The Dugongs were for some time confounded with the Walruses and
Manatees, under the generic name of Trichecus, until Lacepede,
perceiving their distinctive characters, separated them as a distinct
race, to which he applied the name Dugong, thus trying to Latinize their
native appellation. Such Latin as that, however, could not be tolerated
even by Zoologists, and hence Illiger conferred upon them the more
euphonious name of Halicore (daughter of the sea). Although the
organization of the Dugong in its general features resembles that of the
Manatee, there are important differences whereby they are clearly
distinguishable. The molar teeth of the Dugong have no roots, but
present merely a flat surface bordered with enamel; moreover, they are
fewer than in the Manatee, and the Dugong has rudimentary incisors. The
structure of the hands is likewise modified. The fingers of the Dugong
have no nails, and very much resemble the flippers of ordinary
Cetaceans, while the nostrils, instead of opening at the end of the
snout, are approximated to the top of the head, another circumstance by
which the Dugongs seem to be intermediate between the herbivorous and
carnivorous forms of Whale.
The only known species is the Halicore Dugong. These animals live in
societies, in shallow bays near the mouths of rivers, and in narrow arms
of the sea where the depth is only two or three fathoms. In such
situations they find abundance of sea-weed, which seems to constitute
their only nutriment, and which they tear from the rocks by means of
their flexible but powerful and fleshy lips. In the Sunda Isles Dugongs
were formerly numerous, but their flesh is esteemed a dainty, and the
species is now becoming scarce.
The chase after them is carried on during very calm weather, and
generally by night. Their vicinity is detected by the noise they make in
breathing as they lie at the top of the water, when by approaching them
cautiously in a boat, they are easily harpooned. When once the weapon is
fixed, all the efforts of the assailants are directed to getting a rope
round the tail of their victim, and this being accomplished it is quite
helpless.
The mother and her young, and also the male and his mate, show great
attachment for each other; if one is caught, the capture of the other is
a certainty, as the survivor, totally regardless of danger, gives itself
up to its enemies.
Birds.
[Illustration: STONE EAGLE GUARDING HIS BOOTY.]
IN the study of our beautiful and interesting friends, the Birds, it is
useless to enter into any prolonged discussion concerning their
structure and their habits in this limited space; we are too eager to
arrange them in their proper families, and learn of the interesting
traits of individuals.
[Illustration: TAILOR BIRD.]
There is one thing worthy of consideration, however, in studying the
Birds as a whole, before taking up individuals; and that is their
wonderful intelligence in the building of their nests and the care of
their young. It is difficult to understand this intelligence as
exhibited in Birds. In the Mammals, whose organization approaches nearer
to our own, we are enabled partly to comprehend their joys and griefs,
but in the case of Birds it is difficult to understand their sensations.
To explain this mystery a word has been invented which proves generally
satisfactory. Thus we call the sentiment which leads the Birds to
perform so many admirable actions, instinct. The tenderness of the
mother for her young for instance—a tenderness so full of delicacy and
foresight, is, we say, only the result of instinct. It is agreed,
however, that this instinct singularly resembles the intelligence called
reason.
Take the intelligence that is shown in the majority of Birds in the nest
building. The Tailor bird—an East Indian Bird related to the
Warblers—shows rare intelligence in constructing its nest by stitching
together the leaves of plants; and as we study the individuals of the
different families of Birds we will find numerous instances of this
marvellous quality commonly known as instinct.
Birds have been arranged in groups and families in various ways by
different Naturalists, but the most satisfactory classification is the
division into six great families. First, the Raptores, or Birds of Prey;
second, the Natatores, or Swimming Birds; third, the Grallatores, or
Wading Birds; fourth, the Scransores, or Climbing Birds; fifth, the
Gallinaceae, or Domestic Birds; sixth, the Passerines, or the Sparrow
Family.