SECTION IX.--QUADRUMANA, OR FOUR-HANDED ANIMALS.

OURANG OUTAN Simia satyrus 173

CHIMPANZEE Troglodytes niger.--_Geoff._ 174

GORILLA Troglodytes Gorilla 176

BARBARY APE Simia inuus Inuus sylvanus.--_Cuv._ 177

BABOON {Cynocephalus porcarius.--_Desm._ } 174

{ and _Cuv._ }

PROBOSCIS MONKEY} Nasalis larvatus.--_Geoff._ 180

DIANA MONKEY Simia Diana Cercopithecus Diana.--_Geoff._ 180

CAPUCHIN MONKEY} Simia Capucina Cebus capucinus.--_Des._ 182

SPIDER MONKEY Simia Paniscus Ateles Paniscus.--_Geoff._ 182

OUISTIT or} Simia Jacchus Jacchus vulgaris.--_Geoff._ 183

MARMOZET}

MARIKINA Simia Rosalia Jacchus Rosalia 183

LEMUR Lemur Macaco 184

MONGOOS Lemur albifrons.--_Geoff._ 184

BOOK II.

INHABITANTS OF THE AIR.

SECTION I.--RAPTORES.--DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY.

GOLDEN EAGLE Falco chrysaëtos Aquila chrysaëtos 185

SEA EAGLE Falco albicilla Haliæetus albicilla.--_Sav._ 188

BALD EAGLE Falco leucocephalus Haliæetus leucocephalus.--_Sav._ 189

OSPREY or } Falco haliaëtus Pandion haliaëtus.--_Cuv._ 191

FISHING HAWK}

BLACK EAGLE Falco melanaëtos 194

VULTURE Vultur Papa Sarcorhampus Papa.--_Dum._ 195

CONDOR Vultur Gryphus Sarcorhampus Gryphus.--_Dum._ 196

BUZZARD Falco Buteo Buteo vulgaris.--_Bech._ 197

HONEY BUZZARD Falco apivorus Pernis apivorus.--_Cuv._ 199

GOSHAWK Falco palumbarius Astur palumbarius.--_Bech._ 200

SPARROW-HAWK Falco Nisus {Accipiter Nisus.--_Pall._ } 202

{ Nisus communis--_Cuv._ }

KITE Falco Milvus Milvus regalis.--_Cuv._ 203

JER FALCON Falco Gyrfalco Falco islandicus 204

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus 205

MERLIN Falco æsalon Hypotriorchis æsalon.--_Gray_ 208

KESTREL Falco Tinnunculus Tinnunculus alaudarius.--_Gray_ 210

SECRETARY BIRD Serpentarius reptilivorus.--_Daud._ 211

HEN HARRIER Falco cyaneus Circus cyaneus--_Boié_ 213

SECTION II.--NOCTURNAL BIRDS OF PREY.

HORNED OWL Strix Bubo Bubo maximus.--_Flem._ 214

HARFANG, or } Strix nyctea Surnia Nyctea--_Selby_ 215

SNOWY OWL }

BARN OWL Strix flammea 216

SECTION III.--INSESSORES, OR PERCHING BIRDS.

BUTCHER-BIRD, } Lanius excubitor 217

or SHRIKE }

WATER OUZEL, } {Turdus Cinclus.--_Lath._ }

or DIPPER } Sturnus Cinclus {Merula aquatica.--_Briss._ } 219

{Cinclus aquaticus.--_Bech._ }

BLACKBIRD Turdus Merula 220

MISSEL THRUSH Turdus viscivorus 221

REDWING Turdus iliacus 222

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris 223

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus 224

MOCKING BIRD Turdus polyglottus 225

REDBREAST Motacilla rubecula. {Sylvia rubecula.--_Lath._ } 226

{Erythacus rubecula }

{Sylvia luscinia.--_Lath._ }

NIGHTINGALE Motacilla luscinia {Curruca luscinia--_Bech._ } 228

{Philomela luscinia }

BLACKCAP Motacilla atricapilla {Sylvia.--_Lath._ and Curruca } 231

{ atricapilla--_Bech._ }

{Sylvia.--_Lath._ Troglodytes }

WREN Motacilla Troglodytes { Europæus.--_Cuv._ } 232

{ Troglodytes vulgaris.--_Flem._}

WILLOW WREN Motacilla trochilus {Silvia trochilus.--_Lath._ } 233

{Regulus trochilus.--_Cuv._ }

GOLDEN-CRESTED } Motacilla Regulus Regulus cristatus.--_Will._ 235

WREN }

GREY WATER } Motacilla boarula 236

WAGTAIL }

RED WAGTAILS 237

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica 238

MARTIN Hirundo urbica 241

SWIFT Hirundo apus Cypselus apus 243

GOATSUCKER Caprimulgus Europæus 244

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis 245

WOODLARK Alauda arborea 247

TITMOUSE Parus cœruleus 248

LONG-TAILED TIT Parus caudatus 248

YELLOW HAMMER Emberiza citrinella 249

WHEATEAR Motacilla Œnanthe {Silvia Œnanthe.--_Lath._ } 250

{Saxicola Œnanthe.--_Bech._ }

WHINCHAT Motacilla Rubetra Saxicola rubetra.--_Bech._ 250

SPARROW Fringilla domestica {*Pyrgita domestica.--_Cuv._ } 252

{ Passer domesticus.--_Ray._ }

LINNET Fringilla cannabina {Fringilla Linota.--_Gmel._ } 253

{Linaria Linota.--_Cuv._ }

CANARY BIRD Fringilla Canaria Carduelis Canaria 254

CHAFFINCH Fringilla cœlebs 256

BULLFINCH Loxia pyrrhula Pyrrhula vulgaris.--_Tem._ 258

GOLDFINCH Fringilla carduelis {Carduelis communis.--_Cuv._; } 259

{ Carduelis elegans.--_Steph._}

CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra 261

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris 262

SATIN BOWER } {Ptilonorhynchus Holosericeus.--_Kuhl_}

BIRD } { Kitta.--_Lesson._ } 263

{ Graucalus.--_Cuv._ }

RAVEN Corvus corax 265

CROW Corvus corone 268

ROOK Corvus frugilegus 269

JACKDAW Corvus monedula 271

MAGPIE Corvus pica Pica caudata 272

CHOUGH Corvus graculus {Pyrrhocorax graculus.--_Tem._ } 274

JAY Corvus glandarius {Garrulus glandarius.--_Briss._ } 275

{ and _Cuv._ }

ROLLER Coracias garrula 276

KINGFISHER Alcedo ispida 277

BIRD OF PARADISE Paradisea apoda 279

NUTHATCH Sitta Europæa 281

CREEPER Certhia familiaris 281

WALL CREEPER Tichodroma muraria 283

LYRE BIRD Menura superba 284

HUMMING-BIRD Trochilus colubris 287

HOOPOE Upupa epops 288

SECTION IV.--SCANSORES, OR CLIMBERS.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus 290

WOODPECKER Picus viridis 294

WRYNECK Yunx torquilla 296

TOUCAN Ramphastos tucanus 297

GREY PARROT Psittacus erythacus 298

GREEN PARROT Psittacus Amazonicus 300

BLUE and YELLOW} Psittacus aracanga Macrocereus aracanga.--_Viell._ 300

MACAW }

RING PAROQUET Psittacus Alexandri Palæornis Alexandri.--_Vig._ 301

WARBLING GRASS} Melopsittacus undulatus 302

PAROQUET }

COCKATOO Psittacus galeritus Plyctolophus galeritus 302

SECTION V.--GALLINACEOUS BIRDS.

PEACOCK Pavo cristatus 304

TURKEY Meleagris Gallo-Pavo 306

GUINEA FOWL Numida Meleagris 308

MOUND BIRD Megapodius tumulus 310

PHEASANT Phasianus Colchicus 313

RED-LEGGED } Tetrao Rufus Perdix rufus 315

PARTRIDGE}

PARTRIDGE Tetrao Perdix Perdix cinerea.--_Lath._ 316

QUAIL Tetrao Coturnix {Coturnix major.--_Briss._ } 318

{ Coturnix vulgaris.--_Flem._ }

{ Coturnix Europæus.--_Wils._ }

{ Perdix Coturnix.--_Lath._ }

{ Coturnix dactylisonans.--_Gould_}

AMERICAN QUAIL Ortyx Virginianus 319

GROUSE, or MOOR } { Lagopus Scoticus.--_Lath._ } 320

FOWL } {*Bonasa Scotica.--_Briss._ }

PTARMIGAN Tetrao Lagopus { Lagopus vulgaris.--_Wils._ } 321

{ Tetrao rupestris.--_Gmel._ }

BLACK COCK Tetrao Tetrix *Uriogallis minor.--_Ray._ 322

CAPERCAILZIE Tetrao Urogallus 323

COCK Phasianus Gallus { Gallus domesticus.--_Wils._ } 324

{ Gallus Sonnerati }

BANKIVA, JAGO, } 326

SPANISH, and }

BANTAM COCKS }

DODO Didus ineptus 328

RINGDOVE Columba palumbus 330

STOCKDOVE Columba Œnas 331

ROCK DOVE Columba livia 332

TURTLEDOVE Columba turtur 335

SECTION VI.--GRALLATORES, OR WADERS.

OSTRICH Struthio Camelus 337

RHEA Struthio Rhea Rhea Americana 340

CASSOWARY Struthio Casuarius Casuarius galeatus.--_Viel._ 341

EMEU { Dromaius ater.--_Viel._ } 343

{ Dromaius Novæ Hollandiæ }

APTERYX Apteryx Australis.--_Shaw_ 344

BUSTARD Otis tarda 345

CRANE Ardea Grus Grus cinerea.--_Bech._ 347

BALEARIC CRANE Ardea pavonina { Anthropoides pavonina.--_Viel._ } 349

{ Balearica pavonina.--_Vig._ }

STORK Ardea Ciconia Ciconia alba.--_Cuv._ 350

ADJUTANT Leptoptilus argala 352

HERON Ardea cinerea 354

BITTERN Ardea stellaris Botaurus stellaris.--_Steph._ 356

SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia 358

IBIS Ibis religiosa.--_Sav._ 359

CURLEW Scolopax arquata Numenius arquatus.--_Lath._ 360

REDSHANK Scolopax calidris Totanus calidris.--_Bech._ 361

GODWIT Scolopax ægocephala Limosa melanura.--_Tem._ } 362

{ Limosa ægocephala }

RUFF and REEVE Tringa pugnax Machetes pugnax 363

SNIPE Scolopax Gallinago 365

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola 366

KNOT Tringa Canutus Tringa cinerea.--_Gmel._ 367

GREY PLOVER { Tringa squatarola } Squatarola helvetica.--_Cuv._ }368

{ and T. helvetica } Squatarola cinerea }

GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius pluvialis 369

DOTTREL Charadrius Morinellus 370

LAPWING or PEEWIT Tringa vanellus Vanellus cristatus.--_Mey._ 371

WATER HEN Fulica chloropus Gallinula chloropus 373

CORNCRAKE, or } Rallus crex { Crex pratensis.--_Bech._ } 374

LAND RAIL } { Ortygometra crex }

COOT Fulica atra 376

SECTION VII.--PALMIPEDES, OR WEB-FOOTED BIRDS.

PELICAN Pelicanus onocrotalus 377

CORMORANT Pelicanus Carbo { Carbo Cormoranus.--_Mey._ } 379

{ Phalacrocorax Carbo.--_Cuv._ }

CRESTED CORMORANT Pelicanus graculus Phalacrocorax graculus.--_Cuv._ 380

SOLAN GOOSE, or } Pelicanus Bassanus { Pelicanus maculatus.--_Gmel._ } 381

GANNET } { Anser bassanus.--_Ray._ }

{ Sula alba.--_Mey._ }

{ Sula bassana.--_Bris._ }

TAME SWAN Anas olor Cygnus olor.--_Ray._ 383

WILD SWAN Anas Cygnus Cygnus ferus.--_Ray._ 384

GOOSE Anas anser { Anser palustris.--_Flem._ } 386

{ Anser ferus.--_Wils._ }

{ Anser sylvestris.--_Briss._ }

DUCK Anas Boschas Anas fera.--_Briss._ 388

EIDER DUCK Anas mollissima Somateria mollissima.--_Leach._ 389

WIDGEON Anas Penelope { Mareca fistularis.-_Steph._ } 390

{ Anatra Mangiana.--_Stor._ }

TEAL Anas Crecca Querquedula Crecca.--_Steph._ 391

COMMON GULL Laruscanus 392

STORMY PETREL Procellaria pelagica Thalassidroma pelagica.--_Vigors_ 393

FULMAR Procellaria glacialis 395

ALBATROSS Diomedea exulans 396

GREAT NORTHERN } Colymbus glacialis 397

DIVER }

PUFFIN Alca arctica Fratercula arctica.--_Leach._ 398

GREAT AUK Alca impennis 399

PENGUIN 400

BOOK III.

INHABITANTS OF THE WATER.

SECTION I.--CETACEA, OR SEA MAMMALIA.

COMMON WHALE Balæna mysticetus 401

RORQUAL Balæna Boops Balænoptera Boops.--_Lacep._ 407

SPERMACETI WHALE Physeter macrocephalus 407

DOLPHIN Delphinus Delphis 409

WHITE WHALE { Beluga leucas.--_Gray._ } 410

{ Beluga arctica.--_Less._ }

{ Delphinapterus Beluga.--_Lacep._}

PORPOISE Delphinus Phocæna Phocæna vulgaris 412

SEA UNICORN Monodon monoceros 414

MANATEE Manatus Australis.--_Tiles._ 415

SECTION II.--CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

STURGEON Acipenser sturio 416

SHARK Squalus Carcharias Carcharias vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 417

GREENLAND SHARK Salachus maximus 420

DOG-FISH 420

HAMMER-HEADED SHARK Zygoma malleus 421

THORNBACK Raia clavata 422

SKATE, or MAID Raia batis 424

TORPEDO Raia Torpedo Torpedo Narke.--_Risso_ 425

MONK FISH, or } Squalus squatina Squatina Angelus.--_Dum._ 426

ANGEL FISH }

SAW FISH Squalus Pristis Pristis antiquorum.--_Lath._ 427

LAMPREY Petromyzon marinus 427

HAG-FISH Myxine glutinosa Gastrobranchus cæcus.--_Bl._ 428

SECTION III.--BONY FISHES.

PILOT FISH Gasterosteus ductor Naucrates ductor.--_Cuv._ 429

REMORA or SUCKING } Echeneis Remora 430

FISH }

SEA WOLF Anarrhichas lupus 431

HORNED SILURE Silurus militaris Ageneiosis milit.--_Lacep._ 432

FATHER LASHER Cottus scorpius 433

SWORD FISH Xiphias gladius 433

FLYING SCORPION { Scorpæna volitans.--_Emel._ } 435

{ Pteroïs volitans.--_Cuv._ }

LUMP-SUCKER Cyclopterus lumpus 436

OCELLATED-SUCKER Lepadogaster cornubicus.--_Cuv._ 437

ANGLER Lophius piscatorius 438

FOUR-HORNED } Ostracion quadricornis 439

TRUNK FISH}

GLOBE FISH Tetraodon hispidus 440

SUN FISH Tetraodon Mola Orthagariscus Mola.--_Schn._ 441

SEA HORSE Syngnathus Hippocampus Hippocampus brevirostris.--_Cuv._ 442

FLYING FISH Exocætus volitans 443

GURNARD Trigla cuculus 444

JOHN DORY Zeus faber 446

BLEPHARIS Blepharis ciliaris.--_Bl._ 447

OPAH, or KING } Lampris guttatus.--_Retz._ 447

FISH }

COD FISH Gadus Morrhua Morrhua vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 448

HADDOCK Gadus Æglefinus Morrhua Æglefinus.--_Cuv._ 449

WHITING Gadus Merlangus Merlangus vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 451

LING Gadus molva { Lota molva.--_Cuv._ } 451

{ Asellus.--_Will._ }

{ Molva vulgaris.--_Flem._}

MACKEREL Scomber Scomber { Scomber Scombrus.--_Cuv._ } 453

{ Scomber vulgaris.--_Flem._}

GAR FISH Esox Belone Belone vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 454

HERRING Clupea Harengus 455

SPRAT Clupea Sprattus 456

PILCHARD Clupea pilchardus 457

WHITEBAIT Clupea alba.--_Yarrell_ 458

ANCHOVY Clupea encrasicolus { Engraulis encrasicolus.--_Flem._} 458

{ Engraulis vulgaris.--_Cuv._ }

TURBOT Pleuronectes maximus Rhombus maximus.--_Cuv._ 459

PLAICE Pleuronectes platessa Platessa vulgaris.--_Flem._ 460

FLOUNDER Pleuronectes flesus { Platessa flesus.--_Flem._ } 461

{ Pleuronectes fluviatilis.--_Will._}

SOLE Pleuronectes solea Solea vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 461

SALMON PINK 462

SALMON Salmo salar 463

SALMON TROUT Salmo trutta 465

TROUT Salmo fario 466

CHAR Salmo salvelinus Salmo alpoinus.--_Pen._ 469

GRAYLING Salmo thymallus Thymallus vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 470

SMELT Salmo eperlanus { Osmerus eperlanus.--_Flem._ } 471

{ Eperlanus Rondeletii.--_Will._ }

PIKE Esox lucius 472

PERCH Perca fluviatilis 474

POPE, or RUFFE Perca cernua Acerina cernua.--_Cuv._ 474

BASSE Perca labrax Labrax lupus.--_Cuv._ 475

CARP Cyprinus carpio 477

TENCH Cyprinus tinca Tinca vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 478

GOLD FISH Cyprinus auratus 479

GUDGEON Cyprinus gobio Gobio fluviatilis.--_Will._ 480

CHUB Cyprinus cephalus Leuciscus cephalus.--_Flem._ 481

BARBEL Cyprinus barbus Barbus vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 482

DACE Cyprinus leuciscus Leuciscus vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 482

ROACH Cyprinus rutilus Leuciscus rutilus.--_Cuv._ 483

BLEAK Cyprinus alburnus Leuciscus alburnus.--_Cuv._ 483

BREAM Cyprinus brama Abramis brama.--_Cuv._ 484

MINNOW Cyprinus phoxinus Leuciscus phoxinus.--_Cuv._ 485

LOACH Cobitis barbatula 486

BULLHEAD Cottus Gobio 486

STICKLEBACK Gasterosteus aculiatus 487

ELECTRICAL EEL Gymnotus electricus 488

EEL Muræna Anguilla Anguilla vulgaris.--_Thun._ 490

CONGER EEL Muræna conger Conger vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 492

BOOK IV.

REPTILES.

SECTION I.--SERPENTS, OR OPHIDIAN REPTILES.

VIPER, or ADDER Coluber Borus { Vipera Berus.--_Daud._ } 495

{ Pelias Berus.--_Merr._ }

HORNED VIPER Coluber cerastes { Vipera cerastes. Cerastes } 497

{ Hasselquistii}

RATTLE SNAKE Crotalus horridus 498

HAJE Coluber Haje Naja Haje.--_Groff._ 499

COBRA DI CAPELLO Coluber Naja Naja tripudians.--_Merr._ 500

SNAKE Coluber natrix Natrix torquata.--_Ray._ 501

BOA Boa constrictor 502

AMPHISBÆNA Amphisbæna fuliginosa 503

SECTION II.--BATRACHIAN REPTILES.

FROG Rana temporaria 505

TOAD Rana Bufo Bufo vulgaris.--_Laur._ 507

SURINAM TOAD Rana Pipa Pipa Americana.--_Laur._ 509

NEWT Lacerta aquatica Triton aquaticus 510

GREAT NEWT Triton balustris 511

SECTION III.--SAURIAN REPTILES.

LIZARD Lacerta vivipara { Lacerta agilis.--_Briss._ } 512

{ Zootoca vivipara.--_Wag._ }

IGUANA Lacerta Iguana Iguana tuberculata.--_Laur._ 513

FLYING LIZARD Draco volans 514

CHAMELEON Lacerta Chamæleon Chamæleo vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 515

CROCODILE Lacerta Crocodilus Crocodilus vulgaris.--_Cuv._ 517

ALLIGATOR, or CAYMAN Lacerta Alligator Alligator Lucius.--_Cuv._ 518

SECTION IV.-CHELONIAN REPTILES.

TORTOISE Testudo Græca 520

TURTLE Testudo midas Chelonia midas.--_Briss._ 521

HAWK’S BILL TURTLE Testudo imbricata Chelonia imbricata.--_Briss._ 523

LEATHERY TURTLE Testudo coriacea Sphargis coriacea 524

BOOK V.

MOLLUSCOUS ANIMALS.

SECTION I.--BIVALVES, OR THOSE HAVING TWO SHELLS.

PEARL OYSTER Mytilus Margaritiferus Avicula margaritifera.--_Lam._ 525

OYSTER Ostrea edulis 526

COCKLE Cardium edule Cardium fimbria 527

PHOLAS Pholas dactylus 528

MUSSEL Mytilus edulis 530

SECTION II.--UNIVALVES.

ADMIRAL Conus ammiralis 530

TIGER COWRY Cypræa Tigris 531

WHELK Buccinum undatum 531

SNIPE SHELL Murex haustellus 532

PERIWINKLE Littorina littorea 532

LIMPET Patella vulgata 532

SNAIL Helix aspersa 533

CUTTLEFISH Sepia officinalis 535

POULPE Sepia octopodia Octopus vulgaris.--_Lam._ 537

ARGONAUT Argonauta argo 537

NAUTILUS Nautilus Pompilius 538

BOOK VI.

ARTICULATED ANIMALS.

SECTION I.--ANNELIDA, OR RINGED ANIMALS.

EARTHWORMS Lumbricus terrestris 539

LEECH Hirudo medicinalis Sanguisuga officinalis 540

SECTION II.--CRUSTACEA.

LOBSTER Cancer gammarus Astacus marinus.--_Leach_ 542

CRAYFISH Cancer astacus { Astacus fluviatilis.--_Des._} 543

{ Potamobius.--_Leach_ }

CRAB Cancer Pagurus 543

LAND CRAB 544

SOLDIER CRAB Pagurus Bempardus 545

SHRIMP Cancer crangon Crangon vulgaris.--_Fab._ 546

PRAWN Palæmon serratus.--_Leach_ 546

SECTION III.--ARACHNIDA.

GARDEN SPIDER Aranea diadema Epeïra diadema.--_Walck._ 548

TARANTULA Aranea Tarantula Lycosa tarantula.--_Lat._ 550

CHEESE MITE Acarus siro 552

SECTION IV.--INSECTS.

ORDER I.--COLEOPTERA, OR BEETLES.

COCKCHAFER Scarabæus Melolontha Melolontha vulgaris.--_Fab._ 554

DOR BEETLE Scarabæus stercorarius Geotrupes stercorarius.--_Lat._555

STAG BEETLE Lucanus Cervus 556

ELEPHANT BEETLE Scarabæus elephas Dynastes elephas 557

MUSK BEETLE, or } Cerambyx moschatus Aromia moschata.--_Serv._ 558

GOAT CHAFFER }

GROUND BEETLE Carabus clathratus 558

GLOWWORM Lampyris noctiluca 559

DEATH WATCH Ptinus pertinax Anobium pertinax.--_Fab._ 560

SPANISH FLY Cantharis vesicatoria 561

CORN WEEVIL Curculio granarius Calandra granaria.--_Clairv._ 561

LADY BIRD Coccinella septempunctata 562

ORDER II.--ORTHOPTERA.

EARWIG Forficula auricularia 563

LEAF MANTIS Mantis gongylodes Empusa gongylodes--_Ill._ 564

WALKING LEAF Mantis siccifolia Phyllium siccifolium.--_Ill._ 565

GRASSHOPPER Locusta flavipes 566

LOCUST Gryllus migratorius Locusta migratoria 567

MOLE CRICKET Gryllus Gryllotalpa Gryllotalpa vulgaris.--_Lat._ 569

CRICKET Gryllus domesticus Acheta domestica 570

ORDER III.--HEMIPTERA.

LANTERN FLY Fulgora lanternaria 571

COCHINEAL INSECT Coccus cacti 571

GREEN FLY Aphis rosæ 572

ORDER IV.--NEUROPTERA.

ANT-LION Myrmeleon formicarium 574

DRAGON FLY Libellula grandis Æshna grandis._--Fab._ 576

ORDER V.--HYMENOPTERA.

BEE Apis mellifica 577

WASP Vespa vulgaris 579

ICHNEUMON Pimpla persuasoria 581

ANT Formica rufa 582

ORDER VI.--LEPIDOPTERA, MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES.

EMPEROR MOTH, } Phalœna } Saturnia.--_Schaank._ 583

with its CHRYSALIS} Pavonia minor}

and CATERPILLAR }

TORTOISE-SHELL } Papilio urticæ Vanessa urticæ.--_Fab._ 585

BUTTERFLY }

CABBAGE BUTTERFLY Papilio Brassicæ { Pieris Brassicæ.--_Lat._ } 586

{ Pontia Brassicæ.--_Fab._ }

MAGPIE MOTH Phalæna grossulariata Abraxas grossulariata.--_Leach_587

WINTER MOTH Phalæna brumata Hibernia brumata.--_Lat._ 588

SILKWORM Bombyx mori 589

CLOTHES MOTH Tinea pellionella 590

ORDER VII.--DIPTERA.

HOUSE FLY Musca domestica 592

GNAT Culex pipiens 592

ORDER VIII.--SUCTORIA.

FLEA Pulex irritans 594

BOOK VII.

RADIATA.

STAR FISH Asterias rubens Uraster rubens 595

SEA-URCHIN Echinus miliaris 596

RED CORAL Isis nobilis Gorgonia nobilis 597

STONY CORALS 600

SPONGE 603

POLYPS 604

SEA ANEMONES 607

JELLY FISH 609

APPENDIX.--FABULOUS ANIMALS 611

THE ENTERTAINING NATURALIST.

BOOK I.

I. QUADRUPEDS, OR FOUR-FOOTED BEASTS.

§ I. _Carnivorous, or Flesh-eating Animals._

[Illustration: THE LION. (_Felis Leo._)]

THE LION is called the king of beasts, not only from his grave and

majestic appearance, but from his prodigious strength. Zoologists

describe him as an animal of the cat kind, distinguished from the other

species of the genus by the uniformity of his colour, the mane which

decorates the male, and a tuft of hair at the tip of the tail, which

conceals a small prickle or claw.

Lions were formerly found in all the hot and warmer temperate parts of

the whole world; but they are now confined to Africa, and some parts of

Asia. The African Lion stands four or five feet high, and his body is

from seven to nine feet long. The mane is thick, and somewhat curly; and

the colour varies in different parts of Africa, but it is generally of a

clear dark brown, deepening in some cases almost into black. The Asiatic

Lions are smaller than those of Africa, and their colour paler. The

Bengal Lion is of a light brown, with a long flowing mane; the Persian

Lion is of a sort of cream-colour, with a short thick mane; and the Lion

of Guzerat is of a reddish brown, without any mane. These varieties have

been considered as distinct species by some naturalists.

All the varieties agree in their habits; they lie hid in jungles in the

long grass, and when aroused either walk quietly and majestically away,

or turn and look steadily at their pursuers. Their roar is terrific: and

in a wild state, the animal generally roars with his mouth close to the

ground, which produces a low rumbling noise, like that of an earthquake.

The effect is described by those who have heard it, as making the

stoutest heart quail; and the feebler animals, when they hear it, fly in

dismay, often in their terror falling in the way of their enemy, instead

of avoiding him. Serpents, and some of the larger animals, will,

however, fight with Lions, and occasionally kill them; and Lions, when

pursued by man, are sometimes hunted with dogs, but are oftener shot, or

speared. Those which are exhibited in menageries have generally been

caught in pits. The pit is dug where traces have been discovered of a

Lion’s path; and it is then covered with sticks and turf. He is deceived

by the appearance of solidity presented by the turf, and attempts to

walk over it; but the moment he sets his foot upon the covering of the

trap, it breaks beneath his weight, and he falls into the pit. He is

then kept without food for several days, shaking the ground with hisroaring,

and fatiguing himself by vainly attempting to escape; till, at

last, he becomes exhausted, and so tame as to permit his captors to put

ropes round him, and drag him out. He is then put into a cage, and

removed in a kind of waggon, wherever his captors may wish to take him.

The generosity of the Lion has been much extolled; but the tales related

of it appear to have had no other foundation than the fact, that, like

many other beasts, when gorged with food he will not attack a man. A

great amount of courage has also been so generally ascribed to him that

the expression “as brave as a Lion,” has become proverbial, and he has

been regarded as a sort of symbol of that quality. For this respectable

character, the Lion is no doubt mainly indebted to his possession of a

mane, and to the boldness of appearance produced by his carrying his

head elevated; for in all other respects he is a genuine cat, with

neither more nor less courage than belongs to the cats in general. As

the Lion belongs to the cat tribe, his eyes are incapable of bearing a

strong light; it is therefore generally in the night that he prowls

about for prey, and when the sun shines in his face, he becomes confused

and almost blinded. Lion hunters are aware of this fact. In the day-time

they always consider themselves safe, so long as they have the sun on

their backs. In the night, a fire has nearly the same effect; and

travellers in Africa and the deserts of Arabia can generally protect

themselves from Lions and Tigers by making a large fire near their

sleeping-place. The strength of the African species is so great that he

has been known to carry away a young heifer, and leap a ditch with it in

his mouth. The power that man may acquire over this animal has been

often shown in the exhibitions of Van Amburgh, Carter, and others; but

the attachment which Lions sometimes form for their keepers, was never

more strongly exemplified than in the following anecdote.

M. Felix, the keeper of the animals in Paris, some years ago, brought

two Lions, a male and female, to the national menagerie. About the

beginning of the following June he was taken ill, and could no longer

attend them; and another person was under the necessity of performing

this duty. The male, sad and solitary, remained from that moment

constantly seated at the end of his cage, and refused to take food from

the stranger, whose presence was hateful to him, and whom he often

menaced by bellowing. The company even of the female seemed now to

displease him, and he paid no attention to her. The uneasiness of the

animal led to a belief that he was really ill; but no one dared to

approach him. At length Felix recovered, and, with an intention to

surprise the Lion, crawled softly to the cage, and showed his face

between the bars: the Lion, in a moment, made a bound, leaped against

the bars, patted him with his paws, licked his hands and face, and

trembled with pleasure. The female also ran to him; but the Lion drove

her back, and seemed angry, and fearful lest she should snatch any

favours from Felix; a quarrel was about to take place, but Felix entered

the cage to pacify them. He caressed them by turns; and was afterwards

frequently seen between them. He had so great a command over these

animals, that, whenever he wished them to separate and retire to their

cages, he had only to give the order: when he wished them to lie down,

and show strangers their paws or throats, they would throw themselves on

their backs on the least sign, hold up their paws one after another,

open their jaws, and, as a recompense, obtain the favour of licking his

hand.

The Lion, like all animals of the cat kind, does not devour his prey the

moment he has seized it. When those in cages are fed, they generally

hide their food under them for a minute or two, before they eat it. Thus

an instance is known of a man, who was struck down by a Lion, having

time to draw his hunting-knife and stab the ferocious beast, who was

growling over him, to the heart, before it had seriously injured him.

The Lion also resembles a cat in his mode of stealing after, and

watching his prey, a long time before seizing it.

Dr. Sparrman mentions a singular instance of the animal’s habits in this

respect. A Hottentot perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, and

concluding that the creature only waited the approach of night to make

him his prey, began to consider what was the best mode of providing for

his safety, and at length adopted the following:--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 a distance behind him. As soon as it grew dark, the man,

sliding gently forward, let himself down a little below the edge of the

steep, and held up his cloak and hat on his stick, at the same time

gently moving them backward and forward. The Lion, after a while, came

creeping towards the object; and mistaking the cloak for the man

himself, made a spring at it, and fell headlong down the precipice.

Many interesting anecdotes of Lions and Lion-hunting may be found in the

accounts of their travels published by Gordon Cumming, Andersson, and

Dr. Livingstone. From the latter we may extract the following account of

an escape literally from the very jaws of death:--“Being about thirty

yards off,” says the doctor, “I took a good aim at his body through the

bush, and fired both barrels into it. The men then called out, ‘He is

shot, he is shot!’ Others cried, ‘He has been shot by another man too;

let us go to him!’ I did not see any one else shoot at him, but I saw

the Lion’s tail erected in anger behind the bush, and turning to the

people, said, ‘Stop a little till I load again.’ When in the act of

ramming down the bullets I heard a shout. Starting and looking half

round, I saw the Lion just in the act of springing upon me. I was upon a

little height; he caught my shoulder as he sprang, and we both came to

the ground below together. Growling horribly close to my ear, he shook

me as a terrier-dog does a rat. The shock produced a stupor similar to

that which seems to be felt by a mouse after the first shake of the cat.

It caused a sort of dreaminess, in which there was no sense of pain nor

feeling of terror, though quite conscious of all that was happening. It

was like what patients partially under the influence of chloroform

describe, who see all the operation, but feel not the knife. This

singular condition was not the result of any mental process. The shake

annihilated fear, and allowed no sense of horror in looking round at the

beast. This peculiar state is probably produced in all animals killed by

the carnivora; and if so, is a merciful provision by our benevolent

Creator for lessening the pain of death. Turning round to relieve myself

of the weight, as he had one paw on the back of my head, I saw his eyes

directed to Mebalwe, who was trying to shoot him at a distance of ten or

fifteen yards. His gun, a flint one, missed fire in both barrels; the

Lion immediately left me, and, attacking Mebalwe, bit his thigh. Another

man, whose life I had saved before, after he had been tossed by a

buffalo, attempted to spear the Lion while he was biting Mebalwe. He

left Mebalwe, and caught this man by the shoulder; but at that moment

the bullets he had received took effect, and he fell down dead. The

whole was the work of a few moments, and must have been his paroxysm of

dying rage.” The interesting nature of this narrative of a most

hair-breadth escape must be our excuse for its length.

Lions have been sometimes known to attain a great age; thus Pompey, a

large male Lion that died, in 1760, in the Tower of London, was upwards

of seventy years old. The usual period, however, seldom exceeds twenty

years. The Lion is generally represented as the companion of Britannia,

as a national symbol of strength, courage, and generosity. In ancient

gems, paintings, and statuary, his skin is the attribute of Hercules. In

Scriptural compositions, he is painted at the side of the evangelist St.

Mark; and holds the fifth place among the signs of the zodiac, answering

to the months of July and August.

In the various sculptured Lions discovered by Mr. Layard at Nineveh in

1848, the claw in the Lion’s tail is distinctly marked, and is

represented as being of large size. It is, however, really a very small,

dark, horny prickle at the tip of the fleshy part of the tail, and

entirely hidden by the hair.

[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND CUBS.]

THE LIONESS is in all her dimensions about one-third less than the male,

and has no mane. She has generally from two to four cubs at a time,

which are born blind, like kittens, which they greatly resemble, though

they are as large as a pug-dog, when born. When quite young they are

striped and spotted, but these marks soon disappear; they also at first

mew like a cat, and do not begin to roar till they are about eighteen

months old. About the same time the mane begins to appear on the males,

and soon after the tuft of hair on the tail, though the animal is

generally five or six years before it attains its full size.

The Lioness, though naturally less strong, less courageous, and less

mischievous than the Lion, becomes terrible as soon as she has young

ones to provide for. The ferocity of her disposition then appears with

tenfold vigour; and woe be to the wretched intruder, whether man or

beast, who should unwarily approach the precincts of her sanctuary. She

makes incursions for food for her young with even more intrepidity than

the Lion himself; throws herself indiscriminately among men and other

animals; destroys without distinction; loads herself with the spoil, and

brings it home reeking to her cubs. She usually brings forth her young

in the most retired and inaccessible places; and when she fears the

discovery of her retreat, often hides her track, by running back over

the ground, or by brushing it out with her tail. She sometimes also,

when her apprehensions are great, transports her young from one place to

another, like a cat; and if obstructed, defends them with determined

courage, and fights to the last.

Mr. Fennel, in his _History of Quadrupeds_, relates an interesting

anecdote of a Lioness kept at the Tower in 1773. This creature had

become “greatly attached to a little dog, which was her constant

companion. When the Lioness was about to whelp, the dog was removed; but

shortly after her accouchement had taken place, the dog contrived to

enter the den, and approached the Lioness with his usual fondness. She,

alarmed for her cubs, immediately seized him, and seemed about to kill

him; but, as if suddenly recollecting their former friendship, she

carried him to the door of her den, and allowed him to escape unhurt.”

Mr. Fennel also tells us, that the first Lioness ever brought to

England, died in the Tower in 1773, after having attained a great age.

Another Lioness, which was kept at the Tower in 1806, became extremely

attached to a little dog, and whenever he attempted to pass through the

bars of the den, would draw him back by the hinder parts, and place her

paw gently upon his body, as if entreating him not to leave her.

[Illustration: THE TIGER. (_Felis Tigris._)]

THOUGH very inferior to the lion in majesty of appearance and

deportment, this ferocious animal nearly equals him in size and

strength. The Tiger is another of the feline species, and may be

compared to an enormous cat, the whiskers and the tail being exactly

similar; and both the Tiger and the lion resemble the cat in the form of

their feet, and the power they possess of drawing in their claws. The

Tiger, however, bears the strongest resemblance, and when pleased, purrs

and curves up his back as he rubs himself against the nearest object.

When enraged, he growls rather than roars; and springs up to a great

height before he pounces on his prey.

The Tiger has a smaller and rounder head than the lion; he has no mane;

his tail is without any tuft at the extremity, and his body much more

slender and flexible. His colour is yellowish on the back and sides,

becoming white beneath, with numerous lines of a very dark rich brown,

or glossy black, sloping from the centre of the back down the sides, and

over the head, and continued down the tail in the form of rings. Tigers

are only found wild in Asia; but they are very abundant and very

destructive in the East Indies, as from their enormous strength they can

carry off a bullock with the greatest ease.

The attack of one of these animals upon Mr. Monro, son of Sir Hector

Monro, was attended with the most tragical consequences. “We went,” says

an eye-witness, “on shore on Sawgar Island, to shoot deer, of which we

saw innumerable tracks, as well as of Tigers. We continued our diversion

till near three o’clock, when sitting down by the side of a jungle to

refresh ourselves, a roar like thunder was heard, and an immense Tiger

seized our unfortunate friend, and rushed again into the jungle,

dragging him through the thickest bushes and trees, everything giving

way to his monstrous strength. All we could do was to fire on the Tiger;

and our shots took effect, as in a few moments our unfortunate friend

came up to us bathed in blood. Every medical assistance was vain, and he

expired in the space of twenty-four hours, having received such deep

wounds from the teeth and claws of the animal as rendered his recovery

hopeless. A large fire, consisting of ten or twelve whole trees, was

blazing near us at the time this accident took place; and ten or more of

the natives were with us. The human mind can scarcely form any idea of

this scene of horror.”

Tiger-hunting, though very dangerous, is a very favourite sport in

India. The hunters are mounted in carriages called howdahs, on the backs

of elephants, well armed. The first indication is generally given by the

elephants, who scent their enemy at some distance, and commencing a

peculiar kind of snorting, become greatly agitated. As soon as the

motion of the Tiger through the jungle is perceived, the nearest

elephant is halted, and the hunter fires instantly. Should the Tiger be

wounded, he will, in all probability, spring up with a hideous roar, and

rush at the nearest elephant, his mouth open, his tail erect, or lashing

his sides, and his whole fur bristled up. Sometimes, however, he

endeavours to sneak away, artfully diminishing his size by drawing in

his breath and creeping along the ground, and often with such success

as to enable him to escape to ravines where it would be madness to

attempt pursuit.

The Tiger is, however, such a formidable neighbour, that, apart from the

excitement of hunting him, the natives of the countries which he

inhabits have recourse to various modes of killing him. In Persia a

large and strong wooden cage is often fastened firmly down to the

ground, in the vicinity of the Tiger’s haunts, and in this a man,

accompanied by a dog or goat, to warn him of the approach of the Tiger,

takes up his quarters at night. He is provided with a few strong spears,

and when the Tiger comes, and in endeavouring to reach the enclosed prey

rears himself against the cage, the man takes the opportunity of

stabbing him in a mortal part. In Oude the peasants sometimes strew

leaves smeared with birdlime in the Tiger’s path, in order that as the

animal walks on them they may adhere to his feet; in his efforts to

disengage himself from these encumbrances he usually smears face and

eyes with the sticky material, or rolls himself among the treacherous

leaves, until finally becoming blinded and very uncomfortable he gives

vent to his dissatisfaction in the most dismal howlings, which speedily

bring his enemies about him, when taking advantage of his helpless

condition they dispatch him without difficulty. The destruction of a

Tiger is handsomely rewarded by the Indian governments, and many of the

people make a regular trade of shooting them.

[Illustration: THE LEOPARD, (_Felis Leopardus_,)]

DIFFERS from the tiger in being smaller, and in having the skin spotted

instead of striped. His length from nose to tail is about four feet, the

colour of the body is a lively yellow, and the spots of his skin are

composed of four or five black dots arranged in a circle, and not

imperfectly representing the print left by the animal’s foot upon the

sand. It is found in the southern parts of Asia, and almost all over

Africa. The panther is a variety of the Leopard.

Like all animals of the cat tribe, Leopards are a compound of ferocity

and cunning; they prey upon the smaller animals, such as antelopes,

sheep, and monkeys; and are enabled to secure their food with great

success, from the extraordinary flexibility of their bodies. Kolben

informs us that, in the year 1708, two of these animals, a male and

female, with three young ones, broke into a sheepfold at the Cape of

Good Hope. They killed nearly a hundred sheep, and regaled themselves

with the blood; after which they tore a carcass into three pieces, one

of which they gave to each of their offspring; they then took each a

whole sheep, and, thus laden, began to retire; but having been observed,

they were waylaid on their return, and the female and young ones killed,

while the male effected his escape. They appear afraid of man, and never

attack him unless driven by hunger, when they spring upon him from

behind. The Leopard is sometimes called the Tree-tiger from the ease

with which he climbs trees.

[Illustration: THE PANTHER. (_Felis pardus._)]

ALTHOUGH the Panther is generally savage, and always very uncertain in

its disposition, instances have been known of its exhibiting a certain

amount of gentleness and even playfulness in confinement. This was the

case with a specimen which Mrs. Bowditch brought over with her from

Africa. This animal was called Sai. One day, at Cape Coast Castle, he

found the servant appointed to attend on him sitting asleep, resting

his back against a door; Sai instantly lifted up his paw, and gave the

sleeper a tap on the side of the cheek, which knocked him over, and when

the man awaked, he found Sai wagging his tail, and seeming to enjoy the

fun. Another day, when a woman was scrubbing the floor, he jumped on her

back; and when the woman screamed with fright, he sprang off, and began

rolling over and over like a kitten. When put on board ship, he was

first confined in a cage; and the greatest pleasure he had was when Mrs.

Bowditch gave him a little twisted cup or cornet of stiff paper with

some lavender-water in it, and with this he was so delighted, that he

would roll himself over and over, and rub his paws against his face. At

first he used to put his claws out when he attempted to snatch anything;

but as Mrs. Bowditch would never give him any lavender-water when this

was the case, he soon learnt to keep his claws in. This Panther died

soon after it reached England.

[Illustration: THE OUNCE. (_Felis Uncia_).]

THE OUNCE is a species of cat very nearly related to the Leopard, with

which it agrees in size and in its general habits. It differs

principally in the thickness of its fur, its greyish colour, the

irregular form of the spots, and the great length of its tail, which,

from being clothed with a long thick fur, corresponding with that of the

body, appears to be also of great thickness. This thick and somewhat

woolly-looking coat is rendered necessary by the coldness of the

districts inhabited by the Ounce, which is found in Thibet and other

mountainous regions of Asia.

[Illustration: THE OCELOT. (_Felis pardalis_).]

THIS species, which is often called the _Tiger Cat_, is described by

Buffon as the most beautiful of the animals of its tribe, and it must be

confessed that the great French naturalist had some reason for so

speaking of it. It measures about three feet in length, exclusive of the

tail; the colour of the upper parts and sides is a tawny grey,

beautifully marked with irregular streaks and spots of black, and the

whole lower parts are nearly white. The Ocelot is a native of the

forests of tropical America, where it climbs the trees with great

agility in pursuit of monkeys and birds.

[Illustration: THE CHEETAH, OR HUNTING LEOPARD.

(_Felis jubata._)]

THE HUNTING LEOPARD seems to form the connecting link between the cat

and the dog tribes; as it has the long tail and flexible body of the

cat, with the sharp nose and elongated limbs of the dog. Its claws also

are not capable of being so completely drawn back into the toes as they

can in other animals of the cat kind. The Cheetah is easily tamed, and

Cuvier describes one which was accustomed to go at large in a park, and

associated with the children and domestic animals, purring like a cat

when pleased, and mewing when he wished to call attention to his wants.

In the East the Cheetah is used in hunting, and is carried in a

carriage, or chained on a pad behind the saddle of a horseman, with a

hood over his eyes: when a herd of antelopes is found, the hood is taken

off the Cheetah, who is let loose, and as soon as he sees the antelopes,

steals cautiously along, till he comes within reach, when he springs

suddenly upon them; making several bounds with the greatest rapidity,

till he has killed his victim, when he begins instantly to suck its

blood. The keeper then approaches, and throwing the Cheetah some pieces

of raw meat, contrives to hoodwink and chain him again to his pad behind

the saddle, on which he crouches like a dog. If the Cheetah is not

successful in catching an antelope before the herd takes flight, he

never pursues them, but returns to his keeper with a discontented and

sullen air.

[Illustration: THE JAGUAR. (_Felis Onca._)]

THE JAGUAR is a native of the New World, and is sometimes called the

American Tiger. He is generally larger and stronger than the leopard,

which he resembles in colour; but the black ring-like marks have always

a spot in the centre, which is not the case with those of the leopard.

The tail is also shorter, and the head larger and rounder. The Jaguar

has great strength, and will kill a horse or an antelope, and carry it

off. He is, however, a cowardly animal, always springing upon his prey

from behind, and attacking in preference the hindmost of a herd. He

fastens upon its neck, placing one paw upon the head, which he twists

round with the other, and thus instantly deprives it of life. His

principal haunt is the long grass on the banks of a river, where he

often feeds upon turtles; turning them on their backs, and then

insinuating his paw between the shells so as to scoop out the flesh. He

climbs trees and swims with great facility.

[Illustration: THE PUMA. (_Felis concolor._)]

THE PUMA, or American Lion, is smaller than the jaguar, and has a shrill

hissing cry, very different from that of other animals of the cat kind.

The fur is of a silvery fawn-colour, nearly white below, but becoming

black at the head; the animal has no mane, and its tail is without any

tuft at the tip. The cubs are spotted when young. The habits of the Puma

are somewhat peculiar; when attacked, he climbs the nearest tree for

safety, and there is generally shot by his hunters. When hunted with

dogs, however, and cut off from all retreat, he stands at bay and fights

furiously. The flesh is eaten by the Indians, and is said to be much

prized by them. The Puma flies from the sight of man, and seldom attacks

any animal larger than a sheep; but when he can surprise a flock of

sheep, he kills as many as he can, only sucking the blood of each. He

never devours the whole of his prey at once, carefully covering with

leaves what he cannot eat: but if these should be removed, he will not

touch the food again. In former times the Puma inhabited nearly the

whole American continent, from Canada to Patagonia, but it is now

extirpated in many places, especially in North America. It was formerly

supposed that the Puma could not be tamed; but this is incorrect, as the

late Edmund Kean, the tragedian, had one which followed him about like a

dog, and was often permitted to come, at perfect liberty, into the

drawing-room when it was full of company.

[Illustration: THE COMMON LYNX. (_Felis Lynx._)]

THERE are several species of Cats to which the common name of Lynxes is

applied; they have short tails and small tufts or pencils of hairs at

the tips of the ears. The Common Lynx is found in various parts of

Europe and also in the north of Asia. It is about three feet long

without the tail, which is six inches in length. The colour is reddish

grey above, nearly white beneath. A very similar species, the CANADIAN

LYNX (_Felis Canadensis_), is found in North America, and its skin is

exported in great quantities from the Hudson’s Bay territories. The

habits of both these species are very much alike; they swim and climb

well, and prey upon small quadrupeds, such as hares, and upon birds.

THE CARACAL. (_Felis Caracal._)

THE CARACAL is generally supposed to be the Lynx of the ancients, which

was so celebrated for the keenness of its sight. The name of Caracal is

derived from two Turkish words, signifying black-ears, and the animal

is, in fact, remarkable for the blackness of the tips of its ears. He is

somewhat larger and stronger than the fox; his body of a reddish brown,

becoming white below, and the tail rather short, being only about eight

or nine inches in length. The Caracal is both irritable and sulky in

confinement, and is very seldom tamed; indeed, on the slightest

irritation, it expresses its anger by a sort of snarl, like what is

called swearing in a cat, but much louder, and sometimes ending in a

scream.

When left to its own resources for support, it preys upon hares,

rabbits, and birds; and will pursue the latter, of which it is

immoderately fond, with remarkable activity, to the tops of the tallest

trees. It is a native of Asia and Africa.

[Illustration: THE CAT. (_Felis domestica._)]

“Grimalkin, to domestic vermin sworn

An everlasting foe, with watchful eye

Lies nightly brooding o’er a chinkey gap,

Protending her fell claws, to thoughtless mice

Sure ruin.”

JOHN PHILIPS.

IT was formerly supposed that the common domestic Cat was nothing more

than the wild Cat of the woods, rendered tame by education. This

opinion is, however, now doubted, on the ground that the tail of the

wild Cat is thick and bushy, like that of a fox, while that of the

domestic Cat tapers to the point. The Cat of the Egyptians, of which so

many mummies have been found, differed still more in this respect, as

its tail was long and slender, ending in a kind of tuft. There are four

or five distinct varieties of the domestic Cat: the tabby, the

tortoise-shell, the Chartreuse, and the Angora. Of these the tabby bears

most resemblance to the wild Cat, and the black Cats are from this

breed: the tortoise-shell is said to have been brought from Spain, the

females of this race being generally of a pure tortoise-shell, and the

males buff, with stripes of a darker hue. All the white and whitish Cats

are descended from the Chartreuse breed; they have all a blue tinge in

their fur, and reddish eyelids: the tailless Cats of Cornwall and the

Isle of Man belong to this race. The Angoras are quite distinct, and are

well known by their long silky hair. Cats are fond of warmth, and are

generally affected by changes in the weather. They are very

affectionate, purring at the sight of those who are kind to them; and

will curve up their backs and rub themselves against a door when it is

opened for them, as if to thank the kind friend who has done them this

service, before they take advantage of it. The female Cat has generally

five or six kittens at a time, which she carries about in her mouth, and

hides, when she thinks them in danger. When a Cat is enraged, its hair

stands erect, and its tail swells to an enormous size. Cats fight

savagely, and often tear the skin off each other’s necks: when two are

about to fight, they stand for some time looking at each other,

growling, and then dart at each other with the greatest fury, yelling

with rage.

Most Cats are good mousers, and some bring everything they kill to their

master or mistress, displaying their mice and rats with as much pride as

a sportsman would his game. They are very fond of catmint and valerian,

rolling themselves in a kind of ecstacy when they smell the latter

plant. They are very cleanly, often sitting stroking their faces with

their paws, as if washing themselves.

In the eye of the Cat, the pupil is perpendicularly oval, extending from

above downwards, and when contracted appears like a straight line. This

conformation is suited to the habits of these animals, for they are not

content with prowling along the ground, but occasionally spring to great

heights, their heads being directed upwards, and their eyes placed in

front and more nearly parallel. This structure of the eyes occurs in all

the Cat tribe.

[Illustration: THE WILD CAT. (_Felis Catus._)]

THE WILD CAT is a native of the forests of Europe, and was formerly

abundant in Britain, but is now confined to some of the wilder parts of

this country. It is a stouter and more powerful animal than the domestic

Cat, and is of a greyish colour with black stripes, something like an

ordinary tabby. It is a fierce creature, and is very destructive to

birds and small quadrupeds.

THE DOG. (_Canis familiaris._)

TO no animal is mankind so much indebted for its services and affection

as to the Dog. Among all the various orders of brute creatures, none

have hitherto been found so entirely adapted to our use, and even to our

protection, as this. There are many countries, both of the old and new

continent, in which, if man were deprived of this faithful ally, he

would unsuccessfully resist the foes that surround him, seeking

opportunities to encroach upon his property, destroy his labour, and

attack his person. His own vigilance, in many situations, could not

secure him, on the one hand, against their rapacity, nor, on the other,

against their speed. The Dog, more tractable than any other animal,

conforms himself to the movements and habits of his master. His

diligence, his ardour, and his obedience are inexhaustible; and his

disposition is so friendly, that, unlike every other animal, he seems to

remember only the benefits he receives: he soon forgets our blows; and

instead of discovering resentment while we chastise him, exposes himself

to torture, and even licks the hand from which it proceeds.

Dogs, even of the dullest kind, seek the company of other animals; and

by instinct take to the care of flocks and herds.

THE SHEPHERD’S DOG.

THE SHEPHERD’S DOG has been considered the primitive stock, from whence

all others are derived. This animal still continues nearly in its

original state among the poor in temperate climates: being transported

into the colder regions, it becomes smaller, and covered with a shaggy

coat. Whatever differences there may be among the Dogs of these cold

countries, they are not very considerable, as they all have straight

ears, long and thick hair, a savage aspect, and do not bark either so

often or so loud as Dogs of the more cultivated kind. The Shepherd’s

Dog, transported into temperate climates, and among people entirely

civilized, such as into England, France, and Germany, will be divested

of his savage air, his pricked ears, his rough, long, and thick hair;

though he will still retain his large skull, abundant brain, and

consequent great sagacity.

[Illustration]

Many interesting anecdotes are told of the shepherd’s tyke or colley, as

this kind of Dog is frequently called, particularly of its sagacity in

rescuing sheep from snowdrifts. When sheep are missing in a snow-storm,

as is frequently the case in Scotland and the North of England, the

shepherd arms himself with a spade, and watching the motions of his

faithful Dog, digs into the snow wherever the Dog begins to scratch it

away, and is thus sure to find his lost sheep.

This valuable boon to the shepherd is the least voracious of his kind,

and endures fatigue and hunger with patience.

[Illustration: [Chasseur and Cuba Bloodhounds.]

THE BLOODHOUND.]

“---- Conscious of the recent stains, his heart

Beats quick; his snuffling nose, his active tail,

Attest his joy: then with deep opening mouth,

That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims

Th’ audacious felon.----”

THE BLOODHOUND is taller than the old English hound, most beautifully

formed, and superior to every other kind in activity, speed, and

sagacity. It is commonly of a reddish or brown colour, with long ears.

It seldom barks, except in the chase: and never leaves its game until it

has caught and killed it.

Bloodhounds 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

certain number of them. But as the arm of justice is now extended over

every part of the country, and there are no secret recesses where

villany may lie concealed, these services are no longer necessary. In

former times these Dogs were used to hunt runaway negroes and others in

the Spanish West Indies, and many surprising anecdotes are told of their

wonderful sagacity and power of scent.

In Dallas’s “History of the Maroons,” an anecdote is given of the extent

of their accomplishments in this way, which seems truly marvellous. A

ship, attached to a fleet under convoy to England, was manned chiefly by

Spanish sailors, who, as they passed Cuba, took the opportunity of

running the vessel on shore, when they murdered the officers, and other

Englishmen on board, and carried off all the available plunder into the

mountains of the interior. The place was wild and unfrequented, and they

fully expected to elude all pursuit. The moment, however, the news

reached Havanna, a detachment of twelve chasseurs, with their Dogs, was

sent off. The result was, that in a few days the whole of the murderers

were brought in and executed, not a man having been injured by the Dogs

in the capture.

The old English Hound, the original stock of this island, and used by

the ancient Britons in the chase, is a most valuable Dog; though the

breed has been gradually declining, and the size studiously diminished

by a mixture of other kinds, in order to increase their speed. It seems

to have been accurately described by Shakspeare 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-kneed and dew-lapped, like Thessalian bulls;

Slow in pursuit; but match’d in mouth like bells

Each under each.”

[Illustration: THE FOXHOUND.]

THIS most valuable of all the Dogs of the chase, is smaller than the

staghound, its average height being from twenty to twenty-two inches. No

country in Europe can boast of Foxhounds equal in fleetness, strength,

and perseverance to those of Britain, where the utmost attention is paid

to their breeding, education, and food. The climate also seems congenial

to their nature, for when taken to France or Spain, and other southern

countries of Europe, they quickly degenerate, and lose all the admirable

qualities they possess in this country.

Our predilection for fox-hunting appears to have descended from our

forefathers, and to have gone on increasing in ardour. Certainly, no

other country can boast of such splendid establishments for this

valuable breed: the Duke of Richmond’s Kennel at Goodwood, cost no less

than £19,000.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: THE POINTER]

IS docile in its disposition, and when trained, is of the greatest

service to the sportsman who delights in shooting. It is astonishing to

see to what a degree of obedience these animals may be brought. Their

sight is equally acute with their scent, and they are enabled to

perceive at a distance the smallest sign from their master. So admirably

have they been trained, that their acquired propensities seem as

inherent as a natural instinct, and appear to be transmitted from parent

to progeny. When they scent their game, they fix themselves like

statues, in the very attitude in which they happen to be at the moment.

If one of their fore feet is not on the ground when they first scent, it

remains suspended, lest, by putting it to the ground, the game might be

too soon alarmed by the noise. In this position they remain, until the

sportsman comes near enough, and is prepared to take his shot; when he

gives the word, and the dog immediately springs the game. This attitude

has often been selected by the artist.

[Illustration: THE MASTIFF.]

IS the largest of the whole species: he is a strong and fierce animal,

with short pendent ears and a large head, large and thick lips hanging

on each side, and a noble countenance; he is a faithful guardian, and a

powerful defender of the house.

A curious account is given by Stow, 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

him by the head and neck, and dragged him about: another Dog was then

let loose, and served in the same manner: but the third, being put in,

immediately 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 his hold; and the lion, greatly exhausted in the conflict, refused

to renew the engagement; but, taking a sudden leap over the Dogs, fled

into the interior part of the 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 the beasts, should

never after fight with any inferior creature.’”

The following anecdote will show 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 a gentleman near

Newcastle, being frequently molested by a mongrel, and teased by its

continual barking, at last took it up in his mouth, by the back, and,

with great composure, dropped it over the quay into the river, without

doing any further injury to an enemy so much its inferior.

[Illustration: THE BULLDOG]

IS much less than the mastiff, but the fiercest of all the Dog kind, and

is probably the most courageous creature in the world. His short neck

adds to his strength. Those of a brindled colour are accounted the best

of the kind: they will run at and seize the fiercest bull without

barking, making directly at his head, sometimes catch hold of his nose,

pin the animal to the ground, and make him roar in a most tremendous

manner, nor can they without difficulty, be made to quit their hold.

Whenever a Bull-dog attacks in any of the extremities of the body, it is

invariably considered a mark of his degeneracy from the original purity

of blood.

Some years since, at a bull-baiting in the north of England, when this

barbarous custom was very common, a young man, confident of the spirit

of his Dog, laid a wager that he would, at separate times, cut off all

the animal’s feet, and that he would continue to attack the bull after

each amputation. The experiment was tried, and the brutal wretch won his

wager.

[Illustration: THE TERRIER.]

THE TERRIER is a small variety of the Dog, but is of high value, from

the pertinacity and courage with which he attacks rats and other vermin.

His name of Terrier is evidently given to him on account of his habit of

digging into the earth, which he does with great rapidity when in

pursuit of any animal. The English Terrier is a smooth-haired dog, and

the best are of a black colour, with tan-coloured legs, and spots on the

eyebrows; the Scotch Terrier is covered with rough, wiry hair, which in

the Skye Terriers becomes very long.

[Illustration: THE SPANIEL.]

OF this elegant animal, said to be of Spanish extraction, there are

several varieties in this country; but it is more than probable that the

English Spaniel, the most common and useful breed, is indigenous. It has

received from nature a very keen smell, good understanding, and uncommon

docility, and is employed in setting for partridges, pheasants, quails,

&c. His steadiness in the field, his caution in approaching game, his

patience in keeping the bird at bay till the fowler discharges his

piece, are objects worthy of admiration. Many sportsmen prefer him to

the pointer; and if water is plentiful he is more useful, for his feet

are much better defended against the sharp cutting of the heath than

those of the pointer, as he has a great deal of hair growing between the

toes and round the ball of the feet, of which the pointer is almost

destitute. He also ranges much faster, and can endure more fatigue.

“When milder autumn summer’s heat succeeds,

And in the new-shorn field the partridge feeds,

Before his lord the ready spaniel bounds;

Panting with hope, he tries the furrow’d grounds;

But when the tainted gales the game betray,

Couch’d close he lies and meditates the prey;

Secure they trust th’ unfaithful field beset,

Till hovering o’er them sweeps the swelling net.”

POPE’S WINDSOR FOREST

[Illustration: THE WATER-SPANIEL]

IS excellent for hunting otters, wild ducks and other game whose retreat

is among the rushes and reeds which cover the banks of rivers, the fens,

and the ponds. He is very sagacious, and perhaps the most docile and

tractable of all the canine tribe.

The _Water-Spaniel_ will fetch and carry whatever he is bid, and often

dives to the bottom of deep water in search of a piece of money, which

he brings up in his mouth, and lays at the feet of whoever sent him. The

best breed has black curly hair and long ears.

The beautiful breed of Spaniels known as King Charles’s, are highly

prized for their diminutive size and length of ears. They are found of

all colours, but those which are black, with tanned cheeks and legs, are

considered the purest breed.

They derive their name from King Charles the Second, who, as Evelyn

tells us, “took great delight in having a number of little spaniels

follow him and lie in his bedchamber.”

[Illustration: THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.]

THIS animal was originally brought into Europe from Newfoundland, whence

it derives its name, and where it is extremely useful to the settlers,

almost supplying the place of a horse. There are several varieties,

differing slightly in size and appearance, but the full size is about

six feet and a half from the nose to the tip of the tail, the length of

which is two feet. He is noble in appearance, and covered with long

shaggy hair of a black and white colour, in which the latter generally

predominates.

The Newfoundland Dog is affectionate, sagacious, and docile beyond all

others; and being web-footed is excellently adapted for the water; and

there are innumerable instances of his rescuing man from a watery grave.

The anecdotes which illustrate the affection and sagacity of this animal

would fill a volume, but we select one relating to the water, as that

appears his noblest scene of action.

Some time ago a young woman was nursing an infant on one of the quays

on the Liffey, when it made a sudden spring from her arms, and fell into

the water. The screaming nurse and anxious spectators saw the child

sink, as they thought, to rise no more; when at the very instant a

Newfoundland Dog, which was accidentally passing, rushed to the spot,

and at the sight of the child, who at that moment re-appeared, sprang

into the water. The child again sunk, and the faithful animal was seen

anxiously swimming round the spot. Once more the child rose, and the Dog

gently, but firmly, seized him and bore him to land. Meanwhile a

gentleman arrived who appeared to take much interest in the affair, and

on the person who had the child turning to show it him, he recognised

the well-known features of his own son. A mixed sensation of horror,

joy, and surprise struck him mute. When he recovered himself he lavished

a thousand caresses on the faithful animal, and offered his master five

hundred guineas for him; but the latter felt too much affection for the

noble animal to part with him on any consideration whatever. We also

subjoin another equally interesting.

A native of Germany, fond of travelling, was pursuing his course through

Holland, accompanied by a large Newfoundland Dog. Walking one evening on

a high bank, which formed one side of a dike, or canal, so common in

that country, his foot slipped, and he was precipitated into the water,

and being unable to swim he soon became senseless. When he recovered his

recollection he found himself in a cottage on the other side of the

dike, surrounded by peasants, who had been using means to restore

suspended animation. The account given by them was, that one of them,

returning home from his labour, observed at a considerable distance a

large Dog in the water swimming, and dragging the body of a man into a

small creek on the opposite side to which the men were.

The Dog having shaken himself, began industriously to lick the hands and

face of his master, while the rustic hastened across; and, having

obtained assistance, the body was conveyed to a neighbouring house,

where the usual means of resuscitation soon restored him to sense and

recollection. Two very considerable bruises, with the marks of teeth,

appeared, one on his shoulder and the other on the nape of his neck;

whence it was presumed that the faithful animal first seized his master

by the shoulder, and swam with him in this manner some time; but that

his sagacity had prompted him to let go this hold, and shift his grasp

to the neck, by which he had been enabled to support the head out of

water. It was in the latter position that the peasant observed the Dog

making his way along the dike, which it appeared he had done for the

distance of nearly a quarter of a mile.

[Illustration: THE GREYHOUND]

IS well known, and was formerly held in such estimation, that he was the

especial companion of a gentleman, who, in ancient times, was

distinguished by his horse, his hawk, and his Greyhound, and it was

penal for any person of inferior rank to keep one. He is the fleetest of

all Dogs, and can outrun every animal of the chase. He has a long body,

and is of an elegant shape; his head is neat and sharp, with a full eye,

a good mouth, sharp and very white teeth; his tail is long, and curls

round above his hind part. There are several varieties; as the Italian

Greyhound, the Oriental Greyhound, and the Irish Greyhound, or Wolf-dog.

They are used for coursing; that is, hunting by sight instead of scent;

and are principally employed in chasing hares. Daniel, in his _Rural

Sports_, tells us, that a brace of Greyhounds have been known to course

a hare four miles in twelve minutes; turning it several times, till the

poor creature dropped at last quite dead from fatigue.

[Illustration: THE FOX. (_Canis Vulpes._)]

THIS well-known animal, which is found in most countries of Europe, is

of a reddish-brown colour, with the tip of his bushy tail white. His

abode is generally on the skirt of a wood, as near a farm-yard as

possible, in a hole, of which some other animal has been dispossessed or

which it has voluntarily deserted. Thence he issues at night, and

cautiously approaching the poultry, kills all that he can find,

conveying them one by one to different hiding places, which he visits

when hungry. He will continue his depredations till day-break, or until

he is alarmed, often depopulating a whole poultry-yard in one night.

When, however, his choice food, the chicken, is not accessible, he

devours animal food of every description; and if his habitation be near

the water he will even content himself with shell-fish. In France and

Italy he does much damage to the vineyards, being very fond of grapes,

and spoiling many for the sake of one bunch.

His name has passed into a proverb for cunning and deceitfulness; and,

unlike the dog tribe to which he belongs, he is totally unsusceptible of

any sentiment of gratitude.

His bite is tenacious and dangerous, as the severest blows cannot make

him quit his hold; his eye is most significant, and expressive of almost

every passion. He generally lives about twelve or fifteen years.

The female produces but once a year, and seldom has more than four or

five cubs at a litter. The first year the young is called a Cub, the

second year a Fox, and the third year an Old Fox. The tail is very

bushy, and is called the brush.

[Illustration]

In this country he is hunted with horses and hounds, and no animal

affords greater diversion and occupation to the sportsman. When pursued

he usually makes for his hole; but should his retreat be cut off, his

stratagems and shifts to escape are singularly acute. He seeks woodyand uneven parts of the country, preferring the path, the most

embarrassed by thorns and briars, and running in a straight line before

the hounds, at no great distance from them; and, when overtaken, he

turns on his assailants, and fighting with obstinate despair, dies in

silence.

[Illustration: THE ARCTIC FOX, (_Canis lagopus_,)]

IS a smaller species than the common Fox, and has a much longer fur to

fit him for the severe cold which he necessarily experiences in the

Polar regions which he inhabits. The colour of the fur is frequently a

bluish leaden gray, from which circumstance it is sometimes called the

Blue Fox; some specimens are brownish, others nearly black. The fur

becomes pure white in the winter, and in this state the Arctic Fox is an

exceedingly pretty animal. This species is captured for the sake of its

skin, the bluish specimens being preferred. He is usually taken in

pitfalls or traps, of which he is not nearly so suspicious as his sly

English relative. The flesh of the young is said to be very good.

[Illustration: THE WOLF, (_Canis Lupus_,)]

WHEN hungry, is an undaunted and most ferocious inhabitant of the woods,

but a coward when the stimulus of appetite is no longer in action. He

delights to roam in mountainous countries, and is a great enemy to sheep

and goats; the watchfulness of dogs can hardly prevent his depredations,

and he often dares to visit the haunts of men, howling at the gates of

cities and towns. His head and neck are of a cinereous colour, and the

rest of a pale yellowish brown. He commonly lives to the age of fifteen

or twenty years. He possesses a most exquisite power of smelling his

prey at a great distance. Wolves are found nearly everywhere, except in

the British islands, where this noxious race has been entirely

extirpated. King Edgar first attempted to effect this 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. In the reign of Athelstan, Wolves abounded somuch in Yorkshire, that a retreat was built at Flixton, to defend

passengers from their attacks. They infested Ireland many centuries

after their extinction in England: the last presentment for killing

Wolves was made in the county of Cork about the year 1710. They abound

in the immense forests of Germany, and they are also found in

considerable numbers in the South of France. Everywhere that they are

wild, so great is the general detestation of this destructive creature,

that all other animals endeavour to avoid it. In a state of captivity,

however, the Wolf is remarkably anxious to attract the attention of man,

and rubs itself against the bars of its cage when noticed. Indeed, the

Wolf is by no means so untractable as is frequently supposed; but his

temper is rather uncertain, and his destructive habits render him a

dangerous pet. A curious instance of combined docility and

destructiveness is related by Mr. Lloyd, which, as it also illustrates

the cunning of this animal, we adduce here. Mr. Lloyd says--“I once had

serious thoughts of training a fine female Wolf in my possession as a

pointer; but was deterred, owing to the _penchant_ she exhibited for the

neighbours’ pigs. She was chained in a little enclosure, just in front

of my window, into which those animals, when the gate happened to be

left open, ordinarily found their way. The devices the Wolf employed to

get them in her power, were very amusing. When she saw a pig in the

vicinity of her kennel, she, evidently with the purpose of putting him

off his guard, would throw herself on her side or back, wag her tail

most lovingly, and look innocence personified. And this amiable

demeanour would continue until the grunter was beguiled within the

length of her tether, when, in the twinkling of an eye, the prey was

clutched.” The Wolf is sometimes affected with madness, in symptoms and

consequences exactly similar to that which affects the dog; but this

disease, as it generally happens in the depth of winter, cannot be

attributed to the great heat of the dog-days. In the northern parts of

the world, wolves are said, frequently, in the spring, to get upon the

fields of ice adjoining the sea, for the purpose of preying upon the

young seals, which they there find asleep; but vast pieces of the ice

occasionally detaching themselves from the mass, they are carried with

them to a great distance from the land, where they perish amidst the

most hideous and dreadful howling. The language of the poet is

beautifully descriptive of this creature’s insatiable fury:--

“By wintry famine roused, from all the tract

Of horrid mountains, which the shining Alps,

And wavy Apennine, and Pyrenees,

Branch out, stupendous, into distant lands,

Cruel as death! and hungry as the grave!

Burning for blood! bony, and gaunt, 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.”

[Illustration: THE JACKAL, (_Canis Aureus_,)]

COMMONLY called _the lion’s provider_, is not much larger than the fox,

which he resembles in the appearance of the fore part of his body. His

skin is of a bright yellowish colour. The Jackals often unite to attack

their prey, and make a most hideous noise, which, rousing the king of

the forest from his slumbers, brings him to the place of food and

plunder: at his arrival, the petty thieves, awed by the greater

strength of their new messmate, retire to a distance; and hence the

fabulous story of their attendance on the lion, to provide for his

food.--These animals are always seen in large flocks of forty or fifty;

and hunt, like hounds in full cry, from evening till morning. In the

absence of other food they drag the dead out of their tombs, and feed

greedily on putrid corpses; but, notwithstanding their natural ferocity,

it is said that, when taken young, they may be easily tamed, and, like

dogs, they love to be fondled, wag their tails, and show a considerable

degree of attachment to their masters. They are common in many parts of

the East: and as they act as scavengers, the people do not annoy them in

their nocturnal visits.

[Illustration: THE STRIPED HYÆNA. (_Hyæna Striata_.)]

THIS animal was long supposed to be the most savage and untractable of

all quadrupeds: but it is now found that he may be tamed. He is covered

with long, coarse, and rough ash-coloured hair, marked with long black

stripes, from the back downwards; the tail is very hairy. His teeth and

jaws are so constructed as to enable him to crush the largest bones

with ease; and his tongue is as rough as a coarse file. Like the jackal,

he attacks the flocks and herds, caring little for the watchfulness or

strength of dogs, and when pressed with hunger, comes and howls at the

gates of towns, and violates the repositories of the dead, tearing up

the bodies from the graves, and devouring them. He is now only found

wild in Asia and Africa, but is supposed to have formerly inhabited

Europe. When receiving his food, the eyes of this fierce animal glisten,

the bristles of his back stand erect, he grins fearfully, and utters a

snarling growl.

[Illustration: THE SPOTTED HYÆNA. (_Hyæna Crocuta._)]

THIS is another species which is common in Southern Africa; it is known

amongst the colonists at the Cape of Good Hope, as the _Tiger-Wolf_. He

has none of the mane-like hair on his back, which distinguishes the

Striped Hyæna, and his skin is marked with spots instead of stripes. He

is a ferocious beast, and is exceedingly destructive to sheep and

cattle; and also frequently attacks and carries off children from the

huts of the natives, sometimes even stealing them from their sleeping

mothers.

[Illustration: AMERICAN BLACK BEAR. (_Ursus Americanus._)]

THIS animal inhabits the Northern districts of America, where it is

found in considerable numbers. It is somewhat smaller than the Brown or

European Bear; its colour of an uniform and glossy black. Its food

consists chiefly of fruits, the young shoots, and roots of vegetables

and grain. In quest of these it occasionally emigrates from the northern

to the more southern regions. Their retreats, during the period of

gestation, are so impenetrable, that although immense numbers of Bears

are annually killed in America, a female is rarely found among them. In

autumn, when they are become exceedingly fat by feeding on acorns and

other similar food, their flesh is extremely delicate, the hams in

particular are highly esteemed, and the fat is remarkably white and

sweet. At this time and during the winter, they are hunted, and killed

in great numbers by the American Indians.

[Illustration: THE GRISLY BEAR, (_Ursus Ferox_,)]

WHICH is also an inhabitant of North America, is a creature of enormous

size and strength; a specimen has been measured and found to be nine

feet in length; and it is capable of carrying the carcass of a bison,

weighing probably about a thousand pounds. His ferocity corresponds with

his powers of destruction; and he is altogether one of the most

formidable of quadrupeds.

[Illustration: THE BROWN EUROPEAN BEAR, (_Ursus Arctos_,)]

IS a native of the North of Europe, and also of the mountainous parts of

the South of that continent. He is a great sleeper, and passes the whole

winter in his den, without any particular food: but if we consider his

being at rest, losing little by perspiration, and never retiring to his

winter quarters before he is properly fattened, his abstinence will

cease to be wonderful. When tamed, this animal appears mild and obedient

to his master; he may be taught to walk upright, to dance, to lay hold

of a pole with his paws, and perform various tricks to entertain the

multitude, who are highly pleased to see the awkward movements of this

rugged creature, which it seems to suit to the sound of an instrument,

or to the voice of its leader. The discipline Bears undergo in teaching

them to dance is so severe, that they never forget it; and an amusing

story is told of a gentleman who was pursued by a Bear, and who, when in

despair he turned and raised his stick against his assailant, was

astonished to see the Bear rear itself on its hind legs, and begin to

dance. It had escaped from captivity, and had been taught to dance when

a stick was held up by its keeper. But to give the Bear this kind of

education, it must be taken when young, and accustomed early to

restraint and discipline, as an old Bear will not suffer constraint

without discovering the most furious resentment: neither the voice nor

the menaces of his keeper have any effect upon him; he growls equally at

the hand that is held out to feed, and that which is raised to correct

him. The female Bears bring forth two or three young, and are very

careful of their offspring. The fat of the Bear is reckoned very useful

in rheumatic complaints, and for anointing the hair: his fur affords

comfort to the inhabitants of cold climates, and ornaments to those of

warm. It was anciently supposed, that the young Bear, when first brought

forth, was merely an unformed mass, till its mother licked it into

shape; and hence the expression, “he wants licking into shape,” was

frequently employed by the old dramatists, when speaking of an awkward,

clownish man.

The Brown Bear was at one time common in the British islands. “Many

years ago it has been swept away so completely, that we find it imported

for baiting, a sport in which our nobility, as well as the commonalty,of the olden time--nay, even royalty itself--delighted. A bear-bait was

one of the recreations offered to Elizabeth at Kenilworth, and in the

Earl of Northumberland’s Household Book we read of twenty shillings for

his bearward. In Southwark there was a regular bear-garden, that

disputed popularity with the Globe and Swan theatres, on the same side

of the water. Now, however, so much do tastes alter, (in this instance

certainly for the better) such barbarous sports are banished from the

metropolis.”

The Bear is a flat-footed animal, and can stand easily upon its broad

hind feet, but is extremely awkward and sluggish in its movements. He

possesses, however, the faculty of climbing to an extraordinary degree;

and, in his native country frequently ascends lofty trees in pursuit of

honey, of which he is excessively fond. Bears swim well, and will cross

not only broad rivers, but sometimes even an arm of the sea.

[Illustration: THE MALAYAN SUN-BEAR. (_Ursus Malayanus._)]

IN this Bear the hair is short and black, except on the breast, where

there is a large triangular or heart-shaped spot of white or tawny. He

is very easily tamed when taken young, and becomes rather an amusing

pet. An individual in Sir Stamford Raffles’ possession, was so tame,

that he would play with children, and could be admitted to the

dinner-table, when he gave proof of the soundness of his judgment as an

epicure, by refusing to eat any fruit but mangosteens, or to drink any

wine but champagne. The only time that he was known to be out of humour

was, when there was no champagne for him. In a wild state, this Bear

feeds on vegetables and honey. It is a native of Malacca and the eastern

islands.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: THE POLAR, OR GREAT WHITE BEAR

(_Ursus maritimus._)]

THE POLAR BEAR is generally from six to eight feet long. The fur is long

and white, with a tinge of yellow, which becomes darker as the animal

advances in age; the ears are small and round, and the head long. It

inhabits the Arctic shores of both hemispheres. It walks heavily, and is

very clumsy in all its motions; its senses of hearing and seeing appear

very dull, but its smell is very acute; and it does not appear destitute

of some degree of understanding, or at least of cunning. Captain King,

who visited the shores of the Arctic Ocean in 1835, relates a curious

instance of the cunning of this animal: “On one occasion a Polar bear

was seen to swim cautiously to a large piece of ice, on which two female

walruses were lying asleep with their cubs. The Bear crept up some

hummocks behind them, and with his fore feet loosened a large block of

ice, which, with the help of his nose and paws, he rolled and carried

till it was immediately over the heads of the sleepers, when he let it

fall on one of the old animals, which was instantly killed. The other

walrus, with its cubs, rolled into the water, but the young one of the

murdered female remained by its dam, and on this helpless creature the

Bear rushed, thus killing two animals at once.”

The ferocity of this kind of Bear is equal to its cunning. 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 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, placed its fore foot upon the gunwale; 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 effect; but on reaching the ship it

immediately ascended the deck, and the crew having fled into the

shrouds, it was pursuing them thither, when a shot from one of them laid

it dead on the deck.

[Illustration: THE RACOON. (_Procyon lotor._)]

THIS animal is a native of America, of the bear tribe: in Jamaica they

are very numerous, and do incredible mischief to the plantations of

sugar-cane and Indian corn, especially to the latter while it is young.

The Racoon is less than the fox in size, and has a sharp-pointed nose.

His fore legs are shorter than the others. The colour of his body is

grey, with two broad rings of black round the eyes, and a dusky line

running down the middle of the face. In the wild state the Racoon is

savage and sanguinary, committing great destruction among both wild and

domesticated birds, without consuming any part of them except the head,

or the blood which flows from their wounds. It is a good climber, the

form of its claws enabling it to adhere to the branches of trees with

great tenacity. Racoons are easily domesticated, and then become very

amusing animals. They are as mischievous as a monkey, seldom at rest,

and extremely sensible of ill treatment, which they never forgive. They

have great antipathy to sharp and harsh sounds, such as the bark of a

dog, and the cry of a child. They eat of everything that is given them,

and, like the cat, are good providers, hunting after eggs, fruit, corn,

insects, snails, and worms; and generally dip their food in water before

devouring it. A peculiarity which few other animals are found to possess

is, that they drink as well by lapping like the dog, as by sucking like

the horse. These animals are hunted for the sake of their fur, which is

used by the hatters, and is considered next in value to that of the

beaver; it is used also in linings for garments. The skins, when

properly dressed, are made into gloves and upper-leathers for shoes. The

negroes frequently eat the flesh of the Racoon, and are very fond of it,

though it has a very disagreeable and rank smell. The American hunters

pique themselves on their skill in shooting Racoons; which from the

extraordinary vigilance and cunning of the animals, is by no means an

easy task.

When eating they support themselves on their hind feet, and carry their

food to the mouth with their fore paws. Some of them are very fond of

oysters and other shell-fish, and show great dexterity in keeping the

shells open, while they extract the contents. Their most remarkable

peculiarity, however, is that already mentioned, of dipping their food

in water when there is any within their reach; though when there is not,

they seem quite contented to eat it dry.

[Illustration: THE BADGER. (_Meles Taxus._)]

THIS animal inhabits most parts of Europe and Asia. The length of the

body is about two feet six inches from the nose to the insertion of the

tail, which is short, and black like the throat, breast, and belly; the

hair of the other part of the body is long and rough, of a yellowish

white at the roots, black in the middle, and greyish at the point: the

toes are much enveloped in the skin, and the long claws of the fore feet

enable the animal to dig with great effect: under the tail there is a

receptacle, in which is secreted a white fetid substance, that

constantly exudes through the orifice, and thus gives the body a most

unpleasant smell. Being a solitary animal, it digs a hole for itself, at

the bottom of which it remains in perfect security: it feeds upon young

rabbits, birds and their eggs, and honey. The female has generally three

or four young ones at a time.

[Illustration: THE COATI-MONDI. (_Nasua Narica._)]

THIS creature is a native of South America, not unlike the Racoon in the

general form of the body, and, like that animal, frequently sits up on

the hinder legs, and in this position, with both paws carries its food

to its mouth. Even in a state of tameness, it will pursue poultry, and

destroy every living thing that it has strength to conquer. When it

sleeps it rolls itself into a ball, and remains immovable for fifteen

hours together. Its eyes are small, but full of life; and, when

domesticated, it is very playful and amusing. A great peculiarity

belonging to this animal is the length of its snout, which is movable in

every direction. The ears are round, and like those of a rat; the fore

feet have five toes each. The hair on the back is short and rough and of

a blackish hue; the tail marked with rings of black, like the wild cat;

the rest of the body is a mixture of black and red. This animal is very

apt to eat its own tail, which is very long; but this strange appetite

is not peculiar to the Coati alone; the mococo and some of the monkey

tribe do the same, and seem to feel no pain in wounding a part of the

body so remote from the centre of circulation.

[Illustration: THE CIVET, (_Viverra Civetta_,)]

IS found in Northern Africa and Guinea, and is famous for producing the

perfume called _civet_. He is kept for the sake of this perfume, and fed

with a kind of soup made of millet, or rice, with a little fish or flesh

boiled with it in water. The civet is found in a large double glandular

receptacle, situated at a little distance beneath the tail. When a

sufficient time for the secretion has been allowed, one of these animals

is put into a long wooden cage, so narrow that it cannot turn itself

round. The cage being opened by a door behind, a small spoon is

introduced through the orifice of the pouch, which is carefully scraped;

this is done twice or thrice a week, and the animal is said always to

produce the most civet after being irritated. The Civet, although a

native of the warmest climates, is yet found to live in temperate, and

even cold countries, provided it be defended carefully from the injuries

of the air. In a wild state, the Civet lives entirely on birds and small

quadrupeds; and at any time a small quantity of salt is said to poison

it.

[Illustration: THE GENET. (_Viverra Genetta._)]

THIS animal is about the size of a small cat. The skin is spotted and

beautiful, of a reddish grey colour. The spots on the sides are round

and distinct, 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. This

little animal is meek and gentle, except when provoked, and is easily

domesticated. In Constantinople it strays from house to house like our

cat, and keeps whatever house it is in perfectly free from mice and

rats, which cannot endure its smell. It is found wild in various parts

of the south of Europe, and also throughout the continent of Africa. Its

fur is beautiful and soft, and valuable as an article of commerce. The

eyes of the Genet contract when exposed to the light, like those of the

cat; and it can draw in its claws in nearly the same manner.

THE ORIENTAL CIVET, (_Viverra Zibetha_,)

IS an inhabitant of the south of Asia and of the islands of the Indian

Archipelago. It is rather smaller than the African Civet, but is very

sanguinary in its habits, causing a great destruction of poultry and

even of lambs and young pigs. The perfume furnished by this species is

highly esteemed by the natives of eastern countries.

[Illustration: THE ICHNEUMON, OR EGYPTIAN MANGOUSTE, OR PHARAOH’S RAT.

(_Herpestes Ichneumon._)]

THIS animal bears a close resemblance to the weasel tribe, both in form

and habits. From the tip of the nose to the root of the tail, it is

about eighteen inches in length. At the base, the tail is very thick,

tapering gradually towards the point, which is slightly tufted. It has a

long, active body, short legs, lively and piercing eyes, and a pointed

nose; the hair is rough and bristly, of a pale reddish grey.

The Ichneumon is celebrated in the mythology of ancient Egypt, where it

has long been domesticated, and where it was ranked amongst the

divinities, on account of its great utility in destroying serpents,

snakes, rats, mice, and other vermin: it is also fond of crocodiles’

eggs, which it digs out of the sand where they have been deposited. It

is a very fierce, though small animal, and will fight with dogs, foxes,

and even jackals, with great fury. It will not breed in confinement, but

may be easily tamed when taken young.

The following particulars are related by M. D’Obsonville, in his Essays

on the Nature of various foreign Animals:--“I had an Ichneumon very

young, which I brought up. I fed it at first with milk, and afterward

with baked meat mixed with rice. It soon became even tamer than a cat;

for it came when called, and followed me, though at liberty, in the

country. One day I brought this animal a small water-serpent alive,

being desirous to know how far his instinct would carry him against a

being with which he was as yet totally unacquainted. His first emotion

seemed to be astonishment mixed with anger, for his hair became erect;

but in an instant he slipped behind the reptile, and with remarkable

swiftness and agility leaped upon its head, seized it, and crushed it

between his teeth. This essay, and new food, seemed to have awakened in

him his innate and destructive voracity, which till then had given way

to the gentleness he had acquired from education. I had about my house

several curious kinds of fowls, among which he had been brought up, and

which, till then, he had suffered to go and come unmolested and

unregarded: but a few days after, when he found himself alone, he

strangled them every one, ate a little, and, as it appeared, drank the

blood of two.”

The MOONGUS (_Herpestes griseus_) and the GARANGAN (_Herpestes

Javanicus_) are eastern species of Ichneumons; the former inhabits

India, and the latter the island of Java. Like the Egyptian Ichneumon,

they are great enemies of snakes and other reptiles, and also destroyrats, but unfortunately they often commit great havoc among poultry.

The mode in which the Ichneumon seizes a serpent is thus described by

Lucan in his _Pharsalia_:--

“Thus oft the Ichneumon, on the banks of Nile,

Invades the deadly aspic by a wile;

While artfully his slender tail is played,

The serpent darts upon the dancing shade,

Then turning on the foe with swift surprise,

Full on the throat the nimble traitor flies,

And in his grasp the panting serpent dies.”

[Illustration: THE WEASEL. (_Mustela vulgaris_.)]

THE animals belonging to this genus, notwithstanding their small size,

are all carnivorous, and from their slender and lengthened bodies, short

legs, and the very free motion in every direction, permitted by the

loose articulations of the spine, are well formed for pursuing their

prey into the deepest recesses. Constituted by nature to subsist on

animals, many of which have great strength and courage, they possess an

undaunted and ferocious disposition. The Weasel has a long and thin

body; its length, with its tail, is ten inches, and its height not more

than an inch and a half. In the northern parts of Europe they are very

numerous. Mice of every description, the field and the water-vole, rats,

moles, and small birds, are their ordinary food, and occasionally

rabbits and partridges. When driven by hunger, it will boldly attack the

poultry-yard. The Weasel, when it enters a hen roost, never meddles with

the cocks or old hens, but makes choice of the pullets and young

chickens; these it kills with a single stroke on the head, and carries

away one after the other. It sucks the eggs with avidity, making a small

hole at one end, through which it draws out the yolk. In winter it

resides in granaries and hay-lofts, and in summer chooses the low lands

about the mills and streams, where it hides among the bushes, and in the

hollows of old trees.

It was formerly supposed that the Weasel was untamable; but Buffon, in a

supplementary volume, corrects this error, and from a letter of a female

correspondent, shows that it may be rendered as familiar as a cat or a

lapdog. It frequently eat from his correspondent’s hand, and seemed

fonder of milk and fresh meat than of any other food. “If I present my

hands,” says this lady, “at the distance of three feet, it jumps into

them without ever missing. It shows a great deal of address and cunning,

in order to accomplish its ends, and seems to disobey certain

prohibitions merely through caprice. During all its actions it seems

solicitous to divert and be noticed, looking at every jump and at every

turn to see whether it be observed or not. If no notice be taken of its

gambols, it ceases them immediately, and betakes itself to sleep; and

when awaked from the soundest sleep, it instantly resumes its gaiety,

and frolics about in as sprightly a manner as before. It never shows any

ill humour, unless when confined or too much teased, in which case it

expresses its displeasure by a sort of murmur, very different from that

which it utters when pleased.”

Weasels and ferrets are used by rat-catchers to drive the rats out of

their holes; and they kill a great many, the habit of the Weasel being

to kill its prey by biting the head, so that the teeth penetrate the

brain, and then to throw the body aside, or hide it till a future

period.

[Illustration: THE FERRET, (_Mustela furo_,)]

IS a small, yet bold animal, and an enemy to all others but those of his

own kind. He closely resembles the Polecat, and is considered by many

naturalists, to be merely a domesticated variety of that animal. His

eyes are remarkably fiery. He is much used to drive rabbits from their

holes, and for this purpose is always muzzled, as otherwise he would

feast upon the blood of the first rabbit he met with, and then quietly

lay himself down in the burrow to sleep. He is such an inveterate enemy

to the rabbit, that if a dead one be presented to a young Ferret, he

instantly bites it with an appearance of rapacity; or, if it be living,

the Ferret seizes it by the neck, winds himself round it, and continues

to suck its blood till he be satiated; indeed, his appetite for blood is

so strong, that he has been known to attack and kill children in the

cradle. He is very soon irritated; and his bite is very difficult to be

cured.

Our figure is full large, as the length of the animal is usually about

thirteen inches, exclusive of the tail, which is about five.

[Illustration: THE POLECAT. (_Mustela putorius._)]

THE strong and disagreeable smell of this animal is proverbial; its skin

is stiff, hard, and rugged, and when well prepared, is very desirable as

clothing. It is about seventeen inches in length, exclusive of the tail,

which is about six inches. The breast, tail, and legs are of a blackish

colour, but the belly and sides yellowish. It sometimes conceals itself

in secret corners about houses, and is then a disastrous pest to the

poultry-yard. These animals usually frequent the woods and destroy a

great quantity of game; and some, forsaking the haunts of man, retire to

the rocks and crevices of the cliffs on the sea shore, preferring a

meagre and scanty diet with security, to the daintiness of chicken-flesh

and eggs, attended with trouble and fear. Rabbits seem to be their

favourite prey, and a single Polecat is often sufficient to destroy a

whole warren; for with that insatiable thirst for blood which is natural

to all the weasel tribe, it kills much more than it can devour; and

twenty rabbits have been found dead, which one Polecat had destroyed by

a wound hardly perceptible. The _Polecat_ is the same with the _Fitchet_

or _Foumart_, the hair of which is made into fine brushes and pencils

for the use of painters. This small animal is fierce and bold. When

attacked by a dog, it will defend itself with great spirit, attack him

in turn, fastening upon the nose of its enemy with so keen a bite, as

frequently to oblige him to desist. When heated or enraged, the smell it

emits is absolutely intolerable.

[Illustration: THE ERMINE. (_Mustela erminea._)]

THIS, which is also called the STOAT, is a smaller species than the

Polecat, and is less common in England than the latter, although in

Scotland it is tolerably abundant. Its colour in summer, is reddish

brown on the back and white underneath; but in winter the whole of the

fur becomes pure white, except on the tail, which is always black, and

it is in this state that the fur of the Ermine is so highly esteemed. In

the North of Europe, Siberia, and the most northern parts of America,

Ermines are found in immense numbers, and great quantities of them are

killed for the sake of their skins, of which several hundred thousand

are annually exported from those inclement northern regions, to serve

for the adornment of ladies dress, and of the state robes of peers and

other high dignitaries, in more civilized countries. The pure white skin

adorned with the jet black tails of the little animals, is indeed one of

the most elegant of all furs; but from the immense quantities in which

the skins are imported, they have become so cheap that ermine can no

longer be regarded as a fashionable fur, and it is chiefly employed for

those purposes to which custom has, in a manner, consecrated its use.

Like the Polecat, and others of its kind, the Ermine is a bloodthirsty

little creature, and so bold that it will attack animals much larger

than itself. It is very destructive to poultry and game, and even

pursues hares with success; those animals, although so fleet of foot

appearing to be so fascinated by the approach of their little enemy,

that they do not betake themselves to flight, but hop slowly along,

until the fangs of the destroyer are fixed in the throat of its victim,

when all efforts to shake him off are unavailing. The Ermine is also one

of the great enemies of the water-rat, which it will follow into the

water. The dwelling-place of the Ermine is a narrow burrow, usually in

the midst of a thicket, or furze-bush; it sometimes takes up its abode

in a rabbit burrow. In this country the female produces four or five

young at a birth; but in North America the litter is said to consist of

ten or twelve little ones.

[Illustration: THE SKUNK, (_Mustela_, or _Mephitis Americana_,)]

WHICH is found in most parts of North America, is curiously marked with

a pair of white stripes running down the sides of the back. It feeds

upon mice and other small quadrupeds, and also in summer upon frogs. The

Skunk is of a stout and rather heavy form, and runs but slowly, so that

when pursued it would have but a small chance of making its escape, but

for a singular provision with which it has been endowed by nature. This

consists of a yellow fluid of the most horrible odour, contained in a

small bag or pouch under the root of the tail; which the creature is

enabled to discharge to a distance of more than four feet, so that even

if the noisome discharge does not actually reach and smother the

animal’s pursuers, it forms between them and their intended victim, a

sort of invisible barrier, which few noses are able to pass. The smell

is so strong that it has been known to produce sickness at a distance of

a hundred yards, and so persistent, that the spot where a Skunk has been

killed, will retain the taint for many days. The flesh of this animal

is, however, considered excellent food by the Indians.

[Illustration: THE SABLE. (_Mustela_, or _Martes Zibellina_.)]