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Digitized by the Internet Archive
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A
GENERAL HISTORY
OF
Q U A D R U P E D S.
THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD
THOMAS BEWICK.
/
THE FIFTH EDITION,
NEH^CASTLE UPON TTNE ;
PRINTED ET EDWARD WALKER, FOR T. BEWICK AND S. HODGSON :
SOLD BY THEM, AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1807-
00
ROYAL
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS
LIBRARY
CLASS
ACCN.
f-i
SOURCE
DATE
/ ; r ^
ADVERTISEMENT.
In disposing the order of the following work, we have not
thought it necessary to confine ourselves stridly within the
rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural
History ; as it was not so much the objed 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 appeared 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 Na-
ture, and so clearly distinguished, that the most careless ob-
server cannot avoid being forcibly struck with an agreement
of parts in the outward appearance of the different individu-
als 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 charadlerl sties so peculiar, that they might
seem to constitute distindl 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-
ticed the improvements which an enlarged system of agri-
a
IV
ADVERTISEMENT.
culture, supported by a noble spirit of emulation, has intro-
duced 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
tlie different kinds, and have given faithful portraits of them,
drawn from the life ; there are still others, not unworthy of
attention, which might have been added ; but to have no-
ticed all the variations and shades of difference observable
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 comprehensive
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 pro-
cure 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 apolo-
gy for tlie evident want of proportion observable in the size
of the different animals, — a defeCl 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.
INDEX.
A A PAGE.
A DIVE - 323
Agouti - - 382
Akouchi - - 383
Ai - - - 494
Ant-eater, the Great 495
the Middle 496
the Lesser idid.
Antelope, the Common 106
the Barbary 107
the Scythian 100
the Striped Hid.
Ape, the Long-armed 452
the Barbary - 453
Armadillo - - 498
the Three-
banded - 499
the Six-banded 500
the Eight-
banded - Hid.
the Nine-band-
ed - 501'
the Weasel-
headed - 502
Ass - - - 19
Axis - 141
B
PAGE.
Bat - - - 510
the Short-eared - Hid,
the Long-eared - 512
the Nodule, or Great Hid.
the Pipistrelle - 513
the Barbastelle - Hid.
the Serotine * Hid.
the Horse-shoe - Hid.
the Great Temate 515
the Rougette, or Les-
ser Ternate - 516
the Spedre - 517
the Senegal - Hid.
the Bull-dog - Hid.
the Bearded - 518
the Striped - Hid*
Bear, the Brown - 288
the Polar - 295
the Black - 288
Beaver - - ,417
Bison - - 43
Blue Goat - - 90
Boar, the Wild - 160
the Common, or
Domestic - 162
the African Wild 167
Bucha - . 45
Buffalo - - 47
Baboon - - 454
the Great Ribbed-
nose - 456
the Small Ribbed-
nose
458
the Pig-tailed
459
the Dog-faced
460
the Ursine -
461
Babiroussa
172
Babr
213
Badger -
281
Stinking
276
Sow
284
I
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
a 2
/
%
INDEX.
Cat, the Wild
228
the Wild Red
227
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
471
Coati
277
Conepate
267
Corin - -
107
Couguar -
219
Coquallin
388
Cow - - -
25
D
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 Dalmatian, or
Coach
339
the Irish Greyhound 340
the Highland Grey-
hound
341
the Gazehound
ibid.
the Greyhound
342
the Italian Grey-
hound
ibid.
the Lyemmer
343
the Lurcher
ibid.
the Tumbler
344
the Terrier - -
345
the Beagle
346
the Harrier
347
Dog, the Fox-Hound 348
the Old English
Hound - 351
the Kibble Hound 352
the Blood-Hound ihtd,
the Spanish Pointer 355
the English Setter 356
the Newfoundland 357
the Rough Water 360
the Large Water-
Spaniel
361
the Small Water-
Spaniel
362
the Springer, or
Cocker
363
King Charles’s
ibid.
the Pyrame
ibid.
the Shock
ibid.
the Lion
364
the Comforter
ibid.
the Turnspit
365
the Pug
ibid.
Dormouse, the Greater
392
the Lesser
398
Done ' -
469
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 - - -
363
the Greyhound
307
the Mastiff -
ibid.
the Cur
308
INDEX.
Fox, the Black
310
the Cross
310
the Ardlic
311
Free Martin - ^
28
G
Gazelles -
89
Gemse-Bok
101
Genet
268
Giraffe
118
Gnu
104
Goat - - -
77
the Chamois
81
of Angora
86
of Thibet
ibid.
of Portugal
ibid.
the Syrian
88
the African ?
ibid.
Grunting-Ox
46
Grys-Bok -
103
Guanacos
156
Guinea Pig
377
Glutton
285
H
Hamster
404
Hare - - -
369
the Alpine
372
Hart-Beest
98
Hedge-Hog -
484
Hippopotamus
182
Hog - - -
159
Horse
\
the Arabian
4
the Race-horse
- 6
the Hunter
8
the Black
10
Old English Road ' 9
Poney
12
the Common Cart 13
the Improved Cart 14
Pack-horse
ibid.
Hyena, the Striped 298
the Spotted 301
• •
Vll
I
Ibex -
80
Ichneumon
261
Irbys
236
J
Jackall
320
Jaguar - - -
217
Jerboa
397
K
Kabassou
502
Kanguroo -
439
Kanguroo Rat
441
Kevel - - -
107
Klip-Springer r
103
Koba - ^ .
108
Koedoe - - -
100
. L
Lama - - -
155
Leming
409
Leopard
214
Lion
199
Lion-Ape
476
Loris - - -
445
Louchu
213
Lynx . - -
235
the Bay
236
M
Macauco, the Yellow
443
the Ring-tailed 442
the Tail-less 444
the Mongooz 445
the Black 446
Mangabey - - 465
Manis - 497
the Long-tailed 498
Marapute - - 226
Margay - - 224
Marmot - - 399
the Quebec 403
I the Earless - 407
VIll
INDEX.
Marmot, the Tail-less
408
the Lapland
409
Martin
256
the Yellow-breast-
ed
255
Meminna
109
Mexican Hog
169
Mole
427
Radiated
429
the Yellow
ihid.
Monax
402
Monkey, the Hare lipped 463
the Patas, or
Red
ihid.
the Chinese
Bonnet
465
the Callitrix, or
Green
466
the Varied, or
Mona
468
the Preacher
471
the Spider
472
tlie Saimiri, or
Orange
473
the Weeper
ibid.
the Striated
475
the Fox-tailed
474
the Great-eared /Z'/V.
the Silky
476
the Red-tailed
477
the Mico, or
Fair
478
Mouflon, or Musmon
74
Mouse - - -
421
Long-tailed Field
422
Short-tailed Field
423
Shrew
424
Water Shrew
425
Dwarf
426
Mule . - -
16
Musk - - -
115
Musk-Bull
49
Mustache
467
N
Nanguer - - 105
Nems - - 250
Nyl-Ghau - 112
O
Ocelot - - 222
Ondatra - - 415
Opossum, Saragoy - 430
Murine - 432
Mexican - 433
the Phalanger 434
the Spotted 435
the Vulpine Ihid,
the Flying 436
of Van Die-
men’s Land 437
Squirrel - 438
Oran-Outang - 449
Otter - - 487
the Sea - - 491
Ounce - - 216
Ox - - - 25
Holstein, or Dutch
Breed - 29
Improved ditto - 30
the Lancashire - 33
the Lancashire Ox 35
Kyloe - - 36
Wild Cattle - 38
Orignal - - - 125
P
Pacos - - 157
Panther - - 212
Patas - - 463
Peccary - - 169
Persian Savage - 461
Phalanger - - 434
Pied Goat - - 91
Pigmy - - 451
Polecat - - 252
Porcupine - 480
the Brazilian 482
INDEX,
IX
Porcupine, the Canada
483
Potto . - -
443
R
Rabbit
374
the Domestic
376
of Angora
ibid.
the Hooded
ibid*
Racoon
279
Ram, Black-faced
56
Heath
57
Cheviot
58
Tees-Water
60
Ditto Improved
61
Rat - - -
411
Water
414
Musk of Canada
415
Muscovy Musk
416
Ratel « - -
275
Ree-Bok
102
Riet
tbid»
Rein-Deer
127
Rhinoceros
175
the Two-horn-
ed
179
Roe-Buck - - -
146
Ruminating Animals
24
S
Sable - - -
258
Sagoin
469
Sajou
472
Saki - - -
474
Saccawinkee
ibid.
Sand Bear
284
Sapajou
469
Sarluc - - -
46
Scaly Lizard - ‘ -
498
Sea-Horse
503
Seal - - -
505
the Hooded
507
the Ursine
508
Serval
226
Sheep - - -
50
Sheep, Lincolnshire Breed 54?
Dorsetshire ditto ibid.
the Short - 56
Leicestershire ditto 63
Mr Gulley’s Breed 66
the Shetland - 68
the Dunky, or
Dwarf
70
the Tartarian -
71
the African, or
Guinea
ibid.
the Many-homed
72
the Broad-tailed
ibid.
of Thibet
the Wallachian
.
ibid.
Sifac
469
Skunk
265
Sloth
493
Souslik
407
Sow, of the Improved
Breed
164
Chinese
166
Springer
94
Squirrel
385
the Hudson’s
Bay
390
the Grey
387
the Black
388
the Ground
389
the Barbary -
391
the Palm
ibid.
the Fat
392
the Garden -
ibid.
the Flying
394
the Great Flying 395
the Hooded
ibid.
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
X
INDEX,
Syah-Gush -
238
Swift Antelope
105
T
Talapoin
467
Talgoi
496
Tanrec
486
Tapiir
174
Tarsier
446
Tendrac
485
Tiger
206
the Black
221
Cat
227
U
Unau - - -
494
Urus, or Wild Bull
- 42
Urchin
484
V
Vansire
250
W
Walrus
503
Wander ou
462
Weasel
242
the White
24-7
the Madagascar
250
the Pine
256
the Fisher
260
the Four-toed
274
the Brazilian
277
Wolf
313
the New South
Wales
319
Wolverine
285
Wood Goat
92
Z
Zebra
- 22
Zebu
44
Zemni
- 408
Zibet
273
Zisel
- 408
Zorilla
- 267
ERR A TA.
Page 46, line a, for Grumiens read Grunniens.
— . 81, i^ifor Samis read Sarris.
— 90, — 17, for Leucophoe read Lucophoea*
. 96, — — 10, for Codous read Coudous.
—— 107, — 18, /or Gorina read Corine.
1
GENERAL HISTORY
OF
Q^U ADRUPEDS,
THE HORSE.
{Equus Caballusy Linnseus. — Le Chevaly BufFon.)
The various excellencies of this noble animal, the gran-
deur of his stature, the elegance and proportion 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 precedence in the history of the brute
creation.
The Horse, in his domestic state, is generous, docile,
spirited, and yet obedient; adapted to the various pur-
poses of pleasure and convenience, he is equally service-
able 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, (unsubdued by the re-
straints man has imposed upon him) we must look for
him in the wild and extensive plains of Africa and Ara-
bia, where he ranges without controul, in a state of entire
independency. In those immense trails, the wild Horses
may be seen feeding together, in droves of four or five
hundred ; one of them always acting as centinel, to give
notice of approaching danger : this he does by a kind of
A
2
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
snorting noise, upon which they all fly off with astonish-
ing 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 ac-
tive, 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 subjection.
Those found in America were originally of the Spanish
breed, sent thither upon its first discovery, which have
since become wild, and spread themselves over various
parts of that vast continent. 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 condition
to propagate. The mare is generally in season from 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. 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 first eight : and it is from these last
3
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
latter end of March till the 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 participate in his pleasures : gene-
rous and persevering, he gives up his whole powers to
the service of his master ; though bold and intrepid, he
represses the natural vivacity and fire of his temper, and
not only yields to the hand, but seems to consult the in-
clination, 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 unnecessary exer-
tions ; and the honest labours of this noble animal thrown
away in the ungrateful task of accomplishing the pur-
poses of unfeeling folly, or lavished in gratifying the ex-
pectations of an intemperate moment.
four corner teeth, that the age of a horse is distinguished : they are some-
what 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.
A 2
4'
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE ARABIAN HORSE.
There is scarcely an Arabian, how poor soever in
other respe£ls, 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 children frequently climb without fear upon the
body of the inoffensive animal, which permits them to
play with and caress it without injury. The Arabs ne-
ver 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 j and if the
rider happen to fall, they are so tradlable 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
country *, they are easy and graceful in their motions, and
rather inclined to leanness. It is worthy of remark, that,
r
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 5
instead of crossing the breed, the Arabs take every pre-
caution to keep it pure and unmixed: they preserve,
with the greatest care, and for an Amazing length of time,
the genealogies 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 extend-
ed 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 Genette is held in great estimation : like
the former, it is small, but beautiful, and extremely swift.
The Horses of India and many parts of China are ex-
tremely small and vicious. One of these was some years
ago brought into this country as a present to the queen,
measuring only nine hands in height.
0
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
In 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 manage-
ment, the English Race Horse * is allowed to excel those
* 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 Malton, (by Sampson) the property of the late Marquis of
Rockingham, in seven prizes won the amazing sum of 5,900!. 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 be-
fore over the same course.
Childers, (well known by the name of Flying Childers) the proper-
ty of the Duke of Devonshire, was allowed by sportsmen to be the
fleetest Horse that ever was 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 2000I.; and was af-
terwards 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 13,363!.
!
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 7
of the rest of Europe, or perhaps the whole world. For
supporting a continuance of violent exertion, (or what is
called, in the language of the turf, hottom) they are supe-
rior 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 rapidity : 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 9,000!. 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 Bywell,
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 uncommonly suc-
cessful 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, perhaps, may be
attributed his great age, being in his thirty-third year when he died.
Shark won, besides a cup value izogs. and eleven hogsheads of
claret, the astonishing sum of 15,507 gs. in plates, matches, and forfeits.
On the Z5th of March, 1799, a match for 3,000 gs. was run at New-
market, by Sir H. Vane Tempest’s Ha mb l Etonian, and Mr Cookson’s
Diamond, and won by the former. It was supposed that wagers to the
amount of nearly tvio hundred thousand pounds were betted on the event
of this severe race.
8
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE HUNTER
Is a happy combination of the Race-Horse with others of
superior strength, but inferior in swiftness ; and may be
considered as the most useful breed of Horses in Europe.
Their spirit and activity in thvj 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 a£live and hardy
race, with a celerity unknown at any former period.
Geldings of this kind are sent over to the continent
in great numbers : their superior worth is universally
acknowledged abroad *, and they are sold at very high
prices to foreigners of the first distindlion.
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. 9
THE OLD ENGLISH ROAD^HORSE
Is a strong, vigorous, and a6Hve kind, capable of en-
during great hardship ; its stature rather low, seldom ex-
ceeding fifteen hands ; the body round and compadt, its
limbs strong, and its head thick.
Although this breed has of late years been neglect-
ed, 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 congratulating our associated country-
men * on their spirited exertions towards public improve-
ment, in which nothing of excellency in the various kinds
of domestic animals is suffered to escape their vigilance,
and this kind is again likely to be brought into notice.
A mare of this breed, in the possession of Arthur Mow-
bray, Esq. of Sherburn, appears to us to possess all the
valuable properties attributed to the old Road-Horse.
* 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 re-
giments. The fens of Lincolnshire produce a larger
breed than any other part of the 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 Bakewell of Dishley,
and others y who, by great ingenuity and attention, have
acquired such celebrity, that they frequently sell stalli-
ons of their respedlive breeds for two hundred guineas ;
or, what is a more general pradlice, let them to hire by
II
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 Lincolnshire Horse has, by their
management, been materially altered : the long fore-end,
long back, and long thick hairy legs, have gradually con-
trafted into a short thick carcase> a short but upright
fore-end, and short clean legs ; experience having at
length proved, that strength and activity, rather than
height and weight, 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 car-
ry 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 particular individual breeds or lines of
Horses. If this observation be just, and that the feeding
quality can be obtained with any degree of certainty 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 a£Hve kind of Horses 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 5 and our Horses
are permitted to retain a member both useful and orna-
mental. But we have still to regret, that the cruel prac-
tice 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
B 2
12
\ %
l
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
of Horses with which our British ancestors opposed them-
selves to the legions of Julius Csesar, on his landing in
this country, yet that celebrated warrior himself bears
testimony to their adlivity and discipline.
The Ponies of Wales, and those brought out of the
Highlands of Scotland, seem to be original and unmixed.
They are both much esteemed for the neatness and beau-
ty of their forms, for the nimbleness of their motions,
and, above all, for being remarkably sure-footed on the
most difficult roads, which renders them extremely va-
luable in the mountainous tradls to which they originally
belong. Those brought from Shetland are the smallest
of the genus, being in general much less than the Ass.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPfiDS. is
THE COMMON CART-HORSE
Is inferior to the Black Horse both in size and str>h :
his form is heavy, his motions slow, and his aspect with-
out sprightliness : he is nevertheless extremely useful,
and is employed in the business of agriculture and oth^r
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 advantages of strength
and docility, has added those of form, activity, and vigour.
George Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the county of Dur-
ham, has a remarkably fine Horse of this kind, from
which this figure was drawn.
Till of late years, Pack-Horses were employed, in the
northern counties of England, to carry the different ma-
nufactures and articles of traffic from one part of the
kingdom to another ; but the improved state of our roads
has caused that mode of conveyance to be almost entirely
laid aside. In their journies over trackless moors, they
strictly adhere to the line of order and regularity custom
has taught them to observe : the leading Horse, which is
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
always chosen for his sagacity and steadiness, being fur-
nished with bells, gives notice to the rest, which follow the
sound, and generally without much deviation, though
sometimes at a considerable distance. The following
anecdote will shew with what obstinate perseverance they
have been known to observe the line of their order : —
Some years ago, one of these Horses, which had been
long accustomed to follow his leader, by accident or fa-
tigue, was thrown into an inferior rank : the poor animal,
as if sensible of his disgrace, by the most strenuous exer-
tions, at length recovered his usual station, which he
maintained during the remainder of the journey; but,
on his arrival in the inn-yard, he dropped down dead up-
on the spot, his life falling a sacrifice to his ambition, —
a species of heroism we must admire even in the brut^
creation.
16
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 providently stopped the further pro-
pagation of these heterogeneous produdlions, to preserve,
uncontaminated, 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 perfec-
tion, 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 conti-
nuing the race.
The common Mule is very healthy, and will live above
thirty years. It is found very serviceable in carrying
17
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 ani-
mal were more attended to : for, by proper care in its
breaking, its natural obstinacy would in a great measure
be corrected ; 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 uncommon
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 being able to tread se-
curely where the former can hardly stand. Their man-
ner of going down the precipices of the Alps, the Andes,
&c. is very extraordinary ; and with it we will conclude
their history. In these passages, on one side, are steep
eminences, and, on the other, frightful abysses ; arid as
they generally follow the direction of the mountain, the
road, instead of lying in a level, forms, at every little
distance, deep declivities of several hundred yards down-
ward. These can be descended only by Mules ; and the
animal itself seems sensible of the danger, and the cau-
tion that is to be used in such descents. When they
come to the edge of one of these precipices, they stop
without being checked by the rider ; and if he inadver-
tently attempt to spur them on, they continue immove-
able. They seem all this time ruminating on the danger
that lies before them, and preparing themselves for the
encounter. They not only attentively view the road,
but tremble and snort at the danger. Having prepared
C
18 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 wonderful ; for in their swiftest motion,
when they seem to have lost all government of them-
selves, they follow exa6Ily the different windings of the
road, as if they had previously settled in their minds the
route they were to follow, and taken every precaution
for their safety. In this journey, the natives place them-
selves along the sides of the mountains *, and, holding by
the roots of the trees, animate the beasts with shouts,
and encourage them to persevere. Some mules, after
being long used to these journies, acquire a kind of repu-
tation for their safety and skill j and their value rises in
proportion to their fame.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
19
{Equus Asinusy Lin. — UAnCy Buff.)
The Ass, it is probable, was originally a native of
Arabia and other parts of the East : the deserts of Ly-
bia 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 overtake them. They are chiefly
caught by the natives 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,
more tbugh, 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 informs us, that in
the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following
manner : — A number of persons on horseback, attended
C 2
20 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 oyer them, and having secured them with
fetters, leave them till the chace is over, which frequent-
ly lasts for several days. .
A warm climate is most favourable to the growth of
this animal : the ass produced in this country is mucK
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 uncertain. How-
ever, they are at present naturalized in this kingdom,
where their utility becomes daily more universally expe-
rienced.
The qualities of this animal are so well known, as to
need no description : his gentleness, patience, and per-
severance, are without example : he is temperate with
regard to food, and eats contentedly the coarsest and most
neglected herbage : if he give the preference to any ve-
getable, it is to the plantain, for which lie will negledl
every other herb in the pasture. In his water he is sin-
gularly nice, drinking 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 untradable.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21
He Is hardier than the Horse ^ and of all other quadru-
peds, is least infested with lice or other vermin *, proba-
bly owing to the extreme hardness and dryness of his
skin. For the same reason, perhaps, he is less sensitive
of the goads of the whip, or the' stinging of flies.
He is three or four years in coming to perfedlion ; and
lives to the age of twenty, or sometimes twenty-five
years. He sleeps much less than the Horse, and never
lies down for that purpose but when he is much fa-
tigued. The She-Ass goes eleven months with 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.-
22
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE ZEBRA.
[Equus Zebra, Lin. — Le Zebre, Buff.)
Many authors have mistaken the Zebra for a wild Ass :
it is one of the most beautiful, and also one of the wild-
est 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 ; it 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 stile so
beautiful and ornamental, that it would at first sight seem
rather the effedl of art, than the genuine produdtion of
nature : the head is striped with fine bands of black and
white, which form a centre in the forehead ; the neck is
adorned with stripes of the same colour running round
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2S
it ; the body is beautifully 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 beauti-
fully streaked in the same manner.
The Zebra inhabits the southern parts of Africa, where
whole herds are seen feeding on those extensive 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 regard 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
industrious and skilful nation, to be added to the number
of our useful dependants. Nevertheless, its liberty has
hitherto remained uncontrouled, and its natural fierce-
ness has as yet resisted every attempt to subdue it : those
that have been brought to this country, have discovered a
degree of viciousness that rendered it unsafe to approach
them too familiarly ; but it is by no means to be con-
cluded from hence, that they are untameable. They
have continued to be wild, 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.
24^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
RUMINATING ANIMALS.
The various animals of this kind are entirely confined
to grain and herbage for their nourishment 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 considerable time before it be reduced to
proper chyle : for this purpose, their intestines are re-
markably long and capacious, and formed into a variety
of foldings. 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 under-
goes a second chewing : it is then sent dire<Stly into the
second stomach, and gradually passes into the third and
fourth *, from whence it is transmitted through the con-
volutions of the intestines. By this conformation rumi-
nating animals are enabled to devour large quantities of
vegetable aliment, to retain it long in their bowels, and
consequently extract from it a quantity of nutritious
matter sufficient for their growth and support.
The great obligations we are under to those of this
class, render them objects of the highest importance to
us- We are nourished with their milk, we are supported
by their flesh, and we are cloathed and warmed with
their fleeces : their harmlessness and innocence endear
them to us, and claim from us that protection which
their natures seem to require *, and, in return, they sup-
ply us with the necessaries and comforts of life.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 25
THE OX KIND.
{^Bos Taurus^ Lin. — Le Taureauy BufF.)
Of all quadrupeds, the Cow seems most extensively
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 climates. Other animals pre-
serve their nature or their form with inflexible perseve-
rance ; but these, in every respe£f, 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 indebt-
ed to the variety and abundance of our wholesome vege-
tables, for the number and excellence* 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 pre-
fers 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 flourishing, than succulent and nutri-
tious, 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 pas-
ture where the Cow is fed, acquires a finer surface, and
every year becomes more level and beautiful : the Horse
D
26
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
sele£ls 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 prevent-
ing its future growth and propagation : the Sheep also,
though fprmed like the Cow with respect to its teeth, on-
ly 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 allow-
ing three years before their appearance, and then reckon-
ing the number of rings, the creature’s age may be ex-
actly known.
The quantity of milk given by Cows is very various :
some will yield only about six quarts in one day ; while
others give from ten to fifteen, and sometimes even twen-
ty. The richness of the pasture contributes not a little
to its increase. There have been instances of Cows giv-
ing 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 Cows, 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 animals, ap-
pear to be primarily intended for the use of man ; but
are only capable of a secondary application to his pur-
poses : yet it must be allowed that, in many instances,
what they term the secondary use, is so manifest and im-
portant, that it cannot, with propriety, be supposed to
be excluded from the original design of the all-wise Cre-
ator : and it must be allowed that the Cow, In its fa-
culty of giving, in such abundance and with so much
ease, its milk, which forms so rich and nutritive an ali-
27
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
merit for the human species, is a striking example of this
subordination to the interests of mankind : for this ani-
mal 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 peculiarity ;
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 conti-
nue 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 permitted to suck part of her
milk every day.
Upon the whole, it appears, that the property of yield-
ing milk, without the young one, is confined to 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 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.
D 2
i>8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
It is a curious fa£l:, that when a Cow happens to bring
forth two calves, — one of them a male, the other a fe-
male,— the former is a perfect animal, but the latter is in-
capable of propagation, and is well known to farmers un-
der 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 purpose 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 countries, 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
29
THE HOLSTEIN, OR DUTCEI 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 abun-
dance of milk than those of almost any other kind.
* An Ox, fed by Mr Edward Hall, of Whitley, in Northumberland,
and killed in March, 1789, when seven years old, measured, from the
head to the rump, nine feet eight inches and a half ; the height, at the
30
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 en-
quiry, of which the limits of our work will only allow us
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
to give the outlines. We shall, however, notice the ge-
neral principles which have been laid down, and steadily
adhered to, in the improvement of the several breeds of
cattle i and which have been so successfully brought into
practice. The first, and most obvious, is beauty of form,
a principle which has been in common applied to every
species of domestic cattle, and, with great seeming pro-
priety, 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 distindlion is
made, by men who have been long conversant in pra<ftice,
between a useful sort and a sort that is merely handsome.
Utility of form is therefore the next general principle,
and may be considered as arising from a larger proportion
of those parts which are the most useful : thus, for in-
stance, 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 Jlesh. 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
its propensity to fatness, are principles consistent with
each other, are frequently found united in the same indi-
vidual, 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 from
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the same line, weakens the stock. This idea, however
rooted it may have been in the minds of former practi-
tioners, 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 im-
prove their own kind. This praCtice is well known un-
der the term of breeding, m-ajid-hi ; and, in this way,
the improvement of the several breeds has advanced ra-
pidly to a height unknown before in any age or nation.
The practice of letting out Bulls by the season has con-
tributed very materially towards the improvement 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 ad-
vantages, that eighty guineas have been given for the use
of a Bull for one season. Some Bulls are in such esti-
mation, as to leap at the extraordinary price of five gui-
neas a Cow : and it is, perhaps, a circumstance worth
mentioning, that Mr Fowler, of Rollright, in Oxford-
shire, 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-year 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.
THE LONG-HORNED, OR LANCASHIRE
BREED,
Is common in Lancashire, Westmorland, and Cumber-
land, and some of the neighbouring counties ; and, not-
withstanding the changes which have taken place by the
introdudlion of foreign kinds, there is reason to believe
that this, for a considerable time at least, has been the
prevailing stock of the kingdom at large.
Mr Marshall, in his excellent treatise on the Eco-
nomy of the Midland Counties,” observes, that from
this kind the present improved breed of cattle in Lei-
cestershire is traceable, by the most indisputable evi-
dence. From Bulls brought out of Westmorland and
Lancashire, and Cows from the banks of the Trent, the
celebrated Canley breed, the property of Mr W ebster, de-
rived its origin j and about fifty years ago it was esteemed
E
34?
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the most 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 attained.
Great improvements have of late years been made in
the old Lancashire kind, both in size and beauty. Craven,
in Yorkshire, has long been celebrated 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 j their hair short and
smooth j their crests rise extremely high ; their chests
are let down to their knees ; their bodies are long, and
in the form of a perfedl cylinder.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
S3
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 considerable size, are very
adlive, and consequently useful in the draught. They
are well suited to a cold climate, and grow fat on indif-
ferent pastures.
In Scotland there are two kinds, which differ greatly
from each other, as well as from all those in the southern
parts 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 this kingdom, where they soon
greatly improve.
E 2
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
SG
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 in which they are bred. They are mostly
black, with fine white horns, very sharp, and black at the
points ; their hair is thick and furry. Great numbers of
these are likewise 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 or-
dinary 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 than the Horse for
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 3*7
the plough or the draught. There is scarcely any part
this animal without its use ; the skin is made into va-
rious kinds of leather ; the hair is mixed with lime for
plaistering ; 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 supplied with candles from the tallow;
and from the feet is procured an oil, of great use in pre-
paring and softening leather ; besides the well-known be-
nefits derived from butter, milk, and cheese ; its blood,
gall, liver, and urine, have their respective uses in ma-
nufactures and medicine.
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
WILD CATTLE.
There was formerly a very singular species of wild
cattle in this country, which is now nearly extin£l. Nu-
merous herds of them were kept in several parks in Eng-
land and Scotland ; but they have been destroyed by va-
rious means : and the only breeds now remaining in the
N
/
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 89
kingdom, at'e in the park at Chillingham-castle, in Nor-
thumberland ; at Wollaton, in Nottinghamshire, the seat
of Lord Middleton ; at Gisburne, in Craven, Yorkshire ;
at Lime-hall, in Cheshire ; and at Chartley, in Stafford-
shire.
The principal external appearances which distinguish
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 gallop, 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 objedl of their surprise but
upon the least motion being made, they all again turn
round, and fly off with equal speed, but not to the same
distance : forming a shorter circle, and again returning
with a bolder and more threatening aspe(SI than before,
they approach much nearer, probably within thirty yards ;
■* About twenty years since, there were a few, at Chlllingham, 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 perfecSlIy
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.
when they make another stand, and again fly ofF : this
they do several times, shortening their distance, and ad-
vancing nearer, till they come within ten yards ; when
most people think it prudent to leave them, not clausing
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 mo-
dern remains of the grandeur of ancient hunting. Gn
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, un-
til 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 occa-
sions, the bleeding victim grew desperately furious, from
the smarting of his wounds, and the shouts of savage joy
that were echoing from every side : but, from the num-
ber of accidents that happened, this dangerous mode has
been little praftised 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 per-
son come near the calves, they clap their heads close to
the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide them-
selves : this is a proof of their native wildness, and is cor-
roborated by the following 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
1
I
41
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
head, it got up, pawed two or three times like an 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, and stepping aside, 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 j for the dams will allow no person
to touch their calves, without attacking them with impe-
tuous ferocity.*
When any one happens to be wounded, or is grown
weak and feeble through age or 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 ; 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 pasturage in Holderness, but generally attributed to
A
the difference of kind between those with black and with
red ears, the former of which they studiously endeavour-
ed 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 extraordina-
ry, that the calves produced by this means 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.
F
42
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE URUS, OR WILD BULL,
Is chiefly to be met with in the extensive forests of Li-
thuania. 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 forehead covered with a quan-
tity 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.
/
i
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 43
THE BISON
(Bos Bisoriy Lin. — Le Bison Amerique^ 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 ani-
mal to pursue them 5 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 differ-
ing from each other in size and form.
2 F
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 thani 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 j 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 Missisippi ; 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 chara<fteristic, gradually de-
clines j and in a few generations, no vestiges of it re-
main. Thus we see, whether it be the wild or the tame
45
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Ox, the Bonasus or the Urus, the Bison or the Zebu, by
whatever name they are distinguished, or however va-
riously classed by naturalists, in reality they are the same ;
and, though diversified in their appearance and proper-
ties, 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 push-
ed, move very briskly. They are likewise used in draw-
ing chariots and carts. For the former purpose, white
Oxen are in great esteem, and much admired. They will
perform journies of sixty days, at the rate of from twelve
to fifteen leagues a day ; and their travelling pace is ge-
nerally 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 Ca-
mel, and rise when their burdens are properly fastened.
46
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
THE GRUNTING OX.
[Bos Grumiensy Lin. — La Vache de Tartaricy BufF.)
The Sarluc, or Grunting-Cow of Tartary, from its re-
semblance 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 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 grunting noise like a Hog, instead of low-
ing 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 Buchay is extremely fierce.
When wounded, it will sometimes turn upon its assail-
ant, 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 die the hair red,
and form it into tufts to adorn their bonnets.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
47
THE BUFFALO.
I
(Bos BuhaluSy Lin. — Le Buffe^ BufF.)
There is the most striking general resemblance be-
tween the Buffalo and the common Ox ; their habits and
propensities are nearly similar j they are both equally
submissive to the yoke, and may be employed in the
same domestic services ; yet it is certain, from experi-
ence, that no two animals of the same genus can, in
reality, be more distindl : 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, tram-
ples him to death with his feet and knees, tearing him
with his horns and teeth, and licking him with his rough
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.-
tongue, till the skin is nearly stripped from the body.
The following accurate description 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 nearer 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 be-
tween them ; from this furrow the horns assume a sphe-
rical 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, which 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, which gives them the appear-
ance of being girt with a belt : the tail is short, and tuft-
*ed at the end : the eyes are large, and somewhat sunk
within their prominent orbits, which are almost covered
with the bases of the horns overhanging its dangling ears ;
this, with a peculiar inclination of the head to one side,
produces an aspect at once fierce, cunning, and tremen-
dous : 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 har-
ness j it is so hard, as not to be penetrated by a common
musket-ball ; those made use of for shooting the Buffalo
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4>9
are mixed with tin *, and even these are frequently flat-
tened by the concussion.
In Italy the Buffalo is domesticated, and constitutes
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 continues
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 supply the forts during the winter.
Notwithstanding the flesh is said to have a strong flavour
of musk, it is reckoned very good and wholesome.
G
50
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Musk-Bull is somewhat lower than a Deer, but
more bulky. Its legs are short j 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 useful manufadhire : 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 j some of them will weigh 60 lbs.
These animals delight chiefly in rocky and mountain-
ous countries : they run nimbly, and are very adlive in
climbing steep ascents.
THE SHEEP.
[Ovis Aries ^ Lin. — La Brebisy Buff".)
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, contri-
bute 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 con-
tributes. Though singularly inoffensive, and harmless
51
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
even to a proverb, 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 instin£live faculty, we are led to con-
clude that the Sheep, of all other animals, is the most
contemptible and stupid but amidst those numerous
flocks which range without controul on extensive moun-
tains, where they seldom depend upon the aid of the
shepherd, it will- be found to assume a very diflerent
chara(Sl:er: in those situations, a Ram or a Wedder will
boldly attack a single Dog, and often come off vidlorious ;
but when the danger is more alarming, they have re-
course to the colle6ted strength of the whole flock. On
such occasions they draw up into a compadl body, placing
the young and the females in the centre j 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 assailant. 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 himself by flight. Against the
attacks of single Dogs or Foxes, when in this situation,
they are perfeCUy secure. A Ram, regardless of danger,
will sometimes 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, re-
ceives the stroke of the Ram between his eyes, which
usually brings him to the ground.
In the selection of their food, few animals discover
G 2
52 . HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 severities of
weather, the natural instinct of the Sheep, in foreseeing
the approach of a storm, is no less remarkable : in their
endeavours to secure themselves 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 beautiful-
ly described by Thomson : —
“ Oft the whirlwind’s wing
“ Sweeps up the burthen of whole wintry plains
“ At one wide waft ; and o’er the hapless flocks,
“ Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hills,
“ I'he billowy tempest whelms.”
There have been instances where Sheep, at the ap-
proach 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 scarcely
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 cloathing. The Spanish fleeces are indeed ^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 53
finer, but stand in no degree of comparison with those of
Lincolnshire or Warwickshire for weight or utility. In
Edward the Third^s time, when wool was allowed to be
exported, it brought 150,0001. per annum, at 21. 10s.
a pack, which was a great sum in those days. At this
time, when our woollen manufactory stands unrivalled
by any nation in the world, and every method is taken
to prevent this valuable commodity from being sent' out
of the kingdom, the annual value of wool, shorn in Eng-
land, is supposed to be about five millions sterling ; and
when manufactured conjointly with the Spanish wool im-
ported, 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 be-
gins to procreate at one. When castrated, they are call-
ed 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 ser-
viceable to man : of the fleece we make our cloaths ; the
skin produces leather, of which are made gloves, parch-
ment, 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 a delicate and^ wholesome food.
51< HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The following remarks, taken from Mr Gulley’s Ob-
servations on Live Stock,” will not be unacceptable 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 ca-
pable 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 10s. 6d. or perhaps 15s. per quarter.
The manner of rearing the lambs is curious : they are
imprisoned in little dark cabins j the Ewes are fed with
oil-cakes, hay, corn, turnips, cabbages, or any other food
which the season of the year affords j these are given
them in a field contiguous to the apartments 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 perfect-
ly clean, and litter them with fresh straw. Great atten-
tion is paid to this, as much of the success of rearing
these unseasonable productions depends upon warmth and
cleanliness.
The Dorsetshire Sheep are mostly white-faced *, their
legs are long and small j and great numbers of them have
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 55
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 Sufiblk ;
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 MuflF kind was for-
merly 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 difihrs 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 moun-
tainous tra£l of country running towards Lancashire
southward, and to Fort William northward, is occupied
by a hardy, black-faced, wild-looking tribe, generally
called short Sheeps 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 amazing numbers of them are sold every year)
are, Stagshaw-bank, in Northumberland j Brough, in
Westmorland *, and Linton, in Scotland. There is like-
wise 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 pur-
pose, at Blanchland, in the county of Durham, in I797i
Exclusive of the symmetry of proportions and beauty of
its form, a more important objedl 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.
58
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 18 lbs. 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 Northumberland, and on
the range of hills adjoining them in Scotland, and are
maintained (except when prevented. by snow) solely from
the natural produce of the grounds on which they depas-
ture, which, in general, are very mountainous, and con-^
sist of ling, moss, bather, deer-hair, and wire-bent, with a
mixture 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 59
their wool, which is in the highest estimation for cloath-
ing, and sells from 2d. to 244. per pound higher than the
best in. the distri6l. The great demand that has been
made for this wool, ad4ed 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 emulation amongst the breed-
ers, which has been productive of considerable improve-
ment in their stocks, both in the wool and fore-quarter,
in which they were generally deficient. But as improve-
ments in stock can only be efFeCted by slow gradations,
and as this improved breed is but of a few years standing,
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 otherwise more advantageously employ-
ed 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 fattened, and
their whole conformation is so properly suited to moun-
tainous pasture, that we are surprised the breed has not
already been more generally diflfused,
H 2
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 Lin-
colnshire Sheep, in their wool not being so long and hea-
vy j their legs are longer, but finer boned, and support a
thicker, firmer carcase ; their flesh is likewise much fat-
ter, and finer grained.
Our figure was taken in July, 1798, from a Ram which
had been purchased for the purpose of shewing its un-
couth and uncultivated appearance, in contrast to those of
the improved kind.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
61
TEES-WATER IMPROVED BREED.
By persevering in the same laudable plan of improve-
ment 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 ap-
proaching to perfection. Many of their Sheep possess
the thriving or fattening 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, avoirdupois ; a cir-
cumstance never before heard of in this island. The
Ewes of this breed generally bring forth two lambs
each season 5 sometimes three, four, and even five. As
I
62 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
an instance of extraordinary fecundity, it deserves to be
mentioned, that one of these Ewes, at the age of two
years, brought forth four lambs at one time j the next
season five j both within eleven months.
t
%
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
63
THE LEICESTERSHIRE IMPROVED BREED.
To these various and numerous tribes of this useful
nnimal, we must add, that, by the persevering industry
and attention of Mr Bakewell, of Dishley, in Leicester-
shire, 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 adapted to the size of
each particular animal : all those of each kind that ex-
ceed or fall short of this pitch, are more or less dispro-
portioned, 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 hardship. Thus, by selecting the handsomest and
best proportioned of their kinds, the judicious breeder
has gradually arrived at a degree of perfection in im-
proving this animal, unknown at any former period.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 Bake-
welfs, mentioned 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 an half j 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 fa£fs respe(Sling the
modern practice of letting out Rams for hire by the sea-
son j 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 six-
teen and seventeen shillings a-piece *, and from that time,
the prices kept gradually rising from one guinea to ten.
But the most rapid increase has taken place since the year
1780. Four hundred guineas have been repeatedly giv-
en. Mr Bakewell, in the year 1789, made twelve hun-
dred guineas by three Rams j two thousand of seven ;
and, of his whole stock, three thousand guineas. Asto-
nishing as this may appear, it is nevertheless an undoubt-
ed fa61. But it ought to be observed, that these great
prices are not given by graziers, for the purpose of im-
proving their grazing stock *, but by principal breeders, in
order to procure a stock of Rams of the improved breed,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 65
which they let out again to breeders of an inferior class.
The prices given by graziers, for the sole purpose of get-
ting 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. Mess. Culley, of.Fenton ; Mr Thomp-
son, of Lilburn *, and Mess. 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
•* z-*
A WEDDER OF MR CULLEY’s BREED.
We are favoured, by Mr Culley, with the following
account of a Wedder of his breed, fed at Fenton in
Northumberland, and killed at Alnwick in October, 1787,
when four years old : his dimensions were as follow : —
Girt, four feet eight inches and an half j breadth over his
shoulders, one foot three inches ; over his middle, one
foot seven inches and a quarter 5 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 exa6Hy 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 5 although, it is probable, they pos-
sess 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, a6luated by a truly
patriotic zeal, are labouring to draw out the natural re-
sources of their country, and secure, to the most distant
and long-negle£led parts of this kingdom, those perma-
nent advantages to which they are by their situation en-
titled. In pursuing these important obje£ls, the High^
land Society of Scotland have discovered, 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 investigation into the
nature and quality of their wool, which, upon examina-
tion, 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 cover-
ed, they have long hairs growing 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 com-
fortable, at a season of the year when cold and piercing
winds may be expected, in so northern a latitude.
From the spirited measures which are now taking to
preserve this valuable breed*, we are led to hope, that
British wool may in time regain that great superiority for
* See the Report of the Committee of the Highland Society, on the
subject of wool. 1789.
69
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
which it was once so famous ; and that, by perseverance
and attention to this important 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 desira-
ble peculiarity, — such as closeness of fleece, beauty and
utility of form, hardiness, a capability of being easily fat-
tened, largeness of size, and other valuable qualities,
adapted to every peculiarity of situation in these islands.,
70
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE DUNKY, OR DWARF SHEEP,
Another variety of the Sheep kind, deserves to be no-
ticed for the singular and grotesque formation of its fea-
tures. The wool growing round its head, forms a kind
of hood or ruff, before which stand its short ere£l ears :
the uncommon protrusion of its under jaw considerably
before the upper, by which the fore teeth are left ex-
posed, and the shortness of the nose, which lies under its
high-proje£ling 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 Northum-
berland. 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 w^ suppose to
be the same with this.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
71
THE TARTARIAN SHEEP.
The Sheep of which the annexed cut is an accurate
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 5 and,
instead 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 Guinea 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 do-
^mesticated> 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 number of their
horns, having generally four, and sometimes eight, grow-
ing 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 internal covering resembling fur, which is
fine, short, and soft : the quantity produced by each
Sheep is about four pounds.
The Broad-tailed Sheepy common in Persia, Barbary, Sy-
ria, 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 sub-
■73
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
stance between fat and marrow, and eaten with the lean
of the mutton : they generally weigh from twenty to fif-
ty pounds each.
The ^heep bred on the mountains of Thibet produce
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.
{Ovls Strepsiceros^ Lin. — La Chevre de Crete y Buff.)
In Wallachia, they have Sheep with curious spiral
horns, standing upright, in the form of a screw 5 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. sThis is said to
be the Strepsicheros of the ancients.
K
74<
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE MOUFLON, OR MUSMON,
{Capra Ammon, Lin. — Le Moiijlon, BufF.)
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 ob-
serve, 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 pre-
cisely be referred to neither. Thus it is hard to dis-
cover 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
75
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Ram, in 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, tinctur-
ed 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 uncultivated
parts of Greece, Sardinia, Corsica, and in the desarts 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 sum-
mits 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 entangle, they have been
known to fall and perish together.
The chase of the Musmon is attended with great dan-
ger. 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 pur-
sue them with horses and dogs, and, surrounding a pretty
large traCI 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 mountains, in pursuit
of these animals. The flesh and fat of the young Mus-
mons are esteemed, by the natives, as most delicious eat-
K 2
76 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ing. The skins serve them for warm raiment and co-
verings : the horns are made use^ of for a variety of use-
ful 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.
{Capra HircuSy Lin. — Le Boucy La Chevrcy Buff.)
This lively, playful, and capricious creature occupies
the next step in the great scale of Nature ; and, though
inferior to the Sheep in value, in various instances bears
a strong affinity to that useful animal. It is said that
the Goat and the Sheep will propagate together : the
He-Goat copulates 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 respe6l, more fitted for a life of liberty. It
is not easily confined to a flock, but clauses its own pas-
ture, straying wherever its appetite or inclination leads.
It chiefly delights in wild and mountainous regions,
climbing the loftiest rocks, and standing secure on the
verge of inaccessible and dangerous precipices : although,
as Ray observes, one would hardly suppose that theif
1
78 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
feet were adapted to such perilous atchievements ; yet,
upon a nearer inspedtion, we find that Nature has pro-
vided them with hoofs well calculated for the purpose of
climbing *, they are hollow underneath, with sharp edges,
like the inside of a spoon, which prevent them from slid-
ing 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 un-
cultivated regions, where it finds an ample supply of food
from the spontaneous productions of Nature, in situa-
tions inaccessible to other quadrupeds. It delights in the
heathy mountain, or the shrubby rock, rather than the
fields cultivated by human industry. Its favourite food
is the tops of the boughs, or the tender bark of young
trees. It bears a warm climate better than the Sheep,
and frequently sleeps exposed to the hottest rays of the
sun.
The milk of the Goat is sweet, nourishing, and medi-
cinal, and is found highly beneficial in consumptive 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 acquires 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 whose 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.
In many parts of Ireland, and in the Highlands of
Scotland, their Goats make the chief possessions of the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
79
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 convert part of it into butter,
. and some into cheese. The flesh of the kid is consider-
ed as a great delicacy ; 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 climates, it is
more prolific, and produces four or five at once ; though
the breed is found to degenerate. The male is capable
of propagating at' one year old, and the female at seven
months ; but the fruits of a generation so premature are
generally weak and defedtive : 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
ftmales.
so
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE IBEX,
[Capra Ibexy Lin. — Le Bouquetiny Buff.)
If we believe IM. 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 larg-
er y 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 j 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 j her horns are very small,
and not above eight inches long.
/
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SI
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 incautious huntsman, and
tumble him down the' precipice, 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^ Lin. — Tsarus ou Sarrusy 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 'domes-
L
1
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
J 2
tic Goat, and resembles it in many respefls. It is most
agreeably lively, and a£Hve beyond expression. The hair
is short, like that of the Doe : in spring, it is of an ash
colour j in autumn, dun, inclining to black j and in win-
ter, of a blackish brown.
This animal is found, in great plenty, in the moun-
tains of Dauphiny, Piedmont, Savoy, Switzerland, 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, dispersed upon the
crags of the mountains. The large males are seen feed-
ing detached from the rest, except in rutting time,
when they approach the females, and drive away the
young. The time of their coupling is from the begin-
ning of October to the end of November 5 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 it 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 manner, by its smell, it can discover a man at half
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
83
a league distance, and give immediate notice. Upon 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 moment, again looks round j and
perceiving the reality of its fears, continues to hiss by in-
tervals, until it has spread the alarm to a very great dis-
tance. 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 vio-
lently 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 with regard to several
aromatic herbs, which grow upon the sides of the moun-
tains. It drinks very little whilst it feeds upon the suc-
culent herbage, and chews the cud in the intervals of
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 beau-
tiful black, rising from the forehead almost betwixt the
eyes : these, instead of going backwards or sideways,
stand forward, and bend a little backward at their extre-
mities, ending in a very sharp point. The ears are pla-
L 2
84
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ed, in a very elegant manner, near the horns ; there are
two stripes of black on each side of the face, the rest is
of a whitish yellow. The horns of the female are less,
and not so much bent : 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 hang-
ing 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 ex-
traordinary 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 upon 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 descent, 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 fa6f, to see them jump in this
manner, they seem rather to have wings than legs. Cer-
tain 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 85
‘the thickest forests, and feeds upon the shrubs and the
buds of the pine-tree.
The hunting of the Chamois is very laborious and dif-
ficult. The most usual way is to shoot them from behind
the clefts of the rocks. Some also pursue them as they
do the St^g, 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 overtake : 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 preci-
pice, ' The Chamois cannot go upon ice when smooth ;
but if there 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 tan-
ned, for its softness and warmth : at present, however,
since the art of tanning has been brought to greater per-
fection, the leather called shammoy^ is made also from those
of the tame Goat, the Sheep, and the Deer.
86
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
TPIE 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 5
those of the female are shorter, and encircle the ear some-
what like those of the common Ram. They inhabit the
rocky mountains of Pontus, where they experience a con-
siderable 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 probably be transplanted with
success.
In Portugal there is a breed of fine large Gcats^ re-
markable for yielding a great quantity of milk, — a gallon
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
87
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 attended
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 animals 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
S8
THE SYRIAN GOAT.
INI. Buffon makes this a variety of the Goat of Anga-
ra ; 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 troublesome 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 neighbour-
hood of Aleppo, and supply the inhabitants with milk,
which they prefer to that of the Cow or the Buffalo.
These are the principal varieties of the Goat kind j 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.
In America there are Goats of a small kind, not much
larger than a kid, with long hair : the horns, which are
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 89
short and thick, bend downwards so close to the head, as
almost to penetrate the skull. These are, in every re-
spect, similar to the Dwarf Goat found in Africa ; and,
according to Buffon, have been sent from that country.
It is certain that, before the discovery of America by the
Spaniards, the Goat, and every other domestic animal,
were unknown there.
THE GAZELLES, OR ANTELOPES.
These are a numerous and beautiful race of animals, '
inhabiting the hottest parts of the globe. They are class-
ed, by systematic writers, with the Goat kind ; and, like
them, have hollow horns, which they never cast : in
other respedls they greatly resemble the Deer, especially
in the elegance of their form and the swiftness of their
motions. They are of a restless and timid disposition,
remarkably agile ; their boundings are so light and elastic,
as to strike the spectators with astonishment.
Of all animals, the Gazelle has the most beautiful eye ;
to which the eastern poets have made frequent allusions,
in describing those of their favourite beauties.
The distinguishing marks of this tribe of animals, in
which they differ both from the Goat and Deer, are
principally these : — ^Their horns are different, being an-
nulated or ringed round, and at the same time marked
with longitudinal depressions or furrows, running from
the base to the point : besides the extreme beauty and
meekness of its aspeCl, the Gazelle is more delicately and
finely limbed than the Roe-buck ; its hair is finer and
more glossy : its swiftness is so great, that the Grey-
hound, the fleetest of Dogs, is unequal to the course ;
M
90
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and tlie sportsman is obliged to call in the aid of the Fal-
con, which, being trained to the work, seizes on the ani-
mal, and impedes its motion,'^ so as to enable the T)ogs to
overtake it. In India and Persia a sort of Leopard is
sometimes made use of in the chase, which takes its prey
by the greatness of its springs ; 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 Leiicophos, 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, resembling
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 j 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 he saw
at the Cape of Good Hope, and calls it a Blaaw~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 harness, 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 BoniUhoh^ or Spotted Goat*
02
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 direc-
tion towards the top ; at the bottom they are rough,
in consequence of a number of wavy rings, which, how-
ever, 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 j their position is al-
most in the same line with the forehead, inclining a little
forwards, and by means of the twist they make, 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 bor-
dering 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
windpipe ; 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 easi-
ly 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 buttocks ; 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 re-
source, it boldly puts itself into a posture of defence ;
and when going to butt, kneels down, and in that po-
sition sells its life at a very dear rate, killing and goring
some of the best and most spirited hounds. It carries its
head straight forward whilst it runs, laying its horns up-
on its neck, to prevent their being entangled in the bush-
es. 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.
91^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SPRINGER.
The White- Antelope, which is supposed to be the same
with the Pygarg, mentioned in the book of Numbers, is
an inhabitant cf the Cape of Good Hope, where it is
called the Spring-b.k, and is to be seen in herds of several
thousands, covering the plains as far as the eye can reach.
Sparrman says, that having 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 j 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 inch-!
es *, their distance at the base, where they are nearly thr,;^:^
95
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
indies 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 way 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, excepting a dark
brown 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 shoul-
ders 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 white, 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 long-
er 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 cu-
rious 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 situation,
they seem suspended in the air, looking over their shoul-
96 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ders 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 require a
good Horse to overtake them *, although they are some-
times bold enough to allow a sportsman, 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.
{Le CodouSj Buff.)
This is an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as the
greatest 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 their length, but smooth
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 97
towards the ends, which are turned a little inwards : the
forehead is flat, and broad at the top ; and has a forelock,
standing ere<fl:, 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 to-
wards 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 vallies ;
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 ge-
nerally endeavours to get to windward of the animal,
which when he has accomplished, he takes an opportu-
nity of throwing himself from his horse, and instantly
shoots the flying game : at this practice, the Dutch co-
lonists at the Cape are so expert, as seldom to fail.
Sparrman says, there have been many instances where
keen sportsmen, as well for their own pleasure as conve-
nience, 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.
N
<)S
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
THE HART-BEEST.
(Le Bubaky Buff.)
This is the most common of all the larger Gazelles,
known in any part of Africa. The following accurate
description is taken from Sparrman, to whom we are in-
debted for the best accounts of such of these rare animals
as are to be met with near the Cape. Its height is some-
what 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 with a
99
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
wide 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 co-
vered with strong black hairs about six inches long : there
, is a pore about an inch below the eye, from which a mat-
ter is distilled, somewhat like ear-wax, which the Hotten-
tots preserve as a rare and excellent medicine.
This animal is supposed to be the Buhalus of the an-
cients ; it is the Cervine Antelope 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 on-
ly eight teeth in the lower jaw, none in the upper : the
legs are rather slender, with small fetlocks 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 handsome 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 it’s 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,
[Le Cotidomay BufF.)
Is a beautiful, tall Gazelle, inhabiting the Cape of Good
Hope ; has long, slender shanks ; is larger, though not so
clumsy, as the Elk- Antelope : its horns are smooth, twist-
ed spirally, with a prominent edge or rib following the
wreaths j 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, point-
ing downwards ; the forehead and the fore part of the
nose are brown j 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 over-
taken by the hounds : on these occasions, the males de-
fend themselves with great spirit with their horns, and
will come to close quarters with the dogs ; but the fe-
males, having no horns, are obliged to depend on their
speed.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
101
THE GEMSE-BOK.
[Capra Gazella^ Lin. — Le Pasan, Buff.)
It is called, by Mr Pennant, the Egyptian Antelope, The
horns are straight, slender, of a black colour, about three
feet long, with above twenty rings reaching half way 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 extends 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 bezoar^ 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 2001. ; at present, however, its estima-
tion and price are greatly decreased. The virtues which
ignorance and inexperience attributed to it, are now found
no longer to exist ; and this once-celebrated 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 ani-
mal, except of the carnivorous kind, that does not pro-
duce some of these concretions in the stomach, intestines,
kidnies, and even the heart.
102
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS*
These are the principal animals of the Gazelle kind
described 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 resem-
bling that , of a Flare, 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 mono-
gamous (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 Grimme^ BufF.)
Is of a greyish or ash colour, with large black ears, and
a black spot round the eyes \ straight black horns, slender
and sharp-pointed, not three inches long, slightly annu-
lated 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 somewhat like musk, and, when exposed to the
air, becomes hard and black. It is the Guinea Antelope of
Mr Pennant,
THE KLIP-SPRINGER
Js of a light red colour, inclining to yellow, intermixed
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 precipices, and in the most
rocky places, wh^re it cannot easily be caught with
hounds*
1(H
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
To these we may add the Gnu^ the Hottentot name
for a singular animal, which, with respedl 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 eredl 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 5
and it has a cavity beneath each eye, like most of the
Antelope kind.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 105
THE STEEN-BOK
[Le Nagory BufF.)
Is found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope. Its
whole body is of a pale red colour j 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 Nanguery 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 hand-
some animal, and easily tamed j its swiftness is compared
to that of the wind.
O
106
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS
THE COMMON ANTELOPE.
Capra Cervicapra^ Lin. — U Antelope^ BufF.)
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 beautiful double flexion, which gives them the appear-
ance of the lyre of the ancients. The colour of the hair
on the back is brown, mixed with red ; the belly and the
inside of the thighs are white •, the tail short.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
107
. THE BARBARY ANTELOPE
{Capra Dorcas^ Lin. — La Gazelle^ Buff.)
Is likewise common in all the northern parts of Africa,
in Syria, and Mesopotamia ; and seems to be a variety of
the last-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
(Le Kevely 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 Carina y Buff.)
Is still less than the two former animals : its horns are
very slender, only six inches long, and almost smooth,
the annular prominencies being scarcely discernible ; each
side of its face is marked with a white line, and beneath
9 2
/
\
108 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
that a black one *, 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
{Le Koba^ Buff.)
I
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. 309
THE CHEVROTAIN AND MEMINNA.
(Le Chevrotain de Guinea^ 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 j 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 Senegal and
the hottest parts of Africa 5 they are likewise 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*
minna^ which is not larger than a Hare, but perfedlly re-
sembling a Fallow-deer. It is of a grey colour ; thq sides
110
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 Eu-
rope, where they soon perish. They are gentle, familiar,
most beautifully formed ; and their agility is such, that
they will bound aver a wall twelve feet high. In Gui-
nea, they are called Guevei, The female has no horns.
THE SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE.
[Capra Tatarica^ Lin. — Le Saiga, Buff.)
This is the only one of the species that is to be found
in Europe. The form of its body resembles the domes-
tic Goat j 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 transparent.
The male, during winter, is covered with long rough
hair, like the He-Goat, and has a strong scent j the fe-
male is smoother, and without horns. The general co-
lour 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, consisting of several thousands, migrate
towards the south, and return in the spring, in smaller
flocks, to the great northern deserts j where the females
bring forth their young, and rear them. ^
Ill
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The males, the females, and their young, generally 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 ; fre-
quently preserving themselves, 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 fur-
ther efR>rt 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 hunts-
man 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 dogs ;
and sometimes by the black eagle, which is trained for
that purpose. In running, they seem to incline to one
'side j and their motion is so rapid, that their feet seem
scarcely to touch the ground.
112
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 j 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 erefl, 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
^HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 113
beautiful, seven inches in length, and spread to a consi-
derable breadth ; they are white on the edge and on the
inside, except where tjvo 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 only measures four feet.
The female differs considerably from the male, both in
height and thickness ; it is much smaller *, in shape and
colour it very much resembles a Deer, and has no horns ;
she has four nipples, and is supposed to go nine months
with young ; she has commonly one at a birth, and some-
times two.
Several of this species were brought to this country 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 of-
fensively. It seemed to have much dependence on its or-
gans 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 prepare for the attack,
by falling down upon their knees : they then shuffled
towards each other, still keeping upon their knees j and,
P
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS.
at the distance of a few yards, they made a spring, and
darted against each other with great force.
The following anecdote will serve to shew, that dur-
ing the rutting season, these animals are fierce and vi-
cious, and not to be depended upon : — A labouring man,
without knowing that the animal was near him, went up
to the outside of the inclosure : the Nyl-ghau, with the
quickness of lightning, darted against the wood-work
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 spon 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 j 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 present to the na-
bobs 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 5 and,
if it should prove docile enough to be easily trained to la-
bour, its great swiftness and considerable strength might
be applied to the most valuable purposes.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
115
THE MUSK.
[Moschus Moschiferusy Lin, — Le Muse, BufF.)
There have been various accounts given of this ani-
mal by naturalists and travellers ; by whom it seems to
have been taken notice of more for the perfume which it
produces, than for the information of the curious enqui-
rer into its nature and qualities : for we are still at a loss
what rank to assign it among the various tribes of qua-
drupeds.
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 characteris-
tic marks which are known, and leaving it to those natura-
lists, who may be possessed of better means of informa-
tion, to ascertain its genuine charaCler.
P 2
116 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Musk of Thibet resembles the Roe-buck in form.
It is 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 j 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, near two inches long, which hangs down, bending
inwards like a hook, and very sharp on the inner edge :
its lower jaw contains eight small cutting teeth ; and in
each jaw there are six grinders : its ears are long, small,
and ere£l, like those of a Rabbit : the hair on the whole
body is long and rough, marked with small waves from
top to bottom : 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 catch-
ing 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 se-
veral 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 moun-
tains, covered with pines ; where it avoids mankind, and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 117
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 descrip-
tion. It is found in a bag or tumour, nearly of the size '
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 which are sent over annually to Europe, be- i
sides what are consumed in different parts of the East. ' ;
To account 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, i
Tonquin, Bengal, and Muscovy ; but that of Thibet is
reckoned the best, and sells at a much higher price. j
The flesh of the males, especially in the rutting season, ;
is much infected with the flavour of the musk j but is,
nevertheless, eaten by the Russians and Tartars. !
I
I
i
I
lU
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
THE CAMELEOPARD.
'[Cervus Camelopardalis ^ Lin. La Giraffe^ Buff.)
This animal, (the existence of which has frequently
been called in question) is a native of the wild and un-
frequented desarts of Ethiopia, and other interior parts of
Africa, where it leads a solitary life, far from the habita-
tions of men, for whose use it is rendered unfit by the
enormous disproportion of its parts. It has hitherto been
regarded chiefly as an object of curiosity, and may lead us
to admire the wonderful produ£l;ions of that creative
Power, which has filled the earth with life in such a
boundless variety of forms.
The height of this extraordinary animal, from the
crown of the head to the ground, is seventeen feet j
119
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
while at the rump it measures only nine *, the neck alone
is seven feet long j 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 : its 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 protu-
berance about two inches high : its ears are long, and
its eyes large and beautiful.
The colour of the male is light grey, interspersed with
large dark brown spots over the whole body the spots
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 great difficulty ; it lives chiefly by browsing on the
leaves and tender branches of trees j it lies on its belly,
and has hard protuberances on its breast and thighs, like
the Camel ; its tail is similar to that of an Gx, with
strong black hair at the end ; it is cloven-footed, has no
teeth in the upper jaw, and is a ruminating animal.
The female has four teats, and is less than the male.
This animal was known to the Romans in early times.
* M. Valllant, who shot several of these animals, says, that these
horns differ from those of the Stag or the Ox, in being formed by a con-
tinuation of the bone of the skull.
■}
120 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE ELK
[Cervus Alces, Lin. — U Elan y BufF.)
Is the largest and most formidable of all the Deer kinder
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 ta-
ken in the forests of Russia and Germany ; though it is
rarely to be seen, on- account of its extreme wildness.
It likewise inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Tar-
tary, as far as the North of China. It is common in
Canada, and in all the northern parts of America.
The Elk has been variously described by naturalists and
travellers : by some, it is said to be twelve feet high ;
while others, with greater appearance of probability, de-
scribe it as being not much higher than a Horse. It is.
^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 121
however, a matter of doubt to 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 conclude, 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 y 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 5 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 somewhat slouching j 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 crea-
ture 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 ex-
crescence 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 Beat*,
0.
122 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and of a lioary brown colour, not much, differing from
that of the Ass.
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 accessary 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 en-
tangled 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 ex-
cellent 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 mat-
trasses 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 123
their canoes, with which they form a vast crescent, each
horn touching the shore ; whilst another party on the
shore surrounds an extensive tra£t : they are attended
by dogs, which they let loose, and press towards the wa-
ter 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 degree of
preparation and art. The hunters inclose a large space
with stakes and branches of trees, forming 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 country
abounds. Some, in forcing their way through the nar-
row 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 quar-
ters. They are likewise frequently killed with the gun.
When they are first discovered, they squa't 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
X a 2
124*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
sinks up to the shoulders, flounders, and gets on with
great difficulty : the sportsman pursues in his broad-
rackets, or snow-shoes, and makes a ready prey of th,e
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.
i
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 125
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 gene-
rally described under the name of the Elk^ or Moose-deer^
to which it has very little resemblance. It seems, indeed,
to belong to a distinft species, and is probably the EM or
Orlgnal of Canada and the northern parts of America.
At the age of five years, the length of this creature
was nine feet, from the end of the muzzle to the inser-
tion of the tail, the head and neck being extended in a
line with the body ; its height at the shoulder was four
126 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
feet six inches ; length of the head, one foot six inches j
breadth over the forehead, 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 j and, when full grown, mea-
sure 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 ap-
pears a defence. Its hair was 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 a£Hve ; of great strength of bo-
dy 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 beau-
tiful animal, that it does not attain its full growth till
twenty years old, and that it sheds its horns ever third
year.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
127
THE REIN-DEER.
{Cervus TaranduSi Lin. — Le Renne^ BufF.)
This extraordinary animal is a native of the icy re-
gions of the North ; where, by a wise and bountiful dis-
pensation, which diffuses the common goods of nature
over every part of the habitable globe, it is made subser-
vient 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 useful creature.
In more temperate regions, men are indebted to the
unbounded liberality of nature for a great variety of va-
luable creatures to serve, to nourish, and to cloath them.
To the poor Laplander, the Rein-deer alone supplies the
place^ of the Horse, the Cow, the Sheep, the Goat, &c. :
128
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and from it he derives the only comforts that tend ta
soften the severity of his situation in that most inhospi-
table 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 fe-
males, 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 mix-
ture is stronger, and better adapted for drawing the
sledge, to which the Laplanders accustom them at an
THE SLEDGE.
early age. They are yoked to it by a collar, 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, often prove
refraflory, and not only refuse to obey their master, but
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.' 129
turn against him, and strike so furiously with their feet,
that his only resource is to cover himself with his sledge,
upon which the enraged creature vents its fury : the
tame Deer, on the contrary, is patient, active, and will-
ing. When hard pushed, the Rein-deer will trot the
distance of sixty miles without stopping ; but, in such ex-
ertions, the poor obedient creature fatigues itself so ex-
ceedingly, that its master is frequently obliged to kill it
immediately, to prevent a lingering death that would en-
sue. In general, they can go about thirty miles without
stopping, and that without any great or dangerous effort.
This mode of travelling 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 inconvenient, dangerous, and troublesome.
As the Rein-deer constitutes the sole riches of the
Laplander, it may well be supposed that a constant at-
tention to preserve and secure it, forms the chief employ-
ment of his life. It is no uncommon thing for one per-
son 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 Laplander, who
had fed his Rein-deer upon the lower grounds during the
winter, drives them up to the mountains, leaving the
woody country and the low pastures, which at that sea-
son are in a state truly deplorable. Myriads of insedts,
bred by the heat of the sun in the woods and fens with
which this country abounds, are all upon the wing ; the
whole atmosphere swarms with life ; every place and every
creature is infested ; the natives 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
R
130
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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
inse(Sls settle upon them, and drive the poor animal almost
to distraflion. 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
unceasing persecutors.
Besides the gnat, the gadfly is a common pest to the
Rein-deer. In the autumn, this insert 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 run-
ning among each other *, but all this too often proves in-
effectual.
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 forth two at a time.
The fondness of the dam for her young is very remark^*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
131
able. 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 ser-
viceable four or five years. They never live above fif-
teen or sixteen years. At eight or nine years old, the
Laplanders 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 deaths, shoes, and other neces-
saries ; and when covered with the hair, serve them for
ropes.
Innumerable are the uses, the comforts, and advan-
tages, which the poor inhabitants of this dreary climate
derive from this animal. We cannot sum them up bet-
ter 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.”
R 2
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 projecting 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.
W e are happy in being able to give an accurate repre-
sentation of this singular creature. The drawing was
taken from one in the possession of Sir H. G. Liddell,
Bart, which he brought over from Lapland, 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 mild-
er climes j and of these, few have succeeded. Natural-
ists from thence have concluded, that it cannot exist but
amidst ice and snow. M. BuiTon regrets the impossibi-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
133
lity of procuring the animal alive ; and says, that when
transported to another climate, it soon dies. M. Regnard
mentions some that were brought to Dantzick 5 where,
being unable to endure the heat of the climate, they all
perished. Queen Christina of Sweden procured five and
twenty, which she purposed sending to Oliver Cromwell :
they were brought as far as Stockholm; but the Lap-
landers 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 produced young
ones, and gave promising hopes of thriving in this coun-
try : but, unfortunately, some of them were killed ; and
the others died, in consequence 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 consider, that it is the sole employment of the Lap-
lander 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 over-
turn 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 Eng-
land, free from its mortal enemy — the gadfly. But as
the desire of possessing this animal has hitherto been ex-
134
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
cited only by curiosity, it is not likely that much atten-
tion will be paid to it in a country like this, abounding
with such 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 Eu-
rope, 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 num-
bers of beasts of prey follow the herds. The wolves sin-
gle 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, remigrate
northward.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
135
THE STAG, OR RED-DEER.
{Cervus ElephaSy Lin. — Le Cerfy 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 decided pre-eminence over every
other inhabitant of the forest.
The age of the Stag is known by its horns. The first
I
136 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
year exhibits only a short protuberance, which is covered
with a hairy skin j the next year the horns are straight
and single ; the third year produces 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 number 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 cfwered with a down like velvet : this tu-
mour every day buds forth, like the graft of a tree ; and,
rising by degrees, shoots out the antlers on each side :
the skin continues to cover it for some time, and is fur-
nished with blood-vessels, which supply the growing
horns with nourishment, and occasion the furrows ob-
servable in them when that covering is stript ofF : the
impression is deeper at the bottom, where the vessels 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, expansion,
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, v/ith extreme ardour : their
necks swell ; they strike with their horns against trees
and other obstacles, and become extremely furious. At
.HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 137
this season, when two Stags meet, their contests are often
desperate, and terminate in the defeat or flight of one of
them j while the other remains in possession of his mis-
tress 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 fre-
quently seen by the sides of rivers and pools of water,
where he can quench his thirst, as well as cool his ar-
dour. 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 young, 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 protedfion of
her offspring, and defends it with great courage against
her numerous and rapacious 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 hiniself is frequently
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 calf never quits the dam during the whole sum-
mer ; 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
S
3 38 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
separate in the spring : the Hinds retire, to bring forth ;
wliile none but the young ones remain together.
Stags are gregarious, and fond of grazing in company :
it is danger or necessity alone that separates them.
The usual colour of the Stag, in England, is red j in
other countries, it is generally brown or yellow. His
eye is peculiarly beautiful, soft, and sparkling : his hear-
ing is quick ; and his sense of smelling acute. When
listening, he raises his head, eredls 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 round him on all sides, and attentively surveys every
objedl near him : if the cunning 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 tranquillity
and delight to the sound of the shepherd’s pipe, which is
sometimes made use of to allure the poor animal to its
destrudlion.
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 ^t 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 sto-
mach without violent straining, owing to the great length
of his neck, and the narrowness of the passage. This ef-
fort 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 seU
139
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
dom heard, but when excited by apprehension for herself
or her young.
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 max-
im, 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 faCl, recorded in history, will serve to
shew that the Stag is possessed of an extraordinary share
of courage, when his personal safety is concerned : —
Some years ago, William, Duke of Cumberland, caused
a Tiger and a Stag to be inclosed 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 j and former times bear
witness of the great exploits performed on these occa-
sions. In our island, large traCls of land were set apart
for this purpose ; villages and sacred edifices were wan-
tonly 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 contraCled ; 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 com-
munity.
S 2
\
140 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
In the present cultivated state of this country, there-
fore, the Stag is almost unknown in its wild state. The
few that remain are kept in parks among the Fallow-
deer, and are distinguished by the name of Red Deer,
Its viciousness during the rutting season, and the badness
of its flesh, which is poor and ill-flavoured, have occa-
sioned almost the extindlion of the species. Some few
are vet to be found in the forests that border on Corn-
wall 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 OF QUADRUPEDS. 141
THE AXIS, OR GANGES STAG.
[UAxis, Buff.)
This animal is an inhabitant of those immense plains
of India watered by the river Ganges. M. Buffon con-
siders it as a variety or shade between the Stag and the
Fallow-deer. It is of the size of the latter j but its horns
are round, like those of the Stag ; and it has ilo brow
antlers. Its whole body is marked with white spots, ele-
gantly disposed, and distindl from each other j 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 j the head
and neck are grey j 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 we 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. US
THE FALLOW-DEER.
(^Cervus Damay Lin. — Le Dain^ 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 garnish-
ed with antlers : the tail is also much longer than that
of the Stag, and its hair is brighter ; in other respedls
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 renew-
ed nearly at the same time. Their rutting season arrives
fifteen days or three weeks after that of the Stag. The
lii HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
\
males then bellow frequently, but with a low and inter-
rupted voice. They are not so furious at this season as
the Stag, nor exhaust themselves by any uncommon ar-
dour. They nevei leave their pasture in quest of the fe-
males, 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 posses-
sion 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 re-
tire, 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 posses-
sion of the obje6l of their contention.
The Fallow-deer is easily tamed, feeds upon a variety
of things which the Stag refuses, and preserves its condi-
tion 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 produces one, sometimes
two, and rarely three, at a time. They arrive at perfec-
tion 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 Ben-
gal 5 and the deep-brown sort, now common in this
country. These last were introduced by King James the
First, out of Norway j where having observed their bar-
145
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
diness 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 ma-
ny 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 j 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) according 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 nar-
row paths ; and, as soon as the game appears within
reach, shoot them unperceived. Their flesh is consider-
ed as a great delicacy.
T
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
U6
THE ROE-BUCK.
(Cervus Capreolus, Lin. — Le Chevreuil^ BufF.)
The Roe was formerly common in many parts of Eng-
land 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 tong, and
somewhat more than two feet in height : the horns are
from eight to nine inches long, upright, round, and divid-
ed 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 co-
vered with long hair *, the chest, belly, legs, and the in-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. U7
side of the thighs, are of a yellowish white 5 the rump is
of a pure white, and the tail very short.
The form of the Roe-buck is elegant, and its motions
light and easy. It bounds seemingly without effort, and
runs with great swiftness. When hunted, it endeavours
to elude its pursuers by the most subtle artifices : it re-
peatedly returns upon its former steps, till, by various
windings, it has entirely 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.
Their rutting season continues but fifteen days, — from
the latter end of October till about the middle of No-
vember. 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 beginning 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 dan-
ger, 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 ;
T 2
14S
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and many more are worried by dogs, foxes, and other
carnivorous animals. By these continual depredations,
this beautiful creature is daily becoming more scarce ;
and, in many countries, where it once was common, the
race is now wholly extin£l.
When about eight or nine months old, their horns be-
gin to appear in the form of two knobs : the 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 fif-
teen years.
They are very delicate in the choice of their food,
and require a large tra6t of country, suited to the wild-
ness of their nature, which can never be thoroughly sub-
dued. 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 occasions,
will strike furiously with their horns and feet at the ob-
ject: 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 j and, either by swiftness
or artifice, eluded all its pursuers. It happened, during
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 149
the rigour of a severe winter, that, being pursued, it
crossed the river upon the ice with some difficulty j 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 a£Ii-
vity 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 farther 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 common
than in Europe. In Louisiana, it is very large. The in-
habitants live chiefly upon its flesh, which is good and
well-flavoured.
150
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE CAMEL
(Camelus Baclrianus^ Lin. — Le Chameauy BufF.)
Possesses the various qualities of the Horse, the Cow,
and the Sheep j and is to the Arabian, in a great mea-
sure, what those useful creatures are to us. Its milk is
rich and nourishing : and being mixed with water, makes
a wholesome and refreshing beverage, much used by the
Arabs in their journies : the flesh of young Camels is
also an excellent 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 furni-
ture.
Possessed of his Camel, the Arabian has nothing either
to want or to fear : in one day, he can perform a jour-
ney of fifty leagues into the desert, where he is safe from
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
151
every enemy ; for, without the aid of this useful animal,
no person could pursue him amidst sandy desarts, 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 ser-
vices of this useful quadruped are confined : in Tur-
key, Persia, Barbary, and Egypt, every article of mer-
chandise is carried by Camels. Merchants and travellers
unite together, and form themselves into numerous bo-
dies, called caravans^ to prevent the insults of the Arabs.
One of these caravans frequently consists of many thou-
sands : , the Camels are always more numerous than the
men.. Each Camel is loaded in proportion to its strength.
At the command of their condudlor, they lie down on
their belly, with their legs folded under them, and in this
posture receive their burdens. As soon as they are load-
ed, 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
piteous cries, till part of the burden be taken off. The
common load of a Camel is from three to four hundred
weight ; and the medium of the expence of the convey-
ance 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 adfually em-
ployed on the route, exclusive of those allotted to refresh-
ment, is seldom more than seven or eight in a day. Of
152 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the number of days which are consumed in a long jour-
ney, many are devoted to the purposes of occasional trade,
recruiting the strength of the Camels, and procuring ad-
ditional stores of provisions and water. A particular
mode of easy conveyance is provided for women and
children, and for persons oppressed with infirmity or ill-
ness : six or eight Camels are yoked together in a row j
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 Camel’s move-
ments : other carpets are then spread, and the travellers
sit or lie down with the most perfedl 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 desart, where a sullen kind of vege-
tation 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 chara£leristic 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, be-
sides the four stomachs which it has in common with
other ruminating animals, a fifth bag, serving as a reser-
voir 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 mace-
rate its food while ruminating, it makes part of it pass
into its stomach, by a simple contraction of certain mus-
cles. By this singular structure, it can take a prodigious
quantity of water at one draught, and is enabled to pass
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
153
several days without drinking; Leo Africanus says fif-
teen. Camels can discover water by their smell at half
a league’s distance; and, after a long abstinence, will
hasten towards it, long 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 ten-
der feet are liable to be injured by the resistance of
stones : but he is observed to tread with perfe£l ease and
security on the dry and yielding 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 ser-
viceable animal into other countries ; but, as yet, none
have succeeded. The race seems to be confined to cer-
tain 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 nume-
rous, 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 BaBrian Camel has two hunches on
its back, and is found chiefly in Turkey and the coun-
tries of the Levant : whilst, the Arabian Camel has only
one hunch.
U
154
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE ARABIAN CAMEL, OR DROMEDARY,
(Cameliis DromedariuSy Lin. — Le Dromedairey Buff.)
Is common in Arabia and all the northern parts of Afri-
ca, 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 business 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 desarts.
They require neither whip nor spur to quicken their
pace, but go freely, if gently treated ; and are much en-
livened by singing or the sound of the pipe, which gives
them spirits to pursue their journey.
Tliey are mild and gentle at all times, except when
they ai;e in heat : at that period they are seized with a
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 155
sort of madness ; they eat little, and will sometimes at-
tempt to bite their masters ; so that it is not safe to ap-
proach 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 labour, but are al-
lowed to pasture and breed at full liberty. Their time
of gestation is nearly twelve months 5 and they generally
bring forth one at a birth.
THE LAMA
{Camelus Glamay Lin. — ILe Lamoy Buff.)
I
. \
Is the Camel of Peru and Chili *, and before the con-
quest 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 introdu£Hon of Mules, these animals were
used by the natives to plough the land, and now serve to
carry burdens. They march slowly, and seldom accom-
plish 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 im-
passable 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 constant-
ly employed in this work. They lie down to be loaded,
U 2
I
156 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and, when weary, no blows can excite them to quicken
their pace. They neither defend 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 abstaining
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 nourish-
ment.
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 bo-
dy, 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 fout*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
157
inches long : its feet are cloven, like those of the Ox,
and are armed behind with a spur, by which the ani-
mal is enabled 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
(Catnelus Pacos, Lin. — Le Paco, Buff.)
Very much 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 en-
dure the utmost rigour of frost and snow. They are ex-
ceedingly 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
158 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
subject to capricious fits of obstinacy. When once they
lie down with their load, no blows can provoke them to
rise.
The great advantages derived from the wool of these
creatures, induced the Spaniards to attempt their intro-
dudlion into Europe. Some of them were brought over
to Spain ; but, by not sufficiently attending to the neces-
sity of placing them in situations similar to those which
they had always been accustomed to, the experiment
proved unsuccessful.
/
HISTORY OF QUA’DRUPEDS.
]59
THE HOG KIND.
Animals of the Hog kind seem to posses^ a middle
nature, between those that live upon grass and such as
are carnivorous, and unite in themselves most of those
distindlions which are peculiar to each class. Like the
one, they will feed on animal substances, and do not ru-
minate j like the other, they are cloven-hoofed, live
chiefly on vegetable^ and seldom seek after animal food,
except when urged by necessity.
The most numerous breed of Hogs in this island is
that generally known by the name of the Berkshire Pigs,
now spread through almost every part of England, and
some parts of Scotland. They are in general of a red-
dish 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 almost an incredible size. Mr Culley,
in his Treatise on Live Stock, gives an account of one
that was killed at Congleton, in Cheshire, which mea-
sured, 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 Ame-
rica, till transported thither by the Spaniards. In ma-
ny places they have multiplied exceedingly, and become
wild. They resemble the domestic Hog; but their bo-
dies are shorter, and their snout and skin thicker.
160
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
THE WILD-BOAR,
(Sz/x Aper, Lin. — Le Sanglier, 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 uni-
formly 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 dou-
ble purpose of annoying his enemy, or procuring his food,
which is chiefly roots and vegetables : some of these tusks
are almost a foot long : those in the upper jaw bend up-
wards 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
frequently gives mortal wounds.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
161
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 cen-
trer 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 pur-
suit, 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 sea-
soned Dogs keep the animal at bay until the hunter?
come up, who kill him with their spears.
162
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE COMMON BOAR
[Stis Scrofoy Lin. — Le Cochon, Buff.)
I
Is, of all other domestic quadrupeds, the most filthy and
impure. Its form is clumsy and disgusting, and its ap-
petite gluttonous and excessive. In no instance has Na-
ture more conspicuously shewn her economy than in this
race of animals, whose stomachs are fitted to receive nu-
triment 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 mi-
ser, whose hoarded treasures are of little value till death
has deprived them of their rapacious owner.
The parts of this animal are finely adapted to its mode
of living. Nature has given it a form more prone than
that of other animals. Its neck is strong and brawny ;
its snout is long and callous, well calculated for the pur-
pose of turning up the earth for roots of various kinds.
163
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
of which it is extremely fond ; and it has a quick sense
of smelling, by which it is enabled to trace out its food.
It is naturally stupid, ina£Bve, and drowsy; much in-
clined to increase in fat, which is disposed in a different
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 hor-
ribly at the same time. It appears to foresee the ap-
proach of bad weather, as it previously carries straw in
its mouth to its sty, prepares a bed, and seems endea*
vouring 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 constant 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 of 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.
X 2
I
164^
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
SOW OF TFIE 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 prolific, 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 Sherburn, 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 common kind.
A kind similar to this were those found in New Gui-
nea, which proved so seasonable a relief to our circum-
navigators, when that country was first visited by them.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
165
There are likewise great numbers of them in the Friend-
ly and Society Isles, the Marquesas, and many other of
the newly-discovered islands in the South Seas. These
are fed with plantains, bread-fruit, and yams, and are
exceedingly fat. They are frequently seen by the na-
tives in their canoes, swimming from one island to ano-
ther, and killed by them with lances and arrows.
Another breed of Swine has lately been introduced in-
to this kingdom, which is expected to rival or excel all
the others : the original stock was produced 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 diver-
sified ; some are striped longitudinally, with brown and
black ; others brown and blue j and others, with black
and white. The colour of the Boar was a rusty brownw
166
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
THE CHINESE KIND.
An unceasing attention to improvement has produced
or new-modelled the Chinese breed in this country to
what is deemed to be nearer perfedlion. The delicacy of
appearance, the thin transparent ears, small head, short
small legs, and even the colour of the hair, are all consi-
dered as requisite qualities which ought to be attended to
in this kind. They are seldom fed for the same purposes
as the larger kinds 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.
167
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
THE AFRICAN WILD-BOAR, OR WOOD-
SWINE,
{Sus Mthiopicus^ Lin. — SangUer du Cap Verd^ BufF.)
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 j
the two other tusks, which come from the lower jaw,
projeft 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
168
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
he should venture to come too near him ; and, first break-
ing the Horse’s legs, kills both him and the rider.
Sparrman describes it as being of a bright yellow co-
lour, 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 eredl.
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 pursued 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 rer
sembles that of the common Hog.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
169
THE PECCARY, OR MEXICAN HOG,
[Sus TajacUy Liil.)
Inhabits the hottest parts of South America, where the
species is very numerous : herds, consisting 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 Leo-
pard, 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 vi£lo-
rious.
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 off the skins with their fore feet and teeth.
The Peccary in appearance resembles the Hog, though
somewhat smaller : its body is covered with strong bris-
tles, which, when the creature is irritated, rise up like
Y
170
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the prickles of a Hedgehog, and are very strong j they
are of a dusky colour, with alternate 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 ere£t ; 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 dis-
agreeable smell, flows very copiously. In the Philosophi-
cal Transadlions, 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 ereft 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 America,
and in many parts has become wild, the Peccary has ne-
ver been known to breed with it. They frequently go
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 17I
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 hunting a drove of Pec-
caries, 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 slain.
Y 2
172
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
THE BABIROUSSA,
^{Sus Babyroiissa, Lin. — Le Babiroussoy BufF.)
Though classed by naturalists with the Hog kind, differs
from animals of that species in a variety of particulars :
its legs are longer, and its body more slender ; it is co-
vered 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 stand-
ing 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 tho^e of the Elephant.
The Babiroussa abounds in several of the islands of the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 173
East Indies, particularly Buero, a small isle near Am-
boyna.
It is easily tamed ; and its flesh is well tasted. It lives
on leaves of trees and other vegetables. Its scent is ex-
quisite : it can discover the approach of Dogs at a dis-
tance. 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
m
THE LONG-NOSED TAPIIR
[Hippopotamus Terrestris^ Lin. — Le 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, su-
gar-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, form-
ing a kind of proboscis, which it can contract or extend
at pleasure : each jaw is furnished with ten cutting teeth,
and as many grinders ; its ears are small and ereft ; its
body formed like that of a Hog ; its back arched ; legs
short *, and hoofs, of which it has four upon each foot,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 175
small, black, and hollow ; its tail is very small ; its hair
short, and of a dusky brown colour.
The Tapiir is mild and inoffensive, avoids all hostili-
ties with other animals, and flies from every appearance
of danger. Its skin, of which the Indians make bucklers,
is very thick ; and when dried, is so hard as to resist the
impression of an arrow. T he natives eat its flesh, which
is said to be very good.
THE RHINOCEROS.
{^Rhinoceros Unicornis^ Lin. — 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 will rather attack the Elephant, whose trunk
it can lay hold of, than the Rhinoceros, which it cannot
face, without danger of having its bowels torn out.
The body and limbs of the Rhinoceros are covered
with a skin so hard and impenetrable, that he fears nei-
ther the claws of the Tiger, nor the more formidable
proboscis of the Elephant : it will turn the edge of a sci-
mitar, 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 j
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 hind part of
the back to the thighs. The body is every where cover-
ed 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 mistaken 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 penetra-
ble 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 short,
round, and very strong ; and its hoofs are divided into
three parts, each pointing forward. The head of this
animal is large *, its ears long and ere6t 5 and its eyes
small, sunk, and without 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, colle61: its food, or
seize with it any thing it would carry to its mouth.
The Rhinoceros, without being ferocious, carnivorous,
or even extremely wild, is, however, totally untra£lable
and rude. It seems to be subjedl 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 wallowing 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 consi-
derable 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 j at six years old, it is nine or ten inches long ; and
grows to the length of three feet and a half, and some-
times four feet. The horn is much esteemed by the na^
Z
178 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tives as an antidote against poison, as well as a remedy
for particular diseases.
The Rhinoceros feeds on the grossest herbs, and pre-
fers thistles and shrubs to soft or 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 j and though
it be eating, lying down, or obeying any pressing de-
mands of Nature, it will raise its head, and listen till the
noise cease.
From the peculiar construdlion of his eyes, the Rhi-
noceros can only see what is immediately before him.
When he pursues any objedf, he proceeds always in a
direct line, overturning every obstruction. 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 fol-
low 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 ani-
mal,— rage, untameableness, great swiftness, and im-
mense 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.
179
THE TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS.
{Rhinoceros Bicornis^ Lin.)
' We have given the figure of this hitherto undescribed
animal from Mr Sparrman, whose authenticity there is
every reason to depend upon, and who has given a most
exa£l anatomical description of it. i Of two that were
shot, he only mentions 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, ex-
cept the edges of the ears and the tip of the tail, on
which were a few dark bristly hairs, about an inch long.
Z 2
ISO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The horns are placed one behind the other, in a line
with the - nose : the foremost of them measures 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 Rhinoceros 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 j there are three hoofs
on each of them, which projedl 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 indistindlly. 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 diflicult
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 unfortunate-
ly fallen a vidlim to its fury. Mr Sparrman says, how-
ever, 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 perfedt idea of its enormous bulk : the stomach was
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 181
four feet in length, and two in diameter ; to which was
annexed a tube or canal, twenty-eight feet long, and six
inches diameter ; the kidnies were a foot and a half in
breadth ; the heart was a foot and a half long, and near-
ly 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 j
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 ac-
count 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 5 ar human skull,
measured at the same time, did not require much less
than three pints to fill it.
182
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS.
{^Hippopotamus Amphihius^ Lin. — U Hippopotamey BufF.)
The great difficulties that have always attended a com-
plete investigation of this huge animal, have arisen as
v/ell from the remoteness of its situation, as from its pe-
culiar habits and disposition.
Though the Hippopotamus has been celebrated from
the remotest antiquity j though the sacred writings men-
tion him under the name of Behemoth ; and though his fi-
gure is to be seen engraven on Egyptian obelisks and on
Roman medals, yet his history was very imperfedtly
known to the ancients. Aristotle says, that he has a
mane like a Horse, and hoofs like an Ox j 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 that suitable
183
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
delineations have not accompanied their accurate descrip-
tions,— a general defedl, by which the study of nature
has been much retarded, the laborious researches of ma-
ny learned and ingenious 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. Vaillant 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 ele-
ven inches in circumference ; but, from the smallness of
its tusks, he supposed it to be a young one. In its sto-
mach were found leaves and reeds, grossly chewed ; like-
wise small branches of trees, a little bruised.
It inhabits all the larger rivers of Africa, from the Ni-
ger to the Cape of Good Hope ; but is found in none of
the African rivers that run into the Mediterranean, ex-
cept 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 mandible
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 arti-
ficial teeth : the grinders are square or oblong, like
those of a man 5 and so large, that a single tooth weighs
(
184?
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
above three pounds : the skin is of a dusky colour^ bears
a 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 legs are so short, that its belly
almost touches the ground : the hoofs are divided into
four parts, unconnected 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 remains with
its head out of the water, making a bellowing noise,
which may be heard at a great distance. It feeds during
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 a<SHve j and when provoked 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 feeding.
The flesh of the Hippopotamus is tender and good i
the fat is fine and well-tasted, and much in request with
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.
185
I
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Sparrman has given an engraving of this animal, taken
from a young one which he caught at the Cape, from
which ours is copied, ^he female brings forth one
young at a time.
Scaurus treated the Romans with one of these crea-
tures, and five crocodiles, during his sedileship, and ex-
hibited them on a temporary lake.
2 A
HISTORY 'OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE ELEPFIANT.
(Elephas Maximus^ Lin. — U Elephant^ 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 sa-
gacity and obedience.
From time immemorial this animal has been employed
either for the purposes of labour, of war, or of ostenta-
tious parade j 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 numbers. In this ex-
tensive regjion, as they are more numerous than in any
other part of the world, so are they less fearful of man.
187
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
*
The savage inhabitants of this dreary country, instead of
attempting to subdue this powerful animal, and render it
subservient 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 thinks it probable, that in the
more remote and unfrequented parts of that vast coun-
try, 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 ani-
mal, great care must be taken to steal upon him unper-
ceived. 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 capable of
great expression.. He turns them slowly, and with gen-
2 A 2
188 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tleness, towards his master. When he speaks, the ani-
mal regards him with an eye of mildness and attention.
His ears are very large, and much longer, in propor-
tion 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 inse6ts. His hearing is likewise remarkably
flne ; for he delights in the sound of musical instruments,
and moves in cadence to the trumpet and tabor. There
are four grinders in each jaw, closely united together,
forming, with the jaw-bone, one hard and compa£l: 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
Assures, nearly resembling the bark of an old oak tree,
which run in all diredtions over its surface. It is of a
tawny colour, inclining to citron. In the Assures there
are some bristly hairs, which are also thinly scattered
over the body. The legs resemble massy columns, of
Afteen or eighteen inches diameter, and from Ave to six
feet high. The foot is short, and divided into Ave toes,
covered with the skin, so as not to be visible. To each
toe there is affixed a nail or hoof, of a horny substance.
The most remarkable feature of the Elephant is his
trunk or proboscis, which is composed of membranes,
nerves, and muscles. It is both an organ 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 out on the upper side in the form of a
Anger, and possesses in a great degree the niceness and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 189
dexterity of that useful member. It is equally flexible,
and as capable of laying hold of obje£ts 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, See, 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 produ£lions, the trunk of
the Elephant is perhaps the most complete and admi-
rable. Ray says, it is divided into three partitions or
chambers, two of which run in spiral dire£lions, and
the other in a right line. It is eight feet long in an Ele-
phant of fourteen feet high, and five feet in circumfe-
rence at the thickest part. The nostrils are situated at
the extremity, through which it draws in water by a
strong su61ion, either for the purpose of quenching its
thirst, or of washing and cooling itself, which it fre-
quently does, by taking up a large quantity, part of
which it carries to its mouth, and drinks ; and by ele-
vating the trunk, allows the remainder to run over every
part of its body.
Roots, herbs, leaves, and tender wood, are the ordi-
nary food of the Elephant. He does not ruminate, and
has but one stomach : this want, however, is amply sup-
plied 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 them to partake. As they require a
great quantity of forage, they frequently change their
190 HISTOPvY OF QUADRUPEDS.
pasture, and do incredible damage whenever they hap-
pen 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 ne-
groes use every artifice to prevent the approach of these
unwelcome visitants, by making loud noises, and kindling
fires round their habitations ; but in spite of all their pre-
cautions, the Elephants often break through their fences,
destroy their whole harvest, and overturn their huts. It
is not easy to separate them : they generally adl in con-
cert, 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,
tie 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 great use in
carrying great quantities of baggage over large rivers.
When swimming, he raises his long trunk above the sur-
face 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 with-
out 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 sufficient to stimulate
him to the most violent exertions. Elis attachment to
his keeper is so great, that he caresses him with his trunk.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
191
and frequently will obey no other master : he knows his
voice, and can distinguish the tone of command, of an-
ger, or of approbation, and regulates his adlions accord-
ingly : he receives his orders with attention, and exe-
cutes them with eagerness, but without precipitation.
All his motions are orderly, and seem to correspond with
the dignity of his appearance, being grave, majestic, and
cautious. He kneels down for the accommodation of
those who would mount upon his back, and with his pli-
ant trunk even assists them to ascend. He suffers him-
self to be harnessed, and seems to have a pleasure in the
finery of his trappings. Pie is used in drawing chariots,
waggons, and various kinds of machines. One of them
will perform with ease the work of many horses.
The condudlor of the Elephant is usually mounted on
its neck, and makes use of a rod of iron, sharp at the
end, and hooked ; with which he urges the animal for-
ward, by pricking its head, ears, or muzzle : but in ge-
neral, a word from the keeper is 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 his 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,
fra£lured its skull, and died upon the spot.
The Indians, from very early periods, have employed
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 Ele-
phants taken by that monarch, and afterwards transport-
i92 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
ed into Greece, which were employed by Pyrrhus against
the Romans. Since the invention of fire-arms, the Ele-
phant has been of little use in deciding the contests 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 dan-
gerous 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 con-
vey 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 al-
ways 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 command, 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 di-
rected by their more barbarous keeper.
It is a singular circumstance in the history of this ex-
traordinary animal, that in a state of subjeCtion, it is
unalterably barren *, and, though it has been reduced un-
der the dominion of man for ages, it has never been
known to breed j as if it had a proper sense of its de-
graded condition, and obstinately 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ' 193
«
has not been forced into a state of subjection. To re-
cruit, therefore, the numbers that are unavoidably con-
sumed 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 deserves a place
in the history of the Elephants In the midst of a forest
abounding with’ Elephants, a large piece of ground is
marked out, and surrounded with strong palisades, inter-
woven 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
employed 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 va-
rious 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 hun-
ters closing in after them, shouting, and making a great
noise, till they are driven by insensible degrees into the
narrow part of the inclosure, through which there is an
opening into a smaller space, strongly fenced in, and
guarded bn all sides. As soon as one of the Elephants
enters this strait, a strong bar closes the passage from be-
hind, and he finds himself completely environed. On
the top of this narrow passage some of the huntsmen
2 B
19^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
stand with goads in their hands, urging the creature for-
ward to the end of the passage, where there is an open-
ing just wide enough to let him pass. He is now re-
ceived 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 refra6lory, they begin to discipline him
with their trunks, till he is reduced to obedience, 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 in-
closure, 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 lit-
tle, till he is brought by degrees to be sensible of kind-
ness and caresses, and allows himself to be led to the sta-
ble. In the space of fourteen days, his absolute submis-
sion 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 becomes 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
imperfedUy 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 Ele-
phants are said to suck with their trunk, the teats of the
female being situated between its fore legs.
The Elephant is thirty years in arriving at its full
growth ; and is said to live, though in a state of capti-
vity, to the age of an hundred and twenty or an hundred
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 195
and thirty years : in a state of unrestrained freedom, it
is supposed to live mucR longer.
The Elephant will drink wine, and is fond of spirituous
liquors. By shewing him a vessel filled with arrack, he
is induced to exert the greatest efforts, and perform the
most painful tasks, in hopes of receiving it as the reward
of his labour. To disappoint him is dangerous, as he
seldom fails to be revenged. The following instance is
given as a fadl, and deserves to be recorded : — An Ele-
phant, disappointed of his reward, out of revenge killed
his cornac or governor. The poor man’s wife, who be-
held the dreadful scene, took her two infants, and threw
them at the feet of the enraged animal, saying, « 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 fa£ls equally curious and
interesting : those we have already recited are sufficient
to shew that the Elephant is possessed of instindlive fa-
culties superior to' those of any other animal. We must
at the same time admire the admirable order of that
dispensation, which, to an animal of such unequalled
powers, has added a disposition- so mild and tractable.
What ravages might we not expedl from the prodigious
strength of the Elephant, combined with the fierceness
and rapacity of the Tiger !
We cannot close our account of the Elephant, with-
out taking some notice of the teeth of that animal, which
2 B 2
196
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 disco-
vered, 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 called the Mant’-
mouth ; but they are now universally believed to have be-
longed to the Elephant. The molar es or grinders are
perfedlly 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 respedl the same as that generally known, and
made use of for the purposes 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, jaw-bones, thigh-bones, and vertebrse, have like-
wise been frequently 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 larger twist or spiral curve towards the small
end. There is a still greater difference in the form of
197
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 mas-
ticate, not grind, their food. Specimens oft these teeth
and bones are deposited in the British Museum, that of
the Royal Society, and in the cabinet of the late inge-
nious Dr Hunter. These fossil 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 Euro-
peans.
198
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ANIMALS OF THE CAT KIND.
We 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 man-
kind ; 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 depen-
dant on man, are nevertheless objedls of his attention
and pursuit. We have followed Nature to her most re-
tired recesses, and have seen and admired herVorks un-
der 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 distin-
guished 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 raven-
ous 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.
19)
THE LION
{Fells Leoy Lin. — Le 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
desarts of Zaara and Biledulgerid, and in all the interior
parts of the vast continent of Africa. In these desart re-
gions, whence mankind are driven by the rigorous heat
of the climate, this animal reigns sole master : its dispo-
sition 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. Happi-
200 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ly, indeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to
be greatly diminished ; for, if we may credit the testi-
mony of those who have traversed these vast desarts, 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 In-
dies, Lions are not now so frequently met with as in for-
mer times.
It is observed of this animal, that its courage dimi-
nishes, and its caution and timidity are greater, in pro-
portion as it approaches the habitations of the human
race. Being acquainted with man, and the power of his
arms, it 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 suffer itself
to be driven away by them from its lurking places in the
neighbourhood of their villages.
This alteration in the Lion’s disposition sufficiently
shews, that it will admit of a certain degree of educa-^
tion : 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 treat-
ment. It is dangerous, however, to provoke him too
far, or to depend upon his temper with too great secu-
rity. 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 morn-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 201
ihg the gentleman was awakened by an unusual noise in
his room, and drawing his curtains, he perceived it to
proceed from the Lion, which was growling over the bo-
dy of the unhappy man, whom it had just killed, and had
separated his head from his body. The terror and con-
fusion 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 appe-
\
tites vehement, we ought not to presume that the im-
pressions of education will always be sufHciently power-
ful. It must be dangerous, therefore, to suffer it to re-
main too long without food, or to persist in irritating or
abusing it.
However, numberless accounts assure us, that the an-
ger of the Lion is noble, its courage magnanimous, and
I its temper susceptible of grateful impressions. It has
been often seen to despise weak and contemptible ene-
mies, and even to pardon 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 where its
portion of food was scanty.
The form of the Lion is strikingly bold and majestic :
his large and shaggy mane, which he can eredt at plea-
sure, surrounding his awful front j his huge eye-brows ;
his round and fiery eye-balls, which, ' upon the least irri-
tation, seem to glow witli peculiar lustre ; together with
the formidable appearance of his 'teeth, — exhibit a pic-
ture of terrific grandeur, which no words can describe.
2 C
S02 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
The length of the largest Lion is between eight and
nine feet, the tail about four, and its height 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, except
when compelled by extreme hunger : in that case, no
danger deters him j but as most animals endeavour to
avoid him, he is obliged to have recourse 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 to-
wards the place of his ambush, he measures the ground
step by step, and again lies in wait for another opportu-
nity. The lurking-place of the Lion is generally chosen
near a spring, or by the side of a river ; where he fre-
quently 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 Hot-
tentot, perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, and
concluding that the animal only waited the approach of
night to make him his prey, began to consider of the best
203
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
method of providing for his safety, which he at length
effefted in 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 Catharine Creeps 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 16th
of November, in commemoration of his happy deliver-
ance from a Lion, which he met in a desart, as he was tra-
velling in the Turkish dominions, and which suffered him
to pass unmolested. The minister is to have 20s. for the
sermon, the clerk 2s. 6d. and the sexton Is. The sum
of 81. 16s. 6d. is likewise to be distributed amonsr 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
2 C 2
204‘ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
a Lion, and wounded by it in 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 o£F 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 bet-
ter 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 rush-
ing 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, harmless, pretty, and playful.
They continue at the teat twelve months, and are above
five years in coming to perfection.
The attachment of the Lioness to her young is re-
markably strong : for their support, she is more fero-
cious than the Lion himself, makes her incursions with
greater boldness, destroys, without distinction, every ani-
mal 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 to hide her track by brushing the
ground with her tail. When much disturbed or alarm-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
205
ed, 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 naturalists
have differed greatly as to the precise period of its ex-
istence. Buffon limits it to twenty, or twenty-two years
at most. It is however certain, that it lives much be-
yond that time. The great Lion called Pompey, which
died in the year 1760, was known to have been in the
Tower above seventy years ; and one, brought from the
river Gambia, died there not long ago, at the age of six-?
ty-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 perfec-,
tion, are all pretty well known.
The flesh of the Lion is said to have a strong disagree-
able 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE TIGER
(Fdts Tigris^ Lin Le Tigre^ Buff.)
Is the most rapacious and destru£Iive of all carnivorous
animals. Fierce without provocation, and cruel without
necessity, its thirst for blood is insatiable : though glut-
ted with slaughter, it continues its carnage, nor ever
gives up so long as a single objedl 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 Hyrcania, 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.al-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
207
most depopulate many places. They seldom pursue their
prey, but bound upon it 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 quick-
ness 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 softening 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, how-
ever, now and then steal their meat. Having one day
taken a piece of beef from the carpenter, he followed
the animal, took the meat out of its mouth, and beat it
20a HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
severely for the theft j which punishment it suffered with
all the patience of a Dog. It would frequently run out
on the bowsprit, climb 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 cul-
ture. 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 coun-
try, it had not quite completed a year. How much
longer its good-humour might have continued, it is im-
possible to say : but it is much to be doubted, whether the
same innocent playfulness would have formed a part of
its character when arrived at its full state of maturity.
Notwithstanding the cruelty of this creature’s disposi-
tion, a sudden check has sometimes had a good effect in
preventing its meditated attack. Some ladies and gen-
tlemen 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 dire£Uy in the ani-
mal’s face, it instantly retired. Another party had not
the same good fortune. A Tiger darted among them
whilst they were at dinner, seized on a gentleman, and
carried him off in the sight of his disconsolate compa-
nions.
They attack all kinds of animals, even the Lion ^ and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
209
furious combats have frequently been maintained be-
tween them, in which both have perished.
Father Tachard gives an account of a battle between
a Tiger and two Elephants, at Siam ; of which he was
an eye-witness. The heads, and part of the trunks of
the Elephants, were defended from the claws of the Ti-
ger by a covering made for the purpose. They were
placed In the midst of a large inclosure. One of them
was suffered to approach the Tiger, which was confined
by cords, and received two or three heavy blows from
the trunk of the Elephant upon its back, which beat it
to the ground, where it lay for 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 ani-
mal 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 cannot won-
der 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 New-
castle 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
2 D
210 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
body was streaked, are accurately copied : the colour of
the ground was yellow, deeper on the back, and soften-
ing by degrees towards the belly, where it was white ; as
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 distinguished
from the rest in size, strength, and colour.
The three succeeding species have been frequently con-
founded with each other ; and although there is some
diflerence 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 accu-
rately 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
211
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
cause of producing the slight differences observable in
them. If we regard the figure and diversity of the spots,
we shall find many varieties not taken notice of by na-,
turalists ; if we be led to judge by the size, we shall find
an almost imperceptible 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 ge-
neral distinclions. , ^
2 D 2
212
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
\
TFIE PANTHER
[Felts Pardus^ Lin. — La P anther Buff.)
Is next in size to the Tiger, and has, by many natural-
ists, 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, disposed in circles, from four to five in each,
with a singles 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 to-
wards 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 lurking in thick-
ets, or creeping on its belly till it comes within reach.
When pressed with hunger, it attacks every living crea-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21S
ture without distindlion, 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 Mastiff Dog,
but its legs are not quite so long. Its voice is strong and
hoarse, and it growls continually.
The ancients were well acquainted with these animals.
The Romans drew prodigious numbers from the desarts
of Africa, for their public shows ; sufficient, one.might
suppose, to have entirely exhausted them. Scaurus ex-
hibited an hundred and fifty of them at one time ; Pom-
pey four hundred and ten *, and Augustus four hundred
and twenty. They probably thinned the coasts of Mau-
ritania 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 Louchuy the skin of which sells for six pounds ster-
ling.
An animal of this species is likewise found in Asiatic
Tartary, called there the Babr, It is seven feet long, ex-
tremely rapacious, and very destrudlive of Horses and ■
Camels. Its skin is very fine, and valued in Russia at
one pound sterling.
<214<
V
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE LEOPARD.
[Le Lcopardy 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 Panthevy 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 diversified,
are smaller and closer than those of the Panther.
The interior parts of Africa abound with these ani-
mals 5 whence they come down in great numbers, and
make dreadful havock among the numerous 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 covered 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 negress-
es 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, in-
clining to yellow ; the body is of a light tawny-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 approach-
es the herd ; when it is unchained, and suffered to pur-
sue the game. It begins by creeping along, with its bel-
ly 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 ef-
fort, it gives up the point for that time, and readily re-
turns to its master.
If It
216
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
[UOnce, 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 : be-
hind 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 sides are more irregular ; those on the legs and thighs
small, and thinly dispersed : the tail is full of hair, irre-
gularly 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.
(Felts Oncay Lin. — Le Jaguar^ BufF.)
Is the most formidable animal of the new continent, ra-
ther larger than the Panther, with hair of a bright tawny
colour. The top of the back is marked with long stripes
of black j the sides beautifully variegated 'with irregular
oblong spots, open In the middle ; the tail not so long as
that of the Ounce, and irregularly marked with large
black spots.
2 E
218 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
It Is found in the hottest parts of South America ; is
very fierce ; and when pressed with hunger, will some-
times venture tb seize a man.
The Indians are much afraid of it, and think it prefers
them to the white inhabitants, who, perhaps, are better
prepared to repel its attacks. In travelling through the
desarts of Guiana, they light great fires in the night, of
which these animals are much afraid.
They howl dreadfully ; their cry, Avhich is expressive
of the two monosyllables — hou^ hou^ is somewhat plain-
tive, 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 encoun-
ter. As soon as the Jaguar attacks this little animal, it
lies down on it back, and with its long claws, seizes and
suffocates him.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. fl9
THE COUGUAR
{Felis Concolory Lin. — Le Couguar^ BufF.)
Inhabits the continent of America, and is called by some
the Puma, 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 its body, are whitish :
its legs are long •, claws white ; and the outer claw of
the fore feet much longer than the others.
It is found in many parts of North America, from Ca-
nada to Florida : it is 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 ri-
gour of the climate, for it will fly from a Dog in com-
^220 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
pany with its master, and take shelter by running up a
tree.
It is very destrudlive to domestic animals, particularly
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 mu-
seum 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 win-
ter habit ; when dressed, it is made into gloves and shoes.
The flesh is white, and by the natives reckoned excel-
lent 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 some-
times called the Poltron Tiger.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
221
THE BLACK TIGER
[Le Couguar noir^ 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 whis-
kers : 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 cai-
mans or alligators, lizards, and fishes, and sometimes
222
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 alli-
gator raises its head above the water, dart their claws in->
to its eyes, and drag it on shore.
THE OCELOT.
{Felis Pardalis^ Lin. — U Ocelot , BulF.)
The skin of the male Ocelot is extremely beautiful,
and most elegantly variegated. Its general colour is that
of a bright tawny j 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. 22S
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 pursued, 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 ex-
tends 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 ani-
mals to their flesh.
The Ocelot cannot easily be tamed, and retains its ori-
ginal wildness in a state of captivity. Nothing can soften
the natural ferocity of its disposition, nor calm the rest-
lessness of its motions. For this reason, it is always kept
in a cage. One of these animals, shewn at 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 appear-
ed 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 fe-
224. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
male, as he never allowed her to partake till his own ap-
petite was satisfied.
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 makes it probable, that they bring forth only
that number.
THE MARGAY
i^Le Mar gay ^ 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 the Wild Cat, which it resembles in disposition
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 225
and habits, living on small animals, birds, &c. It is very
wild) and cannot easily be brought under subjedlion.
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 Caty and is not so frequent in
temperate as in warm climates.
In taking a survey of this beautiful race of animals, 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 t^ 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 fero-
cious 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 desirable objedl is not likely to be soon accomplished.
2 E
226
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SERVAL
[Le Servaly 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 j but
avoids mankind, unless provoked j when it darts furious-
ly upon the offender, and tears and bites nearly in the
same manner as the Panther.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 22?
Sparrman mentions an animal of this kind, found at
the Cape of Good Hope, which he calls the Tiger Caty
and supposes it to be the same with the Serval.
The same author mentions another animal of this kind,
called at the Cape the Red Cat ; the skin of which
is supposed by the natives to possess great medicinal
powers, and give ease to persons afflicted with the, gout,
lumbago, and pains in the joints. The fur is very fine
and soft j 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 j 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.
\
2 F 2
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE WILD CAT.
{Felis Catus^ Lin. — Le Chat sauvagCy Buff.)
The history of this animal is so intimately connected
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 houses 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 by
this means that some of our domestic Cats so perfe£Uy
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 marked with alternate bars of black
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEl)S. 229
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 king-
' dom.
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 in-
jured it, and is not easily repelled.
Wild Cats are found, with very little variety, in almost
every climate. They existed in America before its dis-
covery by the Europeans. One of them was brought to
Columbus, which was of the ordinary size, of a brown-
ish grey colour, with a long tail. They are common in
many places of Asia and Africa. Sparrman gives a de-
scription of one which he shot at the Cape, which was in
every respeCl 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 intes-
tines were full of Moles and Rats.
Some Wild Cats have been taken in this kingdom of a
most enormous size. We recolleCt one having been kill-
ed 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 particularly
famous for a most beautiful Cat^ about the size of the
tame one, of a fine grey colour, without any mixture.
230
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 white. The tail is long, and covered with
hair, five or si^ inches in length. The animal frequent-
ly 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 rufi', and gives it a Lion-like ap-
pearance. Some of these are of a silvery whiteness, and
silky texture others are of a dun colour, mixed with yel-
low.
I
HISTORY OF . QUADRUPEDS.
231
THE DOMESTIC CAT
Differs from the Wild Cat, in being somewhat less ;
and instead of being uniformly the same, is distinguish-
ed by a great variety of shades and colouring.
To describe an animal so well known, might seem a
superfluous task : we shall only, therefore, seledl such of
its peculiarities as are least obvious, and may have escap-
ed the notice of inattentive observers.
It is generally remarked, that Cats can see in the dark ;
but though this is not absolutely the case, yet it is cer-
tain that they can see with much less light than most
other animals, owing to the peculiar 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 affeCled. The pupil of the Cat, during the day,
is perpetually contracted *, and it is with difliculty that it
can see by a strong light : but in the twilight, the pupil
232 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
resumes its natural roundness, the animal enjoys perfedt
vision, and takes advantage of this superiority to discover
and surprize its prey.
The cry of the Cat is loud, piercing, and clamorous ;
and whether expressive of anger or of love, is equally vio-
lent and hideous. Its call may be heard at a great dis-
tance, and is so well known to the whole fraternity,
that on some occasions several hundred Cats have been
brought together from different parts. Invited by the
piercing cries of distress from a suffering fellow-creature,
they assemble in crouds 5 and with loud squalls and
yells, express their horrid sympathies. They frequently
tear the miserable objedt 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 conflidls 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 par-
ticularly ajttradled by the smell of valerian, marum, and
cat-mint : it rubs itself against them ; and, if not pre-
vented 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 sometimes inclined ; and if appre-
hensive of being disturbed, will take them up in her
mouth, and remove them one by one to a more secure
retreat : even the female herself, contrary to the esta-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 233
blished law of Nature, which binds the parent to its off-
spring by an almost indissoluble tie, is sometimes known
to eat her own young the moment after she has produced
them.
Though extremely useful in destroying the vermin that
infest our houses, the Cat seems little attached to the
persons of those who afford it proteflion. It seems 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 opportunity of
escaping to its former haunts. Frequent instances are
in our recolleClion, ■ 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 extraordi-
nary faculty is, however, possessed in a much greater de-
gree by Dogs ; yet it is in both animals equally wonder-
ful and unaccountable.
In the time of Hoel the Good, King of Wales, who
died in the year 948, laws were made as well to pre-
serve, as to fix the different prices of animals 5 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 high : it was likewise re-
quired, that it should be perfedl in its senses of hearing
2 G
^234 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 gra-
nary, he was either to forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece and
lamb; or as much wheat as, when poured on the Cat sus-
pended 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 crea-
ture, we may suppose, were but little known at that pe-
riod. Whatever credit we may allow to the circum-
stances 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.
2S5
{^Fdis Lynxy Lin. — Le Lynx, ou Loup Cervier^ BufF.)
Differs greatly from every animal of the Cat kind we
have hitherto described. Its ears are long and ere6l,
tufted at the end with long black hairs, by which this
species of animal is peculiarly distinguished : 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 j sometimes they are scarcely visible : its
legs and feet are very thick and strong j its tail short,
and black at the extremity ; its eyes are of a pale yellow
colour ; and its aspe£l 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 whi-
ter they are, and the spots more distindl. The most ele-
2 G 2
230 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
*
gant of those is called the Irbys, and is taken near Lake
Balkash, in Usbec 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 de-
structive 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 re-
markably 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 un-
der the doors to gain admission 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 dis-
tance, is not easily distinquished from the cry of that ani-
mal. The epithet Cervarius 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 LyfiXy and is
about twice the size of a large Cat. Its hajr is short and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2S7
smooth ; its general colour is a bright bay, obscurely
marked with dusky spots; on its face there are black
stripes, pointing downward towards 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,
proceeding 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 draw-
ing the chariot of Bacchus ; for, besides the impradtica-
bility of training these animals 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 imagination, 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 converted into a precious stone.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE CARACAL
[Le Caracal y 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 spot-
ted ; its hair is rougher, and of a pale reddish brown ;
its tail is longer, and of an uniform colour ; its face is
more lengthened, its look more fierce, and its nature and
disposition more savage.
This animal is found only in warm climates, and is
common in Persia, India, Barbary, and in all the coun-
tries inhabited by the Lion, the Panther, and the Ounce.
It is called in Persia the Syah-Gush ; and in the Turk-
ish language, the Karrah-Kulak. Both these names sig-
nify the Cat with black ears. It is said to follow the
Lion, and to feed on the remains which that animal
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 239
leaves of his prey ; for 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 at-
tack a Hound, and instantly tear it to pieces.
This animal is extremely difScult to tame ; but when
taken young, and reared with great caution, it may be
trained to the chase. It is used in taking the smaller
sort of animals, in which it is very successful j but it is
a£live only in the pursuit of those that are too feeble for
resistance, or too timid to exert their powers. When-
ever it meets with one that is superior to it in strength,
it loses its courage, and gives up the chase. It is like-
wise employed in catching birds j such as cranes, peli-
cans, peacocks, &c. which it surprises with singular ad-
dress. When it has seized its prey, it holds it fast in its
mouth, and lies upon it for some time quite motionless.
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.
ki 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 all of which, as
has been already observed, from the Lion to the common
240 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Cat, we may perceive a striking similitude in disposition,
form, and manners. This agreement is likewise observ-
able in their internal conformation, which is still more
exa£l:, — 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 themselves injured : others
are more numerous, but they are weaker, and find their
safety not in opposing, 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 divided
sway over many fair and fertile tracts, that seem, in other
respefts, formed for the comfort and convenience of so-
cial life.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
241
ANIMALS OF THE WEASEL KIND.
These little, active, and enterprising animals are par-
ticularly distinguished from other carnivorous kinds by
the length and slenderness of their bodies, which are ad-
mirably adapted to their manner of living, and methods
of taking their prey. They are so small and flexible, as
to wind like worms into very small crevices and open-
ings 5 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 iin6):uous
matter continually exudes : the efiluvium of it is extreme-
ly offensive in the Polecat, Ferret, Weasel, &c. ; but iri
the Civet Cat, Martin, and Pine Weasel, it is an agree-
able 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 shortness of their legs, slow in pursuit j 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 im-
mediately 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 j all the species of which have so striking a resem-
blance 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*
2 H
242
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE WEASEL.
[Mustela Nivalis y Lin. — La Belette, 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 5 so that it is nearly
five 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 5 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 5
its eyes are small, round, and black ; its teeth are thirty-
two in number, 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 devour er of eggs,
which it sucks with great avidity. It will follow a Hare,
which is terrified into a state of absolute imbecility at the
HISTORY or QUADRUPEDS. 245
sight of this little animal, and gives itself up to it with-
out 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, bit 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 a£live, 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 frequents his barns,
out 'houses, and granaries ; which it efFe6lually 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 at 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 depreda-
tions. Towards the close of the day it may frequently
be seen stealing from its hole, and creeping about the
farmer’s yard in search of its prey. If it enter the place
where poultry are k^pt, it seldom attacks the cocks or
the old hens, but always aims at the young ones. It
2 H 2
244- HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
does not eat its prey on the spot where it has killed it 5
but, when it is not too large, carries it away to its re-
treat. 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 untra£table little animal.
When kept in a cage, it seems in a continual state of
agitation, is terrified at the sight of every person that ap-
proaches 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 greatest
part of the day in sleeping, and usually employs the night
in exercise and eating.
The female brings forth in the spring, and generally
produces four or five at one litter. She prepares 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 pre-
cipitant leaps ; and in climbing a tree, it makes a consi-
derable 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 bite it severely in the throat j
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 245
Xvhich 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 asserted the impos-
sibility of bringing the Weasel into any degree of subjec-
tion, is afterwards corrected by a lady, who assures him,
that she had tried the experiment upon a young Weasel
taken in her garden ; which soon learned to recognise
and lick the hand from which it received its food, and
became as familiar, caressing, and frolicsome as a Dog or
a Squirrel. The same author mentions another experi-
ment, made by a gentleman, who trained a young Wea-
sel 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 fa£ls may serve to shew the possibility of render-
ing 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 with 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 or pursued ; it
is then intolerable, and may be smelt at some distance.
The following circumstance, related by Buffon, will
shew, that this animal has a natural attachment to every
thing that is corrupt : — A Weasel was taken in his neigh-
bourhood, with three young ones, out of the carcase of a
246 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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.
\M.ustela Rrminea^ Lin. — Le Roselety Buff.)
The difference in shape between this animal and the
Weasel is so small, that they have frequently been de-
scribed under the same denomination ; the 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 yellow-
ish white : in other respects, it perfedlly resembles the
Weasel in colour as well as form.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 24?
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 inva-
riably black. It is then called the Ermine^ and is much
sought after for its valuable fur, which makes a consider-
able article of commerce in Norway, 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 the country for from two te three
pounds sterling per hundred. In Norway, they are ei-
ther 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 ani-
mal begins to nibble, the stone falls down, and crushes it
to death. The Stoat is likewise found white in the
winter time in Great Britain, and is then erroneously
called a White Weasel, Its fur, however, among us, is
of little value, having neither the thickness, the closeness,
nor the whiteness, of those which come from Siberia.
One of them, which we had in our possession, had en-
tirely 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 Novem-
ber, 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. j its agility the same j and its scent -
equally fetid.
248
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE FERRET
i^Mustela Ftiro, Lin. — Le Furet, Buff.)
Is only known to us 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 j 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 ; when they immediately
come in season again, and have three litters, which gene-
J
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 249
rally 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 therefore oblig-
ed to procure an intercourse between the female and the
Foumart. The produce is a breed of a much darker co-
lour than the Ferret, partaking more of that of the Fou-
mart.
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 j 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 sa-
tiated. When employed 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 Rab-
bit holes, and lives upon the prey it finds there; but
2 I
250 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
being unable to endure the cold of the winter, is sure to
perish.
It is sometimes employed with great success in killing
Rats, 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 considerable way before it has kill*
ed 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 depredations 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 cra-
dle. When angry, it is apt to bite *, and the wound is
difficult to cure.
The Madagascar W’easel, or Vanstre of M. Buffon, may
be referred to this species ; to which its size and form
are strikingly similar. It is about fourteen 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 spe-
cies under the name of the Nems, which is a native of
Arabia. It resembles the Ferret in every thing but the
colour, being of a dark brown, mixed with white y the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 251
belly Is of a bright yellow colour, without any mixture 5
the prevailing colour on the head and round the eyes is a
clear yellow ; on the nose, cheeks, and other parts of the
face where the hair is short, a tin£ture of brown more or
less prevails, and terminates gradually above the eyes ;
the legs are covered with short hair, of a deep yellow co-
lour ; 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, terminates in a point, and is co-
vered with long hair, similar to that on the body.
2 12
252'
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE FOUMART,
[Mustela Putorius^ Lin. — Le Putoisy BufF.)
So called from its offensive smell, as well as to distin-
guish it from the Martin, to which it bears a strong re-
semblance. It is likewise called the Polecat or Fitchet,
Its length is about seventeen inches, exclusive of the
tail, which is six inches *, its eyes are small, very bril-
liant, 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 j 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 j 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 ge-
nus, is long and slender, the nose sharp-pointed, and the
legs short j the toes are long, and the claws sharp. It is
25S
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
In every respedt admirably formed for that peculiar mode
of life assigned to it by the all-wise Author of Nature.
It is very a6live and nimble, runs very fast, and will
creep up the sides 6f walls with great agility. In run-
ning, its belly seems to touch the ground j 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 Rab-
bits ; and its thirst for blood is so great, that it kills ma-
ny more than it can eat. One or two of them will al-
most 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 shal-
low 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 fre-
quent trips, and as other marks were to be seen in the
snow which could not easily be accounfed for, it was
thought a matter worthy of greater attention : its hole
was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken, and ele-
ven fine eels were discovered to be the fruits of its noc-
J
254^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
turnal excursions. The marks in the snow were found
to have been made by the motion of the eels in the crea-
ture’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 amusinginvestigation for some future naturalist,
to enquire by what arts this wily animal finds a booty so
apparently difficult to attain.
In attending to the instinctive faculties of animals,
there is room for deep and diligent enquiry ; and though
our progress is liable to many interruptions, it is a de- v
lightful 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 com-
forts.
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 disagree-
able, 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 Marte^ BufF.)
Inhabits tlie North of Europe, Asia, and America : 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. Prodi-
gious numbers of their skins are annually imported from
thence : above thirty thousand skins have been brought
over from Canada in one year, and from Hndson^s Bay
nearly fifteen thousand in the same time.
The principal difference between the Pine-W easel 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 MARTIN
[Mustela Maries^ Lin. — 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 becomes
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 with Rats,
Mice, and other vermin : poultry, game, and small birds,
are its constant prey : it feeds also on grain, and is ex-
tremely 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 con-
stant, and so troublesome, that it was necessary to keep
it chained. From the flexibility of its body, it easily
eluded its fetters ; and, after returning once or twice, at
last absented itself entirely.
572
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 wife red ; the
throat and breast are white •, the belly is of the same co-
lour 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 rankness which is
so disgusting in other animals of this kind. Its fur is va-
luable, and in high estimation.
2 K
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
258
THE SABLE,
(Mustela Zibelltnay Lin. — La Zibeliney 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 sometimes 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 produces
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 adlive, and leaps with great agi-
lity from tree to tree, in pursuit of small birds, wood-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259
cocks, 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 tra-
vellers,* 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 un-
der the name of Satherius,
The hunting of the Sables is chiefly carried on by cri-
minals confined to the desart regions of Siberia, or by
soldiers sent thither for that purpose, who generally re-
main 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 encouragement to the hunters, they are allowed to
share among themselves whatever skins they take above
the allotted number 5 and this, in a few years, amounts
to a considerable premium. The hunters form them-
selves 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
Avril’s Travels, p. 140.
2 K 2
260
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
skins are such as have only long hair, which is always
black, and of a glossy brightness. Old furs do not retain
their gloss. Both the Russians and Chinese have a me-
thod of dying their furs j but the dyed sables are easily
discovered, having neither the smoothness nor the bright-
ness of the naturaP 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 curi-
osities.
The hunters of these animals are frequently obliged to
endure the utmost extremity of cold and hunger in the
pursuit of their booty. They penetrate deep into im-
mense woods, where they have no other method of find-
ing their way back but by marking the trees as they ad-
vance : 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-creatures 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.
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 261
must be very numerous there, nearly six hundred of them
having been brought in one 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 outsides, 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 j
the tail is full and bushy ; the length, from nose to tail,
is twenty-eight inches ; the tail seventeen.
THE ICHNEUMON.
{Viverra Ichneumon ^ Lin. — La Mangouste^ BuflF.)
This animal, in Egypt, is domestic, like the Cat ; and
is retained by the natives for the same useful purposes of
clearing their houses of rats and mice. With all the
strength and agility of the Cat, it has a more general ap-
petite for carnage. It attacks, without dread, the most
deadly serpents, and preys on every noxious reptile of
the torrid zone, which it seizes and kills with great avi-
dity. It is said, that when it is wounded by a serpent,
I
262 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and begins to feel the effedl of the poison, it immediate-
ly has recourse to a certain root, which the Indians call
after its name, and assert that it is an antidote for the
bite of any venomous reptile.
The Ichneumon is the most formidable enemy of the
Crocodile ; it destroys its eggs, which it digs out of the
sand, where they are laid to hatch by the heat of the
sun *, and kills great numbers of young Crocodiles soon
after their production, before they are able to reach the
water. It was for this reason that the ancient Egyptians
worshipped this animal, and ranked the Ichneumon a-
mong those deities that were most propitious to them.
In its domestic state, it is perfeClly tame and gentle.
M. d^Obsonville speaks of one which he reared from a
young one. It became tamer than a Cat, was obedient
to the call of its master, and followed him wherever he
went. One day he brought a small water serpent alive,
being desirous to know how far its instinCt would carry
it against a being with whom it was hitherto entirely un-
acquainted. Its first emotion seemed to be astonishment
mixed with anger : its hair became ereCI ; in an instant
it slipped behind the reptile ; and with remarkable swift-
ness and agility, leaped upon its head, seized it, and
crushed it with its teeth. This first essay seemed to have
awakened in it its natural appetite for blood, which till
then had given way to the gentleness of its education :
it no longer suffered the poultry, among which it was
brought up, to pass unregarded ; but took the first oppor-
tunity, when it was alone, to strangle them : it eat a part
of their flesh, and drank only the blood of others.
These animals are numerous in all the southern re*
gions of Asia, from Egypt to the island of Java : they
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263
are also found in Africa, in the country about the Cape
of Good Hope. They frequent the banks of rivers, are
fond of fish, are said to take the water like an Otter, and
will continue in it a considerable time without rising to
take breath.
The Ichneumon varies in size. The domestic kind is
generally larger than those that are wild, and its colours
more variegated. It is in general about the size of a
common Cat somewhat longer in the body, and shorter
in the legs. Its fur contains tints of white, brown,
fawn-colour, and a dirty silver grey, which altogether
form a mixture very agreeable to the eye. Its form is
like that of the Polecat. Its eyes are small, but inflamed,
and sparkle with a singular vivacity ; its nose is long and
slender ; its ears small, rounded, and almost naked 5 its
tail is very thick at the base, and tapers to a point ; un-
derneath the tail is an orifice, from which a most fetid
humour is secreted ; its claws are long. It darts upon
its prey like an arrow, and seizes it with inevitable cer-
tainty.
It has a small soft voice, somewhat like a murmur;
and, unless struck or irritated, never exerts it. When
it sleeps, it folds itself up like a ball, and is not easily
awaked. It frequently sits up like a Squirrel, and feeds
itself with its fore feet *, catches any thing that is thrown
to it ; and will often feign itself dead, till its prey come
within its reach.
264
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE FOSSANE
i^La Fossancy BufF.)
Is rather smaller than the Martin. Its body is slender,
and covered with hair of an ash colour, mixed with taw-
ny ; the sides of the face are black j at the hind part
of the head there are four black lines, extending from
thence toward the shoulders ; the tail is long, and annu-
lated with black ; its eye is full, round, and black, which
gives it a wild and mischievous aspect.
It inhabits the island of Madagascar, Guinea, Cochin-
China, and the Philippine Isles. It feeds on flesh and
fruits, but prefers the latter, and is peculiarly fond of
bananas. It is very fierce, and not easily tamed.
In Guinea, it is called the Berhe ; and by Europeans,
the JVtne-bibbery being very greedy of palm-wine. When
young, its flesh is reckoned very good to eat.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SKUNK.
{Viverra Putorius^ Lin. — Le Conepatey BufF.)
It is called the Chinche by the natives of Brazil, and is,
about the size of a common Cat. Its nose is long and
slender, and extends a considerable way beyond the lower
jaw : its ears are large, short, and rounded ; a white
stripe extends from the nose over the forehead and along
the back, where it is intersected with a small line of
black, commencing at the tail, and extending upwards
along the middle of the back; its belly and legs are
black ; its hair is long, especially on the tail, which is
thick and bushy.
It inhabits Peru, Brazil, and other parts of South
America ; and is likewise found in North America, as
far as Canada.
It is remarkable for a most intolerable, suffocating, fe-
tid vapour, which it emits from behind, when attacked,
pursued, or frightened. The stench of this effluvia is in-
supportable, and is the creature’s best means of defence.
2 L
I
266 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
There are three or four varieties^ mentioned by M.
Buffon under the name of the Stinking Polecats ; all of
which possess this wonderful faculty of annoying their
enemies from the same quarter.
Some turn their tail to their pursuers, and emit a most
horrible stench, which keeps both Dogs and men at a
considerable distance. Others eje6l their urine to the
distance of several feet ; and it is of so virulent a qua-
lity, as almost to occasion blindness, if any of it should
happen to fall into the eyes. Clothes Jnfe^led with it,
retain the smell for many days : no washing can make
them sweet ; but they must be even buried in fresh soil
before they can be thoroughly cleansed. Dogs that are
not properly bred, turn back as soon as they perceive the
smell : those that have been accustomed to it, will kill
I
the animal; but are obliged to relieve themselves by
thrusting their noses into the ground. *
The StiJIhjg, or Squash, which is the second variety, is
nearly of the same size with the Skunk. Its hair is long,
and of a deep brown colour. It lives in holes and clefts
of rocks, where the female brings forth her young. It is
a native of Mexico, and feeds on beetles, worms, and
small birds. It destroys poultry, of which it eats only
the brains. When afraid or irritated, it voids the same
offensive kind of odour, which no creature dares venture
to approach. Professor Kalm was in danger of being
suffocated by one that was pursued into a house where he
slept ; and it affefled the cattle so much, that they bel-
lowed through pain. Another, which was killed by a
maid-servant in a cellar, so affected her with its stench,
that she lay ill for several days : all the provisions that
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 267
were iii the place were so tainted by the smell, as to be
utterly unfit for use.
Another variety is called the Conepate, and is, perhaps,
no more than the female of the last-mentioned animal.
It is somewhat smaller, and differs chiefly from the
Squash in being marked with five parallel white lines,
which run along its back and sides from head to tail.
It is a native of North America. When attacked, it
bristles up its hair, throws itself into a round form, and
emits an odour which no creature can support.
The last of this pestiferous family which we shall men-
tion is the Zorilla,
This animal is a native of New Spain, where it is call-
ed the Mariputa, It is found on the banks of the river
Oronoque ; and although extremely beautiful, it is at
the same time the most offensive of all creatures. Its bo-
dy is beautifully marked with white stripes upon a black
ground, running from the head to the middle of the
back, from whence they are crossed with other white
bands, which cover the lower part of the back and
flanks : its tail is long and bushy, black as far as the
middle, and white to its extremity. It is an active and
mischievous little animal. Its stench is said to extend to
a considerable distance, and is so powerful as to over-
come even the Panther of America, which is one of its
greatest enemies.
Notwithstanding this offensive quality in these animals,
they are frequently tamed, and will follow their master.
They do not emit their odour, unless when beaten or ir-
ritated. They are frequently killed by the native In-
dians, who immediately cut away the noxious glands ;
thereby preventing the flesh, which is good eating, fron>.
2 L 2
2G8
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
being infe(Sl;ed. Its taste is said nearly to resemble the
flavour of a young Pig. The savage Indians make purses
of their skins.
THE GENET
(Viverra Genetta^ Lin. — La Genette^ Buff.)
Is as much distinguished for the agreeable perfume which
it yields, as those we have just described are for the rank-
est and most disagreeable odour in nature.
The body of the Genet is longer than that of the Mar-
tin \ its head is long and slender, with a sharp muzzle ;
its ears are a little pointed ; its hair soft, smooth, and
shining \ of a tawny red colour, spotted with black ;
along the ridge of the back there is a kind of mane of
long hair, which forms a black line from head to tail ;
the spots on the sides are round and distinft, those on
the back almost close ; its tail is long, and marked with
seven or eight rings of black. From an orifice beneath
its tail, it yields a kind of perfume, which smells faintly
'of musk.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 269
It is found in Turkey, Syria, and Spain. We are told
by Belon, that he saw Genets in the houses at Constan-
tinople as tame as Cats j and that they were useful to the
inhabitants in destroying Rats, Mice, and other vermin.
It is a most beautiful, cleanly, and industrious animal,
and very a£live in pursuing its prey. Its nature is mild
and gentle, its colours beautifully variegated, and its fur
valuable. Upon the whole, it seems to be one of those
animals that, with proper care and attention, might be-
come a useful addition to our stock of domestic quadru-
peds.
270
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
{Viverra Zibetha^ Lin. — La Civette, BufF.)
Is larger than the Genet, and yields a perfume in much
greater quantities, and of a stronger quality.
Though originally a native of the warm climates of
Africa or Asia, it can live in temperate, and even in cold
countries ; but it must be fed with nourishing diet, and
carefully defended against the severities of the weather.
Numbers of them are kept in Flolland, for the purpose
of coliefling this valuable perfume. The Civet procured
at Amsterdam is more esteemed than that which comes
from the Levant, or India, being less adulterated. To
colleft this perfume, the Civet is put into a cage, so nar-
row, that it cannot turn itself : the cage is opened at
one end, and the animal drawn backwards by the tail,
and securely held by its hind legs : a small spoon is then
introduced into the pouch which contains the perfume,
with which it is carefully scraped, and the matter put in-
to a vessel properly secured. This operation is perform-
ed two or three times a week.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 271
The quantity of odorous humour depends much on the
quality of the nourishment and the appetite of the ani-
mal, which always produces more in proportion to the
goodness of its food. Boiled flesh, eggs, rice, small ani-
mals, birds, and particularly fish, are the kinds of food
the Civet mostly delights in *, and these ought to be va-
ried, so as to excite its appetite, and preserve its health.
It requires very little water ; and, though it drinks sel-
dom, it diseliarges its urine frequently. It is somewhat
remarkable, that in this operation the male is not to be
distinguished from the female. From this circumstance,
it has been supposed that this was the Hyena of the an-
cients ; and it is certain, that most of the fables related
concerning that monster are in a certain way applicable
to the Civet.
The ancients were well acquainted with the pomatum
of the Civet, and ascribed to it certain powers of exciting
love *, for which purpose it still constitutes one of the
luxuries of the East.
What has been fabulously related concerning the un-
certainty of sex in the Hyena, applies much more strong-
ly to the Civet ; for in the male nothing appears exter-
nally but three apertures, so perfedlly similar to those of
the female, that it is impossible to distinguish the sex
otherwise than by disse£lion.
The perfume of this animal is so strong, that it infefts
every part of its body : the hair and the skin are so tho-
roughly penetrated with it, that they retain it long after
being taken from the body. If a person be shut up in
the same apartment, it is almost insupportable ; and
when heated with rage, it becomes still more pungent.
272 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Civet is naturally savage, and somewhat fero-
cious ; yet it is easily tamed, so as to be handled without
danger.
The teeth are strong and sharp 5 but its claws are
weak. It is very a£live and nimble, leaps like a Cat,
and runs with great swiftness. It lives by hunting ; sur-
prises small animals and birds ; and, like the W easel,
will sometimes steal into the yard, and carry off poultry.
Its eyes shine in the dark •, and it is probable, that it
can see well enough to pursue its prey during the night,
as it is known to be most active at that time.
The Civet is very prolific in its* native climate ; but
though it lives and produces its perfume in temperate re-
gions, it is never known to breed there. Its voice is
stronger than that of the Cat, and has some resemblance
to the cry of an enraged Dog.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
' 273
THE ZIBET
(Z. Z,ihet^ BufF.)
Is so similar to the Civet, as to be considered by some
authors as only a variety of that animal ; and it must be
allowed, that they have many essential relations, both
in their external and internal structure ; but they differ
from each other by such distinguishing characteristics,
as entitle them to be regarded as two distinCt species,.
The ears of the Zibet are larger and more ereCt *, and its
muzzle is thinner and flatter : its body is longer than
that of the Civet ; and its tail, which is longer, is mark-
ed with annular spots, like that of the Genet : it has no
mane or long hair on the neck and spine ; and its hair
\
is shorter and softer.
The perfume of the Zibet is peculiarly violent and
piercing, beyond that of either the Civet or the Genet.
This odorous liquor is found, in a fissure near the organs
of generation. It is a thick humour, of the consistence
of pomatum •, and though very strong, is agreeable,
even as it issues from the body of the animal. This mat-
2 M
274 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
ter of the Zibet must not be confounded with musk,
which is a sanguinous humour, derived from a species
of the Roe-buck, or Goat without Horns * ; and has
nothing in common with the Zibet, but its strong per-
fume.
THE SURICATE, OR FOUR-TOED WEASEL,
*
Is rather less than the Rabbit : it pretty much resem-
bles the Ichneumon, both in size and in the colour of its
hair ; only it is rougher, and its tail is not quite so long.
Its upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very
pliant and moveable. It has only four toes on each foot.
One of them, in the possession of M. de Seve, was ob-
served sometimes to walk on its hind legs, and frequent-
ly to sit upright, with its fore feet hanging down on its
breast.
The Suricate is carnivorous, and preys on small ani-
mals. It is fond of fish, and still more so of eggs. Like
the Squirrel, it makes use of its fore paws to convey its
vifluals to its mouth. In drinking, it laps like a Dog ;
but will not drink water, except when it is warm.
^ Seepage 115.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 275
That kept by M. de Seve was extremely playful and
familiar, knew its own name, and would return at a call.
What was remarkable, it seemed' to have an aversion to
particular persons, whom it would always bite on their
approaching it ; some people were so disagreeable to it,
that even when restrained, it would make use of several
artifices to come near enough to bite them *, and when it
could not lay hold of their legs, would fly at their shoes
or petticoats. When discontented, it made a noise like
the barking of a whelp ; and when pleased or caressed,
would utter a sound like the shaking' of a rattle.
THE RATED,
Described by Mr Pennant under the name of the Yizz-
levy is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It lives chief-
ly upon honey, and is endowed with a wonderful faculty
of discovering the secret retreats where the bees deposit
their stores. About sun-set, the Ratel is particularly at-
tentive in watching the motions of these industrious in-
serts \ and having observed their route, it follows with
great care the diredlion in which they fly. It is fre-
2 M 2
276 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
quently assisted in discovering its delicious booty by a
bird called the Honey Guide, f cuculus indicator J which
is extremely fond both of honey and the eggs of bees ;
and, in the pursuit of its food, excites the attention of
the Ratel by a loud grating cry of cherr^ cherr^ cherr ;
at the same time flying slowly on towards the place where
the swarm of bees have taken up their abode. The Ra-
tel follows the sound with great attention ; and having
plundered the nest, leaves sufficient behind it as a reward
for the services of its faithful guide. The Ratel is well
adapted to this purpose, as the toughness and thickness
•
of its skin effeftually defends it from the stings of the
bees. Oil this account, it Is not easily killed ; for its
skin is so loosely attached to its body, that when seized
by a hound, it gives way, and the animal has an opportu-
nity of turning round, and biting its assailant, which it
frequently does so severely, as to oblige him to desist.
The Ratel, according to Mr Pennant, is two feet long
from the nose to the tail, which is eight inches ; its legs
are short j on each foot it has four toes, armed with long
claws ; those on the fore feet are above an inch long, and
very sharp ; its tongue is rough ; it has no ear-laps ; the
orifice of the ear is wide, and surrounded by a callous
rim ; a broad stripe, of an ash-colour, extends along the
back from the forehead to the tail, which is separated
from the black hair on the sides and belly by a light grey
list running from behind each ear to the tail. It bur-
rows in holes under ground, is said to be very fetid, and
is called the Stinking Badger by M. de la Caille.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
277
THE COATI, OR BRAZILIAN WEASEL,
{Viverra Nasua^ Lin.— Coati^ BufF.)
Has some resemblance to the Bear in the length of its
hind legs, in the form of its feet, in the bushiness of its
hair, and in the structure of its paws. It is small. Its
tail is long, and variegated with different colours ; its
upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very pli-
ant ; its ears are round ; its hair is smooth, soft, and
glossy, of a bright bay colour *, and its breast is whitish.
Linnaeus describes one of them, which he kept a con-
siderable time, and in vain attempted to bring into sub-
jeftion. It was very obstinate and capricious. It killed
the poultry, tore off their heads, and sucked their blood.
It defended itself with great force whenever any person
attempted to lay hold of it contrary to its inclination ;
and it stuck fast to the legs of those with whom it was
familiar, when it wanted to ransack their pockets, and
carry off any thing that it found in them. It had an
278
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
extreme aversion to hog’s bristles, and the smallest brush
made it desist. Its mode of living was very singular : it
slept from midnight to noon, kept awake the rest of the
ay, and uniformly walked about from six in the evening
till midnight, without the least regard to the weather.
This is probably the time assigned by nature to this
species of animals for procuring their food, which con-
sists chiefly of young birds, eggs, and small animals.
It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, runs up trees very
nimbly, eats like a dog, and holds its food between its
fore legs like the bear.
The Coati stands with ease on its hind feet. It is said
to gnaw its own tail, which it generally carries eredb
and sweeps it about from side to side.
✓
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
279
THE RACCOON
(Ursus Lotovy Lin. — Le Ratoriy BufF.)
Is very common in the warm regions of America. It is
found also in the mountains of Jamaica ; from whence
great numbers of them frequently descend into the plan-
tations, and make great havoc among the sugar-canes,
of which they are particularly fond. The planters con-
sider these animals as their greatest enemies, as they fre-
quently do infinite mischief in one night’s excursion.
They have contrived various methods of destroying them,
yet still they propagate in such numbers, that neither
traps nor fire-arms can repel them.
The Raccoon is somewhat less than the Badger : its
head resembles that of a Fox, but its ears are round and
much shorter, and its upper jaw very pointed, and long-
er than the lower : its eyes, which are large, are sur-
rounded with two broad patches of black : its body is
thick and short, covered with long hair, black at the
points, and grey underneath j its tail is long and bushy,
280 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and marked with alternate rings of black and white ; its
feet and toes are black.
The Raccoon is very a£live and nimble. Its claws,
which are extremely sharp, enable it to climb trees with
great facility. It moves forward chiefly by bounding;
and though it proceeds in an oblique diredlion, runs ve-
ry swiftly.
When tamed, it is good-natured and sportive ; but is
almost constantly in motion, and as unlucky and inqui-
sitive as a Monkey, examining every thing with its paws,
which it makes use of as hands to lay hold of any thing
that is given it, and to carry its meat to its mouth. It
sits up to eat, is extremely fond of sweet things and
strong liquors, with which it will get excessively drunk.
It has all the cunning of the Fox, is very destructive of
poultry, but will eat all sorts of fruits, grain, and roots.
It has a peculiar method of dipping every thing in water
it intends to eat, and will seldom taste bread till it be
well soaked. It opens oysters with astonishing dexterity,
separates the shells, and leaves not a vestige of the fish.
It does this without looking at the oyster, but places it
under its hind paws, and with its fore feet searches for
the weakest part, where it fixes its claws, forces it open,
and snatches out the fish. It likewise devours all kinds
of inseCts, delights in hunting spiders, and when at li-
berty in a garden, will eat grashoppers, snails, worms,
&c. It is very cleanly, and always retires to obey the
calls of Nature. It is familiar, and even caressing, leaps
upon those it is fond of, plays sportively, and moves
about with great agility.
This animal is hunted for its skin, which is next in va-
lue to that of the Beaver, for making hats.
<
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 281
THE BADGER.
[Ursus Meles^ Lin. — Le Blair eau^ ou Taisotiy BufF.)
Although Nature has furnished this animal with for-
midable weapons of offence, and has besides given it
strength sufficient to use them with great effe£l, it is
notwithstanding very harmless and inoffensive ; and, un-
less attacked, employs them only for its support.
The Badger retires to the most secret recesses ; where
it digs its hole, and forms its habitation under ground.
Its food consists chiefly of roots, fruits, grass, inserts, and
frogs. It is charged with destroying Lambs and Rabbits,
but there seems to be no other reason to consider it as a
beast of prey, than the analogy between its teeth and
those of carnivorous animals.
Few creatures defend themselves better, or bite with
greater keenness, than the Badger. On that account it
is frequently baited with Dogs trained for the purpose.
This inhuman diversion is chiefly confined to the idle
and the vicious, who take a cruel pleasures in seeing this
2 N
282 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
harmless animal surrounded by its enemies, and defend-
ing itself from their attacks, which it does with astonish-
ing agility and success. Its motions are so quick, that a
Dog is frequently desperately wounded in the first mo-
ment of assault, and obliged to fly. The thickness of the
Badger’s skin, and the length and coarseness of its hair,
are an excellent defence against the bites of the Dogs :
its skin is so loose, as to resist the impressions of their
teeth, and give the animal an opportunity of turning it-
self round, and wounding its adversaries in their tender-
est parts. In this manner this singular creature is able
to resist repeated attacks both of men and dogs, from all
quarters ; till, being overpowered with numbers, and en-
feebled by many desperate wounds, it is at last obliged to
submit.
The Badger is an indolent animal, and sleeps much.
It confines itself to its hole during the whole day, and
feeds only in the night. It is so cleanly, as never to de-
file its habitation with its ordure. It breeds only once in
a year, and brings forth four or five at a time.
It is not known to exist in warm countries. It is an
original native of the temperate climates of Europe ; and
is found, without any variety, in Spain, France, Italy,
Germany, Britain, Poland, and Sweden.
The usual length of the Badger is somewhat above two
feet, exclusive of the tail, which is about six inches long 5
its eyes are small, and are placed in a black stripe, which
begins behind the ears, and runs tapering towards the
nose *, the throat and legs are black •, the back, sides, and
tail, are of a dirty grey, mixed with black ; the legs and
feet are very short, strong, and thick *, each foot consists
of five toes ; those on the fore feet are armed with strong
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 283
claws, well adapted for digging its subterranean habita-
tion.
In walking, the Badger treads on its whole heel, like
the Bear ; which brings its belly very near the ground.
Immediately below the tail, between that and the
anus, there is a narrow transverse orifice, whence a
white substance, of a very fetid smell, cpnstantly exudes.
The skin, when dressed with the hair pn, is psed for
pistol furniture. Its flesh is eaten: the hind quarters
are sometimes made into hams, which, whep cured, are
not inferior in goodness to the be^t bacon* The hairs
are made into brushes, which are used by painters to
soften and harmonise their shades.
2 N 2
284 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SAND-BEAR.
We have given the figure of this animal, drawn from
one kept in the Tower *, of which we have not been able
to obtain any further description, than its being some-
what less than the Badger, almost without hair, extremely
sensible of cold, and burrows in the ground. From these
circumstances, as well as from the striking similarity of
its figure to that of the Badger, we are inclined to think
it is a variety of that animal, mentioned by naturalists
under the name of the Sow-Badger.
Its colour is a yellowish white : its eyes are small ; and
its head thicker than that of the common Badger : its
legs are short ; and on each foot there are four toes, arm-
ed with sharp white claws.
M. Brisson describes a white Badger, from New York,
so similar to this, that we suspedl it to be the same spe-
cies.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
285
THE WOLVERINE, OR GLUTTON.
{Mustela Gulo^ Lin. — Le Glutton ^ Buff.)
This voracious animal is found in all the countries
bordering on the Northern Ocean, both in Europe and
Asia : it is likewise common in Canada, the country
about Hudson’s Bay, and other parts of North America,
where it is known by the name of the Carcajou,
It has been variously described by naturalists. We
have seledled the account given by M. BufFon, which
was taken from a living one in his possession. Its length,
from the nose to the insertion of the tail, was two feet
two inches ; the tail eight inches long ; the length of the
fore legs was eleven inches, and the hind ones twelve ; it
had five toes on each foot, armed with long sharp claws ;
the middle claw of the fore foot was one inch and a half
long; the muzzle, as far as the eye-brows, was black ;
its eyes were small and black, and its ears short ; its
breast and under jaw were spotted with white ; the back,
legs, belly, and tail, were black. During its confine-
ment, it did not discover symptoms of great ferocity. It
286
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
eat voraciously ; and after a full meal, covered itself in
its cage with straw. It ate no bread, but would devour
more than four pounds of flesh every day, which it swab
lowed greedily, almost without chewing.
In a state of liberty, it is said to lead a life of continual
rapine. It lurks in the branches of trees,, in order to
surprise Deer and other animals that pass under them.
It waits with great patience the arrival of its prey, and
darts from its hiding-place with unerring certainty. In
this manner it indiscriminately surprises the Horse, the
Elk, the Stag, and the Rein-deer, and fixes itself between
their shoulders with its teeth and claws.
The wild Rein-deer, which are numerous both in Lap-
land and North America, frequently fall vi<fl:ims to the
Glutton. When seized by this blood-thirsty animal, it
is in vain that the wounded Deer endeavours to disen-
gage itself from its enemy by rushing among the branches
of the trees : no force can oblige it to quit its hold : it
maintains its position, and continues to suck the blood of
the flying animal till it falls down exhausted with pain
and fatigue. It then devours the carcase with insatiable
voracity, and gorges itself with the flesh till it is almost
in danger of bursting.
In Kamschatka, the Glutton makes use of a singular
stratagem for killing the Fallow-deer. It climbs up a
tree, taking with it a quantity of that species of moss
of which the Deer is very fond. When one of them ap-
proaches the tree, the Glutton throws down the moss j
and if the Deer stop to eat it, the Glutton darts upon its
back, and fixing itself firmly between its horns, tears out
its eyes, and by that means secures its prey. It then
divides the flesh of the Deer into a number of portions.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 287
which It conceals in the earth to serve for future provi-
sion.
The motions of the Glutton are slow. There are few
quadrupeds that cannot ; escape from it, except the Bea-
ver, which it frequently ipursues and overtakes. In A-
merica, it iis ^called tihe 3eaver^eater, It sometimes lies
in wait, and -surprises iRose animals coming out of their
burrows, or breaks! into their ' habitations, and kills great
numbers ofithem.
The Glutton often defeats the labour of^the hunts-
men, by stealing away the Sables and other animals that
have been caught in their traps*, and it is sometimes
taken in the snares laid for them.
When attacked, it makes a strong resistance. It will
tear the stock from the gun with its teeth, or break the
trap in pieces in which it is caught. Notwithstanding its
fierceness, it is capable of being tamed, and of learning
several entertaining tricks.
It is hunted only for its skin, which is very valuable,
of a most beautiful glossy blacky which shines with a pe-
culiar lustre, and refletSls the light like damask silk.
The skins are sold in Siberia at five or six shillings
each, at Jakutsk .at twelve, and still dearer in Kamschat-
ka. There the women dress their hair with its white
paws, which they esteem, a great ornament.
The furs of this animal, from the North of Europe
and Asia, are infinitely finer, blacker, and more glossy,
than those of the American kind.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BROVv^N BEAR.
{Ursus cauda abrupta^ Lin, — UOurs^ BufF.)
There are two principal varieties of the Bear, — the
brown and the black. The former is found in almost
every climate, the black Bear chiefly in the forests of
the northern regions of Europe and America.
The brown Bear is sometimes carnivorous ; but its ge-
neral food is roots, fruits, and vegetables.
It is a savage and solitary animal, lives in desart and
unfrequented places, and chuses its den in the most
dangerous and inaccessible precipices of unfrequented
mountains. It retires alone to its den about the end of
autumn, (at which time it is exceedingly fat) and lives
for several weeks in a state of total ina(Si:ivity and absti-
nence from food. During this time, the female brings
forth her young, and suckles them. She chuses her re-
treat for that purpose, in the most retired places, apart
from the male, lest he should devour them. She makes
289
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
a warm bed for her young, and attends them with unre-
mitting care during four months, and in all that time
scarcely allows herself any nourishment. She brings
forth two, and sometimes three young at a time. The
cubs are round and shapeless, with pointed muzzles ; but
they are not licked into form by the female, as Pliny and
other ancient naturalists supposed. At first they do not
exceed eight inches in length. They are blind during
the first four weeks, are of a pale yellow colour, and
have scarcely any resemblance of the creature when ar-
rived at maturity. The time of gestation in these ani-
mals is about six months, and they bring forth in the
beginning of January.
In the spring, the old Bears, attended by their young,
come out from their /etreats, lean, and almost famished
by their long confinement. They then ransack every
quarter in search of food. They frequently climb trees,
and devour the fruit in great quantities, particularly the
date-plum tree, of which they are exceedingly fond.
They ascend these trees with surprising agility, keep
themselves firm on the branches with one paw, and with
the other colle£l the fruit.
The Bear is remarkably fond of honey, which it will
encounter great difficulties to obtain, and seeks for with
great cunning and avidity.
It enjoys, in a superior degree, the senses of hearing,
smelling, and touching. Its ears are short and rounded ;
and its eyes small, but lively and penetrating, and de-
fended by a nidtating membrane : from the peculiar
formation of the internal parts of its nose, its sense of
smelling is exceedingly exquisite: the legs and thighs
2 O
290 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
are strong and muscular : it has five toes on each foot,
and uses its fore foot as a hand, although the toes are
not separated as in most animals that do so ; the largest
finger is on the outside.
The voice of the Bear is a deep and surly kind of
growl, which it frequently exerts without the least cause.
It is very easily irritated, and at that time its resentment
is furious, and often capriciously exerted.
When tamed, it appears mild and obedient to its mas-
ter ; but it is not to be trusted without the utmost cau-
tion. It may be taught to walk upright, to dance, to lay
hold of a pole with its paws, and perform various tricks
to entertain the multitude, who are highly pleased to see
the awkward measures of this rugged creature, which it
seems to suit to the sound of an instrument, or to the
voice of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of
education, it must be taken when young, and accustomed
early to restraint and discipline : an old Bear will suffer
neither, without discovering the most furious resentment :
neither the voice nor the menaces of his keeper have any
effect upon him *, he equally growls at the hand that is
held out to feed, as at that which is raised to correct him.
The excessive cruelties practised upon this poor animal,
in teaching it to walk ere6I, and regulate its motions to
the sound of the flagelet, are such as make sensibility
shudder. Its eyes are put out, and an iron ring being
put through the cartilage of the nose to lead it by, it is
kept from food, and beaten, till it yield obedience to the
will of its savage tutors. Some of them are taught to
perform by setting their feet upon hot iron plates, and
then playing to them whilst in this uneasy situation. It
is truly shocking to every feeling mind to reflect, that
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 291
such cruelties should be exercised upon any part of the
brute creation by our fellow men. That they should be
rewarded by numbers of unthinking people, who crowd
around them to see the animaPs rude attempts to imitate
human a£lions, is not to be wondered at : but it is much
to be wished, that the timely interference of the magi-
strate would prevent every exhibition of this kind, that,
in Britain at least, we might not be reproached with to-
lerating pra£lices so disgraceful to humanity.
One of these animals, presented to the Prince of Wales,
a few years ago, was kept in the Tower. By the care-
lessness of the servant, the door of his den was left open ;
and the keeper’s wife happening to go across the court at
the same time, the animal flew out, seized the woman,
threw her down, and fastened upon her neck, which he
bit, and, without offering any further violence, lay upon
her, sucking the blood out of the wound. Resistance
was in vain, as it only served to irritate the brute ; and
she must inevitably have perished, had not her husband
luckily discovered her situation. By a sudden blow, he
obliged the Bear to quit his hold, and retire to his den,
which he did with great reluctance, and not without
making a second attempt to come at the woman, who
was almost dead through fear and loss of blood. It is
somewhat remarkable, that whenever it happened to see
her afterwards, it growled, and made most violent strug-
gles to get out to her. The Prince, upon hearing of the
circumstance, ordered the Bear to be killed.
The flesh of the young Bear is reckoned a great deli-
cacy ; and the paws of an old one are esteemed as a most
,exquisite morsel. The fat is white, and very sweet 5 and
2 0 2
292 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
the oil is said to be of great use in softening swellings
proceeding from sprains.
Great numbers are killed annually in America for the
sake of their skins, which form a considerable article of
commerce.
The Bear was once an inhabitant of this island, and
was included in the ancient laws and regulations respect-
ing beasts of chase. Long after their extirpation, they
were imported for the cruel purpose of baiting them,
which at that time was a favourite amusement of our an-
cestors. We find it, in Queen Elizabeth’s days, among
the various entertainments prepared for her Majesty on
her visit at Kenilworth.
We have here given a faithful representation, drawn
from the life, of an animal which has hitherto escaped
the observation of naturalists. Its features and leading
characters seem to be so strong, as to leave no rooni for
doubt with respeCt to its rank in the animal creation :
and from the striking correspondence of parts observ-
able between it and the common Bear, we are induced
to dispose of them in the same class. We are the more
confirmed in this opinion, from an attentive examination
of its disposition and manners ; notwithstanding, it seems
to differ in some of those characteristics which have been
pointed out by naturalists as the guides to a regular and
systematic arrangement.
Its body is covered with a long, rough, and shaggy
coat of hair, which gives it, when lying down, the ap-
pearance of a rude and shapeless mass ; on the top of its-
back, the hair, which is twelve inches long, rises up like
294,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
a hunch, separates in the middle, and falls down in dif-
ferent dire£Hons ; its head is large, very broad at the
forehead, and is the only part on which the hair is short v
its snout is long, and ends in a thin, broad cartilage,
overhanging the nostrils about an inch and a half ; its
lips are thin and very long, and seem to be furnished
with muscles, by which the animal can protrude them in
a most singular manner, which it never fails to do when
its attention is diredled to any particular objedl:, or when
food is held out to it ; its eyes are small, black, and hea-
vy, and its aspe£l: louring ; its ears and tail are short, and
hid in the hair ; its legs and thighs are remarkably thick
and strong ; it treads on its heel like a Bear, and its toes
are not divided ; it has five long crooked white claws on
each foot, which it uses with great dexterity, either se-
parately or together, like fingers, to break its food into
smaller portions, or to convey it to its mouth. Its co-
lour is a deep, shining black ; excepting the snout and
a spot above each eye which are of a yellowish white
colour j there is likewise a crescent of white underneath
the throat : it has no cutting teeth, but two very strong
canine teeth, and six grinders, in each jaw.
It appears to be a gentle, good-natured animal ; but
when irritated or disturbed, utters a short abrupt roar,
like a Bear, ending in a whining tone, expressive of
impatience. It feeds on bread, fruit, and nuts ; is fond
of honey, and will eat marrow, or the fat of meat,
either raw or dressed *, but refuses roots of all kinds,
and the lean or muscular parts of flesh.
This rare animal is said to have been brought from
the interior parts of Bengal ; and that it burrows in the
ground.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 295
THE POLAR OR GREAT WHITE BEAR
{Ursus AlbuSy Lin. — UOurs Blanc ^ Buff.)
Differs greatly from the common Bear in the length of
its head and neck, and grows to above twice the size.
Some of them are thirteen feet long. Its limbs are of
great size and strength; its hair long, harsh and disa^
greeable to the touch, and of a yellowish white colour ;
its ears are short and round ; and its teeth large.
It inhabits only the coldest parts of the globe, and has
been found above latitude 80, as far as navigators have
penetrated northwards. These inhospitable regions seem
adapted to its sullen nature.
296 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
I
■ — " There the shapeless Bear,
“ With dangling ice all horrid, stalks forlorn :
“ Slow pac’d, and sourer as the storms increase,
“ He makes his bed beneath th’ inclement drift ;
“ And, with stern patience, scorning weak complalnr,
“ Hardens his heart against assailing want.”
It has been seldom seen farther south than Newfound-
land, but abounds chiefly on the shores of Hudson’s Bay,
Greenland, and Spitsbergen on one side, and those of
Nova-Zembla on the other. It has 'been sometimes
found in the intermediate countries of Norway and Ice-
land *, but such as have appeared in those parts have
always been driven thither upon floating sheets of ice ;
so that those countries are only acquainted with them by
accident.
During summer, they take up their residence on large
islands of ice, and frequently pass from one to another.
They swim well, and can go to the distance of six or
seven leagues ; they likewise dive, but do not continue
long under water. When the pieces of ice are detached
by strong winds or currents, the Bears allow themselves
to be carried along with them j and as they cannot regain
the land, or abandon the ice on which they are embarked,
they often perish in the open sea. Those which arrive
with the ice on the coasts of Iceland and Norway, are
almost famished with hunger from the length of their
voyage, and are extremely voracious. As soon as the
natives discover one of them, they arm themselves, and
presently dispatch him.
The ferocity of the Bear is as remarkable as its attach-
ment to its young. A few years since, the crew of a
boat belonging to a ship in the whale fishery, shot at a
Bear at a short distance, and wounded it. The animal
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 297
immediately set up the most dreadful yells, and ran along
the ice towards the boat. Before it reached it, a second
shot was fired, and hit it. This served to increase its
fury. It presently swam to the boat ; and in attempting
to get on board, reached its fore foot upon the gunnel ;
but one of. the crew having a hatchet, cut it off. The
animal still, however, continued to swim after them till
they arrived at the ship ; and several shots were fired at
it, which also took efFedt : but on reaching the ship, it
immediately ascended the deck ; and the crew having fled
into the shrowds, it was pursuing them thither, when a
shot from one of them laid it dead upon the deck.
Its flesh is white, and is said to taste like mutton.
The fat is melted for train-oil; and that of the feet is
used in medicine.
The White Bear brings forth two young at a time.
Their fondness for their ofispring is so great that they
will die rather than desert them: wounds serve only to
make the attachment more violent : they embrace their
cubs to the last, and bemoan them with the most piteous
cries.
They feed on fish, seals, and the carcases of whales.
Allured by the scent of seaFs flesh, they often break into
the huts of the Greenlanders. They sometimes attack
the Morse, with which they have terrible conflicts ; but
the large teeth of that animal give it a decided superiori-
ty over the Bear, which is generally worsted.
298
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE STRIPED HYENA.
(Cams Hyanay Lin. — UHyaney BufF.)
Although naturalists, both ancient and modern, have
described the Hyena under different denominations, and
have ascribed it to properties which it is now known not
to possess, yet its characters are so singular, that it is im-
possible to mistake them, and so peculiar, as to distinguish
it from every other class of animals. In many respeCls it
resembles those of the Dog kind, has some similitude to
the Wolf in form and disposition, and is about the same
size.
The Hyena has only four toes on each foot *, its head
is broad and flat, and its muzzle shorter than that of the
Wolf; its fore legs are longer than the hind ones; its
ears are long, pointed, and bare *, and its eyes are re-
markably wild, sullen, and ferocious.
299
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
There are two varieties, — the one striped, and the
other spotted. The hair of the former is of an ash co-
lour, marked with long black stripes, disposed in waves,
from the back downward ; there are others across the
legs ; the hair in general is coarse and rough ; its tail is
short and bushy, with pretty long hair, sometimes plain,
and sometimes barred with black ; immediately under-
neath the tail, and above the anus, there is an orifice like
that of the Badger, which opens into a kind of pouch,
and contains a substance of the consistence of civet, but
of a rank, disagreeable odour. This opening may proba-
bly have given rise to the error of the ancients, who as-
serted, that the Hyena was every alternate year male and
female. Its manner of holding its head is somewhat like
a Dog pursuing a scent with its nose near the ground.
This position of the head makes the shoulders appear
more elevated. A bristly mane runs along the top of the
back from head to tail, which gives it an appearance
something like a Hog ; from which probably it may
have derived its name ; the word huaina being a Greek
word derived from hus^ which signifies a Sow. Such are
the most striking distinctions of the Hyena, which has
been pictured by ignorance and timidity under every
form that can strike terror into the imagination. Won-
derful powers were ascribed to it by the ancients ; who
believed that it changed its sex ; that it imitated the hu-
man voice, and by that means attracted unwary travel-
lers, and destroyed them ; that it had the power of
charming the shepherds, and as it were rivetting them
to the place where they stood. Many other things,
equally absurd, have been told of this animal : but these
are sufficient to shew, that objeCts of terror and super sti-
2 P 2
500 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tion are nearly allied ; and when once they have taken
possession of the human mind, the most improbable sto-
ries are easily received and credited.
It resides in the caverns of mountains, in the clefts of
rocks, or in holes and dens, which it digs in the earth.
Its disposition is extremely ferocious ; and though taken
young, it never can be tamed. It lives by depredations,
like the Wolf, but is stronger, and more daring and ra-
pacious. It follows the flocks, ravages the sheepfold,
^nd destroys every thing within its reach with the most
insatiable voracity. Its eyes shine in the dark 5 and it is
asserted, with some appearance of probability, that it can
see nearly as well by night as by day. When destitute
of other provisions, it ransacks the graves, and devours
putrid human bodies that have been long buried.
The voice of the Hyena is very peculiar : its begin-
ning seems to be somewhat like the moaning of a human
voice, and the ending like one making a violent effort to
vomit.
It inhabits Asiatic Turkey, Syria, Persia, and Barbary.
The ^Superstitious Arabs, when they kill one of them,
carefully bury the head, lest it should be applied to ma-
gical purposes.
The courage of the Hyena is equal to its rapacity. It
will defend itself with great obstinacy against much larger
quadrupeds : it is not afraid of the Lion nor the Panther,
will sometimes attack the Ounce, and seldom fails to con-
quer.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SOI
THE SPOTTED HYENA
Is called, at the Cape of Good Hope, the Tiger^Wolfy
and is very common in that part of the world. Sparr-
man describes it as a cruel, mischievous, and formidable
animal. Its horrid yells are to be heard every night,
whilst it prowls about for its prey, and lurks near farm-
yards, where cattle are kept. These are well defended
by Dogs, of which the Hyena, though larger and strong-
er, is much afraid j and will not venture an attack, un-
less pressed by the most urgent necessity : neither will it
dare to seize upon any of the larger animals, such as Ox-
en, Cows, Horses, &c. whilst they make the least ap-
pearance of defending themselves, or even if they do not
betray any symptoms of fear. It sometimes endeavours
to disperse the cattle by its hideous roaring \ after which
it selects and pursues one of them, which it soon disables
by a deadly bite, and then devours.
302 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
These animals were formerly so bold as to molest the
Hottentots in their huts, and sometimes carry off their
children ; but since the introdudlion of fire-arms, these
and other wild beasts keep at a greater distance from the
habitations of mankind. It is a fa6l, however, that num-
bers of them attend almost every night about the sham-
bles at the Cape, where they meet with bones, skin, and
other offals, which are left there by the inhabitants, who
suffer these animals to come unmolested, and carry off
their refuse j and it is somewhat remarkable that they
have seldom been known to do any mischief there,
though fed in the very heart of the town.
The bowlings of the Hyena are dreadful beyond all
conception, and spread a general alarm : they are al-
most incessant, and seem to be the natural consequence
of its craving appetite. Perhaps it may not be going too
far to say, that Nature has kindly impressed this involun-
tary disposition to yelling upon this animal, that every
living creature may be upon its guard, and secure itself
from the attacks of so cruel an enemy.
The general colour is a reddish brown, marked with
roundish dark spots *, the hind legs, in some, with trans-
verse black bars, — in others, with spots ; its head is large
and flat ; above each eye, as well as on the lips, it has
whiskers ; a short shagged kind of mane runs along from
the middle of the back to its head, the hair pointing for-
ward ; its ears are short and rounded ; the hair on its
face and the upper part of its head is short j the skin on
its brow is wrinkled.
Our figure was drawn from a male Hyena exhibited in
Newcastle in the spring and summer of 1799.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
303
THE FOX.
{Cams Vulpesy Lin. — Le Renardy Buff.)
This lively and crafty animal is common to every part
of Great Britain, and is so well known as not to require
a particular description.
M. Buffon has taken great pains to prove, that the
Dog and the Fox will not breed together. For this pur-
pose, he kept two males and a female for a considerable
time, and tried to make the males copulate with bitches,
which they uniformly refused ; and from thence he con-
cludes, that no mixture can take place between the two
species. But it should be remembered, that the Foxes
were in a state of confinement \ and of course, many cir-
cumstances might concur to disgust them, and render the
experiment abortive. In confirmation of this, we need
only observe, that the same Foxes, which, when at liber-
ty, darted on the poultry with their usual eagerness, ne-
ver attempted .to touch a single fowl after they were
chained : and we are told further, ‘‘ that a living hen
was generally fixed near them for a whole night j and
though food was kept from them for many hours, yet, in
spite of hunger and opportunity, they never forgot that
they were chained, and disturbed not the hen.” Now
if any one should be so hardy as to assert from this, that
Foxes have a natural aversion to poultry, one may easily
conceive how little credit would be given to the conclu-
sion, and how much laughter it would excite. We just
mention this to shew, that experiments of this kind,
where Nature is thwarted in her process, or restrained in
any of her operations, are not always to be depended up-
301^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
on. That the Fox and the Dog will breed together, is a
fa6l too well known in several parts of the North of
England, to admit of the smallest doubt. It is a common
practice in many places to tie up a bitch that is in season,
where she may be visited by a Fox, and be impregnated
by him. The fruits of the connection are sufficiently ob-
vious : most, if not all the puppies, have a strong resem-
blance to the Fox : the sharp nose, prick ears, long bo-
dy, and short legs of the Fox, evidently point out their
origin. These Dogs are highly esteemed by farmers and
graziers, as the most useful kind for driving cattle :
they bite keenly, are extremely active and playful, and
are very expert at destroying Weasels, Rats, and other
vermin.
The Fox sleeps much during the day ; but the night is
its season of activity, and the time when it roams about
in search of prey. It will eat flesh of any kind, but pre-
fers that of Hares, Rabbits, poultry, and all kinds of birds.
Those that reside near the sea-coast will, for <Want of
other food, eat crabs, shrimps, muscles, and other shell-
fish.
In France and Italy, the Fox does great damage among
the vineyards, by feeding on the grapes, of which it is
extremely fond. It boldly attacks the wild bees, and
frequently robs them of their stores ; but not with impu-
nity : the whole swarm flies out, and fastens upon the
invader *, but he retires only for a few minutes, and rids
himself of the bees by rolling upon the ground j by which
means he crushes such as stick to him, and then returns
to his charge, and devours both wax and honey.
The cunning of the Fox, in surprising and securing its
prey, is equally remarkable. When it has acquired more
305
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
than it can devour, its first care is to secure what it has
killed, which is generally all within its reach. It digs
holes in different places, where it concieals its booty by
carefully covering it with earth to prevent a discovery.
If a flock of poultry have unfortunately fallen vidlims to
its stratagems, it will bring them, one by one, to these
hiding places ; where it leaves them till hunger demands
fresh supplies.
The chase of the Fox is a very favourite diversion in
this kingdom, and is no where pursued with such ardour
and intrepidity. Both our Dogs and Horses are confess-
edly superior to those of any other country. The instant
the Fox finds he is pursued, he flies towards his hole ;
and finding it stopped, which is always carefully done
before the chase begins, he has recourse to his speed and
his cunning for safety. He does not double and measure
his ground back like the Hare, but continues his course
straight forward before the Hounds with great strength
and perseverance. Both Dogs and Horses, particularly
the latter, have frequently fallen victims to the ardour of
the pursuit, which has sometimes continued for upwards
of fifty miles without the smallest intermission, and al-
most at full speed. * As the scent of the Fox is very
* Mr Charles Turner’s Hounds hunted at Ayreyholm, near
Hurworth, in the county of Durham, and found the noted old Fox
CESAR, which made an extraordinary chase. After a round of four
miles, he led to Smeaton, through Hornby and Appleton ; then back
again to Hornby, Worset-moor, Piersburgh, Limpton, Craythorn, Mid-
dleton, Hilton, Seamer, Newby, Marton, Ormsby ; then upon Hamble-
ton, through Kirkleatham-park, Upleatham, Skelton, and Kelton. Mr
Turner tried three Horses; and only three Hounds were in pursuit,
when he thought proper to call them off, it being near five in the even-
ing. The chase was upwards of fifty miles.
2 Q
306 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
strong, the Dogs follow with great alacrity and eagerness,
and have been known to keep up a constant chase for
eight or ten hours together ; and it is hard to say, whe-
ther the spirited eagerness of the Hounds, the ardour of
the Horses, or the enthusiasm of the Hunters, is most to
be admired. The Fox is the only one of the party which
has the plea of necessity on his side ; and it operates so
strongly, that he often escapes the utmost efforts of his
pursuers, and returns to his hole in safety. The smell of
his urine is so offensive to the Dogs, that it sometimes
proves the means of his escape from them. When all
his shifts have failed him, and he is at last overtaken, he
then defends himself with great obstinacy, and fights in
silence till he is torn in pieces by the Dogs.
There are three varieties of Foxes in this island, which
differ from each other more in form than in colour.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
307
THE GREYHOUND FOX
Is the largest, and is chiefly found in the mountainous
parts of England and Scotland : he is likewise the bold-
est, and will attack a well-grown Sheep. His ears are
long and erefl, and his aspedl wild.
THE MASTIFF FOX
Is rather less ; but his limbs are more strongly formed.
2 Q 2
308
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE CUR FOX
Is the least, but the most common, and approaches near-
est to the habitations of mankind. It lurks about the
out-houses of the farmer, and carries off all the poultry
within its reach. It is remarkably playful and familiar
wdien tamed ; but, like all wild animals half reclaimed,
will, on the least offence, bite those it is most familiar
with.
The eye of the Fox is of a lively hazel colour, very
significant and expressive ; and discovers very sensibly the
different emotions of love, fear, or anger, by which it
may be affedled. It seems greatly to admire its bushy
tail, and frequently amuses itself by endeavouring to
catch it as it runs round. In cold weather, when it lies
down, it folds it about its head.
The Fox sleeps soundly ; and like the Dog, lies in a
round form. When he is only reposing himself, he
stretches out his hind legs, and lies on his belly. In this
position, he spies the birds as they alight on the hedges
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S09
or places near him, and is ready to spring upon such as
are within his reach. He rarely lies exposed, but chuses
the cover of some thick brake, where he is pretty secure
from being surprised. Crows, Magpies, and other birds,
which consider the Fox as a common enemy, will often
give notice of his retreat by the most clamorous notes,
and frequently follow him a considerable way from tree
to tree, repeating their outcries.
Foxes produce but once a year, from three to six
young ones at a time. When the female is pregnant
she retires, and seldom goes out of her hole, where she
prepares a bed for her young. She comes in season in
the winter ; and young Foxes are found in the month of
April. If she perceive that her habitation is discovered,
she carries them off, one by one, to a more secure retreat.
The young are brought forth blind, like puppies. They
grow eighteen months or two years, and live thirteen or
fourteen years.
The Fox is frequently taken in traps *, but great cau-
tion must be used to deceive this wily animal. The trap
must be placed in the midst of a field, where there is
neither hedge nor path near it, and so nicely covered
with mould, that not the least vestige can be seen where
it lies : about the trap, and at a small distance from it, in
different places, a few pieces of cheese, or other strong-
ly-scented food, must be carelessly scattered : then with
a sheep’s paunch, or some other animal substance, a trail
is made, of about a mile in length, to the different places
where the bait is laid, and from thence to the trap : the
shoes of the person who carries the trail must be likewise
well rubbed with the paunch, that the Fox may not
310 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. '
discover his scent. He then approaches with more con-
fidence, and if the design be well conducted, seldom
fails of being caught.
There are many varieties of this animal, apparently
produced by the influence of climate. Those of this
country are mostly of a tawny red, mixed with ash
colour; the fore part of the legs is black, and the tail
tipt with white. In colder countries. Foxes are of va-
rious colours.
THE BLACK FOX
Is most valuable for its fur, which is esteemed in Russia
superior to that of the finest sable. A single skin will
sell for four hundred rubles.
THE CROSS FOX
(Le Renard Croisey Buff.)
Inhabits the coldest parts of Europe, Asia, and North
America. Its fur is very valuable, being thicker and
softer than the common sort. Great numbers of skins
are imported from Canada.
It derives its name from a black mark which passes
over its back across the shoulders, and another along the
back to the tail.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
311
\
THE ARCTIC FOX
{Cants LapoguSy Lin. — Isatis^ BufF.)
Inhabits the countries bordering on the Frozen Sea.
It is found in Greenland, Iceland, Spitzbergen, Nova-
Zembla, and Lapland ; in Kamschatka, and the opposite
parts of America. It burrows, and makes holes in the
ground, several feet in length ; at the end of which it
forms a nest of moss. In Greenland and Spitzbergen,
it lives in the clefts of rocks, being unable to burrow, on
account of the frost. Two or three of them inhabit the
same hole.
It is endowed with all the cunning of the common
Fox, preys on young geese, ducks, and other water-fowl,
before they are able to fly ; likewise on hares, wild-birds,
and eggs ; and in Greenland, for want of other food,
it feeds on berries and shell-fish. In Lapland and the
North of Asia, its principal food is the Leming, or Lap-
land Marmot ; immense shoals of which sometimes cover
the face of the country. The Foxes follow them, in
their migrations, from one place to another ; and as the
return of the Marmot is very uncertain, and frequently
after great intervals of time, they are sometimes absent
three or four years in pursuit of this their favourite prey.
312 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The hair of the Ardlic Fox is of an ash colour, but
changes to white in the winter, when it is long, soft,
and somewhat woolly : its tail is shorter than that of the
common Fox, and more bushy ; and its toes are covered
with fur on the under part, like those of a hare : it is
smaller and more slender than the European Fox : its
nose is sharp and black *, and its ears short, and almost
hid in the fur. It is sometimes taken in traps 5 but its
skin is of little value.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
SIS
I
THE WOLF.
(Cams Lupus i Lin. — Le Loupy Buff.)
All naturalists agree in placing the Wolf and the Dog
in the same class ; and from the slightest inspedlion of
its external form only, it would seem that the Wolf was
in every respedl: a Dog in its state of natural freedom.
The shape of its head is different ; and its eyes, being
fixed in a more oblique position, give it a look of more
savage fierceness : its ears are sharp and eredl ; its tail
long, bushy, and bending inwards between its hind legs 5
its body is stronger than that of almost any species of
Dog, its jaws and teeth larger, and its hair coarser and
thicker. The internal structure of these animals is per-
fectly similar. The Wolf couples in the same manner
as the Dog j and its Immediate separation is prevented
from the same cause : the time of gestation is also near-
ly the same; and from a variety of successful experi-
ments related by the celebrated Dr Hunter, there is no
2 R
314* HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
longer any room to doubt, that the Wolf and the Dog
will copulate together, and produce an intermediate spe-
cies, capable of subsequent propagation.
The appetite of the Wolf, for every kind of animal
food, is excessively voracious •, and although Nature has
furnished it with every requisite for pursuing and con-
quering its prey, it is frequently reduced to the last ex-
tremity, and sometimes perishes for want of food. So
great is the general detestation of this destructive crea-
ture, that all the wild animals endeavour to avoid it, and
most commonly escape by their superior swiftness.
When pressed with hunger from repeated disappoint-
ments, the Wolf becomes courageous from necessity. It
then braves every danger, and even attacks those animals
that are under the protection of man. Sometimes whole
droves of them join in the cruel work of general devasta-
tion, roam through the villages, and attack the sheep-
folds : they dig the earth under the doors, enter with
dreadful ferocity, and put every living creature to death
before they depart. The Horse is the only tame animal
that can defend itself against them ; all the weaker ani-
mals become their prey : even man himself, upon these
occasions, frequently falls a viCHm to their rapacity ; and
it is said, that when once they have tasted human blood,
they always give it the preference. Hence many super-
stitious stories have been told of the Wolf. The old
Saxons believed, that it was possessed by some evil spi-
rit, and called it the Were^Wulf ; and the French pea-
sants, from the same reason, called it the Loiip-garou.
The language of the poet is beautifully descriptive of
this creature’s insatiable fury ; —
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 315
“ By wintry famine rous’d, from all the tradb
“ Of horrid mountains, which the shining Alps,
“ And wavy Appenine, and Pyrenees,
“ Branch out, stupendous, into distant lands,
“ Cruel as death ! and hungry as the grave !
" Burning for blood ! bony, and ghaunt, and grim !
“ Assembling Wolves, in raging troops, descend ;
“ And, pouring o’er the country, bear along,
“ Keen as the north wind sweeps the glossy snow,
“ All is their prize.”
The Wolf has great strength, especially in the muscles
of his neck and jaws : he can carry a Sheep in his mouth,
and easily run off with it in that manner. His bite is
cruel and deadly, and keener as it meets with less resist-
ance ; but when opposed, he is cautious and circum-
spedl, and seldom fights but from necessity. He is hard- ^
er and more robust, but not so sensible as the Dog. He
almost incessantly prowls about for prey, and of all ani-
mals is the most difficult to conquer in the chase. His
sense of smelling is peculiarly strong; he scents the
track of animals, and follows it with great perseverance :
the odour of carrion strikes him at the distance of near
a league.
Wolves are capable of bearing want of food for a long
time. To allay their hunger, they will sometimes fill
their stomjichs with mud. They have been known to
follow armies, and assemble in troops upon the field of
battle ; tear up such bodies as have been , carelessly inter-
red, and devour them with insatiable avidity.
In all ages, the Wolf has been considered as the most
savage enemy of mankind, and rewards were given for its
head. Various methods have been taken to rid the
world of this rapacious invader : pit-falls, traps, and
poison, have all been employed against him ; and happi-
2 R 2
316 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ly for these islands, the whole race has long been ex-
tirpated here. King Edgar attempted to efFedt it in Eng-
land by remitting the punishment of certain crimes on
producing a number of Wolves’ tongues *, and in Wales,
the tax of gold and silver was commuted for an annual
tribute of Wolves’ heads. Some centuries after that,
they increased to such a degree, as to become an obje<S:
of royal attention ; and great rewards were given for de-
stroying them. Camden informs us, that certain persons
held their lands on condition of hunting and destroying
the Wolves that infested the country ; whence they were
called the Wohe-hunt. In the reign of Athelstan,
Wolves abounded so much in Yorkshire, that a retreat
was built at Flixton, to defend passengers from their
attacks. As the ravages of these animals were greatest
during winter, particularly in January, when the cold
was severest, our Saxon ancestors distinguished that
month by the title of Wolfe-moneth. They also called an
outlaw Wolfshedy as being out of the protection of the
law, and as liable to be killed as that destructive beast.
They infested Ireland many centuries after their extinc-
tion in England *, the last presentment for killing Wolves
was made in the county of Cork about the year 1710.
These animals abound in the immense forests of Ger-
many, where the following methods are taken to destroy
them : — In some very sequestered part of the forest, they
hang up a large piece of carrion on the branch of a tree,
having previously made a train of some miles long, leav-
ing small pieces of putrid flesh here and there to allure
the Wolves to the spot : they then wait till it is dark,
and approach the place with great circumspection ; where
they sometimes find two or three W olves assembled, leap*-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 317
ing up, and straining themselves to catch the bait, which
is placed just within their reach ; and while the animals
are busily employed in this way, the hunters being pro-
vided with fire-arms, seldom fail to dispatch them. In a
convenient place, at the foot of a declivity, they make a
small inclosure of strong pales, so high, that the "Wolf,
having once entered, cannot return again. An opening is
left at the top of the bank 5 and a Sheep that has been
long dead, is the bait ; to which he is allured by long
trains, made from different places where he is known to
haunt. As soon as he arrives at the spot, he examines
every part of the inclosure ; and finding no other way
to come at the booty, he precipitates himself to the bot-
tom ; and having made a plentiful meal, endeavours in
vain to re-ascend. His disappointment at not being able
to get back is productive of the most dreadful bowlings,
which alarm his enemies ; and they either take him
alive, or dispatch him with bludgeons. It is remarkable,
that when this animal finds there is no possibility of e-
scaping, his courage entirely forsakes him, and he is for
some time so stupified with fear, that he may be killed
without offering to resist, or taken alive without much
danger. Wolves are sometimes taken in strong nets, in-
to which they are driven by the hunters, who surround
a large traCI of land, and with drums, horns, and other
instruments, accompanied with loud cries from a large
company assembled upon the occasion, drive the animals
towards the entrance of the nets, where they are entang-
led, and killed with clubs and hatchets. Great care must
be taken to secure them at first : if they recover from
their consternation, they easily escape by tearing the net
to pieces.
318
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Wolves are found, with some variety, in almost every
country of the world. Those of Senegal are larger and
fiercer than those of Europe. In North America they
are small, of a dark colour, and may be easily tamed. '
Before the introduction of Dogs, the Indians made use of
them in hunting the wild animals of the country ; and
they are still employed for the same purpose in the more
remote parts of that vast continent. They are said to
hunt in packs, and run down the Deer by their scent.
The appearance of these animals near the habitations of
the Indians, sometimes indicates that the Bison or the
Deer is at no great distance ; and when any of those are
taken, the Wolves are rewarded with the offal. Catesby
affirms, that the Wolves of that country have mixed with
the Dogs carried thither by the Europeans, and produced
an intermediate race. In the northern regions there are
Wolves entirely white, and others of a deep black. In
Mexico there is a variety of the Wolf, with a very large
head, strong jaws, and great teeth : on the upper lip it
has strong bristles, not unlike the softer spines of the
Porcupine, of a grey and white colour ; its ears are large
and ere£t ; its body is ash coloured, spotted with black j
on its sides there are black stripes from the back down-
ward *, its neck is fat and thick, covered with a loose
skin, marked with a long tawny stroke ; on the breast is
another of the same kind j the tail is long, and tinged in
the middle with tawny; the legs and feet are striped
with black. It inhabits the hot parts of Mexico or New
Spain, is equally voracious with the European Wolf, at-
tacks cattle, and sometimes men. There are no Wolves
further south on the new continent.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
S19
THE NEW SOUTH WALES WOLF
Has been called a Dog *, but its wild and savage nature
seems strongly to point out its affinity to the Wolf j to
which, in other respedls, it bears a great resemblance.
It neither barks nor growls ; but when vexed, erefls the
hairs of its whole body like bristles, and appears extreme-
ly furious. It is fond of Rabbits and poultry, which it
eagerly devours raw ; but will not touch dressed meat.
One of them, sent to this country from Botany Bay,
was extremely nimble *, and so fierce, as to seize on every
animal it saw. If not restrained, it would have run
down Deer and Sheep : an Ass had also nearly fallen a
vi6Hm to its fury.
Its height is rather less than two feet j the length two
feet and a half : it is formed much like a Wolf ; its ears
short and ere£l, and its tail long and bushy ; the general
colour is a pale brown, lighter on the belly ; the feet and
inside of the legs are white-
320
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
•\
THE JACKAL.
{^Canis Aureus^ Lin. — Le Chacal^ Buff.)
We beg leave to make our acknowledgments to Mr
Pennant for the drawing of this animal, which he assures
us was drawn from the life ; and we doubt not, there-
fore, its being a faithful representation.
The species of the Jackal is diffused, with some varie-
ty, through almost every part of Asia ; and is found in
Barbary, and other parts of Africa, as far as the Cape of
Good Hope.
Although it is one of the most numerous of all the
wild animals of the East, there is scarcely any one less
known in Europe, or more confusedly described by na-
tural historians.
They vary in size. Those of the warmest climates are
said to be the largest. They are of a reddish brown co-
lour. The smaller Jackal is about the size of a Fox, and
its colour is a bright yellow.
That the Jackal is nearly allied to the Dog, has been
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. / 321
clearly proved, from a circumstance related by Mr Hun-
ter, of a female Jackal taken on board an East-Indiaman
at Bombay whilst a cub, and being impregnated by a
Dog during the voyage, brought forth six puppies ; one
of which afterwards produced young ones, from an inter-
course with a Dog. From these and other recent fa£ts,
it appears, that the Fox, the Wolf, the Jackal, and the
Dog, may be considered as different species of the same
genus 5 and that the Jackal makes nearer approaches to
the Dog than either the Fox or the Wolf.
Jackals go in packs of forty or fifty, and hunt like
hounds in full cry from evening till morning. They de-
stroy the poultry, and attack the flocks : they roam
through the villages and gardens, and carry off every
thing they can eat : they enter stables, yards, and out-
houses, and devour skins, and every thing that is made
of leather; such as harnessing, boots, shoes. See. No-
thing can escape their rapacity. They will ransack the
repositories of the dead, and greedily devour the most
putrid bodies ; for which reason, in those countries where
they abound, the inhabitants are obliged to make the
graves of a great depth, and secure them with spines, to
prevent the Jackals from raking up the earth with their
feet. They are said to attend caravans, and follow ar-
mies, in hopes of being furnished with a banquet by
disease or battle. They may be considered as the vulture
among quadrupeds ; and like that destructive bird, de-
vour every thing indiscriminately that has once had ani-
mal life. They hide themselves in holes and dens by
day, and seldom appear abroad till the evening, when
they fill the air with the most horrid bowlings, and begin
the chase. The Lion, the Panther, and other beasts of
2 S
322 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
prey that do not follow by the scent, take advantage
of the general consternation^ and follow in silence till
the Jackals have hunted down their prey : they then
devour the fruits of their labours, and leave them only
the remains of the spoil ; whence the Jackal has been
vulgarly called the LMs Providevy as if those two ani-
mals a(Sled in concert, and had formed a plan for their
mutual support.
The Jackal frequently pursues the Gazelle ; and is so
bold as to follow it even into the midst of a town or
village, whither that timid animal frequently flies for
protection, and by that means sometimes escapes.
Sparrman’s description of those he saw at the Cape
differs materially from the accounts we have been able
to coiled from other authors. He says they are about
three feet in length, and their tails little more than a
foot long : the predominant colour is a reddish yellow ;
the legs are of a pale gold colour ; under the belly, and
on the inside of the legs, the colour inclines to white ;
the nose and ears are of a brighter red ; the head, neck,
and back are grey ; the tail is partly grey, and partly of
an umber colour, and black at the tip. He says it re-
sembles the European Fox in form, manners, and disposi-
tion *, and is not known to assemble in packs for the pur-
pose of hunting ; neither is its voracity equal to that
ascribed to it by other naturalists. It is probable it may
have been confounded with the Wild Dog, which is
common at the Cape, and hunts its prey in .packs. It is
very fierce and mischievous, and very destructive to the
flocks of Sheep and Goats in those parts. There are two
kinds of these Dogs, — the one large, and of a reddish
colour j the other less, and browner. They are very
323*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
bold, and wander about night and day in search of prey.
They make a noise somewhat like the cry of our common
Hounds, and hunt with great sagacity, a£ling perfedtly
in concert with each other till the game falls a prey to
the pack. They are said to be always extremely lean,
and very ugly.
M. Buflfon mentions an animal of the Jackal kind by
the name of the Adive ; of which he gives a drawing,
somewhat resembling a small Fox. It is less than the
common Jackal, and is sometimes tamed, and kept in a
domestic state.
2 S 2
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
324f
THE DOG.
The services of this truly valuable creature have been
so eminently useful to the domestic interests of man in
all ages, that to give the history of the Dog would be
little less than to trace mankind back to their original
state of simplicity and freedom, to mark the progress of
civilization through the various changes of the world,
and to follow attentively the gradual advancement of that
order which placed man at the head of the animal world,
and gave him a manifest superiority over every part of
the brute creation.
Let us consider for a moment the state of man without
the aid of this useful domestic : with what arts shall he
oppose the numerous host of foes that surround him on
all sides, seeking every opportunity to encroach upon his
possessions, to destroy his labours, or endanger his per-
sonal safety *, or how shall he bring into subjection such
as are necessary for his well-being ? His utmost vigilance
will not be sufficient to secure him from the rapacity
of one, nor his greatest exertions enable him to over-
come the speed of another. To maintain his indepen-
dence, to insure his safety, and to provide for his sup-
port, it was necessary that some one among the animals
should be brought over to his assistance, whose zeal and
fidelity might be depended on : and where, amidst all
the various orders of animated being, could one be found
so entirely adapted to this purpose ? where could one be
found so bold, so traClable, and so obedient as the Dog I
To confirm the truth of these observations, we need
only turn our attention to the present condition of those
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 325
nations not yet emerged from a state of barbarism, where
the uses of the Dog are but little known or attended to,
and we shall find that they lead a precarious and wretch-
ed life of perpetual warfare with the still more savage in-
habitants of the forest, with which they are obliged to
dispute the possession of their uncultivated fields, and not
unfrequently to divide with them the fruits of their
labours. Hence we may conclude, that the attention of
mankind, in the earliest ages, would be engaged in training
and rendering this animal subservient to the important
purposes of domestic utility j and the result of this art has
been the conquest and peaceable possession of the earth.
Of all animals, the Dog seems most susceptible of
change, and most easily modified by difference of cli-
mate, food, and education ; not only the figure of his
body, but his faculties, habits, and dispositions, vary in a
surprising manner : nothing appears constant in them
but their internal conformation, which is alike in all j in
every other respe£l, they are very dissimilar : they vary
in size, in figure, in the length of the nose and shape of
the head, in the length and direftion of the ears and tail,
in the colour, quality, and quantity of the hair, &c. To
enumerate the different kinds, or mark the discrimina-
tions by which each is distinguished, would be a task as
fruitless as it would be impossible •, to account for this
wonderful variety, or investigate the character of the pri-
mitive stock from which they have sprung, would be
equally vain. Of this only we are certain, that, in every
age. Dogs have been found possessed of qualities most
admirably adapted for the various purposes to which they
have been from time to time applied. We have seen, in
the history of the Cow and the Sheep, that those animals
326 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
which have been long under the management of man,
never preserve the stamp of nature in its original purity.
In wild animals, which still enjoy their natural freedom
from restraint, and have the independent choice of food
and climate, this impression is still faithfully preserved ;
but those which man has subdued, transported from cli-
mate to climate, changed their food, habits, and manner
of living, must necessarily have suffered the greatest alter-
ations in their form ; and as the Dog, of all other do-
mestic animals, is most accustomed to this influence, is
endowed with dispositions the most docile and obedient,
is susceptible of every impression, and submissive to every
restraint, we need not wonder that he should be subject
to the greatest variety. To an attentive observer of the
canine race, it is truly wonderful and curious to observe
the rapid changes and singular combinations of forms,
arising from promiscuous intercourse, which every where
present themselves : they appear in endless succession,
and seem more like the efiedl of whimsical caprice than
the regular and uniform production of Nature, render-
ing every idea of a systematic arrangement dubious and
problematical : but in whatever light we consider the va-
rious mixtures which at present abound, we may fairly
presume, that the services of the shepherd’s Dog would
be first required in maintaining and preserving the su-
periority of man over those animals which were destined
for his support.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
327
THE SHEPHERD’S DOG.
(Cams domesticusy Lin. — Le Chien de Berger^ Buff.)
This useful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns
at the head of the flock ; where he is better heard, and
more attended to, than even the voice of the shepherd.
Safety, order, and discipline, are the fruits of his vigi-
lance and adlivity.
In those large tradls of land which, in many parts of
our island, are solely appropriated to the feeding of
Sheep and other cattle, this sagacious animal is of the
utmost importance. Immense flocks may be seen conti-
nually ranging over those extensive wilds, as far as the
eye can reach, seemingly without controul : their only
guide is the shepherd, attended by his Dog, the constant
companion of his toils : it receives his commands, and is
always prompt to execute them ; it is the watchful guar-
dian of the flock, prevents them from straggling, keeps
them together, and condudls them from one part of their
328 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
pasture to another : it will not suffer any strangers to mix
with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In
driving a number of Sheep to any distant part, a well-
’trained Dog never fails to confine them to the road;
he watches every avenue that leads from it, where he takes
his stand, threatening every delinquent, and pursues the
stragglers, if any should escape, and forces them into
order, without doing them the least injury. If the herds-
man be at any time absent from the flock, he depends
upon his Dog to keep them together ; and as soon aS he
gives the well-known signal, this faithful creature con-
dudls them to his master, though at a considerable dis-
tance.
There is a very remarkable singularity in the feet of
the Shepherd’s Dog, which we have likewise sometimes
observed in those of the Cur and the Spaniel. They have
one, and sometimes two extra toes on the hind feet, though
they seem not to be of much use. They appear to be des-
titute of muscles, and hang dangling at the hind part of
the leg more like an unnatural excrescence than a neces-
sary part of the animal. But the adage, that ‘ Nature
has made nothing in vain,’ ought to corre<T our decision
on their utility, which probably may exist unknown
to us.
This breed of Dogs, at present, appears to be pre-
served, in the greatest purity, in the northern parts of
Scotland ; where its aid is highly necessary in managing
the numerous herds of Sheep bred in those extensive
vdids.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
329
THE CUR DOG
Is a trusty and useful servant to the farmer and grazier ;
and although it is not taken notice of by naturalists as a
distin£l race, yet it is now so generally used, especially
in the North of England, and such great attention is paid
in breeding it, that we cannot help considering it as a
permanent kind. In the north of England, this and the
foregoing are called Coally Dogs.
They are chiefly employed in driving cattle ; in which
way they are extremely useful. They are larger, strong-
er, and fiercer than the Shepherd^s Dog •, and their hair
is smoother and shorter. They are mostly of a black and
white colour ; their ears are half-pricked^; and many
of them are whelped with short tails, which seem as if
they had been cut : these are called ^elf-tailed Dogs,
They bite very keenly ; and as they always make their
attack at the heels, the cattle have no defence against
them ; .in this way, they are more than a match for a
Bull, which they quickly compel to run. Their sagacity
2 T
S30 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
is uncommonly great : they know their master’s fields,
and are singularly attentive to the cattle that are in them.
A good Dog watches, goes his rounds, and if any strange
cattle should happen to appear amongst the herd, al-
though unbidden, he quickly flies at them, and with
keen bites obliges them to depart.
Similar to the Cur, is that which is commonly used in
driving cattle to the slaughter : and as these Dogs have
frequently to go long journies, great strength, as well as
swiftness, is required for that purpose. They are there-
fore generally of a mixed kind, and unite in them the
several qualities of the Shepherd’s Dog, the Cur, the
Mastiff, and the Qreyhound. Thus, by a judicious mix-
ture of different kinds, the services of the Dog are ren-
dered still more various and extensive, and the great pur-,
poses of domestic utility more fully answered.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
331
THE GREENLAND DOG.
[Le Chien de Sibirie^ BufF.)
The savage aspedt and disposition of this Dog seem to
bear some affinity to the rigours of the climate it inha-
bits.
The Pomeranian or Wolf Dog of M. Buffon, the Si-
berian, Lapland, and Iceland Dogs are somewhat similar
to it in the sharpness of their muzzles, in their long shag-
gy hair, and bushy curling tails. The principal differ-
ence is in their size. ' Though much larger, they all of
them have some resemblance to the Shepherd’s Dog.
Most of the Greenland Dogs are white ; but some are
spotted, and some black. They may rather be said to
howl than bark. The Greenlanders sometimes eat their
flesh : they make garments of their skins, and use them
in drawing sledges 5 to which they yoke them, four, five^
2 T 2
I
332 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and sometimes six together.* The Dogs of Kamschatka
are commonly black or white. They are strong, nimble,
and active, and are very useful in drawing sledges, the
only method of travelling in that dreary country during
the winter. They travel with great expedition. Captain
King relates, that, during his stay there, a courier, with
dispatches, drawn by them, performed a journey of 270
miles in less than four days.
The sledges are usually drawn by five Dogs, four of
them yoked two and two abreast : the foremost a6ls as a
leader to the rest. The reins being fastened to a collar
round the leading Dog’s neck, are of little use in dire6t-
ing the pack ; the driver depending chiefly upon their
obedience to his voice, with which he animates them to
proceed. Great care and attention are consequently used
in training up those for leaders, which are more valuable
according to their steadiness and docility ; the sum of
forty roubles, or nine pounds, being no unusual price for
one of them. The rider has a crooked stick, answering
the purpose of both whip and reins *, with which, by
striking on the snow, he regulates the speed of the Dogs,
or stops them at his pleasure. When they are inattentive
to their duty, he often chastises them by throwing it at
them. He discovers great dexterity in regaining his stick,
which is the greatest difficulty attending his situation ;
for if he should happen to lose it, the dogs immediately
discover the circumstance, and never fail to set off at
full speed, and continue to run till their strength is ex-
hausted, or till the carriage is overturned, and dashed
to pieces, or hurried down a precipice.
• Five of these Dogs, that had escaped with their trappings, were
found in Greenland, and brought to this country, a few years ago, by
one of our ships in the fishery.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S33
In December, 1784?, a Dog was left by a smuggling
vessel, near Boomer, on the coast of Northumberland.
Finding himself deserted, he began to worry sheep ; and
did so much damage, that he became the terror of the
country within a circuit of about twenty miles. We are
assured, that when he caught a sheep, he bit a hole in
its right side, and after eating the tallow about the kid-
neys, left it : several of them, thus lacerated, were found
alive by the shepherds ; and being taken proper care of,
some of them recovered, and afterwards had lambs.
From his delicacy in this respect, the destruction he
made may in some measure be conceived 5 as it may be
supposed, that the fat of one sheep in a day would hardly
satisfy his hunger. The farmers were so much alarmed
by his depredations, that various means were used for
his destruction. They frequently pursued him with
Hounds, Greyhounds, See, ; but when the Dogs came
up with him, he laid down on his back, as if supplicating
for mercy ; and in this position they never hurt him :
he therefore laid quietly, taking his rest till the hunters
approached, when he made off without being followed
by the Hounds, till they were again excited to the pur-
suit, which always terminated unsuccessfully. It is
worthy of notice, that he was one day pursued from
Howick to upwards of thirty miles distance ; but returned
thither, and killed sheep the same evening. His con-
stant residence, during the day, was upon a rock on the
Hough-hill, near Howick, where he had a view of four
roads that approached it; and in March, 1785, after
many fruitless attempts, he was at last shot there.
334j
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BULL-DOG
Is the fiercest of all the Dog kind, and is probably the
most courageous creature in the world. It is low in sta-
ture, but very strong and muscular. Its nose is short ;
and the under jaw projefts beyond the upper, which
gives it a fierce and unpleasing aspedl. Its courage in
attacking the Bull is well known : its fury in seizing,
and its invincible obstinacy in maintaining its hold, are
truly astonishing. It always aims at the front ; and ge-
nerally fastens upon the lip, the tongue, the eye, or some
part of the face ; where it hangs, in spite of every effort
of the Bull to disengage himself.
The uncommon ardour of these Dogs in fighting will
be best illustrated by the following fa6t, related by an
eye-witness ; which at the same time corroborates, in
some degree, that wonderful account of the Dogs of
Epirus, given by Elian, and quoted by Dr Goldsmith in
the history of the Dog : — ^Some years ago, at a bull-
baiting in the North of England, when that barbarous
custom was very common, a young man, confident of
IJISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 335
the courage of his Dog, laid some trifling wager, that
he would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of
his Dog ; and that, after every amputation, it would at-
tack the Bull. The cruel experiment was tried, and the
Dog continued to seize the Bull as eagerly as if he had
been perfectly whole.
Of late years this inhuman custom of baiting the Bull
has been almost entirely laid aside in the North of Eng-
land j and consequently there are now few of this kind
of Dogs to be seen.
As the Bull-Dog always makes his attack without
barking, it is very dangerous to approach him alone,
without the greatest precaution.
/
336
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE MASTIFF
{Cams MolosstiSy Lin. — Le Dogucy Buff.)
Is much larger and stronger than the Bull-Dog ; its ears
are more pendulous ; its lips are large and loose ; its as-
pect is sullen and grave, and its bark loud and terrific.
He seems every way formed for the important trust of
guarding and securing the valuable property committed
to his care. Houses, gardens, yards, &c. are safe from
depredations whilst in his custody. Confined during the
day, as soon as the gates are locked, he is left to range
at full liberty : he then goes round the premises, exa-
mines every part of them, and by loud barkings gives no-
tice that he is ready to defend his charge.
Dr Caius, in his curious treatise on British Dogs, tells
us, that three of these animals were reckoned a match
for a Bear, and four for a Lion.
' HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 337
We have a curious account, recorded in Stow’s An-
nals, of an engagement between three Mastiffs and a
Lion, in the presence of James the First. One of the
Dogs being put into the den, was soon disabled by the
Lion, which took it by the head and neck, and dragged
it about : another Dog was then let loose, and served in
the same manner : but the third being put in, imme-
diately seized the Lion by the lip, and held him for a
considerable time ; till being severely torn by his claws,
the Dog was obliged to quit its hold; and the Lion,
greatly exhausted in the confli£t, refused to renew the
engagement ; but taking a sudden leap over the Dogs,
fled into the interior part of his den. Two of the Dogs
soon died of their wounds : the last survived, and was
taken great care of by the king’s son ; who said, he
that had fought with the king of beasts, should never af-
ter fight with any inferior creature.”
The Mastifls of Great Britain were noted in the time
of the Roman Emperors, who appointed an officer, whose
sole business it was to breed and send from hence such as
would prove equal to the combats of the amphitheatre.
The following anecdote will shew, that the Mastiff,
conscious of its superior strength, knows how to chastise
the impertinence of an inferior : — A large Dog of this
kind, belonging to the late M. Ridley, Esq. of Heaton,
near Newcastle, being frequently molested by a Mongrel,
and teazed by its continual barking, at last took it up in
his mouth by the back, and with great composure drop-
ped it over the quay into the river, without doing any
farther injury to an enemy so much his inferior.
The Mastiff, in its pure and unmixed state, is now sel-
2 U
338 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
dom to be met with. The generality of Dogs distin-
guished by that name, seem to be compounded of the
Bull-Dog, Danish Mastiff, and the Ban-Dog.
THE BAN-DOG
Is a variety of this fierce tribe, not often to be seen at
present. It is lighter, smaller, more a£live and vigilant,
than the Mastiff, but not so powerful ; its nose is small-
er, and possesses, in some degree, the scent of the
Hound ; its hair is rougher, and generally of a yellowish
grey, streaked with shades of a black or brown colour.
It does not invariably, like the preceding kinds, attack its
adversary in front, but frequently seizes cattle by the
flank. It attacks with eagerness, and its bite is keen
and dangerous.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
SS9
THE DALMATIAN, OR COACH DOG,
(Lf Braque de Bengal y Buff.)
Has been erroneously called the Danish Dog • and by M.
Buffon, the Harrier of Bengal ; but for what reason it is
difficult to ascertain, as its incapacity of scenting is suffi-
cient to destroy all affinity to any Dog employed in the
pursuit of the Hare.
It is common in this country at present, and is fre-
quently kept in genteel houses, as an elegant attendant on
a carriage. We do not, however, admire the cruel prac-
tice of depriving the poor animal of its ears, in order to
encrease its beauty j a practice so general, that we do
not remember ever to have seen one of these Dogs un-
mutilated in that way.
2 U 2
340
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
THE IRISH GREYHOUND
i^Canis Grains HihernicuSy Ray. — Le Matiriy BufF.)
Is the largest of the Dog kind, and its appearance the
most beautiful and majestic. It is only to be found in
Ireland, where it was formerly of great use in clearing
the country from Wolves. It is now extremely rare,
and is kept rather for show than use, being equally un-
serviceable for hunting either the Stag, the Fox, or the
Hare.
These Dogs are about three feet high, generally of a
white or cinnamon colour, and made somewhat like a
Greyhound, but more robust : their aspedt is mild, and
S41
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
their disposition gentle and peaceable : their strength is
so great, that in combat the Mastiff or Bull-Dog is far
from being equal to them. They mostly seize their anta-
gonists by the back, and shake them to death, which
their great size generally enables them to do with ease.
M. Buffon supposes the Great Danish Dog to be only
a variety of the Irish Greyhound. Next to this, in size
and strength, is
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GREYPIOUND,
OR WOLF-DOG,
Which was formerly used by the chieftains of that coun-
try in their grand hunting parties. One of them, which
we saw some years ago, was a large, powerful, fierce-
looking Dog j its ears were pendulous, and its eyes half
hid in the hair *, its body was strong and muscular, and co-
vered with harsh, wirey, reddish hair, mixed with white.
THE GAZEHOUND
Was somewhat similar to the Greyhound ; and, like that
animal, hunted only by the eye. It was formerly in
great repute, but is now unknown to us. It was used in
hunting either the Fox, the Hare, or the Stag. It would
select from the rest the fattest Deer, pursue it by the eye,
and though it should rejoin the herd, would infallibly fix
upon the same, and pursue it till taken.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
342
THE GREYHOUND
{^Canis GraiuSy Lin. — Le Levriery Buff.)
M. Buffon supposes to be the Irish Greyhound, render-
ed thinner and more delicate by the difference of climate
and culture : and whatever errors there may be in the
fanciful arrangements of that ingenious author, there is
an evident similarity of form in all of those just mention-
ed *, particularly in the depth of the chest, in the length
of the legs, and in the smallness of the muzzle.
The Greyhound is the 'fleetest of all Dogs, and can
outrun every animal of the chase *, but as it wants the fa-
culty of scenting, it follows only by the eye. It was for-
merly held in such estimation, as to be considered the pe-
culiar companion of gentlemen; and by the forest laws
of King Canute, it was enacted, that no person under
that degree should presume to keep a Greyhound.
The Small ItaViati Greyhound is not above half the size,
but perfectly similar in form. Its shape is exquisitely
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 343
beautiful and delicate. It is not common in this country,
the climate being too rigorous for the extreme delicacy of
its constitution.
THE LYEMMER,
/
So called from its being led in a thong, and slipped at
the game. Dr Caius informs us, that it hunted both by
the scent and sight *, and, in its form, was between the
Hound and the Greyhound. It is now unknown to us.
THE LURCHER
Is less and shorter than the Greyhound, and its limbs
stronger : its body is covered with a rough coat of hair,
most commonly of a pale yellow colour ; its aspe£l is suh
len, and its habits, whence it derives its name,, are dark
and cunning.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
3U
As this Dog possesses the advantage of a fine scent, it
is often employed in killing Hares and Rabbits in the
night time. When taken to the warren, it steals out
with the utmost precaution, watches and scents the Rab-
bits while they are feeding, and darts upon them without
barking or making the least noise. One of them will
singly make incredible havock in a short time ; and is so
trained as to bring its booty to its master, who waits in
some convenient place to receive it.* They are so de-
structive, and have been so often employed in illicit prac-
tices, that they are now, with great propriety, proscribed,
and the breed is almost extinCt.
Another Dog of this family, formerly in use, but now
only known to us by its name, is
THE TUMBLER;
Which was so called from its cunning manner of taking
Rabbits and other game. It did not run direCtly at
them, but, in a careless and inattentive manner, tum-
bled itself about till it came within reach of its prey,
Avhich it always seized by a sudden spring.
*■ We have seen a Dog and Bitch of this kind in the possession of a
man who had formerly used them for the purpose above described. He
declared, that he could at that time procure in an evening as many
Rabbits with them as he could carry home.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
345
THE TERRIER
Has a most acute smell, is generally an attendant on
every pack of Hounds, and is very expert in forcing
Foxes or other game out of their coverts. It is the de-
termined enemy of all the vermin kind j such as Weasels,
Foumarts, Badgers, Rats, Mice, &c. It is fierce, keen,
and hardy ; and in its encounters with the Badger,
sometimes meets with very severe treatment, which it
\
sustains with great courage and fortitude. A well-train-
ed veteran Dog frequently proves more than a match for
that hard-biting animal.
There are two kinds of Terriers, — the one rough,
short-legged, long-backed, very strong, and most com-
monly of a black or yellowish colour, mixed with white •,
the other is smooth, sleek, and beautifully formed, hav-
ing a shorter body, and more sprightly appearance : it is
generally of a reddish brown colour, or black, with tanned
legs ; and. is similar to the rough Terrier in disposition
and faculties, but inferior in size, strength, and hardi-
2 X
ness.
346
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
THE BEAGLE.
Of those Dogs that are kept for the business of the
chase in this country, the Beagle is the smallest, and is
used only in hunting the Hare. Although far inferior in
point of speed to that animal, it follows by the exquisite-
ness of its scent, and traces her footsteps through all her
various windings with great exactness and perseverance.
Its tones are soft and musical, and add greatly to the
pleasures of the chase.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPiiJDS. 54?
THE HARRIER,
{^Le Braque^ BufF.)
Which chiefly differs from the Beagle in being somewhat
larger, is very nimble and vigorous. It pursues the Hare
with the most impetuous eagerness, and gives her no
time to breathe or double. The most eager sportsmen
generally find it sufficient exercise to keep in with their
speed. They exert their voices with great chearfulness,
and make delightful harmony.
A mixed breed, between this and the large Terrier,
forms a strong, active, and hardy Hound, used in hunt-
ing the Otter. It is rough, wire-haired, thick-quartered,
long-eared, and thin-shouldered.
There is reason to suppose, that the Beagle and the
Harrier must have been introduced into Great Britain
after the Romans became masters of the island j as, be-
2X2
3i8
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
fore that period, the Britons were occupied in clearing
their extensive forests of the various Avild beasts, such as
Wild-Boars, Bears, Wolves, 8cc. with which they abound-
ed j and for that purpose larger and stronger Dogs than
the Harrier or the Beagle would be required.
THE FOX-HOUND.
No country in Europe can boast of Fox-Hounds equal
in swiftness, strength, or agility, to those of Britain ;
where the utmost attention is paid to their breeding,
education, and maintenance. The climate also seems
congenial to their nature ; for it has been said, that when
Hounds of the English breed have been sent into France
or other countries, they quickly degenerate, and in some
degree lose those qualities for which they were originally
so admirable.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 349
In England, the attachment to the chase is in some
measure considered as a trait in the national character ;
consequently, it is not to be wondered at that our Dogs
and Horses should excel all others in that noble diversion.
This propensity appears to be increasing in the nation ;
and no price seems now thought too great for Hounds of
known excellence.*
The Fox-Hounds generally preferred, are tall, light-
made, but strong, and possessed of great courage, speed,
and a£tivity.
The habits and faculties of these Dogs are so generally
known, as to render any description unnecessary.
Dogs of the same kind are also trained to the hunting
of the Stag and other Deer.
The following anecdote affords a proof of their won-
derful spirit in supporting a continuity of exertion : —
<< Many years since, a very large Stag was turned out
of Whinfield Park, in the county of Westmorland, and
pursued by the Hounds till, by fatigue or accident, the
whole pack were thrown out, except two staunch and
favourite Dogs, which continued the chase thS greater
part of the day. The Stag returned to the park from
whence he set out ; and, as his last effort, leaped the
wall, and expired as soon as he had accomplished it.
One of the Hounds pursued to the wall *, but being un-
able to get over it, laid, down, and almost immediately
expired : the other was also found dead at a small dis-
tance.
The length of the chase is uncertain : but as they
were seen at Redkirks, near Annan, in Scotland, distant,
* In 1788, Mr Noel’s pack Was sold to Sir Wm Lowther, Bart, for
1000 guineas.
350 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
by the post-road, about forty-six miles, it is conjectured,
that the circuitous and uneven course they might be sup-
posed to take, would not be less than one hundred and
twenty miles.
“ To commemorate this fa£t, the horns of the Stag,
which were the largest ever seen in that part of the
country, were placed on a tree of a most enormous size,
in the park, (afterwards called the Hart-horn tree) ac-
companied with this inscription : —
“ Hercules kill’d Hart o’ Greece;
“ And Hart o’ Greece kill’d Hercules.”
« The horns have been since removed, and are now
at Julian’s Bower, in the same county.”
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
351
THE OLD ENGLISH HOUND
[Canis SagaXy Lin. — Le Chien couranty BufF.)
Is described by Whitaker, in his History of Manchester,
as the original breed of this island, used by the ancient
Britons in the chase of the larger kinds of game, with
which their country abounded.
This valuable Hound is distinguished by its great size
and strength. Its body is long, its chest deep, its ears
long and sweeping, and the tone of its voice is peculiarly
deep and mellow. From the particular formation of its
organs, or from the extraordinary moisture that always
adheres to its nose and lips, or perhaps from some other
unknown cause, it is endued with the most exquisite
sense of smelling, and can often distinguish the scent an
hour after the lighter Beagles have given it up. Their
352 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
slowness also disposes them to receive the diredlions of
the huntsman : but as they are able to hunt a cold scent,
they are too apt to make it so by their want of speed,
and tedious exadiness.
These Dogs were once common in every part of this
island, and were formerly much larger than at present.
The breed, which has been gradually declining, and
its size studiously diminished by a mixture of other kinds,
in order to increase its speed, is now almost extindl.
It seems to have been accurately described by Shake-
speare, in the following lines.
“ My Hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind,
“ So flew’d, so sanded ; and their heads are hung
“ With ears that sweep away the morning dew ;
“ Crook-knee’d and dew-lapp’d, like Thessalian bulls ;
“ Slow in pursuit ; but match’d in mouth like bells,
“ Each under each
Besides these, there is a variety called the Kihhle-Hound,
produced by a mixture of the Beagle and the Old Eng-
lish 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 mur-
derer had fled, this useful creature would trace him
through 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 whoever de-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 353
nied entrance to one of these Dogs, in pursuit of stolen
goods, should be deemed an accessary,
Blood-Hounds were formerly used in certain districts
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 cer-
tain 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-Hound.
Some few of these Dogs are still kept in the southern
part of the kingdom, and are used in pursuit 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 vidlims.
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 unfortunately lost in cross-
ing those wild and dreary trails.
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 chace : they are commonly of a red-
dish or brown colour. '
A Hound bitch, belonging to the Rivington hunt,
near Bolton, pupped four whelps during a hard chase,
which she carefully covered in a rush aisle, and immedi-
2 Y
S54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ately after joined the pack. Shortly after, she pupped
another, which she carried in her mouth during the re-
mainder of a chase of many miles : after which, she re-
turned to the place where she had dropped the four.
Somerville thus beautifully describes their mode of pur-
suing 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 adlive 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 llst’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 j
“ So exquisitely delicate his sense !”
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
255
THE SPANISH POINTER
{Cams Avicularisy Lin.)
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 be-
ing paid to preserve the breed in its utmost purity.
This Dog is remarkable for the aptness and facility
with which it receives instrudtion. 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 Set-
ting-Dog to the net.
2 Y 2
356
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
THE ENGLISH SETTER
I
Is a hardy, a£Hve, handsome Dog. Its scent is exqui-
site ; and it ranges with great speed and wonderful per-
severance. Its sagacity in discovering the various kinds
of game, and its caution in approaching them, are truly
astonishing. But as the uses of this valuable Dog are so
well known, we will conclude with the following beau-
tiful quotation from Somerville : —
U
<6
a
u
u
(C
ct
a
ic
ec
«
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 erecSt ; from ridge to ridge
Panting he bounds, his quarter’d groui:id 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 instruAive nose upon
The trembling prey.”
I
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 Northumberland. Its
dimensions were as follow : —
From its nose to the end of its tail, it measured six
feet two inches ; the length of its tail, one foot ten
inches ; from one fore foot right over its shoulders to the
other, five feet seven inches ; girt behind the shoulder,
three feet two inches ; round its head over its ears, two
feet 5 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 of fish 5
(
358 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and ate raw trouts, or other small fish, out of the nets.
This breed of Dogs was originally brought from the
country of which they bear the name, where their great
strength and docility render them extremely 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 immediately
to the woods, where they are accustomed to be fed with
dried fish, &c.
The extraordinary sagacity of these Dogs, and their at-
tachment 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 Yarmouth; 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 endeavour-
ed to take it from him. The sagacious animal, as if sen-
sible of the importance of the charge, which in all proba-
bility was delivered to him by his perishing master, at
length leapt fawningly against the breast of a man, who
had attradted 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 at-
tention for every thing that came from the wrecked ves-
sel, seizing them, and endeavouring to bring them to
land.
S59
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The following is another instance of their great doci-r
lity and strength of observation : — A gentleman walking
by the side of the river Tyne, and observing, on the op-
posite 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
560
THE LARGE ROUGH WATER-DOG
{Ccmh Avlarlus Aquaticusy Lin. — Le Grand Barbet^ Buff.)
Is web-footed, swims with great ease, and is used in hunt-
ing 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 likewise useful in taking up birds that
are shot, and drop into the sea.
There is a variety much smaller. They are both re-
markable for their long and shaggy coat, which frequent-
ly incommodes them by growing over their eyes.
1
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 instructions 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 disco-
vering 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.
^ Z
362
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
THE SMALL WATER-SPANIEL
Is similar to the other in form, habits, and disposition *,
and its capacity for receiving instruction is equally good.
With looks of extreme attention and sensibility, it ob-
serves the motions of Its master, and catches the well-
known signal with amazing promptitude.
The various tricks which these Dogs are sometimes
taught to perform, seem more like the effeCt of reasoning
powers, than of undiscerning instinCt.
t
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S63
THE SPRINGER, OR COCKER,
Is lively, aflive, and pleasant ; an unwearied pursuer of
its game j and very expert in raising woodcocks and
snipes from their haunts in woods and marshes, through
which it ranges with 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 compa-
nion of that monarch, who was generally attended by
several of them. It is still preserved as an idle but inno-
cent companion. Its long ears, curled hair, and web-
feet, evidently point out its alliance with the more useful
and adlive kind last mentioned.
Similar to this, but smaller, is the Pyrame-Dog, It is
generally black, with reddish legs j and above each eye is
a spot of the same colour.
Still farther removed, we have the Shock-Dog ; a di-
minutive creature, almost hid in the great quantity of its
hair, which covers it from head to foot.
.2 Z 2
364 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Another variety is the Lion-Dog ,* so called from the
sliaggy hair which covers the head and all the fore part
of the body \ whilst the hinder part is quite smooth, sav-
ing 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-nature4, noisy ; and
does not readily admit the familiarity of strangers.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
365
THE 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 5 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 pre-
sent, however, its services seem but little attended to ;
a more certain method of doing the business of the spit
having superseded the labours of this industrious animal.
THE PUG-DOG,
In 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.
From these, and a mixture of others, proceeds a num-
366 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
berless variety of Messets, Lap-Dogs, 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 hum-
ble 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 negle^l, have been abandoned, and become
wild, when taken home, are easily reclaimed by kindness
and attention : they quickly become familiar, and conti-
nue 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 somewhat like
a Greyhound, have ere£t ears,- are very vigilant, and ex-
cellent 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 j 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 contri-
butions 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 5 and gratefully re-
/
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S67
ceives, as the reward of its services, the scanty pittance
which poverty and wretchedness can bestow.
Dogs will sometimes imitate the actions of their mas-
ters, will open a door that is fastened with a latch, or
pull a bell, where they are desirous of gaining admit-
tance. 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 evi-
dent from the well-known story of the Dog at St Al-
ban’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 soon
returned with a friend, that was much larger and strong-
er than itself ; and both fell upon the aggressor, and pu-
nished 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 j the principal of
which are as follow : — ^The Dog is carnivorous ; its sto-
mach 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 subje£t to the hydrophobia ; its
sense of hearing very quick *, when asleep, is supposed to
dream; goes with young sixty-three days, and brings
368
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
forth from four to eight at one time. It barks at strange
Dogs, snaps at a stone thrown at it, howls at certain mu-
sical notes j 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 which 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 resem-
ble the Dog, and the female the Bitch ; or that it is a
character common to the whole species, that the tail al-
ways 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
shew, that too much caution cannot be used in forming
general characters or systematic arrangements ; and we
leave it to the experience of the most inattentive observer
to detect such palpable absurdities.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
S69
THE HARE.
(Lepus timidusy Lin. — Le Lievre, Buff.)
This harmless and inoffensive animal, destitute of eve-
ry means of defence, and surrounded on all sides by its
enemies, ’would soon be utterly extirpated, if Nature,
ever kind and provident, had not endowed it with facul-
ties, by which it is frequently enabled to evade their pur-
suit.
Fearful of every danger, and attentive to every alarm,
the Hare is continually upon the watch ; and being pro-
vided with very long ears, moveable at pleasure, and
easily directed to every quarter, is warned of the most
distant approaches of danger. Its eyes are large and pro-
minent, adapted to receive 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 pursuer^ far behind. The hind are much
longer than the fore legs, and are furnished with strong
S A
370 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
muscles, which give the Hare a singular advantage in
running up a hill : sensible of its powers in this re^
spe6l, it is always observed to fly towards rising ground
when first started.
Thus formed for escape, the Hare might be supposed
to enjoy a state of tolerable security ; but as every rapa-
cious creature is its enemy, it is seldom permitted to live
out its natural term. Dogs and Foxes pursue it by in-
stindl ^ Wild-Cats, and W easels of all kinds, catch and
devour it *, birds of prey are still more dangerous ene-
mies ; 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 ingenuity has
suggested to circumvent this persecuted creature, we
would willingly omit the notable achievements and gal-
lant exploits of the chase ; which, to a cool and dispas-
sionate observer, seem to demand a nobler game.
“ Poor is the triumph o’er the timid Hare.”
Another remarkable means of safety to tho 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 co-
lour, and become perfectly white during winter, which
renders them less conspicuous in the snow. Some rare
instances occur, 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S7I
days, and generally brings forth three or four at a litter.
The rutting season begins in February.
During the day, 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 instin<fl that direcSts 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 : — Fouilloux 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 sheepfold,
and lie down among the Sheep ; and some have efFedled
their escape by mounting an old wall, and clapping them-*
selves 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 an-*
nually imported from Russia.
The Hare was reckoned a great delicacy among the
Romans, but was forbidden to the Jews, and held sa-*
cred among the ancient Britons, who religiously abstain-*
ed from eating it. We are told, that Boadicea, immedi-
S A 2
372 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ately before her last conflidl with the Romans, let loose
a Hare she had concealed 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 ALPINE 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 Scotland,
Norway, Lapland, 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 Sep-
tember, 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 herbage. It lives
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. .873
in the crevices of rocks, and sometimes 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 to-
gether, and colle£l vast quantities of the finest herbs,
which, when dried, they form into pointed ricks of va-
rious sizes ; some of them four or five feet in height, and
of proportionable bulk. These they place under the shel-
ter of an overhanging rock, or pile round the trunks of
trees. By this means, these industrious little animals lay
up a stock of winter food, and wisely provide against the
rigours of those stormy regions ; otherwise, being pre-
vented by the depth of the snow from quitting their re-
treats in quest of food, they must all inevitably perish.
✓
)
S7i< HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE RABBIT.
{^Lepus CuniculuSi Lin. — Le Lapin, BufF.)
Notwithstanding the great similarity between the
Hare and the Rabbit, Nature has placed an inseparable
bar between them, in not allowing them to intermix, to
which they mutually discover the most extreme aversion.
Besides this, there 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 numbef of 1,2 74,840 : so that, if frequent re-
dudlions were not made in various ways, there is reason
to apprehend they would soon exceed the means of their
support, and over-run the face of the country. But as
their increase is great, so is the number of their enemies 5
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 375
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 in-
habitants were obliged to pi-ocure 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
with down, which she pulls off her own coat. She never
leaves her young but when pressed with hunger, and re-
turns 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 co-
vers up the mouth of the hole, that her retreat may not
be discovered.
It lives to the age of eight or nine years, and prefers
warm and temperate climates. Pliny and Aristotle men-
tion 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
only be reared 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 no-
ted for the production of them.
The flesh of the Rabbit, as well as the Hare, was for-
bidden to the Jews and the Mahometans.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
370
THE DOMESTIC RABBIT
Is of various colours — white, brown, black, and varie-
gated. 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 j but sweet
short hay, with 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.
Mr Pennant describes a remarkable variety under the
name of the Hooded Rabbit, which has a double skin over
its back, into which it can withdraw its head : it like-
wise conceals its fore legs in a part which falls down un-
der 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 India
islands, which have originated from a stock carried thi-
ther from Europe.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
377
THE GUINEA-PIG, OR RESTLESS CAVY.
{Mus Porcellus, Lin. — Le Cochon d^Inde^ BufF.)
This little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives
and propagates in temperate, and even in cold climates,
when protedled from the inclemency of the seasons.
Great numbers are kept in a domestic state, but for what
purpose can hardly be determined. 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 de-
voured the moment they are brought forth, without mak-
ing 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 resist-
ance. They pass their whole lives in sleeping, eating,
and in the propagation of their species. They are by
nature gentle and tame j they do no mischief, but seem
to be equally incapable of good. Rats are said to avoid
the places where they reside.
3 B
S7S
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 j 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 grunting 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 would be innumerable, if many of them
were not taken off by various means : some are killed by
Cats, others by the males, and more, both young and
old, perish by the severity of the climate, and want of
proper care.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
379
THE^^SPOTTED CAVY
(Mus Paca^ Lin. — Le 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 diredlions from its throat to its
rump ; those on the upper part of the body are perfedtly
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, im-
mediately under the eye, it has a remarkably deep slit or
furrow, 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 j it has no tail.
3 B 2
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 aukwardness ; sits frequently 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 al-
most every kind of vegetable.
When pursued, it takes to the water, and escapes by
diving. If attacked by dogs, it makes a vigorous de-
fence.
Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the natives of
Brazil.
W e have been minute in our description of this curi-
ous 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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 381
THE CAPIBARA
[Sus Hydrocharus, Lin. — Le Cabiaty Buff.)
Is a native of South- America, and lives on the banks of
great rivers, such as the Oronoque, Amazons, and Rio
de la Plata ; swims and dives remarkably 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 animal.
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 grind-
ers forms on its surface what appears to be three teeth,
flat at their ends ; the legs are short ; the toes long, and
382 HISTOjR.Y OF QUADRUPEDS.
conne£led at the bottom with a small web j 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 follow
those who feed it and treat it kindly.
As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar construc-
tion of its feet, its safety consists not in flight : nature
has provided it with other means of preservation : when
in danger, it plunges into the water, and dives to a great
distance.
THE AGOUTI, OR LONG-NOSED CAVY,
{Cavia Aguti^ Lin. — U Agouti ^ 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 conceals the re-
mainder. It eats fruits, roots, nuts, and almost every
kind of vegetable ; is hunted with Dogs ; runs fast, and
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S8S
its motions are like those of a Hare. Its flesh, which re-
sembles that of a Rabbit, is eaten by the inhabitants of
South America.
Great numbers of them are' found in Guiana and Bra-
zil. 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 gnmting of a Pig.
THE AKOUCHI
Seems to be a variety of the Agouti ; and though some-
what less, is nearly of the same form, but its tail' is
longer. It inhabits the same countries, is of an olive co-
lour ; 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
[U Apereay BufF.)
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 has
no tail. It moves like the Hare, its fore legs being short-
er than the hind. It has four toes on the fore feet, and
only three on the hind. Its flesh is like that of the Rab-
bit ; and its manner of living is also very similar.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
385
THE SQUIRREL.
[^ciurus Vulgaris^ Lin. — U Ecureuil, BufF.)
This beautiful little animal is equally admirable for
the neatness and elegance of its formation, as for its live-
liness and adlivity. Its disposition is gentle and harm-
less. Though naturally wild, it is soon familiarised to
confinement and restraint ; and though excessively ti-
mid, it is easily taught to receive 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 seldom descends
upon the ground, but leaps from tree to tree with great
agility.
Its food consists of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, &c. ;
of which it accumulates great stores for winter provi-
sion, and secures them carefully near its nest. In the
summer it feeds on buds and young shoots, and is parti-
cularly fond of the cones of the fir and pine trees.
3 C
386
HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS.
The spring is the season of love with Squirrels. At
that time the males pursue the females, and exhibit won-
derful proofs of agility j 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 co-
quets, feign an escape, by way 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 orna-
mented 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 pro-
ject on each side like whiskers. When it eats, it sits
ere<Sl, 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 appli-
cation of it, which would seem altogether improbable,
were we not assured of it by Linnaeus and other natural-
ists : — In attempting to cross a lake or river, the Squirrel
places itself upon a piece of bark ; and ere£ling 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
Of the Squirrel there are several varieties ; some of
which are to be found in almost every country ; but they
chiefly abound in northern and temperate climates.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
387
THE GREY SQUIRREL
{Sciurus CimreuSf.lAn, — Le Petit Grisy Buff.)
Is about the size of a young Rabbit : its ears are short,
and not tufted at the ends j its hair is grey, mixed with
black*, on each side there is a red streak, which runs
lengthwise 5 its tail is long and bushy, of a grey colour,
variegated with black and white. It is common to both
continents. In Sweden and other northern countries, it
changes its colour in the winter.
It is very numerous in North America, and does incre-
dible 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 ;
3 C 2
388
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and such numbers were destroyed in one year, that Pen-
sylvania alone paid in rewards the sum of 8G001. of its
currency.
It makes its nest in hollow trees, with moss, straw,
wool, &c. It lays up stores of provisions in holes made
in the ground, for its winter 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 oi petiUgris ,
THE BLACK SQUIRREL
(Sdurus Niger y Lin. — UEcureuil noivy Buff.)
Is about the same size and form with the last y 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 Ame-
rica, and Mexico.
In the latter country, there is a variety with plain
round ears, the upper part of the body variegated with
black, white, and brown. It is twice the 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 Coqualltn of M. Buffon.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S89
)
THE DORMOUSE, OR GROUND SQUIRREL,
{^Sciurus StriatuSy Lin- — Le Suisse y 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 branch-
es from the principal passage, each of which is termi-
nated by a store-house, in which its winter food is depo-
sited : in one is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a
third maize, and in another chesnuts, which are its fa-
vourite food.
These animals seldom stir out during winter, nor so
long as their provisions last : when those fail, they some-
times 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
S90
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
great 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 j its
nose and feet of a pale red colour ; its eyes full and lively.
It is very wild, bites severely, and is tamed with diffi-
cultv. 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 j and
the tail, which is dusky and barred wish black, is not so
long, nor so fulLof hair, as that of the common kind.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
391
THE BARBARY SQUIRREL
[Sciurus GetuluSy Lin. — Le Barbaresque y BufF.)
Is of an ash colour, inclining to red ; each side is beau-
tifully marked with two white stripes, running length-
wise ; its belly is white ; its tail bushy, and variegated
with regular shades of black, one beneath the other ; its
eyes are full and black, with white orbits. It is about
the size of the common Squirrel.
THE PALM SQUIRREL
(Sciurus Palmarumy Lin. — Le Palmistey 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
392
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS*
on its back like that of the Squirrel, but is carried erefl.
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
(Saun/s Glis, Lin. — Le Loir,' BulF.)
Is found in France and the southern parts of Europe.
Its body is covered with soft hair, of an ash colour j 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 the hollows of trees.
It remains in a torpid state during the winter, and grows
very fat.
It was considered as a great delicacy among the Ro-
mans, who had places construdled on purpose to keep
and feed them in, which they called gliraria,
THE GREATER DORMOUSE, OR GARDEN
SQUIRREL,
{JVLus Qjuercinus, Lin. — Le Lerot, BufF.)
Is rather less than the last-mentioned. Its eyes are sur-
rounded 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.
It is common in the South of Europe, infests gardens,
is particularly fond of peaches, and very destructive of all
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S93
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.
THE LESSER DORMOUSE
(JHus Avellanariusy Lin. — Le Muscardiriy 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 re-
tires at the approach of cold weather to its retreat ;
where it rolls itself up in a warm nest, made of soft
moss, &c. and remains in a torpid state during the con-
tinuance of winter. The warmth of a sunny day, or a
temporary change from cold to heat, will sometimes re-
vive it j but after taking a little food, it soon relapses in*
to its former state.
394^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE FLYING SQUIRREL
(Sciurus V clans ^ Lin. — Le Poulatouchcy Buff.)
Is peculiarly distinguished by a membranous continual
tion 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 adl of leaping, the loose skin is stretched out by
the feet ; whereby the surface of the body is augmented,
the animal becomes lighter in proportion to its bulk, the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S95
acceleration of its fall is retarded^ 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
Sc^JiRREL, which perfectly resembles the other in fi-
gure, and in the form of its lateral membrane. 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 gradually 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 5 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 membrane 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 reddish colour above,
and of a yellowish ash beneath. It is a rare species, not
much noticed by naturalists.
S D 2
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 Squir-
rel : 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.
[Mus Jaculus, Lin. — Le Jerhoy BufF.)
This animal, remarkable for the singular constru^Iion.
of its legs, is found in Egypt, Barbary, and Palestine.
It is somewhat less than a Rat : its head has a great re-
semblance to that of a Rabbit ; its eyes are large and
full *, the fore legs are only one inch in length, and are
used as hands to convey victuals to its mouth j 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
398 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Kanguroo. It goes forward very nimbly on its hind feet,
taking leaps of five or six feet from the ground.
It is a lively, harmless animal, lives entirely on vegeta-
bles, and burrows in the ground like a Rabbit.
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 men-
tioned in Isaiah * j Achhar, 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 Mouse of the ancients, which were said
to walk on their hind legs.
It makes its nest of the finest and most delicate her-
bage j rolls itself up, with its head between its thighs \
and sleeps during the winter, without taking any nutri-
ment.
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, where 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 lower part touching
the ground.
Chap. Ixvi. ver. 1 7,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
S99
THE MARMOT
{M.US Marmotay Lin. — La MarmottCy 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 these 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 likewise agrees in the number and form
of its teeth and claws ; in other respedls, it is no way
similar to either of those kinds j and is still farther sepa-
rated from them by habitudes which seem peculiar to it-
self, and distinguish it from almost every other species of
quadrupeds.
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 brown-
ish ash colour ; and that on the belly reddish, soft, and
bushy. Its voice resembles the murmuring of a young
400 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
puppy : when irritated, or frightened, it makes a whis-
tling noise, very loud and piercing.
It feeds on inserts, roots, and vegetables 5 but when
tamed, is remarkably fond of milk and butter. It lives
in holes, formed with great art in the side of a moun-
tain. There are two entrances to each ; and the cham-
ber to which they lead is deep and spacious : the bottom
is lined with moss and hay, of which these provident ani-
mals 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 effedlually, that no discovery
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 perfect-
ly secure from the storm that rages without ; till the
cheering influence of the sun again calls them out to re-
new their exhausted strength, to propagate their kind,
and provide for their future retreat. The torpid state
lasts from about Michaelmas till April. They go in ex-
tremely fat, but gradually waste j and at the end of their
long sleep, they appear lean and extremely emaciated.
The Marmot produces once a year, and the litter ge-
nerally consists of three or four.
When a number of them are feeding together, they
place one as a centinel, which makes a whistling noise on
the least appearance of interruption j and the party im-
mediately 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 various
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 401
gestures : it will obey the voice of its master. Like the
Cat, it has an antipathy to Dogs, which it attacks fierce-
ly upon the least irritation. It is very apt to gnaw linen
or woollen 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 attended
with a disagreeable odour.
3 E
402
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE MONAX
{^Mus Monaxy Lin. — Glis Marmotay 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, and in form and colour re-
sembles the Musk-Rat : its tail is short and rough ; its
ribs 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
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. 40S
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 Hudson’s Bay and Canada.
One of them, exhibited in London some years ago,
was perfectly tame.
Mr Pennant supposes it to be the species called the
SiFFLEUR by the French of Canada.
3 E 2
404
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
{^Mus Cricetus, Lin. — Le Hamster, BufF.)
Although the qualities of this animal are sufficiently
noxious to render it an objedl of universal detestation in
those countries where it abounds ; yet, when considered
with regard to those instindts which conduce to its own
preservation and support, it well deserves our highest ad-
miration.
Its habitation is curious, and construdled 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 diredfion, at the end of
which the male sinks a perpendicular hole, which ffie re-
serves 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 contain provisions, of which great quantities
are always accumulated during the time of harvest. They
begin to lay in their stores in August. To 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
405
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
on their return to their holes, empty them, by pressing
their two fore feet against their cheeks. The quantity
of provision 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 perfedl
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,
whilst the hind ones rest upon the muzzle : its eyes are
shut, every member perfectly stiff, and sensation so to-
tally suspended, that neither respiration nor any other
sign of life can be perceived. When disse£led in this
situation, the heart may be seen alternately contradting
and dilating very slowly ; the fat appears to be coagu-
lated *, and the intestines are quite cold. During this
operation, the animal seems to feel very little : it some-
times opens its mouth, as if it wanted to respire ; but
the lethargy is too strong to admit of its entirely awak-
ing.
They copulate about the end of April, when the males
enter the apartments of the females, but remain only a
few days. If two males happen to meet in the same
hole, a furious combat ensues, which generally termi-
nates in the death of the weaker.
406
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 occa-
sions attack and devour each other, is so great, as to be
the happy means of preventing the ill effedls of their fe-
cundity.
It is not only its own species to which the fury of the
Hamster is directed : he attacks and devours every ani-
mal, without distin£lion, 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 disen-
The Hamster is about the size of a large Water-Rat j
has a short tail, almost naked : its head and back are of
a reddish brown colour, not unlike that of a Hare j 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 j on which account it is held in
high estimation.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
407
THE SOUSLIK
{Mus Citellus^ Lin. — Le Sousliky 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 burrows in the
ground like a Rabbit, and lays in store of provisions, con-
sisting 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 fe-
male brings forth from two to five at one time.
^THE EARLESS MARMOT,
[Le Zisely 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 Sibe-
ria. It forms its hole in the ground, with a double en-
trance 5 and sleeps during the winter in the centre of its
408 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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
I^larmot,
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 drawing of
'this animal, which has hitherto been undescribed. In
the form of its body, it seems to agree with the descrip-
tion given of the Zisel, and probably may be a variety of
that animal.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
409
THE LAPLAND MARMOT.
[M.US LemmuSy Lin. — Le Leming^ BufF.)
This wonderful little animal is found only in the nor-
thern parts of Europe and Asia ; and is sometimes seen
in immense numbers, overspreading large trails of coun-
try, in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland. But as its ap-
pearance is at very uncertain 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 regular lines, about three feet asun-
der, and generally in a south-east direflion : 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 at-
tempt. Their march is mostly in the night. They rest
3 F
410 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
during the day, and devour every root and vegetable they
meet with. They infedl 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 uninhabit-
able, did it not fortunately happen, that the same rapa-
city that excites them to lay waste the productions of the
earth, at last impels them to destroy each other. Hav-
ing nothing more to subsist on, they are said to separate
into two armies, which engage with the most deadly ha-
tred, and continue fighting and devouring each other till
they are all entirely destroyed. Thousands of them have
been found dead ; and the air, infeCled by their putrid
carcases, has sometimes been the occasion of malignant
distempers. Great numbers of them are likewise de-
stroyed 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 perfeCUy disgusting to every other people, its
flesh is said to be eaten by the Laplanders.
Where these emigrants are collected, as was before
observed, is not certainly known. Linnseus says, they
are produced among the Norwegian and Lapland Alps j
and Pontoppidan supposes, that Kolen’s Rock, which di-
vides Nordland from Sweden, is their native place.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
411
THE RAT,
[Mus Rattusy Lin. — Le Rat^ BuiF.)
Though small, weak, and contemptible in its appear-
ance, possesses properties which render it a more formi-
dable enemy to mankind, and more injurious to the in-
terests 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 effeCls 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 Raty which was formerly universal here, but is
now very rarely seen, having been almost extirpated by
the large brown kind, generally distinguished 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 ex-
terminate it. It is about nine inches long; of a light
brown colour, mixed with tawny and ash ; the throat
and belly are of a dirty white, inclining to grey ; its feet
3 F 2
412 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
are naked, and of a pale flesh colour •, the tail is as long
as the body, covered with minute dusky scales, thinly in-
terspersed 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 content 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 assailant. 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 numbers would
soon increase beyond all power of restraint, 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 fadf in the history of these animals,
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 completely inverted, even to
the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed,
it would be difficult to ascertain *, but it appears to be ef-
fected in some peculiar mode of eating out the contents.
Besides the numbers that perish in these unnatural con-«
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
413
fli£ls, they have many fierce and inveterate 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 effe£ts 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 adversary. Mankind have likewise con^
trived 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, notwithstanding 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 propor-
tion of oil of rhodium and musk, has been found from
experience to be very effeClual.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
411
THE WATER-RAT
[Mus Amphibiusy Lin. — Le Rat d*eaUy BuiF.)
Is somewhat smaller than the former ; 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 low-
er incisors measured sopiewhat 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.
415
THE MUSK-RAT OF CANADA
(Castor Zibethicus, Lin. — U Ondatra y 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 respeCls 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, composed of herbs and rushes, cemented
with clay, forming a dome-like covering : from these
are several passages, in different directions, by which
they go out in quest of roots and other food. The
hunters take them in the spring, by opening their holes.
416 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 perfedlly unpalateable.
THE MUSCOVY MUSK-RAT
[Castor Mos chains y Lin. — Dasmarty Buff.)
Is about the size of the common Rat : its nose is long
and slender, like that of the Shrew-Mouse ; it has no ex-
ternal ears, and its eyes are very small ; the tail is com-
pressed 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 small fishes. It is often
devoured by pikes and other fishes ; to which it commu-
nicates so strong a flavour of musk, as renders them very
unpleasant to the taste.
From its tail is extradled a kind of musk, very much
resembling the genuine sort. Their skins are frequently
laid amongst cloaths^to preserve them from moths. In
Lapland it is called the Desman,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
417
THE BEAVER
[Castor Fiber y Lin. — Le Bievre, BufF.)
Is the most industrious of animals. Its labours seem
the result of a social compact, formed for mutual conve-
nience, preservation, and support \ and as in all well-re-
gulated societies, a due subordination is necessary for the
well-ordering and conducing each individual effort to the
advantage of the whole ; so amongst these curious ani-
mals we find that, in forming their habitations, all have
their proper part of the work assigned to them, that, by
dividing their labours, safety, stability, and expedition
may be the general efFeifl. For this purpose, a communi-
ty of two or three hundred assemble together : an over-
seer is chosen, whose orders are pun£hially obeyed ; and
by striking the water smartly with his tail, he gives the
signal where the united force of numbers is necessary to
be applied, in order to strengthen and support the fabric ;
or, at the approach of an enemy, to apprize the society
3 G
418
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
of their danger. As soon as a convenient place is chosen
for the eredlion of their buildingj, which is generally a le-
vel piece of ground, with a small rivulet running through
it, they divide into companies : some are employed in
cutting down trees of great size, which is done by gnaw-
ing them with their teeth : these they lay across the dam
with surprising labour and perseverance, or form into
piles, which others roll down to the water, where they
make holes at the bottom for receiving the ends, and
placing them upright, secure them in that position ;
whilst another party is engaged in colle£ling twigs, inter-
weaving and twisting them with the piles, and thereby
strengthening the work : some collect large quantities of
earth, stones, clay, and other solid materials, which they
dispose of on the upper side of the piles next the stream,
forming a mound ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom,
tapering gradually upwards, and capable of sustaining a
considerable weight of water. The length of the dam,
occasioned by this means, is sometimes not less than one
hundred feet. Plaving completed the mole, their next
care is to erect their apartments, which are built on
piles : they are of a circular form, and generally consist
of three stories, about eight feet high above the water :
the first lies below the level of the dam, and is generally
full of water ; the other two are above it. The walls are
two feet in thickness, neatly plastered with clay on the
inside, which is arched like an oven, and at the top re-
sembles a dome. In each house there is one opening to-
ward the water, to which the animal has always access,
in case of surprise. The number of houses in one of
these dams is from ten to twenty-five : some of them
large enough to contain a family of twenty or thirty
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 419
Beavers, Each Beaver forms its bed of moss, and each
family lays in its magazine of winter provisions, which
consists of bark and boughs of trees : they pile up the
latter with great ingenuity and regularity, and draw it
out to their apartments as their wants require. They are
said to be fondest of the sassafras, ash, and sweet gum.
During summer, they feed on leaves, fruits, and some-
times crabs or cray-fish ; but fish is not their favourite
food. Their time of building is early in the summer.
In winter, they never go farther than to their provision
stores *, and during that season are very fat.
They breed once a year, and bring forth two or three
at a birth.
Beavers are found chiefly in the northern parts of Eu-
rope, Asia, and America j particularly the latter, from
whence many thousands of their skins are annually
brought into Europe. In 1763, the Hudson’s Bay com-
pany sold 64,670 Beaver skins at one sale. They vary
in colour. The most valuable are black : but the general
colour is a chesnut brown, more or less dark. Some
■liave been found entirely white, others spotted ; but both
these kinds are very rare.
The Beaver is remarkable for the size and strength of
its cutting-teeth, which enable it to gnaw down trees of
great magnitude, with ease. Its ears are short, and almost
hid in the fur ; its nose blunt ; tail broad and flat, nearly
of an oval form, and covered with scales 5 it serves not
only as a rudder to direft its motions in the water, but
as a most useful instrument for laying on the clay, press-
ing it into the crevices, and smoothing the outward co-
vering ; its fore feet are small, and not unlike those of a
p.at 5 the hind feet are large and strong, with membranes
3 G 2
420 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
between each toe ; its length, from nose to tail, is about
three feet ; the tail is eleven inches long, and three
broad.
The castor produced from 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 reducible
to a powder, which is oily, of a sharp bitter taste, and
a strong disagreeable smell. These bags are found indif-
ferently in males and females, and were formerly sup-
posed to be the animaPs testicles, which, when pursued,
it was said to bite off, and by that means escape with its
life.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 421
THE MOUSE.
(Afus Mus cuius ^ Lin. — Le Souris, 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 extinction 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 in-
crease 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.
The Mouse, when viewed without the disgust and ap-
prehension which usually accompany the sight of it, is a
beautiful little animal : its skin is sleek and soft, its eyes
4-22
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
bright and lively, all its limbs are formed with exquisite
delicacy, and its motions are smart and a£live.
Some few of this species are of a pure white colour ;
but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an acci-
dental variety, cannot well be determined. Its appear-
ance isj 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 Sylvaticusy Lin. — Le Muloty BufF.)
Is rather larger than the common Mouse, and very simi-
lar 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 generally forms its nest near the root of a tree or
thick bush. If provisions fail during a storm, they de-
vour each other 5 are very prolific, and bring nine or ten
young at a time.
Mr Pennant mentions a species, found in Hampshire,
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 423
only 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 be-
tween the straws of the standing corn, and are generally
about eight in number each time.
THE SPIORT-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 fre-
quents the fields and woods, but is seldom troublesome
in gardens : it also lives on the same kinds of food, which
it hides in holes under ground. It makes its nest in
moist meadows, and brings forth seven or eight young
at a time.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SHREW-MOUSE
[Sorex AratieuS) Lin. — La Musaraigncy BufF.)
Is smaller than the common Mouse, being only two inch-
es 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 concealed in the fur. It is of a red-
dish brown colour j the belly wdiite. The two upper
fore teeth of this animal are singularly construdled, and
deserve particular 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 inserts, corn, and putrid substances ;
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
vounof at a time
J O
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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
425
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 ob-
served there till about twenty years ago. It is called, in
that county, the Blind Mouse,
426
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE DWARF-MOUSE
Is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, where it was dis-
covered, and first described, by Sparrman. It is distin-
guished 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 quadruped 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.
\
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 427
THE MOLE.
{Talpa Eur opens y Lin. — La Taupe ^ BufF.)
This animal, destined to seek its food and provide for
its subsistence under the surface of the earth, is wonder-
fully adapted, by the all-wise Author of Nature, to its pe-
culiar 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 de-
gree of vision would be attended with manifest , inconve-
niences, as well as liable to continual 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 plea-
sure. Its eyes are extremely small, and perfectly hid in
the fur.
3 H 2
4^8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 con-
cave 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 sur-
face 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 quantity of worms
and inseCls, on which it feeds.
/
The female brings forth in the spring, and generally
produces four or five at a time. The young are quite
naked, and continue so till they are grown to a consider-
able size. It makes its nest a little below the surface of
the ground, forming a commodious apartment, where it
prepares a warm bed of moss and herbage : from this
there are several passages 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 mea-
dows, grass lands, and cultivated grounds. Its destruc-
tion is consequently an objeCl of importance to farmers,
gardeners, &c.
The skin of the Mole is extremely tough *, its fur short,
close set, and softer than the finest velvet, or perhaps the
fur of any other animal.
HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS.
429
THE RADIATED MOLE
{Sorex Cristatus, Lin.)
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 diredlions.
There is a kind, found in Siberia, with a very short
nose, and no tail. It is of a beautiful green and gold co-
lour, variable with the light.
There are some other varieties, that differ chiefly in
the colour of the hair *, such as the Tellow Mole of North
America, which is larger than the European. Its hair is
, soft, and of a silky gloss.
That which is found in Virginia, resembles the com-
mon 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.
V
430
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE OPOSSUM. ^
\Didelphis^^ Lin. — U Opossum^ BufF.)
This animal is found in great numbers in various parts
of North and South America, and was supposed by Buf-
fon to belong entirely to the new continent. We are
now, however, assured, that it exists in many of the In-
dian 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 Pen-
nant, 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
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
431
and scaly, except a small part near the body, which is
covered with hair ; its legs are short y and its feet or
hands not unlike those of a Monkey, having five toes or
fingers on each 5 the thumbs on the hind feet are desti-
tute of nails. But the peculiar and distinguishing cha-
racteristic 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 provide for themselves.
The Chevalier d’Aboville, whilst in America, during
the late war, in order to be satisfied respecting 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 was before, and its orifice thicker : from that
time it gradually grew closer, leaving only a small open-
ing 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 ap-
peared 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 suc-
ion, 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.
432 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 sur-
prises the birds that come within its reach. It frequent-
ly hangs suspended by its tail, and in that situation,
watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agi-
lity.
By means of this tail, the Opossum flings itself from
one tree to another. It feeds on birds, reptiles, inserts,
roots, leaves, and the bark of trees. It is easily tamed,
is neither mischievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is dis-
agreeable, and the odour that exhales from its skin rank
and disgusting.
THE MURINE OPOSSUM
{I)idelphis Murina^ Lin. — La Marmose^ BufF.)
Inhabits the warmest parts of South America. It re-
sembles the former, but is much less. Its food and man-
ner 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 se-
cured. When first produced,' they are not larger than
beans, and remain closely attached to the teat till they
attain sufficient growth and strength to provide for them-
selves.
HISTORY OF QjCJADRUPEDS,
433
THE MEXICAN OPOSSUM
Differs little from the preceding either in size or form.
It is found in the mountainous parts of New Spain, lives
in trees. Its tail is useful in twisting round the branch-
es, 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.
434
HISTORY OR OUADRUPEDi>!.
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 hitherto mentioned, in having the
first and second toes of the hind feet closely united ; its
claws are large ; tail long, very broad and thick at its
jundlion with the body, and naked at the end. It inha-
bits the East Indies.
THE PHALANGER
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 435
THE SPOTTED OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH
WALES.
The general colour of this animal is black the body
spotted with irregular roundish patches of white 5 the
ears are large and ere£l j muzzle long, pointed, and fur-
nished with long slender whiskers j 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 j length,
from nose to tail, about twenty-five inches j 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 OF NEW SOUTH
WALES
Is long-nosed and short-legged *, from the nose to the in-
sertion of the tail, measures two feet two inches ; tail fif-
teen inches ; upper part of the body grisly, consisting of
3 12
43G
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH
WALES.
Its nose is pointed ; its ears large and ere6f ; 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 j the under parts white j on each hip b
4S7
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
a tan-coloured spot ; the fur 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 out-
side claws of the hind feet are not separated like th^
others.
THE OPOSSUM OF VAN DIEMEN’s LAND
Was discovered by Captain Cook in January, 1777, who
describes it as about twice the size of a large Rat. It is
covered with long soft glossy hair, of a rusty brown co-
lour j its belly is of a dirty white.
It inhabits Van Diemen’s Land, the southern point of
New Holland.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SQUIRREL OPOSSUM.
We are favoured vAth. a drawing of this beautiful ani-
mal, taken from a living one in the possession of the re-
verend Mr Egerton, prebendary of Durham, by the in-
genious Mr Carfrae.
It is a native of New South Wales ; is about eighteen
inches long, exclusive of the tail, which is twelve : its
head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is fur-
nished with long \vhiskers ; 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 in each jaw, the upper projedfing beyond
the under. Its manners are similar to those of a Squir-
rel. It sits up, holds its food in its fore paws with great
dexterity, and feeds itself. When irritated, it sits still
more eredl, or throws itself upon its back, making a loud
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
439
and harsh noise. It feeds on vegetables, small birds, &c.
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 discover-
ed by Sir Joseph Banks. Its head is small and taper,
ears large and eredl, upper lip divided, the end of the
nose black, nostrils wide, lower jaw shorter than the up-
per, and there are whiskers on both 5 it likewise has
strpng hairs above and below the eyes j its head, neck
440 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
and shoulders, are small ; the lower parts of the body in-
creasing in thickness to the rump *, its tail is long, very
thick near the rump, and taper ; its fore feet are ex-
tremely 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 Greyhound.
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 di-
vided 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 ani-
mal food. There are two kinds. The largest that had
been shot weighed about 140lbs., and measured, from
the point of the nose to the end of the tail, six feet one
inch •, the tail, two feet one inch 5 head eight inches 5
fore legs, one foot ; hind legs, two feet eight inches j
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 60lbs.
T’his animal is furnished with a pouch, similar to that
of the Opossum, in which its young are nursed and shel-
tered.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
441
THE KANGUROO-RAT OF NEW SOUTH
WALES
is about the size of a Rabbit, and in shape resembles the
Kanguroo, both in respedl to the shortness of the fore
legs, and the peculiar use and construflion 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 that country,
has a pouch, like the Opossum.
It feeds on vegetables, burrows in the ground, and is
very tame and inoffensive.
3 K
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS,
M2
THE YELLOW MACAUCO.
THE RING-TAILED MACAUCO.
[Lemur Catta^ Lin. — Le Mococoy Buff.)
The Ring-tailed Macauco is a very beautiful ani-
mal, 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 conformation
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.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 443
It is found in Madagascar and the neighbouring isles,
is very playful, but not mischievous. When in mo-
tion, it makes a sort of galloping progress in an oblique
direction, and carries its tail almost ere6l; but when sit-
ting, it is twisted round the body, and brought over its
head. Troops of thirty or forty are sometimes seen to-
gether.
It is a cleanly animal j 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 Quadru-
peds ; and it seems to bear some general resemblance to
that species of animals. Its head is flat and broad 5 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, in-
side 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 prehensile 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.
3 K 2
444
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE TAILLESS MACAUCO.
(Lemur Tardigradusy Lin.)
THE MONGOOZ.
(Lemur Mongoozy Lin. — Le Mongoozy 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 j each eye is edged
with a circle of white, which is also surrounded with
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 445
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 5 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 pre-
ceding, 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 j
the thumbs on each foot are more distindl and separate
from the toes than those of other Macaucos j 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 whitish below : it has no
tail.
446 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 presents it to his
mate.
THE BLACK MACAUCO
(Lemur Niger, Lin. — Le Vari, Buff.)
Is larger than the Mongooz. It is a native of Madagas-
car, 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 j has four slender toes and
a distin£l thumb on each foot : its visage is pointed ; eyes
large and prominent ; ears ere£l, 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, al-
most naked, like that of a Rat, and tufted at the end.
It is found in some of the remote islands of India,
especially Amboyna.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
447
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 adlion, than any other class of quadrupeds.
Monkies 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 Darien as far as
Paraguay. A species or two are also met with in Arabia
and the province of Barbary.
On account of the numbers and different appearances
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 ; Monkies, or such as have long tails.
In the Ape kind, we see the whole external machine
strongly impressed with the human likeness, 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 resem-
blance 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 tall as a man.
They have short tails, long faces, sunk eyes, are ex-
tremely disgusting, lascivious, and possessed of the most
brutal fierceness.
448 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The Monkey kind are removed still farther, and are
I
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, aftive race of animals, full of frolic and
grimace, greatly addidted to thieving, and extremely
fond of imitating human actions, but always with a
mischievous intention.
mSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
449
THE ORAN-OUTANG, OR WILD MAN OF
THE WOODS,
(Simia Satyrusy Lin.-— PongOy BufF.)
Is the largest of all the Ape kind, and makes the nearest
approach to the human figure. One of this kind, dis-
sected by Dr Tyson, has been very accurately described
by him. The principal external differences, pointed out
by that learned physician, consisted in the great length of
the arms, and shortness of the thighs ; the thumb is also
much smaller, and the palm of the hand longer and nar-
rower, than in man ; the form of the feet is very dissimi-
lar, the toes being much longer, and the large toe placed
at a greater distance from the others j the forehead is
3 L
450 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
higher, the nose flat, and the eyes much sunk : beside
these, that anatomist has enumerated a variety of essential
differences in the internal conformation of the Oran-Ou-
tang ; 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 in-
terval which separates the two species is immense ; the
resemblance in figure and organization, and the move-
ments of imitation which seem to result from these simi-
larities, 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 acSlive, strong, and intrepid, capable of over-
coming the strongest man : they are likewise exceeding-
ly swift, and cannot easily be taken alive. They live en-
tirely on fruits and nuts, will sometimes attack and kill
the negroes who wander in the woods, and drive away
the Elephants that happen to approach too near the place
of their residence. It is said that they sometimes sur-
prise 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 ca-
pable 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 eat-
ing its victuals, and drink wine or other liquors out of a
g^lass. It was extremely mild, affeclionate, and good-na-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 451
tured ; much attached to its keeper, and obedient to his
commands. Its aspe£l: was grave, and its disposition me-
lancholy. 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 j the hands and soles of the feet
were naked, and of a dusky colour.
THE PIGMY APE.
[Simia Sylvanusy Lin. — Le PithequBy 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 insedts. 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.
SL2
452 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
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 singularity of its aspect ; its eyes are
large and deep sunk ; ears round and naked ; body co-
vered on all parts with black rough hair, except its but-
tocks, which are quite naked.
It is a mild, gentle, and tra£lable animal ; feeds on
fruits, leaves, and the bark of trees ; is a native of the
East Indies, Sumatra, and the Molucca isles j and mea-
sures from three to four feet in height.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
453
THE BARBARY APE
(Simia InuuSy Lin. — Le Magoty BufF.)
Is wilder and more untra6lable than the others. His
head is large, and his nose prominent : he likewise dif-
fers 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 some-
what like those of a man ; the body is covered with hair
of a brown colour, inclining to green ; lighter on the
belly. When standing ere£t upon his hind legs, he is
generally two feet and a half or three feet high. He
walks oftener on four than on two feet ; and when rest-
ing, supports his body on two prominent callosities, situ-
ated 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.
454*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BABOON
{^Simia Sphynxy Lin.)
Differs from animals of the Ape kind, not only in e^t«
ternal appearance, but also in temper and disposition.
Fierce, untr actable, and libidinous, its disposition seems
to partake of the hideous and disgusting deformities of
its outward figure. Its body is thick, compacl, and ner-
vous, and its strength prodigious. Neither art nor ca-
resses 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 pro-
pensities. 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 spedlators.
This animal, of which we have git^en a very faitliful
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 455
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 muz-
zle long and thick, eyes small and deep sunk, its canine
teeth very large and formidable, and it had pouches in
its cheeks : the hair on its head was long, and formed a
very elegant tupee from its forehead and each side of its
face, which, when angry, it erected ; the hair on the bo-
dy was uniformly of a light reddish brown ; the tail short,
and darker at the end 5 buttocks red and naked.
The Baboon inhabits the hottest parts of Africa ; feeds
on fruits, roots, and other vegetables. Numerous 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 incredible 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 dispositioii, it will not
breed in temperate climates.
i56 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE RIBBED-NOSE BABOON.
[Simia Maimon^ Lin. — 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 run-
ning 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 j and the beautiful colours on the hips
457
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
are gradations from red to blue ; the hair on the fore-
head is long, turns back, and forms a kind of pointed
crest ; its beard is dark at the roots, orange at the mid-
dle, and yellow at the end ; the back and legs are cover-
ed with short hair, of a dark-brown colour, mixed with
yellow j 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, ex-
tremely 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 oblig-
ed by its keeper to stand eredl. 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 Egerton, taken
from the life by an eminent painter.
\
^ M
458 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS.
•X/
THE SMALL RIBBED-NOSE BABOON.
The annexed cut was done from the living animal, in
the possession of Mr Rayne, surgeon, in Newcastle.
It is about fifteen inches in height *, its face flat, 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 playful, walks commonly on all four, is in con-
tinual motion, and leaps with astonishing agility. This
species is said to come from the coast of Guinea.
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 459
THE PIG-TAILED BABOON,
[Simia 'Nemestrlnay Lin. — Le Maimotiy BufF.)
So termed from its short, naked, pig-like tail, is the least
of all the Baboon kind ; a gentle, mild, and tra£lable
animal ; very lively and frolicsome, but has none of that
impudent petulance so peculiar 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 greediness for tobac-
co, mustard, and even snuff, which they eat without ex-
3 M 2
460
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
pressing the smallest inconvenience, and always seem
extremely desirous of more.
THE DOG-FACED BABOON
[Simla Hamadryas, Lin.)
J V-
Is distinguished by a longer tail than the rest of its kind •
in this respe£l, it seems to bear some affinity to the Mon-
key, and has been mentioned under that denomination
by several naturalists.
We may observe here, that, in tracing the progress of
animated Nature, we are led, by the most imperceptible
gradations, from one kind to another : the line of sepa-
ration seems so faintly drawn, that we are frequently at
a loss how to fix the boundaries of one class, without en-
croaching upon those of another j and notwithstanding
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
461
the regularity and order which every where prevail
among the numerous families that inhabit the earth, the
best and most approved systems of arrangement fall infi-
nitely short of precision : they serve, indeed, to direct
us to the general characters which form the distinguish-
ing features of each genus, but are very inadequate to
discriminate the intermingled shades and nice touches by
which all are diversified.
The drawing of this animal was taken from one shewn
in London under the name of the Persian Savage. Its
head was large ; muzzle long and thick 5 eyes small 5
face naked, and of an olive colour j the hair on its fore-^
head separated in the middle, and hung down on each
side of the face, from thence down its back as far as its
waist ; it was long and shaggy, of a bluish grey colour,
freckled with dark spots ; the hair on the lower part of
the body short^; its buttocks bare and red.
That described by Mr Pennant, ’which seems to agree
with this, is represented as very fierce and untraCtable.
It inhabits the hottest parts of Africa and Asia, lives in
troops, and commits great depredations in gardens and
cultivated grounds ; is above five feet high, exceedingly
strong, vicious, and impudent.
THE URSINE BABOON
Is not unlike the last, but rather less. Its nose is long 5
head large j ears short ; forehead high and prominent,
terminating in a ridge ; the body thick and strong, co-
vered with long dusky hair, which gives it the appear-
ance of a young Bear j its tail is half the length of the
body ; buttocks red.
462 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
This animal is very numerous about the Cape of Good
Hope. Troops of them assemble together, and make ex-
peditions for the sake of plunder, in which they observe
the utmost precaution. To prevent surprise, they place
a centinel, which, upon sight of a man, gives a loud yell ;
when the vdiole troop retreats with the greatest precipi-
tation. It is highly entertaining to see the females car-
rying off their young ones clinging to their backs ; whilst
their pouches are crammed so full of fruit, that they
seem ready to burst. They sometimes form a line, and
throw the fruit from one to another, in order to carry it
olF the more expeditiously.
THE WANDEROU
Is a native of Ceylon and the East Indies. Its head is
thick and long, and surrounded with a large quantity of
white hair, which falls down below the chin, forming a
rough, shaggy beard ; the rest of the body is covered
with a dark brown coat, almost black. Like all ani-
mals of this kind, it is wild and vicious ; but when
taken young, may easily be tamed ; and appears to be
more susceptible of education than other Baboons.
There are several varieties of this species. The bodies
of some are black, with white beards j in others, the bo-
dy is whitish, and the beard black : some are found en-
tirely white j but this species is extremely rare, and is
said to be stronger and more mischievous than the others.
These bearded Baboons are much esteemed for the
gravity of their appearance ; and are used by the Indians
in their ceremonies and shows, in which they are said to
acquit themselves to the admiration of the spedtators.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
463
THE HARE-LIPPED MONKEY.
[Simia CynomolguSi Lin. — Le Macaque y Buff.)
We have placed this animal next to the Baboons, be-
cause it makes the nearest approach to them in the form
of its body, which is short and thick : its head and muz-
zle are large ; its visage ugly, naked, and wrinkled ; and
its nostrils divided, like those of a Hare : its tail, how-
ever, is long, like that of a Monkey : the colour of the
hair on the upper part of the body is a greenish ash,
lighter on the breast and belly.
There are several varieties, which differ both in size
and colour.
This animal is found in Guiana, Congo, and some of
the southern parts of Africa. They go in troops, and do
infinite mischief to plantations of millet, which they car-
ry off under their arms and in their mouths, I’hey are
extremely nice and delicate in their choice ; and by pull-
ing up what does not please them, do more damage than
by what they really eat.
THE PAT AS, OR RED MONKEY,
Is nearly of the same size with the last, and inhabits
the same country ; its body is, however, rather longer,
its face less hideous, and its hair more beautiful. It is
remarkable for the brilliancy of its coat, which is of so
bright a red, as to have the appearance of being painted.
There are two varieties of this kind ; the one is dis-^
tinguished by a black line above the eyes, extending from
/
461 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
ear to ear ^ in the other, the line is white. Both have
long hair under the chin, and round the cheeks j which
in the first is yellow, and in the second white : the nose
is black ; the under part of the body of an ash colour,
tinged with yellow.
These Monkies are very numerous on the banks of the
river Senegal. They are so curious, as sometimes to de-^
scend from the tops of trees to the extremities of the
branches, while boats are passing, and seem to observe
them with great attention. If not disturbed, their fami-
liarity becomes troublesome : they break off branches,
throw them at the passengers, and frequently with so sure
an aim, as to annoy them not a little ; but upon being
shot at, they set up most hideous cries, endeavour to re-
venge themselves by colle£ling more offensive materials,
such as stones, dirt, &c. which they throw at the enemy,
and soon retire.
Travellers relate that, in Guinea, Monkies are fre-
quently seen together in troops of forty or fifty, plun-
dering gardens and fields of corn with great boldness.
One of them stands on a tree, listens, and looks about
on all sides, while the rest are busy. Upon the least ap-
pearance of interruption, he sets up a loud cry to alarm
the party ; when they immediately fly off with the booty
they have colledfed, leaping from tree to tree with prodi-
gious agility.
I
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
465
THE CHINESE BONNET MONKEY
Appears to be only a variety of the Malbrouck : the
principal difference consists in its having the hair on its
head disposed in the form of a flat bonnet, from which
its name has been derived. It inhabits the same country,
and lives in the same manner.
When fruits and succulent plants fail, these ani-
mals are said to eat inse£ls, and sometimes watch by the
sea-side for crabs and other shell-fish, which they are ve-
ry dexterous in catching.
They are never thoroughly tamed, and cannot be trust-
ed without a chain. They do not breed when in a state
of confinement, even in their own country ; but require
to be at perfedt freedom in their native woods.
THE MANGABEY
(Simia JEthiopSy Lin.)
Is distinguished from all other Monkies by a very remark-
able chara6ler. Its eye-lids are naked, of a pure white
colour j and round each eye there is a prominent ring :
the hair on the head and body is of a yellowish brown
colour ; that on the belly white. Some of them have a
broad collar of white hair surrounding their neck and
face.
46G HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE GREEN MONKEY,
/
[Simla Sabaa, Lin. — Le Callttriche^ BufF.)
So called from its beautiful hair, which, on the upper
part of the body and tail, is of a fine green colour ; the
throat, belly, and inner side of the limbs are of a silvery
whiteness : the tail is eighteen inches long, length of the
body thirteen, height eight and a half.
It is common in the Cape de Verd islands and the
East Indies, and is also found in Mauritania, and in the
territories of ancient Carthage. Hence it is probable,
says M. BufFon, that it was known to the Greeks and
Romans, and that it was one of those long-tailed Mon-
kies to which they gave the general name of Callitrix.
It seems to be the same kind as that mentioned by
Adanson ; who relates, that the woods of Podor, along
the river Niger, are full of Green Apes, which, from
their colour, are scarcely discernible among the branches
of the trees where they live.
The animal from which the above was taken was a fe-
male, in the possession of William Hargrave, Esq. of
Shawdon.
1
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 467
THE MUSTACHE
(Simia Cephus^ Lin. — Le Moustac, BufF.)
Is a beautiful little animal, having a tuft of yellow hair
on each cheek, and another on the top of the head,
/
which is long and upright : its face is of a bluish colour,
body of a greenish ash, breast and belly lighter. Its
length is only one foot ; that of the tail eighteen inches.
It is a native of Guinea.
THE TALAPOIN
I
Is a native of the East Indies, where it is suffered to mul-
tiply without molestation, owing to the religious tenets
of the Bramins, which forbid them to take the life
of any kind of animal whatever. They are so tame and
familiar, that numbers of them frequently come into
their towns, enter the houses, and, if not prevented, help
themselves to whatever they meet with that is agreeable
to them ; such as fruits, sweetmeats, &c.
The Talapoin is about twelve inches long : its head is
round ; ears, black, and shaped like the human ; eyes of
» a bright hazel colour, with black pupils ; the hair on the
back, upper part of the body, and limbs, of a dusky yel-
low, tinged with green ; the belly lighter ; its tail very
long, slender, and of an olive colour.
3 N 2
/
468
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE VARIED MONKEY, OR MONA,
[La Money Buff.)
Is best known of all the Monkey tribe, being more fre-
quently brought into Europe than any other. It is a
native of Barbary and other northern parts of Africa,
Arabia, and Persia ; where it is called the Mona, from
which our general term is derived.
Its nose is short and thick ; its face of a dark lead co-
lour ; the beard on each side long, and of a greenish yel-
low ; the top of the head is bright yellow, freckled with
black \ back and sides deep brown, with black freckles ;
legs, feet, and tail, black ; inside of the thighs of a pale
blue colour, thinly covered with whitish hairs j and on
each side of the rump, close by the tail, is a large white
spot.
The drawing and description were taken from the liv-
ing animal, in the possession of Robert Hedley, Esq. of
Newcastle. It was remarkably gentle, tame, and fami-
liar *, and seemed to have some attachment to those with
whom it was acquainted. Its length was eighteen inches ;
tail about two feet. It was fed with bread, roasted meat,
and fruit of all kinds, of which it was particularly fond.
469
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
All the Baboons and Monkies we have yet described,
are furnished with cheek-pouches, capable of containing
food sufficient to supply them for a day or two : they al-
so serve as receptacles for whatever they obtain more
than supplies their present wants. But we have thought
it unnecessary to repeat this circumstance in the account
of every animal of those kinds.
THE DOUC
Differs from o^^Monkies, in having no callosities on
its buttocks, which are entirely covered with hair *, it is
also much larger, being nearly four feet high when ere£t.
Its face is short and rather flat, furnished on each side
with long hairs of a pale yellow colour *, its body is
beautifully variegated with differently coloured hair *,
round the neck there is a collar of a bluish purple co-
lour ; the top of the head and body are grey *, breast and
belly yellow ; arms white below, and black above ; tail
white j feet black ; face and ears red ; lips black ; and
round each eye there is a black ring. It is found in
Cochin-China, and in the island of Madagascar ; where
it is called the Sifac.
M. Buffon places the Douc in the last class of those
animals of the Monkey kind that belong to the old conti-
nent, and describes it as forming a shade between them
and the Monkies of America, which he distinguishes by
the generic names of Sapajous and Sagoins. They
both of them differ from Monkies, in having neither
cheek-pouches nor callosities on their buttocks •, and they
are distinguished from each other by characters peculiar
4.70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
to each. The Sapajou is furnished with a prehensile tail,
the under part of which is generally covered with a
smooth naked skin : the animal can coil it up or extend
it at pleasure, suspend itself by its extremity on the
branches of trees , or use it as a hand to lay hold of any
thing it wants. The tails of all the Sagoins, on the con-
trary, are longer than those of the Sapajous, straight,
flaccid, and entirely covered with hair. This dlflerence
alone is sufflcient to distinguish a Sapajou from a Sagoin.
We now proceed to the history- and description of the
most remarkable of this numerous race.
THE PREACHER
Beelzebub^ Lin. — U Ouarine^ BufF.)
Is the largest of all the American Monkies, being about
the size of a large Fox. Its body is covered with long
smooth hair, of a shining black colour, forming a kind of
ruif round the animal’s neck : its tail is long, and always
twisted at the end.
Great numbers of these Monkies inhabit the woods of
Brazil and Guiana ; and from the noise they make, are
called Howling Monhies. Several of them assemble toge-
ther j and placing themselves in a kind of regular order,
one of them begins first with a loud tone, which may be
heard to a great distance ; the rest soon join in a general
chorus, the most dissonant and hideous that can be
conceived : on a sudden they all stop, except the first,
who finishes singly \ and the assembly breaks up.
These Monkies are said to be very fierce, and so wild
and mischievous, that they can neither be conquered nor
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 471
tamed. They feed on fruits, grain, herbs, and some-
times inserts ; live in trees, and leap from bough to
bough with wonderful agility, catching hold with their
hands and tails as they throw themselves from one
branch to another, and maintain themselves so firmly,
that, even when shot, they remain fixed to the trees
where they die.
The flesh of the Preacher is good *, and is not only
eaten by the natives, but also by Europeans who frequent
those parts.
THE COAITA
Is somewhat less than the Preacher. Its face is naked
and red ; ears short ; its body and limbs are long and
slender j hair black and rough ; tail long, and naked on
the under side.
This animal is found in the neighbourhood of Car-
thagena, in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. Great numbers
associate together. They seldom appear on the ground,
but live mostly in trees, and feed on fruits : when these
are not to be had, they are said to eat fishes, worms, and
insedls ; are extremely dexterous in catching their prey,
and make great use of their tails in seizing it.
The Coaitas are very lively and acflive. In passing
from one tree to another, they sometimes form a chain,
linked to each other by their tails ; and swing in that
manner till the lowest catches hold of a branch, and
draws up the rest. When fruits are ripe, they are ge-
nerally fat ; and their flesh is then said to be excellent.
There are many varieties of the Coaita, which differ
472
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, others brown,
and some have white hair on the upper parts of the body.
They are called Spider Monkies by Edwards, on account
of the length and slenderness of their legs and tails.
M. BufFon supposes the Exquima to be another va-
riety of this species. It is nearly of the same size ; but
its colour is variegated. The hair on its back is black
and yellow ; its throat and belly white. Its manner of
living is the same with that of the Coaita : and it inha-
bits the same countries. Both kinds are remarkable in
having only four fingers on each hand, being quite desti-
tute of the thumb.
THE SAJOU, OR CAPUCIN,
i^Simia Capucina^ Lin. — Le Sai, BufF.)
There are two varieties of this species, the Brown
and the Grey *, which, in other respects, are perfedUy
similar. Their faces are of a flesh colour, thinly covered
with down *, tails long, full of hair on the upper side,
naked below, and prehensile ; hands black and naked ;
length of the body about twelve inches.
These animals inhabit Guiana, are extremely lively
and agile, and their constitution seems better adapted to
the temperate climates of Europe than most of the Sapa-
jou kind. M. BufFon mentions a few instances of their
having produced young ones in France.
The Sajous are very capricious in their attachments,
being fond of particular persons, and discovering the
greatest aversion to others.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 473
THE WEEPER
[Simla Apellay Lin.)
Inhabits Brazil ; is very mild, docile, and timid ; of a
grave and serious aspedl ; has an appearance of weeping ;
and Avhen irritated, makes a plaintive noise. It is about
fourteen inches long ; the tail longer than the body ; hair
on the back and sides of a deep brown colour, mixed
with red on the lower parts. There is a variety with
white hair on the throat and breast.
Great numbers of these creatures assemble together,
particularly in stormy weather, and make a great chat-
tering. They live much in trees, which bear a podded
fruit as large as beans, on which they principally feed.
THE ORANGE MONKEY
[Simla Sciurea, Lin. — Le Saimlriy Buff.)
Is a most beautiful animal ; but so extremely delicate,
that it cannot well bear to be brought from its own cli-
mate to one less warm and temperate.
It is about the size of a Squirrel : its head is round ;
eyes remarkably lively and brilliant ; ears large j hair on
the body short and fine, of a shining gold colour ; feet
orange : its tail is very long : its prehensile faculty is
much weaker than the rest of the Sapajous ; and on that
account, it may be said to form a shade between them
and the Sagoins, which have long tails, entirely covered
with hair, but of no use in suspending their bodies from
the branches of trees.
SO
474
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE FOX-TAILED MONKEY.
{Simia Ftthecia^ Lin. — Le Sakiy Buff.)
The tail of this animal, like that of the Fox, is cover-
ed with long bushy hair. Its body is about seventeen
inches in length ; hair long, of a dark brown colour on
the back, lighter on the under side ; its face is tawny,
and covered with a fine short whitish down \ the fore-
head and sides of the face are white ; its hands and feet
are black, with claws instead of nails.
The Saki is a native of Guiana, where it is called the
Saccawinhee,
THE GREAT-EARED MONKEY
{Simia Midas y Lin. — Le Tamaririy Buff.)
Is about the size of a Squirrel : its face is naked, of a
swarthy flesh colour ; its upper lip somewhat divided ;
its ears are very large and ere6t j its hair is soft, shaggy,
and of a black colour *, hands and feet covered with
orange-coloured hair, very fine and smooth ; its nails
long and crooked ; tail black, and twice the length of its
body.
It inhabits the hotter parts of South America; is ft
lively, pleasant animal; easily tamed; but so delicate,*
that it cannot bear a removal to a less temperate climate*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
4T5
THE STRIATED MONKEY
{Sitnia lacchuSy Lin. — U BufF.)
Is still smaller than the Great-eared Monkey, its head
and body not exceeding twelve inches in length : its tail
is long, bushy, and, like that of the Macauco, marked
with alternate rings of black and ash colour ; its face is
naked, of a swarthy flesh colour ; ears large, and like the
human j body beautifully marked with dusky, ash-co-
loured, and reddish bars ; its nails are sharp ; and its
fingers like those of a Squirrel.
It inhabits Brazil ; feeds on fruits, vegetables, inserts,
and snails, and is fond of fish.
Mr Edwards gives a description of one of these ani-
mals, accompanied with an excellent figure. He says,
that one day being at liberty, it darted upon a small
gold-fish that was in a bason, which it killed and devour-
ed with avidity; and that afterwards small eels were
given to it, of which it seemed at first afraid, from their
3 0 2
476 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
twisting themselves round its neck; but that it soon
overcame and eat them. He likewise says that it pro-
duced young ones in Portugal, which at first were ex-
tremely ugly, having hardly any hair on their bodies.
They adhered closely to the teats of the mother *, and
when grown a little larger, fixed themselves upon her
back, from whence she could not easily disengage them,
•without rubbing them off against a wall : upon these oc-
casions, the male always allowed them to mount upon
his back to relieve the female.
THE SILKY MONKEY
{^Simia Rosalia^ Lin. — Le Marikinay Buff.)
Is by some called the Lion-Ape, from the quantity of
hair which surrounds its face, falling backwards like a
mane; its tail is also somewhat bushy at the end: its
face is flat, and of a dull purple colour ; its hair long,
bright, and silky ; it is of a pale yellow colour on the
body ; the hair round the face of a bright bay, inclining
to red ; its hands and feet are without hair, and of the
same colour as the face ; its body is ten inches long, tail
thirteen.
This creature is a native of Guiana, is very gentle and
lively, and seems to be more hardy than the other Sa-
goins. Buffon says, that one of them lived at Paris seve-
ral years, with no other precaution than keeping it in a
warm room during winter.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
477
THE RED-TAILED MONKEY
(Simia Oedipus ^ Lin. — Le Pinchcy BufF.)
Is somewhat larger than the Striated Monkey. It is re-
markable in having a great quantity of smooth white hair,
which falls down from the top of the head on each side,
forming a curious contrast with its face, which is black,
thinly covered with a fine grey down ; its eyes are black
and lively j throat black j hair on the back and shoulders
of a light reddish-brown colour *, breast, belly, and legs,
white j the tail is long, of a red colour from the rump
to the middle 5 from thence to the end it is black.
It inhabits the woods on the banks of the river
Amazon ; is a lively, beautiful little animal ; has a soft
whistling voice, resembling more the chirping of a bird
than the cry of a quadruped. It frequently walks with
its long tail over its back.
478
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE MICO, OR FAIR MONKEY,
Is the last that we shall describe of this numerous race,
and is the most beautiful of them all. Its head is small
and round ; face and ears of so lively a vermilion colour,
as to appear the effect of art ; its body is covered with
long hair, of a bright silvery whiteness, and uncommon
elegance ; tail long, end of a shining dark chesnut colour.
It frequents the banks of the river Amazon, where
it was discovered by M. Condamine, who preserved one
ahve till almost within sight of the French coast j but it
died before his arrival.
We have now laid before our readers a few of the
most noted varieties of this numerous race : many others
might likewise be added to swell the account ; but of
these, little more is known than their names and places
of habitation. .There are, probably, still more, which
neither the assiduity of the naturalist, nor the curiosity of
the traveller, has been able to draw from their native
woods. Indeed, there is great room to conjecture, that
the variations of the Monkey kind are somewhat like
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 479
those of the Dog, continually encreasing ; for it is very
obvious, that among the smaller kinds of Monkies, the
charadleristic differences do not appear to be great, how-
ever they may vary in size or in colour ; and it is certain,
that the modes of living, faculties, and propensities of
these animals, are strikingly similar : so that, if we rea-
son from analogy on this subje£l, we may fairly con-
clude, that different kinds of Monkies may unite and
propagate with the same facility as the Goat and the
Sheep, or the almost innumerable kinds of Dogs.
The greater part of the cuts we have given of the Ba-
boons, Apes, and Monkies, we were fortunate in pro-
curing from living objedls, or drawings which might be
depended on : and it is to be lamented, that, amongst
the numbers that have been published, so few should pos-
sess that peculiar character so observable in the various
members of this imitative tribe, which it is wholly im-
possible to trace from a stuffed skin, void of every kind of
expression j the muscular parts, which should convey the
idea of a£lion, being generally ill supplied, or entirely
wanting.
480
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE PORCUPINE.
[Histrix Cristata, Lin. — Le Porc^epicy BufF.)
This animal, so formidable in its appearance, would
be much more truly so, if it possessed the power, erro-
neously ascribed to it, of darting its quills at its enemies,
and wounding them at a distance.
Though denied the privilege of making offensive war,
it is sufficiently armed to resist the attacks of animals
much more powerful than itself. Upon the smallest irri-
tation, it raises its quills, and shakes them with great
violence, directing them to that quarter whence it is
in danger of being attacked, and striking at the object of
its resentment with its quills at the same time. We have
observed on an occasion of this sort, at a time when
the animal was moulting or casting its quills, that they
would fly out, to the distance of a few yards, with such
force, as to bend the points of them against the board
where they struck : and it is not improbable, that a cir-
cumstance of this kind may have given rise to an opinion
of its power to use them in a more effe£lual manner.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 481
The largest of the quills are from ten to fifteen inches
in length, thick in the middle, and extremely sharp at
the end : between the quills, the hair is thin, black, and
bristly : the tail is covered with white quills, which are
short and transparent its legs are short j it has four
toes before, and five behind.
The Porcupine is found in India, Persia, and Pales-
tine : it is likewise common in all parts of Africa. The
Indians hunt it for its quills, of which they make a kind
of embroidery : they also eat its flesh.
There are Porcupines in a wild state in Spain and
Italy, though they are not originally natives of any part
of Europe. Their flesh is sometimes exposed in the mar-
kets at Rome, where it is eaten.
The Italian Porcupines have shorter quills and a short-
er crest than those of Asia or Africa.
The Porcupine is an inoflensive animal ; lives on
fruits, roots, and vegetables ; sleeps during the day, and
feeds by night.
The female goes with young seven months, and brings
forth one at a time. The drawing of this animal Was
made from the life.
3 P
482
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE
{Histrix Prehensilis^ Lin.)
Differs so greatly from the last, that it can scarcely be
said to bear any relation to it, except in its being cover-
ed with spines about three inches in length : they are
white, very sharp, and have a bar of black near the
points. The breast, belly, and lower part of the legs,
are covered with’ strong bristly hairs of a brown colour.
Its tall is long and slender, and almost naked at the end :
the animal uses it in descending trees, by twisting it
round the branches.
It inhabits Mexico and Brazil, lives in woods, and
feeds on fruits and small birds. It preys by night, and
sleeps in the day. It makes a noise like the grunting of
a Swine, and grows very fat. Its flesh is white, and
esteemed good to eat.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
483
THE CANADA PORCUPINE.
{Histrix Dovsatay Lin. — UUrson^ BufF.)
It is found in Canada> and various parts of North
America, as high as Hudson’s Bay.
Its ears are short, and hid in the hair ; its head, body,
and upper part of its tail, are covered with long soft
hair, in which are interspersed a number of strong sharp
spines ; its tail is shorter than that of the preceding spe-
cies, and it uses it in the same manner in descending
trees, frequently suspending itself from the branches.
Many of the trading Indians, during their long excur-
sions, depend on this creature for a supply of food, and
esteem it both wholesome and pleasant ; they also make
use of the quills to trim the edges of their deer-skin ha-
bits, so as to look like fringe ; and stick them in their
noses and ears to make holes for their rings.
3 P 2
4-84*
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE HEDGE-HOG, OR URCHIN.
[Rrinaceus Europe us ^ Lin. — Le Herisson^ BufF.)
This animal, destitute of every other means of defence,
is provided by nature with a spinous armour, which se-
cures it from the attacks of all the smaller beasts of prey ;
such as Weasels, Martins, Polecats, &c. When alarmed,
it immediately collects itself into the form of a ball, and
presents on all sides a surface covered with sharp points,
which few animals are hardy enough to engage. The
more it is harassed, the closer it rolls itself ; till its fears
become an additional means of safety, by causing it to
void its urine, which, running over its whole body, fre-
quently obliges its enemy to desist, disgusted by the smell.
There are few Dogs that will venture to attack the
Hedge-hog, except such as are trained to the sport,
merely to gratify the cruel pleasure of seeing a harmless
animal endure, with astonishing patience, the most wan-
ton outrages ; whilst the Dogs, becoming more enraged
at the wounds they receive from its prickles, at last
oblige it to unfold itself, and it then soon falls a vidlirrt
to their fury. This little animal has been so far do-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 485
rnesticated, as to learn to turn a spit by means of a small
wheel in which it was placed ; it likewise answered to its
name.
The Hedge-hog generally resides in small thickets and
hedges ; lives on fruits, worms, beetles, and all kinds of
inserts ; conceals itself in the day, and feeds during the
night. It is easily taken, for it neither flies nor attempts
to defend itself ; but when touched, shrinks into its cir-
cular form, which it will not easily quit, unless thrown
into water.
The Hedge-hog, in the winter, wraps itself up in a
warm nest, made of moss, dried grass, and leaves *, and
sleeps out the rigours of that season. It is frequently
found so completely encircled with herbage on all sides,
that it resembles a ball of dried leaves. When taken out
and placed before a fire, it soon recovers from its torpid
stat^,
THE TENDRAC
Is about the size of a Rat. The upper part of its body
is covered with spines, shorter and smaller than those of
the Hedge-hog, which it somewhat resembles, but does
not roll itself up like that animal ; the rest of the body is
covered with a kind of fine hard hair, of a whitish co-
486
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
lour ; about the head and nose it has several long hairs,
like whiskers.
An animal similar to this is mentioned by M* BufFon,
under the name of the Tanrec.
THE TANREC.
This animal is larger than the last, and has fewer bris-
tles : they only occupy the top of the head, and along
the back, as far as the shoulders : the rest of the body
is covered with a bristly kind of hair, of a yellowish co-
lour, among which are intermixed some black hairs,
much longer than the other. Its nose is long, and its
ears more apparent than those of the Tendrac.
Both of them are natives of India. These make a
grunting noise, and are fond of wallowing in mud, like
Hogs : they frequent the banks of rivers, can live a long
time in the water, and are frequently caught in small in-
lets of the sea : they dig holes in the ground, where
they continue in a kind of torpid state for several months.
They are generally very fat ; and the Indians eat their
flesh, though it is reckoned insipid and stringy.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
4 87
THE OTTER.
[Mustela Lutray Lin. — Le Loutrey BufF.)
Although the Otter is not considered by naturalists
as wholly amphibious, it is nevertheless capable of re-
maining a considerable time under water, and can pur-
sue and take its prey in that element with great facility.
Its legs are very short, but remarkably strong, broad,
and muscular ; on each foot are five toes, conne£led by
strong membranes, like those of water fowl its head is
broad, of an oval form, and flat on the upper part ; the
body is long and round, and the tail tapers to a point ;
the eyes are brilliant, and placed in such a manner, that
the animal can see every objedl that is above it, which
gives it a singular aspedi, very much resembling an eel or
an asp •, the ears are short, and their orifice narrow.
The fur of the Otter is of a deep-brown colour, with
488 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
two small light spots on each side of the nose, and ano-
ther under the chin.
This animal makes its bed in some retired spot by the
side of a lake or river, under a bank, where it has an
easy and secure access to the water, to which it immedi-
ately flies upon the least alarm ; and as it swims with
great rapidity, frequently escapes from its pursuers.
It destroys great quantities of fish ; and in pursuit of
its prey, has been observed commonly to swim against
the stream.
As soon as the Otter has caught a fish, it immediately
drags it to the shore ; devours a part, as far as the vent ;
and unless pressed by extreme hunger, always leaves the
remainder, and takes to the water in quest of more.
Otters are sometimes taken in traps placed near their
landing places, where they are carefully concealed in the
sand. When hunted with Dogs, the old ones defend
themselves with great obstinacy : they bite severely, and
do not readily quit their hold where they have once fas-
tened. An old Otter will never give up while it has
life ; nor make the least complaint, though wounded
ever so much by the Dogs, nor even when transfixed
with a spear.
There are many instances of Otters being tamed ; but
in those which have come to our knowledge, they were
taken when young : accustomed by degrees to obedience
and restraint, they became so far domesticated, as to fol-
low their master, answer to a name, and employ their
excellent talents at fishing in his service.
Otters, when taken young, may be easily reared and
made tame. We have seen two young ones sucking a
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 489
Bitch, and treated by her with as much tenderness as her
own offspring. •
William Collins, of Kimmerston, near Wooler, had a
tame Otter, which followed him wherever he went. He
frequently carried it to fish in the river ; and when sati-
ated, it never failed returning to its master. One day,
in the absence of Collins, being taken out by his son to
fish, instead of returning as usual, it refused to come at
the accustomed call, and was lost. The father tried
every means to recover it ; and after several days search,
being near the place where his son had lost it, and call-
ing it by its name, to his inexpressible joy, it came creep-
ing to his feet, and shewed many genuine marks of affec-
tion and firm attachment. Its food, exclusive of fish,
consisted chiefly of milk and hasty-pudding.
Some years ago, James Campbell,, near Inverness, had
a young Otter, which he brought tip and tamed. It
would follow him wherever he chose ; and if called on
by its name, would immediately obey. When apprehen-
sive of danger from Dogs, it sought the protection of its
master, and would endeavour to fly into his arms for
greater security. It was frequently employed in catching
fish, and would sometimes take eight or ten salmon in a
day. If not prevented, it always made an attempt to
break the fish behind the fin next the tail : as soon as
one was taken away, it immediately dived in pursuit of
more. When tired, it would refuse to fish any longer ;
and was then rewarded with as much fish as it could
devour. Being satisfied with eating, it curled itself
round, and fell asleep ; in which state it was generally
carried home. The same Otter fished as well in the sea
as in a river, and took great numbers of codlings and
S O
490 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
other fish. Its food was generally fresh fish, and some-
times milk.
Another person, who kept a tame Otter, suffered it to
follow him with his Dogs. It was very useful to him in
fishing, by going into the water, and driving trouts and
other fish towards the net. It was remarkable, that the
Dogs, though accustomed to the sport, were so far from
giving it the smallest molestation, that they would not
even hunt an Otter whilst it remained with them ; on
which account the owner was under the necessity of dis-
posing of it.
Notwithstanding the Otter’s avidity for fish, it will
not eat it, unless it be perfectly fresh. When that can-
, not be procured, it is fed with milk, or pudding made of
oatmeal, &c.
Otters are found in most parts of the world, with no
great variation. They are common in Guiana, and fre-
quent the rivers and marshes of that country. They are
sometimes seen in great numbers together ; and are so-
fierce, that it is dangerous to come near them. They
live in holes, which they make in the banks of the rivers.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
491
THE SEA-OTTER.
{Mustela Lutrisy Lin.)
Vast numbers of these animals inhabit the coasts of
Kamschatka, and the numerous islands contiguous to it 5
as well as the opposite coasts of America : they are also
found in some of the larger rivers of South America.
Their skins are of great value, and have long formed a
considerable article of export from Russia. They dis-
pose of them to the Chinese at the rate of seventy or a
hundred rubles each, and receive in return some of their
most valuable commodities.
The fur of the Sea-Otter is thick and long, of a beau-
tiful shining black colour, but sometimes of a silvery
hue ; the legs are thick and short ; the toes joined by a
web ; the hind feet like those of a Seal ; length from
nose to tail, four feet two inches ; tail thirteen, flat, and
pointed at the end. The largest of them weigh from se-
venty to eighty pounds.
The Sea-Otter is remarkably harmless, and most affec-
3 Q 2
I
492 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
tionately fond of its young : it will pine to death for its
loss, and die on the very spot where it has been taken
away. Before its young can swim, it will carry it in its
paws, and support it in the water, lying upon its back.
It swims in various positions, — on its back, sides, and
even in a perpendicular posture j and in the water is very
sportive. Two of them are sometimes seen embracing
each other. It frequents shallow places, abounding with
sea-weed ; and feeds on lobsters, crabs, and other shell-
fish.
It breeds but once a year, and produces one young at
a time, which it suckles and carefully attends almost a
year.
The flesh of a young Otter is reckoned delicate eating,
and not easily distinguished from that of a lamb.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
493
THE SLOTH,
(Bradypus TridaBylus, Lin. — UAi^ BufF.)
Of all animals, is the most sluggish and inadlive ; and
if we were to judge from outward appearance, would
seem the most helpless and wretched. All its motions
seem to be the effedl of the most painful exertion, which
hunger alone is capable of exciting.
It lives chiefly in trees ; and having ascended one with
infinite labour and difficulty, it remains there till it has
entirely stripped it of all its verdure, sparing neither
fruit, blossom, nor leaf 5 after which it is said to devour
even the bark. Being unable to descend, it throws itself
on the ground, and continues at the bottom of the tree
till hunger again compels it to renew its toils in search of
subsistence.
Its motions are accompanied with a most piteous and
lamentable cry, which terrifies even beasts of prey, and
proves its best defence.
Though slow, aukward, and almost incapable of mo-
tion, the Sloth is strong, remarkably tenacious of life,
and capable of enduring a long abstinence from food.
494
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
We are told of one that having fastened itself by its feet
to a pole, remained in that situation forty days without
the least sustenance. The strength of its legs and feet is
so great, that, having seized any thing, it is almost im-
possible to oblige it to quit its hold. The same animal
laid hold of a Dog that was let loose upon it, and held
him fast with its feet till he perished with hunger.
There are two kinds of Sloths, which are principally
distinguished by the number of their claws. The one^
called the Ai, is about the size of a Fox, and has three
long claws on each foot : its legs are clumsy, and auk-
wardly placed ; and the fore legs being longer than the
hind, add greatly to the difficulty of its progressive mo-
tion : its whole body is covered with a rough coat of
long hair, of a lightish brown colour, mixed with white,
not unlike that of a Badger ; and has a black line down
the middle of the back ; its face is naked, and of a dirty
white colour ; tail short ; eyes small, black, and heavy.
It is found only in South America.
The Unau has only two claws on each foot: its head
is short and round, somewhat like that of a Monkey j its
ears are short ; and it has no tail. It is found in South
America, and also in the island of Ceylon.
The flesh of both kinds is eaten. They have several
stomachs, and are said to belong to the tribe of rumi-
nating animals.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 495
THE ANT-EATER.
{^MyrmecGphagd JubatUy Lin.— Tamanoiry Buff.)
There are several animals distinguished by the com-
mon name of Ant-eaters, which differ greatly in form.
They are divided into three classes, viz : the Great, the
Middle, and the Lesser Ant-eater.
The Great Ant-eater is nearly four feet in length,
exclusive of its tail, which is two and a half. It is re-
markable for the great length of its snout, which is of a
cylindrical form, and serves as a sheath to its long and
slender tongue, which always lies folded double in its
mouth, and is the chief instrument by which it finds sub-
sistence.
This creature is a native of Brazil and Guiana, runs
slowly, frequently swims over rivers, lives wholly on
ants, which it colledls by thrusting its tongue into their
holes, and having penetrated every part of the nest, with-
draws it into its mouth loaded with prey.
4-96 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
Its legs are so strong, that few animals can extricate
themselves from its gripe. It is said to be formidable
even to the Panthers of America ; and sometimes fixes
itself upon them in such a manner, that both of them fall
and perish together ; for its obstinacy is so great, that it
will not extricate itself from its adversary even after he is
dead.
The flesh has a strong disagreeable state, but is eaten
by the Indians.
The Middle Ant-eater is one foot seven inches
from nose to tail. It inhabits the same countries, and
procures its food in the same manner, as the last. Its
tail is ten inches long, with which it secures its hold in
climbing trees by twisting it round the branches.
Both these animals have four strong claws on the fore
feet, and five on the hind.
The Lesser Ant-eater has a sharp-pointed nose,
inclining a little downward : its ears are small, and hid
in the fur : it has two strong hooked claws on the fore
feet, the outward one being much the largest ; and four
on the hind feet : its fur is long, soft, and silky, of a
yellowish brown colour : its length, from nose to tail, is
seven inches and a half ; tail above eight, thick at the
base, and taper to the end. It inhabits Guiana j climbs
trees in quest of a species of ants which build their nests
among the branches.
Animals of this kind are found in Ceylon and the
Cape of Good Hope. Kolben describes the latter as
having long heads and tongues ; that they feed on ants ;
and are so strong, that if they fasten their claws in the
ground, they cannot easily be pulled away. It is called
in Ceylon the Talgoiy or Ant-Bear,
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
497
THE GREAT MANIS.
{Manis PentadaByla^ Lin. — Le Pangolin^ Buff.)
This singular animal is defended by a coat of mail,
which protects it from the attacks of the most powerful
animals. All the upper parts of its body are closely co-
vered with scales of different sizes, which it can ere£t at
pleasure, opposing to its adversary a formidable row of
offensive weapons. The Tiger, the Panther, or the Leo-
pard in vain attempt to force it. The moment it per-
ceives the approach of an enemy, it rolls itself up like a
Hedge-hog, and by that means secures all the weaker
parts of its body.
It is a native of the Indian isles, and is likewise said to
be found in Guinea.
It is slow in its motions ; grows to the length of eight
feet, including its tail, which is four.
Its flesh is much esteemed for its delicacy ; but it is
diflicult to procure, as the animal avoids mankind, and
lives in obscure retreats, in woods, and marshy places.
3 R
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
4*98
THE LONG-TAILED MANIS
{JMianis TetradaByla^ Lin. — Le Phatagin^ Buff.)
Is less than the last, being not more than a foot long
from head to tail. Its body is covered with sharp-point-
ed scales ; its throat and belly with hair : its legs are
short *, and each foot has four claws. It is remarkable
for the great length of its tail, which in some is above a
yard long.
It is a native of Guinea, has been sometimes called the
Scaly Lizard, and may be said to be the connecting
link in the chain of being between quadrupeds and rep-^
tiles.
THE ARMADILLO
Is found only in South America, where there are several
varieties of them. They are all covered with a strong
crust or shell, and are distinguished from each other by
the number of the flexible bands of which it is composed.
It is a harmless, inoffensive animal; feeds pn roots,
fruits, and other vegetables ; grows very fat ; and is
greatly esteemed for the delicacy of its flesh.
The Indians hunt it with small Dogs, trained for that
purpose. When surprised, it runs to its hole, or at-
tempts to make a new one, which it does with great
expedition, having strong claws on its fore feet, with
which it adheres so firmly to the ground, that if it
should be caught by the tail whilst making its way into
the earth, its resistance is so great, that rt will sometimes
leave it in the hands of its pursuers ; to avoid this, the
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 499
liuilter has recourse to artifice ; and by tickling it with
a stick, it gives up its hold, and suffers itself to be taken
alive. If no Other meahs of escape be left, it rolls itself
up within its covering by drawing in its head and legs,
and bringing its tail round them as a band to connect
them more forcibly together : in this situation it some-
times escapes by rolling itself over the edge of a preci-
pice, and generally falls to the bottom unhurt.
The most successful method of catching Armadillos is
by snares laid for them by the sides of rivers or other
places where they frequent. They all burrow very deep
in the ground, and seldom stir out, except during the
night, whilst they are in search of food.
To give a minute description of the shells or coverings
of the Armadillos would be extremely difficult, as they
are all composed of a number of parts, differing greatly
from each other in the order and disposition of the fi-
gures with which they are distinguished : but it may be
necessary to observe, that in general there are two large
pieces that cover the shoulders and the rump, between
which lie the bands, which are more or less in number
in different kinds. These bands are not unlike those in
the tail of a lobster, and being flexible, give way to the
motions of the animal. The first we shall mention is
THE THREE-BANDED ARMADILLO.
(DdsypuS TricitiSlus, lAn»-—L* Apar^ Buff.)
Its sheH is about twelve inches long, with three bands
in the middle : the crust on the head, back, and rump,
3 R 2
500 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
is divided into a number of elegant raised figures, with
five angles or sides : its tail is not more than two inches
long : it has neither cutting nor canine teeth *, and has
five toes on each foot.
THE SIX-BANDED ARMADILLO
{^Dasypus SexcinBusy Lin. — U Encouberty Buff.)
Is about the size of a young Pig. Between the folds of
the bands there are a few scattered hairs : its tail is long,
thick at the base, and tapers to a point. It is found in
Brazil and Guiana.
THE EIGHT-BANDED ARMADILLO
[Le Tatuettey Buff.)
Is furnished with eight bands.' Its ears are long and up-
right : eyes small and black : it has four toes on the fore
feet, and five on the hind : its length, from nose to tail,
is about ten inches ; the tail nine. It inhabits Brazil,
and is reckoned more delicious eating than the others.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
501
THE NINE-BANDED ARMADILLO
[Dasypus Novemcin5fus, Lin. — Le Cachichame^ BufF.)
Has a tenth band, moveable half way up on each side :
the shell on the shoulders and rump is marked with hex-
angular figures ; the breast and belly are covered with
long hairs ; its tail is long and taper ; and the whole ani-
mal three feet in length.
One of this kind was brought to England a few years
ago from the Musquito shore, and lived some time. It
was fed with raw beef and milk, but refused to eat our
fruits and grain.
502
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE KABASSOU
Is furnished with twelve bands, and is the largest of all
the Armadillos, being almost three feet long from nose to
tail : the figures on the shoulders are of an oblong form j
those on the rump hexangular. It is seldom eaten.
THE WEASEL-HEADED ARMADILLO,
[Dasypus UnicinBusy Lin. — Le Cirquingony Buff.)
So called from the form of its head, which is slender,
has eighteen bands from its shoulder to its tail : the
shell is marked with square figures on the shoulders ;
those on the legs and thighs are roundish : the body is
about fifteen inches long ; tail five.
All these animals have the power of drawing them-
selves up under their shells, either for the purpose of re-
pose or safety. They are furnished with strong lateral
muscles, consisting of numberless fibres, crossing each
other in the form of an X, with which they contradl
themselves so powerfully, that the strongest man is
scarcely able to force them open. The shells of the larg-
er Armadillos are much stronger than those of the
smaller kinds : their flesh is likewise harder, and more
unfit for the table.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SOS
THE WALRUS, OR SEA-HORSE.
i^richechiLS RosmaruSy Lin. — Le Morsey Buff.)
There are several animals whose residence is almost
constantly in the water, and which seem to partake great-
ly of the nature of fishes, that are neverthelsss classed by
naturalists under the denomination of quadrupeds ; and
being perfectly amphibious, living with equal ease in the
water as on land, may be considered as the last step in
the scale of Nature, by which we are conducted from
one great division of the animal world to the other. Of
these the Walrus is the most considerable for its size,
being sometimes found eighteen feet in length, and
twelve in circumference at the thickest part : it is like-
wise remarkable for two large tusks in the upper jaw,
which sometimes exceed two feet in length, and weigh
from three to twenty pounds each.
The head of the Walrus is round *, its lips very broad,
and covered over with thick pellucid bristles 5 its eyes
504^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
small and red ; instead of ears, it has two small orifices ;
and above the whiskers, semicircular nostrils, through
which it throws out water like the whale, but with much
less noise : its skin is thick and wrinkled, and has a thin
covering of short brownish hair : its legs are short : it
has five toes on each foot, connected by membranes ;
and on each toe a small nail : the hind feet are very
broad, and extended nearly on a line with the body.
The Walrus is chiefly found in the northern seas.
Great herds of them are sometimes seen together on the
sea shore, or sleeping on an island of ice. When alarm-
ed, they instantly throw themselves into the water with
great precipitation. If wounded, they become bold and
furious, and unite in the defence of each other : they
will attack a boat, and endeavour to sink it by striking
their great teeth into its sides, at the same time bellowing
in a most hideous manner.
It is hunted for its teeth, which are equal to those of
the Elephant for durability and whiteness.
An ordinary Walrus is said to yield half a ton of oil,
equal in goodness to that of the whale.
The female produces one or two young at a time,
which she suckles upon land.
In climbing upon the ice, the Walrus makes use of its
teeth as hooks to secure its hold, and draw its great un-
wieldy body after it. It feeds on sea-weeds and shell-
fish, which it is said to disengage from the rocks to which
they adhere, with its tusks.
The White Bear is its greatest enemy. In the com-
bats between these animals, the Walrus is said to be ge-
nerally vidlorious, on account of the desperate wounds it
iiiflidls with its teeth.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS
m
THE SEAL
{Phoca Vitulinay Lin. — Le Phoque^ BufF.)
Is found, with some variety, in almost every quarter of
the globe : in the northern seas of Asia, Europe, and
America ; as well as the less frequented regions towards
the south pole.
Its usual length is from five to six feet. The body is
closely covered with short hair of various colours, smooth
and shining ; its tongue is forked at the end ; it has two
canine teeth in each jaw, six cutting teeth in the upper,
and four in the lower ; it has five toes on each foot, fur-
nished with strong sharp claws, which enable it to climb
the rocks, on which it frequently basks.
It swims with great strength and swiftness, is very
playful, and sports without fear about ships and boats.
It feeds on various kinds of fish, and is frequently seen
near the shore in pursuit of its prey.
Seals are found in great abundance on the coasts of
Great Britain ; particularly in the deep recesses and ca-
verns in the northern parts of the island, where they re-
sort in the breeding time, and continue till the young
©nes are old enough to go to sea.
3 S
506
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The time for taking Seals is in the month of Odlober,
or the beginning of November. The hunters, provided
with torches and bludgeons, enter the mouths of the ca-
verns about midnight, and row in as far as they can :
they then land ; and being properly stationed, begin by
making a great noise, which alarms the Seals, and brings
them down from all parts of the cavern in a confused bo-
dy, making frightful shrieks and cries. In this hazard-
ous employment, great care is necessary on the part of
the hunters to avoid the throng, which presses down with
great impetuosity, and bears away every thing that op-
poses its progress j but when the first crowd is past, they
kill great numbers of young ones, which generally strag-
gle behind, by striking them on the nose.
A young Seal yields above eight gallons of oil. When
full grown, their skins are very valuable, and make a
beautiful kind of leather, much used in making shoes,
&c.
The flesh of the Seal is sometimes eaten 5 and that it
was formerly admitted to the tables of the great, may be
seen in the bill of fare of a sumptuous entertainment
given by archbishop Nevil in the reign of Edward the
Fourth.
The growth of Seals is so amazingly rapid, that after
nine tides from their birth they are as active as the old
ones.
The female brings forth her young on the land, sits on
her hind legs while she suckles them, and as soon as they
are able, carries them to sea, and learns them to swim and
search for food ; when they become fatigued, she places
them on her back. The young ones know the voice of
their mother, and attend to her call.
507
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
The voice of the Seal has been compared to the hoarse
barking of a Dog ; when young, it is clearer, and resem-
bles the mewing of a Cat.
Seals are likewise found in the Mediterranean and Cas-
pian seas, in the lake Baikal, and some of the larger
lakes. These are smaller than the salt-water Seals j but
so fat, that they seem almost shapeless.
THE HOODED SEAL
Is found in the south of Greenland, and is distinguished
by a thick fold on its forehead, with which it can cover
its eyes and nose. Its hair is white, with a thick coat of
black woolly hair underneath, which makes it appear of
a fine grey colour. The hunters say that it is not easily
killed, till the covering on its head is removed.
50S
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE URSINE SEAL, OR SEA-BEAR
{Phoca Ursina^ Lin. — UOurs Martn^ BufF.)
Is much larger than the common Seal, being eight feet
in length, and weighing eight hundred pounds.
These animals are found among the islands which lie
between Kamschatka and America ; also on the coasts of
New Zealand, Staten Island, New Georgia, and Falk-
land’s islands. They lie in thousands on the shore, in
separate families, each consisting of above an hundred.
One male will sometimes have fifty females, which he
guards with extreme jealousy. They are excessively fat
and indolent, sometimes even scarcely moving from the
place where they lie for the space of three months ;
during which time the females breed and suckle their
young. If another approach their station, they are rous-
ed from their supineness: a battle ensues, which fre-
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 509
quently becomes general, and spreads confusion through
the whole shore. These conflidls are extremely violent ;
and the wounds given are very deep, resembling a cut
with a sabre.
The attachment of the male to the young is very
strong : he defends them with great obstinacy, and fre-
quently revenges their loss upon the female, whom he
beats most cruelly; whilst she crawls to his feet> and
seems to deprecate his wrath with the most obsequious
gestures.
The female generally brings forth one, seldom two, at
a time.
They swim with great ease, at the rate of about seven
miles in an hour. When wounded, they will seize on a
boat, carry it along with them, and sometimes sink it.
They can continue a long time under water. In climb-
ing rocks, they fasten their fore paws, and draw them-
selves up.
These, and all the Seal kind, will live a long time
after receiving the most dreadful wounds ; but the most
trifling blow on the snout or forehead instantly kills
them.
The general colour of these animals is black. They
are covered with a coat of long rough hair, under which
is a soft down of a bay colour. On the neck of the old
ones, the hair is eredl, and a little longer than the rest.
The fat and flesh of the old males are very nauseous ;
but those of the females and the young, when roasted,
are said to be as good as the flesh of a sucking Pig,
510
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BAT.
This singular animal is distinguished from every other
quadruped by being furnished with wings, and seems to
possess a middle nature between four-footed animals and
birds : it is allied to the one by the faculty of flying only,
to the other both by its external and internal structure :
in each respe6l it has the appearance of an imperfect ani-
mal. In walking, its feet seem to be entangled with its
wings, and it drags its body on the ground with extreme
aukwardness. Its motions in the air do not seem to be
performed with ease ; it raises itself from the ground
with difficulty, and its flight is laboured and ill directed ;
whence it has very significantly been called the Flitter-
Mouse. There are several varieties of the Bat kind.
THE SHORT-EARED BAT
{Vespertilio Murtnus^ Lin. — Le chauve Souris , Buffi)
Is found in almost every part of Europe, and is most
commonly known in Great Britain. Its usual length is
about two inches and a half ; the extent of the wings
nine inches.
511
. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
It makes it first appearance early in the summer. It
sleeps during the day, and begins its flight in the dusk of
the evening. It frequents the sides of woods, glades,
and shady walks ; and is frequently observed to skim
along the surface of the water in quest of gnats and other
insedls, which are its principal food.
Its membranes or wings are of a dusky colour, and ve-
ry thin ; they extend from the fore feet to the tail : the
hind feet are divided into five toes, furnished with claws ;
the body is covered with a short soft fur, of a mouse-
colour, tinged with red ; the eyes are very small ; and
the ears like those of a Mouse ; it has four cutting teeth
in the upper jaw, and six in the under.
The female produces two young at a time, which she
suckles at her breast ; and is said to carry them when
flying.
Towards the end of summer, the Bat retires into
caves, old buildings, or hollow trees, where it remains
in a state of inactivity. During winter, some cover
themselves with their wings as with a mantle, and sus-
pend themsplves by the hind feet ; others stick fast to old
walls ; and some retire into holes.
f
.512 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE LONG-EARED BAT
[Vespertilio Auritus^ Lin. — UOreillar^ BufF.)
Is only an inch and three quarters in length ; the extent
of its wings is seven inches ; its ears are above an inch
long, very thin, and almost transparent ; within each of
them there is a membrane, resembling an ear, which
may possibly serve as a valve to defend the organs of
hearing during its inactive state.
THE GREAT BAT
(La NoBuky Buff.)
Is found in Great Britain, but is not so common as the
two last-mentioned : it is likewise found in France, and
is common in various parts of Russia.
Its length is nearly three inches ; that of the tail one
and seven-tenths \ the extent of the wings thirteen inch-
es j^the ears are short, the hair of a reddish ash colour,
and on the chin there is a very small wart.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE PIPISTRELLE
li the smallest, and its appearance the least disgusting, of
all Bats. Its length is not quite one inch and a quar-
ter; the extent of its wings six and a half ; its nose is
small, ears broad, and its forehead covered with long
hairs ; the upper part of the body is of a yellowish brown
colour, the lower part dusky, and the lips yellow. It in-
habits France, and is common in Russia and Siberia.
THE BARBASTELLE
Is distinguished by the shortness of its face, almost con-
cealed by its large broad ears, the bases of which touch
each other, and cover the forehead and eyes : its cheeks
are full, and its lips hairy ; its nose is very short, and the
end of it flat. Its length is about two inches ; the ex-
tent of the wings ten and a half. It is found in France,
THE SEROTINE
Is about the size of the common Bat ; its nose is some-
what longer its ears are short, and broad at the base 5
the hair on the upper part of the body is of a light brown
or rust colour, and the belly paler. It is likewise found
in France.
THE HORSE-SHOE BAT
, Is distinguished by a membrane surrounding its nose and
upper lip somewhat in the form of a horse-shoe, whence
it derives its name. Its ears are long, very broad at the
3 T
514 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
base, and are not furnished with a smaller or internal
ear, common to almost all the Bat kind : the upper part
of the body is of an ash colour, the belly whitish. They
vary in size ; the largest are above three inches and a
half long from the nose to the end of the tail ; the ex.-
tent of the wings is above fourteen.
This kind is very common in France, and is the last
of seven distindl species described by M. BufFon as natives
of that country. These are all equally harmless, diminu-
tive, and obscure 5 shunning the light, and endeavouring
to conceal themselves in holes and caverns. They never
come out, but during the night, in quest of food ; and
return at day-break to their dreary habitations. But un-
der the influence of a warmer climate, the Bat assumes
a very different charadler, and possesses powers which
render it formidable to mankind, and a scourge to those
countries where it is found. Some of them are as large
as a well-grown pullet ; and so numerous, that they fre-
quently darken the air as they fly. They are fond of
blood, and will attack men whom they find asleep 5 they
are said to introduce their sharp-pointed tongues into a
vein, sucking the blood till they are satiated, without
awakening the sufferer.
The ancients had an imperfe^l knowledge of these
animals ; and from their aptness to convert every objedt
of terror into an imaginary being, it is probable they had
conceived the idea of Harpies, from the cruelty, voracity,
and disgusting deformity of these creatures.
These monsters inhabit Madagascar, and all the islands
of the Indian Ocean : they have likewise been found in
New Holland, the Friendly Isles, the New Hebrides, and
New Caledonia.
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 515
THE TERNATE BAT
{Vespertilio Vampyrusy Lin.— RoussettCy Buff.)
Is above one foot in length, and the extent of its wings
more than four : it has large canine teeth, four cutting
teeth above, and the same below ; its tongue is pointed,
and terminated with sharp-pointed papillse, or prickles ;
its nose is sharp, and its ears large and naked 5 it has
five toes on the hind feet, furnished with strong hooked
claws \ it has no tail ; the head is of a dark rust colour ;
the back dusky ; the neck, shoulders, and under side, of
a lightish brown, inclining to red j the membranes of the
wings dusky.
3 T 2
m HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
They feed on fruits, and are extremely fond of the
juice of the palm-tree, with which they will frequently
intoxicate themselves, so as to drop on the ground. One
hundred and fifty or two hundred of them may some-
times be s^en on the same tree, all hanging with their
heads down, and their wings folded ; and in this manner
they repose during great part of the day. They grow
very fat at certain times of the year ; and when young,
they are eaten by the Indians, and considered as excel-
lent food.
THE ROUGETTE, OR LESSER TERNATE BAT,
Inhabits the same countries, and is very similar to the
last in the shape of its head and body : the hair is of a
cinereous brown colour ; and on the neck it has a half-
collar, of a lively red, mixed with orange. It is about
five inches long ; and the extent of its wings little more
than two feet.
The Rougettes fly in flocks, and perfedlly obscure the
air with their numbers. They fly from one island to
another, and begin their flight about sun-set. During
the day, they lodge in the hollow trunks of trees. They
live chiefly in trees 5 and when about to fly, they beat
the air with their wings, before they can disengage them-
selves from the branch to which they are attached.
When shot at or suddenly surprised, several of them fall
to the ground ; and in that situation are incapable of re-
suming their flight, till they climb upon some elevated
obje£l. They move awkwardly on the ground, and use
their utmost efforts to quit it as soon as possible. Both
these kinds bring forth only one young at a time once
a year.
517
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE SPECTRE BAT.
{Vespertilio SpeBrutUy Lin.— Vampire^ Buff.)
Its nose is long ; and at the end there is a membrane,
of a conical form, somewhat like a horn, but flexile,
which gives it a hideous and disgusting aspedl. It has
no tail. Its body is covered with long hair, of an ash
colour. It is found in Surinam. Stedman, in his ac-
count of that colony, particularly describes it, and says
that it is fond of human blood.
THE SENEG.\L BAT
Has two cutting teeth in the upper, and six in the under
jaw ; and two canine teeth, and eight grinders, in each
jaw : its head is long, ears short and pointed, head and
body of a tawny brown colour, belly lighter, length ra-
ther more than four inches, extent of the wings twenty-
one. It is found in Senegal.
THE BULL-DOG BAT.
Its nose is thick ; lips large, and somewhat pendulous ;
its ears are broad and round, the edges touching each
other in the front ; the upper part of the body is of a
deep ash colour, the lower paler ; its tail long; length
about two inches ; extent of the wings nine and a half :
it has twenty-six teeth ; two cutting and two canine in
each jaw ; eight grinders in the upper, and ten in the
lower jaw. It inhabits the West Indies.
518
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE BEARDED BAT.
The nostrils of this animal are not separated by a car-
tilage, as in most animals, but are placed on the side of a
small gutter or furrow, which is open from one end to
the other *, the ears are long and narrow •, the upper part
of the head and body is of a reddish brown colour, the
lower part whitish, tinged with yellow ; hair on the fore-
head and under the chin very long ; length of the body
about an inch and a half ; extent of the wings little more
than seven.
THE STRIPED BAT
(Vespertilio Spasinay Lin.)
Has a small, short nose ; ears short, broad, and pointing
forward. These Bats vary in colour. The body is ge-
nerally of a clear brown, the under part whitish : its
wings are striped with black, and sometimes with yellow
and brown. Length of the body two inches. It is a
native of Ceylon, where it is called Kiriwoula,
To this we may add a very minute kind, mentioned by
Mr Forster, which was seen and heard in myriads on the
island of Tanna, one of the New Hebrides \ but every
attempt of our voyagers to obtain a nearer inspe(^on of
them failed of success.
Bats differ very much in the number and disposition of
their teeth, which has occasioned no small confusion in
the arrangements of systematic writers ; some of them
being furnished with two, others with more, cutting
teeth in each jaw.
519
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
We have now given the most distinguished varieties of
this curious species. It would be fruitless, if not impos-
sible, to point out all the peculiarities to be found in the
various tribes which abound in every country in the
world, and differ from each other more in their habits
and dispositions than in their exterior form and appear-
ance, which in all of them seem to be equally deformed
and disgusting. But we should not from hence conclude
that imperfe^lion and deformity are always in uniform
analogy with the notions we have preconceived of what
is fair and beautiful. Amidst the infinite productions of
Creative Power, variety of form, difference of faculties,
and degrees of utility, are eminently observable ; com-
posing one general plan, in which wisdom, order, and
fitness, are displayed through all its parts.
NEWCASTLE :
ifaiNTED BY EDWARD WALKER.
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ADDENDA.
We are favoured, by the Literary and Philosophical
Society of Newcastle upon Tyne, with the figures and
descriptions of two very rare animals, sent to them from
New South Wales, by James Hunter, Esq. Governor of
that settlement.
The one, like most of the animals found in these new
settlements, has a false belly or pouch, for the reception
of its young after their protrusion from the uterus ; com-
mon to every animal of the Opossum kind.
The other seems to be an animal sui generis ; it ap-
pears to possess a threefold nature, that of a fish, a bird,
and a quadruped, and is related to nothing that we have
hitherto seen ; we shall not attempt to arrange it in any
of the usual modes of classification, but content ourselves
with giving the description of both these curious animals
as they have been transmitted to us.
.522
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
THE WOMBACH.
Sydney, New South Wales,
August 5, 1798.
This animal was found upon an island on the coast
of New South Wales, in latitude 4?0' 36^' S. where con-
siderable numbers were caught by the company of a ship
which had been wrecked there on her voyage from Ben-
gal to Port Jackson.
I received this animal alive, by a vessel which I had
sent to the relief of the sufferers : it was exceedingly
weak when it arrived, as it had, during its confinement
on board, refused every kind of sustenance, except a
small quantity of boiled rice, which was forced down its
throat. I had it frequently taken out of the box in
which it was kept, that it might receive the benefit of
the warmth of the sun, which, however, it did not seem
to enjoy ; but whenever it could shelter itself under a
shrub, there it would continue and sleep. It refused
every kind of food on shore as it had done on board, but
we could see it sometimes nibble a little of the roots of
523
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
rushes or grass : it grew weaker every day, was exceed-
ingly harmless, and would allow any person to carry it
about. After having lived, with scarcely any kind of
food, for six weeks, it died ; and its intestines and brain
having been taken out, I preserved the body in spirits,
for the inspedlion of the learned members of the Literary
and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne.
It is about the size of a Badger, a species of which
we supposed it to be, from its dexterity in burrowing in
the earth, by means of its fore paws ; but on watching
its general motions, it appeared to have much of the ha-
bits and manner of a Bear.
Its head is large ; the forehead, above the eyes, is
particularly broad, from which it tapers to the nose, *
which is a hard grisly substance, and seems well adapted
for removing the earth when it burrows ; it has two
cutting teeth in each jaw, long and sharp like those of a
Kanguroo, with a space of about an inch between them
and the grinders, which are strong and well set: from
the stru6lure of its teeth, it does not appear to be a car-
nivorous animal : its eyes are small and black ; its ears
short and pointed ; its paws are somewhat like those of a
Bear: its weight appeared to be about forty pounds.
It runs awkwardly, in the manner of a Bear, so that a
man could easily overtake it. There is , something un-
common in the form of its hinder parts ; its posteriors
do not round off like those of most other animals, but
fall suddenly down in a sloping direction, commencing at
the hip joint, and descending to the knee joint of the
hind legs ; from this joint to the toe it appears to tread
* Its nose and upper lip resemble those of the Porcupine.
3 T 2
' 521? HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.
flat upon the ground 5 its tail is so short, as hardly to be
discovered : its colour is that of a cream-coloured brown,
intermixed with black hairs. This animal has lately
been discovered to be an inhabitant of the interior of
this country also. Its flesh is delicate meat. This one
is a female, and has the false belly for the security of
its young. The mountain natives call it WonibachP
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 525
« AN AMPHIBIOUS ANIMAL
Is found in the fresh water lakes, which is about the
size of a small Cat it chiefly frequents the banks of the
lakes •, its bill is very similar to that of a duck, and it
probably feeds in muddy places in the same way ; its
eyes are very small ; it has four short legs ; the fore legs
are shorter than those of the hind, and their* webs spread
considerably beyond the claws, which enables it to swim
with great ease ; the hind legs are also webbed, and the
claws are long and sharp. They are frequently seen on
the surface of the water, where they blow like a turtle :
their tail is thick, short, and very fat.
The natives say they sometimes see them of a very
large size.”
LATELY WAS PUBLISHED,
A
HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS,
In Two Volumes,
THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD
BY
THOMAS BEWICK.
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