_Of the_ BEASTS, BIRDS, FISHES, REPTILES, _and_ INSECTS,
_which are found in the interior Parts of North America._
OF these I shall, in the first place, give a catalogue, and afterwards a
description of such only as are either peculiar to this country, or
which differ in some material point from those that are to be met with
in other realms.
OF THE BEASTS.
The Tyger, the Bear, Wolves, Foxes, Dogs, the Cat of the Mountain, the
Wild Cat, the Buffalo, the Deer, the Elk, the Moose, the Carrabou, the
Carcajou, the Skunk, the Porcupine, the Hedge-hog, the Wood-chuck, the
Raccoon, the Martin, the Fisher, the Muskquaw, Squirrels, Hares,
Rabbits, the Mole, the Weezel, the Mouse, the Dormouse, the Beaver, the
Otter, the Mink, and Bats.
The TYGER. The Tyger of America resembles in shape those of Africa and
Asia, but is considerably smaller. Nor does it appear to be so fierce
and ravenous as they are. The colour of it is a darkish fallow, and it
is entirely free from spots. I saw one on an island in the Chipéway
River, of which I had a very good view, as it was at no great distance
from me. It sat up on its hinder parts like a dog; and did not seem
either to be apprehensive of our approach, or to discover any ravenous
inclinations. It is however very seldom to be met with in this part of
the world.
The BEAR. Bears are very numerous on this continent, but more
particularly so in the northern parts of it, and contribute to furnish
both food and beds for almost every Indian nation. Those of America
differ in many respects from those either of Greenland or Russia, they
being not only somewhat smaller, but timorous and inoffensive, unless
they are pinched by hunger, or smarting from a wound. The sight of a man
terrifies them; and a dog will put several to flight. They are extremely
fond of grapes, and will climb to the top of the highest trees in quest
of them. This kind of food renders their flesh excessively rich and
finely flavoured; and it is consequently preferred by the Indians and
traders to that of any other animal. The fat is very white, and besides
being sweet and wholesome, is possessed of one valuable quality, which
is, that it never cloys. The inhabitants of these parts constantly
anoint themselves with it, and to its efficacy they in a great measure
owe their agility. The season for hunting the bear is during the winter;
when they take up their abode in hollow trees, or make themselves dens
in the roots of those that are blown down, the entrance of which they
stop up with branches of fir that lie scattered about. From these
retreats it is said they stir not whilst the weather continues severe,
and as it is well known that they do not provide themselves with food,
they are supposed to be enabled by nature to subsist for some months
without, and during this time to continue of the same bulk.
The WOLF. The wolves of North America are much less than those which are
met with in other parts of the world. They have, however, in common with
the rest of their species, a wildness in their looks, and a fierceness
in their eyes; notwithstanding which they are far from being so ravenous
as the European wolves, nor will they ever attack a man, except they
have accidentally fed on the flesh of those slain in battle. When they
herd together, as they often do in the winter, they make a hideous and
terrible noise. In these parts there are two kinds; one of which is of a
fallow colour, the other of a dun, inclining to a black.
The FOX. There are two sorts of foxes in North America, which differ
only in their colour, one being of a reddish brown, the other of a grey;
those of the latter kind that are found near the river Mississippi, are
extremely beautiful, their hair being of a fine silver grey.
DOGS. The dogs employed by the Indians in hunting appear to be all of
the same species; they carry their ears erect, and greatly resemble a
wolf about the head. They are exceedingly useful to them in their
hunting excursions, and will attack the fiercest of the game they are in
pursuit of. They are also remarkable for their fidelity to their
masters; but being ill fed by them are very troublesome in their huts or
tents.
The CAT of the Mountain. This creature is in shape like a cat, only much
larger. The hair or fur resembles also the skin of that domestic animal;
the colour however differs, for the former is of a reddish or orange
cast, but grows lighter near the belly. The whole skin is beautified
with black spots of different figures, of which those on the back are
long, and those on the lower parts round. On the ears there are black
stripes. This creature is nearly as fierce as a leopard, but will seldom
attack a man.
The BUFFALO. This beast, of which there are amazing numbers in these
parts, is larger than an ox, has short black horns, with a large beard
under his chin, and his head is so full of hair, that it falls over his
eyes, and gives him a frightful look. There is a bunch on his back which
begins at the haunches, and increasing gradually to the shoulders,
reaches on to the neck. Both this excrescence and its whole body are
covered with long hair, or rather wool, of a dun or mouse colour, which
is exceedingly valuable, especially that on the fore part of the body.
Its head is larger than a bull’s, with a very short neck; the breast is
broad, and the body decreases towards the buttocks. These creatures will
run away at the sight of a man, and a whole herd will make off when they
perceive a single dog. The flesh of the buffalo is excellent food, its
hide extremely useful, and the hair very proper for the manufacture of
various articles.
The DEER. There is but one species of deer in North America, and these
are higher and of a slimmer make than those in Europe. Their shape is
nearly the same as the European, their colour of a deep fallow, and
their horns very large and branching. This beast is the swiftest on the
American plains, and they herd together as they do in other countries.
The ELK greatly exceeds the deer in size, being in bulk equal to a
horse. Its body is shaped like that of a deer, only its tail is
remarkably short, being not more than three inches long. The colour of
its hair, which is grey, and not unlike that of a camel, but of a more
reddish cast, is nearly three inches in length, and as coarse as that of
a horse. The horns of this creature grow to a prodigious size, extending
so wide that two or three persons might sit between them at the same
time. They are not forked like those of a deer, but have all their teeth
or branches on the outer edge. Nor does the form of those of the elk
resemble a deer’s, the former being flat, and eight or ten inches broad,
whereas the latter are round and considerably narrower. They shed their
horns every year in the month of February, and by August the new ones
are nearly arrived at their full growth. Notwithstanding their size, and
the means of defence nature has furnished them with, they are as
timorous as a deer. Their skin is very useful, and will dress as well as
that of a buck. They feed on grass in the summer, and on moss or buds in
the winter.
The MOOSE is nearly about the size of the elk, and the horns of it are
almost as enormous as that animal’s; the stem of them however are not
quite so wide, and they branch on both sides like those of a deer. This
creature also sheds them every year. Though its hinder parts are very
broad, its tail is not above an inch long. It has feet and legs like a
camel; its head is about two feet long, its upper lip much larger than
the under, and the nostrils of it are so wide that a man might thrust
his hand into them a considerable way. The hair of the moose is light
grey, mixed with a blackish red. It is very elastic, for though it be
beaten ever so long, it will retain its original shape. The flesh is
exceeding good food, easy of digestion, and very nourishing. The nose,
or upper lip, which is large and loose from the gums, is esteemed a
great delicacy, being of a firm consistence, between marrow and gristle,
and when properly dressed, affords a rich and luscious dish. Its hide is
very proper for leather, being thick and strong, yet soft and pliable.
The pace of this creature is always a trot, which is so expeditious,
that it is exceeded in swiftness but by few of its fellow inhabitants of
these woods. It is generally found in the forests, where it feeds on
moss and buds. Though this creature is of the deer kind, it never herds
as those do. Most authors confound it with the elk, deer, or carrabou,
but it is a species totally different, as might be discovered by
attending to the description I have given of each.
The CARRABOU. This beast is not near so tall as the moose, however it is
something like it in shape, only rather more heavy, and inclining to the
form of the ass. The horns of it are not flat as those of the elk are,
but round like those of the deer; they also meet nearer together at the
extremities, and bend more over the face, than either those of the elk
or moose. It partakes of the swiftness of the deer, and is with
difficulty overtaken by its pursuers. The flesh of it likewise is
equally as good, the tongue particularly is in high esteem. The skin
being smooth and free from veins, is as valuable as shamoy.
The CARCAJOU. This creature, which is of the cat kind, is a terrible
enemy to the preceding four species of beasts. He either comes upon them
from some concealment unperceived, or climbs up into a tree, and taking
his station on some of the branches, waits till one of them, driven by
an extreme of heat or cold, takes shelter under it; when he fastens upon
his neck, and opening the jugular vein, soon brings his prey to the
ground. This he is enabled to do by his long tail, with which he
encircles the body of his adversary; and the only means they have to
shun their fate, is by flying immediately to the water, by this method,
as the carcajou has a great dislike to that element, he is sometimes got
rid of before he can effect his purpose.
The SKUNK. This is the most extraordinary animal that the American woods
produce. It is rather less than a pole-cat, and of the same species; it
is therefore often mistaken for that creature, but is very different
from it in many points. Its hair is long and shining, variegated with
large black and white spots, the former mostly on the shoulders and
rump; its tail is very bushy, like that of the fox, part black, and part
white, like its body; it lives chiefly in the woods and hedges. But its
extraordinary powers are only shewn when it is pursued. As soon as he
finds himself in danger he ejects, to a great distance from behind, a
small stream of water, of so subtile a nature, and at the same time of
so powerful a smell, that the air is tainted with it for half a mile in
circumference; and his pursuers, whether men or dogs, being almost
suffocated with the stench, are obliged to give over the pursuit. On
this account he is called by the French, Enfant du Diable, the Child of
the Devil; or Bête Puante, the Stinking Beast. It is almost impossible
to describe the noisome effects of the liquid with which this creature
is supplied by nature for its defence. If a drop of it falls on your
cloaths, they are rendered so disagreeable that it is impossible ever
after to wear them; or if any of it enters your eyelids, the pain
becomes intolerable for a long time, and perhaps at last you lose your
sight. The smell of the skunk, though thus to be dreaded, is not like
that of a putrid carcase, but a strong fœtid effluvia of musk, which
displeases rather from its penetrating power than from its nauseousness.
It is notwithstanding considered as conducive to clear the head and to
raise the spirits. This water is supposed by naturalists to be its
urine; but I have dissected many of them that I have shot, and have
found within their bodies, near the urinal vessels, a small receptacle
of water, totally distinct from the bladder which contained the urine,
and from which alone I am satisfied the horrid stench proceeds. After
having taken out with great care the bag wherein this water is lodged, I
have frequently fed on them, and have found them very sweet and good;
but one drop emitted taints not only the carcase, but the whole house,
and renders every kind of provisions that are in it unfit for use. With
great justice therefore do the French give it such a diabolical name.
The PORCUPINE. The body of an American porcupine is in bulk about the
size of a small dog, but it is both shorter in length, and not so high
from the ground. It varies very much from those of other countries both
in its shape and the length of its quills. The former is like that of a
fox, except the head, which is not so sharp and long, but resembles more
that of a rabbit. Its body is covered with hair of a dark brown, about
four inches long, great part of which are the thickness of a straw, and
are termed its quills. These are white, with black points, hollow, and
very strong, especially those that grow on the back. The quills serve
this creature for offensive and defensive weapons, which he darts at his
enemies, and if they pierce the flesh in the least degree, they will
sink quite into it, and are not to be extracted without incision. The
Indians use them for boring their ears and noses to insert their
pendants, and also by way of ornament to their stockings, hair, &c.
besides which they greatly esteem the flesh.
The WOOD-CHUCK is a ground animal of the fur kind, about the size of a
martin, being nearly fifteen inches long; its body however is rounder,
and his legs shorter; the fore paws of it are broad, and constructed for
the purpose of digging holes in the ground, where it burrows like a
rabbit; its fur is of a grey colour on the reddish cast, and its flesh
tolerable food.
The RACOON is somewhat less in size than a beaver, and its feet and legs
are like those of that creature, but short in proportion to its body,
which resembles that of a badger. The shape of its head is much like a
fox’s, only the ears are shorter, more round and naked; and its hair is
also similar to that animal’s, being thick, long, soft, and black at the
ends. On its face there is a broad stripe that runs across it, and
includes the eyes, which are large. Its muzzle is black, and at the end
roundish like that of a dog; the teeth are also similar to those of a
dog in number and shape; the tail is long and round, with annular
stripes on it like those of a cat; the feet have five long slender toes
armed with sharp claws, by which it is enabled to climb up trees like a
monkey, and to run to the very extremities of the boughs. It makes use
of its fore feet in the manner of hands, and feeds itself with them. The
flesh of this creature is very good in the months of September and
October, when fruit and nuts, on which it likes to feed, are plenty.
The MARTIN is rather larger than a squirrel, and somewhat of the same
make; its legs and claws however are considerably shorter. Its ears are
short, broad, and roundish, and its eyes shine in the night like those
of a cat. The whole body is covered with fur of a brownish fallow
colour, and there are some in the more northern parts which are black;
the skins of the latter are of much greater value than the others. The
tail is covered with long hair, which makes it appear thicker than it
really is. Its flesh is sometimes eaten, but is not in any great esteem.
The MUSQUASH, or MUSK-RAT, is so termed for the exquisite musk which it
affords. It appears to be a diminutive of the beaver, being endowed with
all the properties of that sagacious animal, and wants nothing but size
and strength, being not much bigger than a large rat of the Norway
breed, to rival the creature it so much resembles. Was it not for its
tail, which is exactly the same as that of an European rat, the
structure of their bodies is so much alike, especially the head, that it
might be taken for a small beaver. Like that creature it builds itself a
cabbin, but of a less perfect construction, and takes up its abode near
the side of some piece of water. In the spring they leave their
retreats, and in pairs subsist on leaves and roots till the summer comes
on, when they feed on strawberries, rasberries, and such other fruits as
they can reach. At the approach of winter they separate, when each takes
up its lodging apart by itself in some hollow of a tree, where they
remain quite unprovided with food, and there is the greatest reason to
believe, subsist without any till the return of spring.
SQUIRRELS. There are five sorts of squirrels in America; the red, the
grey, the black, the variegated, and the flying. The two former are
exactly the same as those of Europe; the black are somewhat larger, and
differ from them only in colour; the variegated also resemble them in
shape and figure, but are very beautiful, being finely striped with
white or grey, and sometimes with red and black. The American flying
squirrel is much less than the European, being not above five inches
long, and of a russet grey or ash-colour on the back, and white on the
under parts. It has black prominent eyes like those of the mouse, with a
long flat broad tail. By a membrane on each side which reaches from its
fore to its hind legs, this creature is enabled to leap from one tree to
another, even if they stand a considerable distance apart; this loose
skin, which it is enabled to stretch out like a sail, and by which it is
buoyed up, is about two inches broad, and is covered with a fine hair or
down. It feeds upon the same provisions as the others, and is easily
tamed.
The BEAVER. This creature has been so often treated of, and his uncommon
abilities so minutely described, that any further account of it will
appear unnecessary; however for the benefit of those of my readers who
are not so well acquainted with the form and properties of this
sagacious and useful animal, I shall give a concise description of it.
The beaver is an amphibious quadruped, which cannot live for any long
time in the water, and it is said is even able to exist entirely without
it, provided it has the convenience of sometimes bathing itself. The
largest beavers are nearly four feet in length, and about fourteen or
fifteen inches in breadth over the haunches; they weigh about sixty
pounds. Its head is like that of the otter, but larger; its snout is
pretty long, the eyes small, the ears short, round, hairy on the
outside, and smooth within, and its teeth very long; the under teeth
stand out of their mouths about the breadth of three fingers, and the
upper half a finger, all of which are broad, crooked, strong, and sharp;
besides those teeth called the incisors, which grow double, are set very
deep in their jaws, and bend like the edge of an axe, they have sixteen
grinders, eight on each side, four above and four below, directly
opposite to each other. With the former they are able to cut down trees
of a considerable size, with the latter to break the hardest substances.
Its legs are short, particularly the fore legs, which are only four or
five inches long, and not unlike those of a badger; the toes of the fore
feet are separate, the nails placed obliquely, and are hollow like
quills; but the hind feet are quite different, and furnished with
membranes between the toes. By this means it can walk, though but
slowly, and is able to swim with as much ease as any other aquatic
animal. The tail has somewhat in it that resembles a fish, and seems to
have no manner of relation to the rest of the body, except the hind
feet, all the other parts being similar to those of land animals. The
tail is covered with a skin furnished with scales, that are joined
together by a pellicle; these scales are about the thickness of
parchment, nearly a line and a half in length, and generally of a
hexagonical figure, having six corners; it is about eleven or twelve
inches in length, and broader in the middle, where it is four inches
over, than either at the root or the extremity. It is about two inches
thick near the body, where it is almost round, and grows gradually
thinner and flatter to the end. The colour of the beaver is different
according to the different climates in which it is found. In the most
northern parts they are generally quite black; in more temperate, brown;
their colour becoming lighter and lighter as they approach towards the
south. The fur is of two sorts all over the body, except at the feet,
where it is very short; that which is the longest is generally in length
about an inch, but on the back it sometimes extends to two inches,
gradually diminishing towards the head and tail. This part of the fur is
harsh, coarse, and shining, and of little use; the other part consists
of a very thick and fine down, so soft that it feels almost like silk,
about three quarters of an inch in length, and is what is commonly
manufactured. Castor, which is useful in medicine, is produced from the
body of this creature; it was formerly believed to be its testicles, but
later discoveries have shown that it is contained in four bags situated
in the lower belly. Two of which, that are called the superior from
their being more elevated than the others, are filled with a soft
resinous adhesive matter, mixed with small fibres, greyish without, and
yellow within, of a strong, disagreeable, and penetrating scent, and
very inflammable. This is the true castoreum; it hardens in the air, and
becomes brown, brittle, and friable. The inferior bags contain an
unctuous liquor like honey; the colour of which is a pale yellow, and
its odour somewhat different from the other, being rather weaker and
more disagreeable; it however thickens as it grows older, and at length
becomes about the consistence of tallow. This has also its particular
use in medicine, but it is not so valuable as the true castoreum.
The ingenuity of these creatures in building their cabbins, and in
providing for their subsistence, is truly wonderful. When they are about
to chuse themselves a habitation, they assemble in companies sometimes
of two or three hundred, and after mature deliberation fix on a place
where plenty of provisions, and all necessaries are to be found. Their
houses are always situated in the water, and when they can find neither
lake nor pond adjacent, they endeavour to supply the defect by stopping
the current of some brook or small river, by means of a causeway or dam.
For this purpose they set about felling of trees, and they take care to
chuse out those that grow above the place where they intend to build,
that they might swim down with the current. Having fixed on those that
are proper, three or four beavers placing themselves round a large one,
find means with their strong teeth to bring it down. They also prudently
contrive that it shall fall towards the water, that they may have the
less way to carry it. After they have by a continuance of the same
labour and industry, cut it into proper lengths, they roll these into
the water, and navigate them towards the place where they are to be
employed. Without entering more minutely into the measures they pursue
in the construction of their dams, I shall only remark, that having
prepared a kind of mortar with their feet, and laid it on with their
tails, which they had before made use of to transport it to the place
where it is requisite, they construct them with as much solidity and
regularity as the most experienced workmen could do. The formation of
their cabins is no less amazing. These are either built on piles in the
middle of the small lakes they have thus formed, on the bank of a river,
or at the extremity of some point of land that advances into a lake. The
figure of them is round or oval, and they are fashioned with an
ingenuity equal to their dams. Two thirds of the edifice stands above
the water, and this part is sufficiently capacious to contain eight or
ten inhabitants. Each beaver has his place, assigned him, the floor of
which he curiously strews with leaves, or small branches of the pine
tree, so as to render it clean and comfortable; and their cabbins are
all situated so contiguous to each other, as to allow of an easy
communication. The winter never surprizes these animals before their
business is completed; for by the latter end of September their houses
are finished, and their stock of provisions are generally laid in. These
consist of small pieces of wood whose texture is soft, such as the
poplar, the aspin, or willow, &c. which they lay up in piles, and
dispose of in such manner as to preserve their moisture. Was I to
enumerate every instance of sagacity that is to be discovered in these
animals, they would fill a volume, and prove not only entertaining but
instructive.
The OTTER. This creature also is amphibious, and greatly resembles a
beaver, but is very different from it in many respects. Its body is
nearly as long as a beaver’s, but considerably less in all its parts.
The muzzle, eyes, and the form of the head are nearly the same, but the
teeth are very unlike, for the otter wants the large incisors or nippers
that a beaver has; instead of these, all his teeth, without any
distinction, are shaped like those of a dog or wolf. The hair also of
the former is not half so long as that belonging to the latter, nor is
the colour of it exactly the same, for the hair of an otter under the
neck, stomach, and belly, is more greyish than that of a beaver, and in
many other respects it likewise varies. This animal, which is met with
in most parts of the world, but in much greater numbers in North
America, is very mischievous, and when he is closely pursued, will not
only attack dogs but men. It generally feeds upon fish, especially in
the summer, but in the winter is contented with the bark of trees, or
the produce of the fields. Its flesh both tastes and smells of fish, and
is not wholsome food, though it is sometimes eaten through necessity.
The MINK is of the otter kind, and subsists in the same manner. In shape
and size it resembles a pole-cat, being equally long and slender. Its
skin is blacker than that of an otter, or almost any other creature; “as
black as a mink,” being a proverbial expression in America; it is not
however so valuable, though this greatly depends on the season in which
it is taken. Its tail is round like that of a snake, but growing
flattish towards the end, and is entirely without hair. An agreeable
musky scent exhales from its body; and it is met with near the sources
of rivers on whose banks it chiefly lives.
OF THE BIRDS.
The Eagle, the Hawk, the Night Hawk, the Fish Hawk, the Whipperwill, the
Raven, the Crow, the Owl, Parrots, the Pelican, the Crane, the Stork,
the Cormorant, the Heron, the Swan, the Goose, Ducks, Teal, the Loon,
the Water-Hen, the Turkey, the Heath Cock, the Partridge, the Quail,
Pigeons, the Snipe, Larks, the Woodpecker, the Cuckoo, the Blue Jay, the
Swallow, the Wakon Bird, the Black Bird, the Red Bird, the Thrush, the
Whetsaw, the Nightingale, the King Bird, the Robin, the Wren, and the
Humming Bird.
The EAGLE. There are only two sorts of eagles in these parts, the bald
and the grey, which are much the same in size, and similar to the shape
of those of other countries.
The NIGHT HAWK. This Bird is of the hawk species, its bill being
crooked, its wings formed for swiftness, and its shape nearly like that
of the common hawk; but in size it is considerably less, and in colour
rather darker. It is scarcely ever seen but in the evening, when, at the
approach of twilight, it flies about, and darts itself in wanton gambols
at the head of the belated traveller. Before a thunder-shower these
birds are seen at an amazing height in the air assembled together in
great numbers, as swallows are observed to do on the same occasion.
The WHIPPERWILL, or, as it is termed by the Indians, the Muckawiss. This
extraordinary bird is somewhat like the last-mentioned in its shape and
colour, only it has some whitish stripes across the wings, and like that
is seldom ever seen till after sun-set. It also is never met with but
during the spring and summer months. As soon as the Indians are informed
by its notes of its return, they conclude that the frost is entirely
gone, in which they are seldom deceived; and on receiving this assurance
of milder weather, begin to sow their corn. It acquires its name by the
noise it makes, which to the people of the colonies sounds like the name
they give it, Whipper-will; to an Indian ear Muck-a-wiss. The words, it
is true, are not alike, but in this manner they strike the imagination
of each; and the circumstance is a proof that the same sounds, if they
are not rendered certain by being reduced to the rules of orthography,
might convey different ideas to different people. As soon as night comes
on, these birds will place themselves on the fences, stumps, or stones
that lie near some house, and repeat their melancholy notes without any
variation till midnight. The Indians, and some of the inhabitants of the
back settlements, think if this bird perches upon any house, that it
betokens some mishap to the inhabitants of it.
The FISH HAWK greatly resembles the latter in its shape, and receives
his name from his food, which is generally fish; it skims over the lakes
and rivers, and sometimes seems to lie expanded on the water, as he
hovers so close to it, and having by some attractive power drawn the
fish within its reach, darts suddenly upon them. The charm it makes use
of is supposed to be an oil contained in a small bag in the body, and
which nature has by some means or other supplied him with the power of
using for this purpose; it is however very certain that any bait touched
with a drop of the oil collected from this bird is an irresistible lure
for all sorts of fish, and insures the angler great success.
The OWL. The only sort of owls that is found on the banks of the
Mississippi is extremely beautiful in its plumage, being of a fine deep
yellow or gold colour, pleasingly shaded and spotted.
The CRANE. There is a kind of crane in these parts, which is called by
Father Hennepin a pelican, that is about the size of the European crane,
of a greyish colour, and with long legs; but this species differs from
all others in its bill, which is about twelve inches long, and one inch
and half broad, of which breadth it continues to the end, where it is
blunted, and round like a paddle; its tongue is of the same length.
DUCKS. Among a variety of wild ducks, the different species of which
amount to upwards of twenty, I shall confine my description to one sort,
that is, the wood duck, or, as the French term it, Canard branchus. This
fowl receives its name from its frequenting the woods, and perching on
the branches of trees, which no other kind of water fowl (a
characteristic that this still preserves) is known to do. It is nearly
of a size with other ducks; its plumage is beautifully variegated, and
very brilliant. The flesh of it also, as it feeds but little on fish, is
finely flavoured, and much superior to any other sort.
The TEAL. I have already remarked in my Journal, that the teal found on
the Fox River, and the head branches of the Mississippi, are perhaps not
to be equalled for the fatness and delicacy of their flesh by any other
in the world. In colour, shape, and size they are very little different
from those found in other countries.
The LOON is a water fowl, somewhat less than a teal, and is a species of
the dobchick. Its wings are short, and its legs and feet large in
proportion to the body; the colour of it is a dark brown, nearly
approaching to black; and as it feeds only on fish, the flesh of it is
very ill-flavoured. These birds are exceedingly nimble and expert at
diving, so that it is almost impossible for one person to shoot them, as
they will dextrously avoid the shot by diving before they reach them; so
that it requires three persons to kill one of them, and this can only be
done the moment it raises his head out of the water as it returns to the
surface after diving. It however only repays the trouble taken to obtain
it, by the excellent sport it affords.
The PARTRIDGE. There are three sorts of partridges here, the brown, the
red, and the black, the first of which are most esteemed. They are all
much larger than the European partridges, being nearly the size of a hen
pheasant; their head and eyes are also like that bird, and they have all
long tails, which they spread like a fan, but not erect; but contrary to
the custom of those in other countries, they will perch on the branches
of the poplar and black birch, on the buds of which they feed early in
the morning and in the twilight of the evening during the winter months,
when they are easily shot.
The WOOD PIGEON, is nearly the same as ours, and there is such
prodigious quantities of them on the banks of the Mississippi, that they
will sometimes darken the sun for several minutes.
The WOODPECKER. This is a very beautiful bird; there is one sort whose
feathers are a mixture of various colours; and another that is brown all
over the body, except the head and neck, which are of a fine red. As
this bird is supposed to make a greater noise than ordinary at
particular times, it is conjectured his cries then denote rain.
The BLUE JAY. This bird is shaped nearly like the European jay, only
that its tail is longer. On the top of its head is a crest of blue
feathers, which is raised or let down at pleasure. The lower part of the
neck behind, and the back, are of a purplish colour, and the upper sides
of the wings and tail, as well as the lower part of the back and rump,
are of a fine blue; the extremities of the wings are blackish, faintly
tinctured with dark blue on the edges, whilst the other parts of the
wing are barred across with black in an elegant manner. Upon the whole
this bird can scarcely be exceeded in beauty by any of the winged
inhabitants of this or other climates. It has the same jetting motion
that jays generally have, and its cry is far more pleasing.
The WAKON BIRD, as it is termed by the Indians, appears to be of the
same species as the birds of paradise. The name they have given it is
expressive of its superior excellence, and the veneration they have for
it; the wakon bird being in their language the bird of the Great Spirit.
It is nearly the size of a swallow, of a brown colour, shaded about the
neck with a bright green; the wings are of a darker brown than the body;
its tail is composed of four or five feathers, which are three times as
long as its body, and which are beautifully shaded with green and
purple. It carries this fine length of plumage in the same manner as a
peacock does, but it is not known whether it ever raises it into the
erect position that bird sometimes does. I never saw any of these birds
in the colonies, but the Naudowessie Indians caught several of them when
I was in their country, and seemed to treat them as if they were of a
superior rank to any other of the feathered race.
The BLACK BIRD. There are three sorts of birds in North America that
bear this name; the first is the common, or as it is there termed, the
crow blackbird, which is quite black, and of the same size and shape of
those in Europe, but it has not that melody in its notes which they
have. In the month of September this sort fly in large flights, and do
great mischief to the Indian corn, which is at that time just ripe. The
second sort is the red-wing, which is rather smaller than the first
species, but like that it is black all over its body, except on the
lower rim of the wings, where it is of a fine bright full scarlet. It
builds its nest, and chiefly resorts among the small bushes that grow in
meadows and low swampy places. It whistles a few notes, but is not equal
in its song to the European blackbird. The third sort is of the same
size as the latter, and is jet black like that, but all the upper part
of the wing, just below the back, is of a fine clear white; as if nature
intended to diversify the species, and to atone for the want of a
melodious pipe by the beauty of its plumage; for this also is deficient
in its musical powers. The beaks of every sort are of a full yellow, and
the females of each of a rusty black like the European.
The RED BIRD is about the size of a sparrow, but with a long tail, and
is all over of a bright vermilion colour. I saw many of them about the
Ottawaw Lakes, but I could not learn that they sung. I also observed in
some other parts, a bird of much the same make, that was entirely of a
fine yellow.
The WHETSAW is of the cuckoo kind, being like that, a solitary bird, and
scarcely ever seen. In the summer months it is heard in the groves,
where it makes a noise like the filing of a saw; from which it receives
its name.
The KING BIRD is like a swallow, and seems to be of the same species as
the black martin or swift. It is called the King Bird because it is able
to master almost every bird that flies. I have often seen it bring down
a hawk.
The HUMMING BIRD. This beautiful bird, which is the smallest of the
feathered inhabitants of the air, is about the third part the size of a
wren, and is shaped extremely like it. Its legs, which are about an inch
long, appear like two small needles, and its body is proportionable to
them. But its plumage exceeds description. On its head it has a small
tuft of a jetty shining black; the breast of it is red, the belly white,
the back, wings, and tail of the finest pale green; and small specks of
gold are scattered with inexpressible grace over the whole: besides
this, an almost imperceptible down softens the colours, and produces the
most pleasing shades. With its bill, which is of the same diminutive
size as the other parts of its body, it extracts from the flowers a
moisture which is its nourishment; over these it hovers like a bee, but
never lights on them, moving at the same time its wings with such
velocity that the motion of them is imperceptible; notwithstanding which
they make a humming noise, from whence it receives its name.
_Of the_ FISHES _which are found in the waters of the Mississippi_.
I have already given a description of those that are taken in the great
lakes.
The Sturgeon, the Pout or Cat Fish, the Pike, the Carp, and the Chub.
The STURGEON. The fresh water sturgeon is shaped in no other respect
like those taken near the sea, except in the formation of its head and
tail; which are fashioned in the same manner, but the body is not so
angulated, nor are there so many horny scales about it as on the latter.
Its length is generally about two feet and a half or three feet long,
but in circumference not proportionable, being a slender fish. The flesh
is exceedingly delicate and finely flavoured; I caught some in the head
waters of the river St. Croix that far exceeded trout. The manner of
taking them is by watching them as they lie under the banks in a clear
stream, and darting at them with a fish-spear; for they will not take a
bait. There is also in the Mississippi, and there only, another sort
than the species I have described, which is similar to it in every
respect, except that the upper jaw extends fourteen or fifteen inches
beyond the under; this extensive jaw, which is of a gristly substance,
is three inches and half broad, and continues of that breadth, somewhat
in the shape of an oar, to the end, which is flat. The flesh of this
fish, however, is not to be compared with the other sort, and is not so
much esteemed even by the Indians.
The CAT FISH. This fish is about eighteen inches long; of a brownish
colour and without scales. It has a large round head, from whence it
receives its name, on different parts of which grow three or four strong
sharp horns about two inches long. Its fins are also very bony and
strong, and without great care will pierce the hands of those who take
them. It weighs commonly about five or six pounds; the flesh of it is
excessively fat and luscious, and greatly resembles that of an eel in
its flavour.
The CARP and CHUB are much the same as those in England, and nearly
about the same in size.
OF SERPENTS.
The Rattle Snake, the Long Black Snake, the Wall or House Adder, the
Striped or Garter Snake, the Water Snake, the Hissing Snake, the Green
Snake, the Thorn-tail Snake, the Speckled Snake, the Ring Snake, the
Two-headed Snake.
The RATTLE SNAKE. There appears to be two species of this reptile; one
of which is commonly termed the Black, and the other the Yellow; and of
these the latter is generally considered as the largest. At their full
growth they are upwards of five feet long, and the middle part of the
body at which it is of the greatest bulk, measures about nine inches
round. From that part it gradually decreases both towards the head and
the tail. The neck is proportionably very small, and the head broad and
depressed. These are of a light brown colour, the iris of the eye red,
and all the upper part of the body brown, mixed with a ruddy yellow, and
chequered with many regular lines of a deep black, gradually shading
towards a gold colour. In short the whole of this dangerous reptile is
very beautiful, and could it be viewed with less terror, such a
variegated arrangement of colours would be extremely pleasing. But these
are only to be seen in their highest perfection at the time this
creature is animated by resentment; then every tint rushes from its
subcutaneous recess, and gives the surface of the skin a deeper stain.
The belly is of a palish blue, which grows fuller as it approaches the
sides, and is at length intermixed with the colour of the upper part.
The rattle at its tail, from which it receives its name, is composed of
a firm, dry, callous, or horny substance of a light brown, and consists
of a number of cells which articulate one within another like joints;
and which increase every year and make known the age of the creature.
These articulations being very loose, the included points strike against
the inner surface of the concave parts or rings into which they are
admitted, and as the snake vibrates or shakes its tail, makes a rattling
noise. This alarm it always gives when it is apprehensive of danger; and
in an instant after forms itself into a spiral wreath, in the centre of
which appears the head erect, and breathing forth vengeance against
either man or beast that shall dare to come near it. In this attitude he
awaits the approach of his enemies, rattling his tail as he sees or
hears them coming on. By this timely intimation, which heaven seems to
have provided as a means to counteract the mischief this venomous
reptile would otherwise be the perpetrator of, the unwary traveller is
apprized of his danger, and has an opportunity of avoiding it. It is
however to be observed, that it never acts offensively; it neither
pursues or flies from any thing that approaches it, but lies in the
position described, rattling his tail as if reluctant to hurt. The teeth
with which this serpent effects his poisonous purposes are not those he
makes use of on ordinary occasions, they are only two in number, very
small and sharp pointed, and fixed in a sinewy substance that lies near
the extremity of the upper jaw, resembling the claws of a cat; at the
root of each of these, which might be extended, contracted, or entirely
hidden, as need requires, are two small bladders which nature has so
constructed, that at the same instant an incision is made by the teeth,
a drop of a greenish poisonous liquid enters the wound, and taints with
its destructive quality the whole mass of blood. In a moment the
unfortunate victim of its wrath feels a chilly tremor run through all
his frame; a swelling immediately begins on the spot where the teeth had
entered, which spreads by degrees over the whole body, and produces on
every part of the skin the variegated hue of the snake. The bite of this
reptile is more or less venomous according to the season of the year in
which it is given. In the dog-days, it often proves instantly mortal,
and especially if the wound is made among the sinews situated in the
back-part of the leg above the heel; but in the spring, in autumn, or
during a cool day which might happen in the summer, its bad effects are
to be prevented by the immediate application of proper remedies; and
these Providence has bounteously supplied, by causing the Rattle Snake
Plantain, an approved antidote to the poison of this creature, to grow
in great profusion where-ever they are to be met with. There are
likewise several other remedies besides this, for the venom of its bite.
A decoction made of the buds or bark of the white ash taken internally
prevents its pernicious effects. Salt is a newly discovered remedy, and
if applied immediately to the part, or the wound be washed with brine, a
cure might be assured. The fat of the reptile also rubbed on it is
frequently found to be very efficacious. But though the lives of the
persons who have been bitten might be preserved by these, and their
health in some degree restored, yet they annually experience a slight
return of the dreadful symptoms about the time they received the
instillation. However remarkable it may appear it is certain, that
though the venom of this creature affects in a greater or less degree
all animated nature, the hog is an exception to the rule, as that animal
will readily destroy them without dreading their poisonous fangs, and
fatten on their flesh. It has been often observed, and I can confirm the
observation, that the Rattle Snake is charmed with any harmonious
sounds, whether vocal or instrumental; I have many times seen them even
when they have been enraged, place themselves in a listening posture,
and continue immoveably attentive and susceptible of delight all the
time the musick has lasted. I should have remarked, that when the Rattle
Snake bites, it drops its under jaw, and holding the upper jaw erect,
throws itself in a curve line, with great force, and as quick as
lightning, on the object of its resentment. In a moment after, it
returns again to its defensive posture, having disengaged its teeth from
the wound with great celerity, by means of the position in which it had
placed its head when it made the attack. It never extends itself to a
greater distance than half its length will reach, and though it
sometimes repeats the blow two or three times, it as often returns with
a sudden rebound to its former state. The Black Rattle Snake differs in
no other respect from the yellow, than in being rather smaller, and in
the variegation of its colours, which are exactly reversed: one is black
where the other is yellow, and vice versa. They are equally venomous. It
is not known how these creatures engender; I have often found the eggs
of several other species of the snake, but notwithstanding no one has
taken more pains to acquire a perfect knowledge of every property of
these reptiles than myself, I never could discover the manner in which
they bring forth their young. I once killed a female that had seventy
young ones in its belly, but these were perfectly formed, and I saw them
just before retire to the mouth of their mother, as a place of security,
on my approach. The gall of this serpent, mixed with chalk, are formed
into little balls, and exported from America, for medicinal purposes.
They are of the nature of Gascoign’s powders, and are an excellent
remedy for complaints incident to children. The flesh of the snake also
dried, and made into broth, is much more nutritive than that of vipers,
and very efficacious against consumptions.
The LONG BLACK SNAKE. These are also of two sorts, both of which are
exactly similar in shape and size, only the belly of one is a light red,
the other a faint blue; all the upper parts of their bodies are black
and scaly. They are in general from six to eight feet in length, and
carry their heads, as they crawl along, about a foot and an half from
the ground. They easily climb the highest trees in pursuit of birds and
squirrels, which are their chief food; and these, it is said, they charm
by their looks, and render incapable of escaping from them. Their
appearance carries terror with it to those who are unacquainted with
their inability to hurt, but they are perfectly inoffensive and free
from venom.
The STRIPED or GARTER SNAKE is exactly the same as that species found in
other climates.
The WATER SNAKE is much like the Rattle Snake in shape and size, but is
not endowed with the same venomous powers, being quite harmless.
The HISSING SNAKE I have already particularly described, when I treated,
in my Journal, of Lake Erie.
The GREEN SNAKE is about a foot and an half long, and in colour so near
to grass and herbs, that it cannot be discovered as it lies on the
ground; happily however it is free from venom, otherwise it would do an
infinite deal of mischief, as those who pass through the meadows, not
being able to perceive it, are deprived of the power of avoiding it.
The THORN-TAIL SNAKE. This reptile is found in many parts of America,
but it is very seldom to be seen. It is of a middle size, and receives
its name from a thorn-like dart in its tail, with which it is said to
inflict a mortal wound.
The SPECKLED SNAKE is an aqueous reptile about two feet and an half in
length, but without venom. Its skin, which is brown and white with some
spots of yellow in it, is used by the Americans as a cover for the
handles of whips, and it renders them very pleasing to the sight.
The RING SNAKE is about twelve inches long; the body of it is entirely
black, except a yellow ring which it has about its neck, and which
appears like a narrow piece of riband tied around it. This odd reptile
is frequently found in the bark of trees, and among old logs.
The TWO-HEADED SNAKE. The only snake of this kind that was ever seen in
America, was found about the year 1762, near Lake Champlain, by Mr.
Park, a gentleman of New England, and made a present to lord Amherst. It
was about a foot long, and in shape like the common snake, but it was
furnished with two heads exactly similar, which united at the neck.
Whether this was a distinct species of snakes, and was able to propagate
its likeness, or whether it was an accidental formation, I know not.
The TORTOISE or LAND TURTLE. The shape of this creature is so well known
that it is unnecessary to describe it. There are seven or eight sorts of
them in America, some of which are beautifully variegated, even beyond
description. The shells of many have spots of red, green, and yellow in
them, and the chequer work is composed of small squares, curiously
disposed. The most beautiful sort of these creatures are the smallest,
and the bite of them is said to be venomous.
LIZARDS, &c.
Though there are numerous kinds of this class of the animal creation in
the country I treat of, I shall only take notice of two of them; which
are termed the Swift and the Slow Lizard.
The SWIFT LIZARD is about six inches long, and has four legs and a tail.
Its body, which is blue, is prettily striped with dark lines shaded with
yellow; but the end of the tail is totally blue. It is so remarkably
agile that in an instant it is out of sight, nor can its movement be
perceived by the quickest eye: so that it might more justly be said to
vanish, than to run away. This species are supposed to poison those they
bite, but are not dangerous, as they never attack persons that approach
them, chusing rather to get suddenly out of their reach.
The SLOW LIZARD is of the same shape as the Swift, but its colour is
brown; it is moreover of an opposite disposition, being altogether as
slow in its movements as the other is swift. It is remarkable that these
lizards are extremely brittle, and will break off near the tail as
easily as an icicle.
Among the reptiles of North America there is a species of the toad
termed the TREE TOAD, which is nearly of the same shape as the common
sort, but smaller and with longer claws. It is usually found on trees,
sticking close to the bark, or lying in the crevices of it; and so
nearly does it resemble the colour of the tree to which it cleaves, that
it is with difficulty distinguished from it. These creatures are only
heard during the twilight of the morning and evening, or just before and
after a shower of rain, when they make a croaking noise somewhat
shriller than that of a frog, which might be heard to a great distance.
They infest the woods in such numbers, that their responsive notes at
these times make the air resound. It is only a summer animal, and never
to be found during the winter.
INSECTS.
The interior parts of North America abound with nearly the same insects
as are met with in the same parallels of latitude; and the species of
them are so numerous and diversified that even a succinct description of
the whole of them would fill a volume; I shall therefore confine myself
to a few, which I believe are almost peculiar to this country; the Silk
Worm, the Tobacco Worm, the Bee, the Lightning Bug, the Water Bug, and
the Horned Bug.
The SILK WORM is nearly the same as those of France and Italy, but will
not produce the same quantity of silk.
The TOBACCO WORM is a caterpillar of the size and figure of a silk worm,
it is of a fine sea-green colour, on its rump it has a sting or horn
near a quarter of an inch long.
The BEES, in America, principally lodge their honey in the earth to
secure it from the ravages of the bears, who are remarkably fond of it.
The LIGHTNING BUG or FIRE FLY is about the size of a bee, but it is of
the beetle kind, having like that insect two pair of wings, the upper of
which are of a firm texture, to defend it from danger. When it flies,
and the wings are expanded, there is under these a kind of coat,
constructed also like wings, which is luminous; and as the insect passes
on, causes all the hinder part of its body to appear like a bright fiery
coal. Having placed one of them on your hand, the under part only
shines, and throws the light on the space beneath; but as soon as it
spreads its upper wings to fly away, the whole body which lies behind
them appears illuminated all around. The light it gives is not
constantly of the same magnitude, even when it flies; but seems to
depend on the expansion or contraction of the luminous coat or wings,
and is very different from that emitted in a dark night by dry wood or
some kinds of fish, it having much more the appearance of real fire.
They seem to be sensible of the power they are possessed of, and to know
the most suitable time for exerting it, as in a very dark night they are
much more numerous than at any other time. They are only seen during the
summer months of June, July, and August, and then at no other time but
in the night. Whether from their colour, which is a dusky brown, they
are not then discernible, or from their retiring to holes and crevices,
I know not, but they are never to be discovered in the day. They chiefly
are seen in low swampy land, and appear like innumerable transient
gleams of light. In dark nights when there is much lightning, without
rain, they seem as if they wished either to imitate or assist the
flashes; for during the intervals, they are uncommonly agile, and
endeavour to throw out every ray they can collect. Notwithstanding this
effulgent appearance, these insects are perfectly harmless; you may
permit them to crawl upon your hand, when five or six, if they freely
exhibit their glow together, will enable you to read almost the smallest
print.
The WATER BUG is of a brown colour, about the size of a pea, and in
shape nearly oval: it has many legs, by means of which it passes over
the surface of the water with such incredible swiftness that it seems to
slide or dart itself along.
The HORNED BUG, or, as it is sometimes termed, the STAG BEETLE, is of a
dusky brown colour nearly approaching to black, about an inch and an
half long, and half an inch broad. It has two large horns, which grow on
each side of the head, and meet horizontally, and with these it pinches
very hard; they are branched like those of a stag, from whence it
receives its name. They fly about in the evening, and prove very
troublesome to those who are in the fields at that time.
I must not omit that the LOCUST is a septennial insect, as they are only
seen, a small number of stragglers excepted, every seven years, when
they infest these parts and the interior colonies in large swarms, and
do a great deal of mischief. The years when they thus arrive are
denominated the locust years.