Chapter III: Part 3

When on board a ship at anchor in the river Gaboon, an Orang-Outang was brought for sale, and lived three days on board. “I shall never,” writes Mrs. Bowdich, “forget the uncontrollable rage of the one, or the agony of the other, at this meeting. The Orang was about three feet high, and very powerful in proportion to his size, so that when he fled with extraordinary rapidity from the Panther to the farther end of the deck, neither men nor things remained upright when they opposed his progress; there he took refuge in a sail, and although generally obedient to the voice of his master, force was necessary to make him quit the shelter of its folds. As to the Panther, his back rose in an arch, his tail was elevated and perfectly stiff, his eyes flashed, and as he howled he showed his huge teeth; then, as if forgetting the bars before him, he tried to spring on the Orang, to tear him to atoms.”

THE JAGUAR.

The Jaguar is the Leopard of the American forests, and nearly approaches to the Tiger of India in strength and daring. The Jaguar may be distinguished from the Leopard by a bold streak or two of black extending across the chest from shoulder to shoulder. The rosettes on the body are very large, open and rather angular, with a central spot or two in each, and a central chain of black dashes extends along the spine. The size of the Jaguar varies, but usually exceeds that of the Leopard. Its form is more robust and less agile and graceful. The limbs are short, but exceedingly thick and muscular, the head square and larger, and the tail comparatively shorter. The Jaguar is the most formidable of all the American members of the Cat family. It prefers the marshy and wooded districts of the warmer latitudes, and haunts the vast forest along the larger rivers. He climbs and swims with equal facility, and preys on the larger domestic quadrupeds, on Peccaries and Monkeys, and also on Tortoises and Fishes. Sonnini saw the scratches left on the smooth bark of a tree without branches forty feet high. Humboldt heard the Jaguar’s yell from the tops of the trees, followed by the sharp, shrill, long whistle of the terrified Monkeys, as they seemed to flee. It takes Birds in their nests and Fish in the shallows and makes havoc in some districts among Horses, Cattle and Sheep.

The Jaguar is also called the American Tiger; it is the largest carnivorous animal of the New World. It almost equals the Tiger in size, as well as in blood-thirstiness; it measures nearly seven feet from the end of the nose to the root of the tail. It is not Zebra-striped like the Tiger, but spotted in the same manner as the Panther. Its markings are most numerous on the head, thighs, legs and back, but always irregular in shape. The ground color of the coat is of a bright tawny hue above, and white beneath. The Jaguar is spread over nearly the whole of South America and of the warmer parts of North America. It inhabits the great forests traversed by rivers, and actively pursues various aquatic Mammals. Like the Tiger, it swims with ease and passes the day in inaction among the islets of the great lagoons and rivers. In the evening it seeks its food, and levies a heavy tribute on the immense herds of wild Cattle and Horses that graze in the Pampas of the Plata. With a single blow of its paw it breaks the back-bone of its victims.

At the setting and rising of the sun it gives utterance to two cries, which are well known to the natives and to hunters. It is by this means that it announces to living nature the commencement and the termination of its feeding operations, and thus excites terror or joy. In certain parts of South America, Jaguars were so numerous, that, according to Azara, in the seventeenth century, two thousand were killed every year at Paraguay. At the present time many are yet to be found in that region, although their numbers are considerably diminished.

THE PUMA OR COUGAR.

The Puma or Cougar, formerly improperly called the American Lion, is an animal about four and a half feet long, and of an uniform fawn color without any spots. It inhabits Paraguay, Brazil, Guiana, Mexico and the United States. It has the general appearance of a Lioness, without possessing its dimensions.

This animal is alike remarkable for stealth and agility. It makes great ravages among the herds, and differs from the other Cats, in slaying numerous victims before it commences to feed. To carry off the smaller domestic animals, it visits human habitations during the night. It prefers living in the open country, yet it climbs trees; its agility is such, that at one bound it can ascend upwards of twenty feet.

The Puma is easily tamed, when it knows its master, and receives his caresses with pleasure. No inconvenience results from allowing it to run at liberty. The celebrated English actor, Kean, had a Puma which followed him like a Dog, and kept close to him in the most crowded assembly.

THE OCELOT.

The Ocelot, one of the most beautiful of the Cat family, is a little more than three feet in length. The color of its fur is a greyish fawn, marked with large spots of a bright fawn, edged with black. Its habits are entirely nocturnal; it feeds on Monkeys, Rodents and Birds, climbing the trees in their pursuit with great swiftness. It is found in various parts of North and South America.

Like the Puma, it rapidly becomes attached to Man. Azara has seen one which, although it enjoyed the greatest liberty, would never leave its master.

THE LYNXES.

The animals belonging to the Lynx family differ from the other Felidae in their longer coat, their shorter tail, and their ears, which are terminated by a tuft of hair. A great number of varieties of Lynx are known, as well in the Old as in the New World. The principal ones, however, are the European Lynx, the Canada Lynx and the Caracal.

THE EUROPEAN LYNX.

The European Lynx is well known in the great forests of Northern Europe and in Asia; it is also found in some of the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as in the Sierras of Spain. This animal measures from thirty to thirty-six inches, not including the tail, which is four inches long. The upper parts of its body are of a bright red color, with small brown spots, while the under parts are white. On each side of its face it has an addition of white hairs, which resemble whiskers.

The name of “Loup-cervier” sometimes given to it, probably originated from its howling like a Wolf during the night. It nimbly climbs trees in pursuit of prey. Martens, Ermines, Hares and Rabbits are its favorite food. It does not, however, eat the flesh of larger victims, unless its hunger is extreme; but generally is satisfied by sucking out the brain.

Taken young, it becomes accustomed to captivity, and is fond of being caressed, but it will return to its wild life if opportunity offers, so really never becomes attached to its master. It is an extremely cleanly animal, and, like the Cat, passes a large portion of its time in washing and cleansing its fur.

The European Lynx is not much smaller than the Wolf, and is said to be rather shy than bold, never attacking Man except in self-defence, and using his claws as his principal weapons. This animal frequents mountainous and thickly-wooded districts, and confines himself to a limited hunting ground, not hunting in a pack, but usually in pairs, the mother being frequently followed by her young ones. The Lynx usually reposes during the day in such a position as to perceive either the approach of danger or of prey, going forth at twilight or early dawn to seek for food. Mr. Lloyd tells us that if the Lynx fails in his spring, he does not pursue his prey to any great distance, but slinks back to his retreat, in proof whereof he relates the following anecdote: “Some years ago, while a peasant was occupied with agricultural labors in the spring, he observed that some Sheep feeding in the distance shied when passing near a boulder on the hill-side. Inclination for the green grass, however, having at length got the better of their fears, they once more approached the spot, when out dashed a large Lynx from his ambush, and made several bounds towards them; but as the poor creatures had the start of him, they were so fortunate as to escape his clutches. Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the beast now turned about and retreated to his hiding place, which the peasant observing, he hastened home for his gun, and stealthily approaching the spot, shot him while in his lair.”

THE CANADA LYNX.

The Canada Lynx in size and coloring closely resembles the European species last mentioned. It is about three feet in length, besides the tail, which measures from four to five inches. It is retired in its habits, keeping away even from the dwellings of the first settlers in the forests. Its fine long fur enables it to resist the cold of the high latitudes in which it lives. It is found north of the Great Lakes, as far southward as the Middle States, and occasionally near the sea coast.

When alarmed or pursued, the Canada Lynx leaps or bounds rapidly in a straight direction from danger, and takes to a tree when hard pressed by Dogs. It is very strong, and possessing remarkably large and powerful fore-legs and claws, is able to climb trees of any size; and can leap from a considerable height to the ground without seeming to feel the jar, alighting on all four feet at the same instant, ready for flight or for battle.

The food of the Canada Lynx consists principally of Birds and small quadrupeds. Occasionally it may carry off some small live stock of the farmer, but it usually prefers such game as may be met with in the depths of the forest in which it lurks.

THE CARACAL.

The Caracal is about the size of the European Lynx. Its fur is red above, without spots, and its chest is fawn colored, speckled with brown. It is the Lynx of the ancients, and inhabits the north and east of Africa, Arabia and Persia. Its habits differ very little from those of the Lynx. It always retains, when in captivity, its savage disposition and a great desire for liberty.

The Caracal lies in wait for young Antelope and overpowers them without special exertion, tearing with his sharp teeth the artery of the throat. The dexterous hunter seldom enjoys his prey in peace for, as all large animals of prey pursue the small, so the bold, intruding Jackal presses him from all sides, waiting his chance to snatch part whenever possible. Our illustration shows such a scene. The Jackal generally has a bad time in a combat with the Caracal. The Caracal has never yet been tamed in any menagerie. Even the Arabs of the Soudan fear him. In the illustration he has been aggravated to the highest pitch by the attacks of the Jackal. With his long bushy ears lying flat, lips drawn backward and one sharp, pointed claw raised, he stands ready to strike and bite. Several of the Jackals have already felt his weapons. Despite this they howl and press around him until he has had his fill and leaves the rest of his meat for the persistent beggars.

The Caracal is said to occasionally hunt in packs like Wild Dogs. But this is uncommon; they usually hunt singly or in companies of two or three, creeping towards their victim and springing suddenly upon it.

In captivity, Caracals are very irritable, and sometimes display great ferocity. Dr. Charleton saw one kill and destroy a Hound in a moment, although the poor creature defended itself to the uttermost. They retire to a corner of their den, crouching sullenly, and resenting every attempt at familiarity; when irritated, the ears are laid close to the head, the eyes glare with malignant fury, the teeth are displayed, and they utter a hiss not unlike that of a Cat, and quite different from the growl of a Lion or Tiger. In their wild state they avoid man, but are dangerous foes when hard pressed or wounded.

THE OUNCE AND SERVAL.

These are two members of the Cat family that seem but little known.

In size, the Ounce is between the Panther and Leopard. The color of its coat is not yellow, but grey, and its spots are much more irregular than on these animals. It is a native of Asia.

The Serval is also named the Cat-pard or Tiger Cat. It is only about thirty inches long. It is found in the forests of Southern Africa; also in Abyssinia and Algeria. It lives on small animals, particularly Monkeys and Rodents. Its savage nature cannot be changed by taming. Its fur, which is varied with bars and black spots on a buff ground, is quite valuable.

THE CHEETAH.

The Cheetah or Hunting Leopard forms the transition between the Cat and Dog families. By its physical organization and its character it belongs, in fact, to both these classes. It has weak, non-retractile claws, which are unfitted for tearing purposes; but in its teeth it unmistakably shows its affinity to the Cat family. Its limbs are also longer, and the body more slender than that of the Cats, from whence results a greater aptitude for hunting. Its tail is curled over on itself at the extremity, a disposition very common in Dogs, but which is not observed in the Cats. Its mildness, obedient temper, and attachment when tame, naturally define its place on the confines of the Feline and the Canine family.

The Hunting Leopard inhabits Southern Asia and various parts of Africa. It is about four feet in length, and twenty-six inches in height. Its fur is very elegant, being a bright fawn color above, perfectly white beneath, and everywhere interspersed with black spots. The tail is barred with twelve alternately white and black rings. A quantity of hair, longer than on other parts of the body, grows on the back of the head and neck, forming a scanty mane.

The Cheetah seizes its prey by a succession of bounds remarkable for their rapidity. In India and Persia has been adopted the habit of training it to hunt certain animals, its natural docility allowing it to be readily trained for this service. The custom of employing the Cheetah for hunting goes back to a very remote period, for the Arab Rhazes speak of it in the tenth century.

In Mongolia the following is the method of conducting this sport. The sportsmen start off on horseback, carrying the Cheetah either on a Horse, or in a carriage specially constructed for the purpose. The animal is chained, and its eyes blindfolded. The places which Gazelles frequent are sought out. As soon as one is perceived, the hunters stop, the Cheetah is unfastened, and its eyes unbandaged and the game is pointed out to it. Immediately, under cover of the high vegetation and brushwood, the beast glides off in pursuit, taking advantage, with unequalled tact, of the slightest breaks in the ground to conceal its movements. When it considers that it is sufficiently near its victim, it suddenly shows itself, dashes on with terrible impetuosity, springs on the prey after a succession of prodigious bounds and immediately pulls it to the ground.

Its master, who has followed the events of the chase, then enters upon the scene. To detach it from its victim, he throws it a piece of flesh, speaks gently to it, and caresses it; after which he again covers its eyes, and replaces it on the saddle or in its conveyance, while the assistants carry off the prey.

This kind of hunting is very popular in Mongolia, and a well-trained Hunting Leopard attains an extraordinary price among the inhabitants.

In captivity, the Cheetah is familiar, gentle and playful, becoming greatly attached to those who are kind to it. When pleased it purs; and mews like a Cat when in distress.

THE DOG FAMILY.

The many different kinds of Dogs that are spread over the entire surface of the globe, with the Wolves, Jackals and Foxes, and their numerous smaller relatives are all grouped under the family of Canidae, which is derived from the Latin word Canis, meaning a Dog. All the members of this family are digitigrade. Though they walk on their toes, like the members of the Felidae, or Cat family, their claws are neither sharp nor retractile like those of the Cat and they cannot serve either for attack or defence.

Nearly all the members of this family have long tails, more or less clothed with hair, and their tongue is smooth, and in this respect different from the Cats.

They are the most intelligent of the Carnivora. Their senses, particularly that of smell, are strongly developed.

Some Naturalists claim that the Dog is a tamed Wolf, others that he is a well-educated Jackal, but there can be little doubt that he constitutes a genus set apart for the service of mankind, although there are such numerous varieties of domestic Dogs. It is impossible to discover in which of the past ages, the Dog became the servant of Man. The oldest traditions and the most ancient history show us the Dog as the friend and the servant of mankind.

Volumes might be written relating stories of which Dogs are the heroes. Every day in ordinary life we see something of this kind, and which, although of such frequent occurrence, is none the less curious. As examples of the past we might call to memory the Dog of Ulysses, the model of fidelity; the Dog of Montargis, the vanquisher of crime; of Munito, the brilliant player of dominoes. It is not necessary to mention the Newfoundland Dog and the Dog of Mount St. Bernard, as preservers of human life; their wonderful exploits are too well known to require special instances as examples. Nor is it necessary to speak of the numberless instances of intelligent Dogs going for provisions for their masters, and serving them in curious ways—like the shoe-black’s Dog, who was trained to plant his muddy paws on the best polished boots, so as to bring more business to his master, the man of the brush. We should never come to an end if we attempted to tell of all the exploits of this valuable companion of man.

It is also useless to attempt to mention all the various species of Dogs that are found scattered over all the inhabited parts of the world; but certain varieties may be divided into classes. The Sporting Dogs, for instance, are usually divided into two classes—the Running Dogs or Hounds, and the Setters or Pointers. The first follow rapidly on a track or scent, howling and crying all the way, and only stop when they have captured or lost their game. The second follow silently on the trail of the game, and only stop pursuing it when the scent announces that they are close to the object of their search. It is then that they are said to be pointing or setting. Setters generally lie down and wait for the sportsman, while the Pointers stand.

Among the Running Dogs might be mentioned the Greyhound, the Hounds of Saintonge and of Poitou, English Foxhounds, Harriers and Beagles, Turnspits, Bull-dogs, Mastiffs, etc. The principal sporting Dogs are the Pointers, Setters, Land Spaniels and Water Spaniels.

It is almost impossible to class all the different kinds of Dogs in groups, with the many races and sub-races now existing. Some Naturalists have divided all these different varieties into three classes—the Matins, the Spaniels, and the Mastiffs, and although this method may have its faults, it also has the advantage of being easy to remember and sufficient for practical use.

It is among the Matins that the largest-sized Dogs are found. The ordinary Matin—the great Danish Dog—is as large as a good-sized Donkey; under this class are also found the Spotted Danish Dog, the Little Danish Dog, the different varieties of Greyhounds, the Pyrenean Shephard’s Dog, the Alpine Dog, and the St. Bernard Dog.

The Spaniels comprise the Wolf Dog, the Chinese Dog, the Siberian Dog, the Esquimaux Dog—the two latter being used to draw sledges across the snow—the French and English Spaniels, and what is classed as the Small Spaniel, including a great number of varieties of “Lap Dogs,” which are the favorite home pets, in spite of the fact that they are particularly remarkable for their ugliness, and their small size. The principal Lap-dogs are the King Charles, Cocker, Blenheim, Small Poodle and the Small White Dog of Cuba, or Havanese Dog, etc. Then we come to the Turnspits, with straight and crooked legs; the St. Domingo Dog; the large Water Spaniel—the most faithful and intelligent of all dogs; the Little Water Spaniel, Poodle, Newfoundland Dog; Stag, Fox and Hare Hounds; Bloodhounds, Pointers and Setters.

Among the Mastiffs are placed the Great Dog or English Mastiff, an animal that is very courageous, and a great fighter; the Thibit Mastiff, the Small Mastiff, the Pug, the Bull-dog, the Terrier, and Bull Terrier, the Turkish Dog, remarkable for its almost naked skin, and last of all, our common Cur Dog, with no distinct characteristics.

Then we have a class of Dogs distinct from these friends and servants of mankind. These live either entirely wild or half-wild, and are scattered over various parts of the globe. These are the Dingo, or New Holland Dog, which is very destructive to domestic animals, and even to cattle; the Dhale, or East Indian Dog, which in packs, pursues Deer, Gazelles, etc., and which, when collected in troops, does not fear to fight with the Lion or Tiger; the Wild Dog of Sumatra; the Cape of Good Hope Dog and the Maroon Dog of America.

THE HYENA DOG.

The Hyena Dog might be classed with these wild and half-wild Dogs, although it is usually given a distinct genus. As the name indicates, it has several points of resemblance with the Hyena. This Dog inhabits South Africa. It is about the size of a Wolf, but not so strong as that animal. Its coat is of a deep gray color speckled with spots of various colors. It has large pointed ears and the tail is long and bushy. Although like the Hyena, it is very fond of putrid flesh, the Hyena Dog also feeds on living prey, especially Gazelles, Antelopes, etc. To pursue and capture these, the Hyena Dogs collect in troops, which are sometimes very numerous, and under the direction of a chief, they hunt with an intelligence unsurpassed by the best pack of Hounds. When the game is taken they divide it equally, but if any of the larger Carnivorous animals approach to take a share in the feast, they all unite against the intruder. Even Leopards and Lions have been driven off by a troop of these fierce Hyena Dogs.

THE DESTRUCTIVE WOLF.

Wherever the Wolf is found it is especially dreaded by the owners of flocks and herds, and it is considered the most destructive quadruped met with in Europe. Both in their habits and their physical structure they are very closely related to the Dog. The sense of smell in the Wolf is very acute, but its speed is not great. It wearies out its victim by untiring perseverance and when in full chase it persistently follows the track of the fugitive.

The Wolf is found throughout the whole of Europe, excepting Great Britain and the neighboring islands, where it has been exterminated. It also inhabits the cold and temperate regions of Asia and America. In some natural excavation situated in the woods, the Wolf takes up its abode. From here it steals forth at night to prey upon all the weaker animal life.

Among the varieties of the Common Wolf, it is necessary to mention the Black Wolf, which inhabits the North of Europe, and the Black Wolves of the Himalayas; the Dusky Wolf and the Prairie Wolf, which lives in troops on the great plains of North America; the Red Wolf, which leads a solitary life on the pampas of La Plata and in Texas and Mexico; lastly, the Mexican Wolf or Coyotte, and the Java Wolf. In the glacial regions of the two continents, White Wolves are found.

Although our Domestic Dogs and Wolves in a wild state are deadly enemies, yet when Wolves are captured quite young and tamed, they often become quite friendly with the Dogs of the home, and they are even considered safe playmates of the children in some instances, although they are rather treacherous, and probably few mothers would consider them safe. Yet a lady mentioned by Mr. Lloyd in this “Scandinavian Adventures” tells of a pet Wolf which she found trustworthy. “This Wolf became so faithful and attached that when we took a walk about the estate, and he was with us, he would crouch beside us when we rested, and would not allow anyone to approach nearer than about twenty paces; for if they came closer he would growl and show his teeth. When I called him he would lick my hand, at the same time always keeping his eyes fastened on the intruder. He went about the house and in the kitchen in the same manner as a Dog, and was much attached to the children, whom he would lick and play with. This continued until he was five months old. He had his kennel in the lower yard near the gate, and in the winter-time when the peasants came with charcoal, he would leap on to the stone fence, where he would wag his tail and whine until they came up to him and patted him. At such times he was always desirous of searching their pockets, that he might ascertain if they had anything good to eat about them. The men became so accustomed to this that they used to amuse themselves by putting a piece of bread in their coat pockets to let him find it out, and he ate all that they gave him. Besides this, he ate three bowls of food daily. It was remarkable that our Dogs used to eat with him out of the same bowl, but if any strange animal attempted to share the food with him, he would soon show anger.”

“At one time,” says Mr. Lloyd, “I had serious thoughts of training a fine Wolf in my possession as a pointer, but was deterred, owing to the liking she exhibited for the neighbor’s pigs. She was chained in a little enclosure, just in front of my window, into which these animals, when the gate was left open, ordinarily found their way. The devices the Wolf employed to get them into her power were very amusing. When she saw a Pig in the vicinity of the kennel she, evidently with the purpose of putting him off his guard, would throw herself on her side or back, wag her tail most lovingly, and look innocence personified. And this amiable demeanor would continue until the grunter was beguiled within the length of her tether, when in the twinkling of an eye the prey was clutched.

“When the Wolf is hungry, everything is game that comes to his net. In the Gulf of Bothnia he often preys upon Seals. When that sea is frozen over, or partially so, as is generally the case soon after the turn of the year, he roams its icy surface in search of the young of the Gray Seal, which at that season breeds among the hummocks in great numbers; and finding this an easy way of procuring sustenance, he remains on the ice until it breaks up in the spring. It not unfrequently happens, however, that during storms large fields of ice, on which numbers of Wolves are congregated, break loose from the shore or the land-ice; in this case, as soon as the beasts perceive their danger, but see no possibility of escape, they rush to and fro, keeping up the while a most woeful howling, heard frequently at a great distance until they are swallowed up by the waves.”

The vision and hearing, but more particularly the sense of smell in the Wolf, are very fully developed. These faculties are of great service in enabling it to obtain food and avoid danger.

When suffering from hunger it loses all caution, and becomes a scourge to the farmers’ flocks and a source of danger even to Man. In broad daylight, under such circumstances, without being seen, it will draw near a flock of Sheep, eluding the vigilance of the dogs, it will dart forward, seize a victim that it has singled out, and bear it off with such velocity as often to defy pursuit. This exploit accomplished, it returns time after time to the scene of its previous success, until destroyed or driven from the neighborhood.

When it succeeds in obtaining entrance to a sheepfold, the havoc it commits is fearful, for it makes a general massacre among the inmates. The slaughter terminated, it carries away a victim for immediate use. It afterwards takes a second, third, and fourth, which it conceals in different places in the neighboring woods. Nor does it return to its retreat until daybreak, devoting the last moments to secreting its booty.

This craving for slaughter, preceding the act of hiding the carcasses, rather denotes foresight than ferocity; the Wolf is not, therefore, the monster of cruelty pictured by Buffon.

The Wolf often destroys Dogs, its most deadly enemy; and resorts to stratagem the better to accomplish its purpose. Should it see a Puppy about a farmyard, it approaches, and attracts attention by frisking and making all kinds of gambols to gain its confidence. When the youngster, seduced by these overtures, responds to them, and leaves the friendly shelter of its home, it is immediately overpowered, and carried off. Against a vigorous Dog, capable of defending itself with success, the stratagem is different. Two Wolves arrange between themselves the following plan:—One shows itself to the hoped-for-victim, and endeavors to make the Dog follow its track into an ambuscade, where the second Wolf is concealed. Both suddenly assail it at once, and through their combination obtain an easy victory.

Under ordinary circumstances the Wolf does not molest Man, but even flies from his presence. In cases of extreme hunger, on the contrary, it attacks him, looking out for an unguarded moment in order to take him unawares. If the Man is on horseback or accompanied by a Dog, its first efforts are directed against the quadrupeds.

During the winter, when the ground is covered with snow, in the great plains of Germany, in the vast steppes of Russia and Poland, Wolves are most dangerous. “Hunger drives the Wolf from the wood,” says a proverb. Allied in immense troops they range the country in every direction, and become a terrible scourge.

In those plains of Siberia that are infested by Wolves a sledge journey is far from agreeable, for frequently a band of these ferocious brutes persistently follow travelers. If the sledge stops for only a second, the Men and Horses are lost; safety exists only in flight. The struggle on such occasions is fearful. The Horses, mad with terror, seem to have wings. The Wolves follow on their track, their eyes flashing with fire. It is a terrible situation to be placed in to behold these black spectres tearing across the surface of the white shroud of snow, thirsting for your blood. From time to time a report is heard; a Wolf falls. More audacious than the others, the victim had tried to climb the sledge, and one of the travelers has shot it. This incident gives some advantage to the fugitives; for the carnivorous troop halt for a few seconds to devour the body of their companion.

Wolves are not hunted with Hounds that run by scent, for it would only be possible to overtake them with Greyhounds, as they are endowed with great speed and endurance. The method generally adopted for their destruction is to post the hunters around the covers which a Wolf frequents. These measures being taken, the grizzly marauder is started by Bloodhounds, specially trained for the purpose. The Wolf dashes past the sportsmen, either successfully running the gauntlet or getting shot.

THE JACKAL.

The Jackal, five or six varieties of which are known, is common to the whole of Africa, all the warm regions of Asia, and to portions of Southern Europe. It is about the same length as the Fox, but stands a little taller. Its coat is of a greyish-yellow color above, and white beneath; its tail is tipped with black at the extremity.

Jackals live together in troops, which are sometimes composed of more than a hundred individuals. Although their eyes are adapted for seeing in daylight, they usually sleep during the day, and do not go abroad until night to seek their food. To keep together they are constantly howling, and their voice is sad, loud and unmusical. Their voracity and audacity are unparallelled. They enter habitations, when opportunity presents itself, and sweep off everything eatable they can reach; devouring even boots, Horse harness and other articles made of leather. In the desert they follow the caravans, prowl all night around their encampment, and endeavor to carry off anything chance may throw in their way. After the start of the caravan they rush upon the deserted halting-place, greedily fighting for all the refuse. Captain Williamson tells us that “Mr. Kinloch, who kept a famous pack of Hounds, having chased a Jackal into a jungle, found it necessary to call off his Dogs, in consequence of an immense herd of Jackals, which had suddenly collected on hearing the cries of their brother, which the Hounds were worrying. They were so numerous that not only the Dogs were defeated, but the Jackals rushed out of cover in pursuit of them; and when Mr. Kinloch and his party rode up to whip them off, their Horses were bit, and it was not without difficulty that a retreat was effected. The pack was found to have suffered so severely as not to be able to take the field for several weeks.

“The Jackal is very watchful. He will wait at your door, and will enter your house, and avail himself of the smallest opening for enterprise; he will rob your roost, and steal Kids, Lambs, Pigs and sometimes even take a Pup from its sleepy mother; he will strip a larder or pick the bones of a carcass, all with equal avidity. It is curious to see them fighting, almost within reach of your stick, to reach the expected booty.

“Both Jackals and Foxes sham death to admiration. After having been almost pulled to pieces by Dogs and left to all appearance lifeless, they sometimes gradually cock their ears, then look askance at the retiring enemy, and when they think themselves unobserved, steal under a bank, and thus skulk along till they find themselves safe, when, setting off at a trot or a canter, they make the best of their way to some place of security.”

THE FOXES.

These animals are distinguished from Wolves and Dogs by their longer and more bushy tail, and by their elongated and more pointed muzzle. They have a most offensive odor; and dig holes in the ground, wherein they reside and rear their young. They live upon Birds and other animals, but never attack any but such as have no power of resistance. The cunning of the Fox has always furnished a subject fertile in amusing anecdotes. Their attachment to their young is well illustrated in the following little narrative extracted from Mr. Lloyd’s “Scandinavian Adventures:”

“A Fox having slaughtered a whole flock of Goslings, M. Drougge, to whom they belonged, resolved to attack her and her cubs in their ‘earth.’ This, however, was so deep that night set in before any satisfaction could be obtained. Some days after, on revisiting the kula (or ‘earth’), it was found deserted, but, after some search, five cubs were found in a newly-made retreat, and deposited in an old hen-house belonging to the Lansmann, from whence, however, the mother nearly released them during the succeeding night; for in the morning the building was found undermined, and the half-rotten floor nearly bitten through. The cubs were now removed to an unoccupied room in the dwelling-house itself; and even here, by burrowing under the foundations of the building, as she was discovered to be doing during the two following nights, her attempts to free the prisoners were renewed. But the matter did not rest here; for one night shortly after, a continuous noise was heard in the attic, where, in consequence, the Lansmann proceeded to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. On his way up the stairs he was startled by an animal apparently resembling a Dog, running hastily past his legs, to which circumstance he at the time paid little attention; but as, when he reached the attic, he found everything quiet, he returned to his bed again. On the following morning, however, it was discovered that the Fox had been the cause of the uproar; for, with the intention of getting access to her cubs, she had been endeavoring to make an aperture in the chimney, and it then became perfectly clear that it was the Fox herself which, in her hurry to escape, had nearly upset the Lansmann, while mounting the steps the night before. The room below, in which the cubs were confined, was now examined, but they were nowhere to be seen. At length, however, their cries were heard in the flue of the stove, the whole of which structure it was necessary to take down before they could be extricated.”

THE FENNEC FOX.

The Fennec Fox is a remarkable little animal found in Nubia and other parts of Northern Africa, where it resides in burrows excavated in the sand. Its body, head included, does not measure more than thirteen inches in length, while its tail, which is very bushy, is about eight inches long. Its head is narrow, with a pointed muzzle. Its eyes are large, and the iris of a deep blue color; the sides of its face are margined by long thick whiskers, while its enormous ears, which are very broad at the base, erect, and pointed, give a very singular appearance. The hair covering the body is of a pale fawn or cream color, shading into white beneath.

Bruce describes the Fennec as being a white Weasel. He had several of these successively in his possession, and says: “They were all known by the name of Fennec, and no other, and said to inhabit the date villages, where they build their nests upon trees.” Of one, which he kept, he tells us: “Though his favorite food seemed to be dates or sweet fruit, yet I observed he was very fond of eggs. Pigeons’ eggs and small Birds’ eggs were first brought him, which he devoured with great avidity, but he did not seem to know how to manage the egg of a hen; when broken for him, however, he seemed to eat it with the same eagerness as the others. When he was hungry, he would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar. It was observable that a Bird, whether confined in a cage near him or flying across a room, engrossed his whole attention. He followed it with his eyes wherever it went, nor was he at this time to be diverted by placing biscuit before him, and it was obvious, by the great interest he seemed to take in its motions, that he was accustomed to watch for victories over it, either for his pleasure or his food. He seemed very much alarmed at the approach of a Cat, and endeavored to hide himself, but showed no symptom of preparing for any defence. He suffered himself, not without some difficulty, to be handled in the day, when he seemed rather inclined to sleep, but was exceedingly restless when night came, always endeavoring to make his escape, and though he did not attempt the wire, yet with his sharp teeth he soon mastered the wood of any common bird-cage.”

THE COMMON FOX.

The Common Fox is still found throughout Europe. For ages past it has had a reputation for cunning, which has given it great notoriety. “As cunning as a Fox” is one of the most common adages in the languages of nations.

The Fox never attacks animals capable of resistance. In the twilight it ventures out in quest of its prey, when it wanders silently around the country, prowling about the covers and hedges, hoping to surprise Birds, Rabbits or Hares, its usual prey.

If it fails to secure such delicate food, however, it will eat Field Mice, Lizards, Frogs, &c. It does not dislike certain fruits, and it is especially fond of grapes. To domestic Fowls it is terribly destructive. When during its nightly prowling the crow of a Cock strikes its ear, it turns at once in the direction of the welcome sound. It wanders around the poultry yard, examining and observing all the weak points by which an entrance might be gained. When at last successful in reaching the Hen-roost, a reckless carnage among its occupants is made, and this not so much to satisfy a craving for blood as to provide store for the future. With this object, one by one the victims are carried off, and concealed in the woods or its den.

If all efforts to enter the Hen-roost are unsuccessful, then Reynard undertakes to ruin it in detail, and to slay in one or more months those which he cannot kill in a day. With this intention he installs himself on the margin of a wood, close to the farm, and anxiously watches every movement of the poultry. If his prey wander into the fields, his attentions are doubled; seizing the moment when the Watch-dog is out of sight, he creeps towards them, draws near his victim without being seen, seizes, strangles and carries it off. When these manoeuvres have once succeeded, they are repeated till the poultry yard is empty.

The following story, narrated to me by an old woodman, also illustrates their cunning. Two Foxes, located in a neighborhood where Hares abounded, adopted an ingenious plan for capturing them. One of them lay in ambush on the side of a road; the other started the quarry and pursued it with ardor, with the object of driving the game into the road guarded by his associate. From time to time, by an occasional bark, the associate in ambush was notified how the chase was succeeding. When a Hare was driven into the road it was immediately pounced on, and both Foxes devoured it in thorough good fellowship. Nevertheless, it sometimes happened that the Fox who kept watch miscalculated his spring, and the Hare escaped. When, as though puzzled at his want of skill, he resumed his post, jumped on to the road, and several times repeated the movement. His comrade arriving in the middle of this exercise, was not slow to comprehend its meaning, and irritated at being fatigued to no purpose, chastised his clumsy associate; but a tussle of a few minutes sufficed to expend the bad humor, and they were ready to try again.

The adult Fox is also assisted by its young in procuring food when they become old enough. Some observers say that these family excursions are undertaken for the education of the cubs. When on a hunt to obtain aquatic Birds, among the reeds and rushes that margin the borders of lakes and rivers, Foxes always proceed with extreme caution, and take especial care not to become unnecessarily wet.

One of the most frequent tricks of the Fox, and which shows an unusual amount of intelligence, consists in simulating death when surprised by the hunters, and there is no hope of safety by flight. It may then be handled, kicked about in every direction, even lifted by the tail, hung up in the air, or carried thrown over one’s shoulder, without showing the slightest sign of life. But as soon as released, and opportunity for escape offers, it will hurry away to the great amazement of those so cleverly fooled.

The Fox most frequently inhabits a burrow or “earth,” which it excavates among stones, rocks, or under the trunk of a tree, at the edge of a wood; at other times it digs its subterraneous retreat on cultivated land; always it is careful to have it on an elevated slope, so as to be protected against rain and inundations.

At times it appropriates the burrow of a Rabbit or Badger, and re-arranges it to suit itself.

Its dwelling it divides into three parts: The first part is the place from whence it examines the neighborhood before coming out, and from where it watches for a favorable moment to escape its persecutors, when pursuit has driven it home. Then comes the store-room, a place with several outlets, where the provisions are stored away. Lastly, behind the store-room, quite at the bottom of the burrow, is the den, the sleeping chamber and real habitation of the animal. The Fox seldom regularly inhabits its burrow, except when rearing young. After that period it generally sleeps in a cover, near a spot where it thinks plunder is to be had, sometimes at a distance from its burrow.

THE WEASEL FAMILY.

The Weasels and their many small relatives—the Ermines, Martens, Otters and many others—are usually classed with the Dog and Cat families and the Civets and Hyenas, under the second great division of the flesh-eating animals or those that walk on their toes; known as the Digitigrade Carnivora.

The fierce little Weasel, which is taken as a type of the whole Weasel family is the smallest of all the carnivorous animals. It does not often measure more than six inches in length. It is found all over the temperate part of Europe, although the most of its relatives prefer the cold climate of the far North. Its boldness and courage are wonderful, and it will often seize and kill animals very much larger than itself.

A Weasel has even been seen to attack an Eagle, and after allowing himself to be carried high into the air, he has succeeded after a long, hard fight in biting through the throat of the Eagle. Then both fall to the ground, and the Eagle dies, although the Weasel is not hurt, except the wounds in his skin made by the Eagle’s talons, which soon heal.

Of all the animals belonging to this family, the Weasel is most easily tamed, and it soon shows a great affection for its master.

THE ERMINE.

This little animal is very much like the Weasel in size and form, but it usually prefers a colder climate, and makes its home in the northern regions of Sweden, Norway, Russia, Siberia and Arctic America. These animals do not often measure more than ten inches in length (not including the tail) but their skins are very valuable. They bring a high price, and a very important trade in them is carried on. In summer, the Ermine is of a beautiful brown color above and white below, while the tail is tipped with black. In winter the whole coat becomes a brilliant white, with sometimes a slightly yellow tinge, the tip of the tail remaining black. This is the season in which the fur is most valuable.

THE MARTENS.

There are three species of Marten that make their home in Europe and Western Asia—the Pine Marten, the Sable and the Beech or Stone Marten. These all have large, open ears, and long bushy tails, and they live principally upon the trees, where, creeping from branch to branch, they hunt the small Birds and Squirrels. They are usually found in the gloom of dense forests.

The Beech or Stone Marten is found in all parts of Europe, not only in the woods, but often in thick hedges and vineyards wherever there is shelter for it to creep along and hunt its prey. It will often make its home near a farm house and destroy with great fury the small domestic animals.

The Sable is eagerly sought after on account of its fur. Its home is in the northern part of Europe, in the coldest parts of Russia and Siberia. The Turks, Russians and Chinese are the principal purchasers of their skins, and they distribute them in trade, far and wide, through Europe and Asia. The winter coat of the Sable is almost black and very close, and is much more valuable than when the animal is in summer dress.

The Russian exiles in Siberia hunt the Sable, and when in search of this animal they are exposed to the perils of famine, climate and wild beasts.

The Pine Marten is found in Northern Europe and North America. It owes its name to its supposed preference for the cones of the pine tree, as the Beech Marten is thought to select the fruit of the beech. The Pine Marten is of considerable size; its color yellowish, blended in some parts with a blackish tint; head lighter; throat yellow; tail long, bushy, and pointed. The fur varies in different individuals, both in color and fineness.

This animal lurks in the thick woods, where its prey—Squirrels, Mice, Birds and their eggs—abound. It feeds likewise on Insects, Fish and the smaller Reptiles, and also on berries, nuts and honey. It is active and sprightly, and we are told by Dr. Godman that the Pine Marten frequently has his den in the hollows of trees, but very commonly takes possession of the nest of some industrious Squirrel, which it enlarges to suit its convenience, after putting the builder to death.

These animals are caught for the sake of their fur, which is, however, inferior to that of the Sable Marten. A Partridge’s head with the feathers is the best bait for the log traps in which this animal is taken. It often destroys the hoards of meat and fish laid up by the natives, when they have accidentally left a crevice by which it can enter.

The Marten, when its retreat is cut off, shows its teeth, sets up its hair, arches its back, and makes a hissing noise like a cat. It will seize a dog by the nose, and bite so hard that, unless the latter is accustomed to the fight, it allows the animal to escape.

It may be easily tamed, and it soon acquires an attachment to its master, but it never becomes docile. Its flesh is occasionally eaten, though it is not prized by the Indians.

THE OTTERS.

The Otters prefer to live in or near the water, and they are formed to find great enjoyment in this life. Their webbed feet, their slender shape and flattened head make them very active in darting through the water for their prey. They are usually found along the edges of lakes, rivers and streams, where they either dig out a burrow communicating with the water, or make their home in some natural crevice near the bank of the stream. They feed principally upon fish, and they cause a great deal of trouble in the waters near their home, as they are not satisfied with killing simply to satisfy their hunger, but often hunt and kill the Fish, etc., simply for the sake of killing.

Unlike the most of the Weasel family, the Otters will eat vegetables, although they prefer an animal diet. The skin of the Otter has always been a fur of great value, for it is soft, close and durable. The coat of this animal, like that of the Beaver and almost all of the aquatic Mammals, is composed of two layers—the one next to the skin formed of short, fine, downy hair; the other, which grows through it, is more glossy, longer and coarser.

Otters are found in all parts of the world, but they are most plentiful in Europe and America. The Common Otter measures about two feet and a quarter from the tip of the nose to the tail—which is from twelve to fifteen inches in length. The usual color of the fur is brown, shading to darker tints.

In Kamschatka and on the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, there exists a species of Otter, which differs from all other species in the softness and brilliancy of its fur, and its living almost entirely in the water. It measures more than a yard in length and is very mild in disposition. The skins of the Sea Otters are very high in price, and are increasing in value, as these animals are becoming very scarce.

THE CIVET FAMILY.