Chapter IX: Part 9

Woodpeckers are of a timid, restless disposition; they live alone in the midst or on the borders of large forests.

Insects and their larvae form their nourishment, which they seek in the trunks and clefts of trees. Their tongue is wonderfully suited for this purpose. It is very long, and, by a peculiar mechanism, can be projected out far enough to reach objects three or four inches away. The beak is terminated by a horny point bristling with small hooks. In many species it is overlaid with a sticky substance secreted by two glands, the effect of which is to catch the insects which it touches. Whenever the Bird darts this tongue into the crevices, it draws it out more or less laden with insects. If it perceives an insect that it cannot reach by means of this organ, it uses its strong beak; striking the tree with redoubled blows, it cuts the bark, breaks an opening, and seizes the coveted prey.

It often also taps with its beak to sound a tree, and assure itself that there is no recess in the interior which would serve as a refuge for its prey. If the trunk is hollow, it examines all parts to find an entrance to the cavity. When it has discovered it, it introduces its tongue; and if the canal is not large enough to permit it to explore the hiding place with success, it increases the size of the aperture. It is not only to seek for food that Woodpeckers make holes in trees, but also to form secure hiding places for their nests. Some species, it is true, select the openings which they find, but others hollow out their nesting places according to their tastes. When such is the case, they select soft-wood trees, such as willow, aspen, etc. The cavity which they bore to where the nest is placed is generally so oblique and so deep that perfect darkness surrounds them. This is doubtless a measure of security against small Mammals, especially the rodents, the natural enemies of their family. The mother deposits her eggs upon a bed of moss or the dust of worm-eaten wood. The young Birds grow slowly, and receive for a long time the care of their parents.

Woodpeckers are generally considered noxious Birds, because they are supposed to injure the trees of forests and orchards, and for this reason a relentless war is made against them. They should, on the contrary, be protected; for they destroy innumerable insects, the real enemies of timber, and never touch a sound limb, for in it their food is not to be found. There are a great number of species of Woodpeckers known, which are spread over the two continents. The principal are the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a native of America; the great Spotted Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker.

Wry-necks owe their name to the curious property they possess of being able to twist their necks in such a manner as to turn the head in all directions. They repeat this movement every instant, especially when surprised or angry. At the same time their eyes become fixed, the feathers of the head stand up, and the tail expands. Like Woodpeckers, they can hang upon trees, and sustain themselves in a vertical position for a long time; but they are incapable of climbing. The weakness of their beaks does not permit of their boring trees; therefore they seek their nourishment upon the ground, principally among the ant-hills. They build in natural holes in trees, or in those hollowed by Woodpeckers. Their plumage is attractive and their size is about that of the Lark. They inhabit all the old continent.

THE JACAMARS.

Jacamars inhabit equatorial America. They are characterized by long and pointed beaks, and short wings. They have three or four toes, according to the species. Their habits are little known; but it is certain that they live isolated or in pairs, that they are stupid, move but little, and rarely depart from the neighborhood where they have chosen their dwelling. All species do not frequent similar localities—as some like thick woods, others prefer open plains; all, however, are insect eaters. In their manners, as well as in their physical characteristics, Jacamars appear to resemble Kingfishers, of which we shall speak hereafter. The Paradise Jacamar is a good representative of the family.

THE GALLINACEAE, OR DOMESTIC BIRDS.

The family of Birds to which our domestic fowls belong is a very large one. It is known as the family of Gallinaceous Birds. The word is derived from the Latin gallina, a hen, and gallus, a cock. The many different Birds and Fowls found under this family are usually divided into six groups, and these may be readily classified without their long Latin names to designate them.

In the first we find the different kinds of Grouse, the Cock of the Plains, the Heathcock, the Hazel Hen and others of the same nature, that resemble our Hens and Roosters, and care for their chickens in the same manner. Under the second group we find the Quail, the Colin, the Partridge, etc., that are well known in this country and in Europe. The Birds under the third group belong to South America, and are representatives of the Partridge on that continent. The birds belonging to the fourth group are the Chionides of Australia and New Zealand. In size they are between our Partridge and Pigeon. They live near the sea-beach, and feed on the sea-weed and dead Fishes that are thrown up by the waves.

In the fifth group are found a queer family of birds with straight slender bills and feet that are furnished with long, sharp claws. These birds are also found in Australia and they have a peculiar habit of laying each of their eggs in a separate hole, then covering each with a large mound, scraped together by the Birds; and the eggs are then left to be hatched by the sun. The Bush-turkeys of Australia and New Guinea also belong to this group.

The sixth group comprises our Pheasants, Peacocks, Guinea Fowls, Curassows and Turkeys. The handsomest Birds belonging to the family of domestic Fowls—the Peacocks, Golden Pheasants, etc., are found in this group.

THE PARTRIDGES.

The Partridges make their home on the ground and never perch in trees except when they are forced to do so. Like the Quail they run with remarkable swiftness; their flight is rapid, but low, and does not extend to long distances. These Birds are very sociable, and live in flocks or coveys composed of the parents and the young of the last brood. They are not migratory, and they seem to attach themselves to certain localities and do not leave unless compelled to.

At the time of laying, the mother-bird makes a hole in the earth, which she lines with grass and leaves, and in it deposits her eggs, to the number of twelve or fifteen, and sometimes twenty or more. While she is sitting upon the eggs her mate watches over her and guards her from danger.

When the young are hatched, the father-bird devotes himself to the care of his children. He accompanies them in their wanderings; he teaches them to catch grubs, find ants’ eggs, and shows himself as skilful as the mother in guarding them from attacks of their enemies. At the appearance of danger the father utters a cry of alarm, which warns the young ones to hide. Drooping his wings in order to induce the intruder to follow him, he pretends to be unable to fly. At the same time the mother-bird proceeds in another direction and, alighting some distance off, she runs back to her family, and leads them to a place of safety. This is one of the intelligent methods by which the young brood is protected.

A few weeks after they are hatched the young Partridges are able to fly, and to provide for their own wants; they do not leave their parents, but continue to live with them until the following spring, when they begin to build nests and plan for their own children.

Partridges are of a shy and timid nature, which shows itself in many ways. But this is not surprising when it is remembered how numerous are their foes, for Foxes and Birds of prey make continual havoc among them; the latter especially are particularly dreaded. At the mere sight of one of the Falcon tribe, a Partridge is so overcome with fear as to be almost incapable of concealing itself, and it is not until the dreaded enemy is gone that it regains self-possession.

When a Bird of prey unsuccessfully dashes at a Partridge in cover, no power is able to make it take wing, and any one can then lay hands on it without difficulty. A Partridge has even been known to prefer dying in its hiding-place from suffocation to exposing itself to the mercies of its pursuer.

The knowledge of these facts has suggested a very simple and effectual method of making Partridges which are wild remain on the ground without flying, till the sportsman is within gun-shot. This is done by frightening them with an artificial Bird of Prey, attached to the tail of a kite, which is flown over them.

Partridges make very delicate food of fine flavor, and they are not only shot in their wild state for this purpose, but in some countries are tamed and raised in great numbers, like the domestic fowls, especially the Grey Partridge. We are told of a whole covey of Partridges of this variety in England which were so tame that they could be driven like a flock of Geese.

The California Partridge is one of the handsomest of the whole family of Partridges. It is a native of the western shores of North America. It is adorned with a crest, giving it a much finer appearance than that of the plain little brown fellows of the Eastern part of this country.

THE GROUSE AND THE HEATHCOCK.

There is a great variety of Grouse and Prairie Chickens belonging to this family of Birds. The Pinnated Grouse is a native of the prairies of North America. Its feathers are light brown, occasionally spotted with white. Its call is deep and sonorous, and can be heard for miles in still weather. The Pinnated Grouse is frequently called the Prairie Chicken. They lay from twelve to fourteen eggs and are the most devoted parents.

The Black Grouse is about the size of a Pheasant, and is distinguished by the tail, which is divided into two parts composed of four feathers on each side curling outwards.

The Ruffled Grouse is an American Bird, but differs from the others in size and habits. The hill-sides, densely covered with evergreens or birch are its favorite resorts, and on the wing, it is remarkable for its swiftness.

The Hazel Grouse is suspicious and timid, and hides among the thick foliage of the green trees at the least appearance of danger. This bird flies awkwardly, but runs very swiftly. It is about the size of a Partridge, and its plumage is of a reddish brown color, mixed with white.

The Heathcock is very similar to the Grouse. The heath plains with their juniper bushes and birches are his favorite abode. His food consists of all kinds of seeds and berries, especially the bilberry, juniper berry, wheat, oats and buckwheat, besides Insects, Snails and Worms, and he is particularly fond of Ants. The Heathcocks are great fighters. They fight in the fashion of the domestic Cocks, but with much greater fury and bitterness. With heads down, fan-shaped tails erected, and wings hanging, the two opponents circle around each other. Suddenly they rush together, spring at each other, and mutually endeavor to inflict wounds with beak and claws, so that the feathers fly far and wide. Wearied, they pause only to take up the battle again with equal bitterness after a short rest, until finally one of the combatants is put to flight. Then the victor flies to a neighboring tree and announces his victory in clear, joyous tones to all the Hens that can be found in the neighborhood. But very often this song of triumph is also his death song. Already the hunter has long observed him from his place of concealment, and awaited a favorable opportunity. Now he sends at him the deadly lead, and in the midst of his triumph song the Cock falls dead to the ground.

The Hens build a simple nest out of dry twigs, grass and feathers in some hollow in the high grass, in the midst of the heath or under bushes. The setting consists of from six to twelve yellow eggs with brown spots of the same size as those of the domestic Hen’s eggs. After three weeks the young are hatched out and are taken by the careful mother under her wings, and anxiously guarded and followed. The flesh of the Heathcock is more tender and finely flavored than that of the Wood-grouse.

THE PIGEONS.

The family of Birds to which the Pigeons and the Doves belong is usually classed by itself, as forming a link between two other families, and as these are important divisions, it will be well to keep in mind the meaning of their Latin names. The Pigeons and Doves belong to the family of Columbidae, which is derived from the Latin word columba, meaning a dove; and this forms the division between the domestic or Gallinaceous family, that we have just studied, and the family of Passerines, or Sparrows; the name of this family being derived from the Latin word passer, meaning a sparrow.

It would be useless to attempt to describe all the different kinds of Pigeons in this space, but we can mention the leading groups, with their distinguishing features.

The Crowned Pigeon is one of the handsomest. This is usually found in New Guinea. The plumage of this Bird is a beautiful greyish blue, with markings of dark blue and white, and its head is crowned with a plume of long tapering feathers.

The Fan-tailed Pigeon is remarkable for its tail, which is very large and raised like that of a Peacock when spread out to its handsomest extent.

The Nun Pigeon is recognized by a kind of hood formed of raised feathers, which covers the back of the head and neck, and to which it owes its name.

The Wheeling Pigeon describes circles, like Birds of Prey, when it is flying. This Bird has an unpleasant disposition, and a bad habit of annoying other Pigeons. It should be excluded from Pigeon-houses.

The Tumbler Pigeon owes its name to its curious manner of flying. It has a habit, after it has risen to a certain height, of throwing five or six summersaults.

The Pouter Pigeon owes its name to the faculty which it possesses of inflating its crop to an immense size by the introduction of air. This peculiarity often destroys them; indeed, when feeding their young, they find so much difficulty in causing the seeds which they have swallowed to reascend into their beaks, that they contract a malady which is frequently fatal.

The Roman Pigeons, thus named because they are very common in Italy, are easily recognized from the circle of red which surrounds their eyes.

The Swift Pigeon is of small size, its flight is light and rapid.

The Carrier Pigeons belong to this race. They are celebrated for their attachment to their birthplace, or to the spot that contains their young, and for the intelligence which enables them to regain their native countries from whatever distance. Transport them miles from their homes, even in a well-closed basket, then give them their liberty, and they will return, without the slightest hesitation, to the place from which they were taken. This valuable faculty has long been utilized, especially in the East.

The Romans made use of Pigeons as messengers. Pliny says that this means was employed by Brutus and Hirtius to concert together during the siege of a town by Mark Antony. At the siege of Leyden, in 1574, the Prince of Orange employed Carrier Pigeons to carry on a correspondence with the besieged town, which he succeeded in freeing. The Prince, to mark his acknowledgment of the services rendered by these wise Birds, wished them to be fed with strawberries, and their bodies to be embalmed after death.

We learn from Pierre Belon, the Naturalist, that in his time navigators from Egypt and Cyprus took Pigeons upon their galleys, and liberated them when they had arrived at the port of destination, in order to announce to their families their safe journey. In our century they have been made use of for similar purposes.

THE PHEASANTS.

Under the name of Phasianidae, the Pheasants form a distinct family, which is divided into several groups of Birds and Domestic Fowls which have similar characteristics. Not only our well known Pheasants, but the Peacocks, Guinea Fowls, Turkeys, Currassows, Bankiva Fowl, Tragopans, and the Argus are all grouped in this family, because they all have short bills, wings so short that they cannot fly readily, brilliant plumage, and tails largely developed, forming the greatest beauty of the Bird in many instances.

The Pheasant, especially, is remarkable for the length of its tail; the middle feathers of which in one species, known as Reeve’s Pheasant, sometimes attain a length of seven or eight feet.

The Silver Pheasant and the Golden Pheasant are two beautiful species. The former is clothed in a black and white costume that gives it a fine silvery appearance. The latter is brilliantly clothed in purple and gold, and bears a golden yellow crest on its head, with a handsome circular collar effect; and the tail of the Golden Pheasant is very long and showy.

There are many other species of Pheasants, distinguished by some peculiarity of the plumage, but there is no special difference in their habits.

In the wild state the Pheasants prefer wooded slopes or marshy plains, and their food is composed of grains, berries, Worms, Insects, Snails, etc. They are shy and timid in their nature, taking flight at the least indication of danger. They make their nest on the ground in the midst of a thicket, or in a tuft of grass, and the hen Pheasant lays from twelve to twenty eggs, which require twenty-four days to hatch.

In some parts of the country these Birds are raised in enclosures called pheasantries. During the first two months of existence, the young Pheasants require the greatest care, as the tender little fellows are subject to numerous maladies.

THE PASSERINES, OR THE SPARROW FAMILY.

It seems strange that one of the very largest families of Birds should take as its type our common little Sparrow, yet the Passerine family takes its name from the Latin word passer, meaning a Sparrow. These are also known as Perching Birds. Taking it altogether this is an odd family of Birds, so many are included in it, in which it is difficult to detect the bonds which connect them.

For example, where is the link which unites the Crow to the Swallow, or the Hornbill to the Humming-bird? Nevertheless all these winged creatures, so different externally, belong to the Passerines. Some Naturalists have claimed that this family presents only negative characteristics, bringing together in an odd group all the birds that are not included among the Rapacious, the Swimming, Wading, Gallinaceous or Domestic, and Climbing Birds. The principal points in common among these birds is that the outer toe is united to the middle one, more or less. Their food consists mainly of seeds, insects and fruit. They fly gracefully and easily, and their walk consists of a succession of little leaps. They build their nests and take their rest under the thick foliage of trees, or under the eaves of buildings.

In this extensive family we find most of the songsters of the woodlands. Some of them have even the gift of imitating the human voice and the cries of wild animals. Many are remarkable for their brilliant plumage, others are appreciated as delicacies for the table. Some of them are easily tamed, but none of them have been brought to a domestic state.

Some Naturalists divide the Passerines into five great groups, the first based upon the structure of the feet, the other four on the formation of the bill. Others object to this classification because it is not always possible to assign a place to certain groups because of peculiarities of their beak alone. This distribution is generally followed, however, as it is easy to remember.

THE PERCHING BIRDS WITH UNITED TOES.

As the different members of the great Passerine or Sparrow family are nearly all Perching Birds, it is easier to give them this classification in dividing them into groups, and thus avoid the many Latin names that it is not necessary to remember. In the first group we find the Perching Birds with united toes—the outer toe being nearly as long as the middle one and fast to it. This group includes the Hornbills, the Fly-catchers, the King-fishers, the Bee-eaters, and the Motmots.

THE HORNBILLS.

The Hornbills are remarkable for their enormous development of beak, which is long, very wide, compressed, and more or less curved and notched, and in some species surmounted by a large helmet-like protuberance. This immense beak is nevertheless very light, being spongy, as in the Toucans. The Hornbills have in some respects the bearing of the Crow; this led Bontius to class them among the Crows, under the name of Indian Crow. They walk with difficulty, and their flight is clumsy, their favorite position being on a perch at the summit of lofty trees. Great flocks of these haunt the forests of the warmer regions of the Old World, especially Africa, India, and the Oceanic Archipelago. They build their nests in the hollows of trees. They are omnivorous. The fruits, seeds, and insects of those regions are their principal food; yet they will not refuse flesh.

In India they are domesticated, their services in destroying rats and mice being valuable. The plumage of the Hornbill is black or grey, of various shades; but there is a species described by Dr. Latham and Dr. Shaw under the name of the Crimson Hornbill, which Mr. Swainson thinks may prove to be a link between Toucans and Hornbills, and thus combine the beauty of plumage of the former with the peculiarity of form of the latter. Their flesh is delicate, especially when fed on aromatic seeds. Many species are described, varying in size, among which the Rhinoceros Hornbill is the most worthy of notice. This bird is so named from the singular protuberance with which its bill is surmounted; this is a smooth horny helmet, curving upwards from the bill, somewhat resembling the horn of the rhinoceros. It is a native of India and the islands of the Indian Ocean.

THE FLY-CATCHERS.

The Fly-catchers are a family of insect-eating Birds, many of which are British, distinguished by long, broad, and very flat bills, contracting suddenly at the tip; the tail is short, slender and rounded; the legs long and weak. It has a bright green plumage above, whitish beneath; and a scarlet throat. It is a native of South America and the Antilles; and a traveler, under the name of Green Humming-bird, describes it as “one of the most beautiful birds he ever saw.” It is a familiar little Bird, and will often let a Man come within a few feet to admire it before becoming alarmed.

It lives almost entirely on the ground, feeding on Insects, which it catches in the evening. It builds its nest in the crevices on river banks, or in the soft rocks, in which it hollows out a dwelling by means of its bill and feet.

THE KING-FISHERS.

The King-fishers, the Martin-fishers of some authors, form a highly interesting group. They are very singular Birds. Their bill is strong, straight and angular, being of immense length compared with their size. Living on the banks of rivers, they feed almost exclusively on Fish, watching patiently from a fixed station, generally a naked twig overhanging the water, or a stone projecting above the surface, for its prey. In this position it will sometimes remain for hours, absolutely immovable.

When a Fish comes within reach, with great rapidity the King-fisher darts upon it, seizing it in its powerful mandibles, and after destroying it by compression, or by knocking it against a stone or the trunk of a tree, swallows it head foremost.

When Fish are scarce they feed upon aquatic Insects, which they seize on the wing. They build their nests in the steep banks of rivers, either in the natural crevices, or in holes hollowed out by Water-rats; and these dwelling places are generally littered by the fragments of their food. Father and mother sit alternately, and when the young are hatched they feed them with the produce of their fishing. The Bird has a shrill and piercing note, which it utters on the wing.

THE BEE-EATERS.

The Bee-eaters have the beak long, thin, slightly curved and pointed; the wings are long and pointed; the tail is well-developed, tapering or forked. They are slender, graceful Birds. Their cries, while they skim through the air on rapid wing, are constant. The name of Bee-eaters they receive from their principal food, which consists of large bees and wasps. They seize their prey either on the wing, like the Swallows, or secrete themselves at the entrance to a hive, and catch the inmates that enter or depart, whose stings they are skilful in avoiding. Living together in numerous flocks, they rapidly clear a district of wasps and bees.

They build their nests in the banks of rivers or rivulets, in holes which they excavate to the depth of six or seven feet.

THE MOTMOTS.

The Motmots are Birds still very imperfectly known. They are remarkably massive in form, heavy and slow on the wing. In the Motmots the beak is long, robust and crenated at the edge. They are very wild, and lead an isolated life in the thick forests of South America, where they build in holes in trees. They are about the size of a Magpie and many of that Bird’s bad qualities are attributed to the Brazilian Motmot.

PERCHING BIRDS WITH LONG BEAKS.

This group is characterized by a long, slender beak, straight or curved, but always without indentation, and comprises the Humming-birds, Creepers, Nuthatches and Hoopoes.

THE HUMMING-BIRDS.

The Humming-birds are the most lovely of the winged race. Nature seems to have endowed them with her rarest gifts. In creating them she surpassed herself, and exhausted all the charms at her disposal; for she gave them grace, elegance, rapidity of motion, magnificence of plumage, and indomitable courage. What can be more delightful than the sight of these little feathered beauties, flashing with the united fires of the ruby, the topaz, the sapphire, and the emerald, flying from flower to flower amid the richest tropical vegetation? Such are the lightness and rapidity of some of the smaller species, that the eye can scarcely follow the quick beat of their wings. When they hover they appear perfectly motionless, and one might fancy them suspended by an invisible thread.

Specially adapted for life in the air, they are unceasingly in motion, searching for their food in the calyx of flowers, from which they drink the nectar with so much gentleness that the plant is scarcely stirred. But the juice and honey of flowers, as some authors affirm, are not their only food—such unsubstantial diet would be insufficient to sustain the great activity displayed almost every moment of their existence.

The tongue of the Humming-bird is a microscopic instrument of marvellous arrangement. It is composed of two half-tubes placed one against the other, capable of opening and shutting, like a pair of pliers. Moreover, it is constantly moistened by a glutinous saliva, by which it is enabled to seize and hold Insects.

Proud of their gay colors, the Humming-birds take the greatest care to protect their plumage. They frequently dress themselves by passing their feathers through their bills.

The nest of the Humming-bird is a masterpiece. It is about the size of half an apricot. These consist of lichens, and are most artistically interwoven, the crevices being closed up with the Bird’s saliva; the interior is padded with the silky fibres furnished by various plants. This pretty cradle is suspended to a leaf, sometimes to a small branch of rushes, or even to the straw roof of a hut. The Bird lays twice a year a pair of pure white eggs, about the size of a pea.

These little creatures are universally admired for their elegance and beauty, and the names given them are generally descriptive of their excessive minuteness. The creoles of the Antilles call them Murmurers; the Spaniards Picaflores; the Brazilians, Shupaflores, or Flower-suckers; finally, the Indians call these darlings Sunbeams.

Among the most formidable enemies of the Humming-bird may be reckoned the Monster Spider, which spins its web round their nests, and devours eggs or young; even the old Birds are sometimes its victims.

Humming-birds are scattered over the greater part of South and North America, even as far north as Canada; but in Brazil and Guiana they are most abundant. At least 500 species are known. Among the more remarkable species we may note the Topaz-throated Trochilus, a native of Brazil; the Sickle-winged Humming-bird; the Double-crested Humming-bird; Gould’s Humming-bird; Cora Humming-bird; the Giant Humming-bird, which attains the size of a Swallow; the Dwarf Humming-bird, whose size does not exceed that of a bee; the Bar-tailed Humming-bird or Sapho Comet, a native of Eastern Peru; the Racket-tailed Humming-bird, so named from the shape of its tail, which spreads out at the extremity in the form of a racket; the Crested Humming-bird, with a double crest on the head of the male Bird; and the Sword-bill Humming-bird, with a bill as long as the whole body of the Bird.

THE CROWS.

The Crows are divided into four groups or sub-genera—namely, the Crows properly so called, Pies, Jays and Nutcrackers.

The genus Corvus, or Crow family, as limited by modern Naturalists, comprehends the Raven, the Carrion Crow, the Royston or Hooded Crow, the Rook, the Jackdaw, Great-billed Crow, Philippine Crow and Fish Crow.

All these species have in many respects the same characteristics, and the same habits. With the exception of the Raven and Magpie, which live in pairs, the others reside together in companies, whether they are in quest of their daily food or roosting for the night. They are all possessed of intelligence, cunning, mischievous habits, the gift of imitation, though in different degrees, and the same provident habit of amassing provisions in secret places. This last peculiarity in the tamed Birds degenerates into a perfect mania, which leads them to carry off and hide everything that attracts or pleases their eye, especially gems and bright articles of metal. The whole group are easily tamed.

The Crows, especially the Raven and the Carrion Crow, are omnivorous. Living or dead flesh, Insects, eggs, fruit, seeds—nothing comes amiss to their palate.

The Ravens possess a vigorous and sustained flight; they have a keen sense of smell and excellent vision. By exercising these latter qualities they quickly learn where food is to be obtained, and as they wing towards it they constantly utter their cry, as if inviting their companions to join them; this croak, as it is called, is harsh and dissonant. Their plumage being of a sombre black, and their voice so unmusical, have doubtless been the reasons why they have long been considered Birds of ill omen. When taken young, they are tamed with great facility, for they will neither rejoin their own race nor desert the neighborhood where they have been kindly treated. True, they may go into the fields to seek for food, but when the increasing shadows predict the approach of night, their familiar resting place in the house of their protector will be sought. They become much attached to those who take notice of them, and will recognize them even in a crowd.

THE DIPPERS.

The Dippers or Water Wrens have straight and slender bills; large and stout toes, furnished with strong hooked claws, and short wings and tails. The decidedly aquatic habits of these Birds form a curious exception to the rest of the Sparrow family. They live constantly on the edge of the water, or in the water itself, hunting for the Insects which constitute their food.

Although their toes are not webbed, they may often be noticed diving and moving about under water, by extending their wings and using them as fins. They are frequently seen flying along streams, and catching the winged Insects skimming over the surface of the water. They build their nests along the banks of mountain streams, and thrive in great numbers in such rocky countries as the Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain chains in the south, west and north of Europe.

Fishes.

THE numerous Fishes that inhabit the waters all over the globe are divided into two great groups—the Cartilaginous Fishes, with their framework made up of bones in the form of cartilage or gristle, and the Osseous, or bony Fishes. These large groups are sub-divided in a most puzzling manner by many Naturalists. The long Latin and Greek names used to classify these groups and smaller families are so much more difficult to remember than are the divisions of the great group of Mammals, that we will entirely discard all these derivations and explanations, using only the common English names for grouping them according to their peculiarities of form, the arrangement of the gills, the number and form of their fins, etc., etc.

The first great group of Cartilaginous Fishes is divided into three sections, which make in reality four families, as the second section comprises two. In the first of these we find the queer family of Lampreys, in which the mouth forms a sucker. In the second, are the family of Raias, and the Shark family, characterized by their mouth being furnished with jaws. The third includes the Sturgeons, which are distinguished by having the gills free.

The Bony Fishes are divided into four great sections. The first is represented by the family of Globe Fish and Coffers, which have the jaw attached to the cranium. The second includes the queer family of Pipe-fish and Sea-horses, which have the gills divided into round tufts arranged in pairs. The third division includes the family of soft-finned Fishes, in which the rays of the fins are soft. In the fourth section are the various families of spiny-finned Fishes. And in some one of these groups with their distinct characteristics, may be classified all the numerous Fishes that are known to modern Naturalists.

CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

THE LAMPREYS AND THE EELS.

It is not usual to class these two families together, but they look so much alike until studied closely, all the different varieties having the appearance of serpents, with fins and curious forms of tails and heads, that it seems best to study them together and find the points of difference. The Lamprey is of a lighter color than the Eel, and is not so graceful, but of a rather clumsy form. But it differs most in its mouth, which is round, and placed below the end of the nose. It resembles the mouth of a Leech more than that of an Eel.

The Lamprey has a hole on top of its head through which it spouts water, somewhat like a Whale, and the fins are formed by a lengthening out of the skin instead of having a set of bones or spines for that purpose. The mouth of the Lamprey is not only formed like that of the Leech, but it has the same property of sticking close to and sucking any body that is applied to it. It has a wonderful power of holding on to stones by sucking with its mouth, so that it is almost impossible to draw it away. We are told of one that weighed only three pounds, and yet it stuck so firmly to a stone weighing twelve pounds, that it remained suspended by its mouth, and it was almost impossible to make it loosen its hold.

This wonderful strength of suction is supposed to arise from the power of the Lamprey to exhaust the air within its body by the hole over the nose, while the mouth is closely fixed to the object, and allows no air to enter.

This adhesive or sticking quality in the Lamprey is somewhat increased by the slimy substance which is smeared all over its body. This substance serves to keep it warm in the cold water, and it also keeps its skin soft and pliant.

Every year, usually about the beginning of the spring, the Lampreys leave the sea, where they usually make their home, and make holes or nests in the gravelly bottoms of rivers. Here the eggs are laid, and the mother Lamprey watches near until the eggs hatch. Then she is often seen with her whole family playing about her until they have become well grown, when she takes the whole family back in triumph to the ocean.

There are several different species belonging to the Lamprey family. The kind known as the Lesser Lamprey inhabits Europe, Japan and the lakes of South America. It measures from twelve to fifteen inches long. Then there is a still smaller member of the family called the Lampern, which lives in European rivers, and is about six or seven inches long. It hides itself under stones or in the mud, but does not have the same power of suction as some of the larger ones.

The Sea Lamprey belongs to the Mediterranean. When full grown it is about three feet long, and its light yellow body is marbled with brown. The Lampreys feed on worms, molluscs and small Fishes. The larger ones often seize Fishes of great size, and suck them like a Leech.

All the different kinds of Lampreys are considered very fine and delicate food, and horrible stories are told of how kings and emperors used to raise the best kinds of Lampreys in ponds and feed them by throwing into the ponds live slaves who had displeased them; as they considered the Lamprey had a finer flavor when fed on human flesh. But only one man, a senator of Rome, was really known to do such a dreadful thing, and we are told that when Augustus, the emperor, heard it he ordered all these ponds to be filled up; but not until after many poor slaves had met this awful death, simply because they did not happen to please their wicked master.

THE EELS.

The Eels belong to the family of bony Fishes, although the Lampreys which they resemble in general appearance, belong to the family of Fishes whose framework is made up of cartilage, or gristle. The Eels form a very large family if we would include the different kinds of bony Fishes that have the same snake-like form of the common Eel. We find these smaller families classed under the name of Apoda; this word means without feet when applied to animals, but when used to describe Fishes, means without the ventral fins which serve in the place of feet.

As the different kinds of Eels found under this family of Apoda are described by their Greek or Latin names, it will be well for us to understand the meaning of each of the four divisions. We would hardly recognize the plain Sand Eel, when we find him classed with “Osseous Fishes” under the name of “Ammodytes,” yet this is where the Naturalists place him, because this word in Latin means a sand-burrower, a kind of serpent, and is also derived from two Greek words meaning sand, and diver. The Electrical Eel is classed under fresh water Fishes under the name of Gymnotus, which comes from two Greek words meaning naked and back, showing that the back of the Electrical Eel is without fins. The Sea Eel is classed under the name of Muraenas, while Anguilla, which means snaky, serpent-like, is used to describe the plain Eels with smooth bodies and very few of the characteristics which distinguish the other Eels.

We will simply give all these different kinds of Eels their plain common name, but when we read of wonderful fresh water Fishes called Gymnotus Electricus, who have strange electrical powers, we will know the word is used to describe the Electrical Eel.

ELECTRICAL EELS.

Very strange stories are told of these Eels, and its power to give an Electric shock to any person or animal who touches it. Alexander von Humboldt is said to have given the first precise account of this very curious Eel. This celebrated Naturalist tells of a voyage up the Orinoco for the purpose of studying the Electrical Eel, great numbers of which are found in the neighborhood of this river. Some Indians conducted the party to the Cano de Bera, a muddy pond surrounded by rich vegetation, Indian figs and beautiful flowers.

The party of Naturalists were surprised when they learned that it would be necessary to use about thirty half-wild Horses to help them fish for the Electrical Eel, and that the severe shocks of electricity given by the Eels must be expended upon the Horses before it would be safe to touch the Eels.

While our hosts were explaining to us this strange mode of fishing, the troop horses and mules had arrived, and the Indians had made a sort of battue, pressing the horses on all sides, and forcing them into the marsh. The Indians, armed with long canes and harpoons, placed themselves round the basin, some of them mounting the trees, whose branches hung over the water, and by their cries, and still more by their canes, prevented the horses from landing again.

The Eels, stunned by the noise, defended themselves by repeated discharges of their batteries. For a long time it seemed as if they would be victorious over the Horses. Some of the Mules especially, being almost stifled by the frequency and force of the shock, disappeared under the water, and some of the Horses, in spite of the watchfulness of the Indians, regained the bank, where, overcome by the shocks they had undergone, they stretched themselves at their whole length.

The picture presented was now indescribable. Groups of Indians surrounded the basin; the Horses with bristling mane, terror and grief in their eyes, trying to escape from the storm which had surprised them; the Eels, yellow and livid, looking like great aquatic Serpents swimming on the surface of the water, and chasing their enemies, were objects at once appalling and picturesque. In less than five minutes two Horses were drowned.

When the struggle had lasted a quarter of an hour, the Mules and Horses appeared less frightened, the manes became more natural, the eyes expressed less terror, the Eels shunned, in place of attacking them; at the same time approaching the bank, when they were easily taken by throwing little harpoons at them attached to long cords; the harpoon, sometimes hooking two at a time, being landed by means of the long cord. They were drawn ashore without being able to communicate any shock.

Having landed the Eels, they were transported to little pools dug in the soil, and filled with fresh water; but such is the terror they inspire, that none of the people of the country would release them from the harpoon—a task which the travelers had to perform themselves, and receive the first shock, which was not slight—the most energetic surpassing in force that communicated by a Leyden jar, completely charged.

The Electrical Eel surpasses in size and strength all the other Electric Fishes. Humboldt saw them five feet three inches long. They vary in color according to age, and the nature of the muddy water in which they live. Beneath, the head is of a fine yellow color mixed with red; the mouth is large, and furnished with small teeth arranged in many rows.

The Electrical Eel gives the most frightful shocks without the least muscular movement in the fins, in the head, or any other part of the body. The shock, indeed, depends upon the will of the animal, and in this respect differs from a Leyden jar, which is discharged by communicating with two opposite poles. It happens sometimes that an Electrical Eel, seriously wounded, only gives a very weak shock, but if, thinking it exhausted, it is touched fearlessly, its discharge is terrible.

SEA EELS.

The Sea Eels are slender, serpent-like Fishes, that are very strong and active, and they swim with the same waving movements in the water, as the serpents use in creeping on dry land. These Eels feed on small Fishes, Crabs, etc., and are such hungry fellows that when other food fails they begin to nibble at each other’s tails.

It is difficult to catch a Sea Eel; they are usually caught with rod and line, or with line and ground bait, but they are quick in making their escape. When they have swallowed a hook they will often cut the line with their teeth, or they turn upon it, and try, by winding it round some object, to strain or break it. When caught in a net they quickly choose some mesh through which their body can glide.

Like the Lampreys, these Sea Eels make excellent food, and are often raised in ponds and carefully fed to give their flesh a delicate flavor.

SAND EELS.

The Sand Eel is an easily frightened little fellow who buries himself in the sand. He is quite handsome, being silvery-blue—brighter on the lower parts than on the upper, with the radiating fins first white and then blue in color.

This Eel is seldom seen swimming about. It hollows out a burrow for itself in the sand to the depth of fifteen or twenty inches, where it hunts out worms on which it feeds, while it shelters itself from the jaws of the hungry Fishes which eagerly hunt for its delicate flesh.

COMMON EELS.

The plain, snake-like Eel classed under the name of Anguilla is found in European rivers, and in various parts of North America. Although it is sometimes eaten it is not considered especially good for food; it does not often measure much over two feet in length, and is covered with a soft, slimy skin, and sometimes with tiny scales almost too small to be seen.

CONGER EELS.

The Conger Eel of the United States which belongs to this family is often five feet or more in length, while the Conger Eel of Europe is very large, as thick as a man’s leg, and sometimes ten feet long.

THE FAMILY OF RAIAS, OR FLAT-FISH.

All the curious Fish of this family—which forms the second group of the Cartilaginous Fishes—are broad, and swim flat on the water, and they are distinguished by the spines or prickles which the different species have on various parts of their body, or on the tail.

It is by these spines that the different members of this family are distinguished from each other. The Skate has the middle of the back rough, and a single row of spines on the tail. The Sharp-nosed Ray has ten spines that are situated towards the middle of the back. The Rough Ray has its spines spread over the whole back. The Fire-flare has but one spine but that is a terrible one. This dangerous weapon is placed on the tail, about four inches from the body, and is about five inches long. It is of flinty hardness; the sides are thin, sharp-pointed, and closely and sharply bearded the whole way.

The White Ray, the Lump-fish and the Torpedo or Cramp-fish are the most important of this family, and these curious specimens are worthy of special description.

THE WHITE RAY.

The mouth of this Fish is placed in the lower part of the head, and far from the extremity of the nose; it is furnished with many rows of hooked and pointed teeth. The eyes, which are on the upper part of the head are half projecting and are protected by an elastic skin which covers the head. Immediately behind the eyes are two blow-holes which are connected with the interior of the mouth. The Fish is able to open and close these holes at pleasure, by means of a membrane which acts as a sort of valve. Through these holes it ejects the surplus water that is not required for respiration. In its general color this Fish is ashy grey on its upper surface; and white, with rows of black spots below.

Its tail is long, flexible and slender and is used as a rudder, and as a weapon. When lying in wait for its prey at the bottom of the sea, and it has no desire to change its position, a rapid and sudden stroke of this formidable weapon, armed with hooked bones on its upper surface, arrests its victim by wounding or killing it, without disturbing the mud or sea-weed by which the Fish is covered. This species often grows to be quite large, and their flesh is firm and nourishing, but the larger specimens seldom approach inhabited shores.

THE LUMP-FISH.

This is one of the largest of the Ray family. It sometimes reaches a length of twelve feet, and being excellent eating, is much sought after by fishermen. It is commonly seen with the Skate-fish in European markets, as it inhabits all the European seas.

A ray of great curving spines extends all along the back of the Lump-fish, to the end of the tail. Two similar spines are above and two below the point of the nose. Two others are placed before, and three behind the eyes. In fact, the whole surface of this curious Lump-fish fairly bristles with large and small spines, and because of this it is sometimes called the Buckler-fish; for these spines are not merely for ornament, but for defence. The color of the upper surface of this Fish is brown with light spots. The tail, which often exceeds the body in length, has three small fins at the end.

Ray-fish of all kinds are inhabitants of the deep sea, but they change according to the seasons. While stormy weather prevails they hide themselves in the depth of the ocean, where they lie in ambush, creeping along the bottom. But they do not always live at the bottom; they rise occasionally to the surface, far from shore, eagerly chasing other inhabitants of the deep, lashing the water with their tails and fins, springing out of the water, and making it foam with their sport.

When pursuing their prey they use their great fins which resemble wings, and with these and their tail, they beat the waters in order to fall unexpectedly upon their prey, as the Eagle swoops upon its victim.

THE TORPEDO, OR CRAMP FISH.

The Torpedo has no spines which can wound, but it has a much more powerful weapon of defence. Like the Electrical Eel, this Fish has the power of producing violent electrical shocks.

The electrical effects produced on the fisherman who seizes one of these Fish, were noted from early times; but Redi, the Italian Naturalist of the seventeenth century, was the first who studied them scientifically. Having caught and landed one of them with every precaution, “I had scarcely touched and pressed it with my hand,” says this Naturalist, “than I experienced a tingling sensation, which extended to my arms and shoulders, and which was followed by a disagreeable trembling, with a painful and acute sensation in the elbow joint, which made me withdraw my arm immediately.”

Other Naturalists have described similar sensations, and careful study has been made of this Fish to discover the cause of this shock, and the hidden power possessed by the Fish of storing up this animal electricity. It still remains a mystery, however, in spite of extensive experimenting.

The body of the Torpedo or Cramp-fish is almost circular, and it is thicker than others of the Ray family. The skin is soft and smooth, and of a yellowish color marked with darker spots. The eyes are very small, and behind them are two star-like spout-holes; the mouth is small, and the long tail tapers to a point, finished with a sort of caudal fin. These curious Fishes are found in the English Channel and along the shores of the Mediterranean.

THE SHARK FAMILY.

The Sharks, like the Raias, have their mouth furnished with jaws, and for this reason they are classified in the same group of Cartilaginous Fishes, as distinct from the Lampreys and the Sturgeons. This family includes not only the Sharks, but the Dog-fishes, Hammerheads and the Saw-fish. All the species have a lengthened body, merging into a thick tail and a rough skin.

The Shark becomes the terror of the sea almost as soon as it is born. At first it eats the Cuttle-fish, Molluscs, etc., then the Flounders and Cod-fish. But the prey which has the greatest charm for him is Man. He will even attack a diver in the strong diver’s costume, and in the waters where these “Hyenas of the Seas,” (as the Sharks are sometimes called) are to be found, the divers find it necessary to make special preparations for fighting them.