which is still more exact, — in the shortness of their intestines, the sharpness and number of their teeth, and in the structure of their feet and claws. They are all equally carnivorous, and tear, rather than chew their meat. They eat slowly, and growl whilst they feed, as if afraid of losing their prey. They are all cowardly, and seldom make an attack but where conquest is certain. Animals of this race may be considered as the most formidable enemies of mankind. There are others more powerful, but their dispositions are milder, and they seldom offend till they feel them- selves injured: others are more numerous, but they are weaker, and find their safety, not in oppos- ing, but in flying from man. These are the only quadrupeds that in any degree make good their ground against him, and maintain a kind of divid- ed sway over many fair and fertile tracts, that seem, in other respects, formed for the comfort and convenience of social life. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 241 ANIMALS OF THE WEASEL KIND. THESE little, active, and enterprising animals are particularly distinguished from other carnivor- ous kinds by the length and slenderness of their bodies, which are admirably adapted to their man- ner of living, and methods of taking their prey. They are so small and flexible, as to wind like worms into very small crevices and openings; whither they easily follow the little animals that serve them for food. All the animals of this kind are furnished with small glands, placed near the anus, from which an unctuous matter continually exudes: the effluvium of it is extremely offensive in the Polecat, Ferret, Weasel, &c.; but in the Civet Cat, Martin, and Pine Weasel, it is an agreeable perfume. They are all equally marked for rapine and cruelty; they subsist only by theft, and find their chief protection in their minuteness. They are all, from the short- ness of their legs, slow in pursuit; and make up that deficiency by patience, assiduity and cunning. As their prey is precarious, they can live a long time without food. When they fall in with plenty, they immediately kill every thing within their reach, before they begin to satisfy their appetite; and always suck the blood of every animal they kill, before they eat its flesh. These are the principal peculiarities common to this kind; all the species of which have so striking a resemblance to each other, that having seen one, we may form a very just idea of the rest. The most obvious difference consists in their size. We shall therefore begin with the smallest of this numerous class, and proceed gradually upwards to the largest. VOL. III. 2 H 242 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS THE WEASEL. (Mustela Ntvalis, Linn. — La Belctte, Buff.) THE length of this animal does not exceed seven inches from the nose to the tail, which is only two inches and a half long, and ends in a point: its height is not above two inches and a half; so that it is nearly four times as long as it is high. The most prevailing colour of the Weasel is a pale reddish brown on the back, sides, and legs; the throat and belly are white ; beneath the corners of the mouth, on each jaw, is a spot of brown. It has whiskers, like a Cat: its ears are large, and have a fold at the lower part, that gives them the appearance of being double; its eyes are small, round, and black; its teeth are thirty-two in num- ber, and extremely sharp. The Weasel is very common, and well known in most parts of this country; is very destructive to young birds, poultry, Rabbits, &c.; and is a keen devourer of eggs, which it sucks with great avidity. It will follow a Hare,* which is terrified into a state * They sometimes pursue the Hare in packs. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 243 of absolute imbecility at the sight of this little animal, and gives itself up to it without resistance, making at the same time the most piteous outcries. The bite of the Weasel is generally fatal. It seizes its prey near the head, and fixes its sharp teeth into a vital part. A Hare, Rabbit, or any other small animal, bitten in this manner, is never known to recover; but lingers for some time and dies. The wound is so small, that the place where the teeth enter can scarcely be perceived. It is remarkably active, and will run up the sides of a wall with such facility, that no place is secure from it. The Weasel is very useful to the farmer, and is much encouraged by him. During winter it fre- quents his barns, out-houses, and granaries ; which it effectually clears of Rats and Mice. It is, indeed, a more deadly enemy to them than even the Cat itself; for being more active and slender, it pursues them into their holes, and kills them after a short resistance. It creeps also into Pigeon-holes, and destroys the young ones ; catches Sparrows, and all kinds of small birds ; and when it has brought forth its young, it hunts with still greater boldness and avidity. In summer, it ventures to a distance from its usual haunts ; is frequently found by the side of waters, near corn-mills ; and is almost sure to follow wherever a swarm of Rats has taken possession of any place. The evening is the time when it begins its de- predations. Towards the close of the day it may frequently be seen stealing from its hole, and creep- ing about the farmer's yard in search of its prey. If it enter the place where poultry are kept, it seldom attacks the Cocks or the old Hens, but 244 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. always aims at the young ones. It does not eat its prey on the spot where it has killed it ; but, when it is not too large, carries it away to its retreat. It also breaks and sucks all the eggs it can meet with ; and, not unfrequently, kills the Hen that attempts to defend them. The Weasel is a wild and untractable little animal. When kept in a cage, it seems in a con- tinual state of agitation, is terrified at the sight of every person that approaches to look at it, and hides itself in the wool or hay which is given to it for that purpose. It conveys all its food to its hiding-place, and will not touch it till it begin to putrefy. It passes the greater part of the day in sleeping, and usually employs the night in hunting for its prey. The female brings forth in the spring, and gener- ally produces four or five at one litter. She pre- pares a bed for them, of straw, leaves, and moss. The young are brought forth blind, but very soon acquire strength enough to follow their dam, and assist in her excursions. They will attack Serpents, Water-Rats, Moles, Field-Mice, &c. : they overrun the meadows, and frequently kill the Partridges, and suck their eggs. The motion of the Weasel consists of unequal and precipitant leaps; and in climbing a tree, it makes a considerable spring of some feet from the ground. It jumps in the same manner upon its prey ; and being extremely limber, evades the attempts of much stronger animals to seize it. We are told, that an Eagle having seized a Weasel, mounted into the air with it, and was soon after observed to be in great distress. Its little enemy had extricated itself so far, as to be able to HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 245 bite it severely in the throat ; which presently brought the Eagle to the ground, and gave the Weasel an opportunity of escaping. Notwithstanding the wildness of its nature, there are not wanting instances to prove that it is capable of being thoroughly tamed. M. Buffon, who assert- ed the impossibility of bringing the AVeasel into any degree of subjection, is afterwards corrected by a lady, who assures him, that she has tried the experiment upon a young Weasel taken in her garden ; which soon learned to recognise and lick the hand from \vhich it received its food, and be- came as familiar, caressing, and frolicsome as a Dog or a Squirrel. The same author mentions another experiment, made by a gentleman, who trained a young Weasel so completely, that it followed him wherever he went. The method of taming them is to stroke them gently over the back ; and to threaten, and even to beat them' when they bite. These facts may serve to shew the possibility of rendering this animal domestic ; and hold out a useful hint to us, that its services might be very great in clearing ships, granaries, and other places, from the vermin \vith which they are frequently infested : for it is very well known, that one of these animals will kill more Rats and Mice than any Cat, being better able to pursue them into their holes and lurking-places. The odour of the Weasel is very strong, especially in the summer time, or when it is irritated and pursued; it is then intolerable, and may be smelt at some distance. The following circumstance, related by Buffon, will shewr that this animal has a natural attachment 246 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. to every thing that is corrupt : — A Weasel was taken in his neighbourhood, with three young ones, out of the carcase of a Wolf that had been hung on a tree by the hind feet. The Wolf was almost entirely putrefied ; and the Weasel had made a nest of leaves and herbage for her young in the thorax of the putrid carcase. THE STOAT. (Mnstcla Erminca, Linn. — Lc Rosclct, Buff.) THE difference in shape between this animal and the Weasel is so small, that they have fre- quently been described under the same denomina- tion ; a small Stoat being sometimes mistaken for a Weasel. Its length is about ten inches; the tail five inches and a half, very hairy, and tipt with black at the end; the edges of the ears, and ends of the toes, are of a yellowish white: in other respects, it perfectly resembles the Weasel in colour as well as form. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 247 In the most northern parts of Europe, it regularly changes its colour in winter, and becomes perfectly white, except the end of the tail, which remains in- variably black. It is then called the Ermine, and is much sought after for its valuable fur, which makes a considerable article of commerce in Nor- way, Lapland, Russia, and other cold countries; where it is found in prodigious numbers. It is also very common in Kamschatka and Siberia, and is taken in traps baited with flesh. The skins are sold in this country for from two to three pounds sterling per hundred. In Norway, they are either shot with blunt arrows, or taken in traps made of two flat stones, one being propped up with a stick, to which is fastened a baited string: and as soon as the animal begins to nibble, the stone falls down, and crushes it to death. The Stoat is like- wise found white in the winter time in Great Britain, and is then erroneously called a WJiitc Weasel. Its fur, however, among us, is of little value, having neither the thickness, the closeness, nor the pure whiteness, of those which come from Siberia. One of them, which we had in our possession, had entirely assumed its winter robe; but with a considerable mixture of yellow, especially on the top of the head and back. They begin to change from brown to white in November, and resume their summer vesture in March. The natural history of this animal is much the same with that of the Weasel ; its food being young Birds, Rabbits, Mice, &c.; its agility the same; and its scent equally fetid. 248 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE FERRET. (Mustela Furo, Linn. — Le Furct, Buff.) Is known to us only in a kind of domestic state. It is originally a native of Africa: from whence, according to Strabo, it was brought into Spain; and from its known enmity to the Rabbit, was made use of to reduce the numbers of them with which that kingdom abounded. It has since been employed for the same purpose in various parts of Europe; but as it is not able to bear the severity of a cold climate, it cannot subsist without great care and shelter. It is usually kept in a box with wool, of which it makes itself a warm bed. It sleeps a great part of the day; and the moment it awakes seems eager for its food, which is commonly bread and milk. It breeds twice a year. The female goes six weeks with young. Some of them devour their offspring as soon as they are brought forth ; \vhen they immediately come in season again, and have HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 249 three litters, which generally consist of five or six, but sometimes seven or eight, and even nine. It is apt to degenerate in this country, and lose in some degree its ferocity. Warreners are there- fore obliged to procure an intercourse between the female and the Foumart. The produce is a breed of a much darker colour than the Ferret, partaking more of that of the Foumart. The length of the Ferret is about fourteen inches ; that of the tail five : its nose is sharper than that of the Weasel or the Foumart; its ears are round; and its eyes red and fiery: the colour of the whole body is a very pale yellow. This animal is naturally such an enemy to the Rabbit, that if a dead Rabbit be laid before a young Ferret, it instantly seizes upon it, although it has never seen one before : if a living Rabbit be presented to it, the Ferret is still more eager, seizes it by the neck, winds itself round it, and continues to suck its blood till it be satiated. When em- ployed in the business of the warren, it must be muzzled, that it may not kill the Rabbits in their holes, but only oblige them to come out, that the warrener may catch them in his nets. If the Ferret be suffered to go in without a muzzle, or should disengage itself from it whilst in the hole, there is a great danger of losing it:' for, after satisfying itself with blood, it falls asleep, and it is then almost impossible to come at it. The most usual methods of recovering the Ferret are, by digging it out, or smoking the hole. If these do not succeed, it continues during the summer among the Rabbit holes, and lives upon the prey it finds there ; but being unable to endure the cold of the winter, is sure to perish. VOL. III. 2 I 250 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. It is sometimes employed with great success in killing Ra,ts, and is frequently kept in granaries and mills for that purpose. It is extremely vigilant in the pursuit of them, and will not suffer one to live where it is. A young Ferret, after it has seized a Rat, will suffer itself to be dragged by it a con- siderable way before it has killed it, which it never fails to do in a short time. If the Ferret could be kept warm enough at sea, it might be extremely serviceable in destroying the Rats, which frequently commit such great depreda- tions on board of ships, and have sometimes been the occasion of their total loss. The Ferret, though easily tamed, is soon irritated. Its odour is fetid; its nature voracious; it is tame without attachment; and such is its appetite for blood, that it has been known to attack and kill children in the cradle. When angry, it is apt to bite; and the wound is difficult to cure. The Madagascar Weasel, or Vansire of M. Buffon, may be referred to this species; to which its size and form are strikingly similar. It is about four- teen inches in length ; the hair is of a dark brown colour, mixed with black; it differs from the Ferret in the number of its grinding teeth, which amount to twelve; whereas in the Ferret there are but eight; the tail is longer than that of the Ferret, and better furnished with hair. The same author mentions another animal of this species under the name of the Ncnis, which is a native of Arabia. It resembles the Ferret in every thing but the colour, being of a dark brown, mixed with white; the belly is of a bright yellow colour, without any mixture; the prevailing colour on the head and round the eyes is a clear yellow; on the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 251 nose, cheeks, and other parts of the face where the hair is short, a tincture of brown more or less pre- vails, and terminates gradually above the eyes ; the legs are covered with short hair, of a deep yellow colour; on each foot there are four toes, and a small one behind; the claws are small and black; the tail, which is more than double the length of that of the Ferret, is very thick at its origin, ter- minates in a point, and is covered writh long hair, similar to that on the body. 252 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE FOUMART. (Mustcla Putorius, Linn. — Le Putois, Buff.) So called from its offensive smell, as well as to distinguish it from the Martin, to which it bears a strong resemblance. It is likewise called the Pole- cat or Fitchct. Its length is about seventeen inches, exclusive of the tail, which is six inches; its eyes are small, very brilliant, and when the animal is irritated or afraid, shine in the dark with singular lustre; its ears are short, broad, and tipt with white on their edges ; it is white about the mouth ; the rest of the body is for the most part of a deep chocolate colour; the sides are covered with hairs of two colours ; the ends being dark like the rest of the body, and the middle of a full tawny colour. The shape of the Foumart, like all others of this genus, is long and slender, the nose sharp-pointed, and the legs short ; the toes are long, and the claws HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 253 sharp. It is in every respect admirably formed for that peculiar mode of life assigned to it by the all- wise Author of Nature. It is very active and nimble, runs very fast, and will creep up the sides of walls with great agility. In running, its belly seems to touch the ground; in preparing to jump, it arches its back, and makes its spring with great force. It is very destructive to poultry, Pigeons, and young game of all kinds. It makes great havoc amongst Rabbits ; and its thirst for blood is so great, that it kills many more than it can eat. One or two of them will almost destroy a whole warren. It is never seen abroad in the day-time, unless forced from its hole; and is seldom hunted but in the winter, being at that season easily found by tracing its footsteps in the snow. It generally resides in woods or thick brakes ; where it burrows under ground, forming a shallow retreat about two yards in length, commonly ending among the roots of trees. In the winter season, it frequents houses, barns, &c., feeding on poultry, eggs, and sometimes milk. But it has another mode of procuring subsistence, which has hitherto escaped the observation of the naturalist; and which, though singular, we can vouch for the truth of. During a severe storm, one of these animals was traced in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, at some distance from it: as it was observed to have made frequent trips, and as other marks were to be seen in the snow which could not easily be accounted for, it was thought a matter worthy of great attention: its hole was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken, and eleven fine Eels were discovered to be the fruits 254 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. of its nocturnal excursions. The marks in the snow were found to have been made by the motion of the Eel's in the creature's mouth. From the above curious circumstance, we have given a representation of this animal (which was drawn from the life) in possession of this singular booty. It may be matter of amusing investigation for some future naturalist, to enquire by what arts this wily animal obtains a booty so apparently dif- ficult for it to lay hold of. In attending to the instinctive faculties of ani- mals, there is room for deep and diligent enquiry; and though our progress is liable to many interrup- tions, it is a delightful task to follow the workings of Nature through all her intricate and curious windings : every step we gain is a sufficient reward for our trouble, and leads us to admire the wisdom and goodness of that dispensation which furnishes every creature with sufficient and ample powers to provide for all its wants, necessities, and comforts. The female Foumart brings forth in the summer, generally five or six at a time. She suckles them but a short time, and accustoms them early to live upon blood and eggs. Though the smell of this animal is rank and dis- agreeable, even to a proverb, yet the skin is drest with the hair on, and used as other furs, without retaining its offensive odour. The Foumart is very fierce and bold. When attacked by a Dog, it will defend itself with great spirit, attack in its turn, and fasten upon the nose of its enemy with so keen a bite, as frequently to oblige him to desist. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 255 THE PINE-WEASEL, OR YELLOW- BREASTED MARTIN. (La Martc, Buff.) INHABITS the North of 4 Europe, Asia, and Amer- ica: it is likewise found in Great Britain, but is not numerous there. It lives chiefly in large forests, especially where the pine-tree abounds, of the tops of which it is very fond. North America abounds with these animals. Prodigious numbers of their skins are annually imported from thence : about thirty thousand skins have been brought over from Canada in one year, and from Hudson's Bay nearly fifteen thousand in the same time. The principal difference between the Pine- Weasel and the Martin is in the colour. The breast of the former is yellow; the colour of the body much darker; and the fur, in general, greatly superior in fineness, beauty, and value. 256 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MARTIX. (^litstcla Marfcs, Linn. — La Fouine, Buff.) Is much more common in this country than the Pine-Weasel. It lives wholly in woods, and breeds in the hollows of trees. It produces from four to six young- ones at a time. This species is the most beautiful of all the Weasel kind. Its head is small, and elegantly formed; its eyes are lively; and its motions quick and graceful. When taken young, it is easily tamed, and be- comes extremely playful and good-humoured. Its attachment, however, is not to be depended upon. It readily takes advantage of the first opportunity to regain its liberty, and retire to the woods, its natural haunts. The food of the Martin is much the same with other animals of its kind. It makes- incessant war upon Rats, Mice, and other vermin ; poultry, game, and small birds, are its constant prey: it feeds also on grain, and is extremely fond of honey. M. Buffon tells us of one of them that he had tamed, which he remarks, drank frequently. It sometimes slept two days successively, and at other times would continue awake as long. In preparing itself for sleep, it folded itself up in a round form, and covered its head with its tail. When awake, its motions were so violent, so constant, and so troublesome, that it was necessary to keep it chain- ed. From the flexibility of its body, it easily eluded its fetters; and, after returning once or twice, at length absented itself entirely. HISTORY pF QUADRUPEDS. 257 The Martin is about eighteen inches long; the tail ten, and full of hair, especially towards the end, which is thick and bushy; the ears are broad, rounded, and open, the body is covered with a thick fur, of a dark brown colour; the head brown, mixed with red ; the throat and breast are white ; the belly is of the same colour with the back, but a little paler; the feet are broad, and covered on the under side with a thick fur; the claws white, large, and sharp, well adapted for climbing trees, which in this country are its constant residence. The skin and excrements have an agreeable musky scent, and are entirely free from that rank- ness which is so disgusting in other animals of this kind. Its fur is valuable, and in high estimation. VOL III. 2 K 258 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. • THE SABLE. (Mustela Zibelliua, Linn. — I. a Zibcliiu\ Buff.) So highly esteemed for its skin, is a native of the snowy regions of the North; it is found chiefly in Siberia, Kamschatka, and some of the islands which lie between that country and Japan. It is also found in Lapland. The darkest furs are the most valuable. A single skin, though not above four inches broad, is some- times valued as high as fifteen pounds. The Sable differs from all other furs in this, that the hair turns with equal ease to either side. The Sable resembles the Martin in form, and is about the same size. It lives in holes in the earth, by the banks of rivers, and under the roots of trees. It makes its nest of moss, small twigs, and grass. The female brings forth in the spring, and pro- duces from three to five at one time. Sometimes, like the Martin, it forms its nest in the hollow of a tree. It is very lively and active, and leaps with great agility from tree to tree, in pursuit of small birds, HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259 Woodcocks, Squirrels, &c. It likewise lives upon Rats, fishes, pine tops, and wild fruits. It is affirmed by naturalists, that the Sable is not averse to the water; and from the fineness and closeness of its fur, there is great reason to suppose that it is much accustomed to that element, from which it also derives a part of its subsistence : and as a further proof that this animal is in some degree amphibious, we are told by travellers,* that it is very numerous in small islands, whither the hunters go in quest of them. It is mentioned by Aristotle as a water animal, and is described by him under the name of Satherius. The hunting of the Sable is chiefly carried on by criminals confined to the desert regions of Siberia, or by soldiers sent thither for that purpose, who generally remain there several years. They are obliged to furnish a certain quantity of furs, and shoot with a single ball, to injure the skin as little as possible. They frequently take them in traps, or kill them with blunt arrows. As an encourage- ment to the hunters, they are allowed to share among themselves whatever skins they take above the allotted number; and this in a few years, amounts to a considerable premium. The hunters form themselves into small troops, each of which is directed by a leader of their own chusing. The season of hunting is from November to February; for at that time the Sables are in the highest perfection: those caught at any other time of the year are full of short hairs, and are sold at inferior prices. The best skins are such as have only long hair, which is always black, and of a * Avril's Travels, p. 140. 260 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. glossy brightness. Old furs do not retain their gloss. Both the Russians and Chinese have a method of dyeing their furs ; but the dyed Sables are easily discovered, having neither the smooth- ness nor the brightness of the natural hair. The bellies of Sables, which are sold in pairs, are about two fingers in breadth, and are tied together in bundles of forty pieces, which are sold at from one to two pounds sterling. The tails are sold by the hundred, from four to eight pounds. There are instances of Sables being found of a snowy whiteness; but they are rare, and bought only as curiosities. The hunters of these animals are frequently ob- liged to endure the utmost extremity of cold and hunger in the pursuit of their booty. They pene- trate deep into immense woods, where they have no other method of finding their way back but by marking the trees as they advance: if this should by any means fail them, they are inevitably lost. They sometimes trace the Sables on the new-fallen snow to their holes, place their nets at the entrance, and wait frequently two or three days before the animal comes out. It has happened by the failure of their provisions, that these poor wretches have been reduced to the necessity of tying thin boards tight to their stomachs to prevent the cravings of appetite. Such are the hardships our fellow-crea- tures undergo to supply the wants of the vain and luxuriant ! An animal, similar to the Sable, is mentioned by Mr. Pennant under the name of the Fisher. It is found in North America; and by the number of skins imported, must be very numerous there, nearly six hundred of them having been brought in one HISTORY Ot QUADRUPEDS. 26l season from New York and Pennsylvania. The hair on the body is mostly black; the sides brown; the ears are broad and round, dusky on their out- sides, and edged with white; the face and sides of the neck pale brown, mixed with black; the feet are very broad, and covered with hair, even to their soles; the tail is full and bushy; the length, from nose to tail, is twenty-eight inches; the tail seven- teen. THE ICHNEUMON. (Viverra Ichneumon, Linn. — L( Each under each Besides these, there is a variety called the Kibble- Hound^ produced by a mixture of the Beagle and the Old English Hound. THE BLOOD-HOUND. WAS in great request with our ancestors; and as it was remarkable for the fineness of its scent, it was frequently employed in recovering game that had escaped wounded from the hunter. It could follow, with great certainty, the footsteps of a man to a considerable distance: and in barbarous and uncivilized times, when the thief or murderer had fled, this useful creature would trace him through HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 353 the thickest and most secret coverts; nor would it cease its pursuit till it had taken the felon. For this reason, there was a law in Scotland, that who- ever denied entrance to one of these Dogs, in pursuit of stolen goods, should be deemed an accessary. Blood-Hounds were formerly used in certain dis- tricts, lying between England and Scotland, which were much infested by robbers and murderers ; and a tax was laid upon the inhabitants for keeping and maintaining a certain number of them. But as the arm of justice is now extended over every part of the country, and there are no secret recesses where villainy may lie concealed, these services are no longer necessary. In Scotland it was distinguished by the name of the Sleuth- J I oiuul. Some few of these Dogs are still kept in the southern part of the kingdom, and are used in pur- suit of Deer that have been previously wounded by a shot to draw blood, the scent of which enables them to pursue with most unerring steadiness. They are sometimes employed in discovering Deer- stealers, whom they infallibly trace by the blood that issues from the wounds of their victims. They are also said to be kept in convents, situated in the lonely and mountainous countries of Switzerland, both as a guard to the sacred mansion, as well as to find out the bodies of men who have been unfor- tunately lost in crossing those wild and dreary tracts. The Blood-Hound is taller than the Old English Hound, most beautifully formed, and superior to every other kind in activity, speed, and sagacity. They seldom bark, except in the chase: they are commonly of a reddish or brown colour. VOL III. 2 Y 354 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. A Hound bitch, belonging to the Rivington hunt, near Bolton, pupped four whelps during a hard chase, which she carefully covered in a rush isle, and immediately after joined the pack. Shortly after, she pupped another, \vhich she carried in her mouth during the remainder of a chase of many miles: after which, she returned to the place where she had dropped the four. Somerville thus beautifully describes their mode of pursuing the nightly spoiler :— " Soon the sagacious brute, his curling tail " Flourish'd in air, low bending, plies around " His busy nose, the steaming vapour snuffs " Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untry'd. "Till, conscious of the recent stains, his heart " Beats quick; his snuffling nose, his active tail, '' Attest his joy-, then with deep-op'ning mouth, " That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims " Th' audacious felon : foot by foot he marks " His winding way, while all the list'ning crowd " Applaud his reas'nings: o'er the wat'ry ford, " Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills : " O'er beaten paths, with men and beasts distain'd. " Unerring he pursues, till at the cot " Arriv'd, and seizing by his guilty throat " The caitiff vile, redeems the captive prey : "So exquisitely delicate his sense!" HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 355 THE SPANISH POINTER. (Cam's * ImculartSj Linn.) Is of foreign origin, as its name seems to imply; but it is now naturalized -in this country, which has long been famous for Dogs of this kind; the greatest attention being paid to preserve the breed in its ut- most purity. This Dog is remarkable for the aptness and facility with which it receives instruction. It may be said to be almost self-taught ; whilst the English Pointer requires the greatest care and attention in breaking and training to the sport. The Spanish Pointer, however, is not so durable and hardy, nor so able to undergo the fatigues of an extensive range. It is chiefly employed in finding Partridges, Pheasants, &c., either for the gun or the net. It is said, that an English nobleman (Robert Dudley, Duke of Northumberland) was the first who broke a Setting-Dog to the net. 356 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ENGLISH SETTER. Is a hardy, active, hcindsome Dog. Its scent is exquisite; and it ranges with great speed and won- derful perseverance. Its sagacity in discovering the various kinds of game, and its caution in approach- ing them, are truly astonishing. But as the uses of this valuable Dog are so well known, we Avill con- clude with the following beautiful quotation from Somerville : — '' When Autumn smiles, all-beauteous in decay, " And paints each chequer'd grove with various hues, " My Setter ranges in the new-shorn fields, " His nose in air erect ; from ridge to ridge " Panting he bounds, his quarter'd ground divides '' In equal intervals, nor careless leaves " One inch untry'd : at length the tainted gales " His nostrils wide inhale; quick joy elates " His beating heart, which, aw'd by discipline " Severe, he dares not own, but cautious creeps, " Low-cow'ring, step by step; at last attains " His proper distance; there he stops at once, "And points with his instructive nose upon " The trembling prey." HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 357 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. THE drawing of this Dog was taken from a very fine one at Eslington, in the county of Northumber- land. Its dimensions were as follow : — From its nose to the end of its tail, it measured six feet twro inches ; the length of its tail, one foot ten inches : from one fore foot right over its shoul- ders to the other, five feet seven inches ; girt behind the shoulder, three feet two inches ; round its head over its ears, two feet ; round the upper part of its fore leg, nine inches and a half. It was web-footed, could swim extremely fast, dive with great ease, and bring up any thing from the bottom of the water. It was naturally fond offish; and ate raw trouts, or other small fish, out of the nets. 358 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS This breed of Dogs was originally brought from the country of which they bear the name, where their great strength and docility render them ex- tremely useful to the settlers on those coasts, who use them in bringing down wood from the interior parts of the country to the sea side : three or four of them yoked to a sledge will draw two or three hundred weight of wood piled upon it, for several miles, with great ease : they are not attended by a driver, nor any person to guide them ; but after having delivered their loading, they return imme- diately to the woods, where they are accustomed to be fed with dried fish, &c. The extraordinary sagacity of these Dogs, and their attachment to their masters, render them highly valuable in particular situations. During a severe storm, in the winter of 1789, a ship, belonging to Newcastle, was lost near Yar- mouth ; and a Newfoundland Dog alone escaped to shore, bringing in his mouth the captain's pocket- book. He landed amidst a number of people, several of whom in vain endeavoured to take it from him. The sagacious animal, as if sensible of the importance of the charge, which in all prob- ability was delivered to him by his perishing master, at length leapt fawningly against the breast of a man, who had attracted his notice among the crowd, and delivered the book to him. The Dog immediately returned to the place where he had landed, and watched with great attention for every thing that came from the wrecked vessel, seizing them, and endeavouring to bring them to land. The following is another instance of their great docility and strength of observation : — A gentleman walking by the side of the river Tyne, and observ- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 359 ing, on the opposite side, a child fall into the water, gave notice to his Dog, which immediately jumped in, swam over, and catching hold of the child with its mouth, brought it safe to land. ;6o HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. THE LARGE ROUGH WATER DOG. (Cains Aviarit^s Aquaticus, Linn. — Lc Grand Barbet, Buff. Is web-footed, swims with great ease, and is used in hunting Ducks and other aquatic birds. From its aptness to fetch and carry, it is frequently kept on board of ships, for the purpose of recovering any thing that has fallen overboard; and is like- wise useful in taking up birds that are shot, and drop into the sea. There is a variety much smaller. They are both remarkable for their long and shaggy coat, which frequently incommodes them by growing over their eyes. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 361 THE LARGE WATER-SPANIEL. THE drawing of this beautiful animal was made from one of the finest of its kind, in the possession of J. E. Blackett, Esq., of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This kind of Dog is valuable for its great docility and attachment to its master. It receives instruc- tions with readiness, 'and obeys with uncommon alacrity. Its form is elegant, its hair beautifully curled or crisped, its ears long, and its aspect mild and sagacious. It is fond of the water, and swims well. It is chiefly used in discovering the haunts of Wild-Ducks and other water fowl, and also in finding birds that have been shot or disabled. It is probably the Finder^ described by Caius. VOL. in. 2 Z ;62 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SMALL WATER-SPANIEL. Is similar to the other in form, habits, and dis- position; and its capacity for receiving instruction is equally good. With looks of extreme attention and sensibility, it observes the motions of its mas- ter, and catches the well-known signal with amazing promptitude. The various tricks which these Dogs are some- times taught to perform, seem more like the effect of reasoning powers, than of undiscerning instinct. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 363 THE SPRINGER, OR COCKER. Is lively, active, and pleasant; an unwearied pur- suer of its game ; and very expert in raising" Wood- cocks and Snipes from their haunts in woods and marshes, through which it ranges writh amazing perseverance. Of the same kind is that beautiful little Dog, which, in this country, is well known under the appellation of King Charles's Dog ; the favourite and constant companion of that monarch, who was generally attended by several of them. It is still preserved as an idle but innocent companion. Its long ears, curled hair, and web-feet, evidently point out its alliance with the more useful and active kind last mentioned. Similar to this, but smaller, is the Pyrauie-Dog. It is generally black, with reddish legs ; and above each eye is a spot of the same colour. Still farther removed, we have the Shock-Dog ; a diminutive creature, almost hid in the great quan- tity of its hair, which covers it from head to foot. 364 HISTORY^ OF QUADRUPEDS. Another variety is the Lion- Dog ; so called from the shaggy hair which covers the head and all the fore part of the body; whilst the hinder part is quite smooth, saving a tuft of hair at the end of the tail. This species is become extremely rare. THE COMFORTER. Is a most elegant little animal, and is generally kept by the ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing-room. It is very snappish, ill- natured, and noisy ; and does not readily admit the familiarity of strangers. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 365 TIIK TURNSPIT. Is generally long-bodied, has short crooked legs, its tail curled upon its back, and is frequently spotted with black upon a blue-grey ground. It is peculiar in the colour of its eyes ; the same Dog often having the iris of one eye black, and the other white. It is a bold, vigilant, and spirited little Dog. At present, however, its services seem but little attend- ed to ; a more certain method of doing the business of the spit having superseded the labours of this in- dustrious animal. THE PUG-DOG. Ix outward appearance, is every way formed like the Bull-Dog; but much smaller, and its tail is curled upon its back. It was formerly very common in many parts of England ; however, at present, it is rarely to be met with. Although it has no longer its admirers here, Mrs. Piozzi informs us, that she saw great numbers at Padua, in Italy, and that it still maintains its place in the favour of the fair ones of that country. 366 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. From these, and a mixture of others, proceeds a numberless variety of Messets, Lap-Dog's, Dancers, Waps, Mongrels, and compounds without end. That all these, however divided, compose one general family, is apparent, from the facility with which they intermix, produce, and re-produce. In all of them the same attachment to mankind, the same pliant and humble disposition, submitting with patience to the various indignities to which they are exposed by their dependent situation, is eminently observable. Even those that, by accident or neglect, have been abandoned, and become wild, when taken home, are easily reclaimed by kindness and atten- tion : they quickly become familiar, and continue faithfully attached to their masters. Multitudes of these are to be found in South America, which have sprung from those taken thither by the Europeans. They breed in holes in the ground, are formed some- what like a Greyhound, have erect ears, are very vigilant, and excellent in the chase. To mention some of the more common instances of this creature's sagacity, by way of elucidating its general character, may not be amiss ; and amongst these, its care in directing the steps of the blind man is not the least worthy of notice. There are few who have not seen an unfortunate object of this description, led by his Dog, through the various passages of a populous town, to the accustomed place where he sits to supplicate the contributions of passengers. It may sometimes be seen to stop at particular houses, to receive the morsel from the hand of charity, or pick from the ground the money thrown out to relieve its miserable owner. When the day is passed, it conducts him home again; and gratefully receives as the reward of its services, the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 367 scanty pittance which poverty and wretchedness can bestow. Dogs \vill sometimes imitate the actions of their masters, will open a door that is fastened with a latch, or pull a bell, where they are desirous of gain- ing admittance. Faber mentions one belonging to a nobleman of the Medici family, which always attended at its master's table, took from him his plates, and brought him others; and if he wanted wine, would carry it to him, in a glass placed upon a silver plate, which it held in its mouth, without spilling the smallest drop. The same Dog would also hold the stirrups in its teeth, whilst its master was mounting his Horse. That Dogs are capable of mutual attachment is evident from the well-known story of the Dog at St. Alban's; which, being left by its master at an inn there till he returned from London, and being ill-treated by a large Dog belonging to the house, stole privately off. It spon returned with a friend, that was much larger and stronger than itself; and both fell upon the aggressor, and punished him severely for his cruelty to a stranger. There are several peculiarities common to all animals of the Dog kind, briefly mentioned by Linnaeus, with which we shall conclude its history; the principal of which are as follow: — The Dog is carnivorous; its stomach digests bones; it eats grass for a vomit; voids its urine sideways, and commonly where other Dogs have done so before; smells at a stranger; scarcely ever sweats, but lolls out its tongue when hot; remembers injuries done to it; is subject to the hydrophobia; its sense of hearing very quick; when asleep, is supposed to dream; goes with young sixty-three days, and 368 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. brings forth from four to eight at one time. It barks at strange Dogs, snaps at a stone thrown at it, howls at certain musical notes; when about to lie down, frequently goes round the place; fawns at the approach of its master, and will not patiently suffer any one to strike him; runs before him on a journey, often going over the same ground; on coming to cross ways, stops, looks back, and waits- to observe \vhich of them he takes; sits up and begs; and when it has committed a theft, slinks away with its tail between its legs ; is an enemy to beggars and ill-looking people, and attacks them without the least provocation; is also said to be sick at the approach of bad weather. We cannot, however, agree with the learned naturalist when he asserts, that the male puppies resemble the Dog, and the female the Bitch; or that it is a character common to the whole species, that the tail always bends to the left side. To these we may add, as equally void of foundation, a remark of M". Buffon, that a female Hound, covered with a Dog of her own kind, has been known to produce a mixed race, consisting of Hounds and Terriers. We barely mention these to showr, that too much cau- tion cannot be used in forming general characters or systematic arrangements ; and we leave it to the experience of the most inattentive observer to de- tect such palpable absurdities. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 369 --.isiinni.* THE HARE. (Lcpus timid US) Linn. — Lc Licvre, Buff.) THIS harmless and inoffensive animal, destitute of every means of defence, and surrounded on all sides by its enemies, would soon be utterly extir- pated, if Nature, ever kind and provident, had not endowed it with faculties, by which it is frequently enabled to elude their pursuit. Fearful of every danger, and attentive to every alarm, the Hare is continually upon the watch; and being provided with very long ears, moveable at pleasure, and easily directed to every quarter, is warned of the most distant approaches of danger. Its eyes are large and prominent, adapted to re- ceive the rays of light on every side, and give notice of more immediate alarms. To these may be added its great swiftness, by which it soon leaves most of its pursuers far behind. The hind are much longer than the fore legs, and are fur- nished with strong muscles, which give the Hare a VOL. III. 3 A 370 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. singular advantage in running up a •hill: sensible of its powers in this respect, it is always observed to fly towards rising ground when first started. Thus formed for escape, the Hare might be sup- posed to enjoy a state of tolerable security; but as every rapacious creature is its enemy, it is seldom permitted to live out its natural term. Dogs and Foxes pursue it by instinct ; Wild-Cats, and Weasels of all kinds, catch and devour it; birds of prey are still more dangerous enemies ; whilst man, far more powerful than all, makes use of every artifice to obtain an animal which constitutes one of the numerous delicacies of his table. If we were to enumerate the various stratagems which in- genuity has suggested to circumvent this persecuted creature, we would willingly omit the notable achievements and gallant exploits of the chase; which, to a cool and dispassionate observer, seem to demand a nobler game. " Poor is the triumph o'er the timid Hare." Another remarkable means of safety to the Hare is its colour, which, being similar to the ground where it sits, secures it from the sight of its enemies ; and as a further instance of the care of Providence in the preservation of its creatures, these, as well as some other animals in more northern regions, are observed to change their colour, and become per- fectly white during winter, which renders them less conspicuous in the snow. Some rare instances oc- cur, of white Hares being met with in Great Britain. The Hare is very prolific, and breeds three or four times in the year. The female goes with young thirty days, and generally brings forth three or four at a litter. The rutting season begins in February. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 371 During the clay, Hares sleep or repose in their •seats, and seldom remove from them : the night is the season when they go about in search of food ; and they are sure to return to their forms or seats by the same paths which they took in leaving them. " Tis instinct that directs the jealous Hare " To chuse her soft abode. With step revers'd, '' She forms the doubling maze; then, ere the morn " Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess." The following instances of the sagacity of the Hare in endeavouring to escape from its enemies are worthy of notice : — Fouilldux says he has seen a Hare start from its form at the sound of the hunter's horn, run towards a pool of water at a considerable distance, plunge itself in, and swim to some rushes in the middle, where it lay down, and concealed itself from the pursuit of the Dogs. He mentions another, which, after running two hours before the Dogs, pushed a Hare from its seat and took possession of it. Others he has seen run into a Sheep-fold, and lie down among the Sheep ; and some have effected their escape by mounting an old wall, and clapping themselves •down in the midst of the ivy which covered it. The fur of the Hare is of great use in making hats, for which purpose many thousands of their skins are annually imported from Russia. The Hare was reckoned a great delicacy among the Romans, but was forbidden to the Jews, and held sacred among the ancient Britons, who re- ligiously abstained from eating it. We are told, that Boadicea, immediately before her last conflict with the Romans, let loose a Hare she had con- 372 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. cealed in her bosom ; which taking what was deemed a fortunate course, was looked upon as a good omen. It is to this day deemed unclean by the Mahometans. The Hare is found in most parts of the world, with very little variety. Those of North America are rather less than the European. They frequent marshes and meadows, and when pursued take refuge in hollow trees. THE ALPIXE HARE. Is grey in summer, with a slight mixture of black and tawny. Its hair is soft, its ears shorter, and its legs more slender than the common Hare's. In winter, the whole body changes to a snowy whiteness, except the tips and edges of the ears,, which remain black. This animal lives on the highest hills in Scot- land, Norway, Eapland, Russia, and Siberia ; never descends from the mountains, nor mixes with the common Hare, although they abound in the same parts. It does not run fast ; and when pursued,, often takes shelter in clefts of rocks. It is easily tamed, is very frolicsome, and fond of honey and other sweets. It changes its colour in September, and resumes its grey coat in April. Troops of five or six hundred are sometimes seen, which migrate towards the south in spring, and return in autumn. A variety is found in those mountains of Tartary which extend as far as the lake Baikal. It inhabits the middle regions of the hills, among thick woods, and in moist places abounding with grass and herb- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 373 age. It lives in the crevices of rocks, and some- times burrows in the earth lodged between the clefts. Its voice is a sharp whistle, not unlike the chirping of a Sparrow. In the autumn, great numbers of them assemble together, and collect vast quantities of the finest herbs, which, when dried, they form into pointed ricks of various sizes ; some of them four or five feet in height, and of proportionable bulk. These they place under the shelter of an overhanging rock, or pile round the trunks of trees. By this method, these industrious little animals lay up a stock of winter food, and wisely provide against the rigours of those stormy regions : otherwise, be- ing prevented by the depth of snow from quitting their retreats in quest of food, they must all inevit- ably perish. 374 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE RABBIT. (Lepus Cuniculus, Linn. — Le Lapiny Buff.) NOTWITHSTANDING the great similarity between the Hare and the Rabbit, Nature has placed an in- separable bar between them, in not allowing them to intermix, to which they mutually discover the most extreme aversion. Besides this, their is a wide difference in their habits and propensities : the Rabbit lives in holes in the earth, where it brings forth its young, and retires from the ap- proach of danger; whilst the Hare prefers the open fields, and trusts to its speed for safety. The*fecundity of the Rabbit is truly astonishing. It breeds seven times in the year, and generally produces eight young at a time ; from which it is calculated, that one pair may increase, in the course of four years, to the amazing number of 1,274,840: so that, if frequent reductions were not made in various ways, there is reason to apprehend they would soon exceed the means of their support, and HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 375 over-run the face of the country. But as their in- crease is great, so is the number of their enemies ; for, besides those that are taken for the use of man, great numbers are devoured by Foxes, Weasels, Foumarts, and other beasts of prey. In Spain they formerly increased to such a degree, as to become so noxious, that the inhabitants were obliged to procure Ferrets from Africa to destroy them. The Rabbit is capable of procreating at the age of five or six months. The female goes with young about thirty days. Previous to her bringing forth, she makes a bed Avith down, which she pulls off her own coat. She never leaves her young but when pressed with hunger, and returns as soon as that is allayed, which she effects with surprising quickness. During the time she tends and suckles her young, she carefully conceals them from the male, lest he should devour them; and frequently covers up the mouth of the hole, that her retreat may not be dis- covered. It lives to the age of eight or nine years, and pre- fers warm and temperate climates. Pliny and Aristotle mention it as being anciently known only in Greece and Spain: it is now, however, common in various parts of Europe; but in Sweden and other cold countries it can be reared only in houses. It abounds in Great Britain, where its skin forms a very considerable article in the manufacture of hats. Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire, are most noted for the production of them. The flesh of the Rabbit, as well as the Hare, was forbidden to the Jews and the Mahometans. 376 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE DOMESTIC RABBIT. Is of various colours — white, brown, black, and variegated. It is somewhat larger than the wild Rabbit; but its flesh is not so good, being softer and more insipid. Its food is generally cabbage leaves, colewort, blades of corn, sour-dock, and other succulent plants; but sweet short hay, and a little clean oats, make the best diet. The RABBIT of ANGORA, like the Goat and Sheep of that country, is covered with long hair, which falls down its side in wavy curls, and is of a silky fineness. Air. Pennant describes a remarkable variety un- der the name of the Hooded Rabbit, which has a double skin over its back, into which it can with- draw its head: it likewise conceals its fore legs in a part which falls down under its throat. There are small holes in this loose skin, which admit light to the eyes. The colour of the body is cinereous; that of the head and ears is brown. A manuscript account of this animal, with a drawing by Mr. G. Edwards, is preserved in the British Museum. The Rabbit is not a native of America. There are great numbers of them in many of the West Indian islands, which have originated from a stock carried thither from Europe. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 377 THE GUINEA-PIG, OR RESTLESS CAVY. (Mm PorcclluSy Linn. — Le Cochon d'Inde, Buff.) THIS little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives and propagates in temperate, and even in cold climates, when protected from the inclemency of the seasons. Great numbers are kept in a domestic state, but for what purpose can hardly be deter- mined. They have neither beauty nor utility to recommend them; their skins are of little value: and their flesh, though eatable, is far from being good. Their habits and dispositions are equally unpleasant and disgusting: void of attachment even to their own offspring, they suffer them to be devoured the moment they are brought forth, with- out making the smallest attempt to defend them. The males frequently destroy their own young; and are so stupid as to allow themselves to be killed by Cats without resistance. They pass their whole lives in sleeping, eating, and in the propagation of their species. They are by nature gentle and tame ; they do no mischief, but seem to be equally in- capable of good. Rats are said to avoid the places where they reside. VOL. in. 3 B 378 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The Guinea-Pig is considerably less than the Rabbit; its upper lip is only half divided; it has two cutting teeth in each jaw; large and broad ears; its hair is of different colours, white, varied with orange and black, in irregular patches ; it has no tail ; is a restless animal ; feeds on bread, grain, and vegetables; and makes a noise like the grunt- ing of a pig. It is capable of breeding at the age of two months, and produces from four to twelve at one time. The species w^ould be innumerable, if many of them were not taken off by various means : some are killed by Cats, others by the males, and more, both young and old, perish by the severity of the -climate, and want of proper care. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SPOTTED CAYY. (Mus Pnca, Linn. — Lc Paca, Buff.) Is about the size of a Hare, but its body is much thicker, plumper, and fatter. The colour of the hair on the back is dark brown, or liver-coloured ; it is lighter on the sides, which are beautifully marked with lines of white spots, running in parallel direc- tions from its throat to its rump ; those on the upper part of the body are perfectly distinct ; the belly is white. Its head is large; its ears short and naked; its eyes full, and placed high in its head, near the ears ; in the lower part of each jaw, immediately under the eye, it has a remarkably deep slit or fur- row, which seems like the termination of the jaw, and has the appearance of an opening of the mouth; its upper jaw projects beyond the under; it has two strong yellow cutting teeth in each jaw ; its mouth is small, and its upper lip is divided; it has long whiskers on its lips, and on each side of its head, under the ears ; its legs are short ; it has four toes on the fore, and three on the hind foot ; it has no tail. 380 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. . The Spotted Cavy is a native of South America, and lives on the banks of rivers, in warm and moist places. It digs holes in the ground, secretes itself during the day, and goes out at night in quest of food. Its motions are heavy and ungraceful. It runs seldom, and with extreme awkwardness ; sits fre- quently upon its posteriors ; and in that situation, smooths and dresses itself with its paws, drawing them over its body with the utmost nicety. It is a cleanly animal, and will not bear the smallest degree of dirtiness in its apartment. In a domestic state, it is gentle and tractable, fond of attention, and licks the hand of any one that caresses it. When irritated, it is apt to bite. Its anger is expressed by chattering its teeth, and is always preceded by a kind of grunting. It feeds on grain, roots, fruits, and almost every kind of vegetable. When pursued, it takes to the \vater, and escapes by diving. If attacked by Dogs, it makes a vigor- ous defence. Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the natives of Brazil. We have been minute in our description of this curious little animal, which was drawn from the life, and think there is good reason to conclude that the species might be easily naturalised in this country, and added to our stock of useful animals. It is not much afraid of cold; and being accustomed to burrow, it would by that means defend itself against the rigours of our winter. There are several varieties of them ; some of which weigh from fourteen to twenty, and even thirty pounds. JJISTORY OF OUADRUFEDS. 381 THE CAPIBARA. (S/is ffydrochtertts, Linn. — Lc. Cabiai, Buff. Is a native of South America, and lives on the banks of great rivers, such as the Oronoque, Ama- zons, and Rio de la Plata; swims and dives re- markably well, and is very dexterous in catching fish, upon which it chiefly subsists : it likewise eats grain, fruits, and sugar-canes, feeds mostly in the night, and commits great ravages in the gardens. They generally keep in large herds, and make a noise not much unlike the braying of an Ass. Its flesh is fat and tender; but, like that of the Otter, has an oily and fishy taste. It is about the size of a small Hog; and, by some naturalists, has been classed with that ani- mal. Its fore hoofs are divided into four, the hind ones into three ; its head is large and thick, and on the nose there are long whiskers ; its ears are small and rounded, and its eyes large and black ; there are two large cutting-teeth and eight grinders in each jaw, and each of these grinders forms on its surface what appears to be three teeth, flat at their 382 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS ends ; the legs are short ; the toes long, and con- nected at the bottom with a small web ; the end of each toe is guarded by a small hoof; it has no tail; the hair on the body is short, rough, and of a brown colour. It is a gentle animal, easily tamed, and will fol- low those who feed it and treat it kindly. As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar con- struction of its feet, its safety consists not in flight : Nature has provided it with other means of pre- servation : when in danger, it plunges into the water, and dives to a great distance. THE AGOUTI, OR LONG-NOSED CAV\Y (Cavia Agiifi, Linn. — L' Agon ft, Buff.) Is about the size of a Hare ; its nose is long, upper lip divided ; skin sleek and shining, of a brown colour mixed with red ; tail short ; legs slender and almost naked ; has four toes on the fore, and three on the hind foot ; grunts like a Pig ; sits on its hind legs, and feeds itself with its paws ; and when satiated with food, it con- ceals the remainder. It eats fruits, roots, nuts, and almost every kind of vegetable ; is hunted HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 383 with Dogs ; runs fast, and its motions are like those of the Hare. Its flesh, which resembles that of a Rabbit, is eaten by the inhabitants of South America. Great numbers of them are found in Guiana and Brazil. They live in woods, hedges, and hollow trees. The female brings forth at all times of the year, and produces three, four, and sometimes five, at a time. If taken when young, the Agouti is easily tamed, and will go out and return of its own accord. It delights in cutting or gnawing every thing with its teeth. When irritated, the hair of its back rises, it strikes the ground with its hind feet, and at the same time makes a noise like the grunting of a Pig. THE AKOUCHI. SEEMS to be a variety of the Agouti ; and though somewhat less, is nearly of the same form, but its tail is longer. It inhabits the same countries, is of an olive colour; its flesh is white, delicate, and has the flavour of a young Rabbit; is much esteemed by the natives, who hunt it with Dogs, and reckon it among the finest game of South America. 384 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ROCK CAVY. (L\ \pcrca, Huff, Is likewise found in Brazil; is about twelve inches in length ; the colour of the upper part of its body resembles that of the Hare; its belly is white; the upper lip divided; the ears short and rounded like those of a Rat, and it has no tail. It moves like the Hare, its fore legs being shorter than the hind. It has four toes on the fore feet, and only three on the hind. Its flesh is like that of the Rabbit ; and its manner of living is also very similar. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 385 THE SQUIRREL. (Sciiirit-s I W^w/.v, Linn. — L'Ecu-rcuilj Buff.) THIS beautiful little animal is equally admirable for the neatness and elegance of its formation, as for its liveliness and activity. Its disposition is gentle and harmless. Though naturally wild, it is soon familiarized to confinement and restraint ; and though excessively timid, it is easily taught to re- ceive with freedom the most familiar caresses from the hand that feeds it. It usually lives in woods, and makes its nest of moss or dry leaves in the hollows of trees. It sel- dom descends upon the ground, but leaps irom tree to tree with great agility. Its food consists of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, &c. ; of which it accumulates great stores for winter provision, and secures them carefully near its nest. In the summer it feeds on buds and young shoots, and is particularly fond of the cones of the fir and pine trees. VOL. in. 3 c 386 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The spring is the season of love with Squirrels. At that time the males pursue the females, and ex- hibit wonderful proofs of agility; whilst the latter, as if to make trial of the constancy of their lovers, seem to avoid them by a variety of entertaining sallies; and like true coquets, feign an escape, by \vay of enhancing the value of the conquest. They bring forth four or five young at a time. The Squirrel is of a bright brown colour, inclining to red; the breast and belly are white; the ears are ornamented with long tufts of hair; the eyes are large, black, and lively; the fore teeth strong and sharp; the fore legs are curiously furnished with long stiff hairs, which project on each side like whiskers. When it eats, it sits erect, and uses its fore feet as hands to convey food to its mouth. The tail of the Squirrel is its greatest ornament, and serves as a defence from the cold, being large enough to cover the whole body; it likewise assists it in taking leaps from one tree to another; and we may add a third application of it, which would seem altogether improbable, were we not assured of it by Linnaeus and other naturalists: — In attempting to cross a lake or river, the Squirrel places itself upon a piece of bark; and erecting its tail to catch the wind, boldly commits itself to the mercy of the waves. The smallest gust of wind is sufficient to overset a whole navy of these little adventurers; and in such perilous voyages many hundreds of them are said to perish. Of the Squirrel there are several varieties ; some of which are to be found in almost every country; but they abound chiefly in northern and temperate climates. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 387 THE GREY SQUIRREL. (Sciu-rus Ci/icn:its, Linn. — Le Petit Gris, BufF.) Is about the size of a' young Rabbit : its ears are .short, and not tufted at the ends; its hair is grey, mixed with black; on each side there is a red streak, which runs lengthwise; its tail is long and bushy, of a grey colour, variegated with black and white. It is common to both continents. In Swe- den and other northern countries, it changes its colour in the winter. It is very numerous in North America, and does incredible damage to the plantations, Great flocks of them descend from the mountains, and lay waste the fields of maize, by eating the young ears. A reward of three-pence per head was given for every one that was killed; and such numbers were de- stroyed in one year, that Pennsylvania alone paid in rewards the sum of 8ooo/. of its currency. 388 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.' It makes its nest in hollow trees, with moss, straw, WQ.O!, &c. It lays up stores of provisions in holes made in the ground, for its Avinter sustenance. These hoards are often destroyed by Swine; they are sometimes so long covered with snow, that the Squirrels perish for want of food. The fur is very valuable, and is imported under the name o&petit-gfis. THE BLACK SQUIRREL. (Sciurus Niger, Linn. — L' Eciircuil noir, Buff.) Is about the same size and form with the last; but its tail is not so long. It is generally black, with white on the nose, ears, and end of the tail. Its dispositions and habits are so similar to the Grey Squirrel, that it might be taken for a variety of that kind ; but it is said to associate in separate troops, and is equally numerous. It is found in the northern parts of Asia, North America, and Mexico. In the latter country, there is a variety with plain round ears, the upper part of the body varie- gated with black, white, and brown. It is twice the size of the common Squirrel, lives under ground, where it brings forth its young, and lays in its stock of provisions. It feeds on maize, and is extremely lively, gentle and docile. It is the Coquallin of M. Buffon. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 389 THE DORMOUSE, OR GROUND SQUIRREL. (Scinn/s Striatus, Linn. — Lc Suissc, Buff.) Is very numerous in the forests of North America, as well as the North of Asia. * It burrows in the ground, and makes two entrances to its habitation, that if one should be -stopped up, it may have access by the other. Its hole is formed with great skill, having several branches from the principal passage, each of which is terminated by a store- house, in which its winter food is deposited: in one is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a third maize, and in another chesnuts, which are its favourite food. These animals seldom stir out during winter, nor so long as their provisions last: when those fail, they sometimes work their way into places where apples are laid up, or in barns where maize is stored, and make great havock. During harvest, they fill their mouths so full with corn, that their cheeks are quite distended ; and in this manner carry it to their concealed store. They give great 390 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. preference to certain kinds of food; and if, after filling their mouths with rye, they chance to meet with wheat, they discharge the one, that they may secure the other. The Ground Squirrel is marked with a stripe of black which runs along the ridge of the back; and on each side a yellow stripe, bordered with black; its head, body, and tail, are of a reddish brown; breast and belly white ; its nose and feet of a pale red colour; its eyes full and lively. It is very wild, bites severely, and is tamed with difficulty. Its skin is of little value. THE HUDSON'S BAY SQUIRREL. Is smaller than the European. It is marked along the middle of the back with a dusky line, from head to tail ; the belly is of a pale ash colour, mottled with black; and the tail, which is dusky and barred with black, is not so long, nor so full of hair, as that of the common kind. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 39 1 THE BARBARY SQUIRREL. (Scinriis Getulits, Linn. — Lc Barbaresque, Buff.) Is of an ash colour, inclining" to red ; each side is beautifully marked with two white stripes, running- lengthwise ; its belly is white ; its tail bushy, and variegated with regular shades of black, one be- neath the other; its eyes are full and black, with white orbits. It is about the size of the common Squirrel. THE PALM SQUIRREL. (Sciurus Palmarum, Linn. — Lc Palmisfe, Buff.) Is similar to the last, having a pale yellow stripe on the middle of the back, and two on each side parallel to it ; the belly is of the same colour ; the rest of the body black and red closely mixed ; its tail is long, does not lie on its back like that of the Squirrel, but is carried erect. 3Q2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Both these Squirrels inhabit Barbary and other hot countries. They live chiefly in palm trees, from whence the latter has its name. THE FAT SQUIRREL. (Sciurns Gl/Sj Linn. — Lc Loir, Buff.) Is found in France and the southern parts of Europe. Its body is covered with soft hair, of an ash colour ; its belly whitish ; its ears thin and naked. It is about six inches long", and thicker than the common Squirrel. It dwells chiefly in trees, leaps from bough to bough, feeds on fruits and acorns, and lodges in hollows of trees. It re- mains in a torpid state during the winter, and grows very fat. It was considered as a great delicacy among the Romans, who had places constructed on purpose to keep and feed them in, which they called gliraria. THE GREATER DORMOUSE, OR GARDEN SQUIRREL. QucrciniiSy Linn. — Le Lcrot, Buff.) Is rather less than the last-mentioned. Its eyes are surrounded with a large black spot, which reaches to the ears ; its body is of a tawny colour ; its throat and belly white, tinged with yellow : its tail is long and bushy at the end. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 393 It is common in the South of Europe, infests gar- dens, is particularly fond of peaches, and very de- structive of all kinds of fruit. It lodges in holes in the walls, and brings forth five or six young at a time. It has a strong odour, like a Rat; and, like the Fat Squirrel, remains torpid during the winter. -•*v. - -J « THE LESSER DORMOUSE. f J//Y.V „ ivellanartus, Linn. — Le Muscardin^ Buff.) Is rather larger than the Mouse, of a tawny red colour, with a white throat, and full black eyes. It lives in woods or thick hedges; makes its nest with grass, dried leaves, or moss, in the hollow of a tree, or the bottom of a thick bush, and brings forth three or four young at a time. It lays up stores of nuts, acorns, and beans ; and retires at the approach of cold weather to its re- treat; where it rolls itself up in a warm nest, made of soft moss, &c., and remains in a torpid state during the continuance of winter. The warmth of a sunny day, or a temporary change from cold to heat, will sometimes revive it; but after taking a little food, it soon relapses into its former state. VOL. in. 3 D 394 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE FLYING SQUIRREL. (Sciurus Void us, Linn. — Lc Poulatouchc, Buff.) Is peculiarly distinguished by a membraneous continuation of the skin of the sides and belly, which extends from the fore to the hind feet, and assists it greatly in making leaps from one tree to another, frequently at the distance of twenty or thirty yards. Its head is small and round; its' eyes are full, round, and black; and its ears small and naked. It is found in all the northern regions, both of the old and new continents. It is more numerous in America than in Europe, is less than the common Squirrel, lives in trees, and sleeps in the day, but is extremely active during the night. In the act of leaping, the loose skin is stretched out by the feet ; whereby the surface of the body is augmented, the animal becomes lighter in propor- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 395 tion to its bulk, the acceleration of its fall is retard- ed, and it appears to sail or fly from one place to another. Where numbers of them are seen at a time leaping, they appear like leaves blown off by the wind. There are several kinds, differing much in size. In the islands of the East Indies, there is a variety as large as a Hare, called the TAGUAN, or GREAT FLYING SQUIRREL, which perfectly resembles the other in figure, and in the form of its lateral mem- brane. The head is smaller in 'proportion to the size of the body ; the colour of the skin is dark brown, mixed with white ; the upper part of the body whitish ; the tail is brown, and grows gradu- ally deeper towards the end, where it is black ; the claws are long, thin, and hooked, like those of a Cat, and enable it to keep hold where it happens to fall ; it also catches hold with its tail, which is long and muscular. It is a wild and timid animal. Its bite is so strong, that it can make its escape from a wooden cage with great facility. A variety is found in Virginia, called, by Mr. Pennant, the HOODED SQUIRREL; the lateral mem- brane begins at the chin and ears, where it forms a kind of hood, and extends, like that of the former, from the fore to the hind legs ; its body is of a red- dish colour above, and of a yellowish ash beneath. It is a rare species, not much noticed by naturalists. 396 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS THE LONG-TAILED SQUIRREL. THIS species is found in Ceylon and Malabar. In the Cingalese tongue, it is called Dandoelana; and from the noise it makes, Roekea. It is about three times the size of the European Squirrel : the ears are tufted with black hairs ; the end of the nose is pink-coloured ; the cheeks, legs, and belly are of a dull yellow ; between the ears there is a yellow spot ; the crown of the head and the back are black ; from each ear is a bifurcated line of the same colour, pointing down the cheeks ; the upper part of the feet is covered with black hairs, the lower part naked and red : the tail is nearly twice the length of the body, of a light ash colour, and extremely bushy. We are indebted to Mr. Pennant for the drawing of this curious animal. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 397 THE JERBOA. Mfis Jaculus, Linn. — Lc Jerbo, Buff.) THIS animal, remarkable for the singular con- struction of its legs, is found in Egypt, Barbary, and Palestine. It is somewhat less than a Rat : its head has a great resemblance to that of a Rab- bit ; its eyes are large and full ; the fore legs only one inch in length, and are used as hands to con- vey victuals to its mouth ; the hind legs are naked, and very much resemble those of a bird, having only three toes on each, the middle one longest; its tail is much longer than its body, and terminated with a black tuft, the tip of which is white ; its hair is long and soft, of a reddish colour on the back ; the under parts of the body are white ; across the thighs there is a large black band, in the form of a crescent. The motions of the Jerboa are similar to those of the Kanguroo. It goes forward very nimbly on its 398 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. hind feet, taking- leaps of five or six feet from the ground. It is a lively harmless animal, lives entirely on vegetables, and burrows in the ground like a Rab- bit. It is the Daman Israel of the Arabs, or Lamb of Israel; and is supposed to be the Coney of holy writ, our Rabbit being unknown in Palestine. It is also the Mouse mentioned in Isaiah;* Achbar, in the original, signifying a Jerboa. The Jerboa is easily tamed, is fond of warmth, and seems to be sensible of the approach of bad weather, by wrapping itself up close in hay. Among the Mongol Tartars, this animal is called the Alaghtaaga. It is supposed to be the Two-footed Mouse, and the Egyptian blouse of the ancients, which were said to walk on their hind legs. It makes its nest of the finest and most delicate herbage ; rolls itself up, with its head between its thighs ; and sleeps during the winter, without taking any nutriment. When pursued, it springs so nimbly, that its feet scarcely seem to touch the ground. It does not go straight forward, but turns here and there till it gains a burrow, \vhere it quickly secretes itself. In leaping, it carries its' tail stretched out; but in standing or walking carries it in the form of an S, the low^er part touching the ground. * Chap. Ixvi. ver. 17. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 399 THE MARMOT. (Mi/s Marinota Linn. — Lc Mannotte, Buff.) HAS been placed by naturalists in the same class with the Hare and the Rat; and on examining its parts, we find a partial agreement with both those animals. In its nose and lips, as well as in the general form of its head, it resembles the Hare ; its ears are like those of the Rat, with which it like- wise agrees in the number and form of its teeth and claws: in other respects, it is no way similar to either of those kinds ; and is still farther separated from them by habitudes which seem peculiar to itself, and distinguish it from almost every other species of quadruped. The Marmot inhabits the highest regions of the Alps; and is likewise found in Poland, Ukraine, and Chinese Tartary. It is somewhat less than a Hare: its ears are round, and so short, that they are almost hid in the fur; its tail is short and bushy; the hair on the back is of a brownish ash colour; and that on the belly reddish, soft, and bushy. Its voice resembles the murmuring of a young puppy; when irritated, 400 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. or frightened, it makes a whistling noise, very loud and piercing. It feeds on insects, roots, and vegetables; but when tamed, is remarkably fond of milk and butter. It lives in holes, formed with great art in the side of a mountain. There are two entrances to each; and the chamber to which they lead is deep and spacious: the bottom is lined with moss and hay, of which these provident animals lay in a store during summer: and at the approach of winter, shut themselves up in their holes by stopping the entrances with earth, so effectually, that no dis- covery can be made of the place of their retreat. The chamber in which they lodge is large enough to contain a family of from five to a dozen Marmots. They roll themselves up, and being well covered with hay, remain in a torpid state, insensible to the rigours of the season, and perfectly secure from the storm that rages without ; till the cheering influence of the sun again calls them out to renew their ex- hausted strength, to propagate their kind, and provide for their future retreat. The torpid state lasts from about Michaelmas till April. They go in extremely fat, but gradually waste; and at the end of their long sleep, they appear lean and ex- tremely emaciated. The Marmot produces once a year, and the litter generally consists of three or four. When a number of them are feeding together, they place one as a centinel, which makes a whist- ling noise on the least appearance of interruption ; and the party immediately betake themselves to their holes, the centinel driving up the rear. The Marmot is very playful, and easily tamed. It learns to hold a stick, to dance, and to exhibit HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 401 various gestures : it will obey the voice of its mas- ter. Like the Cat, it has an antipathy to Dogs, which it attacks fiercely upon the least irritation. It is very apt to gnaw linen or wToollen stuffs, often sits upright, and walks with ease on its hind feet. It eats in the manner of a Squirrel, and carries its food to its mouth with its fore paws. Its flesh is sometimes eaten, but is always at- tended with a disagreeable odour. VOL. III. 402 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MONAX. (Mus Monax^ Linn. — Glis Mar 11 iota, Buff.) Is found in various parts of North America, and seems to be the same with the Marmot of Canada, described by M. BufFon. It is larger than a Rabbit; its tail is short and rough; its ribs are so flexible, that it can easily pass through a hole of not more than two inches in width; its eyes are black and prominent; its back is of a deep brown colour, lighter on the sides and belly; and its feet and legs are black. It sleeps during winter, in holes under the roots of trees, and lives on fruits and other vegetables. Its flesh is good and well tasted. An animal of the same kind is found in the Bahama isles; but whether it retires to sleep, in a climate so mild, is not well known. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 403 THE QUEBEC MARMOT. Is 'rather larger than a Rabbit: its ears are short, and its whole head round ; its cheeks are of a grey colour, and its nose black ; its back is variegated, each hair being grey at the bottom, black in the middle, and white at the tips ; its belly and legs are of an orange colour ; its toes black and naked, and its tail short and rather 'bushy. It inhabits Hud- son's Bay and Canada. One of them, exhibited in London some years ago, was perfectly tame. Air. Pennant supposes it to be the species called the SIFFLEUR by the French of Canada. 404 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS'. THE HAMSTER. (Mus Cricettts, Einn. — Lc Hamster, Buff.) ALTHOUGH the qualities of this animal are suffi- ciently noxious to render it an object of universal detestation in those countries where it abounds ; yet, when considered with regard to those instincts which conduce to its own preservation and support, it well deserves our highest admiration. Its habitation is curious, and constructed with great art. It consists of a variety of apartments, adapted to various purposes, and extremely well fitted both for the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The first entrance is formed in an oblique direction, at the end of which the male sinks a perpendicular hole, which he reserves for his own use. The female makes several, for the accommodation of herself and family, that her young, during the short time they are allowed to stay with her, may have a free passage to the general stores. One of the holes is lined with straw, and serves as a lodging ; the others con- tain provisions, of which great quantities are al- ways accumulated during the time of harvest. They begin to lay in their stores in August. To HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 405 facilitate the transportation of their food, Nature has furnished them with two pouches in each cheek, which they fill with corn, beans, or pease, till they seem ready to burst; and on their return to their holes, empty them, by pressing their two fore feet against their cheeks. The quantity of pro- vision found in these magazines, depends on the age or sex of the inhabitants. The old Hamsters often amass an hundred pounds weight of grain ; but the young and the females are satisfied with much less. At the approach of winter, the Hamsters retire into their subterraneous abodes, the entrance to which they shut up with great care: there they remain in perfect tranquillity, and feed on their provisions till the frost becomes severe, when they sink into a torpid state, in which they continue till the return of spring. During this period, if any of the holes be opened, the Hamster is always found lying upon a bed of soft straw, with its head turned under its belly between the two fore legs, and the muzzle resting upon the hind ones : its eyes are shut, every member perfectly stiff, and sensa- tion so totally suspended, that neither respiration nor any other sign of life can be perceived. When dissected in this situation, the heart may be seen alternately contracting and dilating very slowly; the fat appears to be coagulated ; and the intestines are quite cold. During this operation, the animal seems to feel very little : it sometimes opens its mouth, as if it wanted to respire ; but the lethargy is too strong to admit of its entirely awaking. They copulate about the end of April, when the males enter the apartments of the females, but re- main only a few days. If two males happen to 406 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. meet in the same hole, a furious combat ensues, which generally terminates in the death of the weaker. The females bring forth twice or thrice every year ; each litter consisting of six or eight. In about three weeks the young are driven from their holes, and left to provide for themselves. Their increase is so rapid in some years, as to be almost sufficient to occasion a dearth ; but the ferocity with which they upon all occasions attack and devour each other, is so great, as to be the happy means of preventing the ill effects of their fecundity. It is not only its own species to which the fury of the Hamster is directed : he attacks and devours every animal, without distinction, that he is able to conquer: and frequently opposes himself to enemies much superior to himself in strength. Rather than fly, he allows himself to be beaten to death. If he seize a man's hand, he must be killed before he can be made to quit his hold. A Horse or a Dog are equally objects of his rage ; and wherever he seizes, it is with difficulty he can be disengaged. The Hamster is about the size of a large Water- Rat; has a short tail, almost naked; its head and back are of a reddish brown colour, not unlike that of a Hare; its throat is white, and it has three white spots on each side; its breast and belly are black. It is found in various parts of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. The Polecat is its greatest enemy. It pursues the Hamster into its hole, and destroys great numbers. Mr. Ray observes, that the hair of this animal is so closely united to the skin, that it cannot be pulled off without great difficulty; on which ac- count it is held in high estimation. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 407 THE SOUSLIK. (Mus CY/V////.V, Linn. — Le Souslik, Buff.) Is about the size of a large Rat. Its skin is beautifully marked with small white spots upon a yellowish ground. It is found upon the banks of the Wolga, and in the adjoining provinces as far as- Austria. It bur- rows in the ground like a Rabbit, and lays in store of provisions, consisting of grain, herbs, and roots : it also feeds on young Mice, is very fond of salt, and is frequently taken on board the barges laden with that commodity. The female brings forth from twro to five at one time. THE EARLESS MARMOT. (Lc Ziscl, Buff.) INSTEAD of ears, has only a small orifice on each side of its head. It is of a dark grey colour. Its body is long and slender, and its tail short. It is found in Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, and Siberia. It forms its hole in the ground, with a _jo8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. double entrance; and sleeps during the winter in the centre of its lodge. It lays in a store of corn, nuts, &c.; and sits up like a Squirrel when it eats. It is easily provoked, and bites hard. Its fur is of little value ; but its flesh is reckoned good eating. In Poland and Russia, there is an animal of this kind, called the ZEMNI; and by Mr. Pennant, the Podolian Marmot. Its habits are similar to those of the Souslik; but it is larger, stronger, and more mischievous. The head is thick, the body slender, and the ears short and round: it has two cutting teeth in each jaw; those of the under jaw are much longer than the upper: the eyes are small, and concealed in the fur like those of the Mole : its tail is short, and of an ash colour. THE TAILLESS MARMOT. We are favoured by Mr. Pennant with the draw- ing of this animal, which has hitherto been un- described. In the form of its body, it seems to agree with the description given of the Zisel, and probably may be a variety of that animal. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 409 THE LAPLAND MARMOT. (Mus Lruiinus, Linn. — Le Leming, Buff.) THIS wonderful little animal is found only in the northern parts of Europe and Asia; and is some- times seen in immense numbers, overspreading large tracts of country, in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland. But as its appearance is at very uncer- tain periods, and the source from whence it is derived has not been hitherto explored by any naturalist, its existence* has been seriously attri- buted, by superstitious ignorance, to the generation of the clouds ; from whence, it has been supposed, it was poured down in showers of rain. Myriads of them march together; and, like a torrent, which nothing can resist, their course is marked with ruin and desolation. Neither fire nor water prevents their progress. They go straight forward, in regu- lar lines, about three feet asunder, and generally in a south-east direction : they swim across lakes and rivers: no opposition impedes them. If thousands are destroyed, thousands supply their places: the void is quickly filled up; and their number does not appear diminished. They persist in their course, in spite of every obstacle ; and if prevented from proceeding, they either by assiduity surmount it, or die in the attempt. Their march is mostly in VOL in. 3 F 410 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. the night. They rest during the day, and devour every root and vegetable they meet with. They in- fect the very herbage ; and cattle are said to perish that feed upon the grass they have touched. An enemy so numerous and destructive would soon render the countries they pass through utterly uninhabitable, did it not fortunately happen, that the same rapacity which excites them to lay waste the productions of the earth, at last impels them to destroy each other. Having nothing more to sub- sist on, they are said to separate into two armies, which engage with the most deadly hatred, and con- tinue fighting and devouring each other till they are all entirely destroyed. Thousands of them have been found dead; and the air, infected by their putrid carcases, has sometimes been the occasion of malignant distempers. Great numbers of them are likewise destroyed by Foxes, Lynxes, Weasels, and other beasts of prey, which follow them during their march. The Leming runs swiftly, although its legs are short and slender. It is somewhat less than the Rat: its head is pointed; and in each jaw are two very long cutting-teeth, with which it bites keenly : its ears are short, eyes small, fore legs shorter than the hind: the colour of the head and body black and tawny, disposed in irregular patches : the belly white, tinged with yellow. Though perfectly disgusting to every other people, its flesh is said to be eaten by the Laplanders. Where these emigrants are collected, as was be- fore observed, is not certainly known. Linnaeus says ,they are produced among the Norwegian and Lapland Alps ; and Pontoppidan supposes, that Kolen's Rock, which divides Nordland from Swe- den, is their native place. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 411 THE BEAVER. (Castor Fiber, Linn. — Lc Castor, ou Le Bievrc, BuiF.) THE Beaver is amphibious, and is remarkable for its sagacity and foresight in building houses to shel- ter and protect itself in winter, and dams to supply them with water. The great size and strength of its cutting teeth, of which it has two in each jaw, enable it to cut or gnaw down trees of considerable magnitude, with ease. Its ears are short and almost hid in the fur; its nose is blunt; tail broad and flat, nearly of an oval form, and covered with scales ; it serves as a rudder to guide its motions in the water; and by flapping it on the surface, as well as on the ground, serves as a signal to apprise the community of danger. Its fore feet are small, not unlike those of a Rat ; the hinder feet are large and strong, with membranes between each toe ; it has five toes on each foot. Its length from nose to tail is about two feet: the tail, which they cannot raise upwards over their backs, is eleven inches long, and three broad. The Beavers vary in colour. The most valuable 412 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. skins are black, but the general colour is a chesnut- brown, more or less dark; some have been found entirely white, others spotted ; but both these kinds are very rare. They breed once a year, and bring forth from two to six at a birth. Beavers are found chiefly in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America ; particularly the latter, from whence many thousands of their skins are an- nually brought into Europe,* where the fur is used as an important and valuable article in the manu- facture of hats. The Beaver is one of the most industrious and sagacious of quadrupeds; their labours seem the result of a social compact, formed for mutual con- venience, preservation, and support; and as in all well regulated societies, a due subordination is necessary for the ordering and conducting each in- dividual effort to the advantage of the whole; so amongst these curious animals, it would appear, according to the accounts of some authors, that in forming their habitations, in which their sagacity and foresight are indeed remarkable, all have their proper part assigned to them, that by dividing their labour, safety, stability, and expedition may be the general effect. For this purpose, after assembling in certain numbers, a convenient place is chosen for the erection of their buildings, which is generally! a level piece of ground with a rivulet running through it : they begin early in the summer, to pre- pare for the completion of their works, by cutting * The Hudson's Bay Company in the year 1763, sold 54,670 Beaver skins at one sale. f Those which build their houses by the sides of lakes and deep waters, do not build dams. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 413 down with their teeth, such trees and branches as suit them; these consist chiefly of green willows, birch, and poplars, which, together with such drift wood as they can meet with, their foresight directs them to drag to the water with their teeth, and float the whole down the stream to the place where it is wanted: having thus provided a stock of materials, the next operation, where an apprehended want of water makes it necessary, is building the dam ; but they do not fall to work upon this until about the middle or latter end of August, when the timbers are then laid in and bedded together across the stream, with stones, earth, clay, and mud, which they collect during the night, and carry between their fore feet and their throat, with surprising labour and perseverance. The dam or mound is always made in an arched shape, of greater or lesser convexity, according to the rapidity of the stream ; it is of great strength and thickness, being eight or ten feet at the. base, gradually tapering upwards to near the top, of a height sufficient to secure to them an abundance of water below the reach of the frost, and is capable of sustaining a great weight or pressure of that element. Having completed the mole, their next care is, for each family to erect their own habitations; these are made of the same kind of materials, and are built at a convenient distance above the dam, and are more or less of a circular, or of an oblong form, both on the sides and on the top, and are at first about two feet in thickness, but strengthened on the sides, and heightened on the top by different plasterings, every season, to about eight feet high, and the last plastering is not put on until the frost sets in with severity, by which it is rendered impenetrable to 414 HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. their mortal enemy the Quiquehatch or Wolverine, which voracious animal, without these precautions, would not leave one of them alive. The house con- sists of one apartment, with only one entrance, (which always leads to the water) and is made of a size to accommodate one family, which in number commonly amounts to about four old and six young ones, seldom to fewer, but often to more. It is a common plan with the society to have their houses built one at the end of each other, under one roof, but kept quite separate by the walls or partitions between each. In them, after laying in a stock of provisions, they lodge and sleep warmly and com- fortably upon their mossy beds, during the long winter months, and live upon the bark of trees and branches, laid in store for that purpose; they also eat a root something like a cabbage stalk, as well as other kinds, which they seek under the ice, on the sides and bottom of the river. Besides their houses they have a number of holes, or vaults, in the bank of the river, which serve them as places of retreat, when any injury is offered to their houses, and, in general, it is in these holes or vaults that they are taken by the hunters, on account of their skins, and by whom, in the winter, when they are fat, they are esteemed delicious eating. The castor produced by these animals is found in a liquid state, in bags near the anus, about the size of an egg; when taken off, the matter dries, and is re- ducible to a powder, which is oily, of a sharp bitter taste, and a strong disagreeable smell. These bags are found indifferently in males and females, and were formerly supposed to be the animal's testicles; which, when pursued, it was said to bite off, and by that means escape with its life. In winter they HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 415 never go farther than their provisions and stores; but in summer they wander abroad, and live upon berries, fruits, leaves, £c., and though not carnivor- ous, they will from necessity sometimes eat Cray- fish, and such other kinds of fish as they can fall in with. Mr. Hearne,* from a long residence at Hud- son's Bay, in the service of the company, had abundant opportunities of observing the economy of these interesting animals, and from his work we have corrected our former account. He contradicts many things said of them by naturalists, but allows they have great sagacity and foresight in building their houses and dams. He says they do not drive stakes into the ground, nor use their large flat tails to carry burthens upon, neither do they use them as a trowel in plastering their houses, or building their dams, both of which are a rude mass of wood and stones. He treats as a fable the accounts given by authors of their assembling in large bodies, for the purpose of conjointly erecting large towns and cities, and commonwealths, and of their finishing their houses in different stories and apartments, in the neat manner ascribed to them. They merely cut off the projecting branches on the inside, and round and make even the habitation within. * See Hearne's journey from Prince of Wales's Fort, to the mouth of the Copper Mine River, where it empties itself into the northern ocean. 4i6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS THE MUSQUASH, MUSK BEAVER, OR LITTLE BEAVER. Is about the size of a Rabbit, the head and nose nearly resembling" those of the Beaver, with strong white whiskers, and very large cutting teeth, of a red colour; the eyes small, the ears also small, and a good deal hidden in the fur. The hairs on the body, which nearly hide the dark coloured fur underneath them, are of a ferruginous brown. The legs and toes black, the hinder ones larger and stronger than the fore ones, with five toes, bare, and webbed together; the fore legs are short, with four toes unwebbed, and a very short one on the inside of the foot. The tail is flattish, the upper side covered with 'scales, and the under with coarse hair. Pennant's description of the Musk Beaver differs from this animal : He says the eyes are large, toes on each foot separated, those behind fringed on each side with strong hairs, closely set together. The figure of Buffon's Musk Rat of Canada, also differs greatly from this, but whether HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 417 it may be from defect in the drawing, or from being taken from a different species, we cannot determine. Hearne, in his journey of discovery to the north- western ocean, describes the various animals he met with in those dreary regions, and has given an account of one which he calls the Musquash, Musk Rat, or Musk Beaver, and wThich we think can be no other than this. He says their manner of life resembles that of the Beaver; like that animal they are provident, and build houses with mud and grass, to shelter themselves from the inclemency of the cold in winter: these, however, they do not build on the banks of rivulets, like the Beaver, but generally on the ice, at a considerable distance from the shore, as soon as the water is skinned over, always taking care to keep a hole open in it to admit them to dive for their food, which chiefly consists of the roots of water plants: and in the southern parts of the country, they feed much on the root called calamus aromaticus. When the water happens, from the long severity of the frost, to freeze to the bottom, and their stores of provi- sions fail, they prey upon each other, so that only one entire animal is left dead, surrounded by the skeletons of those which have been devoured. Though they generally build their winter habita- tions in such places as are just described, yet this is not invariably the case, for they also raise mounds or small islands in the ( midst of deep swamps over-run with rushes and long grass, and upon these, in clumps together, form their sheltered retreats. The Musk Beaver is very cleanly, and when fat, is good eating. It is easily tamed, and soon becomes playful and familiar, and smells plea- santly of musk. VOL. III. 3 G 41 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MUSK RAT OF CANADA. (Castor Zibef Incus, Linn. — L^ Ondatra^ Buff.) Is about the size of a young Rabbit : its head is thick and short, resembling that of a Water Rat; its hair soft and glossy; beneath the outward hair there is a thick fine down, very useful in the manufacture of hats ; it is of a reddish brown colour ; its breast and belly ash, tinged with red ; its tail is long and flat, covered with scales; its eyes are large; its ears short and hairy ; it has two strong cutting teeth in each jaw ; those of the under jaw are about an inch long, but the upper ones are shorter. This animal is a native of Canada, where it is called the Ondatra. In many respects it very much resembles the Beaver, both in form and manners. It is fond of the water, and swims well. At the approach of winter, several families associate together. They build little huts, about two feet in diameter, com- posed of herbs and rushes, cemented with clay, forming a dome-like covering : from these are several passages, in different directions, by which HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 419 they go out in quest of roots and other food. The hunters take them in the spring, by opening their holes, and letting the light suddenly in upon them. At that time their flesh is tolerably good, and is frequently eaten ; but in the summer it acquires a scent of musk, so strong as to render it perfectly unpalatable. THE MUSCOVY MUSK RAT. (Castor Ifoschatus, Linn. — Dfcsma/i, Buff. Is about the size of the common Rat : its nose is long and slender, like that of the Shrew Mouse ; it has no external ears, and its eyes are very small ; the tail is compressed sideways, and its hind feet are webbed ; it is of a dusky colour ; the belly of a light ash. It is a native of Lapland and Russia, frequents the banks of rivers, and feeds on smairfishes. It is often devoured by Pikes and other fishes ; to which it communicates so strong a flavour of musk, as renders them very unpleasant to the taste. From its tail is extracted a kind of musk, very much resembling the genuine sort. Their skins are frequently laid among clothes to preserve them, from moths. In Lapland it is called the Desman. 420 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE WATER RAT. (J\fus Amphibius, Linn. — Le Rat d'eau^ Buff. Is much about the size of the Land Rat ; its head and nose are thicker ; its eyes are small ; its ears short, scarcely appearing through the hair ; its teeth are large, strong, and yellow. In an old one which we examined, the lower incisors measured somewhat more than half an inch in length. The hair on its head and body is thicker and longer than that of the common Rat, and chiefly of a dark brown colour, mixed with red ; the belly is grey ; the tail five inches long, covered with short black hairs, and the tip with white. The Water Rat generally frequents the sides of rivers, ponds, and ditches, where it burrows, and forms its nest. It feeds on frogs, small fish, and spawn ; swims and dives remarkably fast ; and can continue a long time under water. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 421 THE RAT. (Mus Rattus, Linn.— Le Rat, Buff.) THOUGH small, weak, and contemptible in its appearance, possesses properties which render it a more formidable enemy to mankind, and more injurious to the interests of society, than even those animals that are endued with the greatest strength and most rapacious dispositions. To the one we can oppose united powers and superior arts ; with regard to the other, experience has convinced us, that no art can counteract the effects of its amazing- fecundity, and that force is, ineffectually opposed to an enemy possessed of such variety of means to elude it. There are two kinds known in this country — the Black Rat, which was formerly universal here, but is now very rarely seen, having" been almost extir- pated by the large brown kind, generally dis- tinguished by the name of the NORWAY RAT. This formidable invader is now universally, diffused through the whole country ; from whence every method has been tried in vain to exterminate it. It is about nine inches long; of a light brown 422 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. colour, mixed with tawny and ash ; the throat and belly are- of a dirty white, inclining to grey; its feet are naked, and of a pale flesh colour ; the tail is as long as the body, covered with minute dusky scales, thinly interspersed with short hairs. In summer, it frequents the banks of rivers, ponds, and ditches, where it lives on frogs, fishes, and small animals. But its rapacity is not confined entirely to these : it destroys Rabbits, poultry, young Pigeons, &c. : it infests the granary, the barn, and the storehouse ; does infinite mischief among corn and fruit of all kinds ; and not con- tent with satisfying its hunger, frequently carries off large quantities to its hiding-place. It is a bold and fierce little animal, and when closely pursued, will turn and fasten on its assail- ant. Its bite is keen, and the wound it inflicts is painful, and difficult to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long, sharp, and of an irregular form. The Rat is amazingly prolific, usually producing from twelve to eighteen at one time. Their num- bers would soon increase beyond all power of re- straint, were it not for an insatiable appetite, that impels them to destroy and devour each other. The weaker always fall a prey to the stronger ; and the large male Rat, which usually lives by itself, is dreaded by those of its own species as their most formidable enemy. It is a singular fact in the history of these ani- mals, that the skins of such of them as have been devoured in their holes, have frequently been found curiously turned inside out ; every part being com- pletely inverted, even to the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed, it would be difficult to HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 423 ascertain ; but it appears to be effected in some peculiar mode of eating out the contents. Besides the numbers that perish in these un- natural conflicts, they have many fierce and in- veterate enemies, that take every occasion to destroy them. Several kinds of Dogs pursue them with great alacrity, and eagerly kill them, though they invariably refuse to eat their flesh: the Cat is also a very formidable enemy, but generally finds greater difficulty in the contest: the Rat makes a vigorous resistance, and sometimes effects its escape. The Weasel is the most determined enemy of the Rat kind; it hunts them with unceasing avidity, pursues them into their holes, where it soon kills them, and sucks their blood: and in particular situations, the Ferret is a still more deadly adver- sary. Mankind have likewise contrived various methods of destroying these bold intruders. For that purpose traps are often found ineffectual; such being their extreme sagacity, that when any are drawn into the snare, the others by that means learn to avoid the dangerous allurement, notwith- standing the utmost caution may have been used to conceal the design. The surest method of killing them is by poison : nux vomica, ground, and mixed with oatmeal, with a small proportion of oil of rhodium and musk, has been found from experience to be very effectual. 424 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MOUSE. (Mits Musculus, Linn. — Le Sour is, Buff. THIS well-known little animal is diffused in great numbers over almost every part of the world. It seems a constant attendant on man, and is to be found only near his dwelling. Its enemies are numerous and powerful, and its means of resistance weak and inconsiderable: its minuteness seems to be its best security; and it is saved from utter ex- tinction only by its amazing fecundity. The Mouse brings forth several times in the year, and generally from six to ten each litter. The young are produced without hair, and in little more than fifteen days are able to subsist by themselves ; so that the increase is prodigious. Aristotle tells us, that having shut up in a vessel a Mouse big with young, and provided plenty of grain for her and her offspring, in a short time he found 120 Mice, all sprung from the same stock. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 425 The Mouse, when viewed without the disgust and apprehension which usually accompany the sight of it, is a beautiful little animal: its skin is sleek and soft, its eyes bright and lively, all its limbs are formed with exquisite delicacy, and its motions are smart and active. Some few of this species are of a pure white colour; but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an accidental variety, cannot well be deter- mined. Its appearance is, however, very beautiful : its fine full eyes, of a red colour, form an agreeable contrast with the snowy whiteness of its fur. THE LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. (Mus Sylvaticus, Linn. — Le Mulot, Buff.) Is rather larger than the common Mouse, and very similar to it in form : it is of a yellowish brown colour, its belly white, and its eyes remarkably large and prominent. It is found only in the fields, woods, and gardens; feeds on nuts, corn, and acorns; and lays up great stores for its support during winter. It burrows in the earth, and gener- ally forms its nest near the root of a tree or thick bush. If provisions fail during a storm, they de- vour each other. They are very prolific, and bring nine or ten young at a time. VOL. in. 3 H 426 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. Mr. Pennant mentions a species, found in Hamp- shire, on-ly two inches and a half long from nose to tail, of a fine rust colour above, and white beneath. It appears in great numbers in harvest time among the sheaves and ricks of corn. During winter, it shelters itself under ground, where it makes a warm bed of dry grass and leaves. Its young are brought forth on 'a nest made between the straws of the standing corn, and are generally about eight in number each time. THE SHORT-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. DIFFERS from the last, in having a thicker head, and shorter tail : its ears are very short, and almost hid in the hair; its body is about three inches long, and the tail one ; the upper part of the body is of a reddish brown, and the belly a deep ash colour. Like the last, it frequents the fields and woods, but is seldom troublesome in gardens: it also lives on the same kinds of food, which it hides in holes un- der ground. It makes its nest in moist meadows, and brings forth seven or eight young at a time. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 427 THE SHREW MOUSE. (Sorex AraneuSj Linn. — La Musaratgne^ BufF.) Is smaller than the common Mouse, being" only two inches and a half long from the nose to the tail: the nose is long and slender; the ears short; and the eyes, like those of the Mole, almost con- cealed in the fur. It is of a reddish brown colour ; the belly white. The two upper fore teeth of this animal are singularly constructed, and deserve par- ticular notice; having a small barb on each side, so fine, as to be scarcely visible. The Shrew Mouse frequents old walls and heaps of stones ; feeds on insects, corn, and putrid sub- stances; and is sometimes seen on dunghills, where it roots with its nose like a Hog. It has so strong and disagreeable a smell, that the Cat, after she has killed, refuses to eat it. It forms its nest of dry grass, moss, &c., on the surface of meadows or pastures ; and is said to breed four or five young at a time. There seems to be an annual mortality of these animals in August, numbers of them being found dead in the fields, highways, &c., about that time. 428 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE WATER SHREW MOUSE. (La Musaraigne d 'Eau, Buff.) Is larger than the last. The upper part of its body is black; the throat, breast, and belly of a light ash colour. It is rarely to be seen ; frequents the banks of rivulets and marshy places, where it burrows. It is very numerous in Lincolnshire, but was never observed there till about twenty years ago. It is called, in that county, the Blind Mouse. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 429 THE DWARF MOUSE. Is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, where it was discovered, and first described, by Sparrman. It is distinguished from every other species of the genus, by four black lines along its back, from the head to the tail. It is supposed to be the most diminutive quad- ruped in the world, being scarcely two inches in length. In the annexed representation, it is drawn the natural size, and forms a striking contrast with those gigantic animals which inhabit that quarter of the world. 430 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE MOLE. (Talpa Europeus, Linn. — La Taupe, Buff.) THIS animal, destined to seek its food and pro- vide for its subsistence under the surface of the earth, is wonderfully adapted, by the all-wise Author of Nature, to its peculiar mode of living. It enjoys the senses of hearing and smelling in a very eminent degree: the former gives notice of every approach of danger; whilst the latter enables it to find its prey in the midst of darkness, and compensates in a great measure for an almost total want of sight. To an animal so circumstanced, a larger degree of vision would be attended with manifest inconveniences, as well as liable to con- tinual injuries. We are told by anatomists, that, for their better security, the eyes of the Mole are furnished with muscles, by which it has the power of withdrawing or exerting them at pleasure. Its eyes are extremely small, and perfectly hid in the fur. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 431 The form of this creature's body, and particularly the construction of its fore feet, are admirably adapted to the purpose of making its way in the earth, which it does with wonderful facility: these are quite naked, very broad, with large palms, almost like a hand: there are five toes on each, terminated with strong nails, very concave on the under side; and in place of a thumb, a strong bone under the skin. The hind feet are very small, with five slender toes, and a small thumb on the inside. Whenever it happens to be surprised on the surface of the ground, it disappears in an instant; and every attempt to prevent its subterraneous retreat would be vain. The Mole is mostly found in grounds where the soil is loose and soft, and affords the greatest quan- tity of worms and insects, on which it feeds. The female brings forth in the spring, and gener- ally produces four or five at a time. The young are quite naked, and continue so till they are grown to a considerable size. It makes its nest a little below the surface of the ground, forming a commo- dious apartment, where it prepares a warm bed of moss and herbage: from this there are several pas sages in different directions, to which it can retreat with its young ones in case of danger; into these likewise it makes excursions in quest of food. In the act of forming its tracks or runs, it throws up large heaps of mould, which are extremely injurious in meadows, grass lands, and cultivated grounds. Its destruction is consequently an object of import- ance to farmers, gardeners, &c. The skin of the Mole is extremely tough ; its fur short, *cldse set, and softer than the finest velvet, or perhaps the fur of any other animal. 432 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE RADIATED MOLE. (Sorex CristatuS) Linn.) Is less than the common Mole, being not quite four inches long": its fur is very close, short, and fine: it is a native of North America, feeds on roots, and forms subterraneous passages in different directions. There is a kind, found in Siberia, with a very short nose, and no tail. It is of a beautiful green and gold colour, variable with the light. There are some other varieties, that differ chiefly in the colour of the hair; such as the Yellow Mole of North America, which is larger than the Euro- pean. Its hair is soft, and of a silky gloss. That which is found in Virginia, resembles the common Mole. It is of a black colour, mixed with deep purple. It is said that hats, peculiarly fine and beautiful, have been made of the fur of the Mole. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 433 THE OPOSSUM. (Didelphis, Linn.— L* Opossum, Buff.) THIS animal is found in great numbers in various parts of North and South America, and was sup- posed by Buffon to belong entirely to the new continent. We are now, however, assured, that it exists in many of the Indian islands. Several varieties of the Opossum kind have been seen also in the newly discovered countries in the South Seas. THE SARAGOY. THE MURINE. THE SARAGOY, or MULUCCA OPOSSUM of Mr. Pennant, is about the size of a Cat: its head is long; nose sharp and pointed; ears large, thin, and naked: eyes small, black, and lively, having a white spot above each of them : its fur is soft, long, and of a dusky ash colour ; its belly white ; its tail is similar to that of a Rat, naked and scaly, ex- VOL. in. 3 i 434 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. cepting a small part near the body, which is cover- ed with -hair; its legs are short; and its feet or hands not unlike those of a Monkey, having five toes or fingers on each ; the thumbs on the hind feet are destitute of nails. But the peculiar and distinguishing characteristic of the Opossum is a pouch or false belly, in which the female deposits her young immediately after they are brought forth, and nourishes them in it till they are able to pro- vide for themselves. The Chevalier d'Aboville, whilst in America, during the late war, in order to be satisfied respect- ing the time of its gestation, manner of bringing forth, and suckling its young, procured a male and female Opossum, which he tamed, and kept in his chamber till they copulated. Ten days after, he observed a considerable alteration in the size and form of the pouch ; its aperture being wider than it wras before, and its orifice thicker: from that time it gradually grew closer, leaving only a small opening in the middle, similar to a navel: on the fifteenth day he introduced his finger, and found at the bottom of the bag a small round body, about the size of a pea : the twenty-fifth day he could feel a motion under his finger. After the young had been a month in the pouch, they were plainly to be seen, on opening it a little. At the end of two months, on examining the pouch, there appeared to be six young ones, all of them attached to the mother by a canal that entered the mouth, which, if withdrawn, could not be replaced; but when six weeks old, the young Opossum could resume it by strong suction, the mouth being then large enough to receive the pap, which is about two lines in length, and the size of the second or third string of a violin. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 435 The number of the young varies from five to ten or eleven. The paps are not disposed in regular order, as in other animals, but seem as if they were formed in those places where the embryos attach themselves to the mother. The Opossum is a slow, helpless animal, when on the ground ; but climbs trees with great ease and quickness ; sometimes conceals itself among the branches, and surprises the birds that come within its reach. It frequently hangs suspended by its tail, and in that situation, watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agility. By means of this tail, the Opossum flings itself from one tree to another. It feeds on birds, rep- tiles, insects, roots,' leaves, and bark of trees. It is easily tamed, is neither mischievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is disagreeable, and the odour that exhales from its skin rank and disgusting. THE MURINE OPOSSUM. (Didelphis Murina, Linn. — La Marmose, Buff.) INHABITS the warmest parts of South America. It resembles the former, but is much less. Its food and manner of living are likewise very similar to it. It brings forth from ten to fourteen young at a time ; but, instead of a bag, the female has two longitudinal folds under her belly, within which the young are secured. When first produced, they are not larger than beans, and remain closely at- tached to the teat till they attain sufficient growth and strength to provide for themselves. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. MEXICAN OPOSSUM. DIFFERS little from the preceding, either in size or form. It is found in the mountainous parts of New Spain, and lives in trees. Its tail is useful in twisting round the branches, and securing its hold. The young attach themselves to their mother by their hands and tails ; and upon the least alarm, embrace her closely; whilst she carries them to the shelter of some neighbouring tree. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 437 THE PHALANGER. Is somewhat larger than a Rat: its nose is thick; ears short and hairy ; its fur is of a reddish colour, variegated with light ash and yellow; the under part of the body yellowish white ; it is distinguished from all those of the Opossum kind we have hither- to mentioned, in having the first and second toes of the hind feet closely united ; its clawrs are large ; tail long, very broad and thick at its junction with the body, and naked at the end. It inhabits the East Indies. 438 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS THE SPOTTED OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH WALES. THE general colour of this animal is black ; the body spotted with irregular roundish patches of white ; the ears are large and erect ; muzzle long, pointed, and furnished with long slender whiskers ; both fore and hind legs thinly covered with hair of an ash colour; on the fore feet it has five claws, and on the hind four; length, from nose to tail, about twenty-five inches ; tail thick and bushy, like that of a Squirrel, except a part near the body, which is small, and covered with short hairs. The female has six teats, placed circularly within the pouch. THE VULPINE OPOSSUM OE NEW SOUTH WALES. Is long-nosed and short-legged ; from the nose to the insertion of the tail, measures two feet two inches ; tail fifteen inches ; upper part of the body HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 439 grisly, consisting of dusky, reddish, and white hairs; the under parts light tawny; two-thirds of the tail black; a blackish space round each eye; long black whiskers ; five toes on the fore feet, and four on the hind, with a thumb of two joints placed at the base of the inner toe; the toes of the fore feet are long, and answer the purpose of a hand; the ears are about an inch and a half in length; in the upper jaw are six cutting teeth, four grinders, and two canine teeth; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, like those of a Squirrel, and four grinders, but no canine teeth. THE FLYING OPOSSyM OF NEW SOUTH WALES. ITS nose is pointed; its ears large and erect; the fur more delicate, and of a finer texture, than that of the Sea-Otter; is of a beautiful dark colour, and very glossy, mixed with grey; the under parts white; on each hip is a tan-coloured spot; the fur 440 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS is continued to the claws; the sailing membrane is the same^ as that of the Grey Squirrel, but broader in proportion ; on the fore legs it has five toes, with a claw on each; on the hind ones, four toes, and a long thumb, which enables the animal to use it as a hand; it is remarkable, that the three outside claws of the hind feet are not separated like the others. THE OPOSSUM OF VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. WAS discovered in January, 1777, by Captain Cook, who describes it as about twice the size of a large Rat. It is covered with long soft glossy hair, of a rusty brown colour; its belly is of a dirty white. It inhabits Van Diemen's Land, the southern point of New Holland. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 441 THE SQUIRREL OPOSSUM. WE are favoured with a drawing" of this beautiful animal, taken from a living one in the possession of the reverend Mr. Egerton, prebendary of Dur- ham, by the ingenious Mr. Carfrae. It is a native of New South Wales; is about eighteen inches long, exclusive of the tail, which is twelve: its head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is furnished with long whiskers; its eyes are full, exceedingly prominent, and of a fiery redness ; it has five claws on the fore feet, three on the hind, and a thumb; two cutting teeth on each jaw, the upper projecting beyond the under. Its manners are similar to those of a Squirrel. It sits up, holds its food in its fore paws with great dex- terity, and feeds itself. When irritated, it sits still more erect, or throws itself upon its back, making a loud and harsh noise. It feeds on vegetables, small birds, &c. VOL. in. 3 K 442 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. The fur is long, soft, and very close; of a mixed brown or greyish colour on the back; the under parts of a yellowish white. Its tail is prehensile, very broad at the base, tapers to the end, and is naked on the under side. The female is furnished with a pouch. THE KANGUROO. Is a native of New Holland, where it was first discovered by Sir Joseph Banks. Its head is small and taper, ears large and erect, upper lip divided, the end of the nose black, nostrils wide, lower jaw shorter than the upper, and there are whiskers on both; it likewise has strong hairs above and below the eyes; its head, neck and shoulders, are small; the lower parts of the body increasing in thickness to the rump; its tail is long, very thick near the HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 443 rump, and taper; its fore feet are extremely short, and are mostly used in digging or bringing its food to its mouth; it moves altogether on its hind legs, making successive bounds of ten or twelve feet, with such rapidity, as to outstrip the fleetest Grey- hound. In hopping forward, the whole weight of the hinder parts is supported by the tail. It springs from rock to rock, and leaps over bushes seven or eight feet high, with great ease; it has five toes on its fore feet, three on the hind, the middle one very long; the inner claw is divided down the middle into two parts. The Kanguroo rests on its hind legs, which are hard, black, and naked on the under side. Its fur is short and soft, of a reddish ash colour, lighter on the lower parts. It is the only quadruped our colonists have yet met with in New South Wales that supplies them with animal food. There are two kinds. The largest that had been shot weighed about i4olbs., and measured, from the point of the nose to the end of the tail, six feet one inch ; the tail, two feet one inch ; head eight inches ; fore legs, one foot ; hind legs, two feet eight inches ; circumference of the fore part of the body, near the legs, one foot one inch ; and of the hind part, three feet. The smaller kind seldom exceed 6olbs. This animal is furnished with a pouch, similar to that of the Opossum, in which its young are nursed and sheltered. 444 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE KANGUROO RAT OF NP:W SOUTH WALES. Is about the size of a Rabbit, and in shape re- sembles the Kanguroo, both in respect to the short- ness of the fore legs, and the peculiar use and construction of the hind ones ; the form of the head is like that of a Rat, and its body nearly of the same colour; in the upper jaw it has two long cutting teeth, with three short ones on each side of them ; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, and three grinders on each side. The female, like most of the animals of the country, has a pouch, like the Opossum. It feeds on vegetables, burrows in the ground, and is very tame and inoffensive. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 445 THE YELLOW MACAUCO. THE RING-TAILED MACAUCO. (Lemur Caffa, Linn. — Lc Mococo, Buff.) THE RING-TAILED MACAUCO is a very beautiful animal, about the size of a Cat. Its body and limbs are long and slender; its tail very long and marked with alternate bars of black and white : in the con- formation of its paws, it seems to approach the Monkey kind ; but its nose is long and sharp, like that of a Fox, and its ears are also large and pointed : its head and throat are white ; eyes large, and surrounded with black : its fur is glossy, soft, and delicate, of a reddish ash colour on the back ; belly white. 446 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. It is found in Madagascar and the neighbouring isles, is ,very playful, but not mischievous. When in motion, it makes a sort of galloping progress in an oblique direction, and carries it tail almost erect; but when sitting, it is twisted round the body, and brought over its head. Troops of thirty or forty are sometimes seen together. It is a cleanly animal ; and when taken young, may be easily tamed. THE YELLOW MACAUCO has been classed with the Weasel tribe by Mr. Pennant, in his History of Quadrupeds ; and it seems to bear some general resemblance to that species of animals. Its head is flat and broad ; its ears are short, eyes small, body long and slender, legs and thighs short and thick, and it has five straight toes on each foot ; its fur is short, soft, and glossy, of a black colour, mixed with yellow, on the back ; the cheeks, inside of the legs, and belly, yellow ; along the back, from head to tail, there is a broad, dusky stripe ; and another on the belly, half way from the tail, which is nearly as long as its body, of a bright tawny colour, mixed with black, and has the same pre- hensile faculty as those of some kinds of Monkies. Its length, from nose to tail, is nineteen inches. One of this species was shewn in London some years ago, and was said to have been brought from Jamaica, where it is called the Potto. It was good- natured and sportive, would catch hold of any thing with its tail, and suspend itself by it. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 447 THE TAILLESS MACAUCO. (Lemur Tnrdigradiis, Linn.) THE MONGOOZ. (Lemur Mongooz, Linn. — Le Jfongooz, BufF.) THE TAILLESS MACAUCO is found in Ceylon and Bengal, lives in woods, and feeds on fruits; is fond of eggs and small birds, which it devours greedily. It is a very inactive animal, and its motions slow; very tenacious of its hold; and makes a plaintive noise. Its head is small, and nose pointed; each eye is edged with a circle of white, which is also sur- 448 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. rounded with another of black ; its body is covered with a short silky fur, of a reddish ash colour; the toes naked; nails flat, except those on the inner toes of the hind feet, which are sharp and crooked. Its length, from the nose to the rump, is sixteen inches. The MONGOOZ is nearly of the same size as the Ring-tailed Macauco. Its fur is fine, soft, and woolly, of a deep brownish ash colour ; the eyes are of a beautiful orange colour, surrounded with black; the ears are short; cheeks white ; end of the nose black ; the tail very long, and covered with hair of the same sort and colour as the body; its hands and feet are naked, and of a dusky colour; its nails, except one upon the inner toe of each hind foot, are flat. It inhabits Madagascar and the isles adjacent,, sleeps in trees, is very playful and good-natured, feeds on fruits, is extremely tender, and cannot bear any change to a less temperate climate. THE LORIS. Is a very slender animal, and differs greatly from the preceding, both in form and manners. It is not much larger than a Squirrel, but its limbs are longer; the hind legs greatly exceed the fore in length; the thumbs on each foot are more distinct and separate from the toes than those of other Macaucos ; its nose is pointed, like that of a Dog; its forehead high; ears round and thin; its fur is short and delicately soft, of a tawny colour on the back, and wrhitish below: it has no tail. HISTORY Ot QUADRUPEDS. 449 The Loris is a native of Ceylon, very active, lives in trees, and feeds on fruits. Seba says, the male climbs the trees, and tastes the fruit before he pre- sents it to his mate. THE BLACK MACAUCO. (Lemur Niger, Linn. — Le Vari, Buff.) Is larger than the Mongooz. It is a native of Madagascar, is very fierce, and makes a loud noise in the woods; but when tamed, is gentle and good- natured. Its eyes are of a deep orange colour. Round its head, the hair is long, and stands out like a ruff. The general colour of this animal is black; but some are white, spotted with black. The feet are black and naked. THE TARSIER. Is remarkable for the great length of its hind legs, in which it resembles the Jerboa; has four slender toes and a distinct thumb on each foot : its visage is pointed; eyes large and prominent; ears erect, broad, and naked ; its hair is soft and woolly, of a deep ash colour, mixed with tawny; its length, from the nose to the rump, is nearly six inches ; the tail is nine inches long, round, scaly, almost naked, like that of a Rat, and tufted at the end. It is found in some of the remote islands of India, especially Amboyna. VOL. in. 3 L 450 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS ANIMALS OF THE MONKEY KIND. WE now come to the description of a numerous race of animals, consisting- of a greater variety of kinds, and making nearer approaches to the human species, both in form and action, than any other class of quadrupeds. Monkeys are found only in the warmest parts of the world, and chiefly in the torrid zone. They abound in the woods of Africa, from Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope, and from thence to Ethiopia; in all parts of India, and its isles; in the south of China; in Japan; and in South America, from the Isthmus of Darian as far as Paraguay. A species or two are also met with in Arabia and the pro- vince of Barbary. On account of the numbers and different appear- ances of these animals, they have been divided into three classes, and described under the following denominations; viz. — APES, or such as have no tails; BABOONS, or such as have short tails; MON- KIES, or such as have long tails. In the APE kind, we see the whole external machine strongly impressed with the human like- ness, and capable of similar exertions ; they walk upright, their posteriors are fleshy, their legs are furnished with calves, and their hands and feet are nearly like the human. In the BABOON we perceive a more distant re- semblance of the human form: he generally goes upon all four, seldom upright, but when constrained to it in a state of servitude. Some of them are as HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 451 tall as a man. They have short tails, long faces, sunk eyes, are extremely disgusting, lascivious, and possessed of the most brutal fierceness. The MONKEY kind are removed still farther, and are much less than the former. Their tails are generally longer than their bodies ; and although they sit upon their posteriors, they always move upon all four. They are a lively active race of ani- mals, full of frolic and grimace, greatly addicted to thieving, and extremely fond of imitating human actions, but always with a mischievous intention. 452 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE ORAN-QUTANG, OR WILD MAN OF THE WOODS. (Simia Satyrus, Linn. — Le Pongo, Buff.) Is the largest of all the Ape kind, and makes the nearest approach to the human figure. One of this kind, dissected by Dr. Tyson, has been very accu- rately described by him. The principal external differences pointed out by that learned physician, consisted in the great length of the arms, and short- ness of the thighs ; the thumb is also much smaller, and the palm of the hand longer and narrower, than in man ; the form of the feet is very dissimilar, the toes being much longer, and the large toe placed at a greater distance from the others ; the forehead is HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 453 higher, the nose flat, and the eyes much sunk : be- side these, that anatomist has enumerated a variety of essential differences in the internal conforma- tion of the Oran-Outang ; all of which sufficiently evince, that, though he has the strongest affinity to the human form of any other quadruped, yet, as Buffon elegantly observes, "the interval which separates the two species is immense ; the resem- blance in figure and organization, and the move- ments of imitation which seem to result from these similarities, neither make him approach the nature of man, nor elevate him above that of the brute." The Oran-Outang is found in the interior parts of Africa, in Madagascar, Borneo, and some parts of the East Indies. It is a solitary animal, avoids mankind, and lives only in the most desert places. The largest of the kind are said to be about six feet high, very active, powerful and intrepid, capable of overcoming the strongest man : they are likewise exceedingly swift, and cannot easily be taken alive. They live entirely on fruits and nuts, will sometimes attack and kill the negroes who wander in the woods, and drive away the Ele- phants that happen to approach too near the place of their residence. It is said that they sometimes surprise the female negroes, and carry them off into the woods, where they compel them to stay with them. When taken young, however, the Oran-Outang is capable of being tamed, and rendered extremely docile. One of them shewn in London some years ago, was taught to sit at table, make use of a spoon or fork in eating its victuals, and drink wrine or other liquors out of a glass. It was extremely 454 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. mild, affectionate, and good-natured; much attach- ed to its, keeper, and obedient to his commands. Its aspect was grave, and its disposition melan- choly. It was young, and only two feet four inches high. Its body was covered with hair of a black colour, which was much thicker and closer on the back than on the fore part of the body; the hands and soles of the feet were naked, and of a dusky colour. THE PIGMY APE. (Simia Sylvanus, Linn. — Lc Pitheque, Buff.) A variety, found in Guinea, Ethiopia, and other parts of Africa, much smaller than the last, being not more than a foot and a half in length. It is very tractable, good-natured, and easily tamed; is supposed to have been the Pithecos of the ancients. It lives in woods, and feeds on fruits and insects. Troops of them assemble together, and defend themselves from the attacks of wild beasts in the desert, by throwing a cloud of sand behind them, which blinds their pursuers, and facilitates their escape. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 455 THE LONG- ARMED APE. (Le Grand Gibbon^ Buff.) Is distinguished by the extraordinary length of its arms, which reach to the ground when its body is upright, and give it a disgusting appearance. Its face is flat, and of a tawny colour, surrounded with a circle of grey hairs, which adds to the sin- gularity of its aspect; its eyes are large and deep sunk; ears round and naked; body covered on all parts with black rough hair, except its buttocks, which are quite naked. It is a mild, gentle, and tractable animal; feeds on fruits, leaves, and the bark of trees ; is a native of the East Indies, Sumatra, and the Molucca isles ; and measures from three to four feet in height. 456 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE BARBARY APE. (Shnia limits, Linn. — Lc Magot, Buff.) Is wilder and more untractable than the others. His head is large, and his nose prominent: he like- wise differs from the last, in having cheek pouches, which he frequently fills with food before he begins to eat: the canine teeth are large and strong; ears round, and somewhat like those of a man ; the body is covered with hair of a brown colour, inclining to green; lighter on the belly. When standing erect upon his hind legs he is generally two feet and a half or three feet high. He walks often er on four than on two feet; and when resting, supports his body on two prominent callosities, situated on his buttocks. This is a very common species, and is found in most parts of Africa, from Barbary to the Cape of Good Hope. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 457 THE BABOON. (Siiiiia Spliynx, Linn.) DIFFERS from animals of the Ape kind, not only in external appearance, but also in temper and disposition. Fierce, untractable, and libidinous, its disposition seems to partake of the hideous and disgusting deformities of its outward figure. Its body is thick, compact, and nervous, and its strength prodigious.. Neither art nor caresses can render it in any degree docile or obedient. It seems to be continually fretting with rage, and seeking every opportunity of shewing its savage and vicious propensities. In a state of captivity, it must be kept closely confined; and even in that state, we have seen one shake the bars of his cage so powerfully with his hands, as to excite the utmost terror in the spectators. VOL in. 3 M 458 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS This animal, of which we have given a very faithful representation from the life, was about four feet high when standing on its hind legs : its head was large, shoulders of an amazing strength and thickness, its muzzle long and thick, eyes small and deep sunk, its canine teeth very large and for- midable, and it had pouches in its cheeks : the hair on its head was long, and formed a very elegant tupee from its forehead and each side of its face, which, when angry, it erected ; the hair on the body was uniformly of a light reddish brown; the tail short, and darker at the end; buttocks red and naked. The Baboon inhabits the hottest parts of Africa ; feeds on fruits, roots, and other vegetables. Numer- ous troops sometimes make their appearance, plundering gardens and cultivated grounds. They are extremely dexterous in throwing the fruit from one to another, and by this means will do in- credible damage in a very short time. The female brings forth only one young at a time, which she carries in her arms, and suckles at her breast. Notwithstanding its libidinous disposi- tion, it will not breed in temperate climates. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 459 THE RIBBED-NOSE BABOON. (Simia J\fannony Linn. — Le Mandrill, Buff.) THIS singular creature is no less remarkable for its great size and strength, than for the variety of beautiful colours on different parts of its body. Its nose is marked with broad ribs on each side, of a fine violet-blue colour: a vermilion line begins a little above the eyes; and running down on each side of the nose, which is somewhat similar to that of a Hog, spreads over the tip of it : the insides of the ears are blue, which gradually softens to a purple, and terminates in vermilion; the rump is also of a vermilion colour; and the beautiful colours on the hips are gradations from red to blue; the 460 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. hair on the forehead is long, turns back, and forms a kind of pointed crest; its beard is dark at the roots, orange at the middle, and yellow at the end; the back and legs are covered with short hair, of a dark brown colour mixed with yellow; the breast and belly with long whitish hair, speckled with small dark spots; its tail is short and hairy, nails flat, feet and hands black and naked. One of this kind was exhibited about twelve years ago in the North of England, It was five feet high, extremely fierce, libidinous, and strong. At the sight of women, it discovered marks of the most violent passion : it once caught hold of a lady, who was so incautious as to approach too near it; and she was with some difficulty rescued by the interference of the keeper. Its voice was strong and harsh, not unlike the ordinary growl of the Lion. It generally went upon its four feet, unless obliged by its keeper to stand erect. Its most usual attitude was sitting on its rump, with its arms placed before it. This creature inhabits the hottest parts of Africa. Schreber says, it lives on succulent fruits and nuts, is fond of eggs, will put eight at once into its pouches, then take them out one by one, break them at the end, and swallow the contents. Our representation of this animal was done from a drawing in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Eger- ton, taken from the life by an eminent painter. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. THE SMALL RIBBED-NOSE BABOON. THE annexed cut was done from the living" ani- mal, in the possession of Mr. Rayne, surgeon, in Newcastle. It is about fifteen inches in height; its face Hat, of a fine blue colour; eyes bright hazel; the cheeks marked with small ribs, bounded with fine bushy hair, of a greenish colour, finely speckled with black; the hair on the forehead is very long, and runs up to a point on the top of the shoulders ; the muzzle is thick, and furnished with short hair, thinly scattered on each side; it has a short thin beard, ending in a point, which is of an orange colour; the hair on the body is dark brown, mixed with shades of green on the back and sides; the haunches dusky; the ears are small, naked, and pointed; the tail short and hairy; the buttocks bare, and of a red flesh colour; hands and feet naked: it has cheek pouches; feeds on fruits, nuts, roots, and other vegetables. It is lively and play- ful, walks commonly on all four, is in continual motion, and leaps with astonishing agility. This species is said to come from the coast of Guinea. 462 HISTORY" OF QUADRUPEDS. THE PIG-TAILED BABOON. (Simla Nemestrina> Linn. — Le Maimon, Buff.) So termed from its short, naked, Pig-like tail, is the least of all the Baboon kind; a gentle, mild, and tractable animal; very lively and frolicsome, but has none of that impudent petulance so pecu- liar to most of its species. Its muzzle is large and thick; face and ears naked, and of a flesh colour; the hair on the head and back is of a deep olive, palest on the belly; it has hazel eyes, cheek pouches, callosities on the buttocks, which are naked, and of a red colour. It is a native of Sumatra and Japan. One of this kind was shewn in the North in 1788, from which this drawing was made. It is a curious circumstance, that not only this, but every animal of the Baboon and Monkey kind we have yet seen, have shewn a remarkable greedi- ness for tobacco, mustard, and even snuff, which they eat without expressing the smallest inconveni- ence, and always seem extremely desirous of more. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 463 THE DOG-FACED BABOON. (Si in in /Fnta Gru; LD 21-40m-10,'65 (F7763slO)476 General Library University of California Berkeley v /: •/•.-•f-. 266194 • 'mz m UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY m •-.-- -'-