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DUKE 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 Treasure "Room 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/generalhistoryof01bewi_0 
 
A GENERAL 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 — 9<iSaE2B>®“— 
 
 THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD, 
 
 CHIEFLY COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL OF T. BEWICK, 
 
 0^. ^nde^son . 
 
 FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, 
 
 mit^ an SlppenDijc, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 SOME AMERICAN AmMALS 
 
 NOT HITHERTO DESCRIBED. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 
 PRINTED BY G. & R. WAITE, NO. 64, MAIDEN-LANE. 
 
 1804. 
 
auticrtfeement. 
 
 Xn disposing the order of the following work, we have not 
 thought it necessary to confine ourselves stridlly within the 
 rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural 
 History ; as it was not so much the objedl of our plan to lay 
 down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four- 
 footed animals, as to give a clear and concise account of the 
 nature, habits, and disposition of each, accompanied with more 
 accurate representations than have hitherto appeared in any 
 work of this kind. Our disregard of system, however, has not 
 prevented us from attending to the great divisions of Quadru- 
 peds, so obviously marked out by the hand of Nature, and so 
 clearly distinguished, that the most careless observer cannot 
 avoid being forcibly struck with an agreement of parts in the 
 outward appearance of the different individuals of which it 
 consists. 
 
 The intermediate stations, however, have not been always 
 clearly defined ; these are frequently occupied by chara6lers 
 so dubious, that naturalists have not always agreed in ascrib- 
 ing to each its proper place : Of this kind are the Elephant, 
 the Hippopotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the 
 Beaver, the Hedge-hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c. which 
 bear in themselves characteristics so peculiar, that they might 
 seem to constitute distindt genera. 
 
 We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular 
 account of the animals with which this country is abun- 
 dantly stored, especially of those which so materially contri- 
 bute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of a 
 nation ; of these the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim 
 the first place ; and in treating of these, we have noticed the 
 improvements which an enlarged system of agriculture, sup- 
 ported by a noble spirit of emulation, has introduced into all 
 
IV 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 parts of the country. To these we may add that most use- 
 ful animal the Dog, the account of which forms a conspicu- 
 ous part of our history, and we trust will alford some enter- 
 tainment to those who are pleased with contemplating the va- 
 rious talents of that trusty servant and humble companion of 
 man: We have selected the most remarkable of the different 
 kinds, and have given faithful portraits of them, drawn from 
 the life : there are still others, not unworthy of attention, 
 which might have been added ; but to have noticed all the 
 variations and shades of difference observeable in the canine 
 race, would have swelled our account, already large, to an 
 immoderate length, and have left us too little room for others 
 of equal importance, in a comprehensive view of this part of 
 the animal creation. 
 
 Our attention has been dire61;ed in a particular manner to 
 the various instinctive powers of animals — that hidden prin- 
 ciple, which actuates and impels every living creature to pro- 
 cure its subsistence, provide for its safety, and propagate its 
 kind. To discover more and more of this unerring 
 guide, directing the brute creation to their highest good by 
 the simplest and most certain methods, is a pursuit worthy 
 of the most refined understanding, and leads us to contem- 
 plate the wisdom and goodness of the adorable Author of 
 Nature, who “openeth his hand, and ail things are filled 
 with good.” 
 
 It may perhaps be thought necessary to offer some apology 
 for the evident want of proportion observable in the size of 
 the different animals; a defecSt to which every work of this 
 kind must, in some measure, be liable. In adverting to this, 
 we found, at whatever point, between the Elephant and the 
 Mouse, the scale were to be fixed, a great and unavoidable 
 deficiency would be the consequence ; we were therefore ob- 
 bliged to relinquish a plan, which, so far from being pra61i- 
 cable, would have been the means of throwing the whole into 
 irregularity and confusion. 
 
fnDej:. 
 
 A PAGE. PAGE. 
 
 A 
 
 
 Badger, Stinking 
 
 276 
 
 ii^DIVE 
 
 323 
 
 Sow 
 
 284 
 
 Agouti 
 
 382 
 
 Bat ... 
 
 510 
 
 Akouchi 
 
 383 
 
 the Short-eared - 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Ai - - - 
 
 494 
 
 the Long-eared 
 
 512 
 
 Amphibious Animal 
 
 527 
 
 the Nodlule, or Great 
 
 Ant-eater, the Great 
 
 495 
 
 the Pipistrelle 
 
 513 
 
 the Middle 
 
 496 
 
 the Barbastelle - 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Lesser 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Serotine 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Antelope, the Common 
 
 106 
 
 the Horse-shoe - 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Barbary 
 
 107 
 
 the Great Ternate 
 
 515 
 
 the Scythian 
 
 100 
 
 the Rougette, or Les- 
 
 the Striped 
 
 ibid. 
 
 ser Ternate 
 
 516 
 
 Ape, the Long-armed 
 
 452 
 
 the Spedlre 
 
 517 
 
 the Barb ary 
 
 453 
 
 the Senegal 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Armadillo 
 
 498 
 
 the Bull-dog 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Three- 
 
 
 the Bearded 
 
 518 
 
 banded - 
 
 499 
 
 the Striped 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Six-banded 500 
 
 Bear, the Brown 
 
 288 
 
 the Eight- 
 
 
 the Polar 
 
 294 
 
 banded - 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Black 
 
 288 
 
 the Nine-band 
 
 
 Beaver . - . 
 
 417 
 
 ed 
 
 501 
 
 Bison 
 
 43 
 
 the Weasel- 
 
 
 Blue-Goat 
 
 90 
 
 headed 
 
 502 
 
 Boar, the Wild 
 
 160 
 
 Ass . - - 
 
 19 
 
 the Common, or 
 
 
 Axis - . - 
 
 141 
 
 Domestic 
 
 162 
 
 
 
 the African Wild 
 
 167 
 
 B 
 
 
 Bucha ... 
 
 46 
 
 Baboon 
 
 454 
 
 Buffalo . . . 
 
 47 
 
 the Great Ribbed 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 nose 
 
 456 
 
 C 
 
 
 the small Ribbed 
 
 
 Callitrix 
 
 466 
 
 nose 
 
 458 
 
 Camel 
 
 150 
 
 the Pig-tailed 
 
 459 
 
 the Arabian 
 
 154 
 
 the Dog-faced 
 
 460 
 
 Cameleopard 
 
 118 
 
 the Ursine 
 
 461 
 
 Capibara 
 
 381 
 
 Babiroussa 
 
 172 
 
 Caracal 
 
 238 
 
 Babr 
 
 213 
 
 the Nubian 
 
 239 
 
 Badger 
 
 281 
 
 I Carcajou 
 
 285 
 
INDEX. 
 
 vi 
 
 Caribou 
 
 134 
 
 Cat, the Domestic 
 
 231 
 
 Cat, the Wild 
 
 228 
 
 the Wild Red 
 
 227 
 
 Angora 
 
 230 
 
 Cavy, the Restless 
 
 377 
 
 the Spotted 
 
 379 
 
 the Long-nosed 
 
 382 
 
 the Akouchi 
 
 383 
 
 the Rock 
 
 384 
 
 Chevrotain 
 
 107 
 
 Chinche 
 
 265 
 
 Civet 
 
 270 
 
 Coaita 
 
 471 
 
 Coati 
 
 277 
 
 Conepate 
 
 267 
 
 Corin 
 
 107 
 
 Couguar 
 
 219 
 
 Coquallin 
 
 388 
 
 Cow • 
 
 25 
 
 D 
 
 
 Deer, Red 
 
 135 
 
 the Fallow 
 
 143 
 
 Dog 
 
 324 
 
 the Shepherd’s 
 
 327 
 
 the Cur 
 
 329 
 
 the Greenland 
 
 331 
 
 the Bull 
 
 334 
 
 the Mastiff 
 
 336 
 
 the Ban 
 
 338 
 
 the Dalmatlon, or 
 
 
 Coach 
 
 339 
 
 the Irish Greyhound 340 
 
 the Highland Grey- 
 
 
 hound 
 
 341 
 
 the Gazehound 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Greyhound 
 
 342 
 
 the Italian Grey- 
 
 
 hound 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Dog, the Lyemmer 
 
 843 
 
 the Lurcher 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Tumbler 
 
 344 
 
 the Terrier 
 
 345 
 
 the Beagle 
 
 346 
 
 the Harrier 
 
 347 
 
 the Fox Hound 
 
 348 
 
 the Old English 
 
 
 Hound 
 
 351 
 
 the Kibble Hound 
 
 352 
 
 the Blood Hound 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Spanish Pointer 355 
 
 the English Setter 
 
 356 
 
 the Newfoundland 
 
 357 
 
 the Rough Water 
 
 360 
 
 the Large Water- 
 
 
 Spaniel 
 
 361 
 
 the Small Water- 
 
 
 Spaniel 
 
 362 
 
 the Springer, or 
 
 
 Cocker 
 
 363 
 
 King Charles’s 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Pyrame 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Shock 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Lion 
 
 364 
 
 the Comforter 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Turnspit 
 
 365 
 
 the Pug 
 
 i bid. 
 
 Dormouse, the Greater 
 
 392 
 
 the Lesser 
 
 393 
 
 Douc - . - 
 
 469 
 
 Dromedary 
 
 154 
 
 E 
 
 
 Elephant 
 
 186 
 
 Elk 
 
 120 
 
 the American 
 
 125 
 
 Elk Antelope 
 
 96 
 
 Ermine 
 
 247 
 
 Exquima 
 
 472 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Vll 
 
 F 
 
 Ferret 
 
 248 
 
 Fitchet 
 
 252 
 
 Fossane 
 
 264 
 
 Foumart 
 
 252 
 
 Fox 
 
 363 
 
 the Greyhound 
 
 307 
 
 the Mastiff 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Cur 
 
 308 
 
 the Black 
 
 310 
 
 the Cross 
 
 310 
 
 the Arctic 
 
 311 
 
 Free Martin 
 
 ■ 28 
 
 G 
 
 Gazelles 
 
 89 
 
 Gemse-Bok 
 
 101 
 
 Genet 
 
 268 
 
 Giraffe _ - . 
 
 118 
 
 Gnu 
 
 104 
 
 Goat 
 
 77 
 
 the Chamois 
 
 8r 
 
 of Angora 
 
 86 
 
 of Thibet 
 
 idid. 
 
 of Portugal 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Syrian 
 
 88 
 
 African 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Grunting-Ox 
 
 46 
 
 Grys-Bok 
 
 103 
 
 Guanacas 
 
 156 
 
 Guinea-Pig 
 
 377 
 
 Glutton 
 
 285 
 
 H 
 
 Hamster 
 
 404 
 
 of Georgia - ■< 
 
 525 
 
 Hare - 
 
 369 
 
 the Alpine 
 
 372 
 
 Hart-Beast 
 
 98 
 
 Hedge-hog 
 
 484 
 
 Hippopotamus 
 
 182 
 
 Hog 
 
 159 
 
 Horse - - - 
 
 1 
 
 the Arabian 
 
 4 
 
 the Race-horse 
 
 6 
 
 the Hunter 
 
 ■ 8 
 
 the Black 
 
 10 
 
 Old English Road 
 
 - 9 
 
 Poney 
 
 12 
 
 the Common Cart 
 
 13 
 
 the Improved Cart 
 
 14 
 
 Pack-horse 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Hyena, the Striped 
 
 298 
 
 the Spotted 
 
 301 
 
 I 
 
 Ibex - - . 
 
 80 
 
 Ichneumon 
 
 26 1 
 
 Ibrys - - . 
 
 23S 
 
 J 
 
 Jackall - 
 
 320 
 
 Jaguar 
 
 217 
 
 Jerboa ... 
 
 39?^ 
 
 K 
 
 Kabassou 
 
 502 
 
 Kanguroo 
 
 439 
 
 Kanguroo-Rat 
 
 441 
 
 Kevel 
 
 107 
 
 Klip-Springer 
 
 103 
 
 Koba 
 
 108 
 
 Koedoe ... 
 
 100 
 
 L 
 
 Lama - - - 
 
 155 
 
 Leming - 
 
 409 
 
 Leopard 
 
 214 
 
 Lion 
 
 199 
 
 Li on- Ape 
 
 476 
 
 Loris - - , 
 
 445 
 
 Loucku 
 
 213 
 
 Lynx ... 
 
 235 
 
 the Bay 
 
 236 
 
INDEX. 
 
 viii 
 
 M 
 
 
 Macauco, the Yellow 
 
 443 
 
 the Ring-iailed 
 
 442 
 
 the Tail-less 
 
 444 
 
 the Mongooz 
 
 445 
 
 the Black 
 
 446 
 
 Mammoth of New-York 528 
 
 Mangabey 
 
 465 
 
 Manis 
 
 497 
 
 the Long-tailed 
 
 498 
 
 Marapute 
 
 226 
 
 Mar gay 
 
 224 
 
 Marmot 
 
 399 
 
 the Quebec 
 
 403 
 
 the Earless 
 
 407 
 
 Marmot, the Tail-less 
 
 408 
 
 the Lapland 
 
 409 
 
 Martin 
 
 256 
 
 the Yellow-breast- 
 
 ed 
 
 255 
 
 Meminna 
 
 109 
 
 Mexican Hog 
 
 169 
 
 Mole 
 
 427 
 
 Radiated 
 
 429 
 
 the Yellow 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Monlx 
 
 402 
 
 Monkey, the Hare-lipped 463 
 
 the Patas, or 
 
 
 Red 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Chinese 
 
 
 Bonnet 
 
 465 
 
 the Callitrix, or 
 
 
 Green 
 
 466 
 
 the Varied, or 
 
 
 Mona 
 
 468 
 
 the Preacher 
 
 471 
 
 the Spider 
 
 472 
 
 the Saimira, or 
 
 
 Orange 
 
 473 
 
 the Weeper 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Striated 
 
 475 
 
 Monkey, the Fox-tailed 
 
 474 
 
 the Great-eared ibid. 
 
 the Silky 
 
 476 
 
 the Red-tailed 
 
 477 
 
 the Mico, or 
 
 Fair 
 
 478 
 
 Mouflon, or Musinon 
 
 74 
 
 Mouse - 
 
 421 
 
 Long-tailed Field 
 
 422 
 
 Short-tailed Field 
 
 423 
 
 Shrew 
 
 424 
 
 Water Shrew 
 
 425 
 
 Dwarf 
 
 426 
 
 Mule - 
 
 16 
 
 Musk - 
 
 115 
 
 Musk-Bull 
 
 49 
 
 Mustache 
 
 467 
 
 N 
 
 Nanguer 
 
 105 
 
 Nems - - - 
 
 250 
 
 Nyl-Ghau 
 
 112 
 
 O 
 
 Ocelot - - . 
 
 222 
 
 Ondatra 
 
 415 
 
 Opossum, Saragoy 
 
 430 
 
 Murine 
 
 432 
 
 Mexican 
 
 433 
 
 the Phalanger 
 
 434 
 
 the Spotted 
 
 435 
 
 the Vulpine 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Flying 
 
 436 
 
 of Van Die- 
 
 men’s Land 
 
 437 
 
 Squirrel 
 
 438 
 
 Ouran-Outang 
 
 449 
 
 Otter - 
 
 487 
 
 the Sea 
 
 491 
 
 Ounce . - - 
 
 213 
 
 Ox - - - 
 
 25 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ix 
 
 Ox, Holstein, or Dutch 
 Breed 
 
 Improved ditto 
 the Lancashire 
 the Lancashire Ox 
 Kyloe - 
 Wild Cattle 
 Original 
 
 P 
 
 Pacos - - - 
 
 Panther 
 
 Patas - - . 
 
 Peccary 
 
 Persian Savage 
 
 Phalanger 
 
 Pied-Goat 
 
 Pigmy 
 
 Polecat 
 
 Porcupine 
 
 the Brazilian 
 Porcupine, the Canada 
 Potto 
 
 R 
 
 Rabbit 
 
 the Domestic 
 of Angora 
 the Hooded 
 Racoon 
 
 Ram, Black-faced 
 Heath 
 Cheviot 
 Tees-Water - 
 Ditto Improved 
 Rat . - - 
 
 Water 
 
 Musk of Canada 
 Muscovy Musk 
 Ratel ... 
 Ree-Bok 
 
 Ree-Bok, Riet - 
 
 102 
 
 Rein-Deer 
 
 121 
 
 Rhinoceros 
 
 175 
 
 the Two-horned 
 
 179 
 
 Roe-Buck 
 
 146 
 
 Ruminating Animals 
 
 24 
 
 S 
 
 Sable ... 
 
 258 
 
 Sagoin . - - 
 
 469 
 
 Sajou - - - 
 
 472 
 
 Saki - . . 
 
 474 
 
 Sacawinkee 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Sand-Bear 
 
 284 
 
 Sapajou 
 
 469 
 
 Sarluc - - . 
 
 45 
 
 Scaly Lizard 
 
 498 
 
 Sea Horse 
 
 503 
 
 Seal - - - 
 
 505 
 
 the Hooded 
 
 507 
 
 the Ursine - 
 
 508 
 
 Serval 
 
 226 
 
 Shark Viviparous of Long 
 
 Island - 530 
 
 Sheep, wild of Callforna 526 
 Sheep - - . 50 
 
 Sheep, Lincolnshire Breed 54 
 Dorsetshire Ditto ibid„ 
 the Short « 56 
 
 Leicestershire ditto 63 
 Mr. Culley’s breed 66 
 the Shetland » 68 
 the Dunky or 
 
 Dwarf - J'O 
 the Tartarian * 71 
 
 the African, or 
 Guinea - ihld^ 
 the Many-horned 72 
 the Broad-tailed 
 of Thibet - 73 
 
 the Wallachian ibid. 
 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 33 
 
 35 
 
 36 
 
 38 
 
 125 
 
 157 
 
 212 
 
 463 
 
 159 
 
 461 
 
 434 
 
 91 
 
 451 
 
 252 
 
 480 
 
 482 
 
 483 
 
 443 
 
 374 
 
 376 
 
 ibid. 
 
 ibid, 
 
 279 
 
 56 
 
 57 
 
 58 
 
 60 
 
 61 
 
 411 
 
 414 
 
 415 
 
 416 
 
 275 
 
 102 
 
X 
 
 INDEX 
 
 SIfac . ■ . 
 
 265 
 
 Tendrac 
 
 485 
 
 Skunk - - - 
 
 469 
 
 Tiger 
 
 206 
 
 Sloth ... 
 
 493 
 
 the Black 
 
 221 
 
 Souslik - - - 
 
 4or 
 
 Cat 
 
 227 
 
 Sow, of the improved 
 
 
 
 
 breed 
 
 164 
 
 u 
 
 
 Chinese 
 
 166 
 
 Unau - - - 
 
 494 
 
 Springer 
 
 94 
 
 Urus, or Wild Bull 
 
 42 
 
 Squirrel 
 
 385 
 
 Urchin 
 
 484 
 
 the Hudson’s Bay 
 
 390 
 
 
 
 the Gray 
 
 387 
 
 V 
 
 
 the Black 
 
 388 
 
 Vansire 
 
 250 
 
 the Ground 
 
 389 
 
 
 
 the Barbary 
 
 391 
 
 W 
 
 
 the Palm 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Walrus 
 
 503 
 
 the Fat - - 
 
 392 
 
 Wanderou 
 
 462 
 
 the Garden 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Weasel - - 
 
 242 
 
 the Flying 
 
 394 
 
 the White 
 
 247 
 
 the Great Flying 
 
 395 
 
 the Madagascar 
 
 250 
 
 the Hooded 
 
 ibid. 
 
 the Pine 
 
 256 
 
 the Long-tailed 
 
 396 
 
 the Fisher 
 
 260 
 
 Stag, or Red Deer 
 
 135 
 
 the Four-toed 
 
 274 
 
 the Corsican - 
 
 140 
 
 the Brazilian 
 
 277 
 
 the Axis or Ganges 
 
 141 
 
 Wolf 
 
 313 
 
 Steen-Bok 
 
 105 
 
 the New South- 
 
 
 Stifling, or Squash 
 
 266 
 
 Wales 
 
 319 
 
 Stoat - - - 
 
 246 
 
 Wolverine 
 
 285 
 
 Suricate 
 
 274 
 
 Wombach 
 
 522 
 
 Syah-Gush 
 
 238 
 
 Wood-Goat 
 
 92 
 
 Swift Antelope 
 
 105 
 
 
 
 
 
 z 
 
 
 T 
 
 
 Zebra - - - 
 
 22 
 
 Talapoin 
 
 467 
 
 Zebu - - - 
 
 44 
 
 Talgoi - 
 
 496 
 
 Zem.ni 
 
 408 
 
 Tanrec - - 
 
 486 
 
 Zibet ’ 
 
 273 
 
 Tapiir - - , 
 
 174 
 
 iZizel - 
 
 408 
 
 Tarsier 
 
 446 
 
 Zorilla 
 
 267 
 
(0eiiei’al 
 
 EISTORT 
 
 OF 
 
 QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE HORSE. ■ 
 
 (Equus CahalluSi Linnseus . — Le Cheval. BufTon.) 
 
 TT HE various excellencies of this noble animal, the 
 grandeur of his stature, the elegance and proportion ot 
 his parts, the beautiful smoothness of his skin, the va- 
 riety and gracefulness of his motions, and, above all, his 
 utility, entitle him to a precedence in the history of the 
 brute creation. 
 
 The Horse, in his domestic state, is generous, docile, 
 spirited, and yet obedient; adapted to the various pur- 
 poses of pleasure and convenience, he is equally ser- 
 viceable in the draught, the field, or the race. 
 
 There are few parts of the known world where the 
 Horse is not produced; but, if we would see him in 
 the enjoyment of his native freedom, (unsubdued by 
 the restraints man haS imposed upon him) we must look 
 for him in the wild and e.' tensive plains of Africa and 
 Arabia, where he ranges without controul, in a state of 
 entire independency. In those immense tracts, the wild 
 Horses may be seen feeding together, in droves of four 
 or five hundred ; one of them always acting as centi- 
 nel, to give notice of approaching danger: This he 
 
3 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 does by a kind of snorting noise, upon which they all 
 fly off with astonishing rapidity. The wild Horses of 
 Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the world : 
 They are of a brown colour, their mane and tail of 
 black tufted hair, very short; they are smaller than the 
 tame ones, are very active, and of great swiftness. The 
 most usual method of taking them is by snares or pits 
 formed in the sand. — It is probable there were once 
 wild horses in Europe, which have long since been 
 brought under subjection. — Those found in America 
 were originally of the Spanish breed, sent thither upon 
 its first discovery, which have since become wild, and 
 spread themselves over various parts of that vast contb 
 nent. They are generally small, not exceeding four- 
 teen hands high; with thick heads, and clumsy joints: 
 Their ears and necks are longer than those of the En- 
 glish Horses. They are easily tamed ; and if by acci- 
 dent they should regain their liberty, they seldom be- 
 come wild again, but know their master, and may be 
 easily caught by him. 
 
 At the age of two years,* the Horse is in a condition 
 to propagate. — The mare is generally in season from the 
 
 * There are various ways of judging of the age of a Horse. 
 The following are the most general: — The eye-pits of old Hor.ses 
 are commonly hollow; but that mark is equivocal, young Horses, 
 begot by old stallions, having them also hollow.— The teeth afford 
 the best criterion of the age of Horses. The Horse has, in all, 
 forty teeth; viz. tweiitv-four grinders, four canine teeth or tusks, 
 and twelve fore-teeth: Mares have either no tu.sks, or very short 
 ones. Five days after birth, tlie four teeth in front begin to shoot: 
 These, are called nippers, and are cast at the age of two years and a 
 half: They are soon renewed: And the next year, he again casts 
 two above, and two below,— one on each side of the nippers. At 
 four years and a half, other four fall out, next those last placed: 
 These last four foal teeth are succeeded by other four, which grow 
 
3 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 latter end of March till the beginning of June ; but her 
 chief ardour for the Horse continues only fifteen or 
 twenty days. She goes with young eleven months and 
 some days j continues to breed till the age of sixteen or 
 eighteen years; and lives on an average, between twen- 
 ty and thirty years. 
 
 Although the Horse is endowed with vast strength 
 and powers, he seldom exerts either to the prejudice of 
 his master : On the contrary, he shares with him in his 
 labours, and seems to participate in his pleasures ; ge- 
 nerous and persevering, he gives up his whole powers 
 to the service of his master ; though bold and intrepid, 
 he represses the natural vivacity and fire of his temper, 
 and not only yields to the hand, but seems to consult 
 the inclination, of his rider. 
 
 But it must continue to be matter of regret to every 
 feeling mind, that these excellent qualities should be 
 often shamefully abused in the most unnecessary exer- 
 tions ; and the honest labours of this noble animal 
 thrown away in the ungrateful task of accomplishing 
 the purposes of unfeeling folly, or lavished in gratifying 
 the expectations of an intemperate moment. 
 
 much more slowly than the first eight: And it is from these last 
 four corner teeth, that the age of a horse is distinguished: They 
 are somewhat hollow in the middle, and have a black mark in the 
 cavities. At five years, these teeth scarcely rise above the gums; 
 at six, their cavities begin to fill up, and turn to a brownish spot, 
 like the eye of a garden bean; and before eight years the m'aik ge- 
 nerally disappears.— The tusks also indicate the age of a horse. 
 Those in the under jaw generally shoot at the age of three years 
 and a half; and the two in the upper jaw at four: Till six, they con- 
 tinue sharp at the points; but at ten, they appear long and blunted. 
 — These are the general rules for ascertaining the age of a Horse ; 
 but there are frequent exceptions, as some Horses retain the mark 
 tw'O or three years longer. 
 
4 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 THE ARAB I AM HORSE. 
 
 There is scarcely an Arabian, how poor soever in 
 other respects, but is possessed of his Horse, which he 
 considers as an invaluable treasure. Flaving no other 
 dwelling but a ten*-, the Arabian and his Horse live 
 upon the most equal terms ; His wife and family, his 
 mare and her foal, generally lie indiscriminately toge- 
 ther; whilst the little children frequently climb wdthout 
 fear upon the body of the inoffensive animal, which 
 permits them to play with and caress it without injury. 
 The Arabs never beat their Horses ; they speak to, and 
 seem to hold friendly intercourse with them; they never 
 wffiip them; and seldom, but in cases of necessity, make 
 use of the spur. Their agilitv in leaping is wondertul; 
 and if the rider happen to fall, they are so tractable as 
 to stand still in the midst of the most rapid career. — Ihe 
 Arabian Horses, in general less than the Race-Horses of 
 this country, are easy and graceful in their motions, and 
 rather inclined to leanness. — It is w’orthy of remark, 
 that, instead of crossing: the breed, the Arabs take 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, £( 
 
 every precaution to keep it pure and unmixed : They 
 preserve with the greatest care and for an amazing 
 length of time, the genealogies of their Horses ; those 
 of the first kind are called Nobles, being “ of a pure 
 and ancient race, purer than milk.” They have like- 
 wise two other kinds, which, having been degraded by 
 common alliances, sell at inferior prices. 
 
 From Arabia, the race of Horses has probably ex- 
 tended into Barbary and other parts of Africa ; those 
 being considered as next to the Arabian Horses in 
 swiftness and beauty, though they are somewhat smaller. 
 
 The Spanish Genette is held in great estimation : 
 Like the former, it is small, but beautiful, and extreme- 
 ly swift. 
 
 The Horses of India and many parts of China are ex- 
 tremely small and vicious. One of these was some 
 years ago brought into this country as a present to the 
 queen, which was very little larger than some mas- 
 tiffs, measuring only nine hands in height. 
 
 A 3 
 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 6 
 
 THE RACE HORSE. 
 
 In Great-Britain the breed of. horses seems to be as 
 mixed as that of its inhabitants. — By great attention to 
 the improvement of this noble animal, by a judicious 
 mixture of several kinds, and by superior skill in ma- 
 nagement, the English Race-Horse* is allowed to excel 
 
 * The following account of the prizes won by some of our capi- 
 tal Race-Horses, will shew the importance of that breed in Eng- 
 land where such vast sums frequently depend on the issue of their 
 contests: — i 
 
 Bay Malton, (by Sampson) the property of the late Marquis of i 
 Rockingham, in seven prizes won the amazing sum of 5,900!. At 
 York, he ran four miles in seven minutes and forty-three and an half 
 seconds, which was seven and an half seconds less time than it 
 was ever done before over the same course, 
 
 C.HiLDERs, (well known by the name of Flying Childers) the pro- 
 perty of the Duke of Devonshire, was allowed by sportsmen to be 
 the fleetest Horse that ever was bred in the world : He started re- 
 peatedly at Newmarket against the best horses of his time, and was 
 never beaten: he won, in different prizes, to the amount of nearly 
 3000I.; and was afterwards reserved as a stallion. — The sire of 
 Childers was an Arabian, sent by a gentleman as a present to his 
 brother in England. 
 
 Dop.imant, a famous Horse belonging to Lord Ossory, won pri- 
 zes tc the great amount of 13,363!. 
 
7 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 those of the rest of Europe, or perhaps the whole world. 
 For supporting a continuance of violent exertion, (or what 
 is called, in the language of the turf, bottom) they are 
 superior to the Arabian, the Barb, or the Persian j and for 
 swiftness they v/ill yield the palm to none. An ordinary 
 Racer is known to go at the rate of a mile in less than 
 two minutes; but there have been instances of much 
 greater rapidity : The famous Horse Childers has been 
 known to move eighty-two feet and an half in a second, 
 or nearly a mile in a minute ; he has run round the 
 course at Newmarket, which is little less than four 
 miles, in six minutes and forty seconds. 
 
 Eclipse was allowed to be the fleetest Horse that ever ran in 
 England since the time of Childers. After winning king’s plates 
 and other prizes to a great amount, he covered, by subscription, 
 forty mares, at thirty guineas each — besides those of his owner. 
 
 Highflyer was accounted the best Horse of his time in Eng- 
 land. The sums he won and received amounted to near 9,000!. 
 though he never started after five years old. He was never beaten, 
 nor ever paid a forfeit. 
 
 M.A.TCHEM, a horse belonging to the late W. Fenwick, Esq. besides 
 being a capital racer, was particularly remarkable as a stallion ; 
 and mav be truly said to have earned more money than any other 
 Horse in the world. He was engaged during nine years of his life, 
 to cover twenty-five mares, at ;o guineas a mare, and was uncom- 
 monly successful in the celebrity of his progeny, having been sire 
 to many of our most famous running Horses. He was remarkable 
 for being the quietest stallion that ever was known ; to which per- 
 haps may be attributed his great age, being in his thirty-third year 
 when he died. 
 
 Shark won, besides a cup value 120 gs, and eleven hogsheads 
 of claret, the astonishing sum of 15,507 g.*!. in plates, matches, and 
 forfeits. 
 
 On the 2 5th of March, 1799, a match for 3000 gs. was run at New- 
 market, by Sir H. Vane Tempest’s Hambletonian, and Mr. 
 Crookson s Diamond, and won by the former. It was supposed 
 that w'agers to the amount of nearly two hundred tboueand pounds 
 were betted on the event of this severe race. 
 
 A 4 
 
8 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE HUMTER 
 
 Is a happy combination of the Race-FIorse with others 
 of superior strength, but inferior in swiftness j and may 
 be considered as the most useful breed of horses in 
 Europe. Their spirit and activity in the field are well 
 known, and can only be equalled by the perseverance 
 ■w'ith which they endure the much more severe labour 
 of posting on the road, which is now carried on by this 
 active and hardy race, wnth a celerity unknown at any 
 former period. 
 
 Geldings of this kind are sent over to the continent in 
 great numbers; Their superior worth is universally ac- 
 knowledged abroad ; and they are sold at very high 
 prices to foreigners of the first distinction. 
 
 The mixture of this with others of inferior rank forms 
 an endless variety, the different gradations becoming too 
 minute to be discriminated. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 9 
 
 THE OLD EJ^GLISH ROAD-HORSE 
 
 Is a strong, vigorous, and active kind, capable of en- 
 during great hardship its stature rather low, seldom ex- 
 ceeding fifteen hands; the body round and compact, its 
 limbs strong, and its head thick. 
 
 Although this breed has, of late years been neglect- 
 ed, and almost totally superceded by Horses of another 
 kind, more nearly related to the Race-Horse, where the 
 fashion of figure seems to have been preferred to utility, 
 we cannot help congratulating our associated country- 
 men* on their spirited exertions towards public improve- 
 ment, in which nothing of excellency in the various kinds 
 of domestic animals is suffered to escape their vigilance, 
 and this kind is again likely to be brought into notice. 
 A mare of this breed, in the possession of Arthur 
 Mowbray, Esq. of Sherburn, appears to us to possess 
 all the valuable properties attributed to the old Road- 
 liorse. 
 
lO 
 
 KISTORY OF OUADRUFEDS, 
 
 THE BLACK HORSE. 
 
 No other country has produced a breed of Horses 
 equal in size and strength to the larger kind of our 
 draught Horses. The cavalry of England formerly con- 
 sisted of this class of Horses; but their inutility being 
 experienced in most situations, others of a lighter and 
 more active kind have been generally substituted, except 
 in a few regiments. The fens of Lincolnshire produce 
 a larger breed than any other part of the kingdom. In 
 London, there have been instances where a single Horse 
 of that kind has drawn, fora small space, the enormous 
 v/eight of three tons, half of which is known to be 
 their ordinary draught. 
 
 Considerable improvements have of late years been 
 made in this kind of Horses, by Mr. Bakewell of Dish- 
 ley, and others ; who, by great ingenuity and attention, 
 have acquired such celebrity, that they frequently sell 
 stallions of their respective breeds for two hundred gui- 
 neas; or, what is a more general practice, let them to 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 11 
 
 hire by the season, for forty, eighty, or perhaps an hun- 
 dred guineas j and some of them cover at five guineas 
 a mare. The form of the black Lincolnshire Horse 
 has, by their management, been materially altered; 
 The long fore-end, long back, and long thick hairy legs, 
 have gradually contracted into a short thick carcase, a 
 short but upright fore-end, and short clean legs ; expe- 
 rience having at length proved, that strength and activi- 
 ty, rather than height and weight, are the most essential 
 properties of farm Horses. 
 
 Another advantage possessed by this improved breed, 
 is his hardiness, or thriving quality; its being able to 
 carry flesh, or stand hard work, with comparatively lit- 
 tle provender. This hardiness of constitution, or natu- 
 ral propensity to thriving, the Leicestershire breeders 
 assert is hereditary in particular individual breeds or lines 
 of Horses. If this observation be just, and that the 
 feeding quality can be obtained with any degree of cer- 
 tainty by management in breeding, in this as well as 
 other kinds of live stock, it is a most interesting cir- 
 cumstance in the nature of domestic animals. 
 
 A strong, bony, and active kind or Horses is now 
 used in our carriages, instead of the old black Coach- 
 Horse, which is almost universally laid aside. The 
 docked tail, offensive both to humanity and decency, 
 is rarely to be seen : Propriety and good sense have 
 at length prevailed over a custom replete with absurdi- 
 ty ; and our Horses are permitted to retain a member 
 both useful and ornamental. But we have still to re- 
 gret, that the cruel practice of forming the tail, by cut- 
 ting and nicking it on the under side, is yet continued. 
 Although it would be impossible to trace out the kind 
 of Horses with which our British ancestors opposed 
 themselves to the legions of Julius Caesar, on his landing 
 
T2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 in this country ; yet that celebrated warrior himself 
 bears testimony to their activity and discipline. 
 
 The Ponies of Wales, and those brought out of the 
 Highlands of Scotland, seem to be original and un- 
 mixed. They are both much esteemed for the neat- 
 ness and beauty of their forms, for the nimbleness of 
 their motions, and, above all, for being remarkably sure 
 footed in the most difficult roads, which renders them 
 extremely valuable in the mountainous tracts to which 
 they originally belong. — Those brought from Shet- 
 land are the smallest of the genus, being in general 
 much less than the Ass. 
 
, 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, I3 
 
 THE COMMQM CART HORSE 
 
 Is inferior to the Black Horse both in size and strength : 
 His form is heavy, his motions slow, and his aspect 
 without sprightliness : he is nevertheless extremely use- 
 ful, and is employed in the business of agriculture and 
 ether domestic concerns. 
 
14 - 
 
 history OF quadrupeds. 
 
 THE IMPROVED CART HORSE. 
 
 It will be gratifying to most of our readers to know 
 that the spirit of improvement has extended itself great- 
 ly to this useful breed ; and, to the advantages of 
 strength and docility, has added those of form, activity, 
 and vigour. — George Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the 
 county of Durham, has a remarkably fine Horse of this 
 kind, fi'om which this figure was drawn. 
 
 Till of late years, Pack-Horses were employed in the 
 northern counties of England, to carry the tiifferent ma- 
 nufactures and articles of traffic from one part of the 
 kingdom to another; but the improved state of our 
 roads has caused that mode of conveyance to be almost 
 laid aside. In their journies over trackless moors, they 
 strictly adhere to the line of order and regularity custom 
 has taught them to observe : The leading Horse, which 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 15 
 
 is always chosen for his sagacity and steadiness, being 
 furnished with bells, gives notice to the rest, who fol- 
 low the sound, and generally without much deviation, 
 though sometimes at a considerable distance. The fol- 
 lowing anecdote will shew wdlh what obstinate perse- 
 verance they have been known to observe the line of 
 their order: — Some years ago one of these Horses, 
 which had been long accustomed to follow his leader, 
 bv accident or fatigue, was thrown into an interior 
 rank; The poor animal, as if sensible of his disgrace, by 
 the most strenuous exertions, at length recovered his 
 usual station, which he maintained during the re- 
 mainder of the journey ; but, on his arrival in the inn- 
 yard, he dropped down dead upon the spot, his life fal- 
 ling a sacrifice to his ambition, — a species of heroism 
 we must admire even in the brute creation. 
 
16 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MULE. 
 
 This useful and hardy animal is the offspring of the 
 Horse and the Ass, and being generally barren, fur- 
 nishes an indisputable proof that the two species are 
 pertectly distinct. Nature has providentially stopped 
 the further propagation of these heterogeneous produc- 
 tions, to preserve, uncontaminated, the form of each 
 animal; without which regulation, the races would in 
 a short time be mixed with each other, and every crea- 
 ture, losing its original perfection, would rapidly dege- 
 nerate. 
 
 Mules have not unfrequently been known to bring 
 forth young, especially in hot countries; and instances 
 have not been wanting, though they are rare, both in 
 England and Scotland. But it would require a succes- 
 sion of experiments to prove that Mules will breed 
 with each other, and produce an offspring equally ca- 
 pable of continuing the race. 
 
 The common Mule is very healthy, and will live 
 above thirty years. It is found very serviceable in car- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I7 
 
 tying burthens, particularly in mountainous and st6ny 
 places, where Horses are not so sure-footed. — The size 
 and strength of our breed have lately been much im- 
 proved by the importation of Spanish Male-Asses ; and 
 it were much to be wished, that the useful qualities of 
 this animal were m.ore attended to: For, by proper 
 care in its breaking, its natural obstinacy would in a 
 great measure be corrected ; and it might be formed 
 with success for the saddle, the draught, or the bur- 
 then. 
 
 People of the first quality in Spain are drawn by 
 Mules, where fifty or sixty guineas is no uncommion 
 price for one of them; nor is it surprizing, when we 
 consider how far they excel the Horse in travelling in 
 a mountainous country, the Mule being able to tread 
 securely where the former can hardly stand. — Their 
 manner of going down the precipices of the Alps, the 
 Andes, &c. is very extraordinary; and with it we will 
 conclude their history. In these passages, on one side, 
 are steep eminences, and, on the other, frightful abyss- 
 es ; and, as they generally follow the direction of the 
 mountain, the road, instead of lying in a level, forms, at 
 every little distance, deep declivities of several hundred 
 yards downward. These can only be descended by 
 Mules; and the animal itself seems sensible of the dan- 
 ger, and the caution that is to be used in such descents. 
 When they come to the edge of one of these precipi- 
 ces, they stop without being checked by the rider; and 
 if he inadvertently attempt to spar them on, they con- 
 tinue immoveable. They seem all this time ruminat- 
 ing on the danger that lies before them, and preparing 
 themselves for the encounter. They not only atteii- 
 
 B 
 
18 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 lively view the road, but tremble and snort at the dan- 
 ger. Having prepared for the descent, they place their 
 fore feet in a posture, as if they were stopping them- 
 selves; they then also put their hind feet together, but 
 a little forward, as if they were going to lie down. In 
 this attitude, having taken as it were a survey of the 
 road, they slide down with the swiftness of a meteor. 
 In the mean time, all the rider has to do is to keep 
 himself fast on the saddle without checking the rein, 
 for the least motion is sufficient to disorder the equili- 
 brium of the Mule; in which case they both unavoid- 
 ably perish,. But their address in this rapid descent is 
 truly wonderful; for in their swiftest motion, when they 
 seem to have lost all government of themselves, they fol- 
 low exactly the different windings of the road, as if 
 they had previously settled in their minds the route they 
 were to follow, and taken every precaution for their 
 safety. In this journey, the natives place themselves 
 along the sides of the mountains, and, holding by the 
 roots of the trees, animate the beasts with shouts, and 
 encourage them to persevere. Some Mules, after be- 
 ing long used to these journies, acquire a kind of repu- 
 tation for their safety and skill; and their value rises in 
 proportion to their fame. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 19 
 
 THE ASS. 
 
 (Eqims AsinuSj Lin. — L'Ane, BufF.^ 
 
 The AsSj it is probable, was originally a native of 
 Arabia and other parts of the East : The deserts of Ly- 
 bia and Numidia, and many parts of the Archipelago, 
 contain vast herds of wild Asses, which run with such 
 amazing swiftness, that even the fleetest Horses’ of the 
 country can hardly overtake them. They are chiefly 
 caught by the natives on account of their flesh, which 
 is eaten by them, and considered as a delicious repast. 
 The flesh of the common or tame Ass is however drier, 
 more tough, and disagreeable than that of the Horse: 
 Galen says, it is even unwholesome: Its milk, on the 
 contrary, is an approved remedy for certain disorders. 
 
 The Ass, like the Horse, was originally imported in- 
 to America by the Spaniards, where it has run wild, and 
 become extremely numerous. Ulloa informs us that, in 
 the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following 
 
 B 2 
 
20 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 manner:— A number of persons on horseback, attend- 
 ed by Indians on foot, form a large circle in order to , 
 drive them into a narrow compass, where at full speed 
 they throw a noose over them, and having secured them 
 with fetters, leave them till the chace is over, which 
 frequently lasts for several days. 
 
 A warm climate is most favourable to the growth of 
 this animal; The Ass produced in this country is muchi 
 inferior in size and beauty to those of Spain and other 
 warm countries: In Guinea, they are larger and more 
 beautiful than even their Horses: In Persia, they have 
 two kinds, — the one slow and heavy, which is made 
 use of for carrying burthens; the other nimble, smooth, 
 and stately, used chiefly for the saddle. 
 
 Holingshed informs us, that, in the reign of queen 
 Klizabeth, there were no Asses in England : How 
 soon after they might be introduced, is uncertain. How- 
 ever they are at present naturalized in this kingdom, 
 where their utility becomes daily more universally ex- 
 perienced. 
 
 The qualities of this animal are so well known as, to 
 need no description ; His gentleness, patience, and per- 
 severance, are without example; He is temperate with 
 regard to food, and eats contentedly the coarsest and 
 most neglected herbage : If he give the preference to 
 any vegetable, it is to the plantain, for which he will | 
 neglect every other herb in the pasture. In his water 
 he is singularly nice, drinking only from the clearest 
 brooks. He is so much afraid of wetting his feet, that 
 even when loaden, he will turn aside, to avoid the dir- 
 ty parts of the road. 
 
 He is stronger, in proportion to his size, than the . 
 Horse; but more sluggish, stubborn and untractable. 
 
! 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21 
 
 He his hardier than the Horse and, of all other qua- 
 drupeds, is least infested with lice or other vermin ; pro- 
 bably owing to the extreme hardness and dryness of his 
 skin. For the same reason, perhaps, he is less sensitive 
 of the goads of the whip, or the stinging of flies, 
 i He is three or four years in coming to perfection; 
 and lives to the age of twenty, or sometimes twenty-five 
 years. He sleeps much less than the Horse, and never 
 lies down for that purpose but when he is much fa- 
 tigued. The She- Ass goes eleven months, with young, 
 and seldom produces more than one at a time. 
 
 The services of this useful creature are too often re- 
 paid by hard fare and cruel usage; and being general- 
 ly the property of the poor, it partakes of their wants 
 and their distresses; Whereas, by due cultivation and 
 care in its education, the Ass might be usefully and 
 ! profitably employed in a variety ot domestic purposes, 
 and in many cases supply the place of the Horse, to 
 which only it is second, though generally degraded into 
 the most useless and neglected of domestic quadrupeds. 
 
 E3 
 
22 - 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 (Eqiius %ebra, Lin . — Le ZebrCy 
 
 Many authors have mistaken the Zebra for a wild 
 Ass; it is the most beautiful, as well as the wildest, 
 most timid, and untameable animal in nature. It is 
 larger than the Ass, and rather resembles the Mule in 
 shape: Its head is large; its ears long; its legs beauti- 
 fully small, and well placed; and its body well formed, 
 round, and fleshy: But the beauty of its shape is great- 
 ly heightened by the glossy smoothness of its skin, and 
 the amazing regularity and elegance of its colours, which 
 in some are white and brown, and in others white and 
 black, ranged in alternate stripes over the whole body, 
 in a style so beautiful and ornamental, that it would at 
 first sight seem rather the effect of art, than the genu- 
 ine production of nature ; The head is striped with fine 
 bands of black and white, which form a center in the 
 forehead ; the neck is adorned with stripes of the same 
 colour running round it; the body is beautifully varie- 
 
23 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 gated with bands running across the back, and ending 
 in points at the belly ; its thighs, its legs, its ears, and 
 even its tail, are all beautifully streaked in the same 
 manner. 
 
 The Zebra inhabits the southern parts of Africa, 
 where whole herds are seen feeding in those extensive 
 plains that lie towards the Cape of Good Hope. How- 
 ever, their watchfulness is such, that they will suffer 
 nothing to come near them ; and their swiftness so great 
 that they easily leave their pursuers far behind. 
 
 Such is the beauty of this creature, that it seems by 
 nature fitted to gratify the pride, and formed for the ser- 
 vice of man ; and it is most probable, that time and as- 
 siduity alone are wanting to bring it under subjection. 
 As it resembles the Horse in regard to its form, as well 
 as manner of living, there can be little doubt but it pos- 
 sesses a similitude of nature, and only requires the ef- 
 forts ot an industrious and skilful nation, to be added 
 to the number of our useful dependents. Nevertheless 
 its liberty has hitherto remained uncontrouled, and its 
 natural fierceness has as yet resisted every attempt to 
 subdue it : Those that have been brought to this coun- 
 try, have discovered a degree of viciousness that render- 
 ed it unsafe to approach them too familiarly j but it is 
 by no means to be concluded from hence, that they are 
 untameable. They have continued to be wild, because 
 they are natives of a country where the wretched inha- 
 bitants have no other idea of advantage from the animal 
 creation than as they are good for food, paying more 
 regard to that which affords the most delicious repast 
 than to delicacy of colouring, or beauty of conformation, 
 
 B 4 
 
24 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The various animals of this kind are entirely confin- 
 ed to grain and herbage for their nourishment and sup- 
 port; it is therefore necessary that they should be ena- 
 bled to receive a large quantity into the stomach, as 
 well as to retain it for a considerable time before it be 
 reduced to proper chyle : For this purpose, their intes- 
 tines are remarkably long and capacious, and formed in- 
 to a variety of foldings. They are furnished with no 
 less than four stomachs. The food, after mastication, 
 is thrown into the first stomach, where it remains some 
 time ; after w^hich, it is forced up again into the mouth 
 and undergoes a second chewing; It is then sent direct- 
 ly into the second stomach, and gradually passes into 
 the third and fourth; from whence it is transmitted 
 through the convolutions of the intestines. ’ By this 
 conformation, ruminating animals are enabled to de- 
 vour large quantities of vegetable aliment, to retain it 
 long in their bowels, and consequently extract from it 
 a quantity of nutritious matter sufficient for their growth 
 and support. 
 
 The great obligations we are under to those of this 
 class, render them objects of the highest importance to 
 us. We are nourished with their milk, we are support- 
 ed by their flesh, and we are clothed and warmed with 
 their fleeces : Their barmlessness and innocence endear 
 them to us, and claim from us that protection which 
 their natures seem to require ; and, in return, they sup- 
 ply us with the necessaries and comforts of liie. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 25 
 
 THE OX KIMD. 
 
 (Bos Taurus, Lin . — he Taureaii, 
 
 Of all quadrupeds, the Cow seems most extensively 
 propagated : it is equally capable of enduring the ri- 
 gours of heat and cold ; and is an inhabitant of the fro- 
 zen, as well as the most scorching climates. Other 
 animals preserve their nature or their form with inflex- 
 ible perseverance; but these in every respect, suit them- 
 selves to the wants and conveniences of mankind. In 
 no animal is there to be met with a greater variety of 
 kinds ; and in none, a more humble and pliant disposi- 
 tion. 
 
 The climate and pastures of Great Britain are adapt- 
 ed to the nature of this animal ; and we are indebted 
 to the variety and abundance of our wholesome ve- 
 getables, for the number and excellence of our cattle, 
 which range over our hills, and enliven our plains — a 
 source of inexhaustible wealth — the pride and boast of 
 this happy country. 
 
 Being destitute of the upper fore teeth, the Cow pre- 
 fers the high and rich grass in pastures, to the short and 
 more delicate herbage generally selected by the Horse, 
 For this reason, in our English pastures, where the 
 grass is rather high and flourishing, than succulent and 
 nutritious, the cow thrives admirably; and there is’ 
 no part of Europe in which this animal grows larger, 
 yields more milk, or fattens sooner. 
 
 It has often been remarked, that the Florse and Sheep 
 impoverish the soil on which they graze, whislt the pas- 
 ture where the Cow is fed, acquires a finer surface, 
 and every year becomes more level and beautiful : The 
 
26 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Horse selects the grass that is most delicate and tender : 
 and, being furnished with fore teeth on each jaw, nips 
 it close, and frequently pulls it up by the roots, thereby . 
 preventing its future growth and propagation : The 
 Sheep also, though formed like the Cow with respect 
 to its teeth, only bites the most succulent part of the 
 herbage. i 
 
 The age of a Cow is known by its horns : At the age 
 of four years, a ring is formed at their roots ; and every 
 succeedingyear, another ring is added. Thus, by allow- 
 ing three years before their appearance, and then ; 
 reckoning the number of rings, the creature’s age may 
 be exactly known. i 
 
 The quantity of milk given by Cows is very various : i 
 
 Some will yield only about six quarts in one day : while ; 
 others give from ten to fifteen, and sometimes even | 
 twenty. The richness of the pasture contributes not a j 
 little to its increase. There have been instances of Cows i 
 giving upwards of thirty quarts of milk in one day. In | 
 such cases, there is a necessity for milking them thrice. , 
 — From the milk of some Cows, twelve or fourteen ; 
 pounds of butter are made m a week. j 
 
 ral principle, that neither animals, nor parts of animals, 
 appear to be primarily intended for the use of man ; 
 but are only capable of a secondary application to his 
 purposes: Yet it must be allowed that, in many instan- 
 ces what they term the secondary use, is so manifest 
 and important, that it cannot, with propriety, be suppo- 
 sed to be excluded from the original design ot the all- 
 wise Creator ; and it must be allowed that the Cow, in 
 its faculty of giving in such abundance and Avith so 
 much ease, its milk, which forms so rich and nutritive 
 
27 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS- 
 
 an alliTient for the human species, is a striking example 
 of this subordination to the interests of mankind : For 
 this animal differs, in some parts of its organization, 
 from most others, having a larger and more capacious 
 udder, and longer and thicker teats, than the largest 
 animal we know of: It has likewise four teats, whilst 
 all other animals of the same nature have but two: It 
 also yields the milk freely to the hand, whilst most ani- 
 mals, at least those who do not ruminate in the same 
 manner, refuse it, except their own young, or some 
 adopted animal, be allowed to partake. 
 
 The Cow, having four teats, is a striking peculiarity; 
 the number in all other animals bearing some propor- 
 tion to the number of young ones they bring forth at a 
 time ; as in the Bitch, the Cat, the Sow, &c. 
 
 The Cow will yield her milk as freely, and will conti- 
 nue to give it as long, without the aid of the calf, as if 
 it were permitted to suck her constantly. This is not 
 the case with the Ass; which, it is well known, wdli 
 soon grow dry, if her foal be not permitted to suck part 
 of her milk every day. 
 
 Upon the whole, it appears, that the property of yield- 
 ing milk, without the young one, is confined to those 
 kinds of ruminating horned animals which have cloven 
 hoofs, four stomachs, long intestines, are furnished with 
 suet, and have no fore teeth in the upper jaw; that 
 Cows, Sheep, Goats, and Deer, are of this kind, and no 
 other; and that the Cow has this property in a more 
 eminent degree than others, owing to the capaciousness 
 of her udder, and the size and form ot her teats. 
 
 The Cow goes nine months with young, and seldom 
 produces more than one at a time. 
 
SS HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 It is a curious fact, that when a Cov/ happens to 
 bring forth two calves, — one of them a male, the other 
 a female, — the former is a perfect animal, but the latter 
 is incapable of propagation, and is well known to farm- 
 ers under the denomination of a Free Martin. It re- 
 sembles the Ox, or spayed Heifer, in figure; and is 
 considerably larger than the Cow. It is sometimes pre- 
 served by the farmer, for the purpose of yoking with the 
 Oxen, or fattening for the table. — Mr. Planter observes, 
 that the flesh of the Free Martin, like that of the Ox, 
 is much finer in the fibre than either the Bull or Cow. 
 It is supposed to exceed that of the Heifer in delicacy 
 of flavour, and bears a higher price at market. 
 
 By great industry and attention to their breed, and 
 by judicious mixtures with those of others countries, 
 our horned cattle are universally allov/ed to be the finest 
 in Europe ; although such as are purely British are in- 
 ferior in size to those on many parts of the continent. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 I THE HOLSTEIJT, OR DUTCH BREED, 
 
 I Has been introduced with great success, and is no’v 
 the prev^ailing stock in all the counties on the eastern 
 i coast of this kingdom. — In good pastures, cattle ot this 
 j kind grow to a great size^; and the Cows yield a 
 
 j greater abundance of milk than those of almost any 
 
 other kind. 
 
 * An Ox, fed by Tvir. Edward Hall, of Whiley in Northiimber- 
 land, and killed in Marcb, 1789, when seven years old, measured, 
 from the head to the lump, nine feet eight inches and an half; 
 
 f 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 SO 
 
 THE IMPROVED PIOLSTEIM, OR 
 
 DUCTH BREED. 
 
 The rapid improvements which have taken place in = ^ 
 this and other kinds, form an interesting subject of en- - ^ 
 quiry, of which the limits of our w'ork will not allow us 
 
 the height, at the shoulder, was five feet ten inches; and it weigh- | 
 ed, without 'he ofFal, one hundred and eighty-seven stone five | 
 pounds— fourteen pounds to the stone. i 
 
31 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 to give the outlines. We shall however notice the ge- 
 neral principles which have been laid down, and stead- 
 ily adhered to, in the improvement of the several breeds 
 of cattle; and which have been so successfully brought 
 into practice. The first, and most obvious, is beauty 
 of form, — a principle which has been in common appli- 
 ed to every species of domestic cattle; and, with great 
 seeming propriety, was supposed to form the basis of 
 every kind of improvement ; under an idea, that beauty 
 of form and utility were inseparable. But at present, 
 a distinction is made, by men who have been long con- 
 versant in practice, between a useful sort and a sort that 
 is merely handsome. Utility of form is therefore the 
 next general principle, and may be considered as arising 
 from a larger proportion of those parts which are the 
 most useful: Thus, for instance, all those parts which 
 are deemed q^al, or which bear an inferior price, should 
 be small in proportion to the better parts. A third 
 principle of improvement, laid down by breeders, con- 
 sists in the fineness of the muscular parts, or what is 
 termed Jlts/i. But the great object which engrosses the 
 attention of breeders at present is the fattening quality^ 
 or a natural propensity in cattle to arrive at a state of 
 fatness at an early age, and in a short space of time ; 
 And it appears, from observation, that beauty and uti- 
 lity of form, the quality of the flesh, and its propensity 
 to fatness, are principles consis.tent with each other, are 
 frequently found united in the same individual, and he- 
 reditary in particular lines or families of cattle. — In re- 
 gard to the means of improvement, it has long been an 
 established maxim, that, to improve the breed, it is ne- 
 cessary to cross it with others of an alien stock, under 
 
33 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. |! 
 
 an opinion, that continuing to breed from the same line, ! 
 weakens the stock. This idea, however rooted it may 1 
 have been in the minds of former practitioners, is now I 
 entirely set aside by the modern practice of breeding, not Ij 
 from the same line only, but from the same family: The || 
 sire and the d aughter, the son and the mother, the bro- - 
 ther and sister, are now permitted to improve their own 
 kind. This practice is well known under the term of ^ 
 breeding, in-and-in ^ and, in this way, the improvement^; 
 of the several breeds has advanced rapidly to a height |! 
 unknown before in any age or nation. 
 
 The practice of letting out Bulls by the season has 
 contributed very materially towards the improvement ,|| 
 of this valuable breed ; as, by this means, one Bull, in- || 
 stead of being useful to his proprietor only, may, in a 
 few years, extend the benefits of his stock through a 
 whole district; and so fully are the stock-masters con- 
 vinced of its advantages, that eighty guineas have been f 
 given for the use of a Bull for one season. Some Bulls | 
 are in such estimation, as to leap at the extraordinary! 
 price of five guineas a Cow: And it is, perhaps, a cir- v 
 cumstance worth mentioning, that Mr. Fowler, of Roll-|i 
 right, in Oxfordshire, in 1789 , for ten Bull calves, refus-|j 
 ed five hundred guineas.* |i 
 
 •* This valuable stock was sold off in March, 1791, at the 
 lomng enormous prices, viz. 
 
 Garrick, a five-year old bull. 
 
 205 guineas, 
 
 Sultan, two years old, 
 
 2 ro 
 
 Washington, two years old, 
 
 20; 
 
 Young Sultan, a yearling bull. 
 
 200 
 
 Two yearling bulls. 
 
 245 
 
 Brindled Beauty, a cow, 
 
 260 
 
 Washington’s mother, in calf 
 
 00 
 
 Some of the rams sold as high as 
 
 60 
 
X 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 33 
 
 SHIKE BREED, 
 
 Is common in Lancashire, Westmorland, and Cumber- 
 land, and soiTse of the neighbouring counties; and, not- 
 wirhstanding the changes which have taken place by 
 th^ Introduction of foreign kinds, there is reason to be- 
 lieve that this, for a considerable time at least, has been 
 the prevailing stock of the kingdom at large. 
 
 Mr. kiarshall, in his excellent treatise on the “ CEco- 
 nomyofthe ?vlidland Counties,” observes, that, from this 
 kind the present improved b.reed of cattle in Leicester- 
 shire is traceable, by the most indisputable evidence. 
 From Dulls brought out of Westmorland and Lanca- 
 shire, and Cows trom the banks of the Trent, the celebra- 
 ted Canley breed, the property of Mr. ebster, derived 
 its origin; and about ffty years ago it was esteemed the 
 
 C 
 
34 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 most valunble at that time in the kingdom. From this 
 breed, the late Mr. Bakewell obtained the source of his 
 superior stock of cattle: and several other eminent i 
 breeders are also indebted to the same origin tor the ce- 
 lebrity they have since attained. 
 
 Great improvements have of late years been made in 
 the old Ijincashire kind, both in size and beauty. Cra- 
 ven, in Yorkshire, has long been celebrated for a supe- 
 rior variety of the long-horned kind: And from thence 
 the graziers of Westmorland and Lancashire purchased 
 the flower of their Heiters; which, by crossing with 
 the original stock of those counties, have produced a 
 breed, which is now had recourse to, for the improve- 
 ment of this kind of cattle, in every part of the kingdom, i 
 — Some ot the Bulls are extremely large, 'i’heir horns 
 are not long, but beautifully turned; their hair short 
 and smooth 3 their crests rise extremely high; theirchests 
 are let down to their knees; their bodies are long, and 
 in the form of a perfect cylinder. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S5 
 
 THE LAJTCASBIRE QX. 
 
 The Cows and Oxen are smaller. Their horns are 
 long and small, very smoodi ; and their colour, in ge- 
 neral, approaches to yellow: 'their hair is beautiiully 
 curled , and their whole rorm extremely handsome — 
 The Oxen frequently grow to a considerable size, are 
 very active, and consequently useful in the draught. 
 I'hey are well suited to a cold climate, and grow fat 
 on different pastures. 
 
 In Scotland there are two kinds, which differ greatly 
 from each other, as w'ell as from all those in the south- 
 ern parts of this island. 
 
 Those of the county of Galloway are without horns, 
 and generally of a reddish-brown colour, mi.xed with 
 black. Large droves of these are yearly brought into 
 the southern parts of this kingdom, wliere they soon 
 greatly improve. 
 
56’ iMSTORY OF OUADRUFEDS. 
 
 THE KTLOE OX. 
 
 The Highland cattle, and those bred In the Western 
 Islands, are very small, and partake much of the wild- 
 ness of the country in which tliey are bred. They are 
 mostly black, with fine white horns, very sharp, and 
 black at the points; their hair is thick and furry. 
 Great numbers ot these are likewise sold into England 
 at the great northern fairs. They are greatly esteem- 
 ed for the fineness and sweetness of their beel, as well 
 as tor the facility with which they acquire a considera- 
 ble degree of fatness, even with moderate feeding. 
 
 Although the oxen ot this breed, when fed in the or- 
 dinary way, do not exceed forty stone the four quarters, 
 one ot the;n, ted by Mr. Spearman of Rothley Park, in 
 Northumberland, weighed, wlien killed in 1790 , at the 
 age of six years, eighty-one stone. 
 
 [n Great Britain the Ox is tlie only horned animal 
 that will apply his strength to the service ot mankind ; 
 and, in general, is more profitable than the Horse for 
 
37 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the plough or the draught. There is scarcely any part of 
 this animal without its use ; The skin is made into va- 
 rious kinds of leather; the hair is mixed with lime for 
 plaistering ; the bones are made use of as a substitute for 
 ivory, and, being calcined, are used by the refiner as an 
 absorbent to carry off the baser metals in lefining silver. 
 Sic. : combs, and many other articles are made of the 
 horns; we are supplied with candles from the tallow ; 
 and from the feet is procured an oil, of great use in pre- 
 paring and softening leather ; besides the well-known 
 benefits derived from butter, milk, and cheese; its 
 bloodj gall, liver, and urine, have their respective uses 
 in manufactures and medicine. 
 
 C 3 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 .^8 
 
 JVILD CATTLE. 
 
 There was formerly a very singular species of wild 
 cattle in this country, which is now nearly extinct. 
 Numerous herds of them were kept in several parks iti 
 England and Scotland; but they have been destroyed 
 by various means : And the only breeds now remaining 
 
39 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 in the kingdom, are in the park at Chillingham-castle, 
 in Northumberland ; at Wollaton, in Nottinghamshire, 
 the seat of Lord Middleton ; at Gisburne, in Craven, 
 Yorkshire ; at Lime-hall, in Cheshire ; and at Chartley, 
 in Staffordshire. 
 
 The principal external appeances which distinguish 
 this breed of cattle from all others, are the follow'- 
 ing: — Their colour is invariably white ; muzzles black ; 
 the whole of the inside of the ear, and about one-third 
 of the outside, from the tip downwards, red* horns 
 white, with black tips, very fine, and bent upwards : 
 Some of the Bulls have a thin upright mane, about an 
 inch and an half, or two inches long. 
 
 At the first appearance of any person they set off in 
 full gallop, and, at the distance of two or three hun- 
 dred yards, make a wheel round, and come boldly up 
 again, tossing their heads in a menacing manner : On 
 a sudden they make a full stop, at the distance of forty 
 or fifty yards, looking wildly at the object of their sur- 
 prise ; but, upon the least motion being made, they all 
 again turn round, and fly off with equal speed, but not 
 to the same distance : Forming a shorter circle, and 
 again returning with a bolder and more threatening as- 
 pect than before, they approach much nearer, probably 
 
 * About twenty years since, there were a few, at Chillingham, 
 with BLACK EARS, but the present park-keeper destro;>ed them; 
 —since which period there has not been one with black ears. — 
 The ears and noses of all those at Wollaton are black. — At Gis- 
 burne there are some perfectly white, except the inside of their 
 ears, which are brown. They are without horns, very strong- 
 boned, but not high. They are said to have been originally 
 brought from Whalley-abbey, in Lancashire, upon its dissolution 
 in the thirty-third of Henry the Eighth. Tradition say«, they 
 were drawn to Gisburne by the ‘ power of music.’ 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 within thirty yards ; when they make another stand, 
 and again fly off: This they do several times, shorten- 
 ing their distance and advancing nearer, till they come 
 within ten yards; when most people think it prudent 
 to leave them, not chusing to provoke them further ; 
 for there is little doubt but in two or three turns 
 they would make an attack. 
 
 The mode of killing them w'as, perhaps, the only 
 modern remains of the grandeur of ancient bunting. 
 On notice beintr civcn that a wild Bull would be killed 
 on a certain day, the inh-abitants of the neighbourhood 
 came mounted, and armed with guns, &c. sometimes 
 to the amount of an hundred horse, and four or five 
 hundred foot who stood upon walls, or got into trees, 
 while the horsemem rode off the Bull trom the rest of 
 the herd, until he stood at bay; when a marksman dis- 
 mounted and shot. At some of these huntings twenty 
 or thirty shots has been fired before he was subdued. 
 Oil such occasions the bleeding victim grew desperately 
 furious from the smarting of his wounds, and the shouts 
 ot savage joy that were echoing from every side : But, 
 from the number of accidents that happened, this dan- 
 gerous mode has been little practised of late years; 
 the park-keeper alone generally shooting them with a 
 rifle gun, at one shot. 
 
 When the Cows calve, they hide their calves for a 
 week or ten days in some sequestered situation, and go 
 and suckle them tw'o or three times a- day. If any per- 
 •son come near the calves, they clap their heads close to 
 the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide them- 
 selves : Tins is a proof of their native wildness, and is 
 corroborated by the following circumstance that hap- 
 pened to the writer ot this narrative, who found a hid- 
 
41 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 den calf two days old, very lean and very weak : — On 
 stroking its head, it got up, pawed two or three times 
 like an old Bull, bellowed very loud, stepped back a 
 few steps, and bolted at his legs wiih ail its torce; it then 
 began to paw again, bellowed, stepped back, and bol- 
 ted as before j but knowing its intention, and stepping 
 aside, it missed him, fell, and was so very weak that it 
 could not rise, though it made several efforts; But it 
 had done enough ; the whole herd were alarmed, and 
 coming to its rescue, obliged him to retire; for the 
 dams will allow no person to touch their calves, without 
 attacking them with impetuous ferocity.* 
 
 When any one happens to be w’ounded, or is grown 
 weak or feeble through age or sickness, the rest of the 
 herd set upon it, and gore it to death. 
 
 The weight of the Oxen is generally from forty to 
 fifty stone the four quarters ; the Cows about thirty. 
 The beef is finely marbled, and of excellent flavour. 
 
 Those at Burton-Constable, in the county of York, 
 were all destroyed by a distemper a few years since. 
 They varied slightly from those at Chillingham, having 
 black ears and muzzles, and the tips of their tails of the 
 same colour: They rverc also much larger, many of 
 them weighing sixty stone ; probably owing to the 
 richness of the pasture in Holderness, but generally at- 
 tributed to the difference of kind between those with 
 black and red ears, the former of which they studiously 
 endeavoured to preserve. The breed which was at 
 Drumlanrig, in Scotland, had also black ears. 
 
 * Tame Cows, in season, are frequently turned out amongst the 
 Wild Cattle at Chillingham, and admit the Bull. It is somewhat 
 exnaordinarv, that the calves produced by this means are invaria- 
 bly of the same colour with tlie wil ! breed, (white, with red ears) 
 and retain a good deal of che fierceness of their sire. 
 
42 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 THE URUS, OR F/ILB BULL, 
 
 Is chiefly to be met with in the extensive forests of Li- 
 thuania. It grows to a size almost equal to the Elephant, 
 and is quite black; the eyes are red and fiery, the horns 
 thick and short, and the forehead covered with a quan- 
 tity ot curled hair ; the neck is short and strong, and 
 the skin has an odour of musk. The female, though not 
 so big as the male, exceeds the largest of our bulls in 
 size: Nevertheless, her udder is extremely small. Up- 
 on the whole, however, this animal, which greatly re- 
 sembles those of the tame kind, probably owes its va- 
 riety to its natural wildness, and the richness of the 
 pastures where it is produced. 
 
UrSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4S 
 
 {Bos Bison, Lin . — Le Bison, Amerique, Buff.) 
 
 Dip FERS from the rest of the Ox kind, in having a 
 large lump between its shoulders, almost as high as that 
 of a camel. He has a long shaggy mane, which forms 
 a kind of beard under his chin ; his eyes are fierce, his 
 forehead large, and his horns extremely wide. It is 
 dangerous to pursue him, except in forests abounding 
 with trees larfire enough to conceal the hunters. He is 
 generally taken in pits covered with’ branches of trees 
 and grass, on the opposite of which the hunters tempt 
 the animal to pursue ; and the enraged creature run- 
 ning towards them, falls into the trap prepared for it, 
 and is then overpowered and slain. 
 
 "I'he Bison, or the animal with the hump, is found 
 in all the southern parts of the world, though greatly 
 idiffering from each other in size and form, 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE ZEBU. 
 
 TfiEV are all equally docile and gentle, when tam- 
 ed j and are in general covered with fine glossy hair,! 
 softer and more beautiful than that of the common 
 Cow. — Their humps are of different sizes, in some'l 
 weighing from forty to fifty pounds, but in others less. l 
 "^rhat part is in generally considered as a great delicacy ; 
 and, when dressed, has much the appearance and taste 
 of udder. 
 
 I'he Bisons of Madagascar and Malabar are of the 
 great kind; those of Arabia Petrea, and most parts of 
 Alrica, are of the 2ebu or small kind. 
 
 In America, especially towards the North, the Bison 
 is wmll known. I'hey herd together, in droves of from 
 one to two hundred, on the banks of the Mississippi; 
 where the inhabitants hunt them; — their flesh is esteem- 
 ed good eating. 
 
 They all breed with the tame Cow. The hump, 
 which is only an accidental characteristic, gradually de- 
 clines; and, in a few generations, no vestiges of it re*- 
 
45 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 nain. — Thus we see, whether it be the wild or the 
 :anie Ox, the Bonasus or the Urus, the Bison or the 
 Zebu, bv whatever name they are distinguished, or 
 lowever variously classed by naturalists, in reality they 
 ire the same j and though diversified in their appear- 
 ance and properties, are descendants of one common- 
 stock ; of which the most unequivocal proof is, that 
 [hey all mix and breed with each other. 
 
 TheO xen of India are of different sizes, and are made 
 use of in travelling, as substitutes for Horses. Instead 
 af a bit, a small cord is passed through the cartilage of 
 the nostrils, which is tied to a larger cord, and serves 
 as a bridle. They are saddled like Horses; and, when 
 pushed, move very briskly. They are likewise used in 
 airj drawing chariots and carts. For the former purpose, 
 loiwhite Oxen are in great esteem, and much admired. 
 i;rhey will perform journies of sixty days, at the rate of 
 esi tom tw^elve to fifteen leagues a day; and their travel- 
 cv! ling pace is generally a trot. 
 
 litij In Persia, there are many Oxe?i entirely white, wdth 
 hnall blunt horns, and humps on their backs. They 
 ire very strong and carry heavy burthens. AVhen about 
 softo be loaded, they drop down on their knees like the 
 Camel, and rise when their burthens are properly fas- 
 
 ■ofj 
 
 ipi 
 
 sm 
 
 IHf 
 
 de 
 
46 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE GRVJsTTIJsrG OX. 
 
 (Bos GrunnienSy Lin . — La Vache de Tartai'ie, Buff.) 
 
 The Sarluc, or Gruntlng-Cow of Tartary, from it 
 resemblance to the Bison, may be considered as belong 
 ing to the same species: Its horns are short, upright 
 slender, and very sharp ; the hair on its body is black 
 except the mane and ridge of the back, where it i: 
 white ; its whole body is covered with very long hair 
 W'hich hangs down below its knees, and makes it 
 legs appear short; it has a hump on its back; its tai 
 resembles that of a horse, is white, and very bushy ; i 
 strikes with its head like a goat, and is very unruly ; it: 
 distinguishing peculiarity is, that it makes a grunting 
 noise like a hog, instead of lowing like the Ox, whicl 
 in every other instance it greatly resembles. It abound) 
 in the kingdom of Thibet, where it is domesticated. 
 
 The wild breed, called Bucha, is extremely fierce 
 When wounded, it will sometimes turn upon its assail 
 ant and attack him with great fury. It copulates with 
 the tame Cow. Their produce is employed in domestic 
 purposes. 
 
 Its tail is very valuable, and is sold at a great price 
 in Thibet. When mounted on a silver handde, it is used 
 by the principal men in India, as a brush to chase awa) 
 the flies. It is sometimes fastened, as an ornament, toj 
 the ear of the Elephant. — The Chinese dye the hair red.j 
 and form it into tuffs to adorn their bonnets. 
 
HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 47 
 
 THE BUFFALO, 
 
 f Bos Bubalus, Lin . — Le Baffle, BufF.) 
 
 TiIere is the most striking general resemblance be- 
 tween the Buffalo and the common Ox ; their habits 
 and propensities are nearly similar ; they arc both 
 equally submissive to the yoke, and may be employed 
 in the same domestic services ; yet it is certain, from 
 experience, that no twm animals can, in realitv, be 
 more distinct: The Cow refuses to breed with the 
 Buffalo, while it is known to propagate with the Bison, 
 to which it bears, in point of form, a much more distant 
 similitude. 
 
 The buffalo is found, in a wild state, in many parts 
 of Africa and India, and is common in the countries 
 near the Cape of Good Hope, where he is described, 
 by Sparrman, as a fierce, cruel, and treacherous animal. 
 He frequently rushes from behind a thicket upon some 
 unwary passenger j and, having thrown him down, 
 tramples him to death with his feet and knees, tearing 
 hiim with his horns and teeth, and licking him with his 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUFEBS. 
 
 ^3 
 
 rough tongue, till the skin is nearly stripped from the 
 body. — The following accurate description we owe to 
 the same author : the length of the Buffalo, from head 
 to tail, is eight feet ; the height five and a half ; and the 
 fore legs two feet and a half long : From the tip of tho 
 muzzle to the horns, twenty-two inches ; His limbs in 
 proportion to his size, are much stouter than those of 
 the Ox j his fetlocks likewise hang nearer the ground : 
 The horns are singular, both in their form and position ; 
 the bases of them are thirteen inches broad, and only 
 an inch distant from each other, having a narrow chan- 
 nel or furrow between them ; from this furrow the 
 horns assume a spherical form, extending over a great 
 part of the head ; the distance between the points is 
 often above five feet ; The ears are a foot long, some- 
 what pendulous, and in a great measure covered and 
 defended by the lower edges of the horns, which bend 
 down on each side, and form a curve upwards with the 
 points : The hair is of a dark brown colour, about an 
 inch long, harsh, and, upon those males that are advan- 
 ced in years, straggling and thin, especially on each side 
 of the belly, which gives them the appearance of 
 being girth wuth a belt : Ihe tail is short, and tufted at 
 the end : the eyes are large, and somewhat sunk with- 
 in their prominent orbits, which are almost covered 
 with the bases of the horns overhanging its dangling 
 ears, this, with a peculiar inclination of the head to one 
 side, produces an aspect at once fierce, cunning, and 
 tremendous: The flesh is coarse, rather lean, but full 
 of juice of a high but not unpleasant llavour : 'i'he hide 
 is thick and tough, and of great use in making thongs 
 and harness, it is so hard, as not to be penetrated by a 
 common musket-bali ; those made use ot fur shooting 
 
to 
 
 ad 
 
 tie 
 
 he 
 
 . 
 
 of. 
 
 ’ 
 
 n; I 
 
 lij; 
 
 ,n- 
 
 he 
 
 at, 
 
 e-* 
 
 id 
 
 id 
 
 X 
 
 in 
 
 t 
 
 n- 
 
 ie 
 
 of 
 
 at 
 
 'Sfj 
 
 ie'j 
 
 dN 
 
 1,1 
 
 I 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 49 
 
 the Buffalo are mixed with tin ; and even these are 
 frequently flattened by the concussion. 
 
 In Italy the Buffalo is domesticated, and constitutes 
 the riches and food of the poor, who employ them for 
 the purposes of agriculture, and make butter and cheese 
 from their milk. 
 
 The female produces but one at a time, and conti- 
 nues pregnant twelve months ; another striking charac- 
 teristic difference between the Buffalo and the common 
 Cow. 
 
 THE MUSK BULL 
 
 Inhabits the interior parts of North-America, on the 
 west side of Hudson’s Bay, between Churchill and 
 Seal rivers. They are very numerous in those parts, and 
 live in herds of twenty or thirty. The Indians eat the 
 flesh and make coverings of their skins. They are 
 brought down in sledges, to supply the forts during the 
 winter. Notwithstanding the flesh is said to have a 
 strong flavour of musk, it is reckoned very good and 
 wholesome. 
 
 The Musk-Bull is somewhat lower than a Deer, but 
 more bulky. Its legs are shorty and it has a small 
 hump on its shoulder; Its hair is of a dusky-red colour, 
 very fine, and so long, as to reach to the ground ; Be- 
 neath the hair, its body is covered with wool of an ash 
 colour which is exquisitely fine, and might be convert- 
 ed into various articles of useful manufacture. — Air Je- 
 remie says, that stockings made of it are finer than 
 silk : Its tail is only three inches long, and is covered 
 with long hair, of which the Esquimaux Indians make 
 caps, which are so contrived, that thi long hair, falling 
 
 3 
 
50 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEBS, 
 
 round their faces, defends them from the bites of the 
 musquitos : its horns are close at the base, they bend 
 downwards, and turn out at the points 5 they are two 
 feet long, and two feet round at the base; some of 
 them will weigh sixty pounds. 
 
 These animals delight chiefly in rocky and moun= 
 taineous countries: They run nimbly, and are very ac= 
 tive in climbing steep ascents. 
 
 THE SHEEP, 
 
 {Ovis Aries, Lin . — ha Brebis, Buff.) 
 
 The Sheep, In its present domestic state, seems so ; 
 far removed from a state of nature, that it may be | 
 deemed a diflicult matter to point out its origin. Cli- [ 
 mace, food, and, above all, the unwearied arts of culti- 
 "Vation contribute to render this animal, in a peculiar < 
 manner, the creature of man ; to whom it is obliged to . 
 trust entirely for its protection, and to vdiose necessi- 
 ties it largely contributes. Though singularly inoffen- | 
 Give, and harmless even to a proverb, it does not appear 
 to be that stupid, inanimate creature described by Buf- 
 fon, “ devoid of every art of self-preservation, without 
 courage, and even deprived of every instinctive faculty, 
 ■we are led to conclude that the Sheep, of all other 
 animals, is the most contemptible and stupid But. 
 amidst those numerous flocks which range witho^con- 
 troul on extensive mountains, wTere they seldomMepend 
 upon the aid of the shepherd, it will be found to assume 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 51 
 
 ! 
 
 a very different character : In those situations, a Ram 
 or a Wedder will boldly attack a single dog, and often 
 come off victorious; but when the danger is more 
 alarming, they have recourse to the collected strength 
 of the whole flock. On such occasions they draw up 
 into a compact body, placing the young and the fe- 
 males in the centre ; while the males take the foremost 
 ranks, keeping close by each other. Thus an armed 
 front is presented to all quarters, and cannot easily be 
 attacked without danger or destruction to the assailant. 
 
 , In this manner they wait with firmness the approach of 
 :the enemy; nor does their courage fail them in the mo- 
 jment of attack; For, when the aggressor advances 
 within a few yards of the line, the Rams dart upon 
 him with such impetuosity, as to lay him dead at their 
 feet, unless he save himself by flight. Against the at- 
 tacks of single Dogs or Foxes, when in this situation 
 they are perfectly secure. — A Ram, regardless of dan- 
 ger, will sometimes engage a Bull; and, as his forehead 
 is much harder than that of any other animal, he sel- 
 dom fails to conquer: For the Bull, by lowering his 
 head, receives the stroke of the Ram between his eyes, 
 which usually brings him to the ground. 
 
 In the selection of their food, few animals discover 
 greater sagacity than the Sheep ; nor does any domestic 
 animal shew more dexterity and cunning in its attempts 
 to elude the vigilance of the shepherd, in order to steal 
 Jsuch delicacies as are agreeable to its palate. 
 
 I Be^lities its hardiness in enduring great severities of 
 weather, the natural instinct of the Sheep, in foreseeing 
 the approach of a storm, is no less remarkable : in their 
 
 P 2 
 
52 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 endeavours to secure themselves under the shelter of 
 some hill whole fiocks have frequently been buried for 
 many days under a covering of snow, and have after- 
 wards been taken out without any material injury. 
 Ihus beautifully described by Thompson: — 
 
 “ Oft the whirldwind’s wing 
 
 “ Sweeps up the burthen of whole wintry plains 
 “ Atone wide waft; and o’er the hapless flocks, 
 
 “ Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hills, 
 
 “ The billowy tempest whelms.” 
 
 There have been instances where Sheep, at the ap- 
 proach of a storm, have fled for shelter to a neighbour- 
 ing cottage, and taken refuge under the same roof with 
 their shepherd. 
 
 The variety in this creature is so great, that scarcely 
 any two countries produce Sheep of the same kind 
 There is found a manifest difference in all, either in the, 
 size, the covering, the shape, or the horns. 
 
 The woolly Sheep is found only in Europe, and in the 
 temperate provinces of Asia. AVhen transported into 
 warmer climates, it loses its wool, and becomes hairy 
 and rough; it is likewise less fertile; and its flesh no 
 longer retains the same flavour. 
 
 No country produces finer Sheep than Great-Britain ; 
 Their fleeces are large, and well adapted to the various 
 purposes of cloathing. The Spanish fleeces are indeed 
 finer, but stand in no degree of comparison with those 
 of Lincolnshire or Warwickshire for weight or utility. — ■ 
 In Edward the Third’s time, when wool wasi allowe^! 
 to be exported, it brought 1.50,0001. per annum, at 
 2l. 10s. a pack, which was a great sum in those days. 
 At this time, when our woollen manufactory stands un- 
 rivalled by any nation in the world^ and every method 
 
5-3 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ,1 is taken to prevent this valuable commodity from being 
 t’nj sent out of the kingdom, the annual value of wool, 
 ei shorn in England, is supposed to be about five millions 
 ini , sterling 3 and, when manufactured conjointly with the 
 Spanish wool imported, amounting to about six hundred 
 thousand pounds, must be above twenty millions. 
 
 ^ Like other ruminating animals, the Sheep wants the 
 upper fore teeth: It has eight in the lower jaw; two 
 j of which drop out, and are replaced at two years old ; 
 
 four of them are renewed at three years, and the re- 
 ; mainder at the age of four. 
 
 . The ewe produces one or two lambs at a time, and 
 sometimes though rarely, three or four. She bears her 
 young five months, and brings forth in the spring*. — 
 The Ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and ■ 
 begins to procreate at one. When castrated, they are 
 called AVedders ; They then grow fat sooner, and the 
 ^ flesh becomes finer and better flavoured. 
 
 There is hardly any part of this animal that is not 
 serviceable to man : Of the fleece we make our cloaths 3 
 the skin produces leather, of which are made gloves, 
 
 “i parchment, and covers for books; the entrails are form- 
 ed into strings for fiddles and other musical instruments, 
 likewise coverings for whips; its milk affords both but- 
 ter and cheese; and its flesh is a delicate and whole- 
 10' some food. 
 
 et ' * An Ewe, of the small black-faced Scotch breed, produced 
 
 l(, two Ewe lambs before she had completed her first year; and be- 
 fore the end of the second year, these two produced each of them 
 two lambs also. It is a remarkable circumstance, that this great 
 l** increase took place in the coldest and most mountainous part of 
 
 I Northumberland ; and it is further necessary to observe, that this 
 j breed of Sheep seldom produces more than one lamb at a time, 
 j and that not till they are two years of age. 
 
 D 3 
 
5 ^ 
 
 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The following remarks, taken from Mr. Galley’s Ob»; 
 servations on Live Stock,” will not be unacceptable to 
 many of our readers, as they convey a just idea of some 
 of the most noted kinds of Sheep at this time in the 
 island. — He begins with those of Lincolnshire, which are 
 of a large size, big-boned, and afford a greater quantity of 
 v/ool than any other kind, owing to the rich, fat marshes 
 on which they feed j but their flesh is coarse, leaner, and. 
 not so finely flavoured as that of smaller Sheep. The 
 same breed extends, v/ith some variations, through most 
 of the midland counties of England. — -The Dorsetshire 
 breed is likewise remarkably prolific, the Ewes being 
 capable of bringing forth twice a year. It is from these 
 that the tables of our nobility and gentry are supplied 
 with early lamb at Christmas, or sooner, if required. — 
 Great numbers of those early victims to luxury are 
 yearly sent to the London Markets, where they are sold 
 at the enormous price of lOs. 6d. or perhaps 15s. per- 
 quarter. — The manner of rearing the lambs is curious; 
 They are imprisoned in little dark cabins; the Ewes 
 are fed with oil-cakes, hay, corn, turnips, cabbages, or 
 any other food which the season of the year affords; 
 these are given them in a field contiguous to the apart- 
 meats where the lambs are kept ; and, at proper inter- 
 vals, the nurses are brought in to give suck to their 
 young ones; while the attendants, ai the same time, 
 make their lodgings perfectly clean, and litter them 
 with fresh straw. Great attention is paid to this, as 
 much of the success of rearing these unseasonable pro- 
 ductions depends upon warmth and cleanliness. 
 
 The Dorsetshire Sheep are mostly white-faced; their 
 legs are long and small; and great numbers ot them have 
 
 i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 55 
 
 no wool upon their bellies, which gives them an un- 
 couth appearance. They produce a small quantity of 
 wool, but of a good quality j from wiich our fine Wilt- 
 shire cloths are made. The mutton of these sheep is 
 very sweet and vvell flavoured. — The variations of this 
 breed are spread through most of the southern coun- 
 ties; but the true kind is only to be found in Dorset- 
 shire and Wiltshire. — ^I'here is a breed, not unlike this 
 in Norfolk and Suffolk; but they are all gray or black- 
 faced. 
 
 The South Down Sheep are of the same hardy nature 
 as the Cheviot breeds and, like them, can live and 
 thrive on the barest heaths; their wool is also fine, and 
 mutton well flavoured. 
 
 The sheep in the low parts of Northumberland are 
 of a mixed breed, between the long kind, the Tees wa- 
 ter, and the Lincolnshire. The Mug or Muff kind was 
 formerly common in that county. They were so call- 
 ed, from their wool growing round their heads into their 
 very eyes, so as almost to prevent them from seeing. 
 This breed is now nearly exploded, being considered, 
 by every breeder of experience, as unprofitable, from 
 their thriving slowly and being very tender. 
 
 In the northern districts of Scotland, and in manyof 
 the islands, there is a breed of Sheep, which differs 
 from the others in the smallness of their size, many of 
 them, when ted, weighing no more than six, seven, or 
 eight pounds per quarter. I'hey have dun faces, wuth- 
 out horns; and their w'ool, wLich is very fine, is vari- 
 ously mixed, and streaked with black, brown, and red. 
 
 D 4. 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
56 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE BLACK-FACED OR HEATH RAM. 
 
 The north-west part of Yorkshire, with all that 
 mountainous tract of country running toward Lanca- 
 shire southward, and to Fort^William northward, is occu- 
 pied by a hardy, black-faced, wild-looking tribe, gene- 
 rally called short Sheep, which differ from our other 
 breeds, not only in the darkness of their complection 
 and horns, but principally in the coarse shaggy wool 
 which they produce. Their eyes hare a fiery, sharp, 
 and wild cast. They run with great agility, and seem, 
 quite tfdapted to the heathy mountains they inhabit. 
 Their flesh is peculiarly fine and high flavoured. T.he 
 three great fairs for these Sheep (where amazing num- 
 bers of them are sold every year) are, Stagshaw-bank, 
 in Northumberland; Brough, in Westmorland; and 
 Linton, in Scotland. There is likewise a breed of 
 §heep inhabiting the same country as the former; but 
 peculiarly distinguished from them by long, thin bodies, 
 white legs, white faces, and by having no horns. TheiK 
 wool is fine, and thickly planted. 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 HEATH RAM OF THE IMPROVED 
 BREED. 
 
 The ram from which we took this drawing, in July, 
 1798, belongs to the Bishop of Durham. It obtained 
 the premium given for the best Tup, shewn for that 
 purpose, at Blanchland, in the county of Durham, in 
 1797. Exclusive of the symmetry of proportions and 
 beauty of its form, a more important object has been 
 obtained in the quality of the wool. They are also as 
 hardy as the unimproved breed, and can equally endure 
 the severity of the cold and wet to which they are ex- 
 posed on the bleak heaths which they are doomed to 
 inhabit. 
 
HISTORY OF ^UADRUPECe, 
 
 b* 
 
 THE CHEVIOT RAM. 
 
 The Cheviot breed have a fine open countenance, 
 lively prominent eyes, have no horns, and are mostly 
 white faced and white legged; the body long, with 
 fine, clean, small-boned legs: Weight of the carcase 
 from ]2 to 18 lb. per quarter; and the mutton is high» 
 ly esteemed for its flavour. ^ 
 
 The best breeds of these Sheep are to be found in the 
 north-west parts of the county of Northumberland, and 
 on the range of hills adjoining them in Scotland, and 
 are maintained (except when prevented by snow) solely 
 from the natural produce of the grounds on which they 
 depasture, which, in general, are very mountainous, and 
 consist of ling, moss, bather, deer-hair, and wire-bent, 
 with a mixture of green sward. — We can find no account 
 from whence this valuable breed originally sprung, 
 which, as mountain Sheep, are unrivalled, as well on 
 account of their carcases and hardiness, as from the su- 
 
MISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. SB 
 
 perior value of their wool, which is in the highest esti- 
 mation for doathing, and sells from 2d. to 2^d. per 
 pound higher than the best in the district. The great 
 demand that has been made for this wool, added to the 
 encouragement given by Sir John Sinclair, {who, for a 
 few years, bought considerable numbers of these Sheep, 
 which he took to the Highlands of Scotland, and now 
 breeds them upon the same kind of heathy mountains 
 as the original stock were taken from) caused an emu- 
 lation among the breeders, which has been productive 
 of considerable improvement in their stocks, both in 
 the wool and fore- quarter, in which they were general- 
 ly deficient. But as improvements in stock can only 
 be effected by slow gradations, and as this improved 
 breed is but of a few years standing, it will probably 
 be advantageous, not only to individuals but to the pub- 
 lic at large, to encourage exertions which, if fortunate- 
 ly successful, might place these Sheep upon a level 
 with those produced upon well cultivated grounds, 
 which might be otherwise more advantageously em- 
 ployed for the use of the public. 
 
 Thus the difficulty of producing an improved breed 
 for heath pastures has, in a great measure, been remov- 
 ed by the skill and attention of the Northumberland far- 
 mers, to whom we think the community much indebt- 
 ed ; and we doubt not that, in the course of a few years, 
 this breed will become the parent stock of all the Sheep 
 bred for grazing on heathy, and what are called waste, 
 grounds. They thrive on the most sterile heaths, their 
 wool is of the most desirable texture, they are easily fat- 
 tened, and their whole confer nation is so properly suit- 
 ed to mountainous pasture, that we are surprised the 
 breed has not already been more generally diffused^ 
 
60 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 TEES-WATER OLD OR UNIMPROV- 
 ED BREED. 
 
 The largest breed of Sheep in this island is to be 
 met with on the banks of the Tees, which runs through 
 a rich and fertile country, dividing the two counties of 
 Yorkshire and Durham. This kind differs from the 
 Lincolnshire sheep, in their wool not being so long and 
 heavy 5 their legs are longer, but finer boned, and sup- 
 port a thicker, firmer carcase; their flesh is likewise 
 much fatter, and finer grained. 
 
 Our figure was taken in July, 1798, from a Ram 
 which had been purchased for the purpose of shewing 
 its uncouth and uncultivated appearance, in contrast to 
 those of the improved kind. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 61 
 
 TEES-?7ATER IMPROVED BREED. 
 
 Ky persevering in the same laudabl-e plan of improve- 
 ment so successfully begun by the late Mr. Bakewell, 
 the stock-farmers or graziers of Tees-water have produc- 
 ed a kind which is looked upon by judges as nearly ap- 
 proaching to perfection. Many of their Sheep possess 
 the thriving or fattening quality of the Dishley breed, 
 and are tit for the butcher at as early an age. 
 
 These Sheep weigh from twenty-five to forty-five 
 pounds per quarter; some have been fed to fifty 
 pounds; and one in particular was killed, which weigh- 
 ed sixty-two pounds ten ounces per quarter, avoirdu- 
 pois ; a circumstance never before heard of in this 
 island. The Ewes of this breed generally bring forth 
 two lambs each season ; sometimes three, four, and 
 
0a HISTORY OF iJUADRUPEDS. 
 
 even five. As an instance of extraordinary fecundity^ 
 it deserves to be mentioned, that one of these Ewes, at 
 the age of two years, brought forth four lambs at one 
 time j the next season five ; both within eleven months^, 
 
mSTQRY PF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 63 
 
 To these various and numerous tribes of this useful 
 animal we must add, that, by the persevering industry 
 and attention of Mr. Bake well, of Dishly, in Leicester- 
 shire, our breed of Sheep has been greatly improved; 
 and he has been followed by many eminent breeders 
 with nearly equal success. 
 
 It seems to be generally agreed, that in Sheep, as 
 well as in all other animals, there is a certain symme- 
 try or proportion of parts, which is best adapted to the 
 size of each particular animal: All those of each kind 
 that exceed or fall short of this pitch, are more or less 
 disproportioned, according to the size they attain; and 
 in the degree they are advanced beyond this line of per- 
 fection, we find them less active, weaker, and always 
 less able to endure hardship. Thus, by selecting the 
 handsomest and best proportioned of their kinds, the 
 judicious breeder has gradually arrived at a degree of 
 perfection in improving this animal, unknown at any 
 former period. 
 
C4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Tlie superior qualities of the Leicestershire breed are, 
 that they will feed quickly fat at almost any age, even 
 on indifferent pastures, and carry the greatest quantity 
 of mutton upon the smallest bone. Their carcases are 
 round, have remarkably broad backs, and short legs 5 
 and to shew the immense weight to which they may be 
 fed, we give the measurement of a Ram of Mr. Bake- 
 well’s, mentioned by Young in his “ Eastern Tour;” 
 — At three years old, his girt was five feet ten inches ; 
 height, two feet five inches j breadth over his shoulders, 
 one foot eleven inches and an halfj breadth over his 
 ribs, one foot ten inches and an half; breadth over his 
 hips, one foot nine inches and an half. 
 
 The great importance of this breed of Sheep will 
 best be shewn, by stating the following facts respecting 
 the modern practice of letting out Rams for hire by 
 the season ; which, from very small beginnings, has al- 
 ready risen to an astonishing height ; and is likely, for 
 some time, to prove a copious source of wealth to the 
 country at large. About forty years ago, Mr. Bakewell 
 let out rams at sixteen and seventeen shillings a-piece ; 
 and from that time, the prices kept gradually rising from 
 one guinea to ten. But the most rapid increase has 
 taken place since the year 1780. Four hundred gui- 
 neas have been repeatedly given. Mr. Bakewell in 
 the year 1789, made twelve hundred guineas by three 
 Rams; two thousand of seven ; and, of his whole stock, 
 three thousand guineas. Astonishing as this may ap- 
 pear, it is nevertheless an undoubted fact. But it 
 ought to be observed, that these great prices are not 
 given by graziers, for the purpose of improving their 
 grazing stock ; but by principal breeders, in order to 
 procure a stock of Rams of the improved breed, which 
 
HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 65 
 
 they let out again to breeders of an inferior class. The 
 prices given by graziers, for the. sole purpose of getting 
 grazing stock, seldom exceed ten guineas, which is 
 considered as an extraordinary price, five or six guineas 
 being most frequently given. 
 
 This valuable breed has likewise found its way into 
 Northumberland. Mess. Culley, of Fenton j Mr. Thomp- 
 son, ofLiburn; and Mess. Donkin and Co. of Hex- 
 ham-brewery, with great spirit, and at considerable ex- 
 pence, have greatly improved their respective breeds of 
 Sheep, by an admission of the Dishley blood. 
 
 E 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 A WEDDER OF MR. CULLET’s BREED. 
 
 E are tavoured, by Mr. Culley, with the following 
 account of a Wedder of bis breed, fed at Fenton in 
 Northumberland, and killed at Alnwick in October, 
 1787, when four years old: — His dimensions were as 
 follow: — Girt, four feet eight inches and an half ; breadth 
 over Ills shoulders, one foot three inches; over his mid- 
 dle, one foot seven inches and a quarter; across the 
 breast, from the inside of one fore leg to the inside of 
 the other, nine inches. At the dividing of the quarters 
 through the ribs, it measured seven inches and one- 
 eighth of solid fat, cut strait through without any slope ; 
 and his mutton was of the most beautiful bright colour. 
 But in nothing was he so remarkable as in the small- 
 ness of his bones. — The proprietor of this Sheep la- 
 ments that he had not the offals ‘ exactly weighed (by 
 offals, we would be understood to mean not only the ! 
 tallow, but the head, pluck and pelt, with the blood 
 and entrails); because it is now well known, that this] 
 
67 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 breed of Sheep have a greater quantity of mutton, in 
 proportion to the offal, than any other kind we. know of, 
 and is consequently cheaper to the consumer. 
 
 [The drawing from which the preceding cut was ta- 
 ken, was made by Mr. Bailey, of Chillingham, soon af- 
 ter the Sheep had been Shorn.] 
 
 Before we quit this article, we must take notice of a 
 breed of Sheep which have hitherto been but little 
 known or attended to 3 although, it is probable, they 
 possess advantages of equal importance with those we 
 have just mentioned; and, in all likelihood, they might 
 have continued still longer in the same neglected state, 
 but for the endeavours of a set of men, who, actuated 
 by a truly patriotic zeal, are labouring to draw out the 
 natural resources of their country, and secure, to the 
 most distant and long-neglected parts or this kingdom, 
 whose permanent advantages to which they are by their 
 situation entitled. In pursuing these important objects, 
 the Highland Society of Scotland have discovered, that 
 the Shetland islands, and some parts of the Highlands 
 of Scotland, are in possession of a breed of Sheep, 
 which produces wool infinitely superior to that of any 
 other in the kingdom, and equal to Spanish wool in fine- 
 ness and texture. — By order of the Society, specimens 
 of these Sheep have been obtained, for the purpose of a 
 fair investigation into the nature and quality of their 
 wool, which, upon examination, proves much finer than 
 was at first imagined. — Y/e are favoured, by Dr. James 
 Anderson, with the followdng particulars : 
 
68 
 
 HISTORY OF ^JUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE SHETLAND SHEEP, 
 
 Are handsome, small, and in general hornless j and 
 are peculiarly distinguished by the unusual shortness 
 and smallness of their tails. They weigh, when fat, 
 from eight to ten pounds per quarter. Their fleeces 
 are, on an average, about two pounds weight. The wool, 
 when properly dressed, is of a pure and glossy white: i 
 Some small specimens of it, compared with Vigognia 
 wool, were allowed, by good judges, to be fully as fine j 
 and, in softness, equal to that of which the Indian 
 shawls are made. The Sheep producing this 6ne wool 
 are said to be of the hardiest nature: They are never 
 housed, and, in the winter season, are often so pinched | 
 for food, that they are obliged to feed upon the sea- 
 ware driven upon the shore. Besides the wool with 
 which they are covered, • they have long hairs growing 
 amongst it, which serve to shelter it. 
 
 It is a singular circumstance, that the Shetland Sheep i 
 are never shorn; but, about the beginning of June, the ! 
 wool is pulled off, without the smallest pain or injury ' 
 to the animal, leaving the long hairs already mentioned, 
 which contribute to keep the creature warm and com- i 
 'fortable, at a season of the year when cold and piercing 
 winds mav be expected, in so northern a latitude. 
 
 From the spirited measures which are now taking to 
 preserve this valuable breed*, we are led to hope, that 
 British wool may in time regain that great superiority 
 
 * See the Report of the Committee of the Highland Society, 
 on the subject of wool. 1789. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 6 ^ 
 
 \ 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 ] 
 
 for which it was once so famous; and that, by perse- 
 Iverance and attention to this important object, we may 
 lin time be enabled to produce not only as fine wool as 
 can be obtained from any other country, but may also, 
 in the same breed, be able to conjoin with it every 
 "fother desirable peculiarity,- — such as closeness of fleece, 
 beauty and utility of form, hardiness, a capability of be- 
 ing easily fattened, largeness of size, and other valuable 
 qualities, adapted to every peculiarity of situation in 
 these islands. 
 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Another variety of the Sheep kind, deserves to be no- 
 ticed for the singular and grotesque formation of its fea- 
 tures. The wool, growing round its head, forms a kind 
 of hood or ruff, before which stand its short erect ears : ‘ 
 The uncommon protrusion of its under jaw considera- i 
 bly before the upper, by which the fore teeth are left | 
 exposed, and the shortness of the nose, which lies un- i 
 der its high-projecting forehead, altogether give it the ^ 
 appearance of deformity, and make a striking contrast 
 to most animals of the Sheep kind. — A Ram, from 
 which the drawing was made, came from abroad, with 
 two Ewes, as a present to a gentleman in the county of 
 Northumberland. They are very small, and have no 
 horns — In Lincolnshire there is a small kind, mention- 
 ed, by Mr. Culley, under the name of Dunkies s which 
 we suppose to be the same with this. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 71 
 
 THE TARTARIAJf SHEER. 
 
 The Sheep, of which the annexed cut is an accurate 
 representation, seem to be the same with those describ- 
 ed by Mr. Pennant, under the name of the fat-rumped 
 Sheep. A pair of them was brought to this country, by 
 way of Russia, from the borders of Tariary. They are 
 rather larger than the English Sheep. The colour of 
 the male is roan, or light brown mixed with whiter 
 that of the female, black and v%'hite : Their ears are pen- 
 dulous; and, instead of a tail, they have a large protu- 
 berance of fat behind, which covers the rump. When 
 the drawing was made, they had just been shorn; at 
 other times, the wool is so long and thick, that their 
 form cannot well be distins;uished. 
 
 The African or Guinea Hieep are found in most or 
 the tropical climates. They are large, strong, and 
 swift; with coarse hairy fleeces, short horns, pendulous 
 ears; have a kind of dew'-lap under the chin; and, 
 though domesticated, seem to approach nearest to a 
 state ot nature 
 
72 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MAMT-EORMED SHEEP, 
 
 The Iceland Sheep, as well as those of Muscovy and 
 the coldest climates of the north, resemble our own in 
 the form of the body, but differ in the number of their 
 horns, having generally four, and sometimes eight, 
 growing from the forehead. Their wool is long, smooth 
 and hairy: They are of a dark-brown colour; and, un- 
 der the outward coat of hair, which drops off at stated 
 periods, there is an internal covering resembling fur, 
 vvhich is fine, short, and soft: The quantity produced 
 by each Sheep is about four pounds. 
 
 The broad-tailed -Sheep, common in Persia, Barbary, 
 Syria, and Egypt, are remarkable chiefly for their large 
 and heavy tails, which grow a foot broad, and so long, 
 that the shepherds are obliged to put boards with small 
 wheels under them, to keep them from galling. The 
 flesh of these tails is esteemed a great delicacy: It is 
 of a substance between fat and marrow, and eaten with 
 
73 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the lean of the mutton : They generally weigh from 
 wenty to fifty pounds each. 
 
 The sheep bred on the mountains of Thibet produce 
 wool of extraordinary length and fineness, of which is 
 nade the Indian shawl, frequently sold in this country 
 or fifty pounds or upwards. 
 
 THE JVALLACHIAM SHEEP. 
 
 {Ovis Sirepsiceros, Lin .^ — La Chcvre de Crefe, 
 
 In Wallachia, they have Sheep with curious spiral 
 horns, standing upright, in the form of a screw ; long 
 shaggy fleeces ; and, in size and form, nearly resem- 
 bling ours. They are also found in the island of Crete, 
 and in many of the islands of the Archipelago. — This is 
 said to be the Sfrepsicheros of the ancients. 
 
74 - 
 
 HiSrORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MOUFLOjr, OR MUSMOH, 
 
 (Capra Ammon, Lin . — Le Movjlon, BufF.^ 
 
 Has been classed both with the Sheep and the Goat 
 kind, and may be considered as standing in a middle 
 place, and forming the link between each ; for it is 
 curious to observe, that Nature, in all her variations, 
 proceeds by slow and almost insensible degrees, scarce- 
 ly drawing a firm and distinguishing line between any 
 two races of animals that are essentially different, and 
 yet, in many respects, nearly allied to each other. 
 In all transitions from one kind to the other, there is to 
 be found a middle race, that seems to partake of the 
 nature of both, and that can precisely be referred to 
 neither. Thus it is hard to discover where the Sheep 
 kind ends, or the Goat begins. — The Musmon, there- 
 fore, which is neither Sheep nor Goat, has a strong 
 affinity to both. Though covered with hair it bears a 
 strong similitude to the Ram : Its eyes are placed near 
 the horns; and its ears are shorter than those of the 
 Goat: Its horns resemble those of the Ram, in being 
 
HISTORY OF gUAi5RUPEDS. 75 
 
 of a yellow colour, and a triangular shape ; they like- 
 wise bend backward behind the ears: In some they 
 grow to an amazing size, and measure above two 
 yards long. The general colour of the hair is reddish- 
 brown ; the inside of the thighs and belly white, tinctur- 
 ed with yellow ; the muzzle and inside of the ears are 
 of a whitish colour j the other parts of the face are of 
 a brownish-grey. 
 
 The Musmon is found in the wdld and uncultivated 
 parts of Greece, Sardinia, Corsica, and in the desarts 
 of Tartary. 
 
 The form of this animal is strong and muscular, and it 
 runs with great agility. It is very timorous, and, when 
 old is seldom taken alive. It frequents the highest sum- 
 mits of the mountains, and treads securely on the most 
 dangerous precipices. — The old Rams have often furi- 
 ous battles with each other, in which one of the con- 
 tending parties will sometimes be thrown down from the 
 heights on Vv^hich they stand, and dashed in pieces at 
 the bottom. If their horns should by accident entande, 
 they have been known to fall and perish together. 
 
 The chase of the Musmon is attended with great 
 danger. At the sight of a man, they fly to the highest 
 parts of the rocks, where they cannot easily be follow- 
 ed : They are sometimes taken in pit-falls. The Tar- 
 tars pursue them with horses and dogs, and, surround- 
 ing a pretty large tract of land, drive them towards the 
 centre, where they are caught. 
 
 The Kamschatkans pass the latter part of the summer, 
 with all their families, among the mountains, in pursuit 
 of these animals. — The flesh and fat of the young JMus- 
 mons are esteemed by the natives, as most delicious 
 
76 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 eating. The skins serve them for M’^arm raiments and 
 coverings : The horns are made use of for a variety of 
 useful purposes. 
 
 This creature has been known to breed with thev 
 Sheep; and from that circumstance, is supposed, by 
 M. Buffon and others, to be the primitive race. 
 
 The female of this species is rather less than the 
 male ; and her horns never grow to that prodigious size. 
 
 Those of Kamschatka are so strong, that ten men can 
 scarcely hold one ; and the horns are so large, that 
 young foxes often shelter themselves in the hollow of 
 such as fail off by accident. They grow to the size of 
 a young stag, copulate in autumn, and bring forth one 
 young at a time, though sometimes two. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 77 
 
 (Capra Hircus, Lin . — Le Bone, La Chevr'e, Buff.y) 
 
 This lively, playful, and capricious creature occu- 
 pies the next step in the great scale of Nature ; and, 
 though inferior to the Sheep in value, in various instan- 
 ces bears a strong affinity to that useful animal. The 
 Goat and the Sheep will propagate together: The He- 
 Goat copulates with the Ewe, and the Ram with the 
 She-Goat; the offspring likewise is prolific. 
 
 The Goat is much more hardy than the Sheep, and 
 is, in every respect, more fitted for a life of liberty. 
 It is not easily confined to a flock, but chuses its own 
 pasture, straying wherever its appetite or inclination 
 leads. — It chiefly delights in wild and mountainous re- 
 gions, climbing the loftiest rocks, and standing secure 
 on the verge of inaccessible and dangerous precipices; 
 although, as Ray observes, one would hardly suppose 
 
78 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 that their feet were adapted to such perilous achfeve- 
 merits; yet upon a nearer inspection, we find that Na- 
 ture has provided them with hoofs well calculated for 
 the purpose of climbing ; they are hollow underneath, 
 with sharp edges, like the inside of a spoon, which 
 prevent them from sliding off the rocky eminences they 
 frequent. 
 
 I'he Goat is an animal easily sustained, and is chiefly 
 therefore the property of those who inhabit wild and un- 
 cultivated regions, where it finds an ample supply of 
 food from the spontaneous productions of Nature, in 
 situations inaccessible to other creatures. It delights in 
 the heathy mountain, or the shrubby rock, rather than 
 the fields cultivated by human industry. Its favourite 
 food are the tops of the boughs, or the tender bark of 
 young trees. It bears a warm climate better than the 
 Sheep, and frequently sleeps exposed to the hottest 
 rays of the sun. 
 
 The milk of the Goat is sweet, nourishing, and me- 
 dicinal, and is found highly beneficial in consumptive 
 cases : It is not so apt to curdle upon the stomach as 
 that of the Cow. From the shrub and heath on which 
 it feeds, the milk of the Goat acquires a flavour and 
 wildness of taste very different from that of either the 
 Sheep or the Cow, and is highly pleasing to such as 
 have accustomed themselves to its use : It is made into 
 whey tor those whose digestion is too weak to bear it in 
 its primitive state. Several places in the north of En- 
 gland and the mountainous parts of Scotland are much 
 resorted to for the purpose of drinking the milk of the 
 Goat; and its effects have been often salutary in vitia- 
 ted and debilitated habits. 
 
 In many parts of Ireland, and in the Highlands of 
 Scotland, their Goats make the chiet possessions of the 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS'. 
 
 inhabitants ; and, in most of the mountainous parts of 
 Europe, supply the natives with many of the necessa- 
 ries of life : They lie upon beds made of their skins, 
 which are soft, clean, and wholesome j they live upon 
 their milk, and oat bread ; they convert part of it into 
 butter, and some into cheese. The flesh of the kid is 
 considered as a great rarity 3 and, when properly prepar-' 
 ed, is esteemed by some as littl# interior to venison. 
 
 The Goat produces generally two young at a time, 
 sometimes three, rarely four : In warmer climates, it is 
 more prolific, and produces four or five at once ; though 
 the breed is found to degenerate. The male is caoa- 
 ble of propagating at one year old, and the female at 
 seven months; but the fruits of a generation so prema- 
 ture are generally weak and defective : Their best time 
 is at the age of two years, or eighteen months at least. 
 
 The Goat is a short-lived animal, full of ardour, but 
 soon enervated. His appetite for the female is exces- 
 sive, so that one buck is sufficient for one hundred and 
 fifty females. 
 
8o 
 
 HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE IBEX, 
 
 (Capra Ibex, Lin . — Le Bouquetin, BuiT.^ 
 
 If we believe M. Buffbn, is the stock from whence our 
 domestic Goat is descended ; it is larger, but resembles 
 it much in the shape of its body ; its horns are much lar-i 
 ger; they are bent backward, and are full of knobs ;j 
 Every year the creature lives, it is asserted, one is added; 
 to the number of them. Some of these horns have been 
 found at least two yards long. The head of the Ibex 
 is small, adorned with a dusky beard ; and has a thick 
 coat of hair of a deep brown colour, mixed with ash: A 
 streak of black runs along the top o( its back : The belly 
 and thighs are of a delicate fav/n colour. — The female i: 
 one-third less than the male ; her horns are very small 
 ' and not above eight inches long. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 8l 
 
 The Ibex inhabits the highest Alps of the Orisons 
 country and the Vallais, and is also found in Crete ; — 
 They are very wild, and difficult to be shot ; and as they 
 always keep upon the highest points of the rocks, the 
 chase of them is attended with great danger ; They are 
 veiy strong and often turn upon the incautious huntsman, 
 and tumble him down the precipice, unless he have 
 time to lie down, and let the animal pass over him. 
 They bring forth one young at a time, seldom two ; 
 and are said not to be long-lived. 
 
 (Capra Rupicnpra^ Tin. — Ysariis oiiSarris, Buff.) 
 
 The Chamois, though a wild animal, is very easily 
 made tame and docile. It is to be found only in rocky 
 
82 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and mountaneous places ; is about the size of a domes- 
 tic Goat, and resembles it in many respects. It is most 
 agreeably lively, and active beyond expression. The hair 
 is short, like that of the Doe : In spring, it is of an ash 
 colour ; in autumn, dun, inclining to black ; and in win- 
 ter, of a blackish brown. 
 
 The animal is found, in great plenty, in the moun- 
 tains of Dauphiny, Piedmont, Savoy, Switzerland, and 
 Germany. They are very gentle, and live in soc* 
 
 with each other. They are found in flocks from lour 
 to four score, and even an hundred, dispersed upon the 
 crags of the mountains. The large males are seen feed- 
 ing, detached from the rest; except in rutting time, 
 when they approach the females, and drive away the 
 young. The time of their coupling is from the begin- 
 ing of October to the end of November; and they 
 bring forth in March and April. The young keep with, 
 the dam for about five months, and sometimes longer,] 
 if the hunters and the wolves do not seperate them. It 
 is asserted, that they live between twenty and thirty 
 years. Their flesh is good to eat ; and they yield ten or 
 twelve pounds of suet, which far surpasses that of the 
 Goat in hardness and goodness. 
 
 The Chamois has scarcely any cry : It has a kind of 
 feeble bleat, by which the parent calls its young ; But in 
 cases of danger, and when it has to warn the rest of the 
 flock, it uses a hissing noise, M^hich is heard at a great ■ 
 distance : For it is to be observed, that this creature is I 
 extremely vigilant, and has an eye remarkably quick and' 
 piercing. Its smell also is not less distinguishing. 
 When it sees its enemy distinctly, it stops for a moment ; 
 and, if the person be near, it flies off in an instant. In the 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 8 ' 3 - 
 
 same manner, by its smell, it can discover a man at half 
 a league distance, and give immediate notice. Upon 
 the least alarm, the Chamois begins its hissing note with 
 great force. The first hiss continues as long as the 
 time of one respiration : In the beginning it is very 
 sharp, and deeper towards the close. The animal hav- 
 ing, after this first alarm, reposed a moment, again 
 looks round ; and perceiving the reality of its fears, con- 
 tinues to hiss by intervals, until it has spread the alarm 
 to a very great distance. During this time, it seems in 
 the most violent agitation ; it stril:es the ground with 
 one fore foot, and sometimes with both ; it bounds from 
 ' rock to rock, turns and looks round, runs to the edge 
 of the precipice, and, still perceiving the enemy, flies 
 with all its speed. The hissing of the male is much 
 louder and sharper than that of the female : It is perform- 
 ed through the nose, and is properly no more than a 
 very strong breath driven violently tlrrough a small 
 aperture. 
 
 The Chamois feeds upon the best herbage, and clauses 
 the most delicate parts of the plants, the flowers, and 
 the tender buds. It is not less delicate with regai’d to 
 several aromatic herbs, which grows upon the sides of 
 the mountains. It drinks very little w^hile it feeds upon 
 the succulent herbage, and chews the cud in the inter- 
 vals of feeding. 
 
 O 
 
 This animal is greatly admired for the beauty of its 
 eyes, which are round and sparkling, and mark the 
 warmth of its constitution. Its head is furnished wnth 
 two small horns of about half a foot long, of a beautiful 
 black, rising from the forehead almost betwixt the eyes ; 
 
 These, instead of going backwards or sideways, stand 
 
84 
 
 HISTOHY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 forward, and bend a little backward at their extremities, 
 ending in a very sharp point. The ears ai*e placed, in 
 a very elegant manner, near the horns ; there are two 
 stripes of black on each side of the face, the rest is of 
 a whitish-yellow. The horns of a female are less, and 
 not so much bent ; The natives have been known to 
 breed cattle with them. 
 
 These animals are so much incommoded by heat, that 
 they are never found in summer, except in the caverns 
 of rocks, amidst fragments of unmelted ice, under the ,, 
 shade of high and spreading trees, or of rough and hang- 
 ing precipices, that face the North, and keep off entire- 
 ly the rays of the sun. They go to pasture both morn- 
 ing and evening, and seldom during the heat of the day. 
 They run along the rocks with great ease and seeming 
 indifference, and leap from one to another, so that 
 no dogs are able to pursue them. Nothing can be more 
 extraordinary than the fecility with which they clime li 
 and descend precipices, that to all other quadrupeds, 
 are inaccessible : They always mount or descend in an^ 
 oblique direction, and throw themselves down a rock of 
 thirty feet, and light with great security upon some 
 excrescence or fragment, on the side of the precipice, , 
 which is just large enough to place their feet upon 
 They strike the rock, however, in the descent, with their I 
 feet, three or four times, to stop the velocity of their i 
 motion ; and, when they have got upon the base below, 
 they at once seem fixed and secure. In fact, to see 
 them jump in this manner, they seem rather to have 
 wings than legs. Certain it is, that their legs are for- 
 ined for this arduous employment ; the hind being 
 rather longer than the fore legs, and bending in such 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 85 
 
 a manner, that, when they descend upon tl-iem, they 
 break the force of their fall. 
 
 During the rigours of the winter, the Chamois sleeps in 
 the thickest forests, and feeds upon the shrubs, and the 
 buds of the pine tree. 
 
 The hunting of the Chamois is very laborious and dif- 
 ficult. The most usual way is to shoot them from be- 
 hind the clefts of the rocks. Some also pursue them as 
 they do the Stag, by placing proper persons at all the 
 passages of a glade or valley, and then sending in others 
 to rouse the game. Dogs are quite useless in this chase, 
 as they rather alarm than overtake : Nor is it without 
 danger to the men ; for it often happens, that, when the 
 animal finds itself overpressed, it drives at the hunter 
 with its head, and often tumbles him dow'ii an adjoining 
 precipice. — The Chamois cannot go upon ice when 
 smooth : but if there be the least inequalities on its sur- 
 face, it then bounds along in security, and quickly evades 
 all pursuit. 
 
 The skin of the Chamois was once famous, when tan- 
 ned, for its softness and warmth : At present, how- 
 ever since the art of tanning has been brought to greater 
 perfection, the leather called shammoy is made also 
 from those of the tame Goat, the sheep and the Deer. 
 
86 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Is well known for its long hairs, which is thick, glossy, 
 of a dazzling whiteness, and so fine, that cloths as beau- 
 tiful as silk, known among us by the name of camhlets, 
 are made of it. Its ears are long and pendulous. The 
 male is furnished with horns, curiously twisted, which 
 proceed horizontally from each side of the head, forming i 
 a screw ; those of the female are shorter, and encircle the | 
 ear somewhat like those of the common Ram. They in- 
 habit the rocky mountains of Pontus, where they experi- 
 ence a considerable degree of cold ; They would proba- 
 bly thrive in Britain as well as in their native country. 
 The same might be said of the Gnat of Thibet, so famous 
 for the fineness of its wool ; it lives in a climate colder 
 than ours in winter and might probably be transplanted 
 with success. 
 
 In Portugal there is a breed of fine large Goats, remark- 
 able to yielding a great quantity of milk, — a gallon and a 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 87 
 
 half per day. These, if introduced into the Navy, 
 might be of infinite services in long voyages. 
 
 Experiments of this kind would certainly be attended 
 with many great advantages ; and it were much to be 
 wished, that the great and opulent would employ some 
 portion of their time and affluence in procuring, from 
 distant countries, such useful animals as would propa- 
 gate in our country, and are yet unknown in it. By this 
 means many of our lofty mountains might contribute to 
 support a variety of useful creatures, that would at the 
 same time, beautify the most barren and rugged parts 
 of the country. 
 
88 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 M. Buffon makes this a variety of the Goat of Ango- 
 ra ; it differs from ours in nothing more than the length 
 of its ears, which are pendulous, and from one to two 
 feet long ; They are often troublesome to the creature 
 in feeding ; for which reason, the owners are sometimes 
 obliged to cut one of them off. Their horns are short 
 and black. — They are very numerous in the neighbour- 
 hood of Aleppo, and supply the inhabitants with milk,, 
 which they prefer to that of the Cow or the Buffalo. J 
 
 These are the principal varieties of the Goat kind ; (» 
 which there are others of less note ; such as the African 
 Goat or Buck of Judah, which is not much larger than 
 a Hare ; it is extremely fat, and its flesh is well tasted ; 
 The horns are short, smooth, and turn a little forward 
 It is common in Guinea, Angola, and all along the coast 
 of Africa. 
 
 In America there are Goats of a small kind, not much 
 larger than a kid, with long hair : The horns, which are 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 89 
 
 f short and thick, bend downwards so close to the head, 
 i as almost to penetrate the skull. These are, in every 
 respect, similar to the dwarf Goat found in Africa ; and, 
 f according to Buffon, have been sent from that country. 
 — It is certain that before the discovery of America by 
 the Spaniards, the Goat, and every other domestic ani- 
 mal were unknovm there. 
 
 : THE GAZELLES OR AJTTELOPES. 
 
 i These are a numerous and beautiful race of animals, 
 inhabiting the hottest parts of the globe. They are 
 jlclassed by systematic writers, with the goat kind ; and 
 ' like them, have hollow horns, which they never cast ; 
 t in other respects they greatly resemble the Deer, espe- 
 I eially in the elegance of their form and the swhftness of 
 ‘ their motions. They are of a restless and timid dispo- 
 1 sition, remarkably agile; their boundings are so light 
 ^ md elastic, as to strike the spectators with astonishment, 
 i Of all animals, the Gazelle has the most beautiful 
 eye ; to which the eastern poets have made frequent allu- 
 sions, in describina: those of their favourite beauties. 
 
 I The distinguishing marks of this tribe of animals, in 
 [vhich they differ both from the Goat and the Deer, are 
 principally these : — Their horns are different, being an- 
 lulated or ringed round, and at the same time marked 
 I rVith longitudinal depressions of furrows, running from. 
 
 ( ;he base to the point ; Besides the extreme beauty and 
 neekness of its aspect, the Gazelle is more delicately 
 i md finely limbed than the Roe-buck; its hair is finer 
 f md more glossy : Its swiftness is so great, that the 
 ; Breyhound, the fleetest of Dogs, is unequal to the 
 
 2 F 
 
90 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. : 
 
 course ; and the sportsman is obliged to call in the 
 aid of the Falcon, which, being trained to the work, seizes 
 on the animal, and impedes its motion, so as to enable 
 the Dogs to overtake it. In India and Persia, a sort ol 
 Leopardis sometimes made use of in the chase, which i 
 takes its prey by the greatness of its springs ; but should 
 he fail in his first essay, the game escapes. 
 
 Some species of the Antelope form herds of two oi 
 three thousand, while others keep in small troops of five 
 or six. They for the most part live in hilly countries. 
 They often browse like the Goat, and feed on the tendei 
 shoots of young trees, which gives their flesh an excel- 
 lent flavour. 
 
 There are many varieties of this animal ; some oi 
 them little known or described. 
 
 THE BLUE GOAT. 
 
 (Antelope, Leucophaa, Pallas.) 
 
 Mr. Pennant considers this as being next to th«i 
 Goat, from the length of its hair and form of its horns. 
 
 The colour of this creature is a fine blue, resembling! 
 velvet ; but when dead, it is said to change to a bluish 
 grey : Its belly is white ; beneath each eye it has a large! 
 white mark ; Its tail is seven inches in length, wil4| 
 long hairs at the end ; Its horns incline backward, ansij 
 form a curve ; tliree-fourths of their length are decoratedli 
 with twenty-four rings ; the uppermost quarter is smooth, 
 and runs tapering to a point. It inhabits the hottei^: 
 parts of Africa. — Sparrman describes one which he saw! 
 at the Cape of Good Hope, and calls it a Blaaw-bok. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 91 
 
 ^ , 
 
 [ 
 
 i;' 
 
 THE PIED GOAT. 
 
 i This animal is likewise an inhabitant of the Cape, 
 I as well as the plains and woods of Senegal, where large 
 I herds of them are to be seen, 
 
 t It is remarkable for having a white band running 
 , along each of its sides, crossed by two others from the 
 back to the belly, disposed somewhat like a harness, 
 r from whence it is ealled the Harnessed Antelope ; On 
 each side of the rump it has tliree white lines pointing 
 downwards ; its thighs are spotted with white; the eolour 
 of the body is a deep tawny ; beneath each eye there is 
 a white spot ; its horns are straight, nine inches long, 
 pointed backwards, w ith two spiral ribs. Great floeks 
 of them are found in the plains and woods of the coun- 
 tiy of Poder, in Afriea. — It is called, by M. BulFon, the 
 Guih., and, by Sparrman, the Bonti-bok, or Spotted Goat, 
 
92 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE WOOD GOAT. 
 
 We are indebted to the indefatigable labours of Drl 
 Sparrman, for an accurate description of this rare ani-_ 
 mal, which is found in the country about the Cape on 
 Good Hope, and lives chiefly in woods and groves,^ 
 from whence it derives its name. | 
 
 Its horns are black, somewhat more than ten inches 
 long, and have three sides wreathed in a spiral direc*' 
 tion towards the top ; at the bottom, they are rough,! 
 in consequence of a number of wavy rings, which how-n 
 ever, are not elevated much above the surface ; at the 
 top, they are round, shaiqD-pointed, and in that part as 
 smooth as if they had been polished ; their position is 
 almost in the same line with the forehead, inclining a lit-?! 
 tie forwards, , and, by means of the twist they make,” 
 recede from each other towards the middle, where the}5i 
 are three inches and a half distant ; at the base they are ' 
 only one inch. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 '93 
 
 
 ! 
 
 j The Wood-Goat is somewhat more than two feet and 
 I M half high, of a dark brown colour, in some parts bor- 
 ! dering upon black : On each cheek-bone there are two 
 I large u'liite spots ; another, still larger, occupies the 
 ! forepart of the neck, somewhat below the top of the wind 
 I pipe ; and several smaller white spots are scattered over 
 j the haunches ; A narrow line of n hite hair extends 
 j from the neck all along the back and tail, but is not ea- 
 j sily distinguished, being hid by the length of the dark 
 : brown hairs on the top of the back, which are three or 
 four inches long, so as to form a kind of mane ; The 
 hair on the head is very short and fine ; in other parts of 
 the body it is longer, resembling that of Goats : Its tail 
 
 I is not more than a finger’s breadth in length, covered 
 ij with long hairs, which extend down the hind part of the 
 
 I I thighs and buttocks ; the legs and feet are slender ; the 
 I fetlock joints are likewise small ; the nose and under lip, 
 
 1 which are white, are deeorated with black whiskers 
 
 about an inch long. 
 
 As this creature runs but slowly, it is sometimes 
 caught with dogs. When it finds there is no other re- 
 source, it boldly puts itself into a posture of defence ; 
 and when going to butt, kneels down, and in that posi- 
 tion sells its life at a very dear rate, killing and goring 
 some of the best and spirited hounds. It cai'ries its head 
 straight forward M'hilst it runs, laying its horns upon 
 its neck, to prevent their being entangled in the bushes. 
 The female is without horns ; and, being lighter than 
 the male, runs more freely through the forests, and 
 is not so easily caught : Her breast is said to be very 
 plump ; but the flesh of this animal is not very tender. 
 
,94 
 
 HISTORY OF OUADRUPED.S. 
 
 The JVkite- Antelope^ v/hich is supposed to be the same' 
 with the Pygarg, mentioned in the book of Numbers,! 
 is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is 
 called the Spring-bok, and is to be seen in herds of several) 
 thousands, covering the plains as far as the eye cani 
 reach. Sparrman says that ha^■ing shot at a large herd of' 
 them, they formed a line, and immediately made a circu- 
 lar movement as if to surround him ; but afterwards flew 
 off in different directions. 
 
 The height of this beautiful creature is two feet and a 
 half ; it measures, from the ears to the tail, somewhat 
 above three feet ; the tail is rather less than a foot long ; 
 The length of the ears six inches and a half ; that of 
 the horns measuring them along their curvatures, nine 
 inches ; their distance from the base, where they arc 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 95 
 
 nearly three inches thick, is one inch ; they gradually 
 widen from thence to the distance of five inches from 
 each other, when the}^ turn inwards, so that at the tip 
 they are not above three inches and a half asunder ; they 
 are of a deep-black colour, annulated above half way up ; 
 toward the top they are quite smooth, and end in a 
 sharp point. 
 
 The predominant colour of this animal is brov.n, or a 
 light rust colour : The breast, belly, and inside of the 
 limbs are white : as is also the head, excepting a dark- 
 brown list, which passes from each corner of the mouth, 
 over the eyes, to the base of the horns : A stripe of the 
 same dark colour extends, on each side, from the shoul- 
 i ders to the haunches, forming a boundary between the 
 I snowy whiteness of the belly and the rusty colour of the 
 ! sides : the buttocks are w hite ; and from the tail, half 
 : way up the back, is a stripe of white, bounded on 
 I each side by a dark brown list : The tail, at least the 
 lower part of it, is not thicker than a goose quill : the un- 
 ! der side is quite bare ; towards the tip there are a few 
 dark brown hairs, from one to two inches and a half 
 ! long. The ears are of an ash colour, tipt on the edges 
 with fine light-gray hairs : The eye-brow s and whiskers 
 are black : The hair in general is fine and short ; but the 
 dark line which borders upon the white consists of 
 longer hairs, w'hich the anim.al is able to expand to the 
 breadth of eight or nine inches, particularly on taking 
 a high leap. When pursued, it is no less pleasant 
 than curious to see the whole herd jumping over each 
 other’s heads to a considerable height : Some of them 
 will take three or four high leaps successively. In this 
 situation, they seem suspended in the air, looking 
 
c;6 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 over their shoulders at their pursuers, and at the sam^ 
 time shewing the white part of their backs in a mos^ 
 beautiful manner. ^ 
 
 The Springers are so extremely swift, as to require a,, 
 good horse to overtake them : altho’ they are sometimes’ 
 bold enough to allow a sportsman, either on foot or oil; 
 horseback, to come within gun-shot of them. — Their^ 
 flesh is very palatable, and has a more juicy and deli-^ 
 cate taste than that of the other Gazelles. 
 
 ... i,.,. ^ -I 
 
 THE ELK AMTELOPE. . 
 
 * t , 1 
 
 f Le Coudoiis, Buflf.) 
 
 k 
 
 This is an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as thej 
 greatest part of India, and is one of the larger kinds of 
 Gazelles. It has straight horns, two feet in length, 
 of a dark-brown colour, marked with two prominent 
 spiral ribs running near two thirds of their length, but 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 97 
 
 I 
 
 some towards the ends, which are turned a little in- 
 ! wards ; The forehead is flat, and broad at the top ; and 
 i has a forelock standing erect, the whole length of it ; 
 Its nose is sharp ; and its breast is covered with a loose 
 I skin. 
 
 ! This animal is of an ash colour, inclining a little to- 
 wards blue : has a thin upright mane, quite black, 
 which extends from the nape of its neck along the top 
 of its back ; it has a tuft of black hair at the end of the 
 ' tail. 
 
 The Elk- Antelopes live chiefly in plains and vallies ; 
 
 ' and, when hunted, always run, if possible, against the 
 Iwind: They are not very swift; and being in general 
 j fat, especially the males, which are always the largest 
 I and fattest in the herd, are soon tired. The hunter ge- 
 I nerally endeavours to get to windward of the animal, 
 
 I which when he has accomplished^ he takes an opportu- 
 ;nity of throwing himself from his horse, and instantly 
 i shoots the flying game : At this practice, the Dutch 
 'colonists at the Cape are so expert, as seldom to fail. 
 jSparrman says, there have been many instances where 
 I keen sportsmen, as Avell for their owm pleasure as con- 
 i' venience, have hunted Elk -Antelopes and other Ga- 
 t zelles for many miles together, from the open plains, 
 and driven them to their own doors, before they thought 
 it worth while to shoot them. 
 
 The female has horns like the male, but smaller. 
 They are used by the Hottentots for tobacco-pipes. 
 
 G 
 
98 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ( Le Bubale, Buff.) 
 
 This is the most common of the larger Gazelle^' 
 known in any part of Africa. The following accurate 
 description is taken from Sparrman, to whom we are in- 
 debted for the best accounts of such of these rare ani- 
 mals as are to be met with near the Cape. Its height is 
 somewhat above four feet : The horns are from six to 
 nine inches long, verj^ strong and black, almost close at‘ 
 the base diverging upwards, and at the top bending 
 backwards in a horizontal direction almost to the tips, 
 w'hich turn a little downwards, they are embossed with 
 about eighteen rings of an irregular form. The general 
 colour of the Hart-Beest is that of cinnamon ; the front 
 of the head is marked widi black, as is likewise the 
 fore part of the legs ; the hind part of the haunch is co- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 99 
 
 vered with a wide black streak, which reaches down to 
 the knee : a narrow stripe of black begins behind each 
 ear, and runs all along the ridge of the neck ; a dark- 
 broAvn oval spot extends over the back, terminating just 
 above the tail -which is slender, somewhat like that of 
 an Ass, and is covered wuth strong black hairs about six 
 inches long : There is a pore about an inch below’ the 
 eye, from which a matter is distilled, somewhat like ear- 
 w^ax, which the Hottentots preserve as a rare and excel- 
 lent medicine. - 
 
 This animal is supposed to be the Bubalus, of the an- 
 cients ,* it is the Cervine Antelope of Mr. Pennant. 
 
 The hair of the Hart-Beest is ver}" fine ; and its long 
 ears aie covered with w^hite hair on the inside ; it has 
 only eight teeth in the low’er jaw, none in the upper; 
 the legs are rather slender, w ith small fetlocks and hoofs. 
 
 The large head and high forehead, together with the 
 assanine ears and tail, of the Hart-Beest, render it one of 
 the least handsome of the wfiiole tribe of Antelopes. 
 Its pace, when at full speed, appears like a heavy gallop ; 
 notwithstanding which, it runs as fast as any of the 
 larger Antelopes. When it has once got a-head of its 
 pursuers, it is very apt to turn round, and stare them full 
 in the face. — Its flesh is fine, rather dry, but of an agree- 
 ably fine flavour. 
 
lOO 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE KOEDOE, OR STRIPED AJTTELOPT 
 
 (LeCondiima, Buff.) 
 
 Is a beautiful tall Gazelle, inhabiting the Cape .of 
 Good Hope ; has long slender shanks ; is larger, though’ 
 not so clumsy, as the Elk-Antelope : Its horns are 
 smooth, twisted spirally, with a prominent edge or rib 
 following the wreaths ; they are three feet nine inches 
 long, of a pale-brown colour, close at the base, and at 
 the points round and sharp. 
 
 Idle colour of this animal is a rusty-brown ; along the 
 ridge of the back there is a white stripe, mixed with 
 brown : from this are eight or nine white stripes, point- 
 ing downwards ; the forehead and forepart of the nose 
 are brown ; a white stripe runs from the corner of each 
 eye, and meets just above the nose ; upon each cheek- 
 bone, there are two small white spots ; the inner edges 
 of the ears are covered with white hair, and the upper 
 part of the neck is adorned with a brown mane, an inch 
 long ; beneath the neck, from the throat to the breast, 
 are some long hairs hanging down ; the breast and bel- 
 ly are gray ; the tail is two feet long, brown above, 
 white beneath, and black at the end. 
 
 The Koedoe, though a tall and slender animal, is notiii 
 so sw'iftas many of the Gazelle kind, and is easily over- II 
 taken by the hounds : On these occasions, the males de- 
 fend themselves with great spirit wdth their horns, and i| 
 will come to close quailers with the dogs : but the fe- 
 males, having no horns, are obliged to depend on their 
 speed. ; 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l6l 
 
 the GEMSE-BOK, ' ' ■' '• 
 
 (Capra Gazella, Lin . — Le Pasan, Buff.) 
 
 It is called by Mr, Pennant, the Egyptian Antelope. 
 
 ; The horns ai'e straight, slender, of a black colour, about 
 in tliree feet long, with about twenty rings reaching half 
 i'n way to the point, which are smooth and taper ; it is of 
 8 an ash colour, inclining to red ; the belly, legs, and 
 Sj face are white ; a black line extends from the back to 
 I the loins ; the tail is about two feet long, terminated ^ 
 
 ! vvith black hairs. 
 
 i This animal is famous for a concretion in its stomach 
 '• or intestines, called the oriental bezoar, which Avas much 
 ie esteemed in former times for its great virtue in expel- 
 :l| ling poison in the human frame, and was sold at enor- 
 t mous prices, its value increasing in proportion to its 
 ■ size. — There was a time when a stone of four ounces 
 e( sold in Europe for above £.200 : at present, however, 
 ;l| its estimation and price are greatly decreased. The 
 virtues which ignorance and experience attributed to 
 it, are now found no longer to exist ; and this once ce- 
 lebrated medicine is now only consumed in countries 
 where the knowledge of Nature has been but little ad- 
 vanced. Similar concretions are likewise found in a 
 variety of animals of the Gazelle and Goat kind : Even 
 Apes, Serpents and Hogs are said to have their bezoars. 
 In short, there is scarcely an animal, except of the car- 
 nivorous kind, that does not produce some of these con* 
 cretions in the stomach, intestines, kidnies, and even 
 the heart. 
 
i02 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 These are the principal animals of the Gazelle kind 
 described by Dr. Sparrman, in his voyage to the Cape 
 of Good Hope. He mentions a variety of others that are 
 to be met with there, of which he gives us little but their 
 names. 
 
 Is two feet in height ; of an ash-colour, somewhat resem- 
 bling that of a Hare, but a little more inclinii^ tp red ; 
 The belly and anus are white : The tail is short ; The 
 horns are black and straight, very similar to those of the 
 Gemse-bok, but barely a foot long, very taper, and 
 sharp pointed ; they are used by the Hottentots as 
 awls or bodkins, for boring holes in making their shoes 
 or cloaks. :i 
 
 The flesh of this animal is dry, and accounted worse 
 to eat than that of any other Gazelle. 
 
 , I i r3 
 
 THE RIET-REE-BOK, | 
 
 Is twice as big as the last-mentioned animal; is'moj 
 
 nogamoiis (or keeps in pairs ;) it generally lies coriceH? 
 ed among the reeds and marshy places, and resembles 
 the Ree-bok. | 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 103 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 \ 
 
 THE GRTS-BOK, 
 
 (La Grimme, BulF.) 
 
 Is of a grayish or ash-colour, with large black ears, and 
 a black spot round the eyes ; straight black horns, slen- 
 der and sharp-pointed, not three inches long, slightlr 
 annulated at the base ; Its heiglit is about eighteen 
 inches ; and it is most elegantly formed : Beneath eacli 
 eye is a cavity, that contains a strong- scented oily liquor, 
 which smells something like musk, and, when exposed 
 to the air, becomes hard and black. — It is the Giiinea 
 Antelupe of Mr. Pennant. 
 
 I THE KLIP-SPRINGER, 
 
 Is of a light-red colour, inclining to yellow, intermixed 
 I with black streaks : the tips and edges of its ears aie 
 f black : It runs with great swiftness, and makes large 
 i bounds even on the steepest precipices, and in the most 
 I rocky places, where it cannot easily be caught with 
 ^ hounds. 
 
lO^ 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 To these we may add Gnu, the Hottentot name 
 for a singular animal, whieh, with respect to its form, 
 is between the Horse and the Ox. It is about the size" 
 of a common Galloway, the length of it being some-J 
 what above five feet, and the height rather more than I 
 four. 
 
 This animal is of a dark-brown colour ; the tail and 
 mane of a light-gray ; the shag on the chin and breast, , 
 and the stiff hairs which stand erect on the forehead, 
 and upper part part of the face, are black : The curva- 
 ture of the horns is singular; and the animal is repre- 
 sented in the cut in the attitude of butting, to give an 
 idea of its form and position. 
 
 The legs of the Gnu are small ; its hair is very fine ; 
 and it has a cavity beneath each eye, like most of the 
 Antelope kind. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3 05 
 
 THE STEEN-BOK, 
 
 (Le Nagoi\ Buff.) 
 
 ifs found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope. — 
 [ts whole body is of a pale-red colour ; it is as large as 
 i Roe., buck ; its horns, which do not exceed six inches 
 n length, are almost smooth, and bend a little forward ; 
 ts ears are five inches long ; and it has a white spot 
 over each eye. — It is called, by Mr. Pennant, the Red 
 Antelope. 
 
 THE SWIFT AMTELOPE, 
 
 f Le Nangueri Buff. ) 
 
 Is likewise a native of Africa, and is found in Senegal. 
 — It is three feet and a half in length, and two and a 
 lalf high ; the horns are black and round, eight inches 
 n length, and what is singular, bend forward at the 
 !points ; its general colour is tawny ; belly and thighs 
 ivvhite ; it has likewise a white spot under the neck, is a 
 very handsome animal, and easily tamed, its swiftness is 
 compared to that of the wind. 
 
 2G 
 
 
106 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 (Capra Servicapra, Lin. — U Antelope, BufF.) 
 
 The Antelope, properly so called, abounds in Baibary, 
 and in all the northern parts of Africa. — It is somewhat 
 less than the Fallow-deer: Its horns are about sixteen ! 
 inches long, surrounded with prominent rings almost to ‘ 
 tiie top, where they are twelve inches distant from point 
 to point. The horns of the Antelope are remarkable 
 for a beautiful double flexion, which gives them the ap- 
 pearance of the lyre of the ancients. The colour of the 
 hair on the back is brown, mixed with red; the belly 
 and inside of the thighs are white ; the tail short. 
 
HISTORY OF J^UADRUPEDS. 
 
 107 
 
 THE BARBART AMTELOPE, 
 
 (Capra Dorcas, Lin . — La Gazelle, Buff. ) 
 
 Is likcAvise common in all the northern parts of Africa, 
 in Syria, and Mesopotamia ; and seems to be a variety of 
 the last mentioned animal, which it strongly resembles ; 
 only tthe two colours on the back are separated from 
 each other by a strong dusky line on each side, and on 
 each knee there is a tuft of hair. 
 
 THE KEVEL, 
 
 {Le Kevel, Buff.) 
 
 Is a native of Senegal : and, in colour and mai'ks very- 
 much resembles the preceding animal. It is about the 
 size of a small Roe-buck ; and its horns, instead of being 
 round, ai'e flatted on their sides, and the rings are more 
 numerous. It lives in great flocks, may be easily tamed 
 and is excellent meat. 
 
 {Lc Corine, Buff*.) 
 
 Is still less than the two former animals ; Its horns are 
 ! very slender, only six inches long, and almost smooth, 
 the annular prominences being scarcely discernible ; each 
 side of its face is marked with a white line, and beneath 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 :^q8 
 
 that a black one ; the upper part of the body is tawny ; 
 the belly and inside of the thighs white ; a dai'k line on 
 each side forms a separation between the two colours on 
 the back and belly ; on eaeh knee is a tuft of hair. — 
 Some of these animals are irregularly spotted with white. ; 
 
 THE KOBA, 
 
 f Le Koha, Bull’. ) 
 
 Is remarkable for the form of its horns, whieh are almost 
 close at the base, bending out towards the middle, where 
 they form a curve inwards, and again fly off" at the 
 points which bend backward ; they are seventeen inches 
 long, surrounded with fifteen rings ; the ends are smooth 
 and sharp. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 109 
 
 j The Chevrotain, or little Guiana Deer, is the smallest 
 
 | )f all the Antelope kind, the least of all cloven-footed 
 Ijuadrupeds, and we may add, the itiost beautiful. Its 
 bre legs, at the smallest part, are not much thicker than 
 L tobacco-pipe ; it is not more than seven inches in 
 leight, and about twelve from the point of the nose to 
 he insertion of the tail ; its ears are broad ; and its 
 toms, which are straight, and scarcely two inches long, 
 ire black and shining as jet ; the colour of the hair is a 
 eddish-brown ; in some a beautiful yellow, very short 
 aid glossy. 
 
 These elegant little creatures are natives of Senegal 
 ind the hottest parts of Africa ; they are likewise found 
 n India, and in many of the islands adjoining to that 
 ^ast continent. 
 
 In Ceylon, there is an animal of this kind called Me* 
 ninnay which is not lai'ger than a Hare, but perfectly re^ 
 
XIO 
 
 history of quadrupeds. 
 
 sembling a Fallow-deer. Is is of a gray colour ; the 
 sides and haunches are sported and barred with white ; 
 its ears are long and open ; its tail short. 
 
 None of these small animals can subsist but in a warm 
 climate. They are so extremely delicate, that it is with ' 
 the utmost difficulty they can be brought alive into Eu- 
 rope, where they soon perish. They are gentle, familiar, 
 most beautifully formed ; and their agility is such, that 
 they will bound over a wall tAvelve feet high. In Gui- 
 nea, they are called Gucvci. The female has no horns. 
 
 THE SCYTHIAN ANTELOPE. \ 
 
 (CapruTartarlca, Lin . — Le Saiga, Buff.) , 
 
 This is the only one of the species that is to be found ih 
 Europe. The form of its body resembles the domes-, 
 tic Goat ; but its horns are those of an Antelope, bein^ 
 marked by very prominent rings, with furrows between ; 
 they are a foot long, the ends smooth, of a pale-yelloW 
 colour, almost transparent. 
 
 The male, during winter, is covered with long rough 
 hair, like the He-Goat, and has a strong scent ; the fe- 
 male is smoother, and without horns. The general co- 
 lour is gray, mixed with yellow ; the under part of the 
 body is white. f 
 
 These animals inhabit Poland, Moldavia, about Mount 
 Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and Siberia; are fond oi 
 salt, and frequent the places where salt- springs abound. 
 In the rutting season, at the latter end of autumn, great 
 flocks of them, consisting of several thousands, migrate 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 towards the south, and return in the spring, in smaller 
 1 Rocks, to the great northern desarts, where the females 
 (bring forth their young, and rear them, 
 si The males, the females and their young, generally 
 ill feed together; and, when a part of them are resting, 
 u [others by an instinctive kind of caution, are always keep- 
 II 1 ing watch ; these again are relieved in due time ; and, 
 la in this mamrer, they alternately rest and keep watch : 
 li 'frequently preserve themselves, by this means, from 
 ij 'the attacks of men and wild beasts. 
 
 Their common pace is a trot : but, when they exert 
 jtheir speed, they bound like the Roe-buck, and exceed 
 'iit in fleetness. They are so timid as to suffer themselves 
 f|to be taken though fear : If once bitten by a Dog, they 
 I instantly fall down, and give themselves up without fur- 
 j. ther effort to escape. — When taken young, they are ea- 
 sily tamed ; but the old ones are so wild and obstinate, as 
 to refuse all food, whilst in a state of captivity. — They 
 are hunted for the sake of their flesh, horns, and skins : 
 the latter are excellent for gloves, belts, &c. The hunts- 
 ’man is extremely cautious in approaching a herd of these 
 animals, lest they should discover him by the excellen- 
 cy of their smell. They are either shot, or taken by 
 dogs ; and sometimes by the black eagle, which is train- 
 ed for that purpose. In running, they seem to incline 
 to one side; and their motion is so rapid, that their 
 feet seem scarcely to touch the ground. 
 
1 12 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 'I.: >-l 
 
 ^ ;o.<2no 
 
 THE NTL-GHAU. {jiifillfell 
 
 This animal is a native of the intenor parts of India 
 It seems to be of a middle nature, between the Cow and^ 
 the Deer, and carries the appearance of both in its form. 
 In size it is much smaller than the one, as it is larger 
 than the other : Its body, horns, and tail, are not unlike 
 those of a Bull : and the head, neck, and legs, are similar 
 to those of a Deer. The colour, in general, is ash or 
 gray, from a mixture of black hairs and white ; All along 
 the ridge or edge of the neck the hair is blacker, longer, 
 and more erect, making a short, thin, and upright mane, 
 reaching down to the hump : Its horns are seven inches 
 long, six inches round at the root, tapering by degrees, 
 and terminating in a blunt point : The ears are large and 
 
HISTORY QF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 113 
 
 beautiful, seven inches in length, and spread to a consi'- 
 derable breadth ; they are white on the edge and on the 
 inside, except where two black bands mark the hollow 
 of the ear with a Zebi'a-like variety. The height of this 
 animal, at the shoulder, is four feet one inch ; behind 
 the loins, it measures only four feet. 
 
 The female difters considerably from the male, both in 
 .height and thickness ; it is much smaller ; in shape and 
 colour it very much resembles a Deer, and has no horiis ; 
 She has four nipples, and is supposed to go nine months 
 with young : She has commonly one at a birth, and 
 sometimes two. 
 
 Several of this species were brought to England in 
 the year 1767, v/hich continued to breed annually for 
 some years after. — Dr. Hunter, who had one of them iri 
 1 his custody for some time, describes it as a harmless and 
 gentle animal ; that it seemed pleased with every kind of 
 familiarity ; always licked the hand that either stroked 
 or fed it, and never once attempted to use its horns of- 
 fensively. It seemed to have much dependance on its or- 
 gans of smell, and snufted keenly whenever any person 
 came in sight: It did so likewise, when food or drink 
 was brought to it, and would not taste the bread which 
 was offered, if the hand that presented it happened to 
 smell of turpentine. 
 
 Its manner of fighting is very particular, and is thus 
 described : Two of the males at Lord Clive’s being put 
 into an inclosure, were observed, while they were at 
 some distance from each other, to prepare for the attack 
 by falling down upon their knees : They then shuffled 
 towards each other, still keeping upon their knees, and, 
 
 H 
 
114 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 at the distance of a few yards, they made a spring, and 
 darted against each other with great force. 
 
 The following anecdote will serve to shew, that dur- 
 ing the rutting season, these animals are fierce and vi- 
 cious, and not to be depended upon : A labouring man, 
 without knowing that the animal was near him, went up 
 to the outside of the inclosure ; the Nyl-ghau wkh the ' 
 quickttess of lightning, darted against the wood-work 
 with such violence, that he dashed it to pieces, and » 
 brok^bff one of his horns close to the root* The death 
 of the ^acaimal, which happened soon after, was supposed 
 to be owing to the injury he sustained by the blow. 
 
 Bernier says, that it is the favourite amusement of the ; 
 Mogul Emperor to hunt the Nyl-ghau : and that he kills 
 them in great numbers, and distributes quarters of them 
 to his omrahs ; which shew s that they are esteemed 
 good delicious food. 
 
 The Nyl-ghau is frequently brought from the interior ' 
 parts of Asia as a rare and valuable present to the nabobs j 
 and Other great men at the British settlements in India*; ! 
 
 Jit remains to be considered, whether this rare animalf l 
 nxight not be propagated with success in this coantry*j 
 Xhat it will breed here, is evident from experience ; aia^ | 
 if it should.prove docile enough to be easily trained to, la-i; i 
 hour, its great swiftness and considerable strength ' 
 
 be applied to the most valuable purposes. 
 
 too Hu 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 115 
 
 THE MUSK. 
 
 :.i i. ■ 
 
 (Moschus Moschiferus, Lin . — Le Muse, Buff.) 
 
 There have been various accounts given of this ani- 
 mal by naturalists and travellers ; by whom it seems to 
 « have been taken notice of more for the perfume which 
 ;i if produces, than for the information of the curious en- 
 n quirer into its nature and qualities : For we are still at 
 I a loss what rank to assign it among the vai'ious tribes 
 i) ’ of quadrupeds. 
 
 i It has no horns : and whether it ruminates or not, is 
 : uncertain : But, by its wanting the fore teeth in the up- 
 per jaw, we are led to suppose that it belongs either 
 to the Goat or Deer kind ; and have therefore given 
 it a place after the Gazelles, relying upon those cha- 
 racteristic marks which are known, and leaving it to 
 those naturalists, who may be possessed of better means 
 )f information, to ascertain its genuine character. 
 
116 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Musk of Thibet resembles the Roe-buck in formv 
 It is somewhat above two feet in height at the shoul- ; 
 der ; the hiixl legs, which are longer than the fore fegs, 
 are two feet nine inches high at the haunches ; the length 
 is three feet six inches from the head to the tail | the; 
 head is above half a foot long ; its upper jaw is mutrh 
 l&rger tlian. the lower; and on each side of it there is 'a 
 Sfeiider tusk, near two inches long, which hangs doYM^ 
 behdiiVg it inwards like a hook, and very sharp on thfe, 
 inner edge; Its lower jaw contains eight small cuttingl 
 teeth ; and in each jaw there are six grinders ! Its- 
 ears arc long, small, and erect, like those of a Rabbit';] 
 The hair on the whole body is long and rough, marked 
 with small waves from top to bottom : The colour is a 
 rusty -brown : under the belly aqd tail it is white : On; 
 each side of the lower jaw there is a tufft of thick hair, 
 about an inch long ; Its hoofs are deeply cloven, slender, 
 and black ; the spurious hoofs are likewise very-long; 
 Its tail is not more than tAvo inches in length, and hid 
 in the hair. — The use it makes of its tusks is not well 
 known ; The most probable is that of hooking up root? 
 out of the ground, and catching at small twigs and 
 branches of trees, upon Avhich it feeds. — The femalel 
 has no tusks, is less than the male, and has tAVO small 
 teats. 
 
 The musk is found in the kingdom of Thibet, in se- 
 veral of the Chinese provinces, about the lake Baikal,! 
 and near the riA'ers Jenisea and Argun, from lat. 60 to 
 45 ; but seldom so far south, except driven by great falls 
 of snoAA' to seek for food in more temperate cliimites. Il 
 is naturally a timid animal, and endowed with a quick 
 sense of hearing : Its solitary haunts are usually moun 
 tains coA^ered Avith pines ; \Adiere it avoids mankind, and 
 

 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 117 
 
 I 'ivlien pursued, flitis to the highest and most inaccessible 
 summits. 
 
 : .The perfume produced by this animal, which is so 
 .well known -in the fashionable circles, and of late so 
 I much; used in the practice of physic, needs little descrip- 
 . tion. It is found in a bag of tumour, nearly of the size 
 of a hen’s egg, on the belly of the inale only. These 
 ' bags the hunters cut off, and tie them up for sale ; many 
 li thousands of w hich are sent over annually to Europe, be- 
 ^ sides what are consumed in different parts of the East. 
 To account for this great consumption, it is supposed 
 that the musk is frequently adulterated and mixed with 
 iithe blood of the animal. It comes to us from China, 
 i; . Tonquin, Bengal, and Muscovy ; but that of Thibet is 
 > reckoned the best, and sells at a much higher price. 
 
 „■ : The flesh of the males, especially in the rutting season, 
 :)■ is much infected with the flavour of the musk ; but is, 
 t| nevertheless, eaten by the Russians and Tartars, 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ('Ccr^us Camelopardalus, Lin . — La 
 
 This animal, (the existence of which has ncqucnuyii 
 been called in question) is a native of the wild and Uiui 
 frequented desarts of Ethiopia, and other interior partS'"' 
 of Africa, where it leads a solitary life, far from the ha-" ' 
 bitations of men, for whose use it is rendered unlit by 
 the enormous disproportion of its parts. It has hither- 
 to been regarded chiefly as an object of curiosity, and 
 may lead us to admire the wonderful productions of 
 that creative Power, which has filled the earth with 
 life in such a boundless variety of forms. 
 
 The height of this extraordinary animal, from the 
 crown of the head to the ground, is seventeen feet; 
 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 119 
 
 while at the rump it measures only nine ; the neck alone 
 is seven feet long: and' the length, from the extremity 
 of the tail to the end of the nose, is tw'enty-two feet : 
 The fore and hind legs are nearly of an equal height ; 
 but the shoulders rise so high, that its back inclines like 
 the roof of a house ; Its neck is slender and elegant, 
 
 (. adorned oC the upper side tvith a short mane : On tlie 
 I highest part of the head it has tw o perpendicular horns, 
 f six inches long, covered wdth hair, and round at the ends, 
 f where they are encompassed with a circle of short black 
 i hairs Gn the middle of the forehead there is a protu- 
 fberance,-. about tw'o inches high : its ears are long, and 
 ! its eyes large and beautiful. 
 
 1 The colour of the male is light -gray, interspersed with 
 ; large dark-brown spots over the w^hole body ; the spots 
 ! on the female are of a pale-yellow colour. 
 
 It is a timid and gentle creature, but not swift ; from 
 the great length of its fore legs, it is obliged to divide 
 f them to a great distance when it grazes, w hich it does 
 
 I with great difficulty ; it lives chiefly by browsing on tlie 
 leaves and tender branches of trees : it lies on its belly, 
 Itj apd' has hard protuberances on its breast and thighs, like 
 th^,-Cpnel } its tail is similar to that of an ox, witfia 
 black hair at the end ; it is cloven-footed, has no 
 teqth inithe upper jaw, and is a ruminating animal. — 
 The femde has four teats, and is less than the male. — 
 
 . ; Thi#:^imal was known to the Romans in early times- 
 
 I .. * Mr. Vaillant, who shot several of these animals, says, that these 
 ‘4 horns differ from those of the Stag or the Ok, in being formed by aconti- 
 J nuation of the bone of the skull. 
 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE ELK, 
 
 fCervus Alces, hin.—L^Ela?!, 
 
 Is the largest and most formidable of all the Deer kindi 
 It is a native of both the old and the new continent, 
 being known in Europe by the name of the Elk, and hi 
 America by. that of the Moose-deer. It is sometimes ta-i 
 ken in the forests of Russia and Germany ; though it is 
 rarely to be seen, on account of its extreme wildness 
 It likewise inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Tar 
 tary, as far as the North of China. It is comramon ii 
 Canada, and in all the northern parts of America. 
 
 The Elk has been variously described by naturalist| 
 and travellers : By some it is said to be twelve fee 
 high ; whilst others, with greater appearance of proba 
 bility, describe it as being not much higher than 
 Horse. It is, however, a matter of doubt to which ; 
 .greater degree of credibility should be given. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 121 
 
 From a variety of Elk’s Horns preserved in the cabi- 
 nets of the curious, some of which are of a most enor- 
 mous size, there is every reason to conclude, that the 
 animal which bore them must have been of a propor- 
 tionable bulk and strength. 
 
 Those who speak of the gigantic Moose, say, their 
 ' horns are six feet long, and measure from tip to tip, 
 above ten feet : the beams of the horns are short ; from 
 which they spread out into large and broad palms, one 
 side of which is plain, but on the outside are several 
 sharp snags or shoots. 
 
 The European Elk grows to the height of seven or 
 eight feet ; and in length, from the end of the muzzle 
 to the insertion of the tail, measures ten feet : The head 
 is two feet long ; the neck, on which is a short upright 
 mane of a light brown colour, is much shorter ; Its eye 
 is small ; and from the lower corner of it, there is a 
 deep slit common to all the Deer kind as well as most of 
 : the Gazelles ; The ears are upwards of a foot in length, 
 
 •, very broad, and somewhat slouching; the nostrils are 
 ' wide ; and the upper lip, which is square, and has a 
 ) deep furrow in the middle, hangs greatly over the lower, 
 
 : from whence it was imagined by the ancients, that this 
 creature could not graze without going backward : The 
 withers are very high, the hind legs much shorter than 
 the fore legs, and the hoofs deeply cloven ; From a small 
 excrescence under the throat, hangs along tuft of coarse 
 black hair ; The tail is very short, dusky above, and white 
 beneath ; the hair is long and rough, like a Bear, and of 
 
 2 H 
 
^12 2 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 a hoJiry brovvn colour, not much differing from, that of 
 the Ass. 
 
 The pace of the Elk is a high, shambling trot ; but it 
 goes with great swiftness. — Formerly these animals 
 w'ere made use of in Sweden to draw sledges ; but' as 
 they were frequently accessary to the escape of such 
 had^been guilty of murders or other great crimes, this 
 use of them was prohibited under great penalties. 
 
 passing through thick woods, these animals cany 
 their heads horizontally, to prevent their horns being eh- 
 tangied in the branches. 
 
 The Elks are timid and inoffensive ; except -^vhen 
 wounded or during the rutting season, when the ma|& 
 become very furious, and at that time will swim from 
 isle to isle in pursuit of the females. Thej" strike with 
 both horns and hoofs, and possess such agility and 
 strength of limbs, that with a single blow of the foTe 
 feet they will kill a Wolf or a Dog. 
 
 . Their flesh is extremely sweet and nourishing. Tife 
 Xndi^ns say, they can travel farther after eating heartily of 
 fhe flesh of the Elk, than any other animal food. Thei): 
 ‘fondues are excellent ; but the nose is esteemed tfje 
 ^'greatest delicacy in all Canada. The skin make^ ex- 
 cellent buff leather, and is strong, soft, and light; The 
 Iiidians make their snow-shoes, and likewise form then- 
 canoes with it. The hair on the neck, witflers, arid 
 hams of a full-grown Elk, from its great length and 
 elasticity, is well adapted to the purpose of making mat- 
 tra.sses and saddles. 
 
 The methods of hunting these animals in Canada are 
 curious, Thefirsf and most simple, is,— before the lakes 
 or rivers are frozen, multitudes of the natives assemble in 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ,123 
 
 ^their canoes, Vvith which they form a vast, crescent, 
 
 : each horn touching the shore ; whilst anollrer party 
 
 I on the shore surround an extensive tract : They ai’e at- 
 ; tended by dogs,, which they let loose, and press towards 
 { the water with loud cries. The animals alarmed by 
 the noise, fly before the hunters, and plunge into the 
 lake, where they are killed by the people in tlie canoes 
 with lances and clubs. — Another method requires a grea- 
 ' .ter degree of preparation and art. The- hunters inclose 
 I a large space with stakes and branches of trees, fqrirdng 
 ji two sides of a triangle ; the bottom opens into a. second 
 I inclosure, which is fast on all sides : At the opening are 
 
 i hung numbers of snares, made of the slips of raw hides^ 
 They assemble, as before, in great troops : and with all 
 , kinds of hideous noises, drive into the inclosure not on- 
 iy the Moose, but various other kinds of Deer, with 
 ^ which that country abounds. Some, in forcing their 
 way through the narrow pass, are caught in the snares 
 by the neck or horns ; whilst those which escape these, 
 meet their fate from the arrows of the hunters, directed 
 at them from all quarters — They are likewise frequently 
 killed with the gun. When they are first discovered, 
 they squat with their hind parts and make water; at 
 ' which instant the sportsman fires : If he miss, the Moose 
 sets oflT in a most rapid trot, making like the Rein-deer, 
 a prodigious rattling with its hoofs, and running twenty 
 dr thirty miles before it stops or takes the water. The 
 usual time for this diversion is in winter. The animal 
 can run with ease upon the firm surface of the snow ; 
 ^but the hunters avoid entering on the chase till the heat 
 of the sun is strong enough to melt the frozen crust 
 with which it is covered, and render it so soft as to im- 
 
124 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 pede the flight of the Moose, sinks up to the shoulders, 
 flounders, and gets on with great difficulty : The sports- 
 man pursues in his broad rackets, or snow shoes, and 
 makes a ready prey of the distressed animal. 
 
 The female is less than the male, and has no horns. 
 They ^.re in season in the autumn ; and bring forth in 
 April, sometimes one, but generally two young ones at 
 a time, which ai'rive at their full growth in six years.^^ 
 
 “ As weak against the mountain -heaps they push 
 “ Their beating breasts in vain, and piteous bray, 
 
 ‘‘ He lays them quiv’ring on th’ insanguin’d snows, 
 
 ‘‘ And with loud shouts rejoicing bears them home.” 
 
 E f'’ 
 
THE AMERICJM ELK. 
 
 m.- 
 
 We have given a faithful portrait of this animal, 
 Tom a living one lately brought from the interior parts 
 Df America. It seems to be very different fi’om that ge- 
 lerally described under the name of the Elk or Moose- 
 ieer^ to which it has very little resemblance. It seems 
 indeed, to belong to a distinct species, and is probably 
 he Elk or Original of Canada and the northern parts of 
 \merica. 
 
 At the age of five years, the length of this creature 
 ras nine feet, from the end of the muzzle to the inser- 
 ion of the tail, the head and neck being extended in a 
 Ine with the body ; Its height at the shoulder was four 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 152 
 
126 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 feet six inches ; length of the head, one foot six inches 
 breadth over the forehead, seven inches ; length of th 
 fore legs, two feet five inches ; lengdi of thdneck, twijj; 
 feet six ; its ears, nine inches ; and tail,' three. It ■ 
 horns, which it had just shed, are not palmated, lik' 
 those of the Moose : They are large ; and rwhen ful 
 grown measure above six feet from tip to tip. Th 
 antlers are round, and pointed at the ends : The lower 
 most antler forms a curve downard over each eye, ti 
 which it appears a defence. Its hair was long, of , 
 dark-dun colour on the back and sides ; on the hea( 
 and legs dark brown : Its eyes full and lively f^mid be 
 low each there is a deep slit, about two inches in-length 
 the use of which we are unable do discover. 
 
 It was very lively and active ; of great strength o 
 body and limbs : Its hoofs short, and like those of ; 
 calf ; the division between them is less than in those o 
 the Rein-deer ; and when the animal is in motion, the] 
 do not make a rattling noise. It has no mane ; but thd 
 hair under its neck is longer than that on any other par 
 of the body. ' 
 
 We were told by the owner of this very rare arid 
 tiful animal, that it does not attain its full grow#f^3l 
 twenty years old, and that it sheds its horns ev^' 
 third year. ' 3'^' 
 
 ■/: ■ 'jO 
 ■ 'Jti 
 
 ;Ojfu arii! 
 
127 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 * - THE REIM-DEER. 
 
 I Cerms Tarandus, hin. — Le 
 
 jiiKO' 
 
 t This extraordinary animal is a native of the icy re- 
 
 I lions of the North ; where, by a wise and bountiful dis- 
 ensation, which diffuses the common goods of Nature 
 ^jver every part of the habitable globe, it is made subser- 
 ' ient to the wants of a hardy race of men inhabiting the 
 i auntries near the pole, who would find it impossible to 
 ■ ibsist among their snowy mountains without the aid of 
 lis most useful creature. 
 
 In more temperate regions, men are indebted to the 
 nbounded liberality of Nature for a great variety of va- 
 lable creatures to serve, to nourish, and to cloath them, 
 'o the poor Laplander, the Rein-deer alone supplies the 
 ace of the Horse, the Cow, the Sheep, the Goat, &c ; 
 

 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 which a trace 
 
 and from it lie derives the only comforts that tend tc 
 soften the severity of his situation in that most inhospi- 
 table climate. . : 
 
 The Rein-deer of Lapland are of two kinds— tlie wild 
 and the tame : The former are larger, strong,, and more 
 hardy than the latter ; for which reason,. the tame female^, 
 in the proper season, are often sent out into the woods, 
 where they meet with wild males, and return home im.- 
 pregnated by them. The breed from this mixture 
 is stronger, and better adapted for drawing the sledge 
 to which the Laplanders accustom them at an early age. 
 
 THE SLEDGE. 
 
 They are yoked to it by a collar, from 
 bi'ought under the belly between the legs, a 
 to the fore of the sledge. These carriages are 
 ly light, and covered at the bottom with the skin of the 
 Rein-deer. The persons who sits in it guides the ahi-| 
 mal with a goad, and encourages it with his voice. 
 Those of the wild breed, though by far tli 
 often prove refractory, and not only refuse 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 129 
 
 masters, but turn against him, and strike so furiously 
 with their feet, that his only resource is to cover himself 
 with his sledge, upon which the enraged creature vents 
 his fury : The tame Deer, on the contrary is patient, 
 
 , active, and willing. 
 
 / When hard pushed, the Rein-deer will trot the 
 \ distance of sixty miles without stopping ; but in such 
 ‘ exertions, the poor obedient creature fatigues itself so 
 ; exceedingly that its master is frequently obliged to kill 
 . it immediately, to prevent a lingering death that nmuld 
 ensue. In general they can go about thirty miles with- 
 out stopping, and that without any great or dangerous 
 effort. — This mode of travelling can be performed only 
 in the winter season, when the face of the country is 
 covered with snow; and, although the conveyance is 
 speedy, is inconvenient, dangerous and troublesome. 
 
 As the Rein-deer constitutes the sole riches of the 
 . Laplander, it may well be supposed that a constant at- 
 f tention to preserve and secure it, forms the chief employ- 
 I ment of his life. It is no uncommon thing for one per- 
 ; son to possess above five hundred in a single herd. 
 
 As soon as summer appears, which forms but a short 
 interval from the most piercing cold, the Laplander, who 
 had fed his Rein-deer upon the lower grounds during the 
 winter, drives them up to the mountains, leaving the 
 woody country and the low pastures, which at that sea- 
 son are in a state truly deplorable. Myriads of insects, 
 bred by the heat of the sun in the woods and fens with 
 which this country abounds, are all upon the wing ; the 
 whole atmosphere swarms with life ; every place and eve- 
 ry creature is infested ; the natives are obliged to cover 
 their faces with a mixture of pitch and milk, to shield 
 
 I 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ISO 
 
 them from these minute invadei's, which are drawn in 
 ^v'ith the breath, and enter the nostrils, and even the ’ 
 eyes : But they are chiefly inimical to the ’Rein-deer' ';| 
 The horns of that animal beinf^ then tender, and coVered’ 
 ^vith a skin which renders them extremely sensitive; ’a 
 cloud of these insects settle upon them, and drive the: 
 poor animal almost to distraction. In this extreirtityf 
 there is no resource but flight. The herdsmen drive 
 their flocks from the plains to the summits of the moun- 
 tains, whither the foe cannot follow them : There thej* 
 Avill continue the whole day with little or no food, ra; 
 ther than venture down ijito the lower parts, where thej-'; 
 have no defence against their unceasing persecutors. 
 
 Besides the gnat, the gadfly is a common pest to the 
 Rein-deer. In the autumn this insect deposits its eggs 
 in their skin, where the worms burrow, and often provesj 
 fatal to them. The moment a single fly is seen, thiei 
 whole herd is in motion ; They know their enemy, and 
 endeavour to avoid it, by tossing up their heads, and run- 
 ning among each other ; but all this too often proves in- 
 efiectual. 
 
 Every morning and evening during the summer, 
 herdsmen returns to his cottage with the Deer to liei 
 milked, where a large fire of moss is prepared, for the 
 purpose of filling the place with smoke, to drive off the 
 gnats, and keep the Deer quiet whilst milking. — The 
 quantity of milk given by one female in a day, is about a 
 pint. It. is thinner than that of a Cow, but sweeter and 
 more nourishing. 
 
 The female begins to breed at the age of two years, is 
 in season the latter end of September, goes with young 
 eight months, and generally bring forth two at a time. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ISl 
 
 —The fonduess of the Dam for her young is very re- 
 markable. They follow her two or three years, but do 
 not acquire their full strength until four. It is at this 
 age^that they are trained to labour ; and they continue 
 I serviceable four or five years. They never live above 
 fifteen or sixteen years. At eight or nine years old, the 
 jLaplanders kill them for their skins and their flesh. Of 
 the former they make garments, wdiich are v/arm, and 
 cover them from head to foot ; They also serve them for 
 beds ; they spread them on each side of the fire upon 
 the leaves of trees, and in this manner lie both soft and 
 j wann. The latter affords a constant supply of good and 
 ) wholesome food, which in the winter, when other kinds 
 „ of provision fail, is their chief subsistence. The tongue 
 \ of the Rein-deer is considered as a great delicacy ; and, 
 » when dried, great numbers of them are sold into other 
 1 countries. The sinews serve for thread, with which the 
 {Laplanders make their cloaths, shoes, and other neces- 
 I saries ; and, when covered with the hair, serve them for 
 tropes. 
 
 I Innumerable are the uses, the comforts, and advanta- 
 . ges, which the poor inhabitants of this dreary climate 
 I derive from this animal. We cannot sum them up bet- 
 I ter than the beautiful language of the poet : — 
 
 “ Their Rein-deer form tlieir riches. These their tents, 
 
 “ Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealth, 
 
 “ Supply their wholesome fare, and chearful cups : 
 
 “ Obsequious at their call, the docile tribe 
 “ Yield to the sled their necks, and whirl them swift 
 “ O’er Mil and dale, heap’d into one expanse 
 “ Of marbled snow, as far as eye can sweep, 
 
 “ With, a blue crust of ice unbounded glaz’d.” 
 
133 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The horns of the Rein-deer ai'e large and slender, 
 bending forward, with brow antlers, which are broad 
 and palmated. A pair in our possession are in length 
 two feet eight inches, and from tip to tip two feet* | 
 they weigh nine pounds : The projecting brow antler i&; 
 fourteen inches long, one foot broad, and serrated' iat tlife' 
 end : It should seem both from its situation and foi^,''! 
 an excellent instrument to remove the snow, under vtd¥i6li| 
 ^ts favourite moss lies. Both sexes have horns; Thd^ 
 €»f the female are less, and have fewer branches* 
 
 We are happy in being able to give an accurate repre^ 
 sentation of this singular creature. The drawing was 
 taken from one in the possession of Sir H. G. Liddell, 
 Bart, which he brought over from Lapland with fouT 
 others, in 1786. The height at the shoulder was three 
 feet three inches. The hair on the body was of a darfc-. 
 brown colour ; and on the neck brown, mixed with 
 wbite : A large tuft of hair, of a dirty-wbite colour; 
 hung down from the throat, near its breast ; and it had 
 a large white spot on the inside of each hind leg, close 
 by the joint : Its head was long and fine ; and round 
 each eye was a large black space : Its horns were cor*, 
 ered with a fine down, like velvet. The hoofs of this 
 animal are large, broad, and deeply cloven ; They spread* 
 out to a greater breadth on the ground ; and, when the 
 animal is in motion, make a crackling noise, by being i 
 drawn up forcibly together. ' ^ 
 
 Not many attempts have been made to draw the Rein* 
 deer from its native mountains, and transport it' to mild; 
 er climes; and of these few have succeeded. Natural- 
 ists from thence have concluded, that it cannot exist but 
 amidst ice and snow. M. Buffon regrets the impossibi- 
 

 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 1S3 
 
 . ( iitf of procuring the animal alive ; and says, that, when 
 ij -transported to another climate,, it soon dies. M. Regnard 
 : j rip^entjons some that were brought to Dantzick ; where, 
 
 I Jbeiiig unable to endure the heat of the climate, they all 
 perish^. . Queen Christina of Sweeden procured five and 
 •4 twenty, which she purposed sending to Oliver CromAvell,; 
 I Xk.ey jyere brought as far as Stockholm ; but the Lapr 
 ladders who attended them refusing to come to England, 
 fifteen of the number were killed by the wolv:;es and tire 
 remaining ten did not long survive, the climate being 
 n considered as too Avarm. 
 
 R I, ;.; To those brought over by Sir H. G. Liddell, five more 
 eI I. were added the year folloAAung. They produced young 
 M i ones,; and gave promising hopes of thriving in tliis coun- 
 S ] try,; But, unfortunately, some of them were killed ; and, 
 
 I the others died, in consequence of a disorder similar to 
 I that called the rot in Sheep, which Avas attributed to the 
 ^ 'richness of the grass Avhereon they fed. Nor can aa'^c 
 ? "wonder at the failure of this spirited enterprize, Avhea 
 s ; we consider, that it is the sole employment of the Lap- 
 ilander to tend and herd his Rein-deer, to drive them in 
 T ithe summer time to the summits of the mountains, to the 
 l ^des of clear lakes and streams, and to lead them where 
 i they can find the most proper food. Want of knovA'ledge 
 i or attention to minute particulai’s, is sufficient to over- 
 if turn the best- laid plans. 
 
 There is, however, little doubt but this animal will 
 live without the Lapland lichen ; to which, perhaps, it 
 :[ drily hath recourse, because there is in those latitudes no 
 ' other sustenance during the winter. It is also, in Eng- 
 land, free from its mortal enemy — the gadfly. But as 
 
134 ! 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the desire of possessing this animal has hitherto been ex- I 
 cited only by curiosity, it is not likely that much atten- 
 tion will be paid to it in a country like this, abounding I 
 with such a variety of useful quadrupeds. 
 
 The Rein-deer is wild in America, where it is called 
 the Caribou . — It is found in Spitzbergen and Greenland, 
 and is very common in the most northern parts of Eu- 
 rope, and in Asia as far as Kamschatka, where some of 
 the richest of the natives keep herds of ten or twenty 
 thousand in number. 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Hudson’s Bay there are great 
 herds of wild Rein-deer ; Columns of many thousands 
 annually pass from North to South in the months of 
 March and April. In that season the musquitoes are very 
 troublesome, and oblige them to quit the woods, and 3 
 seek refreshment on the shore and open country. Great i 
 numbers of beasts of prey follow the herds. The wolves j 
 single out the stragglers, detatch them from the flock, j 
 and hunt them down ; The foxes attend at a distance, 
 to pick up the offals left by the former. In autumn, 
 the Deer, with the fawns bred during the summer, re- 
 roigrate northward. j 
 
(Cerms Elephas, Lin . — Le Cerf, BulF.) 
 
 This is the most beautiful animal of the Deer kind. 
 The Elegance of his form, the lightness of its motions, 
 the flexibility of its limbs, his bold branching horns, 
 which are annually renewed, his grandeur, strength, 
 and swiftness, give him a decided pre-eminence over 
 every other inhabitant of the forest. 
 
 The age of the Stag is known by its horns. The first 
 
 HISTORY Ob QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 135 
 
136 
 
 HISTORY OF S>UADRUPEDS. 
 
 year exhibits only a short protuberance, which is covered 
 with a hairy skin ; the next year, the horns are straight 
 and single ; the third year produces two antlers, the 
 fourth three, the fifth four ; and, when arrived at the j 
 sixth year, the antlers amount to six or seven on each'l 
 side; but the number is not always certain. ! 
 
 The Stag begins to shed his horns the latter end of 
 February, or the beginning of Maixh. Soon after the 
 jOld horn has fallen off, a soft tumour begins to appear, 
 which is soon covered with a down like velvet ; This tu- 
 mour every day buds forth, like the graft of a tree ; and 
 rising by degrees shoots out the antlers on each side : 
 
 The skin continues to cover it for some time, and is fur- i 
 nished with blood-vessels, which supply the growiilgJ 
 horns with nourishment, and occasion the furrows ob-i 
 servable in them when that covering is stript off: The 
 impression is deeper at the bottom, where the vessels are ! 
 larger, and diminishes towards the point, where they are j 
 smooth. When the horns are at their full growth, they j 
 acquire strength and solidity ; and the velvet covering or 
 skin, with its flood- vessels, dries up, and begins to fall 
 off ; which the animal endeavours to hasten, by rubbing 
 them against the trees ; and, in this manner, the whole 
 head gradually acquires its complete hardness, expansion 
 and beauty. 
 
 Soon after the Stags have polished their horns, which 
 is not compleated till July or August, they quit the 
 thickets, and return to the forests : They cry with a 
 loud and tremulous note, and fly from place to place, 
 in search of the females, with extreme ardour : Their 
 
 necks swxll; they strike with their horns against trees 
 and other obstacles, and become extremely furious. — At 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 137 
 
 ,this season, when two Stags meet, tlieir contests are often 
 desperate, and terminate in the defeat or flight of one of 
 them,- while the other remains in possession of his mis- 
 tress and the field, till another rival approaches, that he 
 is also obliged to attack and repel. Daring this time, 
 which usually lasts about three weeks, the Stag is fre- 
 quently seen by the sides of I'ivers and pools of water, 
 where he can quench his thirst, as well as cool hiS^- 
 dom'. He swims with great ease and strength; and,-^t 
 is said, will even venture out to sea, allured by the 
 Hinds, and swim from one island to another, though at a 
 considerable distance. 
 
 The Hinds go with young eight months and a few 
 days, and seldom produce more than one young, called 
 a Fawn. They bring forth in May, or the beginning of 
 ■June, and conceal their young with great care in the most 
 tibscure retreats. They will even expose themselves to 
 the fury of the hounds, and suffer all the teiTors of the 
 chase, in order to draw off the dogs from their hiding- 
 place. The Hind is also very bold in the protectian of 
 her offspring, and defends it with great courage against 
 her numerous and rapa,cious enemies : TheWild Cat, the 
 Dog, and even the Wolf, are frequently obliged to' give 
 way to her upon these occasions. But what appearsTo 
 be strangely unnatural, the Stag himself is frequently oiie 
 of her most dangerous foes, and \vould destroy the fawn, 
 if not prevented by the maternal care of the Hind, which 
 carefully conceals the place of its retreat. 
 
 The calf never quits the dam during the whole sum- 
 mer ; and in winter, the Stags and Hinds of all ages 
 keep togetlier in herds, which are more or less numerous 
 according to the mildness or rigour of the season. They 
 
 2 I 
 
13S 
 
 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 separate in the spring : the Hinds retire, to bring forth 
 while none but the young ones remain together. , 
 
 Stags are gregarious, and fond of grazing in company ; 
 It is danger or necessity alone that separates them,, 
 
 I'he usual colour of the Stag, in England, is rpd;^;!^ 
 other countries, it is generally brown or yellow. Ili^s 
 03'e is peculiarly beautiful, soft, and sparkling : His hear- 
 ing is quick ; and his sense of smelling acute. When 
 listening, he raises his head, erects his ears, and seems 
 attentive to every noise which he can hear at a great 
 distance. When he approaches a thicket, he stops to 
 look round him on ail sides, and attentively surveys every 
 object near him : If the cunning animal perceive nothing 
 to alarm him, he moves slowly forward ; but, on the 
 least appearance of danger, he flies off with the rapidity 
 of the wind. He appears to listen with great tranquility 
 and delight to the sound of the shepherd’s pipe, which is 
 sometimes made use of to allure the poor animal to its. 
 destruction. ^ 
 
 The Stag eats slowly, and is nice in the choice of hfs, 
 pasture. When his stomach is full, he lies down to . 
 chew the cud at leisure. This, however, seems to, b;^ 
 attended with greater exertions than in the Ox or th^J 
 Sheep ; for the grass is not returned from the fir^t^stp-jl 
 mach without violent straining, owing to the great le.ngt]l]^l 
 of his neck, and the narrowness of the passage. ^j^This ef- 
 fort is made by a kind of hiccup, which continues during ! 
 the time of his ruminating. 
 
 The voice of the Stag is stronger and more quivering, ! 
 as he advances in age : In the rutting season, it is eveiy 
 terrible. That of the Hindis not so loud; and is.sel-, : 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 139 
 
 dom heard, but when excited by apprehension for herself 
 or her vouno;. 
 
 The Stag has been said to be an uncommonly long 
 lived animal ; but later observations have fully confuted 
 f this unfounded opinion. It is a generally received max- 
 b im, that animals live seven times the number of y era's 
 I that bring them to perfection : Thus the Stag, being five 
 ^ dr six years in arriving at maturity, lives seven times that 
 I number, or from thirty-live to forty years. 
 
 The following fact, recorded in history, will serve to 
 3 shew that the Stag is possessed of an extraordinary share 
 of courage, when his personal safety is concerned : — 
 i Some years ago, William, Duke of Cumberland, caused a 
 . Tyger and a Stag to be inclosed in the same area ; and 
 : : the Stag made so bold a defence, that the Tyger was at 
 I length obliged to give up. 
 
 The hunting of the Stag has been held, in all ages^ 
 t a diversion of the noblest kind ; and former times bear 
 1 witness of the great exploits performed on these occa- 
 i sions. In England, large tracts of land were set apai't 
 for this purpose ; villages and sacred edifices were wan- 
 1 tonly thrown down, and converted into one unde waste, 
 
 ' that the t}Tant of the day might have room to pursue his 
 ) favourite diversion. In the time of William Rufus and 
 ■ Henry the First, it was less criminal to destroy one of the 
 human species than a beast of chase. Happily for us, 
 these wide-extended scenes of desolation and oppression 
 have been gradually contracted ; useful ai'ts, agriculture, 
 and commerce, have extensively spread themselves over 
 the naked land ; and these superior beasts of the chase 
 have given way to other animals more useful to the com- 
 munity. 
 
140 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 In the present cultivated state of England, there- 1 
 fore, the Stag is almost unknown in its wild state. The 
 few that remain are kept in parks among the Fallow- [ 
 deer, and are distinguished by the name of Ued Dqer . — Its I 
 viciousness during the rutting season, and the badness of 
 its Hesh, which is poor and ill-flavoured, have occasioned i 
 almost the extinction of the species. Some few' are yet 
 to be found in the forests that border on Cornwall and 
 Devonshire, on most of the large mountains of Ireland, 
 and in the Highlands of Scotland, where Dr. Johnson 
 describes them as not exceeding the Fallow-deer in size 
 and their flesh of equal flavour, | 
 
 The Red Deer of England are nearly of the same^J 
 size and colour, without much variety : In other parts of^ 
 the world, they differ in form and size, as well as in| 
 their horns and colour of their bodies. y 
 
 A, 
 
 THE CORSICAJT STAG, , 
 
 Is very small, not exceeding half the height of ours, his 
 body is short -and thick, his hair of a dark brown colour, 
 and his legs short. 
 
 - 3 _ ^ w .. ' ^ ' ■il: 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 141 
 
 THE AXIS, OR GAJ^GES STAG, 
 
 i , (VAxis, Buff.) 
 
 This animal is an inhabitant of those immense plains 
 af India watered by the river Ganges. — M. Buffon con- 
 siders it as a variety or shade between the Stag and the 
 Fallow-deer. It is the size of the latter ; but its horns 
 are round, like those of the Stag ; and it has no brow 
 antlers. Its whole body is marked with white spots, ele- 
 \ gantly disposed, and distinct from each other ; the belly, 
 I inside of the thighs, and legs, are white ; along the back 
 f there are two rows of spots, parallel to each other ; 1 hose 
 1 on the other parts of the body are irregular ; the head 
 and neck are gray ; and the tail, which is red above and 
 white beneath, is as long as that of the Fallow-deer. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADIIUPEDS. 
 
 342 
 
 The continent of America abounds with Stags, anc 
 other animals of the Deer kind, in great variety. Ir 
 some parts of that vast country, the inhabitants have 
 domesticated them, and live chiefly upon the milk ang 
 cheese with which they supply them. 
 
 Thus we find, that the same animal, which, in some 
 parts, contributes only to the amusement of man, may, in 
 others, be brought to supply his necessities. The stores 
 of Nature ai'e various and abundant ; It is necessity alone 
 that draws them out to supply our ^vants, and contribute 
 to our, comforts. 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 143 
 
 THE FALLOW-DEER. 
 
 (Cerviis Bama, Lin . — Le Dain, Buff.) 
 
 I 
 
 The principal difTcrence bet^veen the Stag and the 
 "allovv-deer, seems to be in their size and in the form of 
 t heir horns ; the latter is much smaller than the formeig 
 ind its horns, instead of being round, like those of the 
 ;'kag, are broad, palmatedat the ends, and better garnish - 
 ■d with antlers : The tail is also much longer than that 
 I ,)f the Stag, and its hair is brighter ; in other respects 
 hey nearly resemble each other. 
 
 The horns of the Fallow-deer are shed annually, like 
 hose of the Stag ; but they fail off later, and are renew- 
 ed nearly at the same time. Their rutting season arrives 
 ifteen days or three Aveeks after that of the Stag. The 
 nales then bellow frequently, but Avith a Ioav and inter- 
 'upted voice. They ai'e not so furious at this season as 
 
HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 i-H' 
 
 the Stag, nor exhaust themselves by any uncommon ar- 
 dour. The}^ never leave the pasture in quest of the fe- 
 males, but generally fight with each other, till one bucii 
 becomes master of the field. ; 
 
 They associate in herds, which sometimes divide intc 
 two parties, and maintain obstinate battles for the posses- 
 sion of some favourite part of the park : Each party has 
 its leader, which is always the oldest and strongest of tli( 
 flock. They attack in regular order of battle ; they fighi j 
 with courage, and mutually support each other ; they re- 
 tire, they rally, and seldom give up after one defeat: 
 The combat is frequently renewed for several days to-ns 
 gether; till, after many defeats, the weaker party is ' 
 obliged to give way, and leave the conquerors in posses- 
 sion of the object of their contention. 
 
 The Fallow-deer is easily tamed, feeds upon a variety; 
 of things which the Stag refuses, and preserves itscondi-j 
 tion nearly the same through the whole year, althougliij 
 its flesh is esteemed much finer at particular seasons. 
 
 They are capable of procreation in their second year ; 
 arjd, like the Stag, are fond of variety. The female goesj 
 •with young eight months ; and produces one, sometimes 
 two, and rarely three, at a time. They arrive at perfec- 
 tion at the age of three years, and live till about twenty, j 
 We have in Emgland two varieties of the Fallow-deer' 
 W'hich are said to be of foreign origin : The beautiful 
 spotted kind, supposed to have been brought from Ben- 
 gal ; and tlie deep brown sort, now common in this 
 country. These last were introduced by King James the! 
 First, out of Norway ; where having observed their har. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 145 
 
 ,^iness ill bearing the cold of that severe climate, he 
 [ l^rought some of them into Scotland, and from thence 
 ■ transported them into his chases of Enfield and Epping, 
 
 I Since that time they have multiplied exceedingly in ma- 
 [ ny parts of England, which is now become famous for 
 j venison of superior fatness and flavour to that of any other 
 j country in the w orld. 
 
 * I I he Fallow’'-Deei', with some variation, is found 
 I • almost every country of Europe. Those of Spain are 
 I as large as Stags, but darker ; their necks are also moro 
 n slender ; and their tails, which are longer than those of 
 5 ours, are black above, and white beneath. 
 
 I i. In Guiana (a country of South-America) according to 
 
 I I Labat, there are Deer without horns, smaller than those 
 ■; of Europe, but resembling them in every other particu- 
 
 I lar. They are very lively, light, and excessively timid ; of 
 a reddish colour, with shiwp piercing eyes, and short tails, 
 i When pursued, they fly into places of difficult access. 
 }! The natives frequently stand and watch for them in nar- 
 n row paths ; and as soon as the game appears within 
 < reach, shoot them unperceived. Their flesh is considered 
 j as a great delicacjn . 
 
 
 K 
 
146 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE ROE-BUCK. 
 
 ( Cervus Caprcolus, Liu . — Le Chevreuil, BufF.) | 
 
 The Roe was formerly common in many parts of Eng- | 
 land and Wales ; but at present it is only to be found in 
 the Highlands of Scotland. It is the smallest of all the 
 Deer kind, being only three feet four inches long, and 
 somewhat more than two feet in height : The horns are 
 from eight to nine inches long, upright, round, and divi- 
 ded into three branches ; the body is covered with long 
 hair ; the lower part of each hair is ash-colour ; near the 
 end is a narrow bar of black, and the point is yellow ; 
 the hairs on the face are black, tipped with ash-colour ; 
 the ears are long, their insides of a pale yellow, and co- 
 vered with long hair ; the chest, belly, legs, and the in- 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 14 
 
 -t i 
 
 side of the thighs are of a yellowish-white ; the rump is 
 of a pure white, and the tail very short. 
 
 The form of the Roe-buck is elegant, and its motions 
 light and easy. It bounds seemingly without effort, and 
 runs with great swiftness. — When hunted, it endeavours 
 to elude its pursuers by the most subtle artifices : It 
 
 repeatedly returns upon its former steps, till, by various 
 windings, it has entirely confounded the scent. The 
 sunning animal then, by a sudden spring, bounds to one 
 side ; and, lying close down upon its belly, permits the 
 hounds to pass by, without offering to stir. 
 
 They do not keep together in herds like other Deer, 
 but live in separate families. The sire, the dam, and 
 the young ones, associate together, and seldom mix with 
 others. 
 
 Their rutting season continues but fifteen days — from 
 the latter end of October till about the middle of No- 
 vember. During this period, they will not suffer the 
 fawns to remain with them : The buck obliges them to 
 
 retire, in order that the dam and her succeeding progeny 
 may remain undisturbed. 
 
 The female goes with young five months and a half, 
 and brings forth about the end of April, or beginning of 
 May. On these occasions she separates from the male, 
 and conceals herself in the thickest and most retired part 
 of the woods. She generally produces two fawns at a 
 (time, sometimes three. In ten or twelve days these arc 
 [able to follow their dam. When threatened with dan- 
 ger, she hides them in a thicket ; and, to preserve them, 
 
 I offers herself to be chased : But, notwithstanding her 
 
 I care, she is frequently robbed of her young. Numbers 
 
148 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 of faAvns are found out and taken alive b}" the peasants ; 
 and many more are worried by dogs, foxes, and other 
 carnivorous animals. By these continual depredations, 
 this beautiful creature is daily becoming more scarce ; 
 and, in many countries, where itonceavas common, the 
 race is now wholly extinct. 
 
 When about eight or nine months old, their horns be- 
 gin to appear in the form of two knobs : The first year 
 
 they are without antlers. They shed their horns the 
 latter end of autumn, and renew them in the winter ; in 
 hich they dilfer from the Stag, whose horns fall off in 
 the spring, and are renewed in summer. 
 
 The life of the Roe-buck seldom exceeds twelve or 
 fifteen 5'eiU'S. 
 
 They are very delicate in the choice of their 
 and require a large tract of countiy, suited to the wild-' 
 ness of their nature, which can never be thoroughly sub- 
 dued. No arts can teach them to be familiar with theirl 
 keeper, nor in any degree attached to him. They are 
 easily terrified ; and, in their attempts to escape, will run 
 with such force against the w'alls of their inclosui'e, as 
 sometimes to disable themselves : They are also subject 
 to capricious fits of fierceness ; and, on these occasions, 
 will strike furiously witli their horns and feet at the| 
 object of their dislike. , 
 
 Some years ago, one of these animals, after being 
 hunted out of Scotland, through Cumberland and variouii 
 parts of the North of England, at last took refuge in the| 
 woody recesses bordering upon the banks of the TyneJ 
 betw^een Prudhoe Castle and Wylam. It was repeatedly- 
 seen and hunted, but no dogs were equal to its speed : 
 It frequently crossed the river ; and, either by swdftneBS 
 
HISTORY OF OUADPtUPEDS. 
 
 149 
 
 or artifice, eluded all its pursuers. It happened, during 
 the rigour of a severe v/inter, that being pursued, it 
 crossed the ri^•er upon the ice with some difiiculty ; and, 
 being much strained by its violent exertions, vais taken 
 alive. It was kept for some weeks in the house, and 
 was then again turned out ; but all its cunning and acti. 
 ■\ ity were gone ; it seemed to have forgotten the place of 
 its former retreat; and, after running some time, it laid 
 down in the midst of a brook, where it was killed by the 
 dogs. 
 
 The flesh of the Roe-buck is fare and well -tasted ; 
 That of tlie male, after the age of two years, is hard ; 
 the flesh of the females, though fiirther advanced in 
 years, is more tender ; When very' ymung, it is loose 
 and soft ; but at the age of eighteen months, is in its 
 highest state of perfection. 
 
 In America, the Roe-buck is much more common 
 than in Europe. — In Louisiana, it is very large. — The 
 inhabitants live chiefly upon its flesh, which is good and 
 Avell-flavoured. 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Camelus Bactrianus, Lin . — Le Chameau, BuiF, 
 
 Possesses the various qualities of the Horse, the Cow, I 
 and the Sheep ; and is to the Arabian, in a great mea- | 
 sure, what those useful creatures are to us. Its milk is ! 
 rich and nourishing : and, being mixed with water makes [ 
 a wholesome and refreshing beverage, much used by the i 
 Arabs in their journies ; The flesh of young Camels is 
 also an excellent and Avholesome food. Their hair or i 
 fleece, which falls off entirely in the spring, is superior ' 
 to that of any other domestic animal, and is made into very 
 fme stuffs, for cloaths, coverings, tents, and other furni- 
 ture. 
 
 Possessed of his Camel, the Arabian has nothing either 
 to Avant or to fear : In one day, he can perform a jour- 
 ney of fifty leagues into the desert, where he is safe from 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 151 
 
 every enemy ; for, without the aid of thi‘s useful animal, 
 no person could pursue him amidst sandy deserts, where 
 nothing presents itself to the eye but one uniform void, 
 I naked and solitary. 
 
 ' The Arabian regards the camel as the most precious 
 o’ift of Heaven ; by the assistance of which he is enabled 
 *♦ to subsist in those frightful intervals of Nature, which 
 serve him for an asylum, and secure his independence. 
 I But it is not to the plundering Arab alone that the 
 f services of this useful quadruped are confined : In Tur- 
 key, Persia, Barbary, and Egypt, every article of mer- 
 I ^handise is carried by Camels. Merchants and travellers 
 unite together, and form themselves into numerous bo- 
 dies, called caravans, to prevent the insults of the Arabs. 
 One of these caravans- frequently consists of many thou- 
 sands : the Camels are ahvays more numerous than the 
 men. Each Camel is loaded in proportion to his strength. 
 (' At the command of their conductor, they lie down on 
 |.':heir belly, with their legs folded under them, and in this 
 . posture receive their burdens. As soon as they are load- 
 . ;d, they rise of their own accord, and will not suffer any 
 i greater w^eight to be imposed upon them than they can 
 bear with ease : when overloaded, they set up the most 
 ( piteous cries, till part of the burden be taken off. The 
 t common load of a camel is from three to four hundred 
 tveight ; and the medium of the expence of the convey- 
 mce for each hundred appears to be about one farthing 
 per mile. The usual rate of travelling is three miles in 
 ;he hour ; and the number of hours that are actually em- 
 ployed on the route, exclusive of those allotted to refresh- 
 ment, is seldom more than seven or eight in a day. Of 
 
iS2 
 
 HISTORY OF ^)UADRUP£D3. 
 
 the number of clays which ai'e consumed in a long joi^r 
 ney, many are devoted tp the purposes of occasional trade 
 recruiting- the strength of dhc Camels, and procuring ad. 
 ditional stores of provisions and w'ater. — A particular 
 mode of easy conveyance is provided for women anc 
 children, and for persons oppressed with infirmity or ill 
 ness : Six ^or eight Camels are yoked together in a row 
 and a number of tent poles are placed in parallel linei 
 upon their backs : These are covered wdth carpets ; aii( i 
 bags of com are superadded to bring the floor to a level 
 as W'-ell as to soften the harshness of the Camel’s move 
 ments : Other carpets are then spread, and the traveller; j 
 sit or lie down w ith the most perfect ease. — The genera 
 food of the camels is such only as their nightly pastunij 
 affords ; and is frequently confined to the hard anc' 
 thorny shrubs of the desert, where a sullen kind of vege- 
 tation is created by the rains of the winter, and sustained 
 by the dew^ that descends in copious abundance througl: 
 all the remainder of the year. i 
 
 But the peculiar and distinguished chai'acteristic o^. 
 the Camel, is its faculty of abstaining from water for i\ 
 greater length of time than any other animal ; for whicl 
 Mature has made a wmnderful provision, in giving it, be- 
 sides the four stomachs w'hich it has in common will; 
 other ruminating animals, a fifth bag, serving as a resen 
 voir for w^ater, w here it remains wdthout corrupting or 
 mixing with the other aliments. When the Camel is 
 pressed wdth thirst, and has oecasion for w^ater to mace* 
 rate its food while ruminating, it makes part of it pasf 
 into its stomach, by a simple contraction of certain mus- 
 cles. By this singular structure, it can take a prodigious 
 quantity of ^^-ater at one draught, and is enabled to passi 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 153 
 
 several days without drinking ; Leo Africanus says fif- 
 teen. — Camels can discover water by their smell at half 
 i league’s distance ; and, after a long abstinence, will 
 , lasten towards it, long before their drivers perceive 
 vhere it lies. 
 
 The feet of the Camel are peculiarly adapted to the 
 ioil on which it treads. On moist or slippery ground 
 le cannot well support himself ; and his broad and ten- 
 ler feet are liable to be injured by the resistance of 
 tones : But he is observed to tread with perfect ease and 
 security on the dry and yielding sand ; and whilst, from 
 ts peculiar structure, his hoof is incapable of fastening 
 vith any degree of security on the ground of a steep 
 .scent or shelving declivity, his movements on a smooth 
 ind level surface are singularly firm and safe. 
 
 Many attempts have been made to introduce this ser- 
 ^ dceable animal into other countries ; but, as yet, none 
 “3 lave succeeded. The race seems to be confined to cer- 
 : ain districts, where its utility has been known for ages. 
 
 Though a native of warm climates, the Camel dreads 
 hose which are excessively hot : It can neither subsist in 
 N he burning heat of the torrid zone, nor in the milder air 
 if the temperate. It seems to be an original native of 
 w* Mabia ; for, in that country, it is not only more nume- 
 ous, but thrives better than in any other part of the 
 rorld. 
 
 There are two varieties of this animal, which have 
 ■ leen distinguished previous to all historical record ; That 
 rhich is called the Bactrian Camel has two hunches on 
 ts back, and is found chiefly in Turkey and the coun- 
 ries of the Levant ; whilst the Arabian Camel has only 
 me hunch. 
 
 2K 
 
3 51 * 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE ARABIAM CAMEL, OR DROME- 
 DARY. 
 
 ( Camelus Dromedarius , Lin . — Le Dromedaire, Buff. 
 
 Is common in Arabia and all the northern parts of Afrj 
 ca, from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Niger; aii; 
 is infinitely more numerous, and more generally diffusec 
 than the Camel : It is also much swifter, and is therefoi 
 chiefly employed on business which requires dispatch. : 
 In Arabia, they ‘dre trained for running matches ; ah 
 in many places, for carrying couriers, who can go abo’v 
 a hundred miles a day on them, and that for nine or te 
 days together, over burning and uninhabitable desart 
 They require neither whip nor spur to quicken the 
 pace, but go freely, if gently treated ; and are much ei 
 livened by singing or the sound of the pipe, rvhich giv< 
 them spirits to pursue their journey. 
 
 They are mild and gentle at all times, except whe' 
 they are in heat : At that period they are seized with 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 155 
 
 sort of madness ; they eat little, and will sometimes at- 
 ;empt to bite their masters ; so that it is not safe to ap- 
 proach him. 
 
 The camel airives at its full strength at the age of six 
 irears, and lives forty or fifty. 
 
 The females are not usually put to labour, but are al- 
 owed to pasture and breed at full liberty. Their time 
 )f gestation is nearly twelve months ; and they generally 
 I pring forth one at a birth. 
 
 fCamelus GlaJua^lAn. — Le Lama^'QwS.) 
 
 's the Camel of Peru and Chili ; and, before the con- 
 pest of those countries by the Spaniards, was the only 
 peast of burden known to the Indiaiis. Its disposition is 
 nild, gentle, and tractable. 
 
 Before the introduction of Mules, these animals were 
 ised by the natives to plough the land, and now serve to 
 ;arry burdens. They march slowly, and seldom accom- 
 )lish journies of more than four or five leagues a day ; 
 Put what they want in speed is made up by perseverance 
 \f< ind industry. They travel long journies in countries im- 
 passable to most other animals ; are very sure-footed ; 
 - aid are much employed in transporting the rich ores, 
 it lug out of the mines of Potosi, over the rugged hills and 
 ji iarrow paths of the Andes ; Bolivar remarks, that, in 
 US time, three hundred thousand of them were constant- 
 y employed in this work. They lie down to be loaded, 
 
166 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and, when weary, no blows can excite them to quicken 
 their pace. They neither defend thmselves with their 
 feet nor their teeth. When angry, they have no other* 
 method of revenging injuries, but by spitting. They can 
 throw out their saliva to the distance of ten paces ; and 
 if it fall on the skin it raises an itching, accompanied 
 with slight inflammation. Their flesh is eaten, and said 
 to be as good as mutton. 
 
 Like the Camel, they have the faculty of abstaining 
 long from water (sometimes four or five days) ; and, like 
 that animal, their food is coarse and trifling. They are 
 neither allowed corn nor hay ; green herbage, of which 
 they eat very moderately, is sufficient for their nourish- 
 ment. 
 
 The Wild Lamas, called Guanacos, are stronger and i 
 more active than the domestic kind. They live in herds 
 and inhabit the highest regions of the Cordelieres. They ^ 
 run with great swiftness in places of difficult access, 'll 
 where dogs cannot easily follow them. The most usual 
 way of killing them is with the gun. They are hunted 
 for the sake of their flesh and their hair : Of the latter 
 the Indians make cloth. 
 
 The Lama resembles the Camel in the form of its bo- 
 dy, but is without the dorsal hunch : Its head is small 
 and well shaped ; its neck long, and very protuberant, 
 near its junction with the body ; in its domestic state I 
 its hair is short and smooth ; when wild, it is coarse and! 
 long, of a yellowish colour ; A black line runs along thfi 
 top of the back, from the head to the tail. The tamel 
 ones vary in colour : Some of them are white, others 
 black, others of a mixed colour — white, gray, and russet, 
 dispersed in spots. Its tail is short ; Its ears are four 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 15-1 
 
 inches long : Its feet are cloven, like those of -the Ox, 
 and are armed behind with a spur, by which the ani- 
 mal is enabled to support itself on rugged and difficult 
 ground. The height of the Lama is about four feet ; 
 and its length, from the neck to the tail, six feet. 
 
 THE PACOS, 
 
 (Camelus Pacos, Lin . — Le Paco, Buff.) 
 
 Very much resembles the Lama in figure, but is much 
 smaller. Its body is covered with very fine long wool, 
 of tne colour of dried roses, or a dull purple ; the belly 
 is white : — They live in vast herds, and inhabit the most 
 elevated parts of the highest mountains, where they en- 
 dure the utmost rigour of frost and snow. They are ex- 
 ceedingly swift ; and so timid, that it is very difficult to 
 come near them. 
 
 The manner of taking them is singular. The Indians 
 tie cords, w'ith small pieces of wool or cloth hanging 
 from them, across the narrow passes of the mountains, 
 about three or four feet from the ground : They then 
 drive a herd of these animals towards them, and they 
 are so terrified by the flutter of the rags, that they dare 
 not pass, but huddle together, and suffer themselves to 
 be killed in great numbers. 
 
 Their wool .is a valuable article of commerce, and is 
 made into gloves, stockings, bed-cloaths, carpets, &c. 
 
 The Pacos is domesticated ; and, like the Lama is 
 employed in carrying burdens, but cannot bear more 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 than from fifty to seventy-five pounds ; and is still more 
 subject to capricious fits or obstinacy. When once they 
 lie down with their load, no blows can provoke them to 
 rise. 
 
 The great advantages derived from the wool of these 
 creatures, induced the Spaniards to attempt their intro- 
 duction into Europe. Some of them were brought over 
 to Spain ; but by not sufficiently attending to the neces- 
 sity of placing them in situations similar to those which 
 they had always been accustomed to, the experiment 
 proved unsuccessful. -t 
 
 'V 
 
 .4 
 
 \i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ! 
 
 159 
 
 THE HOG KIMD. 
 
 Animals of the Hog kind seem to possess a middle 
 nature, between those that live upon grass and such as 
 are carnivorous, and unite in themselves most of those 
 distinctions which are peculiar to each class. Like the 
 one, they will feed on animal substances, and do not ru- 
 minate ; like the other, they are cloven-hoofed, live 
 chiefly on vegetables, and seldom seek after animal food, 
 except when urged by necessity. 
 
 The most numerous breed of Hogs in England, is that 
 generally known by the name of the Berkshire Pigs, now 
 spread through almost every part of that island and some 
 parts of Scotland. They are in general of a reddish- 
 brown colour, with black spots upon them ; have large 
 ears hanging over their eyes ; are short- legged, small- 
 boned, and are readily made fat. Some of these have 
 been fed to almost an incredible size. Mr. Cully in his 
 Treatise -on Live Stock, gives an account of one that was 
 killed at Congleton, in Cheshire, which measured, from 
 the nose to the end of the tail, three yards eight inches ; 
 in height, it was four feet and a half : and weighed, after 
 it was killed, eighty- six stones eleven pounds avoir- 
 dupoise. 
 
 The Hog species, though very numerous, and diffused 
 over Europe, Asia, and Africa, did not exist in Ame- 
 rica, till transported thither by the Spaniards. In ma- 
 ny places they have multiplied exceedingly, and become 
 wild. They resemble the domestic Hog ; but their bo- 
 dies are shorter, and their snout and skin thicker. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 1 6o 
 
 THE F/ILD-BOAR, 
 
 (Sus Aper, Lin . — Le Sanglier, Buff.) 
 
 Which is the original of all the varieties to be found in 
 this creature, is much smaller than those of the domestic 
 kind, and does not, like them, vary in colour, but is uni- 
 formly of a brinded or dark-gray, inclining to black. — 
 His snout is longer than that of the tame Hog : and his 
 ears are short, round and black. He is armed with for- 
 midable tusks in each jaw, which serve him for the dou- 
 ble purpose of annoying his enemy, or procuring his food 
 which is chiefly roots and vegetables : Some of these tusks j 
 are almost a foot long ; Those in the upper jaw bend up- : 
 wards in a circular form, and are exceedingly sharp at 
 the points ; those of the under jaw are always most to be 
 dreaded, for with them the animal defends himself, and 
 frequently gives mortal wounds. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l6l 
 
 Wild Boars are not gregarious ; but, while young, live 
 ;ogether in families, and frequently unite their forces 
 1 igainst the wolves, or other beasts of prey. When likely 
 o be attacked, they call to each other ivith a ^^eiy loud 
 I md fierce note : The strongest face the danger, and form 
 ! hemselves into a ring, the \veakest falling into the cen^ 
 er. In this position, few beasts dare venture to engage 
 , hem, but leave them to pursue a less dangerous chace. 
 —When the Wild-boar is ai'rived at a state of maturity, 
 le Avalks the forest alone and fearless. At that time he 
 r treads no single foe ; nor will he turn out of his Avay 
 ven for man himself. He ofiends no animal ; at the 
 ame time he is furnished with ai'ms, which render him 
 terror to the fiercest. 
 
 The hunting of the Wild-boar is a dangerous but 
 ommon amusement of the great in those countries 
 , here it is to be found. The dogs chiefly used for this 
 ^ port ai'e of a slow and heavy kind. — When the boar is 
 oused, he goes slowly forward, not much afraid, nor 
 ery far before his pursuers. He freiquently turns round, 
 [j^-:ops till the hounds come up, and offers to attack them, 
 dter keeping each other at bay for a while, the Boar 
 gain goes slowly forward, and the Dogs renew the pur- 
 ^ ait. In this manner the chace is continued till the Boar 
 ecomes quite tired, and refuses to go any farther: The 
 j, )ogs then attempt to close in upon him from behind ; 
 ,, ad in this attack the young ones, being generally the 
 )OSt forward, frequently lose their lives : The old sea- 
 aned Dogs keep the animal at bay until the hunters, 
 ame up, who kill him with their spears. 
 
 L 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 162 
 
 THE COMMOJT BOAR, 
 
 (Sus Scrofa, Lin. — Le Co chon, BufF.) 
 
 Is, of all other domestic quadrupeds, the most filthy anc 
 impure. Its form is clumsy and disgusting, and its ap 
 petite gluttonous and excessive — In no instance has na 
 ture more conspicuously shewn her oeconomy than in thi 
 race of animals, Avhose stomachs are fitted to receive nu 
 triment from a variety of things that would be otherwis’ 
 wasted : The refuse of the field, the garden, the barn, 0 
 the kitchen, affords them a luxuriant repast. 
 
 Useless during life, and only valuable when deprive 
 of it, this animal has been sometimes compared to j 
 miser, whose hoarded treasures are of little value till deat 
 has deprived them of their rapacious owner. j 
 
 The parts of this animal are finely adapted to its mod 
 of living. Nature has given it a form more prone tha 
 that of other animals. Its neck is strong and brawny 
 its snout is long and callous, well calculated for the pu 
 pose of turning up the earth for roots of various kindj 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 163 
 
 { Df which it is extremely fond ; and it has a quick sense 
 ( smelling, by which it is enabled to trace out its food, 
 t It is naturally stupid, inactive, and drowsy ; much in- 
 clined to encrease in fat, which is disposed in a different 
 iTianner from that of other animals, and forms a thick 
 jind regular coat between the flesh and the skin. It is 
 I'estless at a change of weather ; and, during certain high 
 ivinds, is so agitated, as to run violently, screaming hor- 
 ribly at the same time. It appears to foresee the ap- 
 proach of bad weather, as it previously carries straw in 
 !|[ts mouth to its sty, prepares a bed, and seems endea- 
 vouring to hide itself from the impending storm. 
 
 I Linnaeus observes, that the flesh of the Hog is a 
 Jtvholesome food for those that use much exercise, but 
 ! bad for sueh as lead a sedentary life. It is of universal 
 i use, and makes in various ways a eonstant artiele in the 
 
 I elegancies of the table. It is of great importance to Eng- 
 land, as a commercial nation ; for it takes salt better 
 j than any other kind, and consequently is capable of be- 
 j ing preserved longer : It is therefore of great use in ships, 
 and makes a principal part of the provisions of the Bri- 
 tish navy. 
 
 The domestic Sow generally brings forth twice a year 
 and produces from ten to twenty at a litter ; she goes 
 four months with young, and brings forth in the fifth. 
 At that time she must be carefully watched, to prevent 
 her from devouring yer young ; Still greater attention is 
 necessary to keep off the male, as he would destroy the 
 .whole Utter. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 161. 
 
 By a mixture of the Chinese black Swine with others 
 of the larger British breed, a kind has been produced 
 which possesses many qualities superior to either of the 
 original stocks. They are very prolific, are sooner made 
 fi\t than the larger kind, upon less provisions, and cut up 
 when killed to more useful and convenient portions, i 
 
 Our figure was taken from a sow of this kind in the 
 possession of Arthur Mowbry, Esqr. of Sherburn, in 
 the county of Durham. She had a litter of nineteen pigs 
 to support at the time, which Vv^as the third within ten 
 months: The whole amounted at that time, to fifty 
 pigs. 
 
 The Chinese or black breed are now very common in 
 England. They are smaller, have shorter legs, and theii 
 flesh is whiter and sAveeter than the common kind. 
 
 A kind similar to this were those found in New Gui-| 
 nea, which proved so seasonable a relief to our circumi 
 navigators, AA'hen that country AA^as first visited by themi 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 165 
 
 There are likewise great numbers of them in the Friend- 
 ly and Society Isles, the Marquesas, and many other of 
 the newly -discovered islands in the South Seas. These 
 are fed with plaintains, bread fruit, and yams, and are ex- 
 ceedingly fat. They are frequently seen by the natives 
 in their canoes, swumming from one island to another, 
 and killed by them with lances and arrows. 
 
 Another breed of Swine has lately been introduced in- 
 to this kingdom, w hich is expected to rival or excel, all 
 the others ; The original stock w-as produced from a Wild 
 Boar, brought from America, and a Sow of the improved 
 Chinese breed. The Sow's are extremely prolific, and 
 the colour of the pigs in general is most fancifully diversi- 
 fied ; some are striped longitudinally, w'ith brown and 
 black ; others, brown and blue ; and others, wdth black 
 and white. The colour of the Boai' wns a rusty-brown. 
 
l66 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE CHIMESE KIND. 
 
 An unceasing attention to improvement has produced 
 or new-modelled the Chinese breed in England to what 
 is deemed to be nearer perfection. The delicacy of 
 appearance, the thin traasparent ears, small head, short 
 small legs, and even the colour of the hair, are all conside- 
 red as requisite qualities which ought to be attended to in 
 this kind. They are seldom fed for the same purposes ' 
 as the larger kinds of swine, being accounted too small j 
 for being dried into bacon ; but they are preferred as the 
 best and most delicate for pork and roasting pigs. 
 
 Our figure was taken from one of this decrip tion in the 
 possession of Geo. Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the coun- 
 ty of Durham. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 167 
 
 ' fSiis JEthiopicus, Lin — Sanglier du Cap Verd, Buff.) 
 
 I Lives in a wild, uncultivated state, in the hottest parts 
 of Africa. It is a very vicious animal, and quick in all its 
 motions. It is as dangerous to attack one of them as a 
 Lion : For, though much smaller it rushes upon a man 
 as swift as an arrow ; and throwing him down before he 
 has time to strike with his javelin, breaks his legs, and 
 almost at the same instant rips up his belly. 
 
 It has four tusks ; Two very large ones proceed from 
 the upper jaw, and turn upwards like a horn ; they are 
 nine inches long, and full five inches round at the base ; 
 the two other tusks, which come from the lower jaw, 
 project but diree inches from the mouth. These tusks 
 the animal makes use of as the dreadful instruments of 
 his vengeance. He will attack a man on Horseback, if 
 
l68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 he should venture to come too near him : and first break- 
 ing the Horse’s legs, kills both him and the rider. 
 
 Sparrman describes it as being of a bright-yellow co- 
 lour, like the domestic kind. Its nose is broad, fiat, and 
 of a homy hardness ; its head is very large, in proportion 
 to the size of irs body ; underneath each eye it has a 
 great lobe or wattle, lying almost horizontally, broad, 
 flat, rounded at the end, and placed so as to intercept 
 the view of any thing immediately beneath it ; the ears 
 are large and sharp-pointed, lined on the inside with long 
 whitish hairs; its tail is slender and flat, and when the 
 animal is pursued it always holds it quite erect. 
 
 They live in holes under ground, the avenues to rvhich i 
 are exceedingly narrow. The natives seldom dare attack : 
 them in their retreats, as there is always danger of their 
 rushing out umwares. When pursued with their young ] 
 ones, it is no uncommon thing to see them take them up | 
 in their mouths, and run with them in that manner it a 
 great rate. 
 
 From the shortness of their necks, they frequently fall 
 on their knees to feed ; and change this posture to that | 
 of standing with the greatest ease. 
 
 The flesh of this animal is good, and very much re- 
 sembles that of the common Hog. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 169 
 
 ' (SusTajacu, Lin.) 
 
 Inhabits the hottest parts of South- America, where the 
 species is very numerous: Herds, consisting of two or 
 three hundred, are sometimes to lie seen tofl:ether. — It is 
 very fierce, and will fight stoutly with beasts of prey, 
 ivhen attacked by them. The Jaguar, or American Leo- 
 pard, is its mortal enemy, and frecpiently loses its life m 
 engaging a number of these animals. They assist each 
 other, surround their enemies, and often come off vic- 
 torious. 
 
 They live chiefly in mountainous places, and are not 
 fond of wallowing in the mire, like the common Hog, 
 They feed on fruits, roots, and seeds: They likewise eat 
 serpents, toads, and lizards : and are very dexterous in 
 i first taking off the skins with their fore feet and teeth. 
 
 . The Peccary in appearance resembles the hog, though 
 i somewhat smaller : Its body is covei'ed with strong liris- 
 itles, which, when the creature is irritated, rise up like 
 
 I 2 L 
 
170 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the prickles of a Hedgehog, and are nearly as strong ; 
 they are of a dusky colour, with alternate rings of white ; 
 across the shoulders to the breast there is a band of 
 white; its head is short and thick; it has two tusks in 
 each jaw ; it'S ears are small and erect; and instead of a 
 tail it has a small fleshy protuberance, which does not 
 cover its posteriors. It differs most essentially from the » 
 Hog, in having a small orifice on the lower part of the 
 back, from whence a thin watery humour, of a most dis- 
 agreeable smell, flows ver}- copiously. In the Philosophi- 
 cal Transactions, Dr. Tyson has described this orifice ^ 
 very minutely, as well as some other peculiarities in the 
 conformation of its stomach and intestines. 
 
 Like the Hog, the Peccary is very prolific. The 
 young ones, if taken at first, are easily tamed, and soon 
 lose all their natural ferocity ; but can never be brought 
 to discover any signs of attachment to those that feed ■ 
 them. They do no michief, and may be allov ed to run 
 about at pleasure. They seldom stray far from home, . 
 and return of their own accord. When angry, they 
 grunt like the Hog, but much stronger and harsher; and 
 when suddenly alarmed, make a sharp noise with their 
 breath, and erect their bristles. 
 
 The flesh of the Peccary, though drier and leaner than 
 that of our Hog, is by no means disagreeable, and may 
 be greatly improved by castration. When killedj the 
 dorsal gland must be immediatly cut off. If this ope- 
 ration be defered for the space of half an hour, the flesh 
 becomes utterly unfit to be eaten. 
 
 Although the European Hog is common in America, 
 and in many parts has become wild, the Peccary has ne- 
 ver been known to breed with it. Tliey frequently go 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 171 
 
 together, and feed in the same woods ; but hitherto no 
 intermediate breed has been known to arise from their 
 intercourse. 
 
 M. de la Borde describes two kinds of this animal, — 
 one smaller than the other. — He relates, that being one 
 day engaged with some others in hunting a drove of Pec- 
 caries, they were surrounded by them, and obliged to 
 take refuge upon a piece of rock ; and, notwithstanding 
 they kept up a constant fire among them, the creatures 
 did not retire till a great number of them were slain. 
 
172 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE BABIROUSSA, 
 
 (Sus Babj/roussa, Lin . — Le Bm'byroussa, BufF.) 
 
 Though classed by naturalists with the Hog kind, dilFers 
 from animals of that species in a variety of partieulars ; 
 Its legs are longer, and its body more slender ; it is co- 
 vered with short hair as soft as wool, and of a dark- gray 
 colour, mixed with red ; its ears are short and pointed : 
 its tail is long, tufted at the end, and twisted. Its most 
 distinguishing characteristic consists in four large tusks, 
 the two stoutest of which proceed, like those of the Wild 
 Boai’, from the under jaw, pointing upwards, and stand- 
 ing near eight inches out of the sockets ; the two others 
 rise up like horns on the outside of the upper jaw, just 
 above the nose, and extend in a curve above the eyes, 
 almost touching the forehead, and are twelve inches in 
 length. These tusks are of the most beautiful ivory, but 
 not so hard as those of the Elephant. 
 
 The Babiroussa abounds in several of the islands of the 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 2ast-Indies, particularly Buero. a small isle near Am- 
 
 It is easily tamed, and its flesh is well tasted. It lives 
 m leaves of tiees and other vegetables. Its scent is ex- 
 piisite ; It can discover the approach of Dogs at a dis- 
 ance. When closely pursued, it plunges into the sea, 
 iiwims and dives vdth great facility from one island to 
 mother, and by that means frequently escapes from its 
 jursuers. 
 
 They live in herds ; and, when any number of them 
 ire together, their odour is so strong, that the dogs can 
 Iscent them at a considerable distance. When attacked, 
 r;hey growl frightfully, and defend themselves with their 
 1 jnder tusks ; The upper ones are serviceable to them in 
 : taking theh repose, by hooking them on the branches of 
 
 )oyna, 
 
174 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 r 
 
 THE LOJTG JfOSED TAPIIR. 
 
 {Hippopotamus Terrestris, Lin . — Le Tapir ^ BufF.) 
 
 Is the Hippopotamus of the new world, and has by som( 
 authors been mistaken for that animal. It inhabits the 
 woods and rivers on the eastern side of South America 
 from the isthmus of Darien to the river of the Amazons} 
 — It is a solitary animal, sleeps during the day, and goeif 
 out in the night in search of food; lives on grass, su| 
 gar-canes, and fruits. If disturbed, it takes to the water 
 swims Avith great ease, or plunges to the bottom ; and 
 like the Hippopotamus, walks there as on dry ground. 
 
 It is about the size of a small coav : Its nose is loni 
 and slender, and extends far below the upper jaw, form 
 ing a kind of proboscis, which it can contract or exteni 
 at pleasure ; eacli jav/ is furnished with ten cutting teeth 
 and as many grinders ; its ears are small and erect ; it 
 body formed like that of a Hog ; its back arched ; legi 
 short ; and hoofs, of which it has four upon each foot 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 175 
 
 fmall, black, and hollow; its tail is very small; its hair 
 hort, and of a dusky- bron n colour, 
 i The Tapiir is mild and inoffensive, avoids all hostilities 
 vith other animals, and flies from every appearance of 
 j langer. Its skin, of which the Indians make bucklers, is 
 ‘ -ery thick ; and, when dried, is so hard as to resist the 
 Impression of an arrow. The nati\es eat its flesh, which 
 1 3 said to be very good. 
 
 ■ ‘ ( Rhinoceros Unicornis ^ Lin. — Rhinoceros^ Buff’.) 
 
 01 ; 
 
 J, We are indebted to the labours of many learned and 
 enc-igenious naturalists for accurate descriptions of this 
 ettjironderful creature, which in size is only exceeded by 
 it' lie elephant, and in strength and power is inferior to no 
 IfJther animal. Bontius says, that in the bulk of its body 
 J: equals the Elephant, but is lower only on account of 
 ^•hLe shortness of its legs. 
 
176 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The length of the Rhinoceros, from the extremi ty ( 
 the muzzle to the in-sertioil of the tail, is usually twel\^ 
 feet; and the circumference of the body nearly eqiYal t 
 its length. Its nose is armed with a formidable weapor 
 peculiar to this creature, being a very hard and soli 
 horn with which it defends itself from every adversah 
 The Tiger will rather attack the Elephant, whose trim' 
 it can lay hold of, than the Rhinoceros, which it cannu 
 free, without danger of having its bowels torn out. *| 
 Thebodv and the limbs of the Rhinoceros, arecovere 
 with a skin so hard and impenetrable, that he fears ne 
 ther the claws of the Tiger nor the more formidabli 
 proboscis of die Elephant : It will turn the edge of a sci 
 mitar, and even resist the force of a musket-ball. Thl 
 skin, which is of a blackish colour, forms itself iiito larg'j 
 folds at the neck, the shoulders, and the crupper, 
 which the motion of the head and limbs is facilitated 
 round the neck, which is very short, are two large folds‘ 
 there is also a fold from the shoulders, which hangs dow 
 upon the fore legs ; and another from the hind part^ 
 the back to the thighs : The body is every where cove) 
 ed with small tuberosities or knots, which are small 
 the neck and back, but larger on the sides :The thigh 
 legs, and even the feet, are full of those incrustation:, 
 which have been mistaken for scales by some authors 
 They are, however, only simple indurations ofthe skir 
 without any uniformity in their figure, or regularity i 
 their position. Between the folds, the skin is penetrabl 
 and delicate, as soft to the touch as silk, and of a ligl 
 flesh colour : The skin of the belly is nearly of the sam 
 colour and consistency. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 177 
 
 The body of the Rhinoceros is long and thick : Its 
 belly is large, and hangs near the ground ; its legs short, 
 round, and very strong ; and its hoofs are divided into 
 ) three parts, each pointing forward. The head of this 
 fi animal is large ; its ears long and erect ; and its eyes 
 Ismail, sunk, and vrithout vivacity : The upper lip is long, 
 |overhangs the lower, and is capable of great extension : 
 fit is so pliable, that the Rhinoceros can move it from 
 ?side to side, twist it round a stick, collect its food, or 
 I seize wdth it any thing it would carry to its mouth. 
 
 I The Rhinoceros, without being ferocious, carnivorous, 
 |>r even extremely wild, is, how^ever, totally untractable 
 d and rude. It seems to be subject to paroxysms of fury, 
 :j which nothing can appease. That wdiich Emanuel, king 
 I af Portugal, sent to the Pope in the year 1513, destroyed 
 the vessel in which they were transporting it. 
 
 ] •; Like the Hog the Rhinoceros is fond of wallowing in 
 |:he mire. — It is a solitary animal, loves moist and marshy 
 (grounds, and seldom quits the banks of the rivers. — It is 
 (found in Bengal, Siam, China, and other countries of 
 j\sia; in the isles of Java, Sumatra, Ceylon, &c; in 
 Ethiopia, and the country as low as the Cape of Good 
 I dope : But, in general, the species is not numerous, and 
 is much less diffused than that of the Elephant, 
 i The female produces but one at a time, and at consi- 
 £ lerable intervals. — During the first month, the young 
 t Rhinoceros exceeds not the size of a lai'ge dog. At the 
 ige of two years, the horn is not more than an inch 
 ong ; at six years old, it is nine or ten inches long, and 
 ;rows to the length of tliree feet and a half, and some- 
 umes four feet. The horn is much esteemed by the na- 
 
 M 
 
178 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 lives as an antidote against poison, as well as a remed 
 for particular diseases. 
 
 The Rhinoceros feeds on the grossest herbs, and pn 
 fers thistles and shrubs to soft or delicate pasturage. 1 
 is fond of the sugar-cane, and eats all kinds of grain. 
 
 Dr. Parsons remarks that this animal has an acute an 
 very attentive ear. It will listen, with a deep and lonj 
 continued attention, to any kind of noise ; and, though; 
 be eating, lying down, or obeying any pressing demand 
 of Nature, it will raise its head, and listen till the nois 
 cease. 
 
 From the peculiar construction of his eyes, the Rhi 
 noceros can only see what is immediately before hin: 
 When he pursues any object, he proceeds always in 
 direct line, overturning every obstruction. With thj 
 horn on his nose, he tears up trees, raises stones, an| 
 throws them behind him to a considerable distance. Hi 
 sense of smelling is so exquisite, that the hunters ar: 
 obliged to avoid being to windward of him. They fo 
 low him, at a distance, and watch till he lies, down t 
 sleep -r^They then approach with great precaution, aiftji 
 discharge their muskets all at once into the lower parted 
 the belly. 'oi<x > 
 
 The Rhinoceros is supposed to be the Unicorn of hdl 
 writ, and possesses all the properties ascribed to that ahi 
 mal. — Rage, un tameableness, great swiftness, arid itn 
 mense strength. — It was known to the Romans in vei^j 
 early times, and is handed down to us in some of th 
 works of that celebrated people. Augustus introdutSe 
 one into the shews, on his triumph over Cleopatra. 
 
 Its flesh is eaten and much relished by the natives c 
 India and Africa. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 1 79 
 
 ( 
 
 We have given the figure of this hitherto ijndescribed 
 M inimal from Mr. Sparrman, whose authenticity, there is 
 
 ffevery reason to depend upon, and who has given a mo^ 
 Lxact anatomical description of it. Of two that were 
 J'hot, he only mentions the size of the smaller of them ; 
 jj^vhich was eleven feet and a half long, seven feet high, 
 ^ ind twelve in circumference. Its skin was without any 
 bids, and of an ash colour ; excepting about the groin, 
 I vhere it was flesh-coloured ; The surface was scabrous, 
 uf md knotty, of a close texture, and, when dry, extremely 
 lard. There were no hairs on any part of the body, ex- 
 cept the edges of the ears and the tip of the tail, on 
 which were a few dark bristly hairs, about an inch long. 
 
l8o 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 e* The horns are placed one behind the other, in/iS linfe 
 tvlth the nose : The foremost of them measures about 
 eighteen inches in length, and is always the larg-er of. the 
 two. They are of a conical shape, and the tips incline a 
 little backward ; the lower parts are rough, and seerii ai 
 if composed of thorny fibres ; the upper parts are sm®<3^{ 
 and plain, like those of an ox. It is remarkable, tha^! 
 dje’lRhinoceros makes use of the shorter horn only for 
 Ihe,' purpose of digging up roots, of which its food chiefly 
 consists, being endued with the power of turning the 
 larger horn on one side out of the way. — The feet are 
 roiipd and do not spread much ; there are three hoofs oh 
 each of them, which project but little; the middleiiOne 
 is the longest. £ einrJe ' 
 
 The eyes of this animal are small, and sunk . intoiifei 
 head; in consequence Of xvhich it sees indistinctly.:- Bol! 
 its organs of hearing and smelling are very acute : At tbs 
 least noise, the creature takes the alarm, pricks up it! 
 ears, and listens with great attention: If if happ,en t(l 
 catch the scent of any person within a small distance,, 
 Pushes ^out with astonishing rapidity ; and it is difficult t< 
 avoid the. im|retuous attack of this- powerful animal.^JOfr.' 
 
 It has been generally said of the Rhinoceros,: that h! 
 tongue Is so hard and rough, as to take away the skin anc 
 flesh wherever it licks any person that has unfortunateW 
 fallen a victim to its fury. Mr. Sparrman saySj howeverjl 
 that he thrust his hand into the mouth of one that ha(| 
 just been shot, and found the tongue perfectly soft an( 
 smooth. — From the account of its intestines, given usb]|| 
 the same ingenious author, we shall just mention the folji 
 lowing, which will enable our readers to form a mopl 
 perfect idea of its enormous bulk : The stomach wa| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l8l 
 
 four feet in length, and two in diameter ; to Avhich was 
 annexed a tube or canal, twenty-eight feet long, and six 
 niches diameter ; the kidnies were a foot and a half in 
 breadth ; the heart was a foot and a half long, and near- 
 ly the same in breadth ; the liver, when measured from 
 right to left, was found to be three feet and a half in 
 breadth, and two feet and a half deep, as it hangs in the 
 animal’s body when in a standing position : It had no 
 gall-bladder, in which it resembles the Horse. Upon 
 opening the stomach, the contents of it were found to 
 consist of roots and small branches of trees masticated, 
 some of which were as big as the end of a man’s finger ; 
 in the mass there appeared a great quantity of succulent 
 plants, as well as some that were harsh and prickly ; The 
 effluvium arising from this mass was so far from being 
 offensive, that it diffused around a very strong and not 
 disagreeable aromatic odour. We shall conclude this ac- 
 I count by observing, that the cavity which contained the 
 brains was small, being only six inches long, and four 
 high, and of an oval shape : Being filled with pease, it 
 was found to contain barely one quart ; a human skull, 
 measured at the same time, did not require much less 
 than three pints to fill it. 
 
182 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 (Hippopotamus Amphibius Lin. — H Hippopotame, Bniff.) 
 
 The great difficulties that have always attended a com-^j 
 plete investigation of this huge animal, have arisen as ' 
 well from the remoteness of its situation, as from its pe-^' 
 culiar habits and disposition. , ^ ^ ^ 
 
 Though the Hippopotamus has been celebrated from 
 the'reniotest antiquity ; though the sacred writings men- 
 tion him under the name of Behernoth ; and' though his 
 figure is to be seen engraven on Egyptian obelisks and 
 on Roman medals, yet his history, was very , imperfectly 
 knovyn to the ancients. Aristotle says, that he has a 
 mane like a Horse, and hoofs like an Ox ; tusks and tail 
 
 like a Boar ; that he is of the size of an Ass, and has thel 
 • • ■ f 
 
 voice of a Horse ; with other things equally absurd 
 
 all which Pliny has copied ; and instead of correcting, 
 
 has added to the number of his errors. — Of the accounts 
 
 of later Avriters, it is much to be lamented that suitable 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l8S 
 
 delineations have not accompanied their accurate descrip- 
 tions, — a general defect, by which the study of nature 
 has been much retarded, the laborious reseai’ches of ma- 
 ny learned and ingenious naturalists greatly frustrated, 
 and the errors of former times repeatedly copied, and 
 multiplied without number. 
 
 I The size of the Hippopotamus is nearly equal to that 
 of the Elephant. M. Valiant says, that one which he 
 ! killed, measured, from the tip of the nose to the insertion 
 of the tail, ten feet seven inches, and was eight feet elev- 
 : en inches in circumference ; but, from the smallness of 
 its tusks he supposed it to be a young one. In its sto- 
 mach w’ere found leaves and reeds, grossly chewed ; like- 
 wise small branches of trees, a little bruised.* 
 
 ^ It inhabits all the larger rivers of Africa, from the Ni- 
 ger to the Cape of Good Hope ; but is found in none of 
 the African rivers that run into the Mediterranean, ex- 
 H cept the Nile, and in that part of it only which runs 
 I through the Upper Egypt, and in the fens and lakes of 
 I Ethiopia. 
 
 ' The head of this animal is enormously large; its 
 ; mouth vastly wide. Ray says, that the upper mmidibl^ 
 
 : IS moveable, like that of a crocodile. In each jaw there 
 are four cutting teeth; those in the lower jaw point 
 straight forward : It has four large tusks ; the largest, 
 which are always in the low'er jaw, are sometimes above 
 two feet long : It is said that the canine teeth are so 
 hard, as to emit fire on being struck wdth steel ; they are 
 perfectly white, and preferable to ivory for making arti- 
 ficiat teeth ; The grinders are squai'e or oblong, like 
 those of a man ; and so large, that a single tooth w^eighs 
 
184 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 above three pounds : The skin is of a dusky colour, bears 
 a resemblance to that of the Rhinoceros, but is thicker, 
 and is made into whips : The tail is nearly a foot long, 
 taper, and flatted at the end, which is thinly furnished 
 with hairs like bristles : Its legs are so short, that its belly i 
 almost touches the ground : The hoofs are divided into I 
 four parts, unconnected by membranes. ' | 
 
 When alarmed or pursued, it takes to the wateh| 
 plunges in, and sinks to the bottom; where it walks at; 
 full ease. It often rises to the surface, and remains witi]jj 
 its head out of the water, making a bellowing noise,! 
 which may be heard at a great distance. — It feeds during I 
 night on the banks of the rivers, and sometimes doe£ < 
 great damage in the adjacent plantations of rice anfl i 
 other grain. !j 
 
 The Hippopotamus is naturally mild and gentle, veiyij 
 slow, and heavy in its movements upon land, but in tlie 
 water bold and active ; and, when provoked or wounded, ; 
 will rise, and attack boats or canoes with great fury.! 
 Dampier says, he has known one of these animals sinkflljj 
 boat full of people, by biting a hole in the bottom with!: 
 its tusks. — The method of taking it is by digging pits iti|! 
 the sand, in these parts through which the animal passes! 
 in its way to the river after it has been feeding. 
 
 The flesh of the Hippopotamus is tender and good;! 
 The fat is fine and well-tasted, and much in request with 
 the colonists at the Cape, who look upon it as the most 
 wholesome meat that can be eaten ; The gelatinous pas'! 
 of the feet in particular is accounted a great delicacy ; 
 The tongue, when dried, is also considered at the Cap€| 
 as a rare and excellent dish. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 185 
 
 Span-man has given an engravi)ig of this animal, taken 
 from a young one which he caught at the Cape, from " 
 which ours is copied. — The female brings forth one 
 , jmung at a time. 
 
 , , Scaurus treated the Romans with one of these crea- 
 tures, and five crocodiles during his tedileship, and ex- 
 I hibited them on a temporary lake. 
 
 2M 
 
i 
 
 
 THE ELEPHAMT. 
 
 { Elephas Maximus, Lin . — Li Elephant, Buff.) 
 
 c 
 
 ■ = Oi'jali the? creatures that have hitherto, been taken into 
 the. service of man, the Elephant is pre-eminent in the 
 size and strength of his body, and inferior , to none in sa- 
 gacity and- obedience. . .'i; ‘ , 
 
 ■ F rom time immemorial this animal has been employed 
 
 cither, for the purposes of labour, of war, or of ostenta- 
 tious parade ; to encrease the grandeur of eastern princes, 
 extend their power, or enlarge their dominions. , 
 
 I’he Elephant is a native of Asia and Africa, and is 
 not to be found in its natural state either in Europe or| 
 America. From the river Senegal to the Cape of Good 
 Hope, they are met Avith in great numbers. In this ex- 
 tensive region, as they are more numerous than in any 
 
 other part of the Avorld, so are they less fearful of man. 
 
 :m SI 
 
 
 l86 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3S- 
 
 The savage inhabitants of this dreary country, instead of 
 attenapting to subdue this powerful animal, and render it 
 subseiwient to their necessities, seem desirous only of 
 avoidinp' its furv. 
 
 O • 
 
 SpaiTman says, that in the country near the Cape they 
 ai'e sometimes seen in large herds, coiioisting of many 
 hundreds ; and thinks it probable, that, in the more re- 
 mote and unfrequented parts of that vast countr}', they 
 are still more numerous. 
 
 They are fi'equently hunted by the colonists at the 
 Cape, who are very expert in shooting them, and make 
 great advantage of their teeth. The largest teeth weigh 
 an hundred and fifty Dutch pounds, and ai’e sold to the 
 governor for as many guilders ; so that a man may earn 
 three hundred guilders at one shot. It is not therefore 
 to be wondered at, that a traffic so lucrative should tempt 
 the hunter to run great risks. In approaching this ani- 
 mal great care must be taken to steal upon him unper- 
 ceived. If the Elephant discovers l:is enemy near, he 
 rushes out, and endeavours to kill him. One of these 
 hunters being out upon a plain, under the shelter of a 
 few scattered thorn trees, thought he could be able to 
 advance near enough to shoot an Elephant that Avas at a 
 little distance from him ; but he was discovered, pursued 
 and overtaken by the animal, Avhich laid hold of him 
 with his trunk and beat him instantly to death. 
 
 The height of the Elephant at the Cape is from tw elve 
 to fifteen feet. The female is less than the male, and 
 her tusks do not grow to such a size. 
 
 In proportion to the size of the Elephant, his eyes are 
 very small ; but they ai'e lively, brilliant, and capable of 
 great expression. He turns them slowly, and Avith gen- 
 
188 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 / 
 
 tleness towards his master. When he speaks, the ani- 
 rnal regards him wi*^h an eye of mildness and attentione J 
 — His ears are r'cry large, and much longer, in propoi'-u 
 tion to ins body, than those of the Ass : They lie flat oii;!ll 
 the head, and are commonly pendulous ; but he can raise . , 
 and move them with great facility, and frequently uses ' 
 them as a fan to c^ol himself, or defend his eyes from' 
 dust and insects. His hearing is likewise remarkably ^ 
 find : for he delights in the sound of musical instruments, 
 and. moves in cadence to the trumpet and tabor. — There' ' 
 are four grinders in each jaug closely united together f 
 forming, with the jaw-bone, one hard and compact body. I 
 One of these grinders sometimes measures nine inches 
 broad, and weighs four pounds and a half. The texture! 
 of the skin is uneven, vvrinkied, and knotty ; full of deep , 
 fissures, nearly resembling the bark of an old oak tree,' 
 which run in all directions over its surface. It is ol aii|. 
 tawny colour, inclining to citron. In the fissures there, 111 
 are sotne bristly hairs, which are also thinly scattered! | 
 over the body. The legs resemble massy columns, of, ; 
 fifteen or eighteen inches diameter, and from five tosixf . 
 feet high. The foot is short, and divided into five toes, j 
 covered with the skin, so as not to be visible. To each ;■ 
 toe there is affixed a nail or hoof, of a homy substance. | 
 The most remarkable feature of the Elephant is his ! 
 trunk or proboscis ; which is composed of membranes, ^ 
 nerves, and muscles. It is both an organ of feeling andj 
 of motion. The animal can not only move and bend it, t 
 but can contract, lengthen and turn it in every direction. 
 The extremity of the trunk terminates in a protuberance 
 which stretches out on the upper side in the form of a 
 finger, and possesses in a great degree the niceness and 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 189 
 
 dexterity of that useful member. It is equally flexible, 
 aiid as capable of laying hold of objects as the fingers of 
 a man. He lifts from the ground the smallest piece of 
 aioney ; he selects herbs and flowers, and picks them up 
 ane by one ; he unties the knots of ropes, opens and 
 
 * shuts gates, &c. With his trunk he grasps any body 
 1 Hiich it is applied to, so firmly, that no force can tear it 
 i Tom its gripe. 
 
 ( Of all the instruments which Nature has so liberally 
 i!,3estowed on her most favourite productions, the trunk 
 iaf the Elephant is pes'haps the most complete and admi- 
 ' j 'able. Ray says, it is divided into three partitions or 
 ahambers, two of which run in spiral directions, and 
 :he other in a right line. It is eight feet long in an Ele- 
 : phant of fourteen feet high, and five feet in circumfer- 
 <j. mce at the thickest part. The nostrils are situated at 
 the extremity, through which it draws in water by a 
 itptrong suction, either for the purpose of quenching its 
 tchirst, or of washing and cooling itself, v hich^it fre-^ 
 
 ./ quently does, by taking up a large quantity, pai't of 
 j which it carries to its mouth, and drinks ; and by ele- 
 rating the ti'unk, allows the remainder to run over every 
 j part of its body. 
 
 • Roots, herbs, leaves, and tender wood, are the ordina- 
 ry food, of, the Elephant. He does not ruminate, and 
 
 but one stomach ; This want, however, is amply sup- 
 ‘ plied by the magnitude and length of his intestines, and 
 particulai'ly of the colon, A^ hicii is from fifteen to tw'enty 
 ! feet in length, and tveo or three in diameter. When one 
 of them discovers a plentiful pasture he calls to the others, 
 and invites them to partake. As they require a great 
 quantity of forage, they frequently change their pasture, 
 
i90 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 I 
 
 and do incredible damage whenever they happen to 
 stray into cultivated grounds. From the weight of their 
 bodies and the size of their feet, they destroy miicll 
 more than they use for food. The Indians and negroes 
 use every artihee to prevent the approach of these lui- 
 welcome visitants, by making loud noises, and kindling 
 iii es round their habitations ; but in spite of all their pre- 
 cautions, the Elephants often break through their fences 
 cjesU'oy their whole harvest, and overturn their huts, 
 is not easy to sepaiute tliem ; They generally act in con 
 cert, wiietlier they attack, march, or fly. 
 
 The ordinary walk of the Elephant is not tpuicker thai 
 tliat of a Horse ; but when pushed, he assumes a kind o 
 ambling pace, which in flcetucss is equal to a gallop 
 He goes forwa.rd witli ease and celerity ; but it is witl 
 great difficulty th.at he turns himself round : and that no 
 without taking a pretty large circuit. It is generally ii 
 Hiirrow and hollow places that the negroes attack him 
 and cut ofi’ his tail, which they value above every othe 
 pai't of his body. He swims well, and is of gi'eat use n 
 carrying great cjuantities of baggage over large river^i 
 When swimming, he raises his long trunk above the sur 
 face of the vvater for the sake of respiration, every othe 
 part of his body lacing below ; In this manner several o 
 these animals swim together, and steer their course witlij 
 out danger of running foul of each other. 
 
 The Elephant, when tamed, is gentle, obedient, an 
 docile : Patient of labour, he submits to the most toil 
 some drudgery ; and so attentive to the commands of hi 
 governor, that a word or a look is sufficient to stimulat 
 him to the most violent exertions. His attachment t^ 
 his keeper is so great, that he cai'esses him with his trunk 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 lyi 
 
 llj 
 
 iiid frequentiy will obey no other master ; He knows his 
 roice, and can distinguish the tone of command, of an- 
 rer, or of approbation ; and regulates his actions accord- 
 ngly ; he receives his orders with attention, and e::e- 
 mtes them with eag-erness, but without precipitation. 
 AlII his motions are orderly, and seem to correspond with 
 ;he dignity of his appearance, being gi'ave, majestic and 
 aautious. He kneels down for the accommodation df 
 ;hose who would mount upon his back, and with 'liis 
 aliant trunk even assists them to ascend. He suifers 
 himself to be harnessed, and seems to have a pleasure in 
 che finery of his trappings; He is used in drawing 
 ahariots, waggons, and various kiixls of machines. 
 One of them will perform with ease the work of many 
 t horses. 
 
 ' The conductor of the Elephant is usually mounted on 
 Jits neck, and makes use of a rod of iron, sharp at the 
 end, and hooked ; with which he urges the animal for- 
 ward, by pricking its head, ears, or m.uzzle : But in 
 general, a word from the keeper is sufiicient to encourage 
 1this intelligent creature to proceed on its way, or perform 
 ithe task assigned to it. — In India, where they were once 
 employed in launching ships, one of them was directed 
 I To force a large vessel into the water, which proving su- 
 periorto his strength, the master, in an angry tone, cried 
 Tout, ‘ Take away that lazy beast, and bring another in 
 its place.’ The poor animal instantly I’edoubled its 
 elforts, fractured its skull, and died upon the spot, 
 
 ^ The Indians, from very early periods, have employed 
 Elephants in their wars : Poms opposed the passage of 
 
 [,■ Alexander over the Hydaspes with eighty-five of them, 
 j M. de BulFon imagines, that it was some of the Elephants 
 taken by that monarch, and afterwards transported into 
 
192 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 Greece, which were employed by Pyrrhus against the 
 Romans. — Since the invention of lire-arms, the Elephant 
 has been of little use in deciding the contests of hostile 
 nations ; for, being terrified with the flash of the powder, 
 and the report that immediately succeeds, they are soon 
 thrown into confusion, and then become dangerous to 
 their employers. They are now chiefly used for the 
 purpose of labour, or magnificent parade. 
 
 The Indian princes, in their travels, are attended by | 
 hundreds of these animals : Some are employed to con- 
 
 vey the ladies which compose the seraglio, in latticed 
 cages made for that purpose, and covered with branches 
 of trees ; whilst others transport immense quantities of 
 baggage, with which the sovereigns of the East are al- ^ 
 ways accompanied in their marches from one place to! 
 another. They are likewise made, use of as the dreadful j 
 instruments of executing condemned criminals — a task-! 
 which they perform with great dexterity. At the w©rd,[ 
 of command, they break the limbs of the criminal with; 
 their trunks ; They sometimes trample him to death, or 
 impale him on their enormous tusks, just as they are di-j 
 rented by their more barbarous keeper. 
 
 It is a singular circumstance in the history of this ex- ' 
 traordinary. animal, that in a state of subjection, it is ! 
 unalterably barren; and, though it has been reduced un- j 
 der the dominion of man for ages, it has never been ' 
 known to breed, as if it had a proper sense of its degra- | 
 ded condition, and obstinately refused to encrease the ■ 
 pride and power of its conquerors by propagating a race 
 of slaves. It therefore follows, that of all the numerous 
 bands of Elephants that are trained to service, there is | 
 not one that has not been originally wild, nor one that 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 has not been forced into a state of subjection. To re- 
 1 emit, therefore, the numbers that are unavoidably consu- 
 ,i med by disease, accident, or age, the eastern princes 
 ire obliged every year to send into the forests, and use 
 various methods to procure fresh supplies. 
 
 The manner of taking, taming, and rendering these 
 animals submissive, is curious, and well deserves a place 
 in the history of the Elephant. In the midst of a forest 
 ibounding' with Elephants, a large peice of ground is 
 marked out, and surrounded with strong palisades, inter- 
 woven with branches of trees. One end of the inclosure 
 is narrow ; from which it widens gradually, so as to take 
 in a great extent of country. Several thousand men ai’e 
 
 3 employed upon the occasion, who place themselves in 
 such a manner as to prevent the wild Elephants from, 
 making their escape ; They kindle large fires at certain 
 i%iiistances, and make a dreadful noise with drums and va- 
 rious kinds of discordant instruments, calculated for the 
 ii [purpose of stunning and teirifying the poor animals ; 
 
 ! ‘whilst an other party, consisting of some thousands, with 
 li the assistance of tame female Elephants trained for the 
 purpose, drive the wild Elephants slowdy towards the 
 : great opening of the enclosure, the whole train of hun- 
 t ters closing in after them, shouting, and making a great 
 m noise, till they are driven by insensible degrees into the 
 ; narrow part of the enclosure, through which there is an 
 [Opening into a smaller space, strongly fenced in, and 
 i guarded on all sides. As soon as one of the Elephants 
 ■ enters this strait, a strong bar closes the passage from be- 
 hind, and he finds himself completely invironed. On 
 the top of this narrow passage some of the huntsmen 
 
 N 
 
194 
 
 HISTORY OF 5JUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Stand with goads in their hands, urging the creature foi 
 ward to the end of the passage, where there is an oper 
 ing just wide enough to let him pass. He is now receh 
 ed into the custody of two females who stand on eac 
 side of him, and press him into the service : If he I 
 likely to prove refractory, they begin to disipline hii 
 with their trunks, till he is reduced to obedience, an 
 suffers himself to be led to a tree, where he is bound b 
 the leg with stout thongs, made of untamed elk or buc 
 skin. The tame Elephants are then led back to the ir 
 closure, and the others are made to submit in the sam 
 manner. They are all suffered to remain fast to the tree 
 for several days. Attendants are placed by the side t 
 each animal, who supply him with food by little and lit 
 tie, till he is brought by degrees to be sensible of kind 
 ness and caresses, and allows himself to be led to the sta 
 ble. In the space of fourteen days his absolute submis 
 sion is completed. During that time he is fed daily wit) 
 cocoa-nut leaves, and led once a day to the water by 
 tame ones. He becomes accustomed to the voice of hi| 
 keeper, and at last quietly resigns his prodigious powe{| 
 to the dominion and service of man. j 
 
 The time of gestation of the Elephant is hitherto bu' 
 imperfectly known ; Aristotle says it goes two yeas 
 with young : which is the more likely, as the season q 
 desire in the male returns but once in three years. Th« 
 female produces one young at a time. The young Ele, 
 phants are said to suck with their trunks, the teats of thc 
 female being situated between its fore legs. 
 
 The Elephant is thirty years in arriving at its full 
 growth : and is said to live, though in a state of captivity, 
 to the age of an hundred and twenty or an hundred 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I95 
 
 1 nd thirty years : In a state of unrestrained freedom, it 
 i s supposed to live much longer. 
 
 The Elephant will drink wine, and is fond of spiritu- 
 i,us liquors. By shewing him a vessel filled with arrack, 
 le is induced to exert the greatest ejBTorts, and perform the 
 lost painful tasks, in hopes of receiving it as the reward 
 !f his labour. To disappoint him is dangerous, as he 
 jeldom fails to be revenged. The following instance is 
 ,;iven as a fact and deserves to be recorded : — An Ele- 
 hant, disappointed of its reward, out of revenge killed 
 .is comae or governor. The poor man’s wife, who be- 
 eld the dreadful scene, took her two infants, and threw 
 lem at the feet of the enraged animal, saying, ‘ Since 
 ou have slain my husband, take my life also, as well as 
 lat of my children.’ The Elephant instantly stopped, 
 dented, and, as if stung with remorse, took the eldest 
 i oy in its trunk, placed him on its neck, adopted him 
 I ir its cornac, and would never allow any other person 
 |p mount it. 
 
 I' We might quote many other facts equally curious and 
 Interesting ; Those we have already recited are sufficient 
 \ ) shew that the Elephant is possessed of instinctive fa- 
 i ulties superior to those of any other animal. We must 
 i t the same time admire the admirable order of that 
 ispensation, which, to an animal of such unequalled 
 . owers, has added a disposition so mild and tractable. 
 I Vhat ravages might we not expect from the prodigious 
 : length of the Elephant, combined with the fierceness 
 iid rapacity of the Tiger! 
 
 We cannot close our account of the Elephant with- 
 ut taking some notice of the teeth of that animal, which 
 
196 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 have been so frequently found in a fossil state in various 
 parts of the world. Some years ago, tv\ o great grinding, 
 teeth, and part of the tusk of an Elephant, were disco- 
 vered, at the depth of forty-two yards, in a lead mine, 
 in Flintshire, lying in a bed of gravel. The grindets 
 were almost as perfeet as if they had been just taken 
 from the living animal ; the tusk was much decayed, and 
 very soft. — Near the banks of many rivers in Siberia, 
 large tusks and teeth have been frequently dug up, which 
 were formerly attributed to a creature called the Mam- 
 mouth ; but they are now universally believed to have 
 belonged to the Elephant. The molares or grinders are 
 perfectly the same tvith those of the present race ; bui 
 both they and the tusks are much larger : Some of the 
 latter have been known to weigh four hundred pounds : 
 and grinders, of the weight of twenty-four pounds, hav< 
 not unfrequently been discovered. One of these was 
 taken from a skeleton of the same head in which th( 
 tusks were found : And as the ivory of the latter wa: 
 in every respect the same as that generally knoAvn, ans 
 made use of for the purpose of useful and ornamenta 
 w orks, we cannot deny our assent to the opinion of thoS! 
 who suppose them to have been once parts of the anima 
 we have just described. — Tusks of a prodigious siz^ 
 teeth, jaw-bones, thigh-bones, and vertebrae, have lik^ 
 W'ise been frequently found on the banks of the rive 
 Ohio, in America, five or six feet beneath the surface 
 Some of the tusks are near seven feet long ; one foe 
 nine inches in circumference at the base, and one foe 
 near the point. They differ from those of the Elephanl' 
 in having a lai'ge twist or spiral curve towards the sma 
 end. There is a still greater difference in the form c| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 197 
 
 ■ the grinders which are made like those of a carnivorous 
 i inimal, not fiat and ribbed transversely on their surface, 
 ike those of an Elephant, but furnished with a double 
 *ow of high and conic projections, as if intended to mas- 
 picate, not grind, their food. Specimens of these teeth 
 iand bones are deposited in the British Museum, that of 
 ithe Royal Society, and in the cabinet of the late inge- 
 Inious Dr. Hunter. These fossil bones are also found in 
 
 Peru and in the Brazils.- As yet, the living animal 
 
 has evaded the search of the curious naturalist ; but it is 
 hot improbable, that it may exist in some of those remote 
 'parts of that vast continent, yet unpenetrated by Euro- 
 ipeans. 
 
198 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 AMIMALS OF THE CAT KIND. ' 
 
 We have hitherto been employed in thh ple^^|^ task ! 
 of descsibing most of those numerous tribes pf finals 
 that are more nearly connected with the interests |)f than- 
 kind ; that serve as the instruments of man’s happiness, 
 or at least that do not openly oppose him : that depend 
 upon his care for their subsistence; and in their turn 
 contribute largely to his comfort and support. We ii^^e 
 taken an ample range among the wilder inhabitants "of the 
 forest, which, though in a more remote degree depen- 
 dant on man, are nevertheless objects of his attention 
 and pursuit. We have follow^ed Nature to her most re- 
 tired recesses, and have seen and admired her works un- ' 
 der a variety of the most beautiful living forms ; but our ’ 
 progress has hitherto been unstained with blood. i 
 
 The attention of our readers will now be engaged in a ; 
 different pursuit. The scene must be diversified. 
 
 We come now to a sanguinary and unrelenting tribe, 
 the bold and intrepid enemies of man, that disdain to owti 
 his power, and carry on unceasing hostilities against him. 
 
 This numerous and ferocious tribe is chiefly distin- 
 guished by their sharp and formidable claws, which are I 
 lodged in a sheath, and are capable of being extended or ; 
 drawn in at pleasure. — They lead a solitary and a raven- | 
 ous life, and never unite for mutual defence or support, , 
 like those of the herbivorous kinds. They seek their 
 food alone, and are frequently enemies to each other. 
 Though differing greatly in size and in colour, they are 
 nearly allied to each other in form and disposition, being 
 equally fierce, rapacious, and artful. 
 
HIST-DRY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 199 
 
 THE LIOM, 
 
 ( Felts Leo, Lin . — Le Lion, BufF. ) 
 
 Is eminently distinguished from the rest, as well in size 
 and strength, as by his large and flowing mane. 
 
 I This animal is produced in Africa, and the hottest 
 oarts of Asia. It is found in the greatest numbers in the 
 scorched and desolate regions of the torrid zone, in the 
 . lesarts of Zaara and Biledulgerid, and in all the interior 
 I'jarts of the yast continent of Africa. In these desart re- 
 jions, from whence mankind are driven by the rigorous 
 leat of the climate, this animal reigns sole master; Its 
 ( lisposition seems to partake of the ardour of its native 
 oil : Inflamed by the influence of a burning sun, its rage 
 s most tremendous, and its courage undaunted. Happi» 
 
200 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 ly, irtdeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to 
 be greatly diminished ; for if we may credit the testi- 
 mony of those who have traversed these vast desarts, th« 
 number of Lions is not nearly so great as formerly. Mr 
 Shaw observes, that the Romans carried more Lions 
 from Libia in one year for their public spectacles, tl^ai; 
 could be found in all that country at this time. It i{ 
 likewise remarked, that in Turkey, Persia, and the In. 
 dies, Lions are not now so frequently met with as in for 
 mer times. 
 
 It is observed of this animal, that its courage dimi 
 nishes, and its caution and timidity are greater, in pro 
 portion as it approaches the habitations of the humai 
 race. Being acquainted wdth man, and the power of hi, 
 arms, it loses its natural fortitude to such a degree, as1 
 he terrified at the sound of his voice. It has been kno 
 to fly before wmmen and even children, and suffer its^ 
 to be driven aw'ay by them from its lurking places in tht 
 neighbourhood of their villages. 
 
 This alteration in the Lion’s disposition sufficient!’ 
 shews, that it will admit of a certain degree of educis 
 tion: And it is a well- kno wai fact, that the keeper 
 wild beasts frequently play with him, pull out his tongiwj 
 hold him by the teeth, and even chastise him Avithoij 
 cause. The animal seems to bear all with a sullen kinj 
 of composure, and rarely retaliates this unmerited trea<( 
 ment. It is dangerous, however, to provoke him to| 
 far, or to depend upon his temper with too great secH 
 rity. Labat tells us of a gentleman who kept a Lion il 
 his chamber, and employed a servant to attend it ; whe 
 as is usu^ mixed his blow’s with caresses. This il] 
 judged association continued for some time. - One morn 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 201 
 
 t 
 
 I ng the gentleman was awakened by an unusual noise in 
 lis room, and, drawing his curtains, he perceived it to 
 aroceedfrom the Lion, which was growling over the bo- 
 ;y of the unhappy man, whom it had just killed, and had 
 sperated his head from his body. The terror and con- 
 -ision of the gentleman ma)- be easily conceived : He 
 iew out of the room, and, with the assistance of some 
 .eople, had the animal secured from doing further mis- 
 liief. 
 
 : As the passions of this animal are strong ; and its appe- 
 tes vehement, we ought not to presume that the im- 
 ressions of education will always be sufficiently power- 
 il. It must be dangerous therefore, to suffer it to re- 
 liain too long without food, or to persist in irritating 
 !r abusing it. 
 
 However numberless accounts assure us, that the an- 
 er of the Lion is noble, its courage magnanimous, and 
 s temper susceptible of grateful impressions. It has 
 een often seen to despise weak and contemptible ene- 
 lies, and even to pai'don their insults, when it was in 
 ;s power to punish them : It has been known to spare 
 be life of an animal that was throAvn to be devoured by 
 ,• to live in habits of perfect cordiality with it, to share 
 S’ subsistence, and even to give it a preference where its 
 portion Of food was scanty. 
 
 I -The form of the Lion is strikingly bold and majestic : 
 [is large and shaggy mane, which he can erect at plea- 
 i-ire, surrounding his awful front ; his huge eye-brows, 
 is round and fiery eye-balls, which, upon tlie least irri- 
 iition, seem to glow with peculiar lustre ; together ■with 
 le formidable appearance of his teeth, — exhibit a pic- 
 I ire of terrific grandeur which no words can describe. 
 
 2 N 
 
202 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEOSi 
 
 The length of the largest Lion is between teight aidj 
 nine feet, the tail about four, and its height about foul 
 feet and a half. The female is about one-fourth part lesii 
 and without the mane. . i 
 
 As the Lion advances in years, its mane grows longei| 
 and thicker. The hair on the rest of his body is shor 
 and smooth, of a tawny colour but whitish on the bellyn, 
 The roaring of the Lion is loud and dreadful : iWhe:^ 
 heard in the night, it resembles distant thunder. Itscrj 
 of anger is much louder and shorter. i li 
 
 The Lion seldom attacks any animal openly, except 
 when compelled by extreme hunger ; In that case, n|| 
 danger deters him ; but as most animals endeavour t( 
 avoid him ; he is obliged to have recourse to artifice, anc 
 take his prey by surprise. For this purpose, he crouche; 
 on his belly in some thicket, where he waits till his pre] 
 approaches ; and then, with one prodigious spring. In 
 leaps upon it at the distance of fifteen or twenty feetj 
 and generally seizes it at the first bound. If he miss hi 
 object, he gives up the pursuit ; and, turning back t| 
 wards the place of his ambush, he measures the grouiw 
 step by step, and again lies in wait for another oppoutu 
 nity. — The lurking place of the Lion is generally chose] 
 near a spring, or by the side of a river; where he fiJ 
 quently has an opportunity of catching such animals J 
 come to quench their thirst. . , . ^ J 
 
 There are, however, instances where the Lion devial;ie 
 from his usual method of taking his prey, of which th 
 following, related by Sparrman, is remarkable ;-t=-A H(Sj 
 teiitot, perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, api 
 concluding tliat the animal only waited the approach o 
 night to make him his prey, -began to consider of. the befj 
 
j HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2:03 
 
 I nethod of providing for his safety, which he at length 
 fleeted in the' following singular manner: Observing a 
 I'ieee of broken ground, with a precipitate descent on 
 )ne side, he sat down by the edge of it ; and found, to 
 |iis great joy, that the Lion also made a halt, and kept at 
 jhe same distance as before. As soon as it grew dark, 
 he Hottentot, sliding gently forward, let himself down a 
 ittle' below the edge of the hill, and held up his cloak 
 ind hat upon his stick, making at the same time a gentle 
 notion with it : The Lion, in the mean while, came 
 :reeping softly towards him, like a Cat ; and mistaking 
 he skin cloak for the man himself, made a spring, and 
 'ell headlong doAvn the precipice : By which means, the 
 )oor Hottentot was safely delivered from his insidious 
 memy. 
 
 That the Lion does not always kill whatever animal 
 lappens to be in his power, has already been observed ; 
 ind this peculiarity in its temper is remarkably obvious, 
 ►vith regard to the human species. Of this there have 
 Deen many instances. At St. Catherine Cree’s church, 
 beadenhall-street, London, provision is made, under the 
 !vill of Sir John Gager, who was lord- mayor in the year 
 il546, for a sermon to be annually preached on the 16th 
 )f November, in commemoration of his happy deliver- 
 imce from a Lion, which he met in a desart as he was 
 , ravelling in the Turkish dominions, and suffered him to 
 ipass unmolested. The minister is to have 20s. for the 
 iscrmon, the clerk 2s. 6d. and the sexton Is. The sum 
 pf 81. l6s. 6d. is likewise to be distributed among the 
 becessitious inhabitants, pursuant to the will of Sir John. 
 — Sparrman, among several instances of the same nature, 
 Itnentious a person who, though he was thrown down by 
 
204 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 a Lion, and wounded by it in several places, was after all | 
 generously, left with life. 
 
 'Lhe strength of this animal is great : One of them 
 was observed to seize a heifer, which it cai'ried off in its 
 mouth with ease, and leaped over a ditch without much! 
 apparent difficulty. 
 
 At the Cape of Good Hope, the Lion is frequently 
 hunted by the colonists. — In the day time, and upon an 
 open plain, twelve or sixteen dogs will easily get the bet- 
 ter of a large Lion. As the Lion is not remarkably 
 swift, the dogs soon come pretty near him ; uffien, with 
 u sullen kind of magnanimity^ he turns round, and waits 
 for the attack, shaking his mane, and roaring with a short 
 and sharp tone. The hounds surround him ; and, rush- 
 ing upon him all at once, soon tear him to pieces. It is 
 said, that he has seldom time to make more dian two oi 
 three, strokes with his paws ; each of which is attended 
 with the .death of one of his assailants. 
 
 The Lioness, goes with young five months, and brings 
 forth three or four at a time. The young ones are about 
 the size of a large pug-dog, harmless, pretty, and playful. 
 They continue at the teat twelve months, and ai'e above 
 five years in coming to perfection. 
 
 The attachment of the Lioness to her young is re- 
 markably^ strong : For their support, she is more fero- 
 cious than the Lion himself, makes her incursions with 
 greater boldness, destroys, without distinction, every ani- 
 mal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her 
 cubs. — She usually bring forth in the most retired and 
 inaccessible places ; and, when afraid of her retreat being 
 discovered, endeavours to bide her track, by brushing the 
 ground with her tail. When much disturbed or alarm- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 205 
 
 d, she will sometimes transport her young from one 
 [I'lace to another in her mouth ; and, if obstructed in her 
 OLirse,; will defend them to the last extremity.. 
 
 The Lion is a long lived animal, although naturalists 
 lave differed greatlj^ as to the precise period of its ex- 
 istence. Buffon limits it to twenty, or twenty-two years 
 !t most. It is however certain, that it lives much be- 
 (Ond that time. The great Lion, called Pompey, which 
 fed in the year 1760, was known to have been in the 
 Tower above seventy years ; and one, brought from the 
 jiver Gambia, died there not long ago, at the age of six- 
 y-three. Several of these animals have been bred in the 
 ifower : So that the time of their gestation, the number 
 hey produce, and the time of their arriving at perfec- 
 ion, are all pretty well known. 
 
 The flesh of the Lion is said to have a strong disagree- 
 
 O D 
 
 ble flavour ; yet it is frequently eaten by the negroes. 
 !rhe skin which was formerly a robe of distinction for 
 (leroes, is now made use of by those people as a mantle 
 i»r a bed. They also preserve the grease, which is of a 
 penetrating nature, and is used in medicine, 
 i The representation we have given was drawn from a 
 remarkable fine one, exhibited at Newcastle in the year 
 1788. It was then young, extremely healthful, active, 
 :ind in full condition. 
 
ao6 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS;-, 
 
 (Felis Tigris, Lin . — Le Tigre, BufF.) 
 
 Is the most rapacious and destructive of all carnivoroui 
 animals. Fierce without provocation, and cruel without 
 necessity, its thirst for blood is insatiable ; Though gluh 
 ted with slaughter, it continues its carnage, nor evd 
 gives up so long as a single object remains in its sight 
 Flocks and herds fall indiscriminate victims to its fury | 
 It fears neither the sight nor the opposition of man, 
 v/hom it frequently makes its prey ; and it is even sai^ 
 to prefer human flesh to that of any other animal. 
 
 The i iger is peculiar to Asia, and is found as ^ 
 North as China and Chinese Tartary ; It inhabits Mouni 
 Ariu’at and Hyrcania, of old, famous for its wild beasts 
 The greatest numbers are met with in India and iili 
 islands. They are the scourge of the country ; The| 
 lurk among the bushes, by the sides of rivers^ and al- 
 
 -■ . 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ZO7 
 
 jdost depopulate many places. They seldom pursue their 
 jirey, but bound upon it from the place of their ambush, 
 dth an elasticity, and from a distance scarcely credible, 
 t is highly probable, that from this circumstance, the 
 Tiger may derive its name, which in the Armenian lan- 
 uage^signifies an arrow ; to the flight of which this crea- 
 are may very properly be compared, in the quickness 
 nd a^lity of its bounds. 
 
 The strength of this animal is so great, that, when it 
 as killed a Deer or other ajiimal, it carries it off with 
 Lich ease, that it seems no impedient to its flight. If it 
 e undisturbed, it plunges its head into the body of the 
 nimal up to its very eyes as if to satiate itself with 
 itlood. 
 
 The Tiger is one of the few animals whose ferocity 
 an never be wholly subdued. Neither gentleness nor 
 onstraint has any effect in softening its temper. It does, 
 lOt seem sensible of the attention of its keeper; and 
 rould equally tear the hand that feeds, wuth that by w hich 
 it is chastised. 
 
 j A beautiful young male Tiger, lately brought over 
 com China, in the Pitt East-Indiaman, at the age of ten. 
 aonths, was so far domesticated, as to admit every kind 
 if familiarity from the people on board. It seemed to be 
 uite harmless, and was as playful as a kitten. It fre- 
 uently slept with the sailors in their hammocks, and 
 vould suffer two or three of them to repose their heads 
 iipon its back, as upon a pillow, w'hilst it lay stretched 
 Imt upon the deck. In return for this, it would, howe- 
 ver, (how and then steal their meat. Having one day 
 faken a p^ede of beef from the carpenter, he followed 
 <he animal, took the meat out of its mouth, and beat it 
 
2o8 history of quadrupeds. 
 
 severely for the theft ; Avhich punishment it sulFered with 
 all the patience of a Dog. It would frequently run out; 
 on the boAvsprit ; climb about the ship like a Cat ; and 
 perform a number of tricks, with an agility that was 
 truly astonishing. There w-as a Dog on board the ship,; 
 with which it would often play in the most diverting 
 manner. — From these circumstances, one might be led 
 to suppose, that the disposition of the Tiger, like that o! 
 many other animals, Ayas capable of some degree of cuh 
 ture : But it ought to be remembered, that at the tim^i 
 this one w^as taken on board the ship, it was only a 
 month or six Aveeks old ; and Avhen arrived in this coun- 
 try, it had not quite compleated a year. Hoav much 
 longer its good-humour might have continued, it is im- 
 possible to say : But it is much to be doubted, that the 
 same innocent playfulness, would have formed a part ol 
 its character Avhen arrived at its full state of maturity. 
 
 NotAvithstandhig the cruelty of this creature’s disposi- 
 tion, a sudden cheek has sometimes had a good effect in 
 preventing its meditated attack. Some ladies and gentle- 
 men being on a party of pleasure, under a shade of trees, 
 on the banks of a river in Bengal, were suddenly sur , 
 prised at seeing a Tiger ready to make its fatal spring] ! 
 One of the ladies, with amazing presence of mind, lai( 
 hold of an umbrella, and unfurling it directly in the ani. 
 mal’s face, it instantly retired. — Another party had no , 
 the same good fortune. A Tiger darted among then 
 Avhilst they Avere at dinner, seized on a gentleman, an*! 
 carried him off in the sight of his disconsolate compa- 
 nions. 
 
 They attack all kinds of animals, even the Lion; and 
 
209 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 1 1 furious combats have frequently been maintained be- 
 j tween them, in which both have perished. 
 
 ‘i Father Tachard gives an account of a battle between 
 (| a Tiger and two Elephants, at Siam; of which he w^as 
 I an eye-witness. The heads and part of the trunks ol 
 I the Elephants, were defended from the claws of the Ti- 
 j ger by a covering made for the purpose. 1 hey were 
 1 placed in the midst of a large inclosure. One of them 
 j was suffered to approach the Tiger, which was confined 
 i by eords, and received two or three heavy blows from 
 j the trunk of the Elephant upon its back, which beat it 
 I to the ground, where it lay for some time as if it were 
 I dead: But though this attack had a good deal abated its 
 fury, it was no sooner untied, than, with a horrible roar 
 it made a spring at the Elephant’s trunk, which that ani- 
 mal dexterously avoided by drawing it up ; and receiving 
 the Tiger on its tusks, threw it up into the air. The 
 two Elephants were then allowed to come up ; and after 
 i giving it several heavy blow^s, would undoubtedly have 
 ! killed it, if an end had not been put to the combat. — 
 Under sueh restraints and disadvantages, we cannot won- 
 der that the issue was unfavourable to the Tiger. We 
 I may, however by this judge of its great strength and 
 j fierceness, — that, after being disabled by the first attaek 
 I of the Elephant, whilst it was held by its eords, it w-ould 
 i' venture to continue such an unequal engagement. 
 
 1 , We are happy in being able to present our curious 
 i readers with an engraving of this rare animal, drawn 
 1 from the life, from a Tiger that Avas exhibited at New- 
 castle in 1787, and was generally allow^ed to be one of 
 the finest creatures of its kind ever seen in England. 
 
 O 
 
210 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The beautiful bars of black with which every part of its 
 body was streaked, are accurately copied : The colour of i 
 the ground was yellow, deeper on tlie back, and soften - 
 ing by degrees to^vards the belly, where it was white ; as 
 were also the throat and insides of the legs : A white 
 space, spotted with black surrounded each eye ; and on 
 each cheek, a stripe of the same colour extended from 
 the ears to the throat. It was nearly the same height as 
 the Lion, and was of the largest species of the Tiger, 
 which is called the Roijat Tiger. The smallest of them is i 
 not above two feet high, said to be extremely cunning, j 
 and delights in human flesh. The second kind is about, J 
 tlu'ee feet high, and is fond of Deer, Wild Hogs, &c. ! 
 which it frequently takes by the side of rivers, as they 
 come down to quench their thirst. 
 
 The skin of this animal is much esteemed all over the : 
 east, particularly in China. The Mandarins cover their ! 
 seats of justice with it ; and, during the winter, use it ; 
 for cushions and pillows. i 
 
 We have now described the two great heads of this i 
 mischievous family, which are eminently distinguished 
 from the rest in size, strength and colour. 
 
 The three succeeding species have been frequently con- 
 founded with each other; and, although there is some 
 dilference in their size, and in the disposition of their 
 spots, yet these have been so indiscriminately defined, as 
 to make it difficult to form a true criterion, so as accu- 
 rately to distinguish each species. Strikingly similar in 
 the form of their bodies, in the beauty of their skins as 
 well as in their dispositions and habits, which seem to be 
 equally formed for rapine and cruelty, — there is great 
 
211 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 •oom to conjecture, that commixture may be one great 
 :ause of producing the slight differences observable in 
 hem. — If we regard the figure and diversity of the spots, 
 rtre shall find many varieties not taken notice of by natu- 
 j-alists; if we be led to judge by the size, we shall find 
 ! m almost imperceptible gradation from the Cat to the 
 Tiger. It would be vain, therefore, to make as many va- 
 rieties in these animals, as we see differences in spots or 
 stature ; it will be sufficient to point out the most ge- 
 neral distinctions. 
 
 » i 
 
 i 
 
212 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 {Felis Pardus, Lin . — La Panthere, BufF.) 
 
 Is next in size to the Tiger, and has, by many natural- 
 lists, been mistaken for that animal. — Its hair is short and 
 smooth ; and, instead of being streaked like the Tiger, is 
 beautifully marked on the back, sides, and flanks, with 
 black spots, disposed in circles, from four to five in each, 
 with a single spot in the center ; on the face, breast, and 
 legs, the spots are single : The colour of the body on the 
 back and sides is yellow, deep on the back, and paler to-* 
 wards the belly, which is white : Its ears are short and 
 pointed ; its eye is restless ; and its whole aspect fierce 
 and cruel. 
 
 It is an untameable animal, and inhabits Africa, from 
 Barbary to the remotest parts of Guinea. 
 
 Its manner of taking its prey is the same with that of 
 the Tiger, — alv/ays by surprize, either lurking in thick- 
 ets, or creeping on its belly, till it comes within reach 
 When pressed with hunger, it attacks every living crea 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 213 
 
 ,ure without distinction, but happily prefers the flesh of 
 )rutes to that of mankind : it will even climb up trees in 
 lursuit of monkies and lesser animals ; so that nothing is 
 lecure from its attacks. 
 
 The Panther is about the size of a lai’ge Mastiff Dog, 
 )ut its legs are not quite so long. Its voice is strong and 
 loarse, and it growls continually. 
 
 The ancients were well acquainted with these animals. 
 The Romans drew prodigious numbers from the desarts 
 )f Africa, for their public shows ; sufficient, one might 
 suppose, to have entirely exhausted them. Scaurus ex- 
 libited an hundred and fifty of them at one time ; Pom- 
 ley four hundred and ten ; and Augustus four hundred 
 ind twenty. They probably thinned the coasts of Mau- 
 'itania of these animals ; but they still swarm in the sou- 
 ;hern parts of Guinea. 
 
 In China, there is a most beautiful animal of this kind, 
 called Louchu, the skin of which sells for six pound ster- 
 ling- 
 
 An animal of this species is likewise found in Asiatic 
 Tartary, called there tlie Babr. It is seven feet long, ex- 
 tremely rapacious, and very destructive of Horses and 
 Camels. Its skin is very fine, and valued in Russia at 
 one pound sterling. 
 
214 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE LEOPARD. 
 ( Le Leopardy BufF. ) 
 
 The very trifling diflerence between this and the last ‘ 
 mentioned animal gives reason to suppose, that it con i 
 sists chiefly in the name. It inhabits the same countries 
 and in some places goes by the same name, being callecj 
 the Panther of Senegal ; and is chiefly found there, h 
 it mentioned by Ray as the female Panther^ but is rathe! 
 smaller than that animal. Its length, from nose to tailj 
 is about four feet : The colour of the body is a mor(| 
 lively yellow ; and the spots with which it is diversified! 
 are smaller and closer than those of the Panther. 
 
 The interior parts of Africa abound with these ani; 
 mals ; from whence they come down in great numbers; 
 and make dreadful havock among the numerous herd! 
 that cover the plains of the Lower Guinea. Wher 
 beasts of chace fail, they spare no living creature. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 21 5 
 
 The negroes take them in pitfalls slightly covered at 
 !ie top, and baited with flesh. Their chief inducement 
 I )r pursuing them is their flesh, which they eat ; and it is 
 ; ud to be as white as veal, and well-tasted. The negres- 
 ps make collars of their teeth, and wear them as charms, 
 j The skins of these animals are brought to Europe, 
 fhere they are greatly esteemed. 
 
 In India, there is a species of Leopard about the size 
 ;jpa large Greyhound, with a small head, and short ears : 
 Is face, chin, and throat, are of a pale brown colour, in- 
 iining to yellow; the body is of a light tawny-brown, 
 larked with small round black spots, scattered over the 
 jick, sides, head, and legs ; the hair on the top of the 
 i"ck, is longer than the rest; the belly is white ; the tail 
 ■ny long, marked on the upper side with large black 
 fiots. 
 
 IE I This is the animal, mentioned in our account of the 
 
 i intelope, which is made use of in India for hunting that 
 iid other beasts of the chace. — It is carried in a small 
 aid of waggon, chained and hoodwinked till it approach- 
 ; the head ; when it is unchained, and suffered to pursue 
 EC game. It begins by creeping along, • with its belly 
 :ose to the ground, stopping and concealing itself till it 
 };ts an advantageous situation ; it then darts on its prey 
 rith great agility, frequently making five or six amazing 
 ^Biunds. If it should not succeed in its first effort, 
 gives up the point for that time, and readily returns to 
 master. 
 
2l6 
 
 HISTOPvY OK QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 f L'Once, Buff. ) 
 
 Is smaller than the Leopard, being three feet and a hj| 
 long from the nose to the tail, very strong, long-backei 
 and short legged. The hair is long, and of a light-grj 
 colour, tinged with yellow ; lighter on the breast ai: 
 belly ; The head is marked with small round spots : 
 hind each ear there is a large black spot ; The back 
 beautifully varied with a number of oval figures, formii 
 by small spots almost touching each other; the spots i! 
 the sides are more irregular ; those on the legs and thig 
 small, and thinly dispersed : The tail is full of hair, irij 
 gularly marked with large black spots, and upwards ! 
 three feet long. 
 
 It is common in Barbary, Persia, and China : is mu 
 more gentle than the Leopard ; and, like the Huntini 
 Leopard, is sometimes trained to the chase. Instead* 
 being conveyed in a waggon, it is carried on the crupii 
 of the Horse, is as much under command as a Settirl 
 Dog, returns at a call, and jumps up behind its masti 
 
! HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 217 
 
 The scent of the Ounce is not so fine as that of the 
 Oog. It neither follows animals by their foot, nor is it 
 ■ble to overtake them in a continual chase ; It hunts 
 |oleIy by the eye, and makes only a few springs at its 
 trey. It is so nimble, as to clear a ditch or a wall of 
 nany feet. It often climbs trees to watch animals that 
 re passing, and suddenly darts upon them. 
 
 It is supposed to be the Lesser Panther, of Oppian, and 
 he Plithera of Pliny. 
 
 THE JAGUAR, 
 
 (Fells Onca, Lin . — Le Jaguar Buff.) 
 
 Is the most formidable animal of the new continent, ra- 
 ilier larger than the Panther, with hair of a bright-ta\yny 
 olour. The top of the back is marked with long stripes 
 
 | »f black ; The sides beautifully variegated with irregular 
 )blong spots, open in the middle ; the tail not so long as 
 hat of the Ounce, and in-egularly marked with lara:e 
 )lack spots. 
 
Z 1 o 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 It is found in the hottest parts of South- America ; i; 
 very fierce ; and, when pressed with hunger, will some 
 times venture to seize a man. 
 
 The Indians are much afraid of it, and think it prefer: 
 them to the white inhabitants, who, perhaps, are bettei 
 prepared to repel its attacks. In travelling through th( 
 desarts of Guiana, they light great fires in the night, o 
 which these animals are much afraid. 
 
 They howl dreadfully ; their cry, which is expressive i 
 of the two monosyllables — hou, hou, is somewhat plain- j 
 tive, grave, and strong, like that of the Ox. j 
 
 The Ant-eater, though it has no teeth to defend itsel: | 
 with, is the most cruel enemy the Jaguar has to encoun-j 
 ter. As soon as the Jaguar attacks this little animal, ill 
 lies down on its back, and, with its long claws, seizes 
 and suffocates him. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 219 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 THE COUGUAR, 
 
 (Felis Concolor, Lin . — Le Conguar, Buff.) 
 
 w H A B I T s the continent of America, and is called by some 
 le Puma, or American Lion ; but differs so much from 
 lat noble animal, as not to admit of any comparison. — 
 ;s head is small ; it has no mane ; its length, from nose 
 J) tail is five feet three inches ; the tail two feet : The 
 jredominant colour is a lively red, mixed with black; 
 specially on the back, where it is darkest ; Its chin, 
 iiroat, and all the inferior parts of its body, are wLitish : 
 !-s legs are long ; claivs white ; and the outer claw of 
 !ie fore feet much longer than the others. 
 
 |i It is found in many parts of North- America, from Ca- 
 ijada to Florida : It is also common in Guiana, Brazil, 
 ||nd Mexico. 
 
 It is fierce and ravenous in the extreme, and will 
 !ivim rivers to attack cattle even in their inclosures.« — In 
 iorth-America, its fury seems to be subdued by the ri- 
 ' our of the climate, for it will fly from a Dog in com_ 
 
220 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 pany with its master, and take shelter by running up 
 tree. 
 
 It is very destructive to domestic animals, particular! 
 to Hogs. It preys also upon the Moose and other Deer 
 lies lurking upon the branch of a tree till some of thei 
 animals pass underneath, ^vhen it drops down upon on 
 of them, and never quits its hold till it has drunk il 
 blood. It will even attack beasts of prey. In the Mu 
 seum of the Royal Society is preserved the skin of one c 
 these animals, which was shot just as it had seized 
 Wolf. — When satisfied with eating, it conceals the rei 
 
 of the carcase, covering it carefully with leaves. ] 
 
 purrs like a Cat, and sometimes howls dreadfully. 
 
 The fur is soft, and is used by the Indians for a wil 
 ter habit ; when dressed, it is made into gloves and shoe 
 The flesh is white, and, by the natives, reckoned excel 
 lent food. 
 
 The Couguar, when brought into captivity, is alma 
 as gentle as the domestic Cat, allows itself to be caressed 
 and will permit boys to mount on its back. — It is somi 
 times called the Foltron Tiger. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 221 
 
 ; THE BLACK-TIGER, 
 
 (Le Cougar noir, BufF.) 
 
 i 
 
 OiFrERS from the former chiefly in the colour, which is 
 ijiusky, sometimes spotted with black, but generally plain, 
 jrhe throat, belly, and inside of the legs, are of a pale-ash 
 Colour; the upper lip white, covered with long whis- 
 kers ; Above each eye it has very long hairs ; and at the 
 porner of the mouth a black spot : its paivs are white ; 
 jind its ears are sharp and pointed. 
 
 I It grows to the size of a heifer of a year old, and has 
 ijreat strength in its limbs. 
 
 ; It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, is a cruel and fierce 
 jinimal, much dreaded by the Indians ; but fortunately 
 jhe s}>€cies is not numerous. 
 
 ; M. de la Borde, in his description of these animals, 
 iiays, that they frequent the sea shore, and eat the eggs 
 deposited there by the turtles. They likewise eat cai- 
 ' mans or alligators, lizards, and fishes, and sometimes 
 
222 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the buds and tender leaves of the Indian fig. — They are 
 exeellent swimmers. — In order to eateh the alligator, 
 they lie down on their belly at the edge of the river, 
 strike the ivater to make a noise, and as soon as the alli- 
 gator raises its head above the w^ater, dart their elaws into 
 its eyes, and drag it on shore. 
 
 THE OCELOT. 
 
 (Fdis Pardalis Lin. — IJOcelot,'Q\x^.) j 
 
 The skin of the male Oeelot, is extremely beautiful,] 
 and most elegantly variegated. Its general eolour is that 
 of a bright tawny ; a black stripe extends along the top oJ 
 the back, from head to tail ; its forehead is spotted with 
 black, as are also its legs ; its shoulders, sides, and! 
 rump are beautifully marbled with long stripes of black, 
 forming oval figures, filled in the middle with small 
 black spots ; its tail is irregularly marked wuth largis 
 spots, and black at the end. — The colours of the femalcj 
 are not so vivid as those of the male ; neither is it sc 
 beautifully marked. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 223 
 
 I The Ocelot very much resembles the common Cat in 
 i he form of its body ; although it is a great deal larger. 
 
 ^ iluiFou makes its height two feet and a half, and about 
 jour feet in length. 
 
 I' It is a native of South- America, inhabits Mexico and 
 Irazil, is very voracious, but timid, and seldom attacks 
 jien. It is afraid of Dogs ; and when pursued, flies to 
 ^ l ie woods. 
 
 ' I It lives chiefly in the mountains, and conceals itself 
 ttnongst the leaves of trees ; from whence it daits upon 
 iich animals as come within its reach. It sometimes ex- 
 il;nds itself along the boughs, as if it were dead, till the 
 lonkies, tempted by their natural curiosity, approach 
 rithin its reach. It is said to prefer the blood of ani- 
 iials to their flesh. 
 
 ' The Ocelot cannot easily be tamed, and retains its ori- 
 jnal wildness in a state of captivity. Nothing can soften 
 l.e natural ferocity of its disposition, nor calm the rest- 
 ^ssness of its motions. For this reason it is always kept 
 i a cage. — One of these animals, shewn at Newcastle 
 i 1788, although extremely old, exhibited great marks 
 (' ferocity. It was kept closely confined, and would not 
 limit of being caressed by its keeper in the same manner 
 ;•> the Lion ; but growled constantly, and always appear- 
 il in motion. — A male and female Ocelot were brought 
 i it' France some years ago, which had been taken when 
 ;|t:ry young. At the age of three months, they becama 
 strong and fierce, as to kill a bitch that was given 
 lem for a nurse. When a live Cat was thrown to 
 pern, they sucked its blood, but would not taste its flesh. 
 The male seemed to have a great superiority over the fe- 
 
224 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 male, as he never allowed.her to pai take till his own appe 
 tite w'as satisfied. 
 
 The female Ocelot, like ail the larger animals of the 
 Cat kind, produces a small number at a time. The tw( 
 above-mentioned were the only young ones found witl 
 the mother, which v-as killed at the time they were ta 
 ken, and makes it probable, that they bring forth onli 
 that number. 
 
 Is another beautiful animal of the spotted tribe, £i 
 known in many places by the name of the Tiger Cm 
 The ground colour of the body is tawny ; the face 
 striped with black ; the body is marked with stripes aj! 
 large spots of black ; the breast and insides of the l€^l 
 are white, spotted with black ; the tail is long, mary 
 with alternate spots of black, tawny, and gray- 
 
 The Margay is smaller than the Ocelot, and about tl 
 size of the Wild Cat, w'hich it resembles in dispositi(j 
 
 THE MARGAT, 
 
 ( Le Margay, Buff.) 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 225 
 
 I nd habits, living on small animals, birds, &c. — It is very 
 5 rild, and cannot easily be brought under subjection. 
 
 1 ^ Its colours vary, though they are generally such as 
 ikave been described. 
 
 I It is common in Guiana, Brazil, and various parts of 
 
 |i)Outh-America. 
 
 || It is called the Cayenne Cat^ and is not so frequent in 
 liiinperate as in warm climates. 
 
 ^ In talcing a survey of this beautiful race of animals, we 
 re unavoidably led to observe, tliat much remains for 
 ■le laborious researches of the natural historian, before a 
 ‘omplete account can be made out of the various kinds 
 f which it is composed. — Several species are frequently 
 aund in the East Indies, in the woods near the Cape of 
 rood Hope, and on the continent of America ; but in 
 eneral these have been so negligently or 30 injudiciously 
 mentioned, as to render it impossible to form a perfect 
 
 ascription of them. A good history of these animals 
 
 one of the many desiderata of the naturalist ; but when 
 e consider the great distance which most of this fero- 
 mus tribe observ^e in their separation, from mankind, and 
 le dangers that must be encountered in approaching 
 'leir solitary habitations, we are obliged to lament that 
 Ills desirable object is not likely to be soon accomplished. 
 
220 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE SERVALy 
 
 (Le Servnly BufF.) 
 
 Inhabits the mountainous parts of India, and is ca 
 by the natives of Malabar, the Marapiite . — It is larr 
 than the Wild- Cat — Its general colour is a pale yello 
 ^vhite on the breast and belly ; variegated with roi| 
 spots which are equally distributed over every part of' 
 body ; Its eyes are extremely brilliant, and have a w! 
 piercing look, its whiskers are long and stiff; its 
 short ; and its feet are armed with long hooked claws. J 
 It is seldom to be seen upon the ground ; but li 
 chiefly in trees, where it makes its nest, and breeds, 
 young. It feeds on young birds, and leaps with g| 
 agility from tree to tree. ^ It is extremely fierce ; bu 
 voids mankind, unless provoked ; when it darts furioi 
 upon the offender, and tears and bites nearly in the s; 
 manner as the Panther. 
 
i 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 227 
 
 i 
 
 j Sparrman mentions an animal of this kind, found at 
 le Cape of Good Hope, which he calls the Ti^er Caty 
 jid supposes it to be the same with the Serval. 
 
 I The same author mentions another animal of this kind 
 died at the Cape the Wild Red Cats the skin of which 
 supposed by the natives to possess great medicinal: 
 Dwers, and give ease to persons afflicted with the gout, 
 imbago, and pains in the joixts. The fur is very fine 
 iid soft ; and, probably, there are many other skins 
 hich, if applied with an equal degree of good faith, 
 light have the same salutary effects. 
 
 The colour of the upper part of this creature is of a 
 ;iy bright-red ; towards the sides it is mixed with white 
 fid gray ; the belly is white : the upper part of the ears, 
 Ihich have tufts of hair on their tips, is dark-brown, 
 |irinkled with gray. Its body is long, and about two 
 let in height. 
 c4 
 Ia4 
 
 oi 
 
 itsj; 
 
 1-S4 
 
 idsi: 
 
 T 
 
 'id# 
 
228 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE WILD-CAT. 
 
 (Felis Catus, Lin . — Le Chat savage. Buff.) 
 
 The history of this animal is so intimately connecte( 
 with that of the common or domestic kind, that we shal 
 include our account of both under one general head, am] 
 describe them as constituting the same species. j 
 
 The domestic Cat, if suffered to escape into the woods, 
 becomes wild and lives on small birds and such othej 
 game as it can find there ; it likewise breeds with th 
 wild one. It is no uncommon thing for females of th{ 
 tame species to quit their houses during the time they ai| 
 in season, go in quest of male Wild-Cats, and return t| 
 the same habitations impregnated by them. It is by th 
 means that some of our domestic Cats so perfectly resenj 
 ble those of the wild breed. i| 
 
 The hair of the Wild-cat is soft and fine, of a paL, 
 yellow colour, mixed with gray ; a dusky list runs aloi: 
 the middle of the back, from head to tail ; the sides a:' 
 streaked with gray, pointing from the back downward?' 
 the tail is thick, and marked with alternate bars of bla' 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 229 
 
 md white. It is larger and stronger than the tame Cat, 
 ind its fur much longer. 
 
 j It inhabits the most mountainous and woody parts of 
 ihis island, lives in trees and hunts for birds and small 
 linimals ; such as Rabbits, Hares, Rats, Mice, Moles, &c. 
 j It frequently makes great havock among poultry, will 
 !;ven kill young Lambs, Kids, and Fawns ; and is the 
 jiercest and most destructive beast of prey m this king- 
 dom. 
 
 ' It is taken either in traps or by shooting. There is 
 ifequently danger in the latter mode ; for if it be only 
 slightly wounded, it will attack the person who has inju- 
 •ed it and is not easily repelled. 
 
 Wild- Cats are found, with very little variety, in almost 
 ' livery climate. — They existed in America before its dis- 
 ^ covery by the Europeans. One of them was brought to 
 Columbus, which was of the ordinary size, of a broAvn- 
 I sh-gray colour, with a long tail. — They are common in 
 T.nany places of Asia and Africa. Sparrman gives a de- 
 pcription of one Avhich he shot at the Cape, which was in 
 fevery respect similar to those of this country. It was of 
 ' i gray colour ; and measured from the nose to the tail, 
 
 ' hearly ttventy-two inches : The tail was thirteen inches 
 ■ ong : Its height was about a foot and a half. Its intes- 
 ';ines were full of Moles and Rats. 
 
 Some Wild-Cats have been taken in this kingdom of a 
 j most enormous size. We recollect one having been kil- 
 "I led in the county of Cumberland, which measured, from 
 Its nose to the end of its tail, upwai'ds of live feet. 
 
 ^ The province of Chorazan, in Persia, is particularly 
 famous for a most beautiful Caty about the size of the 
 
230 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 tame one, of a fine gray colour, without any mixture, 
 and as soft and shining as silk. It is darker on the back, 
 softening by degrees towards the breast and belly, whoM 
 it is almost white. The tail is long, and covered wit! 
 hair, five or six inches in length. The animal frequent, 
 ly turns it upon its back, like a Squrrel ; the point of il 
 resembling a plume of feathers. 
 
 The Cat of Angora, differs greatly from the Wild-Cat, 
 in having mush longer hair, especially about the neck; 
 where it forms a fine ruff, and gives it a Lion-like appear- 
 snee. Some of these are of a silvery whiteness, and silky 
 texture : others are of a dun colour, mixed with yellow. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 S31 
 
 THE DOMESTIC CAT, 
 
 Differs from the Wild-Cat, in being somewhat less; 
 iind, instead of being uniformly the same, is distinguished 
 by a great variety of shades and colouring. 
 
 : To describe an animal so well known, might seem a 
 mperfluous task ; we shall only, therefore, select such oC 
 'ts peculiai'ities as are least obvious, and may have esca- 
 !ped the notice of inattentive observers. 
 
 It is generally remarked, that Cats can see in the dark ; 
 3Ut, though this is not absolutely the case, yet it is cer- 
 ain that they can see with much less light than most other 
 inimals, owing to the peculiar structure of their eyes, the 
 i lupils of which are capable of being contracted or dilated 
 i n proportion to the degree of light by which they are alFec- 
 ,:^ed. The pupil of the Cat, during the day, is perpetually 
 ;ontracted : and it is with difficulty that it can see by a 
 ! strong light ; But in the twilight, the pupil resumes its 
 
23‘2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 natural roundness, the animal enjoys perfect vision, anc i 
 takes advantage of this superiorityto discover and surpris( 
 its prey. 
 
 The cry of the Cat is loud, piercing and clamorous 
 and whether expressive of anger or of love, is equally vio 
 lent and hideous. Its call may be heard at a great dis 
 tance, and is so well known to the whole fraternity 
 that on some occasions several hundred Cats have beei 
 brought together from different parts. Invited by thi 
 piercing cries of distress from a suffering fellow- creatunj 
 they assemble in crowds ; and, with loud squalls an( 
 yells, express their horrid sympathies. They frequentl] 
 tear the miserable object to pieces, and, with the moi^ 
 blind and furious rage, fall upon each other, killing an( 
 wounding indiscriminately, till there is scarcely one lefl 
 These terrible conflicts happen only in the night ; am 
 though rare, instances of very furious engagements ar 
 well authenticated. I 
 
 The Cat is particular averse to water, cold, and bai 
 smells. It is fond of certain perfumes, but is more paij 
 ticularly attracted by the smell of valerian, marum, ani 
 cat-mint r It rubs itself against them ; and, if not preveti 
 ted from coming at them in a garden where they ai*e plati 
 ted, would infallibly destroy them. 
 
 The Cat brings forth twice,'^ and sometimes thrice, “ 
 year. The period of her gestation is fifty-five or fifty-si' 
 days, and she generally produces five or six at one littei 
 She conceals her kittens from the male, lest he should dc 
 vour them, as he is sometimes inclined ; and, if appre- 
 hensive of being disturbed, -will take them up in he 
 mouth, and remove them one by one to a more secui 
 retreat ; Even the female herself contrary to the esh 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 233 
 
 lished law of Nature, which binds the pai’ent to its ofF- 
 oring by an almost indissoluble tie, is sometimes known 
 ) eat her own young the moment after she has produced 
 lem. 
 
 f;! Though extremely useful in destroying the vermin that 
 iljifest our houses, the Cat seems little attached to the per- 
 [pns of those who afford it protection. It seems to be un- 
 fcr no subjection, and acts only for itself. All its views 
 confined to the place where it has been brought up ; 
 ^ carried elsewhere, it seems lost and bewildered : Nei- 
 |ier caresses nor attention can reconcile it to its new sit- 
 fution, and it frequently takes the first opportunity of 
 -j^icaping to its former haunts. Frequent instances are in 
 . ur recollection, of Cats having returned to the place from 
 \i 'jhence they had been carried, though at many miles dis- 
 ; nee, and even across rivers, when they could not possi- 
 i: y have any knowledge of the road or situation that would 
 tparently lead them to it. — This extraordinary faculty is, 
 
 1 ) )wever, possessed in a much greater degree by Dogs ; 
 p ft it is in both animals equally wonderful and unac- 
 j^mntable. 
 
 yV In the time of Koel the Good, King of Wales, who 
 jllied in the year 948, -^ laws were made as well as to pre- 
 frve, as to fix the different prices of animals ; among 
 ,»4liich the Cat was included, as being at that period of 
 r ^eat importance, on account of its scarceness and utility. 
 itt| he price of a kitten before it could see was fixed at one 
 5 proof could be given of its having caught a 
 pp^ouse, two-pence ; after which it was rated at four-pence ; 
 ijAiich was a great sum in those days, when the value of 
 s.ecie was extremely high : It was likewise required, 
 tat it should be perfect of its senses of hearing and seeing, 
 
 2 P 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 234f 
 
 should be a good mouser, have its claws whole, and, if a 
 female, be a careful nurse ; If it failed in any of these 
 good qualities, the seller was to forfeit to the buyer the thirc 
 part of its value. — If any one should steal or kill the Cal 
 that giuwded the Prince’s granary, he was either to forfei 
 a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb, or as much wheat as 
 when poured on the Cat suspended by its tail (its heacj 
 touching the floor, ) would form a heap high enough t( 
 cover the tip of the former. — From hence we may con 
 elude, that cats were not originally natives of these islands 
 and, from the great care taken to improve and preserve th 
 breed of this prolific creature, we may suppose, were bu 
 little known at that period. — Whatever credit we may al 
 low to the circumstances of the well known story c 
 Whittington and his Cat, it is another proof of the gr® 
 value set upon this animal in former times. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 
 THE LT^rX, 
 
 (Felis Lynx t Lin. — Le LynXy ou Loup Cervievy Buff.) 
 
 Differs greatly from every animal of the Cat kind wc 
 iive hitherto described. Its ears are long and erect, tuf- 
 :d at the end with long black hairs, by which this species 
 r animals is peculiarly distinguished : The hair on the 
 ody is long and soft, of a red-ash colour, marked with 
 usky spots, which differ according to the age of the crea- 
 ire ; sometimes they are scarcely visible : Its legs and 
 ;et are very thick and strong ; its tail short, and black at 
 le extremity ; its eyes are of a pale-yellow colour; and 
 s aspect softer and less ferocious than that of the Panther 
 r the Ounce. The skin of the male is more spotted than 
 lat of the female. 
 
 The fur is valuable for its softness and ■warmth, and is 
 nportedin great quantities from America and the North 
 f Europe. The farther North they are taken, the whi- 
 zr they are, and the spots more distinct. — The most ele^ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 23^5 
 
 gant of those is called the Irbjjs ; and is taken near Lake 
 Balkash, in Usbeck Tartary. It is much larger than the 
 common kind. Its skin sells in that country, for one 
 pound sterling. — The colour of its hair changes with the 
 climate and the season. The winter furs are richer and 
 more beautiful than those taken in summer. 
 
 The Lynx is said to be very long-lived, is a very de- 
 structive animal, lives by hunting, and pursues its prey 
 to the tops of the highest trees. It feeds on Weasels. 
 Ermines, Squirrels, &.c. which are unable to escape it, 
 It watches the approach of the Fallow-deer, Hare, anc 
 other animals, and darts upon them from the branches 
 of trees, where it lies concealed ; and seizes them by th( 
 throat, and drinks their blood; after which, it abandon: 
 them, and goes in quest of fresh game. Its sight is re 
 markably quick, and it sees its prey at a great distance.— ij 
 It often eats no more of a Sheep or a Goat than the braini 
 the liver, and the intestines. It will sometimes dig unde 
 the doors to gain admission into the sheepfold. — Whei 
 attacked by a Dog, it lies down on its back, strikes des 
 perately with its claws, and frequently obliges itsassailan 
 to retreat. 
 
 Although the Lynx has nothing in common with th 
 Wolf, it has been distinguished by the name of Lupm 
 Cervarias, or the St as,- Wolf. Its manner of howling i 
 similar to that of the Wolf ; and v^hen heard at a distance 
 is not easily distinguished from the cry of that anima 
 The epithet Cervarias has been added, because its skii 
 is variegated with spots like that of a young Stag. * 
 
 A variety is found in the inner parts of the state of Nev 
 York, which is called the Bay-Lyn-x, and is about twit 
 the size of a large Cat. Its hair is short and smooth ; i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 237 
 
 :;neral colour is a bright-bay, obscurely marked with 
 asky spots ; on its face there are black stripes, pointing 
 ownward towards the nose ; on each side of the upper 
 J) it has tlireerows of small black spots, with long whis- 
 iu's issuing from them ; each cheek is marked with long 
 lack stripes, of a circular form, proceeding from thecor- 
 ].Ts of the eyes ; the under part of the body, and insides 
 ( ' the legs, are white ; the inside of each fore leg is mark- 
 d on the upper part with two black bars ; its tail, which 
 i short, is marked with bars of a dusky colour, and at the 
 (id with one of a deep-black ; the tip and under side are 
 hite. 
 
 The Lynxes of our days must be very different animals 
 Ijjiam those which have been described by poets as drawing 
 l,e chariot of Bacchus ; for, besides the impracticability 
 (' training these animals to the yoke, we find that the 
 j^lynx is not an inhabitant of India, nor of any of the wai'- 
 11^3 er countries of Asia conquered by that hero. — It prefers 
 i|)ld to even temperate climates, and is common in the for- 
 jj f ts of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. 
 
 [j j The ancient, seem to have given the name of Li/n.i' to an 
 limal which existed only in imagination, and may be 
 inked with the other ideal monsters and prodigies, — the 
 phynx, the Pegasus, and the Unicorn. — Its sight was 
 p lid to penetrate the most opaque bodies, and its urine to 
 [J 2 converted into a precious stone. 
 
 A- 
 
*38 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE CARACAL, 
 
 (Le Caracal, Buff.) 
 
 Resembles the Lynx In size, figure, and aspect, as wc| 
 as in having its ears tipt with a pencil of black hairs. — 
 differs from the last- mentioned animal in not being spol 
 ted ; its hair is rougher, and of a pale reddish brown ; i 
 tail is longer, and of an uniform colour ; its face is mo 
 lengthened, its look more fierce, and its nature and dil 
 position more savage. | 
 
 This animal is found only in warm climates, andi 
 common in Persia, India, Barbary, and in all the couij 
 tries inhabited by the Lion, the Panther, and the OuncI 
 — It is called in Persia the Syah-Gvsh i and in the Turj 
 ish language, the Karrah-Kulak. Both these names si 
 nify the Cat with black eai's . — It is said to follow tf 
 Lion, and to feed on the remains which that aniir,; 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 23.9 
 
 laves of his prey ; for which reason it is called among 
 ie Arabs the Lioti's Guide. 
 
 The Caracal is about the size of a Fox, but much 
 jronger, and more ferocious. It has been known to at- 
 <ck a Hound, and instantly tear it to pieces. 
 
 This animal is extremely difficult to tame ; but when 
 tken young, and reared with great caution, it may be 
 tuned to the chase. — It is used in taking the smaller sort 
 c animals, in which it is very successful ; but it is active 
 cly in the pursuit of those that are too feeble for resist- 
 » ce or too timid to exert their powers. Whenever it 
 leets with one that is superior to it in strength, it loses its 
 ourage, and gives up the chace. — It is likewise employ- 
 (. in catching birds : such as cranes, pelicans, peacocks, 
 iz. which it surprises with singular address. — When it 
 Ils seized its prey, it holds it fast in its mouth, and lies 
 Don it for some time quite motionless. 
 
 There are some varieties in this animal. The face of 
 dte Nubian Caracal^ is rounder ; the ears black on the 
 ,-Citside, interspersed with silver-coloured hairs ; on the 
 jpjfeast, belly, and inside of the thighs there are small 
 , tight-yellow spots ; and it has the Mule -cross on the 
 mithers, like most of the Barbary Caracals. 
 lii{ In Lybia, there are Caracals with white ears, tufted at 
 t5 end with thin black hairs : They have white tails, the 
 A tremities of which are surrounded with four black rings ; 
 Olid on the hind part of each leg there are four black spots, 
 im^aey are small, not exceeding the size of a domestic 
 
 [M. 
 
 sf, , We have now gone through all the principal varieties 
 4iich constitute this numerous race ; in all of which, as 
 ii.sbeen already observed, from the Lion to the common 
 
240 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 ,jx 
 
 fi 
 
 j[i 
 
 I Cat, we may perceive a striking similitude in disposition 
 
 « form, and manners. This ameement is likewise observ- 
 
 I nble in their internal conformation, which is still more ex 
 act, — In the shortness of their intestines, the sharpnes: 
 
 ■ and number of their teeth, and in the structure of thei: 
 
 ? feet and claws. They are all equally carnivorous ; aii( 
 
 tear, rather than chew their meat. They eat slowly, aiK 
 growl whilst they feed, as if afraid of losing their prey 
 They are all cowardly, and seldom make an attack bu 
 ,[ where conquest is certain. 
 
 Animals of this race may be considered as the mos 
 formidable enemies of mankind. There are others mor 
 powerful, but their dispositions are milder, and they sel 
 I , dom o fiend till they find themselves injured : Others ar 
 
 1^1 ^ more numerous, but they are weaker, and find their safe 
 
 II ty not in opposing but in flying from man. 1 hese arj! 
 the only quadrupeds that in any degree make good thelf 
 ground against him, and maintain a kind of divided swi! 
 over many fair* and fertile tracts, that seem, in other rej' 
 
 ^ pects, formed for the comfort and convenience of sociij 
 
 life. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 241 
 
 animals of the weasel kind. 
 
 These little, active, and enterprising animals are par- 
 icularly distinguished from other carni^'orous kinds by 
 he length and slenderness of their bodies, which are ad- 
 nirably adapted to their manner of li\ ing, and methods 
 ; ,’f taking their prey. They are so small and flexible, as 
 I o wind like worms into very small cre^•ices and open- 
 ; ngs ; whither they easily follow the little animals that 
 ‘ ierve them for food. 
 
 All the animals of this kind are furnished with small 
 l^'lands, placed near the anus, from which an unctuous 
 ; natter continually exudes ; The effluvia of it is extreme- 
 fy oftensive in the Polecat, Ferret, Weasel, &c. ; but in 
 he Civet Cat, Alartin, and Pine Weasel, it is an agree- 
 jible perfume. — They are all equally marked for rapine 
 nd cruelty ; they subsist only by theft, and find their 
 j;hief protection in their minuteness. They are all from 
 jhe shortness of their legs, slow in pursuit ; and make up 
 hat deficiency by patience, assiduity, and cunning. 
 
 As their prey is precai'ious, they can live a long time 
 w ithout food. W hen they fall in with plenty, they im- 
 1 mediately kill every thing within their reach before they 
 i Degin to satisfy their appetite ; and always suck the blood 
 of exery animal they kill, before they eat its flesh. 
 
 These are the principal peculiai'ities common to this 
 iind ; all the species of which have so striking a resem- 
 olance to each other, that having seen one, we may form 
 X very just idea of the rest. — The most obvious dift'erence 
 i consists in their size. 'NVe shall therefore begin u ith the 
 mailest of this numerous class, and proceed gradually 
 
 ^ upwards to the largest 
 
 Q 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 242 
 
 THE WEASEL. 
 
 4 
 
 (Miistda, Nivalis, Lin . — La Beleete, Buff.) 
 
 The length oi this animal does not exceed sevei 
 inches, from the nose to the tail, which is only tw 
 inches and a half long, and ends in a point ; its heigfl 
 is not above two inches and a half ; so that it is near! 
 five times as long as it is high. 
 
 The most prevailing colour of the Weasel is a pal 
 reddish-brown on the back, sides, and legs ; the thro£ 
 and belly are white ; beneath the corners of the moutl| 
 on each jaw-, is a spot of browm. It has whiskers, like 
 Cat ; Its ears are large, and have a fold at the lower par 
 that gives them the appearance of being, double ; its eye 
 are small, round, and black ; its teeth are thirty-two i' 
 number, and extremely sharp. 
 
 The Weasel is very common, and Avell known in mo| 
 parts of this country ; is very destructive to young bird 
 poultry, rabbits, &c. ; and is a keen devourer of egg 
 w hich it sucks with great avidity. It wdll follow a Han 
 wdiich is terrified into a state of absolute imbecility attlil 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 243 
 
 ight of this little animal, and gives itself up to it v ithout 
 ?sistance, making at the same time the most piteous 
 Litcries. 
 
 The bite of the weasel is generally fatal. It seizes its 
 ;irey near the head, and fixes its sharp teeth into a vital 
 art. A Hare, Rabbit, or any other small animal, bit in 
 fUis manner, is never known to recover ; but lingers for 
 ome time, and dies. The wound is so small that the 
 ■ ace where the teeth enter can scarcely be perceived. 
 
 It is remai'kably active, and will run up the sides of a 
 •;all with such facility, that no place is secure from it. 
 
 , The Weasel is very useful to the farmer, and is much 
 ucouraged by him. During winter it frequents his barns, 
 <tit- houses and granaries ; which it effectually clears of 
 Jats and Mice. It is, indeed, a more deadly enemy to 
 ,|l|em than even the Cat itself ; for being more active and 
 sender, it pursues them into their holes and kills them 
 ater a short resistance. It creeps also into pigeon holes, 
 j^d destroys the young ones ; catches sparrows, and all 
 ^Inds of small birds ; and Avhen it has brought forth its 
 it hunts wdth still greater boldness and avidity. — 
 summer, it ventures at a distance from its usual 
 TuRts ; is frequently found by the side of w^aters, near 
 ejJ.'1'R-roills ; and is almost sure to follow wherever a 
 of rats has taken possession of any place. 
 
 (; The evening is the time wdien it begins its depreda- 
 tnis. Towards the close of the day it may frequently 
 seen stealing from its hole, and creeping abou^ the fari 
 ^jier’s yard in search of its prey. If it enter the place 
 :; 4 here poultry are kept, it seldom attacks the cocks *or 
 te old hens, but always aims at the young ones. It 
 
244 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 does not eat its prey on the spot where it has killed it : 
 but, Avhere it is not too large, carries it away to its re- 
 treat. It also breaks and sucks all the eggs it can mcci 
 with ; and, not unfrcquently, kills the hen that attempts 
 to defend them. 
 
 The Weasel is a Avild and untractable little animal, 
 Wiien kept in a cage, it seems in a continual state o, 
 agitation, is terrified at the sight of every person thal 
 approaches to look at it, and hides itself in the avooI oj 
 hay AA^Aich is given to it for that purpose. 
 
 It conveys ail its food to its hiding-place, and Avill no 
 touch it till it begin to putrefy. — It passes the greates 
 part of the day in sleeping, and usually employs the nigh 
 in exercise and eating. 
 
 The female brings forth in the spring, and generall] 
 produces four or five at one litter. She prepares a be 
 for them, of straw, leaves, and moss. The young ar 
 brought forth blind, but very soon acquire strengti 
 enough to folloAV their dam, and assist in her excursions| 
 They Avill attack serpents, water-rats, moles, field-mic( 
 &c. ; They overrun the meadoAvs, and frequently ki 
 the patridges, and suck their eggs. 
 
 The motion of the Weasel consists of unequal and pr< 
 cipitant leaps ; and, in climbing a tree, it makes a cons 
 derable spring of some feet from the ground. It jum| 
 in the same manner upon' its prey ; and being extreme] 
 limber, evades the attempts of much stronger animals 1 
 seize it. 
 
 We are told, that an eagle having seized a Weasti 
 mounted into the air with it, and Avas soon after observt 
 to be in p-reat distress. Its little enemy had extricated! 
 
 O ‘ 
 
 self so far, as to be able to bite it severely in the throaj 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 24.5 
 
 hich presently brought the eagle to the ground, and 
 ave the Weasel an opportunity of escaping. 
 Notwithstanding the wildness of its nature, there are 
 ot wanting instances to prove, that it is capable of being 
 loroughly tamed. M. Buffon, Avho asserted the impos- 
 ibility of bringing the Weasel into any degree of subjec- 
 I ion, is afterwai’ds corrected by a lady, w'ho assures him, 
 
 ; hat she had tried the experiment upon a young W easel 
 ( iken in her garden ; Avhich soon learned to recognise 
 i nd lick the hand from AAdiich it received its food, and be- 
 . ame as familiar, caressing, and frolicsome as a Dog or 
 li Squirrel. The same author mentions another experi- 
 ment, made by a gentleman, who trained a young W^ea- 
 el so completely, that it followed him Avherever he w^ent. 
 —The method of taming them is to stroke them gently 
 j'ver the back, and to threaten and even to beat them, 
 rhen they bite. 
 
 These facts may serve to shew the possibility of render- 
 ng this animal domestic ; and hold out a useful hint to 
 I IS, that its services might be very great in cleai'ing ships, 
 ^ ^ranai'ies, and other places, from the vermin Avith Avhich 
 hey cU'e frequently infested : For it is very Avell knoAA n, 
 hat one of these animals Avill kill more rats and mice 
 han any Cat, being better able to pursue them in their 
 loles and lurking-places. 
 
 The odour of the Weasel is A^ery strong, especially in 
 he summer time, or Avhen it is irritated or pursued ; it is 
 hen intolerable, and may be smelt at some distance. 
 
 The folloAving circumstance, related by Buffon, Avill 
 ihcAv that this animal has a natural attachment to everj' 
 hing that is coiTupt ; — A W easel Avas taken in his neigh- 
 
24G history of quadrupeds. 
 
 bourhood, witli three young ones, out of the carcase of? 
 '^’\^olf that had been hung on a tree by the hind feet.! 
 Tlie wolf was almost entirely putrefied ; and the Weasel ]j 
 had made a nest of leaves and herbage for her young in 
 the thorax of the putrid carcase. 
 
 (Mustela Erminea^ Lin . — Le Rosekt, Buff'.) 
 
 Th e difference in shape between this animal and the 
 Weasel is so small, that they have frequently been de- 
 scribed under the same denomination ; the small Stoatij 
 being sometimes mistaken for a Weasel. 
 
 Its length is about ten inches ; the tail five inches and 
 a half, very hairy, and tipt with black at the end ; the 
 edges of the ears, and ends of the toes, are of a yellow- 
 ish white ; In other respects, it perfectly resembles the 
 Weasel in colour as well as form^ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2 47 
 
 In the most northern parts of Europe, it regularly 
 ranges its eolour in winter, and becomes pei'fectly 
 hite, except the end of the tail, which remains invaria- 
 y black. It is then called the Ermine, and is much 
 aught after for its valuable fur, which makes a considera- 
 l e article of Commerce in Norway, Lapland, Russia, 
 ;id other cold countries, where it is found in prodigious 
 limbers. It is also very common in Kamschatka and Si- 
 bria, and is taken in traps baited with flesh. The 
 i ins are sold in the country for from two to three pounds 
 £2rling per hundred. — In Norway, they ai'e either shot 
 rith blunt arrows, or taken in traps made of two flat 
 SDiies, one being propped up with a stick, to which is 
 fjtened a baited string ; and as soon as the anim.al be- 
 £ns to nibble, the stone falls down, and crushes it to 
 tath. — The Stoat is likewise found white in the winter 
 tne in Great Britain, and is then erroneously called a 
 Thile Weasel. Its fur, however, among us, is of little 
 %lue, having neither the thickness, the closeness, nor the 
 laiteness, of those which come from Siberia. 
 
 One of them, which we had in our possession, had en- 
 t ely assumed its winter robe ; but with a considerable 
 lixture of yellow, especially on the top of the head and 
 Ick. 
 
 They begin to change from browm to white in Novem- 
 itHlr, and resume their summer vesture in March. 
 
 The natural history of this animal is much the same 
 \ththatof the Weasel : its food being young birds, 
 rabits, mice, &c. : its agility the same, and its scent 
 cually fetid. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 248 
 
 THE FERRET. 
 
 ( Mustela E\iro, Lin . — Le Fcn’t't, Buff.) 
 
 Is only known to us in a kind of domestic state. — It 
 originally a native of Africa ; from whence, according 
 Strabo, it Avas brought into Spain ; and from its knoi I 
 enmity to the Rabbit, Avas made use of to reduce the nui 
 bers of tliem Avith Avhich thatkingdom abounded. It 1 
 since been employed for the same purpose in various pa 
 of Europe ; but as it is not able to bear the severity 01 
 cold climate, it cannot subsist Avithout great care s 
 shelter. It is usually kept in a box, Avith avooI ; of avL 
 it makes itself a Avarm bed. It sleeps a great part of 1 
 day ; and the moment it aAvakes, seems eager for 
 food, which is commonly bread and milk. ! 
 
 It breeds tAvice a year. The female goes six Ave, 
 Avith young. Some of them devour their offsprin^i 
 soon as they ai'e brought forth, Avhen they immediatj 
 come in season again, and have three litters, Avhich get 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 249 
 
 ’ally consist of five or six, but sometimes seven or eight, 
 and even nine. 
 
 It is apt to degenerate in England, and lose in 
 >ome degree its ferocity. Warreners are therefore obli- 
 ged to procure an intercourse between the female and the 
 Foumart. The produce is a breed of a much darker co- 
 our than the Ferret, partaking more of that of the Fou- 
 mart. 
 
 Its length is about fourteen inches; that of the tail 
 ive : Its nose is sharper than that of the W easel or the 
 Foumart ; its ears are round ; and its eyes red and fiery ; 
 The colour of the w'hole body is a very pale yellow. 
 
 The Ferret is naturally such an enemy to the Rabbit, 
 that if a dead Rabbit be laid before a young Ferret, it 
 instantly seizes upon it, although it has never seen one 
 before : If a living Rabbit be presented to it, the Ferret 
 |is still more eager, seizes it by the neck, winds itself 
 round it, and continues to suck its blood till it be satia- 
 ted — When employed in the business of the warren, it 
 must be muzzled, that it may not kill the Rabbits in 
 their holes, but only oblige them to come out, that the 
 warrener may catch them in his nets. If the Ferret be 
 suffered to go in without a muzzle, or should disengage 
 itself from it whilst in the hole, there is great danger of 
 losing it. For, after satisfying itself with blood, it falls 
 asleep, audit is then almost impossible to come at it. — 
 The most usual methods of recovering the Ferret are, 
 by digging it out, or smoking the hole. If these do not 
 succeed, it continues during the summer among the Rab- 
 bit holes, and lives upon the prey it finds there ; but 
 being unable to endure the cold of the winter, is sure to 
 perish. 
 
 a 
 
250 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 It is sometimes employed with great success in killing 
 Rats, and is frequently kept in granaries and mills for 
 that purpose. It is- extremely vigilant in the pursuit of 
 them, and will not sufi'er one to live where it is. — A 
 young Ferret, after it has seized a Rat, will suffer itself 
 to be dragged by it a considerable way before it has kil- 
 led it, which it never fails to do in a short time. 
 
 If the Ferret could be kept warm enough at sea, it 
 might be extremely serviceable in destroying the Rats, 
 which frequently commit sucli great depredations on 
 board of ships, and have sometimes been the occasion oi 
 their total loss. 
 
 The Ferret, though easily tamed, is soon irritated. — 
 Its odour is fetid ; its nature voracious ; it is tame with- 
 out attachmeat ; and such is its appetite for blood, that 
 it has been known to attack and kill children in the cradle. 
 
 “ — When angry, it is apt to bite ; and the wound is diffi- 
 cult to cure. 
 
 The Madagascar Weasel or Vansire of M. Buffon, rnayl 
 be referred to this species; to which its size and forni[ 
 are strikingly similar. — It is about fourteen inches in 
 length ; The hair is of a dark brown colour, mixed witlj 
 black: It differs from the Ferret in the number ofitj 
 grinding-teeth, which amount to twelve ; whereas, in the 
 Ferret, there are but eight; The tail is longer than thai 
 of the Ferret, and better furnished with hair. 
 
 The same author mentions another animal of this spe- 
 cies under the name of the Nems, which is a native o:| 
 Arabia. — It resembles the; Ferret in every thing but tht| 
 colour, being of a dark brown, mixed with white ; the, 
 belly is of a bright-yellow colour, without any mixture 
 the prevailing colour on the head and round the eyes is s 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 25 1 
 
 clear yellow ; on the nose, cheeks, and other parts of the 
 face where the hair is short, a tincture of brown more or 
 less prevails, and terminates gradually above the eyes ; 
 the legs are covered with short hair, of a deep-yellow co- 
 lour ; on each foot there are four toes, and a small one 
 behind; the claws are small and black; the tail, which 
 [ is more than double the length of that of the Ferret is 
 ; very thick at its origin, terminates in a point, and is co- 
 t vered with long hair, similar to that on the body. 
 
 I! 
 
252 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE FOUMART, ] 
 
 ( Mustela Putorius, Lin . — Le Putois, Buff. ) ' 
 
 So called from its offensive smell, as well as to distinguisj l 
 it from the Martin, to whieh it beai’s a strong resem 
 blance. It is likewise called the Polecat or Fitchet. 
 
 Its length is about seventeen inches exclusive of th(i 
 tail, which is six inches ; its eyes are small, very brill 
 liant, and, when the animal is irritated or afraid, shine ii 
 the dai'k with singular lustre ; its ears are short, broad! 
 and tipt with white on their edges ; it is white about th 
 mouth ; the rest of the body is for the most part of | 
 deep-chocolate colour ; the sides are covered with hail 
 of two eolours ; the ends being dark like the rest of th 
 body, and the middle of a full tawny colour. 
 
 The shape of the Foumart, like all others of this genui| 
 is long and slender, the nose sharp-pointed, and the leg 
 short; the toes are long, and the claws sharp. It i| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 253 
 
 3 every respect admirably formed for that peculiar mode 
 t life assigned to it by the all -wise Author of Nature. 
 
 It is very active and nimble, runs very fast, and will 
 teep up the sides of walls with great agility. In running, 
 ii belly seems to touch the ground ; in preparing to 
 jmp, it arches its back, and makes its spring with great 
 Irce. 
 
 It is very destructive to poultry, pigeons, and young 
 pme of all kinds. It makes great havock amongst Rab- 
 Its ; and its thirst for blood is so great, that it kills ma- 
 x' more than it can eat. One or two of them will almost 
 c;stroy a whole warren. 
 
 It is never seen abroad in the day-time, unless forced 
 l3m its hole ; and is seldom hunted but in the winter, 
 Ijdng at that season easily found by tracing its footsteps 
 
 i the snow, — It generally resides in woods or thick 
 Vakes ; where it burrows under ground, forming a shal. 
 
 o^w retreat about two yards in length, commonly ending 
 tl^nong the roots of trees. 
 
 ii In the winter season, it frequents houses, barns &c. 
 ISeding on poultry, eggs, and sometimes milk. — But it 
 i*is another mode of procuring subsistence, which has 
 {(hitherto escaped the observation of the naturalist, and 
 
 f hich, though singular, we can vouch for the truth of. 
 •uring a severe storm, one of these animals was traced 
 ■' I the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, at some 
 
 :) istance from it : As it was observed to have made fre- 
 
 1 
 
 ' uent trips, and as other marks were to be seen in the 
 30W which could not easily be accounted for, it was 
 lought a matter worthy of greater attention : Its hole 
 ^as accordingly examined, the Foumart taken and ele- 
 en fine eels were discovered to be the fruits of its noc- 
 
254 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 turnal excursions. The marks in the snow were foui 
 to have been made by the motion of the eels in the cr€ 
 ture’s mouth. 
 
 From the above curious circumstance, we have giv 
 a representation of this animal {which was drawn fro 
 the life) in possession of this singular booty — It may i 
 matter of amusing investigation for some future natural 
 to enquire by what arts this wily animal finds a booty 
 apparently difficult to attain. 
 
 In attending to the instinctive faculties of anima 
 there is room for deep and diligent enquiry ; and thou 
 our progress is liable to many interruptions, it is a c 
 lightful task to follow the workings of Nature through j 
 her intricate and curious windings : Every step we g;i 
 is a sufficient reward for our trouble, and leads us 
 admire the wisdom and goodness of that Dispensati! 
 which furnishes every creature with sufficient and a j 
 pie powers to provide for all its wants, necessities, a 
 comforts. i 
 
 The female Foumart brings forth in the summer, 
 nerally five or six at a time. She suckles them bt! 
 short time, and accustoms them early to live upon blci 
 and eggs. 
 
 Though the smell of this animal is rank and disagr 
 able, even to a proverb, yet the skin isdrest with the I 
 on, and used as other furs, without retaining its offens; 
 odour. , 
 
 The Foumart is very fierce and bold. When attacll 
 by a dog, it will defend itself with great spirit, attack 
 its turn, and fasten upon the nose of its enemy with 
 keen a bite, as frequently oblige him to desist. 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 255 
 
 KHE PIME-WEASEL, OR YELLOW- 
 BREASTED MARTIN, 
 
 I ( La M arte Buff. ) 
 
 l(l[ I 
 
 'ill A BITS the North of Europe, Asia, and America : Ir 
 likewise found in Great-Britain, but is not numerous 
 ^ilre. — It lives chiefly in large forests, especially where 
 pine-tree abounds, of the tops of which it is very 
 
 ^orth-America abounds with these animals. Prodi- 
 A numbers of their skins are annually imported from 
 Hice : Above thirty-thousand skins have been brought 
 ^%'r from Canada in one year, and from Hudson’s Bay 
 ply fifteen thousand in the same time. 
 
 H The principal difference between the Pine- W easel and 
 •*1* Martin is in the colour. The breast of the former is 
 ^ow, the colour of the body much darker ; and the 
 I in general, greatly superior in fineness, beauty, and 
 
250 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MARTJM. 
 
 (Mustda Maries, Lin . — La Fonine, Buff.) 
 
 Is much more common in this country than the Pii 
 Weasel — It lives vrholly in woods, and lives in the h 
 lows of trees. It produces from four to six young oi 
 at a time. 
 
 This species is the most beautiful of all the v'e 2 
 kind. Its head is small and elegantly formed; its e 
 ai’e lively, and its motions quick and graceful. 
 
 When taken young, it is easily tamed, and becor| 
 extremely playful and good-humoured. Its attachm 
 however, is not to be depended upon. It readily ta| 
 advantage of the first opportunity to regain its libei] 
 and retire to the woods, its natural haunts. 
 
 The food of the Martin is much the same with ot 
 animals of its kind. It makes incessant war with E 
 Mice, and other vermin : Poultry, game, and small b 
 are its constant prey. It feeds also on grain, and is 
 tremely fond of honey. 
 
 M. Buffon tells us of one of them that he had tani 
 which, he remarks, drank frequently. It someti 
 slept two days successively, and other times w(| 
 continue awake as long. In preparing itself for sleej! 
 folded itself up in a round form, and covered its 1| 
 with its tail. When awake, its motions were so violen' 
 constant, and so troublesome, that it was necessarl 
 keep it chained. From the flexibility of its body, il| 
 sily eluded its fetters ; and after returning once or 
 it at last absented itself entirely. j 
 
257 
 
 HISTORY OF OtJADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Martin is about eighteen inches long ; the tail 
 bii, and full of hair, especially towards the end, which 
 fc thick and bushy ; the ears ai'e broad, rounded, and 
 ^en ; the body is covered with a thick fur, of a dark 
 |:>wn colour ; the head brown, mixed with red ; the 
 iijoat and breast are white ; the belly is of the same co- 
 uCr with the back, but a little paler; the feet are broad 
 al covered on the under side with a thick fur ; the 
 jJvvs white, large, and shaip, well adapted for climbing 
 &es, which in this country are its constant residence. 
 
 The skin and excrements have an agi'eeable musky 
 » nt, and are entirely free from that rankness which is 
 disgusting in other animals of this kind. Its fur is 
 Suable, and in high estimation. 
 
 111 
 
HLSTOKY CF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 “58 
 
 THE SABLE, 
 
 (Mustda ZibeUina, Lin . — La Zabdline'Bn^.) 
 
 So highly esteemed for its skin, is a native of the snoj 
 regions of the North ; It is found chiefly in Sibei 
 Kamschatka, and some of the islands which lie betwi 
 that country and Japan. It is also found in Lapland. 
 
 The darkest furs are the most valuable. A single sf 
 though not above four inches broad, is sometimes val^ 
 as high as fifteen pounds. The Sable differs from! 
 other furs in this, that the hair turns with equal eas! 
 either side. i 
 
 The sable resembles the Martin in form, and is ah 
 the same size. It lives in holes in the earth, by ' 
 banks of rivers, and under the roots of trees. It m:; 
 its nest of moss, small twdgs, and grass. I 
 
 The female brings forth in the spring, and prod' 
 from three to five at one time. Sometimes, like! 
 Martin, it forms its nest in the hollow of a tree. 
 
 It is very lively and active, and leaps with great 
 lity from tree to tree, in pursuit of small birds, w| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 259 
 
 t'Cks, squirrels, &c. It likewise lives upon rats, fishes, 
 Jtie tops, and wild fruits. 
 
 It is affirmed by naturalists, that the sable is not a- 
 \rse to the water; and, from the fineness and closeness 
 c its fur, there is great reason to suppose that it is much 
 i customed to that element, from which it also derives 
 apart of its subsistence : And as a farther proof that 
 tis animal is in some degree amphibious, we are told by 
 lavellers*, that it is very numerous in small islands, 
 ■uere the hunters go in quest of them. It is mentioned 
 I' Aristotle, as a water Animal, and is described by him 
 rider the name of Satheriu^. 
 
 The hunting of the Sables is chiefly carried on by cri- 
 linals confined to the desart regions of Siberia, or by 
 
 Idlers sent thither for that purpose, who generally re- 
 tain there several years. They are obliged to furnish a 
 Jcrtain quantity of furs, and shoot with a single ball, 
 fjt, injure the skin as little as possible. They frequently 
 ,|1ike them in traps, or kill them with blunt arrows. — As 
 encouragement to the hunters, they are allowed to 
 ^.are among themselves whatever skins they take 
 aove the allotted number ; and this in a few years, 
 mounts to a considerable premium. — The hunters form 
 l^temselves into small troops, each of w hich is directed 
 I' a leader of their owm chusing. 
 
 The season of hunting is from November to February, 
 
 . r at that time the Sables are in the highest perfection : 
 ^ "hose caught at any other time of the year are full of 
 uort hairs, and aie sold at inferior prices. The best 
 
 * Avril’s Travels, p. 140. 
 
25o 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 skins are such as have only long hair, which is alwaj 
 black, and of a glossy brightness. Old furs do not retai 
 their gloss. — Both the Russians and Chinese have a itk 
 thod of dying their furs ; but the dyed Sables are easil 
 discovered, having neither the smoothness nor the brigh 
 ness of the natural hair. 
 
 Tlie bellies of the Sables, which are sold in pairs, ai 
 about two fingers in breadth, and are tied together : 
 bundles of forty pieces, V'hich are sold at from one i 
 two pounds sterling. The tails are sold by the hundrei 
 from four to eight pounds. 
 
 There are instances of Sables being found of a snov 
 whiteness ; but they are rare, and bought only as cur| 
 osities. ! 
 
 I'he hunters of these animals are frequently obliged 
 endure the utmost extremity of cold and hunger in tl 
 pursuit of their booty. They penetrate deep into ir 
 mense v'oods, where they have no other method of fni: 
 ing their wa}^ back but by marking the trees as they a 
 vance : If this should by any means fail them, they aj 
 
 inevitably lost, d'hey sometimes trace the Sables on tl 
 new-fallen snow to their holes, place their nets at t! 
 entrance, and wait frequently two or three days befo* 
 the animal comes out. — It has happened by the failuj 
 of their provisions, that these poor wretches have be 
 reduced to the necessity of tying thin boards tight to th( 
 stomachs, to prevent the cravings of appetite — Such a 
 the hardships our fellow creatures undergo to supply t 
 wants of the vain and luxuriant ! , 
 
 An animal, similar to the Sable, is mentioned by IVi 
 Pennant, under the name of the Fisher. It is found I 
 North- America; and, by the number of skins import(;j 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 2Sl 
 
 lust be very numerous there, nearly six hundred of them 
 aving been brought in one season from Neiv-York and 
 ’ennsylvania. — The hair on the body is mostly blaek ; 
 le sides brown ; the ears are broad and round, dusky 
 ;!i their outsides, and edged with white ; the faee and 
 ides of the neck pale brown, mixed with black ; the 
 tet are very broad, and covered with hair, even to their 
 oles ; the tail is full and bushy ; the length from nose 
 D tail is twenty-eight inches ; the ttiil seventeen. 
 
 (Vherr a Ichneumon, Lin . — La Mangouste, Buff.) 
 
 This animal, in Egypt, is domestic, like the Cat ; and 
 retained by the natives for the same useful purposes of 
 earing their houses of rats and mice. — With all the 
 rength and agility of the Cat, it has a more general ap- 
 '■ etite for carnage. It attacks, without dread, the most 
 , eadly serpents, and preys on every noxious reptile of 
 tie torrid zone, which it seizes and kills with great avid- 
 I y.— -It is said, that ivhen it is wounded by a sei'pent, 
 
262 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and begins to feel the eftect of the poison, it immediately 
 has recourse to a certain root, which the Indians cal 
 after its name, and assert tlaat it is an antidote for the 
 bite of any venomous reptile. 
 
 The Ichneumon is the most formidable enemy of tk 
 Crocodile : It destroys its eggs, which it digs out of the 
 sand, where they are laid to hatch by the heat of th( 
 sun, and kills great numbers of young Crocodiles soor 
 after their production, before they are able to reach th( 
 water. It was for this reason that the ancient Egyptian 
 worshipped this animal, and ranked the lehneumoi 
 among those deities that were most propitious to them 
 In its domestic state, it is perfectly tame and gentle 
 M. d’Obsonville speaks of one which he reared from 
 young one. It beeame tamer than a Cat, wms obedien 
 to the call of its master, and followed him wherever h' 
 went. One day he brought a small water-serpent alivev 
 being desirous to know how far its instinct would carr 
 it against a being with whom it was hitherto entirely ur 
 aequainted. Its first emotion seemed to be astonishmer 
 mixed withans:er : Its hair became erect ; in an instai 
 
 it slipped behind the reptile ; and, with remarkable swif ■ 
 ness and agility, leaped upon its head, seized it, an 
 crushed it with its teeth. This first essay seemed to hat 
 awakened in it its natural appetite for blood, whieh ti 
 then had given way to the gentleness of its educatiot 
 It no longer sull’ered the poultry, among which it Wij 
 brought up, to pass unregarded, but took the first oppo 
 tunity, when it was alone, to strangle them : It eat a pa 
 of their flesh, and drank only the blood of others. I 
 These animals are numerous in all the southern regioi) 
 of Asia, from Egypt to the island of Java : Thjj 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263 
 
 re also found in Africa, in the country about the Cape 
 f Good Hope. — They frequent the banks of rivers, are 
 )nd of fish, are said to take the water like an Otter, and 
 'ill continue in it a considerable time without rising to 
 ’ ike breath. 
 
 The Ichneumon varies in size. The domestic kind is 
 ienerally larger than those that are wild, and its colours 
 lore variegated. It is in general about the size of a 
 ' ommon Cat ; somewhat longer in the body, and shorter 
 ;i the legs. Its fur contains tints of white, brown, 
 awn-colour, and a dirty silver-gray, which altogether, 
 lorm a mixture ver}" agreeable to the eye. Its form is 
 ike that of the Polecat. Its eyes are small, but inflamed, 
 nd sparkle with a singular vivacity ; its nose is long and 
 lij jlender ; its ears small, rounded, and almost naked ; its 
 ail is very thick at the base, and tapers to a point ; un- 
 lerneath the tail is an orifice, in which a most fetid 
 timmour is secreted; its claws are long. — It darts upon 
 Its prey like an arrow, and seizes it with inevitable cer- 
 n| ;ainty. 
 
 It has a small soft voice, somewhat like a murmur; 
 ind, unless struck or irritated, never exerts it. When 
 I t sleeps, it folds itself up like a ball, and is not easily 
 . iwaked. It frequently sits up like a Squirrel, and feeds 
 I itself with its fore feet ; catches any thing that is thrown 
 ;o it ; and will often feign itself dead till its prey come 
 I within its reach. 
 
264 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE FOSSANE, 
 
 f La Fossane, Buff.) 
 
 Is rather smaller than the Martin. Its body slender 
 and covered with hair of an ash colour, mixed witl 
 tawny ; the sides of the face are black ; at the hind par 
 of the head there are four black lines, extending fron 
 thence tow^ards the shoulders ; the tail is long, and annu 
 lated with black ; its eye is full, round and black, whicl 
 gives it a wild and mischievous aspect. 
 
 It inhabits the island of Madagascar, Guinea, Cochiij 
 china, and the Philippine Isles. It feeds on flesh an< 
 fruits, but prefers the latter, and is peculiarly fond (j 
 bananas. It is very fierce, and not easily tamed. ' 
 
 In Guinea, it is called the Berbc ; and, by Europeans 
 the Wine-hihber ^ being very greedy of palm-wine. Whe; 
 young, its flesh is reckoned very good to eat. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 265 
 
 (Viverra PutoriuSy Lin . — Le Conepate, Buff.) 
 
 It is called the Chiiichehy the natives of Brazil, and is 
 lOut the size of a common Cat. Its nose is long and 
 nder, and extends a considerable way beyond the lower 
 i V ; its ears are large, short and rounded ; a white stripe 
 clfltends from the nose over the forehead and along the 
 ijsick, where it is intersected with a small line of black, 
 idf^mmencing at the tail, and extended upwards along the 
 nddle of the back; its belly and legs are black; its 
 KJ^ir is long, especially on the tail, which is thick and 
 Wlbshy. 
 
 It inhabits Peru, Brazil, and other parts of South- 
 !^(ierica ; and is likewise found in North-America, as 
 ‘ as Canada. 
 
 [t is remarkable for a most intolerable, suffocating, fe- 
 1 vapour, which it emits from behind, when attacked, 
 5’'sued, or frightened. The stench of this effluvia is in- 
 mportable, and is the creature’s best means of defence. 
 
 2 R 
 
 THE SKUJTK. 
 
26C 
 
 HISTORY OF gUADllUFEDS. 
 
 T’lere are three or four varieties mentioned by iV 
 Buifon under the name of the Slinking Polecats ; ail ( 
 which possess this Avonderful faculty of annoying the 
 enemies from tlie sam.e quarter. 
 
 Some turn their tail to their pursuers, and emit a mo: 
 horrible stench, which keeps both dogs and men at a coi 
 siderable distance. Others eject their urine to tl: 
 distance of several feet ; and it is of so Aurulent a qu; 
 lity, as almost to occasion blindness, if any of it shoul 
 happen to fall into the eyes. Clothes infected with i 
 retain the smell for many days; No washing can mak 
 them sweet ; but they must be even buried in fresh sc 
 before thay can be thoroughly cleansed. Dogs that ai 
 not properly bred, turn back as soon as they perceive tl 
 smell ; Those that have been accustomed to it, will k 
 the animal ; but are obliged to relieve themselves I 
 thursting their noses into the ground. 
 
 The Stifling ov Squash, which is the second variety 
 neaiiy of the same size with the Skunk. Its hair is Ion' 
 and of a deep-brown colour. It lives in holes and cle| 
 of rocks, where the female brings forth her young. It; 
 a native of Mexico, and feeds on beetles, worms, a' 
 small birds. It destroys poultry, of Avhich it only eij 
 the brains. When afraid or irritated, it voids the saH: 
 offensive kind of odour, which no creature dares ventij 
 to approach. Professor Kahn was in danger of beij 
 suffocated by one that was pursued into a house where, 
 slept ; and it affected the cattle so much, that they bl 
 lowed through pain. Another, which was killed b; 
 maid-servant in a cellar, so affected her with its stend 
 that she lay ill for several days. All the provisions tl| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 267 
 
 ere in the place were so tainted by the smell, as to be 
 , tterly unfit for use. 
 
 , Another variety is called the Conepate, and is, perhaps, 
 |D more than the female of the last- mentioned animal, 
 i is somewhat smaller and differs chiefly from the 
 iquash in being marked with five parallel white lines, 
 yhich run along its back and sides from head to tail. 
 
 I It is a native of North-America. — When attacked, it 
 ristles up its hair, throws itself into a rousd form, and 
 mits an odour which no creature can support. 
 j The last of this pestiferous family which we shall men- 
 i on is the Zorilla. 
 
 I This animal is a native of New- Spain, where it is call- 
 the Alariputa. It is found on the banks of the river 
 i Dronoque ; and, although extremely beautiful, it is at the 
 ime time the most offensive of all creatures. Its body is 
 i|i|eautifully marked with white stripes upon a black ground, 
 ]||inning from the head to the middle of the back, from 
 (^l^hence they are crossed vrith other white bands, which 
 [jpver the lower part of the back and flanks : Its tail is 
 J[)ng and bushy, black as fai' as the middle, and wTite to 
 ||j;s extremity. It is an active and mischievous little ani- 
 f ;ial. Its stench is said to extend to a considerable dis- 
 jance, and is so powerful, as to overcome even the Pan- 
 ther of America, which is one of its greatest enemies, 
 f Notwithstanding this offensive quality in these animals, 
 i hey are frequently tamed, and will follow their master. 
 They do not emit their odour, unless when beaten or ir- 
 itated. They are frequently killed by the native In- 
 lians, who immediately cut aw'ay the noxious glands, 
 hereby preventing the ffesh, which is good eating, from 
 
2G8 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 being infected. Its taste is said nearly to resemble tli 
 flavour of a young Pig. The savage Indians make purse 
 of their skins. 
 
 THE GEJTET. 
 
 (Vivei'ra Gcnclla, Lin — La Genette, Buff'.) 
 
 Is as much distinguished for the agreeable perfume tvhicJ 
 it yields, as those we have just described are for the ran’ 
 
 est and most disagreeable odour in nature. 
 
 'J'he body of the Genet is longer than that of the M^j 
 tin ; its head is long and slender, with a sharp muzzk 
 its ears are a little pointed, its hair soft, smooth and si 
 ning ; of a tatviiy-red colour, spotted with black ; aloi 
 the ridge of the back there is a kind of mane of loj 
 hair, which forms a black line from head to tail ; 
 spots on the sides are round and distinct, those on t;' 
 back almost close ; its tail is long, and marked with s 
 ven or eight rings of black. From an orifice beneath j 
 tail, it yields a kind of perfume, which smells fainll 
 of musk. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 269 
 
 It is found in Turkey, Syria and Spain, — We are told 
 i' Belon, that he saw Genets in the houses at Constanti- 
 r pie as tame as Cats ; and that they were useiui to the 
 i labitants in destroying Rats, Mice, and other vermin. 
 
 It is a most beautiful, cleanly and industrious animal, 
 j d very active in pursuing its prey. Its nature is mild 
 r d gentle, its colours beautifully variegated, and its fur 
 i[Juable. Upon the whole it seems to be one of thos^ 
 iiirnals that, with proper care and attention, might be- 
 ome an useful addition to our stock of domestic quad- 
 ipeds. 
 
S70 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE CIVET, 
 
 (Viverra Zibetha, Lin . — La Civette, Buff.) 
 
 Is larger than the Genet, and yields a perfume in nuu 
 greater quantities, and of a stronger quality, | 
 
 Though originally a native of the warm climates i 
 Africa, or Asia, it can live in temperate, and even in coj 
 countries ; but it must be fed with nourishing diet, at 
 carefully defended from the severities of the weather, j 
 Numbers of them are kept in Holland, for the purpci 
 of collecting this valuable perfume. The Civet procur 
 at Amsterdam is more esteemed than that which coir 
 from the Levant, or India, being less adulterated. — ' 
 collect this perfume, the Civet is put into a cage, so n* 
 row that it cannot turn itself ; The cage is opened at (} 
 end, and the animal drawn backwards by the tail, and '! 
 curely held by its hind legs : A small spoon is then int! 
 duced into the pouch rvhich contains the perfume, r\S 
 which it is carefully scraped, and the matter put intj 
 vessel properly secured. This operation is perfornj 
 two or three times a tveek. 
 
HISTORY OT QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 271 
 
 The quantity of odorous humours depends much on the 
 (lality of the nourishment, and the appetite of 1 the ani- 
 lal, which ahvaj^s produces more in proportion to the 
 podness of its food. Boiled fiesh, eggs, rice, small ani- 
 lals, birds, and particularly fish, are the kinds of food 
 t e Civet mostly delights in ; and these ought to be vari- 
 ti, so as to excite its appetite, and preserve its health. 
 ] requires very little water ; and, though it drinks sel- 
 om, it discharges its urine frequently. It is somewhat 
 j markable, that in this operation the male is not to be 
 (stinguibhed from the female. — From this circum.stance 
 i has been supposed that this Avas the Hyena of the an- 
 • ents ; and it is certain, that most of the fables related 
 oncerning that monster are in a certain way applicable 
 1 the Civet. 
 
 j The ancients were u^ell acquainted with the pomatum 
 (^'the Civet, and ascribed to it certain powers of exciting 
 live ; for which purpose it still constitutes one of the 
 'Ijxuries of the East. 
 
 What has been fabulously related concerning the un- 
 ;r|crtainty of sex in the Hyena, applies much more strong- 
 I)] to the Civet ; for in the male nothing appears external- 
 Ji but three apertures, so perfectly similar to those of the 
 (ftmale, that it is impossible to distinguish the sex other- 
 -tjise than by dissection. 
 
 il The perfume of this animal is so stmng, that it infects 
 lyery part of its body ; The hair and the skin are so tho- 
 :>ughly penetrated Avith it, that they retain it long after 
 ping talven from the body. If a person be shut up in 
 pe same apartment, it is almost insupportable ; and, 
 <hen heated with rage, it becomes still more pungent. 
 
2 72 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Civet is naturally savage, and somewhat ferociou 
 ye-t it is easily tamed, so as to be handled witho 
 danger. 
 
 The teeth are strong and sharp ; but its claws a 
 weak. It is very active and nimble, leaps like a Ci 
 and runs with great swiftness. It lives by hunting ; so 
 prises small animals and birds ; and, like the We^ 
 will sometimes steal into the yard and carry off poultj 
 — Its eyes shine in the dark ; and it is probable, that 
 can see well enough to pursue its prey during the nig 
 as it is known to be most active at that time. 
 
 The Civet is very prolific in its native climate ; b 
 though it lives and produces its perfume in temperate r 
 gions, it is never known to breed there — Its voice 
 stronger than that of the Cat, and has some resemblah( 
 to the cry of an enraged Dog. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 273 
 
 THE ZIBET, 
 
 { Le Zibet, Buff. ) 
 
 s so similar to the Civet as to be considered by some 
 iiuthors as only a variety of that animal ; and it must be 
 illovred that they have many essential relations, both 
 n their external and internal structure; but they differ 
 Irom each other by such distinguishing characteristics, 
 IS intitle them to be regarded as two distinct species. 
 The ears of the Zibet are larger and more erect ; and its 
 nuzzle is thinner and flatter ; Its body is longer than 
 5 hat of the Civet ; and its tail, which is longer, is mark- 
 ed with annual spots, like that of the Genet ; It has no 
 s mane or long hair on the neck and spine ; and its hair 
 ; is shorter and softer. 
 
 The perfume of the Zibet is peculiarly violent and 
 . piercing, beyond that of either the Civet or the Genet. — 
 This odorous liquor is found in a fissure near the organs 
 of generation. It is a thick humour, of the consistence 
 of pomatum : and, though very strong, is agreeable, 
 even as it issues from the body of the animal. — This mat- 
 
 S 
 
2 74 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ter of the Zibet must not be confounded with musl 
 which is a sangiiinous humour, derived from a specie 
 of the Roe-buck, or Goat without horns^; and ha 
 nothing in common with the Zibet, but its strong per 
 fume. 
 
 THE SURICATE, OR FOUR-TOED 
 
 WEASEL, 
 
 I 
 
 Is rather less than the Rabbit it pretty much resemble i 
 the Ichneumon, both in size and the colour of its hair 
 only it is rougher, and its tail is not quite so long. It 
 upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very plian 
 and moveable. It has only four toes on each foot. 
 
 One of them in the possession of M. de Seve, was ob 
 served sometimes to walk on its hind legs, and frequent 
 ly to sit upright, with its fore feet hanging doMUi on it . 
 breast. | 
 
 The Suricate is carnivorous, and preys on small anij 
 mals. It is fond of fish, and still more so of eggs. Lik! 
 the squirrel, it makes use of its fore paws to convey it 
 victuals to its mouth. In drinking, it laps like a DogI 
 but will not drink water, except when it is warm. | 
 
 ’^Seepage 115 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. *75 
 
 That kept by M. de Seve was extremely playful and 
 imiliar, knew its own name, and would return at a call. 
 Vhat was remarkable, it seemed to have an aversion to 
 larticular persons, whom it would always bite on their 
 , pproaching it ; Some people were so disagreeable to it, 
 ' lat even when restrained, it would make use of several 
 rtifices to come near enough to bite them : and when it 
 ould not lay hold of their legs, would fly at their shoes 
 , r petticoats. When discontented, it makes a noise like 
 ;:ie barking of a whelp; and when pleased or caressed, 
 
 ; rould utter a sound like the shaking of a rattle. 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 i THE RATEL, 
 
 >ESCRiBEDby Mr. Pennant under the name of the FitZ' 
 T, is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It lives chiefly 
 pon honey, and is endowed with a wonderful faculty 
 f discovering the secret retreats where the bees deposit 
 leir stores. About sun-set, the Ratel is particularly at- 
 iiitive in watching the motions of these industrious in- 
 sets ; and, having observed their route, it follows with 
 reat care the direction in which they fly. It is fre- 
 
270 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 quently assisted in discovering its delicious booty by a 
 bird called the Honey Guide, (cuculus indicator) which 
 is extremely fond both of honey and the eggs of bees, 
 and, in the pursuit of its food, excites the attention ol 
 the Ratel by a loud grating cry of cherr^ cherr, cherr ; at 
 the same time flying slowly on towards the place where 
 the swarm of bees have taken up their abode. The Ra- 
 tel follows the sound with great attention; and having 
 plundered the nest, leaves sufficient behind it as a reward 
 for the services of its faithful guide. The Ratel is wel 
 adapted to this purpose, as the toughness and thicknes; 
 of its skin effectually defends it from the stings of tk 
 bees. On this account, it is not easily killed, for it; 
 skin is so loosely attached to its body, that when seizec 
 by a hound, it gives way, and the animal has an opportu 
 nity of turning round, and biting its assailant, which i 
 frequently does so severely, as to oblige him to desist. 
 
 The Ratel, according to Mr Pennant, is two feet Ions 
 from the nose to the tail, which is eight inches; its leg 
 are short ; on each foot it has four toes, armed with lonj 
 claws ; those on the fore feet are above an inch long, anj 
 very sharp ; its tongue is rough; it has no ear-laps ; th' 
 orifice of the ear is wide, and surrounded by a callou 
 rim ; a broad stripe, of an ash-colour, extends along liij 
 back from the forehead to the tail, which is separatej 
 from the black hair on the sides and belly by a light-graj 
 list running from behind each ear to the tail. It bui 
 rows in holes under ground, is said to be very fetid aioj 
 is called the Stinking Badger by M. de la Caille. | 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 277 
 
 \hE COATI, or BRAZILIAN WEASEL, 
 
 fViverra, Nasua, Lin . — Le Coati, Buff.) 
 
 ( ns some resemblance to the Bear in the length of its 
 egs, in the form of its feet, in the bushiness of its 
 Mir, and in the structure of its paws. It is small. Its 
 idl is long, and variegated with different colours; its 
 pper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very pli- 
 ait ; its ears are rounded ; its hair smooth, soft, and 
 g)ssy, of a bright-bay colour; and its breast is whitish. 
 
 Linnaeus describes one of them, which he kept a con- 
 ; slerable time, and in vain attempted to bring it into sub- 
 jetion. It was very obstinate and capricious. It killed 
 rfi: poultry, tore off their heads, and sucked their blood. 
 I defended itself with great force whenever any person 
 * empted to lay hold of it contrary to its inclination ; 
 ad it stuck fast to the legs of those with whom it was 
 f niliar, when it wanted to ransack their pockets, and 
 crry off any thing that it found in them. It had an ex- 
 
278 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 treme aversion to Hog’s bristles, and the smallest brui 
 made it desist. Its mode of living was very singular ; 
 slept from midnight to noon, kept awake the rest of tl 
 day, and uniformly walked about from six in the evenii 
 till midnight, without the least regard to the weathi 
 This is probably the time assigned by Nature to this sf 
 cies of animals for procuring their food, which consi: 
 chiefly of young birds, eggs, and small animals. 
 
 It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, runs up trees very nii 
 bly, eats like a Dog, and holds its food between its fc 
 legs like the Bear. 
 
 The Coati stands with ease on its hind feet. — It iss£ 
 to gnaw its own tail, which it generally carries ere 
 and sweeps it about from side to side. 
 
; HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 279 
 
 i 
 
 (Ursus Lotor, Lin . — Le Raton, Buff.) 
 
 ii^ery common in the warm regions of America. It is 
 |.nd also in the mountains of Jamaica; from whence 
 II at numbers of them frequently descend into the plan- 
 ions, and make great havock among the sugar-canes, 
 Oivhich they are particularly fond. The planters consi- 
 k these animals as their greatest enemies, as they fre- 
 Kntly do infinite mischief on one night’s excursion : — 
 tey have contrived various methods of destroying them, 
 still they propagate in such numbers, that neither 
 ps nor fire-arms can repel them. 
 
 The Raccoon is somewLat less than the Badger ; Its 
 pd resembles that of a Fox, but its ears are round, and 
 4ch shorter, and its upper jaw very pointed, and longer 
 bi the lower; its eyes, which are large are surround- 
 cvvith two broad patches of black ; Its body is thick 
 r. short, covered with long hair, black at the points, 
 T gray underneath; its tail is long and bushy, and 
 
28 o 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 marked with alternate rings of black and white ; its fee 
 and toes are black. 
 
 The Raccoon is very active and nimble. Its clawj 
 which are extremely sharp, enable it to climb trees vat 
 great facility. It moves forward chiefly by bounding 
 and, though it proceeds in an oblique direction, runs ve 
 ry swiftly. 
 
 When tamed, it is good-natured and sportive ; but i 
 almost constantly in motion, and as unlucky and inqu 
 sitive as a Monkey, examining every thing with its paw 
 which it makes use of as hands, to lay hold of any thinj 
 that is given it, and to carry its meat to its mouth, 
 sits up to eat, is extremely fond of sweet things ar 
 strong liquors, with which it will get excessively drun:“ 
 It has all the cunning of the Fox, is very destructive 
 poultry, but will eat all sorts of fruits, grain, and root 
 It has a peculiai’ method of dipping every thing in wal*^ 
 it intends to eat, and will seldom taste bread till it 
 well soaked. It opens oysters with astonishing dexterit j 
 separates the shells, and leaves not a vestige of the fid 
 It does this without looking at the oyster, but placesi 
 under its hind paws, and with its fore feet searches i' 
 the weakest part, where it fixes its claws, forces it opi 
 and snatches out the fish. It likewise devours all kii 
 of insects, delights in hunting spiders, and, when at 
 berty in a garden, will eat grashoppers, snails, won 
 &c. It is very cleanly, and always retires to obey 
 calls of Nature. It is familiar, and even caressing, le 
 upon those it is fond of, plays sportively, and moves ab 
 with great agility. 
 
 This animal is hunted for its skin, which is next in 
 lue to that of the Beaver, for making hats. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 281 
 
 - (Ursus Melcs, Lin . — he Blaireau ou Taisoji^ Buff.) 
 
 Although Nature has furnished this animal with for- 
 inidable weapons of offence, and has besides given it 
 jtrength sufficient to use them with great effect, it is 
 jiotwithstanding very harmless and inoffensive ; and, un- 
 ;ess attacked employs them only for its support. 
 
 ’ The Badger retires to the most secret recesses ; where 
 ■t digs its hole, and forms its habitation under ground. — 
 ds food consists chiefly of roots, fruits, grass, insects, and 
 ;fogs. It is charged with destroying Lambs and Rabbits, 
 )ut there seems to be no other reason to consider it as a 
 oeast of prey, than the analogy between its teeth and 
 •hose of carnivorous animals. 
 
 Few creatures defend themselves better, or bite Avith 
 greater keenness, than the Badger. On that account it 
 is frequently baited with Dogs trained for that purpose. 
 This inhuman diversion is chiefly confined to the idle and 
 the vicious, who take a cruel pleasure in seeing this 
 
 2 S 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 2S2 
 
 harmless animal surrounded by its enemies, and defend- 1 
 ing itself from their attacks, which it does with astonish- 
 ing agility and success. Its motions are so quick, that a 
 Dog is frequently desperately wounded in the first mo-i 
 ment of assault, and obliged to fly. The thickness of the 
 Badger’s skin, and the length and coarseness of its hair,; 
 are an excellent defence against the bites of the Dogs; 
 Its skin is so loose, as to resist the impressions of their 
 teeth, and give the animal an opportunity of turning it- 
 self round, and wounding its adversaries in their tender- 1 
 est parts. In this manner this singular creature is able 
 to resist repeated attacks both of men and dogs, from all 
 quarters; till, being overpowered with numbers, and en- 
 feebled by many desperate wounds, it is at last obliged to 
 submit. 
 
 The Badger is an Indolent animal, and sleeps much. 
 It confines itself to its hole during the whole day, and 
 feeds only in the night. It is so cleanly, as never to defile 
 its habitation with its odure. It breeds only once in a 
 year, and brings forth four or five at a time. 
 
 It is not known to exist in warm countries. It is an 
 original native of the temperate climates of Europe ; and 
 is found without any variety, in Spain, France, Italy, Ger-I 
 many, Britain, Poland, and Sweden. 
 
 The usual length of the Badger is somewhat above twoi 
 feet, exclusive of the tail, w hich is about six inches long ; 
 its eyes are small, and are placed in a black stripe, which 
 begins behind the ears, and runs tapering tow'ards the 
 nose ; the throat and legs are black ; the back, sides, and 
 tail, are of a dirty-gray, mixed wdth black ; the legs and 
 feet are very short, strong, and thick ; each foot consists 
 of five toes ; those on the fore feet are armed with strong 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. §83 
 
 laws, well adapted for digging' its subterranean liabita- 
 ion. 
 
 In walking, the Badger treads on its whole heel, like 
 he Beai', which brings the belly very near the ground. 
 
 Immediately below the tail, between that and the anus, 
 here is a narrow transverse orifice, from whence a A\ hite 
 ubstance of a very fetid smell, constantly exudes. 
 
 The skin, when dressed with the hair on, is used for 
 listol furniture. — Its flesh is eaten ; The hind quarters 
 re sometimes made into hams, which, when cured, are 
 lot inferior in goodness to the best bacon. — The hairs 
 ire ir ade into brushes, which are used by painters to sof- 
 en and harmonize their shades. 
 
284 
 
 HISTORY OF OUADllUFEDS, 
 
 THE SAJSm BEAR. 
 
 I 
 
 We have given a figure of this animal, drav/nfroni 
 one kept in the T ower ; of which we have not been abll ^ 
 to obtain any further description, than its being someji 
 -whatless than the Badger, almost without hair, extremeh 
 sensible of cold, and burrow’s in the ground. From thes! 
 circumstances, as well as from the striking similarity (i[ 
 its figure to that of the Badger, we are inclined to thinl 
 it is a variety of that animal, mentioned by naturalist 
 under the name of the Sow- Badge?'. | 
 
 Its colour is a yellowish- white; Its eyes are small ; ani| 
 its head thicker than that of the common Badger ; It[ 
 legs are short ; and on each foot there are four toes, arm 
 ined with sharp white claws. 
 
 M. Brison describes a Avhite Badger, from New-York 
 so similar to this, that we suspect it to be the same spe 
 cies. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 285 
 
 THE WOLVERINE, OR GLVTTOjY. 
 (Musiela, Gulo, Lin . — Lc Glutton, Buff.) 
 
 This voracious animal is found in all the countries 
 ^ordering on the Northern Ocean, both in Europe and 
 Asia ; It is likewise common in Canada, the country a- 
 )out Hudson’s Bay, and other parts of North- America, 
 where it is known by the name of the Carcajau. 
 
 It has been variously described by naturalists. We 
 nave selected the account given by M. Buffon, which was 
 ;aken from a living one in his possession. Its length, 
 Tom the nose to the insertion of the tail, was two feet 
 two inches ; the tail eight inches long ; the length of the 
 'ore legs was eleven inches, and the hind ones twelve ; it 
 had five toes on each foot, armed with long sharp claws ; 
 the middle claw of the fore foot was one inch and a half 
 long ; the muzzle, as far as the eye-brows, Avas black ; 
 its eyes were small and black, and its ears short ; its 
 breast and under jaw were spotted with wdiite ; the back, 
 legs, belly, and tail, were black. — During its confine- 
 ment, it did not discover symptoms of great ferocity. It 
 
■a86‘ 
 
 HISTORY OF Ql/ADRUPEDS. 
 
 eat voraciously ; and, after a full meal, covered itself ir 
 its cage with straw. It eat no bread, but would devoir 
 more than four pounds of flesh every day, which it sw'al 
 lowed greedily, almost without chewing. 
 
 In a state of liberty, it is said to lead a life of continua 
 rapine. It lurks in the branches of trees, in order t( 
 surprise Deer and other animals that pass under them 
 It waits with great patience the arrival of its prey, am 
 darts from its hiding-place with unerring certainty. Ii 
 this manner it indiscriminately surprises the Horse, th 
 Elk, the Stag, or the Rein-deer, and fixes itself betweei I 
 their shoulders wdth its teeth and claws. ^ 
 
 The wild Rein-deer, which are numerous both in Lap 
 land and North- America, frequently fall victims to th 
 Glutton. When seized by this blood-thirsty animal, it i 
 in vain that the w'ounded Deer endeavours to disengag 
 itself from its enemy by rustling among the branches c 
 the trees : No force can oblige it to quit its hold : 
 maintains its pDOsition, and continues to suck the blood ( 
 the flying animal till it falls down exhausted with pai 
 and fatigue. It then devours the carcase with insatiabl 
 voracity, and gorges itself with the flesh till it is almos 
 in danger of bursting. 
 
 In Kamschatka, the Glutton makes use of a singula 
 stratagem for killing the Fallow-deer. It climbs up 
 tree, taking with it a quantity of that sp^ecies of mosl 
 of which the Deer is very fond. When one of them 'ap 
 proaches the tree, the Glutton throws down the moss! 
 and if the Deer stop to eat it, the Glutton darts upon it! 
 back, and fixing itself firmly between its horns, tears ot 
 its eyes and by that means secures its prey. It the: 
 divides the flesh of the Deer into a number of portions 
 
HISTORY OF 'quadrupeds. 287 
 
 hich it conceals in the earth to serve for future provi- 
 ons. 
 
 The motions of the Glutton are slow. There are few 
 iiadrupeds that cannot escape from it, except the Bea- 
 
 ';r, which it frequently pursues and overtakes. In 
 
 .merica, it is called the Btavcr-eater . — It sometimes lies 
 i wait, and surprises those animals, coming-out of their 
 hiTows or breaks into their habitations, and kills great 
 umbers of them. 
 
 The Glutton often defeats the labour of the hunts- 
 ;en, by stealing away the Sables and other animals that 
 live been caught in the traps ; and it is sometimes 
 iken in the snares laid for them. 
 
 When attacked it makes a strong resistance. It will 
 lar the stock from the gun with its teeth, or break the 
 Up in pieces in which it is caught. — Notwithstanding its 
 irceness, it is capable of being tamed, and of learning 
 tiveral entertaining tricks. 
 
 It is hunted only for its skin, which is very valuable, 
 € a most beautiful glossy black, which shines with a pe- 
 *]( liai' lustre, and reflects the lisrht like damask silk. 
 
 ;The skins are sold in Siberia at five or six shillings 
 |ch, at Jakutsk at twelve, and still dearer in Kamschat- 
 i. There the women dress their hair with its white 
 i-ws, which they esteem a gi-eat ornament. 
 
 I The furs of this animal, fi'om the North of Europe and 
 sia, are infinitely finer, blacker, and more glossy, than 
 ose of the American kind. 
 
288 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE BROWN BEAR. 
 
 (Ursus cauda ahrupLa, Lin. — L'Ours, BuiF.) 
 
 There are two principal varieties of the Bear, — ^t| 
 hroivn and the black. The former is found in almd 
 every climate, the black Bear chiefly in the forests of t 
 northern regions of Europe and America. j 
 
 The brown bear is sometimes carnivorous ; but its 
 neral food is roots, fruits, and vegetables. |j 
 
 It is a savage and solitary animal, lives in desert 
 unfrequented places, and chases its den in the m 
 dangerous and inaccessible precipices of unfrequen'j 
 mountains. It retires alone to its den about the end! 
 autumn, (at which time it is exceedingly fat) and li 
 for several weeks in a state of total inactivity and ab 
 nence from food. During this time, the female brii 
 forth her young, and suckles them. She chuses her 
 treat for that purpose, in the most retired places, aji 
 from the male, lest he should devour them. She mal 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 289 
 
 warm bed for her young, and attends them with unre- 
 nitting care during four months, and in all that time 
 carcely allows herself any nourishment. She brings 
 orth two, and sometimes three young at a time. The 
 libs are round and shapeless, with pointed muzzles ; but 
 hey are not licked into form by the female, as Pliny and 
 >ther ancient naturalists supposed. At first they do not 
 ■xceed eight inches in length. They are blind during 
 he first four weeks, are of a pale-yellow colour, and 
 lave scarcely any resemblance of the creature when ar- 
 ived at maturitv. — The time of arestation in these ani- 
 
 •/ O 
 
 nals is about six months, and they bring forth in the be- 
 ginning of January. 
 
 In the spring, the old Bears, attended by their young, 
 come out from their retreats, lean, and almost famished 
 Dy their long confinement. They then ransack every 
 j quarter in search of food. They frequently climb trees, 
 - ind devour the fruit in great quantities, particularly the 
 date-plumb tree, of which they are exceedingly fond. 
 They ascend these trees with surprising agility, keep 
 :hemselves firm on the branches with one paw, and with 
 the other collect the fruit. 
 
 ! The Bear is remarkably fond of honey, which it will 
 encounter great difficulties to obtain, and seeks for with 
 great cunning and avidity. 
 
 ; It enjoys, in a superior degree, the senses of hearing, 
 smelling and touching. — Its eai's are short and rounded ; 
 j and its eyes are small, but lively and penetrating, and de- 
 !f fended by a nictating membrane: From the peculiar 
 formation of the internal parts of its nose, its sense of 
 smelling is exceedingly exquisite ; The legs and thighs 
 
 T 
 
2(jO 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 are strong and muscular: It has five toes on each foot, 
 and uses its fore foot as a hand, although the toes arc 
 not separated as in most animals that do so ; the largest 
 finger is on the outside. 
 
 The voice of the Bear is a deep and surly kind of gTowl, 
 
 hich it frequently exerts without the least cause. It is 
 A eiy easily irritated, ajid at that time its resentment is fu- 
 rious, and often capriciously exerted. 
 
 When tamed, it appears mild and obedient to its mas- 
 ter ; but it is not to be trusted without the utmost cau- 
 tion. — It may be taught to Avalk upright, to dance, to lay 
 liold of a pole with its paws,, and perform various tricks 
 to entertain the multitude, who are highly pleased to see 
 the awkward measures of this rugged creature, which it 
 seems to suit to the sound of an instrument or to the voice 
 of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of education, 
 it must be taken when young, and accustomed early to re- 
 straint and discipline : An old Bear will suffer neither, I 
 u ithout discovering the most fiu'ious resentment ; neither I 
 the voice nor the menaces of his keeper have any eflect] 
 upon him ; he equally growls at the hand that is held out 
 to feed, as at that which is raised to correct him. [ 
 
 The excessive cruelties pi'actised upon this poor animaJl 
 in teaching it to walk erect, and regulates its motions to] 
 the sound of the flagelet, are such as make sensibility 
 shudder. Its eyes are put out, and an iron ring being [ 
 put through the cartilage of the nose to lead it by, it is 
 kept from food, and beaten, till it yield obedience to the] 
 Avill of its savage tutors.. Some of them are taught to' 
 perform by setting their feet upon hot iron plates, and 
 then playing to them whilst in their uneasy situation^ — It 
 is truly shocking to every feeling mind to reflect, that! 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SiC)l 
 
 mch cruelties should be exercised upon any part of the 
 Drute creation by our fellow men. That they should be 
 'ewai'ded by numbers of unthinking people, who crowd 
 iround them to see the animal’s rude attempts to imitate 
 luman actions, is not to be wondered at : But it is much 
 :o be wished, that the timely interference of the magi- 
 itrate would prevent every exhibition of this kind, that 
 ve might not be reproached with tolerating practices so 
 iisgraceful to humanity. 
 
 One of these animals, presented to the prince of Wales, 
 i few years ago, was kept in tlie Tower. By the careless- 
 aess of the servant, the door of his den was left open ; 
 ind the keeper’s wife happening to go across the court at 
 he same time, the animal flew out, seized the woman, 
 hrew her down, and fastened upon her neck, which he bit ; 
 md, without offering any further violence, lay upon her, 
 sucking the blood out of the wound. Resistance was in 
 rain, as it only served to irritate the brute ; and she must 
 I .nevitably have perished, had not her husband luckily dis- 
 covered her situation. By a sudden blow, he obliged the 
 Bear to quit his hold, and retire to his den, which he did 
 with great reluctance, and not without making a second 
 attempt to come at the woman, who was almost dead 
 through fear and loss of blood. It is somewhat remark- 
 able, that whenever it happened to see her afterwaids, it 
 growled, and made most violent struggles to get out to her. 
 The Prince, upon hearing of the circumstance, ordered 
 the Bear to be killed. 
 
 The ffesh of the young Bear, is reckoned a great deli- 
 cacy ; and the paws of an old one are esteemed as a most 
 exquisite morsel. The fat is white, and very sweet ; and 
 
292 
 
 HI3T0RY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the oil is said to be of great use in softening swellings pro- 
 ceeding from sprains. 
 
 Great numbers are killed annually in America for the 
 sake of their skins, which form a considerable article ol: 
 commerce. 
 
 The Bear was once an inhabitant of Britain, and 
 was included in the ancient laws and regulations respect- 
 ing beasts of chase. — Long after their extirpation, they 
 were imported for the cruel purpose of baiting them, 
 which at that time was a favourite amusement. We 
 find it in Queen Elizabeth’s days, among the variouj 
 entertainments prepared for her Majesty on her visit 
 at Kenilworth. 
 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 293 
 
 We have here given a faithful representation, drawn 
 om the life, of an animal which has hitherto escaped 
 >ve observation of naturalists. — Its features and leading 
 ;uaracters seem to be so strong, as to leave no room for 
 imbt with respect to its rank in the animal creation ; 
 
 3 nd from the striking correspondence of parts observa- 
 :le between it and the common Bear, we are induced to 
 I spose of them in the same class. We are the more con- 
 nned in this opinion, from an attentive examination of 
 ;.5 disposition and manners : notwithstanding, it seems 
 i differ in some of those characteristics which have been 
 )inted out by naturalists as the guide to a regular and 
 I ^stematic arrangement. 
 
 Its body is covered with a long, rough, and shaggy 
 >at of hair, which gives it, when lying down, the ap- 
 iarance of a rude and shapeless mass ; on the top of its 
 ack, the hair, which is twelve inches long, rises up like 
 
294 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 a haunch, separa.tes in the middle, and falls down in dil 
 ferent directions ; its head is large, very broad at th 
 forehead, and is the only part on which the hair is short 
 its snout is long, and ends in a thin, broad cartilage 
 overhanging the nostrils about an inch and a half ; it 
 lips are thin and very long, and seem to be furnished Avit 
 muscles, by which the animal can protrude them in amos 
 singular manner, which it never fails to do vdien its atteri 
 tion is directed to any particular object, or - when food i| 
 held out to it ; its eyes are small, black, and heavy, an 
 its aspect louring ; its ears and tail is short, and hid in tli 
 hair ; its legs and thighs are remarkably thick and strong 
 it treads on its heel like a Bear, and its toes are not div 
 ded ; it has five long crooked white claws on each foo 
 which it u es with great dexterity, either separately or t( 
 gether, like fingers, to break its food into smaller portion 
 or to convey it to its mouth. Its colour is a deep, shinin 
 black : excepting the snout and a spot above each ey' 
 which are of a yellowish white colour ; there is likewi; 
 a crescent of white underneath the throat ; It has no cu 
 ting teeth, but two very strong canine teeth, and six grii 
 ders in each jaw. 
 
 It appears to be a gentle, good-natured animal ; b 
 when irritated or disturbed, utters a short abrupt roar, li] 
 a Bear, ending in a whining tone, expressive of impa 
 ence. — It feeds on bread, fruit, and nuts ; is fond of h 
 ney ; and will eat marrow, or the fat of meat, either ra 
 or dressed ; but refuses roots of all kinds, and the lean ‘ 
 
 muscular parts of flesh. ! 
 
 This rare animal is said to have been brought fromt 
 interior parts of Bengal ; and that it burroAvs in t' 
 ground. I 
 
 O I 
 
f/^ 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 
 CIE POLAR OR GREAT WHITE BEAR 
 
 (Ursiis Albus, Lin. — V Ours Blanc ^ EulF.^ 
 
 Lffers greatly from the common Bear in the length of 
 ii head and neck, and grows to above twice the size, 
 fme of them are thirteen feet long. — Its limbs are of 
 iat size and strength ; its hair long, harsh and disagree- 
 ale to the touch, and of a yellowish-white colour ; its 
 €fs are short and rounded ; and its teeth large, 
 f [t inhabits only the coldest parts of the globe, and has 
 bmfoLind above latitude 80, as far as navigators have pe- 
 rated northwards. These inhospitable regions seem 
 I’lpted to its sullen nature. 
 
295 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 “ There the shapeless Bear, 
 
 “ With dangling ice all horrid stalks forlorn ; 
 
 “ Slow-pac’d, and sourer as the storms enci’ease, 
 
 “ He makes his bed beneath th’ inclement drift ; 
 
 “ And, with stern patience, scorning weak complaint, 
 
 “ Hardens his heart against assailing want.” 
 
 It has been seldom seen farther south than Newfound 
 land, but abounds chiefly on the shores of Hudson’s Bay 
 Greenland, and Spitzbergen on one side, and those c 
 Nova-Zembla on the other. It has been sometime 
 found in the intermediate countries of Norway and Ice 
 land ; but such as have appeared in those parts have a' 
 ways been driven thither upon floating sheets of ice; s 
 that those countries are only acquainted with them by a< 
 cident. 
 
 During summer, they take up their residence on lar^ 
 islands of ice, and frequently pass from one to anothe 
 — They swim well, and can go to the distance of six i|| 
 seven leagues: They likewise dive, but do notcontini 
 long under v/ater. — When the pieces of ice are detaclv 
 by strong winds or currents, the Bears allow themselv 
 to be carried along with them, and as they cannot regal 
 the land, or abandon the ice on which they are embarl 
 ed, they often perish in the open sea. Those which arri| 
 wnth the ice on the coasts of Iceland and Nonvay, are i 
 most famished with hunger from the length of their v( 
 age, and are extremely voracious. As soon as the natiV 
 discover one of them, they arm themselves, and presen| 
 dispatch him. | 
 
 The ferocity of the Bear is as remarkable as its attad 
 ment to its young. A few years since, the crew o 
 boat belonging to a ship in the whale-fishery shot t 
 Bear at a short distance, and wounded it. The aniiE 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 2C)7 
 
 immediately set up the most dreadful yells, and ran along- 
 the ice towards the boat. Before it reached it, a second 
 shot was fired, and hit it. This served to increase its 
 fury. It presently swam to the boat ; and in attempting 
 to get on board, reached its fore foot upon the guimcl ; 
 but one of the crew having a hatchet, cut it orf, Tlie 
 animal still, however, continued to swim after them till 
 they arrived at the ship ; and several shot -s.vere fired at it, 
 which also took effect ; But on reaching the ship, it im- 
 mediately ascending 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 upon the deck. 
 
 Its flesh is white, and is said to taste like mutton. 
 The fat is melted for train-oil ; and that of the feet is used 
 in medicine. 
 
 The White Bear brings forth two young at a time. 
 
 I Their fondness for their offspring is so great that they 
 
 i iwill die rather than desert them: Wounds serve only to 
 make the attachment more violent ; They embrace their 
 ^ cubs to the last ; and bemoan them with the most piteous 
 f cries. 
 
 They feed on fish, seals, and tlie carcases of whales. 
 1 Allured by the scent of seal’s flesh, they often break into 
 : the huts of the Greenlanders. — They sometimes attack 
 t the Morse, with which they have terrible conflicts ; but 
 : the large teeth of that animal give it a decided superiority 
 over the Bear, wliich is generallv worsted. 
 
 T2 
 
 •I 
 
298 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE STRIPED HTEMA. 
 
 (Canis Hijcena, Lin. — URycene, Buit.) 
 
 Ai.though naturalists, both ancient and modern, have 
 described the Hyena under different denominations, and 
 have ascribed to it properties which it is now known not 
 to possess, yet its characters are so singular, that it is im- 
 possible to mistake them, and so peculiar, as to distinguish 
 it from every other class of animals. In many respects it 
 resembles those of the Dog kind, has some similitude tot 
 the Wolf in form and disposition, and is about the same 
 size. 
 
 The Hyena has only four toes on each foot ; its head! 
 is broad and flat, and its muzzle shorter than that of the| 
 Wolf; its fore legs are longer than the hind ones ; its 
 ears arc long, pointed and bare ; and its eyes ai e remark- 
 ably wild, sullen, and ferocious. 
 
HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 299 
 
 There are two varieties, — the one striped, and the other 
 potted. — The hair of the former is of an ash colour, mark- 
 d with long black stripes, disposed in waves, from the 
 •ack downwards ; there are others across the legs ; the 
 lair in general is coarse and rough ; its tail is short and 
 lushy, with pretty long hair, sometimes plain, and 
 ometimes barred with black ; immediately underneath 
 he tail, and above the anus, there is an orifice like that 
 )f the Badger, which opens into a kind of pouch, and 
 ontains a substance of the consistence of civet, but of a 
 ■ank, disagreeable odour. This opening may probably 
 lave given rise to the error of the ancients, who asser- 
 ed, that the Hyena was every alternate year male ami 
 emale. Its manner of holding its head is somewhat like 
 i Dog pursuing a scent with its nose near the ground. 
 This position of the head makes the shoulders appear 
 aiore elevated. A bristly mane runs along the top of the 
 . aack from head to tail, which gives it an appearance 
 ^something like a Hog ; from whence, probably, it may 
 have derived its name, the word huiana being a Greek 
 word derived from hus^ which Signifies a Sow. — Such are 
 the most striking distinctions of the Hyena, w hich has 
 been pictured by ignorance and timidity under every 
 form that can strike terror into the imagination. Won- 
 derful powers were ascribed to it by the ancients; who 
 believed that it changed its sex ; that it imitated the hu- 
 man voice, and by that means attracted unw'aiy travellers, 
 and destroyed them ; that it had the poiver of charming 
 the shepherds, and as it were rivetting them to the place 
 where they stood. Many other things, equally absurd, 
 have been told of this animal ; but these are sufficient to 
 shew, that objects of terror and superstition are nearly al- 
 
300 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 lied ; and when once they have taken possession of th< 
 human mind, the most improbable stories are easily re 
 ceived and credited. 
 
 It resides in the cavenis of mountains, in the clefts o 
 rocks, or in holes and dens, which it digs in the earth.— 
 Its disposition is extremely ferocious ; and, though taker 
 young, it never can be tamed. — It lives by depredations 
 like the Wolf, but is stronger, and more daring and ra 
 pacious. It follows the flocks, ravages the sheepfold, am 
 destroys every thing within its reach with the most insa 
 tiable voracity. — Its eyes shine in the dark ; and it is as 
 serted with some appearance of probability, that it cai 
 see nearly as well by night as by day. When destitute o 
 other provisions, it ransacks the graves, and devours pu 
 trid human bodies that have been long buried. 
 
 The voice of the Hyena is very peculiar; Its begin 
 tiing seems to be somewhat like the moaning of a humai 
 voice, and the ending like one making a violent effort t' 
 vomit. 
 
 It inhabits Asiatic Turkey, Syria, Persia, andBarbar}’ 
 — -The superstitious Arabs, when they kill one of them 
 carefully bury the head, lest it should be applied to ma 
 gical purposes. 
 
 The courage of the Hyena is equal to its rapacity. I 
 tvill defend itself with great obstinacy against much large 
 (juadrupeds ; It is not afraid of the Lion nor the Panther 
 will sometimes attack the Ounce, and seldom fails to con 
 quer. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 SOI 
 
 THE SPOTTED HTEJTA, OR TIGER- 
 
 V/OLF, 
 
 3 called, at the Cape of Good Hope, the Tiger- W olf ; 
 
 , 'id is very common in that part of the world. SpaiT- 
 
 \ tan describes it as a cruel, mischievous, and formidable 
 -limal. — Its horrid yells are to be heard every night, 
 rhilst it prowls about for its prey, and lurks near farm- 
 lards, where cattle are kept. These are well defended 
 iy Dogs, of which the Hyena, though larger and stron- 
 fisr, is much afraid ; and will not venture an attack, un- 
 ^ss pressed by the most urgent necessity ; neither will it 
 
 I ire to seize upon any of the larger animals, such as Ox- 
 1 , Cows, Horses, &c. whilst they make the least ap- 
 I sarance of defending themselves, or even if they do not 
 ( stray any symptoms of fear. It sometimes endeavours ta 
 It isperse the cattle by its hideous roaring ; after which 
 selects and pursues one of them, which it soon disables 
 Y a deadly bite, and then devours. 
 
S02 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 These animals were formerly so bold, as to molest th( 
 Hottentots in their huts, and sometimes carry olT theii 
 children ; but since the introduction of fire-arms, thos< 
 and other wild beasts keep at a greater distance from th( 
 habitations of mankind. — It is a fact, however, that num 
 bers of them attend almost every night about the , sham 
 bles at the Cape, where they meet vrith bones, skin, am 
 other offals, which are left there by the inhabitants^ wh 
 suffer these animals to come unmolested, and carry o 
 their refuse ; and it was somewhat remarkable that the! 
 seldom have been known to do any mischief thenj 
 though fed in the very heart of the town. 
 
 The bowlings of the Hyena are dreadful beyond a 
 conception, and spread a general alarm ; They are a 
 most incessant, and seem to be the natural consequen( 
 of its craving appetite. Perhaps it may not be going tc 
 far to say, that nature has kindly impressed this involui' 
 tary disposition to yelling upon this animal, that eveij 
 living creature might be upon its guard, and secure its(' 
 from the attacks of so cruel an enemy. 
 
 The general colour is a reddish-brown, marked wi 
 distinct round black spots, the hind legs with transvei 
 black bars : its head is large and flat ; above each ej 
 as well as on the lips, it has long whiskers : a short bla 
 mane runs along the top of the back ; its ears are sb 
 and a little pointed ; its face and the upper parts of 
 head are black. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 503 
 
 FOX. 
 
 (Cams Vidpus, Lin . — Le Renard, Buff.) 
 
 This lively and crafty animal is common m every part 
 c Great Britain, and is so well known as not to require a 
 p'rticular description. 
 
 M. Buffon has taken great pains to prove, that the 
 and the Fox wdll not breed together. For this pur- 
 pse, he kept two males and a female for a considerable 
 t ie, and tried to make the males copulate with bitches, 
 viich they uniformly refused ; and from thence he con- 
 cides, that no mixture can take place, between the two 
 secies. But it should be remembered, that the Foxes 
 wre in a state of confinement ; and of course, many cir- 
 c instances might concur to disgust them, and render the 
 t'periment abortive. In confirmation of this, we need 
 
 0 y observe, that the same Foxes, which when at liber- 
 \ darted on the Poultry with their usual eagerness, ne- 
 
 ?(• attempted to touch a single fowl after they were chain- 
 And we ai'e told further, “ that a living hen was 
 |ierally fixed near them for a whole night ; and, though 
 fe d was kept from them for many hours, yet, in spite of 
 Alger and opportunity, they never forgot that they were 
 lined, and disturbed not the hen.” Now' if any one 
 ifuld be so hardy as to assert from this, that Foxes have 
 
 1 atural aversion to poultry, one may easily conceive 
 av little credit would be given to the conclusion, and 
 iJ Ymuch laughter it would excite. We just mention 
 ' 1 3 to shew, that experiments of this kind, where na- 
 ae is thwarted in her process, or restrained in any of 
 
 operations, are not always to be depended up- 
 

 HISTOKY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 on. — That the Fox and the Dog will breed together, i 
 fact, too well known in the several parts of the N orth 
 England, to admit of the smallest doubt. — It is acomir 
 practice in many places to tie up a bitch that is in seasi 
 where she may be visited by a Fox, and beimpregna 
 by him. The fruits of the connection ai'e sufficiently < 
 vious ; Most if not all the puppies, have a strong rese 
 blanceto the Fox ; The sharp nose, prick ears, long 1 
 dy and short legs of the Fox, evidently point out their c 
 gin. — These Dogs are highly esteemed by farmers, a 
 graziers, as the most useful kind for driving cattle : 
 They bite keenly, are extremely active and playful, a 
 ai'e very expert in destroying Weasels, Rats, and oth 
 vermin. 
 
 The Fox sleeps much during the day ; but the nighj 
 its season of activity, and the time when it roams ab 
 in search of prey. — It will eat flesh of any kind, but {| 
 fers that of Flares, Rabbits, poultry and all kinds of bir 
 Those that reside near the sea-coast will for want of oil 
 food, eat crabs, shrimps, muscles, and other si' 
 
 fish. I 
 
 In France and Italy, the Fox does great damage am! 
 the vineyards, by feeding on the grapes, of which i 
 
 extremely fond. It boldly attacks the wild bees, J 
 
 frequently robs them of their stores ; but not with iir; 
 nity ; The whole swarm flies out, and fastens upon| 
 invader ; but he retires only for a few minutes, and | 
 himself of the bees by rolling upon the ground ; by w 
 means he crushes such that stick to him, and then retj 
 to his charge, and devours both wax and honey. 
 
 The cunning of the Fox, in surprising and securini 
 prey, is equally remarkable. When it has acquired n| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SO5 
 
 !ian it can devour, its first care is to secure what it has 
 illed, which is generally all within its reach. It digs 
 oles in different places, where it conceals its booty by 
 arefully covering it Avith earth to prevent a discovery. 
 
 ’ a flock of poultry have unfortunately fallen victims to 
 jS stratagems, it will bring them, one by one, to these 
 R iding- places ; where it leaves them till hunger demands 
 lesh supplies. 
 
 li The chase of the Fox is a very favourite diversion in 
 1 i.ngland, and is no where pursued with such ardour 
 nd intrepidity. Both the Dogs and Horses are confes- 
 ;dly superior to those of any other country. — The instant 
 ’ ic Fox finds he is pursued, he flies towcU-ds his hole; 
 
 I id finding it stopped, v hich is always carefully done 
 ) pfore the chase begins, he has recourse to his speed and 
 . IS cunning for safety. He does not double and measure 
 ilis ground back like the Hare, but continues his course 
 , [-raight forv ard before the Hounds with great strength 
 
 f id perseverance. Both Dogs and Horses, particularly 
 le latter, have frequently fallen victims to the ardour of 
 j^.ie pursuit, which has sometimes continued for upwards 
 fifty miles without the smallest intermission, and al- 
 j |.ost at full speed. ^ — As the scent of the Fox is very- 
 
 F* Ml'. Charle.s Turner’s Hounds hunted at Ayreyholm, nearHur- 
 ' )i’th, in the county of Durham, and found the noted old Fox CiESAR, 
 ^ iiich made an extraordinary chase. After a round of four miles, he led 
 Smeaton, through Hornby and Appleton ; then back again to Hornby, 
 
 ' 'orset-raoor, Piersburgh, I.imptoii, Craythorn, Middleton, Hiltrn,Sea- 
 ■ »: ;r, Newby, Marton, Ormsby ; then upon Hambleton, through Kirk- 
 itham-park, Upleatham, Skelton, and Kelton. Mr. Turner tired 
 ree Horses ; and only three Hounds were in pursuit, when he thought 
 oper to call them off, it being near five in the evening. The chase was 
 t wards of fifty miles. 
 
 u 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 50 & 
 
 Strong, the Dogs follow with great alaerity and eagerness 
 and have been known to keep np a constant chase foi 
 eight or ten hours together ; and it is hard to say, whe 
 ther the spirited eagerness of the Hounds, the ardour 0 
 the florses, or the enthusiasm of the hunters, is most ti 
 be admired. The Fox is the only one of the party whic! 
 has the plea of necessity on liis side ; and it operates s 
 sti'ongly, that he often escapes the utmost efforts of hi 
 pursuers, and returns to his hole in safety. The smell c 
 his urine is so ollensi’re to the Dogs, that it sometime 
 proves the means of his escape from them. When all hi 
 shifts have failed him, aiid he is at last overtaken, he the 
 defends himself with great obstinacy, and fights in silenc 
 till he is tom in pieces by the Dogs. 
 
 There are three \ arieties of Foxes in this island, whic 
 differ from each other more in form than in colour. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 SO7 
 
 3 the largest, and is chiefly found in the moiintanious 
 arts of England and Scotland : He is likewise the bold- 
 I st, and will attack a well grown Sheep. — His eai’s are 
 )ng and erect, and his aspect wild. 
 
 THE MASTIFF FOX, 
 
 ‘ 3 rather less : but his limbs are more strongly formed. 
 
308 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE CUR FOX, 
 
 Is the least, but the most common, and approaches near-l 
 cst to the habitations of mankind. It lurks about the| 
 out houses of the farmer, and cairies off' all the poultry! 
 Avithin its reach. — It is remarkably playful and familiar 
 when tamed ; but, like all Avild animals half reclaimed^ 
 Avill, on the least offence, bite those it is most familiar 
 
 AAUth. I 
 
 The eye of the Fox is of a lively hazel colour, veryj 
 significant and expressive ; and discovers very sensiblyl 
 the different emotions of love, fear or anger, byAvhichiti 
 may be affected. — It seems greatly to admire its bushy 
 tail, and frequently amuses itself by endeavouring tra 
 catch it as it runs round. In cold weather Avhen it liei^ 
 doAvn, it folds it about its head. 
 
 The Fox sleeps sound; and, like the Dog, lies in aJ 
 round form. When he is only reposing himself, hej 
 streches out his hind legs, and lies on his belly. In this! 
 position, he spies the birds as they light on the hedges'! 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 309 
 
 or places near him, and is ready to spring upon such as 
 are within his reach. He nu’ely lies exposed, but clauses 
 the cover of some thick brake, where he is pretty secure 
 from being surprised. Crows, magpies, and other birds, 
 trhich consider the Fox as a common enemy, will often 
 ^ive notice of his retreat by the most clamarous notes, 
 md frequently follow him a considerable way from tree> 
 to tree, repeating their outcries. 
 
 I Foxes produce but once a year, from three to six 
 I young ones at a time. When the female is pregnant, 
 she retires, and seldom goes out of her hole, where she 
 ; areparesa bed for her young. She comes in season in 
 he winter : and young Foxes are found in the month of 
 ii \pril. If she perceive that her habitation is discovered, 
 
 -• ihe carries them off, one by one, to a more seeure retreat. 
 It The young are brought forth blind, like puppies. They 
 kjjrow eighteen months or two years, and live thirteen or 
 r’ourteen years. 
 
 |[| The Fox is frequently taken in traps ; but great cau- 
 f: ion must be used to deceive this wily animal. The trap 
 I nust be placed in the midst of a field, where there is nei- 
 t her hedge nor path near it, and so nieely covered with 
 i nould that not the least vestige can be seen where it 
 t ies ; About the trap, and at a small distance from it, in 
 f lifferent places, a few pieces of cheese, or other strong- 
 f y-scented food, must be carelessly scattered ; Then with 
 ; i sheep’s paunch, or some other animal substance, a trail 
 s made, of about a mile in length, to the different places 
 vhere the bait is laid, and from thence to the trap : The 
 hoes of the person who carries the trail must be likewise 
 veil rubbed with the paunch, that the Fox may not dis~ 
 
SIO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 cover his scent. He then approaches with more confi- 
 dence, and if the design be well conducted seldom fails 
 of being caught. 
 
 There are many varieties of this animal, apparently 
 produced by the influence of climate. Those of this 
 country are mostly of a tawny-red mixed with ash-co- 
 lour ; the fore part of the legs is black, and the tail tiptj 
 with white. — In colder countries, Foxes are of variousi 
 colours. 
 
 THE BLACK FOX, 
 
 Is most valuable for its fur, which is esteemed in Russia! 
 superior to that of the finest sable. A single skin wil 
 sell for four liundred rubles. 
 
 THE CROSS FOX, J 
 
 (' Le Renard Croisc BulF. ) j 
 
 Inhabits the coldest parts of Europe, Asia and North, 
 America. — Its fur is very valuable, being thicker anq 
 softer than the common sort — Great numbers of skins 
 are imported from Canada. i 
 
 It derives its name from a black mark which passes 
 over its back across the shoulders, and another along th(, 
 back to the tail. i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 311 
 
 . THE ARCTIC FOX, 
 
 (Canis Lagopus, Lin. — /ya^zVBufF.) 
 
 i .NHABiTsthe countries bordering on the Frozen Sea. 
 r t is found in Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, Nova- 
 ^embla, and Lapland ; in Kamschatka, and the opposite 
 : laits of America. It burrows and makes holes in the 
 round, several feet in length; at the end of which if 
 a arms a nest with moss. In Greenland and Spitsbergen, 
 V : lives in the clefts of rocks, being unable to burrow on 
 t ccount of the frost. Two or three of them inhabit the 
 lame hole. 
 
 It is endowed with ail the cunning of the common 
 I ox, preys on young geese, ducks, and other water- fowl, 
 efore they are able to fly ; likewise on hares, wild-birds, 
 ad eggs : And in Greenland, for want of other food, 
 t feeds on berries and shell-fish. In Lapland and the 
 ^ forth of Asia, its principal food is the Leming or Lap- 
 . ind Marmot ; immense shoals of which sometimes cover 
 ! ae face of the countrv. The Foxes follow them, in 
 aeir migrations, from one place to another ; and as the 
 ' iturn of the Mannot is very uncertain, and fi'equently 
 fter great intervals of time, they are sometimes absent 
 iree or four years in pursuit of this favourite prey. 
 
312 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The hail' of the Arctic Fox is of an ash colour, bu1 
 diang'cs to white in the winter, when it is long, soft, 
 and somewhat woolly : Its tail is shorter than that of the 
 common Fox, and more bushy ; and its toes are covered 
 with fur on the under part, like those of a Hare : It is 
 smaller and more slender than the European Fox ; Its 
 nose is sharp and black ; and its ears are short, and al- 
 most hid in the fur. It is sometimes taken in traps ; bull 
 its skin is of little value. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 313 
 
 THE FED IF, 
 
 (Cam's Lupus Lin . — Le Loup, BufF.) 
 
 t All naturalists agree in placing the Wolf and the Dog 
 a the same class ; and, from the slightest inspection of 
 (ts external form only, it would seem that the Wolf was 
 fa every respect a Dog in its state of natural freedom. 
 The shape of its head is different ; and its eyes, being 
 ; xed in a more oblique position, give it a look of more 
 i avage fierceness ; its ears are sharp and erect : its tail 
 )ng, bushjq and bending inwards between its hind legs ; 
 :s body is stronger than that of almost any species of 
 i| )og, its jaws and teeth larger, and its hair coarser and 
 f licker. The internal structure of these animals is per- 
 1 ictly similar. The Wolf couples in the same manner 
 1 s the Dog ; and its immediate separation is prevented 
 •om the same cause ; The time of gestation is also near- 
 T the same ; and, from a variety of successful experi- 
 lents related by the celebrated Dr. Hunter, there is no 
 
 U2 
 
311 - 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 longer any room to doubt, that the Wolf and the Dog 
 will copulate together, and produce an intermediate spe- 
 cies, capable of subsequent propagation. 
 
 The appetite of the Wolf, for every kind of animal 
 food, is excessively voracious ; and, although Nature has 
 furnished it with every requisite for pursuing and con- 
 quering its prey, it is frequently reduced to the last ex- 
 tremity, and sometimes perishes for want of food. So 
 great is the general detestation of this destructive crea- 
 ture, that all the wild imimals endeavour to avoid it, and 
 most commonly escape by their superior swiftness. , 
 When pressed with hunger from repeated disappoint- 
 ments, the Wolf becomes courageous from necessity. Ir 
 then braves every danger, and even attacks those animals 
 that are under the protection of man. Sometimes whole 
 droves ofi them join in the cruel work of general devasJ 
 tation, roam through the villages, and attack the sheep- 
 folds : They dig the earth under the doors, enter with 
 dreadful ferocity, and put every living creature to death 
 before they depart. The Horse is the only tame animal 
 that can defend itself against them ; all the weaker ani-: 
 mals become their prey ; Even maar himself, upon these 
 occasions, frequently falls a victim to their rapacity ; andi 
 it is said that wlien once they have tasted human bloodj 
 they ahvays give it the preference. — From hence, many 
 superstitious stories have been told of the Wolf. Thej 
 old Saxons believed, that it was possessed by some evil 
 spirit, and called it the Wcre-Widf : and the French peaJ 
 sants, from the same reason, call it the Loup-garou. j 
 The language of the poet is beautifully descriptive oj 
 this creature’s insatiable fury : — 
 
315 
 
 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 “ By wintry famine rous’d, from all the tract 
 “ Of horrid mountains, which the shining Alps, 
 
 “ And wavy Appenine, and Pyrenees, 
 
 “ Branch out, stupendous, into distant lands, 
 
 “ Cruel as death ! and hungry as the grave ! 
 
 “ Burning for blood ! bon}', and ghaimt, and grim I 
 “ Assembling Wolves, in raging troops descend ; 
 
 “ And, pouring o’er the country, bear along, 
 
 “ Keen as the north wind sweeps the glossy snow, 
 
 “ All is their prize.” 
 
 The Wolf has great strength especially in the muscles 
 f his neck and jaws ; He can carry a Sheep in his 
 louth, and easily run off with it in that manner. His 
 ite is cruel and deadly, and keener as it meets with less 
 esistance ; but when opposed, he is cautious and cir- 
 umspect, and seldom fights but from necessity. He 
 3 harder and more robust, but not so sensible as the Dog. 
 i le almost incessantly prowls about for prey, and of all ani- 
 •. lals is the most difficult to conquer in the chase. His 
 f mse of smelling is peculiarly sti’ong : He scents the 
 i 'ack of animals, and follows it with great perseverance ; 
 
 "he odour of carrion strikes him at the distance of near 
 . league. 
 
 / Wolves are capable of bearing want of food for a long 
 me. To allay their hunger, they will sometimes fill 
 I leir stomachs Avith mud. — They have been known to 
 ■ )llow armies, and assemble in troops upon the field of 
 attle ; tear up such bodies as have been carelessly inter- 
 id, and devour them with insatiable avidity. 
 
 In all ages, the Wolf has been considered as the most 
 avage enemy of mankind, and rcAA^ards were gi^^en for 
 s head. Various methods have been taken to rid the 
 orid of this rapacious invader ; Pit- falls, traps, and poi- 
 have all been employed against him ; and, hap- 
 ily for Britains, the whole race has long been ex- 
 
SI6 HISTORY OF gUADRHPl'DS. 
 
 tii-pated there. King Edgar attempted to effect it in Eng- 
 land by remitting the punishment of certain crimes on 
 producing a number oi Wolves’ tongues; and in Wales, 
 the tax of gold and silver was commuted for an annual 
 tribute of Wolves’ heads. — Some centuries after that 
 they increased to such a degree, as to become an object 
 of royal attention ; and great rewards were given for de- 
 stoying them. Camden informs us, that certain persons 
 held their lands on condition of hunting, and destroying! 
 the W olves that infested the country, whence they werej 
 
 called the wohe-bunt, In the reign of Athelstan .1 
 
 Wolves abounded so much in Yorkshire, that a retreaij 
 was built at Flixton, to defend passengers from their at- 
 tacks. As the ravages of these animals were greatest 
 
 during winter, particularly in January, when the cole 
 vras severest, the Saxons distinguished that monthi 
 by the title of Wolfe-moncth. They also called ar| 
 outlaw Wolf shed, as being out of the protection ofth<j 
 law, and as liable to be killed as that destructive beast.— j. 
 They infested Ireland many centuries after their extincj 
 tion in England ; the last presentment for killing Wolvel 
 was made in the country of Cork about the year 1710.- j 
 These animals abound in the immense forests of Gerjj 
 many, where the following methods are taken to destroy 
 them : — In some very sequestered part of the forest, thejj 
 hang up a large piece of carrion on the branch of a tree 
 -having previously made a train of some miles long, leav| 
 ing small pieces of putrid flesh here and there to allun 
 the Wolves to the spot; They then wait till it is dai'k| 
 and approach the place with great circumspection ; wher 
 they sometimes find two or three Wolves assembled, leapj 
 ing up, and straining themselves to catch the bait, whicJ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 317 
 
 is placed just within their reach; and while the animals 
 are busily employed in this way, the hunters being pro- 
 vided with fire-arms, seldom fail to dispatch them. — In a 
 convenient place, at the foot of a declivity, they make a 
 small inclosure of strong pales, so high that the Wolf, 
 having once entered, cannot return again. An opening is 
 left at the top of the bank ; and a Sheep that has been 
 long dead, is the bait; to which he is allured by long 
 trains, made from different places where he is known to 
 ? haunt. As soon as he arrives at the spot, he examines 
 every part of the inclosure ; and finding no other way 
 to come at the booty, he precipitates himself to the bot- 
 tom ; and having made a plentiful meal, endeavours in 
 i vain to re-ascend. His disappointment at not being able 
 to get back is productive of the most dreadful bowlings, 
 t which alarm his enemies ; and they either take him alive, 
 
 ’ or dispatch him with bludgeons. It is remarkable, that 
 i when this animal finds there is no possibility of escaping, 
 
 . his courage entirely forsakes him, and he is for some 
 1 time so stupified with fear, that he may be killed with- 
 I out offering to resist, or taken alive without much danger. 
 
 - — Wolves are sometimes taken in strong nets, into which 
 ? they are driven by the hunters, who surround a large 
 a tract of land, and with drums, horns, and other instru- 
 ments, accompanied with loud cries from a large com- 
 I pany assembled upon the occasion, drive the animals to- 
 I wards the entrance of the nets, where they are entangled, 
 and killed with clubs and hatchets. Great care must be 
 taken to secure them at first ; If they recover from their 
 consternation, they easily escape by tearing the net to 
 pieces. 
 
SI 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Wolves are found, with some variety, in almost every 
 
 country of the world. Those of Senegal are larger and 
 
 fiercer than those of Europe. — In North- America, they 
 
 are small, of a dark colour, and may be easily tamed. 
 
 Before the introduction of Dogs, the savages made use 
 
 of them in hunting the wild animals of the country ; and 
 
 they are still employed for the same purpose in the more 
 
 remote parts of that vast continent. They are said to 
 
 hunt in packs, and run down the Deer by their scent. 
 
 The appearance of these animals near the habitations of 
 
 the Indians, sometimes indicates that the Bison or the 
 
 Deer is at no great distance ; and when any of those are 
 
 taken, the Wolves ai'e rewarded with the offal. Catesby 
 
 afiirms, that the Wolves of that Country have mixed with 
 
 the Dogs carried thither by the Europeans, and produced 
 
 an intermediate race. — In the northern regions there are 
 
 ® 'i 
 
 Wolves entirely wdiite, and others of a deep-black. — In: 
 IViOxico there is a vai’iety of the Wolf, with a very large ! 
 head, strong jaws, and great teeth : On the upper lip it 
 has strong bristles, not unlike the softer spines ofthciS 
 Porcupine, of a gray and wdiite colour ; its ears are large | 
 and erect ; its body is ash-coloured, spotted with black j 
 on its sides there are black stripes from the back down- 
 ward ; its neck is fat and thick, covered wdth a loose 
 skin, marked with a long tawmy stroke ; on the breast is| 
 another of the same kind ; the tail is long, and tinged in 
 the middle with tarvny ; the legs and feet are striped 
 with black. It inhabits the hot parts of Mexico or New- 
 Spain, is equally voracious with the European Wolf, at- ;j 
 tacks cattle, and sometimes men. — There are no Wolves 
 further south on the new continent. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 319 
 
 THE J^EW SOUTH-WALES WOLF, 
 
 Has been called a Dog ; but its wild and savage nature 
 ieems strongly to point out its affinity to the Wolf ; to 
 vhicli, in other respects, it bears a great resemblance, 
 t neither bai'ks nor growls : but when vexed, erects the 
 lairs of its whole body like bristles, and appears extreme- 
 Y furious. — It is fond of Rabbits and poultry, which it 
 agerly devours raw ; but will not touch di’essed meat. 
 
 One of them, sent to this country from Botany-Bay, 
 ras extremely nimble, and so fierce, as to seize on every 
 nimal it saw% If not restrained, it would have run 
 lown Deer and Sheep ; An Ass had also neai’ly fallen a 
 ictim to its fury. 
 
 Its height is rather less than two feet ; the length two 
 :et and a half; It is formed much like a Wolf ; its ears 
 hort and erect, and its tail long and bushy : The general 
 olour is a pale brown, lighter on the belly ; the feet and 
 iside of the legs are wffiite. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE JACKAL. 
 
 (Cam's Jureus, Lin . — Le Chac al, BiiiF.) 
 
 W E bee leave to make our acknowledements to Mr. 
 
 KJ O 
 
 Pennant for the drawing of this animal, which he assures 
 us was drawn from the life; and we doubt not, there- 
 fore, its being a faithful representation, i 
 
 The species of the Jackal is diffused, with some varie- 
 ty, through almost eveiy part of Asia ; and is found in, 
 Btirbary, and other parts of Africa, as far as the Cape ^ 
 Good Hope. ^ 
 
 Although it is one of the most numerous of all the 
 wild animals of the East, there is scarcely any one less 
 knowm in Europe, or more confusedly described by na-j 
 tural historians. 
 
 They vary in size. Those of the warmest climates aro 
 said to be the largest. They are of a reddish-brown co-| 
 lour. — The smaller Jackal is about the size of a Fox, and| 
 its colour is a bright yellow. i 
 
 That the Jackal is nearly allied to the Dog, has beei^ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 321 
 
 cleai’ly proved, from a circumstance related by Mr. Hun- 
 ter, of a female Jackal taken on board an East-Indiaman 
 at Bombay whilst a cub, and being impregnated by a 
 Dog during the voyage, brought forth six puppies, one 
 3f which afterwards produced young ones, from an inter- 
 :ourse with a Dog. — From these and other recent facts, 
 t appears, that the Fox, the Wolf, the Jackal, and the 
 Dog, may be considered as different species of the same 
 ^enus ; and that the Jackal makes nearer approaches to 
 ;he Dog, than either the Fox or the W olf. 
 
 Jackals go in packs offfortyor fifty, and hunt like 
 lounds in full cry from evening till morning. They de- 
 stroy the poultry, and attack the flocks: They roam 
 
 :hrough the villages and gardens, and carry off every 
 hing they can eat : They enter stables, yards, and out- 
 louseS) and devour skins, and every thing that is made 
 )f leather; such as harnessing, boots, shoes, &c. No- 
 hing can escape their rapacity. They will ransack the 
 epositories of the dead, and greedily devour the most pu- 
 rid bodies; for which reason, in those countries where 
 hey abound, the inhabitants are obliged to make the 
 graves of a great depth; and secure them with spines, to 
 prevent the Jackals from raking up the caith with their 
 eet. They are said to attend caravans, and follow ar- 
 nies, in Jiopes of being furnished with a banquet by 
 lisease or battle. They may be considered as the vulture 
 imong quadrupeds ; and, like that destructive bird, de- 
 vour every thing indiscriminately that has once had ani- 
 nal life. — They hide themselves in holes and dens by 
 lay, and seldom appear abroad till the evening, when 
 hey fill the air with the most horrid bowlings, and begin 
 
 X 
 
322 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the chase. The Lion, the Panther, and other beasts o! 
 prey that do not follow by the scent, take advantage o] 
 the general consternation, and follow in silence behind 
 till the Jackals have hunted down their prey: They ther 
 devour the fruits of their labours, and leave them onlj 
 the remains of the spoil; from whence the Jackal ha< 
 been vulgarly called the Lion's Provider, as if those twc 
 animals acted in concert, and had formed a plan for theii 
 mutual support. 
 
 The Jackal frequently pursues the Gazelle ; and is sd 
 bold, as to follow it even in the midst of a town oi 
 village, whither that timid animal frequently flies foi 
 protection, and by that means sometimes escapes. 
 
 Sparman’s description of those he saw at the Capi 
 differs materially from the accounts we have been abl< 
 to collect from other authors. He says they are abou^ 
 three feet in length, and their tails little more than i 
 foot long : I he predominant colour is a reddish-yellow I 
 the legs are of a pale gold colour ; under the belly, an< 
 on the inside of the legs, the colour inclines to white 
 the nose and ears are of a brighter red ; the head, neckj 
 and back are gray ; the tail is partly gray, and partly o| 
 an umber colour, and black at the tip. He says it re 
 sembles the European Fox in form, manners, and disposij 
 tion ; and is not known to assemble in packs for the purj 
 pose of hunting ; neither is its voracity equal to thaj 
 
 ascribed to it by other naturalists. It is probable i 
 
 may have been confounded with the Wild Dog, which i 
 common at the Cape, and hunts its prey in packs. It i 
 very fierce and mischievous, and very destructive to th< 
 flocks of sheep and Goats in those parts. — There are twi| 
 kinds of these Dogs, — the one large and of a reddish co| 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S23 
 
 our ; the other less and browner. They are very bold, 
 ind wander about night and day in search of prey. — 
 They make a noise somewhat like the cry of our common 
 dounds, and hunt \\ ith gi’eat sagacity, acting perfectly 
 n concert with each other till the game falls a prey to 
 he pack. They ai'e said to be always extremely lean, 
 ind very ugly. 
 
 M. BulFon mentions an animal of the Jackal kind by 
 he name of the Adive ; of which he gives a drawing, 
 iomewhat resembling a small Fox. It is less than the 
 
 O 
 
 common Jackal, and is sometimes tamed, and kept in a 
 lomestic state. 
 
324r 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The services of this truly valuable creature have been 
 so eminently useful to the domestic interests of men in 
 all ages, that to give the history of the Dog would be* 
 little less than to trace mankind back to their original 
 state of simplicity and freedom, to mark the progress of 
 civilization through the various chaiiges of the world, 
 and to follow attentively the gradual advancement of that, 
 order which placed man at the head of the animal world,! 
 and gave him a manifest superiority over every part ol 
 the brute creation. 
 
 If we consider for a moment the state of man without 
 the aid of this useful domestic; — with what arts shall he 
 
 ' m' 
 
 oppose the numerous hosts of foes that surround him on 
 all sides, seeking every opportunity to encroach upon his 
 possessions, to destroy his labours, or endanger his per- j 
 sonal safety; or how shall he bring into subjection such 
 as are necessary for his well-being? His utmost vigilance, 
 will not be sufficient to secure him from the rapacity o^ 
 the one, nor his greatest exertions enable him to over 
 come the speed of the other. To maintain his indepem 
 dence, to insure his safety, and to provide for his sup-ij 
 port, it was necessary that some one among the animals 
 should be brought over to his assistance, whose zeal anc 
 fidelity might be depended on ; And where, amidst al 
 the various orders of animated being, could one be fount 
 so entirely adapted to this purpose ? where could one be 
 found so bold, so tractable, and so obedient as the Dog ? 
 — To confirm the truth of these observations, we neec 
 only turn our attention to the present condition ofthost 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 325 
 
 nations not yet emerged from a state of barbarism, where 
 the uses of the Dogs are but little known or attended to, 
 and we will find that they lead a precarious and wretch- 
 ed life of perpetual warfare with the still more savage in- 
 habitants of the Forest, with which they are obliged to 
 dispute the possession of their uncultivated fields, and, not 
 unfrequently, to divide w'ith them the fruits of their la- 
 I hours. — From hence we may conclude, that the attention 
 of mankind, in the earliest ages, would be engaged in 
 training and rendering this animal subservient to the im- 
 t portant purposes of domestic utility ; and the result of 
 I this art has been the conquest and peaceable possession 
 of the earth. 
 
 ' Of all animals, the Dog seems most susceptible of 
 a change, and most easily modified by difference of cli- 
 i mate, food, and education ; not only the figure of his 
 < body, but his faculties, habits, and dispositions, vary in a 
 I surprising manner ; Nothing appears constant in them 
 but their internal conformation, which is alike in all ; in 
 f every other respect, they are very disimilar ; They vary 
 ; in size, in figure, in the length of the nose and shape of 
 j the head, in the length and direction of the ears and tail, 
 
 • in the colour, quality, and quantity of the hair, &c. To 
 I enumerate the different kinds, or mark the discrimina- 
 f tions by which each is distinguished, |WOuld be a task as 
 I fruitless as it would be impossible ; to account for this 
 I wonderful variety, or investigate the character of the pri- 
 mitive stock from which they have sprung, would be 
 equally vain. Of this only we ai'e certain, that, in every 
 age. Dogs have been found possessed of qualities most 
 admirably adapted for the various purposes to which they 
 
326 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 have been from time to time applied. — We have seen, ia 
 the history of the Cow and the Sheep, that those animals 
 Tvhich have been long under the management of man, 
 never preserve the stamp of nature in its original purity. 
 In wild animals V'hich still enjoy their natural freedom 
 from restraint, and have the independent ehoice of food 
 and climate, this impression is still faithfully preserved ; 
 but those which man has subdued, transported from cli- 
 mate to climate, changed their food, habits and manner 
 of living, must necessarily have suffered the greatest alterr 
 ations in their form ; and as the Dog, of all other do- 
 mestic animals, is most accustomed to this influence, is 
 endowed with dispositions the most docile and obedient, j 
 is susceptible of every impression, and submissive to every 
 restraint, we need not wonder that he should be subject! 
 to the greatest variety. To an attentive observer of the 
 canine race, it is truly wonderful and curious to observe- 
 the rapid changes and singular combinations of forms, 
 arising from promiscuous intercourse, which every where 
 present themselves : They appear in endless succession, f 
 and seem more like the effect of whimsical caprice than 
 the regular and uniform production of Nature ; So that, 
 in whatever light we consider the various mixtures which 
 at present abound, and render every idea of a systematic| 
 arrangement dubious and problematical, we may fairly^ 
 presume, that the services of the Dog would be first re-| 
 quired in maintaining and preserving the superiority ofl 
 man over those animals which were destined for his sup- 
 port. ‘ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 327 
 
 THE SHEPHERD'S DOG, 
 
 (Canis domesticus, Lin . — Le Chien de Berger^ BufF.) 
 
 1 This useful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns 
 j it the head of the flock ; where he is better heai'd and 
 1 nore attended to, than even the voice of the shepherd, 
 ii^kifety, order, and discipline, are the fruits of his vigi- 
 lance and activity. 
 
 f In those large tracts of land which, in many parts of 
 
 I England, are solely appropriated to the feeding of Sheep 
 nd other cattle, this sagacious animal is of the utmost 
 mportance. Immense flocks may be seen continu- 
 lly ranging over those extensive wilds, as far as the 
 ye can reach, seemingly without controul : Their only 
 juide is the shepherd, attended by his Dog, the constant 
 ompanion of his toils ; It receives his commands, and is 
 t Iways prompt to execute them ; it is the watchful guar- 
 f lian of the flock, prevents them from straggling, keeps 
 I hem together, and conducts them from one part of their 
 
328 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 pasture to another ; it will not suffer any strangers to mix 
 with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In 
 driving a number of Sheep to any distant part, a well- 
 trained Dog never fails to confine them to the road, 
 watches every avenue that leads from it ; where he takc5; 
 his stand threatening every delinquent ; He pursues the 
 stragglers, if any should escape, and forces them intc 
 order, without doing them the least injury. If the herds- 
 man be at any time absent from the flock, he depends 
 upon his Dog to keep them together ; and as soon as he 
 gives the well-known signal, this faithful creature con- 
 ducts them to his master, though at a considerable dis 
 tance. 
 
 There is a very remarkable singularity in the feet o 
 the Shepherd’s Dog, which we have likewise observed ii 
 those of the Cur and the Spaniel. All of them have on( 
 and some two toes more than most Dogs, though the] 
 seem not to be of much use. They appear to be desti' 
 tute of muscles, and hang dangling at the hind part o 
 the leg more like an unnatural excresence than a necesj 
 sary part of the animal. But the adage, that ‘ Natun 
 made nothing in vain,’ ought to correct our decision 
 on theirutility, which probably may exist unknown to us 
 
 This breed of Dogs, at present, appears to be pre 
 served, in the greatest purity, in the northern parts c 
 Scotland ; where its aid is highly necessary in managiii| 
 the numerous herds of Sheep bred in those extensiv 
 wilds. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 329 
 
 THE CUR DOG, 
 
 j s a trusty and useful servant to the farmer and grazier ; 
 ,:nd, although it is not taken notice of by naturalists as a 
 istinct race, yet it is now so generally used, especially 
 !i the north of England, and such great attention is paid 
 11 breeding it, that we cannot help considering it as a 
 I ermanent kind. 
 
 I They are chiefly employed in dri^'ing cattle ; in which 
 j"'ay they ai*e extremely useful. They are lai'ger, strong- 
 I r, and fiercer than the Shepherd’s Dog ; and their hair 
 3 > smoother and shorter. They are mostly of a black and 
 Ifhite colour ; their ears are half pricked ; and many of 
 i lem are whelped with short tails, which seem as if 
 ■ ley had been cut ; These are called Self -tailed Dogs. 
 
 ’hey bite very keenly ; and as they always make their 
 ' ctack at the heels, ithe cattle have no defence against 
 lem. In this Avay, they are more than a match for a 
 ■ull, Avhich they quickly compel to run. — Their sagacity 
 ^ uncommonly great : They know their master’s fields, 
 
 X2 
 
330 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ' 
 
 and are singularly attentive to the cattle that ai’e in them ; 
 —A good Dog watches, goes his rounds ; and, if any 
 strange cattle should happen to appear among the herd, 
 although unbidden, he quickly flies at tHem, and with 
 keen bites obliges them to deptrrt. 
 
 Similar to the Cur, is that which is commonly used in 
 driving cattle to the slaughter ; And as these Dogs have 
 frequently to go long journies, great strength, as well as 
 swiftness is required for that purpose. They are there- 
 fore generally of a mixed kind, and unite in them the 
 several qualities of the Shepherd’s Dog, the Cur, the 
 Mastiff, and the Greyhound. — Thus, by a judicious mix- 
 ture of different kinds, the services of the Dog are ren- 
 dered still more various and extensive, and the great pur- 
 poses of domestic utility more fully answered. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 331 
 
 THE GREEMLAJsm DOG. 
 
 (Le Cliiai de Sibirie, BufF.) 
 
 The savage aspect and disposition of this Dog seem to 
 bear some affinity to the rigours of the climate it inha- 
 bits. 
 
 The Pomeranian or Wolf Dog of M. Biilfon, the Si- 
 berian, Lapland, and Iceland Dogs are somewhat similar 
 to it in the sharpness of their muzzles, in their long shag- 
 gy hair, and bushy curling tails. I'he principal differ- 
 ence is in their size. — Though much larger, they all of 
 them have some resemblance to the Shepherd’s Dog. 
 
 Most of the Greenland Dogs are white, but some are 
 spotted, and some black. They may rather be said to 
 howl than bark. — The Greenlanders sometimes eat their 
 flesh ; They make garments of their skins, and use them 
 in drawing sledges ; to which they yoke them, four, five. 
 
332 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and sometimes six together.-* — The Dogs of Kamschat- 1 
 ka are commonly black or white. They are strong, nim- 1 
 ble, and active, and are very useful in drawing sledges, | 
 the only method of travelling in that dreary country du- li 
 ring the winter. They travel with great expedition: ' 
 Captain King relates, that, during his stay there, a cou- 
 rier with dispatches, drawn by them, performed a jour- 
 ney of 270 miles in less than four days. 
 
 The sledges are usually drawn by five Dogs, four of 
 them yoked two and two abreast ; The foremost acts as a ' 
 leader to the rest. The reins being fastened to a collar 
 round the leading Dog’s neck, are of little use in direct- 
 ing the pack ; the driver depending chiefly upon their i 
 obedience to his voice, with which he animates them to' 
 proceed. Great care and attention are consequently useds 
 in training up those for leaders, which are more valuable! 
 according to their steadiness and docility ; the sum of i' 
 forty roubles, or ten pounds, being no unusual price for ' 
 one of them. — The rider has a crooked stick, answering |i 
 the purpose both of whip and reins ; with which, byj 
 striking on the snow he regulates the speed of the Dogs,| 
 or stops them at his pleasure. When they are inatten-. 
 tive to their duty, he often chastises them by throwing it 
 at them. He discovers great dexteritj^ in regaining his 
 stick, Avhich is the greatest difficulty attending his situa- 
 tion ; for if he should happen to lose it, the Dogs imme - 1 
 diately discover the circumstanee, and never fail to set! 
 oft’ at full speed, and continue to run till their strength is 
 exhausted, or till the carriage is overturned, and dashed 
 to pieces, or hurried down a precipice. 
 
 * Five of these Dogs, that had escaped with their trappings, were 
 found in Greenland, and brought to this country a lew years ago by one 
 of our ships in the fishery. 
 
333 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 In December, 1784, a Dog v/as left by a smuggling 
 vessel near Boomer, on the coast of Northumberland. — 
 Finding himself deserted, he began to worry Sheep ; and 
 lid so much damage, that he became the terror of the 
 :ountry within a circuit of above twenty miles. We are 
 issured that when he caught a sheep, he bit a hole in 
 ts right side, and after eating the tallow about the kid- 
 leys, left it : Several of them, thus lacerated, were found 
 ilive by the shepherds ; and being taken proper care of 
 iome of them recovered, and afterwards had lambs. — 
 From his delicacy in this respect, the destruction he 
 nade may in some measure be conceived ; as it may be 
 supposed, that the fat of one Sheep in a day would hard- 
 y satisfy his hunger. The farmers were so much alarm- 
 ed by his depredations, that various means were used 
 br his destruction. They frequently pursued him 
 I vith Hounds, Greyhounds, &c. ; but when the Dogs 
 1 :ame up with him, he laid down on his back, as if sup- 
 . )licating for mercy ; and in that position they never hurt 
 I lim : He therefore laid quietly, taking his rest till the 
 i uniters approached, when he made off, without being 
 j bllowed by the Hounds, till they were again excited to 
 ;he pursuit, which always terminated unsuccessfully. 
 —It is worthy of notice that he was one day pursued 
 Torn Howick to upwards of thirty miles distance ; but 
 "eturned thither, and killed Sheep the same evening. — 
 His constant residence, during the day was upon a rock 
 in the Heugh-hill, near Howick, where he had a view 
 if four roads that approached it ; and in March, 1785, 
 ifter many fruitless attempts, he was at last shot there. 
 
334 
 
 HISTORY OF JJUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Is the fiercest of all the Dog kind, and is probably tin 
 most courageous creature in the world. It is low in sta 
 ture but very strong and muscular. Its nose is short 
 and the under jaw projects beyond the upper, whicl 
 gives it a fierce and unpleasing aspect. — Its courage ii 
 attacking the Bull is well known : Its fury in seizing! 
 and its i n vincible obstinacy in maintaining its hold, arj 
 truly astonishing. It always aims at the front ; and ge 
 nerally fastens upon the lip, the tongue, the eye, or som 
 part of the face ; where it hangs, in spite of every effbl 
 of the Bull to disengage himself. I 
 
 The uncommon ardour of these Dogs in fighting wi 
 be best illustrated by the following fact, related by d 
 eye-witness ; Avhich at the same time corroborates, i 
 some degi'ee, that wonderful account of the Dogs c 
 Dpirus, given by Elian, and quoted by Dr. Goldsmith i: 
 the history of the Dog : Some years ago, at a bull-bait 
 ing in the North of England, when that barbarou 
 custom was very common, a young man, confident o! 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S35 ^ 
 
 lie courage of his Dog, laid some trifling wager, that 
 e would at separate times, cut off all the four feet of 
 is Dog : and that, after every amputation, it would at- 
 ick the Bull. The cruel experiment was tried, and the 
 )og continued to seize the Bull as eagerly as if he had 
 een perfectly whole. 
 
 I Of late years this inhuman custom of baiting the Bull 
 
 i as been almost entirely laid aside in the North of Eng- 
 ind ; and, consequently, there are now few of this kind 
 (f Dogs to be seen. 
 
 |l As the Bull-Dog always makes his attack without 
 , ai’king, it is very dangerous to approach him alone, 
 dtnout the greatest precaution. 
 
 I 
 
326 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MASTIFF, 
 
 (Canis Molossus, Lin . — Le Dogiie, Buft'.) 
 
 Is much larger and stronger than the Bull-Dog ; its ears 
 are more pendulous ; its lips are large and loose ; its as-* 
 pect is sullen and grave, and its bark loud and terrific. — 
 He seems every way formed for the important trust ol 
 guarding and securing the valuable property committed| 
 to his care. Houses, gardens, yards, &c. are safe front 
 depredations whilst in his custody. Confined during the 
 day, as soon as the gates are locked, he is left to range 
 at full liberty ; He then goes round the premises, exam- 
 ines every part of them, and by loud barkings gives no- 
 tice that he is ready to defend his charge. 
 
 Dr. Cains, in his curious treatise on British Dogs, tells 
 us, that three of these animals were reckoned a match for 
 a Bear, and four for a Lion. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S37 
 
 We have a curious account recorded in Stow’s An- 
 nals, of an engagement between three Mastiffs, and a 
 Lion, in the presence of James the First. “ One of the 
 Dogs being put into the den, was soon disabled by the 
 Lion, which took it by the head and neck, and dragged 
 it about: Another dog was then let looie, and served in 
 the same manner: But the third being put in, immedi- 
 ately seized the Lion by the lip, and held him for a con- 
 'siderable time ; till being severely tom by his claws, the 
 Dog was obliged to quit his hold: and the Lion, greatly 
 exhausted in the conflict, refused to renew the engage- 
 ment; but taking a sudden leap over the Dogs, fled into 
 ;he interior part of his den. Two of the Dogs soon died 
 of their wounds : The last survived, and was taken great 
 :are of by the king’s son : who said “ he that had 
 ought with the king of beasts, should never after fight 
 vithany inferior creature.’’ 
 
 ' The Mastiffs of Great-Britain avere noted in the time 
 )f the Roman Emperors, who appointed an officer, whose 
 ole business it was to breed and send from hence such as 
 vould prove equal to the combats of the amphitheatre. 
 
 The following anecdote will shew, that the Mastiff, 
 oiiscious of its superior strength, knows how to chastise 
 fie impertinence of an inferior: — A large Dog of this 
 ind, belonging to the late M. Ridley, Esq. of Heatton, 
 ear Newcastle, being frequently molested by a Mongrel 
 nd teazed by its continual barking, at last took it up in 
 is mouth by the back, and with great composure drop- 
 ed it over the quay into the river, without doing any 
 irther injury to an enemy so much his inferior. 
 
 The Mastiff, in its pure and unmixed state, is now sel- 
 
 Y 
 
33 ^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 dom to be met with. The generality of Dogs distin- 
 guished by that name, seem to be compounded of the 
 Bull-Dog, Danish Mastiff, and the Ban-Dog. 
 
 THE BAM- DOG, 
 
 Is a variety of this fierce tribe, not often to be seenal 
 present. It is lighter, smaller, more active and vigilant' 
 than the Mastiff, but not so powerful; its nose is small- 
 er, and possesses in some degree, the scent of tht| 
 Hound ; its hair is rougher, and generally of a yellowish 
 gray, streaked with shades of a black or brown colour i 
 It does not invariably, like the preceding kind, attack it; : 
 adversary in front, but frequently seizes cattle by th( 
 Rank. It attacks with eagerness, and its bite is keei 
 and dangerous. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 339 
 
 THE DALMATIAJSr, OR COACH DOG, 
 
 (Le Braque dc Beiigal, Buff.) 
 
 Has been erroneously called the Danish Dog j and, by M. 
 Buffon, the Harrier oj Bengal; but for what reason it is 
 difficult to ascertain, as its incapacity of scenting- is suffi- 
 cient to destroy all affinity to any dog employed in the 
 pursuit of the Hare. 
 
 It is common in this country at present, and is fre- 
 quently kept in genteel houses, as an elegant attendant on 
 a carriage. — We do not, however, admire the cruel prac- 
 tice of depriving the poor animal of its ears, in order to 
 encrease its beauty; a practice so general, that we do 
 not remember ever to have seen one of these Dogs un- 
 mutilated in that way. 
 
(Cams Grains Hibernicus, Ray. — Le Matin^ Buff.) | 
 
 II 
 
 Is the largest of the Dog kind, and its appearance the 
 
 most beautiful and majestic. It is only to be found in 
 
 Ireland, where it was formerly of great use in clearing 
 the country from Vv'olves. — It is now extremely rare, 
 and is kept rather for show than use, being equally un- 
 serviceable for hunting either the Stag, the Fox, or the 
 Hare. 
 
 These Dogs are about three feet high, generally of a 
 white or cinnamon colour, and made somewhat like a 
 Greyhound, but more robust : Their aspect is mild, and ■ 
 
 §4© HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
341 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 their disposition gentle and peaceable : Their strength is 
 so great, that in combat the Mastift' or Bull-Dog is far 
 from being equal to them. They mostly seize their anta- 
 gonists by the back, and shake them to death, which 
 their great size generally enables them to do with ease. 
 M. BulFon supposes the Great Danish Dog to h& only tx. 
 
 variety of the Irish Greyhound. Next to this, in size 
 
 and strength, is 
 
 THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GRET- 
 HOUND, OR WOLF-DOG, 
 
 ! Which was formerly used by the chieftains ofthatcoun- 
 ftry- in their hunting parties. — One of them, w’hich 
 
 [we saw some years ago, was a lai’ge, pow'erful, fierce 
 ilooking Dog ; its ears were pendulous, and its eyes half 
 I bid in the hair; its body w^as, strong and muscular, and 
 I covered wdth harsh, wiry, reddish hair, mixed with w'hite. 
 
 I THE GAZEHOUND, 
 
 iW AS somewhat similar to the Greyhound; and, like that 
 E inimal, hunted only by the eye. It was formerly in 
 F ^eat repute, but is now unknown to us. It was used in 
 : bunting either the Fox, the Hare, or the Stag. It would 
 select from the rest the fattest Deer, pursue it by the eye, 
 ' md though it should rejoin the herd, would infallibly fix 
 upon the same, and pursue it till taken. 
 
342 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 (Canis Grains, Lin . — Le Levrkr, Buff. ) 
 
 M. Buffon supposes to be the Irish Greyhound, rendered 
 tliinner and more delicate by the difference of climate 
 and culture: But whatever truth there may be in the 
 fanciful arrangement of that ingenious author, there is 
 an evident similarity of form in all of those just mention- 
 ed; particularly in the depth of the chest, in the length 
 of the legs, and in the smallness of the muzzle. 
 
 The Greyhound is the fleetest of all Dogs, and can 
 outrun every animal of the chase; but as it wants the fa- 
 culty of scenting, it only follows by the eye. It was for- 
 merly held in such estimation, as to be considered the pe-!' 
 culiar companion of gentlemen ; and, by the forest laws(ii 
 of King Canute, it was enacted, that no person underiji 
 that degree should presume to keep a Greyhound. 
 
 The Small Italian Grerjhound is not above half the size, 
 but perfectly similar in form. Its shape is exquisitel) 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 343 
 
 )eautiful and delicate. It is not common in this country, 
 he climate being too rigorous for the extreme delicacy 
 )f its constitution. 
 
 THE LTEMMER, 
 
 50 called from its being led in a thong, and slipped at 
 he game. — Dr. Caius informs us, that it hunted both by 
 he scent and sight; and, in its form, was between the 
 dound and the Greyhound. — It is now unknow n to us. 
 
 THE LURCHER, 
 
 Is less and shorter than the Greyhound, and its limbs 
 stronger; Its body is eovered with a rough eoat of hair, 
 aiost commonly of a pale-yellow colour; its aspect is sul- 
 len, and its habits, from whence it derives its name, are 
 dark and cunning. 
 
344 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 As this Dog possesses the advantage of a fine scent, it 
 is often employed in killing Hares and Rabbits in the 
 night time. When taken to the warren, it steals out 
 with the utmost precaution, watches and scents the Rab- 
 bits while they are feeding, and darts upon them without 
 barking or making the least noise. One of them will 
 singly make incredible havock in a short time ; and is so 
 trained, as to bring its booty to its master, who waits in 
 some convenient place to receive it.* They are so de- 
 structive, and have been so often employed in illicit prac- 
 tices, that they are now, with great propriety, proscribed, 
 and the breed is almost extinct. 
 
 Another Dog of this family, formerly in use, but now 
 only known to us by its name, is 
 
 THE TUMBLER, 
 
 Which was so called from its cunning manner of taking 
 Rabbits and other game. It did not run directly at them 
 but, in a cai-eless and inattentive manner, tumbled itsell 
 about till it came within reach of its prey, which it always 
 seized by a sudden spring. 
 
 * We have seen a Dog and a Bitch of this kind in the possession 0 j 
 a man who had formerly used them for the purpose above described. 
 He declared, that he could at that time procure in an evening as many 
 Rabipits with them as he could carry home. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 345 
 
 THE TERRIER, 
 
 ; Ias a most acute smell, is generally an attendant on eve^ 
 Y pack of Hounds, and is very expert in forcing Foxes 
 r other game out of their coverts. It is the determined 
 nemy of ail the vennin kind; such as Weasels, Fou- 
 j larts. Badgers, Rats, Mice, &c. It is fierce, keen, and 
 Jardy; and, in its encounters n ith the Badger, some- 
 ■ me meets with veiw severe ti-eatment, which it sustains 
 :!'ith great courage and fortitude. A well-trained veteran 
 • )og frequently proves more than a match for that hard- 
 itten animal. 
 
 There ai'e two kinds of Terriers, — the one rough, 
 
 I loit-legged, long-backed, very strong, and most com- 
 lonly of a black or yellowish colour, mixed with white ; 
 le other is smooth, sleek, and beautifully formed, having 
 shorter body, and more sprightly appearance ; It is ge- 
 srally of a reddish-bro^vn colour, or black, with tanned 
 gs; and is similar to the rough Terrier in disposition 
 id faculties, but inferior in size, strength, and hardi- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 346 
 
 THE BEAGLE. 
 
 Of those Dogs that are kept for the business of t!l 
 chace in this eountry, the Beagle is the smallest, and 
 only used in hunting the Hare. Although far inferior 1 
 point of speed to that animal, it follotvsby the exquisit' 
 ness of its scent, and traces her footsteps through all hJ 
 various windings with great exactr.ess and perseveraiiq 
 Its tones are soft and m.usical, and add greatly to l3 
 pleasures of the chase. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 347 
 
 THE HARRIER, 
 
 (La Braque, Buff.) 
 
 i.Vhich chiefly differs from the Beagle in being somewhat 
 i;irger, is very nimble and vigorous. It pursues the Hare 
 ; irith the most impetuous eagerness, and gives her no 
 5 ime to breathe nor double. The most eager sportsmen 
 I generally find it sufficient exercise to keep in with tlieu- 
 • peed. — They exert their -eoices with great cheariulness, 
 nd make a cleliehtful harmonv. 
 
 A mixt breed, between this and the large Terrier, 
 orms a strong, active, and hard}' Hound, used in hunt- 
 ng the Otter. — It is rough, wire-haired, thick-quartered, 
 ong-eared, and thin-shouldered. 
 
 There is reason to suppose tiiat the Beagle and the 
 larrier must have been introduced into Great-Britain af- 
 er the Romans became masters of t?ac Is'ard^ as, before 
 
348 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 that period, the Britons were occupied in clearing their 
 extensive forests of the various wild beasts, such as Wild- 
 Boai's, Bears, Wolves, &.c. with which they abounded; 
 and, for that purpose, larger and stronger Dogs than the 
 Harrier or the Beagle would be required. 
 
 THE FOX-HOUMD, 
 
 No country in Europe can boast of Fox-hounds equali 
 in swiftness, strength, or agility, to those of Britain, 
 where the utmost attention is paid to their breeding,) 
 education, and maintenance. The climate also seems 
 congenial to their nature ; for it has been said, that w hen 
 Flounds of the English breed have been sent into France 
 or other countries, they quickly degenerate, and in some 
 degree lose those qualities for w'hich they W'ere originally 
 so admirable. . i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S49 
 
 In England, the attachment to the chase, is in some 
 measure considered as a trait in the national character; 
 consequently, it is not to be wondered at that our Dogs 
 and Horses should excel all others in that noble diversion. 
 This propensity appears to be encreasing in the nation ; 
 
 ! and no ^price seems now thought too great for Hounds of 
 1 known excellence. ^ 
 
 I The Fox-Hounds generally preferred are tall, light- 
 ) made, but strong, and possessed of great courage, speed 
 1 and activity. 
 
 The habits and faculties of these Dogs are so generally 
 known, as to render any description unnecessary. 
 
 ! Dogs of the same kind are also trained to the hunting 
 ' of the Stag and other Deer. 
 
 The following anecdote affords a proof of their won- 
 derful spirit in supporting a continuity of exertion: — 
 
 “ Many years since, a very large Stag was turned out 
 
 i of Whinfield Park, in the county of Westmoreland, and 
 pursued by the hounds, till, by fatigue or accident, the 
 whole pack were thrown out, except two staunch and 
 ) Favourite Dogs, which continued the chase the greatest 
 n part of the day. The Stag returned to the park from 
 ji whence he set out; and, as his last effort, leapt the 
 I wall, ajid expired as soon as he had accomplished it. 
 
 I One of the Hounds pursued to the wall ; but being un- 
 able to get over it, laid down, and almost immediately 
 I expired : The other was also found dead at a small dis- 
 tance. 
 
 The length of the chase is uncertain : But, as they 
 were seen at Red-kirks, near Annan, in Scotland, distant 
 
 * In 1788, Mr. Noel’s pack was sold to Sir Wit;. Lo^-ther, Bart, for 
 1000 guineas. 
 
S50 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 by the post-road, about forty- six miles, it is conjectured, 
 that the circuitous and uneven course they might be sup- 
 posed to take, would not be less than one hundred and 
 twenty miles. 
 
 “ To commemorate this fact, the horns of the Stag, 
 which were the largest ever seen in that part of the 
 country, were placed on a tree of a most enormous size, 
 in the park., (after^^'ards called the Hart-horn tree) ac- 
 companied with this inscription, 
 
 “ Hercules kill’d Hart o’Grecce; 
 
 “ And Hart o’Grcece kill’d Hercules.” 
 
 “ The horns have been since removed, and arc non 
 at Julian’s bower, in the same county.” 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 351 
 
 THE OLD-EJfGLISH HOUJfD, 
 
 fCanis Sagax, Lin . — Le Chien Currant, Bufi’.) 
 
 Is described by Whitaker, in his history of Manchester^ 
 as the original breed of England, used by the ancient 
 Britons in the chase of the larger kinds of game, with 
 which their country abounded. 
 
 This valuable Hound is distinguished by its great size 
 and strength. Its body is long, its chest deep, its ears 
 long and sweeping, and the tone of its voice is peculiarly 
 deep and mellow. — -From the particular formation of its 
 organs, or from the extraordinai-y moisture that always 
 adheres to its nose and lips, or perhaps from some other 
 unknown cause, it is endued with the most exquisite 
 sense of smelling, and can often distinguish the scent an 
 hour after the lighter Beagles have given it up. Their 
 
352 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 slowness also disposes them to receive the directions of! 
 the huntsman. But as they are able to hunt a cold scent, j 
 they are too apt to make it so by their want of speed, 
 and tedious exactness. 
 
 These Dogs were once common in every part of Great- 
 Britain, and were formerly much larger than at present. 
 
 The breed, which has been gradually declining, and i 
 its size studiously diminished by a mixture of other kinds i 
 in order to encrease its speed, is now almost extinct. 
 
 It seems to have been accurately described by Shake- j 
 spearc, in the following lines. |i 
 
 “ My Hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind, ' 
 
 “ So flow’d, so sanded; and their heads are hung j 
 
 “ With ears that sweep away the morning dew ; 
 
 “ Crook-kneed and dew-lap’d, like Thessalian bulls; s 
 
 “ Slow in pursuit; but match’d in mouth like bells, ji 
 
 “ Each under each.”— 
 
 Besides these, there is a variety called the Kibble- j 
 Hound^ produced by a mixture of the Beagle and the Old ! 
 English Hound. i 
 
 THE BLOOD-HOUJ^D, | 
 
 Was in great request with our ancestors; and as it wasj 
 remarkable for the fineness of its scent, it was frequently 
 employed in recovering game that had escaped wounded | 
 from the hunter. It could follow, with great certainty, | 
 the footsteps of a man to a considerable distance : and in 
 barbarous and uncivilized times, when the thief or mur-f 
 derer had fled, this useful creature would trace himl 
 through the thickest and most secret coverts; nor w'ould 
 it cease its pursuit till it had taken the felon. For this’ 
 reason, there wasalaAV in Scotland, that whoever de-i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. $53 
 
 lied entrance to one of these Dogs in pursuit of stol en 
 joods, should be deemed an accessary. 
 
 Blood-Hounds were formerly used in certain districts 
 ying between England and Scotland, which ^vere much 
 nfested by robbers and murderers ; and a tax was laid 
 ipon the inhabitants for keeping and maintaining a cer- 
 ain number of them. But, as the arm of justice is now 
 ixtended over every part of the country, and there are no 
 lecret recesses where villainy may lie concealed, these 
 ervices are no longer necessary. 
 
 In Scotland, it was distinguished by the name of the 
 ' Sleuth-Hound. 
 
 ■ Some few of these Dogs are still kept in the southern 
 : lait of the kingdom, and ai'e used in pursuit of Deer 
 hat have been previously wounded by a shot to draw 
 I )lood, the scent of which enables them to pursue Vv ith 
 \ nost unerring steadiness. — They are sometimes employ- 
 i ;d in discovering deer-stealers, whom they infallibly track 
 I )y the blood that issues from the wounds of their victims, 
 triiey are also said to be kept in convents, situated in 
 ( he lonely and mountainous countries of Switzerland, 
 ji )oth as a guard to the sacred mansion, as well as to find 
 j )ut the bodies of men that have been unfortunately lost 
 { n crossing those wild and dreary tracts. 
 
 • The Blood-Hound is taller than the Old English 
 I lound, most beautifully formed, and superior to eveiy 
 ! )ther kind in activity, speed, and sagacity. — They sel- 
 I lorn bark, except in the chase; they ai'e commonly of a 
 ( eddish or brown colour. 
 
 . A Hound bitch, belonging to the Rivington hunt, 
 leav Boston, pupped four whelps during a hard chase, 
 
 Z 
 
354 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 which she carefully covered in a rush aisle, and immedi- 
 ately after joined the pack. Shortly after, she pupped 
 another, which she carried in her mouth during the re- 
 mainder of a chase of many miles : After which, she 
 returned to the place where she had dropped the four. 
 
 Somervile thus beautifully describes their mode of 
 pursuing the nightly spoiler. 
 
 “ Soon the sagacious brute, his curling tail 
 “ Flourish’d in air, low bending, plies around 
 “ His busy nose, the steaming vapour snuffs 
 “ Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untry ’d, 
 
 “ Till, conscious of the recent stains, his heart 
 “ Beats quick ; his snuffling nose, his active tail. 
 
 Attests his joy : 'Then with deep-op’ning mouth, 
 
 “ That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims 
 “ Th’ audacious felon; Foot by foot he marks 
 “ His winding way, while all the list’ning crowd 
 “ Applaud his reas’nings: O’er the wat’ry ford, 
 
 “ Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills; I 
 
 “ O’er beaten paths, with men and beasts distain’d, 
 
 “ Unerring he pursues, till at the cot , 
 
 Arriv’d, and seizing bv his guilty throat ■ 
 
 “ The caitiff vile, redeems the captive prey : 
 
 “ So exquisitely delicate his sense !” [ 
 
HISTORY OR QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 355 
 
 THE SPAJYISH PO UTTER y 
 
 (Canis Avicidarius, Lin.) 
 
 ) Is of a foreign origin, as its name seems to imply ; but it 
 f is now naturalized in England, which has long been 
 |i famous for Dogs of this kind ; tire greatest attention be- 
 |i ing paid to preserve the breed in its utmost purity, 
 j This Dog is remarkable for the aptness and facility 
 f with which it receives instruction. It may be said to be 
 I almost self-taught ; whilst the English Pointer requires 
 j the greatest care and attention in breaking and training 
 C to the sport. The Spanish pointer, however, is not so 
 i durable and hardy, nor so able to undergo the fatigues of 
 ( an extensive range. It is chiefly employed in finding 
 j: partridges, pheasants, &c. either for the gun or the net. 
 
 ' It is said, that an English nobleman (Robert Dudly, 
 ^ Duke of Northumberland) was the first that broke a Set' 
 
 ; ting-Dog to the net. 
 
35<5 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE ENGLISH SETTER, 
 
 Is a hardy, active, handsome Dog. — Its scent is exqui- 
 site ; and it ranges with gi*eat speed and wonderful per- 
 severance. Its sagacity in discovering the various kinds 
 of game, and its caution in approaching them, are truly 
 astonishing. But as the uses of this valuable Dog are so 
 well known, we will conclude with the following beau- 
 tiful quotation from Somervile: — 
 
 “ When autumn smiles, all-beauteous in decay, 
 
 “ And paints each chequer’d grove with various hues, 
 
 “ My Setter ranges in the new-shorn fields, 
 
 “ His nose in air erect; from ridge to ridge 
 “ Panting he bounds, his quarter’d ground divides 
 “ In equal intervals, nor careless leaves 
 “ One inch untry ’d ; At length the tainted gales ' 
 
 “ His nostrils wide inhale ; quick joy elates I 
 
 “ His beating heart, which, aw’d by discipline i 
 
 “ Severe, he dares not own, but cautious creeps, I 
 
 “ Low-cow’ring, step by step; at last attains , 
 
 “ His proper distance ; there he stops at once, ' 
 
 “ And points with his instructive nose upon 
 “ The trembling prey.” 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 357 
 
 The drawing of this Dog was taken from a very fine 
 me at Eslington, in the county of Northumberland. Its 
 
 I limensions were as follow : — 
 
 From its nose to the end of its tail, it measured 
 i .ix feet two inches ; the length of its tail, one foot ten 
 I iches ; from one fore foot right over its shoulders to the 
 yther, five feet seven inches ; girt behind the shoulder, 
 )t iree feet two inches ; round its head over its ears, two 
 i, set ; round the upper part of its fore leg, nine inches 
 nd a half. It was web-footed, could swim extremely 
 ist, dive with great ease, and bring up any thing from 
 
358 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 the bottom of the water. It was naturally fond of fish ^ 
 and ate raw trouts, or other small fish, out of the nets. 
 
 This breed of Dogs was originally brought from the 
 country of which they bear the name, where their great 
 strength and docility render them extremely useful to the 
 settlers on those coasts, who use them in bringing down 
 wood from the interior parts of the country to the sea- 
 side ; Three or four of them yoked to a sledge will draw 
 two or three hundred weight of wood piled upon it, for 
 several miles, with great ease : They are not attended 
 with a driver, nor any person to guide them : but after 
 having delivered their loading, they return immediately 
 to the woods, where they are accustomed to be fed Avith 
 dried fish, &c. I 
 
 The extraordinary sagacity of these Dogs, and their atj 
 tachment to their masters, render them highly valuable iri 
 particular situations. | 
 
 During a severe storm, in the winter of 1789, a ship, 
 belonging to Newcastle, was lost near Yarniouth ; and^ 
 Newfoundland Dog alone escaped to shore, bringing, iii 
 his mouth the captain’s pocket book. He landed amidsi 
 a number of people, several of Avhom in vain endeavoub 
 ed to take it from him. The sagacious animal, as if sen- 
 sible of the importance of the charge, which in all proba, 
 bility was delivered to him by his perishing master, ai 
 length leapt fawningly against the breast of a man, whc 
 , had attracted his notice among the crowd, and deliverec 
 the book to him. The Dog immediately returned to th( 
 place Avhere he had landed, and watched with great at- 
 tention for every thing that came from the wrecked ves 
 sel, seizing them, and endeavouring to bring them t( 
 land. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 359 
 
 The following is another instance of their great doci- 
 ; ity and strength of observation : — A gentleman walking 
 [ iy the side of the river Tyne, and observing, on the op- 
 l osite side, a child fall into the water, gave notice to his 
 |)og, which immediately jumped in, swam over, and 
 j atching hold of the child with its mouth brought it safe 
 i D land. 
 
 Z 4 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3G0 
 
 THE LARGE ROUGH WATER DOG, 
 
 {Cam's aviarius Aqiiaticiis, Lin . — Lc Grand Barbel 
 
 BufF.) 
 
 • Is web-footed, swims wuth great ease, and is used ir 
 hunting ducks and other aquatic birds. — From itsaptnes; 
 to fetch and carry, it is frequently kept on board of ships 
 for the pfirpose of recovering any thing that has falla 
 overboard ; and is likewise useful in taking up birds tha 
 are shot, and drop into the sea. || 
 
 "Hiere is a variety much smaller. — They are both re" 
 markable for their long and shaggy coat, which frequent' 
 ly incommodes them by growing over their eyes. 
 
 0 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3OI 
 
 Fl 
 
 <1 
 
 I The drawing of this beautiful animal was made from 
 :i one of the finest of its kind, in the possession of J. E. 
 i Blackett, Esq. of Newcastle upon Tyne. 
 
 This kind of Dog is valuable for its great docility and 
 attachment to its master. It receives instructions with 
 readiness, and obeys with uncommon alacrity. — Its form 
 is elegant, its hair beautifully curled or crisped, its ears 
 I long, and its aspect mild and sagacious. — It is fond of 
 
 i i the water, and swims well. It is chiefly used in disco- 
 ; vering the haunts of wild-ducks and other water fowl, 
 ^ and also in finding birds that have been shot or disabled, 
 i — It is probably the Finder, described by Caius. 
 
362 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Is similar to the other in form, habits, and disposition ; 
 and its capacity for receiving instruction is equally good. 
 With looks of extreme attention and sensibility, it ob- 
 serves the motions of its master, and catches the well- 
 known- signal with amazing promptitude. ' 
 
 The various tricks which these Dogs are sometimes 
 taught to perform, seem more like the effect of reasoning | 
 powers, than of undiscerning instinct. I 
 
histohy of ouadrfpeds. 
 
 S^S 
 
 I 
 
 f 
 I 
 
 j THE SPRINGER, OR COCKER, 
 
 Is lively, active, and pleasant ; an unwearied pursuer of 
 i its game ; and very expert in raising woodcocks and 
 snipes from their haunts in woods and marshes, through 
 which it ranges with amazing perseverance. 
 
 Of the same kind is that beautiful little Dog, which, 
 in England, is well known under the appellation of 
 1 King Chai'les's Dog j the favourite and constant compa- 
 I nion of that monai’ch, wEo Avas general!}’ attended by 
 several of them. — It is still preserA^ed as an idle but inno- 
 cent companion. — Its long ears, curled hair, and AA eb- . 
 i feet, evidently point out its alliance Avith the more useful 
 f and active kind last mentioned. 
 
 ■ Sinailar to this, but smaller, is the Pyrame- Dog . — It is 
 ; generally black, Avith reddish-legs ; and above each eye is 
 ' a spot of the same colour. 
 
 Still farther removed, AA^e have the Shock-Dog ; a di- 
 minutive creature, almost hid in the great quantity of its 
 hair, AA’hich covers it from head to foot. 
 
364. HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Another variety is the Lion-Dog ; so called from the 
 shaggy hair which covers the head and all the fore pari 
 of the body ; whilst the hinder part is quite smooth, sav- 
 ing a tuft of hair at the end of the tail. — This species is 
 become extremely rare. 
 
 Is a most elegant little animal, and is generally kept by 
 the ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing- 
 room. — It is very snappish, ill-natured, and noisy ; and 
 does not readily admit the familiarity of strangers. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3G5 
 
 ( 3 generally long-bodied, has short crooked legs, its tail 
 arled upon its back, and is frequently spotted with black 
 I pon a blue-gray ground. It is peculiar’ in the colour of 
 ■ s eyes ; the same Dog often having the iris of one eye 
 ilack, and the other white. 
 
 i It is a bold, vigilant, and spirited little Dog. At pre- 
 !mt, however, its services seem but little attended to ; 
 
 ; more certain method of doing the business of the spit 
 living superceded the labours of this industrious animal, 
 
 THE PUG-DGG, 
 
 outwai’d appearance, is every way formed like the 
 ull-Dog ; but much smaller, and its tail is curled upon 
 s back. It was formerly very common in many pai’ts 
 F England ; however, at present, it is rarely to be met 
 ith. — Although it has no longer its admirers here, Mrs. 
 iozzi informs us, that she saw great numbers at Padua, 
 i Italy, and that it still maintains its place in the favour 
 F the fair-ones of that country, 
 j: From these, and a mixture of others, proceeds a num- 
 
366 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 berless vai'iety of Messets, Lap-Dogs, Dancers, Wap 
 Mongrels, and compounds without end. 
 
 That all these, however divided, compose one gener 
 family, is apparent, from the facility with which they ii 
 termix, produce, and re-produce. In all of them tl 
 same attachment to mankind, the same pliant and huii 
 ble disposition, submitting with patience to the varioij 
 iiidignities to which they ai'e exposed by their depende j 
 situation, is eminently observable. Even those that, t| 
 accident or neglect, have been abandoned, and becon 
 wild, when taken home, are easily reclaimed by kindne 
 and attention ; They quickly become familiar, and coni 
 nue faithfully attached to their masters. — Multitudes 
 these are to be found in South America, which ha 
 sprung from those taken thither by the Europeans. Tb 
 breed in holes in the ground, are formed somewhat lil 
 a Greyhound, have erect ears, are very vigilant, and e; 
 cellent in the chase. 
 
 To mention some of the more common instances 
 this creature’s sagacity, by way of elucidating its genei 
 character, may not be amiss ; and amongst these, its ca 
 in directing the steps of the blind man is not the let 
 worthy of notice. There are few who have not seen : 
 unfortunate object of this description, led by his Do 
 through the various passages of a populous town, to t 
 accustomed place where he sits to supplicate the conti 
 butions of passengers. It may sometimes be seen to sti 
 at particukir houses, to receive the morsel from the hai| 
 of charity, or pick from the ground the money throv] 
 out to relieve its miserable ow ner. When the day j 
 passed, it conducts him home again; and gratefully r 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 367 
 
 :eives, as the rewai'd of its services, the scanty pittance 
 1 vhich poverty and wretchedness can bestow. 
 
 ( Dogs will sometimes imitate the actions of their mas- 
 , ers, will open a door that is fastened with a latch, or 
 Kmll a bell, where they are desirous of gaining admit- 
 ance. — Faber mentions one, belonging to a nobleman of 
 he Medici family, which always attended at its master’s 
 able, took from him his plates and brought him others, 
 nd if he wanted wine, would carry it to him in a glass 
 laced upon a silver plate which it held in its mouth, 
 i/ithout spilling the smallest drop. The same Dog 
 vould also hold the stirrups in its teeth, Avhile its master 
 !?as mounting his horse. 
 
 !That Dogs are capable of mutual attachment, is evi- 
 icnt, from the well-knomi story of the Dog at St. Al- 
 an’s ; which, being left by its master at an inn there till 
 ;e returned from London, and being ill-treated by a lai'ge 
 log belonging to the house, stole privately off. It soon 
 ^turned Avith a friend, that Avas much larger and strong- 
 r than itself; and both fell upon the aggressor, and pu- 
 ished him severely for his cruelty to a stranger. 
 
 , There are several peculiarities common to all animals 
 if the Dog kind, briefly mentioned by Linnaeus, Avith 
 ‘hich we shall conclude its history; the principal of 
 'hich are asfolloAv; — The Dog is carnivorous; its sto- 
 lach digests bones; it eats grass for a A^omit; voids its 
 fine sidcAvays, and commonly where other Dogs haA*e 
 one so before; smells at a stranger; scarcely ever 
 weats, but lolls out his tongue Avhen hot; remembers 
 juries done to it; is subject to the hydrophobia; its 
 I nse of heai'ing very quick ; when asleep, is supposed to 
 |■•eam; goes with young sixty-three days, and brings 
 
368 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 forth from four to eight at one time. It barks at strang’c 
 Dogs, snaps at a stone thrown at it, howls at certain mu- 
 sical notes; when about to lie down, frequently goes 
 round the place; fawns at the approach of its master, 
 and will not patiently suffer any one to strike him; runs 
 before him on a journey, often going over the same 
 ground; on coming to cross ways, stops, looks back, and 
 waits to observe which of them he takes; sits up and 
 begs; and, when it has committed a theft, slinks away 
 with its tail between its legs; is an enemy to beggars 
 and ill-looking people, and attacks the;m without the leas' 
 provocation ; is also said to be sick at the approach of bac 
 weather. — We cannot, however, agree with the learnec 
 naturalist, when he asserts, that the male puppies resem 
 ble the Dog and the female the Bitch ; or that it is ; 
 character common to the Avhole species, that the tail al 
 ways bends to the left side. To these we may add, a 
 equally void of foundation, a remark of M. Buffon, tha 
 a female Hound, covered with a Dog of her own kind 
 has been known to produce a mixed race, consisting c 
 Hounds and Terriers — We barely mention these tj 
 shew, that too much caution cannot be used in formini 
 general characters or systematic arrangements ; and W 
 leave it to the experience :Of the most inattentive obsei 
 ver to detect such palpable absurdities. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 369 
 
 (Lepus timiduSi Lin . — Le Lkvre, BufF.) 
 
 'This harmless and inoffensive animal, destitute of eve- 
 1 means of defence, and surrounded on all sides by its 
 iemies, would soon be utterly extirpated, if Nature, 
 ier kind and provident, had not endowed it with facul- 
 
 is, by which it is frequently enabled to evade their pur- 
 
 it. 
 
 Fearful of every danger, and attentive to every alarm, 
 i; Hare is continually upon the watch; and being pro- 
 led with very long ears, moveable at pleasure, and 
 liily directed to every quarter, is warned of the most 
 i(;tant approaches of danger. Its eyes are large andpro- 
 
 i nent, adapted to receive the rays of light on every side, 
 1 give notice of more immediate alarms. To these 
 y be added its great swiftness, by which it soon leaves 
 k'St of its pursuers far behind. — The hind are much 
 fger than the fore legs, and are furnished with strong 
 
 A a 
 
370 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 muscles, which give the Hare a singular advantage i 
 running up a hill : Sensible of its powers in this rc 
 spect, it is always observed to fly towards rising groun 
 when first started. 
 
 Thus formed for escape, the Hai*e might be suppose 
 to enjoy a state of tolerable security; but as every rap; 
 cious creature is its enemy, it is seldom permitted to liv 
 out its natural term. Dogs and Foxes pursue it by ii 
 stinct; Wild-Cats, and Weasels of all kinds, catch an 
 devour it; birds of prey are still more dangerous en( 
 mies ; w'hilst man, far more powerful than all, makes ui 
 of every artifice to obtain an animal which constitut( 
 one of the numerous delicacies of his table. — If we we: 
 to enumerate the various stratagems which ingenuity h; 
 suggested to circumvent this persecuted creature, m 
 would willingly omit the notable achievements and g; 
 iant exploits of the chase; which, to a cool and dispa 
 sionate observer, seem to demand a nobler game. 
 
 “ Poor is the triumph o’er the timid Hare.” 
 
 Another remarkable means of safety to the Hare is j 
 colour, which, being similar to the ground where it si! 
 secures it from the sight of its enemies ; and, as a furtib! 
 instance of the care of Providence in the preservation 
 its creatures, these, as well as some other animals 
 more northern regions, are observed to change their t! 
 lour, and become perfectly white during winter, whii 
 renders them less conspicuous in the snow. Some rs 
 instances occur, of white Hares being met with in Gr< 
 Britain. i 
 
 The hare is very prolific, and breeds three or ft 
 times in the year. The female goes with young thii 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 371 
 
 days and generally brings forth three or four at a litter. 
 The rutting season begins in Februar}% 
 
 During the day, Hares sleep or repose in their seats, 
 ind seldom remove from them; The night is the season 
 vhen they go about in search of food; and they ai'e sure 
 i Q return to their forms or seats by the same paths which 
 hey took in leaving them. 
 
 “ ’Tis instinct that directs the jealous Hare 
 “ To chuse her soft abode. With step revers’d, 
 
 “ She forms the doubling maze; then, ere the morn 
 “ Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess.” 
 
 The following instances of the sagacity of the Hare in 
 1 ndeavouring to escape from its enemies are worthy of 
 : otice: — Fouilloux says he has seen a Hare start from its 
 I )rm at the sound of tlie hunter’s hbm, run towards a 
 i dol of water at a considerable distance, plunge itself in, 
 i id swim to some rushes in the middle, where it lay 
 lown, and concealed itself from the pursuit of the Dogs. 
 » e mentions another, which after running two hours 
 before the Dogs, pushed a Hare from its seat, and took 
 ? issession of it. Others he has seen run into a sheepfold, 
 
 ! id lie dowm among the Sheep ; and some have affected 
 •iieir escape by mounting an old wall, and clapping them- 
 ■Ives down in the midst of the ivv which covered it. 
 
 w 
 
 The fur of the Hare is of great use in making hats, 
 r which purpose many thousands of their skins are an- 
 lally imported from Russia. 
 
 The Hare was reckoned a great delicac}' among the 
 omans, but was forbidden to the Jews, and held sa- 
 ed among the ancient Britons,, who religiously abstain- 
 4 from eating it. — We are told, that Boadicea, immedi- 
 
 A SL 2 
 
372 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ately before her last conHict with the Romans, let loos 
 a Hare she had concealed in her bosom; which, takin 
 what was deemed a fortunate course, was looked iipo 
 as a good omen. — It is to this day deemed unclean by th 
 Mahometans. 
 
 The Hare is found in most parts of the world, wit 
 ver}' little variety. — Those of North- America ai'e rathe 
 less than the European. They frequent marshes an 
 meadows, and when pursued take refuge in hollow tree; 
 
 Is gray in summer, with a slight mixture of black an 
 tavaiy. Its hair is soft, its ears shorter, and its le^ 
 more slender, than the common Hare’s. In winter, tl 
 whole body changes to a snowy whiteness, except tl 
 tips and edges of the ears, Avhich remain black. 
 
 This animal lives on the highest hills in Scotlanij 
 Norway, Lapland, Russia, and Siberia; never descend 
 from the mountains, nor mixes with the common Haf 
 although they abound in the same parts. — It does not n 
 fast ; and, when pursued, often takes shelter in clefts 
 rocks. It is easily tamed, is very frolicsome, and foi 
 of honey and other sweets. It changes its colour in Sc 
 tember, and resumes its gray coat in April. — Troops 
 five or six hundred are sometimes seen, which migra 
 towards the south in spring, and return in autumn. 
 
 A variety is found in those mountains of Tartai 
 which extend as far as the lake Baikal. It inhabits t|: 
 middle regions of the hills, among thick woods, and i 
 moist places abounding with grass and herbage. It liv • 
 
373 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ;[i the crevices of rocks, and sometimes burrows in the 
 •Tth lodged between the clefts. — Its voice is a sharp 
 rhistle, not unlike the chii*ping of a sparrow. 
 
 1 In the autumn, great numbers of them assemble to- 
 t;ther, and collect vast quantities of the finest herbs, 
 hich, when dried, they form into pointed ricks of va- 
 ous sizes; some of them four or five feet in height, and 
 1 proportionable bulk. These they place under the shel- 
 Ir of an overhanging rock, or pile round the trunks of 
 Des. By this means, these industrious little animals lay 
 o a stock of winter food, and wisely provide against the 
 j^ours of those stormy regions; otherwise, being pre- 
 rnted by the depth of the snow from quitting their re- 
 liats in quest of food, they must all inevitably perish. 
 
 A a 3 
 
S74 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE RABBIT. 
 
 (Lepus CimiciilitSy Lin . — Le Laphiy Buff.) 
 
 Not WITHSTANDING tlic great similarity between th( 
 Hare and the Rabbit, nature has placed an inseparable 
 bar between them, in not allowing them to intermix, t( 
 which they mutually discover the most extreme aversion 
 Besides this^ there is a wide difference in their habits an^ 
 propensities: The Rabbit lives in holes in the earth 
 where it brings forth its young, and retires from the api 
 proach of danger; whilst the Hare prefers the open fields 
 and trusts to its speed for safety. 
 
 The fecundity of the Rabbit is truly astonishing. I 
 breeds seven times in the year, and generally produce! 
 eight young at a time; from which it is calculated, tliaf 
 one pair may increase, in the course of four years, to th([ 
 amazing number of 1,274,840; so that, if frequent re 
 ductions were not made in various ways, there is reasoi 
 to apprehend they would soon exceed the means of thei 
 support, and over-run the face of the country. But a 
 their increase is great, so is the number of their enemies 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS, 
 
 375 
 
 for, besides those that are taken for the use of man, gi'eat 
 numbers ai'e devoured by Foxes, Weasels, Foumarts, and 
 1 other beasts of prey. — In Spain, they formerly increased 
 to such a degree, as to become so obnoxious, that the in- 
 I habitants were obliged to procure Fen-ets from Africa to 
 destroy them. 
 
 ! The Rabbit is capable of procreating at the age of five 
 ! or six months. The female goes with young about thirty 
 , days. Previous to her bringing forth, she makes a bed 
 ; with down, whifc'h she pulls off her owm coat. She never 
 ' leaves her young but when pressed with hunger, and re- 
 i turns as soon as that is allayed, which she effects with 
 '. surprizing quickness. During the time she tends and 
 ; suckles her young, she carefully conceals them from the 
 imale, lest he should devour them ; and frequently covers 
 up the mouth of the hole, that her retreat may not be 
 discovered. 
 
 It lives to the age of eight or nine yearSj and prefers 
 [warm and temperate climates.- — Pliny and Aristotle men- 
 ition it as being anciently known only in Greece and 
 Spain : It is now, however, common in various pai'ts of 
 B Europe; but in Sweden and other cold countries it can 
 only be reared in houses. 
 
 It abounds in Great-Britain, where its skin forms a 
 very considerable ai'ticle in the manufacture of hats. — 
 Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire, ai'e most no-- 
 ted for the production of them. 
 
 The flesh of the Rabbit, as well as the Hare, was for. 
 i bidden to the Jews and Mahometans. 
 
 A a 4 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 37 ^ 
 
 Is of various colours — Avhite, brown, black, and varie- 
 gated. It is somewhat larger than the wild Rabbit ; but 
 its flesh is not so good, being softer and more insipid. — 
 Its food is generally cabbage leaves, colewort, blades of 
 corn, sour-dock, and other succulent plants ; but sweet 
 short hay, with a little clean oats, make the best diet. 
 
 The Rabbit of Angora, like the Goat and Sheep of that 
 country, is covered with long hair, which falls down its , 
 side in v-avy curls, and is of a silky fineness. i 
 
 Mr. Pennant describes a remarkable variety under the | 
 name of the Hooded Rabbity which has a double skin oveiji 
 its back, into which it can withdraw its head : It like-l 
 wise conceals its fore legs in a part which falls down un-'l 
 cler its throat. There are small holes in this loose skin, ' 
 w^hich admit light to the eyes. — ^The colour of the body 
 is cinereous; that of the head and ears is brown. 
 
 A manuscript account of this animal, with a drawing 
 by Mr. G. Edwards, is preserved in the British Museum. I 
 The Rabbit is not a native of America. There are 
 great numbers of them in many of the West-India 
 Islands, which have originated from a stock carried thi- 
 ther fi’om Europe. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 377 
 
 ' THE GUINEA-PIG, OR RESTLESS 
 
 CAVr. 
 
 ^ (Mus PorcdliiSy Lin . — Le Cochon d* hide, Buff.) 
 
 f This little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives 
 
 I and propagates in temperate, and even in cold climates, 
 ■when protected from the inclemency of the seasons. — 
 'Great numbers are kept in a domestic state, but for what 
 purpose can hardly be determined. They have neither 
 ibeauty nor utility to recommend them ; their skins are 
 ;Of little value; and their flesh, though eatable, is far 
 from being good. Their habits and dispositions are 
 iCqually unpleasant and disgusting: Void of attachment 
 even to their o\ni offspring, they suffer them to be de- 
 voured the moment they are brought forth, without mak- 
 ing the smallest attempt to defend them. The males fre- 
 quently destroy their own young; and are so stupid, as 
 I to allow themselves to be killed by Cats without resist- 
 !> ance. They pass their whole lives in sleeping, eating, 
 y and in the propagation of their species. They are by na- 
 ■ ture gentle and tame ; They do no mischief, but seem to 
 be equally incapable of good. — Rats are said to avoid the 
 places where they reside. 
 
378 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Guinea-Pig is considerably less than the Rabbit; 
 its upper lip is only half divided; it has two cutting- 
 teeth in each jaw ; large and broad ears ; its hair is of 
 different colours, — white, varied with orange and black, 
 in irregular patches; it has no tail ; is a restless animal; 
 feeds on bread, grain, and vegetables; and makes a noise 
 like the grunting of a pig. 
 
 It is capable of breeding at the age of two months, 
 and produces from four to twelve at one time. 
 
 The species would be innumerable, if many of them 
 were not taken off by various means : Some are killed by 
 Cats, others by the males, and more, both young and 
 old, perish by the severity of the climate, and want of 
 proper care. 
 
HISTORY OF $)UADRUPEDS. 
 
 219 
 
 (Mus Paca, Lin . — Le Pacdy BulF.) 
 
 Is about the size of a Hare, but its body is much thicker, 
 
 : plumper, and fatter. The colour of the hair on the back 
 is dark-brown, or liver-coloured; it is lighter on the 
 ! sides, which ai'e beautifully marked with lines of white 
 spots, running in parallel directions from its throat to its 
 0 rump; those on the upper pait of the body are perfectly 
 f distinct; the belly is white. Its head is large; its ears 
 t short and naked; its eyes full, and placed high in its 
 ; head, near the ears; in the lower part of each jaw, im- 
 mediately under the eye, it has a remarkably deep slit or 
 ' furrow, which seems like the termination of the jaAv, 
 
 ' and has the appearance of an opening of the mouth ; its 
 upper jaAv projects beyond the under; it has two strong 
 yellow cutting-teeth in each jaAv; its mouth is small, and 
 its upper lip is divided; it has long whiskers on its lips, 
 and on each side of its head, under the ears; its legs are 
 short; it has four toes on the fore and three on the 
 hind foot; it has no tail. 
 
S80 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Spotted Cavy is a native of South- Am erica, and 
 lives on the banks of rivers in warm and moist places. 
 
 It digs holes in the ground, secretes itself during the day, i 
 and goes out at night in quest of food. 
 
 Its motions are heavy and ungraceful. It runs seldom 
 and with extreme aukwardness ; sits frequently upon its 
 posteriors; and, in that situation, smooth and di'esses it- 
 self with its paws, drawing them over its body with the 
 utmost nicety. 
 
 It is a cleanly animal, and will not bear the smallest 
 degree of dirtiness in its apai'tment. j 
 
 In a domestic state, it is gentle and tractable, fond of | 
 attention, and licks the hand of any one that caresses it. ! 
 When irritated, it is apt to bite. Its anger is expressed j 
 by chattering its teeth, and is always preceded by a kind | 
 
 of grunting. It feeds on grain, roots, fruits, and al- 
 
 most every kind of vegetable. | 
 
 When pursued, it takes to the Water, and escapes by } 
 diving. If attacked by dogs, it makes a vigorous de- | 
 fence. ! 
 
 Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the natives of j 
 Brazil. j 
 
 We have been minute in our description of this curi- | 
 ous little animal, which was drawn from the life; and 
 think there is good reason to conclude that the species 
 might be easily naturalised in this country, and added to ' 
 our stock of useful animals. It is not much afraid of I 
 cold ; and being accustomed to burrow, it would by that ' 
 means defend itself against the rigours of our winter. 
 
 There are several varieties of them; some of which | 
 weigh from fourteen to twenty, and even thirty pounds. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 381 
 
 THE CAPIBARA, 
 
 (Sus Hydrochcerus^ Lin. — Le Cahiai,B\x^.) 
 
 1 Is a native of South- America, and lives on the banks of 
 ; great rivers, such as the Oronoque, Amazons, and Rio 
 de la Plata; swims and dives remai'kably well, and is ve- 
 . ry dexterous in catching fish, upon which it chiefly sub- 
 1 sists : It likewise eats grain, fruits, and sugar canes, feeds 
 i mostly in the night, and commits great ravages in the 
 f gardens. — They generally keep in lai’ge herds, and make 
 I a noise not much unlike the braying of an ass. 
 
 1 Its flesh is fat and tender ; but, like that of the Otter, 
 has an oily and fishy taste. 
 
 I It is about the size of a small Hog; and, by some na- 
 ' turalists, has been classed with that animal. 
 
 1 Its fore hoofs are divided into four, the hind ones into 
 three; its head is large and thick, and on the nose there 
 are long whiskers ; its ears are small and rounded, and its 
 ^ eyes lai'ge and black ; there are two large cutting teeth 
 and eight grinders in each jaw, and each of these grind- 
 ers forms on its surface what appeal's to be three teeth, 
 fiat at their ends; the legs are short; the toes long, and 
 
382 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I 
 
 connected at the bottom with a small web; the end oil 
 each toe is guarded by a small hoof; it has no tail; the 
 hair on the body is short, rough, and of a brown colour. ! 
 
 It is a gentle animal, easily tamed and will follow those 
 who feed it and treat it kindly. j 
 
 As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar construe- 1 
 tion of its feet, its safety consists not in flight: Nature 
 has provided it with other means of preservation : When [ 
 in danger, it plunges into the water, and dives to a great ' 
 distance. I; 
 
 THE AGOUTI, OR LOJTG-JTOSED CAVT. 
 
 (Cavia Aguti, Lin. — U Agouti, Buff.) 
 
 Is about the size of a Hare; its nose is long, upper lip 
 divided, skin sleek and shining, nf a brown colour mixed 
 with red, tail short, legs slender and almost naked ; has 
 four toes on the fore, and three on the hind foot; grunts 
 like a pig; sits on its hind legs, and feeds itself with its 
 paAvs ; and when satiated with food, it conceals the re- 
 mainder. It eats fruits, roots, nuts, and almost every 
 
 kind of vegetable; is hunted with Dogs; runs fast, and 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S8S 
 
 ; ts motions are like those of a Hare. Its flesh, which 
 
 i esembles that of a Rabbit, is eaten by the inhabitants of 
 J jouth- America. 
 
 > Great numbers of them are found in Guinea and Bra- 
 ;il. They live in woods, hedges, and hollow trees. 
 
 ’ The female brings forth at all times of the year, and 
 )i'oduces three, four, and sometimes five at a time, 
 i If taken when young, the Agouti is easily tamed, and 
 
 villgo out and return of its own accord. It delights 
 
 i n cutting or gnawing every thing tvith its teeth. 
 
 I iVhen iiTitated, the hair of its back rises, it strikes the 
 I ground with its hind feet, and at the same time makes a 
 i loise like the grunting of a Pig. 
 
 j 
 ( 
 
 I 
 
 THE AKO UCHI, 
 
 5 Se E M s to be a variet}' of the Agouti ; and, though some- 
 f what less, is nearly of the same form, but its tail is 
 ■ longer. It inhabits the same countries, is of an olive co- 
 lour; its flesh is white, delicate, and has the flavour of a 
 foung Rabbit; is much esteemed by the natives, who 
 liunt it with Dogs, and reckon it among the finest game 
 af South- America. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 S84 
 
 THE ROCK CAVr, 
 
 (DAperea^ Buff.) 
 
 Is likewise found in Brazil, is about twelve inches in! 
 length : the colour of the upper part of its body resembles ]i 
 that of the Hare, its belly is white, the upper lip divided, 11 
 the ears short and rounded like those of a Rat, and has ! 
 no tail. It moves like the Hare, its fore legs being short- j, 
 er than the hind. It has four toes on the fore feet, and !' 
 only three on the hind. Its flesh is like that of the Rab- j' 
 bit ; and its manner of living is also very similar. j 
 
 I 
 
 \ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 3 ^; 
 
 ■) 
 
 THE SQUIRREL. 
 
 (Sciurus Vulgaris, Lin. — DEcureuil, BufF.) 
 
 This beautiful little animal is equally admirable for 
 tlie neatness and elegance of its formation, as for its live- 
 liness and activity. — Its disposition is gentle and harm- 
 less. — Though naturally wild, it is soon familiai'ised to 
 eonfinement and restraint; and, though excessively ti- 
 mid, it is easily taught to receive with freedom the most 
 familiar caresses from the hand that feeds it. 
 
 It usually lives in woods, and makes its nest of moss 
 or diy leaves in the hollows of trees. — It seldom descends 
 upon the ground, but leaps fi'om tree to tree with great 
 agility. 
 
 Its food consists of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, &c. ; 
 of which it accumulates great stores for w inter provi- 
 sion, and secures them carefully near its nest. In the 
 summer it feeds on buds and young shoots, and is pai'- 
 ticularl-y fond of the cones of the fir and pine trees. 
 
 B b 
 
386 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The spring is the season of love with Squirrels. At 
 that time the males pursue the females, and exhibit won- 
 derful proofs of agility ; whilst the latter, as if to make 
 trial of the eonstancy of their lovers, seem to avoid them 
 by a variety of entertaining sallies; and, like true co- 
 <}uets, feign an escape, by way of enhancing the value of 
 the conquest. — They bring forth four or five young at a 
 time. 
 
 The Squirrel is of a bright-brown colour, inclining to 
 red; the breast and belly are white; the ears are orna- 
 mented with long tufts of hair; the eyes are large, black, 
 and lively ; the fore teeth strong and sharp ; the fore legs 
 are curiously furnished with long stiff* hairs, Mffiich pro- 
 ject on each side like whiskers. When it eats, it sits 
 
 erect, and uses its fore feet as hands to convey food to 
 its mouth. 
 
 The tail of the SquiiTcl is its greatest ornament, and 
 serves as a defence from the cold, being large enough to 
 cover the whole body ; it likewise assists it in taking leaps 
 from one tree to another; and we may add a third appli- 
 cation of it, which would seem altogether improbable, 
 were we not assured of it by Linnaeus and other natural-, 
 ists: — In attempting to cross a lake or river, the Squirrel 
 places itself upon a piece of bark ; and, erecting its tail> 
 to catch the wind, boldly commits itself to the mercy of 
 the waves. The smallest gust of wind is sufficient to 
 overset a whole navy of these little adventurers; and in 
 such perilous voyages many hundreds of them are said to 
 perish. 
 
 Of the Squirrel there are several varieties ; some of 
 which are to be found in almost every country ; but they 
 ehiefly abound in northern and temperate climates. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 SB7 
 
 THE GRAT SQUIRREL, 
 
 (Sciw'us CinereuSy Lin . — Le Petit Gris, Buflf.) 
 
 Is about the size of a young Rabbit : Its ears are short, 
 and not tufted at the ends; its hair is gray, mixed with 
 black; on each side there is a red streak, which runs 
 lengthwise; its tail is long and bushy, of a gray colour, 
 
 variegated with black and white. It is common to 
 
 both continents. — In Sweden and other northern coun- 
 tries, it changes its colour in the winter. 
 
 It is veiy^ numerous in North- America, and does incre- 
 dible damage to the plantations. Great flocks of them 
 descend from the mountains, and lay waste the fields of 
 I maize, by eating the young ears. — A reward of three- 
 ( pence per head was given for every one that was killed; 
 
 B b 2 
 
388 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and such numbers were destroyed in one year, that Pen- 
 sylvania alone paid in rewards the sum of ^8000 of its ji 
 currency. ^ | 
 
 It makes its nest in hollow trees, with moss, straw, 
 wool, See. — It lays up stores of provisions in holes made 
 in the ground, for its winter sustenance. These hoards [ 
 are often destroyed by swine ; they are sometimes so long [ 
 covered with snow, that the Squirrels perish for want of j: 
 food. 
 
 The fur is very valuable, and is imported under the I 
 name of petit-gris. 
 
 (Sciunis Niger, Lin. — L^Ecureuil noir. Buff.) ; 
 
 jl 
 
 Is about the same size and form with the last; but its || 
 tail is not so long. It is generally black, with white on i| 
 the nose, eai’s, and end of the tail. | 
 
 Its dispositions and habits are so similar to the Gray | 
 Squirrel, that it might be taken for a variety of that j 
 kind; but it is said to associate in separate troops, and is 
 equally numerous. 
 
 It is found in the northern parts of Asia, North- Ame- 
 rica, and Mexico. j 
 
 In the latter country, there is a variety with plain ! 
 round ears, the upper part of the body variegated with 
 black, white, and brown. It is twice the size of the ] 
 common Squirrel, lives under ground, where it brings | 
 forth its young, and lays in its stock of provisions. It | 
 feeds on maize, and is extremely lively, gentle, and do- 
 cile. — It is the CoquaUin of M. Buffon. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 3 §9 
 
 THE DORMOUSE, OR GROUND 
 
 (Sciurus Striatus, Lin . — Le Suisse, BufF.) 
 
 Is very numeroii s in the forests of North- America, as 
 
 well as the north of Asia It burrows in the ground, 
 
 and makes two entrances to its habitation; that if one 
 should be stopped up, it may have access by the other. 
 Its hole is formed with great skill, having several branch- 
 es from the principal passage, each of which is termi- 
 nated by a store-house, in which its winter food is depo- 
 sited : In one is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a 
 third maize, and in another chesnuts, which are its fa- 
 vourite food. 
 
 These animals seldom stir out during winter, nor so 
 I long as their provisions last : When those fail, they some- 
 I times work their way into places where apples ai’e laid 
 ^ up, or in bai'ns where ni^ze is stored, and make great 
 ] havock. During harvest, they fill their mouths so full 
 i with com, that their cheeks are quite distended; and in 
 i this manner carry it to their concealed store. They give 
 
 Bb 3 
 
390 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 great preference to certain kinds of food ; and if, after 
 filling their mouths with rye, they chance to meet with 
 wheat, they discharge the one, that they may secure the 
 other. ■ 
 
 The Ground Squirrel is marked with a stripe of black, 
 which runs along the ridge of the back ; and on each side 
 a yellow stripe^ bordered with black ; Its head, body, and 
 tail are of a reddish-brown ; breast and belly white ; its 
 nose and feet of a pale red colour j its eyes full and live- i 
 
 ly. 
 
 It is very wild, bites severely, and is tamed with diffi- 
 culty. — Its skin is of little value. 
 
 Is smaller than the European. It is marked along the 
 middle of the back with a dusky line, from head to tail ; , 
 the belly is of a pale ash colour, mottled with black ; and ij 
 the tail, which is dusky and barred with black, is not sq 
 ionp-. nor so full of hair, as that of the common kind. _• i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 391 
 
 I ( Sciurus Getulus Lin . — Le Barbaresque, Buff.) 
 
 ! Is of an ash colour, "inclining to red ; each side is beau- 
 tifully marked, with two white stripes, running length- 
 I wise ; its belly is white; its tail bushy, and variegated 
 i with regular shades of black, one beneath the other; its 
 r eyes are full and black, ivith white orbits. — It is about 
 i the size of the common SquirreL 
 
 TEE PALM SQUIRREL, 
 
 (Sciurus Palmar um.j Lin , — Le Palmiste, Buff.) 
 
 Is similar to the last, having a pale-yellow stripe on the 
 middle of the back," and two on each side pai'allel to it ; 
 the belly is of the same colour ; the rest of the body 
 black and red closely mixed : Its tail is long, does not lie 
 
 Bb4 
 
392 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 on its back like that of the Squirrel, but is carried erect, 
 — ^Both these Squirrels inhabit Barbary and other hot 
 countries. — They live chiefly in palm trees, from whence j 
 the latter has its name. 
 
 THE FAT SQUIRREL, 
 
 (Scim'us Glis, Lin. — Le Loir, Buff.) 
 
 is found in France and the southern parts of Europe. — 
 Its body is covered with soft hair, of an ash colour ; its 
 belly whitish ; its ears thin and naked. It is about six I 
 inches long, and thicker than the common Squirrel. It 
 dwells chiefly in trees, leaps from bough to bough, feeds j 
 on fruits and acorns, and lodges in the hollows of trees. 
 It remains in a torpid state during winter, and grows ve- 
 ry fat. 
 
 It was considered as a great delicacy among the Ro- j 
 mans, who had places constructed on purpose to keep 
 and feed them in, which they called gliraria. \ 
 
 THE GREATER DORMOUSE, OR 
 GARD EJT SQUIRREL, 
 
 ( Mus Quercinus, Lin. — Le Lerot, Buff.) | 
 
 Is rather less than the last-mentioned. Its eyes are sur- | 
 rounded with a large black spot, which reaches to the j 
 ears ; its body is of a tawny colour ; its throat and belly 
 white, tinged with yellow; its tail is long, and bushy at | 
 the end. 
 
 It is common in the South of Europe, infests gardens, 
 is particularly fond of peaches, and very destructive of all 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 393 
 
 kinds of fruit. It lodges in holes in the walls, and 
 
 1 brings forth five or six young at a time, 
 i It has a strong odour, like a Rat ; and, like the Fat 
 f Squirrel, remains torpid during the winter. 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 THE LESSER DORMOUSE,, 
 
 f Mus Avdlanarius, Lin . — Le Muscardin, Buff.) 
 
 Is rather larger than the Mouse, of a tawiiy-red colour, 
 
 with a white throat, and full black eyes. It lives in 
 
 woods or thick hedges ; makes its nest with grass, dried 
 leaves, or moss, in the hollow of a tree, or the bottom 
 of a thick bush, and brings forth three or four young at 
 a time. 
 
 It lays up stores of nuts, acorns and beans ; and re- 
 tires at the approach of cold weather to its retreat ; 
 where it rolls itself up in a warm nest, made of soft 
 I moss, &c. and remains in a torpid state during the con- 
 : tinuance of winter. The warmth of a sunny day, or a 
 ! temporary chance from cold to heat, will sometimes re- 
 i vive it ; but, after taking a little food, it soon relapses in- 
 J to its former state. 
 
394f 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE FLriJfG SQUIRREL, 
 
 fSciurus Volans, Lin . — Le Toiilatoiiche, BufF.) 
 
 Is peculiarly distinguished by a membranous continua- 
 tion of the skin of the sides and belly, which extends 
 from the fore to the hind feet, and assists it greatly in 
 making leaps from one tree to another, frequently at the 
 distance of twenty or thirty yards. Its head is small and 
 round ; its eyes are full, round, and black ; and its ears 
 small and naked. 
 
 It is found in all the northern regions, both of the old 
 and new continents. It is more numerous in America 
 than in Europe, is less than the common Squirrel, lives 
 in trees, and sleeps in the day, but is extremely active 
 during the night. 
 
 In the act of leaping, the loose skin is stretched out by 
 the feet ; whereby the surface of the body is augmented, 
 the animal becomes lighter in proportion to its bulk, t^e 
 
f 
 
 ) 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 395 
 
 acceleration of its fall is retai'ded, and it appears to sail 
 or fly from one place to another. Where numbers of 
 I them are seen at a time leaping, they appear like leaves 
 i blown off by the wind. 
 
 There are several kinds, differing much in size. In 
 
 I the islands of the East- Indies, there is a variety as lai'ge 
 i as a Hare, called the Taguan, or Great Flying 
 ) SquiRREi ; which perfectly resembles the other in fi- 
 ^ gure, and in the fonn of its lateral membrane. The 
 j head is smaller in proportion to the size of the body ; the 
 9 colour of the skin is dark-bro^v^l, mixed with white ; the 
 j upper part of the body whitish ; the tail is brown, and 
 grows gradually deeper towai’ds the end, where it is 
 (i black ; the claws are long, thin, and hooked, like those 
 
 ! of a Cat, and enable it to keep hold where it happens to 
 fall ; it also catches hold with its tail, which is long and 
 I muscular. ~ 
 
 It is a wild and timid animal.- — Its bite is so strong, 
 
 1 that it can, make its escape from a wooden cage wutli 
 great facility, 
 
 A variety is found inVirginia, called, by Mr. Pennant, 
 the Hooded Sc^uirrel; the lateral membrane begins 
 at the chin and ears, where it forms a kind of hood, 
 i and extends, like that of the former, from the fore to 
 the hind legs : Its body is of a reddish colour above, 
 |( and of a yellowish ash beneath. — It is a rare species, not 
 T much noticed by naturalists. 
 
THE LONG TAILED SQUIRREL. 
 
 This species is found in Ceylon and Malabar. — In the 
 Cingalese tongue, it is called Dandodana ; and, from the 
 noise it makes, Ruekea. 
 
 It is about tliree times the size of the European Squir- 
 rel ; The ears are tufted with black hairs ; the end of the 
 nose is pink-coloured ; the cheeks, legs, and belly are of 
 a dull yellow ; between the ears there is a yellow spot ; the 
 crown of the head and the back are black ; from each ear 
 is a bifurcated line of the same colouiS pointing down 
 the cheeks ; the upper part of the feet is covered with 
 black hairs, the lower part naked and red ; The tail is 
 nearly twice the length of the body, of a light ash colour, 
 and extremely bushy. 
 
 We are indebted to Mr. Pennant for the drawing of 
 this curious animal. 
 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 397 
 
 THE JERBOA. 
 
 (Mus JaciiluSi Lin . — Le Jerho, BufF.) 
 
 This animal, remarkable for the singular construction 
 of its legs, is found in Egypt, Bai'bary, and Palestine. — 
 It is somewhat less than a Rat : Its head has a great re- 
 semblance to that of a Rabbit ; its eyes ai'e lai'ge and 
 full ; the fore legs are only one inch in length, and are 
 used as hands to convey victuals to its mouth ; the hind 
 legs are naked, and very much resemble those of a bird, 
 having only three toes on each, the middle one longest; 
 its tail is much longer than its body, and terminated with 
 a black tuft, the tip of which is white ; its liair is long 
 and soft, of a reddish colour on the back ; the under 
 parts of the body ai'e w hite ; across the thighs there is a 
 large black band in the form of a crescent. 
 
 The motions of the Jerboa are similar to those of the 
 
398 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Konguroo. It goes forward very nimbly on its hind feet, 
 taking leaps of five or six feet from the ground. 
 
 It is a lively, harmless animal, lives entirely on vegeta- 
 bles, and burrows in the ground like a Rabbit. 
 
 It is the Daman Israel of the Arabs, or Lamb of Israel ; i 
 and is supposed to be the Coney of holy writ, our Rabbit 
 being unknown in Palestine. It is also the Mouse men- 
 tioned in Isaiah*' ; Achbar^ in the original, signifying a 
 Jerboa, t | 
 
 The Jerboa is easily turned, is fond of .witnnth, and 
 seems to be sensible of the approach of bad weathei* by 
 wrapping itself up close in hay. 
 
 Among the Mongol Tartars, this animal is called the 
 Alayhtaga . — It is suppossed to be the Two footed Mouse, 
 and the Eygptian Moused the ancients, which were said 
 to walk on their hind leers. 
 
 o 
 
 It makes its nest of the finest and most delicate her- 
 bage ; rolls itself up, with its head between its thighs ; 
 and sleeps during the winter, without taking any nutri- 
 ment. 
 
 When pursued, it springs so nimbly, that its feet 
 scarcely seem to touch the ground. It does not go 
 straight forward, but turns here and there till it gains a 
 burrow, where it quickly secretes itself. — In leaping, it 
 carries its tail stretched out ; but in standing or walking, 
 caiTies it in the form of an S, the lower part touching 
 the ground. 
 
 * Chap. Ixvi. ver. 17. 
 
 t The Jerboa or Dipus is frequent in North-America. General 
 Davis has described it as found in Lower Canada ; Professor Barton 
 has given a ngure and description of it as seen in Pennsylvania, and 
 Dr. Mitchiil has observed it, as killed by the Farmers of Long- 
 Island. — A. E. 
 
(Mus Marmota, Lin . — La Marmotte, Buff.) 
 
 i 
 
 1a s been placed by naturalists in the same class with the 
 iare and the Rat ; and on examining its parts, we find 
 1 . partial agreement with both these animals. In its nose 
 nd lips, as well as in the general form of its head, it 
 esembles the Hare ; its ears are like those of the Rat, 
 
 ■ rith which it likewise agrees in the number and form 
 f its teeth and claws ; In other respects, it is no way 
 imilar to either of those kinds ; and is still farther sepa- 
 ) ated from them by habitudes which seem peculiar to it- 
 a elf, and distinguish it from almost every other species of 
 1 uadrupeds. 
 
 The Mai'mot inhabits the highest regions of the Alps ; 
 
 : nd is likewise found in Poland, Ukraine, and Chinese 
 fartary. 
 
 It is somewhat less than a Hare ; Its ears ai’e round, 
 nd so short, that they are almost hid in the fur ; its tail 
 5 short and bushy ; the hair on the back is of a brown- 
 ih-ash colour ; and that on the belly reddish, soft, and 
 lushy. Its voice resembles the murmuring of a young 
 
400 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 puppy. Wlaen irritated, or frightened, it makes a whist 
 ling noise, very loud and piercing. 
 
 It feeds on insects, roots, and vegetables ; but whei 
 tamed, is remarkably fond of milk and butter. — It livei 
 in holes, formed with great art in the side of a moun 
 tain. There are two entrances to each ; and the cham. 
 ber to which they lead is deep and spacious : The button 
 is lined with moss and hay, of which these provident ani 
 mals lay in a store during summer ; and, at the approacl 
 of winter, shut themselves up in their holes by stopping 
 the entrances with earth, so effectually, that no discover] 
 can he made of the place of their retreat. The chambei 
 in which they lodge is large enough to contain a familj 
 of from five to a dozen Marmots. They roll themselvei 
 up ; and, being well covered with hay, remain in a torpic 
 state, insensible to the rigours of the season, and perfect, 
 ly secure from the storm that rages without ; till tht 
 cheering influence of the sun again calls them out to re. ' 
 new their exhausted strength, to propagate their kind, | 
 and provide for their future retreat. The torpid state I 
 lasts from about Michaelmas till April. They go in ex- 
 tremely fat, but gradually waste ; and at the end of theii ' 
 long sleep, they appear lean and extremely emaciated. 
 
 The Marmot produces once a year, and the litter ge- 
 nerally consists of three or four. 
 
 When a number of them are feeding together, they 
 place one as a centinel, which makes a whistling noise on 
 the least appearance of an interruption ; and the party im- 
 •mediately betake themselves to their holes, the centinel 
 driving up the rear. 
 
 The Marmot is very playful, and easily tamed. It 
 learns to hold a stick, to dance, and to exhibit various 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4OI 
 
 gestures : It will obey the voice of its master. Like the 
 Cat, it has an antipathy to Dogs, which it attacks fierce- 
 ly upon the least iiTitation. It is very apt to gnaw linen 
 or woollen stuffs, often sits upright, and waDcs wfith ease 
 on its hind feet. — It eats in the manner of a Squirrel, 
 and carries its food to its mouth with its fore paws. 
 
 Its flesh is sometimes eaten, but ■ is always attended 
 with a disagreeable odour. 
 
 I 
 
402 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE MOMAX, \ 
 
 (Mus Monax, Lin. — Glis Marmota^ Buff.) 
 
 Is found in various parts of North- America, and seems 
 to be the same with the Marmot of Canada, described bj 
 M. Buffon. 
 
 It is larger than a Rabbit, and in form and colour re- 
 sembles the Musk-Rat ; Its tail is short and rough ; ifs 
 ribs so flexible, that it can easily pass tlirough a hole of 
 not more than two inches diameter ; its eyes are black 
 and prominent ; its back is of a deep brown colour, 
 lighter on the sides and belly ; and its feet and legsj 
 black. 
 
 It sleeps during winter in holes under the roots ol 
 
 trees, and lives on fruits and other vegetables. Its 
 
 flesh is good and well tasted. 
 
 An animal of the same kind is found in the Bahama i 
 isles ; but whether it retires to sleep, in aclimate so mild, 
 is not well known, | 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 
 
 403 
 
 THE 
 
 QUEBEC 
 
 MARMOT: 
 
 [s rather larger than a Rabbit : Its ears are short, and its 
 -vhole head round ; its cheeks are of a grey colour, and 
 ts nose black ; its back is variegated, each hair being 
 ^ray at the bottom, black in the middle, and white at the 
 ips ; its belly and legs are of an orange colour ; its toes 
 alack and naked ; and its tail short, and rather bushy. — 
 [t inhabits Hudson’s Bay and Canada. 
 
 One of them, exhibited in London some years ago, 
 ivas perfectly tame. 
 
 Mr. Pennant supposes it to be the species called the 
 SiFFLEUR by the French of Canada. 
 
 Cc2 
 
 I 
 
404 
 
 HISTORY OF quadrupeds; 
 
 THE HAMSTER. 
 
 (Mus Crketus, Lin . — Le Hamster, BufF.) 
 
 Although the qualities of this animal are sufficientli 
 noxious to render it an object of universal detestation il 
 those countries where it abounds ; yet, when consideret 
 with regard to those instincts which conduce to its owi 
 preserA^ation and support, it Aveil deserves our highest ad 
 miration. ; 
 
 Its habitation is curious, and constructed vidth grea 
 art. It consists of a variety of apartments, adapted t< 
 various puiqroses, and extremely \A eIl fitted both for th( 
 comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The fips 
 entrance is formed in an oblique direction ; at the end o 
 which the male sinks a perpendicular hole, AA'hich he re 
 serves for his OAvn use. The female makes several, fo' 
 the accommodation of herself and family, that her young 
 during the short time they are alloAA’ed to stay Avith her 
 may have a free passage to the general stores. One o 
 the holes is lined Avith straAV, and serves as a lodging j 
 the others contain provisions, of Avhich great quantitiei 
 ai*e alw’ays accumulated during the time of harvest,^^; 
 They begin to lay in their stores in August. To facili'l 
 rate the transportation of their food. Nature has furnish 
 ed them AA'ith two paunches in each cheek, Avhich they fil 
 with com, beans, or pease, till they seem ready to burst 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 405 
 
 nd, on their return to their holes, empty them, by prea- 
 ing their two fore feet against their cheeks. — The quan- 
 ity of provision found in these magazines, depends on 
 be age or sex of the inhabitants. The old Hamsters 
 ften amass an hundred pounds weight of grain ; but the 
 OLing and the females are satisfied with much le:s. 
 
 At the approach of winter, the Hamsters retire into 
 leir subterraneous abodes, the entrance to which they 
 lut up with great care : There they remain in perfect 
 •anquillity, and feed on their provisions till the frost 
 ecomes severe, vrhen they sink into a torpid state, in 
 "hich they continue till the return of spring. During 
 lis period, if any of the holes be opened, the Hamster is 
 [ways found lying upon a bed of soft straw, Avith its 
 ead turned under its belly between the two fore legs, 
 hilst the hind ones rest upon tlie muzzle : Its eyes are 
 lut, every member perfectly stiff, and sensation so to- 
 illy suspended, that neither respiration nor any other 
 ,gn of life can be perceived. When dissected in this 
 .tuation, the heart may be seen alternately contracting 
 id dilating very slowly ; the fat appears to be coagu- 
 ted ; and the intestines ai'e quite cold. During this 
 peration, the animal seems to feel very little : It seme- 
 mes opens its mouth, as if it wanted to respire ; but 
 le lethargy is too strong to admit of its entirely awak- 
 ng. 
 
 I They copulate about the end of April, when the 
 lales enter the apartments of the females, but remain 
 nly a few days. — If two males happen to meet in the 
 ime hole, a furious combat ensues, which generally ter- 
 linates in the death of the weaker. 
 
 C c 3 
 
406 history of gUApRUPEDS. j 
 
 The females bring forth twice or thrice every year 
 each litter consisting of six or eight. — In about tlire 
 weeks the young are driven from their holes, and le 
 
 to provide for themselves. Their increase is so rapi 
 
 in some years, as to be almost sufficient to occasion 
 dearth ; but the ferocity with which they upon all occi 
 sions attack and devour each other, is so great, as to I 
 the happy means of preventing the ill effects of their ft 
 cundity. | 
 
 It is not only its oxvn species to which the fury oftf 
 Hamster is directed : He attacks and devours every anl 
 mal, without distinction, that he is able to conquer; aii 
 frequently opposes himself to enemies much superior 1 
 himself in strengtli. Rather than fly, he allows himse 
 to be beaten to death. If he seize a man’s hand, li 
 must be killed before he can be made to quit his hok 
 A Horse or a Dog are equally objects of his rage ; aa 
 wherever he seizes, it is with difficulty he can be diseji 
 
 The Hamster is about the size of a large Water-Rat 
 has a short tail, almost naked : Its head and back are < 
 a reddish-brown colour, not unlike that of a Hare ; ii 
 throat is white, and it has three Avhite spots on eac 
 side ; its breast and belly are black. 
 
 It is found in various parts of Germany, Poland, an 
 Ukraine. 
 
 The Polecat is its greatest enemy. It pursues th 
 Hamster into its hole, and destroys great numbers. ' 
 
 Mr. Ray observes, that the hair of this animal is s i 
 closely united to the skin, that it cannot be pulled o: 
 without great difficulty ; on which account it is held j 
 high estimatioiio 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 407 
 
 THE SOVSLIK, 
 
 (Miis CitelluSy Lin . — Le Souslik, BulF.) 
 
 •> 
 
 Is about the size of a large Rat. Its skin is beautifully 
 marked with small white spots upon a yellowish ground. 
 
 It is found upon the banks of the Wolga, and in the 
 adjoining provinces as fai* as Austria. — It burrows in the 
 ground like a Rabbit, and lays in store of provisions, con- 
 sisting of grain, herbs, and roots ; It also feeds on young 
 Mice, is very fond of salt, and is frequently taken on 
 board the barges laden with that commodity. The fe- 
 
 male brings forth from two to five at one time. 
 
 THE ZISEL, OR EARLESS MARMOT, 
 
 (Le Zizcl, Buff.) 
 
 Instead of ears, has only a smad orifice on each side of 
 its head. It is of a dark-gray colour. Its body is long 
 and slender, and its tail short. 
 
 It is found in Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, and Sibe- 
 ria. — It forms its hole in the ground, with a double en- 
 . trance ; and sleeps during the winter in the centre of its 
 
 C c 4 
 
4o8 history of quadrupeds. 
 
 lodge. — It lays in a store of corn, nuts, &c. ; and sits up 
 like a Squirrel when it eats. — It is easily provoked, and 
 bites hard. 
 
 Its fur is of little value ; but its flesh is reckoned good 
 eating. 
 
 In Poland and Russia, there is an animal of this kind, 
 called the Zemni : and, by Mr. Pennant, the Fodoliati 
 Marmot. 
 
 Its habits are similar to those of the Souslik ; but it is 
 larger, stronger, and more mischievous. 
 
 The head is thick, the body slender, and the ears short 
 and round : It has two cutting teeth in each jaw ; those 
 of the under jaw are much longer than the upper : The 
 eyes are small, and concealed in the fur like those of the 
 Mole : Its tail is short, and of an ash colour. 
 
 THE TAIL-LESS MARMOT. 
 
 We ai*e favoured by Mr. Pennant with the drawing of 
 this animal, which has hitherto been undescribed. — In 
 the form of its body, it seems to agree with the descrip- 
 tion given of the Zizel, and probably may be a variety of 
 that aiiimaL 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 405 ^- 
 
 THE LAPLAMD MARMOT. 
 
 (Mus Lemmiis, Lin . — Le Leming, Buff.) 
 
 This wonderful little animal is found only in the nor- 
 thern parts of Europe and Asia; and is sometimes seen 
 in immense numbers, overspreading lai’ge traets of coun- 
 try, in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland. But as its ap- 
 pearance is at very uncertain periods, and the source 
 from whence it is derived has not been hitherto explored 
 by any naturalist, its existence has been seriously attri- 
 buted, by superstitious ignorance, to the generation of 
 the clouds ; from whence, it has been supposed, it was 
 
 poured down in showers of rain. Myriads of them 
 
 march together; and, like a ton'ent, Avhich nothing can 
 resist, their course is marked with ruin and desolation. 
 Neither fire nor w ater prevents their progress. They go 
 straight forward, in regular lines, about three feet asun- 
 der, and generally in a south-east direction : They swim 
 across lakes and rivers : No opposition impedes them. If 
 thousands are destroyed, thousands supply their places: 
 The void is quickly filled up; and their number does not 
 appear diminished. They persist in their course, in spite 
 of every obstacle; and if prevented from proceeding, 
 they either by assiduity surmount it, or die in the at- 
 tempt. Their march is mostly in the night. They rest 
 
410 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 during the day, and devour every root and vegetable they 
 meet with. They infeet the very herbage; and cattle 
 are said to perish that feed upon the grass they have 
 touched. 
 
 An enemy, so numerous and destructive, would soon 
 render the countries they pass through utterly uninhabit- 
 able, did it not fortunately happen, that the same rapa- 
 city that excites them to lay waste the productions of the 
 earth at last impels them to destroy each other. — Having 
 nothing more to subsist on, they are said to seperate into 
 two armies, which engage with the most deadly hatred, 
 and continue fighting and devouring each other till they 
 are all entirely destroyed. Thousands of them have been 
 found dead; and the air, infected by their putrid car- 
 cases, has sometimes been the occasion of malignant dis- 
 tempers. Great numbers of them are likewise destroyed 
 by Foxes, Lynxes, Weasels, and other beasts of prey, 
 which follow them during their march. 
 
 The Leming runs swiftly, although its legs are short 
 and slender. — It is somewhat less than the Rat: Its head 
 is pointed; and in each jaw are two very long cutting 
 teeth, with which it bites keenly; Its edi's ai'e short, eyes 
 small, fore legs shorter than the hind; The colour of the 
 head and body black and tawny, disposed in irregular 
 patches ; the belly white, tinged with yellow. 
 
 Though perfectly disgusting to every other people, its 
 flesh is said to be eaten by the Laplanders. 
 
 Where these emigrants are collected, as was before 
 observed, is not certainly known. Linnaeus says, they 
 are produced among the Norwegian and Lapland Alps; 
 and Pontoppidan supposes, that Kolen’s Rock, which di- 
 vides Nordlandfrom Sweden, is their native place. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 41 1 
 
 THE RAT. 
 
 (Mils Eaitus, Lin . — Le Eal, BufF.) 
 
 Though small, weak, and contemptible in its appear- 
 ance, possesses properties which render it a more formi- 
 dable enemy to mankind, and more injurious to the in- 
 terests of society, than even those animals that are endued 
 with the greatest strength and most rapacious dispositions. 
 To the one we can oppose united powers and superior 
 arts; -with regard to the other, experience has convinced 
 us, that no aid can counteract the effects of its amazing 
 fecundity, and that force is ineffectually opposed to an 
 enemy possessed of such a variety of means to elude it. 
 
 There are two kinds known in this country, — the 
 Black Eat, which was formerl)^ universal here, but is 
 now very rarely seen, having been almost extirpated by 
 the large brown kind, generally distinguished by the 
 name of the Norway Rat. — This formidable invader 
 is now universally diffused through the whole country ; 
 from w^hence every method has been tried in vain to ex- 
 terminate it. — It is about nine inches Iona:; of a liuht- 
 brown colour, mixed with tawny and ash ; the throat 
 and belly are of a dirtj- white, inclining to gray ; its feet 
 
413 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS'. 
 
 are naked, and of a pale flesh colour; the tail is as long 
 as the body, covered with minute dusky scales, thinly in- 
 terspersed with short hairs. 
 
 In summer, it frequents the banks of rivers, ponds, 
 and ditches; where it lives on frogs, fishes, and small 
 animals. But its rapacity is not confined entirely to 
 these: It destroys rabbits, poultry, young pigeons, &c.: 
 It infests the granary, the bam, and the storehouse ; does 
 infinite mischief among corn and fruit of all kinds; and 
 not content with satisfying its hunger, frequently carries 
 off large quantities to its hiding-place. 
 
 It is a bold fierce little animal ; and, when closely 
 pursued, will turn and fasten on its assailant. — Its bite is 
 keen, and the wound it inflicts is painful, and difficult 
 to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long, 
 sharp, and of an irregular form. 
 
 The Rat is amazingly prolific, usually producing from 
 twelve to eighteen at one time. Their numbers would 
 soon increase beyond all power of restraint, were it not 
 for an insatiable appetite, that impels them to destroy 
 and devour each other. The weaker always fall a prey 
 to the stronger ; and the large male Rat, which usually 
 lives by itself, is dreaded by those of its own species as 
 their most formidable enemy. 
 
 It is a singular fact in the history of these animals, 
 that the skins of such of them as have been devoured in 
 their holes have frequently been found, curiously turned 
 inside out ; every part being completely inverted, even 
 to the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed, 
 it M ould be difficult to ascertain ; but it appears to be ef- 
 fected in some peculiar mode of eating out the contents. 
 
 Besides the numbers that perish in these unnatural con- 
 
413 
 
 '] HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 j ilicts, they have many fierce and inveterate enemies, that 
 take every occasion to destroy them. Several kinds of 
 Dogs pursue them with great alacrity, and eagerly kill 
 them, though they invariably refuse to eat their fiesh : 
 The Cat is also a veiy^ formidable enemy, but generally 
 finds greater difficulty in the contest : The Rat makes a 
 vigorous resistance, and sometimes effects its escape : — 
 The Weasel is the most determined enem}^ of the Rat 
 kind ; it hunts them wdth unceasing avidit}-, pursues 
 them into their holes, w'here it soon kills them, and 
 suck their blood ; And in particular situations, the Ferret 
 is a still more deadly adversary, hlankind liaA'e like^vise 
 contrived various methods of destroying these bold in- 
 truders. For that purpose, traps are often found inef- 
 fectual ; such being their extreme sagacity, that when 
 any ai’e drawn into the snare, the others by that means 
 learn to avoid the dangerous allurement, notwithrtanding 
 the utmost caution may have been used to concea.1 the de- 
 sign. The surest method of killing them is by poison ; 
 Nux vomica ground, and mixed wnth oatmeal, with a 
 small proportion of oil of rhodium and musk, have been 
 found from experience to be veiy^ effectual. 
 
414 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 (Mils Amphihiiis, Lin . — Le Rat cVeaUy Buff.) 
 
 Is somewhat smaller than the former; its head and nose 
 are thicker ; its eyes are small ; its ears short, scarcely 
 appearing- through the hair ; its teeth are large, strong, 
 and yellow. In an old one which we examined, the low- 
 er incisors measured somewhat more than half an inch in 
 length. The hair on its head and body is thicker and 
 longer than that of the common Rat, and chiefly of a 
 dark-brown colour, mixed with red ; the belly is gray ; 
 the tail five inches long, covered with short black hairs, 
 and the tip with white. 
 
 The Water-Rat generally frequents the sides of rivers, 
 ponds, and ditches; where it burrows, and forms its 
 
 nest. It feeds on frogs, small fish, and spawn ; swims 
 
 and dives remarkably fast ; and can continue a long time 
 under water. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 415 
 
 
 THE. MUSK-RAT OF CANADA, 
 
 (Castor Zibethicus, Lin. — L'Ondatra, BufF.) 
 
 Is about the size of a young Rabbit : Its head is thick 
 and short, resembling that of a W ater-Rat ; its hair soft 
 and glossy ; beneath the outward hair there is a thick fine 
 down, very useful in the manufacture of hats : it is of a 
 reddish-brown colour ; its breast and belly ash, tinged 
 with red ; its tail is long and flat, covered with scales ; 
 its eyes are large ; its ears short and hairy ; it has two 
 strong cutting teeth in each jaw, — those of the under jaw 
 are about an inch long, but the upper ones are shorter. 
 
 This animal is a native of Canada, where it is called 
 the Ondatra. 
 
 In many respects, it very much resembles the Beaver, 
 both in form and manners. It is fond of the water, and 
 swims well. — At the approach of winter, several families 
 associate together. They build little huts, about two feet 
 in diameter, composed of herbs and rushes cemented 
 with clay, forming a dome-like covering : From these 
 are several passages, in different directions, by which 
 
 they go out in quest of roots and other food. The 
 
 hunters take them in the spring, by opening their holes. 
 
416' HISTOUY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and letting the light suddenly in upon them, — At that 
 time their flesh is tolerably good, and is frequently eaten ; 
 but in tiie summer it acquires a scent of musk, so strong-, 
 as to render it perfectly unpalatable. 
 
 THE MUSCOVr MUSK-RAT, 
 
 (Castor Moschatus, Lin. — Dcesman, Buff.) 
 
 Is about the size of the common Rat ; Its nose is long 
 and slender, like that of the Shrew-Mouse ; it has no ex- 
 ternal ears, and its eyes are very small ; the tail is com- 
 pressed sideways, and its hind feet are webbed ; it is of a 
 dusky colour ; the belly of a light ash. 
 
 It is a native of Lapland and Russia, frequents the 
 banks of rivers, and feeds on small fishes. It is often 
 devoured by pikes and other fishes ; to -which it commu- 
 nicates so strong a flavour of musk, as renders them very 
 unpleasant to the taste. 
 
 From its tail is extracted a kind of musk, very much 
 resembling the genuine sort. — Their skins are frequently 
 
 laid among clothes to preserve them from moths. In 
 
 Lapland, it is called the Desman. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 417 
 
 The most industrious of animals. Its labours seem 
 the result of a social compact, formed for mutual conve- 
 nience, preservation, and support ; and as, in all well-re- 
 gulated societies, a due subordination is necessary for the 
 well-ordering and conducting each individual effort to the 
 advantage of the whole; so, amongst these curious ani- 
 mals, we find, that, in forming their habitations, all have 
 their proper part of the work assigned to them, that, by 
 dividing their labours, safety, stability, and expedition, 
 may be the general effect. To this purpose, a communi- 
 ty of two or three hundred assemble together : An over- 
 seer is chosen, whose orders are punctually obeyed ; and, 
 by striking the water smartly with his tail, gives the 
 signal v/here the united force of numbers is necessary to 
 be applied, in order to strengthen and support the fabric ; 
 or, at the approach of an enemy, to apprize the society 
 
 D d 
 
418 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 of their danger. — As soon as a convenient place is chosen j 
 for the erection of their building, which is generally a le- ; 
 vel piece of ground, with a small rivulet running through i 
 it, they divide into companies : Some ai'e employed in j 
 .cutting down trpes of great size, which is done by gnaw- |i 
 ing them with their teeth ; These they lay across the dam j 
 with surprising labour and perseverance, or form into 
 piles, which others roll down to the water, where they 
 make holes at the bottom for receiving the ends, and 
 placing them upright, secure them in that position ; 
 whilst another party is engaged in collecting twigs, inter- 
 weaving and twisting them with the piles, and thereby 
 strengthening the work ; Some collect large quantities of 
 earth, stones, clay, and other solid materials, which they 
 dispose of on their upper side of the piles next the stream, 
 forming a mound ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom, 
 tapering gradually upwards, and capable of sustaining a 
 considerable weight of water. The length of the dam, 
 occasioned by this means, is sometimes not less than one 
 hundred feet, — Having compleated the mole, their next 
 care is to erect their apartments, which are built on 
 piles : They are of a circular form, and generally consist 
 of three stories, about eight feet high above the water : 
 The first lies below the level of the dam, and is generally 
 full of water ; the other two are above it. The walls are 
 two feet in thiekness, neatly plaistered with clay on the 
 inside, which is arched like an oven, and at the top re- 
 sembles a dome. In each house there is one opening to- 
 ward the water, to which the animal has always access, 
 in case of surprise. — The number of houses in one of 
 these dams is from ten to twenty- five ; some of them 
 large enough to contain a family of twenty or thirty 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4I9 
 
 : Beavers. Each Beaver forms its bed of moss, and each 
 ; family lays in its magazine of winter provisions, which 
 ! consists of bark and boughs of trees : They pile up the 
 I latter with great ingenuity and regularity, and draw it 
 t out to their apartments as their wants require. They are 
 k! said to be fondest of the sassafras, ash, and sweet gum, 
 
 £ During summer, they feed on leaves, fruits, and some- 
 5 times crabs or cray-fish ; but fish is not their favourite 
 t food. — Their time of building is early in the summer, 
 ij In wdnter, they never go farther than to their provision 
 3 stores ; and during that season are very fat. 
 
 They breed once a year, and bring forth two or three 
 \ at a birth. 
 
 ; Beavers are found chiefly in the northern parts of Eu- 
 rope, Asia, and America ; particularly the latter, from 
 whence many thousands of their skins are annually 
 I brought into Europe. In 1763, the Hudson’s Bay com- 
 ; pany sold 54,670 Beaver skins at one sale. — They vary in 
 : colour. The most valuable are black ; but the general 
 : colour is a chesnut-brown, more or less dai'k. Some 
 have been found entirely white, others spotted ; but both 
 I these kinds are very rare. 
 
 I The Beaver is remarkable for the size and strength of 
 ( its cutting- teeth, which enable it to gnaw down trees of 
 ^ great magnitude with ease. Its ears are short, and almost 
 L hid in the fur ; its nose blunt ; tail broad and flat, nearly 
 1 of an oval form, and co^^ered with scales — it serves not 
 only as a rudder to direct its motions in the w ater, but 
 as a most useful instrument for laying on the clay, pres- 
 sing it into the crevices, and smoothing the outward, co- 
 vering ; its fore feet ai’e small, and not unlike those of a 
 
 Dd 2 
 
420 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Rat , the hind feet are lai’ge and strong, with membranes 
 between each toe ; its length from nose to tail, is about 
 three feet ; the tail is eleven inches long, and three 
 broad. 
 
 The castor produced from these animals is found in 
 a liquid state, in bags near the anus, about the size of an 
 egg. When taken off, the matter dries, and is reducible 
 to a powder, which is oily, of a sharp bitter taste, and 
 a strong disagreeable smell. — These bags are found indif- 
 ferently in males and females, and were formerly sup- 
 posed to be the animal’s testicles, which, when puftued, 
 it was said to bite off, and by that means escape with its 
 life. 
 
HISTORY OF QUAPRUPEDS. 
 
 421 
 
 THE MOUSE, 
 
 f Mils Miisculiis, Lin . — he Souris, Buff.) 
 
 Th IS well-known little animal is diffused in great num- 
 j;rs over almost every part of the world. It seems a 
 onstant attendant on man, and is only to be found near 
 IS dwelling. Its enemies ai'e numerous and powerful, 
 id its means of resistance weak and inconsiderable : Its 
 Inuteness seems to be its best security ; and it is saved 
 om utter extinction only by its amazing fecundity. 
 
 The Mouse brings forth several times in the year, and 
 '.nerally from six to ten each litter. The young are 
 oduced without hair, and in little more than fifteen 
 lys are able to subsist by themselves ; so that the in- 
 '.ease is prodigious. Aristotle tells us, that having shut 
 ) in a vessel a Mouse big with young, and provided 
 enty of grain for her and her offspring, in a short time 
 : found 120 Mice all sprung from the same stock. 
 
 The Mouse, when viewed Avithout the disgust and ap- 
 J ehension AA'hich usually accompany the sight of it, is a 
 f '.autiful little animal : Its skin sleek and soft, its eyes 
 
 D d 3 
 
422 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 bright and lively, all its limbs are formed with exquisit 
 delicacy, and its motions are smart and active. ' 
 
 Some few of this species are of a pure white colour 
 but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an acci| 
 dental variety, cannot well be determined. Its appear! 
 ance is, however, very beautiful : its fine full eyes, of 
 red colour, form an agreeable contrast with the snow 
 whiteness of its fur. 
 
 (Mils Sylvaticus, Lin . — Le Mulot^ Buff.) 
 
 Is rather larger than the common Mouse, and very sim : 
 lar to it in form : It is of a yellowish-brown colour, ill 
 belly white, and its eyes remarkably large and prominent 
 —It is found only in the fields, woods and gardens^ 
 feeds on nuts, corn, and acorns ; and lays up great store, 
 for its support during winter. It burrows in the earth! 
 and generally forms its nest near the root of a tree, ci 
 thick bush. If provisions fail during a storm, they d(| 
 vour each other ; are very prolific, and bring nine or tej 
 young at a time. 
 
 Mr. Pennant mentions a species, found in Hampshir^ 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 423 
 
 I only two inches and a half long from nose to tail, of a 
 J fine rust colour above, and white beneath. It appears in 
 I great numbers in harvest-time among the sheaves and 
 ricks of corn. During winter, it shelters itself under 
 f ground, where it makes a warm bed of dry grass and 
 'leaves. Its young are brought forth on a nest made be- 
 tween the straws of the standing corn, and are generally 
 about eight in number each time. 
 
 ^THE SHORT TAILED FIELD-MOUSE. 
 
 Differs from the last, in having a thicker head, and 
 shorter tail : its ears are very short, and almost hid in the 
 ihair ; its body is about three inches long, and the tail 
 one; the upper part of the body is of a reddish- 
 brown, and the belly a deep ash-colour. — Like the last, it 
 'frequents the fields and woods, but is seldom troublesome 
 in gardens: It also lives on the same kinds of food, 
 which it hides in holes under ground. — It makes its nest 
 in moist meadows, and brings forth seven or eight young 
 at a time. 
 
 D d 4 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 4 ) 24 < 
 
 fSorex Araneiis, Lin . — La Musaraigne, BufF.) 
 
 Is smaller than the common Mouse, being only two inch- 
 es and a half long from the nose to the tail : The nose is i 
 long and slender ; the ears short ; and the eyes, like those : 
 of the Mole, almost concealed in the fur. It is of a red- i 
 
 dish-brown colour; the belly white. The two upper i 
 
 fore teeth of this animal ai’e singularly constructed, and I 
 deserve particular notice ; having a small barb on each 
 side, so fine, as to be scarcely visible. i 
 
 The Shrew-Mouse frequents old walls and heaps of i 
 stones ; feeds on insects, corn, and putrid substances ; j 
 and is sometimes seen on dunghills, where it roots with |i 
 its nose like a Hog. — It has so strong and disagreeables : 
 smell, that the Cat, after she has killed, refuses to eat it. j 
 — It forms its nest of dry grass, moss, &c. on the surface | 
 of meadows or pastures, and is said to breed four or five 
 young at a time. i 
 
 There seems to be an annual mortality of these animals i 
 in August, numbers of them being found dead in the | 
 fields, highways, &c. about that time. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 425 
 
 THE WATER SHREW-MOUSE, 
 (La Musaraigne d'Eaii, Buff.) 
 
 Is larger than the last. The upper part of its body is 
 black ; the throat, breast, and belly, of a light ash colour. 
 — It is rarely to be seen ; frequents the banks of rivulets 
 and marshy places, where it burrows. 
 
 It is veiy numerous in Lincolnshire, but was never ob- 
 served there till about twenty yeai's ago. — It is called, in 
 that country, the Blind Mouse. 
 
42S 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Is a native of the Cape of Good- Hope, where it was dis- 
 covered, and first described, by Sparrman. — It is distin- 
 guished from every other species of the genus, by four 
 black lines along its back, from the head to the tail. 
 
 It is supposed to be the most diminutive quadruped in 
 the world, being scarcely two inches in length. In the 
 annexed representation, it is drawn the natural size, and 
 forms a striking contrast with those gigantic animals 
 which inhabit that quarter of the world. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 427 
 
 (Talpa Europeus Lin . — La Taupe, Buff.) 
 
 This animal, destined to seek its food and provide for 
 its subsistence under the surface of the earth, is wonder- 
 fully adapted, bytheall-wise Author of Nature, to its pe- 
 culiar mode of living. It enjoys the senses of hearing 
 and smelling in a very eminent degree ; The former gives 
 notice of every approach of danger ; whilst the latter 
 enables it to find its prey in the midst of dai'kness, and 
 compensates in a great measure for an almost total want 
 of sight. To an animal so circumstanced, a larger de- 
 gree of vision would be attended with manifest inconve- 
 niences, as well as liable to continual injuries. We are 
 told by anatomists, that, for their better security, the 
 eyes of the Mole are furnished with museles, by which it 
 has the power of withdrawing or exerting them at plea- 
 sure. Its eyes are extremely small, and perfectly hid in 
 the fur. 
 
428 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The form of this creature’s body, and particularly the 
 construction of its fore feet, are admirably adapted to the 
 purpose of making its way in the earth, v/hich it does 
 with w’onderful felicity : These are quite naked, very 
 broad, with large palms, almost like a hand : There are 
 five toes on each, terminated with strong nails, very con- 
 cave on the under side ; and, in place of a thumb, a 
 strong bone under the skin. The hind feet are very 
 small, with five slender toes, and a small thumb on the 
 inside. Whenever it happens to be surprised on the sur- 
 face of the ground, it disappeai's in an instant ; and every 
 attempt to prevent its subterraneous retreat would be vain. 
 
 The Mole is mostly found in grounds where the soil is 
 loose and soft, and affords the greatest quantity of worms 
 and insects on w^hich it feeds. 
 
 The female brings forth in the spring, and generally 
 produces four or five at a time. The young ai'e quite 
 naked, and continue so till they are gi'own to a consider- 
 able size. — It makes its nest a little below the surface of 
 the ground, forming a commodious apartment, where it 
 prepares a warm bed of moss and herbage ; From this 
 there are several passages in different directions to which 
 it can retreat with its young ones in case of danger ; into 
 these likewise it makes excursions in quest of food. — In 
 the act of forming its tracks or runs, it throws up large 
 heaps of mould, which are extremely injurious in mea- 
 dows, grass lands, and cultivated grounds. Its destruc- 
 tion is consequently an object of importance to fai'mers, 
 gardners, &c. 
 
 The skin of the Mole is extremely tough ; its fur short, 
 close- set, and softer than the finest velvet, or perhaps the 
 fur of any other animal. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 429 
 
 I 
 
 THE RADIATED MOLE, 
 
 (Sorex Cristatiis, Lin.) 
 
 ft Is less than the common Mole, being not quite four 
 |i inches long : Its fur is very close, short, and fine : It is 
 I a native of North-America, feeds on roots, and forms 
 t subten'aneous passages in different directions. 
 
 There is a kind, found in Siberia, with a very short 
 nose, and no tail. It is of a beautiful green and gold co- 
 ilour, variable with the light. 
 
 i There are some other vai'ieties, that differ chiefly in 
 the colour of the hair; such as the Yelloiv Mole of 
 North-America, which is larger than the European. Its 
 I hair is soft, and of a silky gloss. 
 
 i That which is found in Virginia, resembles the com- 
 mon Mole. It is of a black colour, mixed with deep 
 purple. 
 
 I It is said that hats, peculiar fine and beautiful, have 
 i Deen made of the fur of the Mole. 
 
430 
 
 HISTORY OF 5JUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Saragoy, or Molucca Opossum of Mr. Pen- 
 nant, is about the size of a Cat : Its head is long ; nose 
 sharp and pointed : ears large, thin, and naked ; eyes 
 small, black, and lively, having a white spot above each 
 of them ; its fur is soft, long, and of a dusky ash colour ; 
 its belly white ; its tail is similar to that of a Rat, naked 
 
 fDidelphis, Lin. — L' Opossum, Buff.) 
 
 This animal is found in great numbers in various parts 
 of North and South- America, and was supposed by Buf- 
 fon to belong entirely to the new continent. We are 
 now however, assured, that it exists in many of the In- 
 dian Islands. Several varieties of the Opossum kind have 
 been seen also in the newly discovered countries in the 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 431 
 
 and scaly, except a small part near the body, which is 
 covered with hair; its legs are short; and its feet or 
 1 hands not unlike those of a Monkey, having five toes or 
 :i fingers on each ; the thumbs on the hind feet are desti- 
 , tute of nails. But the peculiar and distinguishing cha- 
 : racteristic of the Opossum is a pouch or false belly, in 
 1 which the female deposits her young immediately after 
 ‘ they are brought forth, and nourishes them in it till they 
 : are able to provide for themselves. 
 
 ’ The Chevalier d’Aboville, whilst in America during 
 s the late war, in order to be satisfied respecting the time 
 i of its gestation, manner of bringing forth, and suckling 
 -its young, procured a male and female Opossum, which 
 ‘ he tamed, and kept in his chamber till they copulated, 
 i Ten days after, he observed a considerable alteration in 
 ^the size and form of the pouch ; its aperture being wider 
 I than it was before, and its orifice thicker: From that 
 ftime it gradually grew closer, leaving only a small open- 
 |[ ing in the middle, similar to a naval: On the fifteenth 
 I day he introduced his finger, and found at the bottom of 
 { the bag a small round body, about the size of a pea : The 
 I twenty-fifth day he could feel a motion under his finger, 
 f After the young had been a month in the pouch, they 
 f were plainly to be seen, on opening it a little. At the 
 
 0 end of two months, on examining the pouch, there ap- 
 
 1 peared to be six young ones, all of them attached to the 
 I mother by a canal that entered the mouth, which, if 
 : tvithdrawn, could not be replaced ; but when six weeks 
 
 ' old, the young Opossum could resume it by strong suc- 
 tion, the mouth bein§^ then large enough to receive the 
 • pap, which is about two lines in length, and the size of 
 the second or third string of a violin. 
 
432 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The number of the young varies from five to ten oi 
 eleven. 
 
 The paps are not disposed in regula r order, as in othei 
 animals, but seem as if they were formed in those placet 
 where the embryos attach themselves to the mother. 
 
 The Opossum is a slow, helpless, animal, when on the 
 ground ; but climbs trees with great ease and quickness ; 
 sometimes conceals itself among the branches, and sur. 
 prises the birds that come within its reach. It frequent- 
 ly hangs, suspended by its tail : and, in that situation 
 watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agi I 
 lity. 
 
 By means of this tail, the Opossum flings itself front 
 one tree to another. — It feeds on birds, reptiles, insects, 
 roots, leaves, and the bark of trees. — It is easily tamed 
 is neither mischievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is dis 
 agreeable, and the odour that exhales from its skin rani 
 and disgusting. I 
 
 THE MURIJTE OPOSSUM, 
 
 (Didelphis Murina, Lin . — La Marmose, Buff*.) 
 
 Inhabits the warmest parts of South- America. — It re 
 sembles the former, but is much less. Its food and man 
 ner of living are likewise very similar to it. 
 
 It brings forth from ten to fourteen young at a time 
 but, instead of a bag, the female has two longitudina 
 folds under her belly, Avithin which the young are se 
 cured. When first produced, they are not larger thai 
 beans, and remain closely attached to the teat till thej 
 attain sufficient groAvth and strength to provide for them ! 
 selves. 
 
I 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 433 
 
 Differs little from the preceding either in size or form. 
 It is found in the mountainous parts of New-Spain, liv^es 
 in trees. Its tail is useful in twisting romid the branch^ 
 es, and securing its hold. 
 
 The young at^ch themselves to their mother by their 
 hands and tails ; and, upon the least alarm, embrace her 
 closely ; whilst she carries them to the shelter of some 
 neighbouring tree. 
 
 E e 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 Is somewhat larger than a Rat : Its nose is thick ; ears 
 short and hairy ; its fur is of a reddish oolour, variegated 
 with light ash and yellow ; the under part of the body 
 yellowish- white ; it is distinguished from all those of the 
 Opossum kind we have hitherto mentioned, in having th§ 
 first and second toes of the hind feet closely united ; its 
 claws are large ; tail long, very broad and thick at it^ 
 junction with the body, and naked at the end. ! 
 
 It inhabits the East-Indies. ; 
 
HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 435 
 
 THE SPOTTED OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH- 
 WALES. 
 
 The general colour of this animal is black; the body 
 potted with irregular roundish patches of white ; the 
 ars are large and erect ; muzzle long, pointed, and fur- 
 ished with long slender whiskers ; both fore and hind 
 ;;gs thinly covered with hair of an ash colour ; on the 
 ire feet it has five claws, and on the hind four ; length, 
 om nose to tail, about twenty-five inches ; tail thick 
 ad bushy, like that of a Squirrel, except a part near the 
 lody, which is small, and covered with short hairs. The 
 male has six teats, placed circularly within the pouch. 
 
 THE VULPINE OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH- 
 WALES, 
 
 3 long-nosed and short legged ; from the nose to the in- 
 irtion of the tail, measures two feet two inches; tail fif- 
 i;en inches ; upper part of the body grisly, consisting of 
 
43S HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 dusky, reddish, and white hairs ; the under parts light- 
 tawny ; two-thirds of the tail black ; a blackish space 
 round each eye ; long black whiskers ; five toes on each 
 fore feet, and four on the hind, with a thumb of two 
 joints placed at the base of the inner toe ; the toes of the 
 fore feet are long, and answer the purpose of a hand ; 
 the ears are about an inch and a half in length ; in the 
 upper jaw are six cutting-teeth, four grinders, andtw c 
 canine teeth; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, 
 like those of a Squirrel, and four grinders, but no canins 
 teeth. 
 
 THE FLYING OPOSSUM OF NEW 
 SOUTH-WALES. 
 
 Its nose is pointed ; its ears large and erect ; the 
 more delicate, and of a finer texture than that of ill 
 Sea-Otter, — is of a beautiful dark colour, and very glosgi 
 mixed with gray ; the under parts white ; on each hip j 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 437 
 
 a tan-coloured spot ; the fur is continued to the claws ; 
 the sailing membrane is the same as that of the Gray 
 Squirrel, but broader in proportion ; on the fore legs it 
 has five toes, with a claw on each ; on the hind ones, 
 four toes, and a long thumb, which enables the animal 
 to use it as a hand ; it is remarkable, that the three out- 
 side claws of the hind feet are not sepai'ated like the 
 others. 
 
 'HE OPOSSUM OF VAM DIEMEM’s LAJSTD, 
 
 'Was discovered by Captain Cook in January, 1777; who 
 ! describes it as about twice the size of a large Rat. — It is 
 covered with long soft glossy hair, of a rusty-brown co- 
 lour ; its belly is of a dirty white. 
 
 It inhabits Van Diemen’s Land, the southern point of 
 New- Holland. 
 
 E e 3 
 
438 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 favoured with a drawing of this beautiful ani- 
 a living one in the possession of the re- 
 vered Mr. Egerton, prebendary of Durham, by the in- 
 genious Mr, Carfrae. ' 
 
 It is a native of New South-Wales ; is about eighteen j! 
 Inches long, exclusive of the tail, which is twelve : Its I 
 head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is fur- | 
 nished with long whiskers ; its eyes are full, exceedingly 
 prominent, and of a fiery redness; it has five claws on 
 the fore feet, — three on the hind, and a thumb ; two 
 cutting teeth in each jaw, the upper projecting beyond ^ 
 the under. — Its manners ai'e similar to those of a Squir- 1 
 rel. It sits up, holds its food in its fore paws with great j 
 dexterity, and feeds itself. When irritated, it sits still ' 
 more erect, or throws itself upon its back, making a loud j 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDSo' 439 
 
 and harsh noise. It feeds on vegetables, small birds, 
 
 &c. 
 
 The fur is long, soft, and very close ; of a mixed 
 brown or grayish colour on the back ; the under parts of 
 a yellowish- white. Its tail is prehensile, very broad at 
 the base, tapers to the end, and is naked on the under 
 side.— The female is furnished with a pouch. 
 
 Is a native of New-Holland, where it was first discover- 
 ed by Sir Joseph Banks. Its head is small and taper, 
 
 ears large and erect, upper lip divided, the end of the 
 nose black, nostrils wide, lower jaw shorter than the up- 
 per, and there are whiskers on both ; it likewise has 
 strong hairs above and below the eyes ; its head, neck 
 
 E e 4 
 
440 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 and shoulders, are small; the lower parts of the body in- 
 creasing in thickness to the rump ; its tail is long, very 
 thick near the rump, and taper ; its fore feet are extreme- j 
 ly short, and are mostly used in digging or bringing its 
 food to its mouth ; it moves altogether on its hind legs, 
 making successive bounds of ten or twelve feet, with 
 such rapidity as to outstrip the fleetest Greyhound ; it 
 springs from rock to rock, and leaps over bushes seven 
 or eight feet high, with great ease ; it has five toes on 
 its fore feet, — three on the hind, the middle one very 
 long ; the inner claw is divided down the middle into 
 two parts. 
 
 The Kanguroo rests on its hind legs, which are hard, i 
 black, and naked on the under side. Its fur is short and 
 soft, of a reddish ash colour, lighter on the lower parts. | 
 
 It is the only quadruped our colonists have yet met ’ 
 with in New South- Wales that supplies them with ani- , 
 
 mal food. There are two kinds. The largest that 
 
 had been shot weighed about 1401b. ; and measured, 
 from the point of the nose to the end of the tail, six feet l 
 one inch ; the tail, two feet one inch ; head eight inches ; 
 fore legs, one foot ; hind legs, two feet eight inches ; 
 circumference of the fore part of the body, near the legs, 
 one foot one inch ; and of the hind part, three feet. 
 The smaller kind seldom exceed 601b. 
 
 This animal is furnished with a pouch, similar to that 
 of the Opossum, in which its young are nursed and shel- 
 tered. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 441 
 
 THE KAXGUROO-RAT OF NEW SOUTH-WALES, 
 
 Is about the size of a rabbit, and in shape resembles the 
 Kangaroo, both in respect to the shortness of the fore 
 legs, and the peculiar use and construction of the hind 
 ones ; the form of the head is like that of a Rat, and its 
 body neai'ly of the same colour ; in the upper jaw it has 
 two long cutting teeth, with three short ones on each 
 side of them ; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, 
 and three grinders on each side. 
 
 The female, like most of the animals of that countiy, 
 has a pouch, like the Opossum. 
 
 It feeds on vegetables, bun’ows in the ground, and is 
 very tame and inoffensive. 
 
442 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE RIJTG-TAILED MACAU CO. 
 
 ( Lemur Catta, Lin . — Le Mococo, BuiF.) 
 
 The Ring-tailed Macauco is a very beautiful ani- 
 rna!, about the size of a Cat. Its body and limbs are 
 long and slender ; its tail very long, and marked with 
 alternate bars of blaek and white ; In the conformation 
 of its paws, it seems to approach the Monkey kind ; but 
 its nose is long and sharp, like that of a Fox, and its ears 
 are also large and pointed : Its head and throat are 
 
 white ; eyes large, and surrounded wdth black : Its fur 
 is glossy, soft, and delicate, — of a reddish-ash colour on 
 the back ; belly white. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 443 
 
 It is found in Madagascar and the neighbouring isles, 
 is very playful, but not mischievous. When in mo- 
 
 tion, it makes a sort of galloping progress in an oblique 
 direction, and carries its tail almost erect ; but when sit- 
 ting, it is twisted round the body, and brought over its 
 
 head. Troops of thirty or forty are sometimes seen 
 
 together. 
 
 It is a cleanly animal ; and, when taken young, may 
 be easily tamed. 
 
 The Yellow Macauco has been classed with the 
 Weasel tribe by Mr. Pennant, in his History of Quadru- 
 peds ; and it seems to bear some general resemblance to 
 that species of animals. Its head is flat and broad ; its 
 ears are short, eyes small, body long and slender, legs 
 and thighs short and thick, and it has five straight toes on 
 each foot : Its fur is short, soft, and glossy, of a black 
 
 colour, mixed with yellow, on the back ; the cheeks, in- 
 side of the legs, and belly, yellow ; along the back, from 
 head to tail, there is a broad dusky stripe ; and another 
 on the belly, half way from the tail, which is nearly as 
 long as its body*, of a bright tawny colour, mixed with 
 black, and has the same prehensile faculty as those of 
 some kinds of Monkies. Its length, from nose to tail, 
 is nineteen inches. 
 
 One of this species was sheww in London some years 
 ago, and was said to have been brought from Jamaica, 
 where it is called the Potto. It was good-natured and 
 sportive, would catch hold of any^ thing with its tail, and 
 suspend itself by it. 
 
44 < 4 > 
 
 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE TAIL-LESS MACAUCO, 
 
 (Lemur Tardigradus, Lin.) 
 
 ( Lemur Mongooz, Lin . — Le Mongooz, Buff. 
 
 The Tail-less Macauco is found in Ceylon and I 
 Bengal, lives in Avoods, and feeds on fruits ; is fond of | 
 eggs and small birds, which it devours greedily. 
 
 It is a very inactive animal, and its motions slow ; very 
 tenacious of its hold, and makes a plaintive noise. 
 
 Its head is small, and nose pointed ; each eye is edged 
 with a circle of white, which is also surrounded with 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 445 
 
 another of black ; its body is covered with a short silky 
 fur, of a reddish-ash colour ; the toes naked ; nails flat, 
 except those on the inner toes of the hind feet, which 
 are sharp and crooked. Its length, from the nose to the 
 rump, is sixteen inches. 
 
 The Mongooz is nearly of the same size, as the Ring- 
 tailed Macauco. 
 
 Its fur is fine, soft and w'oolly, of a deep bro'WTiish- 
 ash colour ; the eyes are of a beautiful orange colour, 
 surrounded with black ; the ears are short ; cheeks white ; 
 end of the nose black ; the tail very long, and covered 
 with hair of the same sort and colour as the body ; its 
 hands and feet are naked, and of a dusky colour ; its 
 nails, except one upon the inner toe of each hind foot, 
 are flat. 
 
 It inhabits Madagascar and the isles adjacent, sleeps 
 in trees, is very playful and good-natured, feeds on fruits, 
 is extremely tender, and cannot bear any change to a less 
 temperate climate. 
 
 Is a very slender animal, and differs greatly from the 
 preceding, both in form and manners. 
 
 It is not much lai*ger than a Squirrel, but its limbs are 
 longer ; the hind legs greatly exceed the fore in length ; 
 the thumbs on each foot ai'e more distinct and separate 
 from the toes than those of other Macaucos ; its nose is 
 pointed, like that of a dog ; its forehead high ; eai's 
 round and thin ; its fur is short and delicately soft, of a 
 tawny colour on the back, and whitish below : It has no 
 tail. 
 
446 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.* 
 
 The Loris is a native of Ceylon, very active, lives in 
 trees, and feeds on fruit. Seba says, the male climbs 
 the trees, and tastes the fruit before he presents it to his 
 mate. 
 
 THE BLACK MACAUCO. 
 
 (Lemur Niger y Lin . — Le Vari, Buff.) 
 
 Is larger than the Mongooz. — It is a native of Madagas. 
 car, is very fierce, and makes a loud noise in the woods ; 
 but, when tamed, is gentle and good-natured. — Its eyes 
 are of a deep orange colour. Round its head, the hair 
 is long, and stands out like a ruff. 
 
 The general colour of this animal is black ; but some 
 are white, spotted with black. The feet are black and 
 naked. 
 
 THE TARSIERy 
 
 Is remarkable for the great length of its hind legs, in 
 which it resembles the Jerboa ; has four slender toes and 
 a distinct thumb on each foot : Its visage is pointed ; eyes 
 large and prominent ; ears erect, broad, and naked : Its 
 hair is soft and woolly, of a deep ash colour, mixed with 
 tawny : Its length, from the nose to the rump, is nearly 
 six inches ; the tail is nine inches long, round, scaly, al- 
 most naked, like that of a Rat, and tufted at the end. 
 
 It is found in some of the remote islands of India, 
 especially Amboyna. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 447 
 
 ANIMALS OF THE MOJYKET KIMD. 
 
 We now come to the description of a numerous race 
 of animals, consisting of a greater variety of kinds, and 
 making nearer approaches to the human species, both in 
 form and action, than any other class of quadrupeds. 
 
 Monkies are found only in the warmest parts of the 
 world, and chiefiy in the torrid zone. They abound in 
 the woods of Africa, from Senegal to the Cape of Good 
 Hope, and from thence to Ethiopia ; in all parts of India, 
 and its isles ; in the South of China ; in Japan ; and in 
 South- America, from the Isthmus of Darien as far as Pa- 
 raguay. A species or two are also met with in Arabia 
 and the province of Barbary. 
 
 On account of the numbers and different appearances 
 of these animals, they have been divided into three clas- 
 ses, and described under the following denominations ; 
 viz. -—Apes, or such as have no tail ; Baboons, or such 
 as have short tails ; Monkies, or such as have long tails. 
 
 In the Ape kind, we see the v/hole external machine 
 strongly impressed with the human likeness, and capable 
 of similar exertions : They walk upright, their posteriors 
 are fleshy, their legs are furnished with calves, and their 
 hands and feet are nearly like the human. 
 
 In the Baboon, we perceive a more distant resem- 
 blance of the human form : He generally goes upon all 
 four, seldom upright, but when constrained to it in a 
 state of servitude. — Some of them are as tall as a man 
 — They have short tails, long faces, sunk eyes, ai'e ex- 
 tremely disgusting, lascivious, and possessed of the most 
 brutal fierceness. 
 
448 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The Monkey kind are removed still farther, and are 
 much less than the former. Their tails are generally 
 longer than their bodies ; and, although they sit upon 
 their posteriors, they always move upon all four. — They 
 are a lively, active race of animals, full of frolic and gri- 
 mace, greatly addicted to thieving, and extremely fond of 
 imitating human actions, but always with a mischievous 
 intention. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 449 
 
 THE ORAJT-OUTANG, OR WILD MAM 
 OF THE WOODS, 
 
 (Simla Satyrus, Lin . — Le Pongo, Buff.) 
 
 Is the largest of all the Ape kind, and makes the nearest 
 approach to the human figure. One of this kind, dis- 
 sected by Dr. Tyson, has been very accurately described 
 by him. The principle external differences, pointed out 
 by that leanied physician, consisted in the great length of 
 the ai'ms, and shortness of the thighs; the thumb is also 
 much smaller, and the palm of the hand longer and nar- 
 rower, than in man ; the form of the feet is very dissimi- 
 lar, the toes b'eing much longer, and the large toe placed 
 at a greater distance from the others ; the foi'ehead is 
 
 F f 
 
450 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 higher, the nose flat, and the eyes much sunk : Beside 
 
 these, that anatomist has enumerated a variety of essential > 
 differences in the internal conformation of the Oran-Ou- 
 tang ; all of wliicli sufficiently evince, that, though he | 
 has the strongest affinity to the human form of any other 
 quadruped; yet, as Buffbn elegantly observes, “the in- 
 terval which separates the two species is immense ; the i 
 resemblance in figure and organization, and the move- j 
 ments of imitation which seem to result from these simi- 
 larities, neither make him approach the nature of man, 
 nor elevate him above that of the brute.” 
 
 The Oran-Outang is found in the interior parts of 
 Africa, in Madagascar, Borneo, and some pai'ts of the 
 East-Indies. 
 
 It is a solitary animal, avoids mankind, and lives only 
 in the most desart places. i; 
 
 The largest of the kind are said to be about six feet 
 high, very active, strong,, and intrepid, capable of over- jj 
 coming the strongest man - They are likewise exceeding- i 
 ly swift, and cannot easily be taken alive. — They live en- i 
 tirely on fruits and nuts, will sometimes attack and kill 
 the negroes who w'ander in the woods, and drive away 
 the Elephants that happen to a,pproach too near the place 
 of their residence. It is said that they sometimes sur- 
 prise the female negroes,, and carry them off into the 
 woods, where they compel them to stay with them. 
 
 When taken young, however, the Oran- Outang is ca- 
 pable of being temed, and rendered extremely docile. — 
 One of them, shewn in London some years ago, was | 
 taught to sit at table, make use of a spoon or fork in eat- | 
 ing its victuals, and drink wine or other liquors out of a 
 glass. It was extremely mild, affectionate, and good-na- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 451 
 
 tured ; much attached to its keeper, and obedient to his 
 commands. Its aspect was grave, and its disposition me- 
 
 lancholy. It was young, and only two feet four inches 
 high. Its body was covered with hair of a black colour, 
 which was much thicker and closer on the back than on 
 the fore part of the body ; the hands and soles of the feet 
 i were naked, and of a dusky colour. 
 
 [Simia Sylvaniis, Lin . — Lc Pitlieque, Buff.) 
 
 A variety, found in Guinea, Ethiopia, and other parts 
 of Africa, much smaller than the last, being not more 
 than a foot and a half in length. It is very tractable, 
 good-natured, and easily tamed ; is supposed to have been 
 the Pithecos of the ancients. It lives in woods, and feeds 
 on fruits and insects. — Troops of them assemble together, 
 and defend themselves from the attacks of wild beasts in 
 the desart, by tlwowing a cloud of sand behind them 
 which blinds their pursuers, and facilitates their escape. 
 
 F f 2 
 
 
452 
 
 HISTORY OF i^UADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE LOJSTG-ARMED APE, 
 
 ( Le Grand Gibbon, BufF.) 
 
 Is distinguished by the extraordinary length of its arms, 
 which reach to the ground when its body is upright, and 
 give it a disgusting appearance. Its face is fiat, and of a 
 tawny colour, surrounded with a circle of gray hairs, 
 which adds to the singularity of its aspect ; its eyes are 
 lai'ge and deep sunk ; ears round and naked ; body cover- 
 ed on ail parts with black rough hair, except its buttocks, 
 which are quite naked. 
 
 It is a mild, gentle, and tractal^le animal ; feeds on 
 fruits, leaves, and the bark of trees ; is a native of the 
 East- Indies, Sumatra, and the Molucca isles ; and mea- 
 sures from three to four feet in height. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 45S 
 
 {Simia hiuas, Lin . — Le Magot, Buff.) 
 
 Is wilder and more untractable than the others. His 
 head is large, and his nose prominent : He likewise dif- 
 fers from the last, in having cheek .pouches, which he 
 frequently fills with food before he beings to eat : The 
 canine teeth are large and strong ; ears round, and some- 
 what like those of a man ; the body is covered with hair 
 of a brown colour, inclining to green ; lighter on the 
 belly. When standing erect upon his hind legs, he is 
 generally two feet and a half or three feet high. He 
 walks oftener on four than on two feet ; and, when rest- 
 ing, supports his body on two prominent callosities, situ- 
 ated on his buttocks. 
 
 This is a very common species, and is found in most 
 parts of Africa, from Bai'bary to the Cape of Good 
 Hope. 
 
 F f 3 
 
454 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. . 
 
 THE BABOON, 
 
 { Simia Sphijnx, Lin. ) 
 
 Differs from animals of the Ape kind, not only in ex- 
 ternal appearance, but also in temper and disposition. — s 
 Fierce, untractable, and libidinous, its disposition seems ‘ 
 to partake of the hedious and disgusting deformities of 
 its outward figure. — Its body is thick, compact, and ner- i 
 vous, and its strength prodigious. — Neither ait nor ca- 
 resses can render it in any degree docile or obedient. It 
 seems to be continually fretting with rage, and seeking 
 every opportunity of shewing its savage and vicious pro- 
 pensities. — In a state of captivity, it must be kept closely 
 confined ; and, even in that state, n^e have seen one shake 
 the bars of his cage so powerfully with his hands, as to 
 excite the utmost terror in the spectators. | 
 
 This animal, of which we have given a very faithful i 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 455 
 
 ^ representation from the life, was about four feet high 
 I when standing on its hind legs : Its head was large, 
 I shoulders of an amazing strength and thickness, its muz- 
 i zle long and thick, eyes small and deep sunk, its canine 
 teeth very large and formidable, and it had pouches in 
 ; its cheeks : The hair on its head was long, and formed a 
 ; very elegant toupee from its forehead and each side of its 
 face, which, when angry, it erected; the hair on thebo- 
 : dy was uniformly of a light reddish-brown ; the tail short, 
 and darker at the end ; buttocks red and naked. 
 
 The Baboon inhabits the hottest parts of Africa ; feeds 
 on fruits, roots, and other vegetables. — Numerous troops 
 sometimes make their appearance, plundering gardens 
 and cultivated grounds- They are extremely dexterous 
 in throwing the fruit from one to another, and by this 
 means will do incredible damage in a very short time. 
 
 The female brings forth only one young at a time, 
 which she cai'ries in her arms, and suckles at her breast. 
 
 • — Notwithstanding its libidinous disposition, it will not 
 ; breed in temperate climates. 
 
 F f 4 
 
45 ® 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE RIBBED-MOSE BABOON, 
 
 (Simla Maimoiiy Lin . — ILe Mandrill^ BufF.) i 
 
 This singular creature is no less remarkable for its 
 great size and strength, than for the variety of beautiful | 
 colours on different parts of its body. Its nose is marked j 
 with broad ribs on each side, of a fine violet-blue colour : ! 
 
 A vermilion line begins a little above the eyes ; and, run- 
 ning down on each side of the nose, which is somewhat 
 similar to that of a Hog, spreads over the tip of it : The 
 insides of the ears are blue, which gradually softens to a 
 purple, and terminates in vermilion ; the rump is also of 
 sa, vermilion colour ; and the beautiful colours on the hips 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 457 
 
 (< are gradations from red to blue ; the hair on ..the fore- 
 i head is long, turns back, and forms a kind of pointed 
 
 i crest ; its beard is dark at the roots, orange at the mid- 
 dle, and yellow at the end ; the back and legs are cover- 
 ed with short hair, of a dark-brown colour, mixed with 
 yellow, — the breast and belly with long whitish hair, 
 speckled with small dark spots ; its tail short and hairy, 
 nails flat, feet and hands black and naked. 
 
 One of this kind was exhibited about twelve years ago 
 in the North of England. It M'as five feet high, ex- 
 tremely fierce, libidinous, and strong. At the sight of 
 women, it discovered marks of the most violent passion : 
 It once caught hold of a lady, who was so incautious as 
 to approach too near it ; and she was with some difficulty 
 rescued by the interference of the keeper. Its voice was 
 strong and harsh, not unlike the ordinary growl of the 
 Lion. It generally went upon its four feet, unless obli- 
 ged by its keeper to stand erect. Its most usual atti- 
 tude was sitting on its rump, with its arms placed before 
 it. 
 
 This creature inhabits the hottest parts of Africa. — 
 Schreber says, it lives on succulent fruits and nuts, is 
 fond of eggs, will put eight at once into its pouches, 
 then take them out one by one, break them at the end., 
 and swallow the contents. 
 
 Our representation of this animal was done from a 
 di'aAving in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Egerton, taken 
 from the life by an eminent painter. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 45 S 
 
 THE SMALL RIBBED-MOSE BABOON'. 
 
 The annexed cut was done from the living animal, in i 
 the possession of Mr. Rayne, surgeon, in Newcastle. ’ 
 
 It is about fifteen inches in height ; its face flat, of a | 
 fine blue colour ; eyes bright hazel ; the cheeks marked i 
 with small ribs, bounded with thick bushy hair, of a ] 
 greenish colour, finely speckled with black ; the hair on j 
 the forehead is very long, and runs up to a point on the i 
 top of the shoulders ; the muzzle is thick, and furnished I 
 with short hair, thinly scattered on each side ; it has a > 
 short thin beard, ending in a point, which is of an orange ; 
 colour ; the hair on the body is dark brown, mixed with i 
 shades of green on the back and sides, — the haunches 
 dusky ; the ears are small, naked, and pointed ; the tail ; 
 short and hairy ; the buttocks bare, and of a red flesh- co- 
 lour ; hands and feet naked : It has cheek pouches ; feeds 
 on fruits, nuts, roots, and other vegetables. It is lively 
 and playful, walks commonly on all four, is in continual 
 
 motion, and leaps with astonishing agility. This spe- j 
 
 cies is said to come from the coast of Guinea. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 459 
 
 THE PIG-TAILED BABOOJf, 
 
 (Simla Nemestrina, Lin . — Le Maimon^BwK.) 
 
 So termed from its short, naked, pig-like tail, is the least 
 of all the Baboon kind ; a gentle, mild, and tractable 
 animal ; very lively and frolicsome, but has none of that 
 impudent petulance so peculiar to most of its species. — 
 Its muzzle is large and thick ; face and ears naked, and 
 of a flesh colour ; the hair on the head and back is of a 
 deep olive, palest on the belly ; it has hazel eyes, cheek 
 pouches, callosities on the buttocks, which are naked, 
 
 and of a red colour. It is a native of Sumatra and 
 
 Japan. 
 
 One of this kind was shewn in the North in 1788, 
 from which this drawing was made. 
 
 It is a curious circumstance, that not only this, but 
 every animal of the Baboon and Monkey kind we have 
 yet seen, have shewn a remarkable greediness for tobac- 
 
4C0 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 
 
 €0, mustard, and even sniifF, which they eat without £X- 
 pressing the smallest inconvenience, and always seem 
 extremely desirous of more. 
 
 THE DOG-FACED BABOOM, 
 
 j 
 
 (Simia Hamadryas, Lin. 
 
 ) 
 
 J 
 
 Is distinguished by a longer tail than the rest of its kind : 
 In this respect, it seems to bear some affinity to the Mon- 
 key, and has been mentioned under that denomination 
 by several naturalists. 
 
 We may observe here, that, in tracing the progress of 
 animated Nature, we are led, by the most imperceptible 
 gradations, from one kind to another : The line of sepa- 
 ration seems so faintly drawn, that We are frequently at 
 a loss how' to fix the boundaries of one class, without en- 
 eroaching upon those of another ; and, notwithstanding 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 46 1 
 
 the regularity and order which every where prevail a- 
 mong the numerous families that inhabit the earth, the 
 best and most approved systems of arrangement fall infi- 
 nitely short of precision : They serve, indeed, to direct 
 us to the general characters which form the distinguish- 
 ing features of each genus, but are very inadequate to 
 discriminate the intermingled shades and nice touches by 
 which all ai'e diversified. 
 
 The drawing of this animal was taken from one shcv/n 
 in London under the name of the Persian Savage. — ‘ 
 Its head was large ; muzzle long and thick ; eyes small; 
 face naked, and of an olive colour ; the hair on its forc- 
 Iiead separated in the middle, and hung down on each 
 side of the face, from thence dowm its back as far as its 
 waist ; it was long and shaggy, of a blueish-gray colour, 
 freckled with dark spots ; the hair on the lower part of 
 the body short ; its buttocks bare and red. 
 
 That described by Mr. Pennant, which seems to agree 
 with this, is represented as very fierce and untractable. 
 
 It inhabits the hottest pai'ts of Africa and Asia, lives in 
 troops, and commits great depredations in gardens and 
 cultivated grounds ; is above five feet high, exceedingly 
 strong, vicious, and impudent. 
 
 THE URSINE BABOON, 
 
 Is not unlike the last, but rather less. Its nose is long ; 
 head large ; ears short ; forhead high and prominent, 
 terminating in a ridge ; the body thick and strong, co- 
 vered with long dusky hair, which gives it the appear- 
 ance of a young Bear ; its tail is half the length of the 
 body, buttocks red. 
 
4(52 history of quadrupeds. 
 
 This animal is very numerous about the Cape of Good 
 Hope. — Troops of them assemble together, and make ex- 
 peditions for the sake of plunder, in which they observe 
 the utmost precaution. To prevent surprise, they place 
 a centinel, Avhich upon sight of man, gives a loud yell ; 
 when the whole troop retreats with the greatest precipi- 
 tation. It is highly entertaining to see the females cai'- 
 rying off their young ones clinging to the backs ; whilst 
 their pouches are crammed so full of fruit, that they 
 seem ready to burst. They sometimes form a line, and 
 throw the fruit from one to another, in order to carry it 
 off the more expeditiously. 
 
 THE WANDEROU, 
 
 Is a native of Ceylon and the East-Indies. — Its head is 
 thick and long, and surrounded with a large quantity of 
 white hair, Avhich falls down below the chin, forming a 
 rough, shaggy beard ; the rest of the body is covered 
 
 with a dark -brown coat, almost black. Like all ani- ij! 
 
 Trials of this kind, it is wild and vicious; but when j 
 taken young, may easily be tamed ; and appears to be i 
 more susceptible of education than other Baboons. * 
 
 There are several varieties of this species. — The bodies j 
 of some are black with white beards ; in others, the bo- | 
 dy is whitish, and the beard black ; Some are found en- | 
 tirely white ; but this species is extremely rare, and is v 
 said to be stronger and more mischievous than the others. | 
 
 These bearded Baboons are much esteemed for the 
 gravity of their appearance ; and are used by the Indians ; 
 in their ceremonies and shows, in which they are said to |j 
 acquit themselves to the admiration of the spectators. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 463 
 
 THE HARE-LIPPED MONKET. 
 
 (Simia Cynoynolgus, Lin . — Le Macaque, Buff.) 
 
 W E have placed this animal next to the Baboons, be- 
 cause it makes the nearest approach to them in the fomi 
 of its body, which is short and thick ; Its head and muz- 
 zle are large ; its visage ugly, naked, and wrinkled ; and 
 its nostrils divided, like those of a Hare : Its tail, hov'- 
 ever, is long, like that of a Monkey : The colour of the 
 hair on the upper part of the body is a greenish-ashy 
 lighter on the breast and belly. 
 
 There are several varieties, which differ both in size 
 and colour. 
 
 This animal is found in Guiana, Congo, and some of 
 the southern parts of Africa. — They go in troops, and do 
 infinite mischief to plantations of millet, which they car- 
 ry off under their arms and in their mouths. They ai'c 
 extremely nice and delicate in their choice; and, by pul- 
 ling up what does not please them,, do more damage tliaii 
 by what they really eat. 
 
 THE PATAS, OR RED MONKET, 
 
 t 
 
 Is nearly of the same size with the last, and inhabits the 
 same country ; its body is, however, rather longer, its 
 face less hideous, and its hair more beautiful. It is re- 
 markable for the brilliancy of its coat, which is of so 
 bright a red, as to have the appearance of being painted. 
 
 There are two varieties of this kind ; The one is dis- 
 tinguished by a black line above the eyes, extending from 
 
4(54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 ear to eiu' ; in the other, the line is white. Both have 
 long hair under the chin, and round the cheeks ; which 
 in the first is yellow, and in the second white : The nose 
 is black ; the under part of the body of an ash colour, 
 tinged Avith yellow. 
 
 These Monkies are ver)^ numerous on the banks of the 
 river Senegal. They are so curious, as sometimes to de- 
 scend from the tops of trees to the extremities of the 
 branches, while boats are passing, and seem to observe I 
 them with great attention. If not disturbed, their fami- | 
 liarity becomes troublesome : They break olF branches, 
 throw them at the passengers, and frequently with so sure j 
 an aim, as to annoy them not a little ; but, upon being 
 shot at, they set up most hideous cries, endeavour to re- | 
 venge themselves by collecting more offensive materials, || 
 such as stones, dirt, See. which they throw at the enemy, jj 
 and soon retire. ' 
 
 Travellers relate that, in Guinea, Monkies are fre- i 
 quently seen together in troops of forty or fifty, plun- 1 
 clering gardens and fields of corn with great boldness. | 
 One of them stands on a tree, listens, and looks about 
 on all sides, while the rest are busy. Upon the least ap- 
 pearance of interruption, he sets up a loud cry to alarm ' 
 the party ; when they immediately fly off with the booty 
 they har e collected, leaping from tree to tree with prodi- | 
 gious agility. I 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 465 
 
 THE CHINESE BONNET MONKET, 
 
 Appears to be only a vai'iety of the Malbrouck : The 
 principal difference consists in its having the hair on its 
 head disposed in the form of a flat bonnet, from which 
 its name has been derived. It inhabits the same country, 
 and lives in the same manner. 
 
 When fruits and succulent plants fail, these ani- 
 mals are said to eat insects, and sometimes watch by the 
 sea-side for crabs and other shell-fish, which they ai'e ve- 
 ry dexterous in catching. 
 
 They are never thoroughly tamed, and cannot be trust- 
 ed without a chain. — They do not breed when in a state 
 of confinement, even in their own country ; but require 
 to be at perfect freedom in their native woods. 
 
 THE MANGABET, 
 
 (Simia ^thiops, Lin.) 
 
 Is distinguished from all other Monkies by a ver}^ remark- 
 able character. Its eye-lids are naked, of a pure white 
 colour ; and round each eye there is a prominent ring : 
 The hair on the head and body is of a yellowish-brown 
 colour ; that on the belly white. Some of them have a 
 broad collar of white hair surrounding their neck and 
 face. 
 
4S6 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 (Simla Sabcea^ Lin . — Le Callitrkhei Buff.) «. 
 
 So called from its beautiful hair, which, on the upper 
 part of the body and tail, is of a fine green colour ; the 
 throat, belly, and under side of the limbs are of a silvery 
 whiteness : The tail is eighteen inches long, length of 
 the body thirteen, height eight and a half. 
 
 It is common in the Cape de Verd islands and the 
 East- Indies, and is also found in Mauritania, and in the 
 territories of ancient Carthage. Hence it is probable, 
 says M. Buffon, that it was known to the Greeks and 
 Romans, and that it was one of those long-tailed Mon- 
 kies to which they gave the general name of Callitrix. 
 
 It seems to be the same kind as that mentioned by 
 Adanson ; Avho relates that the woods of Podor, along 
 the river Niger, are full of Green Apes, which, from 
 their colour, are scarcely discernible among the branches 
 of the trees where they live. 
 
 The animal from which the above was taken was a 
 female in the possession of William Hargrave, Esq. of 
 Shawdon. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS* 
 
 467 
 
 THE MUSTACHE, 
 
 (Simia Cephus, Lin . — Le Moustac, BufF.) 
 
 Is a beautiful little animal, having a tuft of yellow hair 
 on each cheek, and another on the top of the head, 
 which is long and upright ; Its face is of a bluish colour, 
 body of a greenish ash, breast and belly lighter. Its 
 length is only one foot ; that of the tail eighteen inches* 
 — It is a native of Guinea. 
 
 THE TALAPOIN, 
 
 Is a native of the East-Indies, where it is suflFered to mul- 
 tiply without molestation, owing to the religious supersti- 
 tion of the Bramins, which forbids them to take the life 
 of any kind of animal whatever. They are so tame and 
 familiar, that numbers of them frequently come into 
 their towns, enter the houses and if not prevented, help 
 themselves to whatever they meet with that is agreeable 
 to them ; such as fruits, sweetmeats, &c. 
 
 The Talapoin is about twelve inches long : Its head is 
 round ; ears black and shaped like the human ; eyes of 
 a bright hazel colour, with black pupils ; the hair on the 
 back, upper part of the body, and limbs, of a dusky yel- 
 low, tinged with green ; the belly lighter ; its tail \ ery 
 long, slender, and of an olive colour. 
 
468 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 Is best known of all the Monkey tribe, being more fre- 
 quently brought into Europe than any other. It is a 
 
 native of Barbary and other northern parts of Africa, 
 Arabia, and Persia; where it is called the Mona, from 
 which our general term is derived. 
 
 Its nose is short and thick ; its face of a dark lead co- 
 lour ; the beard on each side long, and of a greenish-yel- 
 low ; the top of the head is bright yellow, freckled with 
 black ; back and sides deep brown, with black freckles ; 
 legs, feet, and tail black ; inside of the thighs of a pale 
 blue colour, thinly covered with whitish hairs ; and on 
 each side of the rump, close by the tail, is a large white 
 spot. 
 
 The drawing and description were taken from the liv- 
 ing animal, in the possession of Robert Hediey, Esq. of 
 Newcastle. It was remarkable gentle, tame, and fami- 
 liar ; and seemed to have some attachment to those with 
 whom it was acquainted. Its length was eighteen inch- 
 es ; tail about two feet. It was fed with bread, roasted 
 meat, and fruit of all kinds, of which it was particularly 
 fond. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4^9 
 
 All the Baboons and Monkies we have yet described, 
 ai’e furnished with cheek-pouches, capable of containing 
 food sufficient to supply them for a day or two ; They 
 also serve as receptacles for whatever they obtain more 
 than supplies their present wants. But we have thought 
 it unnecessary to repeat this circumstance in the account 
 of every animal of those kinds. 
 
 THE DOUC, 
 
 Dippers from other Monkies, in having no callosities on 
 its buttocks, Avhich are entirely covered Avith hair ; it is 
 also much larger, being nearly four feet high Aiffien erect. 
 Its face is short and rather flat, furnished on each. side 
 AAoth long hairs of a pale yelloAv colour ; its body is 
 beautifully vai'iegated Avith differently coloured hair ; 
 round the neck there is a collar of a bluish-purple co- 
 lour ; the top of the head and body are gray ; breast and 
 belly yellow ; arms Avhite beloAv, and black above ; tail 
 Avhite ; feet black ; face and eai^s red : lips black ; and 
 
 round each eye there is a black ring. It is found in 
 
 Cochin-China, and in the island of Madagascar; Avhere 
 it is called the Sipac. 
 
 M. Buffbn places the Douc in the last class of those 
 animals of the Monkey kind that belong to the old conti- 
 nent, and describes it as forming a shade betAveen them 
 and the Monkies of America, AA’hich he distinguishes by 
 the generic names ofSAPAjous and Sagoins. — They 
 both of them differ from Monkies, in having neither 
 cheek-pouches nor callosities on their buttocks ; and they 
 iRre distinguished from each other by characters peculiar 
 
 Gg 3 
 
470 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 to each. The Sapajou is furnished with a prehensile tail, 
 the under part of which is generally covered with a 
 smooth naked skin : the animal can coil it up or extend 
 it at pleasure, suspend itself by its extremity on the 
 branches of trees ; or use it as a hand to lay hold of any 
 thing it wants. The tails of all the Sagoins, on the con- 
 trary, are longer than those of the Sapajous, straight, 
 flaccid, and entirely covered with hair. — This difference 
 alone is sufficient to distinguish a Sapajou from a Sagoin. 
 
 We now proceed to the history and description of the 
 most remarkable of this numerous race. 
 
 THE PREACHER, 
 
 (Simia Beelzebub, Lin. — L'Ouarhe, Buff.) 
 
 Is thelai'gest of all the American Monkies, being aboud 
 the size of a large Fox. Its body is covered with lone 
 smooth hair, of a shining black colour, forming a kind oj 
 ruff round the animal’s neck ; Its tail is long, and alwayi 
 twisted at the end. 
 
 Great numbers of these Monkies inhabit the woods oi 
 Brazil and Guinea ; and, from the noise they make, ari 
 Hoivlivg Monkies. Several of them assemble toge 
 ther ; and, placing themselves in a kind of regular order! 
 one of them begins first with a loud tone, which may bj 
 heard to a great distance ; the rest soon join in a genetiai 
 chorus, the most dissonant and tremendous that can hi 
 conceived ; On a sudden they all stop except the first 
 who finishes singly ; and the assembly breaks up. j 
 
 These Monkies are said to be very fierce, and so wilt 
 and mischevious, that they can neither be conquered no 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 47I 
 
 tamed. — They feed on fruits, grain, herbs, and some- 
 times insects; live in trees, and leap from bough to 
 bough with wonderful agility, catching hold with their 
 hands and tails as they throw themselves from one 
 branch to another, and maintain themselves so firmly, 
 that, even when shot, they remain fixed to the trees 
 where they die. ^ 
 
 The flesh of the Preacher is good ; and is not only 
 eaten by the natives, but also by Europeans who frequent 
 those parts. 
 
 THE COAITA, 
 
 Is somewhat less than the Preacher. Its face is naked 
 and red ; ears short ; its body and limbs are long and 
 slender ; hair black and rough ; tail long, and naked on 
 the under side. 
 
 This animal is found in the neighbourhood of Car- 
 thagena, in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. — Great numbers 
 associate together. They seldom appear on the ground, 
 But live mostly in trees, and feed on fruits : When these 
 ai*e not to be had, they are said to eat fishes, worms, and 
 insects ; are extremely dexterous in catching their prey, 
 and make great use of their tails in seizing it. 
 
 The Coaitas are very lively and active. — In passing 
 from one tree to another, they sometimes form a chain, 
 linked to each other by their tails ; and swing in that 
 manner till the lowest catches hold of a branch, and 
 draws up the rest. — When fruits are ripe, they are ge- 
 nerally fat : and their flesh is then said to be excellent. 
 
 There are many varieties of the Coaita, ^vhich differ 
 
 G 4 
 
472 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, others brown, [ 
 and some have white hair on the under parts of the body. ' 
 — They are ealled Spider Monkies by Edwards, on ac- 
 count of the length and slenderness of their legs and tails. 
 
 M. Buffon supposes the Exq^uima to be another va- 
 riety of this species. It is nearly of the same size s but 
 its colour is variegated. The hair on its back is black 
 and yellow ; its throat and belly white. — Its manner of 
 living is the same with that of the Coaita ; and it inha- 
 bits the same countries. — Both kinds are remarkable in 
 having only four fingers on each hand, being quite desti- 
 tute of the thumb. 
 
 THE SAJOU, OR CAPUCIN, 
 
 (Simia Capucina, Lin . — Le Sai, Buff.) 
 
 There are two varieties of this species, — the Brown 
 and the Gray ; which, in other respeets, are perfectly 
 similar. Their faces are of a flesh colour, thinly covered 
 with down ; tails long, full of hair on the upper side, : 
 naked below, and prehensile ; hands black and naked ; | 
 length of the body about twelve inehes. I 
 
 These animals inhabit Guiana, are extremely lively ij 
 and agile, and their constitution seems better adapted to \ 
 the temperate elimates of Europe than most of the Sapa- j 
 jou kind. M. Buffon mentions a few instances of their |t 
 having produced in France. 
 
 The Sajou are very capricious in their attachments, 
 being fond of particular persons, and discovering the 
 greatest aversion to others. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 473 
 
 THE WEEPER, 
 
 (Simia Ajiella, Lin.) 
 
 Inhabits Brazil ; is ver\' mild, docile, and timid; of a 
 grave and serious aspect ; has an appearance of weeping ; 
 and, when irritated, makes a plaintive noise. — It is about 
 fourteen inches long ; the tail longer than the body ; hair 
 on the back and sides of a deep brown colour, mixed 
 with red on the longer parts. — There is a i^ariety Avitli 
 white hair on the throat and breast. 
 
 Great numbers of these creatures assemble together, 
 particularly in stormy weather ; and make a great chat- 
 tering. — They live much in trees, which bear a podded 
 fruit as large as beans, on which they principally feed. 
 
 THE ORANGE MONKET, 
 
 (Simia Sciiirea, Lin. — Le Saimiri, Buff.) 
 
 Is a most beautiful animal; but so extremely delicate, 
 that it cannot well bear to be brought from its own cli- 
 mate to one less wann and temperate. 
 
 It is about the size of a Squirrel : Its head is round ; 
 eyes remarkably lively and brilliant ; ears large ; hair on 
 the body short and fine, of a shining gold colour ; feet 
 orange ; its tail is very long : Its prehensile faculty is 
 much Aveaker than the rest of the Sapajous ; and, on that 
 account, it may be said to form a shade between them 
 and the Sagoins, which have long tails, entirely covered 
 with hair, but of no use in suspending their bodies from 
 the branches of trees. 
 
474 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 TFIE FOX-TAILED MONKEY. 
 
 { Simla Pithecia, Lin. — Le Saki, BufF.) 
 
 The tail of this animal, like that of the Fox, is cover- 
 ed with long bushy hair. Its body is about seventeen 
 inches in length ; hair long, of a dark-brown colour on 
 the back, lighter on the under side ; its face is tawny, 
 and covered Avith a fine short whitish down ; the fore- 
 head and sides of the face are white ; its hands and feet 
 are black, with claws instead of nails. 
 
 The Saki is a native of Guiana, where it is called the 
 Saccawinkee. 
 
 THE GREAT EARED MONKEY, 
 
 (Simia Midas, Lin. — Le Tamarin, Buff.) 
 
 Is about the size of a Squirrel : Its face is naked, of a 
 swai'thy flesh colour ; its upper lip somewhat divided ; its 
 eai's are very large and erect ; its hair is soft, shaggy, 
 and of a black colour; hands and feet covered Avith 
 orange-coloured hair, very fine and smooth; its nails 
 long and crooked ; tail black, and tAvice the length of its 
 body . 
 
 It inhabits the hotter parts of South- America ; is a 
 liAcly, pleasant animal ; easily tamed ; but so delicate, 
 that it cannot beai' a removal to a less temperate climate. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 475 
 
 THE STRIATED MOMKEY. 
 
 (Simia lacchiis, Lin. — LOidstiti, Buft'.) 
 
 Is still smaller than the Great-eared Monkey, its head 
 and body not exceeding tweh^e inches in length : Its tail 
 is long, bushy, and, like that of the Macauco, marked 
 with alternate rings of black and ash colour ; its face is 
 naked, of a swarthy flesh colour ; eai^s large and like the 
 human ; body beautifully marked with dusky, fash-co- 
 loured, and reddish bars ; its nails ai-e sharp ; and its 
 fingers like those of a Squirrel. 
 
 It inhabits Brazil; feeds on fruits, vegetables, insectSj 
 and snails, and is fond of fish. 
 
 Mr. EdAvards gives a description of one of these ani- 
 mals, accompanied with an excellent figure. — He says, 
 that, one day being at liberty, it darted upon a small 
 gold-fish that w'as in a bason, which it killed and devour- 
 ed with avidity ; and that afterwai'ds small eels AAcre 
 given to it, of AA^hich it seemed at first afraid, from tlieir 
 
47^ mSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 twisting themselves round its neck ; but that it soon over- 
 came and eat them. — He likewise says that it produced 
 young ones in Portugal, which at first were extremely 
 ugly having hardly any hair on their bodies. They ad- 
 hered closely to the teats of the mother ; and, when 
 grown a little larger, fixed themselves upon her back, 
 from whence she could not easily disengage them, with- 
 out rubbing them o3' against a wall : Upon these occa- 
 sions, the male always allowed them to mount upon his 
 back to reliet'e the female. 
 
 THE SILKY MONKEY, 
 
 {Simia Rosalia, Lin . — Le Marikina, Bulf.) 
 
 Is by some called the Lion-Ape, from the quantity of 
 hair n hich surrounds its face, falling backwards like a 
 mane ; its tail is also somewhat bushy at the end : Its 
 face is flat, and of a dull purple colour ; its hair long, 
 bright, and silky ; it is of a pale yellow colour on the 
 body ; the hair round the face of a bright bay, inclining 
 to red , its hands and feet are without hair, and of the 
 same colour as the face , its body is ten inches long, tail 
 thirteen. 
 
 This creature is a native of Guiana, is very gentle and 
 lively, and seems to be more hardy than the other Sa- 
 goins. — Buaon says, that one of them lived at Paris seve- 
 ral years, Avith no other precaution than keeping it in a 
 warm roo'm during winter. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPED£. 
 
 477 
 
 THE RED-TAILED MQMKET, 
 
 ( Simla Oedipus, Lin . — Lc Pinche, BulF. ) 
 
 Is somewhat larger than the Striated Monkey. — It is re- 
 markable in having a great quantity of smooth white hair, 
 which falls down from the top of the head on each side, 
 forming a curious contrast with its face, which is black, 
 thinly covered with a fine gray down : Its eyes are black 
 and lively ; throat black ; hair on the back and shoulders 
 of a light reddish-brown colour ; breast, belly, and legs, 
 white ; the tail is long, of a red colour from the rump to 
 the middle ; from thence to the end it is black. 
 
 It inhabits the Avoods on the banks of the river A- 
 mazon ; is a lively, beautiful little animal ; has a soft 
 AA'histling voice, resembling more the chirping of a bird 
 than the cry of a quadruped. — It frequently walks Avith 
 its long tail OA'er its back. 
 
478 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.' 
 
 THE MICO, OR FAIR MOJTKEY, 
 
 Is the last that we shall describe of this numerous race, 
 and is the most beautiful of them all. — Its head is small 
 and round ; face and eai’s of so lively a vex'milion colour, 
 as to appear the elFect of art ; its body is covered with 
 long hair, of a bright silvery whiteness, and uncommon 
 elegance ; tail long, end of a shining dark chestnut colour. 
 
 It frequents the banks of the river Amazon, where 
 it was discovered by M. Condamine, who preserved one 
 alive till almost within sight of the French coast ; but it 
 died before his arrival. 
 
 We have now laid before our readers a few of the 
 most noted varieties of this numerous race ; Many others 
 might likewise be added to sv/ell the account ; but of 
 tliese, little more is known than their names and places 
 of liabitation. There ai'e, probably, still more, which 
 neither the assiduity of the naturalist, nor the curiosity of 
 the tra^•eiler, have been able to draw from their native 
 woods. Indeed, there is great room to conjecture, that 
 the valuations of the Monkey kind are somewhat like 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 479 
 
 those of the Dog, continually encreasing ; for it is very 
 obvious, that among the smaller kind of Monkies, the 
 characteristic differences do not appeal' to be great, how- 
 ever they may vary in size or in colour ; and it is certain, 
 that the modes of living, faculties, and propensities of 
 these animals, are strikingly similar : So that, if we rea- 
 son from analogy on that subject, we may fairly con- 
 clude, that different kinds of Monkies may unite and 
 propagate with the same facility as the Goat and the 
 sheep, or the almost innumerable kinds of Dogs. 
 
 The greater part of the cuts we have given of the Ba- 
 boons, Apes, and Monkies, we were fortunate in pro- 
 curing from living objects, or drawings which might be 
 depended on : And it is to be lamented, that, amongst 
 the numbers that have been published, so few should pos- 
 sess that peculiar character so observable in the various 
 members of this imitative tribe, which is wholly im- 
 possible to trace from a stuffed skin, void of every kind of 
 expression ; the muscular parts, which should convey the 
 idea of action, being generally ill supplied, or entirely 
 wanting. 
 
 f 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 4-80 
 
 THE PORCUPINE.. 
 
 (Ihslrix Cristata, Lin . — Lc Porc-tpic^ BufF.) 
 
 This animal, so formidable in its appearance, would 
 be much more truly so, if it possessed the power, erro- 
 neously ascribed to it, of darting its quills at its enemies, 
 and wounding them at a distance. 
 
 Though denied the privilege of making offensive war, 
 it is sufficiently armed to resist the attacks of animals 
 much more powerful than itself. — Upon the smallest irri- 
 tation, it raises its quills, and shakes them with great vio- 
 lence, directing them to that quarter from whence it is 
 in danger of being attacked, and striking at the object of 
 its resentment with its quills at the same time. We have 
 observed, on an occasion of this sort, at a time when 
 the animal was moulting or casting its quills, that they 
 xvould fly out, to the distance of a few yards, with such 
 force, as to bend the points of them against the board 
 were they struck : and it is not improbable, that a cir- 
 cumstance of this kind may have given rise to an opinion 
 of its pow'er to use them in a more effectual manner. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 48I 
 
 ' The largest of the quills are from ten to fifteen inches 
 in length, thick in the middle, and extremely shai-p at 
 the end ; Between the quills the hair is thin, black, and 
 p bristly : The tail is covered with white quills, which are 
 ji short and transparent ; Its legs are short ; it has four 
 j toes before, and five behind. 
 
 The Porcupine is found in India, Persia, and Pales- 
 L tine : It is likewise common in all parts of Africa. — The 
 I Indians hunt it for its quills, of which they malce a kind 
 ! of embroidery : They also eat its fiesh. 
 
 There are Porcupines in a wild state in Spain and 
 Italy, though they ai'e not originally natives of anypait 
 i of Europe. Their flesh is sometimes exposed in the mar- 
 kets at Rome, where it is eaten, 
 i The Italian Porcupines have shorter quills and a short- 
 er crest than those of Asia or Africa. 
 
 The Porcupine is an inofiensive animal ; lives on 
 fruits, roots, and vegetables ; sleeps during the day, and 
 i feeds by night. 
 
 i The female goes with young seven months, and brings 
 
 i forth one at a time. The di'awing of this animal was 
 
 ' made from the life. 
 
 H Ii 
 
4^2 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS., 
 
 THE BRAZILIAN PORCUPIJTE,. 
 
 f Ilistrix Prehensilis, Lin. ) 
 
 Differs so greatly from the last, that it can scarcely be 
 said to bear any relation to it, except in its being cover- 
 ed noth spines about three inches in length : They are 
 ivhite, very sharp, and have a bar of black near the 
 points. The breast, belly, and lower part of the legs, 
 are covered with strong bristly hairs of a brown colour, 
 Its tail is long and slender, and almost naked at the end : 
 The animal uses it in descending trees, by twisting it 
 round the branches. 
 
 It inhabits Mexico and Brazil, lives in woods, and 
 feeds on fruits and small birds. It preys by night, and 
 sleeps in the day. It makes a noise like the grunting of 
 a Swine, and grows very fat. — Its flesh is white, and 
 esteemed good to eat. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 483 
 
 (Histrix Dorsata, Lin. — UUrson, Buff.) 
 
 It is found in Canada, and various parts of North- 
 America as high as Hudson’s Bay. 
 
 Its ears are short, and hid in the hair ■ its head, body, 
 and upper part of its tail, ai'e covered with long soft 
 hair, in which are interspersed a number of strong sharp 
 spines ; its tail is shorter than that of the preceeding spe- 
 cies, and it uses it in the same manner in descending 
 trees, frequently suspending itself from the branches. 
 
 Many of the trading Indians, during their long excur- 
 sions, depend on this creature for a supply of food, and 
 esteem it both wholesome and pleasant : They also make 
 use of the quills to trim the edges of their deer-skin ha- 
 bits, so as to look like fringe ; and stick them in their 
 noses and eai's to make holes for their rings. 
 
 Hh2 
 
484T 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE HEDGE-HOG OR URCHIN. 
 
 (Erlnaceus Europeus, Lin . — Lc Hcrisson, BufF.) 
 
 I'nis animaly destitute of every other means of defenccj 
 is provided by Nature with a spinous arniour, which se- 
 cures it from the attacks of all the smaller beasts of prey ; 
 such as Weasels, Mai'tins, Polecats, Sec. --When alarmed, 
 it immediately collects itself into the form of a ball, and 
 presents on all sides a surface covered with sharp points, 
 which few animals ai'e hardy enough to engage. The 
 more it is haras'sed, the closer it rolls itself ; till its fears 
 become an additional means of safety, by causing it to 
 void its urine, which, running over its whole body, fre- 
 quently obliges its enemy to desist, disgusted by the smell. 
 
 There lue few Dogs that w ill venture to attack the 
 Hedge-hog, except such as are trained to the sport, 
 merely to gratify the cruel pleasure of seeing a hamiless 
 animal endure wntli astonishing patience, the most w^an- 
 ton outrages ; ’whilst, the Dogs, becoming more enraged 
 at the wounds they receive from its prickles, at last 
 oblige it to unfold itself, and it then soon falls a victim 
 to tlieir furv. -This little animal has been so far do- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 485 
 
 mesticated, as to learn to turn a spit by means of a small 
 wheel in which it was placed ; it likewise answered to 
 its name. 
 
 The Hedge-hog generally resides in small thickets and 
 hedges ; lives on fruits, worms, beetles, and all kinds of 
 insects ; conceals itself in the day, and feeds during the 
 night. — It is easily taken, for it neither flies nor attempts 
 to defend itself ; but, when touched, shrinks into its cir- 
 cularform, which it will not easily quit, unless thrown 
 into water. 
 
 The Hedge-hog, in the w'inter, wraps itself up in a 
 warm nest, made of moss, dried grass, and leaves ; and 
 sleeps out the rigours of that season. It is frequently 
 found so completely enriched with herbage on all sides, 
 that it resembles a ball of dried leaves. When taken out 
 , and placed before a fire, it soon recovers from its torpid 
 : state. 
 
 Is about the size of a Rat. The upper part of its body 
 is covered with spines, shorter and smaller than those of 
 the Hedge-hog which it somew^hat resembles, but does 
 not roll itself up like that animal ; the rest of the body is 
 covered with a kind of fine hai'd hair, of a wdiitish co- 
 
 Hh3 
 
486 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 lour ; about the head and nose it has several long hairs, 
 
 like whiskers. 
 
 An animal similar to this is mentioned by M. Buffon, 
 under the name of the Tanrec. 
 
 This animal is larger than the last, and has fewer bris. 
 ties ; They only occupy the top of the head, and along 
 the back, as far as the shoulders : The rest of the body 
 is covered with a bristly kind of hair, of a yellowish co- 
 lour, among which are intermixed some black hairs, 
 much longer than the other. Its nose is long, and its 
 ears more apparent than those of the Tendrac. 
 
 Both of them are natives of India. These make 
 
 a grunting noise,' and are fond of wallowing in mud, like 
 Jlogs : They frequent the banks of rivers, can live a long- 
 time in the water, and are frequently caught in small in- 
 lets of the sea ; They dig holes in the ground, where 
 they continue in a kind of torpid state for several months, 
 
 . — They are generally very fat ; -and the Indians eat their 
 flesh, though it is reckoned insipid and stringy. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 4S7 
 
 THE OTTER, 
 
 ( Mustda Lutra, Lin . — Le Louire, Buff.) 
 
 Although the Otter is not considered by naturalists 
 as wholly amphibious, it is nevertheless capable of re- 
 maining a considerable time under water, and can pur- 
 sue and take its prey in that element with great facilit 3 ^ 
 its legs are very short, but remarkably strong, broad, 
 and muscular : on each foot ai'e five toes, connected by 
 strong membranes, like those of a water fowl ; its head is 
 broad, of an oval form, and flat on the upper part ; the 
 body is long and round, and the tail tapers to a point ; 
 the eyes are brilliant, and placed in such a manner, that 
 the animal can see every object that is above it, which 
 gives it a singular aspect, very much resembling an eel or 
 an asp ; the ears are short, and their orifice narrow. 
 
 The fur of the Otter is of a deep-brouTi colour, with 
 
 II h 4 
 
488 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 two small light spots on each side of tlie nose, and ano- 
 ther under the chin. 
 
 This animal makes its nest in some retired spot by the 
 side of a lake or river, under a bank, where it has an 
 easy and secure access to the water, to which it immedi- 
 ately flies upon the least alarm ; and, as it swims Avith 
 great rapidity, frequently escapes from its pursuers. 
 
 It destroys great quantities of fish ; and, in pursuit of 
 its prey, has been observed commonly to swim against 
 the stream. 
 
 As soon as the Otter has caught a fish, it immediately 
 drags it to the shore ; devours a part as far as the vent ; 
 and, unless pressed by extreme hunger, alrvays leaves the 
 remainder, and takes to the Avater in quest of more. 
 
 Otters are sometimes taken in traps placed near their 
 landing places, where they are carefully concealed in the 
 sand.- — When hunted Avith Dogs, the old ones defend 
 themselves Avith great obstinacy ; They bite severely, and 
 do not readily quit their hold Avhere they have once fas- 
 tened. An old Otter Avill never give up Avhile it has 
 life ; nor make the least complaint, though wounded 
 ever so much by the Dogs, nor even Avhen transfixed 
 Avitli a spear. 
 
 There are many instances of Otters being tamed ; but 
 in those aa hich have come to our knoAvledge, they AA'ere 
 taken when young ; accustomed by degrees to obedience 
 and I'estraint, they became so fiir domesticated, as to fol- 
 loAV their master, ansAver to a name, and employ their 
 excellent talents at fishing in his service. 
 
 Otters, when taken young, may be easily reared and 
 made tame. — We havq seen tAvo young ones sucking a 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 489 
 
 Bitch and treated by her with as much tenderness as her 
 own offspring. 
 
 William Collins, of Kimmerston, near Whooler, had a 
 tame Otter, which followed him wherever he went. He 
 frequently carried it to fish in the river ; and w^hen sati- 
 ated it never failed returning to its master. One day, 
 in the absence of Collins, being taken out by his son to 
 fish, instead of returning as usual, it refused to come at 
 the accustomed call, and was lost. The father tried eve- 
 ry means to recover it ; and after several days search, be- 
 ing near the place where his son had lost it, and calling 
 it by its name, to his inexpressible joy, it came creeping 
 to his feet, and shewed many genuine marks of affection 
 and firm attachment. — Its food, exclusive offish, consist- 
 ed chiefly of milk and hasty-pudding. 
 
 Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inverness, had 
 a young Otter, w-hich he brought up and tamed. It 
 Avould follow him Avherever he chose ; and, if called on 
 by its name would immediately obey. When apprehen- 
 sive of danger from Dogs, it sought the protection of its 
 master and "would endeavour to fly into his arms for 
 greater security. — It was frequently employed in catching 
 fish, and would sometimes take eight or ten salmon in a 
 day. If not prevented, it always made an attempt to 
 break the fish behind the fin next the tail : As soon as 
 one was taken away, it immediately dived in pursuit of 
 more. When tired, it would refuse to fish any longer ; 
 and was then rew'arded with so much fish as it could de- 
 vour. Being satisfied Vvith eating, it curled itself 
 round, and fell asleep ; in which state it was generally 
 carried home. I’he same Otter fished as w’ell in the sea 
 as in a river, and took ereat numbers of codlim>'s and 
 
490 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 
 
 Other fish, — Its food was generally fresh fish, and some- 
 times milk. 
 
 Another person, who kept a tame Otter, suffered it to 
 follow him with his Dogs. It was very useful to him in 
 fishing by going into the water, and driving trouts and 
 other fish towards the net. — It was remarkable, that the 
 Dogs, though aecustomed to the sport, were so far from 
 giving it the smallest molestation, that they would not 
 even hunt an Otter whilst it remained with them ; on 
 which account the owner v/as under tlie necessity of dis- 
 posing of it. 
 
 Notwithstanding the Otter’s avidity for fish, it will not 
 eat it, unless it be perfectly fresh. When that cannot be ; 
 procured, it is fed with milk, or pudding made of oat- 
 meal, &c. 
 
 Otters are found in most parts of the world, with no 
 gi'cat variation. — They are common in Guiana, and fre- 
 quent the rivers and marshes of the country. They ai*e 
 sometimes seen in great numbers together ; and are so 
 fierce, that it is dangerous to come near them. They 
 live in holes, which they make in the banks of the rivers. 
 
HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 491 
 
 THE SEA-OTTER. 
 
 {Miistela Liaris, Lin.) . 
 
 Vast numbers of these animals inhabit the coasts of 
 Kamschatka, and the numerous islands contia;uous to it ; 
 as well as the opposite coasts of America ; They are also 
 found in some of the larger ri^^ers of South- America. 
 
 Their skins are of great value, and have long formed a 
 considerable article of export from Russia. They dispose 
 of them to the Chinese at the rate of seventy or a hun- 
 dred rubles each, and receive in return some of their 
 most valuable commodities. 
 
 The fur of the Sea-Otter is thick and long, of a beau- 
 tiful shining black colour,' but sometimes of a silvery 
 hue; the legs are thick and short ; the toes joined by a 
 web ; the hind feet like those of a Seal ; length, from 
 nose to tail, four feet two inches ; tail thirteen, Hat, and 
 pointed at the end. — The largest of them weigh from se- 
 venty to eighty pounds. 
 
 The Sea-Otter is remarkably harmless, and most afiec- 
 
HISTORY OF quadrupeds. 
 
 tionately fond of its young : It will pine to death for its 
 loss, and die on the very spot where it has been taken 
 away. Before its young can swim, it will cai'ry it in its 
 paws, and support it in the water, lying upon its back. 
 — It swims in various positions, — on its back, sides, and 
 even in a perpendiculai' posture ; and in the water is very 
 sportive- — Two of them are sometimes seen embracing 
 each other. — It frequents shallow places, abounding with 
 sea- weed ; and feeds on lobsters, crabs, knd other shell- 
 fish. 
 
 It breeds but once a year, and produces one young at 
 a time, which it suckles and cai'efully attends almost a 
 year. 
 
 The flesh of a young Otter is reckoned delicate eating, 
 and not easily distinguished from that of a lamb. 
 
HISTORY OF Q-UAD^RUPEDS. 
 
 49S 
 
 THE SLOTH, 
 
 {Bradj/piis, Tridactvlus, Lin. — L'Ai, BufF.) 
 
 Of all animals, is the most slus:8:ish and inactive ; and, 
 if we were to judge from outward appearance, would 
 seem the most helpless and v/retched. All its motions 
 seem to be the effect of the most painful exertion, which 
 hunger alone is capable of exciting. 
 
 It lives chiefly in trees ; and hav ing ascended one with 
 infinite labour and difliculty, it remains there till it has 
 entirely stripped it of all its verdure, sparing neither fruit 
 blossom, nor leaf; after -which it is said to devour even 
 the bark. Being unable to descend, it throws itself on 
 the ground, and continues at the bottom of the tree till 
 hunger again compels it to renew its toils in search of 
 subsistence. 
 
 Its motions are accompanied vcith a most piteous and 
 lamentable cry, which terrifies even beasts of prey, and 
 proves its best defence. 
 
 Though slow, aukward, and almost incapable of mo- 
 tion, the Sloth is strong, remarkably tenacious of life, 
 and capable of enduring a long abstinence from food. 
 
4.94 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 We are told of one that, having fastened itself by its feet 
 to a pole, remained in that situation forty days without 
 the least sustenance. — The strength of its legs and feet is 
 so great, that having seized any thing, it is almost im- 
 posible to oblige it to quit its hold. The same animal 
 laid hold of a Dog that was let loose upon it, and held 
 him fast with its feet till he perished with hunger. 
 
 There are two kinds of Sloths, which are principally 
 distinguished by the number of their claws. — The one, 
 called the Ai, is about the size of a Fox, and has three 
 long claws on each foot : Its legs are clumsy, and auk- 
 wardly placed ; and the fore legs being longer than the 
 hind, add greatly to the difficulty of its progressive mo- 
 tion : Its whole body is covered with a rough coat of 
 long hair, of a lightish-brown colour, mixed with white, 
 not unlike that of a Badger ; and has a black line down 
 the middle of the back : Its face is naked, and of a dirty 
 white colour ; tail short ; eyes small, black, and heavy. 
 It is found only in South- America. 
 
 The Un Au has only two claws on each foot ; Its head 
 is short and round, somewhat like that of a Monkey; its 
 ears are short ; and it has no tail. It is found in South- 
 America, and also in the island of Ceylon. 
 
 The flesh of both kinds are eaten. — They have several 
 stomachs, and are said to belong to the tribe of rumi- 
 nating animals. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS- 
 
 495 
 
 THE AJfT~EATER, 
 
 ( Myrmecophga Juhata, Lin . — Le Tamanoir, Buff.) 
 
 There are several animals distinguished by the com- 
 mon name of Ant-eaters, which differ greatly in form. 
 — They are divided into three classes ; viz. the Great, 
 the Middle, and the Lesser Ant-eater. 
 
 The Great Ant-eater is nearly four feet in length, 
 exclusive of its tail, which is two and a half. It is re- 
 markable for the great length of its snout, which is of a 
 cylindrical form, and serves as a sheath to its long and 
 slender tongue, which always lies folded double in its 
 mouth, and is the chief instrument by which it finds sub- 
 sistence. 
 
 This creature is a native of Brazil and Guiana, runs 
 slowly, frequently swims over rivers, lives wholly on 
 ants, which it collects by thrusting its tongue into their 
 holes, and having penetrated every part of the nest, witli-- 
 draws it into its mouth loaded with prey. 
 
496 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Its legs are so strong, that few animals can extricate 
 themselves from its gripe. It is said to be formidable 
 even to the Panthers of America ; and sometimes fixes it- 
 self upon them in such a manner, that both of them fall 
 and perish together ; for its obstinacy is so great, that it 
 will not extrieate itself from its adversaiy- even after he is 
 dead. 
 
 The flesh has a strong disagreeable taste, but is eaten 
 by the Indians. 
 
 The Middle Ant-eater is one foot seven inches 
 from nose to tail. It inhabits the same countries, and 
 procures its food in the same manner as the last. Its 
 tail is ten inches long, vrith v/hich it secures its hold in 
 climbing trees by twisting it round the branches. 
 
 Both these animals have four strong claws on the fore 
 feet, and five on the hind. 
 
 The L ESSER Ant-eater has a shai'ji-pointed nose, 
 inclining a little downward : Its ears are small, and hid 
 in the fur ; It has two strong hooked claws on the fore 
 feet, the outward one being much the largest : and four 
 on the hind feet: Its fur is long, soft, and silky, — of a 
 yellowish-brown colour : Its length, from nose to tail, is 
 seven inches and a half ; tail above eight, thick at the- 
 base, and taper to the end. — It inhabits Guiana; climbs 
 trees in quest of a species of ants which build their nests 
 among the branches. 
 
 Animals of this kind are found in Ceylon and the 
 
 Cape of Good Hope. Kolben describes the latter as 
 
 having long heads and tongues ; that they feed on ants ; 
 and are so strong, that if they fasten their claws in the 
 ground, they cannot easily be pulled away. — It is called 
 in Ceylon the 7 or Ant- Bear'. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 437 
 
 THE GREAT MAMIS. 
 
 ( Manis Fentadactyla, Lin . — Le Pangolin, Buff.) 
 
 This singular animal is defended by a coat of mail, 
 which protects it from the attacks of the most powerful 
 animals. All the upper parts of its body ai'e elosely co- 
 vered with scales of different sizes, which it can erect at 
 pleasure, opposing to its adversary a formidable row of 
 offensive weapons. The Tiger, the Panther, or the Leo- 
 pard in vain attempt to force it. The moment it per- 
 ceives the approach of an enemy, it roils itself up like a 
 Hedge-hog, and by that means secures all the weaker 
 parts of its body. 
 
 It is a native of the Indian isles, and is likewise said to 
 be found in Guinea. 
 
 It is slow in its motions ; grows to the length of eight 
 feet, including its tail, which is four. 
 
 Its flesh is much esteemed for its delicacy ; but it is 
 difficult to procure, as the animal avoids mankind, and 
 lives in obscure retreats, in woods, and marshy places. 
 
 li 
 
498 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE LONG-TAILED MANIS, 
 
 {Mauls Teb'adactjjla, Lin . — Le Phatagin^ BufF.) 
 
 Is less than the last, being no more than a foot long 
 from head to tail. Its body is covered with sharp. point- 
 ed scales ; its throat and belly with hair : Its legs are’ 
 short ; and each foot has four claws. It is remai'kable 
 for the great length of its tail, which in some is above a 
 yard long. 
 
 It is a native of Guinea, has been sometimes called the 
 Scaly Lizard, and may be said to be the connecting 
 link in the chain of being between quadrupeds and rep- 
 tiles. 
 
 THE ARMADILLO, 
 
 Is found only in South America, where there are several 
 varieties of them. — They are all covered with a strong 
 crust or shell, and are distinguished from each other by 
 the number of the flexible bands of which it is composed. 
 
 It is a harmless, inoffensive animal ; feeds on roots, 
 iruits, and other vegetables ; grows very fat ; and is 
 greatly esteemed for the delicacy of its flesh. 
 
 The Indians hunt it with small Dogs, trained for that 
 purpose. When surprised, it runs to its hole, or at- 
 
 tempts to make a new one, which it does with great 
 expedition, having strong claws on its two fore feet, with 
 which it adheres so firmly to the ground, that, if it 
 should be caught by the tail whilst making its way into 
 the earth, its resistance is so great, that it will sometimes 
 leave it in the hands of its pursuers : To avoid this, the 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 499 
 
 hunter has recourse to artifice ; and, by tickling it with 
 a stick, it gives up its hold, and suffers itself to be taken 
 alive. If no other means of escape be left, it rolls itself 
 up within its covering by drawing in its head and legs, 
 and bringing its tail round them as a band to connect 
 them more forcibly together ; in this situation it some- 
 times escapes by rolling itself over the edge of a preci- 
 pice, and generally falls to the bottom unhurt. 
 
 The most successful m.ethod of catching Armadillos is 
 by snares laid for them by the sides of rivers or other 
 places where they frequent. — They all burrow very deep 
 in the ground, and seldom stir out, except during the 
 night, whilst they are in search of food. 
 
 To give a minute description of the shells or coverings 
 of the Armadillos would be extremely difficult, as they 
 are all composed of a number of parts, differing greatly 
 from each other in the order and disposition of the fi- 
 gures with which they are distinguished : But it may be 
 necessary' to observe, that in general there are two large 
 pieces that cover the shoulders and the rump, between 
 which lie the bands, which ai'e more or less in number 
 in different kinds. These bands ai'e not unlike those in 
 the tail of a lobster ; and, being flexible, give way to the 
 motions of the animal. — The first we shall mention is 
 
 THE THREE-BANDED ARMADILLO. 
 
 ( Dasypus Tricinctus, Lin. — VApar, Buff. ) 
 
 Its shell is about twelve inches long, with three bands 
 in the middle ; The crust on the head, back, and rump, 
 
 Ii2 
 
5'00 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 is divided into a number of elegant raised figures, with 
 five angles or sides : Its tail is not more than two inches 
 long : It has neither cutting nor canine teeth ; and has 
 five toes on each foot. 
 
 THE SIX-BANDED ARMADILLO, 
 
 ( Daspus Sexcinctus, Lin. — V Encoubert, Buff.) 
 
 Is about the size of a young Pig. Between the folds of 
 the bands thei'e are a few scattered hairs ; Its tail is long, 
 
 thick at the base, and tapers to a point. It is found in 
 
 Brazil and Guiana. 
 
 THE EIGHT-BANDED ARMADILLO, 
 
 ( Le Tatuetle, Bulf.) 
 
 Is furnished witli eight bands. Its eai's are long and up- 
 right ; eyes small and black : It has four toes on the fore 
 feet, and five on the hind : Its length from nose to tail 
 
 is about ten inches ; the tail nine. It inhabits Bra- 
 
 7'il and is reckoned more delicious eating than the others. 
 
501 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE mME-BAJfDED ARMADILLO, 
 
 fDasi/pus Novemcindus, Lin . — Le Cachichame, Buff.) 
 
 H A s a tenth band, moveable half way Tip on each side : 
 The shell on the shoulders and rump is marked with hex- 
 angular figures ; the breast and belly are covered with 
 long hairs ; its tail is long and taper ; and the whole ani- 
 mal three feet in length. 
 
 One of this kind was brought to England a feiv years 
 ago from the Musquito shore, and lived some time. It 
 was fed ivith raw beef and milk, but refused to eat our 
 fruits and grain. 
 
 I i 3 
 
502 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Is furnished with twelve bands, and is the largest of all 
 the Armadillos, being almost three feet long from nose 
 to tail : The figures on the shoulders are of an oblong 
 form ; those on the rump hexangular. It is seldom 
 eaten. 
 
 THE WEASEL-HEADED ARMADILLO, 
 
 (Dasypus Unicinctus, Lin. — Le Cirquingon, Buff.) 
 
 So called from the form of its head, which is slender, 
 has eighteen bands from its shoulder to its tail : th e 
 shell is marked with square figures on the shoulders ; 
 those on the legs and thighs are roundish ; The body is 
 about fifteen inches long ; tail five. 
 
 All these animals have the power of drav/ing them- 
 selves up under their shells, either for the purpose of re- 
 pose or safety. They are fuiaiished with strong lateral 
 muscles, consisting of numberless fibres, crossing each 
 other in the form of an X, witli which they contract 
 themselves so powerfully, that the strongest man is 
 
 scarcely able to force them open. The shells of the 
 
 larger Armadillos are much stronger than those of the 
 smaller kinds : Their fiesli is likewise harder^ and more 
 unfit for the table. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE WALRUS, OR SEA-HORSE, 
 [Trichechus Rosmarus, Lin . — Le Morse, Buff.) 
 
 There are several animals whose residence is almost 
 constantly in the v'^ater, and which seem to partake gi'eat- 
 ly of the nature of fishes, that are nevertheless classed by 
 naturalists under the denomination of quadrupeds ; and 
 being perfectly amphibious, living with equal ease in the 
 water as on land, may be considered as the last step in 
 the scale of Nature, by v hich we are conducted from one 
 great division of the animal v orld to the other. — Of 
 these the Walrus is the most considerable for its size, 
 being sometimes found eighteen feet in length, and 
 twelve in circumference at the thickest part: It is like- 
 wise remarkable for two large tusks in the upper jav', 
 which sometimes exceed tv/o feet in length, and weigh 
 from three to twenty pounds each.^' 
 
 The head of the Walrus is round ; its lips veiy broad, 
 and covered over with thick pellucid bristles; its eyes 
 
 * These tusks are of a substance sufRcicntly hard to strike fire 
 with a steel. — A. E. 
 
£04< HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 Sluall and red ; instead of ears, it has two small orifices j 
 and above the whiskers, semicircular nostrils, through 
 which it throws out water like the whale, but with much 
 less noise : Its skin is thick and wrinkled, and has a thin 
 covering of short brownish hair : Its legs are short : It 
 has five toes on each foot, connected by membranes ; 
 and on each toe a small nail: The hind feet ai’e veiy 
 broad, and extended nearly on a line with the body. 
 
 The Walrus is chiefly found in the northern seas. — 
 Great herds of them are sometimes seen together on the 
 sea shore, or sleeping on an island of ice. When alai'm- 
 ed, they instantly throw themselves into the water with 
 great precipitation. If v/ounded, they become bold and 
 furious, and imite in the defence of each other : They 
 will attack a boat, and endeavour to sink it by striking 
 their great teeth into its sides, at the same time bellowing 
 in a most hideous manner. 
 
 It is hunted for its teeth, v, hjich ai’e equal to those of 
 the Elephant for durability and whiteness. 
 
 An ordinary Walrus is said to yield half a ton of oil, 
 equal in goodness to that of a whale. 
 
 The female produces one or two young at a time, 
 which she suckles upon land. 
 
 In climbing upon the ice, the V/airus makes use of its 
 teeth as hooks to secure its hold, and draw its great un- 
 wieldly body after it. It feeds on sea-weeds and shell- 
 
 fish, which it is said to disengage from the rocks to which 
 they adhere with its tusks. 
 
 The White Bear is its greatest eneni}-. — In the com- 
 bats between these animals, the Walrus is said to be ge- 
 nerally victorious, on account of the desperate wounds it 
 inflicts with its teeth. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 50 Ji 
 
 Is found, with some variety, in almost every quarter of 
 the globe : In the northern seas of Asia, Europe, and 
 America; as well as the less frequented regions towards 
 the south pole. 
 
 Its usual length is from five to six feet. The body is 
 closely covered with short hair of various colours, smooth 
 and shining ; its tongue is forked at the end ; it has two 
 canine teeth in each jaw, six cutting teeth in the upper, 
 and four in the lower ; it has five toes on each foot, fur- 
 nished with strong sharp claws, which enable it to climb 
 the rocks, on which it frequently basks. 
 
 It swims with great strength and swiftness, is veiy 
 playful, and sports without fear about ships and boats. — 
 It feeds on various kinds of fish, and is frequently seen 
 near the shore in pursuit of its prey. 
 
 Seals are found in great abundance on the coasts o^ 
 Great-Britain ; particularly in the deep recesses and ca- 
 verns in the northern parts of the Island, where they re- 
 sort in the breeding time, and continue till the young 
 ones are old enough to go to sea. 
 
5o3 history of quadrupeds. 
 
 The time for taking Seals is in the month of October, 
 or the beginning of November. The hunters provided 
 with torches and bludgeons, enter the mouths of the ca- 
 verns about midnight, and row in as far as they can : 
 I'hey then land ; and, being properly stationed, begin by 
 making a great noise, which alarms the Seals, and brings 
 them doivii from all parts of the cavern in a confused bo- 
 dy, making frightful shrieks and cries. In this hazard- 
 ous employments, great cai'e is necessary on the part of 
 the hunters to avoid the throng, which presses down with 
 great impetuosity, and bears away every thing that op- 
 poses its progress ; but when the first crowd is past, they 
 kill great numbers of young ones, which generally strag- 
 gle behind, by striking them on the nose. 
 
 A young Seal yields above eight gallons of oil. — When 
 full grown, their skins are very valuable, and make a 
 beautiful kind of leather, much used in making shoes, 
 &c. 
 
 The flesh of the Seal is sometimes eaten ; and that it 
 was formerly admitted to the tables of the great, may be 
 seen in the bill-of-fare of a sumptuous entertainment 
 given by archbishop Nevil in the reign of Edward the 
 Fourth. 
 
 The growth of Seals is so amazingly rapid, that after 
 nine tides from their birth they are as active as the old 
 ones. 
 
 The female brings forth her young on the land, sits on 
 her hind legs while she suckles them, and as soon as they 
 are able, carries them to sea, and learns them to swim and 
 search for food : When they become fatigued, she places 
 them on her back. — The young ones know the voice of 
 their mother, and attend to her call,. 
 
507 
 
 I 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 The voice of the Seal has been compared to the hoarse 
 i barking of a Dog ; when young, it is clearer, and resem- 
 bles the mewing of a Cat. 
 
 Seals are likewise found in the Mediterranean and Cas- 
 pian seas, in the lake Baikal, and some of the larger 
 lakes. These are smaller than the salt-water Seals; but 
 so fat, that they seem almost shapeless. 
 
 THE HOODED SEAL. 
 
 Is found in the south of Greenland, and is distinguished 
 by a thick fold on its forehead, with which it can cover 
 its eyes and nose. Its hair is white, with a thick coat of 
 black woolly hair underneath, which makes it appear of 
 a fine gray colour. — The hunters say that it is not easily 
 killed, till the covering on its head is removed. 
 
HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS 
 
 ■,o& 
 
 TH£ VRSIXZ. SEAL, OR SEA-BEAR. 
 
 ( Phoca Ur.-;ina, Lia. — L'Ours Marin, Buff.) 
 
 Is much larger than the common Seal, being eight feet 
 in length, and vrcighing eight hundred pounds. 
 
 These animals are found among the islands which lie 
 betw'cen Kamschatka and America ; also on the coasts of 
 New Zealand, Staten Island, New Georgia, and Falk- 
 land’s islands. — They lie in thousands on the shore, in 
 sepai'ate families, each consisting of above an hundred. 
 One male wdll sometimes have fifty females, wTich he 
 guards wuth extreme jealousy. They aj*e excessively fat 
 and indolent, sometimes even scarcely moving from the 
 place ^vhere they lie for the space of three months ; 
 dui'ing -which time the females breed and suckle their 
 young. If another approrwh their station, they are rous- 
 ed fi'oin their siipincness : A battle ensues, wdiich fre- 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 50£k 
 
 quently becomes general, and spreads confusion througii- 
 the whole shore. These conflicts are extremely A rolcnt ; 
 and the wounds given are very deep, resembling a cut 
 with a sabre. 
 
 The attachment of the male to the young is very 
 I'trong : He defends them with great obstinacy, and fre- 
 quently revenges their loss upon the female, vrhom he 
 beats most cruelly ; whilst she crawls to his feet, ami 
 seems to deprecate his wrath with the most obsequious 
 gestures. 
 
 The female generally brings forth one, seldom two, at 
 a time. 
 
 They swim with great ease, at the rate of about seven 
 miles in an hour. — When wounded, they will seize on a 
 boat, carry it along with them, and sometimes sink it. — 
 They can continue a long time under water. — In climb- 
 ing rocks, they fasten their fore paws, and dmw them- 
 selves up. 
 
 These, and all the Seal kind, will live a long lima 
 after receiving the most dreadful wounds ; but the most 
 trifling blow on the snout or forehead instantly kilfs 
 them. 
 
 The general colour of these animals is black. They 
 are covered with a coat of long rough hair, under wdrich 
 is a soft dowm of a bay colour. On the neck of the old 
 ones, the hair is erect, and a little longer than the rest. 
 
 The fat and flesh of the old males are very nauseous ; 
 but that of the females and the young, when roasted, are 
 said to be as good as the kesh of a sucking Pig. 
 
510 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE BAT 
 
 This singular animal is distinguished from every other 
 quadruped by being furnished with wings, and seems to 
 possess a middle nature between four-footed animals and 
 birds : It is allied to the one by the faculty of flying on- 
 ly, to the other both by its external and internal struc- 
 ture ; in each respect it has the appearance of an imper- 
 fect animal. In walking, its feet seem to be entangled 
 with its wings, and it drags its body on the ground with 
 extreme aukwardness. Its motions in the air do not 
 seem to be performed with ease ; it raises itself from the 
 ground with difficulty, and its flight is laboured and ill 
 directed ; from whence it has very significantly been cal- 
 led the Flitter-Mouse. There are several varieties 
 
 of the Bat kind. 
 
 THE SHORT-EARED BAT, 
 
 (Vespertilio Muriniis, Lin . — Le chauve Souris, Buff.) 
 
 Is found in almost every part of Europe, and is most 
 commonly known in Great-Britain. — Its usual length is 
 about two inches and a half ; the extent of the wings 
 nine inches. 
 
» 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 5II 
 
 It makes its first appearance early in the summer. It 
 sleeps during the day, and begins its flight in the dusk of 
 the evening. It frequents the sides of woods, glades, 
 and shady w^alks ; and is frequently observed to skim a- 
 1 long the surface of the water in quest of gnats and other 
 insects, which are its principal food. 
 
 Its membranes or wings are of a dusky colour, and ve- 
 ry thin ; they extend from the fore feet to the tail : The 
 hind feet are divided into five toes, furnished with claw^s ; 
 the body is covered with a short soft fur, of a mouse- 
 colour, tinged with red ; the eyes are very small ; and 
 the ears like those of a Mouse ; it has four cutting teeth 
 in the upper jaw, and six in the under. 
 
 The female produces two young at a time, w'^hich she 
 suckles at her breast ; and is said to carry them when hy- 
 ing. 
 
 Towards the end of summer, the Bat retires into 
 caves, old buildings, or hollow trees ; where it remains 
 in a state of inactivity. During winter, some cover 
 themselves with their wings as with a mantle, and sus- 
 pend themselves by the hind feet ; others stick fast to old 
 avails ; and some retire into holes. 
 
512 
 
 HIS TORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE LOJfG-EARED BAT, 
 
 (Vcspertilio Auritus, Lin. — UOreillar, BufF.) 
 
 Is only an inch and three quarters in length ; the extent 
 of its wings is seven inches ; its ears are above an ineh 
 long, very thin, and almost transparent ; Avithin each of 
 them there is a membrane, resembling an ear, which 
 may possibly serve as a A alve to defend the organs of 
 hearing during its inactive state. 
 
 O O 
 
 THE GREAT BAT, 
 
 (La Nodule, Buft'.) 
 
 Is found in Great-Britain, but is not so common as the 
 two last mentioned: It is likewise found in Franee, and 
 is common in various parts of Russia. 
 
 Its length is neai’ly three inches ; that of the tail one 
 and seven-tenths ; the extent of the wings thirteen inch- 
 es ; the ears are short, the hair of a reddish-ash colour^ 
 and on the chin there is a very small wart, 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; ^13 
 
 THE PIPISTRELLE, 
 
 Is the smallest, and its appearance the least disgusting, 
 of all Bats. Its length is not quite one inch and a quar- 
 ter ; the extent of its wings six and a half ; its nose is 
 small, ears broad, and its forehead covered with long 
 hairs ; the upper part of the body is of a yellowish-brown 
 colour, the lower part dusky, and the lips yellow. — It in- 
 habits France, and is common in Russia and Siberia. 
 
 THE BARBASTELLEi 
 
 Is distinguished by the shortness of its face, almost cori- 
 cealed by its large broad ears, the bases of which touch 
 each other, and cover the forehead and eyes : Its cheeks 
 are full, and its lips hairy ; its nose is very short, and the 
 end of it flat. Its length is about two inches ; the extent 
 of the wings ten and a half. — It is found in Frante. 
 
 THE SEROTINE, 
 
 Is about the size of the common Bat ; its nose is some- 
 what longer ; its ears are short, and broad at the base ; 
 the hair on the upper part of the body is of a light brown 
 or rust colour, and the belly paler, — It is likewise found 
 in France. 
 
 THE HORSE-SHOE BAT, 
 
 Is distinguished by a membrahe surrounding its nose and 
 upper lip somevv'hat in the form of a horse-shoe ; from 
 whence it derives its name. Its ears afe long, very broad 
 
 K k 
 
514 HISTORY OF t^UADRUPEDS, 
 
 at the base, and are not furnished with a smaller or in- 
 ternal ear, common to almost all the Bat kind : The up- 
 per part of the body is of an ash colour, the belly whi- 
 tish. — They vary in size ; the largest are above three 
 inches and a half long from the nose to the end of the 
 tail ; the extent of the wings is above fourteen. 
 
 This kind is very common in France, and is the last of 
 seven distinct species described by M, BmTon as natives 
 of that country. — These are all equally harmless, diminu- 
 tive, and obscure ; shunning the light, and endeavouring 
 to conceal themselves in holes and caverns. They never 
 come out, but during the night, in quest of food ; and 
 return at day-break to their dreary habitations. — But un- 
 der the iiiRuence of a warmer climate, the Bat assumes 
 a very different character, and possesses powers, which 
 render it formidable to mankind, and a scourge to those 
 countries where it is found. Some of them are as large 
 as a well-grown pullet ; and so numerous, that they fre- 
 quently darken the air as they fly. They are fond of 
 blood, and will attack men whom they find asleep ; they 
 are said to introduce their sharp-pointed tongues into a 
 vein, sucking the blood till they are satiated, without 
 awakening the sufterer. 
 
 The ancients had an imperfect knowledge of these 
 animals : and from their aptness to convert every object 
 of terror into an imaginary being, it is probable they had 
 conceived the idea of Harpies, from the cruelty, voracity,, 
 and disgusting deformity of these creatures. ^ 
 
 These monsters inhabit Madagascar, and all the islands 
 of the Indian Ocean : They have likewise been found in i 
 New-Holland, the Friendly Isles, the New Hebrides, and i 
 New- Caledonia. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 515 
 
 THE TER Jf ATE BAT, 
 
 fVespertilio Vampyrus, Lin . — La Roiissette,^n^.) 
 
 Is above one foot in length, and the extent of its wings 
 more than four ; It has large canine teeth, four cutting 
 teeth above, and the same below ; its tongue is pointed, 
 and terminated with sharp-pointed papilla, or prickles ; 
 its nose is sharp, and its ears large and naked ; it has 
 fh^e toes on the hind feet, furnished with strong hooked 
 claws ; it has no tail ; the head is of a dark rust colour ; 
 the back dusky ; the neck, shoulders, and under side, of 
 a lightish -brown, inclining to red ; the membranes of the 
 wings dusky. 
 
 K k 2 
 
516 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 They feed on fruits, and are extremely fond of the 
 juice of the palm-tree, with which they will frequently 
 intoxicate themselves, so as to drop on the ground. One 
 hundred and fifty or two hundred of them may some- 
 times be seen on the same tree, all hanging with their 
 heads down, and their wings folded ; and in this manner 
 they repose during great part of the day. — They grow ve- 
 ry fat at certain times of the year ; and when young, 
 they are eaten by the Indians, and considered as excel- 
 lent food- 
 
 THE ROUGETTE, OR LESSER TERNATE BAT, 
 
 Inhabits the same countries, and is very similar to the 
 last in the shape of its head and body : The hair is of a 
 cinereous brown colour ; and on the neck it has a half- 
 collar, of a lively red, mixed with orange. It is about 
 five inches long ; and the extent of its wings little more 
 than two feet. 
 
 The Rougettes fly in flocks, and perfectly obscure the 
 air with their numbers. They fly from one island to 
 another, and begin their flight about sun-set. During 
 the day, they lodge in the hollow trunks of trees. They 
 live chiefly in trees ; and when about to fly, diey beat 
 the air with their wdngs, before they can disengage them- 
 selves from the branch to which they are attached. — 
 When shot or suddenly surprised, several of them fall 
 to the ground ; and in that situation are incapable of re- 
 suming their flight, till the)^ climb upon some elevated 
 object. They move aukwardly on the ground, and use 
 their utmost efforts to quit it as soon as possible. — Both 
 these kinds bring only one young at a time onCe a year. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 517 
 
 THE SPECTRE BAT 
 
 (Vespertilio Spectrum^ Lin . — Le Vampire^ Buff.) 
 
 ■7 
 
 Its nose is long; and at the end there is a membrane, 
 of a conical form, somewhat like a horn, but flexile, 
 which gives it a hideous and disgusting aspect. It has 
 no tail. Its body is covered with long hair, of an ash 
 colour. It is found in Surinam. Stedman, in his ac- 
 
 count of that colony, particularly describes it, and says 
 that it is fond of human blood. 
 
 THE SENEGAL BAT, 
 
 Has two cutting teeth in the upper, and six in the under 
 jaw ; and two canine teeth, and eight grinders, in each 
 jaw : Its head is long, ears short and pointed, head and 
 body of a tawny-brown colour, belly lighter, length ra- 
 ther more than four inches, extent of the wings twenty- 
 one. It is found in Senegal. 
 
 THE BULL-DOG BAT. 
 
 Its nose is thick ; lips large, and somewhat pendulous ; 
 its cars are broad and round, the edges touching each 
 other in the front ; the upper part of the body is of a 
 deep ash colour, the lower paler ; its tail long ; length 
 about two inches ; extent of the wings nine and a half : 
 It has twenty-six teeth ; t^vo cutting and two canine in 
 each jaw ; eight grinders in the upper, and ten in the 
 lower jaw. — It inhabits the West-Indies. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE BEARDED BAT. 
 
 51s 
 
 The nostrils of this animal are not separated by a car- 
 tilage, as in most animals, but are placed on the side of a 
 small gutter or furrow, which is open from one end to 
 the other ; the ears are long and narrow ; the upper part 
 of the head and body is of a reddish-brown colour, the 
 loAver part whitish, tinged with yellow ; hair on the fore- 
 head and under the chin very long ; length of the body 
 about an inch and a half, — extent of the wings little 
 more than seven. 
 
 THE STRIPED BAT, 
 
 (V espertilio Spasina, Lin.) 
 
 Has a small, short nose ; ears short, broad, and pointing 
 forward. — These Bats vary in colour. The body is ge- 
 nerally of a clear brown, the under part whitish : Its 
 wings are striped with black, and sometimes with yellow 
 
 and brown. — Length of the body tv/o inches. It is a 
 
 native of Ceylon, where it is called Krrnvoula. 
 
 lA this we may add a very minute kind, mentioned by 
 Mr. Forster, which v/as seen and heard in mjadads on the 
 island of Tanna, one of the New Hebrides ; but ever)- 
 attempt of our voyagers to obtain a nearer inspection of 
 them failed of success. 
 
 Bats differ very much in the number and disposition of 
 their teeth, which lias occasioned no small confusion in 
 the arrangements of systematic writers ; some of them 
 being furnished ^vith two, others with more, cutting 
 teeth in each jaw. 
 
519 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 W e have now given the most distinguished varieties of 
 this curious species. It Avould be fruitless, if not impos- 
 sible, to point out all the peculiarities to be found in the 
 various tribes which abound in every country in the 
 world, and differ from each other more in their habits 
 and dispositions than in their exterior form and appear- 
 ance, which in ail of them seem to be equally deformed 
 and disgusting. — But we should not from hence conclude 
 that imperfection and deformity are always in uniform 
 analogy with the notions we have preconceived of what 
 is fair and beautiful. — Amidst the infinite productions of 
 Creative Power, variety of form, difference of faculties, 
 and degrees of utility, are eminently observable ; com- 
 posing one general plan, in which wisdom, order, and 
 fitness, are displayed through all its parts. 
 
<■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A"f| 
 
 
 : ..''-i .;r>^ •' ■. ■ 
 
 t's x<ijr . 
 
9(ppetti)t):. 
 
 , THE figures and descriptions of two very rare ani- 
 » mals, were sent to the Literary and Philosophical Society 
 of Newcastle upon Tyne, from New South \\'’ales, by 
 James Hunter, Esq. Governor of that settlement. 
 
 The one appears to be of the Opossum genus, of 
 which the most unquestionable proof is, that it has a 
 false belly or pouch, for the reception of its young after 
 their protrusion from the uterus ; common to every ani- 
 mal of that kind. 
 
 The other seems to be an animal sui generis ; it ap- 
 pears to possess a threefold nature, that of a fish, a bird, 
 
 . and a quadruped, and is related to nothing that we have 
 I hitherto seen : No attempt will now be made to ai'range 
 it by any of the usual modes of classification, but the de- 
 scription of these curious animals will be given as they 
 were transmitted to the abovementioned society. 
 
 There are several American animals, of which the pub* 
 lishers have thought proper to make mention in the 
 Appendix to this work. They add to its value and en- 
 large the subject of Zoological enquiry. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 THE WOMBACH. 
 
 Sijdney^ New-South Wales ^ August 5^ 
 
 Tins animal was found upon an island on the coast 
 of New South Wales, in latitude 40° 36' S. where con- 
 siderable numbers were caught 1 ly the company of a ship 
 which had been wrecked there on her voyage from Beu- 
 g'ai to Port Jackson. 
 
 “ I received this animal alive, by a vessel which I had 
 sent to the relief of the sulTcrers : It was exceedingly 
 weak when it arrived, as it had, during its confinement 
 on board; refused e^'ery kind of sustenance, except a 
 small quantit}^ of boiled rice, which v/as forced down its 
 throat. I had it frequently taken out of the box in 
 which it was kept, that it might receive the benefit of 
 the warmth of the sun, which, however, it did not seem 
 to enjoy ; but v/henever it could shelter itself under a 
 shrub, there it vrould continue and sleep. It refused 
 every kind of food on shore as it had done on board, but 
 we could see it sometimes nibble a little of the roots of 
 rashes or grass : It grew weaker ever}' day, vras execed- 
 ingly liarmless, and wmuld allotv aiw person to carry it 
 about. After liaving lived, with scarcely an}’ kind cjf 
 food, for six weeks, it died ; and its intestines and brain 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 523 
 
 having been taken out, I preserved the body in spirits, 
 for the inspection of the leai'ned members of the Literary 
 and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne. 
 
 “ It is about the size of a Badger, a species of which 
 we supposed it to be, from its dexterity in burrowing in 
 the earth, by means of its fore paws ; but on watching 
 its general motions, it appeared to have much of the ha- 
 bits and manner of a Beat'. 
 
 “ Its head is large; the forehead, above the eyes, is 
 particularly broad, from whicli it tapers to the nose, 
 which is a hard grisly substance, and seems tvell adapted 
 for removing the earth when it burrou-s ; It has two 
 cutting teeth in each jaw, long and shai'p like those of a 
 Kanguroo, with a space of about an inch between them 
 and the grinders, which are strong and well set: From 
 the structure of its teeth, it does not appear to be a car- 
 nivorous animal : Its eyes ai'e small and black; its ears 
 short and pointed ; its paws are something like those of a 
 Beaver : Its weight appeared to be about forty pounds. 
 It runs aukwardly, in the manner of a Bear, so that a 
 man could easily overtake it. There is something un- 
 common in the form of its hinder parts ; its posteriors 
 do not round off like those of most other animals, but 
 fall suddenly down in a sloping direction, commencing at 
 the hip joint, and descending to the knee joint of the 
 hind legs ; from this joint to the toe it appears to tread 
 flat upon the ground ; its tail is so short, as hardly to be 
 discovered : Its colour is that of a cream-coloured brown, 
 
 intermixed with black hairs. This animal has lately 
 
 been discovered to be an inhabitant of the interior of this 
 country also. Its flesh is delicate meat. — This one is a 
 
524 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 female, and has the false belly^ for the security of its 
 young. The mountain natives call it Wombacfu^^ 
 
 * It is a remarkable circumstance, that the few animals hitherto 
 found in the newly discovered countries in the South Seas, should 
 all be distinguished by the pouch or false belly, though in other 
 respects they dilfer from each other both inform and manner. 
 
history of quadrupeds. 
 
 525 
 
 THE HAMSTER OF GEORGIA. 
 
 A specimen of this animal was forwarded to Dr. Mit- 
 I chill by President Meigs, of the University of Georgia, 
 i' in 1801. It barrows in the pine land, and is found in 
 great numbers in the tract between Savannah and Augus- 
 ■ ta. Its body is of the length and thickness of a large 
 [ common Rat, and of the same colour : the head between 
 ! that of a Rat and a Mole, with small whiskers and a 
 
 [ short snout ; the fore feet are somewhat like those of a 
 Mole, with nails near an inch long. The hind feet like 
 those of a Rat : each foot has five claws ; the tail is not 
 L near so long as a Rat’s and is without hair ; the eyes 
 I are very sparkling ; the ears short ; teeth like those of 
 . a Squirrel and full as long ; there are pouches in the 
 ’ cheeks externally, one on each side ; these he fills with 
 provision, and each will hold a large table-spoon full ; 
 i is rather clumsy, but remarkably fierce, soon eats his 
 ' way out of any wooden place of confinement ; lives on 
 ; sweet potatoes and other roots, and is often injurious to 
 ' farmers by getting under their stacks ; he is so shy and 
 wild that it is difficult to kill or even get a sight of him. 
 This creature differs materially from any species of the 
 i Hamster, or Mus Ci icetus of Europe. For further 
 ( particulars see Mr. ivlilledge’s account, in the 5th vcl. 
 If of the Medical Repository, p. 89. 
 
52(5 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS., 
 
 THE WILD SHEEP OF CALIFORJTIA. 
 
 A fmc dried preparation of this Quadruped was | 
 brought to New- York in 1802, by Mr. M’Gillivray, who I 
 killed it in latitude 50, north. This was examined by j 
 Dr. Mitchiil during- the short time it remained in Mr. ii 
 Savage’s Museum. It has been called by some the Cal- j 
 ifornian Dec?\ but the form of the horns clearly place it ; 
 among the j'/ztc/x The body though smaller is almost | 
 like that of the American Elk, described by Dr. E. H. I 
 Smith, in Medical Repository, vol. 2, p. 168, but the 
 neck and head have a near resemblance to those of the 
 Ram ; the body is not covered with w'ool, but is hairy 
 ^vith somewhat of fur within. These creatures were ob- i 
 served by the Jesuit Missionaries to California as long t 
 ag-o as the ycai- 1697. They are of several varieties and n 
 colours, and are reckoned excellent and dainty food, j 
 There is a figure of one in Venegas’s History of Califor- 
 nia, which being incorrect, we have thought it worth the 
 while to give a new one delineated from nature. We 
 have not heaj'd of any of them to the eastward of the Mis- 
 sissippi. it is an innocent herbivorous animal, and 
 u hen full m'own the larR-e male is about twelve hands 
 high, the female considerably smaller. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 527 
 
 AJ^r AMPHIBIOUS AMIMAL, 
 
 Is found in the fresh water lakes, which is about the 
 size of a small Cat, it chiefly frequents the banks of the 
 lakes; its bill is very similar to that of a duck, and it 
 probably feeds in muddy places in the same way ; its 
 eyes are very small ; it has four short legs ; the fore legs, 
 are shorter than those of the hind, and their v^ebs spread 
 considerably beyond the claws, wliich enables it to swim 
 with great ease ; the hind legs are also webbed, and the 
 claws are long and sharp. They are frequently seen on 
 the surface of the water, where they blow like a turtle t 
 Their tail is thick, short and very fat. 
 
 ‘ ‘ The natives say they sometimes see them of a very 
 targe size. ” 
 
5-28 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 W E give a figure of the entire skeleton of this huge 
 inhabitant of the American Continent, as dug up in 
 Orange count}^ on the west side of the Hudson, about 
 scvent}- miles north of the city of New-York. The first 
 public mention of these enormous fossil bones was made 
 b}- Sylvanus Miller, Esq. in a letter to Dr. Mitchill, 
 \vhich was followed by another from J. G. Graham. 
 Both these gentlemen were natives of the place where 
 they V ere found, and knew all the particulars of the ad- 
 jacent Region. The bones ai'e dug up in swampy spots, 
 ^vhere they lie buried in the calcareous earth of Shell- 
 Marie. Mr. Peale, of Philadelphia, has since succeeded 
 in raising two skeletons, which with some supplemen- 
 tary parts, are now entire. They give a grand idea of 
 this enormous beast, which from his ivory tusks, his short 
 neck, and his want of cutting teeth in both jaws, is evi- 
 dently an Elephant, though probably of a species not 
 described in any of the books, nor known to have been 
 ever seen alive. For particulars see Medical Repository, 
 yoI. 4, p. 211. 
 
! 
 
 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 52^ 
 
 DIMENSIONS OF THE SKELETON. 
 
 Height over the shoulders 
 
 Length from the chin to the rump 
 
 From the end of the tusks to the end of the tail 
 
 Width of the hips and body 
 
 Length of the under jaw - . _ 
 
 Weight of the same 63|lbs. 
 
 Length of the thigh bone 
 Smallest circumference of the same 
 Length of the large -bone of the fore leg 
 Lai^est circumference of the same 
 Smallest do. do. 
 
 Circumference round the elbow 
 Length of the tusks, defences or horns 
 Circumference of one tooth 
 Weight of the same 41b. lOoz. 
 
 The whole skeleton weighs about lOOOlbs, 
 
 Feet, Inches, 
 11 0 
 15 0 
 31 0 
 
 5 S 
 3 1 
 
 3 7 
 1 6 
 
 2 9 
 
 3 2| 
 
 1 5 
 
 3 8 
 
 10 7 
 
 1 6 | 
 
 I 
 
 L L 
 
^30 ' HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
 
 OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 Th e annexed figure exhibits a curious instance of an 
 animal, neither wholly oviparous as birds are, nor yet en- 
 tirely viviparous like Quadrupeds : It is the young of a 
 species of Shark, caught and dissected by Dr. Mitchill. 
 The figure is taken by permission from the 1st. volume j 
 of the Monthly Magazine and American Review, p. 323 ; 
 to which we refer for the pai'ticulars at large. And on 
 closing our account of Quadrupeds, we deemed it a for- 
 tunate circumstance to be able to shew by a plate and dis- 
 section, how nearly that class of animals borders upon 
 fishes and birds, in the production of their young. The 
 peculiarity of this Shark is, that though it brings forth || 
 its young alive like land animals, the young are at the 
 same time connected each with an ovum or egg, after | 
 the manner of Birds. And neither the young nor the egg j| 
 have any manner of connection with the dam or parent . S| 
 Animal. This sing^ilar structure of the feetus probably 
 pervades the whole tribe of the Sharks and Dogs-fishes. 
 
HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 531 
 
 A. The Ovum, with its exterior membrane dissected off. 
 
 B. The internal tube or du6l extending from the egg to a 
 sac or reservoir of nutriment, within the body of the fish. 
 
 C. The sac alluded to in B, of considerable size, and oc- 
 cupying a good deal of room in the abdomen: it was filled 
 with a pulpy or soft matter, evidently derived from the ovum, 
 and apparently a little more elaborated, and prepared for 
 nutrition, by some concoctive operation in the sac itself. 
 
 D. The stomach, as yet not distended; of course exceed- 
 ingly small ; having never been filled with food derived from 
 the mouth. In the plate will be seen a small passage or open- 
 ing. 
 
 E. through which the alimentary matter in the sac, C, 
 passes into the stomach, to be absorbed afterwards by the 
 lacteals of the intestines. 
 
 F. The CEsophagus, of nearly the same size with the 
 stomach. 
 
 G. G. The two lobes of the liver. 
 
 H. The Cloaca, or gut stretching towards the anus, and 
 filled with the refuse matter of the alimentary mass. 
 
 I. The external membrane connecting the egg with the 
 fish, cut through and turned back. 
 

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